Finn the giant was finally woken from his slumber after a two-day festival and noisy parade through the streets of Warrenpoint.

The festival, that took place on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th August saw crowds of over 15,000 people in the town during the celebrations.

The stories of Finn Mac Cumhaill are woven deep into the history of this region – from his life on Slieve Gullion, to his battles with rival giants. Each year, the people of Warrenpoint re-enact these epic tales in a collaborative performance.

There was superb entertainment, street performers, music, crafts and speciality food markets for all the family. This year Finn made his way across the water on the Carlingford Ferry to Warrenpoint on Saturday. Even this scenic journey across the lough couldn’t wake him up!

Giant Finn moved through Warrenpoint town centre as part of a noisy parade, as his family asked the public to help them wake him.

The man charged with designing and creating the narrative for this year’s show is renowned actor and writer, Dan Gordon. He put his humorous signature and quirky style on this year’s story that enthused children and parents alike.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chair, Councillor Mark Murnin, said: “Wake the Giant is one of our most highly anticipated events within the summer programme. This year did not disappoint! Every year the numbers keep growing and we were delighted to see such a fantastic turn out on Saturday and Sunday. Local businesses and traders across Warrenpoint really embraced this festival and it was enjoyed by locals and visitors. The creative genius of having Dan Gordon involved meant that everyone was able to enjoy a hilarious narrative as the parade made its way around the town. It was a great weekend had by all!”

To mark the end of summer this year’s Bluegrass Picnic will take place this Sunday, 26 August, in the beautiful Ward Park.

The fabulous Open House Festival Choir kicking things off at 2:30pm.

Headline act, “The Clay Pigeons”, dubbed “the fastest, funkiest four-piece Bluegrass band this side of the Atlantic”, will be “keeping it fresh, fast and good fun”.

With their brand of traditional Appalachian tunes and songs it will be an end of summer party to remember.

It’s the perfect way to spend your Bank Holiday Sunday – picnicking in the park with family and friends, chilling out or dancing whilst kids can pass the time with crafts and games to try.

We look forward to seeing you at Ward Park for this FREE event this Sunday 26th from 2.30pm–5pm.

Don’t forget to pack your picnic!

Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart welcomes an exhibition of paintings by Armoy based artist Nicola Nemec from September 8th – 29^th.

The ‘Quiet Places’ exhibition includes a body of work created while undertaking a residency on the remote Achill Island in County Mayo. Conceived over a two year period, the exhibition is the artist’s response to working in this unique place, combined with her observation of the shifting climate, light and atmosphere of the North Antrim landscape where she lives.

Recurring themes include the contrast between man-made and natural forms, harbours, boglands, mountains and seascapes.

Nicola creates intense, atmospheric paintings which are rich in hue, reflecting the colours of the seasonal landscape, and texture.

Her work has been exhibited extensively across the UK and Ireland and exists in many private and public collections.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the exhibition launch on Saturday 8th September from 2pm-3.30pm. A wine reception and refreshments will be provided.

Nicola will also be facilitating a talk based on her exhibition and creative practice on Thursday 20th September at 2pm. Admission is free.

For further information please visit www.flowerfield.org or call the team on 028 7083 1400.

‘The History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma!]’, the brilliant sequel to ‘The History Of The Troubles [Accordin’ To My Da]’, is back at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

A peaceful tale of street protests, riots, guns, bombings, the RHI Scandal, the latest Stormont collapse and even more riots, PEACE also sees the return of the legendary Firebell, joined of course, by a host of hilarious new characters including Pineapple the paramilitary, Stacey the Flegs woman, Roberto the Flute band leader and many more.

And as expected from Lynch, Grimes & McKee, PEACE will be especially updated to scrutinize the very latest ‘peaceful’ events in Norn Iron.

‘History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma]’ will run for two nights on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £17 and £15 (concession), and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre This production is recommended for age 16+.

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.

The Observatory at the Grand Central Hotel takes Afternoon Tea to a New Level!

To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (14^th – 20^th August), Conleth Hendron, Observatory Manager from the Grand Central Hotel, is joined by Pamela Ballantine and Ross Thompson of Thompson’s Teas to launch a very special Afternoon Tea experience in the new Observatory Cocktail Lounge.

Served on the 23^rd floor of the hotel, Afternoon Tea in the Observatory will be unique and enchanting, and guests will marvel over the breath-taking views of Belfast and beyond whilst enjoying an array of the finest, locally blended Thompson’s teas, crafted coffees, deliciously designed and handcrafted nibbles along with the finest Champagne and cocktails.

Served daily from 1pm – 5pm, it really is Afternoon Tea nirvana.

Some of County Down’s finest food and drink artisanal producers will be at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle on Saturday 8^th September for the annual Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival.

Drinks exhibitors at the festival this year include Whitewater Brewery, Jawbox Gin, Kilmeggan Cider, Shortcross Gin and Echlinville Distillery, home to Dunville Whiskey and Echlinville Gin along with local food producers including Kearney Blue Cheese and Fivemiletown Creamery.

The festival will also welcome the return of the popular Street Food Stall with a wide selection of delicious local treats to taste.

Niall Burns, Operations Manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of the Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival following the huge success of the past two years.

“The Festival will showcase many of County Down’s finest brands who will be here to talk about what they do with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get totally drawn in.  On top of that there will be lots of food and drink to sample, ensuring that a good time is had by all.

“At Hastings Hotels we only work with the finest local food and drink producers and we can’t wait for guests to come along and see for themselves just why the Slieve Donard holds them in such vert high esteem,” concluded Niall.

This fabulous food and drink event is supported by both Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tickets for the event cost £15 per person, which includes three drinks tokens and a souvenir glass, and are available from the Slieve Donard reception or by calling the hotel on 028 4372 1066.

Spinning Yarns Festival will take place at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September from 10am-6pm. This two-day festival has a great line up suitable for the whole family.

We are delighted to welcome MANNS on board who will host The Afternoon Fashion Tea event during Spinning Yarns, commencing each day at 3pm. Afternoon tea will be served consisting of a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and MANNS famous home baked scones with jam & cream, complimented by Earl Grey or Darjeeling Teas. The Models will then strut their stuff as they walk around the tables showcasing classic designs in natural fabrics mixed with the seasons latest trends from leading fashion houses. The Fashion show is styled by local lady Pearl Mitchell of Style Solutions, an event for all fashion enthusiasts –  not to be missed. Seats are limited so booking is advisable for both days. Tickets £10 per person for bookings T. 028 9448 1338 or online at www.theoldcourthouse.com

Another great attraction for this family event are the NI Alpacas group who will bring two to three herds of these endearing animals each day, showcasing alpaca fleece products and giving demonstrations on alpaca fibre and the process of working it from the animal through to the finished product. Alpacas are one of the camelid species, closely related to the llama and originate from the high plain in west-central South America.

Enrol for one of our workshops ranging from Rag Rug Wreaths to White Work Embroidery squares, view one of the many exhibitions and market stalls and sample some of the culinary delights on offer.

Chef, author & broadcaster Paula McIntyre MBE and Irish fashion designer, Blogger and BBC The Great Sewing Bee contestant Angeline Murphy, will be joining us over the two days giving demonstrations and offering advice.

There are also a number of children’s activities planned for this weekend event making it a family affair. For more details and bookings visit spinningyarnsfestival.com.

A little bit of Broadway comes to Belfast this September when The World Goes ‘Round takes to a newly transformed stage at the MAC Belfast.

Showcasing some of the biggest songs, from Broadway’s biggest productions like New York, New York, Cabaret and All That Jazz, this feel good show is a revue of hits by Kander and Ebb and is performed by a multi-talented cast who sing, dance and play instruments.

A co-production by Blunt Fringe and the MAC and starring a host of local and West End performers, The World Goes ‘Round will open for a two-week run at the MAC from 1^st September until 15^th September 2018.

To enhance the audience experience, the main theatre at the MAC has been totally transformed into an all new club, called the Luminaire Club, complete with at-table seating and waiter service.  Guests are invited to take their seat, have a glass of bubbly and watch the action unfold on stage.   

Co-directed by Stephen Whitson (Associate Director of West End sensation Hamilton), this classic revue has a multi-talented cast of five actor musicians who will sing, dance and play in this spectacular evening of musical theatre. The cast includes Stephanie McConville, originally from Lurgan and has most recently starred in the UK tour of Little Shop of Horrors; Carolyn Maitland, from the Isle of Wight who has had many leading roles on the West End most recently playing Molly in Ghost the Musical; Aveen Biddle, a recent musical theatre graduate originally from Derry; Will Arundell, a singer and talented cellist from Norwich; and Conor McFarlane, an accomplished musician who recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and is originally from Derry.

Claire Murray, Blunt Fringe said, “We are thrilled to be working with such an illustrious cast and creative team to bring the incredible songs of Kander and Ebb to life on the main stage at the MAC. Our cast will be singing, dancing, playing instruments and maybe even roller skating their way through the most stunning repertoire of musical theatre hits.”

The show was first staged in Belfast in 2014 and The Musical Theatre Review called it, “A success – intelligently staged, impeccably sung, wonderfully entertaining and with enormous style.”  The MAC and Blunt Fringe hope to wow audiences with the amazing setting, style and performance for a thoroughly entertaining night.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said, “We’re delighted to be co-producing this musical at the MAC this Autumn with our partners Blunt Fringe. To make the experience extra special, I was keen to play with the flexibility of the MAC theatre space and to create something special for audiences by changing the format from our usual theatre set-up into a more intimate, club feel. We have invested in new seating, staging and dressing to create what we hope will be a really special experience. This is the first opening of the Luminaire Club at the MAC and coupled with the amazing talent on stage, audiences are in for a real treat.”

Tickets for The World Goes ‘Round are now on sale and are selling fast. For more information or to book, visit themaclive.com.  Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.