Leapin’ Lizards! It’s back!! The Market Place Theatre Youth Musical for 2016 will be the world’s best-loved family musical, ‘Annie’.

We are looking for budding actors and actresses to audition for the roles of Annie, Daddy Warbucks, Mrs Hannigan, Grace, Rooster, President FDR and many, many more. Auditions will take place on Saturday 14th May, at 10.15am for 10-15 year olds, and at 1.30pm for age 16+. Contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821 or visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com to book your audition now!

Auditionees should wear loose clothing (no jeans), trainers and bring a bottle of water. Everyone will be expected to sing – please prepare a short piece and bring along the music. All participants must be available throughout the period Monday 18th July to Saturday 23rd August 2016. Performances will take place from Tuesday 16th – Saturday 20th August 2016. Please note that there is a participation fee of £100.00 for successful candidates. A number of free places are available for families on state benefit.

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.

Game of Thrones® fever is on the rise once again all over the world – and no more so than in Northern Ireland. With anticipation mounting among fans everywhere for the long-awaited sixth season, Tourism Ireland today launched its latest campaign to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of Game of Thrones® fans worldwide.

The new campaign, created in partnership with HBO, celebrates Northern Ireland as Game of Thrones® Territory for the sixth year running. The campaign will also be rolled out by Tourism NI in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

An exciting feature of the 2016 campaign is a series of 10 intricately carved doors, depicting moments inspired by this season. The doors will be unveiled each week as season six unfolds – referencing key scenes and events from the latest episode and incorporating some of the iconic symbols of the show. The doors will be carved from the trees blown down in Storm Gertrude at the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim – which serves as the backdrop for the Kingsroad, perhaps the most iconic Game of Thrones® location in Northern Ireland. The wood from the fallen trees has been salvaged and will be carved into legacy pieces marking each episode, demonstrating the connection between the show and Northern Ireland. The doors will hang in pubs and other venues near filming locations across Northern Ireland, giving visitors a brand new Game of Thrones® Territory trail to follow. The first door – from episode one, which aired last night (Monday, 25 April) – will hang in The Cuan guest inn in Strangford.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, said: “Screen

tourism continues to be a growth area and the filming of Game of Thrones® here in Northern Ireland continues to showcase our stunning scenery and countryside to the world. Fans from around the world have travelled to visit filming locations here and this Tourism Ireland campaign will help build on the success of their previous social media promotion, which saw dragon eggs for sale in Belfast and three-eyed ravens spotted across Northern Ireland. The online videos generated in the region of five million clicks, comments and shares and reached about 100 million fans across the world. I am certain the new initiative will continue to be a huge success, further encouraging fans to come and see for themselves the filming location of their favourite show.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with HBO in 2016, to highlight Northern Ireland – through the exciting events of Game of Thrones® – on the global stage. TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on travellers everywhere and the stellar popularity of Game of Thrones® is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote Northern Ireland to a huge audience of potential visitors. Our latest campaign is a fun and innovative way to bring the destination to the attention of Game of Thrones® fans everywhere – they will see our ads, spiking their curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspiring them to come and explore them for themselves.”

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said: “This highly creative and innovative campaign will raise the profile of Northern Ireland as a holiday destination and encourage people to explore our stunning landscapes. There are over 20 Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland that are accessible to everyone including Tullymore Forest Park in Co Down, Pollnagollum Cave in Co Fermanagh and Ballintoy Harbour in Co Antrim.

“Across Northern Ireland we have embraced the global interest in Game of Thrones and developed a range of exciting and engaging visitor experiences built around the locations used in screening. Visitors wishing to explore the filming locations can do so independently or can choose from a range of guided location tours or immerse themselves in Game of Thrones themed adventures such as archery, cycle tours or banquets.”

Another element of the campaign includes a limited edition Game of Thrones® stamp for mail posted in Northern Ireland during the campaign. The campaign will also include some other surprising features around Northern Ireland, which will be rolled out by Tourism Ireland over the coming weeks – so watch this space!

Tourism Ireland will release a mixture of short films and images from the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube in ten markets – including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. It will build on the success of Tourism Ireland’s previous Game of Thrones® campaigns, which generated about five million clicks, comments and shares and reached about 100 million fans across the world.

Tourism Ireland will also target its own social fanbase – posting and tweeting to about 3.4 million Facebook fans and more than 323,000 followers on Twitter globally. The campaign will direct fans to a special section on Tourism Ireland’s international website, Ireland.com, which attracted more than 16.5 million views in 2015.

The campaign kicks off this week and will continue to roll out weekly until the end of season six, at the end of June.

Ards and North Down Borough Council, with support and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), have brought the towns Christian Heritage to life through the production of a new DVD and music CD.

The DVD features a selection of six short films showing the history of Bangor and highlighting its importance to the development of Christianity, not just here in Ireland but across Europe.

The DVD has a dual purpose, to animate tours to local Christian Heritage sites such as North Down Museum and Bangor Abbey, and also as an educational tool available to schools. The DVD compliments the publication, “the White Dove”, a comic which tells the history of Columbanus and the free Bangor Christian Heritage Trail mobile App, both supported by the HLF and available for schools to aid in the teaching of the areas local history.

The “Journey of a Single Day” CD brings together music and poetry from across Europe and the countries Columbanus established monastic settlements including; France, Italy, Germany and Ireland north and south.

The 18 tracks range from choral to traditional and instrumental to the works of Columbanus brought together through his poems. Locally it features works from the Ards CCE, the DIT Irish Traditional Music Ensemble, local poets and Bangor Ladies and Ballyholme Primary School Choirs.

At the recent launch event Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alex Irvine said, “We are delighted that both the DVD and CD can be launched to mark St Comgall’s Day in May. Our aim is to keep Christian Heritage to the fore, both locally and within education but also for visitors to the town to be able to learn more about the town’s heritage in new and innovative ways. We are grateful to the HLF for all the support over the past year in delivering this suite of products”.

Mark Glover, Heritage Lottery Fund NI said “This has been a fascinating project which has explored St Columbanus and Bangor’s strong role in Europe’s Christian heritage. The project has told this story through a number of initiatives from exhibitions, events, trails and now the DVD and CD. We were delighted to support the council in taking such an innovative approach highlight the rich local heritage. It is thanks to players of the National Lottery that we can help fund projects such as these”.

Copies of the DVD and CD can be obtained by contacting bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or 028 9127 0069.

Saturday 7 May 2016 is National Scrapbooking Day, in which “Scrappers” come together to enjoy a community event.

They will share stories in the creative form of Scrapbooking and meet like-minded people from different backgrounds, but having a common bond through this hobby.

To celebrate National Scrapbooking Day, this special event “MOMENTS AND MEMORIES” will take place on Saturday 7 May in the Linen Suite at Mossley Mill from 11am-3pm.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “Scrapbooking is  a fantastic hobby which allows you to get creative and meet new friends” Tutor Jacqui Milliken who has over 12 years’ experience in teaching Scrapbooking, will show you how to be imaginative, turning  your photos into pages of memories and creative works of art.

The cost is £10 which includes tea/coffee, scones and all materials to complete the project.  No experience necessary. Please bring along photos, scissors and a ruler.

For bookings or for further information, contact Jacqui Tel: 077 5944 4723.

Mercury Prize nominee, Roots Album Of The Year and BBC Folk Awards Winner, outstanding singer and traditional song collector, Sam Lee will perform at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday 6^th May.

Sam is fast becoming accepted as a new pioneer, defining the sound, sight and texture of folksong today.

His latest album, ‘The Fade in Time’, released in March 2015, has received a 5 star review in The Guardian, and been described as ‘one of the albums of the year’. His live band, Sam Lee & Friends, carve a new acoustic sound with their homemade instrumentation using unconventional and contemporary arrangements that challenge preconceptions of what traditional folk should sound like. This will be a gig not to be missed. Catch them at the Market Place Theatre, Friday 6^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 and £11 (concession).

Northern Ireland’s No. 1 for swing, The PM Big Band returns to The Market Place Theatre on the same evening, bringing with them a classic mix of vocals and instrumentals from ‘The Great American Song Book’, including selections from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, and other legends from this ageless and popular musical genre.

Adding a little spice the band will flavour the evening with Big Band versions of some modern classics ensuring an evening of music to appeal to everyone. The PM Big Band will perform on Friday 6 May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 each.

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.

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.

• Opening offer with complimentary Prosecco, The Cookehouse, Belfast. From £70pps. The Cookehouse is a restored Art Deco house built in 1936, located in a quiet residential area 4 miles from Belfast City Centre, and within easy reach of City Airport, Stormont Estate and the beautiful Ards Peninsula. Enjoy B&B for 2 nights for £70 per person sharing and avail of a welcome bottle of Prosecco. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 9514 4648.

• Spring Break, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry, Co. Londonderry. From £119pps. Add some spring splendour to your life with a relaxing break at Derry~Londonderry’s newest hotel, ideally located within the historic city walls in the heart of the cathedral quarter. As well as two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room with a cooked breakfast each morning, you will enjoy a signature cocktail upon arrival and indulge in a four-course gourmet dinner on an evening of your choice. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 7114 0300.

• Suite Treat, Manor House Country Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £129pps. Get away for some rest and relaxation on the shores of Lough Erne at the 4-star Manor House. This special offer includes a two-night stay in a Junior Suite, full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner at the hotel’s award-winning Belleek restaurant on the evening of your choice. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the newly refurbished leisure facilities, complete with swimming pool, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and fitness suite. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 6862 2200.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 25 – May 1).

• Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, various locations, Belfast, April 28-May 7. The 17th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns to enliven the city centre and beyond, with over 150 events. The packed musical line-up includes Marc Almond, Guy Garvey and The Zombies, with a comedy line-up featuring Rob Delaney, Tina C, Roy Walker. There is also a full complement of literature, theatre and visual art, including a bespoke programme in a dynamic new theatre space in the Cathedral Quarter, The Barracks. To celebrate the 2016 Year of Food and Drink, a one-day meat-free mini-festival Vegstock will take place in the Festival Marquee on May 2 accompanied by a great programme of entertainment.

• Apple Blossom Fair, Ardress House & Loughgall Country Park, Co. Armagh, April 30-May 2. County Armagh is known as the Orchard County of Ireland because of its many apple orchards, spanning over 4,000 acres of countryside. Celebrate local food traditions with orchard tours, cider tastings, barbecues and entertainment for all the family at Ardress House and Loughgall Country Park with shuttle buses available to transport visitors between sites.

• Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend, various locations, Cushendun, Co. Antrim, April 29-May 2. Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend is a four day festival of music, drama, poetry, exhibitions, workshops and family fun in one of the most picturesque villages in the Glens of Antrim. Now in its fourth year the festival showcases the rich culture and spectacular landscape of Cushendun and has something for everyone.

• North West Brew Fest, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, April 30. This exciting debut event is all about great drink and will showcase local beer, stout, ale and cider produced from across the North West. The Silverbirch Hotel’s pavilion will be transformed into a beer garden with fantastic live music taking place throughout the day from local Tyrone band, Hootin Annie’s as well as Fermanagh duo, Niall and Karl. Begins at 4pm.

• Dawn Chorus, Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards, Co. Down, April 30. One of nature’s delights, the dawn chorus should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Join bird expert Dot Blakely as the sun comes up over Kiltonga Nature Reserve for an early morning masterclass in how to recognise the songs of the dawn chorus.

• Festival of Fools 2016, various locations, Belfast, April 29-May 2. The sound of laughter will be echoing all over Belfast, as the 13^th Festival of Fools comes to town. Over 120 shows and walkabout performances will be taking place throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, all free of charge, with daredevil acrobatics, circus acts, comedy, magic and much more courtesy of some of the leading street theatre companies from Europe, America, the UK and Ireland.

• Rare Breeds Show, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, April 30-May 2. Pull on your wellies as rare and minority breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry make the Ulster American Folk Park home for the weekend. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the variety of interesting cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry on show.

• Big Marquee Weekend II, Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin, Co. Londonderry, April 29-May 1. The village of Macosquin near Coleraine will play host to music lovers from across Northern Ireland and beyond over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Big Marquee Weekend II. This year’s line-up features a thrilling mix of big name dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars.

• City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, various locations, Derry, Co. Londonderry, April 28-May 2. Derry~Londonderry will be reverberating to the sound of jazz from bars, theatres, shopping centres, restaurants and on the streets around the city as the festival, now in its 15^th year, offers a fantastic programme of live music.

• Activities at Castle Archdale, Castle Archdale Caravan Park and Camp Site, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 30. It is the golden jubilee of Castle Archdale, and the whole family is welcome to join in the celebrations, which include balloon modelling with Mr Twister and a kid’s quiz with prizes. Begins at 3pm.

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

Your taste buds are guaranteed to be satisfied at Newry’s Food Festival this Friday 22nd April, with over 30 food producers, restaurants and eateries taking part. Local businesses are bringing a taste of their menus to the heart of Newry – be sure to stop by for lunch, tea, a coffee or snack and even bring some wholesome Northern Ireland produce home to your own kitchen.  A range of demonstrations will take place between 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm including SRC Catering Students as well as Aine’s Kitchen Cookery School, and live music for everyone to enjoy.

Armagh

This Sunday 24th April at the Navan Fort Armagh – MythOlogy is a FREE drop-in event as part of the ‘Ology’ series of events.  This event looks at the whole idea of myths.  Enjoy a Queen Maeve shadow puppet show  and make a puppet of your own..

Fermanagh

Apr Icarus Theatre Collective presents The Trials Of Galileo by Nic Young at the Ardhowen Theatre this Friday 22^nd April. The Trials of Galileo focuses on the events surrounding Galileo’s heresy trial in 1633. This witty, chilling, and passionate one-man rollercoaster stars Tim Hardy of the RSC/RADA and is written by Emmy Award-winner Nic Young. After a highly successful tour of Malta, Spain, the Edinburgh Fringe and America, with multiple four-star reviews, RSC actor Tim Hardy brings his solo show to theatres across the UK. Suitable for 14 years and upwards. Contains some strong language.

Tyrone

Continuing in the Riverbank tradition of producing exciting adaptations of classical children’s literature, the company are now embarking on one of the most famous books ever. “Alice in Wonderland” featuring all your favourite “Alice” characters portrayed by a cast of four talented actors this Friday at the Square Box Dungannon. You’d have to be mad as a hatter to miss this!

Derry

The Storytelling Festival & Music Maghera on 22nd & 23rd April is a first for Mid-Ulster and includes 8 well-known names from around the province Roy Arbuckle, Joe Brennan, Ian Coalter, Declan Forde, Pearl Hutchison, Steve Lally, George Shiels and Liz Weir.  Also featuring local musicians John Burns, Vincent McCusker and James Bradley. The evening events start at 7.45pm. Tickets are £8 and available from the Heritage Centre. Refreshments available.

Antrim

The Courtyard Theatre Newtownabbey are delighted to have Celtic Soul return again to celebrate one of the truly great singer/songwriters of all time: our own Van Morrison, this Saturday evening.  With Van marking his 70th birthday with concerts on Cyprus Avenue, the band has been busier than ever both at home and with fans from abroad. They also performed at the Ulster Hall to mark the first BBC Music Day.  With years of playing in blues, folk, trad and jazz bands these musicians have the ingredients to deliver Van’s music authentically.

Belfast

Grab your cloaks, your cushions and your supplies this Thursday 21st April and climb on board a shipwreck for a truly magical experience. Belfast is joining the global celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with a truly extraordinary version of the Tempest – the Bard’s last play.  Join 230 people from across the city and a professional cast from around to world as choirs, dancers, actors, music and lights come together to create a uniquely Belfast Tempest at the Titanic Quarter in T13 warehouse.

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One of the major festivals in the Celtic calendar was Bealtaine.

For the Celts this festival marked the end of Spring and the arrival of the longer, warmer Summer days.  This light and heat meant they could grow their crops and fatten animals to store for Winter.

On Sunday 1^st May, from 11.00am – 5.00pm, join the Iron Age family at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh as they use different traditions to mark the end of winter and all that summer brings! At this festival the family will light purifying Bealtaine fires, help in the preparation for upcoming battles and will be making gifts for the gods by tying woven ribbons to the tree of Spring.  You are of course invited to get involved!

The event will continue with a very special Celtic wedding ceremony, known as a hand-fasting.  Learn about the traditions of Celtic marriage and the customs of the wedding celebration.  You might even be chosen as the bride or groom!

No booking is required, just drop in and enjoy all the fun!  Normal admission charges apply.

For information please contact: Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

UK Young Restaurant Team of The Year title could be coming to Northern Ireland

A team of talented young hospitality professionals from the Hastings Hotels Group have just been named as finalists in the UK Young Restaurant Team of The Year competition.

They are one of only five teams from across the whole of the UK to make the final, explained Mark McGurnaghan, Group Human Resources Manager.

“We are thrilled that some of our talented restaurant team members have made it to the final in one of the most prestigious hospitality competitions for young people in the UK,” said Mark.

He continued:  “We have been told that the calibre of the entrants this year was incredibly high so I would like to congratulate Andrew Bradford, Commis Chef, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Craig Thompson, Commis Chef, The Europa Hotel, Kevin Keenan, Front of House, Culloden Estate & Spa and the team mentor, Jay Eisenstadt, Executive Head Chef, The Stormont Hotel on making the final, which is an achievement in itself.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the people who dine with us at Hastings Hotels, enjoy a first-class service and delicious locally sourced food, so to be recognised nationally in this way has really confirmed that the hard work and dedication to quality service our young team have been providing is working.  We would like to wish them the best of luck for the final in July and we will be cheering them on.”

The final of the competition will take place in Sheffield at the Sheffield City College on July 5.