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.

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

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.

This year’s Seapark Fireworks Festival on Saturday October 26^th, 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 27^th 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

The Courtyard Theatre in Ballyearl will be throwing an enchanting afternoon tea party on Sunday 3^rd 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 26^th 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

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 10^th 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 12^th 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 13^th 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 12^th 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 14^th, 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.

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.

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.

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!

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 5^th 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.

It’s free family fun for all when Falkor comes to town!

Everywhere else may be beginning to cool down but here in Fermanagh we’re just warming up!

While the main FLive Festival begins properly in the first week of October, Falkor our local dragon just can’t wait to turn up the heat!

So he’d love you to join him for family day of fun and festivities at the Dragon Parade. You’re invited to get all dressed up and be amazed as Falkor makes his fiery way to the Diamond, accompanied by a fiery Samba band and their rhythmic beat. At the Diamond, Falkor will meet a giant Trojan horse and you can watch the famous story of Troy take place right before your very eyes!

It promises to be a colourful spectacle, complete with puppets and props made by local school children, ably assisted by artists Genevieve Murphy and Jon Kelly.

After you’ve been suitably entertained, you’re also welcome to follow Falkor back to his grand home at Enniskillen Castle to enjoy fun and games, including at workshops, drumming lessons, face painting, archery and bouncy castles!

The Dragon Parade takes place on Saturday the 28th of September from 1.30- 5.00pm and is FREE event – find out more at flive.org.uk, like us on facebook.com/fermanaghlive or follow us on Twitter  – @fermanaghlive #Flive2013

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 7 – 13).

• Moscow State Circus, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, October 2 – 13.  The world’s most famous circus brings Russia’s greatest and most talented circus performers to Belfast.  You’ll be amazed by the breakneck speed, juggling, back-flipping and trampoline frolics.

• Public Lecture, Armagh Public Library, Co. Armagh, October 10.  Come along to this public lecture by Professor Thompson from Queen’s University Belfast on the theme of Anglican Book Collectors in Ireland.

• Belfast FASHIONWEEK, Ulster Museum, various venues in Belfast, October 10 – 13.  This season’s chic events and runway shows will take place across the city with nightly shows featuring the very best independent designer boutiques, local designers and top names from the high street.

• Beginner’s Crochet, Home Craft Revival, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, October 12.  Learn all you need to know to make some lovely items.  The morning is spent practising the stitches and then you will have lunch before starting the afternoon project.  Everyone will go home with a finished article – usually a hat.
• Morning and Afternoon, The Playhouse Theatre, Co. Londonderry, October 12.  Glistening with moments of visceral self-searching and unexpected tenderness, this play fatefully reconnects the lives of two very different men in two intensely personal stories unpinned to Derry~Londonderry’s recent past.

• Man on the Moon, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, October 12.  Sean Doran has just been fired from his dead-end job.  His girlfriend and child have left him, and the bank has repossessed his house.  Alone by the Half Moon Lake, Sean tries to fashion sense of his terrible day, taking us on a soul-searching journey through life, love and death via his past, present and future.

• Autumn Pumpkin Fest and Scarecrow Pageant, Castle Ward, Co. Down, October 12 – 13.  Choose from over 2,000 pumpkins which are ready for you to scoop out and carve.  Find the Pumpkin People in their trail, browse an extensive display of local crafts and bring along your very own scarecrow creation to enter into the Scarecrow Pageant.

• Fermanagh Walking Festival, various locations in Co. Fermanagh, October 12 – 14.  Guided family, intermediate and advanced walks are available during the festival and will be lead by members of the Fermanagh Ramblers, Cooneen Ramblers and Knockatallen Ramblers Walking Club.

• Apple Press Day, Ardress House, Portadown, Co. Armagh, October 13.  Set in the middle of Orchard County, this is the ideal location to hear all about Armagh’s famous apples and have some family fun.  Have a go on the apple press, discover the apple trail and make some apple crafts.
• Spooky Candy and Chocolate Apple Show, Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory, Castlereagh Road, Belfast, until October 31.   Watch scary lollies being made, make your own chocolate apples and take part in the missing finger quiz.

Down

Red Bull Foxhunt is back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Once again, downhill mountain-biking legend, multiple World Cup winner & favourite for the 2013 title, Gee Atherton returns to Northern Ireland this October for the innovative downhill-pursuit challenge where the hunters become the hunted! Red Bull Foxhunt will take place over 2 days, with qualifier time-trials taking place on the 5th and the event proper on Sunday 6th of October.

Tyrone

This year’s Flann O’Brien Literary Festival, which takes place in Strabane and Lifford from Thursday 3rd October to Saturday 5th October, will celebrate the life and works of one of the major players in 20th century Irish literature, Flann O’Brien, who was born Brian O’Nolan in Strabane on 5th October 1911.

Fermanagh

Experience Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual arts this autumn when the county’s 5th Arts Festival; Fermanagh Live takes place from the 3rd to the 6th October 2013.  Embracing music, drama and visual arts, Fermanagh Live is a celebration of many great events highlighting both local and other innovative talent while promoting Fermanagh’s culture and heritage.  This is a unique opportunity for audiences to experience an exciting and exhilarating programme with an eclectic mix of events that are not to be missed!

Derry

Meadowbank Sports Arena Magherafelt is the venue on Saturday 5^th October for the town’s Multi-Cultural Event celebrating our local culture and the cultures of our new residents, with an associated children’s fun day from 12pm to 4pm. Admission is free.

Armagh

The Moscow Ballet perform Sleeping Beauty at the Market Place Theatre on Saturday 5^th October. Once upon a time…[as all good fairytales begin], in a faraway land beyond imagination, Tchaikovsky’s sumptuous music fills the air and wondrous characters come to life before your very eyes. Fairytale characters abound alongside a King, a Queen, Good and Evil Fairies, Fairies of Gold, Silver, Diamonds and Sapphire plus the handsome Prince, all weaving their magic to present this timeless tale of Princess Aurora, The Sleeping Beauty – a story lovingly repeated throughout generations but never before performed so magnificently as with this colourful spectacle of Russia’s finest – Moscow Ballet.

Antrim

The Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a free family event taking place in the Glens of Antrim,  Innisfree Farm  and Portnagree House on October 4^th, 5^th and 6^th. Italy has pasta, Spain has paella, Northern Ireland has…well, potatoes of course! Join in the fun at the North Coast at this three day festival to celebrate the mainstay of our culinary culture.

Belfast
Wrestling Superstars are taking a break from their tours of America, Europe, Japan & Mexico to take part in a giant one-off extravaganza in Belfast City.  The Belfast Waterfront is the venue for this year’s must-see event where fans will have the chance to witness the passion of dedicated athletes perfecting their craft.  Wrestling Superstars will collide in an epic encounter inside the ring that’ll grip the audience’s attention like nothing you have seen before.  The spectacular event takes place on October 4th with doors opening at 7.30pm and show time at 8.00pm. Spectators will get the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite stars. This is a fantastic chance to have a great night out with friends and family at an affordable price. The action, excitement and fun cannot be matched.

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.