St. Patrick’s Day is popular for celebrations around the world, but the ultimate place to spend the day is right here in Northern Ireland. There is something for everybody and countless ways to spend this exciting time, from fun parades and concerts to seminars and craft days.

There are opportunities for the whole family to learn about Ireland’s Patron Saint upon whom this day is based including not to be missed experiences such as the Saint Patrick’s Trail and Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer for Tourism Northern Ireland explains why St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy a fun day out with friends and family.

“There is a huge array of events and activities planned for St. Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland. Wherever you are and whatever the weather, St. Patrick’s Day is sure to be a great family day out, as many events are indoors as well as outside.”

History and legacy

St. Patrick is a figure that fascinates many as his profile is iconic throughout the world, even inspiring buildings and landmarks to turn green in his honour on March 17.  For those who would like to uncover more about the history and legacy of this renowned saint, there are lots of activities, trails and walks to try out which will help you to understand more about his life.  Visit his grave in the grounds of Down Cathedral or explore Armagh where two impressive cathedrals bear his name.

Follow the Saint Patrick’s Trail through a host of Christian sites at Bangor, the Ards Peninsula, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover the fascinating links between Northern Ireland and St. Patrick.

Saint Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim Walk is perfect for those who like to get out and about whilst also finding out more about the history and heritage of an area. Starting at the Navan Centre in Armagh, this 82 mile signed walking trail takes participants through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral. Participants can stamp their Passports at the 10 locations along the route and then present their completed Passport to receive a certificate of achievement.

Places to take in along the way include the Palace Demesne, Acton Visitor Centre and The Saint Patrick Centre.

Events all around Northern Ireland

Tourism NI has put together a guide of St. Patrick’s Day festivals and events across Northern Ireland for the whole family to enjoy:

Belfast

If you’re in the centre of Belfast on March 17, you will not be able to miss the festivities taking place in the city including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade and Concert. Belfast city centre will be awash with colour as the parade leaves City Hall at midday, making its way down to Custom House Square, where a free concert featuring local musicians and dancers, along with special guests, will take place.

The atmosphere will continue in the coming days with a special St. Patrick’s Day Weekend at St. George’s Market, from March 18-20, featuring live traditional music throughout the weekend, special trader offers and lots of family fun.

Co Antrim

Get into the St. Patrick’s Day mood early by celebrating all things Irish at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Giants Causeway. Taking place on March 12-13, there will be face-painting, balloon modelling and a treasure trail, perfect fun for the whole family.

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, the annual Ballycastle and District Horse Ploughing Championship will take place. A traditional event for more than 100 years, it promises to be fun for all the family with many skilled ploughmen taking part and a great bank holiday atmosphere.

Co Armagh

One of Armagh’s key events of the year, is the St. Patrick’s Festival which takes place from March 10-20, opening with a celebratory event honouring St. Patrick through words, music and dance, the John Anderson Choral Event.

Over the following ten days, a wide range of activities and events will take place including an Ulster Orchestra concert in the Church of Ireland Cathedral, a Celtic Spirit concert in the Roman Catholic Cathedral, and one of Northern Ireland’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day precessions on the day itself.

Co Down

From March 11-19, Newry will be playing host to its St. Patrick’s Festival, a week of fun and frolics for the whole family including a variety market, arts and crafts workshops, musical events and more, culminating in a parade with a Feasts and Wild Beasts theme.

Also, on March 17, you can pay a visit to St. Patrick’s Day at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum where a unique festival of music, seasonal food and crafts will be taking place, with costumed guides taking visitors back to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations of a hundred years ago as well as a themed quiz to be solved.

Co Fermanagh

As is the case every year, the Enniskillen St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a lively event for all the family with a colourful parade and a family fun day, all happening on March 17.

March 17 also marks the start of Easter Extravaganza at Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea which will give families lots to look forward to. Until April 3, visitors can enjoy a variety of land, water and art activities in one or two hour taster sessions.

Co Londonderry

Children and adults alike will enjoy the fun and excitement at Hezlett House as Leprechauns have escaped from the trees of Downhill and hidden themselves around the house. To join in with the Leprechaun Hunt and discover the fascinating story of Hezlett House, come along on March 17 from 10am.

St. Patrick’s Day also marks the beginning of Legenderry Food Festival in Guildhall Square in Derry~Londonderry, with opportunities to try and buy lots of delicious Northern Ireland produce, with a host of activities such as cookery masterclasses, live music and craft activities for kids.

Co Tyrone

Omagh’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year have the theme “Sharing Heritage and Traditions” giving everyone the opportunity to come out, get involved and enjoy the multicultural atmosphere and amazing display of creative talent on offer.

Also on March 17 is St. Patrick’s Day – The Emigrants’ Farewell at the Ulster American Folk Park. Watch a dramatic re-enactment featuring music and songs of the so-called “American Wake” when thousands of people left Ireland in the 18^th and 19^th Century.

To find out more about what is happening in Northern Ireland over St. Patrick’s Day or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local visitor information centre.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Golden Years Winter Break, Marine Court Hotel, Bangor, Co. Down. From £210 per couple. Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, the 3 star Marine Court hotel offers spacious ensuite bedrooms, Oceanis health and fitness club, Nelson’s Bar and Bar Mocha  with entertainment. Couples can stay two nights including an evening meal for £210, and get a third night free, with complimentary use of Oceanis health and fitness facilities. Available until 31 March.  To book call (028) 9145 1100.

• Sleepy Sunday, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Chalets, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £35pps. Snuggle up and enjoy one of the 4 star Killyhevlin’s famous sleepy Sundays. The offer includes an overnight stay on a Sunday night with complimentary room upgrade. Use of the Killyhevlin Health Club is included as well as full cooked breakfast on Monday morning. Available until 24 March. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• March Hare Madness, Europa Hotel, Belfast. From £47.50pps. Lasting through all of March, this special offer contains all the ingredients for the perfect city break. Enjoy a complimentary cocktail on arrival, luxurious 4 star overnight accommodation with free wi-fi, and a full Irish breakfast in the morning. Available until 31 March. To book call (028) 9027 1066.

Tourism NI has put together a list of just 10 of the exciting things to do during the St. Patrick’s Festival taking place in Armagh, Downpatrick and Newry (March 10-20).

• St. Patrick’s Carnival Procession, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Celebrate Saint Patrick in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy. The theme for this year’s procession is Feasts and Wild Beasts so expect the fun, the furry and the fantastical as the parade makes its way from Palace Demesne at 1.30pm, through the city centre and ending up in the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.

• Beoga in Concert, The Great Hall, Downpatrick, March 16. Beoga (Gaelic for ‘lively’) have become one of the most exciting and influential groups in modern traditional Irish music, whose unique sound features the twin duelling accordions of Damian McKee and Seán Óg Graham, pianist Liam Bradley, four times all-Ireland bodhrán champion Eamon Murray and Niamh Dunne on vocals. They will be joined by renowned Irish Dancers including home grown sensation Celtic Storm who have toured the world in various shows.

• Following in the Spiritual Footsteps of Saint Patrick, Armagh and Downpatrick, March 19. An opportunity to follow in the spiritual footsteps of Saint Patrick, starting at Navan Centre and Fort, through Armagh City to Slieve Patrick, Saul and Downpatrick. There will be a screening of the film, “Footsteps of St. Patrick” during the day as well as a night of traditional music from Cathal Hayden, Donal Murphy and Seamie O’Dowd. Begins at 10.45am with a bus departing Downpatrick at 9.15am. Pre-booking is essential through either Armagh or Downpatrick Visitor Centres.

• The Ulster Orchestra, St. Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, March 19. In this special concert, the Ulster Orchestra makes a very welcome return to Armagh, under the baton of Robert Houlihan with two special guest soloists. The evening’s music has been specially chosen to celebrate the relationship between the spiritual and the earthly as reflected in our human experience. Show begins at 7.30pm.

• An Evening with Patrick, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, March 15. Armagh Cathedral Partnership invites you to an evening of music, story, poetry and prayer at the Market Place Theatre. During the evening, a guest speaker will invite the audience to reflect on Patrick and Ireland Today. It promises to be a very special evening as part of Armagh’s St. Patrick’s celebrations. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served. Show begins at 8pm.

• St. Patrick’s Landing and Food Banquet, Inch Abbey, Downpatrick, March 13. The re-enactment of St. Patrick’s landing will take place at Inch Abbey, using the River Quoile where visitors will have the opportunity to purchase food from the medieval banquet. Begins at 2pm, with free park & ride available from Down Business Park at 1pm.

• St. Patrick’s Family Fun Day, The Shambles Yard, Armagh, March 17. Let your creativity flow in the wild beasts craft corner, be entertained by the talent on the community stage or take part in family activities pitting your wits against the last man standing in this fun afternoon for all the family. From 2.30 – 5pm.

• Celebrate Saint Patrick: Festival Choral Event, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, March 12. This reflective and celebratory event honouring St. Patrick will combine some of Ireland’s greatest choirs with actors, singers and some special guest artists. It is sure to be an atmospheric evening with some world class music. Begins at 8pm.

• Artisan Food Market, St. Patrick Square, Downpatrick, March 17. The market will offer excellent food produce of local provenance in a traditional style marketplace setting. Make sure to visit and enjoy a tasty treat. From 10am – 6pm.

• St. Patrick’s Day Concert, Armagh City Centre, March 17. Crowds gathering in the city centre will be entertained by a full programme of music including popular country-blues band, The Nooks, with broadcaster Lynette Fay as MC for the afternoon. Show begins at 12.30pm.

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. 

Down

Join  Downpatrick Racecourse for their first horse racing meeting of 2016 on Wednesday the 2nd of March!  ‘Day at the Races’ fundraising packages available on certain race days to raise some much needed funds for your club or charity.

Armagh

Conal Gallen is back at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 5th March, with what promises to be his best show yet, jam-packed with over two hours of hilarious jokes, stories and songs which will have you in stitches from start to finish!  Loved by audiences young and old, Conal has proved time and time again why he is Ireland’s funniest man with his hilarious, side-splitting brand of comedy. Early booking is strongly advised.

Fermanagh

Visit Fermanagh’s most popular visitor attractions for FREE! Many of Fermanagh’s visitor attractions will open their doors for free as part of the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend which takes place 4^th to 6th March 2016. The open weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to visit and experience some of Fermanagh’s top visitor attractions, free of charge.

Tyrone

Ed Masters, Ireland’s biggest illusionist, brings  his jaw-dropping new show ‘Life of Illusion’ to the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Friday 4th March. Juxtaposing traditional sleight of hand magic and big box illusions with mind-boggling predictions and cutting edge escape stunts, this family-friendly show is bound to thrill and amaze audiences of all ages!

Derry

After their hit Stitched Up which sold out at the Lyric, c21 present another satirical, biting comedy from Jenkinson, Love or Money at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady this Saturday 5th Marcy.  Eilis is a forty-something solicitor who’s back in the dating game whilst trying to rebuild her law career. Online she meets Connor and sparks fly, but will she choose love or money? Finance and fidelity entangle in a tug-of-love to keep business – and love – afloat in this hilarious play.

Antrim

Thirteen of Jane Austen’s heroines come to life in “Austen’s Women” this Friday at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, boldly revisiting of some of literature’s most celebrated works. Using only Austen’s words, Rebecca Vaughan becomes Emma Woodhouse, Lizzy Bennet, Mrs Norris, Miss Bates and nine other beautifully observed women in critical moments from the major novels (including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma) and lesser known or unfinished works. Directed by Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson (Morecambe).

Belfast

Mum’s go Free this Sunday at Belfast Zoo!  Don’t forget to visit all of the animal ‘mums’ at feeding time and to take your mum to the cafe for a free cuppa!
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Newtownabbey Full Length Drama Festival returns to The Courtyard Theatre from Mon 14 – Sat 19 March, with a rich selection of exciting plays by amateur dramatic groups from across Northern Ireland and beyond.

The Programme kicks off on Monday 14 March with Rosemary Drama Group presenting   Kindertransport by Diane Samuels.  Between 1938 and the outbreak of the war, almost 10,000 unaccompanied German children were sent by their parents to foster homes in Britain. Many parents did not survive the war. Nine year old Eva ends up in Manchester. When her parents fail to escape from Germany, the child changes her name and begins a process of denial of her roots. Eventually through her own daughter she is forced to confront her past.

On Tuesday 15 March Theatre 3 Newtownabbey perform Lee Blessing’s A Walk in the Woods. A wood on the outskirts of Geneva, two superpower arms negotiators – a Russian and an American – meet informally after long frustrating hours at the bargaining table.  As seasons pass a strong friendship develops between the two men, and when the Russian announces he is retiring, the American looks upon his leaving with both genuine regret and fears about who will replace him.

Wednesday 16 March, Bart Players perform in Rumours. This riotously funny farce centres on the efforts of 8 party guests to spare their unfortunate host, and themselves from scandal. It opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host Charley, a government minister, in his bedroom with a bullet wound to his ear lobe. Neither his wife nor the servant is there. As the other guests arrive, the tissue of lies they weave to cover up the scandalous event becomes more and more fantastic. And then two police officers arrive! 

Thursday 17 March, The Clarence Players will take to the stage in Brighton, a gentle comedy.  Jack, a professional actor, arrives in the Sisters of Calvary Nursing Home having been paralysed in an accident. We follow him on his journey of acceptance of his condition.

On Friday 18 March, Ballyshannon Drama Society performs Old Times by Harold Pinter.  Deeley and his wife Kate are visited by Anna, a mysterious friend pf Kate’s from long ago. What begins as a trip down memory lane quickly becomes something more, as long-simmering feeling of fear and jealousy begin to fuel the trio’s passions, sparking a seductive battle for power?

Belvoir Players round off the Festival on Saturday 19 March with their moving performance of After Dresden by Philip Orr.  The play interweaves the stories of the formation of the Ballycastle based Corrymeela Community for peace and reconciliation with the WW2 experiences of the Corrymeela founder Ray Davey (called Tom Moore in the play) and the murder of a young man in the N.I. troubles in the 1970’s.   A central part of the action outlines Davey’s relationship with the matriarch of a German family, Frau Klein, during his time at Hohnstein.

Why not join us for what promises to be a Festival of moving, funny, at times ironic, and often hilarious productions performed by some of the best community companies performing in Ireland today.

Festival tickets are available in person at one of our box offices, by telephone on 028 9034 0202, or online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

#proud #SR16 #Belfast

BBC Northern Ireland personalities Barra Best and Lynette Fay and Miss Northern Ireland, Leanne McDowell, are getting behind the 2016 Belfast Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games.  They’re calling for people to sign up to run, walk, swim or cycle themselves proud.

No sporting talent? No problem!  It’s all about getting active in a good cause and everyone’s welcome to join in the Belfast’s official Flagship Games on Sunday 20 March.

Whether you’re eight or eighty; a committed athlete or usually more of a couch potato, you can choose your own pace to raise cash and change lives.

Belfast is one of just six cities across the UK chosen to host a 2016 Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Flagship Games and the main Event Village will be at Custom House Square, with activities and festival vibe from 9am through to 1pm.  That’s the starting point for the Belfast Mile which loops around the city centre … tackle just one mile at a walk, jog or run … or go for three or six miles: the choice is up to you! Join host Pete Snodden and warm up with Better Gyms and Fitness Freddie, get on down with the Queen’s Elite Dance Team and enjoy the music and craic!

Queen’s Sport PEC will be the venue for the Swim challenge, with the option to Swim alone or as part of a team over 1.5k, 2.5k or 5k. It’s also the starting point for the Family Cycle which finishes at the Event Village.

Calling on people to get up and get into the spirit of Sport Relief on Sunday 20 March, Barra Best said, “This is fun fundraising and, whatever your level of fitness or ability, there’s an opportunity to have a go, have a laugh and, most important of all, raise money that will help to transform people’s lives.”

Having challenged Barra to go head to head with her in the Mile, Lynette Fay added, “It’s all for a good cause after all. Half of all the money raised by the public for Sport Relief is used to make a difference here at home. The other half is used to transform lives across the world’s poorest communities. What’s not to love?  Get together with friends and family and make this a day to remember!”

Backing the call for sign ups, Eamonn Donaghy, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: “The Community Foundation is delighted to be distributing grants in Northern Ireland on behalf of Sport Relief. We have seen first-hand how these grants can make an amazing difference in communities throughout Northern Ireland, including in disadvantaged or rural areas with poor facilities. We would encourage people to support the Belfast Sport Relief Games in March so that along with Sport Relief, the Community Foundation can help make life that bit better for even more people here.”

To sign up for a Belfast Games event and walk, run, swim or cycle yourself proud, visit www.sportrelief.com/belfast where you’ll find tips and inspiration for fundraising. Registration for either the Belfast Mile or Family Cycle costs: Adults £11, Child £5 and Family £27 (2 adults & 2 children). Registration for the Swim costs £12 for Adults, Concessions* £9.

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY 11th MARCH AT 9AM

#tennentsvital

Tennent’s Lager and MCD today (4^th March) confirmed that Tennent’s Vital is back for 2016 with a red hot line up for Boucher Road Playing Fields on Thursday 25^th August.

Taking to the main stage for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set will be Red Hot Chili Peppers joined by special guests, Fall Out Boy.

One of the most successful acts in rock history, the Red Hot Chili Peppers have sold over 60 million albums, including five multi-platinum LPs.  They have six Grammy Awards to their credit, including ‘Best Rock Album’ for Stadium Arcadium, ‘Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group’ for Dani California, ‘Best Rock Song’ for Scar Tissue and ‘Best Hard Rock Performance With Vocal’ for Give It Away …  creating for themselves a worldwide fan base that spans the generations.  The band holds the all-time record for most No.1 singles at Alternative Radio – a total of eleven singles with a combined 81 weeks at No.1. No surprise, then, when the band which came together in LA back in 1983 was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012.

The US giants of rock  last played Belfast as part of the MTV Europe Music Awards in 2011, and RHCP’s return to Northern Ireland has been hotly anticipated with much speculation on whether singer Anthony Kiedis, bass player Flea, drummer Chad Smith and guitarist Josh Klinghoffer would play Tennent’s Vital.

Chicago’s favourite rockers, Fall Out Boy, made it big on the international stage with a run of amazing albums. Infinity On High hit the No.1 album slot in 2007 and Save Rock And Roll took the slot again in 2013.  American Beauty/American Psycho was their sixth studio album, spinning off three solid chart singles: Centuries, Uma Thurman, Irresistible (featuring Demi Lovato).  The album also includes an alternate version of Immortals, the band’s RIAA Gold, UK No 1 single from the soundtrack of the record-setting Disney movie, Big Hero 6.

Although the Illinois foursome – of Patrick Stump, Pete Wentz, Andy Hurley and Joe Trohman – have been making mega hits for 10 years,  it wasn’t until November last year that they won their first American Music Award for favourite artist.

Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, said:

“It’s fantastic to be announcing we’ve secured The Chili Peppers to headline Tennent’s Vital 2016 – they’re undoubtedly one of the biggest bands in the world with a great reputation for their amazing live shows so we’re expecting big things!  Fall Out Boy is a fabulous addition to the bill and we’re well into negotiations to secure still more big names to make this an amazing Summer of music in Belfast.

“Tennent’s Vital has earned a unique place as a highlight of Northern Ireland’s music calendar and each year we have to up the ante by delivering top international plus fresh home-grown talent. You may feel that 2015 was, literally, a hard act to follow, but 2016 is already shaping up to be something special – all credit to our industry-leading partners at MCD!  And there’s more to come, with further announcements due over coming months.”

Last year’s Tennent’s Vital saw a top line-up including Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, The Script and Kodaline play to some 65,000 music fans at Boucher Road Playing Fields, and this year’s event is set once again bring some of the best musical talent on the planet to Belfast for an unforgettable festival experience.

Fans can get their hands on tickets for Thursday 25^th August, headlined by Red Hot Chili Peppers and featuring Fall Out Boy, when they go on sale on Friday 11th March from www.ticketmaster.ie. Fans of Tennent’s Lager on Facebook will have exclusive priority access to the Tennent’s Vital pre-sale from Wednesday 9th March – join www.facebook.com/tennentslagerni to find out how to reserve your ticket before they go on sale to the general public.

Ticket Information

Tickets for Tennent’s Vital 2016 – Thursday 25th August at Boucher Road Playing Fields will go on general sale from 9am on Friday 11^th March, priced as follows:

• Thurs 25 August, Boucher Road Playing Fields – Red Hot Chili Peppers and Fall Out Boy: £49.50 including booking fee.
• Tickets can be secured via Tennent’s Vital’s official ticket partner www.ticketmaster.ie
• Tickets are also available in person from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide or via the 24hr Telephone hotlines: (NI / UK) 0844 847 2455/ (ROI) 0818 719 300.

Tennent’s Vital is an over 16s event.  However, a parent aged 25 and over can take up to two under 16s to the show.  Parents will be required to show age identification and sign a consent form in order to gain admission on the day. Under 16s must be accompanied by their parent at all times. Bars will operate a strict Challenge 25 policy.

Ladies the hunt for the perfect fitting jeans is often as elusive as the hunt for the perfect man.

Although we think we know what we want, in reality our picker can be somewhat off and we need some expert advice on what is right for us.

Helps is at hand from the Fairhill Centre, as the leading retail outlet brings us the latest 3D body scanning technology and combines it with a free body shaping and styling event.The ‘Jeanetics-It’s All In The Jeans’ event will take place on Saturday 12 from 11am-5pm and Sunday 13 March from 1 pm-5 pm.

Grainne Devine from Fairhill said, “SS16 is a massive season for denim and there is nothing more satisfying than getting a well fitting pair of jeans that will make you look and feel great. Our 3D body scanner will define everyone’s body shapecategorising them in one of five shapes. This is a free event and we encourage shoppers to come along to check out their true body measurements. So many of our stores have denim ranges from Topshop, Miss Selfridge, River Island andNext among others so you will make sure you look hot to trot this season.”

In preparation for the Jeanetics event, here are some denim do’s and don’ts to keep you in style for SS16

• Avoid over treated pairs. Ripped, whiskered (the ugly white lines across your thighs) and very worn looking are not a good look this season.

• Watch your length. A little ankle on show is a good thing; a straight pair with material bunched around the ankle is not a popular choice.

• With footwear think opposites: A slim leg benefits from a chunkier shoe (like a brogue or loafer), a stiletto only really looks modern with a boyfriend or looser cut. Skinny heels and skinny jeans is very Wag. Avoid.

• Remember is our body shape can change and the style we wore in our twenties doesn’t mean they will still suit us in our thirties. Get the right fit, rather than just going for the latest trend.

• Keep an eye on the pockets as they can make a real difference in shaping your behind.  A button down pocket will give a curvy J-Lo effect as they will ‘lift’, pocket seams that draw down into a point will give added definition and bigger pockets are also good for balancing.

More information can be found at www.facebook.com/FairhillShoppingCentre

Follow the end of the rainbow to Solitude Park on Saturday 19 March 2016 as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council host a plentiful pot of free fun for everyone with the annual St Patrick’s Family Fun Day.

The craic gets underway at 2pm and runs until 4pm and features a host of music, activities and entertainment guaranteed to get you in the mood for a sensational St Patrick’s party.

The live music kicks off with the fantastic foot tapping Fireside Folk getting everyone up for a jig and a hoolie before the fabulous Nooks take to the stage with their quirky adaptations of modern and classic rock and pop hits.

Activities on offer for younger revellers include fun inflatables and amusement rides, face painting, balloon modellers, arts & crafts workshops, giant garden games plus a ‘treemendous’ treasure hunt with a difference! For those who fancy creating a bit of a splash, Banbridge Kayak and Canoe Club will be offering ‘come and try’ taster sessions.

Come along and meet the Fizzy Fairy the happy-go-lucky magical woodland sprite and some of her friends including Tight-Fisted O’Lanaghan, Medusa, and Leary Quinn the leprechaun who will be sure to have you craicing-up with their mischievous shenanigans

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon