The countdown is on to Derry-Londonderry’s first dedicated fashion festival – Fashion Fest 2014 – which will bring the catwalk to some of the city’s most stunning historic buildings, from November 20 – 23.

Top industry gurus and designers including Wayne Hemingway, Sonya Lennon, Una Rodden and Oliver Doherty, are just a few of the well-known names among an inspirational line-up of fashion figures who will be on hand to pass on their knowledge of the industry over four days of creative events.

All the action kicks off on Wednesday evening, November 19, with a magical Winter Wonderland Collaboration Catwalk event at the Maldron Hotel, and some beautiful Christmas couture heralding the beginning of Derry’s festive programme.

The city’s inaugural Fashion Fest celebration features a wide array of highlights for fashion fans including a special industry focus workshop for budding designers and fashion retailers, taking place on Thursday November 20.

A  stunning Irish Wedding Fashion Showcase will follow on Friday set against the spectacular backdrop of St Columb’s Cathedral and showcasing some of Ireland’s best designers and the latest wedding designs.

This leads on Saturday November 22, to an exclusive Designer Fashion Showcase in St Columb’s Hall, featuring top design names Edel MacBride, Una Rodden, Oliver Doherty and Tamsin Blackbour among a formidable array of talent, topped off with drinks, music and dancing.

Throughout the festival, the city’s historic Cathedral Quarter will play host to dozens of eclectic stalls, pop-up shops and exhibitions during its quirky Vintage Fair which brings some Portobello Road style to the city! While a rich programme of workshops, fashion demos and exhibitions will take place in a variety of venues.

If you would like to be part of some of the exclusive events, a limited number of tickets are still available to purchase at www.derrycity.gov.uk/fashionfest. For more information on all the events contact Tara Nicholas on:  028 7136 5151, ext. 6980.

The local hospitality sector is to receive a significant jobs boost thanks to a new investment announced today by Beannchor, Northern Ireland’s largest hospitality group.

Sixty6 – an exciting new cocktail bar and nightclub – will open in early December, above the company’s highly successful National Grande Café on High Street, Belfast.

Representing an investment of £400,000, the completion of Sixty6 will create 60 new jobs.

The launch of the second phase of the Cathedral Quarter entertainment complex, based at 66 High Street, Belfast, will complete a total investment of £1.1m by Beannchor in the venue and the creation of 120 jobs (including 60 created when The National Grande Café opened in September 2013).

Set over three floors, Sixty6 will conjure the glamour of a classic Victorian’s Gentleman’s Club; bringing upper levels of the Grade B listed former National Bank building back to their former glory.

Original features including high ceilings with intricate cornices, carved wooden pillars, original doors and a distinctive wrought iron and stone staircase have been sympathetically restored. Plush fabrics, furnishings and fittings have been added to update the interior of the striking venue, which dates back to the 1890s.

On the first floor, an intimate cocktail bar will serve a range of innovative drinks seven nights a week. On the upper two floors, a nightclub will feature live DJ entertainment from Thursday to Sunday, with access to the venue’s exclusive rooftop terrace via the third floor.

The luxury, high-end venue will bring a new dimension to Belfast’s booming evening economy.

Commenting on the announcement, Conall Wolsey, director, Beannchor Group, said: “The launch of the National Grande Café in 2014 was an exciting development for Beannchor and Belfast’s social scene.

“Our £1.1m investment in the venue will be completed with the launch of the second phase of the development this month. The opening of Sixty6 will provide an economic boost not just to the Cathedral Quarter but to the wider hospitality industry as a whole.

“As we continue to grow, we are creating a solid foundation for the development of rewarding long-term careers. As a major employer of over 650 people, Beannchor is committed to investing in its people; these new roles  – and all of our employment opportunities – are underpinned by ongoing staff training, development and rewards schemes that will drive the improvement of service standards in our own venues and right across the industry.”

Sixty6 is the latest venue to be added to the Beannchor portfolio, which includes over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland, including The Merchant Hotel, The National Grande Café and The Dirty Onion.

Located directly below Sixty6, the highly successful National Grande Café and Garden opened in September 2013 and offers a classic continental café bar experience; open for breakfast at 8am, food and high quality coffees are served throughout the day until 7pm, with relaxed entertainment provided late into the evening.

Sixty6 will officially open to the public on Saturday 28^th November 2014. For further information visit www.facebook.com/Sixty6Belfast

The C.S. Lewis Festival, the colourful celebration of one of Belfast’s most famous sons, returns for an extended weekend of theatre, tours, talks, films, storytelling and family events across the east of the city and beyond.

The second C.S. Lewis Festival, which takes place from 20-23 November 2014, has been generously funded by Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

It marks the 51st anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series.

Across 4 days of Lewis-related events will be reflections and assessments of the cultural significance of Lewis’ rich legacy, the impact he had on Belfast, as well as the strong influence his native city had on his vast body of work.

Festival Organiser Wendy Langham said:

“C.S. Lewis is one of those figures that everybody has heard of, but perhaps few realise that he was born, and for a time, was schooled in east Belfast. The 2014 C.S. Lewis Festival seeks to discover and celebrate those connections and invite people to come on a journey with us across the east, and hopefully have a lot of fun in the process!”

The highlights of the 2^nd C.S. Lewis Festival include the Great Story Quest which takes the award-winning Replay Theatre into local primary schools, a CS Lewis Bus Tour, where local Lewis expert Sandy Smith takes intrepid travelers on a very personal journey into the heart of Lewis’ Belfast. Campbell College – the young Lewis’ alma mater, and the inspiration behind the famous Narnia lamp, will play host to the C.S. Lewis Nearly True Tours, hosted by Young at Art, as children big and small are invited into a magical realm of exploration and adventure amidst the enchanted grounds of the famous college. There will be screenings including The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe and the gripping documentary – The Man, The Myth and the Wardrobe, featuring an introduction from east Belfast director Moore Sinnerton.

Actor David Payne brings his acclaimed one man show An Evening with C.S.Lewis to the festival for the first time. Early-birds can enjoy the Narnia Breakfast at the Park Avenue Hotel. There’s also an opportunity to enjoy an evening with two experts who will expand your knowledge of Lewis the man and his meaning for today during C.S. Lewis- The Bigger Picture. This year’s Lewis at Lunchtime in the Ulster Hall, will have a timely focus on C.S. Lewis and the Great War.

St Mark’s Church, Lewis’ much-loved original place of worship, will be hosting a suitably seasonal Winter Wonderland Craft Fair and the Holywood Arches library will offer up a range of storytelling and creative writing workshops and displays for kids big and small.

Elsewhere there’s more creative workshops, screen printing and exhibitions throughout the east of the city!

Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “C.S. Lewis left a legacy which appeals to those of different generations, religious beliefs and social circumstances. His work creates a common bond between us all, where we can share in the enjoyment of his literature Everyone can take ownership of his work, but there is a particular pride in his birthplace of East Belfast, where C.S. Lewis spent his formative years. Now in its second year, the C.S. Lewis Festival is a celebration of this link to a literary great. My department is pleased to support a community festival which underlines the vibrancy of East Belfast, and enhances the cultural infrastructure in an area which has historically suffered from under-investment.”

Damian Smyth, Head of Literature and Drama, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council is pleased to support this annual celebration of one of the most important writers of the 20^th Century and a son of East Belfast.  Lewis’s ability to inspire generations globally through his unique storytelling is reflected in the impressive festival programme which offers something for everyone. I would encourage all to go along and enjoy this rich series of events which boosts the cultural offer of the city as a whole.”

Councillor Guy Spence, deputy chair of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee added:

“The CS Lewis Festival has a great range of events which will appeal to all tastes and all ages.  From kippers and Turkish delight at a traditional CS Lewis breakfast; to making Aslan the Lion mini sculptures; to touring Campbell College with two uniquely funny comedy tour guides; films, talks, and readings;  – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Well done to the organisers and all the best to the Eastside of the city.  I’d encourage you all to spread the word and support as many events as you can.”

The C.S. Lewis Festival runs from 20-23 November. Full Programme details can be found at www.communitygreenway.co.uk/CSLewisfestival Keep up to date with the latest information via Facebook.com/CSLewisFestival and Twitter @CSLewisFest

Join Mr Hullabaloo and Jingles The Jester for the most magical pantomime of them all- Sleeping Beauty.

From the creative team that brought you Jack and The Beanstalk, Snow White, Aladdin and Cinderella: Sleeping Beauty will be a fun filled family adventure that will have you and your family singing, dancing and clapping along!

Featuring an outstanding cast of live performers, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes, children of all ages can join in the excitement and enter a fanciful world as our spectacular story unfolds!

Full of laughter and fun; don’t miss out on the truly magical experience of a Christmas Pantomime. There is also a special visit and present from Santa at the end of the show!

The Courtyad theatre in partnership with Mr Hullabaloo has produced four sell-out pantomimes and received rave reviews from families, schools and youth organisations. With just 180 seats, this intimate venue is perfect for children to get up close to the action.

Four Men and a Dog are true legends of Irish traditional music.

From the moment they burst on the scene at the Belfast Folk Festival in 1990, with their high-energy approach that combines furious traditional dance tunes with irreverent new music and inimitable covers, the tunes have just kept coming. For one night only, the band is appearing at the Burnavon, Cookstown Saturday 29^th November at 8pm.

Their first album, Barking Mad was the founding reason for the respected Cross Border Media label, and took Folk Roots best new album award in 1991, the first Irish band to ever do so. The band has been touring internationally seemingly ever since.

Their fiery tune sets are second to none for passion & precision, while the songs are full of surprise – anything from traditional ballads to American folk songs to acoustic rock n’ roll (in the words of the band “Blame it on the radio”). Each musician is recognised as one of the foremost on his instrument anywhere in traditional music – most notably banjo wizard Gerry O’Connor and fiddler Cathal Hayden. Frontman Gino Lupari on vocals and bodhran is one of Irish music’s great characters, a true performer who engages and draws audiences into the show wherever the band plays.

Four Men & a Dog only play a very selective number of dates together each year, so this is a genuinely rare chance to catch one of Irish music’s greatest live acts. Tickets, priced £20, are on sale now at the Burnavon Box Office (028 8676 9949) or online at www.burnavon.com

Two dance companies, one from Belfast and one from Dublin, come together at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh, to premiere a new dance work that looks at the predicament of living out two conflicting states of mind at once.

Choreographed by Liz Roche and set to Neil Martin’s score, ‘Neither Either’ identities, beliefs, emotions and aspirations are put to the test in this poignant blend of dance, poetry and music.

There will also be a Post Show Talk, where audience members will have the opportunity to meet the Dancers and Choreographer after the show at 9pm for a discussion about the themes of the work and working in the creative industry today.

‘Neither Either’ will be staged on Thursday 20^th November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £7 each, with special ticket prices and educational workshops available for school groups. Tickets are available through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

Sami Salt is on a mission. She has exactly six weeks of Flab-Busters classes and Jane Fonda workouts to slim down for the Christmas do and dazzle her gorgeous boss Mark Bond with her svelte shape and super new confidence to boot.

However, her friends have other ideas… each setting her up on a blind date to get her back into the dating scene. Will Sami slim down for Christmas? Will she woo Mark and live happy ever after? Or will she eat her own bodyweight in Maltesers like last year?

Written by best-selling author Leesa Harker 50 Shades of Red White and Blue, Dirty Dancing in Le Shebeen, this brand new Christmas Comedy will have you bursting at the seams.

Starring Julie McCann, Caroline Curran, Cillian O’Sullivan, Neil Keery and Sarah Lyle.

Directed by Andrea Montgomery

Designed by David Craig

Lighting Design by Conleth White

Tickets: £22, £20, £18 & £15

Concessions £2 off each price – group discount also available

Preview: 16 & 17 Dec £18, £16, £14 & £12

Time: 7:45pm (except Fri 19 Dec 6pm & 9pm)

Captioned Performance: Sat 3 Jan

Recommended Age: 16yrs+

Friday November 21^st will see Bangor Abbey play host to a concert to kick off a weekend of events to celebrate Bangor’s most famous Saint, Columbanus.

Following on the back of the success of 2013, this year’s concert is packed with fabulous acts both local and international.

Local group, The Farriers, will return to Bangor Abbey, a venue they can almost start calling home after a sold out concert as part of the Bangor Open House Festival. The group will be delighting the audience in performing their unique and authentic blend of folk & Americana.

Also performing on the night are; The McGinn sisters a trio of siblings who play harp, fiddle and flute/whistle have won many awards.  Their mix of music some of which is self-penned, weaves and darts throughout the Irish tradition.  Their playing reflects the intuition and subtlety that is achieved when siblings perform.

David McCann is one of Bangor’s finest singer/songwriters and a very talented guitarist.  Either solo or with his band “The Sand Runners”, he has impressed audiences throughout Ireland with his sensitive and introspective songs.

David Lennon, a stalwart of the local music scene for over 30 years, has a rich repertoire of traditional songs.  An award winning songwriter from the 1980s, he has performed both as a solo musician and group member throughout Europe.  He was recently heard on Radio Four singing “The White Dove – song of Columbanus”.

Described by RTE as “the best of Irish culture” and back by popular demand, are Ards Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann. This group of young musicians tutored by husband and wife team Niall and Bronagh McClean, are yearly sought by festival organisers throughout the UK, Europe and now America.  Having headlined the Aviles Festival, Spain and the Bath Folk Festival this summer, 2015 sees them booked to play in New York during the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations and in August in Bobbio, Italy to play at the Basilicia of St Columbanus.

Performing alongside Ards CCE will be, The Smyth sisters a trio of award winning festival dancers with a rich family pedigree.  Their eldest sister Lauren, is the lead dancer with River Dance whilst older brother Conor is the lead in Michael Flately’s production of “Lord of the Dance”.  This is festival dancing at its very best.

Adding a unique twist to this year’s concert will be Marianne McShane, a native of Bangor but now residing in America, Marianne is an award winning story teller who mesmerised audiences with her ancient tales during the Bangor Cross Community Folk Festival in June 2014.  It is a privilege to welcome her back to Bangor for this event.

The theme of the concert and weekend is, “Journey of a Single Day”, a title to reflect the work of Columbanus and his fellow Bangor Saints, including Gall, who departed Bangor circa 590AD and spread the word of Christianity throughout much of modern day Europe including, France, Austria, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.

The events are taking place on the Feast Day weekend of St Columbanus and are echoed across those European sites where Columbanus left his legacy.

Other events taking place over the weekend include;

On Saturday 22nd at St Comgall’s Parish Church, Brunswick Road, Bangor, a special children’s story telling event, from 2-3pm, with international story teller Marianne McShane, along with two historical talks focusing on Columbanus and Ireland’s Early Christian Heritage. Lectures run from 12noon-1pm & 2pm-3pm.

On Sunday 23^rd there will be an Ecumenical Church service held in First Bangor Presbyterian Church, Main Street, Bangor at 7pm.

For concert tickets, priced only £10, and more information on the weekends programme, contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk or log on to northdowntourism.com for more details.

“the very best kind of authentic, old-time American roots music”

North Down Borough Council are delighted to welcome American roots band Furnace Mountain to play an exclusive gig at Coffee Cure at The Museum on Thursday, 6 November at 8pm.

Furnace Mountain make the very best kind of authentic, old-time American roots music. At times lively and raucous, with spirited fiddle melodies weaving in and around the powerful rhythms of the bass and bouzouki. At other times poignant and poetic, with sublime vocal harmonies beautifully interpreting some of the oldest songs ever written.

Hailing from Virginia, the band has played together since 1995 taking their name from a neighbouring mountain. The band consists of exquisite pickers and enchanting songstresses; Dave Van Deventer on Fiddle and Vocals, Morgan Morrison on Bouzouki and Vocals, Aimee Curl on Bass and Vocals, Danny Knicely on Mandolin. Listen to them once and you’re hooked. The four-piece even have the Coen Brothers amongst their biggest admirers.
The band plays music from the American Appalachian traditions, as well as original compositions, and songs penned by their favourite song-writing friends. Their live performances are unforgettable. They are an act that will stay with the listener for a very long time.
We’re delighted to welcome this magical band to Bangor as they embark on an island wide tour this November!

Tickets are on sale now and cost £11/£9 concession.

Tickets are available via North Down Museum (028 9127 1200), Bangor Visitor Information Centre (028 9127 0069) or Book Online www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings

QUOTES

“Gorgeous” – Bob Harris, BBC Radio 2

“Furnace Mountain sound like a marriage between Be-Good Tanyas and the best bits of Nickel Creek – except with true Appalachian soil caked onto their boots” – The Herald

“First Class!” – fRoots magazine

The Fresh Waters campaign is launching its search to find ‘The Best Of’ ​ the four Fresh Waters river towns.

These awards are calling on visitors and locals to nominate their favourite place within Portglenone, Drumaheglis, Belturbet and Kilrea; so that hidden gems and well-deserved service and product providers are rightfully rewarded for their role in promoting the beauty of the River Erne and the Lower Bann.

These awards are set to coincide with the close of the RIVER project; a £1.2m initiative which brought significant investment to the four Ulster river towns. Funded by the European Union under the INTERREG IVA programme and managed by the North East Partnership (NEP), this scheme has regenerated many parts of the Lower Bann, River Erne and their neighbouring towns, by improving and enhancing the facilities on offer.

The Fresh Waters campaign, launched as part of the RIVER project, has been an active driver in growing awareness of the rivers and surrounding towns. As a result, the campaign has revitalised a whole new tourism sector and today, the Fresh Waters’ towns in and around Portglenone Marina, Drumaheglis, Belturbet and Kilrea are being explored by new faces and revisited by those that have fallen in love with what they have to offer.

So whether it is your favourite eating establishments, accommodation providers, beauty spots,  geological points of interest and/or heritage attractions, we want to know why they deserve to be crowned ‘The Best of’. Simply email freshwaters@rumourmillpr.co and explain why your attraction deserves to win in no more than 100 words, by Friday 15^th November. The categories will be broken down into The Best of; Portglenone, Kilrea, Belturbet and Drumaheglis/Ballymoney.

To find out more information, please log onto to The Fresh Waters Official Facebook page Facebook.com/thefreshwaters or follow @the_freshwaters on Twitter.