Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across Northern Ireland!

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Down

The Outlet is supporting Banbridge Action Cancer Fundraising Group’s Paint the Town Pink charity event on Saturday October 14th with a range of on-site activities including a raffle, face painting and appearances from family favourite superheroes Spiderman and Batman.  Help support the charity and paint The Outlet pink this October by joining the fun. Admission is free.

Armagh

All the agonies of Sue Townsend’s loveable loser are brought to life by the boisterous Bruiser Theatre Company in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 14th October.   Mole, the unforgettable lad whose self-absorption only gets funnier as his life becomes more desperate.  This event takes place in the Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.

 

Fermanagh

The “Waterways Ireland Erne Pike Fishing Classic event takes place from the 13th – 15th October.  Friday 13th October – Bank Fishing Competition.  Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th October – Boat Fishing Competitions (enter 1 or 2 days).  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 11th October 2017.  Prize giving for all competitions will be held at Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen at 8.00pm on Sunday 15th October where light refreshments will be provided.

 

Tyrone

How’s Your Father? is a non-stop, laugh a minute riot of craic, confusion and constant laughter!  A B&B! A Landlady! A Priest! A Jockey! A Mystery! Bridie Murphy opens Bridie’s Boutique B&B, much to her husband Willie’s bewilderment.  With their young, confused neighbour, Dick, having some family problems, Bridie steps in to help.  There’s only one thing for it.  Bring in the Priest,  which serves to make things even more confusing!  It’s a side-splitting tale of love, deceit, mystery, bad food and a bit of ‘How’s Your Father’ thrown in for good measure.  The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Friday 13th October.

 

Derry/Londonderry

The biggest Fashion event in the North West events calendar, the Fashion Fest The Show takes place on Saturday 14th October at the Guildhall,  making the NW the premier fashion destination of Northern Ireland.  Fashion Fest 2017 is delighted to announce one UKs most successful fashion designers, Jenny Packham will closing the show with her 2018 bridal gowns.  Tickets are priced at £15 (+booking fee) which includes a drink on arrival and an exclusive goody bag for all. (Concessions available for students and groups £12.50).  On sale now online at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest or from the Guildhall, Derry and Alley Theatre, Strabane or by contacting the Fashion Fest team on telephone: 028 7137 6506.

 

Antrim

Featuring the very best of local Co. Antrim talent at the Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey this Saturday 14th October,  A Musical Spectacular is a night of music and dance featuring over 100 performers ranging from 8 to 80 years of age.  The evening will be hosted by Conor Taggart and his 8 piece Big Band, The Phat Katz, performing Swing classics from Sinatra to Michael Buble.

 

Belfast

The Free Minors Club returns to the Strand Arts Centre this Saturday at midday with The Adventures of Tintin!  While shopping at an outdoor market, young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), accompanied by his faithful dog, Snowy, buys a model of an old ship called the Unicorn. A shady character named Sakharine, and later an American named Barnaby try to buy the model from him, but Tintin refuses. The lad discovers that the ship contains a clue about a hidden treasure, but before he can locate it, Tintin is kidnapped and given over to the custody of drunken Capt. Haddock.  There will be a maritime-themed arts and crafts workshop after the screening.

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.

Turn yourself PINK for local breast cancer research!

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Join Cancer Focus NI on Sunday 29th October at Victoria Park, Belfast, 12 noon and turn yourself PINK for local breast cancer research.

The Pink Run will be a 5k course around the park which is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities. We are looking for runners, joggers and walkers to take part and get covered head to toe in pink powder!

It is not a competitive race, we want you to come and have fun on this comfortable route and we will keep you entertained on the way around the course with a live DJ and a warm-up at 12 noon to get you started.Anyone can take part in this run, so grab your friends, family or work colleagues and get pinkified for Cancer Focus NI!  Registration is £15 per person.

All money raised will go towards research being carried out into the BRCA mutant gene at Queen’s University Belfast by Dr Kienan Savage and his team. Progress is being made in understanding BRCA and tests are being conducted to find new and better ways of detecting, treating and preventing cancer in people who carry mutations in BRCA.

Each donation brings us closer to the breakthrough which could mean that many women will no longer have to choose drastic surgery to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer.

To get involved or for more information please visit www.cancerfocusni.org/pinkrun

Acclaimed artists strike a chord at Guildhall Organ Festival

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The newly refurbished organ in the Guildhall will have its moment to shine next month as the venue hosts the city’s first Organ Festival, with a packed programme featuring some of the very best local and international musicians.

ORGAN FESTIVAL. . . . .The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Maoliosa McHugh pictured at the Guildhall on Monday afternoon for the launch of the Organ Festival which will be held in the Guildhall between October 19-21. Included in phtoo is Catherine Burns, Visitors Services Officer, DCSDC.

The Festival is supported by the Royal College of Organists, in association with Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Honourable the Irish Society and Viscount Organs.

From October 19-21 music fans can enjoy a series of workshops, lunchtime recitals, evening concerts and master classes led by leading experts such as Catherine Ennis and Daniel Moult, and showcasing the talents of celebrated composers and artists Neil Martin and Paddy Glackin.

The programme was launched by Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, who said: “As a music lover I am delighted to launch the Organ Festival, which is a fantastic opportunity to experience the work of some outstanding performers set against the stunning backdrops of the Guildhall and St Columb’s Cathedral.

“The festival also offers the opportunity for some of our younger musicians to learn more about the organ and its history, as I’m sure many will not be aware of the intricacies of the instrument and its unique sound. Our lunchtime organ recitals over the summer were extremely popular so I look forward to welcoming many more visitors throughout the Festival.”

Among the highlights of the programme will be the Battle of the Organs when top musicians Catherine Ennis and Daniel Moult test their keyboards skills to the limit, refereed by top recorder player Sir Roger Gifford. There will also be the chance to enjoy a Gala Evening of classical and traditional Irish music beautifully performed by Belfast composer and musician Neil Martin and Irish fiddler Paddy Glackin. The programme also features a special lunchtime recital at St Columb’s Cathedral with prize-winning new talents Matthew Breen and Thomas Maxwell, as well as recitals by exceptional local musicians Donal McCann and Stewart Smith.

Secondary schools are invited to join in a series of workshops throughout the festival and participants will have the opportunity to take part in an exciting competition courtesy of Viscount Organs, with the chance to win an organ and 50% of the first year’s tuition fees for free.

Council’s Visitor Services Manager Margaret Edwards said: “The Organ Festival will be a wonderful celebration of music and offers the chance for people to hear the Guildhall organ played by some outstanding musicians. The instrument was first built in 1891 and is the second largest of its kind in N. Ireland, so it really is an impressive piece, and this is a unique opportunity to hear it at its best.”

For more information and further details of the Organ Festival

Tel 028 71 376 510, Email guildhall@derrystrabane.com or follow the Guildhall on Facebook

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible 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.

Fermanagh, Enniskillen Hotel, Co. Fermanagh from £241 per room

Escape to Enniskillen and explore its beauty with a two night bed and breakfast break while staying in the four-star Enniskillen Hotel, which offers contemporary sophistication. Situated in Enniskillen town, you can explore the rugged beauty and lake views on offer. Choose from the Cuilcagh walk, a tour of Castle Coole House or Enniskillen Castle, picnic provided. To book call 028 6632 1177.  Offer available until 30 November.

 

Bed & Breakfast, Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim from £69 per room per night

Located in the heart of the Causeway Coast, the three-star Marine Hotel offers an unrivalled seafront position with spectacular views of the marina. Offering uncompromising service and comforts, the Marine Hotel’s reservation team can help to plan your trip. Ideas include visiting nearby Game of Thrones filming locations, Murlough Bay and Ballintoy, seaweed baths, horse riding and much more. To book call 028 2076 2222. Offer available until 30 November.

 

Stay & Play, Portaferry Hotel, Co. Down from £88 per person

Situated in the picturesque village of Portaferry on the Ards Peninsula, the three-star Portaferry Hotel is steeped in history dating back to the 1700s. Enjoy tranquil views of Strangford Lough while staying at this perfect retreat. Offer includes one night’s B&B accommodation, a round of golf at Kirkistown Golf Club along with a drink and sandwich before or after your game at the clubhouse. To book call 028 4272 8231. Offer available until 28 February 2018, excluding Saturdays.

 

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

The Assistant’s Revenge at The Web Theatre

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Cahoots NI invite you to join them at The Web Theatre, Newtownards on Wednesday, 18 October to solve the dark and devious mystery of The Assistant’s Revenge.

A phone rings in the dead of night. Sam Sullivan, a small-time private eye hears a frightened voice on the end of the line.  “Someone’s trying to kill me.”

The voice leads him to a strange travelling show at the edge of town where he meets Felix, an escapologist and his assistants Molly and Crystal, one of whom appears to have murder in mind. Sullivan is plunged into a world of danger and deceit and a case with more twists and turns than a ten-inch corkscrew.

Expect music, glamour, magic, death-defying escapology and maybe even a little murder!

Suitable for ages 7+, The Assistant’s Revenge is a theatrical detective story for children and adults alike from the multi award-winning Cahoots NI; a murder mystery with a magical twist created by Charles Way, Paul Bosco McEneaney and Ursula Burns.

Speaking about the production, Director Paul Bosco McEneaney said; “We can’t wait to watch our younger audiences solve this mystery with their families.”

Tickets cost £4 and are on sale at www.ardsarts.com. Show times are 1pm and 6pm.

 

Johnny Cash Roadshow returns to Theatre at The Mill

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The ‘Johnny Cash Roadshow‘ returns to Theatre at The Mill on Thursday 5 October.

 

This is a show not to be missed by the avid fan or casual listener, it is also the only show to be endorsed by the CASH family!

 

Fronted by respected singer/songwriter Clive John and featuring the best June Carter in the business prepare for a musical and emotional rollercoaster.  The UK’s No1 Tribute is unrivalled by any other that truly celebrates the career of music legend, Johnny Cash.

 

The show will take audiences from the 1950’s to 2002 and all the stops in between. All the greatest hits are included, with songs from the latest five decades of the man in black’s career. All this accompanied by emotive and evocative screen images.

 

Tickets available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online at theatreatthemill.com

 

Traditional music maestros take to the stage in Limavady

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The finest talent in traditional music will play an intimate gig in Limavady’s Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 13th October.

The Atlantic Arc Orchestra brings together some of the most respected traditional musicians from Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Brittany. Trailblazers in a new wave of traditional music, it pushes boundaries in the collaboration of Irish, Scottish and English musical ancestry with new traditional music.

The ensemble features eight renowned names in traditional music – Dónal Lunny (bouzouki & Musical Director), Pauline Scanlon (vocals), Pádraig Rynne, (concertina), Aidan O’Rourke (fiddle), Jarlath Henderson (Uilleann pipes, whistles, vocals); Ewen Vernal (bass) and John Blease (drums, percussion). Each a master in their musical craft, the concert will harness their collective musical energy in a performance that will captivate long established audiences and those new to traditional music.  With cabaret-style seating and a complimentary refreshment, this is an event not to be missed.

To book your ticket contact Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or for more information visit www.roevalleyarts.com

Lights, Camera, Action… Titanic Belfast Unveils Blockbuster Line-Up for Movie Anniversary

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To celebrate the 20th anniversary of TITANIC the movie, Titanic Belfast, the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, is hosting a blockbuster line-up of events from 19th November – 19th December 2017.

20 years ago the blockbuster film, telling the story of the luxury liner’s fateful maiden voyage through the love story of passengers Jack (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Rose (Kate Winslet), premiered on screens and became one of the top grossing films of all time. The story lives on in hearts and minds across the world but nowhere more so than in Belfast – the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship.

To mark the occasion, Titanic Belfast which has been described by TITANIC movie director, James Cameron, as ‘magnificent and dramatic’, is hosting the following line-up:

Titanic Tea and Movie Experience – 19th November

Enjoy the movie in Oscar-winning style whilst being treated to a red-carpet Afternoon Tea with a themed cocktail or a glass of fizz by the replica Grand Staircase. From £35 per person, to book visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

TITANIC Drive In – 29th November

For a unique night to truly remember, from the comfort of your car, indulge in heritage and watch TITANIC under the stars at the location where the famous ship was designed, built and launched, in partnership with Cool FM. Golden Tickets for this free ‘star’ event can be won via www.titanicbelfast.com or its social media sites.

Movie Magic at Titanic Belfast – 19th November – 19th December

There has never been a better time for movie fans to visit Titanic Belfast’s nine interactive galleries, which tell the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through to her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end. For one month only, guests can star in their own Titanic Experience by following a movie magic trail, enjoying themed hospitality and re-creating their own ‘meet me at the clock’ photo opportunities on the green screen to name a few. There will be something special in store for those called Jack and Rose and a chance to win a trip of a lifetime. Special activities will also mark the day itself – 19th December.

Titanic Belfast was crowned ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, with over  1 million votes cast from over 216 countries beating off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the Las Vegas Strip, USA, Machu Picchu, Peru and Guinness Storehouse, Ireland. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Follow the yellow brick road to the Forum…

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The Grove Theatre Group returns to the Millennium Forum with the family favourite classic “The Wizard of Oz” from Wednesday 11th October to Saturday 14th October 2017.

 

‘The Wizard of Oz’ is perhaps one of the best known of all musicals, famous for songs such as ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ and ‘Follow the Yellow Brick Road’.  Equally well known for wonderful characters such as Dorothy, The Scarecrow, Tinman and the Cowardly Lion the story is one of a little girl who tries to protect her dog Toto from the horrible Miss Gultch and sets off on an amazing dreamlike journey to the land of Oz.  Along the way Dorothy meets good witches, bad witches, the amazing Munchkins, the Winkies and the evil monkeys.  She travels through the enchanted forest and battles the Wicked Witch of the West in her lair, all the while wearing her magical ruby shoes.  When she and her new found friends, the Scarecrow, Tinman and Cowardly Lion eventually get to meet the great ‘Wizard of Oz’, they find that all is not as they expected.

The production is a wonderful story of self-discovery, told with the aid of excellent sets, colourful costumes and lighting, special effects and featuring a cast of experienced and talented actors.  With music and choreography of the highest calibre this production of the ‘Wizard of Oz’ promises to be a magical journey along the ‘yellow brick road’ into a fantasy world where entertainment is guaranteed.

This show features local performers including Laura Brown and Orfhlaith McGee sharing the role of Dorothy; Lana Campbell and Jemma McGlinchey sharing the role of Glinda; Eddie O’Donnell as the Scarecrow; Kieran Connor as The Lion; Roderick Canning as the Tinman; Hugo Crumlish as Professor/Wizard; Kate Robinson and Micaela McGillian sharing the role of Wicked Witch of the West; Paul Doherty as the Guard/Uncle Henry; Jenni O’Hagan and Grace Doherty sharing the role of Miss Gultch; Sharon Sweeney as Aunt Em and many more talented actors and actresses of all ages.  With the production team including Stephen Carlin as Choreographer, Trevor Burnside as Musical Director, Jim Whiteside on drums the show promises to be one not to miss.  Nicole Doherty, Roderick Canning and Martin Mullan complete the production team in various roles.

The Grove is pleased to announce that a share of the proceeds from the show on Thursday 12th at 7.30pm will be donated to Foyle Search and Rescue in support of the fantastic work they do for our City.  The show runs from Wednesday 11th October to Friday 13th October nightly at 7.30pm.  There are also two matinee performances on Saturday 14th October at 1.30pm and 5.30pm and an 11am performance on Thursday 12th October.  Tickets can be booked by contacting the box office at Millennium Forum on 71264455.

 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Discover Northern Ireland 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 (9-15 October)

  1. Belfast International Arts Festival 2017, 6-28 October. An eclectic fusion of cutting edge performances, exhibitions and instalments to the Belfast stage, with 191 events from 14 countries taking place over 23 days.  For more information visit BelfastInternationalArtsFestival.com
  2. Apple Day at Ballance House, Crumlin, Co. Antrim, 14 October. Ballance House, the restored birthplace of John Ballance, Prime Minister of New Zealand (1891-1893) is hosting Apple Day. Visit the craft market and take a guided tour of the house and Ulster-New Zealand exhibition. Let the kids try their best at best at the apple obstacle course, get their face painted or have a go at apple-themed arts including making a bird feeder and tasty stuffed apples to take home, plus lots more.
  3. Joss Stone with Live Orchestra, The Ulster Hall, Belfast, 10 October. Internationally regarded as one of the greatest voices of her generation, Joss Stone performs a special live show where she will be accompanied by a live orchestra. Joss’s voice, unique style and incredible musicality leaves an irreplaceable mark everywhere she performs.
  4. Fionna Barber Exhibition Talk, Banbridge, Co. Down, 12 October. Fionna will discuss her new research on Margaret Clarke, the Irish portrait painter . A Reader in Art History in the Manchester School of Art and originally from Belfast, Fionna’s research interests are contemporary and twentieth century Irish visual culture, issues of nation, memory and identity and gender conformity in twentieth century modernism.
  5. Waterways Ireland Erne Pike Fishing Classic, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 13-15 October. This three-day event includes a number of fishing competitions and an awards ceremony. With a prize fund of £11,500 it is set to attract Northern Ireland’s best fishermen. Closing date for entries is 11 October.
  6. Jail Of Horror, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, 13-31 October. This year’s Halloween Programme is even bigger with both the ‘Jail of Horror’ and the ‘Paranormal Ghost Hunt’ taking place. Why not book a ticket at CrumlinRoadGaol.com, if you dare.
  7. Fashion Fest, Derry~Londonderry, 14 October. Now in its fourth year, Fashion Fest 2017 returns to the city of Derry~Londonderry, where the landmark Fashion Showcase will take place in the historic Guildhall. The latest emerging designers share a platform with Northern Ireland’s most recognised designers.
  8. Young Blood, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, Co. Londonderry, 15 October. Irish writing is in rude health thanks to the arrival of a new generation of young writers, and HomePlace is delighted to welcome three exciting debut authors, who are taking the literary world by storm with their fresh and irreverent take on contemporary life in Ireland today. Featuring Ciaran McMenamin, Sally Rooney and June Caldwell.
  9. The Great North Links Challenge, Portrush, Co. Antrim, 11-13 October. There’s no better way to head into the winter golf season than to take part in this exciting event at three fantastic courses on the Causeway Coast. Teams of four compete over the three days for team and individual prizes whilst battling against the weather.
  10. Altan, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, 14 October. Over the past 30 years Altan have moved audiences from Donegal to Tokyo with their heart-warming, dynamic live performances and with their exquisitely produced, award-winning recordings of touching old Irish songs to hard-hitting jigs. Come along and hear the beautiful songs of their current album, The Widening Gyre, as well as old favourites and new tunes.

 

 

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

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