NI Music Prize to take centre stage at Ulster Hall

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One of Belfast’s biggest and most prestigious music events will take centre stage at the historic Ulster Hall on Thursday 15 November.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey is joined by Chief Executive of the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Charlotte Dryden, BBC Radio Ulster DJ, Rigsy as well as some of the nominees for the NI Music Prize 2018 Awards set for the Ulster Hall on Thursday 15 November.

The NI Music Prize will mark its 6th year by taking over Belfast’s famous music venue. The event celebrates the most exciting up and coming musical talent across the North and crowns the Northern Ireland album of the year.

Belfast City Council is supporting the event through its Amplifier project, which aims to enhance the city’s musical offering in line with the aspirations of its Belfast Agenda.

As the NI Music Prize continues to grow in stature year on year, organisers have introduced a number of new categories. Nominees have now been shortlisted for best single; best live and the Oh Yeah Contender Award, with winners being announced on the evening by a number of special guests.

In addition, one of the highlights of the evening will see Snow Patrol front man, Gary Lightbody awarded with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Rigsy will compare the event, which promises to shine a light on local talent with many of the nominees across all four categories taking to the stage to perform.

Looking ahead to a packed night of entertainment Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said; “The NI Music Prize shines a light on the amazing musical talent across Belfast and the wider region. The awards are growing from strength to strength, and it is fitting that they will now take place in the historic and unique surrounds of the Ulster Hall.

“Some of the world’s best known musicians have performed on that stage, and I have no doubt that the NI Music Prize will act as a springboard for our local talent to experience bigger things in their musical careers.

“It promises to be a fantastic night and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the show.”

The Ulster Hall has welcomed world famous acts through its doors, with artists and bands such as U2, Coldplay, Thin Lizzy, The Clash, The Rolling Stones, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, The Who, AC/DC gracing the stage to perform.

Charlotte Dryden, Chief Executive of the Oh Yeah Music Centre is excited about hosting the event in Ulster Hall. She said; “The Oh Yeah Music Centre is delighted to be able to bring the NI Music Prize back to the Ulster Hall. There is a tremendous amount of high quality music being produced in this part of the world, so much so that we felt confident enough to extend the number of categories to four this year.

“We are very proud of our music community and to be able to showcase just a small fraction of our best talent on one of the most iconic stages in Belfast is fantastic.

“Thanks to Belfast City Council and the Amplifier Fund for getting behind our plans to celebrate our very own home-grown and world class talent right here in Belfast.”

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, British Council, PRS, PPL, Invest Northern Ireland, Help Musicians NI and Tourism Ireland also support the NI Music Prize.

The NI Music Prize is part of a wider programme of events as part of the Sound of Belfast 2018. Organised by Oh Yeah Music Centre and supported by Belfast City Council, it aims to highlight and promote a great musical city. To find out more visit www.soundofbelfast.com.

Belfast City Council is giving away five pairs of tickets via an online competition. Applications can be made via the council website at https://dof.belfastcity.gov.uk/NIMusicPrize2018/

 

The event is open to the public and tickets for the evening cost £10. They are available via Ulster Hall website at tinyurl.com/NIMPrize.

 

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Down

Step back in time with a visit to the exclusive 1950’s Vintage Tudor Cinema in Comber. It is fully equipped with comfy luxurious seating and a modern cinema screen. This is sure to be a fantastic night and tickets are already selling fast.  The Movie which was voted for by the public is ‘The Greatest Showman’ and will be screened this Wednesday 7th November at 8.00pm.. This family friendly event is as a fundraiser for the Belfast Sub-Aqua Club Dive for Health Campaign. Everyone is welcome.  Included in the price of a ticket is a drink and snacks. Guests are welcome  anytime from 7:00pm onwards. Tickets are £10.00.  If you would like to reserve a ticket contact Ryan on 07340 360 819.

Armagh

Father and son team, Conal and Rory Gallen have written, what is, without doubt, their funniest comedy play ever! ‘Off Your Trolley’ is a rip-roaring, laugh-a-minute tale of life in a hospital ward! It’s packed with craic, confusion and constant laughter! Where the story leads? Nobody knows! See Off Your Trolley at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday evening.

Fermanagh

Armistice morning, Enniskillen Castle, 11th November.  Sunday 11th November 2018 will mark the day 100 years ago when the guns fell silent at the end of the First World War. The Inniskillings Museum will play its part in remembering the sacrifice of millions of men and women by joining in the national commemoration Battle’s Over, A Nation’s Tribute. The event will be a moving and atmospheric occasion to pay a personal and community tribute to those who gave their lives or returned home wounded during or after the dreadful darkness of four years of war from 1914 to 1918.

Tyrone

Colum Sands and Lily Neil weave the strings of guitar and harp around a tapestry of songs, tunes and stories to brighten a dark November night, this Saturday 10th at An Creagan. Colum’s original songs and stories draw on a lifetime of travel and performances from small folk clubs to venues like Carnegie Hall, New York.  Colum Sands and Lily Neil in concert is a shared experience of the colours of countless musical miles in the specially chosen spaces of intimate venues on winter nights. On this, their first tour together, it promises to be an evening to warm the heart.

Derry/Londonderry

On Thursday 8th November at 7.30pm come along to Moyola Park Golf Club Castledawson and enjoy a night full of inspiration, listening to two remarkable local ladies; Clodagh Dunlop and Emma Heatherington.  Clodagh will speak about her remarkable journey when at 37 years of age the young front line Police Officer was left with Locked-in Syndrome after suffering a devastating brain stem stroke. However, she astounded everyone with her remarkable recovery and continues to work daily on her recovery. Emma Heatherington is a book writing, song writing, script writing, busy mum from Co Tyrone – her novels have been described as ‘life affirming emotional dramas’, and include ‘The Legacy of Lucy Harte’ and ‘A Part of Me and You’.  Emma’s will speak of her journey which is also an amazing story full of sadness, laughter and lifetime experiences. For tickets call 07855570324.

Antrim

Join RSPB NI for a family scavenger hunt at Portmore Lough nature reserve this Saturday morning, searching out autumn’s bounty! Children will have the chance to explore the reserve and collect special objects along the way to use in nature-themed crafts. Price: £5 for children (non-members) / Free for RSPB members and all accompanying adults. Booking essential: Call the secure booking line 028 9064 5630 (Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm) or email rspbnievents@rspb.org.uk. Please note children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Belfast

Dust off your glad rags for the Mad Hatters Charity Ball which will take place this Saturday 10th November at the Titanic Visitor Centre Belfast. The Champagne reception begins at 6.30 accompanied by live music from Bangor Grammar’s Jazz Band. Enjoy a delicious 4 course meal served in the beautiful Titanic Room following by a raffle and auction with some fabulous prizes up for grabs!  There will also be a casino and disco with Fusion providing the music. Funds raised on the evening will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support, Cystic Fibrosis Trust and ADD.NI.

For more 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.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Jacqueline McGonigle

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (5 – 11 November)

 

  1. Autumn Twilight Market, Belfast, 6 – 7 November. Travel back in time at the award-winning market, where St. George’s will be transformed into an enchanting autumn woodland. Visitors can sample local food, drink and craft stalls, as well as enjoy a programme of live entertainment and cookery demonstrations.
  2. CS Lewis Festival, Belfast, 3 – 7 November. The CS Lewis Festival celebrates the legacy of the world-famous writer through themes of storytelling, imagination and spirituality. Events include talks, lectures and tours, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, poetry and spoken word events and film screenings.
  3. Outburst Queer Arts Festival, Belfast, 8 – 17 November. Local art partners will showcase great local and international queer work, supporting the development of queer arts at home and internationally. For full festival programme, visit OutBurstArts.com.
  4. Tollymore Trail Marathon 2018, Newcastle, 10 November. This is a looped marathon with a route that will showcase the beauty of Tollymore to all race participants and further strengthen the Newcastle/Castlewellan area as a great playground for adventure sports enthusiasts.
  5. Sound of Belfast 2018, Belfast, 8 – 15 November. This festival coordinated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre aims to celebrate and promote great music within the city. For full festival line-up, visit SoundOfBelfast.com.
  6. Model Railway Day, Cultra, 10 November. The Ulster Folk and Transport museum is hosting a model railway day organised by Friends of Cultra. This one-day model railway exhibition will feature over 30 railway layouts and associated exhibits.
  7. Ladies Night Goes to the Movies, Ballymena, 6 November. Fratelli’s restaurant at Galgorm Resort and Spa will be screening a private showing of the romantic comedy ‘How to lose a guy in ten days.’ Guests will enjoy a main course with a glass of wine followed by dessert during this event.
  8. World Wars Tour, Bangor, 10 November. This tour departs from the North Down Museum, visiting three key sites: North Down Museum, Grey Point Fort and the Somme Museum, along with other sites that link to momentous events including the Battle of the Somme and D-Day. A knowledgeable guide will educate this tour with some interesting facts you may not know about the area’s links to the two Great Wars.
  9. It Only Takes A Minute, Limavady, 6 November. It Only a Takes Minute is a superb one-woman show performed by disabled actress Anna Kyle at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. The production focuses on the life of Michelle, a young female with Asperger’s and begins with her receiving her diagnosis. We join Michelle on a rollercoaster ride through the 1990s as she relives moments through a series of flashbacks, told through a punchy, fast-paced script.
  10. Shane Todd Hero – Stand up of Ireland 2018, Newry, 8 November. Shane Todd performs stand-up all over the world, has a BBC radio series, supported the legendary Bill Burr and has gained a massive online following with his sketches and character videos. See him perform in his natural environment, on stage at a comedy show, at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible 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.

 

  • One Night B&B, Pier 36 Guest House, Co. Down from £85 per room

The four-star Pier 36 Guest House overlooks Donaghadee harbour, in a unique, picturesque location.  The guesthouse has tastefully decorated and spacious nautically themed rooms, with sea views and offers a superb breakfast. Offer includes one overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 9188 4466. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • One Night B&B, The Enniskillen Hotel, Co. Fermanagh from £85 per room 

The four-star Enniskillen Hotel is situated in the heart of Enniskillen town. The rooms offer contemporary sophistication and the hotel itself aims to provide a warm welcome making you feel at home. Offer includes one overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 6632 1177. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • One Night B&B, Templeton Hotel, Co. Antrim from £79 per room

The three-star Templeton hotel is conveniently located in Templepatrick, only a 20-minute drive from Belfast City Centre and close to Belfast International Airport. This luxurious hotel offers warm and welcoming surroundings to host all of life’s occasions. Offer includes one overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 9443 2984. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

BEACHES TAKING PART IN DANNY BOYLE’S ‘PAGES OF THE SEA’ IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND COUNTY DONEGAL ANNOUNCED

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Murlough Beach in County Down, Portstewart Strand and Downhill Beach in County Derry~Londonderry and Port Ban Beach, Dunree, County Donegal will join over 30 beaches across the UK and Ireland on Sunday 11 November for Pages of the Sea, Danny Boyle’s commission for 14-18 NOW to mark the centenary of Armistice Day.

The event is an informal, gesture of remembrance for the millions of men and women who left their home shores during the First World War, many never to return.

It will be delivered in Northern Ireland and County Donegal by the Nerve Centre and National Trust, in partnership with Big Telly Theatre Company, Stendhal Festival, UV Arts, Artlink and Live Music Now.

Murlough Beach

On Murlough Beach, County Down from 8.30am the portrait of John McCance from Dundrum, a casualty from the First World War will emerge from the sand. And then, as the tide rises at 10.30am, be washed away as the public take a moment to say a collective goodbye.

Rifleman John McCance was born in Dundrum, enlisted in Downpatrick and died at Passchendaele. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, along with 35,000 others.

Music will be provided by Mourne Community Choir and the public will be asked to join in by creating silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict.

The National Trust is offering free parking will be available at the main visitor car park at Murlough National Nature Reserve, adjacent to the start of the boardwalk which leads to the beach. The cafe will also be open for hot drinks and refreshments.

Portstewart Strand

Between 12pm and 3.30pm, Big Telly Theatre Company are inviting people onto Portstewart Strand to help them create an artwork in the sand using stencils of portraits.  Actors dressed as First World War soldiers can be spotted around the town and a free shuttle bus service will run every 20 minutes from the Promenade in Portstewart town centre to the Strand. The National Trust is offering free car parking on the beach with hot drinks and refreshments available from Harry’s Shack.

Port Bán, Dunree

Port Bán, Dunree beach will also unveil a stunning large scale portrait of Seaman John Buckley from County Cork who lost his life, along with 353 others, on the SS Laurentic after it sank at the mouth of Lough Swilly in 1917.  Built in Belfast, the liner was used by the government to transport gold during the War and sank after she struck mines laid by a German U-Boat. John is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

Attendees can get involved in stencilling and have the opportunity to hear some of the poems written by the community and view the artwork created by local school children. A free shuttle bus will run every 20 minutes, from Dunree Fort to the beach.

Downhill Beach

The day will finish on Downhill Beach with a large 30m square portrait of First World War Nurse, Rachel Ferguson being completed at 2pm. Rachel was the daughter of John Stewart Ferguson and Annie Ferguson, of Lanebrooke House, Moneymore, County Derry. She died on 26th June 1918 at Bordighera, Italy whilst working for Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She is buried in Bordighera British Cemetery, Italy.

Members of the public will have a spectacular view of the portrait from Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne with Stendhal Festival and Live Music Now providing music from 2.00 to 4.00pm in the Temple.

Free car parking is available on Downhill Beach with free admission to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple. A shuttle bus service will run every 15 minutes, from Downhill Beach to the Lion’s Gate at Downhill Demesne, just a ten minute walk from Mussenden Temple.

Poet Carol Ann Duffy has been invited by Boyle to write a new poem, which will be read by individuals, families and communities as they gather on the beaches on 11 November. Copies of the poem are available online and will be available at the beaches for those who wish to come together or to offer their own personal contribution.

At the launch of Pages of the Sea, Danny Boyle said: “Beaches are truly public spaces, where nobody rules other than the tide. They seem the perfect place to gather and say a final goodbye and thank you to those whose lives were taken or forever changed by the First World War. I’m inviting people to watch as the faces of the fallen are etched in the sand, and for communities to come together to remember the sacrifices that were made.”

David Lewis, Director of Communications and Digital Content at Nerve Centre said:

“Nerve Centre is delighted to be working in partnership with 14-18 NOW, Danny Boyle and our local partners on this new commission. Pages of the Sea will encourage people to reflect on the profound significance of the First World War and its legacy. Around 200,000 men and women from Ireland served over the course of the war, with many thousands leaving these shores never to return.”

Heather McLachlan, Regional Director, National Trust Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted that two of our beaches in Northern Ireland have been selected to play host to this incredible event. Providing access to special places is at the core of everything we do. We think that it is important that everyone should be able to join these moving events so we will offering free access to and car parking at Portstewart Strand and Murlough beach (via the National Nature Reserve). We will also be throwing open the gates of Downhill Demesne, including the iconic Mussenden Temple, from which people have an incredible view of the large portrait on Downhill beach.”

The public is invited to explore an online gallery of portraits of some of the men and women who served in the First World War, and select someone to thank and say a personal goodbye to either via social media or as they gather in person on beaches on 11 November at www.pagesofthesea.org.uk. The images are drawn from the Imperial War Museum’s ‘Lives of the First World War’ which aims to tell 8 million stories of those who served from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visitors to the website can also add their own portraits of members of their family or community who contributed to the First World War. www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org

The work is commissioned and produced by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, and delivered with partner organisations across the UK: National Trust; Activate Performing Arts; Creative Foundation; Eden Project; National Theatre Scotland; Nerve Centre; Sunderland Culture; Taliesin. The wok is in association with Aberystwth Arts Centre; The Grand Theatre of Lemmings; Magna Vitae; MOSTYN; SeaChange Arts; Swansea Council; Swansea University; Theatre Orchard; and VisitBlackpool.

Supported by The National Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

With additional support from Backstage Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) and National Rail.

The public can see which beaches are taking part by visiting www.pagesofthesea.org.uk #PagesoftheSea

 

Classical Evening To Celebrate Hugh Tinney’s 60th Birthday

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Come join Hugh Tinney as he celebrates his 60th birthday with an evening of classical music at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Part of a tour to twelve venues around Ireland, the pianist and audiences will come together to celebrate the astonishing piano repertoire developed by the very greatest composers from Bach to the present.

The recital programme will feature works by Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Ian Wilson and Thomas Adés.

Since winning major piano competitions in Italy and Spain in 1983 and ’84, Hugh Tinney has performed in more than thirty-five countries throughout Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Far East.

He continues to be a major contributor to Irish concert life in recital, chamber music and teaching.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

The Redbull Racing F1 Car is coming to Portrush!

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Be one of the first to see the F1 Redbull Racing Car when it comes to Portrush, ahead of their event in Belfast.

The Red Bull Racing Team are bringing their F1 Car to the Kelly’s Complex Portrush on Thursday 1st November 2018 between 8pm-10pm in advance of its trip to Belfast on November 3rd.

Fans will have the opportunity to get a close-up inspection of the feat of modern technology. Come along, grab a photo and be one of the 1st to check it out.

The Red Bull Wings team will also be there with their dodge truck and samples, making it a night that you’ll remember.

It’s FREE to come along, children are welcome so bring along your Formula 1 loving little ones.

The Kelly’s complex offers fantastic week night deals in their Pizza Library & Deerstalker Bar & Bistro if you wish to make a night of it and enjoy a meal with Family and Friends.

For further information visit The Deerstalker & Stubborn Stag Facebook Page Events section (@TheDeerstalker).

BON JOVI ‘THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE TOUR’

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One of the world’s great rock bands hits stadiums in 2019

 

Back in their Irish home from home

Saturday 15 June, 2019: R.D.S Stadium, Dublin

 

After thousands of sold out shows, it’s clear – Bon Jovi = One Wild Night.

One of the planet’s biggest rock bands, Bon Jovi announce their return to Ireland, continuing a triumphant world tour that has visited the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Chile and will hit Japan and Australia later in 2018.  A huge year of 80 shows and counting has also seen them inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Their This House Is Not For Sale European Tour is set to be another blockbuster.

Bon Jovi will play the R.D.S. Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 15 June, 2019 (subject to licence). Something of a spiritual home for the band in Ireland, they sold out two consecutive nights at the R.D.S. in June 2011 and played there 3 times before that.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Thursday 8th November at 9.00am.

“Those huge shows, tens of thousands of people all together as one, that’s what we do,” says Jon Bon Jovi.

The success of latest album This House Is Not For Sale, which debuted at the top of charts around the world, was the culmination of a tempestuous period in the band’s 3-decade history. A defiant statement, launched in a series of intimate shows in 2016, the album became the jumping off point for a new era for Jon Bon Jovi and his band.

And that band has evolved since their last global trip. 2013’s Because We Can World Tour, was their third tour in six years to be ranked the #1 top-grossing tour in the world (a feat accomplished by only The Rolling Stones previously).

This will be their first Irish show since 2013 when the band played at Slane Castle.

The band has evolved since their last global trip, 2013’s Because We Can Tour, and features Bon Jovi originals David Bryan and Tico Torres alongside Jon, plus long time bassist Hugh McDonald, co-producer and co-songwriter John Shanks, multi-instrumentalist Everett Bradley, and lead guitarist Phil X, who joined the band on that 2013 tour.

“We’ve become a new, rejuvenated Bon Jovi,” says Jon, “A refreshed line up that kills every night.  We sound better than ever and we’re enjoying every minute.  We are out there as a band, feeding off each other and the fans, having the time of our lives all over again.”

This tour places the spotlight firmly on the music and the songs, the body of work that has propelled Bon Jovi to over 130 million record sales.  The band is ready with a choice of around 95 songs that they can change up every night, but have also been playing their all time classics like “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “It’s My Life”, “Wanted Dead Or Alive”, “Bad Medicine”, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”, “Keep the Faith”, “Always”, “Have A Nice Day” and of course, “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

Bon Jovi

R.D.S. Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 15 June, 2019

 

Tickets on sale on Thursday 8th November at 9.00am.

From Ticketmaster: In person: From Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI: 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland: 0844 277 4455

Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

Newtownabbey Drama Festival

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The Newtownabbey Drama Festival of One Act plays returns to The Courtyard Theatre for two nights of exhilarating drama on Thursday 1 and Saturday 3 November.

This annual festival of drama, presents the best one-act plays from amateur dramatic groups from Northern Ireland and beyond including The Holywood Players and The Rosemary Drama Group.

Join us over these two evenings for some great drama;

Thursday 1 November

HOLYWOOD PLAYERS – Hands across the Sea by Noel Coward

THEATRE 3 NEWTOWNABBEY – A Bench at the Edge by Luigi Jannuzzi

Saturday 3 November

THE CLARENCE PLAYERS – The Night I Danced with Cyd Charisse byNancy McPherson

ROSEMARY DRAMA GROUP – The Trial by Anthony Booth

 

This year’s adjudicator is Scott Marshall. A full synopsis of each play can be found on the website: www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

 

Tickets: £8 & £7 (Concession) are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

 

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SPARK! STREET THEATRE SET TO DRUM UP MAGICAL SHOW FOR CITY OF MERCHANTS FESTIVAL

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Get ready to be immersed in an evening of free carnival family fun at this year’s City of Merchants celebrations.

Street theatre team Spark! will be drumming up interest at the magical, movement and lighting street theatre show, shining a light on this year’s City of Merchants event on Friday 2nd November.

The renowned Spark! team are composed of light and sound, transforming the surrounding landscape to captivate their audience, combining high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and playful characters with colourful lighting design. The cast will take the audience on a vivid dreamlike journey, set to be memorable and mesmerising.

The Spark! drumming troupe will be leading a procession from Hill Street outside the Twilight Market towards the viewing area of fireworks at Fathom Line, leaving at 7.15pm with a magnificent firework display to follow at 8pm.  After the fireworks, the Spark! team drummers will then lead the crowd back to the Hill Street Carnival area, ending the evening on an up-beat!

Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mark Murnin said: “It is great to see the Twilight Market return to the City of Merchants celebrations. This year with Spark! leading the festivities we are sure that it will be a spectacular and memorable evening for all the family.”

The City of Merchants Festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November and will see a host of activities take place to celebrate the area’s maritime and trading heritage. Activities on Friday alongside the Walking Tour & Banquet at Bagenal’s Castle include a Twilight Market from 5pm to 10pm in Newry Variety Market Hill Street; free children’s art and craft workshops at the market; a parade to the Fathom Line at 7.15pm; ending with a magnificent firework display from 8pm.

On Saturday you can enjoy the Tall Ships from 12noon to 4pm; a theatrical Merchant Quest through the streets of Newry created by theatre company Big Telly; a theatrical guided tour of Bagenal’s Castle; plus, a comical look at trade through the years taking place in both The Buttercrane and The Quays Shopping Centres.  For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/2Az1gDK

This year will also see the inaugural Scenic Carlingford Ferry Loop Sportive in which hundreds of keen cyclists will take on a 62km route around the shores of Carlingford Lough. More details on this event can be found at www.loopsportive.com

On Sunday in partnership with Kx and Newry Business Improvement District (BID), Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will be bringing one of its famous Formula 1 cars to Marcus Square in Newry. Set to take up its podium position outside the newly opened First Derivatives building, the car will be on display between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information on the overall City of Merchants Festival programme, which is supported by Tourism NI,  and for details on how to book tickets for other events please visit: www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giant-adventures

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