ULSTER BANK BELFAST FESTIVAL AT QUEEN’S SHOWCASES LOCAL AND EMERGING TALENT FROM ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND

Local artists and organisations from all over Northern Ireland will be taking part in Ireland’s leading contemporary international arts festival, the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, as they join the impressive line-up of Europe’s top theatre directors and internationally acclaimed artists in dance, film, theatre and music, filling venues all over Belfast from 16th October – 1st November.

Fans of classical music should look out for local rising stars, Soprano, Emma Morwood, described by The Sunday Times as a ‘radiant Pamina’ for her role in Mozart’s The Magic Flute, and up and coming conductor, Eugene Monteith.  Eugene who hails from Strabane, will take charge of the baton at the Emerging Conductors lunchtime concert with Ulster Orchestra, following an intense week of masterclasses for emerging conductors led by Guest Principal Conductor Jac van Steen.

Be transported back to the golden age of the romantic Parisian salon with the fabulous, Quercus Ensemble, who are offering up a wonderful  evening of songs, games and dances at the Café De Paris featuring a specially commissioned work by Northern Irish composer Patrick Brennan.  Quercus Ensemble is a dynamic mixed chamber ensemble founded by Kim Vaughan (cello) from Derry and featuring many of Northern Ireland’s top young professional musicians.  This event is part of the Northern Lights Mini-Fest presented with Belfats Music Society in an annual showcase of outstanding young classical musicians from Northern Ireland.

World-renowned pianist and star Barry Douglas performs with the Ulster Orchestra in the concert, A Fanfare to Fate, an evening which also celebrates the work of local composer Simon Mawhinney, with a performance of ‘The Pot of Pulgarve’.

Richard Wakely, Director, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, said, “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s aims to bring the world’s leading artists and performers to Belfast, but we also aim to bring Belfast to the world, by offering a platform to the outstanding, home-grown talent we are fortunate to have in the region.  From showcasing the more established professionals such as world-renowned pianist Barry Douglas, the Ulster Orchestra and the award-winning Kabosh theatre company, to the array of emerging talented singers, musicians and dancers, the Festival provides an opportunity for Belfast and Northern Ireland to stand up and be proud of our artists and thriving arts sector.”

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music at the Arts Council, commented: “As one of Northern Ireland’s premier arts events, the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, offers the ideal platform for the very best local and emerging artists to showcase their talents, alongside top international acts. It’s a wonderfully eclectic programme which provides genuine excitement and enjoyment to audiences, helping to bring great art within the reach of everyone.”

Belfast based dance company, Maiden Voyage, will premiere their 20^th original production, Neither Either, in a cross border collaboration with Liz Roche Company, Dublin.  The dance workshop, aimed at schools, takes its inspiration from the writings of the great Seamus Heaney and is a free workshop with the aims of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.

Kabosh’s new production, 20, reflects on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 IRA Ceasefire in this unique multi-sensory experience of Belfast which takes place in the enchanting setting of the Dome, Victoria Square.

If you’ve ever wondered how artists work, wonder no more as Belfast Open Studios open their doors for a glimpse into the creative processes that result in the artworks often shown in galleries and museums.  Studios taking part include, Flax Art Studios, Creative Exchange, Paragon, QSS Bedford Street and Platform Arts.

Other local highlights includes;

• Brassneck Theatre’s hilarious new comedy, The Holy Holy Bus, is a bittersweet Belfast comedy which follows four females on their pilgrimage to the holy sites of Ireland.  This performance is produced by the producers of A Night With George and Man In The Moon.

• Aisling Ghear’s futuristic and multi-lingual new play, Makaronik, written by Dave Duggan, is set in the year 2084 and if futuristic yet set in tradition – think if Beckett’s Endgame and Ridley Scott’s Bladerunner.

• Replay Theatre Company presents ‘Tiny’ a new show for babies which comes with its own magical theatre space with sounds, lights and textures and is performed to just a few babies at a time.  This show is now sold out.

• More than a Flag, is a world premiere from Dan Gordon and Happenstance – which involved Dan working with 18 young East Belfast bandsmen to create a special performance commemorating the part East Belfast played in WW1.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s presents great and diverse works of art from home and abroad, bringing audiences something very special that they cannot see elsewhere, all combining to deliver one unique festival which runs throughout the city from 16 October – 1 November.  The 2014 festival features 110 events with performers from 18 different countries and 26 premieres, covering classical and contemporary music, film, dance, theatre, talks and visual arts.

The festival would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and public sector funders including Title Sponsor, Ulster Bank, Principal Funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, British Council, O2 International Sim, Belfast Harbour, Arts & Business NI and Department for Social Development, plus, the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s box office is now opens with some shows now sold out.  Check-in at www.belfastfestival.com for details and tickets.

On Saturday 27 September, Michael Smiley the award-winning actor and comedian from Holywood will be making a very special appearance at the Aspects Literature Festival.

Having recently pedalled his bicycle around Ireland recalling funny stories from the past and meeting other enthusiasts and characters from his BBC NI series ‘Something To Ride Home About.’

For Aspects audiences, Michael will read from ‘A Place Apart’ by travel writer and cyclist Dervla Murphy.  Michael will also be in conversation with BBC NI’s Joe Lindsay recounting stories about some of the characters he met on his journeys during Series One of ‘Something To Ride Home About.’  Joining him onstage will be acclaimed local photographer and cyclist Bill Kirk and the famed Belfast Workshop owner Austin Brown.

Actor, writer and comedian Michael Smiley is well known for this 2011 role as a hit man Gal in Ben Wheatley’s ‘ Kill List’ and cycle courier Tyres, in cult TV series ‘ Spaced.’ Other roles include the devilish O’Neill in ‘A Field In England,’ computer expert Benny in BBC1’s ‘Luther,’ George Lusk in the BBC’s ‘Ripper Street’,  Baxter in Channel 4’s ‘Black Mirror’s White Bear’ and most recently he was on our screens as Colonel Morgan Blue in Dr Who.

A successful stand-up for 20 years, Michael was an award-winning international headliner, and his trilogy of self-penned one man plays brought him acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe. His play,’ The Immigrant,’ premiered at the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast in May 2012. His BBC series, ‘Something to Ride Home About,’ about him cycling around his native Northern Ireland, screened in 2014.

In 2014, he will be appearing as Reynolds with Jude Law and Ben Mendelsohn in Kevin McDonald’s’ Black Sea’ and as Shannon alongside Stephen Graham in David Leon’s ‘Orthodox.’

Tickets for this event, which is taking place at The Festival Marquee, in The Walled Garden, Bangor, are on sale now at www.aspectsfestival.com and cost £15/£12 concession.

Now in its 23^rd year, this year’s Aspects programme has something for everyone.  Other festival highlights include; Falkland’s War Veteran Simon Weston OBE in conversation with Gerry Kelly, Sheena Wilkinson reading from the collection of short stories ‘The Great War,’ Paolo Hewitt in conversation with celebrity hairdresser Paul Stafford, broadcaster Martin Bell in conversation with Gerry Kelly and so much more!

For the full line-up, please download a programme at www.aspectsfestival.com.

Tickets for these events are now on sale at www.aspectsfestival.com or from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

Down

The silver screen once again brings a sparkle to Solitude Park with the return of the ever popular free outdoor cinema with a screening of the smash hit movie Pitch Perfect on Friday 19th September at 8pm.   The 2012 musical comedy tells the tale of Beca, the new girl at school who is finding it hard to fit in. However things start to change when she joins  ‘The Barden Bellas’, an all-girls a cappella singing group, made up of a mix of mean girls, sweet girls and weird girls whose only thing in common is how good they sing together.  To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot tasty treats and other refreshments.  Don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion too!

Tyrone

After two successful sell-out events last year at The Burnavon, the American Wrestling Roadshow is set to return to Cookstown on Saturday, September 20th with another two events at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Coming from successful tours in France, Spain, Japan, Germany, the United States, Mexico and beyond, this night promises to leave your hair standing, heart pumping and your blood boiling!

Fermanagh

Get Outdoors this weekend at the Fermanagh Family Fun Day at Castle Archdale Saturday 20th September. Experience the great outdoors with free activities including climbing, canoeing, guided cycling, guided walks as well as bouncy castle and face painting. Some activities must be pre-booked at www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com.

Derry

This Saturday 20th September enjoy a host of demonstrations that will take place at Ness Woods Country Park Killaloo including birds of prey, fly tying and angling demonstrations as part of Get Outdoors Weekend. The National Trust will also be in attendance providing an insight into some of their historic sites. Turn up on the day, no booking required.

Armagh

Armagh City & District’s third ‘Culture Night’ this Friday 19th September promises to be even better this year, with a jam-packed programme for you to choose from, including theatre and drama, dance, visual arts, talks and tours, exhibitions, music, workshops, storytelling, folk displays, craft and so much more. All events are FREE and open to all age groups. With so much happening, what will you choose to see? ‘Culture Night’ is a nationwide initiative and is Ireland’s largest platform to showcase its rich cultural and artistic diversity and provides the opportunity to all to participate in free arts and cultural events.

Antrim

Bushmills will come alive to the 3rd Annual Salmon and Whiskey Festival 19th to 21st September.  Artisan stalls, street performers, whiskey tastings in the Distillery and a Salmon station will keep guests amused during this popular celebration of local culture, heritage and produce. Inland Fisheries Group will open a hatchery and salmon station to the public and will provide tours, talks and river walks. Visitors can learn about the Salmon Fishery Research Centre and the essential research they carry out. There will also be cast and fly tying demonstrations for the fishermen and women out there.  Ballycastle Town Market will take place in the village on Saturday 20th from 12 noon – 5 pm (Free Entry)

Belfast

The Autumn Fair will be hosting a range of free outdoor activities as part of Get Outdoors Weekend in Botanic Gardens this Saturday.  There will be a climbing wall, archery sessions, a Kidz assault course, bug hunts and much, much more all for FREE!  Other things to see at the fair are the award-winning blooms, fruit, vegetables and cacti on display. There will be live music and a variety of stalls selling food, plants, crafts and jewellery. And we’ve face painting and other free activities for kids too!

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.com

Evocative drama and toe-tapping music are the order of the day this weekend at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Patrick McCabe is one of Ireland’s most daringly original writers. ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ is the stage version of his highly acclaimed novel ‘The Butcher Boy’ which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Set in 1960’s rural Ireland, it is a poignant and provocative journey into the heart and mind of Francie Brady, a young man driven beyond the boundaries of his mental and emotional health. Over 30 characters will be played by two versatile actors, Patrick McBrearty and Stefan Dunbar, in a powerfully evocative and rewarding theatre experience.

‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ will be staged on Thursday 25^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession).

The Market Place Theatre Cajun / Bluegrass Club returns by storm on Saturday 27^th September at 8pm with the best of bluegrass and Cajun music and food that is as spicy as the music. Providing the music for the evening are ‘Wookalily’, a female-led Americana folk band with roots in bluegrass and country. They turf out timeless songs from the bogs of Northern Ireland to the bayous of Louisiana. Their style has an old-timey feel with a young-timey appeal.

Tickets are priced £10 for the music only, and £20 for music and supper. Tickets for all performances are available 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.

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast is set to serve what’s being tipped as the city’s most expensive menu next month, with a lavish seven-course Cristal dinner in its Great Room Restaurant.

For £195 per person, you can enjoy the ultimate fine dining experience with a sumptuous seven-course meal, alongside matching luxury wines and Louis Roederer Cristal champagne. The exclusive menu, which is being offered for one night only on Thursday 9^th October, has been created especially for Belfast Restaurant Week, which runs 4-11 October 2014.

Dishes from the luxurious menu include pressed guinea fowl and rabbit terrine with hazelnut and vanilla pear accompanied by a glass of Brut Vintage 2007; lobster thermidor matched with a glass of Cristal 2006; wild turbot, salsify, caspian beluga caviar with a glass of Cristal 2000; and a dessert of Brillat savarin, spiced black fig and candied pistachio paired with a glass of Louis Roederer Rose Vintage 2009.

With demand for tables at the exclusive dinner set to be high, culinary and wine aficionados are advised to book early by calling The Merchant on 028 9023 4888.

Gavin Carroll, general manager of The Merchant Hotel, said:

“At The Merchant, we pride ourselves on offering our customers the highest quality dining experiences, alongside first class service. Our luxury Cristal Dinner is the latest in a series of exciting and novel one-off culinary events.

“Our award-winning chefs have devised a delectable seasonal menu that pairs the finest culinary offerings with the best fine wines and champagnes. We’re proud to offer this exciting menu during Belfast Restaurant Week – at a time when all eyes will be on the culinary offerings of our great city.”

For those that can’t afford to splash out on champagne and caviar, The Merchant has a range of menus and food events to suit all budgets during Belfast Restaurant Week.

In The Great Room Restaurant, diners can avail of a pre and post theatre set menu offering two courses from £18.50 per person or three courses from £22.50 per person with live music, Monday 6^th – Wednesday 8^th October and Friday 10^th October.

In The Cloth Ear, choose from a set menu focusing on the best of local produce, with two courses for £16.95 and two courses for £19.95; or on Tuesday 7^th October, try out their special marathon menu, which offers a seven-course menu made with produce sourced within 26 miles of The Cloth Ear, with a selection of samples of locally sourced drinks for £30 per person.

And, in Berts Jazz Bar, check out the exciting Bistronomy four-course menu with matched cocktails for £55 per person on Wednesday 8^th October.

For further information, or to book a table at any of The Merchant’s special Belfast Restaurant Week events, call 028 9023 4888.

The River to Lough Festival is a new and innovative one-day festival that will take place at the Toome Eel Fishery on Saturday 27^th September 2014 from 12 noon to 6pm.

The festival is the ideal opportunity to learn more about the world renowned Lough Neagh Eel and gain an insight into the eel fishing industry. Meet the fishermen, hear about the epic migration of silver eels and even see some eels up close on the guided tours of the factory.  A great afternoon day out for all the family with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre leading the cooking demonstrations.  Local restaurants have also been invited to showcase recipes and food and crafts stalls will display produce from across Northern Ireland.

The festival will celebrate over 8,000 years of fishing on the River Bann and Lough Neagh. It will highlight the rich cultural heritage associated with this very ancient fishing tradition as well as the mythic transatlantic journey of the eel. It will also celebrate the uniqueness of other wild food that comes from the River Bann & Lough Neagh, and will encourage local, national and international visitors to appreciate the culinary uniqueness of the Lough Neagh Eel as well as other local artisan produce.

The festival is being organised by The Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-operative and will take place in at the Co Operative premises in Toome.  Pat Close Chairman and CEO of The Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-operative says “The aim of the event is to raise awareness of the Lough Neagh Eel, together with its recently designated Protected Geographic Indicator (PGI) status. It also wishes to highlight the work of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society and the work of the fishermen on the Lough.”

For more information you can find festival updates on Facebook by searching for the River to Lough Festival or contact the Toome Eel Fishery by phone on 02879650618 or email info@loughneagheels.com.

This week welcomes the return of the “Gig’n the Bann” Cross Cultural Music and Dance festival to the banks of the River Bann in Portglenone.

Marking the festival’s 15^th anniversary, it is set to offer an impressive line-up of top local performers spanning traditional, Scottish, gospel and folk music genres; as well as walks, Giro d’Portglenone cycle race, art exhibitions and the annual Contribution to Music Awards.

Taking place from the 11th – 14th September 2014, it is set to showcase only the finest talent from around the picturesque Fresh Waters* of the River Bann and Portglenone village. The action packed 3-day event is filled with family fun events and kicks off with a 5K run and walk aimed at raising vital funds for the Community Rescue Service. Local artist Conor Larkin from Kilrea will also return with this fantastic collections; as will the search to find ‘Young Band of the Year’, won last year by ‘Cúig’ who will be performing once again.

On Saturday, ‘De Danann’ will top the bill at the Wild Duck. They were formed in 1975 in Galway and became one of the most influential bands in traditional Irish Music. Their distinctive approach to the traditional both musically and vocally have been the cornerstone of the Irish Music for over two decades and be making their debut appearance at the festival.

So whether you want to listen to the sound of the pipes and drums or attend one of the many concerts or outdoor events over the course of the weekend, ‘Gig’n the Bann’ offers something for everyone! Mark these dates in your diaries and you will be assured a very warm welcome and a weekend of top class entertainment on the banks of the Bann.

Tickets for the concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening can be reserved by emailing organisers info@gignthebann.com. For more information, please log onto www.gignthebann.com or check out the official Facebook page @Gignthebann.

*Portglenone, Belturbet, Kilrea and Drumaheglis are all benefiting from the Fresh Waters campaign, a £1.29m pound investment by the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, which is encouraging locals to ‘Explore a New View’ the four Ulster river towns. The investment is managed by The North East Partnership (NEP).

‘Culture Night Armagh’ is set to take place in Armagh City and across the district on Friday 19^th September with over 100 free events [and counting] taking place in 21 venues as musicians, artists, performers, DJ’s, tutors, writers, authors, poets, tour guides, dancers, singers and schools take to stages and venues to provide an evening of entertainment all for free.

TRADITIONAL IRISH & SCOTTISH DANCE

Following hot on the heels of their spectacular performance and show last year at Culture Night, The Lorraine Scallon School Of Irish Dance returns this year for another performance. Riverdance eat your heart out! Culture Night is also delighted to have the Curran Rooney School Of Irish Dance and Clan McCaul Irish Dance School performing in The Market Place Theatre and The Bandstand in Market Square and The Olivia Daly Dance School performing in Poyntzpass. Tassagh Scottish Country Dancers delighted audiences last year so their return this year is a colourful highlight of the programme, performing in Market Place Theatre. Scottish Highland Dancing via the Ulster Scots Community Network will take place in Armagh County Museum.

CHOIRS

Armagh is renowned for the quality and quantity of its choirs so this is reflected in this year’s programme with ‘Cor Gaelach’, Oriel Choir, Makaton Choir, Voices Of Recovery Choir and Choir Of The Passes in Poyntzpass.

‘ARMAGH’S GOT TALENT’

Lots of young bands and solo performers will get a chance to show off their talents at Culture Night including young singers Michael Haughey, Emma Timlin, Oisin Glendinning, Noel McClean, Hanna Donnelly, Guth’s Gleas and the well-known groups ‘Cup O Joe’, ‘Castle Street’ and ‘HOW’.  Culture Night is also delighted to welcome back the cast from the summer blockbuster musical ‘Oliver!’ to perform once again.

‘The Keepers Of The Hill’ is a short performance piece taking place in Vicar’s Hill, created by children from Armagh under the direction of SoundMór depicts the magical nature of The Hill of Armagh

SUCCESSFUL AUTHORS

Following on from the success of this summer’s John Hewitt Summer School in Armagh, top writers Dara Carville and Stuart Neville continue the tradition with readings from their published work in Armagh City Library. Novelist Emma Heatherington reads from her book ‘Crazy For You’ in Armagh Visitor Centre and published author John McAllister reads from his trilogy of ‘Barlow’ novels in The Market Place Theatre.

DRAMA

Armagh Theatre Group performs the WW1 play ‘We Were Brothers’ in Abbey Lane Theatre. Space is always limited! Loughgall WI perform ‘The Northern Ireland WI Bake Off’ in The Market Place Theatre. Local professional actor Denis Halligan shows his latest short film ‘An Actor Prepares’.

DANCE

Contemporary Dance is always one of the visual highlights of Culture Night Armagh and this year is no different with Sutemos in various venues across the city and JD Dance who are just back from a successful World Championships.

LEARN ABOUT OTHER CULTURES

Culture Night Armagh is a multi-cultural event and this year is delighted to welcome the very colourful Amber Lithuanian Community Folk Dance to The Market Place Theatre and The Bulgarian Traditional Folk Dancers.

GUIDED WALKING TOURS

Listen to Baron George Minn play the cathedral bells in the iconic St Patrick’s RC Cathedral or get a guided tour. The Church of Ireland Cathedral Tour is also followed by an organ recital by Stuart Nelson. Cairde Teo and Gael Linn take audiences on an irish Language walking tour of Armagh and there are also tours of Armagh Gaol, The Palace and Ghost Stories On The Mall.

MAKE MUSIC

Anyone interested in learning or making music can enjoy the SU Sinfonia Orchestra, get an introduction to recording music in The Amma Centre or an Open Circle Music Making session in The Market Place Theatre by SoundMor.

TRADITIONAL & BAND MUSIC

Armagh Pipers Club have an open trad session in Armagh Pipers Club and there is a Traditional Music Night in Ye Olde Dyke Inn in Poyntzpass. Armagh Old Boys Band and Poyntzpass Silver Band are on hand for enthusiast of Silver and brass bands.

JAZZ MUSIC

A highlight from last year’s programme, The New Rhythm Band return with their big band sound and exciting rhythms. There is also a Jazz Jam in the Charlemont Arms Hotel.

EXHIBITIONS

Armagh Art Club will be on hand to chat and demonstrate to the public, there will be Graffiti Art with DJ’s on the theatre veranda and the Irish Woodturners Guild, ceramics and potters.

Brochures for Culture Night, Armagh are now available in venues across the City & District or from The Market Place Theatre, Armagh. The programme can also be downloaded from the theatre website at www.marketplacearmagh.com.

Try something new this autumn at the Crescent Arts Centre.

Want to learn a new skill or develop an existing talent?  With over 250 classes and workshops from as little as £10, the Crescent Arts Centre offers a wide variety to choose from, from the traditional to the eclectic and everything in between.

Ever thought about taking a painting, drawing or sculpture class?  Now is your chance.   Why not engage your musical talent by taking singing classes or learning to play an instrument?

Dust the cobwebs from your travel books and brush up on the languages you learned in school, or better yet, learn a new one.  Give acting or dancing classes a whirl.  From contemporary and jazz to Irish and Bollywood there are plenty of options for you to try.

Keith Acheson, Crescent Arts Centre Director said, “We try to offer as wide a variety of classes and workshops as possible to reflect the sheer scope of what the arts can offer.  In doing so we hope that everyone’s tastes are catered for.   Our aim is for people to simply enjoy a class in a friendly atmosphere and then who knows where that experience will lead.  The Crescent Arts Centre is for everyone and we welcome anyone who wants to give it a try!”

The new term starts on the 15^th September.  Classes include painting, dance, drama, languages, acting and classes for children along with many others.  For information on all of the above and more, make sure to visit www.crescentarts.org or call the box office on 028 9024 2338.