Author: whatsonni

Bluegrass Omagh makes a welcome return to the Ulster American Folk Park this year, from Saturday 27th until Monday 29th May.

The annual festival will bring together the finest bluegrass bands from around the corner and across the seas, as well as wholesome food, and fun activities for the whole family. 

Over the last three decades, Bluegrass Omagh has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America and has left an indelible mark on the Ulster American Folk Park, a museum which tells the story of Irish emigration to America. The festival is one of the major highlights of their annual events calendar, attracting musicians, enthusiasts, and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s line-up includes North American headliners Zoe & Cloyd, The Honeydew Drops, and Viper Central – groups that highlight the next generation of women in Bluegrass. They will be joined by local, homegrown talent including Eilidh Patterson, Woodbine and Knotty Pine String Band. Throughout the weekend, audiences can also watch talent from near and far pick ‘n bow ‘n strum ‘n sing at the Geordie McAdam Open Mic Sessions – in memory of one of the finest old-time fiddlers ever produced here at home. On Saturday 27th May Bluegrass enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear from the best in the industry at The McConversations – an informal Q&A with one of the genre’s finest exponents, Niall Toner. Niall is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading experts on Bluegrass and American Country Music and will delve into his years of experience on the musical road, with a song or two thrown in for good measure.

Tickets for the festival are available to book at ulsteramericanfolkpark.org, with a range of options from day tickets and family tickets to weekend passes. Weekend tickets also include entry to the Bluegrass Family Day on Monday 29th May.

So, whether it’s a day out with the family or an easy-going long weekend, start your Summer off with Bluegrass Omagh 2023 and enjoy a toe-tappin’, knee-clappin’, finger-pickin’ bluegrass weekend to remember!

Visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org to get your tickets.

An outstanding International entry has been confirmed for the tenth anniversary edition of City of Derry International Choir Festival. Between 18-22 October 2023, choirs from around the world will travel to the city to compete for the Festival’s International prize, and to bring their song to local communities throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

On Saturday 21 October choirs from Norway, Latvia, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland will perform for an international panel of adjudicators in Derry’s Guildhall, as they compete for the Oak Tree of Derry trophy, the Festival’s top International prize. The competing choirs can also be heard at the Festival’s Closing Gala in the Millenium Forum on Sunday 22nd. Tickets will be on sale for both events in the summer.

Derry Choir Festival has only grown in stature since the International prize was first awarded in 2013, and is now a major attraction on the global circuit for the world’s top competitive choirs. The Festival offers a unique experience for singers, due to the prestige of the competition and the vibrant life and beauty of the city. Previous winners of the Oak Tree of Derry trophy have travelled from Estonia, Slovenia, Wales and Indonesia.

The visiting choirs will also be singing in a programme of free community events throughout Festival week, as they take their songs out into the city. The Festival’s busy schedule of community concerts and pop-up choral trail performances attract local audiences in their thousands each year, bringing visiting groups and local choirs together to perform throughout Derry City and the neighbouring towns of Strabane, Buncrana, Muff and Eglinton. In 2023 visiting non-competitive choirs from the Netherlands and students from the University of Monterrey and the Beckman Foundation in Mexico, will join the International competitors to take part in this community programme.

Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, said “There is already a sense of something special about this year’s 10th Anniversary celebrations of this great festival. It’s wonderful to look back on the fantastic programme of events in the City of Culture year of 2013, but it’s even more exciting to look forward to what we’ve planned for October 2023, to recognise how the city has developed over the past ten years and to celebrate that progress with thousands of singers from near and far. Keep an eye out for all the programme announcements over the coming months – you won’t want to miss a bar!”

For information on how to take part, or to sign up to the Festival’s newsletter for ticket announcements, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG: @derrychoirfest or Twitter: @derrychoirfest

JAZZY GIN EVENTS LAUNCHED

‘The events will bring music and distilling together in County Antrim’

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Lough Neagh Partnership are hosting two special Jazzy Gin events in County Antrim in May.

These new events will offer gin and music lovers a unique opportunity to experience live music and sample gin varieties at The White House, Newtownabbey, on Saturday, May 13 and Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday, May 27.

The first Jazzy Gin event will take place on May 13 at The White House, Newtownabbey — a 400-year-old fortified house resting on the shore of Belfast Lough. It has witnessed many historical events from its position; from the sailing of the ships carrying King William’s armies to the Titanic sailing on her maiden voyage. Recently restored, the once-crumbling ruins of the White House are now a beautiful multipurpose space.

In fact, some sources claim it was King William of Orange who brought Gin to the United Kingdom upon his arrival from Holland!

Meanwhile, the 17th-century Antrim Castle Gardens, that tell of centuries of heritage, will be the backdrop to the second Jazzy Gin event on May 27.

Speaking about the events, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: “We are excited to be hosting these first Jazzy Gin events in the Borough in May. Events like this play a unique role in attracting visitors to the area while unveiling some of its tourism treasures and the talent of local businesses.

“Gin has been an increasingly popular tipple for many people over the past two decades and we believe when you pair gin with jazz music and the backdrop of some of our most impressive historical landmarks, magical memories for those attending can certainly be made while creating a positive impact on the local economy.”

Tickets are on sale now from www.jazzygin.com with a special early bird rate of £40 available for a limited time.

Please drink responsibly. Over 18’s only.

The enchanting and iconic bluebell wood is a breath-taking sight.

The Woodland Trust cares for more than 50 native woods in Northern Ireland, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies.

Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise. Bluebells hit their peak at different times across the UK and Ireland, and it can take until mid-May before woods in Northern Ireland are at their peak.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to the charity’s numerous sites throughout the region so everyone can have the chance to enjoy the spectacular spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland. The conservation charity’s top picks to visit this year include: Mourne Park in Kilkeel, Drumnaph Wood in Maghera and Prehen Wood in Derry/ Londonderry.

Mourne Park

With 156 hectares of woodland and 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland, Mourne Park is flourishing with multitudes of vibrant bluebells. The Woodland Trust even named one of its new trails ‘The Bluebell Walk’, a 1.8km amble through ancient woodland past a dense carpet of bluebells.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mournepark

Drumnaph Wood

One of the finest bluebell woods in Northern Ireland is Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, at the gateway to the Sperrins. This beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy an abundance of bluebells in the flower-rich woods and try spotting Irish hares in the rushy meadows.

Drumnaph Woods – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Prehen Wood

This rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk, long-eared owl and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City, and the River Foyle.

Prehen Wood – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Estate and Project Manager Dave Scott said:

“Ancient woods carpeted with bluebells are without doubt a sensory delight for people to visit. Our native bluebells are vital both ecologically and culturally and they are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.”

The Woodland Trust is asking visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads.

Dave continued: “It can be very tempting to stray from the path for that perfect photo or to get away from the crowds sometimes. But it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations because trampling by people and dogs can cause serious damage in seconds.”

The Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign encourages people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free.

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 602993 or email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Love Your Woods Love your woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust sites are free to enter and open all year round so come prepared for nature in its natural state. This means no toilets, cafés, bins, or cleaning staff – just unmissable views, clean air, birdsong, and woodland paths for you to wander along to your heart’s content. You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:

• Stay on the paths

• Take dog mess and litter home with you
• Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close
• Stay fire free
• Leave sleepovers to the wildlife
• Be considerate with den building
• Park with consideration for others
• Swimming is for wildlife only
• Woods are not good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
• Check access rules before cycling

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique, and irreplaceable

restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life

• establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.

Communities the length and breadth of Northern Ireland will come together this weekend to celebrate the Coronation with a series of Big Lunch events.

From Carrickfergus to Bangor, Enniskillen to Bushmills, communities are gathering to share food, friendship and fun with the Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by National Lottery.

Coronation Big Lunch events are taking place across Northern Ireland and include street parties, galas, public picnics, fancy dress parades and much more.

Grainne McCloskey, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, who are behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit is at the heart of this historic occasion, and we hope organisers will go on to make The Big Lunch an annual celebration of neighbourhood.

“With so many digging out the bunting, rustling up their favourite dishes and rallying the neighbours for a bit of craic, we’re sure it’s going to be a weekend to remember.”

Established in 2009, The Big Lunch takes place every year and encourages neighbours and communities to share food as a huge act of community spirit and this year neighbours can celebrate community with the Coronation Big Lunch and throughout Month of Community in June.

Research after last year’s Big Lunch evidenced more than eleven million people say they felt less lonely, 92% of organisers reported it had a positive impact on their community, and almost two thirds of people who took part said it encouraged people to get more involved in voluntary work. Since 2015, Big Lunch organisers have raised £70 million for good causes and the hope is more will be raised in 2023.

The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, forms part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend. The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.

For more information, to find an event taking place near you on the Coronation Big Lunch interactive map, or to register your own plans and download the special letter from the King and Queen, visit www.CoronationBigLunch.com

Nothing But Thieves 

Tickets on sale Friday 5^th May at 10am

New Album ‘DEAD CLUB CITY’ Released on 7^th July

Nothing But Thieves have announced a 10-date October and November UK and Ireland headline tour, which will follow the release of their fourth album ‘Dead Club City’ on 7^th July via RCA/Sony Music.

With a well-earned reputation for their energetic and impassioned performances, their live show is one not to be missed. Opening with two nights in Glasgow on the 31^st October and 1^st November, the tour sees the band perform a further 8 nights across the UK and Ireland, including two nights in Manchester, a headline show at London Wembley Arena and a date at The Telegraph Building Belfast on 17^th November.

The band have also been announced for this year’s Radio 1 Big Weekend in Dundee performing on Sunday May 28^th and are currently touring in Australia before embarking on a North American tour in September and October ahead of their UK and Ireland tour.

Nothing But Thieves toured their third album ‘Moral Panic’ in 2021 and 2022, selling over 110,000 tickets, including their biggest ever London headline show at O2 Arena and a 17,000-seat headline show at Amsterdam’s Ziggo Dome.

Nothing But Thieves made a statement return last month with lead single ‘Welcome to the DCC’, marking an innovative new chapter with their fourth record ‘Dead Club City’. ‘Welcome to the DCC’ is A-List on Radio 1 and Radio X and has also become the band’s biggest ever airplay track to date.

Through their forthcoming 11-track album, the band showcase their city-sized members only club ‘Dead Club City’. The album’s tracklist is formed by different characters and story arcs from in and around the city, and using the club as a focal point, it is easy to imagine the real-world meaning behind Dead Club City. Themes such as advertisement, unity, internet culture, the music industry, ageing and politics, as well as escapism and change are highlighted by the alienation or privilege of a members only club. The album is  available to pre-order now – welcome to ‘Dead Club City’ and the new era of Nothing But Thieves.

Tickets for their UK and Ireland tour are available for pre-sale from 10am on Tuesday 2^nd May and go on general sale at 10am on Friday 5^th May. Full dates are as follows:

October:

Tues 31^st – Glasgow – O2 Academy

November:

Weds 1^st – Glasgow – O2 Academy

Fri 3^rd – Bournemouth – International Centre

Sat 4^th – Manchester – O2 Apollo

Sun 5^th – Manchester – O2 Apollo

Tues 7^th – Swansea – Arena

Thurs 9^th – Birmingham – Resorts World Arena

Fri 10^th – London – OVO Arena Wembley

Fri 17^th – Belfast – The Telegraph Building

Mon 20^th – Dublin – 3Olympia Theatre

Nothing But Thieves are Conor Mason (vocals, guitars), Joe Langridge-Brown (guitars), Dominic Craik (guitars, keyboard), Philip Blake (bass guitar) and James Price (drums).

About Nothing But Thieves:

The past few years have been quite a ride for Southend five-piece Nothing But Thieves. Amassing over 1.2 million worldwide album sales, 2 billion worldwide streams and 250 million video views, they have built up a loyal and wide following for their impactful alt rock sound and achieved global success with multiple gold and platinum records around the world, including the UK, Australia, Russia, Netherlands, South Korea and Poland.

In 2020, they released their third album ‘Moral Panic’, which charted at #3 achieving over 320 million streams and saw support from the likes of BBC Radio 1, Virgin Radio and Radio X alongside winning Best Indie Act at Global Radio’s 2021 Awards. They followed this later that year with ‘Moral Panic II’, with both projects forming ‘Moral Panic (The Complete Edition)’ in 2021. ‘Moral Panic’ followed their 2018 EP ‘What Did You Think When You Made Me This Way’, their 2017 acclaimed album ‘Broken Machine’, which charted at #2 in the UK album chart, and their debut self-titled album ‘Nothing But Thieves’.

Website | Instagram | Youtube

Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is set to make a splash when it returns from May 26^th – June 4^th, with 10 days of exciting seafaring fun to look forward to.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is working with Ballycastle Community Development Group and Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry land and at sea, inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water between Rathlin Island and the mainland in Ballycastle.

Visitors can look forward to live music performances, dance displays, have-a- go activities, crafts, walks, talks, cookery demonstrations and lots of artisan produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, all of which celebrate the area’s rich local history, culture, music and food.

Wes Forsythe from Ulster University will be presenting the Madill Archive Project, which is focused on traditional boats from around the Ulster Coast and beyond. An archive of line drawings, photographs, interviews and reports donated to the University by Harry Madill, a retired engineer from Portstewart.

There will also be a demonstration of traditional coracle boat building by Valkyrie Crafts, exhibition of Old-Style Rope making by Traditional Rope Makers NI and Songs, Stories and Recitations of the Antrim Coast from Colin Urwin.

In addition, thanks to Causeway Coast Maritime Heritage Group, you’ll get to see traditional fishing boats like drontheims and currachs take to the water, including the Colmcille, one of the largest vessels of its type in Northern Ireland.

In other programme highlights, look out for the blessing of the boats, traditional rope making, maritime themed children’s crafts, colourful kite display, sand sculpture demonstration and a children’s sandcastle competition on Ballycastle Beach.

Looking ahead to the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said:

“Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is a celebration of Ballycastle and Rathlin Island’s shared nautical heritage and serves as a fantastic showcase of the area’s unrivalled tourism offering.

“This popular festival first began 10 years ago and has become one of highlights of our Borough’s events calendar, being enjoyed by thousands of visitors over the past decade.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the local community volunteers who play a central role in this festival’s ongoing success. I look forward to seeing you all there for some nautical-themed fun!”

The full programme will be published on the festival’s website soon so please visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com for the latest updates or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre by ringing 028 2076 2024.

Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts Service is pleased to release its latest Arts Guide, packed with creative opportunities and cultural highlights taking you right through Spring.

From April until June 2023, there is lots to look forward to with an exciting array of events, exhibitions, and workshops.

Headlining this season’s events at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is one of Ireland’s most revered ambassadors of music, Brian Kennedy, performing in the Danny Boy Auditorium on Saturday 3^rd June.

Award-winning multi-instrumentalist traditional Irish music group, Réalta will perform on Saturday 29^th April.  Réalta will showcase a world premiere of a new piece inspired by Limavady, commissioned by Live Music Now, a charity that uses the transformational power of live music in education, health, care and community settings across Northern Ireland.

Réalta is joined for this concert by guest singer and songwriter Myles McCormack, as well as young trad players from CCÉ Jimmy O’Hara (Roe Valley) and a collaboration with poet Anne McMaster.

The Northern Ireland Photography Association’s annual exhibition will be held in the galleries from 29^th April – 27^th May.  This exhibition features 87 images captured by camera club members from across Northern Ireland.

In May, there is an open call for local photographers of all levels to submit images of the beautiful Causeway Coast to be part of Coastal Connections, an exhibition which will be displayed in our Broighter Gallery as well as virtually on our website that will celebrate our unique coastline, in all its natural splendour.

Over the next three months, the ArtBeat Initiative will be reignited.  This initiative focuses on mindfulness and well-being through nature and creativity and there will be a series of outdoor workshops as we celebrate the brighter days, longer evenings and the stunning environment of the Causeway Coast and Glens area, starting on Saturday 29th April with a Creative Writing workshop at Benone Beach, with Poet and playwright Anne McMaster.  There will also be family fun, with a parent and toddler drumming course, children’s dance workshops, film and storytelling, alongside community activities such as Sound Connections.

In Portstewart, Flowerfield Arts Centre will showcase some fantastic exhibitions including The Spring Exhibition of the Ulster Society of Women Artists, ‘Still I Rise’, by Deirdre Robb and in our Upper Gallery, Disruptive Women/Mujeres Disruptivas by Conflict Textiles.  Flowerfield is delighted to welcome some of the talented women who created the arpilleras in this exhibition to Flowerfield on Friday 28th April. These women are visiting from Catalonia and all are welcome for a guided tour of the Disruptive Women exhibition between 1-2pm.

The auditorium will host live music, spoken word and film, including live music from Arborist on Saturday 29^th April, a sold-out performance by Duke Special (9^th June) and an incredible evening of music by one of Ireland’s leading pianists Ruth McGinley (24^th June), Screenings of award-nominated films A Quite Girl (4^th May) and Aftersun (1^st June), and a Talk by Nobel prize-winning poet Paul Muldoon on Friday 5^th May.

Flowerfield also welcome back the popular Tenx9 event on Friday 19^th May, for another evening of storytelling on the theme of Family, and will host the book launch of Homebirds by Anne Marie McAleese and Dot Blakely (25^th May), where they will chat with local chef Paula McIntyre.

There will also be creative opportunities in pottery, fused glass and painting, as well as the opportunity to move in a 5 -week t’ai chi and qigong course led by Dr Philip Johnson and a 4-week Irish & Scottish Céilí/Cèilidh Dancing Course, along with activities for children and families including a series of parent and child workshops with dedicated sessions for Autistic young people and their parent/carer.

The new Arts Guide is available to download from www.flowerfield.org or www.roevalleyarts.com or drop into Flowerfield Arts Centre or Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre to pick up a copy.