The Market Place Theatre will be rocked to the core as never before when the Superstars of The American Wrestling Roadshow invade Armagh City.

Coming from successful tours in France, Spain, Japan, Germany, USA, Mexico and beyond, this night promises to leave your hair standing, heart pumping and your blood boiling!

Sport? Entertainment? We make no bones about it; our business is all about the adrenaline rush, the emotional journey and feelings, which you will experience during this epic night! We’ll take you on a high; make you feel alive, as you cheer on the fan favourites. But don’t be fooled, there are plenty of bad guys in toll to keep you on the edge of your seat!

Similar to the pantomime there is plenty of noise, adrenaline, shouting, screaming and roaring. What’s more; we fully encourage it! Like any great play there’s always an abundance of drama, as the Good Guys take on the Baddies. Prepare to get involved, even if you don’t want to!

The American Wrestling Roadshow will be staged on Saturday 22^nd March at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £10 each, and can be booked 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.

Follow the yellow brick road to Theatre at The Mill this spring! To commemorate its 75^th Anniversary Belfast Youth in the Arts presents ‘The Wizard of Oz’ from Tues 25 – Sat 29 March.

This enactment of the familiar story chronicles the adventures of the young girl Dorothy Gale from Kansas and her encounters in the Land of Oz as she befriends enchanted characters and takes on the Wicked Witch of the West, all to make her way home.

Belfast Youth in the Arts’ production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ is suitable for all ages and incorporates exciting displays of magic and promises to be spell-binding performance. Join Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man, Lion and Toto for a trip down the yellow brick road and become enchanted by favourites such as ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘If I Only Had a Brain’ and ‘We’re Off to See the Wizard’.

At the recent Academy Awards, the 75^th Anniversary of this beloved story was celebrated by the stars with Judy Garland’s children Liza Minnelli, Lorna Luft and Joey Luft attending the ceremony’s tribute to ‘The Wizard of Oz’. As well as a cover performance of the timeless tune ‘Over the Rainbow’ by pop singer Pink.

Belfast Youth in the Arts is a cross community, non-profit making youth theatre company in Belfast which works in the community engaging young people (13 – 19 years old) from all backgrounds through the medium of performing arts regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or political background.

The organisation provides opportunities for young people to explore different areas within the arts through different projects and programmes. Belfast Youth in the Arts focuses on achieving arts excellence, but also place a huge emphasis on the enjoyment of the arts and encourage young people to learn, develop and grow within the arts in a fun and nurturing way.

Tickets for this magical musical are available online at www.theatreatthemill.com or by calling Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Kylie Monogue

Sunday 9^th November: THE ODYSSEY ARENA, BELFAST

THE HIGHLY ANTICIPATED NEW ALBUM, ‘KISS ME ONCE’ IS OUT NOW

Kylie, whose first single from her new album charted in the UK Top 20 yesterday, today announces the Kiss Me Once Tour including dates at The O2, Dublin and Odyssey Arena, Belfast in November.

The tour will open here in the UK and will comprise of 31 shows in 15 countries – including 12 dates in the UK and Ireland.   Famous for her live shows, Kylie’s Kiss Me Once Tour will be true to form as a celebration of both new and old material.

Kylie’s brand new album, ‘Kiss Me Once’ is released today. It is her first studio album since 2010’s ‘Aphrodite’, and her first since signing to Roc Nation Management. The album was executive produced by Kylie and Sia, who also penned the title track.  Kylie also teams up with Pharrell Williams (who wrote and produced ‘I Was Gonna Cancel’). Other producers include Ariel Rechtshaid (HAIM) on ‘If Only’, MNEK on ‘Feels So Good’, and Greg Kurstin on bonus track ‘Sleeping With The Enemy’.

Ticket Information
The O2 Dublin: Tickets from €65.70 including booking fee

Odyssey Arena, Belfast: Tickets from £55.00 including booking fee

Tickets for the Kiss Me Once tour go on sale at 9am on Friday 21st March from:

Odyssey Arena Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.odysseyarena.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

The Full Ireland & UK Tour Dates Below:

24/09/14 – ECHO ARENA, LIVERPOOL

26/09/14 – PHONES 4u ARENA, MANCHESTER

29/09/14 – THE O2, LONDON

30/09/14 – THE O2 ,LONDON

03/10/14 – MOTORPOINT ARENA, CARDIFF

05/10/14 – CAPITAL FM ARENA, NOTTINGHAM

07/10/14 – THE NIA, BIRMINGHAM

08/11/14 – THE O2, DUBLIN

09/11/14 – THE ODYSSEY ARENA, BELFAST

11/11/14 – METRO RADIO ARENA, NEWCASTLE

12/11/14 – THE SSE HYDRO, GLASGOW

13/11/14 – MOTORPOINT ARENA, SHEFFIELD

Portstewart Songwriters Festival is an exciting brand new music event due to hit the North Coast on Friday 28^th to Sunday 30^th March.

The event was officially launched at the Anchor Complex on Thursday 13^th March, with performances from local talent Toni Whitten and the superb Amanda St John. The Festival is funded by Coleraine Borough Council and the Department for Social Development.

The Festival will feature live music in bars and coffee shops along Portstewart Promenade throughout the weekend and, with over 20 FREE gigs featuring the likes of Briana Corrigan, Silhouette, Rory Nellis, Robb Murphy and Mandy Bingham, the line up for the first ever Portstewart Songwriters Festival is looking unmissable!

Bronagh Gallagher, SOAK and Paul Casey are set to Headline the Festival with a ‘Saturday Night Showcase’ event at Portstewart Town Hall, which will be hosted by Ralph McLean; while Gareth Dunlop, Anthony Toner and Amanda St John will perform an intimate ‘In the Round’ Session on the Sunday evening.

The event, which is funded by the Department for Social Development and Coleraine Borough Council, will also incorporate a variety of song writing workshops, run by recognized singer-song writers and industry professionals, as well as illustrated talks by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean and Stuart Bailie.

Tickets for the Showcase events, workshops and talks are available from Coleraine Visitor Centre, Tel: 7034 4723 and Flowerfield Arts Centre, Tel: 7083 1400. All gigs in the bars and coffee shops are FREE!

To find out more and for full gig listing visit www.northcoastni.com/music, find it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PortstewartSongwritersFestival or follow on Twitter @PortSongFest.

Coleraine Borough Council is holding a Business Breakfast – Networking & Information Event to support local businesses to gain an insight into what’s in it for them for this year’s Vauxhall International North West 200 event.

The Breakfast event will be in association with the Causeway Chamber of Commerce and the North West 200 team on Tuesday 8^th April at 8.30am in Council’s Civic Headquarters Cloonavin.

Hosted by television personality Sarah Travers, local businesses will have the opportunity to find out how to promote their own business as part of this year’s North West 200 event, and look at ways how they can benefit.

The Mayor of Coleraine Councillor David Harding stated, “Council is developing more and more opportunities with the team from the North West 200, to ensure that everyone in the Borough is fully versed on what the event is all about. Particularly for businesses, anyone can support, participate, sponsor or volunteer; this is an opportunity to find out what is right for you and your business. This is one event which is supported by the media. Press, Radio and Television provide fantastic coverage of the course so it’s a great opportunity not to be missed.”

Mayor Harding, will provide a short welcome for all guests, with an update on what Council has provided to date for the NW 200 with background information and opportunities from Meryvn Whyte MBE. Ian Donaghey, President Causeway Chamber of Commerce, will also be attending and supporting the business element of the morning. Mr Donaghey stated, “Causeway Chamber is delighted to assist the team at NW 200 to further develop links and engage with our local business community which will enhance opportunities in our tourism sector and economic development for the Borough of Coleraine.”

All business will have the opportunity to network with NW200 current sponsors, meet the riders as well get a quick photograph with Sarah!

The event is on the 8^th April from 8:30am until 10:15am with free breakfast on arrival, in Coleraine Borough Council, Civic Headquarters, Cloonavin.

For more information on the event contact Tara Cunningham, PR Manager Coleraine Borough Council 028 7034 7042, p.r@colerainebc.gov.uk.  To RSVP email: office@causewaychamber.com or telephone 028 7034 3111.

Portstewart Songwriters Festival is an exciting new music event funded by Coleraine Borough Council and the Department for Social Development.

The event is due to hit the NorthCoast on Friday 28^th to Sunday 30^thMarch with lots of opportunities for those who enjoy music.

Featuring live music in bars and coffee shops along Portstewart Promenade throughout the weekend, with over 20 FREE events, the line up for the first ever Portstewart Songwriters Festival is looking unmissable!

Bronagh Gallagher, SOAK and Paul Casey are set to headline the Festival with a ‘Saturday Night Showcase’ event at PortstewartTown Hall, which will be hosted by Ralph McLean; while Gareth Dunlop, Anthony Toner and Amanda St John will perform an intimate ‘In the Round’ Session on the Sunday evening.

The event will also incorporate a variety of song writing workshops, run by recognized singer-song writers and industry professionals, as well as illustrated talks by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean and Stuart Bailie.

Tickets for the Showcase events, workshops and talks are available from Coleraine Visitor Centre, telephone 028 7034 4723 and Flowerfield Arts Centre telephone 028 7083 1400. All gigs in the bars and coffee shops are FREE!

To find out more and for full gig listing visit www.northcoastni.com/music, find it on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/PortstewartSongwritersFestival or follow on Twitter @PortSongFest.

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 17-23).

• St Patrick’s Celebrations, town centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 17. The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will showcase Downpatrick as one of Ireland’s most ancient and historic towns, with a re-enactment celebrating St Patrick’s return to Ireland as a bishop, a Carnival Parade through the streets of Downpatrick as well as a host of other family entertainment.

• Ballycastle & District Horse Ploughing Championship 2014, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, March 17.  The popular, traditional ploughing match has been taking place in Ballycastle for 100 years, attracting ploughmen from throughout Ireland offering a great day out for the whole family.

• Keady Community Festival, Keady, Co. Armagh, March 17.  Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day Parade through the streets of Keady for a great family day out as well as face painting, assault courses, dance and Irish classes, arts and crafts and much more.

• Give My Head Peace, The Braids Arts Centre, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, March 19.  Northern Ireland’s most dysfunctional family are back with a brand new show for 2014 with topical satire, top class stand-up comedy from Tim McGarry and plenty of laughs.

• Kimmie Rhodes, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, March 22. American singer-songwriter Kimmie Rhodes is a prolific artist who has recorded and released a total of fifteen solo albums as well as writing and producing three musical plays and has built a solid fan base in Northern Ireland over the years.

• A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, March 18 – 22.  James Joyce’s ‘A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man’ tells the story of Stephen Dedalus as he signals his need to escape the nets he claimed Ireland would trap him in before leaving his home to seek nourishment from other cultures.  
• A Boy and his Box, Limavady Theatre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, March 20. Young adventurers should come along and hear the story of a boy, his box and his vivid imagination with live drawing, projection and quirky tunes celebrating the amazing world of a child’s imagination.

• Strabane Drama Festival, The Alley Arts & Conference Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, March 20-28.  The Alley Theatre will host Strabane’s annual drama festival as the intimate venue comes alive with nine productions  ranging from George Orwell’s Animal Farm to Martin Lynch’s The Chronicles of Long Kesh.
• Waggy Races at Castleward, Castle Ward, Strangford, Co. Down, March 23.  Northern Ireland’s first canicross event, a cross country fun run where dogs and their owners sprint, jog or walk together. The 5km Waggy Races course starts at the Mansion following the trails towards the Lough and is open to dogs of all shapes and sizes.
• Dr Robert Ballard – Titanic Discoverer, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, March 20.  Dr Robert Ballard, the legendary Ocean Explorer who discovered the wreck of RMS Titanic, returns to Titanic Belfast hosting a public lecture.

Down

Kids and Adults alike can try to scale the East Coast Adventure 35ft Climbing Tower at Kilbroney Park.  There is a coffee shop, kids playground and Mountain Bike Centre on site.  Kilbroney Park also offers camping and caravan pitches.

Tyrone

Mulligan’s Bar Cookstown are hosting a Father Ted quiz in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland on Friday 14^th March. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as their favourite Fr Ted character. There will be a prize for the best dressed. Teams of 5. Entry £5. Refreshments served on the evening.

Fermanagh

On Monday 17^th March Project St Patrick’s main parade starts from the Lakeland Forum at 3pm then circles the Island Town. Expect to see battling Vikings and wake boarding leprechauns,  as well as the usual shenanigans.   Behold St Patrick’s arrival in his traditionally unusual manner. Attractions include inflatable assault courses, bouncy castles, face painting, gelato’s, candy floss and chocolate fountains as well as music and lough based displays to keep you entertained. All entertainment if free!

Derry

From the 15th – 17th March come and experience a weekend steeped in history, culture, tradition and of course fun, as Derry celebrates St Patrick’s weekend with a special three day entertainment extravaganza, including the spectacular annual St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade. In keeping with the title Music City, the theme ‘Music Myth and Magic’ will enchant and beguile the crowds, as the city’s streets become a stage for some of the finest musicians and performers around.

Armagh

Celebrate Saint Patrick in his chosen City of Armagh with a lively and varied festival showcasing the best of Armagh’s culture, music, song and dance. Join in the celebrations in the ancient Cathedral City of Ireland from Thursday 13th to Monday 17th March 2014.

Antrim

A nerdish florist finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who demands to be fed in the Little Shop of Horrors, The Courtyard Theatre Thursday 13^th March.

Belfast

The University of Ulster has an impressive line-up for the 2014 Ulster Festival of Art & Design, which includes some of the most creative and inspiring minds from the film, fashion, music and business worlds.  Running from 10-14 March, the Festival will see nearly forty separate events give the public a unique insight into the very best of international creativity and innovation. www.ulsterfestival.com .

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.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is looking for young people aged 10 to 25 to take part in their Summer 2014 extravaganza, ‘Oliver!’

‘Oliver!’ is the world-renowned musical which tells the story of a young orphan who arrives on the streets of London with no friends, no money and nowhere to live. He meets a cheeky pickpocket who shows him a whole new way of life. But as chance would have it, Oliver stumbles upon a gentleman who might just hold the key to his mysterious past… This exhilarating story about one boy’s survival against the odds is packed full of joyful songs including Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket or Two, Oom-pah-pah! and the exuberant Food Glorious Food.

Auditions for ‘Oliver!’ will take place on Saturday 17^th May, from 10am to 12noon for 10-15 year olds, and from 1.15pm to 3.15pm for 16-25 year olds. Auditions are now open for booking through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. All auditionees must be available throughout the period from Monday 21^st July until Saturday 23^rd August inclusive for rehearsals, should they be successful. Auditionees should wear loose clothing, trainers & bring a bottle of water. All auditionees should be prepared to act, dance & sing. You do not have to have experience to audition and auditions are completely free, although participation in ‘Oliver’ for successful candidates will be £100 for the five-week period. There will be some free places for people/families in receipt of state benefit.

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.

On Saturday 8^th March the Mayor of North Down, Cllr Andrew Muir, joined with Mayors and provincial dignitaries from Italy and France in signing off the final statues required by the “European Institute of Cultural Routes” in Luxembourg to formalise the application of “The Columban Way”.

The culmination of the ceremony in Bobbio, Italy, will now see the cultural route application, based on the life and travels of both Bangor and central Europe’s most famous Saint, Columbanus, submitted for approval to Luxembourg and in turn formally recognised as an official European Cultural Route.

The initial route is to comprise of Bangor, Luxeuil-les-Bains (France) and Bobbio (Italy) and will recognise the influence of Columbanus’ work within central Europe and is to be formally established by 2015, the year that will mark the 1400^th anniversary of the passing of St Columbanus. This anniversary year will be marked with events throughout the European countries that he was influential in.

This route is set to become the 30^th European Cultural Route and sit alongside some of the most famous routes such as the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela.

After the initial creation of “The Columban Way” it is envisaged that it will expand to take in the additional countries of Switzerland, Austria, Germany and the Republic of Ireland where Columbanus also left his mark.

Mayor of North Down, Cllr Andrew Muir; “I was delighted to take part in this important and historic ceremony alongside our European friends in Bobbio, the resting place of Columbanus.  After leaving Bangor he was to play a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity in mainland Europe and it is fitting that he, the first person to use the term “European”, will have this Cultural Route potentially covering up to seven nations, created on the back of his legacy. The creation of this route will surely be a fitting testimony on a European scale to the man and his work”.

His importance to the Church and European Christianity as a whole was evidentially seen when in late 2013 Pope Francis put forward the final paperwork to be considered to have the co-patronage of Europe bestowed upon St Columabnus to mark the 1400^th anniversary of his passing.