A HIGH FLYING PANTO ADVENTURE… BOOK NOW FOR ALADDIN AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE

By

Leave winter behind this Christmas and escape to balmy oriental nights as The Market Place Theatre in Armagh takes you on a high-flying, magical carpet ride headed for the exotic and mystical lands of the East, with the spectacular and breathtaking pantomime ‘Aladdin’.

This year’s Christmas spectacular, ‘Aladdin’, will combine dazzling costumes, stunning sets, mischievous fun and thrilling musical numbers all wrapped up in an adventure unlike any you will have ever witnessed….oh yes it will!!

Join a cast of well-loved characters including old Widow Twanky and her poor son Aladdin, and let your imagination take flight with this action-packed and mesmerizing pantomime. Times are tough but Aladdin’s life is dramatically changed when he falls in love with the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom. Enter the evilest baddie in the Kingdom, Abanazer. Will the evil Abanazer destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry the Princess? A high-flying adventure you won’t want to miss.

Performances will run from Saturday 1 December, right up to Sunday 23 December, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15. Tickets are selling fast, with the best availability remaining on the last week.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so book now, before it’s too late! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

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

 

FESTIVE MISCHIEF AT THE MAC WITH ITS CHRISTMAS SHOW ‘THE ELVES AND THE SHOEMAKER’

By

This Christmas, the MAC is delighted to announce it will once again be collaborating with award-winning children’s theatre company Cahoots NI for a magical production of the classic fairytale, The Elves and The Shoemaker.

Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

Based on the much-loved story by the Brothers Grimm, The Elves and The Shoemaker is the uplifting story of a kind-hearted tradesman who has fallen on hard times and is assisted by a mischievous band of nocturnal fairy folk. Suitable for all ages, audiences will need to keep their eyes peeled for some of the fairyland’s best-known characters who just might pop up to make it Belfast’s funniest, festive family show.

As ever with the MAC’s Christmas shows, expect a unique twist on the traditional fairytale format with a funny script co-written by Simon Magill and Stephen Beggs, under the direction of Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, and an enchanting festive score from Garth McConaghie.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC has said, “Simply put, this year’s Christmas show promises to be absolutely spectacular. With the inimitable Sean Kearns as our eponymous shoemaker and some stellar performances from the likes of Clare Barrett and Jolene O’Hara, we’re really excited to revive this classic story for a modern family audience.”

Paul Bosco McEneaney adds: “We are very excited to be back at the MAC this Christmas after the huge success of Under the Hawthorn Tree in September. The Elves and the Shoemaker is packed with Cahoots NI’s signature magical touch and we cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Elfin world we have created!”

The show will run from Tuesday 27th November until Saturday 6th January, but with tickets selling out fast, book now to avoid disappointment! Avail of discount prices when you purchase a Family Saver ticket, valid Monday to Friday, which will save you 10% when you purchase 4 tickets or more.

This has been the busiest year for school bookings, with schools making a visit to the MAC an annual Christmas tradition. MACtile Tours, the MAC’s award-winning initiative to make the theatre a more relaxing experience for children with Autism Sensory Disorders, continues to bring the magic of theatre to more and more audiences. School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC For more information about the show or to book tickets for your festive family trip to the MAC, visit themaclive.com.

Studying Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths… Are you up for the STEM Quest Challenge?

By

As part of the NI Science Festival, Titanic Belfast and The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), are calling all whizz kids to get involved with its annual STEM Quest (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths challenge).

To date, over 170 teams from across Northern Ireland have competed, with Lumen Christi triumphing last year.

Titanic Belfast and CCEA are now on the lookout for this year’s best science, technology, engineering and maths Key Stage 3 (1st – 3rd year) quiz teams of four to compete and test their knowledge against their peers from across the region, in a bid to become Northern Ireland’s top team.

The teams will compete in a ‘University Challenge style’ Grand Final, hosted again by well-known personality, Joe Lindsay, at Titanic Belfast on 12th February 2019. The closing date for entries for the STEM Quiz is 19th January 2019, spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis. To enter, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to host our fourth STEM Quest Challenge supported by CCEA. To date, we have seen over 170 schools compete, and it is brilliant to see so many schools, teachers and pupils get involved and compete at such a high standard every year, especially as the need for Northern Irish STEM graduates grows. We are looking forward to this year’s competition so if you are science mad, geek chic or a mathematical whiz kid get your teacher to sign up and get involved!”

Justin Edwards, CCEA’s Chief Executive commented: “CCEA are delighted to be working together with Titanic Belfast on this year’s STEM Quest challenge, as part of the NI Science Festival.  NI’s young people continue to display an interest and enthusiasm in STEM, with our latest figures showing that over 40% of all GCSE entries are STEM subjects. The competitive, learning, fun environment that the STEM Quest challenge offers learners is wonderful and something which CCEA are delighted to encourage”.

The event is just one of the Titanic Belfast’s learning and outreach activities. It now a total of eight workshops and three guided tours and was recently awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle.  For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/learning.

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

By

Down

Bangor’s BIG Christmas Switch On brings a full day of festive fun this Saturday 17th November.  The Christmas market returns to the seafront, with an abundance of festive treats on offer. With over 20 local market stalls selling artisan foods and local crafts this is the perfect spot to kick off some early Christmas shopping. Grab a hot drink and soak up the atmosphere with music, face painting, a children’s carousel and much more – it will definitely put you in a festive mood!.  A lantern parade with over 100 lanterns will take you on a journey from Translink to the McKee Clock Arena led by Santa and the Mayor of Ards and North Down. Christmas Lights Switch On McKee Clock Arena 5.30pm.  The Mayor and Santa will light up Bangor’s Christmas tree followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

Armagh

The 25th William Kennedy International Piping Festival at the Market Place Theatre presents a Uilleann Pipes Concert on Sunday 18th November.  The festival’s annual flagship event features 6 world renowned masters plus a special showcase of young pipers from across Ireland featuring Louise Mulcahy, Mick O’Brien, Paddy Keenan, Seán McKeon, Seán Óg Potts, Síle Friel.  Young pipers showcase – Aoife Smyth, Peter McKenna, Jane Walls, Iarla McMahon & Amy Campbell.

Fermanagh

Never heard the Ulster Orchestra? Well here’s your chance to discover the magic of a full, live orchestra right on your doorstep at the Ardhowen Theatre this Thursday 15th November.  The Ulster Orchestra brings you Mozart’s beautiful Strassburg Concerto – the Strassburger being a popular folk tune which inspires the closing Rondo. Join star violinist Francesca Dego, conductor Daniele Rustioni and the Ulster Orchestra for a truly magical and memorable evening!

Tyrone

For the first time ever, the classic nursery rhyme Humpty Dumpty is brought to the stage in a wonderful all singing and dancing interactive production at the Strule Arts Centre on Saturday 17th November.   Humpty is on a big adventure to climb the highest wall in the kingdom but needs your help. Singalong, solve puzzles and meet lots of famous characters including The Three Little Pigs, Little Bo Beep and the animals on Old McDonald’s Farm!  With amazing costumes, dazzling stage sets and a host of colourful characters.

Derry/Londonderry

Do you love running and dogs? Then this is the event for you and your canine friend!  Join Dog Trails NI on the stunning Benone Strand this Sunday for a canicross race and a day out your dog will love!  There will be a 5k race, and a novice and kids 3k race.  5k race 10.00am start.  3k race 11.00am start. Both races will be seeded fastest first with plenty of twists and turns on a course your dog will love!  Visit dogtrailsni.com for more information and to enter.

Antrim

Glengormley Lights Switch on and Christmas Market takes place this Saturday 17th November. Create a bear at the Christmas Fair Workshop at 1.30pm, 2.45pm or 4pm in Glengormley Pavilion. Tickets must be bought in advance from www.theatreatthemill.com and are priced at £5 per child, £2.50 per adult and include a visit to Santa’s Grotto. The Lillian Bland Community Park will be transformed with cosy cabins lining the path filled with Christmas gifts, food and treats from local traders as well as Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar’s festive craft market. Santa and his bear friends will arrive at 5pm to officially light up Christmas in Glengormley.

Belfast

CastleCourt’s much-loved Christmas parade will return to the streets of Belfast city centre on Saturday, 17th November, officially marking the shopping centre’s month-long calendar of festive activity.  Setting off from Writer’s Square at 12 noon, Santa will again lead this year’s exciting line-up in his train and sleigh, joined for the first time by Mrs. Claus and Rudolph the Reindeer. The trio will lead the magical parade past St. Anne’s Cathedral along Donegal Street, arriving at Royal Avenue at 12.30pm.  Families are invited to follow the parade, alongside an amazing line up of giant characters and riveting performers, including glistening snowmen, sparkling Christmas trees and the cast of Belfast Operatic’s Elf The Musical, which will give spectators an exclusive preview performance of their new Christmas production.  The procession will culminate at CastleCourt, where Santa will take up residence in this year’s fabulous grotto at 1.00pm, and delight thousands of visiting children and their families until 24th December.

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.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

By

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, Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre, Belfast from £86 per room

The four-star Holiday Inn Belfast City Centre combines a stylish newly refurbished decor with great service making it the ideal choice for a stay in Belfast. It is centrally located in the heart of Belfast, within a short walk to major attractions and the retail and entertainment districts. Offer includes one night accommodation with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 9024 2494. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Two Night City Escape, Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry from £99 per person 

One of the first boutique hotels in the city, the three-star Waterfoot Hotel is situated just at the edge of the historic banks of the River Foyle and only a short drive or lovely scenic walk to the City Centre. Offer includes a two-night stay with full Irish breakfast each morning plus dinner on an evening of your choice. To book call 028 7134 5500. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Autumn/Winter Special, Rose Cottage, Cookstown from £35 per night

This four-star, self-catering cottage sleeps up to four people. Nearby to Lough Neagh and close to a number of cultural and heritage attractions this cottage makes an ideal location to explore the Cookstown area. Offer includes an overnight stay for £70, with additional nights from £35. To book call 077 4546 5251. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

By

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 (12 – 18 November)

 

  1. Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 14 November. Ta Da Irish Dance Company presents the tale of the famous song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supperclub in Belfast.
  2. Murder Mystery Evening, Derry~Londonderry, 16 November. Presented by the Play Dead Murder Mystery Company, this murder mystery evening at Bellahy Bawn asks you to help solve the case and bring the perpetrator of this heinous crime to justice. A light buffet and refreshments will be included.
  3. Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On 2018, Belfast, 17 November. An evening of fun awaits with mini shows and traditional carols before the big switch-on, with guests including Paw Patrol’s Skye and Marshall, Fireman Sam and Norman Price, and TV presenter Andy Day. Taking place at the front of Belfast City Hall, this family event is a great way to begin the countdown to the festivities.
  4. Taste Causeway 2018, Causeway Coast, 10 – 18 November. This 9-day culinary celebration, brought to you by the Causeway Coast and Glens, will showcase their vibrant restaurant scene as well as the wide range of superb local produce which the area has to offer. Taste Causeway promises themed nights, cookery classes, food tours, taster menus and opportunities to ‘meet the maker’.
  5. Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 16 – 17 November. The Walled City Tattoo returns to the Millennium Forum stage this year headlined by StickStoff, the Basel based drumming sensation.

The group will be joined by a total cast of over 300 performers in what promises to be a huge show.

  1. Atlantic Sessions, Causeway Coast, 15 – 18 November. A high quality, musical feast, showcasing original music. From traditional to contemporary, from electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart.
  2. Edelle McMahon, Newtownards, 16 November. Edelle McMahon performs at the Ards Arts Centre. Her album has received glowing reviews from journalists, bloggers and radio presenters, with captivating vocals and intricate guitar picking frame songs that feature a wry world view and incisive insight into character.
  3. HMS Caroline Lecture Series: The Royal Navy’s Final Year of War, Belfast, 15 November. Nick Hewitt, Head of Collections at NMRN will be at HMS Caroline. He will discuss how the Grand Fleet, probably the most powerful assembly of manpower and technology in the world at the time, continued to contribute to the war effort through 1917-1918, until it’s eventual, triumphant shepherding into captivity of a defeated High Seas Fleet, shortly after the Armistice.
  4. Foyle Film Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 16 – 25 November. Showcasing a range of contemporary, classic, cultural and new cinema, the Foyle Film Festival presents a fantastic line-up to suit any film fan. For full line-up, visit FoyleFilmFestival.org.
  5. Bangor Christmas Switch On, Bangor, 17 November.  Taking place in the town centre this lights switch on will be followed by a brilliant fireworks display over the marina waters. Your best vantage point for the fireworks is along the coastal path and from the promenade, so be sure not to miss it.

 

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

The funniest, sunniest English ballet masterpiece!

By

This November Birmingham Royal Ballet brings the sunniest and funniest of ballets to the Grand Opera House with the ever-summery La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter).

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there’s no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle ensues.

Mixing spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame and a super-cute pony, as well as live music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is sure to be fantastic entertainment for you, your friends, and all your family!

★★★★ ‘Enchantingly and hilariously silly’ The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ ‘Unmissable’ The Daily Express
★★★★★ ‘If there is a happier ballet than Fille, then I do not know of it’ The Birmingham Post

 

Free Pre-Performance Talk
Friday 9 November 6.30pm. Call box office on 028 9024 1919 to reserve your place

A unique opportunity to hear about what it takes to be performance ready. Hear how Birmingham Royal Ballet stages its magnificent shows and what life is really like on the road. Talks are given by dancers of the Company as well as various members of staff .


Company class on stage
Saturday 11.45am | £10

Ever wondered what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance? This is your chance to watch an open Company class on stage and find out.

BOOK NOW

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mid-Ulster!

By

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mid-Ulster!

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sean McPeake visits Maghera Walled Garden, as the final touches are put to Christmas decorations ahead of the Maghera celebrations on Saturday 1st December.

From the switch on of a mile of Christmas lights in Cookstown, to the Christmas Market in Magherafelt, and a Magical Kingdom in Dungannon, you’ll be spoilt for Yuletide cheer this year in Mid Ulster.

The feast of festive events, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, kicks off on Friday 23rd November at 6.30pm in Cookstown, with the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town.

Magherafelt Christmas Market is back bigger and better than ever this year, on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th November, bringing more than 25 artisan food and craft stalls with tempting treats and wares for you to buy.

The switch on of Magherafelt’s Christmas lights, and accompanying street party and fireworks display will take place on Saturday 24th from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the town centre.

Meanwhile in Dungannon, over the weekend 24th and 25th November, Ranfurly House, and Hill of The O’Neill, will once again lead you into a Magical Christmas Kingdom, with a host of festive themed family entertainment including the lights switch on on the 24th from 5.30pm.

The following weekend sees the turn of Maghera and Coalisland to launch their festive celebrations, with Christmas in Maghera celebrations happening in The Lurach Centre, Maghera Walled Garden and the town centre from 3pm on Saturday 1st December. Mid Ulster’s Christmas celebration finale happens in Coalisland town centre from 3.30pm on Sunday 2nd December.

For full details of these and other festive fun happening across the Mid Ulster District visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

 

Also, I noticed when I clicked the link on your website it took me through to our general what’s on page so can you make sure the link is taking you to just the Christmas events- the link is www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

NI Music Prize to take centre stage at Ulster Hall

By

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

By

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

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.