Author: whatsonni

Celebrating its milestone 60th edition, Northern Ireland’s leading contemporary multi-artform festival returns with compelling drama and dance, experimental genre-busting works, topical talks, the latest literary releases, classical music, folk and soul, independent film, contemporary visual arts and outdoor events.

From October 5 to November 6, over 300 uplifting, joyous and thought-provoking events will be hosted across Belfast.

BIAF22 opens on Wednesday 5 October with the UK premiere of Dinner With Groucho, a new play by renowned Irish writer Frank McGuinness. The cast features Ian Bartholomew (Geoff Metcalfe, Coronation Street), Ingrid Craigie (Mary, Blood; Rita, You Are Not My Mother) and Greg Hicks (title roles in Coriolanus, Hamlet, and Macbeth for Royal Shakespeare Company).

At the heart of this year’s programme is a special focus on Canada and the Middle East and North Africa. Canadian events include Vivek Shraya’s How to Fail as a Popstar (6 & 8 Oct), a reflection on the power of pop culture, dreams, disappointment and self-determination; the European premiere of The Queen In Me (18-19 Oct) from Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野 (they/them) exploring the many ways that race, gender, and sexuality are policed in the opera industry; and closing the festival, the critically acclaimed Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools (4-5 Nov) bringing together two extraordinary artists to examine their intertwined histories, colonial legacies and the changing climate we all face.

The Middle East and North Africa strand includes Another Lover’s Discourse (22-23 Oct), a BIAF commissioned work from Palestinian interdisciplinary artist, Riham Isaac, described by English film director Danny Boyle as ‘a wonderful work, funny and touching and with some real surprises.’ Also making their Irish premiere appearances are Egyptian choreographer, Shaymaa Shoukry (13 Oct), Moroccan live performance and visual artist, Youness Atbane (15 Oct), and a special free outdoor circus and acrobatic visual treat by Moroccan artists in CS Lewis Square (15 Oct) in Belfast’s East. In the Black Box, A Night of Musical Journeys concert (14 Oct) features recently arrived refugees from across the Middle East.

Dance aficionados are in for a treat. BIAF’s first Featured Artist is leading young French choreographer, Noé Soulier, a rising figure in modern choreography, who brings a tremendous double bill (21-22 Oct) of experimental and emotional solo works to the MAC. Leading NI choreographer and dancer Oona Doherty’s largest project to date, Navy Blue (25-26 Oct), makes its Irish premiere and homecoming stop amid its European tour. Festival favourite Jan Martens makes a welcome return with his new solo Elisabeth Gets Her Way (28-29 Oct), a danced portrait of the Polish-born harpsichordist Elisabeth Chojnacka.

The first in a double bill of headline concerts at the Grand Opera House is the legendary Martin Hayes and his latest project, The Common Ground Ensemble, on Tues 25 October. The following night is hit-maker Paul Carrack, already close to selling out.

Among the wealth of home-grown talent is double Ivor Novello-nominated composer Conor Mitchell’s Propaganda: A New Musical (8 Oct – 5 Nov), playing at the Lyric Theatre; a spooky walk-through theatre experience The Ghost House (14-31 Oct) by Cahoots; an adaptation of Owen Booth’s Frankenstein’s Monster Is Drunk And The Sheep Have All Jumped The Fences (14-22 Oct) by Big Telly Theatre; a new collection of Street Art Operas, The Scorched Earth Trilogy (14 Oct) by Dumbworld and, in the final week, the latest play from Jane Coyle, After Melissa (3-5 Nov).

Other notable music events at BIAF22 include Belfast Music Society’s Northern Lights Mini Festival (28-30 Oct); the popular free BBC Radio 3 concert series (19-21 Oct), this year featuring British cellist Natalie Clein and friends; Canadian blues singer songwriter Matt Andersen (9 Oct sold out), and a host of Irish acts such as MELTS (13 Oct), IMLÉ (14 Oct), Lisa O’Neill (2 Nov), and Wallis Bird (6 Nov).

The BIAF22 Talks & Ideas strand brings together international and local names to explore thought-provoking topics including state violence, freedom of speech and movement, culture, society, impermanence and the creative possibilities opened up by our digital world. Among the international line-up are Caribbean writers Celeste Mohammed and Jacob Ross, francophone writers GauZ’ and David Foenkinos, joined by a host of UK, Irish and Northern Irish writers including Jonathan Coe, Tish Delaney, Donal Ryan and Charlotte Mendelson. Annual favourites include two new editions of Poetry Jukebox, and the John Hewitt Society’s Birthday Poetry Reading. Look out for special events Conversations on Impermanence, and Larkin in Belfast, marking the poet’s centenary.

If it has been a while since you visited Belfast, get reacquainted with the city courtesy of the popular Cultural Walking Tours led by highly knowledgeable Blue Badge guides. And make sure to visit a few of the amazing visual art exhibitions taking place across the city including punk artist Jamie Reid at Ulster University’s new art gallery.

Stay, relax and soak up the atmosphere with luxury hotel group Hastings Hotels, who are BIAF’s official accommodation partner. Check out the special BIAF rate (subject to availability), from £65 pps B&B at The Grand Central and from £50 pps B&B at The Europa Hotel. Use promo code BIAF. Also check out Ramada by Wyndham in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, who are offering 15% off their Best Available rate. Quote BIAF Corporate Club when booking directly with the hotel.

So take a trip to Belfast Festival this Autumn! Book online 24/7 at www.BelfastInternationalArtsFestival.com or call Box Office at Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609.

BIAF’s principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and is also supported by Belfast City Council, British Council, the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Northern Ireland and a range of project funders and sponsors.

Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has [according to Mojo magazine] ‘Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice’.

Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album ‘Wanderer’, which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman.

Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs.

Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Cara Dillon will perform for one night only at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Thursday 13 October.

Tickets are priced £24, and can be booked through the Box Office on 03300 561 025, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts Services is delighted to be part of Film Hub NI’s first ever Irish Language Collective film tour as it brings screenings of ‘Róise & Frank’ to Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.

An up-lifting tale of a shaggy dog, a grieving widow, a young hurling star and finding hope in the darkest of places, Róise & Frank has been a massive success on the festival circuit, winning numerous awards including Best Ensemble at Dublin International Film Festival and the Audience Award winner at both the Santa Barbara and Sonoma International Film Festivals.

The heart-warming film tells the story of recently widowed Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who is struggling after the death of her husband Frank.  Grief-stricken and lonely, Róise’s son Alan worries that she is distancing herself from those who care for her, but when a stray dog starts to follow her every move, a rejuvenated Róise starts to believe in the reincarnation of her husband, and that he has come back to be with her again as well as coach the local sports team.

Róise & Frank will screen at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Thursday 6^th October and Flowerfield Arts Centre on Thursday 20^th October, both starting at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 per person and can be booked online via www.flowerfield.org and www.roevalleyarts.com. Alternatively, ring Flowerfield Arts Centre on 028 7083 1400 or Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on 028 7776 0650.

Please note, this is an Irish language film, with English subtitles.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-Ordinator wants to invite you to a fundraising coffee morning on Friday 30th September 2022.

Catherine King is hosting the annual event in Portballintrae Village Hall between 11am-1pm to coincide with the charity’s popular ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ initiative.

All money raised on the day will help to provide vital support services for people living with cancer, including the innovative Move More project.

Encouraging the public to support the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “The Move More project was first introduced in the Causeway Coast and Glens area in June 2019, and since then it has made a hugely positive impact on participants.

“Council is proud to have developed a strong partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which is helping to improve the health and well-being of people living with cancer in the Borough, both physically and emotionally.

“Please come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30^th – enjoy a coffee with some friends and know that you are helping to make a positive difference to those people who are supported by the charity here every day.”

Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator, Catherine King, added: “I feel very privileged to help those affected by, or living with cancer, so that they become aware of the benefits of physical activity and are enabled to stay active at a level that’s right for them.

“Move More receives referrals from the point of diagnosis, through surgery, active treatment, palliative care and beyond, and so far 241 people living in Causeway Coast and Glens have availed of its services.

“We have held annual fundraising initiatives since 2019, and in that time we have raised an amazing £7114 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Every coffee that we pour and every coin we collect really does make a difference so make a date in your diary with friends and family and come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30^th.”

People living with cancer can be referred onto Move More NI by a healthcare professional or can also self-refer onto the project. To get involved with Move More in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, contact Move More Coordinator Catherine King at move.more@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or call 0759 7399 765.

With less than a month to go, there are some huge highlights to look forward to – with Phil Coulter kicking things off on October 8

The countdown is on for the return of the City of Derry International Choir Festival – and with less than a month to go, we’re inviting YOU to take part.

Kicking things off, musical icon Phil Coulter will be at Derry’s Ebrington Square at 2pm on Saturday October 8 for a one-off ‘Come and Sing’ event which will be filmed for broadcast at the festival later in the month.

But it’s not just Phil who will feature in the historic broadcast, because members of the public are invited to come along and join an epic sing-along with the star, performing iconic hit ‘The Town I Love So Well’.

The event, a celebration of Phil’s 80^th birthday year and the City of Derry International Choir Festival’s 10^th edition, is sponsored by Allstate NI and is set to get the people of Derry in the mood for a fabulous festival of music.

The five-day festival programme, which runs from October 19 – 23, will comprise of gala concerts, live performances, both competitive and non-competitive, as well as world-class choral events.

In addition to events taking place in the main festival venue, Millennium Forum, there will be a comprehensive Community Programme involving more than 1,000 singers aged eight to 80 across 40 fabulous choirs.

As well as pop-up performances across the north west, there will be community concerts featuring local, national and international choirs and a Sacred Trail where visiting choirs will join churches across the region to perform at Sunday Services.

The community programme, sponsored by Alchemy, will see 60 performances across the five days and will extend throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

For the festival’s many competitive events, the City of Derry International Choir Festival will be joined by competitors and adjudicators from nations across the world including Estonia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, the USA, UK and of course, Ireland.

Other highlights to look forward to include the Opening Gala Concert with Carmina Burana at Derry’s Millennium Forum on Wednesday October 19, a concert by the Polish Radio Choir on Thursday October 20 and an evening concert by Finnish a cappella ensemble Rajaton, who will perform on Friday October 21.

The final day of the festival will see a new National Choir of the Festival Competition on Sunday October 23, before the Closing Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony at the Millennium.

To find out more and book tickets, visit www.derrychoirfest.com

The UK and Ireland’s best-loved blues festival returns to the Cathedral City of Armagh from Friday 30 September to Sunday 2 October

The 7 Hills Blues Fest returns to Armagh for a full weekend on Friday 30 September in an international showcase that brings world class blues, rhythm and roots music to a variety of unbeatable venues and locations across the iconic Cathedral City and the island’s capital of apples and cider.

Renowned as one of the best blues and roots music events in the UK and Ireland, this year’s 7 Hills Blues Fest returns after a three-year hiatus with a promise to shake, rattle and roll returning visitors from near and far with over 35 free live gigs and some cracking family entertainment.

Blue’s sensations 4 Stuck Men, One Horse Pony, Grainne Duffy and Paul Sherry are all part of this year’s headline event, joining trending jazz acts Casino Dixieland Jazz Band and Ludwig & Co to ensure that old style bluesy atmosphere the 7 Hills Fest is famous back for this autumn.

Celebrating some of the world’s greatest blues artists, including Ray Charles, Bessie Smith and BB King, all of Armagh’s best pubs and bars – including Red Neds, Hole in the Wall, Mickey Kelly’s, Devlin’s, Keegan’s, Rafferty’s, the Toby Jug and the Armagh City Hotel, are backing this incredible musical collective.

Festival organisers are also adding a new layer of entertainment this year too, with an all-new citywide Blues Busking Trail on Friday and Saturday, a ‘Blast from the Past’ vintage fair at the Shambles Yard on Saturday afternoon and a weather-dependent ‘Melodies on the Mall’ session early Saturday evening all guaranteed to mark the best of a great weekend.

Armagh’s historic Market Square is the place to be on Saturday afternoon from 1pm for a full-on free children’s event experience as the wee ones get their faces painted, model balloons and fill their boots with mischief as live musicians entertain from the Bandstand.

Armagh’s Bandstand will also be the place to experience a ‘Live Lounge’ show of local musicians perform their craft, hosted by the award-winning MD Rafferty Music School team.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Paul Greenfield, said:

“Armagh City punches well above its weight for the best in entertainment, hospitality and music and this year’s 7 Hills Fest promises to be our best yet. Soak up the sounds, chill or dance your heart away in our best venues, inside or out, and relax with family and friends.

“There’s always a reason to visit Armagh all year round, but if you want to kick off your autumn with an experience to remember, make sure to check in and celebrate the best of the blues with us.”

For more information, visit www.7hillsblues.com

Students to Gain Valuable Insight in Two Hour Visit

Globally recognised astronomical research institute, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, has recommenced its popular two-hour visits for primary school pupils. Led by one of the organisation’s Education team members, each tour will consist of one hour spent in the Dome Theatre, a 30-minute workshop and a 30-minute exhibition tour.

The educational tours will begin with a celestial journey around the Solar System in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s unique Dome Theatre. Pupils will then have the opportunity to take part in an ‘Out-of-This-World’ workshop and explore the organisation’s brand-new exhibition area.

Whilst in the Dome Theatre, pupils can choose from a range of dome shows, including ‘Astronaut.’ Narrated by actor Ewan McGregor, the short film examines the trials, tribulations and joys associated with becoming an astronaut, along with the effects of space travel and training on human beings.

In addition to viewing the suite of dome shows, pupils will engage with live, interactive material which can be tailored to their learning objectives. For this, the organisation’s Education team will guide them through the solar system, allowing them to choose which planets they want to visit, to ask questions and to show off their knowledge of space.

Each session in the Dome Theatre finishes with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s famous space roller coaster. A favourite element of the visit for many, the short dome show allows students to experience the sensation of being on a rollercoaster.

Helen McLoughlin, Operations Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium said, “I am delighted to welcome primary school pupils from across Northern Ireland to tour our facilities here at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

“We are recognised across the globe as a leading centre for research into astronomy and are very much focused on harnessing that invaluable resource to deliver vibrant educational and outreach programmes.

“It is our hope that that by providing compelling, age-appropriate content via our dome shows workshop and exhibition, we might help to inspire the STEM leaders of the future.”

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is sited in a heritage environment with a rich scientific history. The organisation delivers internationally recognised research in astronomy and related sciences and vibrant educational and outreach programmes for all ages.

Established in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, the Armagh Observatory is the oldest scientific institution in Northern Ireland and the longest continuously operating astronomical research institute in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Dr Eric Lindsay founded the Armagh Planetarium in 1968. The oldest operating Planetarium in the UK and Ireland, it celebrated 50 years as Northern Ireland’s public face of space and astronomy in May 2018.

To book a primary school visit, call Armagh Observatory and Planetarium on: 028 3752 3689 or email: reception@armagh.ac.uk. Early Booking is recommended.

To find out more about Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, visit: https://www.armagh.space

Titanic Hotel Belfast, named Northern Ireland’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards every year since opening its doors in 2017, is celebrating its fifth birthday this month, and the longest serving staff member General Manager, Adrian McNally, is proud to have retained a quarter of the hotel’s original staff since day one.

Speaking about the multi-award winning hotel’s milestone birthday, Adrian said: “We have achieved incredible success despite the challenges the hospitality industry has faced in recent years. I am extremely proud of the team in delivering outstanding customer service and for working tirelessly to live up to Titanic Hotel Belfast’s leading hotel status every day. The fact that we have managed to retain 25% of the original workforce during some of the most challenging times for our industry in our lifetime is testament to the privilege of being part of the team at Titanic Hotel Belfast.

“I would also like to thank Harcourt Developments for their unwavering commitment to Titanic Hotel Belfast and for continuing to invest in our accommodation and public spaces, enabling us to provide visitors with a truly unique experience when visiting Titanic Quarter.”

There have been more than 174,000 guests waking up to a Titanic breakfast in the past five years and over 3,200 weddings and events hosted in the unique private heritage spaces including the surroundings of the Drawing Office where many of the world’s most famous ocean liners including RMS Titanic  were designed.

Over 82,000 guests have attended events and weddings, while thousands more have enjoyed the hotel’s award-winning food and beverage outlets every month.

The concierge team has hosted more than 3,500 Heritage Tours giving visitors a flavour of the history of this unique hotel which includes Thomas Andrews original private office, the decadent Presentation Room, where Lord Pirrie showcased Harland & Wolff’s latest designs for transatlantic passenger liners, and Charles Payne’s office, Managing Director of Harland & Wolff during Titanic’s launch.

Even with three lockdowns during the first five years of trading, revenue at the hotel has increased significantly year on year, and the hotel is now operating with revenue 19% above pre-pandemic levels for overseas visitors, business events, meetings, weddings, dining and overnight accommodation.

Adrian added: “We are all too aware that a hotel stay can be viewed as an indulgence and we are putting measures in place to save on energy consumption and food waste to keep costs down. This will enable us to continue to compete in the marketplace with a focus and commitment to offer our guests an unforgettable experience at Titanic Hotel Belfast.”

John Paul Doherty, Creative Director at Harcourt Developments, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating the fifth birthday of Titanic Hotel Belfast, the jewel of the Maritime Mile. This historic and architecturally unique building was once the nerve centre of the largest shipyard in the world; a location steeped in history. The combined efforts of Harcourt Developments and the team at Titanic Hotel Belfast have created a unique hospitality experience – giving guests the chance to stay in one of the most historically important buildings in Northern Ireland; the very building where Titanic was designed and constructed just a few yards away. We feel we offer an emotionally rich and historically authentic experience unlike anything else in the world. The success of Titanic Hotel Belfast is due in multiple parts, not least from the wonderful service guests enjoy but also due to the curation of artworks and artefacts which are exhibited throughout the hotel. This includes the most recent addition in the Drawing Office Bar, of an original clock from SS Carpathia, the first ship to reach Titanic.”

To reserve a room at Titanic Hotel Belfast, please visit www.titanichotelbelfast.com and follow the hotel on at www.facebook.com/titanichotelbelfast; www.instagram.com/titanichotelbelfast; and www.twitter.com/titanichotelbel.