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.

Internationally acclaimed disabled dance artist, Claire Cunningham arrived in Belfast today (Thursday 4th September) to commence her role as ‘Artist in Residence’ for the 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s and to officially launch this year’s programme.

Claire’s appointment is representative of a Festival that continues to push boundaries, deliver diversity and encourage debate and is a co-commission with Glasgow 2014 Cultural programme and Southbank Centre London. Featuring Europe’s top theatre directors, internationally acclaimed artists from the worlds of dance, film, theatre and music – the 2014 Festival will showcase a world class line-up of 110 events with 26 premieres from 18 countries filling venues all over Belfast from 16th October – 1st November.

Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Richard Wakely commented, “We are thrilled to be welcoming Claire as our ‘Artist in Residence’ for 2014. As a choreographer and performer Claire is a genuine inspiration – a breathtaking talent and we are privileged to be working with her.  For over 50 years the Festival has been delivering new experiences to audiences and bringing new audiences into contact with the arts.  We strive to spark debate, showcase diversity in its broadest sense and demonstrate that the arts can entertain, delight, inspire and transform.  I am confident that the programme for 2014 does all this and more.”

The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival will also be welcoming two of the world’s leading theatre directors to Belfast – Peter Brook and Thomas Ostermeier – plus a host of leading ladies in Theatre, Dance and Music including four-time Grammy Award winning Jazz Vocalist Dianne Reeves, legendary soulstress Bettye LaVette, celebrated actress, Charlotte Rampling and two-time Princess Grace Award winning choreographer Camille A. Brown – to name a few.

This year’s event boasts 26 Premieres including: the European Premiere of Camille A Brown’s theatrical and gutsy African-American dance performance Mr TOL.E.RAncE; the UK and Irish Premiere of The Night Dances featuring Charlotte Rampling; the Irish Premiere of the world’s most celebrated Flamenco dancer Israel

Galván; prestigious German Theatre Company Schaubühne Berlin presenting the Irish Premiere of the controversial production An Enemy of the People; the Northern Irish Premiere of The Suit – a moving story of adultery during apartheid from Director Peter Brook and his company Théâtre Des Bouffes Du Nord and the Northern Irish Premiere of Hannavas –  a free family event which will see the African Savannah come to Belfast city centre.

Richard Donnan, Managing Director, Retail Banking as title sponsor Ulster Bank said, “A thriving arts sector is a crucial part of social and economic development and as a key partner of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, we’ve seen it grow and develop to become a truly international event. Its focus on community engagement makes it a perfect partner to us as a business and we’re proud to be the title sponsor. The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is an integral part of the cultural calendar in Northern Ireland and right throughout our business we encourage people to take part. This year, the Festival’s exciting and inclusive programme is offering everyone a passport to the arts and to a unique showcase for Belfast.”

One of the key elements of this year’s programme is the new EMBRACE initiative supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland which will bring audiences ‘up close’ to world class artists in a series of masterclasses, workshops and talks. Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland stated, “Arts Council support for the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens represents one of our major annual investments in the creative and cultural life of Northern Ireland. It’s a fabulous programme this year, offering us the chance to experience extraordinary performances from the likes of Schaubühne Berlin or indeed the amazing Charlotte Rampling, alongside brilliant work from local companies like Kabosh with 20 or Replay with Tiny – possibly Festival’s youngest ever audience of little people aged 0-12months old! Like the Arts Council, the Festival works hard to bring great art within the reach of everyone. So I am delighted that this year, Festival has managed to reach out even further across Belfast, providing more opportunities for communities, families and schools to access and participate in events through initiatives like Embrace. A great programme and well done.”

Alongside international artists the Festival will showcase the very best local talent with World Premieres from our leading local theatre and dance companies including; Maiden Voyage Dance Company’s  in a new cross border collaboration with Dublin’s Liz Roche Company entitled Neither Either; Kabosh’s new production ‘20’ which reflects on the 20th anniversary of the 1994 IRA Ceasefire; Brassneck Theatre’s hilarious new comedy, The Holy Holy Bus; Aisling Ghear’s futuristic and multi-lingual new play, Makaronik and Replay Theatre Company with Tiny for audiences from 0 – 12 months. Plus, More than a Flag – a world premiere from Dan Gordon and Happenstance – a collaboration with young East Belfast Bandsmen commemorating the part East Belfast played in WW1.

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager, Northern Ireland Tourist Board said, “This fantastic festival is a perfect platform to showcase all that is great about our arts and cultural offering and brings the very best of world class talent to Belfast.  Covering all genres, it will appeal to many varied audiences and create unique and memorable experiences for all of our visitors.”

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the support of 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, Visit Belfast 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 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s runs from 16th October – 1st November in venues all over Belfast, for more information and to book tickets ‘Check In’ to www.belfastfestival.com.

Northern Ireland will host over 60 free outdoor activity events as part of Get Outdoors Weekend enticing an estimated 4000 participants from all corners of the country.

On offer over the weekend is a range of adventurous activities from canoeing to archery, climbing and bushcraft.  Each event will be guided by an outdoor expert to show participants the ropes and offer a lot of encouragement along the way.  Participants can also choose from a host of themed guided walks including a nature reserve walk on Rathlin Island and exploring the heritage of Cave Hill on foot.

It was only at age 17 that Kelly Gallagher first tried her hand at skiing, and she believes everyone can find an activity they can enjoy.

She remarked, “My hope is that through Get Outdoors Weekend more people will get excited about what activities there are outside. Through events like this I hope people discover their love for a particular outdoor activity which they want to continue with after the weekend!”

She continued, “It’s a great opportunity to try something new but also to make friends and most importantly fall in love with the outdoors! It’s an amazing way to tell people about local activities that are inclusive to everyone right on their doorstep!”

Families and children are well catered for on Get Outdoors Weekend with 5 family activity days taking place in parks in Omagh, Enniskillen, Newry, Derry and Belfast.  This is particularly important given that only 43% of seven-year-olds in Northern Ireland take part in the recommended one hour of exercise each day, according to a University College London study.  The five events are full of outdoor activities, such as low ropes, treasure trails & laser clay pigeon shooting as well as fun activities such as face painting and arts & crafts, and with everything being offered for free there really is no excuse for families not to get active over the weekend.

Aideen Exley, Marketing Manager for Get Outdoors Weekend, commented, “Increasingly children are leading a more sedentary lifestyle, spending significant quantities of their time in front of a screen.  Doing outdoor activities allows children to feel connected with their environment, play and have fun.”

She continued, “As all the events are free of charge in Get Outdoors Weekend, this is a unique opportunity in the Northern Ireland calendar for everyone to get active and embrace our parks, forests and waterways.”

Asda are the sponsors for Get Outdoors Weekend, and General Store Manager, Steven Henry, from Asda commented, “We’re delighted to lend our support to the 2014 Get Outdoors Weekend. As part of our Community Life initiative, Asda is dedicated to finding new and exciting ways to encourage our local communities to think about their health and wellbeing.”

Many events must be pre-booked in advance and places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.  For more information and to book onto an event, go to www.GetOutdoorsWeekend.com

Get Outdoors Weekend  is coordinated by Outdoor Recreation NI in partnership with financial partners, Big Lottery, Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency with support from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Sport Northern Ireland.  The events are hosted by a range of organisations including local councils, clubs and parks.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland during the European Heritage Open Days, September 13 and 14, when free access will be granted to over 400 properties and events.

• Armagh Planetarium Shows, College Hill, Co Armagh, September 13. Enjoy a unique experience which is quite simply ‘out of this world’.  Get a unique view of the world and beyond in the highly impressive digital theatre.

• Tour of Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Fishermen’s Cottage, Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, Co Antrim, September 13. Cross the bridge and enjoy a truly exhilarating experience. This 30-metre deep and 20-metre wide chasm is traversed by a rope bridge traditionally erected by salmon fishermen. Visitors bold enough to cross to the rocky island are rewarded with breath-taking views.

• ‘The Fall’ talk, Quarry Industries, 1075 Crumlin Road, Belfast, Co Antrim. September 12. Andrew Wilson location manager for the popular BBC drama The Fall will be giving a talk and answering your questions from one of the most iconic buildings used in the filming of the hit TV series. Recommended for adults only.

• Derry’s Walls Walking Tour, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau, Co Londonderry, September 13 and 14. Enjoy a guided walking tour of the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland, and one of the finest examples in Europe. The walls, built in the 17th century, form a walkway around the old inner city and a tour is a must for all visitors.

• Peter Francis Fahy at Benburb Castle, Main Street, Benburb, Dungannon, Co Tyrone, September 14.  Peter Francis Fahy combines poetry, art, music and drama to recreate two of the most magical tales from the mythological cycle of Celtic mythology. Projected on the walls of the stately Benburb castle, this event will be ideal for adults, children, and all fans of art, animation and Celtic mythology.

• Pot building demonstration, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co Fermanagh, September 14. Delight in a wealth of history by making replicas of medieval pottery vessels such as Ulster Coarse Ware pots used in cooking at Enniskillen Castle Museums. An event suitable for all age groups.

• ‘Game of Thrones’ talk, Castle Ward Mansion, Downpatrick, Co Down, September 13. If you are a fan of hit TV show Game of Thrones then allow location manager Robbie Boake to tell you all about transforming a 17th century farmyard into ‘Winterfell’ and why Northern Ireland has some of the best film locations in the world.

• Living Histroy at Dunluce Castle, Dunluce Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim, September 13. Come to the iconic Dunluce Castle and enjoy a day of 17th century revelry – meet the ladies and gentlemen of the castle and join in with various games and music.

• Glastry Farm Ice-Cream talk, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle, Co Down, September 14. Will Taylor will give a talk on the history of Glastry Farm, its products, and the importance of local produce. Guests will be able to sample various ice creams and sorbets from the Glastry Farm Ice-Cream portfolio. Complimentary refreshments will be provided on arrival.

• Belfast Civic Trust Bus Tour, Athletic Stores, Queen Street, Belfast, September 12. This tour visits Belfast’s Victorian & Edwardian heritage sites, including the City Hall, St Anne’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Cathedral, Clonard Monastery and Queens University.