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.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 15-21).

• Culture Night and CNX, various locations, Belfast, Co Antrim, September 16 -21. The main Culture Night takes place on September 19 but this year Culture Night Xtra (CNX) means there is a six day programme of events to enjoy.  Experience cultural adventures that will brighten spaces and places around Belfast with hundreds of events, performances, talks, tours and family fun across the city’s Cathedral Quarter and beyond. And best of all most events are free!

• Hans Sloane Chocolate and Fine Food Festival, Killyleagh Castle, Downpatrick, Co Down, September 20 and 21. There will be fifteen different chocolate creators at the festival with chocolate to taste, savour and buy. Browse the twenty five or more artisan fine food producers and sample some delicious treats from the hot food village or simply have a relaxing cup of SD Bells coffee under the castle walls.

• Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival 2014, Bushmills town, Co Antrim, September 19-21.  Bushmills will come alive to the 3rd Annual Salmon and Whiskey Festival.  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.

• Get Outside, Castle Archdale Country Park, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, September 20.  Experience the great outdoors with free activities including climbing, canoeing, guided cycling, guided walks as well as a bouncy castle and face painting.

• Disability Pride, Custom House Square to City Hall, Belfast, Co Antrim, September 20. Enjoy a fun filled day celebrating and promoting the belief in society that Disability is a natural and beautiful part of human diversity in which people can take pride. You can meet old friends, make new friends and have a party right in the centre of Belfast. There will be an open air concert, retail village and gourmet food on offer as well as another few surprises.

• Canoeing for Families on Lough Erne, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, September 21. Paddle along the Lough Erne Canoe Trail towards Trannish Island Bothy.  Learn new paddle strokes, play games, get wet and have lots of fun!

• CultureTech 2014, various locations, Co Londonderry, September 15-21. Get involved in an exciting festival of creative innovation covering everything from music to video games, animation to software and visual arts to TV production all across one crazy week where around 40,000 people will play games, listen to music, visit galleries, go to seminars, watch films and have a great ‘techy’ time.

• Red Squirrel Day & Family Activities, Gortin Glen Forest Park, Co Tyrone, September 21. Come along from 2pm-4pm and get involved in a range of activities in the Forest Classroom including scheduled talks on red squirrel conservation, how to record your sightings of red or grey squirrels and enjoy a search for red squirrels in the Forest.

• Drive-in Cinema – Back To The Future, Shambles Yard, Cathedral Road, Co Armagh, September 20. Join Marty McFly and Doc Brown on their epic adventure from 8.30pm and head ‘Back To The Future’. This Drive-in Cinema experience will transport you back to 1985 to watch this classic starring Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

• Pedal to the Ports Leisure Cycle, Harbour Hill car park, Porstewart, Co Londonderry, September 21. Enjoy a leisurely 6 mile cycle ride to West Bay, Portrush via a mostly traffic-free cycle path with stunning coastal scenery and return via the same route for more breathtaking views.  There will be an opportunity at half way point near Portrush Harbour to purchase refreshments and ice cream.

Down

For the first time the Irish National MTB Marathon Championships will be held in Northern Ireland at Rostrevor, Co Down on the 14^th September 2014.  The race will be based at the ever popular Mountain Bike trails, starting and finishing in Kilbroney Park, and will cover a distance of 74km with a total elevation gain of 2000m over the full race distance.  The course has been designed by Summit Mountain Biking’s Ciara MacManus – 2011 Irish MTB Marathon Champion and 2013 & 2014 Irish Cross Country Mountain Bike Champion – who has used her extensive experience of racing at International level in Europe and America to put together a challenging but fully rewarding championship race.

Tyrone

Enjoy a unique opportunity to see and learn about the history of St Lucia Barracks in Omagh – Part of the European Heritage Open Weekend Programme.  Tours will be led by local tour guide Vincent Brogan and each tour will set off from Omagh Visitor Information Centre at Strule Arts Centre.  Saturday 20th at 11am & 4pm Sunday 21st at 1pm & 4pm

Fermanagh

Now in their seventeenth year together Talon have been recognised by the ‘Agents Association of Great Britain’ at the ‘National Tribute Awards’ as the ‘Official UK No. 1’ Eagles tribute show.

In 2014 their latest production will feature all the classic Eagles hits from the timeless back catalogue including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It To The Limit’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’, ‘The Last Resort’ and many more.  See them perform live at the Ardhowen Theatre Friday 12th September.

Derry – Londonderry

Davitt Park in Swatragh will be the venue for the 9th annual Fun & Vintage day from 12 noon to 4pm on Saturday 13th September, organised by Killelagh & St Johns Community Association.  As the MINI celebrates its 55th birthday, we are holding a CLASSIC MINI DISPLAY. We welcome a wide variety of vintage vehicles from near and far and all owners will have a chance to win something from the FREE raffle with mystery prizes. Not to be missed.

Armagh

Armagh Gaol dates back to the 1780s and closed its doors as a working prison in 1986. The Gaol is earmarked for a major redevelopment including the construction of a hotel and accommodation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the Gaol in its original state before work commences. The tour informs you about the Gaol’s history that includes women and children imprisonment and the executions that took place in the grounds. This pop up tourist attraction is a must see in 2014!

Antrim

The Portglenone Cross Cultural Music and Dance Festival Gig in the Bann, is recognised as one of the premier and much anticipated events on the festival calendar. 2014 will mark the 15th anniversary of the festival, testament to its reputation for offering a highly impressive line-up of top performers spanning Traditional, Scottish, Gospel and Folk Music circles.  2014 will be no different with performances from artists such as De Danann, We Banjo 3, The Fureys, Reel It In, Cúig, Niamh McGlinchey and Idyllic Dolls. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with concerts; Pipe Bands; Solo Piping Competition; Sessions; Set Dancing & Sean-Nós Dance workshop; Acoustic Cafe; a Family Fun Day; 5K run and walk; the Giro d’Portglenone cycle race; Praise Service and an art exhibition by Conor Larkin from Kilrea. Mark the 11th – 14th September 2014 in your diaries and you will be assured a warm welcome and a weekend of top class entertainment on the banks of the Bann!

Belfast

The Quirky Weddings Alternative Wedding Fair is back at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday September 14th, from 12-5pm.  With everything from rockabilly hair, stylish suit-hire from Focus, homebrew, vintage buses, big light up letters, excellent event decor ideas, creative photographers and cinematographers, cakes like heaven, dresses to die for (including authentic vintage dresses), stationery, caricatures, bands and musicians, unusual venues and lots more!

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

Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s launches FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY

In celebration of this year’s festival, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Ulster Bank and Arts & Business NI, have hidden a number of artworks across 11 areas of Belfast, Moira, Glengormley, Bangor, Holywood, Lisburn and Newtownabbey for the public to find and keep as part of their latest campaign entitled FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY.  From parks to public buildings and open spaces, prizes could be anywhere.

Watch out in these areas every Friday to your chance to find a prize and let the festival team know what you’ve found to be entered in to a competition to win a bigger prize.  Follow the hashtag #BelFestFFF on facebook.com/mybelfastfestival @belfastfestival every Friday until Friday 10^th October for hints and clues as to the whereabouts of this hidden treasure and bag yourself a free artwork.  Keep your eyes peeled on Culture Night, Friday 19^th September, when 70 prizes will be hidden, 50 of which will be expertly concealed in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.  Also, Artist, Orry Robinson, from Lurgan won a competition to brand the FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY piano which will travel around Belfast bringing music everywhere it goes.  From chopsticks to concertos, the key is for everyone to have a go!

Sean Murphy, Regional Manager Branches NI, Ulster Bank, said: “FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY is an excellent example of what the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is all about – it’s inclusive, it’s fun and it demonstrates that the Festival is an event that’s built around local communities.  At Ulster Bank through our partnership with the Festival, we want to offer as many people as possible a passport to the arts. This initiative is a great way of helping bring that about and connecting people to the world-class events coming to Belfast.”

Richard Wakely, Director, at the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, commented, “FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY is a fun and entertaining way for everyone in the city to get involved with the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.  The Festival belongs to the people of Belfast and this is our way of reaching out to every corner of the city to get people involved and I look forward to seeing communities and groups throughout this vibrant city embracing this year’s Festival.”

Brona Whittaker, Arts Manager, Arts & Business NI, remarked “The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s has something for everyone and FREE FESTIVAL FRIDAY is another clever way of engaging with both new and existing audiences. The idea certainly grabs the imagination of all ages and will engage inquisitive minds in this fun festival campaign, stretching out into the community, ensuring the festival message extends its reach. We wish them every success for the 2014 festival.”

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 26 premieres, performers from 18 different countries and 110 events 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 open with some shows sold out.  Check-in at www.belfastfestival.com

Fancy a ‘selfie’ with an owl, the chance to get up close to unusual creatures or to find out to your surprise, that snakes aren’t slimy?

All this and more at the fourth annual Safari Live event will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2014 (noon-five), at Crawfordsburn Country Park, near Bangor, County Down.

Supported by Vets4Pets and hosted by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, the event is free to visit with ample parking on-site and offers up plenty of family fun over the weekend, with two beaches and brilliant walks -all part of this great outdoor weekend, whatever the weather!

Domestic animals, exotics and as seen on TV, Phil’s mobile farm will all feature plus interesting exhibitors bringing little-known facts about many creatures from red squirrels to bats and beyond, such as RSPB, Red Squirrel Forum, The Donkey Sanctuary (Saturday only) and Pets as Therapy.

The Owl Man will bring his fabulous selection of owls once again and for a modest donation that goes towards upkeep, you can take away a ‘selfie’ with one of these stunning birds.

With the name Safari, the event lends itself to a wildlife safari. This one may be on a much smaller scale – from mini-scale pond dipping finds to bugs and lizards to medium-sized animals, but there’s still plenty to see and do. However, visitors must still visit the zoo to see such big cats and other large animals!

The event continues to strive to keep conservation high on the agenda by promoting globally threatened species. Safari also endorses responsible animal care and with this in mind, Vets4Pets veterinary experts will be in attendance to discuss issues and advise pet owners.

Great children’s activities over the weekend include bat and bird box making in the education room and face painting. A small fee is charged for both of these activities. There is also the chance for one lucky winner to take away a pet-inspired hamper full of goodies from Vets4Pets. The proceeds will go to Cash For Kids, the local charity helping disadvantaged children in the Province.

One of the highlights over the last two years returns providing one free make and take craft per child. Younger visitors are invited to join resident artist Jim Russell to use recycled materials fashioned or up-cycled into animal-inspired creations!

Information on how to encourage all manner of wildlife into your garden from making simple bird feed to creating a bug hotel are all on the agenda. Visitors will also be welcome to enter the free competition for a Woody Wildlife Package, which includes a bug hotel, bat box and insect log worth £150!

Cats Protection and Cash for Kids are the event charities and fittingly, the Cats Protection mascot is a tiger. Staff from the Belfast Adoption centre will bring their tiger mascot and aim to organise a samba as in previous years, which snaked around the visitor centre and outdoors – a sight to behold!

Additionally, this year visitors can pick up a free ‘Wild About Animals in Northern Ireland’ magazine at the event or opt for the free download from the Safari site. Everyone is welcome to the event that brings wildlife and people together! The magazine is also currently available from all Vets4Pets outlets, all Northern Ireland libraries and other public places.

For further information please visit www.safarilive.info

You lead a busy life………….you’re constantly running between tasks – sound familiar? Help is at hand at Bangor’s Aspects Literature Festival later this month.

One of Ireland’s most highly regarded  practitioners  on  ‘Mindfulness’, Padraig O’Morain will be sharing his knowledge and practical advice on how to slow down, refocus and practice a form of mindfulness that actually fits in with your hectic life.

Learn mindfulness techniques that will become a seamless part of your daily routine and will enable you to feel calmer and less stressed at home, as a parent, in your relationships or when travelling.

Padraig’s book ‘Mindfulness on the Go’ was sparked by an encounter with a very busy woman who took 4 years to get to one of his courses (and still had to dash to a meeting in the middle of it!).  Padraig will be reading from and discussing his humorous and insightful take on mindfulness.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn life changing skills and be entertained at the same time.

The event is at 4pm, on Saturday 27 September in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor’s Town Hall and tickets cost £12/£10 concession.

Now in its 23^rd year, this year’s Aspects line-up is packed with something for everyone.  Running from September 25 – 28, this year’s 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, broadcaster Martin Bell in conversation with John Toal, A Poetry Slam, The Aspects Book Club and so much more!

To download a full programme, please go to: www.aspectsfestival.com.

Tickets are available at www.aspectsfestival.com, from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

The Aspects Irish Literature Festival gratefully acknowledges the support of its funder, North Down Borough Council.

Let Kim Dickinson transport you to times gone by with the natural and uncanny likeness of her voice to that of Karen Carpenter.

Yesterday Once More – The Sound Of The Carpenters is at The Courtyard Theatre for one night only on Saturday 27 September.  Celebrate with us the music of one of the world’s greatest duos with songs such as Rainy Days and Mondays, Mr Postman and Close to you.

Born in Liverpool before relocating to Ireland, Kim has supported legendary band The Beach Boys and worked with some of  Irelands finest artists such as Dickie Rock,  Dominic Kirwin, Philomena Begley and Brendan Grace to name but a few.  Her first album was recorded in Nashville and went straight to No. 1 in both the Independent European charts and the Nashville Showcase.

Kim Dickinson was touched by Karen Carpenter’s breath-taking voice, and the wonderful array of The Carpenters beautiful songs. She became and has remained one of their greatest fans today.

Kim Dickinson has the vocal quality and emotion to take you on a journey that will recreate the voice of Karen Carpenter.

For more information and ticket sales contact the Box Office on 028 9034 0202 or visit our website www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

Over the coming weeks, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a range of folk, classical and pop music performances.

Dick Gaughan has been at the cutting edge of Scottish folk music for four decades. Guitarist, singer, songwriter, actor, composer, arranger, producer, engineer, he’s done it. A stunning singer with a wonderfully expressive voice belying passion, allied to a dazzling guitar technique, Dick just doesn’t deliver gigs which are ‘ordinary’. Dick has recorded quite extensively in many countries and in various combinations, and has also worked as a session musician in a wide variety of musical styles. He has been active as a record producer/engineer, midi programmer, composer and orchestrator – composing music for films for the BBC, Scottish Arts Council and independent producers. He has also penned songs for Billy Bragg, Christy Moore, Mary Black, Roy Bailey and Capercaillie. Dick Gaughan will perform on Saturday 20^th September at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 each.

A new series of classical concerts featuring top classical performers with the opportunity to enjoy wine and tapas before the show will commence on Friday 26^th September with award-winning Northern Irish pianist Michael McHale, who has established himself as one of the leading Irish pianists of his generation. Michael will perform a delightful programme of popular classics, including Schubert’s Four Impromptus op.90, alongside music from his début solo album, ‘The Irish Piano’. Tickets are priced £12 and £10 (concession), or £18 and £16 (concession) with tapas and a glass of wine.

It’s time to dig out those flares and boogie on down to The Market Place for our ‘Super 70’s Saturday’ on 27^th September. Kicking things off and celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘Waterloo’ and the music of ABBA is ‘The Bjorn Identity’, Ireland’s premier Abba tribute show with their authentic Abba in concert experience. Audiences of all ages can discover and re-live the magic of the Swedish Super Group, Abba. With stunning replica costumes and all the glitz of the 70’s, this two hour show features the greatest hits of ABBA including songs from the hit musical ‘Mamma Mia’. The night of nostalgia continues with our 70’s themed disco after the show with Fancy Dress Competition prizes and lots of special offers and promotions in the bar. Tickets for the show are priced £15.

Tickets for all performances 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.

The silver screen once again brings a sparkle to Solitude Park in Banbridge with the return of the ever popular free outdoor cinema, screening the smash hit movie Pitch Perfect on Friday 19 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.

Beca brings much needed energy to the ‘Bellas’, taking them out of their world of traditional arrangements and perfect harmonies by adding some contemporary tunes into the mix in a bid to beat their male rivals in the campus competition.

Featuring new takes on old favourites and hits of right now all seamlessly mixed together, mashed-up and arranged like you’ve never heard before, this film is jam packed with music and laughter that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot tasty treats including burgers, hot dogs and super-chips. Other refreshments such as popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion too.

For further information on this free event contact Banbridge District Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 02840660605. Alternatively you can log onto www.banbridge.gov.uk or www.facebook.com/banbridgecouncil.