Author: whatsonni

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Autumn Programme has just been released! The exciting schedule of music, events, exhibitions, classes and workshops, covers the September to December period and will be available online to explore and for bookings on Wednesday 30 August.

Highlights from the Autumn Programme include Aspects Festival which is happening from 27 September – 7 October in Bangor and presents another fantastic programme celebrating Irish writing. Renowned for showcasing well-known authors as well as local and emerging talent, the Festival offers an array events exploring memoir, politics, history and poetry as well as new writing, workshops, discussions and more.

The Enchanted House of Puppetry makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre on 29 and 30 October, where lots of friendly puppets will ensure everyone has a truly magical experience. Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the event will feature shows by Banyan and Clydebuilt Theatre and the Garlic Theatre Company with Snug and Grub Catch a Bug and The Bag That Went Boo! Fun for all the family!

Ards Arts Centre is delighted to welcome back the Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre for the first time since 2019. On Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, visitors can enjoy a unique shopping experience as Creative Peninsula Artists and Makers showcase and sell their artwork. The perfect place to find that special Christmas gift.

For those who prefer a more hands on approach or would like to learn a new skill, Ards Arts Centre has a full programme of creative classes where you can try something new and create your own unique art and craft.

Music lovers can look forward to the return of the Music in the Chamber series of events at Bangor Castle and the popular Friday Night Live events at Ards Arts Centre.

North Down Museum have lots of intriguing exhibitions happening over the Autumn period, including a ‘Strangford Horse and Other Tales’ a collection of paintings by artist Xander which will be showing in the museum’s Long Gallery from 3 October to 19 November.

The Museum is also delighted to welcome back the Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop. From 22 November to 7 January, the Museum’s galleries will be filled with beautiful hand-made products from local artists and makers, available for visitors to browse and purchase.

Speaking about the Guide, Arts and Heritage Manager Emily Crawford said: “We have a jam-packed programme for you this autumn/winter with lots of live music, exhibitions, festival events and seasonal activity to get you into the festive spirit. If a hands-on approach is what you’re after we have a brand-new term of creative classes and workshops to encourage your creativity. We look forward to welcoming you to Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum soon.”

View the full Autumn programme and book tickets at: www.andculture.org.uk

Printed copies of the Autumn Arts and Heritage guide are available from Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum.

Newcastle has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic weekend at the Eats and Beats free food and music festival on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September.

With two music stages, local and Northern Irish food producers, and an abundance of food vendors, it will be jam-packed with live music and a world of cuisine.

Festival goers can enjoy delicious fare and drinks at the Producers Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over 20 local and Northern Irish artisan food producers to sample from and buy.

Music lovers can then dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days.

There will be a wonderful line-up of cookery demonstrations dishing up a delicious serving of tasty treats over the festival weekend. Visitors can enjoy a delightful local menu selection from the likes of award-winning chef Paul Cunningham of Scopers and Mourne Larder fame.

Killeavy Castle Estate, Mourne Food Adventures and Castlescreen Farm will also be on hand to inspire us with their culinary creations. For those who enjoy a tipple or two the Cocktail Demo from Avoca Hotel will be right up your street. Or whet your appetite with some local craft beers, gin, and whiskey from the likes of Whitewater Brewery, Killowen Distillery and Two Stacks Irish Whiskey. And the Food Village has over 30 food vendors offering local and world cuisine, all supported by a sustainability teepee.

Visitors will be entertained by an incredible array of performances offering an eclectic mix of styles and genres that is sure to create a big festival vibe across the seaside town. Live music at the Homegrown stage in Donard Park starts each day from 11am — be sure to check the various artists set times at: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats-festival-newcastle

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valerie Harte said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is becoming well known for its quality food and drink and it has long had a strong track record for producing talented and successful musicians. The Eats and Beats festival will be an excellent opportunity to sample our award-winning food, great drinks, chart-topping music, but above all else, a fantastic time with friends and family.”

Councillor Harte continued, “We are especially proud this year that the landscape underpinning our Giant Adventures is part of the recently designated Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Geopark. All roads lead to Newcastle on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 September as the Eats and Beats festival finishes off the Council’s summer events programme on a high.”

Jonathon Lavery, Sales Manager at Lexus Belfast, said, “Lexus Belfast is delighted to be sponsoring the Producers Pavilion at the 2023 Eats and Beats Festival. As a brand, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and striving towards a sustainable future. Our aim is to help design the future by delivering Lexus Electrified vehicles and we are glad to be partnering up with the Eats and Beats Festival, who have sustainability and supporting local businesses at the forefront of the event.”

On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will be hosted by QRadio presenter, comedian and DJ Ryan Hand.  The festival weekend will see incredible music from the likes of The Answer, Ryan McMullan, Lemonade Shoelace, Ria Maguire, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is sure to add to the festival atmosphere.

Anyone looking for something different will find it at the World Stage in Donard Park, hosted by Ripton Lindsay. Here you can lose yourself in the vibes of Basork – Balkan Alien Sound and the unmissable sounds of the Streetwise Circus Samba Band. The Reverend Doc & The Flying Squad and Mirenda Rosenberg will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

For visitors travelling to Newcastle, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on the A50 Castlewellan Road on both days.  Public toilets and Accessoloo will be located across the site.

Stay tuned to the Visit Mourne Social Media pages where the full festival line-up, carparking and other important festival information will be available throughout the weekend. Further information on where to stay, eat, and things to do during your stay can be found at visitmournemountains.co.uk.

The two largest Irish sculptures to ever come to the art market are currently on display at international art and sculpture fair, Art and Soul at the Culloden Estate & Spa.

Larger than Life, from Patrick O’Reilly’s bear series, stands at an impressive 4m and is the largest single bronze sculpture by an Irish artist.

It is joined by Wind and Sea by Paddy Campbell, which reaches 4.3m. The pieces have a combined value of almost £800,000 and weigh around 2 tonnes each.

Art and Soul, curated by Gormleys, is the largest ever sculpture exhibition to take place on the island of Ireland and runs until September 10.

The free event will feature a major outdoor exhibition of 80 large sculptures and installations set throughout 12 acres of landscaped grounds.

More than 280 works by international artists alongside a host of artists from Northern Ireland including Stephen Johnston, Jane Rainey, Stephen Forbes and Ian Cumberland and leading Irish sculptors Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Bob Quinn, Sandra Bell, Eamonn Ceannt, John Fitzgerald, Anthony Scott and Orla De Brí, are on display.

It also includes exhibitions by renowned Irish artists Martin Mooney, Maser, Peter Monaghan, Gordon Harris and Stephen Forbes.

The hotel’s interior is displaying 100 artworks by some of the world’s best-known artists, including Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Robert Indiana, Damien Hirst, Salvador Dali and Banksy.

“We are delighted to return this fair to the Culloden, where it first began,” said Oliver Gormley of Gormleys.

“It gives art lovers a unique opportunity to view these incredible works in the beautiful surroundings of the estate.”

All works will be for sale, with prices ranging from £1,000 to £425,000. Art and Soul 2023 will mark ten years of Gormleys events at the five-star Culloden.

“We have been hosting this internationally acclaimed event for over a decade, in partnership with Gormleys Fine Art, and are delighted to once again exhibit some of the most impressive pieces from world-renowned artists – as well as a host of local talent,” said Howard Hastings, chairman of Hastings Hotels.

“This edition of Art and Soul is a true exhibition of brilliance with works by celebrated artists.

Once again, we are supporting local artists across Northern Ireland too – and I’m proud to shine a light on the talent we have right on our doorstep, enabling them to share centre stage with some of the world’s most celebrated artists.”

To celebrate the event, the Culloden Estate and Spa is offering deals on breaks and dining, including an Art and Soul ‘Sip and See’ package from £390 per night for two, including accommodation, breakfast, champagne and canapés in the Bollinger champagne garden.

An afternoon tea among the artwork, Fancies with Fine Art, and an Art and Soul tasting menu in the Culloden’s fine dining restaurant Vespers are also offered by the five star estate.

During the event, there will be a programme of artists’ talks and daily guided tours.

Art and Soul is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will be open to the public daily from 11am–7pm.

More information and accommodation offers can be found at www.cullodenestateandspa.com/art-and-soul

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is kicking off its Autumn ’23 season with a superb range of entertainment, including two very different musical performances.

‘Here Come The Girls’ will feature eleven amazing diva tributes in one great show! Celebrating some of the finest female artists of all time, and featuring Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Blondie, Katy Perry, Adele, Abba and Bananarama!

All of your favourite songs from your favourite female artists spanning five decades, in one spectacular, fun, fast paced, energetic show! ‘Here Come The Girls’ will be staged on Friday 8 September. Tickets are priced £22.50 each.

On the same evening, trio TRÚ will take to the stage. TRÚ draw their inspiration from the mythological trio of poet-musicians who were revered throughout the Celtic world. Michael Mormecha [percussion/vox], Zachary Trouton [guitars/vox] and Dónal Kearney [flute/vox] come from different musical backgrounds.

The three are children of the Peace Agreement in post-conflict Northern Ireland. From their British-Ukrainian, Ulster-Scots and Irish heritage, they have inherited an unusual and fruitful ethos based on respect and exploration.

Despite their individuality and an eclectic repertoire of influences from Clannad to Nine Inch Nails via Joni Mitchell and The Beatles, the trio’s collective chemistry is enchanting audiences with powerful storytelling and noteworthy songcraft.

These are stories told with a contemporary voice. There is nothing traditional about TRÚ except the songs themselves. Tickets for TRÚ can be booked for £15 each at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Belmore Court and Motel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Situated just a short walk from the town centre, this is a perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of the area or delving into its rich history. You are surrounded by beautiful lakes and remarkable parkland golf courses with the chance to visit the stunning Enniskillen Castle and breathtaking Marble Arch Caves. So why not enjoy the perfect blend of relaxation and comfort? “The Sleepy Sunday” offer gives the option of a double bed and breakfast for one evening with a late checkout from £84pps. A two-course evening meal can be enjoyed at one of three nearby restaurants including the WV Bar, The Firehouse or Crowe’s Nest. This is the ultimate way to kick-start a new week.  Visit https://www.motel.co.uk/about-belmore-court-motel for more information.

Blackwell House, Scarva, Banbridge, County Down

Enjoy the ultimate relaxation and destress with this offer, available 30th August – 3rd September. You can enjoy a fabulous two-night dining retreat, perfect for those occasions when one night simply isn’t long enough! Guests can enjoy a relaxing stay in an individually designed luxury guest bedroom with comfortable super king-sized beds. Wake up to an award-winning breakfast each morning and indulge in a five-course taster menu on one evening of your choice, cooked with local produce. Designed to offer an authentic spa experience with a hot tub and sauna, this stay at Blackwell House is not to be missed. The Blue room and the Charleston Room are £425.00 per room for two nights. Visit https://blackwellhouse.co.uk for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival will make a welcome return this autumn to celebrate the food, drink and local heritage of the area.

The village will host the festival on the weekend of 6^th – 8^th October, with lots to look forward to from a variety of fantastic food demonstrations, entertainment, live music, fishing activities and outdoor fun for children to enjoy. Foodies will be able to indulge locally produced food and drink, with a focus on salmon and whiskey.

Visitors will enjoy the local warm hospitality of the village at both the Bushmills Distillery and the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market. The distillery will be open during the festival weekend, while the market will offer the opportunity to meet the makers behind the local produce, purchase unique handmade crafts and more.

Many independent businesses are involved to help make the festival a success, as well as involvement from local chefs, including Gary Stewart from Tartine at The Distillers Arms, who is an integral part of the weekend. Celebrity chef Paula McIntrye will be attending over the weekend and will be hosting several cookery demonstrations.

The festival is part funded by DAERA – NI Regional Food Programme, supported by the Bushmills Business Association.

Friday, October 6

A unique Coast & Countryside tour will be available throughout the day, exploring the bespoke offering Bushmills has to offer. This will be guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher (pre-booking required via causewaycoastfoodietours.com).

The highlight of Friday evening is the Bushmills ‘Dine around Town’, a unique food and drink experience created to indulge visitors with bespoke menus using the finest quality local produce. Musical performances in select venues will set the mood to kick-off the festival weekend. This is a ticketed event with limited places. More details on how to book will be announced later.

Saturday, October 7

Enjoy wandering around Bushmills and guide yourself through the Taste Trail, taking in the smells and flavours on offer. The many great restaurants and cafes in the village welcome you to try a variety of fresh local dishes embracing locally sourced ingredients, especially Salmon and/or Whiskey. Bushmills Distillery will be open during the weekend and hosting tours. The Visitor Information Centre will host a taste showcase of products from local artisan producers. Various establishments will also host music and entertainment into the evening.

Sunday, October 8

The Outdoor (STREAT) programme will consist of Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls, Bushmills Distillery whiskey tastings and tours, cookery demonstrations with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre and various talented local chefs, musical acts, and entertainers. There will also be a quiet time session for children with additional needs.

Main Street carpark will host an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations and the ‘Whiskey Hub’, a brand-new experience for the Whiskey enthusiast. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience the fine whiskeys on offer in Northern Ireland.

With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to be missed!

DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is unable to open up the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past.