Author: whatsonni

UK City of Culture contender Armagh City reveals fresh nine-day festival bounce for 2022

Tuesday 8th March: St Patrick’s historical home, Armagh City, has launched a new and inspirational nine-day festival programme to celebrate the life and legacy of Ireland’s world-famous patron saint which kicks off on Thursday 10 March.

This year’s Home of St Patrick Festival combines exceptional live music, comedy art, poetry, theatre, film, dance and thought with great debate, adventure and lots of family fun.

The Home of St. Patrick Festival has established itself as one of the UK and Ireland’s best events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and on the world. Renowned for converting Ireland to Christianity centuries ago, it was in Armagh that Patrick began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.

Armagh’s iconic Market Place Theatre plays a big part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name comedy acts including Jason Bryne and up-and-coming cult comedy hero Owen Colgan.

Acclaimed tribute band Celtic Soul and the showstopping, global award-winning Sitkovetsky Trio will also bring their unique classical power to Armagh for this year’s special series of events. The trio have played in world renowned venues such as Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Palais des Beaux Arts, Musée du Louvre, l’Auditori Barcelona, Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center New York.

In Ireland’s oldest city and famed for its history, heritage and stunning Georgian façades, storytelling and walking tours are another big feature of this year’s programme which reliably includes the annual St Patrick Lecture, St Patrick’s Vigil and community procession.

Art is as important as ever in 2022 as internationally-acclaimed artist Desmond Kinney brings his large-scale murals and public art works with a theme of myths and legends to a city which also celebrates Armagh Art Club’s 60-year milestone with special showcase of its work at Market Place Theatre.

There’s plenty for kids of all ages too, including art and craft workshops, ahead of two big family days out planned for Thursday 17 March in The Shambles Yard, Armagh. On Saturday 19 March, Banbridge’s gorgeous Solitude Park will be the place to be to enjoy live music, face-painters, fair rides and more.

For more information on the range of in-person and online events, and to book tickets, jump into https://visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patricks/

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has today, Wednesday 9^th March 2022, launched a new way to explore the stunning scenery of the region – through the eyes of the creative craftspeople and artists who draw their inspiration from the landscape.

The new Causeway Craft Trail is a fascinating immersive tourism experience that allows visitors to take in some of the hidden gems of the Causeway Coastal Route by visiting artists and craftspeople in the places that inspire them and observing them at work.

The visitor experience has been funded by Tourism NI and as part of the launch participants will have the opportunity to ‘meet the makers’ at a series of planned open workshop events.

The Craft Trail begins in the north-west of the region, steering visitors from studios nestled in the rural farmscapes of Aghadowey to the endless beaches of Downhill, via workshops with views out to the Isle of Jura and up close to world-famous attractions such as Giant’s Causeway and the idyllic Ballintoy Harbour.

An Open Studio Weekend takes place on March 19^th and 20^th when twelve makers and collectives will throw open their doors to demonstrate their craft and share their creative development with you. There’ll also be an opportunity to purchase their artisan products which make an ideal gift or a treat for yourself.

The skilled artisans who you will meet along the trail include potters working their wheel in renovated barns, boat makers building canoes in a workshop high above Castlerock, traditional basket-makers incorporating driftwood and pebbles in their work, as well as Northern Ireland’s only artisanal glassblowing studio.

Places to visit will include intimate galleries where visitors can lose themselves in contemplation of the artworks, and social enterprises where they can explore the work of scores of creative designer-makers who work in the Causeway Coast and Glens

Visitors will be able to enjoy a homemade traybake in a welcoming café, while watching a potter creating just the same tableware that you’re using. They will be able to observe working studios where craftspeople will share ancient techniques and the fascinating background stories associated with their arts.

Launching the new Causeway Craft Trail, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Richard Holmes said: “The Causeway Craft Trail offers a tremendous platform for local artists and craftspeople to create a meaningful and immersive experience by welcoming visitors into their studio to observe them at work and learn about the history of their craft and business.  

“The experience offers visitors a unique way to explore a region that is world-renowned for its magical landscapes, with the added opportunity of meeting the artists and craftspeople and learn how they interpret their inspirational surroundings to create beautiful and authentic piece made and sold onsite.

“The new Causeway Craft Trail has brought together a collective of talented and accomplished artists and craftspeople whose enthusiasm for the region is rivalled only by their sheer brilliance at their profession, and they will undoubtedly deliver an authentic experience that will enhance our tourism offering aimed at attracting visitors to explore the trail.”

Ciaran Doherty, Head of Regions at Tourism NIadded: “As part of our Market Led Covid Recovery Fund we are delighted to have been able to support the development of this engaging Causeway Craft Trail which provides another great reason to visit the Causeway Coast and Glens and Northern Ireland this spring and beyond.”

For more information on the Causeway Craft Trail: www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Newtownabbey Drama Festival is back for a week of exhilarating drama at Theatre at The Mill from Monday 14 – Friday 18 March.

This annual festival presents some of the best full length plays from amateur dramatic groups across Northern Ireland and beyond. 

This year’s exciting line-up includes;

• Monday 14 – Holywood Players present Absent Friends by Alan Acykbourn
• Tuesday 15 – Bart Players present The Cemetery Club by Ivan Menchell 
• Wednesday 16 – Newpoint Players present Mary K by Sean Treanor
• Thursday 17 – Rosemary Drama Group present Tartuffe by Ranjit Bolt 
• Friday 18 – Theatre 3 Newtownabbey present The Anastasia File by Royce Ryton 

A full synopsis for all plays can be found at theatreatthemill.com

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said “Newtownabbey Drama Festival has been serving our community from 1982 offering the best of amateur theatre. I am pleased to see the return of this event and I would encourage you to support these groups and enjoy a great evening of Theatre.”

Tickets for the Newtownabbey Drama Festival are priced at £9 & £8 (Concession) and are available online at theatreatthemill.com or from Box Office T: 0300 123 7788.

UK City of Culture contender Armagh City reveals fresh nine-day festival bounce for 2022

Thursday 3rd March: St Patrick’s historical home, Armagh City, has launched a new and inspirational nine-day festival programme to celebrate the life and legacy of Ireland’s world-famous patron saint which kicks off on Thursday 10 March.

This year’s Home of St Patrick Festival combines exceptional live music, comedy art, poetry, theatre, film, dance and thought with great debate, adventure and lots of family fun.

The Home of St. Patrick Festival has established itself as one of the UK and Ireland’s best events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and on the world. Renowned for converting Ireland to Christianity centuries ago, it was in Armagh that Patrick began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.

Armagh’s iconic Market Place Theatre plays a big part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name comedy acts including Jason Bryne and up-and-coming cult comedy hero Owen Colgan.

Acclaimed tribute band Celtic Soul and the showstopping, global award-winning Sitkovetsky Trio will also bring their unique classical power to Armagh for this year’s special series of events. The trio have played in world renowned venues such as Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Palais des Beaux Arts, Musée du Louvre, l’Auditori Barcelona, Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center New York.

In Ireland’s oldest city and famed for its history, heritage and stunning Georgian façades, storytelling and walking tours are another big feature of this year’s programme which reliably includes the annual St Patrick Lecture, St Patrick’s Vigil and community procession.

Art is as important as ever in 2022 as internationally-acclaimed artist Desmond Kinney brings his large-scale murals and public art works with a theme of myths and legends to a city which also celebrates Armagh Art Club’s 60-year milestone with special showcase of its work at Market Place Theatre.

There’s plenty for kids of all ages too, including art and craft workshops, ahead of two big family days out planned for Thursday 17 March in The Shambles Yard, Armagh. On Saturday 19 March, Banbridge’s gorgeous Solitude Park will be the place to be to enjoy live music, face-painters, fair rides and more.

For more information on the range of in-person and online events, and to book tickets, jump into https://visitarmagh.com/festivals/st-patricks/

Embrace the onset of spring with an unmissable feast for the senses as the Council, in partnership with Tourism NI, run two exciting initiatives; Taste the Borough and Experience the Borough.

Throughout the month of March, we have a great programme to tempt your taste buds and stimulate those adventure seekers amongst you. 

We invite you to make this the month where you taste something new or try a completely different experience.

• ‘Taste the Borough’ is an appetising opportunity to entice locals and visitors to explore the array of high quality eateries/ food experiences on their doorstep and avail of great offers throughout the month of March. Numerous businesses from across the Borough will host a range of events celebrating local food and drink produce. Book your table now; please visit https://visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com/taste/.

• ‘Experience the Borough’ why not try out the exciting range of activities and attractions our Borough has to offer. Book your taster session today; please visit https://visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com/explore/  

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said; “Taste the Borough and Experience the Borough is a great opportunity to sample some of the great local produce we serve up in the many eateries and dining experiences across the Borough. This is also the perfect time to try your hand at some of the exciting visitor experiences right on your doorstep. I would encourage you to support our local restaurants and visitor attractions throughout these initiatives and help them regenerate some much needed business.”

Don’t forget to share your experiences with family and friends and please tag us in your social posts @ANBorough .

Join us for an unforgettable experience this spring, as the Strangford Lough Viking Festival sets up camp on the shores surrounding Portaferry and Strangford from Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March.

Supported by Tourism NI, Ards and North Down Borough Council as well as Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Festival welcomes you to discover the area’s rich Viking heritage.

Visit the Vikings and enjoy a packed programme of activities, as you step back in time and wander through the encampments in Portaferry and Strangford (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27, 10am – 4pm). Immerse yourself in Viking traditions and way of life – from blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, and music.

There is lots for families to do too. Your little warriors can train for battle with the Vikings, enjoy a children’s treasure hunt and hear tales of adventure, that will have children and adults bursting with laughter. Why not have a go at axe throwing or archery and take a selfie by the impressive Long Boat!

Highlights of the Festival include the Viking Feast on the Friday evening, with a 9th century feast fit for a Viking King conjured up by The Cuan, served in the wonderful setting of the Old Court, Strangford. Be entertained by storytellers and musicians, and perhaps even dress for the occasion.

On the Saturday evening, the Vikings invade Portaferry with a torchlit procession from the shore followed by a concert in Portico by Sacred Knot who are inspired by the ancient cultures and artwork of Northern Europe.

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That’s not all! For immersive experiences, there are talks, tours, activities and workshops on all things Viking, from pottery, jewellery and mead making to herbs for health plus much more.

Why not make a weekend of it and stay in some of the wonderful accommodation surrounding Strangford Lough, where you can sample the delicious local food and drink in the restaurants and eateries, and visit top-class attractions. It will be the perfect getaway this spring.

Check out the programme and get planning for an action-packed weekend! For full programme listing and to book, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com and visitmournemountains.co.uk.

Award-winning Director Cathy Brady’s debut film Wildfire is coming to Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Thursday 3^rd March.

The screening, part of Film Hub NI’s Collective programme which brings local films to local places, begins at 7pm and tickets cost £5.

Wildfire is the story of Kelly and Lauren, two inseparable sisters whose lives are shattered by the mysterious death of their mother in the fractious border town where they grew up.  When Kelly, who has been missing, returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited and together they unearth their mother’s past, but uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep threaten to overwhelm them.

Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan co-star as the two sisters alongside Kate Dickie, Martin McCann and Helen Behan.

Newry-born Cathy Brady recently won the prestigious BIFA Debut Screenwriter Award for Wildfire and also the IFTA for Best Director. She says: “I am absolutely delighted that audiences throughout Northern Ireland are getting the chance to see Wildfire as part of this Film Hub NI Tour. It feels like it’s a homecoming as the story is set here and I can’t wait to see how local audiences connect to these characters and their stories. The lead performances of Nika and Nora are remarkable and made to be seen on the big screen. We were all deeply shocked and saddened when Nika tragically died while we were post producing Wildfire. To have known Nika and be known by her is one of the greatest gifts I’ve had in my life.”

Sara Gunn-Smith, Marketing and Audiences Officer for Film Hub NI says: “Wildfire is a spectacular film which has received critical acclaim since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, with prestigious awards for both Cathy as screenwriter from the BIFA, and Nika from the IFTA posthumously for Best Actress. Given the impact Covid has had on cinemas in recent times it is wonderful that we can give Northern Ireland audiences the opportunity to view this amazing film now and celebrate our incredible local cast and crew.”

For full details about the film and to book tickets, please visit https://roevalleyarts.com/events/film-screening-wildfire or call 028 7776 0650.

Bruiser Theatre Company is proud to present their critically-acclaimed production of Mojo Mickybo by Belfast playwright, Owen McCafferty at The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Wednesday 9 March 2022 at 7.30pm.

Mojo Mickybo shows the friendship between two boys growing up in Belfast – a friendship that at first is immune to the sectarian violence taking place around them, but which nonetheless is ultimately destroyed by it.

“Belfast. The summer of 1970. The heat’s meltin’ the tarmac on the street, the buses are burning bright and punters are drinking petrol outta milk bottles”.

Mojo and his mate Mickybo are two nine-year-old boys from opposing sides of the sectarian divide. They are ‘thick as two small thieves’, playing headers, being mouthy, building huts, spitting from cinema balconies and re-enacting their favourite movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. They are young cowboys in the making, with the violence of The Troubles only obliquely impacting on them – until finally their friendship is destroyed in a way that they only later come to understand.

This is pure, undiluted storytelling in Bruiser’s trademark dynamic physical style. Fast-paced, darkly funny and action-packed. The show is brought to life by two of our finest local actors, Michael Condron and Terence Keeley, who seamlessly slip in and out of multiple roles and imaginary worlds.

Mojo Mickybo unsentimentally portrays a kind of innocence betrayed by communal hatred, showing the harsh absurdity of sectarianism. Our young heroes, Mojo and Mickybo, represent the division of a benighted country that has spent a century at war with itself.

Bruiser Theatre Company are renowned for their fast-paced, energetic, and engaging performances. Under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Mojo Mickybo is ready for a live audience following its successful online run while theatres remained closed.

Bruiser Theatre Company is delighted to be returning to live theatre, and proud to present this showcase of both Northern Ireland’s talent and complex history as our first piece of live theatre back after the easing of restrictions.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said “I welcome the return of these great productions to our Theatres. This story of friendship between two nine-year old boys during the troubles will resonate with many us. I would like to wish Bruiser Theatre Company every success with their tour.”

Artistic Director, Lisa May said:

“We at Bruiser are very excited to be producing Mojo Mickybo. It flies at breakneck speed, is witty, darkly funny and searingly honest; perfect to explore in Bruiser’s bold physical style. To me, it feels like Owen McCafferty’s love letter to Belfast, warts and all, and shows how sectarian anger is so deeply buried into the psyche of those who have grown up during the troubles; it is passed on to generation after generation. Nostalgic yet damning, hilarious yet heartbreaking; Mojo Mickybo is sadly all too relevant for today’s audience, not just in Northern Ireland but around the world.”

Mojo Mickybo is supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery Fund. Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Acting Head of Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Bruiser Theatre Company thanks to The National Lottery players. This latest production tells a powerful story and demonstrates the value of the arts in shining a light on and opening discussion around difficult subjects, boasting Bruiser’s trademark physical and dynamic performance style. Owen McCafferty is one of NI’s most accomplished playwrights who’s work really makes the people, language, stories and experiences of this place burst to life and sing on stage and I would encourage everyone to get online and enjoy this terrific production.”

Pedestrians and cyclists will soon enjoy new and upgraded shared use paths within the Valley Park and Glas- na-Braden Glen.

It’s a major boost for outdoor recreation in the area with an investment of £98,000 to develop the path network. The project has been part funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council contributing £14,700 and a further £83,300 coming from DAERA’s Environment Challenge Fund.

Improvements to both the existing and new paths will see 3m wide walkways connect the west side of the Valley Park into Glas-na-Braden Glen. From there the route will then lead walkers and cyclists on a journey to explore the shores of Belfast Lough at Gideon’s Green and Hazelbank Park.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said, “The Greenway Project will create a safer, more accessible route for cyclists and walkers and encourage more people to get outdoors and live an active, healthy lifestyle.

With the new path, you can take yourself away from the busy traffic congestion, get on your bike and enjoy the views of the local area.”

The Council are also planning to develop safe shared path connections between Mallusk/Hightown to the Antrim Road with improvements at Scullions Road creating a safe route around Sandyknowes roundabout.

The producers of sell out Abba tribute show – The Bjorn Identity now bring you, The Iconettes & The Hitzvilles with the sounds of Motown & Soul to Theatre at The Mill at the end of this month.

This exciting Motown musical homage pays tribute to the best ‘girl groups’ and ‘solo artistes’ of this classic era. Featuring your favourite hits from The Ronettes, Diana Ross & The Supremes, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, The Crystals as well as honouring the soulful sounds of female artists; Dusty Springfield, Tina Turner & Aretha Franklin. There is no comparison to this band, vocally versatile with sublime ‘power-house’ vocals, combined with the glamour of the 60’s. as they deliver stunning harmonies 100% live, publicly appraised and applauded after regular featured guest spots on BBC’s Radio Ulster – Gerry Kelly show, The Ticket and BBC Talk Back.

The Iconettes perform an entertaining yet musically brilliant show leaving you no choice but to get off your seats and go ‘Dancing in the Street’.

“Amazing performance tonight at Theatre at The Mill. Non stop hit after hit . Great interaction with the Audience . A show not to be missed!” – Brenda Mitchell

“The Iconettes and The Hitzvilles were outstanding! I know Musicon Entertainment is very professional and versatile in their shows but everything about tonight’s show at Theatre at The Mill was simply fabulous.” – Phillip Hall

25 FEB 2022                                                                                                            Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill                                                                               Tickets: £18.50                                                                                                            Box Office Tel: +44 (0) 28 9034 0202