The UK’s premier touring dance convention, Can You Dance? (CYD?), is set to attract thousands of dance enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland when it returns to the Eikon Centre in Lisburn next month.

Taking place on Sunday 24^th November, local dancers from age 5 and over, can look forward to over 30 workshops held by top industry professionals covering a range of dancing styles and catering for all abilities.

Local dancers will have the chance to meet Alisha Weir, known for her role in the critically acclaimed Matilda, who will also be judging the group dance competition, with the winners of that going through to the flagship event, CYD? Super Convention in Liverpool.

Tom Shilcock, Co-Founder of Can You Dance? (CYD?) said: “Northern Ireland has an amazing calibre of dancing talent and we can’t wait to bring CYD? back after the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, which was attended by thousands of dance enthusiasts including dance schools, dancers, parents and friends.

It’s a truly unique experience as there is nothing else like it for Northern Ireland’s dance community and this year is set to be even bigger with more faculty, more performances and lots of exciting opportunities and experiences.”

At the convention, dancers can take classes with top industry professionals, showcase a performance on the CYD? main stage and enjoy the dance related exhibition with featured areas including acro and circus zones as well as class awards, scholarships and prizes!

“The response from local dance schools has been incredible, with many organising a day of it for their students. We only have a limited number of tickets remaining so I would encourage people to buy theirs soon to avoid disappointment,” Tom added.

CYD? is a groundbreaking dance convention company founded in 2011 by industry professionals Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock. Matt is a creative director and choreographer for TV, film, and theatre, known for shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Tom, a professional dancer and choreographer, has worked with international artists like Rita Ora, Take That, and Jason Derulo. CYD? conventions are internationally recognised as the largest touring dance events, consistently providing new opportunities for aspiring dancers.

For more information and to secure your spot at the CYD? Northern Ireland Convention, please visit www.canyoudancelive.com/northernireland

The award-winning Atlantic Sessions music festival returns to Portstewart and Portrush next month and the full line up has just been released!

The much-loved event takes place from Thursday 14^th November to Sunday 17^th November with a packed programme of over 30 live gigs taking place in both seaside towns, most of them FREE! The full Gig Guide is now available to download at www.atlanticsessions.com.

Music fans can look forward to three days of unmissable performances in a wide variety of venues, as well as a special Opening Night Show on Thursday 14^th November at Portrush Playhouse featuring rising stars, pop-noir duo – Dark Tropics!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, commented: “We are excited to launch the programme for Atlantic Sessions 2024 and delighted with the range of talent we have been able to secure for this year’s festival.

“Council is grateful for the support of our venue proprietors, and visitors can once again look forward to the warmest of welcomes in Portrush and Portstewart. As we have seen in previous years, the fantastic variety of free musical entertainment, in two of our most beautiful coastal locations, is a winning combination for everyone.

“We are very proud of Atlantic Session’s ongoing reputation as a place to celebrate emerging talent as well as established artists and, with a top-class programme of events on offer, we are looking forward to another very successful weekend on the Causeway Coast which I’d encourage you to come along to.”

Programmed by Get Shep on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, this year’s festival will feature some Atlantic Sessions favourites, such as The Bonnevilles,Tony Villiers (& the Villians), Ken Haddock and King Cedar.

Headliners include Mary Coughlan, Johnny Brady and two of Northern Ireland’s most promising young bands, Polar Bolero and the Tally Lally Band, who will play Flowerfield Arts Centre on Friday 15^th November.

Plus BBC’s Ralph McLean will host a special ‘In the Round’ with Ferna (winner of the NI Music Prize 2022), Reevah (nominated for NI Music Prize 2024) and Jordan O’Keefe in Portrush Town Hall on Saturday 16^th November.

A host of bands, brand new to the festival, will perform at the free music trail, including Telezura, the 2:19, The Renegade Kings and Revue. Also look out for free performances by the 2024 Music Prize nominated artists Reevah and Conchur White!

We will also see the return of Matt McGinn and Malojian performing together in a different guise with their new band ‘Dead Goat’ for a free Closing Party gig on Sunday 17^th November.

Tickets are now on sale for all of our headline events at www.atlanticsessions.com. All other gigs on the Music Trail are admission free and no booking is required.

Alongside the not-to-be-missed free gigs, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are working with hospitality partners to ensure visitors can access a range of accommodation to enhance their stay. Check out all the Autumn special offers at www.Visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.

Make sure to follow Atlantic Sessions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest announcements.

This year’s countdown to Christmas will begin with the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 16 November.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray will be joined on stage by comperes Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show for a packed programme of entertainment for all the family.

Tickets will be available from visitbelfast.com on a first-come-first-served basis from 10am on Tuesday 5 November, with a second release of tickets available from 7pm on the same evening. There will be a limit of five tickets per booking.

Looking ahead to this year’s entertainment programme, Councillor Murray said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a fantastic evening of family fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirt and officially kick-start the festive period.

“We are packing a variety of performances into an hour-long programme including music from talented local singer-songwriter Sasha Samara representing the Oh Yeah Music Centre, carols from Finaghy Primary School and Christmas songs from Ballyhackamore Rock Choir.

“We’ll also have acrobatic thrills and skills from Tumble Circus, a performance from The MAC’s Christmas pantomime ‘The Adventures of Red Riding Hood’, a routine from Belvoir Players Theatre Academy’s production of ‘Frosted’, plus bagpipes from the current Ireland under 13 bagpipe champion!

“The day also sees the opening of the popular Belfast Christmas Market at 12 noon and the start of a six-week festive entertainment programme in our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue. It will host activities and events for all ages including choir performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, art workshops, sensory activities, a doggie fashion show, silent discos and much more.”

Stuart Robinson, Content Director Bauer Media NI: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Belfast City Council for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On! Christmas is a particularly special time for our radio stations – Cool FM’s ‘Cash for Kids Mission Christmas’ campaign aims to ensure every child in Northern Ireland receives a gift on Christmas morning and over on Downtown Radio we flip our entire music format to Christmas songs for the month of December – so it’s fitting that our presenters will help officially kick off the festive season in our city!”

The switch-on event on Saturday 16 November will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the event starting at 6.30pm. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys.

Tickets for the wheelchair accessible viewing platform can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 on Tuesday 5 November from 10am. These are limited to two per booking.

For full details of the switch-on event and other festive events in Belfast city centre and beyond, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

The Leid and Lairn Festival, happening in Ards and North Down throughout November, is a celebration of the rich language, culture, and history of the Ulster-Scots tradition. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Ulster-Scots, from its language and powerful folklore to its influential role in shaping local history.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the programme offers a vibrant mix of events that showcase the depth and beauty of Ulster-Scots heritage through music, poetry, storytelling, and historical walks and an exhibition. Taking place across the Borough, the events offer something for everyone.

Highlights of the festival include Stories and Songs of the Seanchaí at Portico, Portaferry on Saturday 2 November. Join folksinger, songwriter and storyteller Colin Urwin for some beautiful ballads and rhyming monologues. Steeped in a lifetime of traditions of his beloved Glens of Antrim, Colin has long been exposed to traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and story. He is most inspired by the people, places, the history and legends and the sheer, rugged romance of the northeast coast of Ireland. From these conjure up many of his beautiful ballads, magical monologues and delicately woven tales of wonder. Tickets cost £10.

NI Opera will present From Old to New: Ulster Scots Songs at Ards Arts Centre on Wednesday 13 November. This lunchtime concert will explore how Ulster Scots song has changed over time, performed by mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Tristan Russcher, who will lead you on a path through the evolutions of Ulster-Scots songs across an hour of beautiful song and fascinating musical insights. Tickets cost £6, including tea / coffee and shortbread.

Speaking about the programme, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford said: “We are delighted to offer the first Leid and Lairn festival for the borough of Ards and North Down. There’s lots of exciting events on offer over the next month and in particular through stories and song we hope to engage, educate and entertain attendees on the importance and rich cultural heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at ANDCulture.org.uk, or in person at Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum, or any of the Ards and North Down Visitor Information Centres.

To view the full programme, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Cancer Fund for Children provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer. On Thursday 21^st November, they are hosting a special Twilight Concert in the iconic St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money towards their vital services with the help of event sponsors, Power NI and Causeway Securities.

Nestled in the flickering glow of candlelight, attendees will be treated to a mesmerising evening of music and connection with performances by the wonderful ARCO String Quarter, Ireland’s premiere vocal band Ardú and the charity’s own Care Free Choir made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers. This event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton.

Speaking on this, William Steele, Managing Director of Power NI said:

“Power NI are delighted to be supporting Cancer Fund for Children’s Twilight Concert for a second year in a row. Cancer Fund for Children does tremendously valuable work across Northern Ireland for those young people diagnosed with cancer, their families and their communities. We look forward to November 21st and what promises to be a wonderful night for a great cause.”

After experiencing their own childhood cancer diagnosis, the McMillan family were supported by Cancer Fund for Children and will be performing at the event as part of the Care Free Choir.

Speaking on their involvement, they said:

“Choir gives us a chance to come together with other families that have been through similar situations. It allows us to support each other as a group through laughter and music and to celebrate our successes and process our tougher moments together as a choir family.”

Each week in Northern Ireland, approximately 3 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Purchasing tickets to this event will help fund Cancer Fund for Children’s vital services so they can be there for families when they need them most.

Tickets can be purchased on the charity’s website today where you can also find out more about this organisation and how you can support. Visit https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/twilight-concert/.

Mirth and merriment were the orders of the day on the Ulster Hospital’s Paediatric Wards as The Artscare NI Clown Doctors marked 20 years with children, families and staff.

The ‘clown doctors’ are a core troupe of actors, performers, musicians and dancers who have undertaken bespoke ‘clown doctoring’ training and visit sick children in hospital and hospice settings to brighten their day through creative play and fun.

14-year-old Lucie Frame described how much the Clown Doctors had “cheered” her up as she had plans to go away over the weekend. “The Clown Doctors came in and really cheered me up,” said Lucy. “They are really funny and my Dad was even joking around with them and they made me feel better.”

Founding member Paul Taylor, otherwise known to children and young people on the hospital wards as ‘Dr Clooless’ explained how much 20 years bringing joy and laughter meant to him and the team. “I want to say thanks to the Ulster Hospital for allowing us to come and entertain and meet the children these past 20 years. I even have ‘Clown Doctor’ down as my profession on my children’s birth certificates,” Paul laughed. “We work so well with the hospital Play Specialists and the staff here, we are a big team here. We like to think we bring a different atmosphere onto the ward and I know how anxious you can get on a hospital ward, I’ve been here with my own children. As Clown Doctors, we hope that the children and young people can build a relationship with us.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt was onhand to congratulate the Clown Doctors on their milestone. “For 20 years the Clown Doctors’ service has been helping children who may be worried or nervous in hospital and they must be praised for the work they have done and continue to do, and the joy they bring, not only to the children, but also the families.

“I know Artscare as a charity is committed to enhancing the lives of individuals in healthcare and community settings through the transformative power of the arts, and its vision is to ensure that everyone across Northern Ireland has the opportunity to experience the positive health and wellbeing benefits that creative engagement brings and in settings such as this that has to be encouraged. The large number of interactions and sessions the Clown Doctors have had last year, and this year is a testament to the excellent work you do and the impacts you have for the children, their families and the staff in the wards.”

Ulster Hospital Healthcare Play Specialist Sharon Pauley described how she and the team were “honoured” to host the momentous birthday celebrations. “We have had the pleasure of having the Clown Doctors on our Paediatric Ward since they started. We were the first Trust to host the Clown Doctors Programme.

“It is a great honour for us to be able to kick off their celebrations here at the Ulster Hospital and it’s great for them to showcase their incredible work to the Health Minister and our Chief Executive Roisin Coulter and Chairman Jonathan Patton.

Sharon continued, “The Clown Doctors have provided an amazing service over the years for the children and they are amazing at engaging the children, young people and parents that are in our care. They promote mental health and well-being and have such a positive impact on people’s mood on the ward. They say that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and we have seen that in action thanks to the Clown Doctors.”

Barry Macaulay, CEO/Artistic Director Arts Care said, “This year, we proudly celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Arts Care Clown Doctors in Northern Ireland. These highly trained professional performers use the art of clowning to bring joy, comfort, and relief to children and young people who are anxious, vulnerable, or unwell.

“Through playful interactions and imaginative storytelling, our Clown Doctors Dr Muddle, Dr Clooless, Dr Fizz, Dr Dapper, and Dr Twinkle create magical moments in healthcare settings, from hospital bedsides to waiting rooms across all five Trusts.
“Currently, Arts Care are commissioned directly by the Department of Health to deliver these vital services and supported by occasional Trust charitable fund contributions.

“However, with creative health funding due to transfer directly to the Trusts by March 2025, the future of our Clown Doctors’ service is uncertain.
“We are hopeful that the Trusts will recognise the profound impact our Clown Doctors have such as opening doors to imaginative worlds and offering much-needed moments of respite and joy.”

Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Roisín McDonough, added, “Anyone who has witnessed the extraordinary, uplifting work of the Arts Care Clown Doctors will recognise how effective the arts are at helping sick children and their families and carers cope with the complex range of emotions they may experience during their stay in hospital. In these situations a little happiness goes a very long way.

“The work of these professionally-trained Arts Care performers, supporting the clinical and nursing staff, is one of the most heartening examples I know of, of how the arts can make a very real and meaningful difference to people’s wellbeing and quality of life, in what can otherwise be anxious and stressful situations.”

Ahead of the release of their first studio album in eight years, Come Ahead, Glaswegian legends Primal Scream have announced details of their upcoming UK/EU tour, which includes a show in the Ulster Hall Belfast on 14 April 2025.

Tickets on sale Friday 1 November at 10am

The Come Ahead Tour marks Primal Scream’s anticipated live return after 2022’s Screamadelica Live and 2023 headline summer shows were rapturously received. The band’s headline performance at Crystal Palace’s South Facing Festival was described as “a powerful, emotionally charged performance” by The Telegraph in a five-star review.

Come Ahead finds Primal Scream’s principal songwriter, vocalist and frontman Bobby Gillespie preparing to release some of the most personal songwriting of his band’s career. The songwriting process for Come Ahead began in 2022, at which point Bobby Gillespie had no idea if he would make another Primal Scream album again. For the first time in a long time, the lyrics came before the music. The story came first. Bobby wrote alone, using an acoustic guitar. Ideas flowed fast, in long bursts of inspiration. This process, in tandem with encouragement from producer David Holmes, provided a new way in. Working with Holmes and Primal Scream guitarist Andrew Innes, the Come Ahead sessions were completed between Belfast, London and Los Angeles.

The time that’s elapsed since Primal Scream’s previous album has seen Bobby Gillespie at his most prolific. Shapeshifting between some of the most celebrated projects of his career whilst steadily stockpiling the songs that would become Come Ahead. His 2021 memoir Tenement Kid was selected as Rough Trade’s Book of the Year, and won the NME Award for Best Music Book. The band’s era-defining Screamadelica album celebrated its 30th anniversary with huge sold-out gigs across the UK, including London’s Alexandra Palace. Gillespie teamed with Paul Weller writing lyrics for ‘Soul Wandering’, the first single from his latest album 66, and collaborated with Jehnny Beth in Paris writing and recording an entire album of duets titled Utopian Ashes. Bobby also collaborated with acid house duo Paranoid London, singing on their new song ‘People (Ah Yeah)’, and composed his first movie soundtrack for the 2023 cinematic release Five Hectares with French filmmaker Émilie Deleuze. Bobby also sings on six new songs on the forthcoming Peter Perrett album, The Cleansing. This myriad of new creative projects provided the vital space for Come Ahead to take shape.

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