Belfast International Arts Festival is delighted to announce that the provisional dates for the 56^th edition are Tuesday 16 October to Saturday 3 November 2018 inclusive.

Today, the Festival announced the programme with a new signature work from American social practice artist, Suzanne Lacy, called Across and In-Between to be co-commissioned by the Festival and 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary.

Borders have profound impacts on the lives of people who live on or near them. Some borders, such as the one dividing Northern Ireland from the Republic, run through lakes, roads and farmland. The Partition of Ireland dates from the end of the First World War. After the Easter Rising of 1916 and the assertion of independence by Sinn Fein in 1918, a devastating civil war broke out following the division of Ireland into north and south. The consequences of partition are still being felt today.

Suzanne Lacy investigates how the border frames identity and intervenes in the routine of everyday life. For this new commission, she co-creates with residents a series of localised gatherings and individual musings on visible and invisible borders.

Lacy is a celebrated pioneer of social practice, a form of art that engages the public in collaborative projects on social issues such as class, race and gender equity. For the 56^th edition of the Belfast International Arts Festival and the final season of 14-18 NOW, Lacy will work with communities from both sides of the Irish border on a shared artistic project that will also feature a presentation in Belfast in October 2018.

Making the announcement, Festival CEO and Artistic Director Richard Wakely said:

“Borders are in the news as never before, from the continuing migration of peoples from Africa and Middle East into Europe through to the implications of Brexit for those living and working on the island of Ireland. However, does a border represent a particular kind of region or social environment? If so, does the border tend to produce a particular kind of culture? And what is the relationship between this environment and its culture? The Belfast International Arts Festival is a place for artists and audiences to come together and to explore, exchange and debate such ideas through creative practice. We are delighted to continue our relationship with 14-18 NOW with this co-commission of a new participatory work, Across and In-Between from Suzanne Lacy that will explore the impact of the Irish border on identity and everyday life for those who live on or near to it”.

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said:

“The importance of staging an international arts festival in Belfast cannot be overestimated. As the Festival’s principal funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland recognises its enormous contribution to high-quality arts and culture in return for a relatively small amount of public investment.  We are delighted to support the Belfast International Arts Festival once again through National Lottery and public funding and we wish the team every success with this year’s festival.”

Jenny Waldman, Director, 14-18 NOW said:

“14-18 NOW is the UK’s arts programme connecting people with the First World War. Our final season in 2018 marks the centenary of the Armistice and end of the war and features brand new artworks by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists taking place across the UK.  14-18 NOW has worked with Belfast International Arts Festival for three years, and we are thrilled to have the chance to continue this partnership.  Across and In-Between, by the renowned artist Suzanne Lacy, tackles the complex issue of borders, a topical theme in the UK and beyond.  This work will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The full Festival Programme is due to be revealed later in the year with booking available for some key events over the coming months.

For all the latest information and to sign up for Festival News, visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com, follow on facebook and twitter @BelfastFestival  for all the latest news.

Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy (BABA) is organising what promises to be an exhilarating night made up of approximately 10 bouts in the ring on Saturday 3 March.

Marine Court Hotel in Bangor will play host to the athletic competitors who will be travelling from across Ireland in the cross community event in a bid to raise funds towards the Academy and the four nominated charities that Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, chose at the start of his term: Beyond the Battlefield, Decorum NI, Helping Alopecia Trust and Homestart.

Head Coach of BABA, Sandy Rice, is excited about the event and is urging people to purchase their tickets sooner rather than later due to the highly anticipated evening of entertainment, “the guys involved are looking forward to taking part, especially as the night is raising funds for good causes including our Academy. BABA means a lot to many people, and the passion these guys have runs over and above the involvement of the sport but to their dedication in ensuring facilities such as ours remain open and working.”

BABA, recently relocated to SERC in Bangor, is a hub for people of all ages and provides facilities where young boxers can really hone their skills. For many of the members it has been a place of refuge, giving them direction and focus in life. Places like BABA rely on funds raised via events such as these.

Mayor Adair was delighted when Sandy Rice approached him about organising the event, “I was thrilled when Sandy got in touch about the event. I was already familiar with the work Sandy does with the Academy as he had been awarded for his service in the field of Voluntary Community Work in last year’s Civic Awards. I myself am excited to be part of the event and so pleased for the charities, and the Academy, who will benefit from the proceeds of the night. Be sure to book your ticket soon as it is already proving very popular.”

Whether you are a boxing fan or not this evening is sure to have you enthralled in the fight. Come along and support your local club and your local charities.

Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets £10, available from Bangor Town Hall, Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, and the Mayor’s charities, or by calling 07985 476 414.

Bluegrass, Jazz and Comedy Drama are all on the bill for the start of March at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

C21 Theatre Company return on Thursday 1 March with ‘May The Road Rise Up’, a fast-paced, comedy rollercoaster about a woman who resolves to live life to the full no matter what it flings at her. When Mia’s boyfriend leaves her, she falls into debt and loses her job, but she still stays cheerful throughout our recessionary times. Mia is aided and abetted by her BFF, wedding singer, Paddy, who can sniff out a party at a hundred yards and, when it comes to acting disabled in the benefits office, he makes Liam Neeson look like an amateur! Then, one day, Mia lands a new job, driving round Belfast’s busy streets, and thinks to herself surely life is on the up. Little does she know, she could be about to get closer to those streets than she ever imagined…

Then on Friday 2 March, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers take to the stage, with some of the most distinctively elegant music to be heard anywhere today, and they’re delivering it with a unique blend of dry wit, emotional authenticity and broad humour that’s won the loyalty of a growing number of fans. Steve Martin referred to the Night Drivers as ‘some of the best players in bluegrass! Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters.’ Chris’ range of talents took centre stage at the IBMA’s Awards Show in 2007, where he earned both a Song Of The Year award, and the organization’s Broadcaster Of The Year trophy. The occasion marked the first time that both music and industry awards have gone to a single person.

Lovers of Jazz are in for a treat on Saturday 3 March, with a performance by jazz guitar legend Jim Mullen, unquestionably one of the all-time greats in the history of the genre. A five times winner of ‘Best Guitarist’ in the British Jazz Awards and recipient of a lifetime achievement award in 2015, Jim has worked with US jazz stars including Mose Allison, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon and Teddy Edwards. With his original and visceral guitar style, Jim will be joined by The Ronnie Greer Organ Band, featuring the complementary guitar playing of Ronnie, Scott Flanigan on Hammond organ, and Dominic Mullan on drums.

Tickets 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.

The next concert in the series of Music In The Chamber concerts at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 9 March and will feature the hugely popular alt-folk band Runabay.

Runabay are six musicians from the Glens of Antrim who through their passion for harmony and melody have been writing and recording since 2014.

The band are at the forefront of fresh, new music in Northern Ireland, a sound which has undeniably been shaped by the beautiful coastline which surrounds the Glens of Antrim and is felt through the swooping melodies and poignant lyrics. The band produce a mature sound that leaves the listener hanging on to the intricate guitar riffs, harmonies and haunting cello.

With uplifting melodies, complex instrumentation, their music will appeal to fans of artists like José Gonzalez and Fleet. Don’t miss this chance to catch the band in the beautiful surroundings of The Chamber room at Bangor Castle. Show time is 8pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown. Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

The Millennium Forum has just announced that hugely popular comedian, Rob Brydon, will make his debut at the cityside venue on Saturday 29^th September.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Fri 9^th Feb at 10am and are priced at £31.50.

Rob Brydon is perhaps best known for the television shows Gavin and Stacey, Would I Lie To You? and The Trip as well as Marion and Geoff, Human Remains, Little Britain, The Rob Brydon Show, Best of Men, Gangster Granny and Q.I.  His film work includes The Huntsman : Winter’s War, Cinderella and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Earlier this year in London’s West End he starred opposite Sir Kenneth Branagh in The Painkiller.  His other theatre credits include Future Conditional at The Old Vic and A Chorus of Disapproval at The Harold Pinter Theatre.

I Am Standing Up represents Rob Brydon’s first stand up tour since his sell out national tour and West End run of 2009.

Rob Brydon performs at the Millennium Forum on Sat 29^th September.  Tickets go on sale at 10am tomorrow, Fri 9^th Feb.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

The amazing Celtic Mindfulness event is making a return to the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh on the 24^th & 25^th February.

This is a unique healing experience of the land and energy. The perfect way to create inner calmness, helping steer you through the year ahead.

Music, Myth and Mediation will be used to awaken your Celtic soul. Creating focus positivity and stillness for the mind.  Workshops during the event will be facilitated by the excellent Sandra Nelson and Kate Fitzpatrick.

Kate Fitzpatrick is an experienced teacher and practitioner in the field of Celtic Wisdom & Spirituality and has guided many people in personal and spiritual development over the past 25 years.

Sandra Nelson is a qualified Reiki Teacher, Artist and Workshop facilitator who has been working within the healing arts for a number of years. Originally from a rural farming background, Moy, Co Tyrone, meditation has been a part of Sandra’s life for many years and is part of her daily practice.

The event will also include light lunch and refreshments.

Admission is £42.50 for a Saturday Pass, £22.50 of for a Sunday pass, or buy a ticket for both days for just £52.50.  Booking is essential on www.visitarmagh.com/celticmindfulness

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

The Ulster Automobile Club (UAC), organisers of the UAC Easter Stages Rally are pleased to announce they have received significant support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

This new event will take place on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 of April with the start and centralised service area situated in Ballyclare, adjacent to the Sixmile Leisure Centre. The two-day rally is the second round of the Irish Tarmac Rally Championship in 2018.

The first six stages of the event on Friday, located close to the rally headquarters in the Dunadry Inn, Templepatrick will start around lunchtime. These classic stages are on fast flowing tarmac roads which will present challenges for all competitors and provide superb opportunities for spectators to enjoy closed road rallying. Just before dusk, the rally will return to Ballyclare for the overnight halt.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill, commented: “It is fantastic news that we are working in partnership with the Ulster Automobile Club. I am excited that this new event is coming to the Borough and I hope everyone is geared up for this action packed weekend.”

Nigel Hughes, Clerk of the Course commented: “We are delighted with the terrific support from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the partnership which is developing with them. We are looking for a large entry and lots of spectators, to make this spectacle just after Easter, a roaring success and of substantial benefit to the local economy”.

The uniqueness of this event will see a separate rally starting on Saturday morning from Ballyclare. Additional competitors will join those who participated on Friday, to contest a further six classic rally stages, focussing around Broughshane and finishing in Ballymena.

Pre-event scrutiny will take place on Thursday 5 April at Sixmile Leisure Centre, which will provide an opportunity for rally fans to see the cars up close.

Regulations for the event are now available from http://www.uaceasterstages.com and www.ulsterautomobileclub.com