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

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Down

This season of Opera Club at the Portico Ards kicks off this Saturday 10th February with Opera North’s enchanting staging of The Adventures of Pinocchio. Jonathan Dove’s 21st opera is a wittily inventive feast for the eyes and ears. A full-length  grand opera with 29 characters, a sizeable chorus and a profound symphonic score, it is overflowing with visual delights.

Armagh

This Saturday Seagoe Parish Hall Portadown will host an antiques, vintage and collectables fair, showing casing lots of treasures from the past. 40+ stalls including Victorian jewellery, silver, china, crystal, militaria, kitchenalia, books, coins, medals, ceramics, art, vintage fashion and linens.  Refreshments will be available. The fair is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. This is a great day out to relive the past, to add to your collection or just to treat yourself.

Fermanagh

Love Building Bird Box Day takes place this Saturday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm at Crom.  Spread the love between your friends and family this February as you join the National Trust in preparation for National Nest Box Week by learning to build your own bird box.  Learn how to create your own bird box, just in time for the upcoming nesting season as we care for our beloved birds. February is the perfect time to show your love for others and wildlife by constructing your very own bird box.   For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom

Tyrone

With dozens of songs featured on numerous hit US television shows & movies and writing for some of the world’s biggest selling artists, Gareth Dunlop has become one of Ireland’s most revered and successful songwriters. It’s a reputation based on a wonderful singing voice and a strong body of material, influenced by soul, country, folk and blues. See Gareth perform live at Ranfurly House Dungannon this Saturday 10th February at 8.00pm.

Derry/Londonderry

The Linenhall Upperlands is the venue this Saturday night for the Ampertaine PS Fundraiser. The night will see performances  from local singer/songwriters Eilish Mulholland, Tiernan Heffron, James Bradley Music and formal pupil Charlene Bradley’s band Aria Sail. Magician extraordinaire Rodd Hogg also be in attendance to amaze guests with his magic! Refreshments provided with a DJ to finish the night.

Antrim

Larne Museum & Arts Centre is open on Saturday 10th February.  Come along to visit the Main Gallery which hosts permanent displays reflecting the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the local area. This will also be an opportunity to visit the temporary exhibition ‘Painting Pictures in My Mind – Remembering the 1950s and 1960s’, an exhibition which focuses on local life in the 1950s and 1960s. Admission is free!

Belfast

Join in the NICHS Red Dress Run this Saturday 10th February to take action for your own heart health and raise funds to continue the fight against heart disease!  Grab your red dress, red hat, red knee socks…absolutely anything RED and join us for this truly unique charity 5km and 10km running event, where you’ll walk, jog or run around Stormont Estate in Belfast, all in the fight against heart disease.  With a choice of running or walking two distances and a real element of fun, there’s something for the ladies, men and kids alike to enjoy! Grab your friends, family or work colleagues and be part of this spectacular new charity running event. If you would like to chat with one of the team about the Red Dress Run 2018 give Cheryl a call on 02890 266740 or email cbrown@nichs.org.uk.

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.

10 Exciting Things to do this week in NI!

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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 10 exciting things taking place this week (5 – 11 February 2018)

 

  1. Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, Derry~Londonderry, 8-11 February. With all the visceral precision and thrills of the original, Lord Of The Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography and forty of the world’s most outstanding young performers. The show is directed by Michael Flatley, and features his protégés, Morgan Comer and Cathal Keaney, at the Millennium Forum.
  2. Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, Belfast, 11 February 2018. Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and five-star service with Titanic Belfast’s romantic Valentine’s Afternoon Tea. A luxurious menu featuring a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite patisserie.
  3. The Bob Dylan Band, Coleraine, 8 February. The Bob Dylan Band celebrate Dylan’s music with a high energy approach to songs from the prolific periods of his writing from the ’60s to modern times. Playing at the Riverside Theatre, the musicians are at the top of their art and together provide a fabulous show.
  4. The Fureys in Concert, Downpatrick, 9 February. As part of their 40th Anniversary tour, Irish legends, the Fureys return for another great night of music, songs and stories to the Down Arts Centre. Their emotive songs stir many emotions.
  5. Living History – Meet Our Norman Knight, Newtownards, 10-11 February. Discover more about Castle Espie’s Norman past, as part of a new history series. Uncover where the original “castle” was situated and children can try on authentic armour, all under the watchful gaze of a resident Norman knight.
  6. Winter Warmer: A Dram on the Bann, Coleraine, 10 February. Boat trip on the beautiful River Bann offering a relaxed and informative afternoon of whiskey and gin sampling, food tasting and a light sprinkling of stunning scenery and wildlife on the Bann Estuary. A marvellous opportunity to appreciate the historic town from a different perspective. Pre-booking essential: contact Wendy Gallagher at causewayfoodie@gmail.com or on (07912) 408 256.
  7. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Belfast, 10 February. Global sensation The pipe band bring their tour to Belfast’s SSE Arena. From their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004, to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014, the past 15 years has seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet.
  8. An Evening at The Waterfront with Carl Frampton, Belfast, 9 February. Spend an evening with the Pride of Belfast, ‘The Jackal’ Carl Frampton, as he talks about his career highlights from humble beginnings and amateur boxer days to becoming the two-weight World Champion and a global megastar.
  9. The Script, Belfast, 6 February. In celebration of their new album Freedom Child, The Script are back.The Irish three-piece are one of the biggest live bands, having sold over 1.4 million tickets across 203 headline shows and they sold out the legendary Croke Park stadium, see them play at the SSE Arena.
  1. The Great Concertos: Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, Belfast, 9 February. Beethoven’s Violin Concerto is the first giant of the genre and it is only fitting that it forms part of a season devoted to the Great Concertos. In this rescheduled concert, Sergey Khachatryan returns to the Ulster Hall with the Ulster Orchestra to perform the piece. Renowned as one of the great modern interpreters of the Concerto, this concert will be a spell-binding night of utter virtuosity.

 

 

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

Maggie Muff is back!

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Tart with a heart Maggie Muff is returns to the MAC in Maggie’s Feg Run, which runs from 13 – 25 February 2018.

Maggie Muff’s Feg Run to Benidorm. Picture: Elaine Hill Photography

The final instalment in the trilogy that gave us the hugely successful 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue and Dirty Dancin’ in le Shebeen, is the brain child of writer Leesa Harker, and once again stars Caroline Curran as Maggie Muff.

Produced by Leesa Harker’s own production company, Red Brick Road Productions, her plays continue to bring a demographic not previously seen to theatres across the province. Leesa said, “I realised quite quickly after 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue that a high percentage of the audience had never been to the theatre before seeing my play. I asked people why they were ‘theatre virgins’ and got responses such as ‘theatre is not for the working–class’ and ‘it’s all one-sided political plays’ and ‘there’s nothing for young people’. I realised I had the potential to make theatre more accessible to those people who felt excluded and so, I decided to set up my own production company.”

The Feg Run

Maggie and Big Sally-Ann are on top form as they head to Benidorm on a ‘Feg Run’ to smuggle cigarettes home and sell for a profit.

What with Billy Scriven getting someone up the duff, and Igor the Dogger being caught out having ten kids and a wife, the chums need a holiday! Sun, Sea, Sangria and Sticky Vicky! Sure what more is there to want?

But here, it turns out to be a holiday they will never forget. We’re talking a dive on a pedalo (and I don’t mean into the sea), a slider from the poke man (not of the ice-cream variety) and some nudists from Rathcoole that have Big Sally-Ann in a tizzy. And you’ll never guess who makes an appearance at the All-Inclusive breakfast buffet……

“Margaret?”  – He’s back.

Don’t miss the grand finale in the Maggie Muff trilogy, at the MAC this February.

Book now at themaclive.com

U2 eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018 – ADDITIONAL BELFAST DATE ANNOUNCED 28th October

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 FANS SECURE TICKETS FOR SOLD OUT HOME SHOWS

 

All tickets for U2’s eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour Belfast date, as well as for their four Dublin shows, sold out this morning, with delighted fans taking to social media to express their excitement at seeing the band bring the tour home later this year. And due to overwhelming demand, Live Nation and MCD have now confirmed a second and final show for Belfast on 28th October 2018, with tickets on sale from 9th February.

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@KieranKelly1988 – Got my U2 ticket. It’s Belfast but I will follow #U2eiTour #U2

 

@YolandaZaw – Here I am, getting papped outside the @3arenadublin with my @U2 tickets!!  #U2 #u2songsofexperience

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@ada102  Just got two standing for Monday #praisebono #U2

 

@CarlMullanYEOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW #U2eiTour2018 @U2

Tamara de Paula from Brazil was among fans who bought tickets in person at Dublin’s 3Arena this morning – “I should be lying on a beach right  now, I have missed my holiday to get a ticket.  I am really excited.”

Second in line was Gregory Fitzsimons, who secured tickets for his 79th U2 show – “I am also going to the first show in Tulsa. I’ve seen them play in LA, Boston, Connecticut. I even flew home early from honeymoon so I could fly out to Madison Square Garden. My wife still hasn’t forgiven me!”

Another fan Patricia van der Velde added “I live in Ireland because of U2, I moved here because of them because I am such a fan. My husband is even from Cedarwood Road!’

And Montse Fraga, who attended her first U2 gig in 1993 said “There is still the same buzz, perhaps even more now, I am so excited”.

Following last year’s acclaimed stadium run with The Joshua Tree Tour 2017, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour will see U2 return to indoor venues, picking up where 2015’s ground-breaking iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE Tour left off. The eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour follows the recent release of the band’s 14th studio album Songs of Experience. Just as Songs of Experience serves as a companion piece to 2014’s Songs of Innocence, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is a sequel to the 2015 tour. As with every U2 tour, this new arena production will explore the latest in cutting-edge technology. The eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is a development of the unique and innovative staging of the 2015 tour, featuring multiple performance areas, a state-of-the-art sound system, plus an all new super high-res LED screen nine-times the resolution of the 2015 screen.

Tickets for the additional Belfast show on 28th October 2018 will go on sale beginning Friday 9th February at 9am.  All General Admission floor tickets will be paperless and available online or at the relevant venue box office only. Reserved seating tickets will also be available to purchase from 9am on Friday 9th February both online and via Ticketmaster outlets across the country. See a full list of outlets here

See here for a full list of dates on the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour 2018

BOOMTOWN RATS TO PLAY HARMONY LIVE

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Excitement is mounting as legendary Irish rockers The Boomtown Rats have just been announced to headline Harmony Live 2018 on Saturday, 2nd June.

Set up in 2015 as The Holywood Harmony Festival, the newly rebranded Harmony Live is undoubtedly going to be one of the best festivals in the Northern Irish calendar this summer.

Fronted by Bob Geldof, “one of Ireland’s greatest lyricists” (Hot Press), The Boomtown Rats became one of the biggest bands of the late 70s/80s with a string of top ten hits and platinum albums, earning them Brit Awards, Ivor Novellos and Grammy Awards.  Making history as the first Irish band to have a UK number one hit with ‘Rat Trap’, they went on to top the charts in 32 Countries with ‘I Don’t Like Mondays’ and racked up six era-defining albums:

Festival creator and volunteer Mari Jackson is delighted to unveil The Boomtown Rats as headliners for the second day of the community festival.  She says;

“It is a real coup for the festival and indeed Holywood to welcome such a well-known band to top the bill. Last year’s festival attracted over 15,000 visitors to the town and with such an iconic punk outfit such as The Boomtown Rats headlining, we are confident that numbers will increase this year.  In fact, we have expanded our festival marquee in the rugby grounds to a 1500 capacity tent. We have more exciting headline acts to announce in the coming weeks and are confident that this will be the best festival yet.  Harmony Live will certainly put Holywood firmly on the map as an exciting music and tourist destination, which is great news for the local economy and tourism.”

Lead singer Bob Geldof is looking forward to returning to Northern Ireland.  The Band Aid and Live Aid creator who co-wrote ‘Do They Know It’s Christmas’ says;

“Is there anywhere in the world better to play Rock ‘N Roll? Is there any crowd more up for it? Are there any people who seem to need it, consume it, rage and rave for it more than that lot up in Northern Ireland? Not in The Rats’ long experience. The best place to play in. The best crowd to play for. Can’t wait.”

Tickets to see The Boomtown Rats at Harmony Live 2018 cost £33.50 available from wegottickets.com and Garry’s Barber Shop and Homebird – both outlets situated on High Street, Holywood

For further information on the festival check out www.harmonyfest.co.uk

www.facebook.com/HolywoodHarmonyFestival

www.instagram.com/harmony_live_holywood

www.twitter.com/HolywoodHarmony

Home Spun Youth Theatre presents smash hit Musical at Theatre at The Mill

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From the creative team that brought you the stunning production of Annie last year, comes a new special Youth Production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from Wed 14 – Sun 18 Feb.

One of the most enduring shows of all times, Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colours.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, this magical musical is full of catchy songs including the unforgettable classics Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door. A perfect family treat this midterm.

Tickets from £12; Family Ticket: £40 available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online theatreatthemill.com

JOOLS HOLLAND & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra – WATERFRONT, Belfast: Sunday 21st October 2018

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JOOLS HOLLAND & his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra

 

With Special guest MARC ALMOND

 

Featuring GILSON LAVIS, RUBY TURNER & LOUISE MARSHALL

 

WATERFRONT, Belfast: Sunday 21st October 2018

 

 

Following a triumphant show at the Waterfront last year, Jools Holland will return to Belfast in October with his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra.

Special guest will be Marc Almond.

Joining Jools once again in Dublin are Gilson Lavis, Ruby Turner & Louise Marshall.

Tickets available FRIDAY:

In person from the Ulster Hall Box Office – located on Bedford Street

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

ICONIC EXHIBITION OPENS AT THE MAC

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Award winning artist Gilbert & George launch ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast’ at the MAC

One of the world’s most recognisable and provocative artistic duos Gilbert & George opened their most significant exhibition in Ireland in almost 20 years at the MAC, Belfast, last night. The London based artists were in town to open a specially curated exhibition SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast, which will be on show throughout all three galleries in the MAC until April.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Gilbert & George’s first meeting at St. Martin’s School of Art in 1967 and their identification of themselves as ‘Living Sculptures’, two people as one artist. The Turner Prize winning artist is the latest high profile exhibition to be held in the MAC, following Andy Warhol and David Hockney, which drew thousands from across the UK and Ireland, and further afield, to Belfast.

The ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES’ opens with a bold statement of intent: “We want our Art to bring out the Bigot from inside the Liberal and conversely to bring out the Liberal from inside the Bigot.”  The exhibition unflinchingly describes the volatile and mysterious reality of our increasingly technological, multi-faith and multi-cultural world. It is a world in which paranoia, fundamentalism, surveillance, religion, accusation and victimhood become moral shades of the city’s temper. As with much of their work, Gilbert & George themselves take their place in these ‘SCAPEGOATING PICTURES’ as shattered and spirit like forms.

Speaking at the opening, Áine McVerry from the MAC said: “There are few modern artists who have given their whole lives to their art in the same way that Gilbert & George have, and we are delighted to have this remarkable exhibition in the MAC. Like all Gilbert & George exhibitions, SCAPEGOATING PICTURES for Belfast is provocative and challenging, and it is an incredibly exciting exhibition with which to open our 2018 programme.

“It has been almost 20 years since Gilbert & George exhibited in Belfast, and, while the city and community have changed a lot in that time, we still see division, disagreement and, often, an unwillingness to confront uncomfortable truths. Hopefully, visitors from all across Ireland and the UK, and further afield, will take the opportunity over the coming months to visit this exhibition and challenge their own preconceptions.”

Gilbert & George were on top form at the launch event and spoke about their excitement at being in Belfast: “We are thrilled to be back in Belfast. We are so excited to be showing 40 of our SCAPEGOATING PICTURES to the people of Belfast and its visitors.

“We hope you will all find this exhibition exhilarating, thought-provoking, joyful, beautiful and liberating. We love exhibiting in Belfast!”

The exhibition will run until 22 April 2018 in the Sunken, Tall and Upper Galleries at the MAC, Belfast. The exhibition is open daily from 10am-7pm and admission is free.

Visit our website to book a ticket to see Gilbert & George at the MAC: www.themaclive.com

PETE TONG Presents IBIZA CLASSICS

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PERFORMED BY THE 65 PIECE HERITAGE ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY JULES BUCKLEY

 

Ibiza Classics, O2, London, December 2017. Photo by: Carsten Windhorst /FRPAP.com

24 NOVEMBER – 3ARENA DUBLIN

25 NOVEMBER – SSE ARENA BELFAST

 

‘It all goes right for Pete Tong’ 4/5 London Evening Standard

 

4 Stars, The Times

 

Pete Tong along with Jules Buckley and The Heritage Orchestra have announced a 3Arena Dublin on Saturday 24th November and The SSE Arena Belfast on Sunday 25th November.

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am

 

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

 

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

 

This union of classical music and iconic dance tracks is another bold, brilliant move from one of the most influential figures in dance music. As the voice of Radio 1’s prestigious dance programming, Pete Tong has held a commanding presence over the industry for more than two decades. His unique position has earned him a reputation as the global ambassador of dance music.

 

The concept of Ibiza Classics and the album companion ‘Classic House’ released via Universal Music came into fruition in 2015 with BBC Radio 1’s Ibiza Prom at the Royal Albert Hall.  With its infectious, energetic brand of club music reworked by artistic director Chris Wheeler, the 65-piece Heritage Orchestra and the acclaimed conductor Jules Buckley has captured the hearts of millions and created an unforgettable dance-party.

 

Due to demand Pete Tong, Jules Buckley, the Heritage Orchestra along with an array of guest singers and an unparalleled production comes to Dublin and Belfast this December with a brand new unmissable show.

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday 02 February at 9am

 

www.petetong.com

THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS : THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST – 29 MAY

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Multi-platinum selling band Thirty Seconds to Mars have just announced Irish dates on their huge European tour in 2018 including shows at The SSE Arena, Belfast on May 29th & 3Arena, Dublin on May 30th.

 

Ticket Information

29 May. The SSE Arena: Tickets from £49 incl. booking fee.

30 May. 3Arena: Tickets from €59.50  incl. booking & facility fees.

 

Tickets go on sale at 9am this Friday, February 2nd from Ticketmaster outlets, www.ticketmaster.ie and http://www.thirtysecondstomars.com/

 

And for Belfast: The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

 

VIP packages will be available exclusively with Adventures In Wonderland.

Visit www.adventuresinwonderland.com for further information.

 

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