Author: whatsonni

Northern Ireland Youth Ballet Company, High Points Youth Ballet, will return this summer with Belfast International Ballet Festival welcoming dancers from across the world to the city.

From 28 July – 2 August 2025, over 100 students and professionals will train in a number of venues including the Crescent Arts and High Points Studios, culminating in a series of performances in the MAC celebrating local and international dance. Bringing masterclasses alongside performances, guest teachers and dancers based in USA, Turkey, Italy, Ukraine, Germany, Portugal, Ireland and Scotland will be joined by local dancers, composers and choreographers. Supported by Belfast City Council, over 60 dancers from Northern Ireland’s Ballet community will come together to share artistic talent, unleash creativity, celebrate diversity and embrace collaboration over the 6 days of dance and performance.

Set to join this year’s illustrious line up Ayfer Zeren and Sara-Maria Barton will co-lead the festivals youth and adult dance master classes. From Istanbul, Ayfer boasts a remarkable career as a ballerina, artistic director and ballet educator. Working with Royal Ballet, Stuttgart Ballet and Bolshoi Theatre, she has performed across the world. Alongside Ayfer, Sara Maria Barton is Artistic Director of S-MB Company and has over 30 years of teaching experience as a Classical Ballet Tutor. An international medallist, Sara-Maria has worked with Royal Ballet, Birmingham Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Scottish Ballet, and has danced across UK, Europe, USA, and China. Both Ayfer and Sara will bring their students to perform in the Festival performances at The MAC Belfast.

From America, Angela Zielen, Director of The Art Society at Loblolly Acres Delaware will participate in the festival. Angela has danced with the First State Ballet Theatre and is the former Assistant Director of the National Ballet Competition. Joining Angela from USA Stephen Everson will make his second visit to the festival. Trained at Ballet 5:8 School of the Arts, and Project Ballet, and former guest artist with Charleston Ballet Theatre, Stephen has performed in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Swan Lake and The Nutcracker.

From the Ukraine, dancers Oleksii Kniazkov and Elizavita Gogidze will bring their extensive experience working in professional ballet and will dance a pas de deux (partner dance) from Le Corsaire. A classical ballet Elizaveta has danced on stages in Europe, Asia, Canada, Argentina, Dubai, USA and England. A graduate at Kyiv State Ballet School in Ukraine, she was the first soloist of the National Opera of Ukraine. Also from Ukraine, Oleksii Kniazkov is Principal dancer with Kharkiv National Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre. Awarded the Grand Prix of International Dance in 2018, his many leading roles include Romeo and Juliet, Spartacus, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty.

This year five professional artists from Northern Ireland will join the festival, including as a Choreographer Belfast-native Anna McCoy, currently dancing with Semperoper Ballet Dresden, and co-founders of Six Dance Collective, Composer Amelia Clarkson from Donaghadee and Choreographer Ruaidhrí Maguire, currently working with Ballet Ireland. Dancers Anna Katherine McCoy and Leigh Alderson will perform a world premiere, Zlatý Motýlek (meaning Golden Butterfly), together, whilst Rachel Neale will perform a variation from Carmen. Current vocational students and alumni of HPYB’s training programme Georgia Crawford, Amy Crawford, and Lauren McConnell will perform during the festival, alongside former rugby player turned ballet dancer Oscar Hunter.  Ballet Historian Amy Growcott will deliver a lecture on Saturday 2^nd August whilst students from the Irish National Youth Ballet, directed by Lindsay Ashe-Browne, will perform a selection of the piece ‘Eclipse’ choreographed by Zoë Ashe-Browne.

High Points Youth Ballet, formed in 2011 under the leadership of Rana O’Brien, and its international team of Artistic Director Jake Allison and Creative Director Anna Carapellotti, are spearheading the festival. They will bring together leading dancers from home and across the world. Jake and Anna will deliver ballet technique classes and stage selections from classical repertoire on the High Points Youth Ballet dancers for two shows to be presented in the MAC on 1 and 2 August 2025.

Commenting ahead of Belfast International Ballet Festival, High Points Youth Ballet CEO, Rana O’Brien said: “We are delighted and excited to return with this event highlighting dance artists and educators from across the world and locally. The festival will feature numerous dancers who will collaborate to create new pieces. The festival will involve young dancers aged 10 and upwards, who will attend master classes at High Points studios and the Crescent Arts Centre studios. They will rehearse and perform 3 shows at the MAC on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 August, to showcase their skills and share their performances with family and friends.”

“To deliver such quality requires support and investment, and we appreciate the ongoing support from Belfast City Council through the cultural grants scheme,” concluded Rana.

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Council is delighted to support High Points Youth Ballet and their hosting of this year’s Belfast International Ballet Festival.

“Belfast has a thriving cultural and arts scene and our community plan, Belfast Agenda, recognises culture and creativity as essential to delivering better health and well-being for our citizens.  Events like this play a vital role in our cultural strategy, A City Imagining, and provide an opportunity to inspire and nurture our next generation of creative talent in the city.”

During the festival Anna Carapellotti, a dance researcher, will deliver a dance class for people living with Parkinson’s on Friday 1 August. This class will feature music and adapted repertoire to be featured in the gala performances. Anna obtained a PhD from Queen’s University Belfast in 2022 studying the impact of dance for people living with Parkinson’s and Multiple Sclerosis.

The week-long festival will culminate in two shows on Friday 1 August (evening performance) and Saturday 2 August (afternoon matinee). For tickets, visit www.maclive.com. Follow @belfastballetfestival for updates.

For festival information visit www.highpointsballet.org.uk/belfast-international-ballet-festival

North Down Museum is delighted to announce the opening of a new exhibition, Inspiration and Transformation, running from Thursday 19 June to Sunday 31 August in the Long Gallery. This exhibition celebrates the rich artistic heritage of the Ards and North Down Borough, showcasing the work of some of the most significant artists who have lived and worked in the area.

The Borough has long been a hub of artistic talent, with a strong tradition of nurturing creativity. From its unique landscapes to its vibrant communities, the region continues to inspire and support generations of artists. Inspiration and Transformation brings this creative legacy into focus through a carefully curated selection of works spanning decades of artistic excellence.

The exhibition features pieces from North Down Museum’s own collection, alongside rare works on loan from private collectors, many of which have never been publicly displayed. Visitors will have the opportunity to view artwork by renowned twentieth-century artists including James Humbert Craig, Daniel O’Neill, Colin Middleton, Rosamond Praeger, Colin Davidson, Frank McKelvey, and David Hockney.

Together, these works highlight how the people, towns, and landscapes of the Borough have been powerfully reimagined and immortalised in some of the finest examples of Irish modern art.

Speaking about the exhibition, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

“I am delighted to see Inspiration and Transformation open at North Down Museum. This exhibition highlights not only the incredible talent that has emerged from our Borough, but also the deep and lasting impact our people and places have had on the world of art. Residents and visitors alike will have the chance to experience a remarkable collection of works, many on public display for the first time. It’s a powerful reminder of our proud artistic heritage and ongoing commitment to nurturing creativity.”

Arlene Matthews, North Down Museum Manager, added:

“We are incredibly proud to present Inspiration and Transformation. This exhibition not only celebrates the extraordinary talent that has emerged from our Borough but also reflects the strong connection between our communities and the creative spirit that continues to thrive here. It’s a rare opportunity to bring together works from our own collection and from generous private lenders. We’re excited to share this unique cultural experience with our visitors.”

Inspiration and Transformation runs until Sunday 31 August. Admission is free.

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

Classic Bike Festival, Bishopscourt, Co Down

 Racing and parade laps all Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August

The Classic Bike Festival Ireland which takes place over the first weekend of August has announced even more features at this year’s event.  Whilst the motorbikes are central to the Festival it hasn’t gone unnoticed that a lot of families arrive to camp up in their motorhomes, caravans and tents from Friday evening right through until Sunday afternoon. 

Accordingly, the organisers have made the Sunday offering distinctly more family attractive with the addition of free kids’ Bouncy Castles, a display by Kite Crew Ireland and Lawnmower Racing – and not forgetting the I.M.C. BAM BAM racers aged between 6 to 9 years battling it out on the race track. “We noticed that many now see the Sunday as a Family Day out so we hope these added attractions will complement that, and parents will bring their kids – under 16’s are FREE – for a great day out” a spokesperson told us, “and of course we still have our music features with Cellar Door on Friday evening and the Davy K Project on Saturday.”  

Both nights of music will be preceded by Chat Shows this year so the plan is the racing will finish and everyone will head for the fully licensed festival marquee to enjoy the two nights of Chat ’n’ Music.   DJ and Host Brian Moore enthused, “it’s always a great party atmosphere in the festival marquee with the teams and riders mixing with the Festival attendees and with the Kite Crew, Lawnmower teams and Arena Trials motorcycle competitors added to the mix I’ve no doubt it’s going to be the best Classic Bike Festival to date”.

A further feature is that the event is adding its support to the Joey Dunlop Foundation by welcoming the Ride-Out that will travel from Joey’s Bar in Ballymoney to the Classic Bike Festival on Sunday afternoon.  This is one of many events to celebrate the life and achievements of the iconic Joey Dunlop who tragically died twenty five years ago.

 

Gates Open for camping, caravans, motorhomes etc at 3.00pm on 

Friday 1st August – Paddock and festival marquee access from 6.00pm

  

Friday evening/night

Chat Show 7.00

Music from 8.00

CELLAR DOOR

Saturday evening/night

Chat Show 7.00

Music from 8.00

DAVY K PROJECT

DJ/HOST on both nights BRIAN MOORE

Fully Licensed – Festival friendly prices

Two great nights of entertainment which helps support the event

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to unveil the Creative Peninsula 2025 programme, a vibrant celebration of the exceptional art and craft produced across the Borough. Now in its 24th year, this much-loved annual festival showcases local artists and makers, offering visitors the chance to experience the region’s thriving creative scene first-hand.

Running throughout August 2025, Creative Peninsula invites people of all ages and abilities to immerse themselves in a dynamic mix of free and bookable activities, including events, open studios, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and more.

“Creative Peninsula is a fantastic showcase of the rich arts and crafts scene within our Borough,” said the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum. “We are fortunate to have so many gifted artists and makers living and working here, and this festival offers a special platform to highlight their talents. We look forward to welcoming everyone to explore the exciting programme on offer this year.”

Conway Square in Newtownards will be transformed on Friday 1 August into a bustling arts and crafts village for the Twilight Market and Arts Night, where visitors can browse, buy or commission unique pieces, enjoy live demonstrations, and soak up music from String Ninjas and Cool Hand String Band. A selection of local artisan food, drinks and a bar provided by McBride’s of Comber will also be available.

On Saturday 2 August, the Ulster Folk Museum hosts Woven in Time, an afternoon celebrating linen heritage with a tasting of flax-infused Weaver’s Dry Gin, a talk from Textile Curator Valerie Wilson, a weaving demonstration by Roisin Aiston, and a hands-on printing workshop led by artist Lucy Turner, where participants can create their own linen artwork to take home.

North Down Museum will host a free Heritage Craft Afternoon on Sunday 3 August, offering visitors the chance to see traditional craft skills in action. With outdoor demonstrations (weather permitting) including mosaics, stained glass, green woodwork and printing, the event celebrates the creativity and cultural heritage of handcrafts.

Throughout August, Castle Espie will host a Creative Peninsula exhibition, alongside creative experiences including potter’s wheel sessions, a Creative Café ceramics morning, and a bug drawing workshop – all inspired by its wildlife and beautiful setting.

This year’s featured artist is Kate Rebbeck, whose work graces the Creative Peninsula brochure. Based outside Portaferry, Kate will lead an Abstract Landscapes workshop at her studio on 8 August. Also returning to the programme is the Visual Artist in Residence at Ards Arts Centre, featuring Lauren Ciara McCullough at work in the Sunburst Gallery which will be temporarily turned into a studio throughout August.

“We are thrilled to offer a vibrant programme of art and craft activities this August as part of August Craft Month,” said Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager at Ards and North Down Borough Council. “With events at the Ulster Folk Museum and Castle Espie, our Twilight Market, exhibitions, workshops and Open Studios, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative.”

Tickets are now on sale. View and book at: creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is excited to announce a refreshed and expanded summer leisure programme aimed at keeping children and young people active, healthy, and engaged throughout the school holidays.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, welcomed the announcement, “We’re proud to offer an inclusive and vibrant summer programme that promotes the health and wellbeing of our children, young people, and families. With extended leisure and fitness sessions across our centres, we’re supporting lifelong healthy habits and ensuring everyone can enjoy a fun, active summer come rain or shine!”

Summer Schemes are now open for booking at leisure centres and community venues across the Borough. Designed for children aged five and over, the schemes offer a vibrant mix of sports, dance, games, arts and crafts – catering to a wide range of interests and abilities.

In response to growing demand, additional leisure swim sessions will be available at Valley Leisure Centre, Sixmile Leisure Centre, and Antrim Forum providing even more opportunities for fun, family-friendly activities.

To further support young people’s wellbeing, additional Junior Fitness Gym Sessions (12–15 years old) will be available Monday to Friday. All centres are also adding Teen Fitness Classes (13-15 years old) to their summer programmes.

Antrim Forum and Valley Leisure Centre will host Rookie Lifeguard Courses, while Swimming Crash Courses will be available at Antrim Forum and Sixmile Leisure Centre from July.

For golf enthusiasts, Junior Golf Memberships for under-18s are available at Allen Park and Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, where the driving range also features Toptracer virtual golfing challenges.

These expanded programmes reflect the Council’s continued commitment to promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of young people through fun, inclusive, and age-appropriate activities.

For the latest updates and to book your place, visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/leisure

The Grand Opera House Trust’s hotly anticipated Summer Youth Production of Grease races onto the Theatre’s stage from Thursday 17 July 2025.

Sponsored for the first time by Aircoach, this electrifyin’ production features a cast of 78 talented young performers, aged 16 to 21, selected from over 390 who registered for auditions earlier this year.

The immensely talented young cast, from across Northern Ireland, will spend two weeks in intensive rehearsals, preparing to take centre stage for five unmissable performances on the iconic Grand Opera House stage from Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 July 2025.

Get ready to rock ‘n’ roll with the stars of tomorrow in 1959 at Rydell High. After a whirlwind summer romance, good girl Sandy and greaser Danny, along with The Burger Palace Boys and The Pink Ladies, navigate the ups and downs of love, friendship and the rollercoaster journey of teenage life.

Audiences will enjoy outstanding performances in a production accompanied by 20 musicians performing the phenomenal score with some of Grease’s greatest hits including Summer Nights, Hopelessly Devoted to You, You’re The One That I Want and Greased Lightnin’.

The fully staged production, led by a professional director, musical director, choreographer and the Grand Opera House technical team, offers the talented young cast a truly unmatched experience to shine both on and off stage. The Summer Youth Production also offers the opportunity for five young people to work behind-the-scenes as part of the youth technical crew, gaining valuable insight and behind-the-scenes experience.

Now in its 13^th year, the Grand Opera House Trust’s Summer Youth Production has become a springboard for emerging talent with alumni of past productions such as Sunset Boulevard, Oliver! and Bugsy Malone, going on to become professional actors, dancers and theatrical creatives working in the UK and beyond.

Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “The Summer Youth Production has grown to become one of the biggest projects of its kind in the UK and Ireland, giving young people the experience of a lifetime and unique opportunity to perform on Northern Ireland’s most iconic stage.

“At the heart of the Theatre is a commitment to developing artistic talent and inspiring the next generation of performers. Through the project, our young participants will develop important life skills such as teamwork, confidence building and communication skills; all of which our performers will take with them into their future careers.

“Together with our sponsors, Aircoach, we are delighted to welcome audiences of all ages to enjoy this feel-good favourite, brought to life with heart and flair by an exceptional cast. Judging by the demand for tickets this is the one that you want to see this Summer!”

Aircoach Commercial Manager, Celine Coleman said: “We are both honoured and excited to play a part in supporting and promoting the Arts particularly amongst our younger generation. The Summer Youth Production helps nurture and develop an interest in the Arts that will remain with them throughout adulthood. Aircoach is delighted to navigate that journey of inspiration with the Grand Opera House.”

Performances of Grease will take place on Thursday 17 July at 7pm, Friday 18 July at 2pm and 7pm, and Saturday 19 July at 2pm and 7pm. For tickets, visit goh.co.uk.

Let’s Go Padel reveals ambitious plans for 100 new courts

The opening serve in a grand slam effort to make the sport of padel accessible for everyone in Northern Ireland takes place next weekend with the launch of new courts in Carryduff and Ballyclare.

Let’s Go Padel, the sister company of hugely popular adventure resort, Let’s Go Hydro, has ambitious plans to open 50 courts before Christmas with the ultimate aim of opening 100 courts across the country as soon as possible.

Combining elements of tennis and squash, padel is a racket sport typically played in doubles on an enclosed court about a third the size of a tennis court and surrounded by glass walls.

The first grand opening takes place at Let’s Go Hydro at Mealough Road, Carryduff on Friday, June 27 (5pm – 10pm), The complex has six doubles courts, two singles and two pickleball courts.

Open to the public, the family-friendly event will include free play sessions, kids coaching clinics, an exhibition match and a skills challenge with a BBQ and DJ helping to keep everyone entertained.

On Saturday, June 28 (11am – 4pm), Let’s Go Padel will launch its Ballyclare centre at Green Road with another packed programme similar to the Carryduff event and also open to the public. Ballyclare has two indoor and two outdoor courts.

The entrepreneur behind Let’s Go Padel, Pete Boyle, believes the potential for padel to take off in Northern Ireland is incredible.

He said: “Across the UK there were just 300 courts 18 months ago, by the end of the year there will likely be 2,000. In Europe, and around the world, the sport is hugely popular with 10,000 courts in Italy and another 10,000 in Spain, padel is without doubt the fastest growing sport on the planet.

“Local people are going on holidays and playing padel, but when they come home there are not enough courts to meet demand. Pending planning permission, we aim to open 50 courts before Christmas and are actively pursuing multiple sites to open another 50.

“We are initially aiming to open sites in Derry~Londonderry, Newry, Ballymena, and Newtownards while we hope to have people playing at courts in East Belfast by November.”

Despite the planned surge in court openings, Pete is convinced the demand for padel in Northern Ireland will mirror other parts of the world.

He said: “While there are elite elements to the game and people can play at a high level, primarily it is an inclusive sport which the whole family can play together.

“It is so easy to play and thoroughly enjoyable – once people begin to play we find that they really fall in love with the sport.

“At Let’s Go Padel we are committed to providing world class facilities and expert coaching where families, first-timers, experts and even corporate teams can come and feel a real sense of community.

“We currently operate 14 courts and they are currently all busy. Across Northern Ireland and between ourselves and other providers, we feel there is the potential for around 300 new courts. We really are just getting started.”

Tickets to the Carryduff and Ballyclare opening events are priced £5. To book your place visit Let’s Go Padel Grand Opening Events