Author: whatsonni

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to unveil the Creative Peninsula 2025 programme, a vibrant celebration of the exceptional art and craft produced across the Borough. Now in its 24th year, this much-loved annual festival showcases local artists and makers, offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s thriving creative scene first-hand.

Running throughout August 2025, Creative Peninsula invites people of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in a dynamic mix of free and bookable activities, including events, open studios, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and more.

“Creative Peninsula is a fantastic showcase of the rich arts and crafts scene within our Borough,” said the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum. “We are fortunate to have so many gifted artists and makers living and working here, and this festival offers a special platform to highlight their talents. We look forward to welcoming everyone to explore the exciting programme on offer this year.”

Conway Square in Newtownards will be transformed on Friday 1 August into a bustling arts and crafts village for the Twilight Market and Arts Night, where visitors can browse, buy or commission unique pieces, enjoy live demonstrations, and soak up music from String Ninjas and Cool Hand String Band. A selection of local artisan food, drinks and a bar provided by McBride’s of Comber will also be available.

On Saturday 2 August, the Ulster Folk Museum hosts Woven in Time, an afternoon celebrating linen heritage with a tasting of flax-infused Weaver’s Dry Gin, a talk from Textile Curator Valerie Wilson, a weaving demonstration by Roisin Aiston, and a hands-on printing workshop led by artist Lucy Turner, where participants can create their own linen artwork to take home.

North Down Museum will host a free Heritage Craft Afternoon on Sunday 3 August, offering visitors the chance to see traditional craft skills in action. With outdoor demonstrations (weather permitting) including mosaics, stained glass, green woodwork and printing, the event celebrates the creativity and cultural heritage of handcrafts.

Throughout August, Castle Espie will host a Creative Peninsula exhibition, alongside creative experiences including potter’s wheel sessions, a Creative Café ceramics morning, and a bug drawing workshop – all inspired by its wildlife and beautiful setting.

This year’s featured artist is Kate Rebbeck, whose work graces the Creative Peninsula brochure. Based outside Portaferry, Kate will lead an Abstract Landscapes workshop at her studio on 8 August. Also returning to the programme is the Visual Artist in Residence at Ards Arts Centre, featuring Lauren Ciara McCullough at work in the Sunburst Gallery which will be temporarily turned into a studio throughout August.

“We are thrilled to offer a vibrant programme of art and craft activities this August as part of August Craft Month,” said Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager at Ards and North Down Borough Council. “With events at the Ulster Folk Museum and Castle Espie, our Twilight Market, exhibitions, workshops and Open Studios, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative.”

Tickets are now on sale. View and book at: creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is excited to announce a refreshed and expanded summer leisure programme aimed at keeping children and young people active, healthy, and engaged throughout the school holidays.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, welcomed the announcement, “We’re proud to offer an inclusive and vibrant summer programme that promotes the health and wellbeing of our children, young people, and families. With extended leisure and fitness sessions across our centres, we’re supporting lifelong healthy habits and ensuring everyone can enjoy a fun, active summer come rain or shine!”

Summer Schemes are now open for booking at leisure centres and community venues across the Borough. Designed for children aged five and over, the schemes offer a vibrant mix of sports, dance, games, arts and crafts – catering to a wide range of interests and abilities.

In response to growing demand, additional leisure swim sessions will be available at Valley Leisure Centre, Sixmile Leisure Centre, and Antrim Forum providing even more opportunities for fun, family-friendly activities.

To further support young people’s wellbeing, additional Junior Fitness Gym Sessions (12–15 years old) will be available Monday to Friday. All centres are also adding Teen Fitness Classes (13-15 years old) to their summer programmes.

Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre will host Rookie Lifeguard Courses, while Swimming Crash Courses will be available at Antrim Forum and Sixmile Leisure Centre from July.

For golf enthusiasts, Junior Golf Memberships for under-18s are available at Allen Park and Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, where the driving range also features Toptracer virtual golfing challenges.

These expanded programmes reflect the Council’s continued commitment to promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people through fun, inclusive, and age-appropriate activities.

For the latest updates and to book your place, visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure

The Grand Opera House Trust’s hotly anticipated Summer Youth Production of Grease races onto the Theatre’s stage from Thursday 17 July 2025.

Sponsored for the first time by Aircoach, this electrifyin’ production features a cast of 78 talented young performers, aged 16 to 21, selected from over 390 who registered for auditions earlier this year.

The immensely talented young cast, from across Northern Ireland, will spend two weeks in intensive rehearsals, preparing to take centre stage for five unmissable performances on the iconic Grand Opera House stage from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 July 2025.

Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll with the stars of tomorrow in 1959 at Rydell High. After a whirlwind summer romance, good girl Sandy and greaser Danny, along with The Burger Palace Boys and The Pink Ladies, navigate the ups and downs of love, friendship and the rollercoaster journey of teenage life.

Audiences will enjoy outstanding performances in a production accompanied by 20 musicians performing the phenomenal score with some of Grease’s greatest hits including Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One That I Want and Greased Lightnin’.

The fully staged production, led by a professional director, musical director, choreographer and the Grand Opera House technical team, offers the talented young cast a truly unmatched experience to shine both on and off stage. The Summer Youth Production also offers the opportunity for five young people to work behind-the-scenes as part of the youth technical crew, gaining valuable insight and behind-the-scenes experience.

Now in its 13^th year, the Grand Opera House Trust’s Summer Youth Production has become a springboard for emerging talent with alumni of past productions such as Sunset Boulevard, Oliver! and Bugsy Malone, going on to become professional actors, dancers and theatrical creatives working in the UK and beyond.

Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “The Summer Youth Production has grown to become one of the biggest projects of its kind in the UK and Ireland, giving young people the experience of a lifetime and unique opportunity to perform on Northern Ireland’s most iconic stage.

“At the heart of the Theatre is a commitment to developing artistic talent and inspiring the next generation of performers. Through the project, our young participants will develop important life skills such as teamwork, confidence building and communication skills; all of which our performers will take with them into their future careers.

“Together with our sponsors, Aircoach, we are delighted to welcome audiences of all ages to enjoy this feel-good favourite, brought to life with heart and flair by an exceptional cast. Judging by the demand for tickets this is the one that you want to see this Summer!”

Aircoach Commercial Manager, Celine Coleman said: “We are both honoured and excited to play a part in supporting and promoting the Arts particularly amongst our younger generation. The Summer Youth Production helps nurture and develop an interest in the Arts that will remain with them throughout adulthood. Aircoach is delighted to navigate that journey of inspiration with the Grand Opera House.”

Performances of Grease will take place on Thursday 17 July at 7pm, Friday 18 July at 2pm and 7pm, and Saturday 19 July at 2pm and 7pm. For tickets, visit goh.co.uk.

Let’s Go Padel reveals ambitious plans for 100 new courts

The opening serve in a grand slam effort to make the sport of padel accessible for everyone in Northern Ireland takes place next weekend with the launch of new courts in Carryduff and Ballyclare.

Let’s Go Padel, the sister company of hugely popular adventure resort, Let’s Go Hydro, has ambitious plans to open 50 courts before Christmas with the ultimate aim of opening 100 courts across the country as soon as possible.

Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court and surrounded by glass walls.

The first grand opening takes place at Let’s Go Hydro at Mealough Road, Carryduff on Friday, June 27 (5pm – 10pm), The complex has six doubles courts, two singles and two pickleball courts.

Open to the public, the family-friendly event will include free play sessions, kids coaching clinics, an exhibition match and a skills challenge with a BBQ and DJ helping to keep everyone entertained.

On Saturday, June 28 (11am – 4pm), Let’s Go Padel will launch its Ballyclare centre at Green Road with another packed programme similar to the Carryduff event and also open to the public. Ballyclare has two indoor and two outdoor courts.

The entrepreneur behind Let’s Go Padel, Pete Boyle, believes the potential for padel to take off in Northern Ireland is incredible.

He said: “Across the UK there were just 300 courts 18 months ago, by the end of the year there will likely be 2,000. In Europe, and around the world, the sport is hugely popular with 10,000 courts in Italy and another 10,000 in Spain, padel is without doubt the fastest growing sport on the planet.

“Local people are going on holidays and playing padel, but when they come home there are not enough courts to meet demand. Pending planning permission, we aim to open 50 courts before Christmas and are actively pursuing multiple sites to open another 50.

“We are initially aiming to open sites in Derry~Londonderry, Newry, Ballymena, and Newtownards while we hope to have people playing at courts in East Belfast by November.”

Despite the planned surge in court openings, Pete is convinced the demand for padel in Northern Ireland will mirror other parts of the world.

He said: “While there are elite elements to the game and people can play at a high level, primarily it is an inclusive sport which the whole family can play together.

“It is so easy to play and thoroughly enjoyable – once people begin to play we find that they really fall in love with the sport.

“At Let’s Go Padel we are committed to providing world class facilities and expert coaching where families, first-timers, experts and even corporate teams can come and feel a real sense of community.

“We currently operate 14 courts and they are currently all busy. Across Northern Ireland and between ourselves and other providers, we feel there is the potential for around 300 new courts. We really are just getting started.”

Tickets to the Carryduff and Ballyclare opening events are priced £5. To book your place visit Let’s Go Padel Grand Opening Events

The Market Place Theatre is delighted to announce two special film screenings this summer designed to welcome everyone to enjoy the magic of the movies in a relaxed and dog-friendly environment.

Relaxed Film Screening: A Bug’s Life
Saturday 19 July | 11am | Tickets: £5 / £3 (children)

Join us for a heartwarming adventure in A Bug’s Life, the beloved animated tale of Flik, a determined ant who recruits a troupe of circus bugs to save his colony from the intimidating grasshopper gang led by Hopper. This relaxed screening is perfect for individuals who benefit from a more comfortable, sensory-friendly environment — including those with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties, or sensory and communication needs. Of course, it’s open to all who want to enjoy the film in a calm, welcoming atmosphere.

Dog Friendly Film Screening: The Fox and The Hound
Friday 4 July | 11am | Tickets: £5 / £3 (children)
Bring your furry friends along to this special dog-friendly screening of The Fox and The Hound. Watch the touching story of unlikely friendship between Tod the fox and Copper the hound puppy unfold, right alongside your canine companions. Please note, dogs must remain on leads and owners are responsible for their pets’ comfort and cleanliness. We provide water bowls, blankets, and a relaxed setting for you and your dogs to enjoy the show together.

Book your tickets now and make the most of these unique cinema experiences at The Market Place Theatre this summer. Whether you’re seeking a sensory-friendly movie morning or a fun outing with your dog, these screenings promise joy and community spirit for all ages

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

This summer get ready to explore activities that celebrate the wonderful world of dragonflies at WWT Castle Espie, the charity for wetlands and wildlife, at the first Dragonfly Festival.

From 21 June to 22 September, festival goers are invited to let their imagination run wild, enjoy an immersive experience in wetland nature featuring a dazzling line-up of dragonfly-themed events and activities all summer long.

Everyone from young and young-at-heart can follow, zip, dart and flutter their way to a great adventure and enjoy expert-guided walks exploring the secret lives of dragonflies that dwell in one of the UK’s blue spaces or enjoy the spectacular wild outdoor adventure area. Go pond dipping and discover the wonderful world of minibeasts living below the surface or take part in dragonfly challenges and giant outdoor dragonfly-themed games.

Headliners at the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie include: craft your very own eco-friendly pet dragonfly, relax to the soothing sounds of local musicians Daniel Halleron and Mark Hamilton during the Sunday music sessions, and immerse yourself in a tranquil sound bath with Tessa Ann. Let imaginations soar with shimmering dragonfly crafts, stretch and flutter through a fun-filled mini beast yoga session, and don’t miss a magical encounter with Bella Butterfly who will be ready for photos, friendly chats and spreading her love of wildflowers and pollinators.

As part of an ongoing volunteer relationship WWT Castle Espie and Strides Day Opportunities Service (DOS), who provide opportunities and experiences for young adults with additional needs aged between 19-30yrs in Bangor, Ards and across North Down to develop their potential to work towards supported employment, worked together to provide colourful festival dressings which will be located around WWT Castle Espie for festivalgoers to enjoy as they participate in the Dragonfly Festival. Strides DOS person-centred approach empowers these adults to learn, develop socially and stay active physically.

Paul Stewart, Centre Manager at WWT Castle Espie, said:
“WWT Castle Espie is looking forward to our first Dragonfly Festival. WWT  Castle Espie is a fantastic place to see species such as damselflies and dragonflies, and we hope many will take this opportunity to enjoy the amazing array of activities we have on offer this summer. We are also delighted that the young adults from our volunteer partner Strides Day Opportunities Service were able to help us prepare for the festival and I am sure everyone will enjoy the spectacular and colourful contribution they have made to the Dragonfly festival.”

Strides Director, Robert McGowan added:
“We are delighted to have been involved in the design of the dressings used for the first Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie!  When the invite came from Education Officer John McCullough, everyone was very excited, and the planning began!  The group have loved the whole process; getting together to do some research online, chatting about all our ideas, sketching and then finally recreating it all on the festival dressings.  Well done everyone at Team Strides; you can all be very proud of your efforts!”

Participation in the WWT Dragonfly Festival at WWT Castle Espie is included with the price of admission and is free to WWT members. Festival visitors booking online in advance, can take advantage of a 10% reduction in ticket prices. There are also reduced-price tickets (£5 per adult or £3 per child) for anyone who is in receipt of Universal Credit and Pension Credit. These must be pre-booked up to one day before the visit day.  More information and a full what’s on calendar for the WWT Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie visit Dragonfly Festival at Castle Espie Wetland Centre | Summer Events & Activities | WWT.

Public spaces to transform into a cultural stage for music and heritage

Make Music Day will take place on Saturday 21st June with the BID, transforming the Linen Quarter into a live music stage with performances across three outdoor locations. From 12pm to 6pm, local and international musicians will bring rhythm and energy to public spaces, including Flaxx Outdoor Living Room on Brunswick Street, the Rory Gallagher Statue outside Ulster Hall, and Belfast Grand Central Station.