Author: whatsonni

Stephen K. Amos to headline Stendhal Comedy Programme

The multi-award-winning Stendhal Festival has announced the comedy line-up for this year’s event, taking place at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, on July 4th to 6th and it’s safe to say that visitors this year are all set for a side-splitting, pant wetting, good time.

Headlined by Stephen K. Amos, the bill also includes a plethora of established and up and coming acts from Northern Ireland, including Paddy Raff and Vittorio Angelone.

Stephen K. Amos has charmed and entertained audiences all over the world with his natural, assured delivery and his honest, original material.

Having appeared regularly across the Stage, TV, Radio and Film since he broke through, Stephen K. Amos has become one of the most critically acclaimed stand ups of his generation, with a myriad of awards from comedy festivals all over the world to his name, not to mention his Bafta and Richard Prior Award nominations. 

Comfortable as a performer, presenter, actor and guest, there is no doubt that Stephen K. Amos will retain his position as one of the nation’s favourite comedians for a long time to come.

Topping the bill of home-grown acts is the inimitable Paddy Raff.

Belfast-born Paddy went from open-mic in 2018 to beginning a record breaking 5-night sell-out arena run in 2020. From 2020 to 2022 he won 2 awards for his BBC1 NI comedy sketch TV series ‘The Paddy Raff Show’. 

In his unprecedented first two years in comedy, Paddy established himself as one of the biggest comedians in Northern Ireland amassing a huge following across social media (currently over 250K+) which spread to the UK and beyond during the pandemic, with a string of viral hits that led to him being dubbed ‘the comedy star of the Coronavirus Lockdown’ by The Irish Times.

Also performing at Stendhal this year is the acerbic Irish-Italian Vittorio Angelone 

Edinburgh Fringe Festival award nominee, Vittorio is an Italian Irish comedian who grew up in Belfast. After moving to London to train as a classical musician he eventually made the predictable switch to stand-up comedy. 

He has risen through the ranks of the comedy world at an incredible speed, building a following with stand-up clips, podcasts and sketches amassing millions of views online. 

He has supported huge names on tour including Russell Howard, Jason Manford, Adam Rowe, Shane Todd, and Dan Nightingale.

In 2022 he sold out his debut run at the Edinburgh Fringe and was nominated for Best Newcomer at the prestigious Dave Comedy Awards.

He has been seen on BBC One, Channel 4, TVI Podcast, and as a guest and guest co-host of the Have a Word Podcast.

Joining them on the comedy bill are a brilliant mix of up-and-coming Northern Irish stand-ups, who have been curated especially for Stendhal by Yeo Magazine.

The Yeo Comedy club portion of the programme will be MCed by Brónagh NicAoidh and will feature the hilarious talents of Jazmynne Sierra, Alan Irwin, Ciaran Franco, Talal Jomar and Bronagh Diamond.

Stendhal Festival Director Ross Parkhill said: “We have a great history of bringing the cream of the crop in UK and Northern Irish stand-up to the festival and this year we are delighted that a Bonafede UK Comedy legend in Stephen K. Amos is headlining our comedy bill.

“We are also pleased to continue our tradition of showcasing some of the very best established and up and coming talent from Northern Ireland. Our Comedy scene here is thriving at the moment and acts like Paddy Raff and Vittorio Angelone are big reasons why.

Ross concluded: “We are also pleased to be working for the first time this year with Yeo Magazine who have put together a brilliant showcase of up-and-coming talent for our Stendhal comedy club. We certainly have a big weekend of laughs in store.”

For more information visit www.stendhalfestival.com

Comedian and actor Dace Elliott is swapping Blue Lights for stage lights as he brings his brand-new Stand-up Show, ‘Roleplay’, to The Market Place this week.

Dave is busy juggling the roles of dad, husband, comedian, and… housewife? Join him on a quest for significance as he delivers a scathing and ridiculous take on the roles we play; hilariously exposing the trials and tribulations of modern life.

Dave can be seen on on panel shows such as The Blame Game and he recently appeared on Season Two of BBC’s Blue lights. He is the host of the SLY GUY Podcast and is a regular on the Tea with me and General Banter Podcasts.

‘Fantastic!’ – John Bishop

‘Funny Guy’ – Kevin Hart

The Show contains strong language and adult material and is recommended for age 16+

Dave Elliott will take the stage at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Friday 21^st June at 8pm. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has announced a summer programme packed full of family fun, with well-known characters popping up between the carrot patches and bringing the gardens to life with The Peter Rabbit Adventure from 29 June – 1 September.

Historic Royal Palaces, the charity which manages Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, will open the site up to even more visitors this summer with an exciting Kids Go Free* offer so that even more families can enjoy the season’s experiences which range from The Peter Rabbit Adventure to Music in the Garden and the Summer Fair.

The Peter Rabbit™ Adventure

Officially licensed by Frederick Warne & Co. (Beatrix Potter’s original publisher and owner of The World of Peter Rabbit), the Peter Rabbit Adventure will bring Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters to life at the castle for the first time.  Children can follow an interactive trail through Hillsborough’s meandering waterways and forests as well as the famous Walled Garden, seamlessly combining the author and illustrator’s love for nature and wildlife with the mischievous tales of her fictional characters.  The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published in 1902 by Beatrix Potter’s publisher Frederick Warne & Co. (now a part of Penguin Random House) and has since sold over 46 million copies.

Children and adults alike will meet their favourite Beatrix Potter characters as they join Peter Rabbit on new adventures – from creating twig boats with Squirrel Nutkin to helping Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle with her washing line. There’s also a puzzle version of the iconic coat from The Tailor of Gloucester that is stitched together at night by the mice in the story!

Visitors can also expect to bump into Peter Rabbit himself, as the larger-than-life character will be on site for photographs and to meet and greet families each Saturday** throughout the summer holidays.

The adventures of Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddle-Duck and Tom Kitten will be celebrated at Hillsborough Castle’s Stable Yard Café, where visitors can enjoy a menu inspired by Beatrix Potter’s much loved stories, with speciality afternoon teas for both adults and children, available to book from Wednesday – Sunday. Alternatively, picnic hampers can be purchased from the café every day and enjoyed on the grounds.

Maria Magill, Learning Producer at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has created the special trail for families to enjoy, ensuring they learn and experience as much of the nature and wildlife on the grounds as possible.

Maria commented: “We have so many nooks and magical spaces throughout our 100 acres of gardens here at Hillsborough Castle, it is the perfect canvas for us to create this trail, inspired by Beatrix Potter’s love of the natural world and the characters she created, for our curious young visitors. It’s important to us to find ways to help children connect with the wildlife and natural world around them, while also exploring their imagination and feelings.”

Thomas Merrington, Creative Director, Penguin Ventures (part of Penguin Random House Children’s) said: “We are delighted to be working with Historic Royal Palaces to bring Peter Rabbit to Northern Ireland. The team at Hillsborough have created a really inventive and engaging trail that celebrates some of Beatrix Potter’s best loved Tales and the catering team have developed an incredible afternoon tea offering that will delight all ages and tastes. We can’t wait to see it all come to life.”

Music in the Garden

Complementing Hillsborough Castle and Gardens’ summer programme of family events, Music in the Garden will see a host of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians add an atmospheric and melodic experience throughout the acres of grounds. Each weekend throughout July and August, visitors can hear music from the likes of ARCO String Quartet, pop and folk group Mini Moonshines, harpist Grainne Meyer Scott Flanigan Jazz.

Summer Fair

The gardens of Hillsborough Castle will come alive from 24 – 26 August with the sights, sounds and tastes of the annual Summer Fair. Expect local crafters and creators, food trucks and chef demos, with music throughout the gardens to enjoy.

Stuart Campbell, Public Engagement Manager at Hillsborough Castle added: “We are delighted that even more families can enjoy a day out in our famous gardens, thanks to our kids go free offer this summer. We have created a really engaging programme for families to enjoy, while Music in the Garden every weekend will create even more atmosphere, with some celebrated musicians including ARCO String Quartet, Mini Moonshines, harpist Gráinne Meyer and Scott Flanigan Jazz. And of course, our Summer Fair which showcases the fantastic crafters, food producers and musicians we have locally.”

For more on summer at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, and to book tickets for The Peter Rabbit Adventure and Afternoon Tea at the Stable Yard, visit hrp.org.ouk/Hillsborough-castle.

 

The multi-award-winning Stendhal Festival has announced the full family programme for the 14th instalment of the event, taking place at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady from July 4th to 6th.

Theatre, circus acts, music, science, dance, forest schools and storytelling and more all feature, along with a host of brilliant workshops curated by The Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady.

The highlight for all pre-schoolers attending Stendhal will no doubt be Yukee, The CBeebies Live Experience, a live performance of the music-first preschool series created by musicians for the musicians of the future.

“Yukee – Live!” is an interactive live show based around the animated show that explores simple music learning outcomes using songs, learning games, and episodes of the show with live music as the underscore. The live experience includes introducing and developing music terms like beat and timbre through interactive games and sing-a-longs, and finishes with a live band teaching the audience a song from the show and inviting them to play and sing along as they watch the episode together.

The Big telly Theatre Company will also be on site performing a kid friendly version of their award winning ‘World’s worst cafe’. 

Other standout performances for all the family include; Grant Goldie, the Magic of Caolan McBride and Jack Wise, Jitterbug Jackson, ‘Missy Impossible’ by Missy Fortune, Sunshine, Science & Stories by Alan Kennedy-Asser, Makey Uppers Theatre, Cikada Circus, 

and loads more.

Also on site is a Breastfeeding caravan, with award winning IBCLC Fiona Rea and Cudiu Breastfeeeding counsellors to offer support, solidarity and a happy place to relax and feed your baby.  

Festival Director Ross Parkhill said: “We have always been incredibly proud to be a festival for all ages, where people can introduce their children to a huge variety of arts and crafts and get their creative juices flowing.

“This year we are delighted to be continuing that tradition with this amazing programme of music, science, art, magic, dance, workshops and loads more, all geared towards helping kids fall in love with the arts.

Ross concluded: “Family tickets are running low for this year’s event, a massive thank you to everyone who has supported us so far and we can’t wait to welcome your family to the farm this summer.”

For more information on Stendhal Festival visit www.stendhalfestival.com

Talented banjoist, soulful singer and Washington DC native, Jake Blount, is due to perform at The Market Place Theatre on Friday 14^th June.

The rising star has recently been showcased on BBC Radio Two’s Folk Show and NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series; he was also nominated for Artist of the Year at the 2023 International Folk Music Awards.

He is a specialist in the early folk music of Black Americans, and his work shines a light on the major contribution that Black, Indigenous and LGBTQ artists have made to American folk traditions, which have often been overlooked.

His 2022 album The New Faith has received glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, The Guardian and many more, and sees Jake skilfully incorporating electric guitar, percussion and spoken word along banjo and fiddle. The album imagines what Black religious music might sound like in the not-so-distant future and includes inspired new arrangements of traditional songs including Black spirituals and Blues.

Jake Blount is a mesmerising, hugely entertaining live performer, and will be appearing with his trio, featuring outstanding double bassist Nelson Williams and gifted multi-instrumentalist Gus Tritsch.

Expect a mix of evocative songs and foot stomping fiddle tunes, with exceptional musicianship and soulful singing.

The Jake Blount Band will take the stage at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Friday 14^th June at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £16 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

13-16 JUNE 2024 IN DERRY~LONDONDERRY & DONEGAL:

YES BRINGS BLOOMSDAY CELEBRATIONS NORTH

FOR THE FIRST ALL-FEMALE ARTS FESTIVAL ON THE ISLAND OF IRELAND

 

• Largest-ever Ulysses celebrations honour James Joyce’s most famous female character
• Two groundbreaking female political leaders open YES with the first event

• Sunday 16 June – First ever Molly Bloomsday celebrations: a Ulyssean journey from Donegal’s beaches and ancient forts to the city through 18 locations and events
• World premiere of five star-studded short films; a one-off musical-literary collaboration between James Joyce, John Cage and two hundred musicians; an immense bedtime art installation; an unprecedented city parade on Derry’s Walls; a unique all-female talks programme; multi-media artists from all over Europe – all building to the epic 18-hour Molly Bloomsday finale.

YES – a new celebration of female creativity, the work of James Joyce and his most famous female character, Molly Bloom, is about to materialize in the historic city of Derry~Londonderry and across north Donegal. For the first time, ‘Bloomsday’, the annual celebration of Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses, will become ‘Molly Bloomsday’ as YES pulls the traditional annual celebrations north from Dublin. YES runs from 13-16 June and is almost entirely free of charge. For tickets and details please visit www.yesderry.com

Derry~Londonderry and Donegal will be alive with dance, music, food, public art, literature, conversation and spectacle, before YES culminates in an epic 18-hour event, transposing the famed Dublin locations of Ulysses to new places north of the Irish border.

Here are a few moments over the four days that you may not want to miss:

• Thursday 13 June, 6.30pm at the YES Hub, St. Columb’s Hall, Derry~Londonderry: To launch of YES , two groundbreaking female political leaders discuss Women and Leadership at a special event, hosted by Martina Devlin. To book tickets, please visit: yesderry.com/programme/no-ordinary-women/

  

• Thursday 13-Sunday 16 June at the Volta Cinema, YES Hub, St Columb’s Hall: The world premiere of The Molly Films, a fresh presentation of a literary masterpiece, directed by Ukrainian filmmaker, Sophie Muzychenko and featuring Dame Harriet Walter, Fiona Shaw, Adjoa Andoh, Siobhán McSweeney and Eve Hewson. The Molly Films will also screen worldwide, digitally, at dawn (4.38am) on Monday 17 June, as the final event of Molly Bloomsday.
• Sunday 16 June, 4pm-6pm at Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry: SIRENSCIRCUS – a joyous sonic world premiere experience at Derry’s waterside. SIRENSCIRCUS is a 21^st century, ever-changing collaboration between Joyce and US composer (and huge Joyce fan) John Cage, featuring over 100 musicians, performers, audience participants and probably every musical instrument you can imagine.
• Thursday 13-Sunday 16 June at the YES Hub, St. Columb’s Hall: ‘No Ordinary Women (NOW)’ – a discussion and ideas festival all of its own. Speakers include former President of Ireland Mary Robinson, Baroness Shami Chakrabarti, Orla Guerin and Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC.

• Sunday 16 June 16, 7.30pm at the Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry: O Rocks! -Music and poetry from one of Ireland’s most celebrated artists, Imelda May, who will also be in conversation on her songwriting and debut poetry collection, A Lick and A Promise.
• Sunday 16 June, 3pm-4pm on the Derry City Walls: Molly’s Parade – an unprecedented and exhilarating event, bringing together parading bands from both traditions, providing an immense city soundtrack, inspired by Molly Bloom’s love of marching military bands.
• Thursday 13-Sunday 16 June at Ebrington Square: The Molly Bed, a large-scale interactive installation by artist Tracey Lindsay, conveying messages from women around the world.
• 13 – 16 June, venues in Derry~Londonderry and Donegal: The Sixteen Nations – a vibrant programme of events, celebrating the diverse creativity of international female artists. Theatres, galleries, music venues, pubs and outdoor spaces will host celebrated and emerging artists representing photography, music, documentary film, DJs, visual and textile art, dance, circus and song.
• 8am on Sunday 16 June- 2am on Monday 17 June: Molly Bloomsday will see Ulysses’ Dublin scenes re-interpreted across the compelling and evocative urban and rural scenery of Ireland’s north-west. A glorious reimagining of Bloomsday in the city’s streets, bars, historic Guildhall Square and walls and the beaches and coastline of Donegal, decorated with folklore, mythology and Irish history.

 

YES is the culmination of the ULYSSES European Odyssey, the largest-ever Ulysses celebration, which will have visited eighteen European cities by the time it closes in Derry~Londonderry. www.ulysseseurope.eu

FESTIVAL INFORMATION

YES dates: 13-16 June 2024. For all information and to book festival tickets please visit: www.yesderry.com

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Sport and Wellbeing Development team is delighted to announce the launch of our brand-new, weekly inclusive cycling hire scheme operating from the grounds of the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

The bicycle hire scheme will allow cyclists to hire one of our inclusive bicycles and enjoy cycling around riverside park via the cycle path connecting to the Joey Dunlop LC.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan praised the scheme, saying: “Well done to Council’s Sport and Wellbeing Development team on launching this fantastic programme for people with disabilities to access cycling as a form of fun and exercise.

“It is important that we continue to grow our inclusive programmes to ensure the population of the borough have access to physical activity opportunities, the bicycles are a fantastic modern design which makes a sometimes-difficult activity, such as cycling, become accessible for all.”

Council is committed to providing opportunities for participants to experience cycling from our inclusive cycling hub based at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. The hub provides access to adapted bikes like hand-cycles, tandems and tricycles that allow them to give people with a wide variety of needs a chance to experience cycling.

 

Using an adapted cycle is a fantastic way for everyone to have fun, gain more independence and enjoy a sense of freedom. Council encourages all-ability cycling for sport, exercise and even just for fun.

 

Members of the public will be able to hire a bike of their choice every Wednesday evening over spring/summer for two and a half hours. Bookings can be made via the Council website, where people can select their bike, to be collected from the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.

 

Sports Development Manager, Jonathan McFadden, says that the new scheme “will enable the public to live fitter healthier lives”.

He added: “The development of the scheme allows the public to enjoy access to our fleet of bicycles on a weekly basis, as part of our ever-growing commitment to inclusive programming we believe that this scheme will and enjoy the benefits these wonderful bicycles can give.”

https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/sports-development/community-and-inclusion/inclusive-cycling

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Giant Adventures Series returns for 2024 with a trio of immersive tourism experiences to captivate visitors and locals alike.

Showcasing the unique assets of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark, the myths and legends encompassed in the region’s deep-rooted tradition of storytelling are brought to life through the Wake the Giant and Footsteps in the Forest festivals, while Newcastle’s Eats and Beats festival is a celebration of our rich musical heritage and exploding food and drink scene.

The journey for 2024 begins with Wake the Giant on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August under the theme, ‘The Land of Giants’ as this year the legendary, Fionn mac Cumhaill will have company. When Fionn makes his return to Warrenpoint, he will share the tale of his temporary retreat to Cooley Mountain before welcoming two new Giant Guardians to the area.

The newly unveiled 14-foot marionettes will preside over a weekend filled with artisanal foods, live entertainment, green crafts, family and wellness activities, all set against the backdrop of a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Following this, the highly anticipated Eats and Beats festival will return to Newcastle on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. The weekend will offer a packed programme of live performances across two festival stages, sustainably produced foods to savour in the marquee, cookery demonstrations and local artisan produce, in addition to events and festivities in venues right across the town.

Music lovers and foodies can anticipate a wealth of flavours from the unique traditions of our region and incredible acts that will appeal to a wide audience. This eclectic mix of delicious food and live performances will make it an unmissable weekend in the heart of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.

As autumn approaches, there is no better time to showcase the area’s infamous tales and traditions than at Halloween. Residents and visitors are invited to a real celebration of the Samhain spirit at the Footsteps in the Forest festival in Slieve Gullion Forest Park in an extended programme running from Monday 21 October to Tuesday 29 October.

Featuring a blend of eerie entertainment and tantalising treats with captivating characters, spinetingling surprises and immersive storytelling experiences, it is the perfect opportunity to experience the park’s hauntingly beautiful landscape while enjoying some festive Halloween fun.

Each Giant Adventures event, set against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes, is designed to showcase the unique assets within the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark. And all three events are delivered under the Geopark Code of Practice for sustainable tourism that promotes the safeguarding and respectful engagement with local communities.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “We are excited to present the return of our Giant Adventures series, inviting our visitors and residents to immerse themselves in the district’s vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. From folklore and culinary delights to exhilarating adventures, these three festivals are the must-attend events of the season.

“Giants hold a prominent place in Irish mythology, with many references linked to our district. Our ‘giant spirit’ is mirrored in our diverse calendar of festivals and events.  Our series of Giant Adventures spotlights the region’s mountains, coastline and unique stories, further establishing our region as a leading tourism destination.”

Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte continued, “Complementing our Giant Adventures series this year will be the return of 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering and provide a unique opportunity to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories in a sustainable way. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”

For event details or ideas of where to stay, eat and even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion visit: www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures