DIRTY DUSTING Starring May McFettridge

 

 ‘One of the funniest shows you will see this year’

 

Wednesday 13 September: The Ardhowen, Enniskillen

Thursday 14 September & Friday 15 September: Millennium Forum, Derry

Saturday 16 September: Alley Theatre, Strabane

Tuesday 19 September – Saturday 23 September: Grand Opera House, Belfast

Tuesday 26 September: The Braid, Ballymena

Wednesday 27 September & Thursday 28 September: Market Place, Armagh

Friday 29 September: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Saturday 30 September: The Great Hall, Downshire, Downpatrick

Tuesday 3 October: The Old Courthouse, Antrim

Wednesday 4 October: Riverside Theatre, Coleraine

Thursday 5 October: The Burnavon, Cookstown

Friday 6 October: McNeill Theatre, Larne

Saturday 7 October: Island Hall, Lisburn

 

Three elderly cleaning ladies start up a telephone sex line.

 

When three cleaners, Olive, Gladys and Elsie, are threatened with redundancy they feel that their lives are coming to an end until a chance wrong number gives them a new business start-up idea; why not run a telephone sex line?

They’ve got motive, opportunity and a lifetime of experience – some more than others, mind you.

Provided Elsie can teach the other two a few new tricks there’s no reason why they can’t get rich quick providing they can keep their operation a secret from their bosses… and their husbands…and their children…and their grandchildren.

A searing indictment of ageism in the 21st Century heavily disguised as a hysterical, laugh-out-loud, heart-warming comedy

Dirty Dusting premiered at the Customs House, South Shields in February 2003 and hasn’t stopped since. Two runs at Newcastle Theatre Royal were followed by tours of Scotland, England and Ireland, including a month-long run at the Gaiety Theatre, Dublin. It has returned to Scotland and Ireland on several occasions since, toured New Zealand and Australia and continues to tour the UK on an almost continual basis

The Emerald Armada Next Up At Lough Lively!

Belfast foursome The Emerald Armada will be performing at the next concert in the series of The Lough Lively Sessions which is taking place at Portico, Portaferry on Friday 11 August.

 

The alt Irish folk group are hugely popular thanks to their infectious hook laden memories, stunning four-part harmonies and high-octane live performances.

The four brothers in arms find their heartbeat in an enchanting Bodhran drum and percussion set up with driving acoustics and punchy bass. Drawing inspiration from the sea, friendship and the small hours of the morning you can expect the boys to deliver a toe tapping set of songs from the heart.

Book now for an evening of superb entertainment in the beautiful surroundings of Portico.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now  at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.porticoards.com. Show time is 7.30pm.

Still to come at the Lough Lively Sessions in Portico are; The 4 of Us, Saffyre and Rapparees. Running until October, the lively music events are supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

From ‘Streets of London’ to Main Street, Bellaghy: Ralph McTell to play Seamus Heaney HomePlace

One of the UK’s great storytellers, Ralph McTell, is set to play a one-off, intimate gig at Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Sunday 5 November.

Currently celebrating over 50 years on the road, Ralph is a prolific and gifted songwriter known for his virtuoso guitar style.  He made his debut in 1968 with the album ‘Eight Frames a Second’ and in 1974 the release of ‘Streets of London’ earned him an Ivor Novello Award. The song went to Number 2 on the UK Singles Chart in 1974 and has since been covered by more than 200 performers.

Speaking ahead of his latest trip to Northern Ireland, Ralph said:

“I am a huge admirer of Seamus Heaney and ever since I visited HomePlace last year I have hoped to perform a concert there.  I regard it as an honour and a privilege to have been invited.”

 

Tickets for Ralph McTell at Seamus Heaney HomePlace are £20 and are on sale now from www.seamusheaneyhome.com

Lumarina Set To Light Up the Lough!

After its success last year, Lumarina, the family friendly, fun filled, free event at Ballyronan Marina is back on Friday 18th and Saturday 19th August.

 

This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing entertainment, with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough providing a unique atmosphere at this family themed event.

On Friday 18 August, from 6pm – 10pm, Mid Ulster District Council will shine a light on the beauty of Lough Neagh, as the Marina provides the backdrop for an evening of music and entertainment.

Featuring fireworks, fire performers, a fun fair, children’s activities and food stalls, you can drink in the views from the Marina as dusk turns to night skies, to a live music soundtrack provided by Peach, a four piece band from Co. Antrim. Peach have performed with some of the most prestigious event promoters and acts in the country including Patrick Kielty and more recently playing with Chris DeBurgh and supporting the legendary Van Morrison!

The fun continues on the shores of Lough Neagh on Saturday afternoon (19th August) from 2pm – 6pm, with arts and crafts activities for the little ones, African drumming workshops, and magic shows.

Older children and the more adventurous among us with a head for heights can try their hands at the climbing wall and bungee trampoline, and much more!

Live music on Saturday afternoon is provided by The Bizz Band, the band everyone wants to dance to! From Moira, with a mixture of cover versions that range from Adele, Whitney Houston, The Scissor Sisters and Tom Jones to Journey, Garth Brooks, Lonestar, Jackie Wilson, you’re sure to be entertained!

Visit www.midulstercouncil.org/lumarina for further details.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

 

Park Avenue Hotel: Steak-Cation, Belfast from £75pps

Book a great value overnight stay in a Standard Charming Room on a B&B basis. As part of this package enjoy a choice of rib-eye or sirloin steak dinner with all the trimmings and a glass of house wine in Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill. This four-star independent hotel is two miles from the heart of the city and close to the SSE Arena, Titanic Quarter and Stormont Buildings. This is an ongoing offer, subject to availability.

 

Waterfoot Cottage: October Special Breaks, Magherafelt from £300

Book any three-night package at this four-star cottage accommodation for only £300 and enjoy a fourth night free. Situated three miles from Magherafelt and a 15 minute drive from the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Waterfoot Cottage is only an hours drive from all major tourist attractions. Valid for all bookings for October 2017. Subject to cottage availability. Book direct by phone on 02879650833 quoting Discover NI.

 

Silverbirch Hotel: Girlie Escape, Co Tyrone from £60pp

Escape with the girls and enjoy an overnight stay at this three-star hotel. Package includes an overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, a pre-dinner cocktail and dinner in the stylish surrounding of Barreta Bar & Grill. With an ideal location in the heart of the North West, there’s plenty to see and do a short drive away including the Ulster American Folk Park, Gortin Glen Forest Park and Todds Leap. Minimum numbers of 8. Subject to availability. Offer available until 30 November.

 

 

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com<http://www.discovernorthernireland.com>

What’s On in Ards and North Down this weekend and next!

Friday 4 – Thursday 10 August

 

Friday 4 August, Craft in the Square

Conway Square, Newtownards

11am – 6pm | Free

See Conway Square transformed into a tented village full of local Artists and Craftspeople to celebrate the start of the annual Creative Peninsula Open Studio event.

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 4 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August.

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 4 – Sunday 13 August, Creative Peninsula

Various locations

Open Studios, Studio Coach Tours, Exhibitions, Workshops, Demonstrations and more, all taking place throughout the beautiful and picturesque Ards and North Down Borough. See website for full event programme.

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 5 August, Kid’s “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail

Killynether Wood, Newtownards

10.30am-12.30pm | £2.50 per child

Join this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely

Info: 028 9127 0069,  visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 5 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in August.

Sat 5:  Science Workshop and Glitter Tattoos

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September.

Sat 5    Magic Show
Sun 6   CSI Workshop and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open 11am – 5pm

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 6 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see The 19th Street Band deliver an exciting mix of red hot Americana, country and rock ‘n roll.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Tuesday 8 August, Crafty Kids at North Down Museum

Castle Park Avenue, Bangor

10am – 12.30pm | £36

Treat the kids to a fun-filled week of Crafty fun for little hands. Early booking essential.

Info:  028 9127 1200,  visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 11 – Thursday 17 August

 

Friday 11 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 11 August, Fair weather Fridays

Conway Square, Newtownards

12.30 – 1.30pm | Free

With everything from music to circus performance and comedy, Conway Square will be the place to be in Ards on Fridays throughout August.

Info: 028 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Portavogie Seafood Festival

Portavogie Seafood Festival

12noon -5pm | Free

Come along for a superb family day out, including a cookery demo with celebrity chef Nick Nairn, Fish Market, maritime themed activities, a touch tank, Dizzylands Funfair and so much more!

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in August.

Sat 12:  Doodlebugs Workshop

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Strangford Lough Boat Trip

Portaferry    

2pm-4pm | £10 (ad), £5 (ch)

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough

Info:  028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September.

Sat 12    Bricks4kidz Lego Workshop and Children’s Crafts
Sun 13    ‘Tales of the Wild’ Animal Roadshow, Traditional Crafts and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 13 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see  Tony Villiers and The Villains play a unique blend of folk-blues originals, influenced by Jonny Cash, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 16 August, Kids Nature Trail

Castle Park, Bangor    

10.30am-12.30pm | £2.50

Join this fascinating interactive nature trail, led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 16 August, Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour

Walled Garden, Bangor

6.30pm-8.30pm | Free (Booking Required)

This popular guided tour provides an insight into the garden’s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

 Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 5 – Sunday 27 August

Art in the Loft: ‘The Language of Pain’

An exhibition by the Martin family addressing the hidden side of pain

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Until Sunday 20 August 

The Lay of the Land Exhibition

Bangor based artists draw on their experiences of living and working within the beautiful borough of Ards and North Down.

 

Wednesday 2 August – Sunday 3 September 

Creative Peninsula

A celebration of the exclusivity and quality of the artwork produced by local artists and craftspeople

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Natural Impressions’

A collaborative exhibition by Printmaker Michael Geddis and Ceramicist Andrew Cooke

 

Ards Arts Centre

Town Hall, Conway Square,  Newtownards, BT23 4NP

T: 028 9181 0803

 

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 31 August

Creative Peninsula

A showcase of the high concentration of artists and craft persons living and working in the Ards Peninsula

 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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 (August 7-13).

 

  1. Northern Ireland Open, Galgorm Castle, Ballymena, 10-13 August.  The Northern Ireland Open, Northern Ireland’s annual national professional tournament returns to Galgorm Castle, Ballymena from Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 August 2017. The NI Open is not just a golf event, rather a Golf Tournament for all the Family.
  2. 2017 UEFA Women’s Under -19 Championship, 8-20 August. Eight national teams, including Northern Ireland as hosts, will participate in the prestigious 16-day tournament. Showcasing Northern Ireland at its best, including our football, our facilities, our culture, our history, our fans and our unconditional love of the game.
  3. Féile, Belfast, 7-13 August.  Ireland’s biggest community arts festival and summer school returns from 3 – 13 August. The festival is renowned for attracting top entertainers including top comedy acts, headlining DJ’s and UB40 will be playing on 11 August.
  4. Ulster Grand Prix, Dundrod, 6-12 August.  A spectacular week of road racing, key dates of this event are practice sessions on Wednesday 9 August and the Dundrod 150 national races on Thursday 10 August with the the main event, the MCE Ulster Grand Prix on Saturday 12 August.
  5. Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, 7-13 August. One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland 2017 delivers a variety of events is as offering something for all the family. The festival will open with fireworks and throughout the week there will the Lurig Run, vintage family fun day, dance workshops etc.
  6. Food and Cider Tour, Armagh, 12 August. A guided culinary coach tour where you can discover the history of the area and its many award-winning foodie wonders. Have a chance to sample some of the best local produce and hear about its provenance. Coach departs Palace Demesne, Armagh at 9.45am.
  7. Stendhal Festival, Limavady, 11-13 August. This music and arts festival is held in the beautifully scenic Roe Valley, offering visitors a creative and immersive cultural escape. Celebrating the very best in local, national and international talent.
  8. Lunasa Spirit of Folk Festival, Cookstown, 12 August. Family fun, with a celebration of food, music, sport, and art. Hosted by The Clans of Ulster, this event marks the end of summer and celebrates the harvest season, while honouring the role of the ancient Celtic ways.
  9. The Wolfe Tones, Derry~Londonderry, 12 August. Now in their 54th year on the road, The Wolfe Tones have chosen one of their favourite venues to present A Greatest Hits Performance. Hear the songs and ballads that helped to create a legend of Irish music. To book call 028 7126 4455
  10. 7 Hills Blues Festival, Armagh, 10-13 August. A vibrant music festival, which celebrates the diversity of blues music.  The festival was created in 2010 from the passion and inspiration of local musician Simon Smith. It is focused around a four-day gig trail through the bars, restaurants and cafes in Armagh City Centre.

 

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

Back to School – Win a Superhero Visit from Buttercrane

Back to School? Better Go Back to Buttercrane!

While kids are enjoying the summer, parents are forward planning for September – don’t worry you can get everything you need in one trip to Buttercrane Shopping Centre, in the heart of Newry.

From school uniforms to shoes, sports gear, school bags and stationary plus free children’s eye tests – M&S, Dunnes, Primark, Clarks, JD Sports,  Louis Boyd, ShoeZone, Easons, Intersport,  The Works and Specsavers have it covered. With 1000 convenient parking spaces and lots of coffee shops including T2 Restaurant, M&S Café, Subway, Costa and now Greggs – there are plenty of refreshment options.

Make sure you enter our special Back to School promotion to win a Superhero Party at home with your purchases from 1st August. Simply spend £20 or more on School items, and bring your receipt to the HELP DESK to enter our prize draw*(T&C apply).

If you are looking for a great day to bring the kids to Buttercrane don’t miss our KIDZ FARM visit on Mall on 12-4pm Saturday 29th July – where you can see alpacas, goats and lambs, rabbits, giant rabbits, ducks, chickens, snake, bearded dragon, hedgehogs and you can brush the guinea pigs!

www.buttercraneshopping.co.uk for more details

Summer Sounds with The 19th Street Band this Sunday

Summer Music in the Park, this Sunday 6th August will play host to the fantastic sounds of The 19th Street Band.

This County Down/USA Duo are often compared to Johnny Cash & June Carter with their chemistry and stage presence as they tend to captivate audiences just by being themselves. Having fun and keeping it real. Making sweet, simple rock and roll. The two combine their instrumental talents with strong harmonies and high energy, bringing genuine joy to the show and instantly connecting to every audience.

The 19th Street Band has had the privilege of sharing the stage with country music stars such as Rodney Atkins, Craig Morgan, and Chuck Mead. Check out their new original album, The Things That Matter, released in March 2017.

Grab your friends, family and a picnic blanket and head down to Ward Park to listen to great tunes on a Sunday afternoon between 3-5pm.

This is a FREE event.  Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone. All events are weather dependent and therefore subject to change. This year’s music programme is in association with Open House Festival.

Lookout in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit visitardsandnorthdown.com

SHOWSTOPPING OPPORTUNITY AT THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

The annual Musical Theatre workshop, ‘Showstoppers’, is back at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh!

 

Why not make good use of the holidays to learn or perfect your skills in acting, singing and dancing. Over the course of five days a professional director, musical director & choreographer will work with you on scenes, songs and dances from some of the most popular musicals around, before you perform ‘Showstoppers’ on The Market Place’s Main Stage in front of your own live audience. Believe us, it’s the best fun the summer can be!

 

The workshop will run from Monday 14th to Friday 18th August from 10am to 4pm daily. The performance will take place on Friday 18th August at 7.30pm. Participation in the workshop is £68 for the week, or £100 for 2 siblings from the same family. The workshop is suitable for 12-18 year olds. Participants should wear loose clothing & trainers and bring a snack & drink.

 

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.