The Björn Identity are undoubtedly Ireland’s greatest tribute to the world’s most famous super group ABBA, and they’ll be performing at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 29 September.

Exceeding all expectations of ABBA tribute bands from their stunning costumes, vocal likeness and ABBA style choreography, to a perfect copy of Benny’s famous white Yamaha piano, this show is an authentic ‘ABBA in Concert’ experience unlike any other, featuring a guest performance from Richhill’s Hardy Memorial Primary School Choir. With all the glitz of the classic 70’s era, performing all of ABBA’s greatest hits from ‘Waterloo’, ‘Dancing Queen’, ‘Super Trouper’, ‘Gimme, Gimme, Gimme’ and many more!

The Brandon McPhee Show returns to Northern Ireland and The Market Place on Friday 6 October, following its outstanding first tour last year. Already acclaimed for his unsurpassed skill on the button key accordion, Brandon is also rapidly gaining a following at home and abroad as a country music vocalist and guitarist. Brandon and his Scottish Country Band boasts some of the finest musicians around. Adding mirth and mayhem to the show, Scotland’s son of fun Eddie Rose will entertain once again with his great singing voice and fantastic sense of humour. And completing the show is Special Guest Radio Ulster’s favourite presenter Hugo Duncan

On Friday 6 October, ‘The Outlaw Country Show’ will feature the songs of Steve Earle, Guy Clarke, Townes Van Zandt, Willie Nelson, Ray Wylie Hubbard and John Prine. Expect to hear ‘LA Freeway’, ‘Hello in There’, ‘If I Needed You’, ‘Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys’, ‘Angel From Montgomery’’, Techumse Valley’, ‘Desperados Waiting On A Train’, ‘Up Against The Wall’, ‘Red Neck Mother’, ‘Goodbye’, ‘Let Him Roll’, ‘Pancho and Lefty’, ‘All Of Me’, ‘Anyhow I Love You’, ‘Lake Marie’, and ‘Copperhead Road’.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.

Flowerfield Arts Centre’s latest ‘What’s On Guide’ features a diverse range of events, music and art exhibitions.

The Autumn guide includes details of the fantastic creative learning programme with a feast of workshops for both children and adults to enjoy – 3D printing, ‘Hot Glass’ craft & bead making and pottery classes as well as seasonal workshops and film showings.

Speaking about the upcoming events, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, OBE said: “Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart features a packed programme of events for people of all ages to enjoy from now until Christmas. Our arts sector continues to thrive, and I would encourage everyone to tap into their creative and cultural side, and enjoy our concerts, workshops and exhibition.”

Autumn Live Music kicks off with album launches from both Brigid O’Neill and Mandy Bingham. The ladies take the stage on Friday 20^th October at 8pm. Both talented local singer-songwriters, each have developed a unique musical identity, and will entertain the crowds with material from their new albums, ‘Touchstone’ and ‘Bury Me Deep’.

Tom Russell returns to Flowerfield with new songs as part of his world tour on Saturday 18^th November at 8pm. The performance by the famous American singer- songwriter is a highlight of the programme. Tom is recognized as the one of the best songwriters of our generation since Dylan, Tom’s songs have been recorded by artists including Johnny Cash and K.D Lang. Appearing in association with ‘Real Music Club’, this is a show not to be missed.

Atlantic Sessions with its fantastic variety of free music entertainment returns in November. Flowerfield is one of the main venues for this annual event which has gained a reputation among performers and music lovers. Details of the line-up and full schedule of events will be released shortly.

Other highlights include the launch of acclaimed local author Bernie Mc Gill’s new book, ‘The Watch House’. Literary fans will get the chance to hear Bernie in conversation with Eimer O’Callaghan. She will read extracts from her new book and sign copies for those in attendance. The event, in association with ‘The John Hewitt Society’ takes place on Thursday 21^st September at 7pm.

Art exhibitions include ‘Cybertage’, a political, edgy, show of digital prints by artist Gary Shaw which opens on Saturday 23^rd September and ‘Cut & Paste’ an exhibition of collages by local emerging artist, Sinead Coxhill which opens in The Upper Gallery on Friday 6^th October.

To round the year off visit Flowerfield’s annual ‘Christmas Craft Market’, and shop for those uniquely crafted, special gifts made by professional craft makers

To book tickets or to find out more information about any event, please contact Flowerfield Arts Centre on 028 7083 1400 

On Saturday 23 September at 8pm, the incredibly talented Joshua Burnside will perform with his band in the beautiful Chamber room at Bangor Castle as part of Aspects Festival.

Comber-born Joshua cites the music of Columbia, Eastern Europe and North America as the greatest influences on his unique sounds. Deftly blending folk textures and melodies with elements of electronica, he has made it difficult for pundits to put him in a box.

His debut album has been shortlisted for the NI Music Prize 2017 and nominated for the Choice Music Awards as well as receiving critical acclaim from the likes of The Sunday Times, Irish News, the Daily Mirror and more.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see one of Northern Ireland’s best up and coming song writers performing live in the spectacular chamber hall of Bangor Castle.

Tickets are £10 including refreshments and are on sale at www.aspectsfestival.com

Exciting programme released for Belfast’s funniest festival taking place 2– 8 October

The full programme of 52 shows has been announced today (12 September) in the splendid surroundings of the Lord Mayor’s Parlour at Belfast City Hall for Belfast’s only dedicated comedy arts festival, featuring a host of established and emerging comic performers.

Belfast Comedy Festival is taking place during 2-8 October in 20 venues across the city. Celebrating its sixth year, the festival is not limited to stand-up comedy and aims to entertain, challenge, and inspire through a diverse programme of theatre, workshops, seminars, circus, film, quizzes, competitions, and events for children.

Critically acclaimed comedians such as John Bishop, Rubberbandits, Henning Wehn, Joel Dommett, Fern Brady and Bec Hill, many fresh from the Edinburgh Fringe, will appear in association with our major venues.  Leading local performers such as Tim McGarry, Terry McHugh, Mary Flanigan and Caz Brennan will also feature in the packed programme.

The festival will also include the hilarious new play Three’s a Shroud written by Stephen Large and directed by Martin Lynch. The internet sensation, Farmer Michael and Kathleen, will also make their first appearance in Belfast.

Launching the festival, the Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister, commented:

“It will be great to hear the sound of laughter ringing throughout our city during the week of the Comedy Festival.  Comedy is an often over-looked art form, and plays an important role in our lives. The people of Belfast are well known for our sense of humour, often directed at ourselves, and to help us through the darkest of times.  I am sure Belfast audiences will take the festival into their hearts, and I am delighted that Belfast City Council has played its part in helping to make it happen.”

The Belfast Comedy Festival is supported by Belfast City Council and National Lottery Small Grants funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Sonya Whitefield, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council, added:

“The comedy arts sector is an important part of our cultural experience and a major creative and economic driver with tourism, health, good relations, and other benefits for the community. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support the Belfast Comedy Festival and would encourage everyone to go along and enjoy the wide range of performances on offer.”

Other acts include the award winning, US based sketch group Pajama Men, making their first appearance in Belfast. A series of workshops for kids is being organised with Australian storyteller, Margaret Linley and clowning company, Amadan. Sketch comedy is well represented with local acts Those Who Can’t, the Laughing Gnomes and the Sick Sense. A special edition of the Comedian’s Comedy Podcast with Stuart Goldsmith and an exhibition of comics in Framewerk gallery will also take place. A ground-breaking conference examining the state of the comedy industry in Northern Ireland will also be held on 7 October in the Mac.

Festival Director, Peter O’Neill, said the unique comedy arts festival will appeal to audiences of all ages with a programme that presents great value.

“There’s something for everyone in festival and we are pleased to release details of 52 shows in our programme. We aim to stretch the boundaries of comedy in the city by presenting a diverse range of performances that are guaranteed to brighten up our autumn nights. So, join us in having a laugh!”

Musical Comedian Teresa Livingstone presents her one-woman show Delighted at The Courtyard Theatre on Saturday 30 September.

Teresa is delighted: delighted that things are going so well for everyone else; delighted with her ever-fluctuating weight; delighted for the well-meaning women in her life; she’s even delighted for you, well done on all you’ve achieved. With a piano, a gin and the voice of a woman who has reached the point of no return, Teresa is ready to share.

Teresa who’s original and hilarious songs cover everything from sleazebags in bars to workplace hatred with a bit of cake and wine thrown in for good measure. One of the stars of BBC Northern Ireland comedy show “Late Licence” Teresa is bringing her one woman show to the Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl on Saturday 30 September.

Tickets for this laugh out loud show are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

Contains some adult themes and strong language.

Bangor’s Aspects Festival kicks off this week with an eclectic programme of events to inspire the reader and writer in you.

With 37 events taking place over 10 days, the celebration of Irish writing has something for everyone with top authors, poetry, exhibitions, history, theatre, kids’ events, food and music all on offer. The Ards and North Down Borough Council Festival runs until 24 September at various venues around the town.

“Abandoned; Not Forgotten?” is a multidisciplinary arts installation by visual artiste Lise McGreevy, artist and composer Marie Therese Davis, poet Jim Johnston and film maker Paul Whittaker. The installation examines the culture, heritage and language of our joint Irish and Ulster Scots history, answering the question; is it abandoned; forgotten? The exhibition launches as part of Aspects on Wednesday September 13 at 7pm at Sync Space, Dufferin Avenue, Bangor and is open to the public until mid-October. Admission is free.

Don’t miss the wonderful series of events taking place at Clandeboye Estate on September 14 with Clandeboye Reading Party and Lady Dufferin remembering the wars and examining the Estate’s role in both WW1 and WW2. The events aim to promote deeper cultural awareness and understanding of issues around war, commemoration, history and place.

Playwright and author Frank McGuinness will be at Bangor Castle on Friday 15 September at 7pm. Frank will be in conversation with broadcaster Marie-Louise Muir about his life, work and inspirations. Kevin Doherty from Four Men and a Dog will play the music he wrote for ‘Donegal’ after the interview, adding a very special element to this unique event. Tickets cost £10.

Young readers are invited to come along to North Down Museum on Saturday 16 September for workshops with Myra Zepf – Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland. The first lively interactive workshop will be based on Myra’s book Don’t Go To School! and the second workshop will revolve around a massive brain-storming session using quirky props! Tickets cost £5.

For all the family, Stephen Begs will perform My Father’s Chair at Studio 1A on Saturday 16 September at 4pm. This performance will explore the nature of fatherhood, exploring what it’s like to be a dad, have a dad and the relationship between children and their fathers. This funny and emotional journey will touch and entertain the audience. Age guidance 6 years +. Tickets £8 / £5.

Renowned artist Neil Shawcross’ Penguin Book Cover exhibition will be at Bangor Carnegie Library until 30 September. Don’t miss this opportunity to view this collection of paintings, being exhibited together for the very first time. Join Neil at Bangor Library on Monday 18 September at 7pm, when he will be in conversation with David Torrens, discussing his work and “book finding missions!” Both events are free.

Nutritionist Jane McClenaghan will be at North Down Museum on Saturday 16 September at 5pm chatting to BBC’s Kerry McLean about her upcoming book ‘Vital Nutrition.’ Come and listen to Jane’s philosophy on health and well-being and how your life can be transformed with healthy eating and a balanced diet. This is a free event.

Poetry NI presents the North Down Heat of the All Ulster Poetry Slam at The Space, SERC Theatre on Saturday 16 September at 7pm. Bring your poems from page to stage and be in with a chance to be crowned ‘Aspects Poetry Champion.’ Register on the night – you have 3 minutes to compete and judges will score who gets into the next round! Tickets cost £5

For the more energetic festival-goer, a Sketch Walk inspired by the words of local author Ian Sansom will take place on Sunday 17 September, 1 – 3pm. Meeting at the Hamilton Road entrance to Ward Park, the walk will go to Luke’s Point, stopping at some local landmarks to visually document the places highlighted in Ian’s essay ‘Walk to the Sea.’ The walk will be facilitated by local artist Marianne Kennerley from Boom Studios and tickets cost £5.

Make the most of your weekend at Aspects Festival!

For more information on the full programme and to book tickets, visit aspectsfestival.com or phone 028 9127 1200