ONE GIANT WISH FOR BELFAST

30,000 pegs, 2,000 tonnes of soil, 2,000 tonnes of sand, 11 acres and 1 huge team effort combine to create the largest land-art portrait in the UK and Ireland.

The 2013 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s opened today (Thursday 17th October) with a reveal of the largest land-art portrait in the UK and Ireland. Spanning 11 acres of land in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter,Wish is the portrait of an anonymous Belfast child which has been created by internationally acclaimed Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada in partnership with the City and its people. Using only natural materials and cutting edge satellite technology the final piece represents the largest piece the artist has ever created and will be free for all to view throughout the Festival.

For the next eleven days the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s will present over 70 different performances in venues in the North, South, East and West of the City. Director, Richard Wakely is thrilled to be opening with such a land-mark piece of work, “To present a piece of this quality and magnitude is staggering and provides a unique way to open this year’s Festival.  It is a free event that has enabled us to work closely with local businesses and volunteers and it is their commitment that has made it happen. We have 11 days of entertainment on offer throughout Belfast from 24 different countries with theatre, dance, visual arts, film and music filling spaces in all corners of the city. It is our Wish that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it.”

Wish has been created in close partnership with the local community.  Local firms such as McLaughlin&Harvey, PT McWilliams and Lagan Construction Group provided materials, tools, machinery, staff and soil. Sand was provided by Tobermore and lime stone by Kilwaughter Lime -all free of charge.   The land was donated by the Titanic Quarter Limited , the project headquarters was provided by The Dock Café, the viewing platforms have been provide free of charge by W5, Belfast Metropolitan College, and Titanic Belfast.  Plus,   a core team worked alongside a host of community volunteers from groups such as NOW to provide hundreds of hours of their time to make it happen.  Other support was provided by the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Titanic Foundation Limited and a major contribution from TOPCON who provided the GPS poles, technical support and training.

Artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada has produced similar pieces all over the world but is especially connected to his latest and largest project in Belfast, “I have created work in the States and all over Europe but this piece in Belfast has been a different experience for me.  The people have been overwhelming in their support and belief in the concept.  When I first started on this work it was only five acres but it grew both emotionally and physically.  Now, at 11 acres, it is my largest piece and I believe this magnitude is a fitting tribute to a city which has so much positivity to offer.”

Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland reflects on the community nature of this opening event, “It’s encouraging to see so many people, businesses and organisations who have volunteered their time and resources to be part of this collaborative and ambitious land art project.   It is very fitting that a project which encouraged participation in the arts and is accessible to all opens this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.”

Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland reflects on the magnitude of the project,” The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s is a truly international celebration bringing together arts and creativity from across the world under one cultural umbrella.  Wish is an inspirational and ambitious piece of public art that combines strong community spirit with contemporary arts practice – a union which is reflected throughout this year’s festival programme. It is a most fitting opening event.”

The 2013 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the continuing support of various public and private sponsors, including Ulster Bank, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the EU, Queen’s University Belfast and the British Council. 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 runs from 17th – 27th October at venues all over the city and Wish can be viewed free of charge from various specified locations within the Titanic Quarter throughout the Festival. To find out more and book tickets for any event visit www.belfastfestival.com  or call  box office on 02890 971197. ⧣BelFest

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (October 21 – 27).

  • Night at the Museum, Ulster Museum, Belfast, October 25.   Have you ever wondered what happens when the visitors leave the Ulster Museum for the night? Does the Edmontosaurus rise and roar over Takabuti the mummy and does Peter the Polar Bear plod up to take a sneaky peek at the pottery and paintings? Now you can experience a night-time adventure with a torch-lit tour before bedding down for the night.
  • Halloween at Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim, October 26.  Do you dare visit Carrickfergus Castle on this scariest of days? The castle has seen battles and sieges and is reputed to have ghosts from many different periods who haunt its rooms and battlements. Will you see any of them?
  • Jack O’Lanterns Workshop, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, October 26.  Come along for an arts and crafts fun-filled morning of creating your very own Jack O’Lantern, perfect for all trick or treating.
  • Peter Corry’s Master of the Musicals, Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, October 25.  Peter Corry makes a long awaited return with an evening of music dedicated to the great musicals of our time.  A native of Belfast who now travels the world with his unique voice, Peter returns to his first love, the musicals.

  • Spooky Goings on at the Caves, Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark, Co. Fermanagh, October 26.   Put on your scariest fancy dress costume and journey underground on a nail biting, spine tingling guided tour of these fantastic caves.
  • Haunted Hazlett, Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, October 26 – 29.  Back with all new ghoulish live action performances and other eerie delights, this is a night you’ll not forget.  Immerse yourself in the action if you dare.  Fancy dress encouraged.
  • Little Spooks, Navan Centre and Fort, Co. Armagh, October 26 – November 1.  Take the family along for a fun interactive Halloween experience.  Meet Suzie and Steve Scarecrow and help them prepare for Halloween, learn the skills required to be a scarecrow and experience the Scarecrow House.
  • Basketry Workshops, An Creagan, Co. Tyrone, October 21 & 26.  Acclaimed craft artist Louise McLean will offer two days of workshops in basket making.  An enjoyable introduction to this remarkable skill, and is a perfect class for beginners.  Participants will each have their own lovely willow basket to take home.

  • Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival, Co. Londonderry, October 26 – November 3.  The famous Halloween celebrations will be even bigger and better in 2013 as Derry~Londonderry celebrates the magnificent City of Culture year in style with spooky fun for all the family, a parade and spectacular fireworks.
  • Halloween Ghost Trains, Downpatrick & County Down Railway, Co. Down, October 27 – 28.  There is something strange happening this Halloween, with ghosts on the platforms and ghouls on the train, it can only be the return of the Halloween Ghost Trains when you can travel on a vintage train, visit the great wizard in his haunted grotto train and tour a Viking graveyard.

Here are Jacqueline’s pick of family events happening this weekend across NI.

Down

Prepare to be spooked! Come along to Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, for a bewitching day out for all the family on Saturday and Sunday. The garden will come to life this Hallowe’en with a terrifying ghost trail, spooky stories, Phil’s Farm and his animals and watch your little ones be transformed with fearsome face painting. To top off the event, why not behead, scoop out and carve your very own pumpkin to take home with you toward away the evil spirits!

Tyrone

CRAIC are delighted to be presenting the annual Johnny Crampsie Music Festival from 18th to 20th October, and this year there is going to be loads of ‘Song and Dance’ throughout the weekend.  The festival starts on Friday with CRAIC playing a very special session in the cabaret style auditorium of the Alley Theatre.  Joining them will be traditional Irish Dance from Niamh Brown School of Irish Dancing.

Fermanagh

This autumn is set to be a busy one for Derek Ryan, the country singing sensation, with an extensive concert tour.  Derek and his band will be making a stop at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen on Wednesday 16th October on their 2013 concert tour, with special guest Hugo Duncan.

Derry

Cancer Focus NI and LILAC Cancer Support are teaming up to present Zumbathon for their Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign on Saturday 18th October at the Meadowbank Arena Magherafelt. It is a two hour Zumba session but you can stay as long as you want. Wear PINK and bring a friend, and most of all ENJOY YOURSELVES! Pre-register at LILAC house, Cookstown for £8 and get your goodie bag or pay £10 on the day. Everyone will get a Think Pink T-shirt.

Armagh

For an evening of fabulous fashion, beauty tips and advice or simply an excuse for a girlie night out, head to Armagh City Hotel on Friday 18th October for Armagh’s annual Autumn/Winter Fashion and Beauty Event.  Perfect for those of us who like to make a grand entrance or those looking some inspiration for the party season, this annual event provides a fantastic opportunity to sample Armagh’s finest fashion and beauty under one roof. A fabulous night for all attending is guaranteed, showcasing the best of Armagh’s independent boutiques alongside the high street’s most loved names offer.
Antrim

Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey present David Copperfield on Thursday 17th October.  Young David Copperfield’s sheltered life is thrown into turmoil when his mother marries the ruthless and violent Murdstone. Thrust into poverty and hardship, David must work out whom to trust if he is to grow into the man he should become. Capturing the haunting beauty of the Yarmouth coast and bustling Victorian London, Hotbuckle use their distinctive style to tell the beloved story of Dickens’ favourite child as only they know how.
Belfast
The 2013 Ulster Bank Festival at Queen’s begins on Thursday 17th October and runs until Sunday 27th October.  It is the biggest festival of its kind in Ireland, attracts 60, 000 people from all over the world, and puts Belfast on the world map of artistic celebration.  But more importantly it’s a festival for the people of Belfast, to celebrate their city and their love of the arts. Find the full programme of events and book tickets at www.belfastfestival.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 and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

Theatre at The Mill present Opera Theatre Company’s production of Carmen

Opera Theatre Company, Ireland’s National touring opera company is delighted to bring Bizet’s timeless masterpiece, Carmen to Theatre at The Mill on Saturday 26 October.

Imelda Drumm (Carmen) & Michael Wade Lee in Opera Theatre Company's touring production of Carmen opening GB Shaw Theatre Carlow Fri 3 May 2013 then touring Waterford, Kilkenny,Galway, Tallaght, Dundalk, Dublin and in Oct: Ennis, Bray, Tralee, Dun Laoghaire, Newtownabbey see www.opera.ie

Award-winning director Gavin Quinn and designer Aedín Cosgrove (both Pan Pan Theatre Company) once again combine forces after an extremely successful run in Edinburgh (winning The Herald Angel Award for Embers and All That Fall). This talented creative team have channeled their impressive skills into a dramatic re-staging Carmen.  Updating the action to the present day, stripping it back and setting it in a gritty urban landscape.  It is Carmen alright, but not as we know her.

Irish mezzo-soprano, Imelda Drumm is powerful in the title role, and she leads the talented cast with dominant force as the feisty anti-heroine. Sinéad Campbell Wallace steps in as Micaëla for this October run, with Owen Gilhooly as Escamillo and OTC YAA Maria Hughes in her professional operatic debut as Mercedes. American tenor Michael Wade Lee plays the role of Don José in this riveting tale of love, lust and betrayal.

Music Director Andrew Synnott will conduct Carmen, sung in English, which will feature a local children’s chorus for each theatre on the tour, in addition to an eight member chorus and OTC’s thirteen piece touring ensemble.

One of the most popular operas of all time, Carmen has gripped audiences since its premiere and has lots of sizzling opera hits including the unforgettable Seguidilla and the Toreador’s song.

Cast also includes: Mary O’Sullivan, Michael Dewis, Gerard O’Connor and Ciarán Kelly.

“Lives, breathes, and clutches at you emotionally … another triumph for this wonderfully plucky company.” Irish Theatre Magazine

Sat 26 Oct Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey

www.theatreatthemill.com

Box Office: 028 9034 0202

Ticket prices: £18/16/14

Spooky Spellbound Festival at Castle Espie (26 Oct – 3 Nov)

For those who are feeling brave, bring your little monsters along for a whole host of Halloween events running from Saturday 26 October to Sunday 3 November.

There’s something to keep everyone entertained from face painting, haunted tours, storytelling, hubble, bubble, toil and trouble with Magnus Vikings, arts & crafts, owls, fancy dress competition plus lots more ghoulish activities.

We have listed a few of the key highlights that will be taking place during the festival for full details visit wwt.org.uk/visit/castleespie  or call us on 02891 874146.

To kick off the event on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October  we have our popular Bird Feeder Workshops – come along and learn the best way to feed birds as the colder weather approaches. Castle Espie Bird Watching Club will be on hand to help you make a variety of bird feeders to hang in your garden from peanut, sunflower to fat ball feeders. Extra cost applies to cover materials. 12noon – 4pm both days.

The kids will also have the chance to create their very own diabolical Halloween picture using a printing press and to finish try out the DIY spooky spider craft. Activities will run from 11am – 4pm.

Terrible Tales of Terror, 28 – 31 Oct.  During the Halloween Season thousands of Pale-bellied Brent geese can be heard cackling across the dark Lough during the night of Halloween. These birds have travelled across Iceland and Greenland on their migration to the shores of Strangford Lough; islands which were once the home of Vikings and places of dark & foreboding legends. Visit us and hear these tales whilst toasting marshmallows on the fire. 11am – 4.00pm.

Spooky Fright Night, 29 Oct.  Storytelling for those who do not scary easily. Journey into the deep, dark, and somewhat dank woods of Castle Espie to hear the whispered stories that have made this visitor attraction one of the top 10 most haunted places in Northern Ireland. Tales of a mystery woman, lost Victorian children, and diabolical acts of darkness. Booking is essential,  cost for adults is £10 and children £5. For WWT members £3.75 for adults and £2 for children.

On the 30 and 31 October a selection of reptiles and creepy crawlies will be visiting giving you the chance to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures. If you prefer your creatures to be on the fluffier side Mantella Environmental Education will be joining us with a selection of birds of prey (Wed 31 Oct, 12 – 4pm only).

Bring the little ones along to the Drumlin Theatre and show us your monster moves during our Monster Mash Disco. From 1pm to 4pm, suitable for up to 12 years old plus mums and dads.

“Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble”…with Magnus Vikings who will have a challenge or riddle for you to complete. If you dare and fail you might find yourself turned into a frog! Only you know if you are brave enough to take them on!?!

Halloween-inspired arts & craft, 28 – 31 Oct.  Will include jelly spiders, mallow monsters, magic candle stick workshops (30 – 31 Oct 11am  – 2.30pm), make a bat mask, get a pumpkin carved. PLUS come dressed up and be in with a chance to win the fancy dress competition and of course our face painter will be here to help you get ready for your Halloween parties on the 30 & 31 Oct, 12pm – 4pm.

On the 2 & 3 November join us for an afternoon of ‘tree-mendous’ fun. Accompany Robin McKee, our resident tree expert, around the reserve and learn about the various types of trees native to Northern Ireland. You will also get the opportunity to help him plant a variety of native species on site and find out the importance of coppicing.  Our friendly hedge-witch, Marian Partridge, will also be on hand to introduce you to ‘The Standing People’. Meet the trees, and learn how to spell your name in tree language. Hear her tales of folklore and of the characters of trees that can be found in our woods. So all in all – an agreeable two days of science for anyone interested in the trees of our Island.  Spaces are limited, so contact reception to book your space. 1pm – 3pm.

These events will make Castle Espie the favourite fright destination for all the family throughout Halloween half term, don’t miss out! Please refer to website for festival activities, timings and cost – wwt.org.uk/visit/castleespie.

Fire Themed Fireworks at Seapark 26th October

This year’s Seapark Fireworks Festival on Saturday October 26th, is set to be the best yet featuring a fun fair, an even bigger food fair, live music and a spectacular fireworks display finale to finish the event in style.

This year’s music choice will be popular with all age groups ranging from Ellie Goulding to Elvis.

The fun will kick off at 4pm with the children’s fun-fair and a fantastic food fair with everyone’s favourite foods from fish & chips to hog roasts, Holywood’s favourite cinnamon scones, crepes and lots more. The perfect half-term outing for the whole family and all reasonably priced!

At 6pm, popular local band The Jukes take to the stage to entertain the crowds with their fantastic repertoire of hits guaranteed to get everyone dancing!

The event will draw to a close after the spectacular fireworks display at 8pm. Prepare to be thrilled as the sky above Belfast Lough will come alive with explosions of colour and sparkle.

Commenting on the event, Alison Stobie, North Down Borough Council said, “We’re looking forward to another great night at Seapark this year – good food, good music and spectacular fireworks – perfect ingredients for a fun night for all the family. Everyone is welcome to come dressed up in your spookiest Halloween costumes but make sure you wrap up warm and bring a torch!”

So come along and join the fun on Saturday 26 October 2013, from 4pm at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood. Admission is FREE, making this an event not to be missed!

If you fancy more Halloween fun, on the following day, Sunday 27th October, Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport will be hosting a fun Halloween Day. This FREE event which runs from 1pm – 4pm will feature ‘Creepy Creatures’ including snakes, spiders and lizards as well as some more unusual animals such as skunks, possums and ferrets.  For those of a more timid nature there are spooky crafts and balloon modeling.  There will be live traditional music from North Down and Ards School of Traditional Music.  From 12.30 – 2.30 pm there will be a Trick or Treat Station and Walkabout Entertainment and from 2.00 – 4.00 pm a Stilt and Fire Walker.

For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

Mr Hullabaloo Hosts an Enchanted Tea Party

The Courtyard Theatre in Ballyearl will be throwing an enchanting afternoon tea party on Sunday 3rd November for young children with special guests Mr Hullabaloo and Storybook Princesses. Children and their parents can expect to enjoy an afternoon of fun activities, entertainment and delicious treats.

Kids can come dressed in their best fairytale fancy dress to meet their much-loved make-believe characters who will join them for tea, pictures and laughs. Tea party-goers can treasure the day and receive family pictures snapped by a professional photographer. After being charmed at the bewitching banquet, guests will be sent back to reality with a special party favour as a token of their terrific time at the Courtyard Theatre!

If interested in bringing along a little princess or gallant knight to the tea party, the event begins at 2.30pm and is suited for children aged 8 and under. And if the little ones cannot wait to get into costume then fear not! The Courtyard Theatre will also be the venue for Mr Hullabaloo’s big Hallowe’en Bash on Saturday 26th October! His Not-So-Scary Hallowe’en Party will be filled with fun sing alongs and storytelling activities for everyone to enjoy.

Further information on all of Mr Hullabaloo’s shows and tickets are available at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of family events happening across the North this weekend.

Down

The 1st Comber Harvest Fair and Motor Show takes place this Saturday 12th October. A Harvest Fair and Motor Show with fun for all the family including classic cars, motorcycles, tractors and much more. Admission free.

Tyrone

Oma Fair Lady presents ‘An Autumn Vintage Affair’ at the Silver Birch Hotel on Sunday 13th October. A fabulous and stylish day out of vintage fashion & nostalgia and a perfect opportunity to pick up some unique gifts for Christmas. It’s the place to pick up something Old/New and fabulously stylish that will bring joy to you and your home

Fermanagh

Award-winning NI Opera returns to the Ardhowen Theatre on Thursday 10th October with Donizetti’s ever-popular romantic comedy, L’Elisir d’Amore (The Elixir of Love).  A tale of passion, deception, and the triumph of love, the opera is famous for its spellbinding music and beautiful arias.  Oliver Mears directs this new production, which features a wonderful cast of British and Irish singers led by Anna Patalong (making her first NI Opera appearance in the same season as her Royal Opera Covent Garden debut) and John Molloy (who last sang with NI Opera in The Bear), as well as the Ulster Orchestra conducted by David Brophy (RTÉ Concert Orchestra Principal Conductor).

Derry

The hugely popular Jumping Clay Workshop is coming to Maghera Recreational Centre on Saturday 12th October. Make your own jumping clay model and bring home your own individually created artwork. Age 5+. Booking essential, please contact The Bridewell to book.  Two time slots: 2.30pm – 3.30pm or 3.45pm – 4.45pm.

Armagh

In Celebration of the Great NI Walks, the head ranger will be hosting guided walks around the Argory estate on Sunday 13th October. Tours will contain a unique ‘behind the scenes’ insight into our wonderful walks which are a real treat at this time of year. Get into the real outdoors spirit and help the estate team plant snowdrops and daffodil bulbs for next spring. A day of fantastic outdoor fun for all the family. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear essential.  Tours 12.30pm, 2pm and 3.30pm.

Antrim

Top Dolly Parton tribute act Donna Fleming is set to wow the audience at The Court, Newtownabbey this Saturday 12th October.  The spectacular Dolly NI show will see musical theatre star Donna Fleming transform into the pint sized Queen of Country Dolly Parton with a whopping 4 costume changes along with guest singers, a 4 piece band, ‘The Birds’ backing vocal harmony group, a local Choir and Dancers. The DOLLY NI show incorporates every big Dolly hit from 9-5 and Jolene to Coat of Many Colours and I Will Always Love You among many others.

Belfast

See the Moscow State Circus at the Titanic Quarter until October 14th, with its latest and greatest production to date.  Superstar clowns  Pavlik & Klava invite the audience to Gorky Park, this wondrous & mysterious place, a place to romance, a place to stroll and take in Moscow at sunset and a place to see magnificent feats of human achievement, in many cases,  none of the which have ever been witnessed here before.  As their loveable buffoons reminisce about past times they are surrounded by a multitude of flying, back flipping, juggling and roller skating performers.  As the park changed in accordance with the mood of the new century, its traditions were the basis of the new concept of Park Gorkogo. These changes are reflected in the new show.  It swings from the award winning Flying Trapeze of Alievs White Birds to the whirlwind roller skating of the Veslovskis. From 3 bathing beauties on the revolving ariel ring to the vertical pole jugglers of the 4 Yakovleys. From the most elegant hand balancing of Vladislav Khostik to the gorgeous & gracious ariel sail of Natalia Goncharova. Add to the mix the Kozak whip crackers & the revolving Russian swing catapulting its 10 strong troupe high into the apex of the chapito at breakneck speed and you will see an amazing awe inspiring show,  created especially for its first ever European tour.

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 and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

University of Ulster Celebrates Community Achievement

The University of Ulster has celebrated the success of its flexible access programmes for young people and adults at an award ceremony on the Jordanstown campus.

Pictured at the Celebration of Community Achievement evening are (l to r) Professor Richard Barnett, University of Ulster Vice-Chancellor; PSNI Superintendent Michelle Larmour; Professor Anne Moran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Educational Partnerships and International Affairs), University of Ulster; Finance Minister, Simon Hamilton, MLA and Professor Alastair Adair, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Development) and Provost (Jordanstown and Belfast), University of Ulster.

More than 200 students were presented with certificates at the ‘Celebration of Community Achievement’ evening, which recognised each person’s commitment, determination and creativity within their module or project.

In conjunction with community partners, Ulster has developed a wide-ranging portfolio of flexible learning opportunities for adults, young people and those in the workplace.

Learning programmes such as Active Citizenship, Internet and Multimedia, Integration and Good Relations through Sport, Community Development and Social Networking were among the achievements noted at the awards ceremony.

The University supported these programmes as part of its Widening Access and Participation Strategy.

Finance Minister Simon Hamilton MLA praised the programmes and said:

“This project has an extremely positive impact on the local communities in Northern Ireland. I congratulate all those who received an award this evening – their achievements will not only reap personal benefits, but make a significant and outstanding contribution to the communities in which they live.

“This evening has been an opportunity to honour those that have and are continuing to make a difference in Northern Ireland.”

Students were welcomed into the higher education community and encouraged to continue their lifelong learning journey by Ulster’s Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Barnett.

He said: “One of the University’s corporate goals is to provide excellent, student-centred, flexible programmes of study which are accessible to all those who have the ability to benefit from them.

“Widening participation in higher education is a key priority, since it is vital in creating a fairer society, securing improvements in social mobility and supporting economic growth.”

Special guests at the celebration included representatives from community, schools and voluntary organisations such as the Sport Changes Life Foundation and the PSNI, which supports education in local communities.

Make a Date with The Mentalist!

If you missed his astonishing feat of levitation in Belfast’s busy Victoria Square, you can’t afford to miss David Meade when comes to Fermanagh for one night of mind boggling fun!

David Meade.

And in this exciting, fully interactive show, there’s a huge cash prize on offer if you can successfully lie to David!

To promote his recent TV series, Davis levitated 60 feet from the solid concrete ground floor below. 15,000 people turned out to watch him, within three hours David’s website had nearly 10,000 hits, over 2000 images had been posted to twitter, and in 24 hours one single image reached 1.1 million views on Reddit and other social media sites.

In a fantastic FLive highlight, the UK’s leading mentalist brings his most exciting show yet to FLive.

The show marks the BBC’s fastest rising star’s return to the stage, hot on the heels of his smash-hit TV series Make Believe, after three years of unprecedented success on national TV and a cross-country US tour that saw him pack houses in Boston, New York, LA and Las Vegas.

You’ll be wowed and amused in equal measure with a show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping. In David’s astonishing live show, he’ll reveal private PIN numbers, detect lies, reveal secret thoughts, and influence those around him with seemingly inexplicable results.

Do you think you have what it takes to outsmart a mentalist? For those who think they can lie, a substantial cash prize will be awarded on the spot to anyone who can successfully lie to David.

“The best thing to come out of Ireland in a long, long time!”

Sunday Times

“A staggering new talent, you’ve never seen anything like this – this guy’s going to be BIG”

Daily Mirror

You can catch the amazing David Meade Mentalist  on Saturday 5th October at Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, 8pm.Tickets are £20 (£15 concessions)

Find out more and book your tickets at FLive.org.uk, like facebook.com/fermanaghlive or follow @fermanaghlive on Twitter – #FLive2013.