Over 700 jobs to be created as work begins on £30m motorsport centre of excellence

PREPARATORY work has now begun on an international motorsport centre of excellence that is set to deliver huge economic benefits and put Northern Ireland on the global racing map.

An estimated 700 jobs will be created in the 18-month construction phase of the £30m Lake Torrent development which will transform 163 acres of former clay pits in Coalisland, County Tyrone, into a world-class motorsport complex with a championship racetrack and motorsport training centre for Northern Ireland.

Up to 80 part-time and temporary positions will also be required to provide ancillary services such as security, engineering, promotions, marketing, etc with significant spin-off benefits for local retailers, transport and accommodation providers.

Approximately 25 full-time jobs will be created on completion to run and maintain the track on a daily basis with an additional 50 staff required on race days.

Earlier this month, Mid Ulster District Council granted planning permission for the first phase of work which includes the race circuit, pits, medical centre, restaurant, hospitality suites, six business units and a crèche, as well as a new public ring road to bypass the town and facilitate easy access in and out of the Lake Torrent centre.

This first phase is due to be completed in early 2019 but the potential for further jobs within the overall complex is also huge with plans for the second phase of works submitted to build a further 90 retail and business units, and a range of community and leisure facilities including a hotel, cinema, theatre and more food outlets.

Talks are also ongoing to develop an apprenticeship programme that will offer specialist skills training on-site across a range of engineering disciplines including welding, fitting and the building and servicing of motorcars and bikes.

Lake Torrent is the brainchild of Manna Developments founder and motor-racing enthusiast David Henderson, who lives in Islandmagee, County Antrim, but whose roots are in County Tyrone.

Speaking today about the development for the first time, Mr Henderson said:  “This is an historic day for the town of Coalisland, the county of Tyrone and for the whole of Northern Ireland as we finally start preparatory work on Lake Torrent, a dream of mine that has been 15 years in the making but is now a reality.

“I would like to offer my thanks for the incredible support of the local community, and in particular to local MP Francie Molloy, without whom we would not be standing here today, and Mid Ulster District Council for listening to and considering our proposals which admittedly must have seemed very ambitious to all concerned,” he added.

“Together our vision is to regenerate Coalisland and the surrounding areas through the creation of an internationally recognised motorsport arena which will become a venue for regional, national and international competitions, aiming ultimately to host events like Super Bike and Saloon Car Championships, attracting up to 30,000 spectators per event.

“At the same time, we will be providing the local community with new opportunities through business, engineering, leisure, increased tourism, job creation, research and development.  So we are filled with a sense of pride to stand here today, cutting the first sods on a project that will drive change and transform lives in the area. 

“Motor racing in Northern Ireland started 90 years ago and is still going strong.  The development of Lake Torrent will extend that into the next 90 years and beyond, providing sustainable local employment both for skilled and unskilled workers into the future,” said Mr Henderson.

MP for Mid Ulster Francie Molloy (Sinn Féin) said:  “This is a great project.  When David first approached me about a site I said I have the ideal place… the clay pits in Coalisland.  He outlined his proposal of a safe motor racing track and all of the associated elements within the centre, and we discussed job creation and skills training for the area.

“Aside from the economic benefits in the construction of Lake Torrent, to have an on-site hotel and thousands of visitors to spread around the hinterland is just magic.  It’s just what we needed and David has the vision and passion to deliver it.”

Welcoming the work starting on site, Councillor Kim Ashton (DUP), Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, said:  “With the beginning of this project comes substantial investment and employment, the rejuvenation of an unused site, and the development of a centre of excellence for motorsport which will attract significant visitor numbers.  I am delighted to see work start and wish Lake Torrent well at this milestone in the project’s development.”

The Lake Torrent site is located within a two-hour drive of most of Northern Ireland and is within easy reach of the M1 Motorway, just a 40-minute drive from Belfast, providing direct access to two International airports and sea ports.

British motorsport design firm Driven International Ltd has been appointed as the race track designer, working alongside a number of local companies including Contract Ground Services (CGS), Clarman Architects, McWilliams & Co Quantity Surveyors, and Maneely & Co Estate Agents.

The track is expected to be an FIA and FIM approved 3.6km (2.2 mile) undulating course, offering 12 turns and a mix of technical and high speed sequences, accompanied by supporting facilities such as pit garages, spectator and hospitality areas.

“We would like to thank our team of designers including Driven International and Clarman Architects,” said David Henderson.  “Working with them to refine our plans over the last few months has been a great experience.  

“We set out to invest in the local community and to leave a legacy for the future generations in Coalisland.  Our focus has always been on the creation of jobs in the local area on a short- and long-term basis.  Lake Torrent provides a massive opportunity for young entrepreneurs and small businesses to come to Coalisland and bring in new technology, ideas, and investment into the region, providing opportunities for tourism and businesses to flourish,” he concluded.

The SSE Arena, BELFAST: Saturday 29^th September 2018

Tickets on Sale: Friday 29th September

New Album ‘NOW’ Released 29th September

Having stolen the show at Radio 2’s Live in Hyde Park earlier this month, multiplatinum, multi-award winning Shania Twain announces 6 unmissable UK & Ireland arena dates for autumn 2018 – the first time Shania has toured here in 13 years!

 

Shania will play The SSE Arena Belfast on 29 September – tickets go on sale Friday 29 September at 10am

 

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

With the imminent release of her stunning new album ‘NOW’ (out 29^th September on Virgin/EMI) and three decades into her storied career, Shania Twain has never sounded better.  Containing the singles ‘Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed’ (which impacts Sept 29^th) and the joyful lead track and radio mainstay ‘Life’s About to Get Good’, ‘NOW’ is the first time Shania has assumed the role of sole songwriter and co-producer.

Following recent performances on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ and ‘The One Show’ as well as the Radio 2 Breakfast Show with Chris Evans, Shania feels “its time to get back out there and give the music a chance to live a life!” and so will embark on her first UK & Ireland tour since 2004’s huge Up! Tour.

Shania plays the following 2018 shows:

Friday 21^st September:                  GLASGOW, Glasgow SSE Hydro

Saturday 22^nd September:            MANCHESTER, Manchester Arena

Monday 24^th September:             BIRMINGHAM, Birmingham Arena

Wednesday 26^th September:      DUBLIN, 3Arena

Saturday 29^th September:            BELFAST, Belfast SSE Arena

Tuesday 2^nd October:                     LONDON, London O2 Arena

Tickets for The SSE Arena, Belfast go on sale 10am Friday 29^th September and are available from Ticketmaster and The SSE Arena box-office.

Fans can pre-order the new album via the official Shania UK store to get access to an exclusive pre-sale for tickets. More details can be round here

Shania is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winner and the reigning Queen of Country Pop. With 90 million albums sold worldwide, Shania remains the top-selling female country artist of all time. Shania’s albums include her Platinum-selling 1993 debut, Shania Twain; the GRAMMY Award-winning, Double Diamond-selling 1995 release, The Woman in Me; Come On Over, the best-selling studio album in Soundscan history by a female artist in any genre and the best-selling country album of all time with over 40 million units sold worldwide; and UP!, Shania’s third consecutive Diamond-selling album release.

Recognizing her indelible impact and achievements in music, Shania is the first and only female artist to receive CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime Award. She was also honoured with the Icon Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony. Shania’s hits include “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”.

 

Art Exhibition – Brain and Lisa Ballard

Date: 16^th – 30^th Sept

Time: Mon – Sat: 09.00 – 17.30, Sun 11.00-17.00

Venue: Gallery 1608, Bushmills

Contact: info@gallery1608.co.uk   Tel no: 028 2073 1324

The most important exhibition in the North West this year. We are thrilled to host this father and daughter show featuring new work from both artists. Join us on Saturday 16th September at 2.00pm for a glass of wine at the official opening of this important exhibition.

 

Causeway Coast Marathon

Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: Ultra Marathon 7.15am
Challenge Walk 07:30
Marathon 09:30
Half Marathon 12:30
10k Run / Walk 14:30

Venue: Portballintrae Village Hall

Contact: info@26extreme.com   Tel no: 028 7034 4723

The Causeway Coast Marathon will take place on Saturday 23 September 2017. Runners from across the world will once again step up to the start line in one of the Causeway Coast events. Having established itself as one of the most scenic marathons in the world the 2017 event is set to attract participants from across the globe that will come to compete alongside fellow runners on this fantastic route. The times shown are provisional.  You will receive your final information 72 hours before the event start which details times. Times are dictated by the tide, and may be 1 hour earlier, or 1 hour later. Registration on website the www.26extreme.com/index.aspx

 

Damhead Miniature Railway

Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: 12.00-17.00

Venue: 48 Damhead Road, Coleraine

Contact:  colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk    Tel: (028) 2587 8237 Mob: (07703) 254 595

Damhead Miniature Railway, in the heart of the countryside between Coleraine and Ballymoney, is a great place to visit with the children. The small trains can be travelled on by both the kids and adults and the track covers one third of a mile. There are picnic facilities on site.

 

Young Frankenstein

Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: 20.00

Venue: Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castle Rock

Contact: info@belfastfilmfestival.org Tel no: 028 9032 5913

This horror comedy classic in the creepy surrounds of the derelict Downhill Demesne. Like most of his other films, Young Frankenstein is director Mel Brooks’s loving homage of a classic story.

 

Explore the Roe

Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: 10.00

Venue: Roe valley Country Park, Limavady

Contact: enquiries@ccght.org    Tel No: 028 2075 2100
Join Loughs Agency Riverwatch Team and The Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, as we investigate the River Roe. We will be looking at maps of the River Roe and the Roe Valley as well as investigating the species of fish and invertebrate that inhabit the River itself. Learn how the Loughs Agency monitors and protects the river system and how you can do your bit in keeping the River Roe healthy. Free event. To register contact: enquiries@ccght.org

 

Community Archaeology Open Day

 Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: 10.00 & 12.30

Venue: Location to be advised

Contact: enquiries@ccght.org    Tel No: 028 2075 2100

Become an archaeologist for the day and learn some new skills such as trowelling, surveying and identifying artefacts. You can join in this exciting adventure at our archaeological site to be confirmed. Discover the history surrounding this site, see the discoveries made during the excavation and take part in some real excavating on site. To register contact: enquiries@ccght.org

 

Michael Henry Psychic Medium

Date: 23^rd Sept

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Riverside Theatre, Coleraine

Contact: r.mccloskey@ulster.ac.uk      Tel no: 028 7012 3123

A night with a seventh son who is able to connect with those who have passed over. Tickets £19.50 see website for further information   www.riversidetheatre.org.uk

 

Roe Valley Junior Triathlon

Date: 24^th Sept

Time: see website

Venue: Roe Valley Leisure Centre, Limavady

Contact: RVJTriathlon@gmail.com

Entry: £6. For registration and further information see website: www.triangletriathlonclub.com

 

Conal Gallen – How’s Your Father

Date: 29^th Sept

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Riverside theatre, Coleraine

Contact: r.mccloskey@ulster.ac.uk      Tel no: 028 7012 3123

Father and son team, Conal and Rory Gallen have written probably their funniest comedy play to date. Bridie Murphy opens Bridies Boutique B&B, much to her husband Wiilie’s bewilderment!   A night full of laughs at the Riverside.

 

The Illegals & Niamh Kavanagh

Date: 30^th Sept

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Riverside theatre, Coleraine

Contact: r.mccloskey@ulster.ac.uk      Tel no: 028 7012 3123

The Illegals make their annual return to the Riverside with a show that celebrates the 40^th anniversary of two of the best rock albums of all time – Hotel California and Rumours.  Tickets:  £18.00.

 

Coast and Country Super Spud Tour

Date: 6^th Oct

Time: 10.30 – 18.30

Venue: Guests will be collected at the Causeway hotel, Bushmills

Contact: causewayfoodie@gmail.com   Tel no: 07912 408 256

Adding to our unique foodie tour family, we are delighted to launch a new collaboration with the Northern Ireland Potato Festival 2017 at the beautiful location of the Giants Causeway for our Coast and Country tour series. This guided tour by luxury coach will showcase some of the best local produce the Causeway Coastal Route has to offer, with our humble spud being the star attraction. Sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area and our award-winning produce so unique.

 

The Northern Ireland Potato Festival

Date: 6^th – 7^th Oct

Time: 10.00 – 17.00

Venue: Causeway Hotel, Bushmills

Contact: info@thecausewayhotel.com   Tel no: 028 2073 1226

Northern Ireland’s favourite potato themed festival is promising a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages on Saturday 7th October 2017. Fun will commence at 10:00 and run until 17:00 in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase a range of delicious local produce from gourmet burgers to speciality potato dishes, artisan confectionary and locally crafted beers & ciders or find inspiration at the Cookery Demonstrations & talks taking place throughout the day in the Food NI festival kitchen.

Newry unveils a giant weekend festival spectacular starting Friday 29 September to celebrate its rich heritage

Newry scores a festival first this month as a brand new spectacular weekend-long event sails in to captivate a city renowned for its rich maritime and industrial heritage and its prowess in trade and commerce.

Organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and designed to showcase Newry’s unique history and success, the inaugural City of Merchants festival event kicks off on Friday 29 September, promising three days filled with fireworks, events, family fun, arts, culture and the best food and drink.

Only a few weeks away, Newry’s City of Merchants festival will wow audiences with a breath-taking firework spectacular set to music at Albert Basin on Saturday 30 September – guaranteed to set the wintry season off with a bang.

Woven through the stunning canals and waterways within a vibrant and confident city flanked by night-time projections at landmark sites, visitors can join Newry as it celebrates its proud history by taking part in a series of very special events or soaking up the festival atmosphere in its many restaurants, hotels, bars and cafés.

Launching Newry’s first City of Merchants festival, Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, said:

“We’re really excited to unveil a very special festival giant for Newry and for Northern Ireland that promises to complete a summer of fantastic fun and entertainment for hundreds of thousands of visitors from near and far.

“Newry’s City of Merchants festival is a wonderful chance for everyone to celebrate this great city, its past, present and its confident future in ways that everyone can enjoy.”

With activities taking place from Friday 29 September to Sunday 1 October – including ‘Merchant Quest’, ‘Trade Secrets’, fun-filled creative workshops and a special exhibition event at the world famous Bagenal’s Castle, visitors have plenty to choose from.

On Saturday from 5pm until 9pm, Newry’s famous quays will be a destination not to miss, with the arrival of a Tall Ship, a funfair, kids’ activities, boating trips, a ceili tent and a special pontoon on which to view the dazzling pyrotechnics as they light up the city’s sky. A floating stage with live music will add to the festival city vibe.

City of Merchants is supported by Newry Business Improvement District (BID), which invests in and delivers projects to improve local trade and to raise the profile of the area.

Newry BID manager, Eamonn Connolly, said:

“The City of Merchants festival is a fitting way to celebrate the rich and vibrant history of Newry as a place of trade and commerce. Newry is a bustling city with a bright future and we look forward to being a part of these celebrations.”

City of Merchants is the final event in the highly successful Giant Adventures season programme, delivered by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council which has drawn record crowds and included Footsteps in the Forest, Skiffie Festival, Festival of Flight and Wake the Giant.

Roisin Mulgrew added:

“The fifth outstanding Giant Adventures this year, this very special weekend looks both to the past and to the future, celebrating a special and unique history and heritage, a diverse culture and the legacy of Newry, its many waterways and its vibrancy as a place to live, to visit and to enjoy.”

For more details on City of Merchants, events and booking information, log on to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/CityofMerchants or visit www.facebook.com/VisitMourneMountains and www.twitter.com/VisitMourne.  Follow #CityofMerchants on Twitter for more details.

 

A brand new week-long festival aimed at cocktail lovers will bring a top line-up of special events to Belfast this October.

Whether you are looking for a ground-breaking cocktail creation, want to watch some of the world’s best bartenders in action, or fancy taking a step back in time to the age of prohibition, Belfast’s first and only Cocktail Week has something for everyone.  

Running from October 16 – 22, the inaugural event invites cocktail lovers to whet their whistle and enjoy a jam-packed calendar of bespoke events taking place in bars across the Cathedral Quarter.

Kicking off the week in style, award-winning London establishment Swift will take up a special residency in The Merchant Hotel’s iconic Cocktail Bar from October 16.

Fresh from a big win at the Spirited Awards, where the bar was named Best New International Cocktail Bar 2017, husband and wife duo Bobby Hiddleston and Mia Johansson will bring the Swift team to Belfast for a week-long takeover with innovative cocktails and their renowned Irish coffees on offer.

Festival-goers can also take a step back in time and experience the atmosphere and excitement of the birth of the cocktail at The Luggage Room takeover of Sixty6 (upstairs at The National).  Enjoy signature creations from the prohibition age from the acclaimed London based Luggage Room staff who will be mixing up The Darb (Citadelle Gin shaken with apricot brandy, Italian vermouth and lemon juice) and Barney Barnato (pisco stirred with Cocchi Americano, Pierre Ferrand dry Curaçao and aromatic bitters) along with juleps, cobblers, swizzles, imperials, punches, sours, flips and other popular concoctions of the time.

Continuing the festivities, Club Sixty6 will host an intimate whiskey masterclass on October 19, where guests will get a behind-the-scenes insight into the magic of whiskey distilling.  The bar will also cater for those who want to enjoy a non-alcoholic tipple with a Future of Mocktails Masterclass and an innovative mocktail menu, which will be available all week.

Ending the week on a high, guest speaker, author of the Curious Bartender range of cocktail books and award-winning bartender, Tristan Stephenson, will host a seminar exploring the art of mixing the perfect cocktail on October 22.  The famed bartender, co-owner of two of London’s hottest cocktail bars, Purl and Worship Street Whistling Shop, will give guests an exclusive opportunity to taste contemporary and classic cocktails with his own unique twist during the masterclass.  Tickets for this event will cost £10 and includes a drink on arrival.  Following the event, guests will be invited to raise a toast to end the week of celebrations with a free after party taking place in Club Sixty6.

Bronagh Bennett from the National Grande Café and Club Sixty6 and creator of Belfast Cocktail Week said;

“Belfast Cocktail Week is a way of showing that Belfast can compete on an international level alongside cities with great cocktail cultures such as London, Edinburgh and even New York.

“Belfast and Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector has come a long way in recent years and customers are really broadening their horizons.  The wide range of events taking place during the festival will appeal to everyone and I hope it encourages people to try something new.

“We are looking forward to bringing this week-long event to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and hope it will be the first of many.’’

Mia Johansson and Bobby Hiddleston, co-owners of Swift said;

“We are so excited to bring Swift to Belfast and The Merchant.  We will be bringing each of our bartenders over and will have something new and exciting on for each day as well as our Swift favourites.  The Merchant has been a long time inspiration to us so it will be incredible to showcase a little bit of London in the heart of Northern Ireland.”

Bars taking take in the festival include The Cocktail Bar and Berts Jazz Bar at The Merchant, The National Grande Café and Club Sixty6, Bullitt Hotel, Bootleggers, Muriel’s Café Bar, The Spaniard and Babel, the new rooftop cocktail bar at Bullitt, on its opening weekend.

Most events at Belfast Cocktail Week are free of charge and first come, first served.  Please check the website for details for ticketed events.

For a full line-up of events and further information on optional festival passes, visit BelfastCocktailWeek.co.uk More events are still to be announced and will be added to the line-up over the coming weeks.  A limited number of festival passes will also be available to purchase from The National Grande Café. The optional festival passes are priced at £10 and includes 25% off selected cocktails in participating venues (excluding The Merchant where instead festival pass holders will get a complimentary taster of punch with each cocktail purchased at The Merchant Hotel’s Swift Takeover.

 

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