Down

The Landfill to Living Room Waste Not Want event takes place this Saturday 8th March at the Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards from noon to 5pm. Bring an item along for the Swap Shop .

Tyrone

Give My Head Peace returns to the Burnavon Cookstown with a brand new show featuring Ulster’s most dysfunctional family plus the Province’s favourite cleric Pastor Begbie (Paddy Jenkins), and stand–up man Tim McGarry. 2014 is a year of anniversaries – celebrate in style with the Hole in the Wall Gang Live at the Burnavon this Thursday and Friday.

Fermanagh
To kick off the start of this year’s tourist season many of Fermanagh’s Visitor Attractions are opening their doors for FREE. Come join us for this very special weekend (7th-9th March 2014) . See www.fermanaghlakelands.com.

Derry
From 1pm-5pm on Sunday 9th March 2014 The Beech Hill Country House Hotel will greet all Wedding couples to showcase their elegant Country House & modern marquee. View the rooms and facilities available from the House as well as a Wedding set-up within the marquee. A selection of Wedding Suppliers will be in attendance within the marquee & the Perfect Bliss Models will showcase a variety of latest Bridal Attire throughout the evening. Free Admission.

Armagh
Introducing Animation for Children, Myths and Legends, 2 day workshop Saturday 8th and 15th March. Bringing to life a world where anything can happen direct from your own imagination. In the first session at the Market Place Theatre, get to know and experiment with different methods of stop-motion animation. Make characters and sets for your own short animation. In the second week, you’ll shoot your own animation before adding sound effects or music and uploading to YouTube. Animations may be based around a St Patrick’s Day theme or Myths and Legends so you can send greetings around the world by uploading to YouTube.

Antrim
The inaugural TOTAL STITCH FEST this Sunday at the Ramada Plaza Hotel will provide inspiration and learning to both a new generation of makers and seasoned craft addicts. The not-to-be-missed event will showcase an inspiring marketplace of around 60 designer-makers and artisans from all over Ireland who combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows. There will also be sellers of craft supplies, craft demonstrations throughout the day, a fabulous Designer Fashion Exhibition by UNIFY, a display of vintage sewing machines, and a fantastic competition to win a collectible print from Ewe Sir!!

Belfast
Families with children will be making a beeline for Festival in a Day at Belfast Waterfront on Sunday 9th March. With bill-topping treats and loads of free activities, Festival in a Day will be packed with mini adventures for families to explore, experience and enjoy… all crammed into one action-packed day!

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.

Watch out for North Down Borough Council’s 2014 Events Guide as it drops through your letter box this week!   A definitive guide to what’s happening in The Borough in 2014, the much-anticipated brochure will be delivered to 38,500 homes across North Down via Royal Mail.

The Guide features all of North Down Borough Council’s Events across Tourism, Arts & North Down Museum, alongside NDBC grant-aided events and all other major events happening this year.

Highlights of this year’s Events Programme include the Seashore Festival which will take place on 7 & 8 June. Featuring two tall ships, an air-display, a steam train and a vintage car display, this “Ships, Planes, Trains and Automobiles” extravaganza is not to be missed!   Theatre at The Walled Garden is also making a return, this year showcasing Pride & Prejudice.  Guaranteed to be another hit; this event in the beautiful surrounds of The Walled Garden is always hugely popular.  Also coming back for a second year is The Open House Festival which will see live music and arts events taking place around Bangor for the whole month of August.

Translink’s Louise Scott says that The Events Guide is the perfect fit for the Translink Life’s Better  campaign, “We are delighted to help launch North Down Borough Council’s Events Guide for 2014 and look forward to being involved in the “Ships, Planes, Trains and Automobiles” event in June.   We would encourage people to get in the mood for the event by travelling to Bangor by steam train, bus or scheduled rail services on 7 & 8 June.  Taking the train or bus can add to the experience of any day-trip, making life better by allowing passengers to sit back and relax, free from the stress of traffic congestion – the journey becomes part of the day out rather than just a means of getting there!”

Also speaking about the launch, The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Andrew Muir said; “I am very excited to launch this year’s Events Guide. There’s so much happening in The Borough this year, fun for all the family, whatever your interests we’ve got something on for you.  It looks like North Down is the place to be!”

The Events Guide will be out on week commencing March 10 so grab yourself a copy and start planning your days out!

There will be a feast of culinary talent cooking up a storm at the LegenDerry Food Festival next month, as some of the biggest names in the Irish food industry arrive in the city for a celebration of some of the finest local cuisine during St Patrick’s weekend.

The event, supported by the DARD Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme and the City of Culture Legacy Fund, will feature top television chefs Rachel Allen, Neven Maguire, Brian McDermott, the ‘no salt’ chef and Ian Orr (Irish Chef of the Year 2013) from Browns Restaurant Derry, who will be joined in the huge marquee kitchen by BBC Radio Ulster’s Paula McIntyre and a whole host of local cooking talent from restaurants across the city, including Browns Restaurant, The Custom House, The Sooty Olive, The Beech Hill, Harry’s Restaurant, Primrose Café, The Irish Food Heritage Project and more.

The Festival, which was launched today with the support of leading Irish Food critic John McKenna, from the prestigious Bridgestone Guides,  is being run by Derry City Council from March 15-17 in tandem with a three day St Patrick’s extravaganza of family friendly events.  John has just spent three days in the city, sampling the best on offer in many of our LegenDerry Restaurants and was hugely impressed with the standards and drive for local produce. Food fans can enjoy live cookery demonstrations, competitive cook offs and of course sample some of the best signature dishes hot off the stove, in a delicious weekend of fine food and the very best local produce.The theme is ‘LegenDerry & Local’ and visitors can sample the best of produce from the North West and Northern Ireland, from game and goat, to dairy and deli. The event will also feature a week- long LegenDerry Food trail, in restaurants across the city.

Event organiser with Derry City Council, Mary Blake, said she was delighted to welcome such a high calibre list of industry names to the city. “Building on the success of last year’s Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Festival, we are delighted to launch the first ever LegenDerry Food Fest and to diversify into a wide range of food types. We welcome such a great selection of high profile chefs and producers to the festival this year, and television chefs like Rachel Allen, Neven Maguire and Brian McDermott are really keen to join us on putting Derry firmly on the culinary map,” she declared.

“Derry is very quickly establishing its place as an exciting food destination and the quality of our local produce is second to none. We have a wealth of talent in our local kitchens, driven chefs,  and people with the drive and vision to further advance the food tourism market and secure the city’s title as one of Ireland’s top food destinations. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy some of the most innovative and exciting cuisine around.”

In addition to the Boulevard of Chefs and Theatre of Food in the main Festival Marquee, visitors will also enjoy the LegenDerry Food Fair inside the Guildhall with exhibitors selling artisan food, including Jams and Chutneys, Hand Churned Butter, Slow Food, and fresh produce, all locally produced.

Speaking on behalf of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)Regional Agri-Food Programme, Dr Julie Ann Moorhead said the festival provided local producers with the perfect platform to showcase their products.

“The North West has a wide array of superior produce, from the best bred livestock, to the finest vegetables and diary produce. Food providence has become such an important factor when sourcing ingredients, and I would urge people to support local suppliers and try out local alternatives when shopping.

“The LegenDerry Food Festival provides a valuable platform for local producers giving them the opportunity to showcase their quality goods, and reach new customers. We are delighted to support such a significant and positive event for the region.”

The Festival begins on Saturday 15^th March – Monday 17^th March all day from 12noon – 6pm, the programme will include family friendly events taking place throughout the weekend, and plenty of opportunity to sample some of the most exciting and innovative dishes in the North West. For further information on the Food Festival, celebrity events, LegenDerry Restaurant Trail and the Food Fair go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/food

From garbage to garden or landfill to living room, it’s amazing what can be done with the usually cast-off! Although many of us now embrace recycling to some degree, landfills are still home to discarded but useful items.

That’s where the free to visit Waste Not Want Not – Landfill to Living Room event (noon-five on Saturday 8 March) at Ards Leisure Centre steps in.

As one of the Northern Ireland’s first public swap shops, the ancient practice of bartering will be reintroduced to an unsuspecting public, with the challenge to consider making their living rooms home to intercepted or reclaimed bits and pieces. The event invites visitors to bring items they can carry, such as small pieces of furniture, bric-a-brac and curtains to swap with others.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “Reusing, repairing or upcycling products is a real bonus for the economy and the environment. It provides local opportunities to develop skills and employment resulting in wider social benefits for the community.”

“The Waste Not Want Not – Landfill to Living Room event shows how valuable resources can be kept in use for longer, saving energy, reducing carbon emissions, and preventing materials from being dumped needlessly in landfills.”

“Innovative reuse of materials, showcased within this event, will assist our society to move to a circular economy, an economic system in which no materials are wasted; where materials and products are recovered and regenerated, rather than the ‘take, use and dispose’ mentality we have become accustomed to.”

On this occasion electrical items, toys and larger furnishings such as beds and settees are for logistical reasons not included. Sources for the swap can be auction pieces, car boot finds or simply something on skip row.

Organiser Gill McNeill said, “The swap shop will not observe an item’s intrinsic value. The main objective is to keep all that throw away ‘stuff’ out of landfill, increase recycling, encourage repurposing awareness and at the end of the swap, head home with an item that appeals.”

“It is anticipated that further swap shops will take place in the future incorporating various zones from furniture to clothing and plants to toys and everything in between.”

Adding: “East Belfast auction house Bloomfield Auctions have kindly donated items to start off the swap but we are hopeful that the event will encourage people to have a good rummage in their garage, loft or spare room and in the name of recycling, bring it down to swap!”

Any items left at the end of the swap will be donated to charity to ensure they are kept well away from landfill. One such well-known charity, Northern Ireland recycling-based retailer restore, will also attend the event to explain how they are meeting the ongoing task of up-cycling and repurposing everything from bicycles to furniture.

The organisation’s PR and Events Officer, Cathy Megahey said: “We love to encourage people to get creative with second hand furniture. For as little as £1 plus some DIY input and a tin from our salvaged paint range, smaller pieces can be transformed into bespoke additions that would look good in any living space.”

“Our restore shops in Belfast, Antrim, Larne and Ards sell pieces of refurbished furniture from small coffee tables to dining room sets, wardrobes and suites with a range of prices to suit everyone.  Call in and have a look at some of our items to get your creative juices flowing.”

As an added incentive, a free to enter competition to find the best repurposed or up-cycled item saved from landfill will launch at the event. Visitors can enter the ‘Skip the Skip’ competition by emailing a ‘before and after’ photograph of the item saved from the skip to wnwn@takesplace.info.

Prizes for the best creations include a £250 IKEA prize voucher, a refurbished chair from restore and two composters from Ards Borough Council Waste Awareness. The competition closes on Friday 23 May 2014.

So if you want to help conserve forests, reduce waste, recycle valuable resources, and have a little fun in the process, it’s so simple – just reuse or recycle those curtains or that old piece of furniture!

A free make and take recycled craft is available for each child and for adults, plenty of common sense advise from a number of exhibitors and a few stalls from The Belfast Flea.

Waste Not Want Not – Landfill to Living Room is supported by Ards Borough Council, Ards Borough Council Waste Awareness and East Belfast Mission/restore.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is entering one of its busiest times of the year, with a bumper line-up of drama, comedy, music and kids shows on the cards over the coming weeks.

Ireland’s Greatest Voices, The Three Tenors, will perform fabulous hit songs and a popular uplifting mix from Sinatra, Leonard Cohen, The Dubliners, and Pavarotti. Declan Kelly, Ray O’Hare and Dominic McGorian, promise you a night to remember! This thrilling fast-moving concert is packed with the world’s most beautiful, magical feel-good and uplifting songs. Hear the hits ‘I Believe’ ‘She’, ‘Let It Be’, and from Sinatra ‘My Way’, ‘New York, New York’, Leonard Cohen ‘Hallelujah’, Pavarotti’s ‘Nessun Dorma’ and The Dubliners ‘Song For Ireland’. The Three Tenors will take to the stage at The Market Place on Saturday 8^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £18 each.

Since forming a few years ago, Petunia & The Vipers have been very busy bringing their exciting and highly original brand of roots music to an ever increasing audience, and on Saturday 8^th March, they perform at The Market Place. They have eight tours down America’s West Coast under their belts and recently toured for a month in the UK and Ireland to rave reviews. Petunia defies convention. His style is unique and surreal and his live performances have been likened to an Avant-Country nightclub scene from a David Lynch movie. Petunia’s music is infectious, his singing ranges from the most delicate you’ve ever heard to the most powerful, often within a single song. Hillbilly flavoured, swing inflected, ragtime, goodtime music. Make sure to cross paths with the wandering musician. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Drama fans will be delighted with the double bill of drama on stage next week. First up is ‘A Portrait Of The Artist As A Young Man’. The classic James Joyce tale of Stephen Dedalus follows the young man during his formative years as he breaks away from the Irish Catholic conventions of his past to become an artist who makes the life-changing decision to leave Ireland. The production is directed by Jimmy Fay, an Associate Artist of The Abbey Theatre, and will be staged on Tuesday 11^th March at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Brian Friel’s ‘Molly Sweeney’ then arrives at The Market Place on Wednesday 12^th and Thursday 13^th March. Blind since infancy, Molly Sweeney is persuaded to have an operation to restore her sight. Her husband Frank is convinced she has nothing to lose; her ophthalmologist Mr Rice is not so sure. The play charts their expectations and fantasies of how the operation will change everything, not just for Molly, but for all three of them. Brian Friel’s rarely performed poetic tale weaves together all three characters’ perspectives. Through a journey of memory, hope and despair, the play begs us to not only see, but also understand other people’s points of view. Tickets for this production are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession).

Bookings for all performances can be made by contacting 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.

WITH St Patrick’s Day just around the corner, Northern Ireland has a jam-packed programme of festivities lined up to help people celebrate the patron saint of Ireland.

From street carnivals to open air concerts and food events to storytelling, there is something for everyone during this year’s celebrations and Pauline Gormley, Destination PR Officer for the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging people to make the most of what is on offer and explore Northern Ireland.

“Every corner of Northern Ireland is action packed with events and festivals to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. There is plenty of family fun, parades, carnivals and music with a great event or happening to suit every taste.

“If you fancy following in the footsteps of St Patrick and discovering more about his life and legacy with the St Patrick’s Trail which takes you through Christian sites at Bangor, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Newry and Armagh to uncover just how strong Northern Ireland’s links are with the patron saint. The 92 mile linear driving route links 15 key sites, all identified as having some connection to his life, legacy or landscape – they are all just waiting to be explored,” Pauline added.

To help get the celebrations underway NITB has put together a guide to St Patrick’s Day festivals and events across Northern Ireland:

Belfast

Belfast St Patrick’s Celebrations promises a great day out for the whole family when the city centre becomes awash with colour and splendour during the annual carnival parade which takes place on Sunday March 16. The parade will depart from Belfast City Hall at 12 noon and community groups from across Belfast will take part along with professional and amateur performers, musicians and acrobats. It will finish at Custom House Square where the day’s festivities will continue with an exciting outdoor concert including Shane Ward.

Co Antrim

St Patrick’s Day at Slemish in Ballymena gives visitors the chance to learn about St Patrick and his historical legacy plus the history, wildlife and geology of Slemish. Storytelling, traditional music and children’s entertainment will be part of the event at the Ecos Centre between 12pm and 4pm. People can also enjoy delicious traditional Irish fayre at the Ecos Cafe.

The Londonderry Arms Hotel, situated in the picturesque Glens of Antrim in the small coastal village of Carnlough, invites people to enjoy An Audience with Hector McDonnell on March 14. Hector is one of Ireland’s leading artists and people can join him for an informal talk on St Patrick where he will consider St Patrick’s life.

Co Armagh

Celebrate St Patrick in his chosen city of Armagh with a lively and varied festival from March 13 – 17, showcasing the best of the city’s culture, music, song and dance. Highlights of the Saint Patrick’s Festival include The Poet, The Pier & The Painter at Navan Centre & Fort, Comedy Weekend at The Market Place Theatre and Armagh Trad Trail in Armagh City Centre.

The Saint Patrick’s Festival Concert in Market Square on March 15 will see the Red Hot Chilli Pipers take to the stage with support acts including local band Castlestreet, The Legend of Luke Kelly, and Catherine Grimley & The McCuskers.  There will also be a special appearance from mentalist David Meade who promises to astonish the crowd with his unique talent.

The Saint Patrick’s Day Carnival Procession will see the city come alive with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy. The celebrations will begin with a high energy carnival procession departing the Palace Demesne, making its way through Armagh City Centre complete with colourful floats, marching bands and street performers.

Living History special for St Patrick’s Day is taking place at Navan Centre & Fort from March 15 – 17. The Living History department will reopen the Iron Age Dwelling especially for visitors to Navan enjoying the Saint Patrick’s festivities. Recreating Celtic life through cooking, weaving, weaponry and much more the dwelling brings to life the sights, smells and sounds of the Celtic era. Join in all the fun as the Celts transport you to a bygone age!

Co Londonderry

The St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival 2014 in Derry on March 16 and 17 is packed with fun for all the family including on street entertainers who will dazzle and bemuse, a fantastical carnival parade which will enchant, traditional musicians who will make your toes tap and a mythical children’s treasure trail which will lead you through a taste of ‘Music, Myth and Magic’.

The LegenDerry Food Festival in Guildhall Square from March 15 – 17 showcases the wealth and range of local food on offer in the city and across Northern Ireland. With themes from ‘plot to plate’, ‘grown here not flown here’ and ‘catch and cook’, it celebrates food and includes celebrity chef demonstrations, family activities and live cook offs.

Join in the craic and celebrate a memorable St Patrick’s Day in the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre with music from the amazing Blackthorn. Fun and laughter is guaranteed with this lively and entertaining band.

Co Down

What better place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day than in Downpatrick, one of Northern Ireland’s most ancient and historical towns and reputed to be the burial place of St Patrick. And once again, Down District Council is offering a seven day programme of events with the St Patrick’s Festival from March 10 – 17.

More than 30,000 spectators are expected to gather to see the highlight event, the traditional Cross Community Carnival Parade through the town on March 17.

Session trails throughout the festival will offer opportunities to celebrate St Patrick’s life through song and dance. An artisan food market offering food produce from local provenance will get your taste buds tingling and there will be lots of entertainment including a busking competition and an open air concert.

Downpatrick lluminations Show – come visit Downpatrick at night over the Festival period and see three of the local iconic buildings, Down Cathedral, St Patrick’s Church and The Saint Patrick Centre illuminating green in colour to celebrate our Saint.

The St Patrick’s Centre is bursting with great things to see and do including a special U105 broadcast on March 14 when Frank Mitchell will host his Morning Show at the centre with special guests and topical discussion.  Also on the March 14 you can get hands on with some snakes, said to have been banished by St Patrick, at the St Patrick’s Centre Reptile Display plus tortoises, spiders and much more.  On March 14, there is the Brigid O’Neill Trio in concert with Bill Johnston and Barry Kerr featuring Country Blues, Folk, Jazz and Bluegrass (tickets available by calling the St Patrick’s Centre).

Downpatrick Racecourse will host its first Drive-Thru Mystery Movie so make sure you pick up a free ticket at the Visitor Information Centre.

St Patrick’s Day celebrations at Castle Espie in Comber invites people to take part in a shamrock trail, meet St Patrick’s snakes and sample homemade traditional Irish cuisine.

The Newry & Mourne St Patrick’s Day Festival starts at 12 noon with the annual parade which departs from the Quays Shopping & Leisure Centre and finishing in the Cathedral Quarter Hill Street. There will also be an open-air concert and street entertainment including a traditional street ceili and lots to keep children entertained. In addition to this, there will be events taking place in the Town Hall, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry & Mourne Museum and Newry Variety Market.

Co Fermanagh

The main St Patrick’s Day parade in Enniskillen starts from Lakeland Forum at 3.30pm and then circles the island town. Visitors can look forward to seeing battling Vikings, wake boarding leprechauns as well as St Patrick’s arrival in his traditionally unusual manner. There will be other family activities at Broadmeadow at 1pm with attractions including inflatable assault courses, bouncy castles, face painting, gelato’s, candy floss and chocolate fountains as well as music and Lough based displays.

Enjoy free admission to Enniskillen Castle Museums on St Patrick’s Day. Enniskillen Castle, situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, was built almost 600 years ago by the ruling Gaelic Maguires. Today, the historic site houses two museums, Fermanagh County Museum and the Inniskillings Museum.

Co Tyrone

The Saint Patricks Day Festival in Omagh, from March 10 – 21, features many wonderful events starting with the ‘Building Bridges’ Primary Schools Exhibition at the Strule Arts Centre on March 10; a screening of the Bafta nominated Good Vibrations at the Strule Arts Centre on March 14; an open air concert and colourful St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17; culminating in a tuneful musical session by popular Ulster-Scots group, Kilted Konnections, on March 21 at the Strule Arts Centre, to name a few.

The Ulster American Folk Park invites people to celebrate the “American Wake”. Countless thousands of people left Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries and for many, the hours before departure became known as the ‘American or Living Wake’. Watch this dramatic re-enactment complete with music and songs.

To find out more about what is happening in Northern Ireland over St Patrick’s Day or for further information on places to stay or things to see and do contact the Northern  Ireland Tourist Board on Callsave 1850 230 230 or click on www.discovernorthernireland.com

Handmade fudge and chocolates, sourdough bread and goat burgers will be among the fantastic fare on offer in Derry this St Patrick’s weekend during the 2014 LegenDerry Food Festival.

Sponsored by the DARD NI Regional Food Programme, Invest NI and the City of Culture Legacy programme, the festival will take place from Saturday 15th until Monday 17th of March. Guildhall Square will be filled with mouth watering aromas drifting from the immense marquee which will house a feast of local produce given the star treatment by some of the biggest names in Irish cooking, and the very best local chefs.  The event is organised by Derry City Council with support from Food NI.
The city’s Mayor, Councillor Martin Reilly, said the festival was a fantastic addition to the St Patrick’s weekend festivities. “The North West has always enjoyed the finest produce and the LegenDerry Food Festival provides the ideal opportunity to sample and celebrate some of the finest food available right on our doorstep.

“Food tourism is a massive industry and with such fantastic resources and great emerging talent in our restaurant kitchens, we should all support the local producers and chefs endeavouring to put Derry on the food map. I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy a delicious and entertaining culinary day out.”

From RTE’s Nevin Maguire to BBC Radio Ulster’s Paula McIntyre, there’ll be demos and tastings aplenty. Compere Brian McDermott aka ‘The No Salt Chef’ will be introducing chefs from Derry who will be sharing recipes and staging live cook offs throughout the weekend. Seven local producers will also be showcasing a range of quality regional produce, including Broughgammon Farm’s cabrito burritos made with meat reared near Ballycastle, as well as a wide range of handmade baked goods.

Among the local talents revealing the secrets of their signature dishes will be chefs from La Sosta, Browns, The Sooty Olive, The Custom House, Harry’s, Primrose Café and many more.  Irish Chef of the Year 2013, Ian Orr, will talk about the importance of local supply and celebrity chefs will share their insider tips. There will be many opportunities to try and buy some of the finest local products, including award-winning delights like Abernethy Butter, Broighter Gold rapeseed oil, Passion Preserved chutneys and relishes and Braemar Farm ice-cream, as well as a whole host of freshly prepared dishes.

Event organiser Mary Blake said the festival was simply a celebration of the best local food. “With themes from ‘caught here not brought here’ and ‘grown here not flown here’, the focus really is on local food,” she emphasised. “We’ve got great taste in Derry, and LegenDerry produce on offer from farm to fork.

“Many of our restaurants are continually raising standards and monitoring the latest in culinary trends, so this event promises to be a foodies’ paradise. Food Tourism is key to Derry and the second highest area of visitor spends. Out-of-state visitors to NI spend over a third of their money on food and drink and make a massive contribution to the NI food and drink industry. In fact, while the food service sector was worth an estimated £1.52 billion in 2011, food tourism has been one of the driving forces helping this sector to return to growth.”

During the festival, nutritionist Jane McClenaghan will be giving a talk and signing copies of her new cookbook and local chef Emmet McCourt will also be there with his new book Feast or Famine, charting the fascinating food history of the North West. Street food is also a growing trend and Tricycle Trading’s and Pyke and Pommes sweet and savoury offerings are sure to please.

We can’t promise good weather, but we can promise great foodie fun this St Patrick’s weekend.

‘Phoenix Dance Theatre’ will be mesmerising audiences at Theatre at The Mill for one night only on Wednesday 5^th March as part of their highly anticipated UK tour. The contemporary dance company will be presenting a diverse bill that features two thrilling new works and one classic from the company’s archive.

Document is a powerful, relentless piece by exciting choreographic duo Ivgi & Greben – their first to be performed in the UK. Didy Veldman’s See Blue Through plunges the stage into a fascinating, mysterious undersea world that features sensuous elastic choreography and costumes. Inspired by his Mapping series, Darshan Singh Bhuller’s latest work is filled with dynamic, physical choreography.

‘Phoenix Dance Theatre’ will also be delivering workshops in local schools throughout the province as they teach aspiring Performing Arts and Dance students some of their poised yet thrilling instruction of movement.

Don’t miss this evening of contemporary dance at Theatre at The Mill on Wednesday 5^th March. Tickets which cost £15, £13 & £11 (concessions available) can be booked online at www.theatreathemill.com or through Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

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

• Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend, various venues, Co. Fermanagh, March 7 – 9. Fermanagh’s Visitor Attractions are opening their doors for free as they kick off this year’s tourist season. Taking part in the weekend is the Aughakillymaude Mummers Centre, Belleek Pottery, Garden of Celtic Saints, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Florence Court, Crom Estate and Castle Coole. 

• Belfast Children’s Festival, various venues, Belfast, March 7 -14.  A treat for families as a range of venues across Belfast will host some outstanding international and local productions for young audiences with a programme including theatre, dance, music, visual and the digital, sonic arts.

• Rostrevor MTB Festival 2014, Rostrevor, Co. Down, March 8-9.  The Rostrevor Mountain Bike Festival makes its return with an exciting weekend of events including Round 1 of the Irish Downhill Mountain Bike Series as well as the first round of the Ulster XC Series.

• Phoenix Dance Theatre, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, March 5.  Enjoy a diverse bill that features two thrilling new works and one classic from the company’s archive, from powerful and relentless to dynamic and physical choreography.

• The ‘Them & Me’ Tour, Millennium Forum, City of Derry, March 8. Popular comedian William Caulfield returns to the theatre with his all new show for 2014, offering hilarious observations of everyday life coupled with his unique ability to tell stories that capture the humour of Northern Ireland.

• The Three Tenors & Star Violinist, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Armagh, March 8.  Ireland’s Greatest Voices perform fabulous hit songs and a popular uplifting mix from Sinatra and Leonard Cohen to The Dubliners and Pavarotti.  

• Adult Crochet Workshop, The Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, March 7.  Back by popular demand, the crochet workshop will provide a chance to learn new stitches, embellishments and to use patterns to develop knitwear styles at basic and intermediate level.

• Invasion Belfast VI – Return of the Garrison, W5 at Odyssey, Belfast, March 8-9.  Ireland’s premier Star Wars costuming club return to W5 for a weekend of fresh interactive fun, with a new line-up of actors, talks and activities as well as Emerald Garrison’s hugely popular replica props and scenes.

• Meet the Maker – ‘Ebb Tide’ Exhibition by Rosemary McMillen, Craft & Design Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, until March 29.  The natural forces of Strangford Lough’s tidal energy and the patterns of light reflected in the shallow waters of the mudflats are key inspirations for this glass sculpture and installation.  

• Another World, Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, March 7 – April 26.  Local emerging artist and University of Ulster student, John McMacken will display a stunning collection of drawings in pencil, pen, charcoal, ink and paint, capturing people and landscapes with a sense of immediacy.

Down

The first round of the North of Ireland Karting Association summer championship takes place this Saturday 1st March at Kirkistown Racing Cicuit. The event is a short circuit karting meeting organised by the 500 Motor Racing Club of Ireland.  The meeting features direct drive junior and senior classes.

Tyrone

For one night only – Thursday 27th Febuary, the Strule Arts Centre show their appreciation to the talented Northern Irish Poet Seamus Heaney.  Come along and hear some of the most popular and revered poems being read by some well known individuals and locals who have a love for poetry.  The evening will also include some light musical entertainment.

Fermanagh

See Brendan Grace live on stage Wednesday 26^th February at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen.  The greatest family comedian of our generation proudly celebrates 42 years in the comedy business. Brendan’s latest show features some brand new material and some ‘Old Favourites’ from his vast repertoire.

Derry

The Riverside Theatre Coleraine will be rocked to the core as never seen before on Saturday March 1st at 7.30pm, when the Wrestling Superstars invade Coleraine.  Coming from successful tours in France, Spain, Japan, Germany, the United States, Mexico and beyond, this night promises to leave your hair standing, heart pumping and your blood boiling!

Armagh

‘Nivelli’s War’ tells the dramatic story of Ernst, a six year old boy evacuated to the countryside from Frankfurt in World War II. When the war ends Ernst finds himself alone with no idea how to get home again. When all seems lost a mysterious stranger comes to his aid; a man who knows the true value of magic. As they travel together, through a war torn world, the stranger instils in the boy a love of conjuring which will last his whole life.  Nivelli’s War is inspired by a true story and is a vivid and moving theatrical account of an incredible journey and a lasting friendship. This enchanting production at the Market Place Theatre Armagh on Friday 28^th February is a play suitable for age 7+, featuring music, magic and illusion.

Antrim

Bann Valley Community Group present the Award Winning Johnny Cash and June Carter Tribute Show in Clady Hall on Saturday 1^st March.   Tickets available from McCanns furniture shop, Clady post office and Clady Shop.

Belfast

The Waterfront Hall is the venue for the Mind, Body, Spirit Show this Sunday afternoon. Covering complementary health, spiritual awareness, personal development and lots of pampering! This show is the largest of its type in Ireland. Its central feature is the Experience Zone where you can try out a range of activities from reflexology to an Indian head massage. There will be a host of inspirational and uplifting seminars and workshops, from aura photography to zen and from amazing fortune tellers to zumba classes.