Thanks to audience demand the Hairy Bikers and BBC Worldwide are delighted to announce an additional 38 dates to their new UK-wide tour Hairy Bikers: Larger than Live.
The boys will now bring their new tour to the Millennium Forum on Tues 9th & Wed 10th April. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. The tour has been a phenomenal success with some theatres already sold out four months before launch and fans clamouring for the show to come to their home towns!
Si King and Dave Myers are promising fans ‘a proper night out’ which in Hairy Bikers’ style may include everything from strip-tombola to a dinner party being cooked and hosted live on stage. Some lucky audience members will get the chance to join them as guests with some special celebrity dinner guests lined up to join them at certain nights along the tour – you never know who might be coming for dinner!
Hairy Bikers: Larger than Live takes the duo’s travelling adventures as the jumping off point for a night like no other at the theatre. Audiences will be regaled with tales from their culinary expeditions, some hair-raising, many ridiculous and all of them shared in the Bikers’ inimitable style. From extraordinary culinary discoveries to some of the remarkable cooks and characters they’ve encountered along the way, Si and Dave will take you behind the cameras to discover what happens on tour as they circle the globe in search of food fuelled adventure!
The Hairy Bikers: Larger Than Live will arrive at the Millennium Forum on Tues 9th & Wed 10th April. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk.
The Chic Eggs who will be making a special appearance at this year’s Easter Parade and Funday which is taking place in Bangor on Monday, April 1st.
Why not come to Bangor this Easter Monday, 1st April, for a day packed full with free family fun at the annual Easter Parade and Funday where Bangor’s seafront will have something to appeal to everyone from 10.00 – 6.00 pm. This year, 2013, is a very special year for Bangor as 400 years ago The Town was first issued its charter by King James I and to mark this occasion, the spectacular parade will have a Bangor 400 theme and everyone is encouraged to join in the fun by coming along in fancy dress.
Bangor & Holywood Town Centre Management in partnership with North Down Borough Council will be hosting a Spring Fair in The Sunken Gardens where an array of local crafts and speciality foods will be available. This fair will also take place on Easter Saturday from 11am – 4pm and Easter Sunday from 1pm – 5pm.
Starting at 10am on Easter Monday, at The McKee Clock Arena, Eddie Irvine Sports will be running a special kartingevent. Everyone will have the chance to kart around on a specially created outdoor track, great for the budding F1 stars! The charge for this will be £5.
Taking a stroll down The Promenade, you can try your hand at Laserquest, the fast-paced action combat game which will cost £5 per go or check out the variety of animals at Phil’s Farm. This speciality farm will be in situ all day and children will be able to pet the animals and learn how to care for them. Just watch out for the giant Chic Eggs which will be making their way through the crowds, entertaining everyone along the way!
Finish your walk at Pickie Fun Park which will be open all day with lots to do and see, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the refurbished café.
At 3.00 pm over 200 children and young people from St Gall’s Brownies, North Down District Scouts, St Comgalls Primary School, St Malachys Primary School, The Polish Saturday School and Barre 2 Sole Dance Academy will take to the streets as part of the spectacular Bangor 400 themed carnival Parade. The Parade will be led by a band in historic costume with a carnival twist, followed by King James on a throne holding a giant charter. Look out for Kings & Queens, a giant birthday cake, live music bands and lots more when this colourful spectacular makes its way around the Town.
This year, The Parade will be led by the The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Wesley Irvine who will be travelling in a beautiful horse drawn carriage. The Parade’s route will start at The Town Hall, then onto Main Street, along Quay Street, turning into High Street and making its way back up Main Street to The Town Hall – an extravaganza not to be missed!
Speaking about the event, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager, Alison Stobie said: “We’re delighted to be kicking off our events season with our Easter in Bangor event. This is the first of our 400 series of themed events and promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family.”
So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends this Easter for lots of family fun!
A major event hosted by NORIBIC in Derry~Londonderry in May has added two more big names as well as important new sponsors to its already stellar line-up.
Announcing the new speakers and sponsors were Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of NORIBIC and Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín
Dr Richard Florida, Professor at University of Toronto and NYU; Senior Editor the Atlantic; and best-selling US author on the economic importance of the creative industries, will also speak at the three-day event, it is announced today.
Hosted by The Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC), the international congress will take place between 29th and 31st May and is also open to a local business audience, who can benefit from a reduced registration fee until midnight 8th of April.
The Department of Culture Arts and Leisure (DCAL) will join Invest NI as Principal Partners of the event it is also announced today. Gold Sponsors include SEUPB’s INTERREG IVa Programme, The Irish BICs. This event is also sponsored by Derry Visitor & Convention Bureau (DVCB), Seagate, and the Department for Employment & Learning (DEL) among others.
The congress will take place in Derry~Londonderry’s Millennium Forum and a number of other venues in the city around the themes ‘Digital’, ‘Cultural’ and ‘Social Innovation’.
The event was attracted to Northern Ireland this year in part because of Derry~Londonderry’s status as UK City of Culture as well as NORIBIC’s long-standing involvement in the European Business Innovation Centre Network.
The Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Carál Ní Chuilín said:
“The Noribic Congress is a hugely significant event which takes in elements of the Creative Industries but also includes social and cultural strands. To have such a distinguished line-up of delegates in Derry underlines the city’s growing international status as a nurturing ground for ideas.
“This conference is for innovators and entrepreneurs here and across Europe. But there is much here for everyone as the world comes to Derry to talk about how we can develop ideas which improve communities. It is another landmark event during Derry’s year as City of Culture and I hope it will prove to be an inspirational event with a lasting legacy.”
Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of NORIBIC, says that it will be a unique opportunity for local business people to engage with the world-class group of speakers and collaborate with potential EU business partners.
“The momentum really is building towards what promises to be an event with a very big wow factor. The speakers are a huge part of that, but so is the rest of the programme which will include a large element of culture and four villages with great networking opportunities,” he says.
LEADING ferry company Stena Line is hoping its latest great-value car-cation offer will put a spring in the step of families and couples wanting to get away from it all with fares from £30 per person*.
From now until May 7, a car with four people will cost just £120 single, on any day and sailing if it’s booked by March 28*. And that isn’t all – to help people make the most of their time, and their budgets, Stena Line has put together five great getaways for foot passengers and road-trippers that have something to suit everyone.
Diane Poole OBE, Stena Line’s Head of PR and Communications said: “If you’re looking for an exciting Spring break make sure you check out our terrific range of fun days away, city breaks and family trips. Travelling by ferry gives people the freedom and flexibility to make their holiday their own so don’t forget to pack your sense of adventure!
“Our ships on the Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool routes are the most luxurious on the Irish Sea offering maximum passenger comfort with a choice of lounges, onboard dining, Barista Coffee areas and the Pure Nordic Spa on the Belfast – Cairnryan route plus the stylish cabins on our Liverpool route are ideal for a great night’s sleep” added Diane.
To inspire you, Stena Line has devised a top five list of Easter getaways to Britain:
Kids go Free – Stena Line have extended their Kids go free offer for travel throughout 2013, so if you want to take the family away this Easter for less, book by 2 April so you don’t miss out.
Thrill Seekers – From only £26 per adult make the most of Scotland’s biggest collection of thrill rides at M&D’s Theme Park. Fun for the whole family includes rollercoasters, water rides and soft play areas, restaurants, bar and retail outlets. Make the most of the unlimited ride wristband which is included and allows access to some of the rides.
Retail therapy – For only £23 per person, you can take a day trip to Glasgow and shop ‘til you drop in one of the UK’s best shopping cities and with many high street brands, designer houses and boutiques located all over the city, Stena Line’s no baggage restrictions will come in handy.
Culinary delights – It you want to have a culinary treat, you could opt for the Hotel Indigo, Liverpool with its Marco Pierre White inspired menu in their Steakhouse Bar & Grill. Relax and unwind over a cocktail, a refreshing glass of wine and one of Marco’s signature dishes from only £59 per adult per night B&B including car travel.
Rural retreat – From £89 per adult per night couples wanting a romantic getaway can choose the 4* country house hotel, Mollington Banastre just north of Chester. With a reputation for hospitality, relax and get away from it all near this historic city.
For further information or to book, call Stena Line on 08447 70 70 70, click on www.stenaline.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.
*£30 per person single fare based on 4 persons travelling. £20 per vehicle single supplement for Liverpool – Belfast night-time sailings See website for details. Subject to availability.
This spring Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, Frock Around The Clock, will be marking the 400th anniversary of Belfast’s foundation as a city by holding their fabulous Vintage Fair at the historic fairytale location of Belfast Castle on Sunday 7th April.
Featuring around 45 sellers of vintage and handmade fashion, accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, art, crafts, gifts, and sweet treats, plus photography and a pop up vintage beauty parlour, the Vintage Fair will present a spectacular showcase of vintage treasures, reminiscence and fun, while the stunning Castle and grounds offers lots to do for all the family.
Belfast Castle, located in the Cave Hill area of north Belfast, is one of the city’s most famous landmarks and is conveniently just a few minutes drive from the city centre. Located 400 foot above sea level, it offers stunning views over Belfast, and a great base for a fun day out.
The Vintage Fair will be located throughout the ground and first floors of the castle, taking shoppers on a tour of the stunning rooms and breathtaking views. Visitors will be able to relax and refresh in the event tea room or enjoy a spot of lunch in the Castle Cellars which have been cleverly transformed, enticing you to step back in time and experience Victorian-style narrow, paved streets, shop fronts and gas lights, all of which were common when work on the castle was completed in 1870.
The impressive Frock Around The Clock exhibitor list includes Sanity Vintage who will be selling vintage collectables and ephemera, Hey Homewrecker specialising in retro homewares, toddler dresses and recycled vintage prints, Sew What It’s Vintage showcasing vintage china, kitchenalia and linens, Lula’s Attic and Norma Jean Vintage selling vintage dresses and fashion accessories, X-perience Boudoir specialising in vintage and burlesque style photography, Life Is Sweet selling scrumptious cakes and desserts, and Strictly Vintage, connoisseurs of high end vintage costume jewellery from the 1920s-1960s.
The Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fairwill take place on Sunday7thApril at Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 5GRfrom 12-5pm. Admission costs £5 for adults and £3 for seniors and students and there will be an Early Bird Special offering £2 off the general admission prices for the first half hour of the event only (so from 12 to 12.30 admission will cost £3 for adults and only £1 for seniors and students). The full exhibitor list can be viewed on the website at www.decadencevintagefairs.com and regular updates can be found at facebook.com/decadencevintageevents.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (March 25 – 31).
Giant Easter Bunny Hunt, Castle Espie Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Comber, Co. Down, March 22 – April 7. Get on a roll this Easter with lots of events and activities including a search for large coloured bunnies hidden around the site. A map and clues will be provided with prizes for all children upon completion.
Baby Animal Festival, Streamvale Open Farm, Dundonald, Co. Antrim, March 23 – April 30. Come and meet the new additions at Streamvale – cuddle the chicks, feed the lambs and see the baby piglets. Have fun on a tractor or take a pony ride before enjoying a coffee or some home-made ice-cream.
Classics at Clonard, Clonard Monastery, Belfast, March 26. The atmospheric splendour of Clonard Monastery’s Church of the Most Holy Redeemer lends a special magic to this concert directed by Tamás Kocsis, who is also the soloist in Boccherini’s delightful concerto.
Easter Craft Workshop, Down County Museum, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 28. Come along to the museum and have fun making a great selection of Easter themed crafts to take home. Suitable for all ages.
Royal Ballet, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, March 30 – 31. Royal Ballet dancers, Yuhui Choe, Dromore born Melissa Hamilton, Ryoichi Hirano and Dawid Trzensimiech will appear in selected highlights from the company’s repertory conducted by Derry born, Paul Murphy. In addition to the pas de deux from Acts II and III of Swan Lake, the dancers will perform Frederick Ashton’s Meditation from Thais to music from Massenet’s opera of the same name and the pas de deux from the Second Movement of Kenneth Macmillan’s Concerto with music by Dmitry Shostakovich.
Easter Storytelling and Crafts, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, March 30. Celebrate Easter in Limavady by coming along to the Easter storytelling and crafts session. The event is suitable for children aged 5 – 9 and admission is free. Booking advisable.
Easter Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 30 – April 1. Hop along to the museum this Easter for some traditional fun. Roll up your sleeves and help feed the baby chicks or try your hand at churning butter. Chat to frontier trappers and traders from the 1700s or have a go at basket weaving, spinning and rope making.
The Three Little Pigs, Navan Centre and Fort, Co. Armagh, March 30. Walk through ‘piggy village’ and visit the three little pigs in their houses made from straw, wood and stone. What will happen when the big bad wolf comes calling and which house will survive his huff and puff?
Easter Sunday Treasure Trail, Florence Court, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, March 31. Enjoy a great day out as you follow the trail around the ground to find the chocolate treasure. Taking place from 11am – 5pm.
Archery, Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, March 31. Come along and take a test of skill and precision on Corralea Activity Centre’s large lawn which overlooks a lake and is surrounded by natural forest. Archery is ideal for most people including the young and elderly and all equipment will be provided.
Celebrate the arrival of Spring with a fun day out at the upcoming Craft Fair at Edenmore Golf & Country Club Moira Saturday 23rd March. There will be a wide range of unique gifts, handmade creations as well as tasty treats. Free entry. Everyone welcome. 10.00 am to 3.00pm. For all our County Down events click HERE.
Tyrone
Are you in need of some wedding inspiration? You are invited to Hagan’s Bar, Dungannon, Thursday 21st March from 6pm. If the countdown to your wedding has started, you are engaged or thinking about getting engaged and to show your support to the Southern Area Hospice, this is a definite date for your diary. Those attending can visit the various displays and benefit from the advice on offer. For all our County Tyrone listings click HERE.
Fermanagh
Lough Erne Amateur Radio Rally, Share Centre, Lisnaskea. Doors open 11.30am this Sunday 24th March. Ireland’s major traditional annual exhibition and gathering in Fermanagh of about 300 radio amateurs and experimenters, their clubs and organisations from NI, ROI and some from GB. Visitors interested or just curious welcome. For all our County Fermangh listings click HERE
Derry
Fancy yourself as a ‘Know It All’, a ‘Fountain of all Knowledge’ or a ‘General Knowledge Buff’? Or just fancy an evening out and a bit of craic for a GREAT cause? Join in the fundraising table quiz in Rainey Old Boys Rugby Club on Friday 22nd March at 8pm to raise much needed funds for The Samaritans. Everyone welcome! For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.
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Armagh
Armagh Planetarium presents The Dragons of Azrael, a magical heart-warming production that transports you through the Cosmos to the wonderful world of Azrael. On this planet the Dragons await the birth of the chosen one who will restore the lost art of “imagination” within Dragon-kind. This is a brand-new interactive production with full 3D stage setting, amazing large scale puppets, visual effects and enchanting music. The Dragons of Azrael is a family show which is not to be missed! Spaces will be allocated on a first come basis. Saturday 23rd March – 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, 3:30pm. Tuesday 26th March – 6:30pm and 7:30pm. Duration: 30mins and admission is free. For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.
Antrim
Kickstart your child’s Easter celebrations with a fun art workshop at Carnfunnock Country Park. From 10.30am to 12noon on Saturday 23rd March, children aged 5-11 years can come along and make their own special cards, bunny ears and eggy surprises just in time for Easter. Price £5.00 per child and booking is advisable. All children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult and should wear appropriate clothes. Also from 2.00pm to 5.00pm on Sunday 24th March Jumping Clay will be visiting Carnfunnock for the first time and visitors can drop by and make a unique Easter clay model to take home and surprise their family. Price £4.00 per model. All children must be accompanied by an adult and should wear appropriate clothes. For all County Antrim listings click HERE.
Belfast
The phenomenally popular Breakfast Club Movies are back at the Ulster Hall on Sunday 24th March with four more opportunities to enjoy a continental breakfast with tea and coffee served in our vintage china while wrapped up in some of the greatest movie classics of all time.PLEASE NOTE: breakfast is served from 10am with the movie beginning at 10.30am. For all our Belfast listings click HERE.
2013 marks the 400th Anniversary of Bangor’s town charter with a year-long programme of events to celebrate the cultural history of the town.
Attending the recent launch event of the Bangor 400 programme of events at The Town Hall, Bangor were Kieran Gilmore, Director of The Open House Festival, Chief Executive of North Down Borough Council Trevor Polley, The Mayor of North Down Wesley Irvine and Stephen McCartney from music group The Farriers.
An exciting motoring event, special celebration concerts and light shows are some of the highlights of the planned programme.
The programme will kick off on Easter Monday, 1st April, when the annual Easter Parade will have a special 400 theme to mark the occasion. At 3pm over 200 local children and young people will take to the streets as part of the spectacular Bangor 400 themed carnival Parade. The Parade will be led by a band in historic costume with a carnival twist, followed by King James on a throne holding a giant charter. Look out for Kings & Queens, a giant birthday cake, live music bands and lots more when this colourful spectacular makes its way around the Town.
As well as the parade, there will be plenty of activities and things to do and see along The Promenade and a special karting event organised by Eddie Irvine Sports will be taking place at The McKee Clock Arena from 10am.
Motorsports fans will be thrilled when Bangor Town Centre will be transformed for a special Bangor 400 motoring event on Saturday 29th of June. From 6pm a variety of fabulous vehicles will do 400 laps of Bangor. Expect to see mini-motos, Legends, go-karts, classic motorbikes and other speciality cars up close.
Throughout the weekend the HMS Bangor will be at the Eisenhower Pier along with a variety of attractions to keep the children entertained. Look out for a few surprise characters along the Pier who’ll shed a bit of light on what Bangor was like over the past 400 years.
Classic car fans will be delighted to see a display of over 400 cars from vintage to some of the most cherished performance cars at the front of the Town Hall.
On Sunday 30th June at 3pm over a hundred veterans will parade through the Town Centre to pay tribute to this special anniversary. Parade route details will be announced at a later stage.
Come to Castle Park on Saturday 14th September when local heroes Otis and The Elevators will kick off a trip down memory lane – when they take to the stage at 6pm with a collection of their classic blues hits.
Next up are Swingabella supported by an 8 piece band. This is a close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the 30s and 40s – the Swing Era. Their repertoire includes the songs of the Andrews Sisters – favourites like ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree’ and ‘In The Mood’.
Appearing for the first time in Northern Ireland the next act is a huge hit in the UK. King Pleasure and the Biscuits Boys – this unusually named band is one of the most popular jazz and swing bands in the world, made famous by Ronnie Scott’s clubs, performing classy numbers in Louis Jordan and Eddie Cleanhead style.
On Sunday 15 we are delighted to announce an event called Bangor 400 Voices. This will be a celebration of choral excellence featuring Bangor Ladies Choir, Open Arts Choir and Belfast Community Gospel Choir.
On both Saturday and Sunday nights at 10.00 pm the Town Hall will once again be used as a spectacular backdrop for a 3d lighting projection show which will reflect Bangor’s journey over the past 400 years.
Speaking about the Bangor 400 series of events, Tourism Manager Alison Stobie said: “we are very much looking forward to hosting the Bangor 400 events in what promises to be an exciting year for the town and would encourage everyone to come along and join in the celebrations at our special events.”
When the opportunity to visit the Jungle came up a couple of weeks ago we had no hesitation in agreeing to go and road test a couple of the many activities on offer.
Charlotte, Emma and Joseph ready for some Tree Top Action!
My 11 year old twins Charlotte and Joseph and I headed off to collect my partner in crime Emma McCann and arrived full of anticipation at 12.45pm at the Jungle NI‘s office. We were greeted by Jamie and Rob – as well as some adorable pups and more importantly TEA!
After a perfect cuppa and signing ourselves in we were taken to get strapped up for the Tree Top Adventure. There is a ground level practice course to get you used to the safety harnesses which is a great idea as well as a mini zip line.
Luckily the kids were big enough to come on the adult course with me where we were given clear instructions how to complete the course and Jamie and Rob were with us for the whole time coaxing and encouraging me and the children.
It was like something like “I’m a Celebrity” – exciting, scary and a whole lot of fun! The course is a series of over 40 challenging ways to get from one tree top to another through rope bridges, platforms, nets, jumps and a zip line. At some points you can find yourself over 70 ft above ground so there was a lot of screaming (good screaming!) with excitement.
Charlotte braving the ropes with lots of encouragement from Rob!
The zip line was the climax at the end of the course – approx 200 m zipping through the trees, followed by the The King Louis Descent – Powerfan drop where you can experience an adrenaline freefall drop in safety.
At no point during our Tree Top Adventure were we ever not securely attached by our SSB so we all felt 100% safe which made the course easier to approach.
The Jungle NI is located in the heart of Mid Ulster and the Sperrins – perfectly located for easy access from anywhere in Ireland.
Following our Tarzan and Jane adventure we were lucky enough to take part in the Llama Trekking through past the areas for the other activities on offer – clay pigeon shooting, past the archery, paintball, fright night course, the Fairy Woods, the Zorbing course, the glamping huts where guests can sleep over and party round an open fire, the bbq hut, the boating lake and outdoor hot tubs before arriving back at the farm with Llamas Ant, Dec and Bobby.
Quotes from the kids:
Charlotte “an amazingly awesome day. Favourite part of the day was the zipline“.
Joseph “epic! Favourite part was the King Louis Decent“.
More about the Jungle NI
Joseph & Charlotte with Ant & Dec!
The Jungle was opened in July 2005 as Northern Ireland’s first paintball site. Since then The Jungle Paintball has won the Magherafelt Business Award for 06 Young Entrepreneur and the Rural development Best Farm Diversification 2006.
The Jungle is set in 200 acres of enchanted woodland, right in the centre of Northern Ireland, just off the A29 between Cookstown and Magherafelt.
The site is run by Robert and his enthusiastic team of marshals and with such a young team we really understand how to provide the greatest adrenaline rush you will ever experience!
At The Jungle we are never content so are constantly expanding and conjuring ways of making our facility even better. Therefore we are proud to be the first and only Zorbing site in Ireland!
Large sheltered picnic area – ideal for forest parties
Toilets
Snack bar
Hot tubs
Showers
BBQ facilities
Changing area
Accept all major credit/debit cards
All equipment and protective kit provided
Experienced, qualified staff on hand at all times
Northern Ireland Adventurelandweekend offers discounted prices on a range of adventure activities on March 23 – 24. More than 1400 people are expected to enjoy and take advantage of over 65 outdoor activity events offered by 21 different activity providers including canoeing, surfing, horse riding and hovercrafting across Northern Ireland during the action packed weekend. The exciting two-day event is perfect for families and groups of friends, with no previous experience necessary and all activities are either £10 per person or 50% off their normal price.
Activity:
Northern Ireland’s only tree top adventure course and Llama Trekking at Jungle NI in Magherafelt. www.thejungleni.com t: 028 867 48881
More information: Jacqueline’s trip was organised courtesy of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Outdoor NI. A full list of Adventureland activities and an online booking system is available at www.discovernorthernireland.com/adventure
Huge thanks to Rob and the team at Jungle NI for their hospitality!
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (March 18 – 24). For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland
St Patrick’s Day Parade, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 18. A colourful display of creative talent will be on show as the St Patrick’s Day Parade makes its way through Omagh town centre for an exciting multi-cultural carnival atmosphere.
Dickens at the Ulster Hall, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, March 19. Director Sam McCready recreates an afternoon when the great novelist, Charles Dickens, meets an appreciative Ulster audience in the newly-opened Ulster Hall, sharing amusing observations on Belfast and its people, interwoven with extracts from his best-known novels and moving stories from a tumultuous life.
Music Skills NI, North West Regional College, Co. Londonderry, March 20 – 21. During this two day event, students will compete in categories including live performances, live electronics, DJing, sound design and song-writing. Make sure you come along to see the recording and performing artists of the future.
Belfast 400, various locations, Belfast, various dates. In 2013, Belfast is marking the 400th anniversary of the 1613 charter which granted Belfast its town status. To celebrate the city council will be marking this significant anniversary with a number of events and initiatives.
Opera NI presents The Bear, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, March 21. Death, infidelity, a duel and passionate love – William Walton’s ‘extravaganza in one act’ has it all in the tale of Madame Popova, an attractive young widow, and Smirnov, one of her late husband’s creditors. A witty and heart-warming story.
Grease & Dirty Dancing Show, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, March 21. Performed by leading singers and dancers from London’s West End and supported by a sensational live band this production will bring you all the songs from these two hit movies.
Blood Brothers, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, March 22. The story of fraternal twins who were separated at birth because their mother decided to have one of them adopted. Their different backgrounds take them to opposite ends of the social spectrum, one becoming an Oxbridge-graduated councillor and the other unemployed and in prison. The play looks at the differences and conflicts of their upbringing, their relationships with one another and with their real and adopted mothers as well as the girl they both ultimately fall in love with.
Chocolate Making Workshop, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, March 23. Aunt Sandra’s Chocolate Factory returns for another messy, chocola-tastic event. Learn how to make chocolate pizzas all under the guidance of Belfast’s very own Willie Wonka, Uncle Jim.
Rocky Roadshow, Ulster Museum, Belfast, March 23 – 24. Join Dr Mike Simms to find out more about rocks, fossils and minerals at this free event and take part in lots of fun activities about earthquakes, volcanoes and making fossils.
Baby Rave – Big Beats for your Baby, Warrenpoint Town Hall, Co. Down, March 28. Baby Rave is a unique dance and music event for children under 4 years old and their parents. Boogie with your baby to specially selected music in an ambient ‘club’ environment which will be dressed up with soft materials and sensory toys.
The boys will now bring their new tour to the Millennium Forum on Tues 9th & Wed 10th April. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. The tour has been a phenomenal success with some theatres already sold out four months before launch and fans clamouring for the show to come to their home towns!
