From 13th-16th November ‘the Ports’ will be alive with the sound of music as the Atlantic Sessions Music Festival returns to hotels, restaurants, pubs and coffee shops in Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae.

The music festival, organised by Coleraine Borough Council in partnership with local venues, celebrates the very best of musical talent in Northern Ireland with guest artists from Kilkenny and Glasgow as well as two visiting acts from America.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy commenting on the Festival said, “Coleraine Borough Council has invested in Atlantic Sessions over the last five years, building a sustainable event in conjunction with the hospitality trade. It is an excellent example of cooperation, whereby Council has created and enhanced the visitor experience and boosted business activity in what would normally be a quiet trading time.’

There will be thirty nine live music acts performing at fifty gigs over the weekend, most of which are FREE. Back by popular demand are Festival favourites, The Ard Ri Band and The Hardchargers. Atlantic Sessions is delighted to introduce Hal McGonigle from Portstewart and welcome home Chris Keys and Hannah McPhillimy to add a local touch to the line-up of the festival.

Atlantic Sessions extends a special North Coast welcome to debutants: Blackbird Blue; Patrick Gardiner; Jamie Neish; Paul Casey; Luke Bannon; Hillspeak; Mere Moths; Travel is a Tourist; The Dandy Horses; and The Vals among others.

Ticketed showcase events feature the superb ‘The 4 of Us’ (supported by Brigid O’Neill) and Sons of Caliber in Concert. Ralph McLean makes a return presenting a show on the inimitable Johnny Cash and there’s The Sunday Brunch Session, a laid back occasion with many artists from the weekend’s line-up turning up to perform ‘in the round’.  All these events will be at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart. Tickets are available to purchase from the venue, telephone 028 7083 1400 for details.

The Atlantic Sessions programme is now available from selected outlets and can be downloaded from www.atlanticsessions.com. Keep up to date with festival news on www.facebook.com/atlanticsessions and @atlanticsess on Twitter or visit the website www.atlantic sessions.com for further information. For details on accommodation and special rates for short breaks, contact Coleraine Visitor Information Centre on 028 7034 4723.

Down

Described as ‘The Event of the Decade’, The Festival of Light at Mount Stewart returns as the woodlands come alive with lights and music. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable, fairy-tale experience with an illuminated Lake Walk and log-fires in the tipis. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in November.

Armagh

All this week until Sunday 8th November 2014, Armagh Restaurant Week will offer thousands of food lovers an exciting opportunity to sample local hospitality at its very best, with specially-designed themed menus, food promotions, cookery demonstrations, entertainment, outstanding food and much, much more!  Locals and visitors alike can enjoy a tasty mix of signature menus, appetising culinary events and delicious local food in a range of Armagh’s restaurants.

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Fermanagh

This Thursday 6th November at 8pm, Riverside Promotions presents The All Star County Show at the Ardhowen Theatre with compere Terence McKeague. This promises to be an evening of good oul’ Country Music performed by a galaxy of top recording artists. The line up includes Liam McLaughlin, Tony Kerr, Chris Logue, Kathy Kane and Crawford Bell with The Steve Farlow Duo completing the  line up of artists.

Tyrone

Swan Lake tells the story of Odette, a beautiful princess, who by day is turned into a swan by evil magician Von Rothbart, only to regain her human form at night. See this most famous of ballets at the Buravon Theatre Cookstown on Thursday 6th November.  25 leading professional dancers from Ireland and abroad will perform in this breath–taking production which was loved by audiences and critics when last produced by Ballet Ireland.

Derry

Echo Echo Festival of Dance & Movement returns 6th to 15th November for a second edition with an outstanding programme of performances: legendary Russian company Do-Theatre, unusual participatory performance work by Shannon Cooney, acclaimed US duo casebolt and smith, two evenings of Short Works featuring local and international guests, and new work for younger audiences by German company Tanzfuchs and by Derry-based Echo Echo Ensemble. Come and see some shows or join us for daily classes, workshops, artist talks, Balkan Alien Sound in concert, and family-friendly Dance Picnics!

Antrim

This Saturday 8th November Pudsey Bear invites you to the Jewellery and Craft Fair at Houston’s Mill in Broughshane  Children in Need fun and fundraising! Pick up some crafty Christmas presents and meet Pudsey. Everyone  welcome and admission is free.

Belfast

The American Wrestling Roadshow rolls into the Belfast Waterfront Hall this Saturday 8th November. Dubbed ‘Britain’s Best of the Best’, it will feature the very best (non-contracted) talent, battling it out to decide once and for all which area in the British Isles is the Best!  The mega match-up will feature Former WWE Superstar ‘The Welsh Warrior’ Mason Ryan, Former WWE Superstar ‘The Sinister Scotsman’ Drew McIntyre, Former TNA Champion ‘The Elite of England’ Magnus and WRESTLING.IE Champion ‘The Belfast Brawler’ Dunkan Disorderly.

Down

Join in the family fun in this Halloween in Newry at the frightful spook-tacular free family fun event  Friday 31st October from 6:00pm – 9:00pm at the Albert Basin Quayside.  Providing the soundtrack for your Halloween open air concert will be the Housem8s and The Rockits with Gene Fitzpatrick hosting compere on the evening.  Children’s entertainment will include: Thriller Flash Mob, Creepy Colouring Competition, Ghosts, Ghouls and Witches on-street entertainment, Pumpkin Carving, Halloween Photo Booth, Face painting, Fire Poise performers, Fancy Dress Competition and so much more. Entertainment will take place between 6:00pm – 9:00pm and is FREE.  Celebrations conclude with an electrifying fireworks extravaganza.

Armagh

No plans for Halloween weekend? Look no further than The Market Place Theatre in Armagh, with the terrifyingly atmospheric drama, ‘The Haunters’, terribly good music from ‘The Bee Gees Story’, and gothic mystery in ‘The Hound Of The Baskervilles’ to choose from.

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Fermanagh

The Annual Black Cat Cove Spooky Halloween Party takes place on Friday 31st October, 6.30pm at the Black Cat Cove with a terrifyingly terrific story told by the resident twitchy witch.  Dressing up is essential to be really part of this Spooky Halloween Experience.  Every child will get a horrific Halloween Party Bag to stash their goodies in.  Admission Free, under 16s only.

Tyrone

Dust off your broomsticks and dress up the kids if you’re brave enough to join the Loughshore’s Halloween Spooktacular event! Kinturk will be transformed into a Kinturk Centre will be transformed into a ghoulishly, blood curdling, spine tingling horror set! But don’t worry, we haven’t forgot the little ones (or the faint hearted!).. upstairs will be a ‘Scare Free Kids Zone’ with lots of fun, games & a chance to strut your Monster Moves! Watch out…behind ever corner could lie a bump, a bang or an icy tap on the shoulder! The weird and wonderful goings on will culminating in a Spectacular FIREWORKS display.

Derry

It’s October and for the good citizens of Derry that can only mean one thing – Hallowe’en  is coming! And this year the city will transform into the ultimate deadly destination for a haunting Hallowe’en to remember – the City of Bones!  The programme is full of ghostly goings on taking place at venues right across the city. You can even play your part in the fun and festivities by answering the Call to the Dance and joining the hundreds of local groups taking part in the main Halloween Carnival event, which takes place at 7pm on Hallowe’en night. The main Carnival parade will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display on the Banks of the River Foyle at 8pm.

Antrim

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, as Northern Ireland’s longest running alternative wedding fair, we 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!

Belfast

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 30th Anniversary. from October 30th to November 2nd at Movie House Dublin Road, Cityside/Yorkgate, 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.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 3- 9).

• Imagine Arts Festival, Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 5.  This unique event is an opportunity for the over 60s to get creative, be inspired and make new friends during a wide variety of captivating events and workshops… the event is FREE!

• Swan Lake, Theatre at the Mill, Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, November 5.  Enjoy one of the most famous ballets of all time that combines romantic themes, classical technique and ethereal imagery together with Tchaikovsky’s majestic score.

• Comber Farmers’ Market, St Mary’s Parish Church Car Park, Comber, Co Down, November 6. An artisan food market with over 20 stalls selling a wide variety of local products including vegetables, fruits, oils, pesto, jams and chutneys as well as speciality breads, sauces, plants, eggs, fresh fish, shellfish, chocolate, fudge, venison, pies, cakes and of course the famous Comber Spud!

• All Star Country Show, The Ardowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, November 6. This promises to be an evening of good oul’ Country Music performed by a galaxy of top recording artists. The line up includes Liam McLaughlin, Tony Kerr, Chris Logue, Kathy Kane and Crawford Bell.

• Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Co Down, November 7-9 & 14-16. This magical event returns to Mount Stewart as the woodlands come alive with lights and music. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable, fairy-tale experience with an illuminated Lake Walk and log-fires in the teepees.

• Grease, The Great Hall, Downshire Estate, Downpatrick, Co Down, November 5-8. The Award Winning St.Patrick’s Choral Society return to the beautiful surroundings of The Great Hall auditorium with their production of the smash-hit 50’s musical GREASE!  This exciting production promises to be a fun night out for the whole family!

• Sound of Belfast, various locations, Belfast, November 7-15.  Enjoy a week of live performances, industry workshops with music experts from Belfast and London, talent development sessions for aspiring artists, and community music initiatives to support the city’s bustling music scene.

• Armagh Restaurant Week, various locations, Co Armagh, November 1-8. Join in on Armagh’s first Restaurant Week where diners will be given the opportunity to sample local hospitality at its best, with themed menus, food promotions and demonstrations, entertainment, outstanding food and much, much more!

• Damien Dempsey Solo, The Playhouse Theatre, 5-7 Artillery Street, Co Londonderry, November 7. Damien Dempsey returns to Ireland for a huge Irish tour following the release of his latest album ‘It’s All Good, The Best of Damien Dempsey’, a celebration of his career to date, which includes six top 10 studio albums over 15 years.

• Theatre Open Day, Alley Theatre, Railway Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone, November 8. Ever wondered how a theatre works or wanted to know exactly what is involved to make a production come to life? If so, then come along and step behind the scenes for access all areas of the Alley Theatre. Throughout the day there will be paint shops, costume, wig and make-up workshops.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.

A global cultural phenomenon, whose fans span generations, Babar stands alongside Mickey Mouse as one of the most recognized children’s characters in the world.

Bring all the family along to the Courtyard Theatre Sunday 9 November for a great family day out.

The Story of Babar was first introduced by A.A. Milne. It tells of a young elephant Babar who, upon the death of his mother by a hunter, is chased by the hunter. Babar escapes, and in the process leaves the jungle, visits a big city, and returns to bring the benefits of civilization to his fellow elephants. With a great message of bravery, courage, commitment and reassurance, it is the perfect play for young children and to entertain them with something a little bit different…

Babar The Little Elephant is a great way to entertain your young ones over the weekend. For your tickets contact our box office on 028 90340202 or visit our website

www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

For the past 10 years Eddie Irvine Sports has earned pole position amongst local attractions.

The 100’000 sq ft complex offers karting, room2race simulators, paintball, laser combat and 3G football pitches to corporate events, stag and hen parties, kids parties, as well as regular outings for groups of mates, to around 3000 people every week.

However in early 2014 Eddie Irvine Sports were pleased to announce details of the purchase of the long-standing local business ‘Race School Ireland’.

Having enjoyed a very close business relationship with the school over the last decade, the acquisition of Race School Ireland appears to be the perfect match for Eddie Irvine Sports and is one that is steeped in motorsport history as it harks back to the beginnings of the Formula 1 drivers  career.

Speaking about the acquisition, Eddie Irvine said “throughout my career I have enjoyed a very close relationship with Race School Ireland. It helped me develop the necessary skills to go on and win a number of championships early in my career, such as the Formula Ford Festival.”

“I am now in the privileged position to be able to acquire this prestigious racing school and the aim is to harness not only my racing experience, but to help guide and nurture the next generation of local racing drivers.”

Hidden Gem

Eddie Irvine’s Race School Ireland is a hidden gem amongst the Northern Ireland tourism landscape and the Kirkistown Race Circuit is the perfect location for those seeking an adrenaline fuelled experience.

Talking about the Race School, Eddie Irvine states that they “can now offer every motor enthusiast the opportunity to fulfil their dream of getting behind the wheel of a single seat racing car to experience the thrill of racing around a high speed circuit”.

The perfect Christmas Gift

And with the sharp chill of winter appearing in the air, and thoughts quickly turning to Christmas and finding that special gift to give, you do not need to look any further than Eddie Irvine’s Race School Ireland.

Offering a variety of Race School packages that cater for all ranges of ability, we can allow everyone the opportunity to be a racing driver for a day. And for those people content enough to be a passenger, we offer a high speed ride in a Radical SR3.  Not for the faint hearted, this experience gives another meaning to being chauffeur driven as the car is taken to its full potential on the Kirkistown Race Circuit.

Without question Eddie Irvine’s Race School Ireland is perfect gift this Christmas and if you would like to find out more, then please don’t hesitate to contact the booking office on 02890 507010 or visit www.raceschoolireland.com

Join the Ulster Orchestra for Christmas Unwrapped supported by JTI – an evening of Christmas magic at a very special concert in Bangor’s Aurora Aquatic Leisure Centre on Thursday December 4 at 7pm.

This very special performance will feature enchanting carols and festive music all to your favourite orchestral music. This hugely popular and lively sing-a-long Christmas show will include all of your festive classics and promises to be fun for all the family. This year’s concert will be conducted by Christopher Bell and feature soprano Catriona Hewitson.

Speaking about the show; Christine Mahon, Director of Development Services at North Down Borough Council said: “We are delighted to welcome The Ulster Orchestra back again this year for the Unwrapped concert at Aurora. This show is always hugely popular and we would urge everyone to get their tickets early to avoid disappointment and bring along all of their family and friends for an evening of festive fun.”

Veronica Morris, Head of External Relations at the Ulster Orchestra said, “Thanks to the support of JTI we are able to bring our hugely popular sing along Christmas shows to towns and cities across Northern Ireland. It is a great chance to get up close to the orchestra and the perfect way to celebrate the festive season!”

Tickets are on sale now from www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings, North Down Museum and Bangor Visitor Centre and cost only £10, concessions £8 and children £5.

So have your tinsel, bobbles and sleigh bells at the ready for a Christmas cracker of a show!

Tickets are available at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings, from North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Visitor Information Office (028 9127 0069).

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 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”.

Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar Northern Ireland’s Operations Director says: “The Halloween Garden Party is a popular community event and we are very pleased to support the council to put on such an impressive programme of activities this year. It will no doubt attract significant public interest and Caterpillar Northern Ireland and many of our employees very much look forward to the festivities.”

Jane Kerr, Translink Service Delivery Manager – Larne, said: “This year’s Halloween celebrations offer fun for all the family and we would encourage visitors to take advantage of our free shuttle bus service for a hassle-free journey to and from the event.”

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 Translink shuttle 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.

Dust off your broomsticks and capes, freaky faces and witches hats and get ready to visit The Argory this Hallowe’en for a spooktakular weekend of frighteningly good fun!

Pumpkins and Potions will take place at the National Trust property near Moy on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October from 12-5pm.

See the courtyard come alive with story-telling, games and crafts accompanied by some strange characters from Hallowe’en past. Enter the Spook Shed for some ghoulish tales and follow a some peculiar characters along the Hallowe’en Trail – Goldie the Goblin and the Hallowe’en Troll are hiding around the estate – follow the clues that will take you to the Witches House, find all the ingredients and make some witches brew.

Carve out a pumpkin to take home, make some creepy crafts and visit the 1820’s house to discover the children’s ghost trail. Prizes will be given for the most spooktakular fancy dress. Judging will take place in the courtyard at 3pm.

The fun doesn’t end there as The Argory will be open from Monday 27 October until Sunday 2 November for Hallowe’en half term. Outdoor explorers can enjoy our recently extended play park – swing on a rope, balance on logs and whizz down the zip wire! See how many of our ‘50 Things to Do before you’re 11 ¾’ you can tick off before going back to school. See what goodies you can pick up in the Gift Shop and finish off with a yummy hot chocolate and marshmallows in the Coffee Shop.

Pumpkins and Potions takes place at The Argory on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 October from 12-5pm. Normal Admission, National Trust Members Free. Additional charge for Hallowe’en Trail. For more information contact The Argory on 028 87 784 753. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory or follow on Facebook/NationalTrustMidUlster

A singer hailed as the ‘The Irish Bette Midler’ who has sold some 15 million albums worldwide is coming to Armagh, in a star-studded show that has won standing ovations across Europe.

Rose-Marie stars as plays the part of Eva Cassidy’s best friend and singer Mary Anne Redmond, in an endearing stage show that tells of her life and times.

Hailing from County Down, Northern Ireland, Rose-Marie is one of only a handful of UK female artists with a strong enough repertoire to pull in audiences for a one-woman show in the British Isles, Europe and also Las Vegas, from where she recently returned after 5 years.

Eva Cassidy was a virtual unknown at the time of her death in 1996, aged just 33. Yet, just four years later following extensive airplay by Sir Terry Wogan, Eva’s jazz and blues renditions became a sensation with her album topping the UK charts.

Over the Rainbow is a compelling award-winning musical, which tells the life story of the legendary artist, following Eva’s life through dramatic scenes and stunning live renditions of her music including a haunting interpretation of Somewhere Over the Rainbow.

Eva is played by Nicole Faraday – a star of Emmerdale Farm and Bad Girls – who perfectly recreates the magic of Eva’s best-loved songs.

Rose-Marie, who is releasing a new album called Songs For My Mother – a recording that looks to add to the phenomenal tally of 15 million album sales worldwide, said: “This is a magical show – much more than a musical life story. This is a show for anyone who has lost someone they love; it’s a thoroughly entertaining and memorable experience.”

Songs such as Fields of Gold, Songbird, Autumn Leaves, Kathy’s Song and the epic Over the Rainbow help recreate a sad but uplifting love story with the cast of multi-talented West End performers.

The show depicts Eva’s humble beginnings to her popular, almost spiritual performances that depicted Eva’s status as a true artist with no interest in fame or fortune and contains projection and original footage from Eva Cassidy’s life.

Rose-Marie added: “I am delighted to be back in the UK, singing in a show with some of my favourite songs. This show pays a genuine and heartfelt tribute to a true Artist who was not interested in fame and fortune, but wanted nothing more than to create beautiful music.”

From its first performance in 2004, Over the Rainbow, has moved people immensely with sell-out performances and standing ovations throughout the UK and Europe.

Over The Rainbow: The Eva Cassidy Story will be performed at The Market Place Theatre, Market St, Armagh BT61 7BW, on Wednesday, November 5,  at 8pm. Tickets are available from the box office on 028 3752 1821 or online at http://www.marketplacearmagh.com/