We all lead busy lives and there is nothing wrong in looking for support to get through the ups and downs, so says one local charity as it launches courses to focus on our mental health and overall wellbeing.

Kicking off in early May and running for six weeks, Aware Defeat Depression, is hosting mindfulness courses in the Ramada Plaza, Shaw’s Bridge every Wednesday from May 20 and The Playhouse in Derry~Londonderry every Friday from 1 May.

Mindfulness is a world recognised technique that can help participants decrease anxiety, worry and stress and help them focus their energy and enthusiasm on improving their personal and professional life.

Aware Chief Executive, Siobhan Doherty said, “Our mindfulness courses provide people with the tools that will enable and empower them to discover their full potential by tapping into their reservoir of resilience. We often welcome young mums who are struggling to adjust to thechange a baby brings to their lives, retired people who are looking for a new focus, busy business people in need of some personal time and of course those who are suffering from depression and low self esteem. Mental health is often stigmatised and we want our mindfulness courses to break down these barriers and offer a safe environment to work through a participant’s issues.”

Aware have employed its own Mindfulness Practitioner, Frank Liddy, who will deliver the courses. Frank has more than 25 years experience in the mental health sector and has been at the forefront of developing creative mindfulness based initiatives to communities across Northern Ireland.

Frank Liddy said, “Each group session is tailored to explore the direct experiences of the participants and the obstacles that arise in everyday life. There is a weekly theme that unfolds through guided mindfulness practices that brings benefits to participants. After the six weeks, when participants have committed fully to the course, we know they will discover a new way of being, gain confidence and awareness, as well as developing the tools and skills necessary to deal with life’s challenges.”

Aware is the leading charity in the north that works exclusively for those experiencing depression.  They are also specialise in the promotion of positive mental health and early intervention services.  Since 1996 it has been providing support to those experiencing depression and their carers.

If you wish to attend the Aware mindfulness course, you must register your interest at www.aware-ni.org

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 27 – May 3).

• A Wilde Weekend, various venues, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, May 1-4.  The inaugural A Wilde Weekend festival will take place on May Day Bank Holiday Weekend across venues in Enniskillen and Fermanagh celebrating the life and work of Irish writer, Oscar Wilde. The Wilde Weekend tells a story and brings local history alive to visitors. Various times depending on location.

• Festival of Fools, various venues around Belfast, May 1-4. The Festival of Fools opens with “Cast Off” where you should expect stunning choreography combining aerial feats with acrobatic prowess and manipulative mastery. The mirth and mayhem continues until May 4 with more than 120 performances across the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter, free of charge, celebrating the best of street theatre, circus and comedy from around the world.  Various times depending on location.

• Brian Boru Festival, Armagh, Co Armagh, until April 28-29, The Brian Ború Festival 2015 tells the dramatic story of Brian Ború through a series of events with a focus on why Armagh was crucial in his bid to be Emperor of the Irish.

• High Tea at Sea, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down, May 3. Enjoy an afternoon tea with a difference. See the sights of Strangford Lough before stopping of in a beautiful spot to enjoy a nice cup of tea and some homemade scones. You might get to explore Salt Island or even see the seals playing at the Angus Rocks Lighthouse. The trip incorporates the Strangford Sea Safari tour so you really will be spoilt for sights to see.  Suitable for age 8 years +. Time confirmed on booking.

• Jamie Cullum Jazz Festival, Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, May 4. Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jamie Cullum returns to the city for his debut performance at the City of Derry Jazz Festival. Jamie has enjoyed a hugely successful career resulting in collaborations with everyone from Pharrell Williams to Los Angeles production maestro, Greg Wells, and genius re-imaginings of tracks by Radiohead, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Buckley.

• Causeway Coast Challenge Walk, Beach Road, Portballintrae, Co Antrim, May 3. The event is now in its 36th year and continues to attract walkers from across the island wishing to experience the very best that the Causeway Coastal Route has to offer. Last year 186 persons took part in the 30km walk along the rugged coastal path with outstanding sea views towards Rathlin Island and also many Scottish islands. From 8am.

• Elves and Shoemaker, Alley Arts Centre, Strabane, Co Tyrone, April 28-29. Fidget Feet’s production of The Elves and The Shoemaker is an immersive storytelling experience with music and aerial circus for all the family. There is no stage, you will join them inside their workshop and actually help them to make the best pair of shoes ever made. Herman, Daisy and the Elves need your help! Show times – 10am and 11.30am with evening shows available on Tuesday.

• I’ll Tell Me Ma, MAC, Exchange Street West, Belfast, April 28. A one-woman show charting the adventures and misadventures of four generations of West Belfast women. A hilarious, touching and entertaining show not to be missed! Show time 2pm.

• Copeland Island Bird Observatory, Copeland Island Bird Observatory, Newtownards, County Down, May 2. This trip to ‘Bird Isle’, home of the Bird Observatory, is a treat for amateur ornithologists, wildlife enthusiasts and plant lovers alike. It offers an opportunity to observe at close quarters a wide range of birds including the Manx Shearwater and Storm Petrel. From 1pm-4pm.

• MCM Belfast Comic Con, King’s Hall Exhibition & Conference Centre, Balmoral, Belfast, May 2-3. A great weekend of comic con goodness. Special guests, games, movies, anime, retailers, cosplay competitions and, of course, a host of brilliant comic book artists and writers will all be waiting for you, so come along for the second ever Northern Ireland event!

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

Series of events planned to mark one of Armagh’s leading figures

Armagh commemorates life, death and burial of Ireland’s last High King

This month, locals and visitors alike are invited to Armagh to celebrate the life and times of Brian Ború, Ireland’s last and greatest High King, as part of a festival celebration in Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, Armagh.

Following last year’s 1,000-year anniversary of the death of Brian Ború, who is buried in the grounds of Armagh’s iconic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, and, due to overwhelming demand, the High King’s legacy will be honoured again on Tuesday 28^th and Wednesday 29^th April 2015 with an exciting programme of cultural events.

Harnessing the rich local artistic talent and historical expertise which Armagh is famous for the world over, visitors to the city have the opportunity to get a glimpse into the life of Ireland’s greatest warrior.

On Tuesday 28^th April, a Brian Ború Legacy Sculpture will be unveiled in the gardens of Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. At 7.30pm, ‘The Waking of Brian Ború – The Poet’s Story’ – will attract visitors for a musical drama telling Brian Ború’s story.

The ticketed performance uses song, dance, drama and music to conjure up images of a time long-gone, and with the unique setting of Ború’s final resting place, this historic event promises to create thrilling, spine-tingling theatre.

On Wednesday 29^th April, two special events will use the unique settings of Armagh Observatory and the Hill of Armagh with their resident experts to give visitors a glimpse into Brian Ború’s world.

One of the highlights of the celebration will be the Brian Ború Feast at the Navan Centre and Fort on the evening of Wednesday 29^th Apri which will feature a thrilling re-enactment of Brian Ború and his compatriots celebrating the success of their march through the area during which they gathered slaves, livestock, gold and silver. The Brian Ború Feast will take place on Wednesday 29^th April from 7.00pm to 9.30pm.

Lord Mayor, Councillor Darryn Causby, said:

“The legacy which Brian Ború has left on Armagh is evident to the present day and the 2015 celebration events provide a unique opportunity to commemorate his enduring history and legacy.

“From community performances to special events at our wonderful visitor attractions, I would encourage everyone to come along to as many of the events as possible, even if they’re not aware of the history of Brian Ború, as this is a great opportunity to learn about one of Armagh’s ancient figures.”

For more information and to book tickets to the events, visit www.armagh.co.uk/brianboru2015 or contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800. Events are ticketed separately or visitors can choose to purchase a festival pass for all four events for £40.00.

This May Day Bank Holiday weekend laughter becomes the loudest sound in Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter.

Belfast’s favourite family friendly festival is back for the 12^th year. The Festival of Fools brings a welcome rush of international silliness and smiles to the streets of Belfast with more than 120 free performances to enjoy from around the world from Friday 1 – Monday 4 May.

International Excellence

From the USA, there’s Jonathan Burns, the most flexible comedy act around, with his feats of crazy contortion; and Dan Holzman, a juggler with more comic turns than The Beano in a force 7 gale.  Australian acrobat Fatt Matt arrives to prove to the world that spending his life living Down Under really hasn’t changed him a bit as he entertains the masses with his ukulele playing – whilst balancing on his head!  From Spain, La Bella Tour present a show in which two destitute and desperate clowns are searching the planet for the perfect laugh and they are prepared to do anything to find it – catastrophe and chaos ensues!

Birthday Celebrations

2015 also marks the 30th birthday of sister organisation Belfast Community Circus School, and the Festival of Fools features more than 20 acts who have either trained, or taught at the school. Featured companies include Dot Comedy with Lost On Earth – a crashed spaceship with a dazed and confused alien in search of intelligent life in Belfast. The Barren Carrousel present Shhhhhhh!, a new circus show packed with aerial stunts, acrobatics, juggling and comedy. The Magilligans, Belfast’s favourite unicycling, juggling and cheese loving brothers, are reunited after a difficult year, spent trying to think up a new joke.

The Festival opens on Friday 1 May at 7pm in Writers’ Square with “Cast Off” – the biggest street show ever to be produced by the Belfast Community Circus School with a cast of 40 young people and professional artists. Expect stunning choreography combining aerial feats with acrobatic prowess and manipulative mastery.

Community Circus Celebration

A unique Community Circus Celebration takes place on the Saturday in Writers’ Square featuring shows from 7 different youth and community groups from Belfast, Derry-Londonderry and Lisburn, highlighting the strength of the youth and community circus sector in Northern Ireland. Also joining the celebrations are a youth circus group from Cloughjordan eco village in the Republic of Ireland.

The Festival continues on Saturday 11am – 7pm; Sunday 1-7pm and Bank Holiday Monday 12-7pm with shows in Saint Anne’s Square, Writers’ Square, Cotton Court, Rosemary Street and Cornmarket. Each evening finishes with The Big Finish – a variety style show featuring highlights from the day’s acts in the relaxed surroundings of Saint Anne’s Square.

Smart Moves

The Festival is encouraging the public to make smart moves with Translink for hassle-free travel to Belfast city centre for a fun-filled day out. There are various offers, such as 1/3 off Rail and selected Goldline services, as well as a Friends and Family ticket, from translink.co.uk.

Food offers

Alongside the street theatre shows, visitors can also enjoy the Festival of Foods, which will see 17 bars, restaurants and cafes offer a wide range of deals for diners ranging from special Festival menus through to free meals for children, reinforcing the Festival of Fools reputation as the best value event in the cultural calendar.

For the ‘fool’ line-up visit foolsfestival.com

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.

• 2 night bed and breakfast and one evening dinner, Canal Court Hotel &Spa, Newry.  £129pp. The Canal Court Hotel & Spa is a fine four star property with a total of 110 bedrooms and suites, extensive health and leisure complex and stunning spa perfectly located in the heart of the City close to both bus and rail stations. Available until Apr 30. To book call (028) 3025 1234.

• Spring into Summer with Templeton Hotel, Ballyclare. From £69 per couple. Enjoy one night bed and breakfast with a main course and glass of wine. This luxurious hotel, not only has an excellent location, but also offers warm and welcoming surroundings. Midweek £69 per couple (Sunday – Thursday) Weekend £89 per couple (Friday or Saturday). To book call (028) 9443 2984.

• May-we-tempt-you! Weekend Springtime Deal, Beech Cottage, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen. From £285. Have a weekend away with friends and family this May and June for just £285 for two nights. Beech Cottage sleeps eight people and is a perfect location for exploring Upper Lough Erne. For just £35 per person, this deal should not be missed, plus we will provide a complimentary sit on top kayak, paddles and life jackets, for the more adventurous members of your party. Available from May 1 – Jun 30. To book call (028) 6772 2240.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 20-26).

• 800 Years Of Annoying The English, Belfast Barge, 1 Lanyon Quay, Belfast, April 24. Fresh from a successful run at The Edinburgh Fringe festival this entertaining show sets out to reveal the shocking truth about our past, from St Patrick to Westlife, in a roller coaster, surreal and musical hour long show.  Show starts 8.30pm.

• Ecology Sunday ‘Marvellous Mammals @ Navan’, Navan Centre and Fort, Co Armagh, April 26. Enjoy a free event looking at the world of marvellous mammals like hedgehogs, rabbits, ferrets and foxes. Follow their trails around Navan and make your very own casting of a mammal’s footprint. From 11am – 3pm.

• Belfast Film Festival, various locations, Belfast, until April 25, Preview a series of premiere screenings at this year’s Belfast Film Festival. Film fans will enjoy a veritable feast of films. The Belfast Film Festival began in 1995 as part of Féile An Phobail and has developed hand in hand with the evolving culture of film patronage and filmmaking in the city. Shows begin at various times.

• Colour Me Beautiful, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down, April 25. Get involved in an enlightening, fun and in-depth workshop focusing on beauty, elegance, style and confidence. This full-day workshop will look at colour where each participant will be fully tested with colour fabric swatches to learn what colours really work for them both in clothes and make-up. From 10am – 5pm.

• Vintage Rally, The Argory, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, April 25. Enjoy this must-see event for all vehicle enthusiasts. Hundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon The Argory as they host their famous vintage vehicle rally. From 12noon – 5pm.

• The Brass Band League Spring Festival, The Alley Arts and Conference Centre, Strabane, Co Tyrone, April 25. Enjoy the Spring sunshine and join hundreds of bandsmen and women enjoying their annual festival day in Strabane in the award winning Alley Theatre. Over 21 bands are set to perform on stage in four section groups for your entertainment. From 10am-6pm.

• Jazz in the Gardens, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co Down, April 26. 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 2pm-4.30pm.

• Crom Cruise and Castle Tour, Share Discovery Village, Smith’s Strand Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, April 26. Cruise to Crom and enjoy a tour of the West Wing. Your cruise will depart Share Village navigating its way through the intricate maze of islands on Upper Lough Erne towards Crom Castle Boathouse where you will alight and enjoy a tour of the West Wing at Crom Castle. From 2pm.

• Kings and Queens of Irish Country Music, Theatre at The Mill, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, April 22. The show will feature five of Ireland’s best known and loved Country legends who between them have had scores of No.1 hits, a string of awards and who have all toured extensively throughout Ireland, Europe and America. From 7.45pm.

• Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison and Friends, Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, April 22. Using both original and film footage from the era and backed by his fabulous band, Barry Steele will take you through a journey in time as he brings the character of Roy Orbison back to the centre stage, where it truly belongs. Add to the mix special friends Paul Molloy and Boogie Williams celebrating the musical legacy of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis and you have yourself a spectacular fusion of good old Rock n Roll and contemporary musical genius all on one stage.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to host a fabulous retro night showcasing the musical legacy of Roy Orbison, and also an evening with one of the country’s up-and-coming traditional bands.

On Thursday 23^rd April, Barry Steele presents his award winning, critically acclaimed theatrical concert ‘Roy Orbison & Friends.’ Using both Original and film footage from the era, and backed by his fabulous band, Barry Steele will take you through a journey in time as he brings the character of Roy Orbison back to the centre stage, where it truly belongs. Add to the mix special friends Paul Molloy and Boogie Williams celebrating the musical legacy of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis, you have yourself a spectacular fusion of good old “Rock n Roll” and contemporary musical genius all on one stage. Tickets are priced £19 each. This promises to be a great night of old school rock n roll accompanied by retro menus and cocktails in our bar and bistro, as well as the opportunity to come dressed up if you fancy it!

Described by Irish Music Magazine as ‘a full bodied pipe and whistle extravaganza’, Belfast based Réalta carry on the Bothy Band tradition of taking tunes by the scruff of the neck and firing excitement through them like hot flames! With a sound based on the twin uilleann piping talents of Conor Lamb and Aaron O’Hagan, propelled by a dynamic accompaniments on guitar, bouzouki and double bass, Réalta make full use the intricate melodies and driving rhythms that make Irish music so loved throughout the world. Having toured alongside Altan in Germany, Switzerland and Greece and won the prestigious ‘Danny Kyle Award’ at Celtic Connections Glasgow, these young musicians have earned a reputation for delighting audiences with the enthusiasm, energy and passion they bring to traditional music. Realta will perform on Friday 24^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

Tickets for all events can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

On Sunday 26^th April come along and enjoy a FREE ecology event at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh.

From 11.00am – 3.00pm join with local wildlife expert Debbie Doolittle and the education team from the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre as they take you on a tour of our marvellous mammals.

Enjoy displays detailing some of the amazing mammals we have in this country, even see some examples of the finest taxidermy.

Take a guided walks around Navan site where we will be investigating the tracks left behind by some of these mammals.  The tracks will give us a great insight into what is actually living around Navan.  Using these tracks and footprints make your very own mammal cast to take home.

Ideas on how to help local native mammals by turning your garden into a mammal friendly habitat.  A fabulous, free, event for all the family.

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

Upcoming events over the next three weekends:

Sat 18 April to Fri 24 April

Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 18: Party Animals NI

Sun 19: Bricks4Kidz Lego Workshop, Science Show: ‘Cooking Chemistry’

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sat 25 April to Fri 1 May

Saturday 25 April

Dawn Chorus Walk, Castle Park in Bangor

Free, pre-booking essential. Starts 5am.

Join bird expert Dot Blakely as the sun comes up over Bangor, for an early morning master class in how to recognise the songs of the dawn chorus.

Dot’s tour will also take in the natural habitats of the birds and animals who live in the park.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069

Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846

Book online

Saturday 25 April, Meet the Maker: ‘the Beauty of Clay – Get your hands dirty’

Ards Crafts, Craft & Design Centre, 31 Regent Street in Newtownards

Tickets: £12 inc materials; Age 18+. Limtied numbers, pre-booking essential.

10.30am – 12.30pm

A ceramics workshop with Ellen Cunningham & Ashleigh Collim

Info and booking: Tel: (028) 9182 6846

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 25: Jumping Clay, Children’s Crafts

Sun 26: Casey’s Creatures, Face Painting

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Friday 1 May, Friday Night Live – Sarah McQuaid

Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards

Ticket Price: £8 in advance*, £10 at  the door  (*booking fee applies)

Doors Open at 7.30pm, starts at 8pm

A return visit from Sarah who will seduce her audience with cheeky banter and stories from the road as well as her stunning music.

She spans the genres with both beautiful crafted originals and material from around the globe. Bring your own bottle.

Box Office: 028 9181 0803, Book online

April – November

Experience Ards and North Down Tours – Tickets on sale now!

Info and to book:

Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069

Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846

Book online

Download the brochure here

Exhibitions

Ards Crafts &Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846. Admission Free

Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 April

‘Mount Stewart’

National Trust Exhibition charting the restoration of Mount Stewart House

Saturday 2 – Saturday 30 May

Meet the Maker: ‘Green Wood Works’

Green Woodworker Alexey Janes

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Tuesday 31 March – Thursday 30 April

Paintings: U3A Art Groups

Saturday 2 – Sunday 31 May

Historical Storyboard: Mining Heritage

Until Sunday 17 May

Exhibit: En-gauge with the past, history of the railway

Friday 1 May – Thursday 28 May

The Great War: Through the words of the County Down Spectator & Newtownards Chronicle

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Saturday 2 – Saturday 30 May

Art in the Loft: ‘Follow the Thread – From Ewe to You’ Fibre art by the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers