Author: whatsonni

Get ready for a weekend of creativity, heritage, and hands-on fun as the Spinning Yarns Festival returns to Mossley Mill on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, 10am to 5pm.

Hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, this two-day celebration brings the timeless beauty of wool and linen to life through craft, storytelling, and community spirit.

Mossley Mill will be transformed into a hive of activity featuring a bustling craft marketplace filled with unique stalls and artisan creations, friendly alpacas and free children’s entertainment. Watch traditional techniques come to life with demonstrations from the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers, as well as bobbin lace making.

Whether you’re an experienced textile artist, a curious beginner, or simply looking for a fun and colourful family day out, Spinning Yarns has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the creative world of textile arts through a variety of hands-on workshops (available at an additional cost), including Upcycling Denim, Visible Mending, and Tunisian Crochet, perfect for picking up new techniques and crafting your own unique handmade pieces.

Following the debut of her stunning Causeway pattern at last year’s event, renowned crochet designer Eleonora Tully returns as this year’s keynote speaker to celebrate 10 years of Coastal Crochet. You don’t need to be an expert, Eleonora’s talk promises inspiration for all. She’ll unravel the mysteries of crochet, share insights into her design process, and offer practical tips and tricks to boost your crochet confidence.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Leah Kirkpatrick, invites everyone to take part in the festivities: “Spinning Yarns is a vibrant celebration of our Borough’s rich textile heritage and creative spirit. It’s a joy to see Mossley Mill come alive with colour, craft, and community each year. The festival has grown from strength to strength, becoming a much anticipated highlight in our cultural calendar. Whether you’re here to learn a new skill, connect with local makers, or simply enjoy a unique family day out, this event offers something truly special for everyone.”

Tickets are just £7 for adults, £5 for concessions, and free for children under 16. Weekend tickets are available for £11.50.

Visitors may also indulge in a relaxing Spinning Yarns Afternoon Tea in Yarn’s Kitchen by Manns, served Saturday 6 September from 12 noon to 2pm (booking is required).

For more details and to book tickets, visit spinningyarnsfestival.com

Candlelight®, the live concert series that reimagines classical music, returns to Derry with new dates from October.  The multisensory experience continues at St Columb’s Cathedral, creating an intimate atmosphere that has already captivated millions of people in over 150 cities around the world.

Candlelight®, the series of live concerts presented by Fever and designed to democratize access to classical music, returns to Derry with new dates. Starting in October, St Columb’s Cathedral will be transformed into an intimate setting illuminated by thousands of candles to host the first series of performances, kicking off with tributes to ABBA and Coldplay.

Already enjoyed by millions across more than 150 cities worldwide, including London, Paris, and Madrid, Candlelight brings classical music to life in extraordinary spaces beyond traditional concert halls. In Derry, St Columb’s Cathedral offers an ideal atmosphere for this unique experience, where the connection between performers and audience is heightened by the warm, flickering glow of candlelight.

Candlelight collaborates with talented local musicians who share the belief that classical music can resonate with a broader audience. This innovative format offers a unique musical experience through a diverse selection of programs designed to cater all tastes. Candlelight appeals to a wide range of attendees, including those who might never have considered attending a classical music concert. In an intimate candlelit setting, audiences can immerse themselves in the timeless masterpieces of composers like Vivaldi, Mozart, and Chopin, while also experiencing fresh, reimagined interpretations of popular hits from artists such as Queen, ABBA, Coldplay, and Ed Sheeran.

Complete programing in Derry: 

Candlelight: A Tribute to ABBA
Venue: St Columb’s Cathedral
Dates and times: 11 Oct 19:00
From: £15.00
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/127813

Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay
Venue: St Columb’s Cathedral
Dates and times: 11 Oct 21:00
From: £15.00
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/123987

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and The Beatles
Venue: St Columb’s Cathedral
Dates and times: 15 Nov 19:00
From: £20.00
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/395003

Candlelight: Hans Zimmer’s Best Works
Venue: St Columb’s Cathedral
Dates and times: 15 Nov 21:00
From: £15.00
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/127793

Candlelight Christmas: Love Actually, Home Alone & More
Venue: St Columb’s Cathedral
Dates and times: 20 Dec 19:00, 21:00
From: £20.00
Tickets can be purchased at: https://feverup.com/m/142493

For more information about Candlelight, access candlelightexperience.com

Bangor will once again become a hub for books, ideas and inspiration this autumn as Aspects Festival returns for its 34th year.

Running from Wednesday 24 September to Sunday 5 October 2025, Northern Ireland’s longest-running literature festival promises an unmissable line-up of acclaimed writers, live events and creative experiences. From author events to intimate workshops, music and art, this year’s festival offers something for everyone who loves a good story.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects welcomes visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, celebrating Irish writing in all its forms.

This year’s programme is packed with events for all tastes – from poetry and nature writing to creative workshops, discussions, live music and podcast storytelling. Audiences can also enjoy in-conversation evenings with Eamon Carr, Seán Farrell and Glenn Patterson, explore Bangor Abbey Graveyard tours and discover the work of emerging and established writers.

Among the programme highlights:

• Dara McAnulty at Clandeboye – Award-winning naturalist and writer Dara McAnulty launches his new book, A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night, in the stunning surroundings of Clandeboye Estate. Dara will also join internationally acclaimed Bangor-based pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett for an intimate evening weaving together words, music and nature at Studio 1A.
• David Trimble: Peacemaker – A special evening at Bangor Abbey, where author Stephen Walker will discuss his new book with former MP Lady Hermon, offering revealing insights into the life and legacy of the political leader.
• Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence – Beloved actress and bestselling author Carol Drinkwater joins Aspects at Bangor Castle to discuss her new novel, a tale of betrayal, belonging, and unexpected love set on a sun-drenched vineyard in the south of France.
• Remembering Michael Longley – This year, Aspects honours the late, legendary poet with two special events. A dedicated evening at Bangor Castle, will bring together his friends and fellow writers to share memories and readings, celebrating his life and work. A special exhibition by artist Pauline Little, inspired by Longley’s poems, will run in Bangor Carnegie Library throughout September.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
“Aspects Festival brings people together – readers, writers and anyone with a love of stories, to share in the joy of words and ideas. I’d encourage everyone, whether you’re a lifelong book lover or new to the festival, to come along and experience it for yourself.”

Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director, added:
“Aspects Festival has always been about connection – sparking conversations, celebrating voices from near and far, and creating space for audiences to explore new ideas. This year’s programme captures that spirit more than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Bangor this September.”

Aspects Festival runs from 24 September to 5 October 2025 at venues across Bangor. The full line-up and tickets are available at: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

Dust off your cowboy boots, channel your inner Dolly, and get ready to sing along—it’s time to take care of business with Ulster Operatic Company at Grand Opera House Belfast in Dolly Parton’s smash-hit show, 9 to 5 the Musical running  7–11 October 2025.

From the multi-award-winning team that brought you West Side Story, Evita, and Legally Blonde, this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is bursting with energy, sass, and unforgettable songs. Based on the iconic movie, 9 to 5 follows three office workers who decide they’ve had enough of their sexist, egotistical boss—and hatch a plan to take control of their workplace and their lives.

It’s a feel-good story of friendship, empowerment, and fighting the system—with a whole lot of Dolly sparkle thrown in. Featuring original music and lyrics by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, including Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun, and the legendary title track 9 to 5, this toe-tapping show is not to be missed.

For tickets visit 9 to 5 The Musical | Grand Opera House

In a major first for railway preservation in Ireland, the Downpatrick & County Down Railway in partnership with the Irish Traction Group unveiled a major milestone on Saturday 23rd August, as former Córas Iompair Éireann and Irish Rail diesel locomotive No. 124 hauled its first passenger trains in preservation at the DCDR’s 40th Anniversary Gala event.

Built in 1961 by General Motors in La Grange, Illinois, the 121 Class were the first American-built locomotives to operate in Ireland, transforming CIE’s fleet with their reliability and distinctive styling, looking more like Amtrak switchers (shunting locos) with their distinctive huge cab, with little to compare them to anywhere in Ireland or the UK. Withdrawn in the mid-2000s, most were scrapped, and for years many doubted 124 would ever run again. No. 124 had been placed in long-term storage at Moyasta, County Clare since 2008, only moving to Downpatrick in June 2025. After just two months of intensive restoration, it returned to service in time for the gala, making a surprise debut to an enthusiastic but unsuspecting crowd of visitors and photographers.

The day itself began with cab rides in G-Class locomotive G617, and run-pasts featuring the railway’s fleet, including the recently restored Wickham Railcar No. 713 and 450 Class Railcar No. 458. However, the biggest cheer of the afternoon came when 124 appeared for the first time, surprising everyone as it rounded the corner with a fully loaded ballast train. Later in the day, the locomotive made history by hauling the first passenger trains operated by a 121 Class locomotive since their withdrawal from mainline service. This special trip to Inch Abbey, using the DCDR’s vintage Edwardian carriages, was packed with enthusiasts eager to be part of the occasion.

The event was further enhanced with heritage buses on display outside the station from Ards Bus Preservation and Irish Transport Heritage, while Táilte Tours provided a connecting coach link from Dublin, underlining the all-Ireland interest in the gala.

Irish Traction Group committee member, Mike Beckett, praised the team effort that brought the locomotive back to life: “A huge thanks has to go to all our supporters and especially Downpatrick & County Down Railway and its volunteers for all the work that went on behind the scenes to make the diesel gala event on 23rd August such a major success.

“Our relationship with DCDR has been ongoing for many years, and we have always been grateful for their support with our diesel locomotive fleet based here.”

He continues, “Following the arrival of 124 in early June, Downpatrick-based volunteers really pulled out all the stops to try to get 124 into service for this diesel gala event. Every spare minute was spent repairing electrics, air systems, coolant systems and testing every operational aspect of the locomotive. The final hurdle was getting the all important paperwork completed, and risk assessments written, and agreement from the railway regulator in Northern Ireland, the Railway Safety Authority at Stormont.”

“Thanks to the hard work of ITG & DCDR volunteers, including burning the midnight oil for some last minute faults, it is hard to describe the appearance of 124 at the gala as anything other than triumphant, operating the first 121-class hauled trains in preservation anywhere in Ireland. The crowd were expecting a different locomotive, but we somehow managed to keep this secret until the train started rolling down the line, and jaws were dropping and looks of disbelief and amazement broke out as we powered past the spectators. It’s a real win for ITG and DCDR, and a testament to the skills and perseverance of the volunteers from both groups.”

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, added, “We are proud to host 124 and to work with the Irish Traction Group on this achievement. This gala not only celebrated our 40th Anniversary, but also demonstrated our comeback from the devastating floods of 2023 – as well as the importance of cross-border cooperation in preserving Ireland’s transport heritage.”

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is pleased to welcome two new art exhibitions to its Georgian and Sunburst Galleries: The Human Condition a solo exhibition by Leah Davis and Linen Landscapes, a solo exhibition of work by Zoë Gibson.

In The Human Condition visual artist Leah Davis explores the intricate relationship between the human figure and its surrounding space through a dynamic interplay of painting and drawing.

This exhibition reflects Davis’s evolving investigation into the complexities of the human experience, with works that examine how the body interacts with negative space to express emotional depth and shared vulnerability.

Featuring a range of scales and mixed media, the exhibition embraces both intimacy and expansiveness, inviting viewers into an immersive dialogue.

In response to the 2025 Linen Biennale theme Regroup and React emerging Bangor-based artist, Zoë Gibson, presents linen landscape embroideries focusing on the ecologies which we often take for granted. Through craft and creativity, the landscapes are reimagined on a linen canvas to encourage the viewer to visually connect with the intricacies of the individual flax fibers and explore a landscape which they may have only ventured on foot.

Challenging familiarity, this personal journey explores how landscapes sit within their wider context, hoping to provoke viewers to reconnect with these places within Ards and North Down, Ireland and Great Britain.

Both exhibitions will open on Thursday 4 September and continue until Saturday 27 September. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend a Preview Event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 4 September at 7pm.

The event will also include an informal artist’s talk by Leah Davis before the preview of her exhibition (at 6.30pm), The Human Condition, giving further insight to her work and inspirations. Both events require pre-booking.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Newcastle is preparing to welcome visitors for the free Eats & Beats Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. With two music stages, a wide range of local food vendors and a host of family-friendly activities, the weekend promises a vibrant mix of live music, local flavours and fun for all ages.

Festival goers can begin their culinary journey at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, where the finest local produce will be on display. Here, visitors can sample and purchase tasty treats while enjoying cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Melissa McCabe, Great British Menu NI Winner 2024 and Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, alongside local favourites such as Jonny Murphy – The Hungry Hooker.

For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.

Alongside the cookery demonstrations, the Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase fresh breads and home-baked delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Mourne Food Adventures and Counter Culture Real Bread, while Raymie’s Seafood Bar & Grill, The Whistledown Hotel, and the Montalto Estate will inspire visitors with signature dishes. Complementing the food offerings, Killowen Distillery and the Avoca Hotel will present craft drinks and cocktails, making the pavilion a true celebration of local tastes.

Adding an interactive element in the pavilion, the Meet the Producers sessions will allow visitors to learn directly from NearyNógs, Counter Culture Real Bread, Killowen Distillery, Castlescreen Farm, and Whitewater Brewery, who will share recipes, cooking tips and sustainable food ideas, providing insight into the region’s thriving food scene.

Families are also well catered for with the Curious Minds experiences in Donard Park, as well as Castle Park activities including The Mourne Eye, Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.

This year, Sensory Sessions will take place at the ADHD Hub Coffee Shop & Info Point, 2 Savoy Lane. From 9.30am – 2pm each day, a gentler festival experience can be enjoyed with quieter music, fewer crowds and no queues for visitors with sensory or access needs.

In the week leading up to the festival, visitors can also savour the flavours of Newcastle during Restaurant Week from 1 – 7 September, with exclusive offers served daily from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm. Local eateries, set between the sea and the stunning Mourne Mountains, will highlight the best of regional produce, perfectly setting the stage for the festival weekend.

Beyond the main festival, Newcastle’s fringe events provide additional experiences, from live performances and food tastings to artistic displays throughout the town. Whether indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the lively atmosphere, On the Fringe adds an extra spark to the Eats & Beats experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is renowned for its award-winning food, drinks and music. The Eats & Beats Festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious local dishes, live performances and family-friendly fun.”

Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, “This year’s festival also includes fringe events and unique experiences offered by local businesses, bringing Newcastle to life for all ages. Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival, is an integral part of this year’s celebrations and encourages visitors to stay longer.”

” Together, these events enhance our tourism offering, creating unique opportunities to connect with the local community, celebrate Newcastle’s vibrant culture and make lasting memories. From savouring delicious local food to enjoying live music or a fun-filled family weekend, the Eats & Beats Festival is the perfect way to experience everything this beautiful town has to offer.”

For those attending, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on Carrigs Road, Newcastle BT33 0JZ, where free parking will be available. The Park and Ride route will be clearly signposted and open to all festivalgoers. The service will be available on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, operating from 9.30am to 7.30pm each day. Toilets, Changing Places and Accessible facilities will also be located at the site.