Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will play host to The Trials of Galileo by the Icarus Theatre Collective on Wednesday 13 April 2016 at the McNeill Theatre, Larne.

The Trials of Galileo focuses on the events surrounding Galileo’s trial for heresy in 1633.

‘The Universe is a divine miracle Galileo, not a clockwork toy! Proof denies faith, and without faith we are nothing.’ In this reprimand by Pope Urban is Galileo’s tragedy, a mistaken belief that if he supplied the church with proof, he would enlighten the world while escaping persecution. He understood the science better than any man alive, but never grasped the politics. Until it was too late.

This witty, chilling, and passionate one-man rollercoaster stars Tim Hardy (professor at RADA, and star of The Royal Shakespeare Company, The West End, TV and film) and is written by Emmy Award-winner Nic Young.

The performance starts at 7.30pm .Tickets are £12 adult/ £10 concession and are available to purchase from Larne Visitor Information Centre or by telephoning 028 2826 2450. The performance will last approximately 70 minutes plus a 15 minute interval. It is recommended for 11 years + but open to all.

This is just one of a large number of events taking place in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Keep up to date with what is happening in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

MARVEL UNIVERSE SUPER HEROES COME TO LIFE AS LIVE ACTION FAMILY SPECTACULAR

VISITS BELFAST FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Thursday 12 January to Sunday 15 January 2017

Tickets for Marvel Universe LIVE! – On general sale THURSDAY 14 APRIL

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

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND: Marvel families unite! For the first time ever, iconic Marvel Super Heroes and villains will be brought to life in a spectacular live action family arena show, when Marvel Universe LIVE! Super Heroes Assemble touches down in BELFAST.

This show is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with an epic show unlike anything seen before. Bringing together the largest assembly of Marvel characters in a live production, audiences will be able to watch some of their favourite Marvel Super Heroes step out of the silver screen and onto the stage – bringing the action to life right before their eyes.

Everyone will be able to cheer for  their favourite Marvel Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and more, as they battle Loki and Marvel’s most sinister villains in a live, action-packed arena performance for the whole family. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever, with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more.

From the creative team that brings you such arena spectaculars as Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment Inc, the world’s leading producer of touring live entertainment is excited to announce the UK tour of Marvel Universe LIVE! This arena stunt spectacular will be swinging into seven major UK cities – Nottingham, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Sheffield, Manchester and Belfast – for an electrifying run of over 40 shows that have already entertained almost 2 million families in over 65 US cities to date in its first tour.

“We are delighted to bring Marvel Universe LIVE! to the UK, giving families an opportunity to enjoy this spectacular live show for the very first time. The audience will feel like they’ve been transported into a jaw-dropping Marvel blockbuster film, with an engrossing storyline and non-stop stunts”, said Steven Armstrong, VP of Europe North at Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Featuring over 50 cast members and taking over two years to research and develop, Marvel Universe LIVE! utilises some of the latest innovations in arena set design and aerial pyrotechnics, with stunts developed by the team from Hollywood blockbuster, Thor, and the recent The Amazing Spider-Man films. The set includes innovative lighting design, transformative 3D projection, 21 projectors, the largest flying system ever used for a live arena tour and the debut of a new Spotlight Tracking System.

Marvel Universe LIVE! begins its quest across the UK on Thursday 8^th September 2016 at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, before visiting The 02 in London; Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham; the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow; Sheffield Arena; Manchester Arena and The SSE Arena, Belfast.

“To see all the elements of this spectacular live show come together has been truly incredible,” said Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada. “The technology utilised in the show is not only going to blow your mind, it is going to take you to a whole new Marvel world like nothing British families have ever seen before.”

Join Marvel families for this monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!

Tickets go on sale to the general public on THURSDAY 14 APRIL.

Eager fans can sign up to receive advanced priority bookings, discount offers and advanced show information from: http://www.feldentertainmentpcsignup.com/

The website features the complete list of UK tour dates and fans can check the latest news and announcements via social media:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarvelOnTour
• Twitter: @MarvelOnTour
• Instagram (@MarvelOnTour)

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg officially launched the Darkness into Light charity walk which will take place on Saturday 7 May 2016 from V36 at The Valley.

Darkness into Light was started in 2009 by Pieta House Suicide Awareness Centre in Dublin, with a few hundred people supporting the event in its first year. There are now over 110,000 supporting Darkness into Light events across 100 locations and 4 continents which are essential for raising funds and awareness of the tragedy of suicide.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to assist local mother Colette Snoddy, who made contact with Pieta House in an effort to do something positive in memory of her son Matthew who was tragically taken by suicide in May 2015.

The new V36 event space and park is the perfect location to hold a dawn walk and run which aims to bring the community out in support of this worthy cause and help prevent more loss of life and distress to so many families. This walk will be fund raising both for Pieta House and local suicide prevention support service Light House.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “Statistics have shown Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest record of suicide for the second year running, and I am delighted to be backing this event. 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 7 May at V36 starting @ 4.15am when it is still dark with participants walking into the light as dawn arrives. This event is in conjunction with Pieta House and Light House.

Please show your support for this event and register today http://dil.pieta.ie/

To celebrate the completion of the Public Realm scheme, visitors are encouraged to jump down the rabbit hole to Curiously Comber to see the town become transformed into a ‘Wonderland’ on Thursday 24 March with some very curious goings on.

Celebrating its 150^th anniversary this year, Alice in Wonderland is a story of a curious girl who meets fun characters while exploring a magical world and Comber is filled with many undiscovered hidden gems.

This free family event, Curiously Comber will include many fun activities but as Alice says:

“Would you like an adventure now, or shall we have tea first?”

Visitors can start their adventure at the Mad Hatters Tea Party in St Mary’s in the Square Church Hall were visitors may also find some curious creatures!

There will be special appearances throughout the day from Alice, the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

A unique acrobatic show ‘Curious World’, will take place around Comber Square at 1pm and 3pm with Alice and the Mad Hatter

Comber Farmers’ Market will run for the day from 9am with the very finest local producers bringing their distinctive seasonal wares.

There will be an array of fun filled themed events across the town.

Using the special Curiously Comber magical map, visitors will be able to discover workshops, displays, special offers, demonstrations, ‘Eat me’ Macaron stations and much more.

Local children have been involved in the event with the ‘Alice in Comberland’ story writing competition and their work will be displayed in venues across Comber.

The Curiously Comber map will be available as a pull out supplement on the day of the event in the Newtownards Chronicle, showing visitors all the best places to explore.

Further information on the event can be found at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com.

Holywood County Down is transforming into ‘Tinseltown’ for the day on Tuesday 29 March.

To celebrate the completion of the Public Realm Scheme, visitors to the town will receive the red carpet treatment with lots of ‘movie madness’ for all the family– bringing all the glitz and glam of ‘la la land’ to Ards and North Down.

Star spotters will be able to draw their own star on the Holywood Walk of Fame, get snapped by paparazzi and pose with celebs in our Holywood Photo Studios.

There will also be themed art workshops, a special ‘Star Search’, music from the movies and an array of other fun activities.

Premises across the town will be joining in the celebrations, running special events and offers on the day.

Hooray for Holywood will offer all the family a very special and unique fun filled day out from 11am to 4pm.  Further information on the event can be found at www.ardsandnorthdown.com.

Easter Monday  The Belfast Giants, together with multi award winning Peninsula Care Services, will be hosting an eggcellent fundraising campaign for Belfast toddler Cavan O’Neill, at the Belfast Giants’ last home game at the SSE Arena against Nottingham Panthers.

Jonny Cook, MD of Northern Ireland’s leading domiciliary care, nursing and recruitment agency is encouraging as many people as possible to attend the Giant’s game and show their generosity to help young Cavan O’Neill take one giant step towards taking his very own first steps. Jonny says;

“Two year old Cavan has a specific kind of cerebral palsy, which means he cannot walk.  Cavan’s family are presently fundraising through the campaign Cavan’s First Steps, to take Cavan to St Louis’ Children’s Hospital, where Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy surgery will, in the words of the American surgeon, ‘allow him to walk unaided in all environments.’  Peninsula raised a lot of money at their annual Peninsula Care Awards last year and we will continue to support the charity throughout 2016.  Hopefully people will dig deep during the Giants’ game next Monday and text donations to help Cavan’s family raise as much money as possible, so that they will get closer to their target of £80,000, a sum that will not only cover the pioneering surgery, but the intensive post-operative physiotherapy and equipment needed.”

Belfast Giant Brandon Benedict, who met Cavan last week says;

“Cavan is full of energy and fun and thoroughly enjoyed it when I took him in my arms for a spin around the ice-rink. On behalf of all the Belfast Giants, we appeal for as many people as possible to come to our last home game of the season and give as much money as they can to help this beautiful, smart little boy walk. Hopefully this time next year I’ll be teaching Cavan to skate.  Now, wouldn’t that be amazing!”

Tickets for The Belfast Giants’ Game cost £16 for an adult and £9 for a child and family (2 adults, 2 children) cost £44.00 from the SSE Arena box office or by calling 02890 739074 or from www.ticketmaster.ie. Face Off is at 7pm.

The Two Cities One Book programme of events was officially launched in Belfast Central Library by DCAL Minister, Carál Ní Chuilín.

The ‘Two Cities One Book’ project sees Libraries NI and Dublin City Libraries work co-operatively, in association with Penguin Random House Ireland book publisher, with the aim of promoting reading.

During the month of April, people in Belfast and Dublin are encouraged to join in the One Book project by discussing and sharing the chosen novel ‘Fallen’ by author Lia Mills.

The novel is a remarkable love story exploring social issues which promise to provoke thought and discussion for all. Set in Dublin against the backdrop of the Easter Rising and the First World War, ‘Fallen’ is a magnificent portrait of a young woman, Katie Crilly, which intertwines history throughout to illustrate how she finds life and independence amid a backdrop of death, destruction and grief.

A programme of events is planned during the month of April which explores and supports the themes raised in the book and these will be held in many Belfast venues including Belfast Central, Falls Road, Finaghy and Ormeau Road libraries.

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, explains:

“The ‘Two Cities, One Book’ initiative provides a great opportunity for people to connect through reading and we hope to encourage this further with a number of interesting and thought-provoking events.

“The full programme is now available in libraries across Belfast and on our website and these events present the opportunity for people to get involved by not only reading the book but enjoying workshops and presentations focusing on the subjects covered by the book as well as the art, drama, fashion, music and poetry from that era.”

Culture, Arts and Leisure Minister Carál Ní Chuilín offered her support for the initiative.

She said:

“Two Cities One Book is an excellent initiative that encourages people to engage with reading. It is particularly appropriate given the enormous significance of the year 1916 within the Decade of Centenaries to both major traditions on this island.

“I am very pleased that the network of libraries in Belfast is teaming up with their counterparts in Dublin City and County in order to help commemorate this important year. A range of stimulating events are planned and, with the novel ‘Fallen’ being available to borrow completely free of charge, it’s easy for anyone to get involved.

“I hope the initiative will encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to reflect on the complexity of events in 1916 and its impact on the history of the island north and south.”

This is the first time Belfast has teamed with Dublin for a one book project so whether you read in libraries, in a coffee shop or anywhere else, seize this unique opportunity to make a bit of history.

For the latest information on this exciting project check out the Libraries NI website www.librariesni.org.uk/twocitiesonebook, follow Libraries NI on Facebook and Twitter #2cities1book and keep an eye out in the local press.

Copies of the book are available to borrow for free in local libraries and an eBook version is available to download on the Libraries NI catalogue www.librariesni.org.uk

Spring into action and unleash your inner explorer at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield this Easter Tuesday (29 March) from 10.30am-3pm for our Cadburys Easter Chick Hunt.

Hop along for a fun filled day out exploring the nooks and crannies around the garden and hunt for clues to win a Cadbury’s choocy prize. Every single Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt will help us care for our special place for future generations to explore.

There will be loads of other activities to fill your day, get your face painted, egg rolling and visit Phil’s Farm and his animal friends and on your adventure hop by our café and reward yourself with a warming cuppa and a hot cross bun on your adventure, to make your day eggstra-special!

Normal admission charges and Members free apply plus £1 for the Easter Egg Hunt.

Enjoy more events like this by becoming a National Trust Member on the day and help support this special place.

For further details on what’s on and opening times visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden and follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/nationaltrustbelfast

Want to be a pirate for the day? This Easter Monday, March 28, pirates will run amok in Bangor!

If you would like to join in the fun, then come on down and be a part of it! Look out for ‘X Marks The Spot’ signs around the town and make your dreams of becoming a pirate come true! Expert face-painters will transform your little darlings into dashing pirates. Come dressed for the part and take part in a pirate bonanza day! With a pirate parade, street entertainment, a pirate island, free prizes and lots more, your family will love this free day out.

The spectacular Pirate Parade will be taking place at 3pm when over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups will make their way around the Town Centre. Look out for pirate ships, colourful bands, pirates, dancers and live music.  Led by The Mayor of Ards and North Down and featuring Bangor Central IPS, St Columbanus College, St Comgalls PS, North Down Scouts and many more local groups, this is an extravaganza not to be missed!

Project 24 will be turned into “Pirate 24” for the day, a fun Treasure Island full of pirate-themed crafts, activities and music. Come and join in the fun in the pirate dress up area, get your face painted or make some crafts in the pirate craft emporium. Walk the plank with some real-life pirates or have a boogie to some Desert Island Discs.

Bangor Chamber of Commerce is also joining in the fun with their Big Coin Giveaway Bonanza. Over 400 local businesses have kindly donated prizes to be handed out on the day – look out for the lucky coins and you could be a winner!

The pirates of the Moto Trial NI Club are very excited to be given the honours of entertaining all ye land lubbers with the biggest arena event to date. The McKee Clock Arena will take centre stage for this dazzling trial bike competition as the Pirates of The Bay pit their wits and skills against each other over various insane obstacles! Picture the scene, The Black Pearl has run aground on the rocks, and its cargo of rum drums and parrot cages along with the wooden rafters of the hull make for the perfect obstacles for these pesky pirates to go head to head to see who is the greatest! Free posters will be signed by the riders between shows so come along and cheer your favourite pirate along.

On The Promenade, a special pirate land train will be giving free rides all day. And look out for the giant seahorse and pirate ship who will be entertaining the crowds in The Sunken Gardens.

So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends for lots of pirate fun this Easter Monday at this FREE event! The fun runs from 12 to 5pm.

For further information check out: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Dana launches her long awaited first EP live at the MAC this spring. Tickets on Sale Now!

Originally from the Deep South in the United States, Dana grew up with sound of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music all around her. Her love for music developed as she grew up and lead her to study music, majoring in vocal performance at university. Music took Dana from South Carolina to Minneapolis and then onto Los Angeles where she lived for four years and where she met an Irish boy who would later become her husband. In 2008 Dana and her husband moved to Northern Ireland.

Although she sang sporadically, music generally took a back seat while Dana settled into life in a new country and culture. That all changed in early 2012 when Dana had a chance meeting with Linley Hamilton at a local music venue.  During that year Dana, Linley and some of the best Jazz musicians playing in Ireland began a weekly residency in the basement of McHugh’s bar in Belfast, the inspiration for Dana’s first EP.

From live work with BBC Radio 4 and Proms in the Park to singing regularly with Van Morrison, Dana’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top vocalists continues to gain momentum.

Calling Northern Ireland home, Dana is passionate about music as a vehicle to make people and communities vibrant. Dana and her husband Andrew live in Lisburn with their three children.

Dana Masters will launch her debut original soul EP at The MAC, backed by a band of some of Ireland’s most esteemed musicians:

Dana Masters vocals
Linley Hamilton trumpet
David Howell sax
Johnny Taylor piano
Gareth Hughes bass
James Nash guitar
Paul Hamilton drums

Tickets for The MAC are available:

In person from the Box Office

By Telephone: 028 90 235350
Book On Line: www.themaclive.com