A committed and excited fan base of festival-goers are on their toes this week as Northern Ireland’s only 3-day festival of music and art makes its first official lineup announcement.

Sunflowerfest: A Parallel Universe will run from 28^th – 30^th July 2017 on Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough.

Irish comedy-rap duo Rubberbandits are scheduled to take their cult status to the main stage alongside acclaimed Derry-born singer-songwriter Ryan Vail’s new live AV show, which has been well-received at this year’s SXSW in Austin, Texas. Fan-favourites King Kong Company will also make a welcome return to headline the main stage.

Other additions to the bill will include Electric Swing Circus, a unique blend of 20s swing and modern electro, Golden Age-channeling MCs Too Many T’s, endearing, festival-worthy folk from Beans on Toast and the contagious humour of Mr. B The Gentleman Rhymer. The festival maintains its strong links with music communities abroad by welcoming new Dublin noisemakers Farah Elle and Damola, and Glasgow pop-rockers Single By Sunday. Disco masters Le Galaxie as well as local-favourites Malojian and Reading & Leed’s regulars R51 will also bring their explosive sound back to the packed-out ‘festival for all’ at Sunflowerfest.

A local hub for all genres of music, the festival’s dedicated ‘ElectroMoot’ venue for dance and electronica will see a headline set from OR:LA alongside JIKA JIKA!, Ponyhawke and Brién at the controls with many more to be announced. To the delight of Sunflowerfest vegerans, the famous ‘Silent Disco’ will also make a welcomed return.

Speaking on the origins of the festival Sunflowerfest organiser, Vanessa Magowan described how the festival was borne out of their own sons’ musical pursuits at young ages.  The husband and wife duo have developed the festival to be a family-friendly force in the local music and arts community.  “Sunflowerfest began as a small-scale fundraiser to help our son raise money for a school project,” said Vanessa.  “Over the years, the festival continued to grow until we made the decision to open to a wider public and host it on our picturesque farm in Hillsborough.”

An exciting new partnership will also be launched at this year’s festival with local-favourite eatery Boojum joining forces to feed hungry festival-goers, families and artists.  Additionally, following the success of last year’s Year of Food and Drink venue, Sunflowerfest plans to this year bring a huge range of treats, cooking demonstrations and tastings showcasing the best in Northern Irish food and drink.

An emphasis on ‘world-building’

Previous years of the hugely successful festival have seen the enchanting natural beauty of Tubby’s Farm transformed into a steampunk haven and an ancient Viking settlement, among other unique themes. This year’s theme of A Parallel Universe places a focus on futurism. Organisers and designers are collaborating to create a festival experience that will guide the Sunflowerfest-faithful through space and time, a unique combination of art and science. Speaking on what can be expected at this year’s festival, festival organiser Michael Magowan described how their world-building ambitions are ‘rooted’ in positive community engagement. “Since 2002, over 7000 native trees including beech, birch, ash, alder, willow, hazel, and oak have been planted on-site,” said Michael. “The festival’s electronic music venue ‘The Moot’ and the festivals picturesque Pond Stage were crafted 5-years ago from a lorry load of renewable pine logs from the forest at Jonesborough, near Castlewellan.

“We strive to foster a sense of community and connection both during the festival and at Tubby’s Farm generally. While visiting the festival, people from all walks of life can enjoy yoga, meditation, interactive and educational workshops as well as inspirational talks from individuals who share creative and environmental interests. We’re proud to share our home in the countryside – a collective, beautiful, piece of heaven on earth. We are just the caretakers for the generations to come.

Sunflowerfest is built on principles of permaculture and sustainability, and each year an army of volunteers is assembled to ensure that the farm is prepared for the thousands of expected guests as well as looking after the land during the festival weekend.

Tickets for Sunflowerfest start at just £74.95 (includes 2 children, aged 15 and under) and £64.95 for students – now available online at www.sunflowerfest.co.uk. Additional bands, artists, and activities will be announced via Sunflowerfest’s website, Facebook, and Twitter.

The JH Academy of Theatre Arts, in affiliation with The American Musical Theatre Academy, (AMTA) London and New York is now enroling.

All our locations have now been announced.  Places are on a first come first served basis. Apply via the website for a membership prospectus pack at www.jhacademy.co.uk/membership

There are  2 scholarships available in each location.

Bangor is our specialist training college location from 10 – 5pm.
All other locations are performance based centres from 10 – 1pm.
All JH Little Academy classes are 45 minute sessions. starting from 10am

 

Down

The Woodland Trust invites families to discover the hidden gems of Kilcooley Wood in Bangor, in the countdown to Easter, this Friday 1st April.  Complete a self-guided trail through this fabulous woodland.  Young nature detectives, having completed the woodland adventure, will each be rewarded with a tasty Easter treat.

Armagh

Tinderbox Theatre Company is proud to present ‘Famla’ by acclaimed writer John McCann, at the Market Place Theatre on Saturday 1^st April.   Haunting, hilarious and heart-breaking, 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.  Recommended for age 16+ as contains some adult language.

Fermanagh

Music in Fermanagh presents Musici Ireland – Flute, Viola and Harp at the Ardhowen Theatre this Wednesday evening. Musici Ireland is one of our leading chamber groups and this will be a wonderful concert for those beginning to experience classical music. Three immensely talented ladies, Vourneen Ryan, Dianne Marshall and Beth McNinch will play works by Debussy and Ravel and some of John Buckley’s arrangements of traditional Irish music.

Tyrone

Trevor Smith and his ‘Friends in Low Places’ are putting on a very special show at the Strule Arts Centre this Friday 31st March. Friends in Low Places brings you the magic of Garth Brooks and all of his greatest hits such as ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’, ‘Friends in Low Places’,  ‘The Dance’, Baton Rouge’, ‘Shameless’ and ‘Unanswered Prayers’ This show is a must see for any Brook’s fan and is the next best thing to the man himself.

Derry

Smart Mums Market, Magherafelt Parish Centre this Sunday 2^nd April,  is an indoor market for buyers and sellers of baby and children’s nearly-new clothes, shoes, toys and equipment for 0-10 years; including buggies, bikes, cots, nursery furniture, large indoor and outdoor toys, maternity gear and everything else that comes with raising children. It is a quality market for gently-used items. Items must be in good condition, fully functional to be displayed.

Antrim

This Saturday, celebrate 111 years since the official opening of Larne Carnegie Free Library. Built in 1905, this historic building, which now houses Larne Museum & Arts Centre, opened its doors to the public in 1906 as the Carnegie Free Library, following financial assistance from the American millionaire and philanthropist Mr Andrew Carnegie. The building was officially opened on 2nd April 1906 by Colonel J M McCalmont, M.P. There will be walkabouts (12-2), Edwardian costume for adults and kids to dress up, arts and crafts, Edwardian games to play, craft demonstrations, living history, storytelling, and information on local history.

Belfast

Titanic Belfast are celebrating their fifth birthday on 31st March and are marking the occasion in style with a weekend of family fun!  Join the birthday bonanza celebrations from 31st March – 2nd April! Let your kids be a trailblazer and follow the story of the Titanic, from her conception in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end and complete our 5th Birthday Challenge Trail in partnership with Tatyo High Fives.  See history in a new way with living history characters throughout the Titanic Experience and on board SS Nomadic, enjoy our kids game zone, face painting and meet the Titanic mascots – plus be in with a chance to win at every corner with spot prizes galore! There has never been a better time for families to visit!

­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.

On Thursday, 20 April, The Darkling Air will be joined by Isobel Anderson and The Arco String Quartet for a very special concert in The Chamber, Bangor Castle.

When songwriter and vocalist Rachel McCarthy (Farriers) met composer and producer Michael Keeney (Foy Vance, Duke Special) while mixing a record in Donegal some years ago, a future collaboration was inevitable.

A simple notion to write some songs together in late 2015 quickly and organically grew into The Darkling Air.

They will be joined by Arco String Quartet who have worked closely with Rachel and Michael for many years and play on the album.

Expect ambient soundscapes and haunting vocals underpinned by guitar, piano and strings.

Isobel Anderson is a Belfast-based musician and sound artist, originally from Brighton in East Sussex. To date, Isobel has self-released and produced three studio albums and has a PhD in Sound Art. Her music has over 15 million plays on Spotify, and has been played on BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 3, BBC 6 Music and The Guardian’s Music Podcast. Isobel features on two of Passenger’s albums, and has released a collaboration EP with violinist Ruby Colley titled The Sussex Sessions.

“I love this record… Real effortless simplicity. Dark path is a great album.” Jamie Cullum, BBC Radio 2

This will be their last show for a short while, as they are embarking on a short break so don’t miss out!

Tickets are on sale now at www.ardsarts.com. Price £12 including refreshments

 

On Thursday night at 8pm Portico’s restoration will feature amongst that of seven other properties on Channel 4’s “Great British Buildings: Restoration of the Year” programme.

Presenters Kevin McCloud and Anna Keay showcase the most incredible restorations of historic buildings from around the UK. From palaces to watermills, department stores to music halls, they unfold nine centuries of history told through treasured places that have been brought back from the brink. These are bold interventions demanding great craft skills, enormous dedication and budgets that run into millions.

This second episode, on Thursday 30^th March, explores several wonderful buildings of the nineteenth century, in the Victorian category of the competition.  Anna Keay and her team spent a week filming at Portico and at Northern Ireland’s two other entries: Mount Stewart and Sion Mills stables in Co Tyrone.  Portico is a grade A listed Greek Revival temple and widely held to be one of the best examples of its type in Great Britain and Ireland.  The restoration included everything from the ridge tiles to the subfloors and the result is a stunning landmark in Portaferry and a great credit to the foresight of those people who built the church in the mid 19^th century as well as to those who recently restored it.

Prtico’s restoration was driven by the Friends of Portaferry Presbyterian Church (FPPC) who raised the £1.5m necessary for that project.  The primary funder was the Heritage Lottery Fund but 24 other charities made significant contributions and a very successful crowd funding campaign raised over £70,000.  Last May HRH The Prince of Wales reopened the building which is now an arts and heritage centre.  In the last 10 months Portico has held over 65 events.  Later this year from 26^th – 29^th May they will host their annual four day music festival “Festiv’Ards” featuring superb classical music ranging from organ concerts through clarinet, string quartet, piano, vocal and cello recitals (further information at www.porticoards.com).

Ian McDonnell, chair of FPPC Portico’s restoration said “Portico has already won several prizes and many accolades and is a wonderful example and lead for those who own a listed building and aren’t quite sure how to rescue it.  To have the work that we’ve done recognized in this way on national television is a great compliment to the many people involved in the project, in particular Bill Maxwell our conservation architect”.

At the end of the episode Kevin and Anna hear which building the Judges from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors have shortlisted to be in the running for the ultimate accolade of ‘Restoration of the Year’.

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