Calling all budding actors and singers!  If you’ve ever fancied treading the boards in a professional theatrical production, make your way to the Millennium Forum on Saturday 10^th June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm when the North West’s premier theatre will be holding auditions for yet another fabulous Christmas Panto, ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’.

Directed by Jonathan Burgess, with choreography by Venessa Chapman and Alan Wright as Musical Director, ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ at the Forum boasts the best in local talent in the biggest show of the Autumn/Winter programme of events.

A number of lead cast roles including the King and Queen (playing an age of 35+) are up for grabs at the auditions.  If it’s simply singing and dancing that’s your thing, then there are also a number of adult ‘General Ensemble’ parts to be won (age 17+).  All roles require excellent singing, acting and dancing ability.

David McLaughlin, Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum and show producer for the past fourteen years, encourages everyone with a desire to perform to audition:

“The Millennium Forum has developed a reputation for producing fantastic Christmas pantomimes that are fun for all the family.  ‘Cinderella’ last year was hugely successful, having performed to a massive audience of almost 30,000!  The auditions for this year’s Christmas Panto provide a great opportunity to act, sing or dance in the biggest show of the season for all budding professional or amateur performers.  Who knows – it could be the first step to a career in acting for some talented individual.  We have already seen Gerard McCarthy (Jack in ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ 2002) move onto great success with Channel 4’s ‘Hollyoaks’, our ‘Aladdin’ from 2009 and ‘Peter Pan’ from 2004, Conleth Kane, is also doing exceptionally well; he has recently enjoyed success on London’s West End following an appearance in the hit television programmes, Casualty and RTE’s search for FAME THE MUSICAL stars; Orla Mullan who played our ‘Fairy Godmother’ a number of times, has enjoyed success in the recent hit television series, ‘The Fall’; our ‘Peter Pan’ from 2013 and 2015’s Aladdin, Mikey J Heath has recently starred as ‘Tom Thumb’ in the West End touring production of the hit musical, ‘Barnum’ and local actor, Dylan Reid, landed the part of ‘Andrej’ in the musical, ‘Once’.”

 Auditions for ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ will be held in the Millennium Forum on Saturday 10^th June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Anyone interested should contact Lisa Lynch on 028 (048 from the Republic) 71 264426 between 9.30am – 4pm (Mon-Fri only) or email lisal@millenniumforum.co.uk to arrange an audition time. Please note, you must arrange an audition in advance.

Why not enjoy a night of great music at The Market Place Theatre’s popular Jazz Club. Taking centre stage will be the hugely popular Martello Jazz Band who feature a sound reminiscent of the Dixieland bands of 1920’s New Orleans, stamped with their own brand of drive and flair.

Since 1985, the band has built on its reputation for quality music, and has played at many venues. Over the years the band has featured in many local and national television and radio programmes, in addition to numerous appearances at regional jazz events. Through these the Martello have experienced many exciting encounters with celebrated international musicians who have sat in with the band. These have included Humphrey Lyttleton and Helen Shapeiro, George Melly with John Chiltern and the Feetwarmers, and the legendary trumpet player Kenny Baker.

The band continues to excite crowds of jazz fans old and new alike with their exuberant onstage performances. There is no doubt about it. If hard-driving, foot-tapping music is your scene, then this is the band for you!

The Jazz Club will take place on Friday 26^th May at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced £15 which includes wine on arrival and light refreshments during the interval.

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.

Belfast’s first ever Social Souk is being hosted at St George’s Market next Wednesday, 31 May from 11am-2pm as part of Belfast City Council’s ‘Go Social’ Programme.

The event is designed to help those interested in setting up a social enterprise or co-operative by giving them the information, guidance and support they need and brings together expertise from Belfast City Council, Work West and Social Enterprise NI, along with other Belfast based support organisations, social enterprises and co-operatives.

Councillor Aileen Graham, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee commented: “The Social Souk is an event that everyone with an interest in establishing a social enterprise or co-operative should attend.

“There’ll be a real bazaar type buzz at the social enterprise and co-operative marketplace, where you can find potential new customers, you’ll also be able to access one-to-one specialist support and advice on the day, and you’ll benefit from peer support through our ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ networking sessions.

“Social enterprises marry the social mission of a not for profit organisation with the market driven approach of a business – and that poses quite distinct opportunities and challenges. So that’s why we’re organising this groundbreaking event for Belfast and bringing together the best expertise available to support the growth of social enterprise in the city.”

The event is free of charge you are welcome to drop in at any time between 11am – 2pm, but if you wish to attend any of the sessions you must register in advance at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/gosocial

For more information on the support Belfast City Council offers small businesses, visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessinfo

The Friends’ Goodwill Festival launches with a wave of top music artists and bands heading to Larne.

Four action-packed days of maritime-themed family fun are taking place in the town to mark the 300th anniversary of the departure of the Friends’ Goodwill ship from Larne to America back in 1717.

The entertainment includes outdoor concerts, exhibitions, displays, history re-enactments and American sports.

Singer-songwriter Una Healy will touch down in Larne having wowed audiences in the capital of American country music, Nashville, earlier this week.

Una, who recently embarked on a solo career after her chart-topping exploits with The Saturdays, headlines a fantastic line-up of artists and bands performing a wide range of music including country, Ulster-Scots, bluegrass and dance.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this festival which celebrates the legacy of the Friends’ Goodwill voyage and the deep links forged between Ulster and America.

“The Friends’ Goodwill Festival, organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, is free for the public to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing a strong turnout to celebrate the rich shared culture and heritage of which we are so proud.”

The festival runs until Sunday (21 May).

American Dreams, a special play recounting the Friends’ Goodwill’s epic journey and the Ulster emigrants’ impact on the fledgling nation, is being staged at the McNeill Theatre, Larne, this evening (Thur).

Then three days of outdoor activities, including concerts at Sandy Bay Playing Fields, take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Other events scheduled include a parade of sail, strongman competition, American football, living history performances and walking tours.

As well as Una Healy, other top performers who will take to the stage include Jim Devine, The Broken String Band, Marty Mone, Dana Masters, Philomena Begley, Four Men and a Dog, Barry Kirwan and Niamh McGlinchey.

The Friends’ Goodwill voyage is so significant as it is believed to have been the first emigrant ship to sail from Ulster to America in the 18th century.

A free park and ride facility will be in operation from the Caterpillar site at the Old Glenarm Road, bringing visitors to the drop-off point at Larne Leisure Centre, close to the event site at Sandy Bay.

There will be three access points to the site: Rugby Road, Bay Road and Chelmsford Place. Disabled access-only via Tower Road.

There will be additional pick up and drop off points on Agnew Street.

The 359D Harbour service will also be in operation, picking up from Dunnes Stores, Main Street, and drop off at the Curran Road/Tower Road junction.

A specialised changing and toilet facility for disabled adults and children will make its Northern Ireland debut at the festival.

The Mobiloo houses state-of-the-art equipment and ensures dignity and respect for disabled festivalgoers.

For more details, including a full listing of events and times, visit the Friends’ Goodwill Festival pages.

Little Wing pizzeria invests £500,000 in two new restaurants and announces ambitious plans to expand NI portfolio further in the coming months

Home grown pizzeria chain, Little Wing has announced an investment of £500,000 in two new restaurants in Lisburn and Newtownards, creating up to 40 new jobs.

The major investment will bring the number of branches Little Wing across Northern Ireland to eight. Further sites are currently being explored across Northern Ireland, with ambitious plans to open several new Little Wing Pizzerias in the next 12 months, while options are also being considered in the Republic of Ireland.

The newest restaurant, located at Lisburn Square will cater for 60 guests when it opens this summer, with a further restaurant is scheduled to open in Newtownards later this year.

Established in Belfast in October 2009, Little Wing prides itself in offering authentic, made to order Naples-style pizzas, cooked in its distinctive 6ft traditional woodstone pizza ovens. Sourcing the freshest and finest ingredients is at the heart of the Little Wing ethos, with 100% mozzarella cheese used on its pizzas; sauce made from San Marzano tomatoes, grown in volcanic soil near Naples and picked at peak ripeness; and dough made to Little Wing’s own secret recipe.

Over the last seven and a half years, Little Wing has gone from strength to strength, developing a cult following and selling over 1,250,000 pizzas to date.  The Lisburn branch is expected to open in August and will employ up to 20 new members of staff, bringing the total number of people employed across all Little Wing outlets to over 130.  The addition of the Newtownards restaurant later this year, will bring the number of employees to 150.

Commenting on the announcement, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director, Little Wing Pizzeria said:

“We are excited to announce this latest investment, which we hope will be the first of several new Little Wing openings over the next 12 months.

“Building on the success of our growing network of restaurants across Northern Ireland, the new Little Wing Pizzerias in Lisburn and Newtownards will help the brand to spread its wings further as we seek more opportunities to expand the business in the coming years.

“Little Wing provides real and meaningful long term career opportunities for people that are passionate about hospitality and customer service and we’re proud to bring a jobs boost, with the creation of up to 40 new jobs this year.”

The new Little Wing Pizzeria will be located at Lisburn Square and will open daily after it opens later this summer. Further details on the Newtownards restaurant will be announced soon.

Little Wing will begin recruiting for a number of positions, including or management positions, waiting staff, pizza chefs and kitchen porters in the coming weeks. Full details are available at www.littlewingcareers.com

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 40 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information visit littlewingpizzeria.com

Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart will play host to a child friendly performance of ‘Woofle’ on Friday 26^th May at 11am.

The 30 minute show, aimed at 4 – 10 year olds, explores the world of Dan and his dog with lots of silly songs.

From chasing bees and getting mucky, to taking a walk and having a bath, the combination of video footage and live music gives an unusual view of the ups and downs of having a dog as your best friend.

Written and performed by Dan Leith, the production was inspired by his own four-legged best friend Tyla Brown who will make a special appearance in the show.

Targeted at school children and the general community, Woofle is an irresistible tribute to the fun, playful and unconditional love pets can bring to children’s lives.

Tickets are priced at £5 and booking is essential. To book please contact Flowerfield Arts Centre on 028 7083 1400

For a fantastic family fun day out by the water’s edge, Antrim Lough Shore Park is the place to be on Saturday 10 June from 12 noon until 3pm.  Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Viking Boat Race, in partnership with Cancer Fund for Children, features a spectacular river race with teams competing in replica Viking longships to win the coveted title of Viking Boat Champions.

As well as the river race, spectators can enjoy a display of Viking battle tactics and a living history exhibition showing that the Vikings weren’t just horned-helmeted raiders, but farmers, traders and settlers.

There will be a range of children’s entertainment on the day including free Viking themed arts and crafts, Jumping Clay, Jump, Jiggle & Jive dance workshops and much more!  Budding Vikings will also have the opportunity to design their very own Viking shield at a cost of £1.  To add to the excitement there will be a DHOL drumming display which has received financial support from The Executive Office through the Council’s Good Relations Programme.

Cancer Fund for Children Corporate Fundraiser, Matthew Allen, is inviting companies to enter a team.  He says: “This is a fantastic teambuilding opportunity, and the gathering together of ten battle hungry colleagues in this spectacular and fun Viking race epitomizes what team motivation is all about.  We are absolutely delighted with the support and enthusiasm from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and I would encourage any companies who would like to enter their team to contact me as soon as possible, in order to secure a place. The money raised will help us support families across Northern Ireland affected by cancer”.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented: “We are delighted to be able to support such a worthy cause. The Viking Boat Race will be a family fun day for all, with teams competing against the clock in aid of a good cause. This is an opportunity for spectators to have a great day out and for participants to enjoy a spirit of comradeship with their team mates, while helping to raise vital funds”.

To enter a team please contact Matthew Allen, Cancer Fund for Children T. 028 9080 5599.