The Great Hall at Queen’s University is the location for a night dipped in glamour and mystery in aid of Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity.

The Belfast Masquerade Ball on October 17 is the perfect excuse to dig the glad rags out of the wardrobe and up the intrigue with a bespoke mask to match.

The event costs just £60 per person for a full night of entertainment which includes a champagne reception, a four course meal, music from local musicians and dancing into the wee small hours.

The event is being organised by Cancer Fund for Children supporter and volunteer Sinead Campbell who is also running the Boston Marathon for the charity. Sinead (35) who lives in Belfast spent some of her early years in America and so has personal reasons for running the race. It is the novice runner’s first marathon.

She said: “I only started training in March and it is tough going but all for a great cause. The ball will help me fundraise for it.  I am hoping the event will be a magical night a once in a lifetime experience in a magnificent setting.

“I have volunteered at residentials for the charity and have seen the amazing work it carries out and how it helps the whole family. Funds raised will help local families during the most difficult of times.”

Cancer Fund for Children’s Events Fundraiser, Amanda Steele said: “We are delighted that Sinead is holding this masquerade ball in aid of Cancer Fund for Children. It promises to be a unique and memorable night. Funds raised through this and via Sinead doing the Boston marathon will enable the charity’s experienced team of Specialists to continue providing practical and emotional support, helping families cope with the devastating impact cancer has on their lives.”
The Ball is one of many special events Cancer Fund for Children is promoting during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Keep an eye out for our Bog Run, Zipline the Lagan and Gimme 5 campaign on Q radio.

Find out more or buy tickets by logging onto www.belfastmasquerade.co.uk or contact Cancer Fund for Children on 028 9080 5599.

Brides and grooms make sure to ‘Save The Date’ for The Vintage & Handmade Winter Wedding Fair taking place at Malone House Belfast on Sunday 11^th October.

Brought to you by the original and inventive folks at Frock Fairs NI, the special event will showcase inspirational wedding exhibitors offering handmade, vintage, bespoke and DIY wedding services for creative couples. All visitors will be able to enter a free draw for the chance to win their Save The Date cards from Arbee Stationery and Design as well as benefit from other special offers on the day.

A cool and stylish event, the Vintage & Handmade Wedding Fair is a celebration of the genius crafty and creative wedding talent that we have right here in Ireland, the event features fashion-forward inspiration and experts who can create tailor-made wedding products and services to suit your taste, personality and imagination. You will also find carefully sourced, authentic vintage treasures from dresses and jewellery to china teasets and sparkling glassware, so you can be sure that no-one else is going to have the exact same look on their wedding day – it all makes for a less ordinary feel with a twist on the traditional. A gorgeously glamorous fair that is friendly, fun, and relaxed, it is designed to put you at ease and make planning your big day a pleasure. Many of the products and vintage treasures can even be purchased and taken away on the day!
The Vintage & Handmade Winter Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 11^th October from 12-5pm at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast BT9 5PB. The winter event is a more intimate affair than the summer wedding event and for this reason admission costs only £3 (usually £5). There will also be goody bags for the first 100 ladies through the door! For more information visit frockfairsni.com.

ENJOY A 2 NIGHT HALF-TERM BREAK IN BRITAIN FOR A FAMILY OF 4 FROM ONLY £235*

Includes return travel by car and accommodation

STENA Line has launched great value half-term hotel breaks to Britain from only £235* for a family of four.

These amazing deals include travel by car from Belfast – Cairnryan and two nights’ accommodation for two adults and two children for week commencing Monday October 26.

This means a family of four can enjoy a fun half-term from as little as £58.75 per person in total for travel and accommodation.

There are lots of destinations and hotels to choose from and examples of these great value breaks include:

3* Travelodge Dundee                                  from £235 per family of 4

3* Mercure Ayr (with pool)                         from £315 per family of 4

4* Doubletree by Hilton Dunblane            from £349 per family of 4

4* Hot-El Apartments Edinburgh               from £349 per family of 4

For further information or to book go to www.stenaline.co.uk/hotel, call 08445 768 889 or visit your local travel agent.

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Down

Solitude Park, Banbridge goes back in time back to 1985 when Marty McFly returns to the big screen with a special 30th anniversary showing of the iconic movie classic ‘Back to the Future’ on Friday 18 September at 8pm.   This family favourite will delight film fans and would-be time travellers of all ages. To add to the cinema experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required for this fabulous free outdoor cinema event, just come along and enjoy this time twister of a tale, and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.

Armagh

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s biggest ever ‘Culture Night’ has just been launched and takes place on Friday 18^th September in various locations around Armagh.  A jam-packed and vibrant programme of over 100 events featuring art, readings, workshops, demonstrations, tours, music, dance, drama, exhibitions and family fun takes place in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, throughout Armagh City Centre and District.

Fermanagh

Get Outdoor’s Weekend takes place this  Saturday 19th September in Castle Archdale County Park.  A selection of events will take place including climbing, canoeing and cycling and staff from the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark will be on hand for fossil making and rubbing plus a host of interactive biodiversity activities.

Tyrone

Culture Night, an all-Ireland celebration of culture, creativity and the arts, is returning for a third year this weekend at the Strule Arts Centre and various other venues around Omagh.  From 5pm – 11pm on Friday 18 September, locals and visitors will enjoy the unique experience of Culture Night, a FREE night of entertainment, discovery and adventure.

Derry

City Arcade Minecraft Weekend, part of the 2015 CultureTech Festival, takes place this weekend at the Millennium Forum.  Expect a weekend full of gaming fun with dozens of Minecraft stations, Minecraft tournaments and casual play on both PC and x-box, late night gaming for grown-ups,  costumes, stalls, live entertainment and Youtubers. There will also be indie games, a variety of titles across x-box and PC gaming zones and workshops across the weekend.

Antrim

Bushmills will come alive to the 4th Annual Salmon and Whiskey Festival this weekend, 18^th to 20^th September.  Enjoy artisan market stalls with local craft and produce, street performers, whiskey tastings in the Distillery, live traditional music featuring Willie Drennan and Big Al, a guided tour of the Salmon Fishery Station, fly casting demos and kid’s table. Salmon dishes, an ‘Old fashioned’ cocktail demonstration along with the very best of local cuisine and entertainment at restaurants, cafes, guest houses and pubs throughout the town, will keep guests amused during this popular celebration of local culture, heritage and produce. Events will take place at various sites.

Belfast

The Zoo visits W5 this Saturday 19^th September. The team from Belfast Zoo will join the W5 demonstrators to introduce a series of small animals, representing both vertebrates and invertebrates from many different habitats. If you’re brave enough, experience helping to hold an African Royal Python and discover the beauty of these amazing snakes!
Add your events free at www.whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 21-27).

• Annual Famine Commemoration, various locations, Newry, Co. Down, until October 4. Get involved in the inaugural Annual Famine Commemoration series of events held north of the border for the first time in its history.  The remembrance of those who died or had to leave these shores is an important element in fostering an appreciation of the impact the Famine has had and continues to have in Ireland today. A programme of events has been put together to explore the social, cultural, linguistic, economic and legacy of the Famine in libraries, museums, arts centres and schools throughout Newry.

• Belfast Music Tour, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, September 26. Take a bus journey through the heart of this rock and roll city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy tunes and tales from Them and Van Morrison, by way of awesome guitar players, traditional and folk, to punk rock and Hollywood soundtracks. Finish up at the Belfast Music exhibition at the Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter. Tour starts 2pm at the Ulster Hall, Bedford Street.

• Icons Festival, various locations, Belfast, September 24-27. ICONS Festival is a global event, bringing together world leaders in the tech, music and screen industries. The event is set to garner attention on an international level. 20,000 people are expected to flock to the Titanic Quarter over the four days. ICONS have ensured there is something for everyone with roundtable discussions, film screenings, careers fair and an array of nightlife events under the ICONS Live experience to showcase the best that Belfast has to offer in entertainment.

• Sperrintrek Hillwalking Festival, The Sperrins, Co. Tyrone, September 26-27. Mid Ulster District Council has teamed up again with the Mid Ulster Walking Club to bring you a fantastic ‘Autumn’ hill walking festival. With over 120 walkers joining in last year this is sure to be the best start to your hill walking calendar! The festival departs from Burnavon Arts & Cultural Centre at 9am.

• The Geology of Inishowen and Beautiful Binevenagh by Boat, North Coast, Co. Antrim, September 25. Join Causeway Lass, Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust to explore almost 1700 million years of geological history along the exposed Atlantic Coast of Counties Londonderry and Donegal. You will see the coastline as never before, discovering how the island of Ireland has travelled across the globe, through warm tropical seas, hot deserts, fiery volcanic activity and freezing ice ages. Departs at 10am.

• A Time Traveller’s Tale, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, September 26. Presented by The O’Brien School of Drama in association with Borderline Players, 50 young actors who have taken part in a 12 week summer programme perform a series of acted scenes, musical numbers and high energy dance routines. Featuring some of your favourite musical classics, prepare for a night of fun and laughter with the stars of the future. Show begins at 8pm.

• Jazz in the Gardens, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, September 27.  Bring your picnic and settle down on the lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz in the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart. From 2-4.30pm.

• International Clown Festival, Market Street, Downpatrick, Co. Down, September 24-27.  Come and take part in the International Clown Festival with a line-up full of FREE entertainment for all of the family, including street shows in St Patricks Square, Scotch Street, English Street and Museum Courtyard. There will be clowns shows, pantomimes, jugglers, magicians, puppeteers, acrobats, bubble artists, balloon sculptors, face painters and much more.

• Victorian Tea Party, The Argory, Moy, Co. Tyrone, September 27. You’re invited to step back to the 1800s to see what really went on behind closed doors in the Victorian big house. Get the gossip from the Housekeeper and the Lady’s Maid and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea featuring finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge, homemade scones and other traditional delights. Afternoon tea sittings: 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm.

• An Imbecile’s Guide To First Aid, The Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Armagh, Co. Armagh, September 25. Join Tony Sutcliffe in this hilarious new comedy show based on his experiences of over 20 years as a first aid trainer. You will be invited into a world of medical mayhem and mirth, with Tony trying to impart his vast but somewhat suspect knowledge of subjects ranging from CPR to childbirth. Show begins at 8pm.

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.

This Saturday, September 19^th, Newtownards will take on a distinctly 1940s feel when the Battle of Britain 75 event takes place at Ards Airfield.

The commemorative event which is being organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council will recreate the sounds of the 40s with a jazz picnic, a vintage fair and a finale flypast.

Newtownards Town Centre will also get into the swing of things with a specially -themed 1940s market in Conway Square. There will also be street theatre and live music in the square throughout the day. The market will run from 9am to 5pm.  Many retailers are getting behind the event too with special window displays and vintage decorations in their shops. Look out for lots of bunting! A free shuttle bus is running from South Street to Ards Airfield every half hour from 12 noon.

Speaking about the event, Leigh Nelson, President of Newtownards Chamber of Trade said: “We’ve had a lot of interest from the retailers who are always looking for ways to support events in the local town. We feel the event highlights Ards and what it has to offer and we’re delighted with the free shuttle service being provided especially for the event.”

Out at the Airfield, the Battle of Britain 75 stage programme will commence at 2pm with a Commemorative Service to pay respects and honor the sacrifices made. Dave Martin and The Casino Cats with their smooth sounds from the 40s will then take to the stage, followed by The Syd Lawrence Orchestra. The stage programme will be compered by local broadcaster Frank Mitchell.

At 6.30pm spectators will be invited to look to the skies as a genuine Spitfire and a Hurricane aircraft perform a special fly-past finale over the Air Field.  The event will conclude with a performance from the NI Military Wives Choir.

Also on site throughout the day will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock. A display of military vehicles, model planes, street theatre, vintage dancers and a food-fair will make this commemorative event a great day out for all the family.

Gates to the venue are open at 12noon and car-parking and food is available on-site. There will be strictly no vehicular access to the site after 4pm. People are welcome to bring picnics and picnic chairs and rugs are recommended for your comfort. No alcohol is to be brought on site, bar facilities are available. This is a free event.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

One weekend celebrating the return of the light-bellied brent geese to Strangford Lough with family fun, wildlife experts, free workshops and more at Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber will celebrate the return of the light-bellied brent geese to Strangford Lough by hosting the first Big Brent Event promising family fun, wildlife experts and free workshops from Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th October.

Every year in September and October around 25,000 light-bellied brent geese make the gruelling 3,000 mile journey with their young from Arctic Canada to Strangford Lough. This year’s first sightings were recorded at Castle Espie on the 7^th September with 70 brent geese on the estuary rising steadily to over 1,200 this week.

During the three days of the Big Brent Event which is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, visitors to Castle Espie can experience the incredible journey of the light-bellied brent through fun family activities, free photography, nutrition and art workshops, expert talks and a photographic exhibition.

Family Fun
Across the weekend there will be family fun tackling the arctic survival trail around the nature reserve, a migration vacation show in the round house packed full of fascinating feathery facts whilst indoors there’s the chance to take on the Man v Brent indoor cycle challenge. Art and crafts sessions include Jumping Clay workshops making brent goose buddies and drop-in childrens art sessions making migration mobiles with local artist Bernice Anderson. On Sunday in the Brent Play Barn, writer and storyteller Liz Weir will tell tales inspired by nature including Keep Going Brenda! the story of a light-bellied brent goose making her way to Castle Espie.

Workshops
Anyone keen to gain confidence with their wildlife photography can sign up to a free beginners photography workshop with Nigel Snell on Saturday afternoon, there’ll be advice on getting the best from your camera and a short practical session full of   Just as the brent geese choose the shores of Strangford Lough to feast on energy giving eel grass, Vital Nutrition’s Jane McClenaghan will have advice and ideas on eating for energy selecting good, local food during two, free pre-bookable workshops on Sunday. A Little Brent Goslings Workshop for kids followed by an Eating for Energy Workshop and cookery demonstration for adults.

Wildlife Experts
Wildlife guides in the hides include bird watching expert Dot Blakely who will help spot all sorts of migratory birds from the Brent Hide and on Saturday Graham McIlwaine will be ring-spotting and sharing the story of the brent that can be seen from the Hide in the Who do you think you are? sessions. Also on Saturday Author and photographer Anthony McGeehan will give wildlife talks on migration focusing on the journey rather than the destination, a theme that is central to his Passing Through photography exhibition in the Castle Espie Gallery.

Arctic Adventure Talk
The Big Brent Event opens on Friday 2nd October an evening talk by brent expert Kerry Mackie on his arctic adventures tracking the light bellied brent geese prior to their Strangford Lough migration. With over 20 years research experience with light-bellied brent geese he joined an expedition to the Canadian High Arctic (Resolute, Eureka and the Schei Peninsula) in Summer 2014 to observe and ring the brent geese in their arctic breeding ground. Advance booking is required, tickets cost £12.50 and include refreshments.

The Big Brent Event programme is available at wwt.org.uk/castleespie/brent,To book the Arctic Adventures talk or a free place on the photography and nutrition workshops call 028 9187 4146. Event activities are included in the cost of normal admission which is free for WWT members and under 4s. To save 10% on the admission price buy tickets at wwt.org.uk/castle-espie-tickets.

For the event programme and details of how to pre-book workshops go to wwt.org.uk/castleespie/brent, call 028 9187 4146 or follow @WWTcastleespie on facebook and Twitter.

‘Love Labour Lost’ is a story about a young circus performer Joe Bloodworth, who embarks on a journey to learn all he can about becoming a Clown.

He leaves his Manchester home for the first time and heads to France, in order to study for three years. He makes a solemn promise to his mother that he will avoid all temptation, be it gluttony, greed or sins of the flesh. Impossible – he’s a Clown, innocent and fragile. Therefore be prepared to laugh, shout, empathise and possibly even cry as we see this Clown spiral out of control. Does our young fool come undone by the doing of his wooing, or does this Jack get his Jill? Recommended for age 15+, this production will be staged on Wednesday 23^rd September at 8pm. Tickets are £10 each.

Thursday 24^th September will see the staging of ‘The Dubliners Dilemma & The Life Of Joyce’. James Joyce is regarded as one of the world’s greatest writers and most recognisable literary figures. So how did this moody young student emerge from the obscurity of his native city to achieve international renown? It almost never happened.  Described as ‘mesmerising’, ‘compelling’ and ‘ingenious’, Declan Gorman’s acclaimed solo performance brings the stories and controversies of Joyce’s remarkable first book ‘Dubliners’ to vivid life. It is 1914. London publisher Grant Richards has determined to re-read Joyce’s manuscript, eight years after rejecting it over fears it might breach British and Irish obscenity laws. Fourteen other publishers have turned him down. Should Richards be the one to risk everything now, second time around, and launch this volatile but brilliant genius on a world about to descend into the madness of war? Tickets are £12.50 and £10.50.

Following previous sell-out performances here at The Market Place, Bruiser Theatre Company returns to Armagh with ‘Playhouse Creatures’ – a riotous and moving account of the precarious lives of the first Restoration actresses. These gutsy flesh and blood heroines grapple for recognition and a new social role for women, whilst falling victim to the attitudes and consequences of the age. Amidst the bear pits of the theatres, they struggle to push themselves to the forefront, fighting against the prejudice of the industry, the jeers of the public and the bitter rivalries they share. Thought-provoking and wickedly funny, ‘Playhouse Creatures’ is an unvarnished account of the extreme lengths these ‘Creatures’ will go to for success in this dark new world. ‘Playhouse Creatures’ will be staged on Wednesday 30^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12.50 and £10.50 (concession).

Following previous sell-out performances C21 are delighted to announce their next production of one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, ‘The Merchant of Venice’, in which good triumphs over evil. The vengeful Jewish money-lender, Shylock, tries to extract ‘a pound of flesh’ from his Christian opposite, Antonio, while the clever Portia uses her unique skills as a lawyer to win her marriage partner, Bassanio. Using their winning edited and fast-moving style, this strong company of six actors, directed by Art Webb, have transposed the setting to 1920’s America, bringing more theatrical appeal and interest to this sophisticated narrative. ‘The Merchant Of Venice’ will be staged on Wednesday 14^th October at 7pm. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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 Royal National Institute of Blind People in Northern Ireland (RNIB NI) invites you to take part in a fun run with a difference! RNIB’s Glow Neon 3km Fun Run will take place on 16 October, 7pm, at the Mary Peters Stadium, Belfast.

This after dark run is inspired by the colourful full moon parties of Thailand. Participants can run, walk or even dance their way around the track under the UV lights to the sounds of a live DJ and whilst being sprayed with luminous colourful paint.

Esther Sands, 20, volunteers with RNIB Northern Ireland and is encouraging people to take part: “Sign up for this first ever Glow run in Northern Ireland and you’ll be supporting a very worthy cause while having a lot of fun! Since I started volunteering with RNIB I’ve seen how important it is that each of their services are able to continue supporting children and adults with sight loss in Northern Ireland. From special events for children with sight loss and their families, to supporting people whose sight has deteriorated to keep doing the things they enjoy .  I’ve met a lot of amazing people, both staff and blind or partially sighted people, and know supporting this event will help make every day better for everyone effected by sight loss here in Northern Ireland.”

RNIB NI Area Fundraising Manager, Hazel Stirling said: “We’re really excited about bringing the first ever RNIB Glow run to the Mary Peters Stadium this year. It’s such a fun and colourful event, you’ll be supporting people with sight loss who live right here in Northern Ireland and I know these events have been a real success when we’ve held them in other locations across the UK.

“As the run is only 3km long, it’s suitable for anyone and an excellent starting point for people who want to get fit. Alternatively, people can just take part as a fun start to their weekend.”

RNIB Glow is open to anyone over the age of 10 and is fully accessible to blind and partially sighted participants. Guide runners are available to support any blind or partially sighted people.

It costs £10 to register. Additionally adults are asked to raise a minimum of £25 sponsorship and children £10. Visit www.rnib.org.uk/glow_neon_fun_run to find out more and register.

This year RNIB Glow events are taking place across the UK every weekend in October so why not be a part of the fun.  We’re asking everyone to get involved on social media.  Join the RNIB Northern Ireland Facebook event or you can join in the conversation on Twitter by using the hash tag #GlowNeon.

Every 15 minutes someone in the UK begins to lose their sight, it can happen to anyone at any time. All money raised from RNIB Glow will help us to provide practical and emotional support to everyone affected by sight loss.

For more information and to get involved, just visit our Glow web page to sign up or contact Hazel Stirling, Area Fundraising Manager at RNIB NI on 028 9032 9373 or email hazel.stirling@rnib.org.uk

The Zoo visits W5 on Saturday 12th and 19th September to introduce a series of small animals, representing both vertebrates and invertebrates from many different habitats.

If you’re brave enough, you can even experience helping to hold an African Royal Python!

On Saturday 26th September, W5 are having their very own Airfix Day celebrating this fascinating and rewarding modelling hobby. Visitors will have the chance to make and take home their very own Airfix model!

From 3rd October, W5 dare you to bring along your family and discover the secrets of Monster Manor! This brand new event for Halloween will run on selected dates until 1st November. It’s really spooky, a little bit scary and a whole lot of fun. So this October why not bring your family along and discover the secrets of Monster Manor for yourselves?

With over 250 interactive exhibits including the ALL NEW technological marvel that is ‘RoboThespian’, W5’s BIGGEST EVER exhibit ‘Climbit’, ‘Discovery‘ a special exhibition area for the under eights , autumn events and science demonstration shows throughout the day, a trip to W5 is really a fantastic day out! And don’t forget all special events are FREE with your admission!

For further information and to download W5’s Autumn Events Guide, visit www.w5online.co.uk.