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.

New Production Features Dynamic Sisters Anna and Elsa from the #1 Animated Movie of All Time Disney’s Frozen

Also watch Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the crew of Disney Pixar’s Cars takes to the ice.

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Thursday 5 November – Sunday 8 November

TICKETS ON-SALE FRIDAY 18^th SEPTEMBER from 7am

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Enchantment, Feld Entertainment’s action-packed ice spectacular featuring four fun-filled Disney stories, is coming to Belfast in November!

Worlds of Enchantment showcases beloved characters from Disney Pixar’s Cars, The Little Mermaid, and Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3, along with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Joining these cherished characters are the stars of Disney’s Frozen.

Audiences will enter the fantastical wintery world of Arendelle with royal sisters Anna and Elsa from the  BAFTA and Academy Award^® winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen. Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey with the hilarious snowman Olaf and rugged mountain-man Kristoff to find her sister, the magical Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter.

“Our re-creation of Arendelle and the visual splendor on the ice sets the stage for the magical transformation from summer to winter,” says Producer Nicole Feld.  “While it might seem obvious that Frozen is well suited for the ice, this Disney On Ice production will touch audiences emotionally through innovative show elements and world-class skating.”

In Radiator Springs, life-size Disney Pixar’s Cars characters – Lightning McQueen, Tow Mater and the crew – take their high-octane personalities to the ice.  Featuring state-of-the-art, custom animatronics, their eyes and mouths move with every twist and turn on the frozen highway.  Mater has amusing antics in store as the Cars characters rock the ice with jumps, spins and freewheeling fun.

“Worlds of Enchantment connects classic and new Disney stories,” says Producer Kenneth Feld.  “Audiences will be blown away in Radiator Springs when they encounter the unforgettable crew of animated cars, built to scale and live on ice.  They will see their all-time favourites like The Little Mermaid and  Disney Pixar’s Toy Story 3 and discover a story full of action, magic and unforgettable characters with Frozen. ”

To produce Worlds of Enchantment, the Feld father-daughter duo called upon the talents of an incredible creative team consisting of Jay Smith (Director), Patty Vincent (Director Toy Story 3 and Frozen sections), Jerry Bilik (Writer/Adapter), Two-time Emmy^® Award-winner Sarah Kawahara (Choreographer), Cindy Stuart (Choreographer – Toy Story 3 and Frozen sections), Cynthia Nordstrom (Costume Designer), Peter Morse (Lighting Designer), Alex Reardon (Lighting Designer – Toy Story 3 section), Sam Doty (Lighting Designer – Frozen section) and Jeremy Railton (Set Designer).

2015 marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany.

In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September.

We hope to involve the whole town in this event with a specially-themed market and with local traders joining in with 1940s music and costumes. Hop on the free shuttle bus which will leave the town centre every half hour. The first bus will leave South Street at 12pm and the service will run to the Airfield, throughout the day until 8pm.

Once at the Airfield, event-goers can look forward to a fantastic stage programme, commencing at 2pm with a short commemoration service to pay respect and honor the sacrifice, followed by Dave Martin and The Casino Cats with their smooth sounds from the 40s. Next up is the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra, renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing with classic tunes from Glen Millar, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Also on site, will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock, a food fair, a military vehicle display, themed street theatre and vintage dancers making this a memorable day for all the family.

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.  Both of these famous aircraft were typical of the planes that fought in the Battle of Britain. The event will conclude with a performance by the NI Military Wives Choir.

Speaking about the event; Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, commented: “This commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be a very special and fitting tribute to the men and women who fought in the Second World War.  It is important that we continue to remember their sacrifice and the programme we have planned will encourage this as visitors have the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic sights and sounds associated with the period.”

Gates to the venue are open at 12noon and car-parking and food is available on-site. 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.

There will also be a display of local military artefacts and a wreath laying service at the RAF Ballyhalbert and Ballyhalbert Caravan Park on 12 September 2015, 2.00pm – 4.00pm to remember those who gave their lives in the Battle.

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

U2’s sold out iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE European Tour 2015 will finish with six home shows, being Belfast on 18^th & 19^th November and four shows in Dublin on 23^rd + 24^th, 27^th + 28^th November 2015.

It is the first time the band will perform songs from their recent album Songs of Innocence to a home crowd. The album released last year, charts the group’s earliest experiences of growing up in Dublin influenced by 70s rock, punk and early 80s electronica and gives insight into how and why U2 came together. With its themes of home and family in songs such as Cedarwood Road, Iris (Hold Me Close) and Raised by Wolves, which deals with the impact of the ‘74 Dublin/Monaghan bombings, Songs of Innocence charts the end of the time of innocence for all four band members and their friends, as teens growing up.

Tickets for the Irish shows go on sale at 9am on Monday 14^th September, will be limited to 2 per purchaser and are priced from £30 to £165 for Belfast and from €30 to €185 in Dublin, plus charges. Tickets can be bought at the 3Arena and SSE Arena box offices and online, with floor tickets being sold with the Paperless Ticket system, to ensure fans have access to tickets at face value. A limited number of student-priced floor tickets will be available for sale online. For full details see www.U2.com/tour

€2,000,000 (€2 million) from these concerts will go to Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme which currently provides high quality subsidised music tuition to some 26,000 children and young people. Music Generation was originally set up with €5m funding from U2’s Croke Park shows in 2009, along with a further €2m raised by The Ireland Funds.

“In the 18 years that I have worked with U2, the home shows are always very special. These shows promise to be brilliant.” – Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring Live Nation Entertainment.

“Finding venues to take this show is actually quite tricky and we’re grateful to our overworked crew who finally cracked the reconfiguring to fit these venues.” – The Edge

The iNNOCENCE + Experience Tour kicked off in May in Vancouver to rave reviews and the US leg saw the band joined onstage by specials guests including Jimmy Fallon, Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, as they performed songs from across their career.

The Dublin and Belfast dates are: Wed, 18^th and Thurs, 19^th November – Belfast – SSE Arena

Mon 23^rd, Tues 24^th, Fri 27^th & Sat 28^th November – Dublin – 3Arena

Saturday 12 September – Friday 18 September

Tuesday 15 September, Valhalla Street Theatre presents ‘Winds of War’ in 1914’

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

7pm – 7.45pm & 8pm – 8.45pm

Calling all Amateur Actors & Actresses, join Valhalla Street Theatre in The Hub at Project 24 for an interactive rehearsal of their up and coming play ‘Winds of War’ in 1914.

Info: project24ni.com

Saturday 19 September – Friday 25 September

Saturday 19 September, Battle of Britain 75

Ards Airfield

12noon – 7pm

FREE

1940s Concert, Vintage Fair, Spitfire and Hurricane Flypast and more.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 19 September, Tea with the Lord (Coach Tour)

Tour Departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 1pm

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Conc), £9 (Ch)

Embrace the opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years.

Info:  Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 20 September, Movilla Cemetery Walking Tour

Tour departs from Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards, 2pm

Tickets: £6 (Ad), £5 (Conc), £3 (Ch)

This tour uncovers the stories behind the headstones as it explores the significant role the graveyard’s inhabitants played in the history of the area.

Info:  Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 20 September, En Plein Air Painting Challenge

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

11am – 5pm

Calling all Amateur Artists; bring your easels to Project 24′s Community Garden and The Hub and create your own masterpieces in 4 hours!

Info: project24ni.com

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival

Bangor, various locations

A celebration of the written word through poetry, prose, journalism, comedy, song writing and much more. Programme and Tickets now available via aspectsfestival.com

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, aspectsfestival.com

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall) BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Saturday 29 August – Sunday 27 September

Paintings: Bryansburn Artists

Wednesday 9 September – Sunday 1 November

Paintings: Middletown & Music

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 September

‘Avalon Pilgrimage’ – Avalon Guitars 

Movie fans can go back in time 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 in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

Join Marty as he travels back to 1955 in the delightfully daft Doc Brown’s plutonium-powered DeLorean time machine with the seemingly simple task of making sure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love which will enable him to journey back to his own era.

Unfortunately things don’t go quite to plan and so ensues a series of madcap mishaps and crazy capers. Will Marty get is parents to fall in love? Will he find the Doc Brown of 1955? Will he ever manage to get back to the future! There’s only one way to find out by setting the controls to Sept 18 2015, destination Solitude Park!

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.

For event updates see www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or telephone the events team on 028 4066 0609.