Author: Tina Calder

The acclaimed production Under The Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast of exceptional performers including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden.

Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna and published by The O’Brien Press, Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.

Running in Belfast from January 30th until February 9th before touring Ireland, there are already limited tickets for some shows.

The story is told alongside compelling music and song and is suitable for children from seven years and up.

It is the tale of three children, Eily, Michael and Peggy. When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, the trio, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.

Directed by Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney of Cahoots NI this remarkable story of endurance, in a defining moment of Irish experience, is told like never before in the play by Charles Way, with a stirring live original score from Garth McConaghie.

Paul said that the response to Under the Hawthorn Tree has been phenomenal.

“We knew that this was a special show,” he said. “That we received such a great response the first time it was performed was overwhelming. That so many tickets have been sold ahead of this run is an outstanding tribute to Marita’s story, Charles’ adaptation and all involved in bringing it to the MAC.”

Frankie McCafferty, who plays Mr O’Driscoll, will be familiar to TV and film audiences with appearances including BBC One’s ‘Death and Nightingales’, ‘Ripper Street’ (S2), ‘Vikings’ and ‘Middletown’.

“Under The Hawthorn Tree is such a compelling piece,” he said. “The adaptation brings the story from the pages to the stage in a work that is sure to entertain and educate.”

With Frankie the cast includes Julia Dearden, Adam dDougal, Colette Lennon Dougal, Conor O’Donnell, Philippa O’Hara and Maeve Smith.

Julia has appeared extensively on stage, with TV credits including ‘After Life’, ‘The Fall’ and ‘Line of Duty’.

The three siblings are played by Adam Dougal (Michael), Maeve Smith (Eily), and Philippa O’Hara (Peggy). 

Author Marita Conlon-McKenna said the production of her award-winning book delighted her.

“Cahoots NI and Director Paul Mc Eneaney have done a marvellous job with this truly innovative production which combines music, song and story to help tell the story of The Great Irish Famine,” she said.

“The play surpassed all my hopes and expectations and I was overwhelmed by the reaction of kids, families and lovers of the book, to the show. The hard work and effort of the cast and crew have resulted in a very memorable stage production which I promise is different from anything else most of us have seen.”

This dramatisation of Under The Hawthorn Tree is based on the book Under The Hawthorn Tree © text 1990 Marita Conlon-McKenna, published by The O’Brien Press, Dublin.

Under The Hawthorn Tree runs at The MAC from January 30 – February 9 before touring Ireland.

Tickets are available from themaclive.com or for more information go to cahootsni.com

With the new year’s resolutions pending Belfast pole fitness expert El Fegan has already had an influx of people ready to get in shape at her city centre studio in 2020.

Despite being around for over a decade there’s no sign of pole fitness losing its appeal according to El.

El has been offering pole dancing, pole athletics and other fun activities from her Polercise premises in Belfast’s Donegall Street for almost fifteen years. The studio is located in the former premises of Clark’s Dance Studio and El admits that when she first opened, she expected a bit of opposition.

“Looking back now, I think I was just a bit nervous,” she said. “Given the reputation of the US ‘pole dancing’, I expected to see banners and protests right outside the door, but there was nothing and it all worked out well. I think Northern Ireland – and Belfast in particular – has moved on now.

“We’ve had great interest in the classes for the new year with people coming for a variety of reasons from confidence building and self esteem reasons to exercise, fitness and even core strengthening and more.

“I definitely feel that the popularity of pole certainly hasn’t waned and, in fact, there’s been a little resurgence recently since Belfast hosted the World Pole Sports and Fitness Championships.”

For those who don’t know, pole exercise has remained a popular exercise trend in recent years, with participants able to have fun and get healthy at the same time. 

El first came across pole fitness during a trip to Australia.

“I saw this article in a magazine and I was really intrigued,” she explained. “I immediately thought ‘hey, I could do that. I remember going and asking about the classes. For about three weeks I sneaked off to classes but didn’t tell my boyfriend at the time.”

El quickly got the pole ‘bug’ and decided to pursue a career in the activity. But first she had to overcome a bit of a blip!

“When I came home in October 2004,” she added, “I set up a pole in my brother’s house because I didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. I didn’t think they would understand because, at that time, pole still had a seedy sort of image, so I sneaked over to my brother’s house for a while to practise. Pole was, however, becoming more prominent in England and was getting press coverage, so I would leave magazines open for my mum to pick up on it so that she would understand it wasn’t seedy, but a great way of getting stronger, both physically and mentally.”

Since those early days El has pioneered the benefits of pole for all ages – particularly for girls and is encouraging people to consider signing up to the new term next month.

“We’ve actually had girls come in and tell us that pole has changed their lives,” she said. “Through pole, they develop their body confidence and self-confidence, and this can help them in their relationships. Some have come from an abusive relationship and they are able to get the strength to just go and move on from there. And, that, for me, is probably the best, the biggest thing that we get out of it.”

El’s classes are now a major attraction for all types of people. From mothers and daughters to younger children, her classes are a mix of people who are there for fun and for the health benefits.

There’s even a growing number of men joining in.

“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “This year has been good for stag parties and we’ve had a couple of stags who have come in to do pole and had a really great time.”

With taster sessions on the first Friday of every month starting January 3 the one hour long class is perfect for people looking to try before they commit.

And no one should feel it’s not for them. Those who take part in the Polercise classes come in all shapes and sizes.

“We get small girls who have absolutely no upper body strength, and they’re not able to lift their own body,” she explained. “And then, we’ll get stronger, bigger, girls who can just climb up that pole, no bother. It’s just all about being able to lift your own bodyweight, and work from there.

“We have people who are gymnastic, people who come from absolutely no background and love the sexy side of it, and love putting the hands on. We’re not a school that’s going to go ‘No, you’re not allowed to wear high heels, you’re not allowed to do that’.”

In addition to classes, Polercise also offers fun events for parties.

“We offer any kind of themed dance party, like the whole Burlesque, cheerleading, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the like,” El said. “This year is going to be the hustlers, so we’re going to be offering strip tease workshops. We’ve already run a few of those, and they went down a storm. While the classes involve a full-on body workout, the parties are a bit more fun. Everyone comes in and we play a few party games, followed by a champagne reception.”

If you’re intrigued about pole fitness, but not sure whether it’s for you, El suggests a beginners’ class where you learn the basics.

“Everyone starts out as a beginner,” she explained. “Initially we focus on the basics like technique and building your strength. Come and try it and see if it’s for you.”

Taster sessions for Polercise start on Friday January 3 with the 4-week beginners class starting on Monday January 6.

For more information go to https://www.polerciseni.com/

Northern Ireland charity Brain Injury Matters (NI) has been awarded nearly £200,000 for their Family First Service from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

The Family First Service – a Northern Ireland wide service – is a collaborative venture, led by Brain Injury Matters (NI), in partnership with the Psychology Services at the Belfast Health and Social Trust supporting families whose child has an acquired brain injury (ABI).  The project launched in 2015 and has been funded to the tune of £199,959 by the National Lottery Community fund since its commencement. 

Joe Mc Vey, CEO of Brain Injury Matters, said: “This new fund further enhances our capability to deliver the Family First Service.  By developing what we offer within this service, we are confident that this new fund will help us continue to meet family’s needs, offer additional support to siblings and deliver additional online services. We are delighted to have the continued support from the Lottery and to strengthen our partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.”

The Family First Service project provides specific interventions to support and empower families to meet the challenges of supporting their child with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Overall the family first project has enabled families to live beyond acquired brain injury and enabled them not to be solely defined by their child’s injury. 

Thanks to the funding from National Lottery, Brain Injury Matters (NI) Family First project will be able to continue their home based work, more work with siblings, continued Partnership with the Belfast Trust and develop their on-line portal. This will ensure that families with a child who has ABI will have continued access to tailored services, more access to the Family First team, to information and to each other.

Bridget Smyth, Children’s Services Manager of the Family first Service, said: “This new National Lottery funding is fantastic and will help us to continue to make a difference in the lives of families whose children have an acquired brain injury (ABI). In the 5 years since its commencement, we have worked with over 70 families. Feedback from families has identified not only a positive impact for the child in terms of their overall wellbeing but the positive impact on the family as a whole.”

Mary Peoples, whose son Peadar Pio, has been receiving support from the Family First service for the last year.  She said: “In July 2018 our lives changed when our 10 year old son, Peadar Pio, fell from a trampoline and required life-saving brain surgery. The following few months were lonely and frustrating for the family. Peadar Pio’s OT contacted Brain Injury Matters and we have been so lucky to be receiving support from Catherine since January 2019. 

“Catherine provides a safe environment for Peadar Pio and us to discuss our worries and fears and she helps us understand the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury. She has given Peadar Pio coping mechanisms which will benefit him throughout his life.  

“The positive impact that BIM has had on our lives is immeasurable and we are so grateful to everyone involved; so much so that we have organised a number of fundraising events in our local area to support the work of Brain Injury Matters; including a cinema night and most recently the male staff of Gaelcholáiste Dhore took part in Movember and raised just under £1,000.”

For more information on the Family First Service contact Bridget Smyth at bridget@braininjurymatters.org.uk or 02890705125 or visit www.braininjurymatters.org.uk

A blogging inspiration event, part of the Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI tour, will welcome vlogger Michelle Connolly and Blogger Jill McDowell to Finaghy Library later this month.

The free event on Wednesday 11 December, which aims to teach and inspire attendees about the world of blogging, is one in a series happening across Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2020.

Designed to encourage existing and new bloggers to get started and learn new skills the #GetBloggingNI speakers, facilitator and host will provide top tips, hints, tricks and tools to help supercharge your blogging journey.

Speaker Michelle Connolly is founder of Belfast based LearningMole, an educational blog which aims to support Parents, teachers and children and has over 1.8million views on YouTube. With 15 years teaching experience and being a parent of 3 children she has used her blog to reach parents in over 166 countries.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at the #GetBloggingNI session in Finaghy. Education is at the heart of what I do and it is a great opportunity to chat to others who are developing new skills.

“I started blogging while I was a Primary School teacher. Parents often asked me to support them as the education system has changed so much. I wanted to support parents across the globe and blogging seemed the most natural way to do this.

“Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me both on a personal and business level. I have forged partnerships across the globe in China and have worked on many government contracts because of my blogging experience.

“It is a great way to share your skills and experiences. Everyone has something to say and so many people will be inspired by listening.”

Also speaking in Finaghy Library is Jill McDowell, the founder of the blog Home At Rose Cottage who started her blogging journey when renovating her grandparent’s home. Jill began posting photos of her journey on Instagram and it was so popular the blog was born.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be involved at the #GetBloggingNI session; having attended the 6-week course myself over a year ago, I never ever thought I would be the one at the front encouraging others to start their blogging journey.

“Blogging has provided me with such amazing opportunities, working with brands I could only dream of, and making friends and connections with such amazing people.

“Blogging has opened up another world for me and it can do the same for others too. Confidence building, exercising your creativity and promoting positive mental health are only a few of the benefits it can have.”

Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of Training Matchmaker will facilitate the session, which is hosted by journalist and content creator, Tina Calder of the Content Club and Excalibur Press.

Christine said Libraries NI is responding to the thirst for knowledge for new skills such as blogging.

She added: “In recent years there has been a surge in interest in blogging, vlogging and podcasting across Northern Ireland.

“It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in your passions, keep your mind healthy and active and an excellent excuse to get out and about and use your local library.

“Attendees at the Blogging Inspiration event in Finaghy Library will be sure to leave with the motivation, encouragement and practical knowhow they need to begin or amplify their blogging journey.”

Libraries NI Service Development Manager Julie Reid said: “Libraries NI is pleased to offer this free Blogging Inspiration event to introduce people to the art of blogging.

“Storytelling is forever evolving and blogging, vlogging and podcasting is quickly becoming the new platform for telling stories through text, images and video. 

“Whether you’re blogging for business, documenting your family history or keeping a record of travelling expeditions, you’re using the power of words to tell a story.”

“We’re delighted to once again team up with Christine Watson to present this event on Wednesday 11 December at Finaghy Library and look forward to welcoming our speakers Michelle Connolly and Jill McDowell as well as host Tina Calder to the library.”

The event at Finaghy Library is part of the ongoing Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI series which will run into 2020 across Northern Ireland.

Officially presented by TrainingMatchmaker.com in collaboration with Libraries NI, previous events in the #GetBloggingNI series included Blogging Inspiration sessions, a six-week Get Blogging Course and five Blogging for Wellness roadshows.

Booking for #GetBloggingNI at Finaghy Library on Wednesday 11 December from 6:00pm-7:30pm is free. Tickets are available from trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com.

Two male penguins from New York’s Central Park Zoo will come to life this month in a magical show for children at the Lyric Theatre.

Starring performers Olivia Van Niekerk (Surrey), Dom Coffey (Manchester) and Osian Meilir (Pentre’r Bryn, Wales), Penguins is the true story of Roy and Silo – two male Chinstrap penguins who discover a heart-warming adventure into parenthood.

Created and produced by Cahoots NI, Northern Ireland’s leading children’s theatre company, Penguins is an engaging show for young audiences exploring friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family.

Creator and director of Penguins is Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, one of the founders and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI.

He said: “Just like other penguins pairs at Central Park Zoo Roy and Silo walk, play, swim and dance together.

“But when they decide to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg, they find themselves on an adventure that could mean raising a chick for real.

“Penguins is a really heart-warming and uplifting story and very visual piece of theatre with beautiful music and some wonderful magic for young audiences and their families. 

“At the heart of the show is a message about love and what family means and I hope it will leave a lasting impression.”

Running at The Lyric from December 18-22 Penguins is a beautiful non-verbal show bringing the art of dance, magic and creative expression to the stage. 

Aimed at families, schools and community group audiences of age 3+ the show is running daytime performances at 11am and 1pm each day with an evening show on Thursday December 19 at 6pm.

Paul added: “Whilst the show is suitable for ages 3+ we’ve found all ages enjoy the story. At Cahoots NI we are committed to producing high quality, bold, innovative productions for children and their families which, like Penguins, combine dance, magic, illusion, physical theatre and original music.

“The show is currently running in Birmingham Repertory Theatre until December 14 and then after the Lyric Theatre we’ll embark on a US tour in 2020.”

The Penguins team also includes choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra (Gran Canaria), Ballycastle composer Garth McConaghie, set and costume designer Sabine Dargent (France), lighting designer Simon Bond (London).

This project is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed, Cahoots NI, continue to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their show, Penguins, at the Lyric Theatre this December. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Tickets for Penguins at The Lyric Theatre are £8-£12 and available from lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/penguins

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media. #PenguinsTour #CahootsNI

Winter Circus is back again for its fourth year with The Winter Circus Show.

The ever-popular show will be hosted in the fantastic, central location of Writer’s Square, Belfast. Never ones to conform, the Tumble Circus troop will treat you and your family and friends to a Winter extravaganza unlike anything else on offer in Belfast! The Winter Circus shows will run between December 13 and January 2 and will take place at Writers Square in Belfast; look out for the fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent.

The Winter Circus Show will be all human, all skill and all thrill event. Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus. The Winter Circus Shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack, international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy.

Forget what you think about circus and experience world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and the unique humour that has made Tumble Circus an international award winning modern circus company.
Winter Circus is kindly supported by Department for Communities, Arts Council of N Ireland, Belfast City Council and Cathedral Quarter BID.

Gareth Neill, CQ BID Manager said: “Tumble Circus is a must see event in the city centre; it has grown successfully year on year bringing something very special, unique and  a good dose of hilarity to the cultural calendar of Cathedral Quarter. Here at Destination CQ Business Improvement District we are delighted to help support this fab event.”

SHOW DATES / TIMES
Winter Circus Show
Doors open 15min prior to show time
 
Friday 13th Dec           –   6pm (preview performance)                  
Saturday 14th Dec       –  2pm & 5pm  
Sunday 15th Dec         –  2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 17th Dec        –  3pm & 6pm (Relaxed shows)
Wednesday 18th Dec    –   6pm
Thursday 19th Dec        –  6pm
Friday 20th Dec            –  5pm
Saturday 21st Dec        –  2pm, 5pm
Sunday 22nd Dec         –   2pm, 5pm
Monday 23rd Dec        –   2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 24th Dec.      –   2pm
Thursday 26th Dec      –    3pm
Friday 27th Dec           –   2pm & 5pm
Saturday 28th Dec       –   2pm & 5pm
Sunday 29th Dec         –    2pm & 5pm
Monday 30th Dec         –    2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 31st Dec        –   3pm
Wednesday 01st Jan . –   3pm
Thursday 02nd Jan      –   3pm

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects.

TICKET COSTS (excluding booking fee);

£8.50 Children – 12 and under  

£12 Full Price

£35 Family of Four

Children 2 and under go free

For Tickets Visit: https://www.wegottickets.com/fbtswgt/event/485590
For More Info Visit: https://www.tumblecircus.com

If you were out and about on Culture Night, you’ll probably have come across El Fegan and her colleagues going ‘up the pole’ entertaining everyone.

El has been offering pole dancing, pole athletics and other fun activities from her Polercise premises in Belfast’s Donegall Street for almost fifteen years. Her studio is located in the former premises of Clark’s Dance Studio and El admits that when she first opened, she expected a bit of opposition!

“Looking back now, I think I was just a bit nervous,” she said. “Given the reputation of the US ‘pole dancing’, I expected to see banners and protests right outside the door, but there was nothing and it all worked out well. I think Northern Ireland – and Belfast in particular – has moved on now.”

For those, who don’t know, pole exercise is the hottest and most fun exercise trend right now, with participants able to have fun and get healthy at the same time. 

El first came across pole fitness during a trip to Australia.

“I saw this article in a magazine and I was really intrigued,” she explained. “I immediately thought ‘hey, I could do that. I remember going and asking about the classes. For about three weeks I sneaked off to classes but didn’t tell my boyfriend at the time.”

El quickly got the pole ‘bug’ and decided to pursue a career in the activity. But first she had to overcome a bit of a blip!

“When I came home in October 2004″ said El.

“I set up a pole in my brother’s house because I didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. I didn’t think they would understand because, at that time, pole still had a seedy sort of image, so I sneaked over to my brother’s house for a while to practise. Pole was, however, becoming more prominent in England and was getting press coverage, so I would leave magazines open for my mum to pick up on it so that she would understand it wasn’t seedy, but a great way of getting stronger, both physically and mentally.”

Since those early days El has pioneered the benefits of pole for all ages – particularly for girls. 

• 

“We’ve actually had girls come in and tell us that pole has changed their lives,” she said. “Through pole, they develop their body confidence and self-confidence, and this can help them in their relationships. Some have come from an abusive relationship and they are able to get the strength to just go and move on from there. And, that, for me, is probably the best, the biggest thing that we get out of it.”

El’s classes are now a major attraction for all types of people. From mothers and daughters to younger children, her classes are a mix of people who are there for fun and for the health benefits.

There’s even a growing number of men joining in!

“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “This year has been good for stag parties and we’ve had a couple of stags who have come in to do pole and had a really great time.”

Those who take part in the Polercise classes some in all shapes and sizes.

“We get small girls who have absolutely no upper body strength, and they’re not able to lift their own body,” she explained. “And then, we’ll get stronger, bigger, girls who can just climb up that pole, no bother. It’s just all about being able to lift your own bodyweight, and work from there.

“We have people who are gymnastic, people who come from absolutely no background and love the sexy side of it, and love putting the hands on. We’re not a school that’s going to go ‘No, you’re not allowed to wear high heels, you’re not allowed to do that’.”

In addition to classes, Polercise also offers fun events for parties.

“We offer any kind of themed dance party, like the whole Burlesque, cheerleading, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the like,” El said. “This year is going to be the hustlers, so we’re going to be offering strip tease workshops. We’ve already run a few of those, and they went down a storm. While the classes involve a full-on body workout, the parties are a bit more fun. Everyone comes in and we play a few party games, followed by a champagne reception.”

El’s increasingly prominent place in the pole fitness world moved on to an international level recently when she was a judge in the world sports fitness championships, which were held in China in October and she was heavily involved in the recent pole competition, which was held in Belfast in October. 

“The competition definitely showcased the range of people who have become involved in pole,” El said. “We ended up with more than 50 competitors in six categories – from juniors to seniors and veterans. We’d everybody from eleven year olds to one participant, who was is nearly 70!”

If you’re intrigued about pole fitness, but not sure whether it’s for you, El suggests a beginners’ class where you learn the basics.

“Everyone starts out as a beginner,” she explained. “Initially we focus on the basics like technique and building your strength. Come and try it and see if it’s for you.”

To find out more, or to book a session please visit: https://www.polerciseni.com/

A local theatre company is giving circus and theatre lovers the chance to experience something very different this year.

Three’s Theatre Company in conjunction Tumble Circus will be taking over the big top in Writer’s Square with their Rewilding Christmas Cabaret show from December 19-22.

Featuring bio-degradeable drag queens, organic cotton-clad burlesque dancers and acrobats the show has a commitment to being environmentally-friendly on top of delivering some unique fun to their audience.

• 

MC Leonie McDonagh, drag acts Rosa Tralee and Victor McFlict’r, singer Emer T Maguire, and comedy burlesque act Nuala Rude will entertain guests in a very “sustainable if risqué manner” said organiser Anna Leckey.

She added: “The show also includes circus acts including juggling, acrobatics and aerial skills – and not a plastic straw in sight.

“You can even get a delicious Curated Kitchen hot vegan street food meal in 100% biodegradable containers.”  

Be aware – this is an adults-only performance and there are limited shows so book early so you are not left ‘green’ with envy.

The Rewilding Christmas Cabaret is being supported by Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District.

CQ BID Manager Gareth Neill said: “The Eco Cabaret is just one way we’ll be working with Anna going forward.  We’ll be welcoming Anna as one of our Lunchtime Learning speakers in the new year to discuss sustainability and eco-matters with businesses in the Cathedral Quarter.

“As a BID we are keen to ensure that businesses are kept up to speed with opportunities to contribute to becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly; it’s not just about the big corporates, small business can make an incredibly valuable contribution to the sustainability supply chain without it costing their bottom line. Consumers are more and more savvy to the ethics and agenda of an organisation they buy from or work with, thus we feel that upskilling and educating businesses in the BID will be really valuable.”

Tickets for the Rewilding Winter Cabaret taking place from December 19-22 are available from WeGotTickets at wegotickets.com, priced from £27.50 including booking fee.  Doors open 8pm, show starts 8.30pm.

Shake off the Christmas turkey, grab your handbags and don your gladrags as the Rod Stewart tribute is set for a special show on December 27 as Lee Hedley brings Tonight’s The Night to Belfast’s Empire for all fans of Rod The Mod.

The rocking, high energy show will see Lee bring to life the man and his music, with a tour de force show that has earned rave reviews.

Expect a packed house of Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Rollers grooving along to the likes of Proud Mary, Don’t Want to Talk About It and, of course Maggie May.

Lee said that performing a tribute to Rod was special for him and audiences.

“Rod Stewart has such a legacy demonstrating that music can really move you,” he said. “It’s the measure of the man that at the marriage of a couple that was delayed because of the Thomas Cook collapse he turned up at the wedding to sing Have I Told You Lately.

“Generations have loved his music. Rod has inspired me throughout my career and I hope the audience at the Empire will love every second.”

Lee’s show in Waterford’s Theatre Royal was reviewed by the Munster Express saying: “Hedley had the moves, the chutzpah, the raspy Rod Stewart voice, and he got the audience going”

Lee Hedley is one of Northern Ireland’s leading performers with The Lee Hedley Blues Band, bringing his blend of classic rock, blues and jazz to venues across the country and playing festivals such as The Belfast Blues Festival, as well as touring in the US, Europe and even in Libya.

“I want to bring the excitement and joy of shows by Sir Rod Stewart to Belfast,” Lee said.

“There are so many tunes that have become iconic and are loved by so many that it is a privilege and delight to not only sing them, but to see the response from the crowd.”

“With Rod currently in remission from prostate cancer he remains as ever committed to recording with last year’s ‘Blood Red Roses’ charting and packed with memorable tunes. I hope to bring that energy and joy to the Empire for what will be a special post-Christmas show.”

Rod might sing – and Lee will too on the 27 – Some Guys Have All The Luck but your luck will be in when you see Tonight’s The Night.

As well s Lee and the seven-piece band, the Empire show will also have DJ Will Reynolds playing ‘Classic Gold Roadshow’ tunes.

Tickets, priced £15, are on sale now via Visitbelfast.com.

Christmas visitors to the Cathedral Quarter this year be able shop for unique seasonal gifts while being entertained and supporting those less fortunate.

St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast will open its doors to a stunning Art and Craft Bazaar this Christmas in aid of the Black Santa Charity.

The Black Santa Night Time Bazaar runs from 5pm to 10.30pm on Saturday December 14.

Set to be a magical night, the event will see more than 100 stalls of the best art and crafts, vintage and food.

A woodland walk through the crypt will lead to a stunning stretch tent packed with artisan food vendors and Live DJs

The Jazz Bus is making its first appearance this Christmas, where you can sip a craft beer, cocktail or a hot drink and listen to stunning live jazz. There will be music from local seasonal choirs with special guests and the best DJs in the city.

The bazaar is a fully family-friendly evening with lots of surprises.

Organiser Caroline Baker of Little Fox Events says there will be something for everyone – and that’s no exaggeration.

“From entertainment, music, drink and food, to the best artisan and craft items available, there will be plenty to see and do and buy.

“As well as helping the Black Santa charity appeal, you will also be supporting small, local, independent businesses and keeping the carbon footprints down!”

“So, get into the festive spirit and make it a date to come down to Belfast Cathedral and join in the fun.”

The event is supported by the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District initiative and Belfast Music City Council.

CQ BID manager Gareth Neill says it’s an exciting new development for the Quarter over the Christmas season.

He said: “Everyone involved in the BID is looking forward to the bazaar which is the latest offering in the area.

“It involves small local business, entertainers and musicians, artisan foodmakers, crafters and best of all, while people are shopping and having fun, they can donate and support those less fortunate at this festive time of year – what’s not to like?

We hope people will come out in their droves to support the bazaar, and the Black Santa charity, as people have been doing loyally here for many years.”