FABULOUS FASHION TEAS RETURN TO THE MERCHANT

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The Merchant Hotel’s Fabulous Fashion Teas are set to return for the eleventh year this March, serving up the hottest Spring/Summer trends for 2017.

On Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th March, guests will be treated to two days of style with shows presenting this season’s must-have looks from local designers and leading designer boutiques.

Models from Style Academy will showcase the hottest Spring/Summer trends from designer shoe and accessories boutique Harper; women’s wear boutique Walk in Wardrobe in Banbridge; David Yurman at Lunn’s the Jewellers and The Rosh Collection from the Lisburn Road, accessorised by APD Jewellery.  Hair will be styled by Andrew Mulvenna and make-up provided by Lancôme.

The Fashion Teas have become an iconic event in Belfast’s fashion calendar.  Guests can enjoy a fashion show curated by carefully chosen local designers whilst enjoying The Merchant’s famous afternoon tea accompanied with a glass of Veuve Clicquot Champagne.

Guests are also welcome to shop the collection hot off the catwalk at the pop-up boutiques in the hotel.

Harper at The Merchant will kick off the two-day fashion extravaganza with a 12-noon catwalk show. Harper is exclusive NI stockists of some of the world’s most sought after brands, including Christian Louboutin and MIU MIU.  With a mixture of classic shapes, colours and fashion-forward styles, this fashion show will help you to step into the new season with the perfect new pair.

Exclusive Banbridge-based ladies wear boutique, The Walk in Wardrobe, will return to the catwalk at 2.30pm on Saturday 18th March.  Specialising in bespoke brands, this vibrant collection will be packed with stunning occasion wear, hats and accessories sourced from Italy, Spain, Croatia and beyond.

The Rosh Collection from the Lisburn Road, accessorised by APD Jewellery, will be taking centre stage in a collaborative show at 5pm on Saturday 18th March.  Making a debut appearance at this year’s event, The Rosh Collection offers a range of exclusive and designer labels from across the globe; boasting eye-catching pieces for any occasion.  The Rosh Collection will be joined this year by APD Jewellery, brainchild of The Merchant’s Marketing Director, Petra Wolsey.  The epitome of statement jewellery, APD Jewellery expertly juxtaposes industrial-style materials with semi-precious stones, richly coloured leathers, lace and upcycled vintage jewellery.

On Sunday 19th March, the Fashion Teas will be rounded off with the return of the stunning David Yurman Jewellery range from Lunn’s the Jewellers at 1pm.  David Yurman’s master craftspeople use the finest precious metals, rare gemstones and innovative materials to make jewellery of enduring quality and beauty.  The jewellery is exclusively available at its UK and Ireland stockist, Lunn’s the Jewellers in Queen’s Arcade.

 

Tickets to the Fashion Teas cost £35 per person, which includes a Fashion Show of your choice, champagne afternoon tea and a goody bag.  Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.themerchanthotel.com

Tinderbox Theatre Company unearths long buried family secrets in Famla by acclaimed writer John McCann at the MAC this Spring.

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Premiering at The MAC from 21 – 25 March, Famla staring Rhodri Lewis, Hayley McQuillan and Tara Lynne O’Neill, challenges the stories we tell ourselves to hide the truth of who we really are.

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…

Director Patrick J O’Reilly, 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. Famla is hilarious, haunting and heartbreaking in equal measure.

“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.

“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.”

Playwright John McCann sees parallels between the answers sought by his characters and the wider debate about how we deal with the past in NI.

“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.

 

Famla is recommended for ages 16 +

Book now at themaclive.com

‘SAY HELLO TO MORE’ CASTLES & GARDENS IN NORTHERN IRELAND

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If you love exploring historic castles and glorious gardens, Northern Ireland is full of exciting locations while our rich history has left an incredible legacy of buildings all telling their own story.

Rachel Quigg, Tourism NI Destination PR Officer said: “Northern Ireland has so much to offer in terms of stately homes and impressive castles such as Dunluce Castle on the Causeway Coast to stately houses like Mount Stewart located on the shores of Strangford Lough.

Northern Ireland is also awash with wonderful gardens. From grand ornamental gardens to charming walled gardens, award-winning rose gardens and woodland meadows, there are a wide range of magical open green spaces just waiting to be explored.

So whether you are a gardening enthusiast or love to roam historic ruins there is a garden, castle or stately home to suit the experience you are looking for,” Rachel added.
Tourism NI have pulled together a list of stunning Castles & Gardens to explore in Northern Ireland:

 

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, Co. Down

A modern day castle literally fit for a Queen, Hillsborough Castle, built in the 1770s, is a working royal palace that functions as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland.

Explore 96 acres of stunning gardens featuring impressive 150-year- old Lime Trees, a serene Temple water and Pond and a world record breaking Rhododendron.  You can also take in the grandeur and hear about the fascinating history with a guided tour of the Castle which includes the elegant State Rooms, still in use today, including the majestic Throne Room and graceful Drawing Room.

Suggested Place for a Bite: The Plough Inn located in picturesque Hillsborough village is a family owned pub with an outstanding reputation for hospitality, atmosphere and fantastic food.

Belfast Castle Estate, Belfast

Situated on the slopes of Cave Hill Country Park in north Belfast, the estate contains both parkland and mature mixed woodland and offers breathtaking views of the city from a variety of vantage points.
The estate is home to many different species of wildlife, including long-eared owls, sparrowhawks and Belfast’s rarest plant, the town hall clock.

Cave Hill Country Park also  features an adventure playground for little adventurers, a visitor centre, ecotrails and orienteering routes.

Suggested Place for a Family Activity: With over 250 amazing interactive exhibits in four incredible exhibition areas, W5 provides a unique experience as well as fantastic fun for visitors of all ages. In addition to permanent exhibits, W5 also presents a changing programme of large and small scale temporary exhibitions and events.

Mount Stewart, Co. Down

Mount Stewart is one of the most inspiring and unusual gardens owned by the National Trust. Re-opened after a three-year long restoration project, the house has been redesigned to the elegance and charm it held when it was home of the 7th Marchioness Edith, Lady Londonderry and her family in the early 20th century.

A simply ‘must-see’ on the list of UK gardens, if not the world, Mount Stewart was voted European Garden of Inspiration in 2003. The mild climate of Strangford Lough allows astonishing levels of planting experimentation. The formal areas exude a strong Mediterranean feel and resemble an Italian villa landscape; the wooded areas support a range of plants from all corners of the world, ensuring something to see whatever the season.

Suggested Place for a Drive: Designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough is Northern Ireland’s first marine nature reserve. Tour along the Ards Peninsula and enjoy the combination of stunning scenery and picturesque villages and towns.

Dunluce & Dunseverick Castle, Bushmills, Co. Antrim

Both Dunseverick and Dunluce Castle are perched on the fabulous Causeway Coastal Route with the North Antrim Cliff path from the Giant’s Causeway to Dunseverick Castle a particular highlight. For the ultimate cliffhanger, Dunluce Castle clings precariously above the north Atlantic.  Once the headquarters of the MacDonnell Clan, its magical setting is said to have inspired C.S. Lewis and was included in BBC Countryfile Magazine’s top 10 romantic ruins in Britain.

Suggested Place for a Tipple: The Bushmills Distillery is the oldest working distillery in Ireland. The Bushmills Brand Experience encompasses guided tours around a working distillery with all the associated sights and smells, tutored whiskey tastings, a specialist whiskey shop and gift shop.

Harry Avery’s Castle, Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone

Thought to have been built around 1320 by a local chieftain of the O’Neill clan, but named after another chieftain who died in 1392, the castle is considered unusual in that Irish Chieftains of the time rarely built stone castles.
Its design is also unusual with its two towers looking like a gatehouse, similar to that of Carrickfergus Castle, but in reality it served a similar function to a medieval towerhouse.

Suggested Place for a Walk: Meander through hills of heather on a lake side walk at Gortin Glen Forest Park offering superb views of the Sperrins landscape.

Castle Ward House & Gardens, Co. Down

Castle Ward is a stunning 18th century mansion with a sunken garden and 820 acres to explore. Step into a fantasy world of castles and dragons as you explore the Georgian farmyard and the Lough shore, film locations for the smash hit television series Game of Thrones®. You can also head out on the Lough in a canoe, climb and abseil the cliffs, and build a raft with Clearsky Adventure.

Suggested Place for a Game of Thrones® fan: Experience HBO’s Game of Thrones® for yourself at Castle Ward, the location of Winterfell in the series. A replica of the Winterfell Archery Range has been masterfully recreated in the courtyard, transporting you into the world of Westeros. Dress up in character costume, step into the movie set and stand exactly where the characters Jon Snow, and Robb & Bran Stark stood.

Crom Estate, Co. Fermanagh

Not one but two castles are nestled in Crom Estate on this 2,000 acre demesne containing ancient woodland, tranquil islands and estate cottages all linked by breathtakingly beautiful landscape on the shores of Upper Lough Erne Co. Fermanagh.  One of Ireland’s most important conservation areas, Crom is home to a wealth of wildlife. Discover it whether you are fishing, woodland walking, butterfly spotting or bird watching.

Suggested Place to Stay:  Glamping pods, holiday cottages and a campsite are all available at Crom and are a stone’s throw from the water – the perfect spot to relax and watch the sun set.

Glenarm Castle & Gardens, Co. Antrim

With its own special place in local history, Glenarm Castle is a true national treasure. One of Ireland’s oldest estates and home to the Earls of Antrim, Glenarm Castle is a ‘must see’ destination and one of NI’s top tourist attractions. Whilst here, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and enchanted walks in the historic Walled Garden and Castle Trail, excellent locally sourced food in a charming Tea Room and a little bit of retail therapy in the new Castle Shop.

Suggested Place for a Festival: Glenarm runs a full programme of events starting with a tulip festival in April and Nathan Carter in concert in July as part of the Dalriada Festival.

Northern Ireland has many more stately homes and castles and gardens worth exploring – find out more including special spring accommodation offers at www.discovernorthernireland.com and www.sayhellotomore.com

#LoveArds outdoor cinema

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An outdoor cinema is coming to Conway Square, Newtownards on Saturday 4 March 2017 – and viewers get to choose the film!

With a firm, family-friendly focus the choices are three Disney favourites:  Toy Story, Finding Nemo and Monsters Inc.

Anyone can take part in the poll to pick the film on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Facebook page until 4.00pm on Friday 24 February.

The film screening forms part of a two day #LoveArds event taking place on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 March which celebrates all that is local and loved in the town. Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, is looking forward to welcoming hundreds of visitors to the town.  She said:

“With its bustling local market, array of fabulous speciality and high street stores and wonderful range of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants serving local, artisan foods, what’s not to love about Ards?”

All events are free except the fashion show, for which here will be a small charge of £4.99, with 25% of all sales being donated to The Mayor’s charities.  Tickets are going on sale on Monday 20 February.  For more information, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com

10 Exciting Things to do Next Week in Northern Ireland

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Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 20 – February 26).

 

  • Celtic Mindfulness, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, February 25 – 26. Celtic Mindfulness is a unique healing experience of the land and energy. Music, myth and mediation will be used to awaken your Celtic Soul, creating focus positivity and stillness for the mind. Featuring workshops from Sandra Nelson and Kate Fitzpatrick.
  • Mid Term Fun, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, until February 21. Challenge the kids with the Explorer Trail throughout the Titanic Experience, meet the Titanic Mascots and try out the new family interactive guide, before stopping off for a bite to eat with the ‘Kids Eat Free’ meal deals this mid-term holiday.
  • Ards and North Down – A Postcard View of the Past, Newtownards / Ards Visitor Centre, Co. Down, until February 25. Do you remember the age of steam trains, pony rides on the beach, Bangor seafront activities, the Ballywalter lightship, or the Whale’s Jawbone Arch near Portaferry?Step back into the past via the medium of old picture postcards and see the towns and villages of Ards and North Down going back over the 20th century to days when the pace of life was much more sedate.
  • Winter Wooly Walk, Saint Columb’s Park, Derry~Londonderry, February 25. It’s time to kick off those winter blues. Rally your kids, friends and family, and join the big Winter Woolly Walk in St Columb’s Park, Derry~Londonderry. Starting at 10:30, the 3 mile walk starts at St Columb’s Park House and takes in the beautiful surroundings of Ebrington Square and the iconic Peace bridge. Afterwards there will be plenty of warming refreshments and family fun.
  • Glasgow Girls, MAC, Belfast, February 21 – 25. Glasgow Girls is a potent political drama, with uplifting songs, music, dance and humour to tell the tale of the most powerful asylum campaigns in recent history. A show with universal appeal – a massive hit at Edinburgh Fringe 2016, selling more tickets than any other theatre show in the festival.
  • Ulster Orchestra, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, February 25. Join the Ulster Orchestra and its sensational young Music Director, Rafael Payare, in a concert that celebrates its fifty years as Northern Ireland’s world-class symphony orchestra and that will evoke, ‘the awakening of happy feelings on arriving in the countryside.’
  • Jane Eyre: An Autobiography, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Derry~Londonderry, February 22. Dyad Productions presents ‘Jane Eyre’, Charlotte Bronte’s classic novel, dramatized on stage and starring Rebecca Vaughan. Struggling to live, think and love beyond the stifling expectations of duty, class and convention, governess Jane Eyre and Master Edward Rochester take a dark journey towards sensual and intellectual liberation.
  • William McKinley by Alex Blair, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, February 22. William McKinley was one of many Scotch-Irish presidents with Ulster links. His links lay in Conagher and the talk will untangle the family lineage which links Conagher to The White House. Alex Blair will untangle his family lineage which links Conagher to The White House. He will tell of the 25th Presidents progress to the highest office in the U.S.A. and how his presidency ended tragically in assassination.
  • Let the Dance Begin, Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Co. Tyrone, February 23. Inspired by The Pushkin Trust’s theme of Floodtide in the Heart – Seamus Heaney, Let the Dance Begin aims to bring many different people together through Creative Arts within the community of Strabane through a display of dance, drumming poetry and more.
  • A Taste of Flavour SenseNation, Black Box, Belfast, February 25. This exciting interactive event will take your taste buds on a roller-coaster ride through the senses. It will challenge your sensory skills, your taste, smell, touch, sight and hearing, to see how they react with each other when different sounds, smells and textures are thrown into the mix. This is no ordinary experience; you will sample the ‘fifth taste’, test your smelling memory skills, trick your taste buds and sample some very weird foods.

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this weekend across NI

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Down

Children of all ages are encouraged to get out in the fresh air and have fun jumping in puddles this February half term with WWT Castle Espie’s Big Splash – the national puddle jumping championship. The time has come to see you can jump the highest and make the biggest splash!

Armagh

‘I’ll Tell My Ma’ is a hilarious one-woman show by Patricia Gormley charting the adventures and mis-adventures in the life of four generations of one West Belfast family. Catch the show this Thursday 16th February at the Market Place Theatre.

Fermanagh

Getting married? Don’t miss the Killyhevlin Hotel Wedding Show this Sunday 19th February. There are special discount for all weddings booked on the day. The show will include trade stands, bridal & evening wear fashion show,  live entertainment, refreshments served, competitions and much more.  2.00pm to 5.00pm.

Tyrone

Join in the “Wellies, Songs and Stories” this Wednesday and Thursday at the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh.  Meet the blacksmith and have a taste of Mrs Mellon’s pancakes. Join them for songs and stories on a special family tour. Don’t forget your wellies!   Special tours at 12noon and 1.30pm each day. Just drop in, no booking necessary.  Normal admission applies.  Free entry for children aged 4 and under.

Derry/Londonderry

DIRTY DANCING IS BACK! Exploding with heart-pounding music, breathtaking emotion and sensationally sexy dancing all this week at the Millennium Forum until Saturday. Seen by millions across the globe this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two  fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds, who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring 35 hit songs, including “Hungry Eyes”, “Hey Baby”, “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life”. Don’t miss your chance to see this sensational new production.

Antrim

“Don’t Tell the Wife”, McNeill Theatre Larne,  Wednesday 15th to Friday 17th February. Edna Willis thought she was happily married to Bobby… well, as happily married as you can be to a man who eats onions with everything… but Bobby’s turning 50… a dangerous age for a man…  Larne Drama Circle is delighted to bring this side-splitting Northern Ireland comedy to the stage.  Tickets are £7 and are available from Larne Visitor Information Centre (028 28 26 24 95).

Belfast

Special Lego Batman Movie Camp. Held at Clayrazy on 77 Holywood Road (7min walk from Strand Arts Centre), ending with a screening of the new Lego Batman Movie at Strand Arts Centre, Friday 17th February.  The Strand have teamed up with the Clayrazy to create a unique and amazing Lego Batman Movie Day. The kids will enjoy Lego Builds, Clayrazy make and take themed workshops, fun game and activities and Lego Freeplay, including Clayrazy’s NEW giant super-sized Lego bricks.  Registration cost includes Clayrazy make and take, snack and entry into this NEW Lego Batman movie.  Children should bring their own packed lunch.

 

­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.

10 Exiting Things to do Next Week in NI!

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Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (February 27 – March 5).

 

  • Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend, various locations, Co. Fermanagh, March 3 – 5. Visit Fermanagh to rediscover some of the county’s most stunning visitor attractions for free over the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend. Over the weekend visitors will have the opportunity to visit a selection of stately homes, museums, ancient sites such as Belleek Potter, Castle Coole, Share Discovery Centre and much more.
  • United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, Clayton Hotel, Belfast, March 1 – 5. More than one hundred local and international artists will perform in thirty concerts and showcases over this five-day festival. This year’s line-up features Paul Brady, one of Ireland’s most successful songwriters, Nashville’s Grammy nominated Darrell Scott and Mac McAnally, as well as local performers Kaz Jawkins, Peter McVeigh and Triona.
  • Ballycastle Food Tour, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, March 3 – 4. North Coast Walking Tours host a three hour, six stop food tour of Ballycastle focusing on the town’s varied cultural history, local award winning food producers and amazing community spirit. By the end of the tour you are guaranteed to be so full of facts, folklore and fabulous food.
  • Stayin’ Alive, Strule Arts Centre Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 4. Now in their 19th year as the world’s premier tribute to the Bee Gees, Stayin’ Alive continue to tour all corners of the globe with their No1 show dedicated to the magic of the Brothers Gibb. This unforgettable showcase will feature timeless classics such as ‘How Deep Is Your Love’, ‘Night Fever’, ‘Tragedy’, ‘Massachusetts’, ‘Gotta Get A Message To You’ and many more.
  • Cirque Berserk, Grand Opera House, Belfast, February 28 – March 5. Showcasing the finest in traditional circus thrills and skills, Cirque Berserk brings this treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. Combining contemporary cirque-style artistry with adrenaline-fuelled stunt action, this astoundingly talented international troupe includes over 30 jugglers, acrobats, aerialists, dancers, drummers and death-defying stunt men.
  • A Musical Celebration of Stevie Martin, Nerve Centre, Derry~Londonderry, March 4. A night of musical celebration will take place in the city’s Nerve Centre to remember talented Northern Ireland musician – Stevie Martin. Line up the evening to include performances from And So I Watch You From Afar, The Wood Burning Savages, Making Monsters, Furlo, Allie Bradley and John Deery & The Heads.
  • Give My Head Peace, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, March 2. ‘Give My Head Peace’ combines up to the minute satire, topical jokes and laugh out loud comedy. Featuring Uncle Andy, Da, Pastor Begbie, Ma, Cal, Billy and Dympna as well as superb stand-up from Tim McGarry, don’t miss the brand new GMHP Live stage show. It’s a night of guaranteed laughs.
  • Glass Painting, F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Co. Down, March 4. Express your creativity on a day long Glass Painting course with artist Naomi Whan! Participants will get the opportunity to learn a number of glass painting techniques including sponging, adding embellishments and mixing colours as well as techniques for brush painting and how to use outliners and peel – offs. Booking essential. Please contact (028) 406 3322.
  • The Royal Ballet: Sleeping Beauty, Movie House Cinema, Belfast, February 28. A perennial delight and a much-loved classic, The Royal Ballet’s Sleeping Beauty combines the best of classical ballet, with all its charms and virtuosity, splendid music and talented dancers. First choreographed to Tchaikovsky’s great musical score by Marius Petipa in Russia in 1890, the ballet has wonderful ensembles, solos and, of course, the concluding celebratory dances for the happy union of prince and princess.Tickets from £10. Booking essential.
  • Ardnaglass On The Air, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Derry~Londonderry, March 2. The highly acclaimed c21 Theatre Company presents a hilarious rural rom-com set in the fictitious town of Ardnaglass. Experience Ireland’s top premiere rural community radio station and join Hugh Francis O’Connell and Margaret Mary-Rose for the latest community news and gossip. Suitable for 16+.

Star Wars Snowspeeder Crusies to Eikon Exhibition Centre for Invasion N.I.

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A first for Northern Ireland will be unveiled at Invasion N.I. this weekend when an interactive Star Wars Snowspeeder, something that could be mistaken from “The Empire Strikes Back” will be the centre of attention.

Nearly two months in construction, countless man hours have been accumulated to ensure the Speeder will be ready for the thousands of Star Wars families descending on Eikon Exhibition Centre.

The Emerald Garrison and Eikon will be bringing Star Wars to life in a way that amuses, entertains and educates at this award-winning family show.

The show features life-sized replica props, sets and characters from the new and original Star Wars trilogies, meet and greets with special guest actors including Admiral Piett (Kenneth Colley), Logray the Ewok (Mike Edmonds) and KLAATU (John Simpson), not to mention ‘Force Training’ for kids, it’s an event not to be missed.

The unofficial fan event is being run in aid of Make-A-Wish UK and has proven to be so popular 500 extra advance discounted tickets had to be released earlier this week.

The hugely popular Heroes & Legends Exhibition will complement Invasion over the two days with a selection of characters including Spiderman, Iron Man, Transformers, Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park and much more.

Online advance family tickets are priced at £35 with a maximum of two adults aged 18+ per family.

Young Force Academy Trainees aged 3 and under can enter for free.

Tickets can be purchased from the Invasion N.I website, invasion.idamigo.com.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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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.

  • Two Night Golf Escape, Hilton Belfast Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, from £173pps. Only thirty minutes from Belfast, the four-star luxurious hotel and country club, Hilton Templepatrick, is situated in the private grounds of the Castle Upton Estate with stunning views overlooking our very own 18-hole championship golf course. Deal includes two nights’ accommodation, full breakfast on both mornings, dinner on your first evening, unlimited golf, golf buggy, a bucket of golf balls on the driving range, and access to the Living Health Club. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 94 435500.
  • Celtic Garden and Walking Experience, Mahon’s Hotel, Co. Down, from £79pp per night. Situated in the centre of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Mahon’s Hotel has just gone under a big refurbishment and provides top class accommodation, unique bar and top class restaurant serving home cooked cuisine. Enjoy two nights’ three-star bed and breakfast and one evening meal as well as a visit to the Celtic & Famine Garden, a place of prayer reflection beauty and hope with statues carved from native Irish Oak. Package also includes a guided walk around Lough Erne at Castle Archdale Country Park. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 68 621656.
  • Time Together, White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £89pps. Ideally situated for The Walled City of Derry and the main road to the Causeway Coast, the four-star White Horse Hotel offers plenty do in and around the hotel. Treat that special person in your life to two nights’ bed & breakfast. Enjoy full use of the Leisure Centre and a fantastic four-course evening meal in 68 Clooney Restaurant on the evening of your choice, with a bottle of house wine included and breakfast on both mornings. Valid until 31 March. To book call (028) 71 860606.

 

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

STARS OF LIONSGATE TELEVISION’S “NASHVILLE” TO STAGE SECOND INTERNATIONAL TOUR

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Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson To Play United Kingdom and Ireland June 2017

Sam Palladio To Join Tour On Select Dates 

3Arena, Dublin: Monday 19th June

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Tuesday 20th June

 

Nashville – Stars of the Lionsgate produced and distributed, hit series, “Nashville” are set to play for audiences in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland during a second international tour in June.  Launching June 9 in Birmingham, England, the tour will feature cast members Clare Bowen, Chris Carmack, Charles Esten and Jonathan Jackson, plus Sam Palladio on select dates.  Tour stops will feature songs from the series as well as artists’ original material and are set to include: Brighton, Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester, Dublin, Belfast, and two nights at London’s Royal Albert Hall.

All shows go on sale Friday, February 17. “Nashville” staged a sold-out tour in the UK and Ireland in 2016.

“Our first international tour proved how tremendously popular ‘Nashville’ and its cast are beyond the U.S.,” said Steve Buchanan, President, Opry Entertainment. “We look forward to more sell-out shows this summer featuring cast members who are not only amazing actors, performers, and songwriters, but who have also become incredible ambassadors for our home state of Tennessee.”

On sale Friday, February 17 at 9am

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

 

FULL TOUR DATES

6/9                    Birmingham         Barclaycard Arena

6/10                  London                 Royal Albert Hall

6/11                  London                 Royal Albert Hall

6/13                  Brighton               Brighton Dome

6/14                  Nottingham          Royal Concert Hall

6/16                 Glasgow               The SSE Hydro

6/17                 Manchester           Manchester Arena

6/19                  Dublin                   3 Arena

6/20                 Belfast                  SSE Arena

“Nashville” airs on six continents and in more than 100 territories, including the United Kingdom. In its fifth season in the U.S., the series has been a record-breaker for CMT, where episodes have become the network’s most-watched original series telecasts ever. Since its debut, the show has inspired multiple “Music of Nashville” soundtracks as well as a Christmas album, collectively selling more than a million soundtracks and millions more single tracks to date. Season 5 of “Nashville” airs in the U.S. Thursday nights at 9pm CT on CMT.

About “Nashville”

Now in its fifth season, the critically-acclaimed series “Nashville” is set against the backdrop of the city’s music scene and follows the personal and professional challenges as country music royalty including Rayna Jaymes, Juliette Barnes and Deacon Claybourne navigate their paths as artists and individuals. Surrounding them and often complicating their lives are their family, friends and, in some cases, lovers, as well as the up-and-coming performers and songwriters trying to get ahead in the business. Music City can mean so many things to different people. In “Nashville,” musicians and songwriters are at the heart of the storm driven by their own ambitions. Some are fueled by their creativity and passion for fame. Others struggle to cope with the pressures of success and doing everything in their power to stay on top.

“Nashville” stars Connie Britton as Rayna Jaymes, Hayden Panettiere as Juliette Barnes, Clare Bowen as Scarlett O’Connor, Chris Carmack as Will Lexington, Charles Esten as Deacon Claybourne, Jonathan Jackson as Avery Barkley, Sam Palladio as Gunnar Scott, Maisy Stella as Daphne Conrad and Lennon Stella as Maddie Conrad. “Nashville” is executive-produced by Marshall Herskovitz, Ed Zwick, Callie Khouri and Steve Buchanan. The series is produced by Lionsgate, ABC Studios, and Opry Entertainment.

About Opry Entertainment

Opry Entertainment®, a division of Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP), is a producer of multi-media entertainment experiences with primary interests in location-based entertainment and television and stage production. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, its core business segments include the world-famous Grand Ole Opry®, the historic Ryman Auditorium®, and legendary radio station 650 AM-WSM.

About Lionsgate

Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B) is a vertically integrated next generation global content leader with a diversified presence in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, premium pay television networks, home entertainment, global distribution and sales, interactive ventures and games and location-based entertainment.

With the acquisition of Starz, Lionsgate adds to its portfolio of businesses the flagship STARZ premium pay network serving 24.3 million subscribers and the STARZ ENCORE platform with 31 million subscribers. The combined company will operate five over-the-top (OTT) streaming services and the STARZ app delivering content directly to consumers.

The Company’s feature film business spans eight labels and includes the blockbuster Hunger Games franchise, the Now You See Me and John Wick series, the critically-acclaimed box office hit La La Land, which earned a record-tying 14 Academy Award® nominations, Hacksaw Ridge, Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Madea Halloween, CBS Films/Lionsgate’s Hell or High Water, Roadside Attractions’ Manchester by the Sea, Codeblack Films’ breakout concert film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain and Pantelion Films’ Instructions Not Included, the highest-grossing Spanish-language film ever released in the U.S.

One of the largest independent television businesses in the world, Lionsgate’s slate of premium quality series encompasses nearly 90 shows on more than 40 different networks. These include the ground-breaking Orange is the New Black, the fan favorite Nashville, the syndication success The Wendy Williams Show, the hit drama The Royals, the acclaimed Casual, the breakout success Greenleaf and hit STARZ series including Outlander, Black Sails, Survivor’s Remorse and Power, the second highest-rated premium pay television series of 2016.

Lionsgate’s home entertainment business is an industry leader in box office-to-DVD and box office-to-VOD revenue conversion rates. Lionsgate handles a prestigious and prolific library of more than 16,000 motion picture and television titles that is an important source of recurring revenue and serves as a foundation for the growth of the Company’s core businesses. The Lionsgate, Summit Entertainment and Starz brands are synonymous with original, daring, quality entertainment in markets around the world. www.lionsgate.com

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