Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 28 – October 4).

• Gulliver, The MAC, Belfast, September 29 – October 17. When Gulliver returns from another amazing experience at sea, his family are more than a little perplexed. They had just about coped with the giants, the tiny people, the floating islands and outlandish inventions. But a world ruled by horses? That’s a different kettle of fish. Only one thing is certain; family life will never be the same again. Join the MAC and Big Telly Theatre for an uproarious theatrical adventure as Gulliver and his family learn to live together in a strange new world where weird is the new normal.

• Red Bull Foxhunt 2015, Shore Road, Rostrevor, Co. Down, October 3-4. Red Bull Foxhunt returns to Northern Ireland bigger and better than ever! On October 3rd and 4th, over 400 riders will hit the Mountain bike trail in Rostrevor and try to beat the Fox. The Foxhunt begins atop Slieve Martin and finishes in the grounds of Rostrevor’s Kilbroney Park, passing through a challenging three-and-a-half mile downhill course of wind-bleached moorland, mud-splattered forests and hair-raising sprints as each biker tirelessly battles to cross the finishing line before the advancing fox!

• Two Sore Legs, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, September 29 – October 3. Set in 50s and 60s Belfast, Two Sore Legs is a powerful, autobiographical play by Brenda Murphy, starring Maria Connolly in a tour de force performance as Murphy’s mother Bridie. A young Butlin’s redcoat, Bridie had 6 children by a married man who lived around the corner with his other family. This play explores the pain, the joy and the fall-out from this extraordinary family arrangement, and the story will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre. Show begins at 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm matinee on Saturday).

• Flann O’Brien Literary Festival, Various locations, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, October 2-3. A series of events celebrating one of Strabane’s most famous sons. Both a novelist and satirist, Flann O’Brien is best known for his works “At Swim-Two-Birds” and “The Third Policeman” as well as many satirical columns in the Irish Times under the name Myles na gCopaleen. For further information, contact Strabane Visitor Information Centre on 028 7138 2204.

• Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, October 1-3. Celebrating our rich potato history, this festival is a must for anyone who loves the humble spud. Preceding the main event on Saturday 3 October, there will be farm visits and musical events in the nearby Giant’s Causeway Hotel. Free car parking in Bushmills and a free shuttle bus service to the Giant’s Causeway will be provided.

• The Big Draw – What’s Your Story?, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, October 3. You can help make the biggest, funniest drawing ever by sharing your favourite story of the Roe Valley. Whatever it is, come along and help the artists illustrate it, before the finished work is exhibited in the Centre for all to see. Live entertainment and family fun for all! From 12-3pm.

• Jurassic Adventures, Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, September 28. Follow the footsteps of Doctor Grant’s team of explorers and laugh at their crazy antics, as they search for proof that dinosaurs still exist in this exciting show for all the family from age 4+. Contains mild peril and huge dinosaurs! Show begins at 5pm.

• Fermanagh Live Festival, Various locations, Co. Fermanagh, October 1-4. Experience Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual arts in a programme of innovative events that are vibrant, colourful and contemporary yet with a regional sense of place providing enjoyment for all.

• Cook with Norah, Grange Country Lodge, Moy, Co. Tyrone, September 30. Learn to bake lovely fresh Soda, Wheaten and Potato breads the traditional way as Norah takes you through the steps. Enjoy a glass of local apple juice with your food, and take home a personalised folder of all the recipes you have seen prepared and cooked! From 6.30-9.30pm.

• Autumn Fair at Mount Stewart, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, October 3-4. Celebrate the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” at Mount Stewart’s Autumn Fair with a wide range of stalls and activities to keep the family entertained.

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.

Join W5 on Saturday 26 September to make and take home your very own Airfix model!

Airfix is a wonderful modelling toy that dates back to the 1950’s! W5 we are celebrating this fascinating and rewarding modelling hobby with their very own Airfix day!

This is a great event for all the budding model makers out there, young or old, novice or professional. With specially designed model airplane kits, test your modelling skill in this great family event and make and take home your very own Airfix model!

The W5 Demonstration Team will be on hand explaining how to build these scale models to suit all levels of modelling skill! W5 are on a mission to show just how enjoyable and rewarding Airfix can be so come along and join in the fun!

Check for times on arrival or visit www.w5online.co.uk for further details. Airfix Day at W5 is free with General Admission.

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 Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Lavender Health Spa Experience, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. From £160pps. Ideally in the bustling market town of Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel is proud to be the only hotel in the heart of County Tyrone.  This offer includes exclusive use of a hot tub with bubbly and chocolates (60 min) and your choice of a luxury facial or a full body massage per person (60 Min). Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 8224 2520. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• The Titanic Experience, Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast. From £80pps. This two night package allows you to experience the fantastic Titanic Visitor Centre and during your stay, why not enjoy the nostalgic Yardmen Walk and recreate the journey taken every day by the yardmen walking to the iconic Harland & Wolff Shipyard. On arrival check-in to your Superior Room and relax with a welcome drink (wine, beer or soft drink). Breakfast is included each morning and of course tickets to the world class Titanic Visitor Experience on one day. Free Car Parking onsite and complimentary WiFi. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9065 6520. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• Midweek Specials from only £75.00 based on two people sharing, Westville Hotel, Enniskillen. Enjoy a midweek break in the Westville Hotel located in the heart of Enniskillen. Dine in the award-winning Terrace restaurant, relax in the beautifully spacious and comfortable rooms or how about a drink in the stylish, in-house cocktail bat, WV Bar.

1 nights Bed & Breakfast from £75.00.  1 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £125.00.  2 nights Bed & Breakfast plus 1 Evening Meal from £180.00.  3 nights Bed & Breakfast plus 1 Evening Meal from £220.00.  Available until Dec 13, To book call (028) 6632 0333.

Down

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 this  Sunday 27th September. Sorry no BBQs. Adult: £8, Child: £4, Family: £20, Members: free.

Armagh

Southern Area Hospice Services present ‘The Farmer Wants a Wife’.  The event will take place at Armagh City Hotel on Friday 25th September 2015. It will see 10 single farmers take to the stage to be interviewed by MC Malachi Cush in a bid to win themselves a date with a potential wife from the audience.  Some of the farmers will perform a talent as part of their interview so a very entertaining evening is in store. Once the farmers have all been interviewed the audience and the judging panel will vote for their favourite farmer who will then get a date with a potential future wife. After the show the audience will be entertained by the fantastic Johnny Brooks.

Fermanagh

A Time Traveller’s Tale at the Ardhowen Theatre this Saturday 26th September is 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 will 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.

Tyrone

This Friday 25th September An Creagan host their Willow Art Workshop.  Create abstract wall designs and learn how the natural qualities of willow can be used to create a beautiful wall hanging and a one off work of art. Fri 25th Sept. Time: 7pm – 9pm Cost: £25.

Derry

For the first time ever, the much loved fairy tale Goldilocks and the Three Bears comes to the stage at the Millennium Forum this Saturday afternoon, in an unforgettable new live show of song and laughter. Goldilocks and the three bears, Ruff the dog and Mr Bunny, perform live on stage, right before your eyes in this fun filled musical production. With plenty of audience participation and action songs, this is the perfect show that all the family will enjoy. Suitable for 1 – 8 year olds and their families.

Antrim

Walk to the West this Saturday 26th September.  Rathlin Island is just six miles off the coast of Northern Ireland but a short ferry crossing will transport you to another world. Join RSPB warden and islander Liam McFaul to explore the four-mile route from Church Bay to the Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre where the RSPB friendly team of staff and volunteers will be ready to greet you.  You’ll  have a chance to explore the engine room of the lighthouse and learn about the people and wildlife which make their homes here before the centre closes for the season. A bus will transport you from the West Light Seabird Centre back to the harbour in time for the ferry home.  Booking the 10.30am and 4pm sailings via www.rathlinballycastleferry.com is recommended. Wear suitable outdoor clothing and footwear and don’t forget your packed lunch! Booking is essential by calling 028 9049 1547 or emailing amy.colvin@rspb.org.uk.

Belfast

This Saturday is Airfix Day at W5!  Airfix is a wonderful modelling toy thatdates back to the 1950’s! At W5 we are celebrating this fascinating and rewarding modelling hobby with our very own Airfix day.  This is a great event for all the budding model makers out there, young or old, novice or professional. With specially designed model airplane kits, test your modelling skill in this great family event make, paint and take home your very own Airfix model! The W5 Demonstration Team will be on hand explaining how to build these scale models to suit all levels of modelling skill! We’re on a mission to show just how enjoyable and rewarding Airfix can be so come along and join in the fun!  Free with General Admission.

Community Ticket & Night for Belfast schemes to help increase access to the arts

Hundreds of free tickets for this year’s Ulster Bank International Arts Festival are being offered to the public as part of two initiatives from the event’s headline sponsor.

Ulster Bank’s Community Ticket and Night for Belfast schemes will, respectively, make 200 tickets available to community groups across Northern Ireland and 300 tickets available to the general public.

Richard Donnan, Regional Managing Director, Corporate & Commercial Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, says: “Our aim is to provide as many people as possible with access to the arts, and we’re very confident that once they’ve had a taste of the great acts performing in the festival, they’ll want to come back for more. We would strongly encourage community groups and the general public to take advantage of the opportunity to see what promises to be some exciting and inspiring performances.”

Richard Wakely, Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, added, “Accessibility and inclusivity are at the very core of  Festival’s values and we applaud Ulster Bank, for providing fantastic schemes that enable people to be part of some truly international and world class Festival events.”

The free tickets can be applied for by registering on the festival website www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com before the closing date of October 2.

The 200 free tickets for community groups are available across four of the Festival’s highlight performances: The Kitchen (Grand Opera House), Hallo (Downstairs at the MAC), Georgie Fame in Concert (Black Box), and Nicholas McCarthy (First Presbyterian Church, Rosemary Street).

The 300 public tickets are available for The Kitchen (Grand Opera House), a theatrical experience that serves up a ritual fusion of sight, sound, smell and taste all the way from South India.

Visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com for full details.

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!
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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.