Author: whatsonni

The City of Derry International Choir Festival has opened applications for participation in the 8^th edition of the autumn festival, due to take place from Wednesday 21 October until Sunday 25 October 2020.

Last year’s event (October 2019) was an outstanding success that saw 80 choirs participating in 69 events in 30 venues across the Derry and Strabane region, with audiences of over 15,500 throughout festival week. The festival brought over 2,800 bed-nights to the city, during off-peak season, resulting in ‘House Full’ signs in many of the local hotels, and visitor spend was estimated at over £250k while attending the annual event.

Organisers have already begun planning for 2020 and look forward to welcoming guest performers and choirs from around the world to take part in five days of wonderful choral singing comprising concerts, workshops, choral and sacred trails, competitions and conducting masterclasses.

In addition to the usual format, the festival will introduce two new elements to the 2020 event. Primary schools from across the Northwest will be invited to take part in a BIG SING with a difference, when 1,000 voices will come together for a very special day of workshopping and performing of a brand-new, specially-commissioned piece of music by Belfast composer Brian Irvine. Another new feature of the festival will see the winners of all national competitions go head-to-head in a sing-off to be crowned National Choir of the Festival.

As always, one of the highlights of the festival will be the International Competition, in which selected choirs will compete for the prestigious ‘Oak Tree of Derry’ trophy, as well as a cash prize of £2,000. The quality and range of international choirs participating in this competition is growing each year, and expressions of interest are already in from exciting choirs in Europe and Asia so early applications are recommended to avoid disappointment.

Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the festival, says “Festival 2020 is already shaping up to be very exciting, with a strong emphasis on events that will demonstrate the power of music to improve the quality of life for all. This will be a transformative event for the whole city.” Details of how to apply and other festival information is available at www.derrychoirfest.com.

‘Evolve’ is a new art exhibition on display in Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, created in a variety of mediums by the service users and staff of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust. The artworks suggest how works of art and people evolve over time.

The Arts Care Artists-in-Residence in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Jill McKeown, Eddie Rafferty and Gwen Stevenson, facilitate participants to create artwork for themselves and to enhance their environments.

This work is a testimony to the impact art has on staff, service users, family and visitors to the Southern Health and Care Trust. The exhibition will run from Saturday 25 January – Saturday 29 February.

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.

Let your little ones unleash their creativity this February as part of the Playful Museum Festival 2020. 

This programme of weekly interactive and educational events for children aged from 3 months to 5 years will take place each Saturday during February at Museum at The Mill, Mossley Mill.

These playful sessions have been chosen specially to encourage social development skills in young children as well as creativity, imagination and enjoyment while learning in a relaxed museum environment.

Kicking of these five fantastic weeks of fun is Sensory story telling with Vicky McFarland and Tig the Dragon. These sensory sessions are active with no books, no sitting just lots of play, making them ideal for babies, tots and early years. The festival continues with Lego, Jo Jingles Music, Messy Play and Clay making workshops which are sure to enthral and delight your children.

For more details and bookings please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/museumplaydays or call Box Office T: 028 9034 0202

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A hilarious comedy set in Derry/Londonderry and starring home grown talent Bronagh Gallagher is coming to the big screen in Limavady and Portstewart.

A Bump Along The Way will be shown in Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in partnership with Film Hub NI.

It tells the story of Pamela a 44-year-old single mother who is trying to raise her teenage daughter, when she unexpectedly ends up pregnant after a one night stand. Major embarrassment ensues for her teenage daughter as well as much hilarity from the resulting family tensions.

The film has received high praise from The Guardian while The Independent described it as ‘sweet, sassy and gorgeous’.

Screening details

Thursday 30^th January, Flowerfield Arts Centre, 8pm. Ring 028 7083 1400 to book.

Thursday 6^th February, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 8pm. Ring 028 7776 0650 to book.

Tickets cost £5 and group bookings are welcome. If you fancy something a bit different from the usual blockbuster then this is the perfect opportunity to get a group of friends together for a great night out.

Running time 95 minutes. Certificate 15.

Northern Ireland boasts a wonderful collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Break to the country at Lisnabra Farm, Ballymoney from £75

Enjoy a winter break to the countryside with this latest offer. Treat yourself to a relaxing break in a free house without any disturbance which includes four double/king sized beds for eight people to sleep. This rural property is located close to many tourist attractions including the Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges and many local golf courses. To book call 07934377697. Offer available until 31st January.

·         The winter supplement, one night stay at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £60 per person sharing

An overnight stay in the Stormont Hotel with dinner and glass of wine in La Scala Bistro followed by full Irish breakfast in the morning. The perfect short break in a luxurious and cosy setting. This offer includes overnight luxurious accommodation, one course evening meal in La Scala Bistro plus a glass of red or white wine, full Irish breakfast, complimentary customer car parking and Hastings Hotels duck. To book call 028 9065 1066. Offer available Sunday to Friday until 31^st March.

·         Relax and wind down at 17 Arthur Street, Hillsborough from £155 per unit

Enjoy two nights or more in the historic village of Hillsborough at a discounted rate. Bookings for two nights or more can avail of 10% discount on the normal price and a free bottle of Prosecco on arrival. To book call 07802541779 or email arthurcottages@gmail.com quoting the promotional code “Prosecco” (subject to availability). Offer available until 31^st March.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, together with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Northern Regional College, is delighted to be hosting an Employer Breakfast during the inaugural NI Apprenticeship Week, being held across the region next month.

Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2020 is a new initiative offering opportunities, through a dedicated week of events and promotional activity, to demonstrate how apprenticeships work for individuals, businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Employers attending the ‘Discover Fresh Thinking and Talent’ breakfast will hear from local businesses and apprentices and gain a better insight into the types of apprenticeship available and how they can help meet the skills needed in priority sectors.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “We’re committed to helping optimise economic outcomes for businesses across the borough and to increasing employment.

“Through partnership events like this with our neighbouring councils and college, we hope to ensure that our local businesses have the support they need to introduce new talent to their workforces and provide pathways for our young people to gain the skills and experience to build the foundations for their career pathway.

“This initiative is an excellent opportunity to make connections, get advice, and find out how apprentices can bring fresh thinking and talent to your business.”

The free Employer Breakfast will take place on Thursday 6th February 2020 in The Braid, Ballymena and is open to all employers. To register please visit: www.mea-apprentice.eventbrite.co.uk