Irish theatrical torch-blues legend Mary Coughlan is set to perform at Causeway Coast and Glen’s Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady on Saturday 3rd September at 8pm.

The internationally acclaimed legend, hailed as one of Ireland’s best ever singers, is set to entrance audiences in the Centre’s intimate Danny Boy auditorium. Telling her unique story in her inimitable style through the many songs she has recorded over the last 25 years, this is a performance not to be missed!

Throughout Mary’s quite extraordinary recording career she has drawn from her legendary heroes: Billie Holiday’s grievous, teary outpourings, the husky flirtations of Peggy Lee, Van Morrison’s soulful wails, the defiant chanteuse style of Edith Piaf. All are present and correct in her delivery. Even so, Mary, with her naked honesty makes every song her own; they belong to her and nobody else.

2010 was the 25th anniversary of Coughlan’s seminal album Tired and Emotional which was Ireland’s biggest selling album in the year of release and is now seven times platinum. The following year, she released the acclaimed The House of Ill Repute, hailed by Q Magazine and critics alike as a serious return to form, complimented by the publication of her bestselling auto-biography Bloody Mary. She released her latest album Scars on the Calendar in May 2015.

Performing to international venues, including a sold out show at the Sydney Opera House, Coughlan has been heralded as Ireland’s match for Tom Waits!  The Observer describes her talent as awesome, whilst New Music Express say her live performances have to be seen to be believed.

Desima Connolly, Arts & Cultural Services Officer said, “This is the second time Mary has performed here. Her first concert back in 2012 was an amazing night and she had the audience spellbound. We are delighted to welcome her back.”

To book a ticket or find out more please contact the team at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is cuing action for the ‘Magic of the Movies’ community concert taking place on Wednesday 31^st August as part of the Festival’s 2016 programme.

Sponsored by Lockton Insurance, the musical evening will include performances from the Belfast Operatic Company and The Leading Ladies and will raise funds for the Festivals 2016 charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The score for the evening will be taken from well-known movie soundtracks. The Belfast Operatic Company is renowned for its production credits such as Beauty and the Beast and Titanic the Musical, both of which have been performed at the Grand Opera House. Meanwhile the Leading Ladies have been hailed as Northern Ireland’s premier vocal harmony quartet and are well-known for their stage versatility throughout the local music scene.

Linda Alexander from charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “The community concert is set to be a great event full of entertainment that will be music to your ears! We are inviting guests to come along and support our cause to raise resources to support research and clinical care for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers.”

Archie McAvoy from sponsor, Lockton Insurance, said: “The musical evening is great opportunity to connect with the local community and raise awareness of the good work the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be able to do through its involvement with the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival.  Lockton are big believers in looking after people so we’re thrilled to come on board to support this community event.”

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival runs from Tuesday 30^th August – Saturday 3^rd September. To book your tickets for the musical evening and for all other Festival information visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.

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It’s time to head uptown and get down with some Motown Funk ‘n’ Soul as Jo Petit and The Dream Band bring their high energy dance-along party to Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 26 August at 7.30pm.

This funktastic FREE concert will feature well-known classics such as James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’, Tina Turners ‘Proud Mary’ and Stevie Wonders ‘Superstition’ right up to present day hits such as Pharrell Williams, ‘Happy’ and  Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’.

Jo Petit & The Dream Band have been wowing audiences since 2012 and feature some of the finest musicians from across the globe who between them have accumulated  several decades in the showbiz spotlight.

Having performed in some of Europe’s most celebrated venues, from London’s O2 Arena to the prestigious five star Inter-Alpen Hotel located in the Austrian Alps, the six piece band have received rave reviews for their uncanny recreation and dynamic delivery of some of the best loved hottest hits.

So whether its old school soul, the magic of Motown or a modern day jazz funk mashup, Jo Petit and The Dream Band will be sure to have you shuffling to their stylish signature sound in Solitude Park.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Excited students across Northern Ireland are getting ready to go to university in Britain and the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, has a budget busting way to get them there for FREE, when travelling by car!*

From only £79 single car and driver, usually mum, dad or another adult can take up to four students for FREE. This great offer is available on the Belfast to Cairnryan and Belfast to Liverpool routes for travel between 1 September, right up to 30 October.  Simply book by 26 September.

Plus with no baggage restrictions or charges, students can pack all the things they can’t live without including their heavy books, games consoles, clothing, guitar, even an ironing board if they’re feeling like doing a bit of housework!

Heather Gawley, Route Marketing Manager Irish Sea North, Stena Line, said:  “Students don’t need to look anywhere else when it comes to great value travel – you can’t get better value than free!”

Get online and book now at stenaline.co.uk/students

*Students travel free as additional passengers on an Economy, Flexi or Premium motorist fare when at least one other adult is driving.  Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Summer may be coming to an end, but there is still plenty of time to book a relaxing short break in Northern Ireland, and Hastings Hotels have some fantastic great-value options to choose from.

Whether you want to explore beautiful scenery, a favourite filming location, world famous tourist attractions or enjoy a lively city break or romantic getaway, Hastings Hotels can make your break extra-special.

Ballygally Castle

Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a Game of Thrones afternoon tea, in Ballygally Castle Hotel, a 17^th century castle on the tip of the stunning Causeway Coast, close to several famous filming locations from HBO’s Game of Thrones, all from £75pps.

Culloden Estate and Spa

Classically Culloden: This offer includes a night’s bed and breakfast at Northern Ireland’s most prestigious hotel, the Culloden Estate and Spa. Each person who takes advantage of this offer is also entitled to £10 of credit to use however they wish in the Estate. The Classically Culloden offer is available from only £90pps.

Titanic Package: Situated just a short drive away from the centre of Belfast, Culloden Estate and Spa is perfectly situated to explore the attractions on offer in the city, including the famous Titanic Belfast. With the Titanic package, tickets to the visitor attraction are included with bed and breakfast at the Culloden from £100pps.

Bubbles: Book a night at the Culloden Estate and Spa with breakfast and enjoy a bottle of Prosecco during your stay, from £90pps.

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: Dine in style at the Culloden’s Mitre Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, run by top chef Paul McKnight, spend the night in the hotel with breakfast the following morning, all from £130pps.

Europa Hotel

Olympic Going for Gold: Don’t miss this special offer during the Olympic Games. Bed and breakfast at the Europa Hotel is included with a cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.  Anyone who books the Going For Gold offer will be entered into a prize draw to win an overnight stay with breakfast at their choice of Hastings Hotels. From £95 per room, specific dates only until August 21.

Titanic Package: Stay overnight in Belfast’s famous Europa Hotel with breakfast from £60pps, with tickets for the popular Titanic Belfast visitor attraction included.

Sip into Summer: Enjoy bed and breakfast in the Europa Hotel with a cocktail or mocktail upon arrival as part of this mouth-watering offer, from just £105 per room.

Everglades Hotel

Summer Cocktail in the City: Take a trip to the Everglades Hotel this summer and enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail upon arrival and luxurious overnight accommodation with full Irish breakfast in the morning, all from £45pps.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

The Summer Collection: Enjoy a stay at the Slieve Donard this summer and choose from a series of dinner, bed and breakfast packages. A luxurious night’s accommodation plus breakfast, 4-course dinner in Oak Restaurant and use of spa facilities is available in 1, 2 or 3 night packages, starting from £140pps for one night.

Stormont Hotel

Stylishly Stormont: Treat yourself to a night’s stay with breakfast at the Stormont Hotel, situated just minutes away from Belfast City Centre and overlooking the beautiful grounds of Stormont Estate. Also included in this offer is a bottle of Prosecco with strawberries, all from £99 per room.

Cocktail, Cab & City Lights: Soak up the sights and sounds of Belfast with a stay in the Stormont Hotel from just £90 per room. As well as a night’s bed and breakfast in the 4-star hotel, a welcome cocktail upon arrival is included as well as a taxi into Belfast so you can experience all the city has to offer.

Titanic: Experience not only Stormont Hotel’s luxurious 4* accommodation and cuisine, but also one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, Titanic Belfast. Enjoy overnight bed and breakfast in the Stormont Hotel, plus tickets for the Titanic exhibition, from only £50pps.

To find out more about Hastings Hotels go to www.hastingshotels.com or to book call 028 9047 1066.

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. All offers valid until the end of August.

An old favourite returns to Ward Park this Sunday, August 21 when Nathan O’Regan takes to the bandstand as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Music In The Park programme.

Cork-born Nathan has been working hard on crafting his live performances and draws crowds wherever he goes all over Ireland. Currently signed to Grammy award-winner Jimmy Hogarth’s record label, his debut album will be released later this year. Nathan has attracted acclaim from people of all ages, and is sure to have many fans in the audience in Ward Park.

So if you fancy relaxing to some smooth vocals and guitar sounds in beautiful surroundings then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone. Each event is weather dependent and subject to change on the day.

This year’s music programme is being provided by Open House.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Now for the first time Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, in collaboration with The Causeway Lass and Babushka in Portrush, can offer a truly unique experience unlike anything else found anywhere in Ireland.

Leaving Portrush Harbour, just before daybreak in The Causeway Lass, we will catch our breakfast in the crystal clear waters of the Causeway Coast, as the sun slowly rises over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island.

With the exception of waterproof clothing and suitable footwear, all fishing equipment and bait is provided along with tuition as to its use. During the trip tea and coffee will be available.

Your breakfast will be dependent on the variety of fish caught, but Mackerel Surprise is almost certain to be on the menu. The fun of fishing is, ‘you never can tell!’

At this time of the morning we may well encounter dolphins, basking sharks etc. so it is advisable to bring along a camera.

Having caught, cleaned and learned about the days catch; we will head to Babushka, where our bounty will be prepared and paired with local, seasonal produce to create a breakfast to be enjoyed overlooking the West Strand.

We are excited to be able to work with local providers to share this unique opportunity with you.

Timings

06.15 hrs                     Meet on North Pier, Portrush Harbour

06.30 hrs                     Go fishing on the Causeway Lass

07.45 hrs                     Return from fishing and fillet catch

08.30 – 10.00 hrs        Breakfast at Babushka

Cost

£45.00 per person. (Booking is essential as numbers are limited to 12 on the boat).

Bookings may be made via webpage: www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com

Tel: +44 (0) 7912 408 256 or E-mail – causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 15 – 21).

• Living History at Caulfield Castle, Co. Tyrone, 15 August. Once a great Jacobean estate built in hope and expectation and now an evocative ruin in a lovely setting. Experience a day of living history re-enactments as 17th century gentleman will welcome you to his great hall and gallery in fine style.

• Ulster Rally, Various locations, Co. Derry~Londonderry, August 19 – 20. For some heart racing action head to Derry~Londonderry for the Ulster Rally – one of the premier motor rallies in Ireland – where all the best drivers and cars from across the UK, Ireland and beyond take part in a thrilling race extravaganza.

• Moira Speciality Food Fair, Moira, Co. Down, August 20. The fair will celebrate Northern Ireland’s finest produce, grown, reared and caught featuring fresh, local and seasonal farm produce as well as showcasing the diversity of our artisan food and drink. The region’s top chefs will cook up a culinary storm during the Kitchen Sessions, and the garden area will be home to gourmet street food, tipi café bar and family fun zone.

• Eastside Arts Festival, Various locations, Belfast, until August 21. The Eastside Arts Festival is back! This year’s programme is packed with over 100 events taking place in more than 40 venues across East Belfast as well as the city centre. Locations across the EastSide, and beyond, will help to unpack a festival picnic featuring music, comedy, movies, theatre, talks, workshops, exhibitions, poetry, events for the young and old, community events and heritage tours.

• Viking & Dragons, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, August 21. Are you a fan of Vikings and dragons? Join in the fun at this breathtaking family event.  Meet Vikings, take part in battle sequences and discover how dragons breathe fire.  Suitable for ages 4+.  Booking essential. To book call (028) 37 529644.

• August Craft Month, Various locations, Northern Ireland, until Sept 3. Celebrate Northern Ireland’s culture of marking at August Craft month.  Not in it 10^th year, it is an annual celebration of contemporary craft in Northern Ireland through a programme of talks, exhibitions and workshops.

• Relative Values, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, August 18 – 20. Southbank Playhouse presents Relative Values by Noel Coward. As well as presenting Noel Coward’s fantastic story on stage, South Bank will once again be transforming The Ardhowen foyer into the world of the play. As soon as you enter the theatre you will be transported into the world of ‘Relative Values’ as Hollywood arrives in a small English town.

• Go Wild with the Rangers, Downhill Demesne, Co. Londonderry, August 19. It’s time for the kids to go wild in the great outdoors with the National Trust’s ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.  From climbing trees to building a den and hunting bugs, children will have a great day exploring Downhill Demesne.

• Edible Geology Bus Tour, Ti Chulainn Cultural Centre, Co. Armagh, August 16. Join geologist Kirstin Lemon on an introductory and edible geology bus tour round key sites in the Ring of Gullion – a landscape shaped by fire and ice. The edible side will be tasty, and although Kirstin, along with other geologists, do sometimes taste rock samples, this time she will be bringing some home baked delights which represent different geological features – Rock cakes anyone?

• A Midsummer’s Night Dream, Beanbag Cinema, Belfast, August 16. Directed by Peter Hall using the Royal Shakespeare Academy’s cast of actors, this 1968 version is one of the wittiest and wildest of all versions to be produced.  With its cast of great performers, this film version is a hilarious production of one of the Bard’s greatest works.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Down

This Saturday join Artists and Makers in The Hub and the award winning Art Pods at Project 24 on Queen’s Parade, Bangor, for a day of Art and Craft.  This is a great opportunity to meet the people ‘behind the art’, find out what inspires them and to take home a unique piece of their work.  Over 28 Artists and Makers will be selling their work and giving free demonstrations including weaving, wirework, painting, clay sculpting, jewellery design, throwing on a potter’s wheel, felting and much more.  Live Music throughout the day.  Free Children’s Craft activities and Face Painting.

Armagh

The 7 Hills Blues Festival is back in 2016 and bigger than ever! 11th-14th August will see Armagh City’s many eateries, public houses and open spaces showcasing the best of blues bands from across NI, ROI and the UK. This year’s busy programme includes over 70 planned performances plus the popular Picnic in the Palace Park and the Shambles Sunday Blues – family fun, food & local Cider fair.

Fermanagh

Living History, Tully Castle, Saturday 13th August. A place of beauty with a tragic history, you can meet a defender of the Bawn with his weapons and armour at the ready and hear its lamentable tale from the past. Part of Tully Castle Capers Dog Show and Community Fun Day. A great day out for all the family!

Tyrone

The Alley Theatre Junior Open Mic Nights provide teens a platform to perform live in an intimate, friendly venue, with the promise of hearing some great young up-and-coming local talent. Hosted by Gerry Strawbridge. What better way to spend a Friday evening throughout the summer?  Junior Open Mic at The Alley wants you! If you would like to take part contact Nicola Bonner on (028) 7138 4760 or nicola.bonner@derrystrabane.com

Derry

Stendhal is back this weekend!  Celebrating the creativity of artists from all over Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and further afield, Stendhal Festival of Art is much more than just a music festival.  Set in the picturesque surrounds of Ballymully Cottage Farm on the outskirts of Limavady, Stendhal Festival of Art brings an all-encompassing artistic experience to the Roe Valley, home of Danny Boy. Experience the syndrome with Stendhal Festival of Art. Winners of Best small festival 2013 and Best small festival, best line-up and best family festival 2014. Stendhal has something for everyone from kids to adults, day or night, art, music, classes, workshops, activities, various food outlets and a brilliant atmosphere!

Antrim

Let the games begin! To celebrate the Olympics The Galgorm Resort and Spa Ballymena are hosting a day of family outdoor sports activities on Sunday 14th August 2016.  Have lunch and take part in a range of fun activities for all the family with medals and prizes for the winners!

Belfast

The EastSide Arts Festival 2016 will bring 11 days of inspiring events to Belfast from 10th – 21st August. The festival programme is packed with 100 events including music, comedy, movies, theatre, talks, workshops, visual art, exhibitions, poetry, events for the young and old, community events and heritage tours plus over 50 free events.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

The majestic setting of Antrim Castle Gardens will host this year’s Opera Gala evening on Saturday 13 August at 8pm.

This special evening will feature a cornucopia of operatic delights performed in the

open air in the stunning surroundings of the Parterre Gardens in Antrim Castle Gardens. Under the direction of Andrew Synnott, distinguished Irish soprano Virginia Kerr and friends Owen Gilhooly, John Molloy and Raphaela Mangan from the International Opera stage will perform classic arias from the World of Opera and Operetta. This year’s programme includes the following, accompanied by a six piece orchestra:

Nessun Dorma

Olga’s aria from Eugene Onegin by Tchaikovsky

Seguidilla from Carmen. Bizet

Flower Song (Don Jose) Carmen

Non piu andrai. Le Nozze di Figaro Mozart

Ol Man River. (Showboat) Kern

Trio from Faust. Gounod
The Bold Gendarmes (Geneviève de Brabant). Offenbach

Barcarolle. (Tales of Hoffman) Offenbach

Bring your picnics and low back seating and relax with family and friends for an evening of music under the stars.

Tickets: £15 & £13 (Concession) available from the website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice or call 028 9442 8331