‘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
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.”
Here are ten exciting things taking place 27 Jan – 2 February 2020.
1.
Out-to-Lunch-FestivalOut to Lunch Festival
Belfast, 3 – 26 January. A lunch-based arts festival featuring the best in
Comedy, Theatre, Literature and Music held in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral
Quarter. The 2020 edition features Badly Drawn Boy, Cerys Matthews, Janey
Godley, Val McDermid, Joanne Harris and many more.
2.
4-Vicars-Burns-Night-Dinner 4 Vicars
Burns Night Dinner Armagh, 25 January. Join 4 Vicars Catering for a Burns
Night Supper on Sat 25 Jan. A delightful evening of food, drink, music and
poetry. Wine, whiskey and fun and a club bar for the extra thirsty. The floor
will be open for anyone to recite Burns poetry or their own composition.
Musicians also welcome.
3.
Belfast-Gin-SchoolBelfast Gin School Belfast,
25 Jan – 28 March. Through experiential learning, with master distiller, Ian,
you will have the opportunity to see gin being distilled, learn about flavour
combinations and make your own! Each participant will receive a goodie bag
containing their own miniature bottle of gin to serve with their tonic of
choice at home. A great afternoon with gin and cupcakes, what’s not to love?
4.
Tyrella-Point-to-PointTyrella Point to Point
Downpatrick, 25 January. Tyrella point-to-point is the perfect day out for all
the family in the Irish countryside and where you will get to witness the
future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive
racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the
fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or
get close to the winning post for a bird eye view of the thrilling action.
5.
Paranormal-InvestigationParanormal
Investigation Belfast, 18 Jan – 31 March. On this four hour investigation
you will be taken to the most active areas in the Gaol and will be given the
chance to use equipment as used by experts while conducting your very own ghost
hunt. The areas you will visit will include the reception, the condemned man’s
cell, execution chamber, the tunnel and the flogging room.
6.
SimplyE-ExhibitionSimplyE Exhibition Armagh,
2 – 31 January. Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre are delighted to
showcase a beautiful exhibition by SimplyE for their January exhibition.
SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver of bespoke leather and weave products
for use within the home and fashion industry which are all individually hand
woven from her design studio in County Armagh.
7.
Walled-City-400Walled City 400
Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 to 31 March 2020. Last year marked the
400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls. Built from 1613-1619,
the Walls are the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland, the only
remaining Walled City in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled
Cities in Europe.
8.
Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-SmythLife Cycle by Lorna
Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new
works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in
one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of
nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.
9.
Lost-Childhood-ExhibitionLost Childhood
Exhibition Derry~Londonderry, 2 December 2019 – 31st January
2020. This December, take a trip to the award-winning Museum of Free Derry to
see one of their most poignant and affective exhibitions yet, ‘Lost Childhood
Exhibition’.
10.
Philanthropy-Past-and-Present-TourPhilanthropy
Past and Present, Tour of Clifton House Belfast, 10 January – 28 February.
Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in tranquil landscaped
gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast Charitable Society,
the building was used as a nursing home and hospital for older people, now
transformed into a unique event venue and visitor attraction. The January and
February tours explore the city’s oldest working building, set up by
philanthropic merchants as the Belfast Poor House. Hear stories of its work and
those who sought refuge in its walls.
Portico Arts and Heritage Centre are
delighted to welcome the new Director of Music at St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast
to Portico for an organ recital this Sunday 26th January. 3.00pm to 4.30pm.
Antrim
This Friday, The Courtyard Community Choir celebrates its 7th year by entertaining you with a rich mix of popular songs and entertainment selected to help chase away those winter blues at The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, 8.00pm to 10.00pm.
Armagh
Don’t miss the George Michael Tribute
Show at the Armagh City Hotel this Friday evening. This authentic high energy
international tribute show dedicated to the music of George Michael has it
all…The looks, the voice, the moves, it’s a show not to be missed, and is
performed by award winning singer songwriter in his own rights, who has
performed all over the world and appeared on National TV on BBC1.
Derry/Londonderry
Join The Chocolate Manor on Saturday 25th January
for a Chocolate Extravaganza for the whole family! A one hour session for adults and children in
the Peter Thompson Hall in Castlerock – with a fabulous range of fun chocolatey
activities. On arrival all participants
will be greeted by the master chocolatier and given an insight into where
chocolate comes from and the journey the humble cocoa bean goes on to be
transformed into our favourite treat!
Fermanagh
This Saturday 25th January, the
Westville Hotel in Enniskillen will host a live performance by the hugely popular
Brian Kennedy. The evening, which begins at 7.00pm, includes a 4 course dinner
with tickets priced at £45 per person. Accommodation available.
Tyrone
Saturday 25th January from 2.00pm – 4.00pm at Ranfurly
House Dungannon, you can take a workshop covering the history and customs of
the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc / St Brigid’s Day. Participants will have
the opportunity to make a variety of different types of St Brigid’s crosses
that were found throughout Ireland in the last century. Admission only £5.
Belfast
Gaming & Geeking NI is hosting an official
Catan UK National Qualifier Tournament this Sunday 26th January at the Harland
and Wolff Staff Club. Entry is £4, 15+
only. Participants may bring in their own food and drinks. For more information
about the Qualifier, contact your Qualifier Host, Gaming & Geeking NI.
For further details on these events
and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter
@whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news,
competitions and what’s on near you.
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
30th January, Flowerfield Arts Centre, 8pm. Ring 028 7083 1400 to
book.
Thursday
6th 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.
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 31st
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 31st 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.
Discussing arrangements for the inaugural NI Apprenticeship Week are front row (L-R): Paul Gordon, Northern Regional College; Lisa Mulholland, Department for the Economy; Rhonda Lynn, Mid & East Antrim Borough Council; Shirley Swift, Department for the Economy; Michelle Bellingham, Northern Regional College. Back row (L-R): Martin Clark, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council; Sean McAleese, Northern Regional College and Alastair Law, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
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
This Friday 17th January, The Belfast
Operatic Company presents Songs From The Shows at St. Philip and St. James
Church, Holywood. Tickets
are only £12 and available from the Parish Office. Proceeds in aid of
the church organ fund.
Antrim
Rock ‘n’ Roll Years is back! After last year’s smash hit tour this wonderful nostalgic musical hits the road again, and will be at the Island Arts Centre Lisburn this Saturday 18th January. Journey through the musical decades of the 50s and 60s paying homage to the lives and music of the stars of the era
Armagh
This Saturday evening join the Market
Place Theatre on a journey through the music from the Beatles. A 9-piece band
of multi-instrumentalists will passionately recreate all the classic Beatles
hits as well as some hidden gems that showcase The Beatles absolute mastery of
song writing.
Derry
This Sunday 19th January, Arbutus at
the Crannagh, Coleraine on Sunday will host their Wedding Show from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. You will be welcomed with champagne and
canopes. View the Marquee, talk with
select wedding exhibitors, take in two catwalk shows and meet the Wedding Team
at the Crannagh. Admission is free.
Fermanagh
Lakeland Players present Snow White
at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th January. Glamorous
killer Queen Caligula, so used to being called the fairest in the land by the
spirit of the mirror Speak True, discovers a rival for the title in the shape
of her step-daughter Snow White. Book early!
Tyrone
This Friday evening celebrate Burns
Night with a Supper and Ceilidh at the Royal Hotel in Cookstown. Tickets are
£22 and include a three course meal, whiskey toast, raffle and a superb line up
of entertainment. Dress code “A touch of tartan”.
Belfast
Planning
your summer getaway? Don’t miss this weekend’s Holiday World Show, now in its
twenty-eighth year. This is the biggest and most influential holiday showcase –
a three day travel fest to be enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors. 17th –
19th January.
For further details on these events
and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI
and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and
what’s on near you.
Here
are ten exciting things taking place 13 – 19 January 2020.
1. 2020-Arenacross-Tour-2020 Arenacross Tour Belfast, 17 – 18 January. The fastest motocross racers
flock to the six-round series to take part in the UK’s richest off-road series.
With bragging rights and a well-paid jackpot up for grabs, the riders leave
nothing on the line resulting in knuckle to knuckle non-stop racing on the
arena sized dirt battlefield. Cheer on local riders as they battle the
international superstars from the age of seven up to the professionals.
2. So-Sing-On-with-Sean-KeaneSo Sing On with Seán Keane Magherafelt, 17 January. Traditional Irish,
folk and even country and blues songs all lend themselves to his unique style
and unforgettable voice. Growing up among singers and musicians, Seán learned
the sean nós style of singing in the heart of his family. Today, Seán Keane
continues to delight audiences all over the world with his live performances
and innate vocal artistry.
3. Out-to-Lunch-FestivalOut to Lunch Festival Belfast, 3 – 26 January. A lunch-based arts
festival featuring the best in Comedy, Theatre, Literature and Music held in
Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter. The 2020 edition features Badly Drawn Boy,
Cerys Matthews, Janey Godley, Val McDermid, Joanne Harris and many more.
4. SimplyE-ExhibitionSimplyE Exhibition Armagh, 2 – 31 January. Craftswirl @ Armagh
Visitor Information Centre are delighted to showcase a beautiful exhibition by
SimplyE for their January exhibition. SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver
of bespoke leather and weave products for use within the home and fashion
industry which are all individually hand woven from her design studio in County
Armagh.
5. Midleton-Whiskey-ExperienceMidleton Whiskey Experience Belfast, 15 January. Guests will enjoy a
cocktail on arrival and canapés as the expert whiskey ambassador takes you
through the Midleton range. Be one of the very first people in Northern Ireland
to attend a guided tasting of the Midleton Very Rare 2019, as well as
delighting in the Midleton Very Rare 2018, the Midleton, Midleton Barry
Crockett Legacy and a Midleton Dair Ghaelach.
6. Walled-City-400Walled City 400 Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 to 31 March 2020.
Last year marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls.
Built from 1613-1619, the Walls are the largest ancient monument in Northern
Ireland, the only remaining Walled City in Ireland and one of the finest
examples of Walled Cities in Europe.
7. On-Refusal-Representation-Resistance-in-Contemporary-American-ArtOn Refusal: Representation and Resistance in contemporary American Art
Belfast, 25 October 2019 – 19 January 2020. Proposing the body as a site of
political enquiry, ‘On Refusal’ explores a return to figuration in the practices
of a generation of artists currently working out of the United States, and
examines the political impetus for this reinvestment in the body and notions of
embodiment as a subject of art in the context of contemporary America.
8. Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-SmythLife Cycle by Lorna Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020.
This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses
the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us,
highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of
the place name.
9. Lost-Childhood-ExhibitionLost Childhood Exhibition Derry~Londonderry, 2 December 2019 – 31st
January 2020. This December, take a trip to the award-winning Museum of Free
Derry to see one of their most poignant and affective exhibitions yet, ‘Lost
Childhood Exhibition’.
10. Philanthropy-Past-and-Present-TourPhilanthropy Past and Present, Tour of Clifton House Belfast, 10 January
– 28 February. Clifton House is an impressive Georgian building, set in
tranquil landscaped gardens in the heart of Belfast. Opened in 1774 by Belfast
Charitable Society, the building was used as a nursing home and hospital for
older people, now transformed into a unique event venue and visitor attraction.
The January and February tours explore the city’s oldest working building, set
up by philanthropic merchants as the Belfast Poor House. Hear stories of its
work and those who sought refuge in its walls.
