Author: whatsonni

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is playing host to a stunning line-up of music and drama over the coming weeks to celebrate the City’s St Patricks Festival.

The drama kicks off on Saturday 7 March with ‘Dream, Sleep, Connect’, a bold new comedy about disconnection in the digital world, which takes a timely ‘swipe’ at online dating and appoholics.

Chris is working on a technological solution for the Irish border under the beady eye of his boss, Lucy, when he realises he has no one to invite to the office do. He joins Tinder only to find he’s met his match in more ways than one… But before long, Chris begins to ask the ultimate question: Who is watching who?

Then on Thursday 12 March, join us for ‘A Sharing of Traditions’ as Cavan meets Antrim in a unique coming together of traditional music, song, yarns & humour. Antrim’s own Willie Drennan and Cavan’s Martin Donohoe will show us all how there is much more binding our cultures together than driving us apart.

The Rapparees, a 5-piece folk and traditional band, are about as exciting an act as you’re likely to encounter on the circuit. Coming to The Market Place on Friday 13 March, their unique brand of folk music combines vocal harmonies with lashings of fiddle and banjo, which will have audiences on their feet singing and dancing along. They arrive at The Market Place with a bang, with their new album ‘Recharged’. Join us for an evening of foot stomping belters and heart-warming ballads.

The Walled City Music Festival is just around the corner and as part of this year’s event a major new piece has been commissioned by the Festival, with support from Arts Council Northern Ireland, from Derry-born composer Christopher Norby.

The piece is entitled ‘Some Day: A Piece about Civil Rights’ and will be premiered in The Glassworks on Saturday 7 March by international chamber ensemble Trio Festivale (Sabrina Hu, flute; Gerald Peregrine, cello: Cathal Breslin, piano). 

‘Some Day’ presents civil rights movements as an ongoing struggle for equity over time. Within this larger context is the story of the civil rights movement in Derry – the precursor to it, how it was influenced by movements in the Southern States of the USA, and how it was eventually overshadowed by a violent Nationalist struggle. The piece also examines the changing role of communications in the modern world – from connecting people in the past to its capacity to divide, polarize and influence political discourse in the present.

In addition to the music, the performance of ‘Some Day’ will featurea film montage of incredible photography and footage from iconic figures such as Eamon Melaugh and Barney McMonagle in Derry, Spider Martin in Selma, Alabama, and contemporary TV footage from local news journalist Leona O’Neill. All of these historic materials have been crafted by motion designer and illustrator Michael Boddy into a visual accompaniment to the newly-composed music that will be shown in The Glassworks on 7 March.

Matthew Greenall, Executive Director of Walled City Music, commented “Commissioning has become a regular feature of Walled City Music Festival’s programme in recent years, and we are delighted to present Some Day, our most ambitious commission to date. Chris Norby has revisited and made fresh the live issue of civil rights in our society, and his striking new work will encapsulate both the ongoing importance of civil rights and the relevance of contemporary art works to that struggle.”

Tickets are now available for all concerts via the Millennium Forum Box Office or online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk. For more information visit www.walledcitymusic.com.

Wellness From Within 2020 aims to tackle growing mental health crisis

TWO of Northern Ireland’s leading Wellbeing Advocates have launched the province’s first ever local wellness summit which aims to help tackle the growing mental health crisis.

Annette Kelly, Founder of the inspirational wellness brand, Little Penny Thoughts, and Tyrone GAA player, Richard Donnelly have joined forces to create Wellness From Within 2020 which is taking place on Sunday 29^th March in the Crowne Plaza Belfast from 10am – 5pm.

The full day event will include talks and workshops from some of Ireland’s top thought leaders in the health and wellness industry, ‘Real Life, Real Stories’ panel discussions with an inspiring line-up of individuals who have all faced personal challenges and overcame adversity.

Speakers at the event will include Performance Nutritionist and Author, Daniel Davey; leading Personal Trainer and cystic fibrosis hero, Ben Mudge and Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and mental health activist Caroline McMenamin.

Co-Founder of Wellness From Within 2020, Annette Kelly said: “We are proud to launch Wellness From Within 2020, an event with a difference that will help open up conversations surrounding our own personal wellbeing and mental health.

With Northern Ireland’s current mental health crisis, we are eager to help others and let people know that there are ways to build resilience and coping skills. Mind-set, fitness and nutrition play a major role in boosting wellbeing and overall health which is why we have created this unique event and we hope people will leave feeling empowered, educated and inspired.”

Richard Donnelly, Co-Founder added: “We’ve put together an amazing line-up of speakers who were selected because of their incredible knowledge and expertise, uplifting nature, courage and bravery and secured Event Partners from some of Northern Ireland’s top businesses leading the way in the health and fitness industry. Wellness From Within 2020 is a day suited for everyone and we are encouraging people from across Northern Ireland to come along, take some time for themselves and learn the importance of self-care.”

Event Partners include Bank of Ireland, Gym Co, Tony & Jen’s, Move Your Mind, B&L Productions and Natur & Co Vitality.  Tickets are priced at £60 and include lunch and a wellness pack to take home. For further information or to purchase tickets go to www.littlepennythoughts.com

Bangor songsmith King Cedar will appear at Bangor Castle on Friday 27 March as part of the Music in the Chamber series of events.

King Cedar is the adopted moniker and current musical meanderings of Stephen Macartney, formerly of The Farriers who is known for his finely crafted songs and charismatic live performances. Stephen has been a mainstay of the Northern Ireland music scene for many years, honing his craft in bars, backrooms, and festival stages. Recently, he spent time in the United States drawing on the inspiration of these turbulent times. This is sure to be reflected in his new album ‘Everything, More & Other Stories.’

With the aim of writing as honestly as possible, King Cedar recalls the stories we all accumulate along the way; from love, life and regret, to depression, death – and whiskey. It’s country without a pick-up, folk without a cardigan.

Accompanied by a full band, King Cedar will debut music from the new album at this very special hometown gig in the beautiful Chamber room at Bangor Castle on Friday 27 March at 8pm.

Tickets cost £12 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

Overnight break in Belfast from only £100pps with up to £30 estate credit per person

Treat yourself to a luxurious overnight break in Northern Ireland’s premier 5-star hotel, the Culloden Estate & Spa, from only £100pps* and receive complimentary estate credits worth up to £30 per person.

As part of the Luxury on the Lough package guests will enjoy luxurious accommodation, Full Irish Breakfast and complimentary estate credits:

£10 credit per adult towards a 2-course meal in the Cultra Inn

£10 credit per adult towards a 3-course meal in Vespers Restaurant

£10 credit per adult towards a 50-minute spa treatment in The Spa at Culloden

This magnificent hotel is just six miles from Belfast and the perfect location for guests to completely unwind and relax with roaring log fires and views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim. The Culloden Estate has 98 stunning bedrooms and suites, a luxurious spa and a range of dining options including Vespers Restaurant serving modern cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients; The Lough Bar offering light snacks and the hotel’s famous decadent Afternoon Tea and the Cultra Inn, a cosy bar and bistro which nestles within the Estate and is perfect for a tasty lunch, evening meal or pint by the fireside. 

For further information or to book go to www.hastingshotels.com orcall the Culloden Estate & Spa on 028 9042 1066.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to launch the 2020 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The Festival will take place from 1 – 5 April at various venues around Newtownards.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Festival is a celebration of the world’s most popular instrument, bringing together some of the best guitarists from around Ireland, the UK and the world, with artists crossing a range of genres, showcasing their musical skills, talent and creativity.

This year’s jam-packed line-up features over 40 musicians including home-grown talent as well as performers from the USA, Germany and The Netherlands all brought together with the help of guest programmer Anthony Toner. The popular Guitar Clinics are also back, giving amateur guitarists the opportunity to hone their skills with the help of professionals, as well as a stunning photography exhibition by Stuart Bailie.

One of the highlights of this year’s programme is The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet who will open the Festival on Wednesday 1 April at The Queen’s Hall. As one of the world’s leading guitar quartets, The AGQ is known for its extraordinary performances and expansive repertoire. Formed at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999, the quartet studied with renowned guitarists Sérgio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia and Scott Tennant and has performed in major concert halls throughout the UK and Europe. The foursome will be supported by The Diony’s Ensemble and The Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland.

Blues maestro Ronnie Greer returns to the Festival on the crest of a wave for what looks like being one of the high points of the programme. Ronnie will be launching his brand-new album with his new band All-Star Blues Revue. With contributions from an all-star glittering line-up including; long-time musical partner Anthony Toner on guitars, Nick Scott on bass and Peter McKinney on drums – joined by guitarists/vocalists Ken Haddock and Grainne Duffy, Kyron Bourke on keyboards and vocals, and blues and jazz luminaries Linley Hamilton on trumpet and Dave Howell on sax. An evening not to be missed at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 3 April.

The Festival is also pleased to welcome back to Ards Irish folk sensation Síomha who was one of the undoubted hits of last year’s Festival. Síomha will be supported at her Queen’s Hall gig on Saturday 4 April by virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Shane Hennessy from Carlow (back by popular demand!) and German-born Sönke Meinen who has acquired an outstanding reputation on the international guitar scene.

Other highlights of this year’s programme include; The Richard Nelson Jazz Quartet, Rodney Branigan, Jane Willow and more!  There will also be a screening of the silent film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) accompanied by guitarist Paul McMordie in the atmospheric surroundings of Kiltonga Hall.

Thin Lizzy fans are in for a treat with the Classic Band Brunch Wild Eyed Boys – The Thin Lizzy Story presented by Ralph McLean. Take a fascinating stroll through the history of one of the most celebrated bands of all time, featuring seldom-seen clips, some rarities and Ralph’s usual mix of musical insight and backstage gossip. Ards Arts Centre, Sunday 5 April.

Speaking about the festival, Alderman Bill Keery, The Mayor of Ards and North Down said: “We are delighted to once again host Ards International Guitar Festival which welcomes musicians from far and wide to Newtownards. The Festival is now 23 years old and is going from strength to strength. This year’s programme is fantastic, and we would encourage everyone to support the various events.”

Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented: “This year’s Festival is shaping up to be an eclectic five days of guitar-based music with something to appeal to everyone from classical to jazz, blues to Americana and of course our signature acoustic percussive performances. There’s plenty of opportunity for a hands-on opportunity to learn from the experts with our Guitar Clinics and free lunchtime performances to get you into the festival spirit’’

Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 1 – 5 April. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

Brick Wonders, an internationally acclaimed exhibition, featuring recreations in LEGO® bricks of amazing sights from around the world, is coming to the new Gateway Visitor Centre, on the banks of Lough Shore Antrim, from Saturday 7 March until Sunday 14 June.

Curated by artist Warren Elsmore this unique exhibition begins with the seven wonders of the ancient world, also taking in modern, natural and historic wonders from all seven continents. Brick Wonders will take you on a journey from an Egyptian pyramid to the natural pyramid of the Matterhorn, the bustle of Old London Bridge to the awesome natural display of the Aurora Australis and those everyday marvels we forget to wonder at, such as electricity and the Internet.

At the heart of the Brick Wonders display is the giant Great Barrier Reef attraction, complete with underwater lighting and sound effects. This centrepiece has LEGO recreations of everything from corals and sponges to turtles and reef-dwelling fish such as blue tangs, angel fish and a ray.

In all, over sixty LEGO models are included, from tiny models to inspire building at home, to large mosaics and dioramas using a grand total of half a million LEGO bricks.

LEGO bricks are unique in their appeal, having been a top-selling toy for over fifty years.  This exhibition will appeal to all ages, so if you love LEGO you will love Brick Wonders! This exhibition has visited art galleries, museums and exhibition centres from Italy to England and is returning to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2015.

Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing display at the stunning new Gateway Visitor Centre Antrim.

For full details and bookings visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey/events or call T: 028 9448 1338.