The Millennium Forum has just announced its new season of events taking us into the Autumn/Winter of 2016. The Sept-Dec 2016 season will open for bookings @ 9am on Thurs 14^th July.

The season opens with acclaimed Irish folk favourite CHRISTY MOORE for two nights on 2nd and 3rd September.  Music is a central part of the Millennium Forum programme and local fans can look forward to hearing PETER CORRY when he returns after a long break with the much loved MASTERS OF THE MUSICALS in October.  Legendary crooner TONY CHRISTIE, (famous for ‘Amarillo’ and ‘Avenue and Alleyways’) arrives for his debut here in November.  In the same month, Derry’s own THE UNDERTONES celebrate their 40^th anniversary as a band with what is sure to be an unforgettable night in their home city.

Also featuring this season are FOSTER AND ALLEN, NATHAN CARTER and THE FUREYS.  For something different, why not enjoy an evening of Mozart Masterpieces with the MAGICAL MOZART BY CANDLELIGHT.   This season, a wide range of the best in stand-up comedy is on offer by SEAN LOCK who returns with his new show in October, while host of ‘Live At The Apollo’, HAL CRUTTENDEN, debuts on the Forum stage in the same month.  Internationally acclaimed, JIMEOIN, is back in November while Channel 4 favourite, JIMMY CARR makes a welcome return for what is sure to be another sell-out show.  Comedy newcomer, ROMESH RANGANATHAN, joins us in December.

The Force is with us when an all new INVASION DERRY returns for another weekend of fantastic photo opportunities for Star Wars fans in September.

The first ever touring production of CELTIC THE MUSICAL arrives in the cityside venue this season.  This is the story of a world famous sporting institution, a people’s club, and showcases a musical history of Celtic Football Club. The UK Tour of BLOOD BROTHERS stops off at the Forum for one week in October.  Written  by Willy Russell, and featuring a superb score, the legendary BLOOD BROTHERS tells the captivating and moving tale of twins who, separated at birth, grow up on opposite sides of the tracks, only to meet again with fateful consequences.

International multi-award winning singer Tommy Fleming takes to the stage for his first major acting role in the hit drama/musical PADDY, which returns by popular demand.  There is local drama with the return of the well-known PACKIE’S WAKE; there are two new plays by local playwrights, Jonathan Burgess’ DIVIDED BY HISTORY UNITED BY MUSIC and Brian Foster’s WHEN THE BOGSIDE SPINSTER MET THE CARNDONAGH STUD.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without the Millennium Forum pantomime and this year’s CINDERELLA is shaping up to be the biggest and best!  There is a stellar cast, a fabulous script, an amazing set and even more special effects.  It’s fun for all the family from aged 4 – 94!

The full programme of events is now available to download from the Millennium Forum website at www.millenniumforum.co.uk

The new Sept-Dec season of events is open for bookings from 9am on Thursday 14^th July. Telephone the Box Office on 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for tickets.

The 29^th John Hewitt International Summer School is making a welcome return to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh from Monday 25^th until Saturday 29^th July, extended for the first time to six days.

This year’s celebration of culture and creativity will feature talks, readings, theatre, performances, discussions and workshops from well-known writers, performers and esteemed speakers from across the UK, Ireland and beyond. The theme is ‘A Role in History: the Rising, the Great War and a Shared Past’, and will look at the influences – cultural, political, economic and historical which led both men and women, Nationalist and Unionist, to choose various ‘roles’ in 1912, 1914, 1916 and consider the factors old and new on those who have enlisted in numerous conflicts since then. The summer school aims to explore how historical narrative, media, culture, literature and the arts have kept the record straight, or have been harnessed to politically and culturally divisive ends.

Key events in the Summer School programme include a poetry reading with Sinead Morrissey who is a central figure in contemporary Irish poetry, music from Duke Special, one of our most significant musical talents, a World War 1 musical | story from celebrated storyteller Liz Weir and acclaimed fiddle player Ciaran Mulholland, a performance with one of the most important Irish traditional musicians of the last fifty years, Martin Hayes, as well as a rare opportunity to hear one of Ireland’s finest and most cherished poets, Paul Durcan.

The full programme is available to view online at www.johnhewittsociety.org

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

The Hastings Group has invested almost £1m refreshing Belfast’s premiere city centre hotel, the Europa Hotel, as part of an ongoing programme of internal and external upgrades.

Visitors to the hotel will see one of the changes immediately, explained Julie Hastings, Marketing Director, Hastings Hotels.

“The Europa Hotel has a new grand entrance with an enlarged revolving door and as visitors arrive they will be greeted by a stunning chandelier.  The Piano Restaurant has a new integral bar and the Lobby Bar has been totally transformed as well.  The Causerie restaurant and Piano Lounge have also been upgraded and refreshed.  The hotel looks glorious and we are looking forward to the feedback on our new facilities from our guests around the world and those closer to home”, said Julie.

Julie continued:  “Whilst we have enlarged the Europa Hotel by 50% since we acquired it in 1994, we never really felt that we had given the hotel the sense of arrival that it deserves, as the premier City Centre Hotel in Belfast. This new development gives us that initial wow-factor, and our customer response to the changes we have made has been extremely positive. Visitors love taking their selfies at our new front door, and we are delighted to have completed all our work in time for the busy season ahead.”

The hotel also added a number of internal upgrades as part of the upgrade programme.

“Over half of our investment figure was used to upgrade parts of the hotel that will probably never be seen by members of the public”, said Julie.  “But we know that they will certainly benefit from them in terms of an enhanced customer experience whether they are having a meal, afternoon tea, popping in for a glass of wine, attending an event or staying over.

“Our investment in the Europa Hotel has been driven by our commitment to providing our visitors and guests with a unique hospitality experience, one which they will want to enjoy time and again”, concluded Julie.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Music In The Park Programme continues in Ward Park this Sunday, July 17 with a performance from Les Petits Hardchargers.

Les Petits Hardchargers are a duo featuring Chris Todd and Richard Hodgen, playing Delta blues to psychedelia as well as pre-war Hill Country blues, as favoured by the one and only Seasick Steve.

So if you’d like to enjoy some quality live music in the great outdoors, get down to Ward Park this Sunday from 3pm to 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone. All events are weather dependent and therefore subject to change.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

A collective exhibition of work by Project 24 Artists and Makers is currently on show at the Flax Gallery at Mossley Mill.

‘Phases’ is an exciting collection of diverse artwork, created by Artists who have had their studios in these innovative Art Pods on Queens Parade in Bangor over the last four years. Heather Parker, Craft Development Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council commented, “We are delighted to have this opportunity at the Flax Gallery to showcase the talents of Artists and Makers who are both current and past residents of the Art Pod studios at Project 24.  Project 24 on Queens Parade in Bangor is an award winning initiative and the Pods are providing much needed studio space for many young and upcoming Artists.

We welcome everyone to Project 24 and would encourage you to visit the exhibition which is on show at The Flax Gallery, Mossley Mill until Saturday 30 July.  Admission to the gallery is free and opening hours are Monday to Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 10am – 9pm, Friday 10am – 4pm and Saturday 11am – 4pm.

Thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies from Northern Ireland and beyond are set to descend again this year on Killyleagh town centre to celebrate the 2016 Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, 23^rd – 25^th September.

Sponsored by artisan producer Finnebrogue, based in nearby Downpatrick and famous for their outstanding quality venison and sausages, among other favourites, this year’s festival will be the largest one yet, with over 15 chocolatiers and nearly 40 local artisan food producers scheduled to set up camp at the historic Killyleagh Castle for the weekend-long festival.

Founded in 2010 to celebrate Killyleagh’s most famous son, Hans Sloane, who was born in the village in 1660 and later became one of the most famous men of his time partially because of his development of milk chocolate, the biennial festival has grown from strength to strength and is now regarded as one of the leading events of its type in the UK and Ireland and a highlight of the summer calendar for locals in Killyleagh.

“Now in our 4^th festival season, the committee is working tirelessly to ensure that this year’s Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival is the best one yet.  With increased interest in our abundance of local produce and artisan suppliers with thanks to 2016’s Year of Food & Drink, our chocolate-themed festival stands as a unique event in this year’s events calendar,” said Meave Davison, festival committee member.  “We look forward to welcoming guests coming from as close as Killyleagh and as far as mainland Europe who will share in this special festival.”

Joining in the anticipation of the event was Joanna Discombe, Business Development Director at event sponsor Finnebrogue Artisan who added, “Like Hans Sloane, Finnebrogue is an iconic name synonymous with this part of County Down.  Known for our high-quality ingredients which go into making unique, artisan food, the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival offers the perfect local platform to show off our outstanding products to local and international audiences.”

The festival will kick off on Friday 23^rd September with the Chocolate Ball which will take place on the grounds of the stunning Killyleagh Castle, one of Ireland’s longest-inhabited castles.  Guests will be treated to a chocolate-rich menu prepared and curated by the Chef Simon Dougan of Yellow Door and Finnebrogue consultant development chef Chris Burt, followed by world class entertainment set in a stunning marquee against the backdrop of Killyleagh Castle.

The three-day celebration will continue on Saturday 24^th & Sunday 25^th September with the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, where guests can enjoy the range of chocolatiers’ displays and market stalls, taste and purchase local artisan produce, and be entertained by the activities for the whole family, offering serious fun for all in 2016!

Joining the line-up of this year’s festival is the Cancer Fund for Children, who have been confirmed as the beneficiary of this year’s fundraising activities. The leading local charity that provides practical, emotional and financial support to children and young people affected by cancer and their families, the charity offers therapeutic short breaks to families at Daisy Lodge, Newcastle, just a short drive from Killyleagh.

“We’re delighted to have partnered with this year’s Killyleagh Chocolate Festival,” said Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive, Cancer Fund for Children. “Our charity focuses on providing respite to families impacted by cancer. The children and families we support are at the heart of everything we do, and we are thrilled to be a part of such a family-friendly, wide-reaching event.”

The Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland, Newry Mourne & Down District Council, and Food NI in the staging of this year’s event as well as the support of sponsors Bryan Somers Travel, Finlay Wealth Management, Jeep, Killyleagh Development Association, Mash Direct, Roskyle, and S.D. Bell’s.

Ticket prices vary, based on events running throughout the Festival. For further information on all events taking place and to book tickets visit www.hanssloane.com or follow the Killyleagh Chocolate Festival on Twitter @KillyleaghChoc or facebook.com/KillyleaghChocFest.

BLOOMING LOVELY…

Model Caoimhe Wallace enjoys a tasty treat as she helps launch The Merchant Hotel’s new Floral Afternoon Tea, ahead of Rose Week 2016.

Guests can enjoy the elegant experience of scones, delicate finger sandwiches and floral-inspired cakes and pastries including a raspberry and rose chocolate sphere and a praline and earl grey blue flower macaroon, over the summer months at the five-star hotel.  As well as the extensive menu of teas on offer, guests can add an extra special touch to the experience with a glass of Valdo Rosé Prosecco Floral Edition 2016.

The Champagne Floral Afternoon Tea is priced from £32.50 per person.  For further information or to book, contact The Merchant Hotel on 02890 234888 or visit themerchanthotel.com

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 11 – 17).

• Soma Festival, Castlewellan, Co. Down, July 13 – 17. Now in its 4th year the Soma festival is bigger and better than ever. SOMA means ‘Food of the Gods’ and this year music is a core theme of the festival and there are some extraordinary musicians coming to Castlewellan such as Lisa Hannigan, Eddi Reader and Declan O’Rourke.

• Castlewellan Agricultural Show, Castlewellan, Co. Down, July 16. Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park, the show will feature classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses and many more animals. There will also be a wide range of trade stands, food and craft producers showcase their wares alongside live music, vintage tractors, carriage driving and demonstrations of countryside pursuits.

• Foyle Maritime Festival, various locations, Co. Londonderry, until July 17. The Foyle Maritime Festival will host the stopover of the Clipper Race 2015-16 as they near the end of their Round the World Journey. The city will be transformed into an international marina to welcome the yachts and their crews once again. Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts as we prepare to Welcome Team Derry~Londonderry for a special homecoming party!

• Lough Erne Paddlers Open Day, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, July 16. Discover the beauty of Fermanagh from the water on a fab fun day out with the family. Come along and try the many different types of kayaks and canoes and enjoy an afternoon on Lough Erne. To book call 028 66 387010.

• Scarva Sham Fight, Scarva Village, Co. Down, July 13.  The Sham Fight is firmly established as one of the major events on the Northern Ireland cultural and tourism calendar. It will be an amazing occasion packed with music and pageantry, a day the whole family can enjoy. Video screens and other stage equipment will be provided for people to enjoy the day and a special marquee will be set up to allow visitors understand the history of the Royal Black Institution and the Sham Fight.

• Rock the Castle, Glenarm Castle & Walled Garden, Co. Antrim, July 17. See Dolly’s Rockin Country Club performing songs from Neil Diamond, Kenny Rogers, Carrie Underwood and Elvis before being transported to the 70s and 80s with Glamslam and Q the Quo. This is a night country music fans will not want to miss! To book call 028 28 841203.

• Ship Shape Sculpture, HMS Caroline, Belfast, July 16 – 17. Join artist Jim Russell aboard the HMS Caroline and try your hand at a spot of ship building on this historic First World War ship and help create a unique sculpture of the ship.  This is a drop in activity, so you can stay for as long as you would like.

• Benone Artisan Market, Benone Tourist Complex, Co. Londonderry, July 17.  Fresh aromas, vivid colours, eclectic treasures, buzzing crowds – a mere stroll amongst the many stalls of a Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market is enough to invigorate the senses and whet the appetite.

• Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until July 16. Written by Frank McGuinness, this mesmerising production focuses on the extraordinary circumstances of the World War 1 and the lives of eight young men whose lives are utterly changed.  This iconic play is a powerful portrayal of mortality, love and loss.

• Dining in the Dome, Victoria Square, Belfast, until July 23. Experience an evening like no other by Dining in the Dome at Victoria Square. Enjoy food, drinks and the best views in a special intimate setting high above the Belfast skyline.  www.victoriasquare.com Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Patrick Ward from Dundrum Co, Down. Graduated from the University of Ulster, York Street Belfast 1999 with Dip He/BA. Hons. Fine & Applied Art specialising in sculpture using found objects and materials.

In 2002 Patrick went to Finland for a one year art residency and has lived there ever since. During his time in Finland Patrick has been involved with 35 exhibitions and projects.

Coming back to Ireland, The Art of Craft Exhibition 2016 is the first exhibition in Ireland that Patrick applied for since 2002. “I am really happy that my work was accepted for the Art of Craft Exhibition which has a reputation for showing the highest quality craft from leading makers nationwide.  I am delighted that the public enjoyed my work and how my work ‘Stags Head’ has been received.”

“I have been making mosaic art for 10 years and `Stags Head` is part of a collection of work and working technique which I have been developing since 2014”.

The process involves inlaying hand-cut ceramic tile into the wood bark. Patrick explains that his inspiration for his new work came from living in a forested environment where off-cuts of wood are readily available and how the material allows him to experiment with a different type of base. “My challenge was to make the ‘Stags Head’ good enough that it didn´t need any background mosaic”.

“This is the development stage my work is now at and I continue to be inspired by nature concentrating on the small details to capture the essence and character of the animals”.

I want to thank everyone who has supported me, the public who voted for my work and thanks to the exhibition organisers Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Market Place Gallery and Craft and Design Collective. Thanks also to all the other exhibiting artist, designer makers at the Art of Craft Exhibition

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.

The 2016 Foyle Maritime Festival, in association with the Clipper 2015-16 Round the World Yacht Race, kicks off on Saturday July 9 and continues until Sunday July 17 in Derry~Londonderry.

This year’s festival has an action-packed program that is overflowing with family fun, explained Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg:  “The city will be transformed into an International Marina, providing a celebratory welcome to all 12 Clipper Race Yachts and their crews.

“This year’s festival has tonnes of things for families to enjoy including a variety of live music, fun street theatre performances and animation.  Foodies will be busy exploring the Clipper Race Kitchens at Ebrington Plaza showcasing the wealth of local food at its best in what is NIs Year of Food and Drink.  There will be live cookery demonstrations, food tasting to tantalize your taste buds, as well as the return of the Walled City Market and Continental Market along Queen’s Quay for visitors to explore.”

Tourism NI has listed a small selection of the huge array of unmissable happenings taking place during the festival.

A dedicated arts and crafts programme for kids will be running daily during the festival.  They will get to create a swashbuckling sword at pirate-themed workshops, enjoy some fishy business creating creatures from the deep or listen to magical stories of mermaids and the daring sea voyages. For older kids, or those who are young at heart, you can try your hand at some circus skills or simply enjoy the funfair attractions, tasty treats and general good old fashioned fun.

Music City 2016 will turn Derry City into one big performance space with hundreds of musical performances of all genres taking place in streets, squares, neighbourhoods, churches, offices and workplaces.  This year’s festival will feature a special homecoming gig from Mercury Prize nominee, Soak, as well as The Strypes, David Kitt, Girls Names, and stars of America’s Got Talen, The Willis Clan.  There will even be a Music City Busking Competition with a whopping £1,000 cash prize up for grabs.

The Foyle Maritime Lecture Series will take place weekly from June 15 until July 6, from 7.30pm at the Tower Museum.  Speakers include Dr Liam Campbell and Ken McCormack, and various topics, including the changing landscape of Derry~Londonderry and the North West, will be discussed.  Admission is free but places must be booked via the Tower Museum.

On July 13, 14 and 15, members of the public will be treated to Clipper 2015-16 Race Fleet: Open Boat Tours.  People will be able to discover what life as an ocean racer is like on a personal yacht tour conducted by crew members who have competed in the unique race.

On Saturday July 16 the spectacular finale, The Voyage of Sunniva – Night of the Two Moons, which takes place at Queen’s Quay, brings together land, water, aerial performance, light, music and fireworks in a world class spectacle that will be remembered forever by all who see it.

The closing day of the festival, Sunday July 7, will feature the Clipper Race Yachts Parade of Sail.  This will be a very special event as the city bids an emotional farewell to the Clipper race yachts as they depart for their next official race start at Greencastle, Co Donegal.

There is loads more happening during the Foyle Maritime Festival, visit www.foylemaritime.com for further details.

If you are planning on visiting, why not extend your stay? A wide range of excellent accommodation is available across Derry~Londonderry, ranging from luxurious hotels, to B&B’s full of character and charm, and self-catering options, as a home from home.  Check out www.discovernorthernireland.com for further details.