The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 20-26).

• City of Derry International Choral Festival, October 22-26.  More than 70 school, local, national and international choirs will bring the city alive with music as they take part in a range of activities from competitions and workshops, to evening concerts and choral trails, in various venues throughout the city.

• The Food and Drink Show Northern Ireland, King’s Hall Pavillion, Belfast, October 24-26. Enjoy the sights, smells and tastes of the delicious food and drink available from a wide range of local food and drink producers as well as producers from further afield. The Moy Park Celebrity Chef Theatre will deliver a three-day, star studded spectacle of demonstrations from James Martin, John Torode, Simon Rimmer and Rachel Allen. There is something for the whole family at this year’s event, including a series of workshops and demonstrations specifically for children.

• ‘Earth to Alice’ 21/with Alice McCullough, Banbridge Library, Banbridge, Co Down, October 21. One of Northern Ireland’s most talented, up-and-coming spoken word entertainers invites you to join her for a fun-filled evening as she explores the boundaries of stand-up comedy, poetry, storytelling and theatre.

• Wild Colonial Boys, Ballymena Tourist Information Centre, The Braid, Ballymena, Co Antrim, October 22. Ballymena Times editor and well-known local historian, Dessie Blackadder, gives an entertaining public talk on some of the many Ballymena soldiers who fought in various campaigns during the First World War.

• An Evening with Maggie Ferris and Guests, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, October 26. Popular singer, Maggie Ferris, returns to her hometown of Coleraine, for an eclectic evening of culture, music, song and dance. Maggie’s special guests will include her sister, Ann McCay and Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalists, The Innova Dance Company.

• Pumpkins and Potions, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, October 25 – 26. Come dressed in your most frightening costume and enjoy a weekend of family fun at this Irish gentry house. Enter the spook shed for some ghoulish tales and follow the troll, the goblin and the witch on a fantastic Halloween Trail. Carve a pumpkin to take home and join in The Argory’s traditional Halloween activities.

• Autumn Family Favourites Cookery Course, Belle Isle Cookery School, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, October 24. Learn how to cook and prepare traditional and popular seasonal dishes in the beautiful surroundings of Belle Isle’s purpose-built, state-of-the art cookery school.

• Bettye LaVette, Elmwood Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast, October 20. Since the 1960s, has been filling the music scene with her blues, country western, and R&B hitsBettye LaVette, has been filling the music scene with her blues, country and western and R&B hits. In one of only a few European performances this autumn, the ‘Great Lady of Soul’ will be marking her Northern Ireland debut by opening this year’s Belfast Festival at Queen’s Music  Club.

• Songs, Games and Dance at the Cafe de Paris, Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, October 23. Quercus Ensemble, Northern Ireland’s exciting and dynamic chamber ensemble presents an evening of classical cabaret inspired by the world’s most romantic city.

• Titanic: Window on Emigration, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone. Until 31 January. Have you ever wondered what life was like for the emigrants from Ireland who boarded Titanic?This exhibition looks at the stories of some of the Irish emigrants. Set in the context of European emigration, you can explore the stories of the steerage passengers and why they left for the New World.Explore a third class cabin on Titanic, listen to the voices of those involved and bring to life the stories of the people who handed over their tickets in Queenstown on 11 April 1912 for a journey to a new li.  Have you ever wondered what life was like for the emigrants from Ireland who boarded Titanic? This exhibition looks at the stories of some of those people. Visitors can explore a third-class cabin and listen to the voices of those who left Ireland hoping for a new life.  

Down

Castle Ward will host their annual festival Pumpkinfest this Saturday and Sunday.  Choose your pumpkin, scoop out the insides and draw on your own unique designs before handing them to the expert carvers. Create your own scarecrow to enter the scarecrow pageant.  Castle Ward’s 18th century mansion also plays host to the witch’s spooky cellar for you to explore.  Live music is provided by Lawrence T & The Wolfmen and Cup O’Joe on Saturday, and Matt McCrum on Sunday.  Other activities include organic pumpkin soup sampling, an autumn trail, horse and carriage rides (weather permitting) and free-flow mansion tours from 12pm to 5pm (ground floor only, last entry 4pm).

Tyrone

Up in that pantheon inhabited by the biggest selling recording artistes of all time in Ireland, rubbing shoulders with Bono and the Boys, you might be surprised to bump into Phil Coulter who is  playing live at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Friday evening, 17th October.  He has written at least four titles that can be added to the list of Great Irish Songs – the anthems ‘The Town I Loved So Well’ and ‘Ireland’s Call’, and the haunting ‘Scorn Not His Simplicity’ and ‘Steal Away’.

Fermanagh

On Friday 17th October 9pm, The Young Folk return to Ardhowen Theatre’s gallery bar after their outstanding performance earlier this year. The band members Anthony Furey, vocals/guitar; Tony McLoughlin, bass/mandolin; Paul Butler, piano/vocals and Karl Hand, drums/percussion, over the past 12 months, have played in New York, Italy, UK (the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival, where they shared a stage with The Waterboys and The Staves) and Ireland for the launch of their debut album, ‘The Little Battle’.   Dubliner Magazine labelled them as “a unique prospect” “one of the most promising young Irish bands of recent years” (Eamon Carr), “not because of their impressive resume, but because of the raw energy and passion they bring to the stage”

Derry

The Auction Room Maghera announce the live performance of Grammy-nominee Eric Taylor Wednesday 15^th October. Eric Taylor is a master storyteller and has been one of the finest southern songwriters for the last four decades. Influencing such well-known artists as Nanci Griffith, Lyle Lovett and Steve Earle, Taylor tours extensively throughout North America and Europe. He has appeared on Austin City Limits, Late Night With David Letterman, NPR’s “Morning Edition” and BBC Radio. A mesmerizing performer whose shows will leave you wanting more.

Armagh

On the Armagh Gaol’s special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history.  Tours are carried out in low light conditions and are not for the faint hearted!  Suitable warm clothing and flat shoes must be worn.  Tours available 17th, 18th, 23rd, 24th, 25th, 29th, 30th and 31st October at 19:00, 20:00, 21:00 and 22:00.

Antrim

The Ghost in the Glens Storytelling and Music Festival 16th to 19th October is a Storytelling festival based in Cushendall which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim. The festival will include storytellers and musicians from the local area as well as featured guests from the rest of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. It aims to strengthen the cultural links and celebrate the diversity of the population living in the Glens today.

Belfast

The Eclectic Emporium is a once a month opportunity to buy unique, quality and enviable items for your wardrobe and home from Irish crafters, designers and vintage dealers, and have an inspirational day out at the same time.  Showcasing unique handcrafted designs, authentic vintage & all things unusual, the Eclectic Emporium will be popping up again on Sunday 19th October at The Empire Music Hall, 42 Botanic Avenue, Belfast BT7 1JQ.  Run by the Eclectic Collective, the Emporium pop-up will feature around 20 purveyors of loveliness each month, offering great vintage, handcrafted and re-designed fashion, furniture, home decor, jewellery, crafts, gifts, collectibles, curiosities, stationery, art, sweet treats, and much more!  Belfast Empire, Sunday 19th October, 12-5pm, admission free.

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

Fashion lovers sampled a stunning showcase of the latest trends from a selection of Northern Ireland’s top boutiques and designers over the weekend, with the return of The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas.

On Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th October, the  5*star hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite provided a striking setting for five individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge autumn/winter collections from Harper at The Merchant & Gráinne Maher; Art on Fashion; Castle Couture and The Boudoir, alongside a fabulous champagne afternoon tea.

Models from Style Academy provided a round table fashion show, allowing guests to get up close and personal to the new season collections whilst sipping Moet et Chandon champagne and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries. Guests were also given the opportunity to shop the collections hot off the catwalk, with pop-up boutiques for all five retailers housed in The Merchant for the whole weekend.

A packed schedule of five shows included: decadent accessories from designer boutique, Harper and leading milliner and jewellery designer, Grainne Maher; stunning autumn/winter collections from quirky homegrown label, Art on Fashion; beautiful bridal collections from Castle Couture and two shows from Dungannon boutique, The Boudoir.

Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to the hotel’s 2014 charity partner Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke.

The Merchant’s Fashion Teas will return once again to showcase spring fashion trends from a range of top local designers and boutiques on Saturday 11^th and Sunday 12^th April 2015. For further information and to book tickets, visit themerchanthotel.com or contact The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717.

A Spellbinding Halloween Garden Party at Carnfunnock

The witches and wizards of Carnfunnock Country Park cordially invite you to their annual Spellbinding Magical Garden Party on Saturday 1^st November 2014, 2.30pm-6.30pm.

If you are an aspiring witch or wizard, then dust down your hat (or add a cobweb or two) and comb your beard for the wizarding world’s event of the year.  Our experts in Owlery will be in attendance along with the legendary Julius Drake; Dragon Hunter and Storyteller, who will be on hand to troubleshoot – or pour cold water! –  on any dragon problems you may have.

There will be live music, stalls, magic shows and an opportunity to create your own wand or phoenix mask. The mystical corners of Carnfunnock Maze will come alive with special magical guests who may need your help in finding their way out!

As with all good garden parties there is a dress code and this year we hope that you will take part in the best dressed witch or wizard competition. This will take place at 4.15pm on the green front of the Visitor Centre.  There are a variety of categories this year for all ages.  Larne Alive encourages everyone to dress up and take part!  Why not also take part in the Larne Alive pumpkin carving competition?  Simply bring your carved pumpkin to the path at the top of the Visitor Centre; registration will be from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Winners will be announced at 4.45pm at the best dressed competition.

This year’s Halloween event is different from previous years due to the arrival of a flock of fiery phoenixes which have migrated to the Walled Garden! This is a rare occurrence (happening once in every 725 years) and these magical beings turn their surroundings into a beautiful glowing garden!  A beautiful array of fiery installations will fill the garden and you are invited to explore flame-lined paths amongst copper flowers that breathe fire, intricately carved flaming flower boxes, and scorching sculptural trees.

Within the Amphitheatre in the Walled Garden you will be able to enjoy a special show called Shadowplay.  A carousel of optical illusion reveals fantastical characters and mysterious tales of old; as shadows weave back and forth against the night sky, all set to a hypnotic musical score.

This special garden will form the finale to this year’s event and will be open from 4.30pm with last admission at 6.30pm.  It will take approximately 30 minutes to tour the garden. The Fire Garden has been created by Walk the Plank. The Fire Garden can be accessed anytime from 4.30pm-6.30pm, but to help plan your visit please note that there is a maximum capacity allowed in the garden at any one time and a one in one out system will be in operation.  Please note the walled garden will not be accessible until 4.30pm.   The Fire Garden will be accessible from the Visitor Centre steps entrance or the lower car park gate entrance.  The exit point will be the Home Farm lane gate or the lower car park gate. The Maze will not be accessible via the walled garden. Please use the car park pathway to access the Maze.

It is highly recommended that members of the public bring a torch or lantern to the event as it will be getting dark from 4.30pm.

Larne Alive would like to express their sincere thanks to P&O Irish Sea Ferries, Translink and Caterpillar, Northern Ireland for their kind sponsorship of this year’s event.

Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries added commented

“As ferry partner for the event, we are pleased to transport The Walk the Plank Fire Garden Team to Carnfunnock to entertain the crowds. They’ll make the shortest fastest and most convenient crossing across the Irish Sea”.

Admission to the event is free; however car parking charges will apply.  Parking in the Carnfunnock Country Park is limited.  Additional car parking is available at Drains Bay and Carnfunnock Bay.

There will be a free bus service operating for the event, check out www.larne.gov.uk or local press for more details. Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for details on shuttle bus services.  Visitors choosing to walk into the park from Drains Bay Car Park should use the path and bring a torch.

All outdoor events are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather.  To avoid disappointment, members of the public are therefore strongly advised to check www.larne.gov.uk or contact 028 2826 0088 before making their way to the event.  Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for additional details about this event.  More information on the event can also be found on www.facebook.com/larnealiveofficial.

It was one of the most popular films of the 80s and now Ghostbusters is back on the big screen at  Movie House Cinemas for Halloween to celebrate the film’s 30^th Anniversary.

It will be shown from Oct 30 to Nov 2 at Movie House Dublin Road, Cityside/Yorkgate, Glengormley and Coleraine.

It’s a chance to remember 1984 (the bad hair, the big shoulder pads and Sigourney Weaver turning into a dog – or Zuul the Gatekeeper of Gozer) or to introduce the younger generation to one of the most fun Halloween movies of all time.

In case you’ve forgotten, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and Ernie Hudson lead   the cast as the “Ghostbusters,” spirit-exterminators who fearlessly take on the other-worldly evil infiltrating Manhattan, whether it manifests itself as wicked green slime or an ancient tyrant back from the dead to take over the world. The spooktacularly successful franchise captured the imagination of audiences around the world and redefined the action-comedy genre in the process.

There’s lots going on at Movie House this Half Term so make sure to check out the  website at  www.moviehouse.co.uk to find out more.
Bring a friend, grab a popcorn and take your seat at Movie House!

The inspirational Frock Around The Clock – Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair is back bigger and better than ever on Sunday 2nd November 2014 at the Europa Hotel, Belfast, where Northern Ireland’s longest running alternative wedding fair will be showcasing the very best in Irish wedding talent, offering handmade, vintage and bespoke wedding services for creative couples. Come meet with an amazing line-up of fantastic bridal suppliers ready to fulfil all your wedding dreams!

As a big bonus all Brides & Grooms visiting The Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair will be entered into a draw to WIN a fantastic Wedding Competition Package which includes a couples / engagement shoot by You Them Us Photography, 60 x Save The Date invitations by White Picket Fence Weddings, free table runner hire from Magpie Decor, a silver Fionn heart necklace from Isle Ireland Jewellery, a handmade wedding sign from Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique, a hessian & lace guest book AND a leather bound journal from Hampton Blue
Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘The Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair is a cool and stylish event aimed at couples who want a personalised wedding; a day that reflects their personalities and celebrates their unique relationship and experiences together. We search far and wide for our exhibitors so that visitors to the event will find fashion-forward inspiration and experts who can create tailor-made wedding products and services to suit their taste, personality and imagination, and also carefully sourced, authentic vintage treasures from dresses and jewellery to china teasets and sparkling glassware, so couples can be sure that no-one else is going to have the exact same look on their wedding day. Our fairs are fun but relaxed, gorgeously glamorous but friendly, and designed to put you at ease and make planning your big day a pleasure. Unlike traditional wedding events, a lot of the products and vintage treasures can even be purchased and taken away on the day!’

The impressive exhibitor list will include stunning gowns from Ivory & Pearl Bridal Boutique and Norma Jean Vintage, bespoke bridal headpieces and jewellery from K Bird Tiara and Emily Loves Vintage, beautiful flowers from Scarlet & Crimson Flowers and handcrafted brooch bouquets from Innocent Chaos, exquisitely designed cakes from The Little Cupcakery and Madame Cocoa, décor & details from Electic Alphabet and Magpie Decor, couture handcrafted stationery from White Picket Fence Weddings and Arbee Cards, inspirational photography from You Them Us Photography, beautiful wedding rings inspired by Ireland from Isle Ireland Jewellery, and crafty wedding supplies from Hampton Blue and Brides Made.

The FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK: Wonderful Winter Wedding Fair will take place on Sunday 2^nd November from 12-5pm at the Europa Hotel, Great Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7AP. Admission costs £5 at the door. Updates and details of special offers available on the day will be posted on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockweddings and the exhibitor list is available to view on the website www.frockaroundtheclock.com.

RICHHILL will be a hive of activity later this month as locals will be welcoming artisan food and drink producers to the Village Square to celebrate the county’s  famous apples.

The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre,  which will take place on October 25, is an authentic celebration of Armagh’s distinctive local food and drink and celebrates the Armagh Bramley which achieved PGI status in 2012.

Chefs, food and drink producers, people from the world of local arts and crafts will put on a spectacular display of Co Armagh charm which will celebrate the natural beauty  of Armagh’s orchard country and Richhill’s built heritage.

Cllr Jim Speers joined Helen Troughton of Armagh Cider Company, Hamilton Loney, chairman of the Northern Ireland Fruit Growers Association, Assumpta O’Neill from Armagh City and District Council, Chef Mervyn Steenson from Groucho’s and Clive Gordon, chairman of the festival committee, to launch the event on Thursday. (October 2, 2014)

Cllr Speers said: “This event has all the hallmarks of what could become an annual celebration for the village of Richhill and the surrounding communities. It’s a community event whereby we can all enjoy a day which celebrates the Bramley Apple, our food and drink producers and their contribution to the overall economy.”

The event, which is sponsored by Irwins Bakery, Wilsons Country and Gilfresh, runs from 10am-6pm and will feature cookery demonstrations, apple peeling contests, an Armagh Bramley apple tart competition, music from local school choirs, a hog roast and tea dance.

Hamilton Loney said this year is shaping up to be a good harvest for Armagh Bramleys.

He said: “There is a lot to celebrate about the Armagh Bramley. Since it got PGI status we can celebrate the apple’s versatility and why it is known as the number one apple in the world. There are going to be plenty of apples this year and Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is the perfect way to celebrate this.”

This celebration will also put Co Armagh on the map as a great place for ‘experiential tourism’.

Sara McGeary, Tourism Development Officer, Armagh City & District Council said: “Food tourism plays such an important part of the overall visitor experience for any destination. We are so fortunate here in Armagh that we have an abundance of delicious produce, including the Armagh Bramley, which was awarded PGI status in 2012. The Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will undoubtedly be an incredible showcase for visitors wishing to sample our rich food heritage.”

Admission to the event is free and people can also pick up recipe books, learn about beekeeping and if you have apples in your garden but don’t know their identity, experts will be on hand to put a name to the apple.

After a successful tour of the US, and a sold-out run at the Brighton Fringe Festival, RSC veteran Tim Hardy brings his solo show ‘The Trials Of Galileo’ to the Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

‘The Trials Of Galileo’ focuses on the events surrounding his trial for heresy in 1633. Galileo’s tragedy was a mistaken belief that all he had to do was show the church his reasoning and his evidence and the church would fall in behind him. He understood the science better than any man alive, but never grasped the politics. Until it was too late. ‘The Trials Of Galileo’ will be staged on Thursday 23^rd October at 8pn. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession).

Following the huge success of the inaugural event in August why not come along to the second ‘Family Super Saturday’ on Saturday 25^th October. First up, why not enjoy a family lunch at the bistro with tasty food for parents and kids to enjoy [separate cost].

Then join the Three Billy Goats Gruff and watch their tussle with a grumpy Troll, who is determined to stop them crossing the bridge. Lots of trippety-trap and fun with these beautifully made cloth puppets. Then enjoy the second element of the ‘Jack And Billy’ show with a lively version of the famous story about Jack who plants a magic bean, grows a beanstalk and ventures into the Giant’s Castle… Faithful to the original stories, Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre have created a show with baskets and boxes that become a house or even a castle. Just bring your imagination. Performances of ‘Jack And Billy’ take place at 2pm and 3.30pm.

After the show, come along to our workshop and games session where kids can take part in the themed ‘Fun-Craft’ workshop, have their face painted, enjoy balloon modelling, play ‘hook a duck’ and ‘tin can alley’. There will also be fancy dress competitions with prizes for ‘Best Dressed Boy’ and ‘Best Dressed Girl’. Admission to Family Super Saturday is only £6 and is recommended for age 4+. 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.

American bluegrass icons, Old Crow Medicine Show, return to Belfast’s Mandela Hall on Tuesday 21^st October for their fifth Open House concert, in association with the Ulster Bank Festival at Queens.

The spirited seven-piece band from North Carolina, who started off busking in New York in the late 90s, are renowned for their energetic live performances and prolific touring – and it’s clear that Belfast has become one of their favourite destinations.

“We’re really excited to be bringing the band back to Belfast for another Open House gig,” says Open House director, Kieran Gilmore, “especially as, since their last appearance here in early 2013, they’ve been inducted into the historic Grand Ole Opry. Belfast audiences have always been tremendously welcoming to the guys, and they genuinely love playing here. After the Grand Ole Opry accolade, they’re bound to receive a raucous reception when they take to the stage on 21^st October.”

The band recently released their ninth album, Remedy, to great critical acclaim, but they’ll no doubt be including their global hit, Wagon Wheel – which last year received the Recording Industry Association of America’s platinum award for 1,000,000 sales – on their set list.

“Once you’ve experienced an Old Crow concert, you’re a fan for life,” says Kieran. “They appeal as much to rock audiences as country ones, and their live shows are truly epic.”

For ticket booking and further information, go to: www.openhousefestival.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 13-19).

• Mourne Madness Trek, Donard Car Park, Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, Co Down, October 18-19. Put your fitness levels to the test and join Autism NI on the challenging Mourne Madness Trek!  You will trek through the stunning Mourne Mountain range in Newcastle and through unspoilt wilderness reaching the summit of the magnificent Slieve Donard and Slieve Bernagh.  This challenge is a great weekend adventure for walkers of all abilities and includes an overnight stay in Meelmore Lodge situated in the heart of the Mournes.

• Donaghadee Ulster Scots Autumn Festival, various, Donaghadee, Co Down, October 15 –19. Donaghadee will celebrate its strong Ulster Scots link with a weekend of Ulster Scots activities including concerts, historical displays, cookery demonstrations, fireworks, a family fun day, re-enactments and more

• Armagh Gaol Halloween Tour, Gaol Square, Co Armagh, October 17-31.  Armagh Gaol has seen and heard many ghostly goings-on since it closed its doors in 1986, although some prison officers and prisoners would suggest this has been going on for much longer.  On this special spooky Halloween tour, you will be regaled with the harrowing stories associated with Armagh Gaol’s long history.

• Harry Hamilton and his Swing Band: The American Songbook, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, October 18.  Join Harry Hamilton and his swing band as they take you on a musical journey through a century of American music.  This innovative collection of popular music showcases the many “Great” songs from the soundtrack of the 20th Century.

• Derek Ryan & His Band, Millennium Forum, 3 Newmarket Street, Co Londonderry, October 15.  Derek Ryan’s rise to become one of the biggest stars of Irish Country music has been phenomenal.  In just over two years few artists have made such an impact on the Irish country scene like the Co Carlow singer songwriter.

• Queen’s Comedy – Howard Read, Felicity Ward and Colin Murphy, Mandella Hall, Belfast, October 15.  Enjoy an evening of comic entertainment with award winning comedians.  Comedy genius Howard Read has appeared on some of the biggest TV shows in the world.  Compere for the night is Colin Murphy, best known for RTE’s The Panel and his BBC shows The Blame Game.

• Oktoberfest, The Quays Bar, Portrush, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  Come and experience a bit of Bavaria at The Quays Bar.  With four days full of fun and frolics including an extensive selection of German and foreign beers, ciders, cocktails and cuisines, competitions, German themed fancy dress, BBQ, music and more, it’s an event not to be missed.

• Ghost in the Glens, Cushendall, Co Antrim, October 16-19.  This is a Storytelling festival based in Cushendall which will celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim.  The festival will include storytellers and musicians from the local area as well as featured guests from the rest of Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.

• Nathan Carter in Concert, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, October 15. Back by popular demand, Country Music star Nathan Carter makes a welcome return to Ardhowen Theatre’s stage.

• Juno and the Paycock, Newry Town Hall, Newry, Co Down, October 14.  Juno and the Paycock is one of the true classics of the Irish theatre.  Written by Sean O’Casey, the play looks at the effects of the civil war on a Dublin household already crippled by economic hardship and the efforts, mainly by the mother, to keep the family on an even keel.  O’Casey skilfully brings the audience member from laughter to tears and back again in a flash.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.