This year’s Easter activities in Ards & North Down will be bigger and better than ever! Celebrations will stretch right across the weekend.

Starting on Good Friday in Newtownards a colourful carnival parade will celebrate the awakening of Spring with budding flowers, Spring street art, fires and fairies Look out for mythical and magical creatures, a giant farmer and his animals and fantastic live music!

In Conway Square 12pm-5pm there will be the finest street theatre including interactive 3D art workshops, Bruce Airhead and his six-foot balloon, and junk orchestral duo Bang On. The Spectacular Spring Carnival will leave at 3pm, details of the route can be found on www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

On Easter Sunday, there will be plenty to do at Cockle Row between 2-4pm with Easter crafts, Plant and Play garden workshop, archery, traditional music and Tales of the Wild Animal Roadshow

Easter Monday in Bangor at 3pm the superb Springtime Carnival will leave Bangor Castle and travel through the town for all to marvel!

Also on Easter Monday Moto Trail NI Motorcycle club will be holding the biggest Bangor Trial bike display ever in the McKee Clock Arena with an eye opening daredevil course. This year’s trial bike rider highlight will be multi-award winner and current World number 2 Adam ‘The Destroyer’ Raga. Adam is no stranger to Bangor having made his arena debut at the tender age of 16. The event will start at 12 o’clock with two qualifying heats of breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres before the final at 4pm. This show is not to be missed!

The 7 times World Champion will also be running a Trials School while he is here, for further information log on to www.trialstar.co.uk

Lots more family fun will take place from 12pm-5pm with a free Land train on the promenade and an array of street art and live cartoon drawings at Project 24. Everybody gets the chance to take part in these amazing art pieces, you won’t be able to resist stopping to take part, or popping back to see how things are going the order of the day. The North Down Museum will have a fabulous Easter Trial. Tickets £1. Follow clues throughout the museum in order to solve the puzzle and get your Easter egg. Afterwards make Easter crafts to take home. A great time for all the family!

So spring into springtime with these fantastic events throughout the borough this Easter weekend!

For further information, check www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

With The Ards International Guitar Festival just around the corner, Newtownards is gearing up for the full programme of events which will see the town come alive with the sounds of classical, blues, folk, jazz, bluegrass and even some rock from some of the best guitar talent around.

The Ards and North Down Borough Council festival, runs from 5 – 9 April and features something for everyone with many of the events already sold out.

On Thursday 6 April, The Festival is delighted to host Will McNichol & Luke Selby with special guests The Joseph Leighton Trio in a very special evening at Ards Arts Centre. Will Nichol has won numerous awards for his playing and composition and is a Fellow of Trinity College London and a former winner of Guitarist Magazine’s Acoustic Guitarist of the Year. Luke Selby is a sought-after session drummer who has studied with some of the finest musicians in his field, supported by emerging talent Joseph Leighton, this celebration of young guitar talent will be an evening not to be missed.

The world renowned musician Jon Gomm will take to the stage in The Queen’s Hall on Friday 7 April. The UK based guitarist who combines draw-dropping guitar skills and artistic soul to craft compositions will be supported by Becky Langan and Amrit Sond, two remarkable percussive fingerstyle guitarists, making this gig a real treat for music lovers – bound to be a festival highlight!

On Sunday 9 April, The Queen’s Hall plays host to Songbirds On Sunday, a special concert by Sarah McQuaid, one of Europe’s hardest working and most talented fingerstyle guitarists. With special guests Eilidh Patterson and Brigid O’Neill, this will be an evening of beautiful voices and magical guitar sounds bringing together and celebrating female folk and acoustic talent.

Other highlights this year include the jazz guitarist Hugh Buckley in conversation and in session with Ronnie Greer. This relaxed afternoon of music and chat will feature the acclaimed Dublin-based guitarist Hugh in conversation with jazz guitar legend Ronnie and will also feature a number of performances by Hugh and Ronnie, solo and together. This event is taking place in Ards Arts Centre on Saturday 8 April.  If you fancy Sunday brunch with a difference, then the Classic Album Brunch event on Sunday 9 April might be the thing for you! Award-winning broadcaster Ralph McClean discusses the life and work of Jimi Hendrix, accompanied by clips of Jimi’s landmark guitar solo, songs and performances.

Ards International Guitar Festival is a must for the music enthusiast.  For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or alternatively call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

Tinderbox Theatre Company unearths long buried family secrets in Famla by acclaimed writer John McCann.

Haunting, hilarious and heartbreaking, Famla dares to challenge the stories we tell ourselves to hide the truth of who we really are. Directed by Patrick J O’ Reilly with incredible performances by Tara Lynne O’ Neill, Rhodri Lewis and Hayley McQuillan, Famla is a theatrical feast not to be missed.

Hector has passed this place all her young life. An old house. Must be a hundred years old. Maybe more. Looks abandoned. Festering. She never really gave the house a second thought. Until now when she needs a place to escape to. She discovers someone is still living inside. Someone spiteful. Refusing to budge. Clinging on…

Famla director Patrick J O’Reilly, appointed as Tinderbox Artistic Director last year, says the play will resonate with audiences everywhere.

 “Every family has buried secrets and lies that we hope will never come to surface but John’s play beautifully digs them up and reveals the truth for us all to witness. With its riotous, nightmarish, grotesque and juicy behavior and dialogue, John creates a menacing and brooding atmosphere that will keep audiences wondering what’s coming next as it twists and turns between light and shade. He also paints a vivid picture of a small rural community in which you can almost see the curtains twitching and hear the tongues wagging of those bursting to know, feeling it’s their right to know what’s going on behind closed doors in this mysterious house.”

Famla playwright John McCann sees parallels between the answers sought by his characters and the wider debate about how we deal with the past In Northern Ireland.

 “The lives of the characters in Famla have been blighted by what happened many years previously. The problem is, they each have very different notions concerning what actually took place. A key moment in the play shows characters deliberately placing themselves in an imagined future where they have a chance to practice and experience what it might be like to actively reclaim and redefine your past. If successful they will potentially unlock their future. A key question for me is: will this imagined future manage to contain their different versions or be held hostage by them. Also, when will you know it’s the right time to stop re-hashing and rehearsing an imagined future and start living instead?”

Famla is recommended for ages 16 + and will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 1 April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13.50 and £11.50 (concession) and can be booked by phoning (028) 3752 1821 or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com.

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.

Blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer will entertain the crowds at Flowerfield on Thursday 6th April with his special guest Nigel Mooney.

Ronnie and Nigel are two of Ireland’s most popular blues and jazz guitarists and they will be collaborating for the first time at Flowerfield. Their musical sounds are reminiscent of the great jazz albums of the 1950’s and 1960’s with their inspiration stemming from guitarists such as Jimmy Smith.

Nigel has been a leading charismatic figure on the Dublin jazz and blues scene since the 1980’s. It is no wonder that he commands much admiration amongst fans, with his expressive hard- bop guitar sounds and flawless sense of pitch.

Ronnie’s distinctive guitar style, merging Chicago blues style licks with be bop jazz lines, has been critically acclaimed as world class clearly signifying his level of talent.

Joining Ronnie and Nigel on stage will be Scott Flanigan on Hammond organ and Darren Beckett on drums, two of Irelands very finest musicians.

Expect a night of hard swinging, blues drenched music played by some of the best in the business.

The concert begins at 8pm and tickets can be purchased at Flowerfield Reception Area at a price of £12 or online where there will be an added booking fee.  Please visit www.flowerfield.org for more information.

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 and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

·         Golf on the Causeway Coast, Portrush Atlantic Hotel, Co. Antrim, from £120pps.
Enjoy a one-night break on the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route with one night’s bed and breakfast at the three-star Portrush Atlantic Hotel situated in the town centre of Portrush overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Deal also includes a round of golf at the renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club – host to The Open 2019. Valid April – October. Subject to availability. To book call (028) 708 22311

·         Suite Treat, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £50pps.
Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the award-winning four-star Manor House Country Hotel combines old world charm with modern hotel luxury. This limited offer gives you the opportunity to enjoy a one-night stay in a Junior Suite overlooking Lough Erne with full Irish breakfast in the Belleek Restaurant and complimentary Manor House Chocolates in your room on arrival. Valid until 30 April. Subject to availability. To book call (028) 68 622200

·         Girlie Break, Silverbirch Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £60pps.
Found in the bustling market town of Omagh, the three-star Silverbirch Hotel is ideal for business trips, family vacations and romantic breaks away showcasing classic interiors in modern, elegant surroundings. Escape with the girls and enjoy an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast, pre-dinner cocktail in a VIP reserved booth and dinner in the Barreta Bar & Grill.  Valid until 30 November. Subject to availability. To book call (028) 82 242520

Chart toppers Hothouse Flowers among the headliners!

THE Holywood Harmony Festival has announced a three-day line-up that is set to boost the growing reputation of the volunteer-run spectacle.

Hothouse Flowers, Ulaid & Duke Special and Gareth Dunlop will headline each day from Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4 respectively.

Now in its third year the County Down festival is a family-friendly event, guaranteed to further enhance what was so well-run that not only did it bring in tourists to the town, but was shortlisted for the Best Tourism Event at the North Down Business Awards for last year’s efforts.

On Friday June 2, Ulaid and Duke Special will be supported by The Emerald Armada and Red House.

On Saturday June 3, The Hothouse Flowers will be supported by The Nat Youle Band and singer/songwriter Ciaran McElhinney.

On Sunday June 4, Gareth Dunlop will be supported by Dana Masters and Sam Wickens.

“We’re delighted to be able to secure such well respected and well known artists,” said organiser Mari Jackson. “In addition to the superb headliners, to have a top lineup of support artists from across Northern Ireland coming to entertain Holywood and a raft of visitors is brilliant.”

The festival is a non-profit organisation, and to help make 2017 even better at the festival there is a crowd-funding campaign to lay on other events, including free ones for children, families and the elderly.

“With your support, no matter how big or small Holywood will be celebrating an event that helps put the town on the map as a tourist destination, brings people to the shops and businesses in the town, and gives us all three wonderful days of musical fun,” said Mari.

For tickets log onto www.wegottickets.com/location/15677 or check out www.harmonyfest.co.uk and www.facebook.com/HolywoodHarmonyFestival for more information

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott officially launched the Darkness Into Light charity walk/run which will take place on Saturday 6 May 4.15am in V36 at The Valley.

The Darkness Into Light concept was first started in 2009 by Pieta House Suicide Awareness and Crisis Centre in Dublin, with a few hundred people supported this first event and walked from the darkness into the dawn light to symbolise that there is hope for those in despair. Today Darkness Into Light is the flagship fundraising and awareness event for Pieta House, with over 130,000 worldwide supporting the event last year.

This year the Council is also working with two local charities Turning Point and Focus, who are both based in Antrim and help support those with suicidal thoughts and mental health problems. In addition Tesco’s and Newtownabbey PSNI are lending their support to raise awareness of this event to gain maximum community support.

Darkness Into Light has become an International event, held annually in over 100 locations across 4 continents and made its debut in V36 in 2016 when over 700 took part. We are delighted to host this event once again in V36 on Saturday 6 May.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “Statistics have shown Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest record of suicide with an average of six suicides a week. I am personally delighted to be backing this event now in its second year. Darkness Into Light is about offering hope to people in their time of need. I would encourage you all to show your support and help raise awareness of suicide prevention by registering for this 5km walk/run.”

Darkness Into Light will take place on Saturday 6 May at 4.15am in V36 when participants will walk or run into the light as dawn breaks. This event is being organised in conjunction with and in support of Pieta House, Turning Point and Focus.

Please show your support for this event and register today. http://dil.pieta.ie. Early Bird booking offer ends Friday 31 March.

Oscar Wilde’s most enduring classic to hit the MAC stage 

The MAC, Belfast, Wednesday 8 March, 2017: The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s most famous farce, is set to take to the MAC stage in Belfast this month. Regarded as one of his finest works, this humorous take on Victorian high society is arguably one of the Irish playwright’s most enduring comedies, with some of the funniest and well-known lines of any of Wilde’s plays.

A new co-production by Bruiser Theatre Company and the MAC, showing exclusively at the MAC this spring, The Importance of Being Earnest will open for a three-week run from 24 March until 15 April 2017.

The recurring themes of marriage, courtship and mundane social obligations ring as true today in this punchy retelling of the classic as when Wilde first put pen to paper.

Boasting some of the funniest lines in the English language, this is Earnest for a 2017 audience interpreted by an all-male cast.

Starring Joseph Derrington as protagonist Algernon Moncrieff and Joseph O’Malley as Jack Worthing, who become entangled in a hilarious plot, forcing each to maintain their fictitious personae ‘Earnest’ to win the hearts of two endearing ‘women’.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC, said: “The MAC is an organisation that champions new, innovative artistic experiences for audiences and artists alike. We’re delighted to present Wilde’s classic in Bruiser Theatre Company’s vibrant theatrical style.  The Importance of Being Earnest will be a guaranteed night of entertaining fun for those familiar with and new to Oscar Wilde.”

Lisa May, Director, Bruiser Theatre Company said: “Our adaption of The Importance of Being Earnest is a real treat for lovers of classic Wilde, but also for theatre-goers looking for an all-out comedy night at theatre. In our version, we stay true to Wilde’s original words and characters, but deliver in the unique Bruiser style.

“We’ve been working hard to tackle Wilde’s comic masterpiece – bringing to the fore timeless themes of relationships and identity, still as relevant to audiences today as ever.”

For theatre-goers seeking to embrace an added taste of the Victorian era before the show, the MAC’s in-house café and restaurant NATIVE will be offering a delightful afternoon tea spread from just £13 per person before the 25 March matinee.

Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest and the one-off afternoon tea at NATIVE are now on-sale at themaclive.com.