Author: whatsonni

Ireland’s Maiden City confirms world class, big-name programme of live and digital choral events for 2021

Thursday 19 August 2021: Derry City is warming up for the sensational return of the City of Derry International Choir Festival (CoDICF) in October when an unrivalled programme of events – including Grammy award-winners and exclusive global premier performances – will fill halls, churches and homes with world class, choral entertainment.

This special festival runs live and virtually from Wednesday 20 October until Sunday 24 October. Headline acts include the internationally acclaimed all-male chorus Chanticleer and award-winning vocal ensemble Tenebrae.

Celebrating its ninth successful year, the Festival has been carefully planned to include a synchronised mix of in-person and virtual events throughout the city as part of an immersive programme of live and digital concerts, performances, workshops, podcasts, and other events.

Over five full days, audiences will experience the elation of live music once again with a variety of exciting performances in various venues across the city, including the historic St Columb’s Cathedral, and the inspiring surroundings of the centuries-old St Columba’s Church, Long Tower.

This year’s Festival kicks off with the Opening Gala Concert on Wednesday 20 October featuring members of the Ulster Orchestra with local choirs and singers performing The Voyage. Composed and conducted by world-famous choral director Bob Chilcott, The Voyage is a deeply emotive orchestral and vocal composition depicting the voyage through life and how we come to terms with the challenges it brings. 

The gala concert also introduces a brand-new Festival commission for chorus and orchestra by Northern Ireland creative production company, Dumbworld.

Thursday 21 October marks the return of the award-winning Derry chamber choir Codetta, promising to be a major highlight for the 2021 programme as they perform The Road Home in Long Tower Church with Derry cellist Kim Vaughan.

The concert includes a world premiere of newly commissioned work by Irish composer Eoghan Desmond chosen in partnership with The Contemporary Music Centre, Ireland, as part of the year-long Colmcille 1500 celebratory programme, coordinated by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council.

School performances will be back with a non-competitive format for primary years encouraging children and teachers to take part in the fun and community-spirited Primary Big Sing event in Millennium Forum on Thursday 21 October.

This day of singing will include a workshop led by music education expert Lucinda Geoghegan ​featuring songs, games and rhymes, ​and a specially composed piece for young voices by leading Catalan composer and conductor, Josep Vila i Casañas. Post-primary schools will return for a day of competitions and a senior Big Sing on Friday 22 October.

The Festival is also hopeful that choirs throughout the island of Ireland will return for a day of competitions in various categories including mixed voice, equal voice, youth, sacred, pop, jazz and gospel, culminating in the brand-new Choir of the Festival competition.

Friday 22 October the Festival welcomes a return visit from the UK vocal ensemble Tenebrae for a live performance in St Columb’s Cathedral. The critically acclaimed, award-winning choir is one of the world’s leading vocal ensembles famous for its passion and precision, led by its musical director and founder, Nigel Short.

The Festival’s online programme features this year’s headline virtual act, the Grammy award-winning all-male a cappella ensemble Chanticleer from San Francisco, California. They will be making their virtual debut at the Festival on Thursday 21 October with a live Zoom workshop and a bespoke recorded concert.

Renowned internationally as ‘the orchestra of voices,’ Chanticleer was founded in 1978 and remain as the ‘world’s reigning male chorus,’ performing stunning concerts to every corner of the world.

The Virtual Choral Trail returns with the inclusion of local, national and international choirs. Following a hugely successful online-only festival last year, which generated an unprecedented 250,000 views from 50 countries worldwide, choirs and ensembles can take part by submitting their best performance through the Festival website to secure their place in the 2021 online programme.

Online audiences will also enjoy the sounds of previous international winners of the Festival in a special virtual concert, as well as a series of podcasts with guest artists and a virtual symposium on the theme of words, music and composition.

Welcoming this year’s programme of events, the festival’s Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, said:

“There is a real sense of hope among singers everywhere that we will soon be able to return to regular rehearsals and performances. Singing together is our life-blood and this shared experience has been sorely missed over the past 18 months. We cannot wait to perform together again, or to enjoy the performance of other groups, whether outdoors or in one of the beautiful indoor venues that we’ll be using for this year’s festival.” 

Dónal shares how in-person and virtual events has created a new dynamic to the festival’s programme:

“The extraordinary success of last year’s virtual festival has given us the confidence to present an exciting and varied programme for Festival 2021. Derry is a very welcoming city and we look forward to an even bigger global audience, either in person or online, being able to share in and enjoy this year’s five-day celebration of song.”

The 2021 Festival is supported by Arts Council Northern Ireland, the Department for Communities, Derry & Strabane District Council, Donegal County Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Community Foundation Northern Ireland, Inner City Trust, the Irish American Partnership and Caldwell & Robinson Solicitors.

For more details on this year’s programme and events visit www.derrychoirfest.com

Belfast’s Maritime Mile is getting ready to host a two-day festival of family fun on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 September.

The Belfast Maritime Weekender will bring Belfast’s maritime and industrial history to life and includes pockets of exciting seafaring activities stretching across Sailortown, City Quays and Donegall Quay, to Queen’s Quay and Titanic Quarter.

The weekend’s daytime and evening activities include live music and dance, nautical themed street performers, playful art and heritage installations, dance picnics for children, walking tours, a treasure trail, a pop-up market, illuminations, and much more.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, said: “With Belfast Maritime Weekender we’re asking people to come on in and enjoy what’s on offer safely. This is our first council event since lockdown and a celebration of our amazing maritime heritage, along the spectacular Maritime Mile.

“Things are a little different this year from our usual Maritime Festival format, but we’re delighted to be giving people an opportunity to get out and about and enjoy ‘mini moments’ of fun. The experience has been designed with safety in mind, and we remind everyone coming along to keep safe and think of others as they enjoy the weekend.

“Look out for more fun-filled events and live music over the coming months as cultural activities make a welcome return to the streets of Belfast.”  

The Belfast Maritime Weekender has been organised by Belfast City Council in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, and is supported by Belfast Harbour, Titanic Quarter Limited, the Odyssey Trust, Department for Communities and Maritime Mile partners and media partner Q Radio.

Kerrie Sweeney, CEO of Maritime Belfast Trust said: “Maritime Belfast Trust is delighted to partner with Belfast City Council on the Belfast Maritime Weekender, taking place along the Maritime Mile.  The Maritime Mile may be only one navigational mile of water but it represents over 10km of iconic, heritage waterfront, comprising Sailortown, City Quays, Queens Quay and Titanic Quarter.  

“Throughout the last 18 months, the city’s waterfront has become a real solace for local people to walk, run, cycle and explore.  As a charity dedicated to preserving Belfast’s rich maritime heritage, Maritime Belfast Trust has worked tirelessly during this period to strengthen the outdoor experience with playful art and heritage installations, such as Soundyard and Riverbox. The Maritime Weekender is a fantastic opportunity to showcase our achievements and celebrate the re-opening of our attractions and hospitality businesses, in a safe, well managed, open-air environment.”

Ibe Sesay, presenter of Q Radio Drive, said: “After a long 18 months, Q Radio is buzzing to be part of Belfast Maritime Weekender 2021, a home-grown festival and Belfast City Council’s first major event to be held in the city since the pandemic began. Despite the huge challenges presented by the Covid-19 there is a fantastic line-up of attractions celebrating Belfast’s unique maritime history and Titanic legacy, from walking tours, street performers, live music and a pop-up market to name a few!”

While there will be no tall ships this year, Belfast will be welcoming a host of vessels and boats to the quayside, giving visitors an opportunity to climb aboard and discover more about life at sea from the visiting crews. The Irish Lights vessel ILV Granuaile and 1960s old style tug boat Brocklebank will also be in port, with a range of displays, demo racing and other on-the-water attractions all part of the weekend entertainment.

A self-led Maritime Treasure Trail is on offer with theatrical performances along the route, and a range of ticketed tours will take place daily, including Maritime Mile walking tours, photography tours, cycle tours, under the Lagan tours and Glass of Thrones walking tours. You can also catch the powerful National Geographic photography exhibition, ‘Planet or Plastic?’ courtesy of SSE Airtricity and not-for-profit organisation, Sick of Plastic. 

The Belfast Maritime Weekender also marks the start of Belfast City Council’s Belfast Music programme, with gigs and performances lined up until December. Aside from buskers and live music across the Maritime Mile, a number of special performances will be happening in some unusual venues including Mindfulness Sound Bath sessions in St Joseph’s Church, an open mic night in the American Bar and a cabaret in the Drawing Office at the Titanic Hotel.

For more event information and to book activities, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/Maritime-Weekender

Andy Dunlop from acclaimed band Travis is set to entertain music lovers later this month as Flowerfield Arts Centre continues its series of free outdoor concerts.

He’s just one of an amazing line-up of artists set to play at the popular Saturday Lunchtime Live in the Park events, held on the terrace each Saturday from 12noon to 1pm

This Saturday (August 14^th), enjoy the musical stylings of the String Ninjas, a Belfast-based instrumental duo consisting of guitarist Gavin Ferris and electronic violinist Mick Conlon.

Having recently performed at festivals across the UK, the Ninjas are renowned for wowing audiences with their energetic live performances ranging from 90s dance to classic rock and jazz.

Rising star and singer-songwriter Molly Hogg will grace the terrace on Saturday 21st August. One to watch, Molly has performed at festivals throughout Northern Ireland as well as on UTV.

To end the month, none other than Andy Dunlop, lead guitarist from the internationally renowned band Travis, will perform alongside singer/songwriter Peter McVeigh on Saturday 28^th August.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy during the shows.  Limited seating will be provided with social distancing measures in place for your safety. 

The concerts are weather dependent so visit www.flowerfield.org or follow Flowerfield Arts Centre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates. 

Saturday 21 August will see the very best of Bangor come to life as we encourage you to join us to shop local, eat local and enjoy lots of seaside fun.

From 12noon to 6pm, the town will have an extra special buzz with fabulous shop window animations and pop-up performances throughout the day. Be captivated by the finest local singers, actors, dancers, mime artists and musicians who will entertain and delight!

From Main Street to High Street and Project 24 to Pickie Funpark you can experience and enjoy live performances, shop window animations, special offers, tasty food and much more.

Project 24 will host the ‘Taste Ards and North Down’ local food, drink and craft market from 12noon to 6pm where you will have the opportunity to meet our local producers and pick up some delicious treats and unique crafts.

The McKee Clock arena will play host to the UK’s Strongest Woman 2021 event where 12 athletes from all 4 corners of the UK will compete in grueling contests to become the first ever UK’s Strongest woman. A not to be missed event with 9 tests of strength to find one champion. (Pre-booking essential).

As part of the Back in Bangor celebrations we also have a variety of exciting and authentic foodie experiences on offer from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 August.

Highlights include:

Bangor Beer Club Special The Bangor Beer Club returns at the Salty Dog. This is the best place to meet some of the great local characters behind the ever-growing NI craft brewing scene.

The Great British Menus with Andy Scollick An opportunity to enjoy the Great British Menu as presented by our rising star, local chef Andy Scollick.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks said;

“While we are unable to run large scale events like we usually do, this new town animation approach designed for a COVID-safe environment where entertainers are spread out right across the town, allows shoppers to enjoy performances while remaining outside and socially distanced.

“I am looking forward to seeing a buzz back in Bangor and hope that it is a successful day for the town and its traders.”

So why not delight in some much-needed entertainment and relaxation with a special day Back in Bangor this August. 

For more information see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/backinbangor 

· All providers will operate with COVID-19 measures in line with current government guidance.

· Help us to stop the spread of COVID-19. Regular rapid lateral flow testing is strongly recommended prior to attending this event. For more information see www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/lateralflowtests  

This year’s theme for Playday, the national day of play on 4 August, is ‘Summer of Play’ and the National Trust NI has is encouraging families to experience a range of simple outdoor pleasures designed to keep families entertained right through the school holidays. 

It’s been a challenging year, but with restrictions easing and summer in full swing, the National Trust in Northern Ireland is encouraging people to boost their wellbeing by getting outdoors and enjoying simple pleasures.

Playing is essential for children’s mental health and well-being and recent research by the conservation charity showed that connecting with nature supports different types of wellbeing, from being happy and feeling good, to functioning well day to day [1]. 

Research also found that children were more likely to report feeling happy if they had a higher level of nature connectedness, engaged in meaningful activities linked to nature (such as writing songs or poetry about nature) and spent time relaxing in nature [2].

The good news is that nature connection can be simple, everyday and under our noses like walking barefoot, listening to birdsong and smelling flowers.

Annie Reilly, Experience Development Manager at the National Trust said: “Going barefoot is one of those simple pleasures that forces you to stop to be more aware of your surroundings and is a really great way of connecting with nature.

“We know other simple sensory pleasures such as smelling flowers, listening to birdsong and noticing butterflies and bees can also help with nature connection and encourage feelings of wellbeing.

“With people’s desire to reconnect with family and friends, and to enjoy time outdoors and the simple and sensory pleasures in life, we will be concentrating on ensuring families can do just that at many of our places this summer by providing safe spaces to enjoy and to have fun.”

This summer, National Trust places in Northern Ireland will be ready to ‘Get set, go!’ with a range of active, sensory and playful activities that encourage fun, laughter and taking time out in nature.

You’ll be able to pick up a ‘Get set, go’ activity card – or if you prefer, download them to take with you – to inspire your summer adventure. These activity cards have lots of ways to enjoy summer activities, such as ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘Feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature. Each activity is designed to have fun with what’s around you and explore the simple things this summer.

National Trust ‘Get set, go!’ activities near you

The Argory, County Armagh

Challenge friends and family at Blackwater Bootcamp. How high can you jump? How much can you lift? Enjoy schoolyard skipping and tennis on the lawn; compose a nature tune in the giant arbour sound boot; try your hand at some Argory Art or help the next generation of cyclists learn to ride on the new free-to-hire balance bikes.

Pre-booking not required. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom, County Fermanagh

Grab a Get Set, Go card at Castle Coole, Crom or Florence Court and create your own adventure as you explore the activities at each place. You can make a splash at Crom, add some bounce at Castle Coole, or follow the path at Florence Court, all whilst noticing nature at each of these special places.  Don’t forget to collect your wooden medal for taking part.

Pre-booking not required visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court

Rowallane Garden, County Antrim

Venture into Explore & Play, a natural playground filled with fun, physical challenges. See if you can survive the swamp, find the tallest trees and get active in nature. Don’t forget to pick up a Get Set, Go card to inspire your summer adventure. ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature.

Pre-booking recommended, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Mount Stewart, County Down

Pick up your Get Set, Go pack from the courtyard outside Visitor Reception and choose your own adventure. Take a dive into forest bathing, hunt for hidden digital treasures with geocaching or try your hand at archery. Make a bee line for the Magic Ink Pot, a natural play area themed around magical journeys and mythical creatures; or see what strange and exotic animals you can find in the ark in the Italian Garden.

Pre-booking recommended visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Castle Ward, County Down

Choose to go barefoot in the wildflower meadow, hit the target while buzzing along with the bees, Get Set, Go in a potato sack race, catch your breath during a yoga pose, or find your way through the estate with a natural sensory trail.

Pre-booking not required, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

HASTINGS Hotels has a star-studded selection of experiences on offer this summer including Bridgerton Inspired and Derry Girls Afternoon Teas and the hugely in demand Line of Duty Tour.

Derry Girls Experience

The Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry is giving people the chance to dine like a Derry Girl and even visit some of the filming locations. Guests will also have the chance to get their picture taken with the hotel’s famous resident, Michelle the Derry Girls duck.

Enjoy the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea (£30pp) with sandwiches, freshly baked scones & breads and pastry assortment but with a Derry Girls twist – sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, cone of chips and cocktail.

The Be A Derry Girl package from only £75pps includes luxurious overnight accommodation and breakfast the following morning and themed Derry Girls Afternoon Tea with cocktail or why not upgrade to the Derry Girls Tour overnight package from only £95pps which also includes a guided Derry Girls Walking Tour. All packages include your very own Michelle, the Derry Girls duck to take home.

Line of Duty Experience

The Line of Duty Overnight Experience, available on selected dates from £220 per room (based on 2 people sharing), begins with lunch in the Grand Café in the Grand Central Hotel, before an action packed guided tour onboard a luxurious McCombs coach, taking in some of the most recognisable filming locations including the iconic Subway location, the favourite meeting point for Steve and Kate to have their secret rendezvous; ‘Pelbury House’ the headquarters of the Central Police force and ‘Hickey’s Bookmakers’ from the opening scene of series six that first made viewers suspect that DCI Davidson was a bent copper.

The afternoon finishes with an AC12 cocktail or Wee Donkey mocktail in the Observatory, Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar in the Grand Central Hotel. Then it’s time to check in for a luxurious overnight stay and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

Bridgerton Afternoon Tea

Who didn’t watch Netflix’s most-watched show of all time, Bridgerton? Guests are cordially invited to experience the splendour of high society with a scandalously decadent Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea (priced from £35pp) featuring a host of delightful treats in a stunning setting at the Culloden Estate & Slieve Donard Resort.

Stimulate your tastebuds starting with Lady Whistledown’s Starter, followed by Queen Charlotte’s Delectable Sandwiches, Lady Bridgerton’s Finest Scones and Lady Danbury’s Desserts and Dainty Cakes. This fabulous experience is complimented with your choice of tea or coffee or enhance your experience with Lady Whistledown’s Gossipy Gimlet cocktail or a glass or two of the finest champagne. The Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea is ‘Flawless, my dear’.

The Bolly Bus

For the ultimate outdoor summer experience, the Bolly Bus, at the Culloden Estate & Spa has the star factor and a host of celebrities, including Christine and Frank Lampard, have already been spotted enjoying the 5-star luxury.

The leading five-star hotel has teamed up with Pattinson & Co Wine Merchants, distributors of Bollinger Champagne, to create the bespoke bus which has been designed specifically for the Culloden.  Where else in Belfast can you sit back, relax and enjoy incredible views and a fabulous selection of beverages. The Bolly Bus is open every Friday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm.

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066.

After a long 16 months the curtains will finally open at Theatre at The Mill on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 August. 

Northern Ireland’s Greatest Showman, Peter Corry and a special cast of young performers who have all tread the boards at Theatre at The Mill, will bring you a Summer Musical Spectacular, featuring the music from Oklahoma, The Producers, Les Miserables and many more smash hit musicals.

A full programme of shows including; Carson and The Lady – A never before told story of the unusual friendship between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene by local playwright Michael Cameron, The Johnny Cash Story and our annual Christmas Comedy Jingle all the Hairspray will keep you entertained throughout the coming months.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said; “I am thrilled that the Arts are on the road to recovery and Theatre at The Mill is back in business. It is very fitting that Musical Maestro Peter Corry will open our indoor performances again as he did 11 years ago when he starred in the Theatres premier show Sweeney Todd. I look forward to many nights out again at the Theatre and I wish all our performers the best of luck.”

Whilst we are really excited about welcoming people back to the Theatre, we have made some changes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. These changes include, temperature checks on arrival, regular use of hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask when moving around the theatre and maintaining social distancing whilst using the washroom facilities.

The Theatre will maintain social distancing at 2 metres for the duration of our autumn season of performances. This will reduce our usual seating capacity of 400 seats to 162.

A number of outdoor events at the Civic Square will take place throughout the summer including, Shane Todd, Flash Harry and The Elvis Spectacular Show.

Please note tickets must be booked in advance of all performances.

Details of all shows can be found online at theatreatthemill.com

What do you call a cluster of great nights out in Portaferry? Portico Comedy Arts Festival! 

Just a few weeks after winning an Arts and Business Award for being a “stand-out arts organisation”, the Portico of Ards has more good news: a brand new festival for Portaferry with every event designed to make people laugh. 

With funding from Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Portico Comedy Arts Festival takes place across two weekends, 17-25 September 2021, with all events happening in the stunning grade A-listed architecture of the Portico of Ards in Portaferry.

The festival launches with The Pirates of Penzance on Friday 17 Sept. Dive straight into the Comedy Arts Festival by the sea with this fabulous production of this Gilbert and Sullivan favourite. Opera Anywhere has been thrilling audiences everywhere with this energetic and hilarious show. 

Sat 18 Sept brings NI comedy sensation Paddy Raff accompanied by BT9’s most famous export, his alter-ego Nigel. This show is a mix of brand new material from the sold out SSE Arena show ‘Me, Myself & Nigel’ along with some songs & stories from last year’s nine-time-sellout ‘Paddy & Nigel Act Their Postcodes’ show. 

A family show from The Scott Brothers Duo on Sun 19 Sept provides the perfect introduction to classical music for all ages. The brothers perform a fun-filled concert of duos for piano and organ featuring thrilling music with captivating animations on the big screen. With gorgeous original animation and scores, this is a charming afternoon treat.

On Thurs 23 Sept, ‘Our Jimmy’ is back by popular demand. David Hull Promotions presents comedian William Caulfield’s latest show featuring the beloved Ulster characters first created by the late James Young. What have Derek, Lily O’Condriac, Emily Beattie, Willie Simpson, Billy Hulk, the wee Schoolboy, the shipyard worker and Orange Lil all been up to? Come and find out!

Neil Delamere, star of BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz, hits the road again with his riotous new stand-up show, Liminal, on Fri 24 Sept. Expect an evening perhaps best described as Schrodinger’s chat as our wisecracking comedic hero struggles to figure out this strange new world. 

The festival concludes on Sat 25 Sept withThe Iconettes and their band The Hitzvilles. Featuring hit songs from The Ronettes, The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and much more, this exciting musical homage pays tribute to the best ‘girl groups’ and ‘divas’ of the 60s and 70s. A fabulous night out guaranteed!

Wendy Smith, Tourism Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to support such a vibrant and imaginative programme set in such wonderful surroundings. I would encourage everyone to get their tickets early!”

Portico’s manager Dr Verity Peet said, “If you don’t need a laugh after the last year then well done you. Everyone else, we’ve got you covered!”

To find out more about the festival or Portico please visit PorticoArds.com

From Monday 26 July until Saturday 4 September, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a photographic exhibition by Michael Bradley, Colin Robins and Joonas Aitonurmi, entitled ‘Road Bowling in Armagh & Cork’. Part of The John Hewitt International Summer School, which is renowned for featuring local art and artists, the exhibition in the Theatre’s Main Gallery will be free to attend.

Road bowling, or ‘throwing the bullet’ is primarily associated with the Counties of Armagh and Cork. It is somewhat idiosyncratic as a pursuit, disputed as to its origins and in some ways seemingly a legacy of a previous era, involving nothing more than participants taking turns at throwing an iron and steel ball as far down a country road as possible. Yet healthy numbers continue to spectate and to stroll alongside the players whilst many frequently wager not insignificant amounts on the prospective winners.

The photographs in this exhibition show people and environments from these two regions, featuring both players and spectators of the sport. Photographs are by Michael Bradley, Cork, and Colin Robin, assisted by Joonas Aitonurmi in Armagh. Joonas Aitonurmi is a Helsinki journalist and writer, and Colin Robins is a Cornwall based photographer and lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Two recent collaborations resulted in exhibitions held in Helsinki at the Alexsanteri Institute, Finnish Centre for Russian and Eastern European Studies, and at Tiedekulma’s Crazy World conference.

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.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to announce it is reopening post lockdown and excited to showcase the visitor experience upgrades and latest facility additions to families this summer.

These state-of-the-art developments include a brand-new theatre experience, an inclusive and immersive sensory room and an interactive exhibition area.

Funded by the Department for Communities, the Planetarium now boasts the world’s most advanced Planetarium system, Digistar 7, created by digital projection specialists Evans and Sutherland. It’s ultra-high-resolution videos transports guests anywhere in the Solar System and beyond! The latest technology allows visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof, using its new projection equipment. A truly out of this world experience that should not be missed.

The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena.

Other additions include enhanced changing facilities to assist those with additional needs, as well as a modern sensory room that provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits. The new and improved shop and café upgrades add an extra ‘day-out’ feel to the visitor experience.

Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said: “We are over the moon to announce our reopening. The team and our suppliers have been working hard to get the Planetarium ready and we are really looking forward to welcoming visitors back. The new improvements will really amplify our visitor experience, creating long lasting memories and sparking a curiosity to learn more about space. With more people staying local this summer, we are anticipating a really busy season.

“The dome experience will also offer something unique for adults too, as we are screening shows featuring the music of either Pink Floyd or U2 on selected Friday evenings.”

Whilst visitor experiences have been closed due to lockdown, research continued.  Sinead adds, “Our astrophysicists and astronomers have been continuing their leading and valuable research, as well as student placements in place and study ongoing.”

Tickets for the dome shows are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.