LEADING ferry company Stena Line has launched a new series of non-landing Pirates and Princesses Kids Cruises offering families the chance to enjoy a day of fun from only £10 per person*.

This unique cruise sets sail from Belfast at 11:30 on Saturday 9th March and will also run on a number of Saturdays including 23rd March, 6th and 20th April, 4th and 18th May and 1st and 15th June.  During the summer holidays the cruise will run on Tuesdays 2nd, 16th and 30th July and 13th and 27th August.

Young pirates and princesses can enjoy a day of swash-buckling fun from the minute they step onboard with a magic show, treasure hunt, face painting, balloon modelling and many more surprises before arriving back at Belfast Port at 17:45.

The cruises are ideal for birthday parties and the ferry giant even has your party invites wrapped up as these can be downloaded online and personalised.  There are even goody bags as the birthday guests depart.

For further information or to book go to www.stenaline.co.uk/kidsfun, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.

*The Pirates & Princesses cruise is £10 per adult/child and £5 per infant (0 – 3 years). All cruises are subject to availability.  Terms and Conditions apply.

Down

Hamilton Road Community Centre Bangor are hosting a furniture upcycling workshop this Friday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Pick a piece of furniture and transform it into something truly unique for your home. You will be taught how to get that “chalk paint look” without the hefty price of chalk paint – any matt emulsion paint can be used – you just need to add a little magic first! A few other craft techniques such as crackling and decoupage will also be demonstrated.  Furniture and all materials provided along with afternoon tea!!  For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

The Pupils of Much Ado Stage School are delighted to return to The Alley Theatre on Friday 22nd February for their fourth annual Showcase. This year the pupils present ‘Strictly Musicals’- an exciting collaboration of the West End’s newest and most loved musicals. Expect to hear extracts from Mamma Mia, Shrek, Toy Story and The Beatles Classic Love’ This production is a great family outing and guarantees to include songs the whole family will enjoy.  For all our County Tyrone listings click HERE.

Fermanagh

The William Scott Centenery Exhibition  is now open at Enniskillen Castle. This exhibition celebrates 100 years since the birth of Fermanagh’s most famous artist, William Scott, on 15 February 1913. William Scott spent his formative years in Enniskillen. Here he received his first art lessons and the encouragement to become an internationally renowned artist. The exhibition highlights Fermanagh County Museum’s important collection of William Scott’s art. The masterpieces are displayed alongside creative responses to Scott’s work by young students from local primary and secondary schools. The exhibition is a feast of creativity and inspiration.  For all our County Fermangh listings click HERE.

Derry

Come and sample the wide cultural practice of Limavady Borough at the Roe Valley Arts Showcase this Saturday! This event is being organised to showcase the wealth of local artistic talent. The evening will feature sketches from Limavady Drama Club and “The Gossip Stop”, an original piece written and performed by Benedy Community Association; as well as a short performance from All Stars Drama Academy, local art and photography displays, readings, verse, dance, song, arts, crafts and more! Don’t miss out on a great night’s entertainment and prepare to be inspired!  For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

Armagh Planetarium has a range of shows suitable for all the family. Tickets must be collected thirty minutes before the show commences and tickets for all shows must be pre-booked. Due to the darkness and sound levels some shows are only suitable for children of six years and above. Shows currently running: Dynamic Earth,  Sun Moon & Stars, Astronaut, Secret of the Cardboard Rocket, Experience the Aurora and Little Yellow Star.  For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

On Friday 22^nd February, Johnny Brady will head line a country concert & dance in The Elk, Toomebridge in support of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.  Tickets are available from the Elk and on the night at the door. Johnny Brady, hailing from Co. Antrim, is the man tipped to take the Irish Country music scene by storm. This was very evident when Johnny received his 1st award (most promising Country Act of 2012) at The Hot Country Awards just weeks after taking to the road.  Johnny is no stranger to the Country scene having close family connections in the music industry spanning over four decades. Come along for a great night out in aid of a very worthy charity. For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Belfast

The BSPA Centre of Excellence in association with the GOH runs every Sunday of the school term from 10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m for kids aged 6 – 18 years old. This prestigious new school is workshop based training and focuses on all three disciplines of dancing, acting & singing. Each week will be completely different and pupils will get the chance to explore all aspects of musical theatre, shows and musicals whilst obtaining experience and knowledge from our BSPA teachers who are professionals and artists within the industry. The school is set within the outstanding Grand Opera House, Belfast, the hub of art and culture in Northern Ireland and the pupils will make full use of what the Opera House has to offer.  For all our Belfast listings click HERE.

The hottest, rising  young star of the Irish Country Music  scene, Nathan Carter is set to headline Dalriada Live, Sunday 14^th July,  at this year’s P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival of Sport, Music & Fine Foods in the grounds of the historic Glenarm Castle.

At only 22 years old, Nathan Carter has already recorded four CDs and has a hugely successful DVD.  Fans can expect to hear many of his hit songs, including; Wagon Wheel, One for the Road and Caledonia at the festival. Nathan has brought country music to a whole new generation of fans and with his shows regularly selling out across Ireland organisers are advising to book early to avoid disappointment.

P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival, supported by UTV and NITB, which runs Saturday 13^th – Saturday 20^th July is set in the glorious surroundings of the majestic Glenarm Estate. The festival will include sporting events such as the Campbell V MacDonnell Highland Games (13^th – 14^th July) as well as featuring fine foods, celebrity chef demonstrations, live music and dancing, children’s entertainment and much more.

Adrian Morrow, Glenarm Castle Estates Managing Director, commented;
“What a privilege it is to announce that Dalriada Live as part of the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival will headline with the rising, young star of country music Nathan Carter.  With his star set to reach global status we would advise fans to get along to the event and see him in this intimate capacity! The festival kicks off on Saturday 13^th and runs until 20^th July and will be jammed packed with events from sport to food.

“We are also delighted to announce that P&O Ferries is back on board as headline sponsor and supported by UTV and NITB. Their support plays a huge part in making this event happen and we thank them for their continued support.”

Arthur Murphy from P&O Ferries, title sponsor of the event, said;
”We, at P&O Ferries, are delighted to be title sponsor of the Dalriada Festival once again. This week-long celebration promises an incredible line up of music acts, fine foods, arts and crafts plus lots of fun activities for all the family to enjoy. Each year the Dalriada Festival puts on an even bigger and better show which is becoming a key highlight in the Northern Ireland events calendar for local people and visitors alike.

“We operate the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Northern Ireland and Scotland very much look forward to welcoming on board the great numbers of visitors to Northern Ireland this summer.”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV added;

“UTV is delighted to join forces once again with the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in Glenarm which promises to deliver a fabulous weekend for all the family this July. We look forward to capturing the essence of the activities taking place on the North Coast of Antrim on UTV for all our viewers, with regular updates online on u.tv and interviews on U105.”

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager with The Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said;

“We are delighted to once again support the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival. With such large numbers of spectators expected to attend across the week, this fantastic festival will not only generate a significant impact to the economy but also showcase a wealth of entertainment for all to enjoy.  On behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board I would like to wish all visitors and participants a very memorable trip to Northern Ireland and to Glenarm Castle for this action packed week of events.”

Tickets for Dalriada Live are on sale from 9am on Thursday 7^th February at www.ticketmaster.co.uk.Further information on the festival can be found at www.dalriadafestival.co.uk. Tickets for festival events, including the Highland Games, can be purchased at the gate.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (February 18 – 24).

• Academy of Irish Dance, Sundays at Millennium Forum & Saturdays at Waterside Theatre, Co. Londonderry, various dates between February 16 – November 23.   Pat Henderson, renowned Irish dancing teacher, adjudicator and former world dancing champion, has offered her services to teach ceili dancing to children from both sides of the community during City of Culture year.

• Out of this World – Island’s half-term Festival, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, February 18 – 20.  In conjunction with Cinemagic, this festival is a real treat for fans of all things Outer Space.  Enjoy three days of jammed packed activity, workshops and themed films.  Dress for mess, for children between four and 11 years old.

• Comedy of Errors, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, February 19 – March 2.  Shakespeare’s classic comedy of mistaken identities between two sets of identical twins separated at birth.  This witty new musical translation set in 1920s Belfast explores the love, loss and reunion between brothers in a series of chance encounters and is recounted with sparkling melodies and sharp modern day language.

• The Story of Thomas Mellon, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, February 20.  Hear the story of Thomas Mellon and try your hand at traditional baking in Mellon Homestead and candle-making in the Pennsylvania Log Farmhouse.

• Isla Grant, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, February 21.  Scotland’s most popular singer-songwriter Isla Grant makes a welcome return visit to Ireland after an absence of two years.  Isla is now established in Ireland, Australia, the UK and her highly entertaining show features all her wonderful hit songs.

• Silver Jewellery Workshop, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, February 23.  Create a unique piece of jewellery in sterling silver.  Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, rolling, annealing and filing, enabling them to design and make a beautiful piece of jewellery to take home.

• Lislea Drama Festival, Lislea Community Centre, Newry, Co. Down, February 23 – 27.  Lislea Drama Association presents their 32nd Drama Festival which runs over three weekends and two Wednesday nights, attracting groups from all over Ireland.

• Abseil Challenge, Europa Hotel, Belfast, February 24.  The Northern Ireland Hospice is looking for individuals with a spring in their step to join them for an exciting abseil.  Do you have what it takes to descend 130ft down Belfast’s Europa Hotel?

• Hugh and Lily’s Pop Up Vintage Shop, Wicker Man, Belfast, until February 28.  Step back in time into Hugh and Lily’s Pop Up Vintage shop which will offer food and gifts from a bygone era with lots of old world charm including crockery, furniture and tableware.

• Rhythms of the Year, Armagh County Museum, Co. Armagh, until September 28.  Rhythms of the Year explores seasonal celebrations and customs at home and throughout the world.  Planned with the help of a youth panel, this exhibition takes a fresh look at traditions alongside the increasing cultural diversity of the community in Northern Ireland.

It’s now into its fifteenth season, but Belfast’s very own West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK is one event that is not going out of style as it remains to be the hottest show in town when it comes to all things glamorous and fashionable.

Despite the cold spell, the atmosphere at this season’s launch was full of the joys of spring and summer as crowds gathered to hear all about this season’s line-up for spring/summer 13.

This season’s event will take place from 21-24 March across various venues in Belfast with the key catwalk shows moving to the exciting new home at the iconic Ulster Museum in Botanic Gardens.  The contemporary and minimalist atrium at the historic building will be transformed into a fashion haven as hundreds of fashion fans gather in March to celebrate all things style.

Cathy Martin, director of FASHIONWEEK said:  “After fifteen seasons and nine years, FASHIONWEEK has become a much celebrated and anticipated event among people of Northern Ireland.  It provides local retailers and designers the opportunity to showcase their designs and talents and very much supports and encourages local businesses.  Once again, we will be showcasing all the key collections from the high street as well as the finest established and up-and-coming local designers from all over Northern Ireland to create an exciting first glance at all the latest trends.

She added: “Key looks this season include pretty pastels, striking stripes, flirty florals and eye catching graphic prints.  In terms of colours it’s all about the bright neons, monochrome and also white and neutrals are big for spring/summer too.   Shows always sell out so we’d encourage anyone who wants to come along to any of the events to snap up their tickets!”

Karen Anderson from West Coast Cooler added: “We’re always excited when FASHIONWEEK comes round again and this season is no different.  Although it is now entering its ninth year, each event brings something new and exciting to those who attend.  Keen fashionistas are always eager to snap up the limited edition front row seats and sit back with a West Coast Cooler to enjoy the shows. There’s something for everyone, no matter what their budget or fashion favourites are.”

The High Street fashion show is always popular and will take place on Saturday 23 March at 8pm.  Retailers from the high street taking part include, Marks & Spencer, Oasis, Warehouse, French Connection, Jigsaw, Benetton and Internacionale as well as Dorothy Perkins, Debenhams, Miss Selfridge, Quiz, Blue Inc, Gap, Republic, Wallis, Laura Ashley, New Look, Burton and Exhibit from CastleCourt.  Once again the OUTLET Banbridge are returning for a third season to showcase their various collections.

Siobhan McKeown, Marketing Manager from The OUTLET said they’re thrilled to be back again for another season: “The OUTLET is delighted to be a part of Belfast Fashion Week for a third year running. This amazing event showcases the best in retail in Northern Ireland. Our brands, Oasis, LK Bennett, M&S Outlet, DKNY Jeans and many more, relish the opportunity to feature the latest high street trends.”

George at ASDA will showcase a major spring 2013 collection on Thursday 21 March as one of the opening events that week and Maggie Jardine, regional manager of George at ASDA NI said they’re thrilled to be taking part in the biggest fashion event of the year: “FASHIONWEEK is a fantastic opportunity to show off our upcoming trends to customers both old and new.  We’re dedicated to keeping on top of the latest looks to ensure customers remain stylish without breaking the bank.  We’re very pleased to be showing off some of our lovely spring/summer pieces on the great platform that FASHIONWEEK offers – an audience of stylish and glamorous ladies who I think will be very impressed with our latest collection.”

Boutiques from right across Northern Ireland will also be highlighted in the designer/boutique night on Friday 22 March.  Boutiques including Diamond Dolls in Banbridge and Jourdan and Blush from the Lisburn Road will sit alongside key pieces from local designers Una Rodden, RUEDI, Grainne Maher, Leonora and Nor Lisa among others.

New on the agenda this season is an exciting and purse friendly ‘fashion swap’ which will take place on Saturday 23 March at IKEA, Holywood Exchange. Everyone is invited to come along and swap ‘til you drop and exchange like for like garments through a traffic light system ensuring a fair trade.  There will be no exchange of cash simply an exchange of very fashionable clothes!

In keeping with the season’s floral theme, Ferguson’s Flowers, who provided the beautiful floral backdrop featured on the advertising campaign, will also be providing stunning bouquets and floral arrangements to ensure the perfect backdrop to showcase all the spring/summer fashion at the shows.

Lisa Ferguson, from Ferguson’s Flowers said they’re delighted to be on board for the first time: “This is our very first Belfast FASHIONWEEK and we’re so excited to be taking part.  Spring/summer is the perfect season for us as it gives us the chance to show off all our beautiful flowers in the most stunning arrangements whilst reinforcing the key trends of the season – pastels and florals.”

Andrew Mulvenna, who is returning for a second season to make sure the models are sporting the latest hair trends, says he loves being part of the event: “Obviously I love doing hair and FASHIONWEEK provides a great opportunity to experiment and showcase a variety of styles for all hair types so it’s a dream to be involved with.  There’s such buzz throughout the whole week and it’s amazing to be part of something which just seems to go from strength to strength with every season.  In terms of hairstyles for this season I’m looking forward to showing off some gorgeous looks and will be experimenting with texture and volume to create a mixture of commercial and high fashion runway hair.  Deep side partings, low ponytails, 60s beehives and controlled waves are all big looks for hair this spring/summer, giving an urban but easily managed edge to your look.”

Tickets for the main catwalk shows (priced £20) are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre Box Office on 02890246609 or online via the links on www.belfastfashionweek.com For the latest information on West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK log onto www.facebook.com/belfastfw & look out for updates.

A galaxy of performers and sporting greats will grace the stage of the Grand Opera House Belfast in February in honour of the beloved comedian, the late Frank Carson.  Frank Carson – It’s the Way He Told ‘Em will play at the Grand Opera House Belfast on Thursday 28 February 2013.

The multi-million-selling trio The Priests will be part of the stellar line-up, in a cast-list which includes Joe McElderry, Brian Kennedy, Tom O’Connor, Rose Marie and David Meade.   The show will help two charities dear to Frank Carson’s heart: CLIC Sargent Homes from Home Appeal and the Integrated Education Fund.

A year after the legendary comedian’s passing, friends and fans of Frank Carson will join together in a unique tribute show encompassing laughter, music and reminiscence.    Gloria Hunniford will return to Northern Ireland to host the spectacular, and sports stars such as Barry McGuigan, Dame Mary Peters and Denis Taylor will pay tribute to the legendary funnyman. Comics such as May McFettridge, Gene Fitzpatrick and Jimmy Cricket will ensure that there is plenty of humour on the programme.

Tony Carson says, “We wanted to honour Da’s humour and his humanity and we’ve been working for months on an event which will be a true celebration of his life and his spirit in the city he loved. It’s a tribute to Da’s standing at home and abroad that so many performers  have come  forward wanting to join us and to help two charities which have become  so important to the whole family. I know we are all looking forward to a special evening with something for everyone.”

Special packages including a VIP drinks reception, show tickets and an exclusive after-show party at the Europa Hotel are available through the charities concerned:  the Integrated Education Fund and CLIC Sargent. Public tickets are on sale at the Grand Opera House Box Office: www.goh.co.uk

Down

Have a late celebration of St Valentine’s Day at Castle Espie by building a nest box for your loving garden birds and get them off to a flying start this year. February is the time of year when most of our garden birds are pairing off and on the look out for nesting sites so let’s all give them a helping hand and make them a nest box. £5 charge per birdbox (covers material costs). Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 4pm. For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

Love can be blind to all sorts of faults and this Valentines Murder Mystery Night, matters are no different at  Tullylagan Country House Hotel. Take part in their famous murder mystery evening where you are the investigator into a foul and heinous crime that takes place before your very eyes. Have you got what it takes to get to the bottom of this horrid matter?  Enjoy a  sumptuous four  course meal with all the passion, love & intrigue of a Valentine’s murder to solve on Saturday 16th February 2013 at Tullylagan Country House Hotel, all set in the haunting backdrop of our Medieval Banqueting Hall. You will be whisked back in time to help solve a Valentines Murder under the watchful eye of Inspector I C All whilst enjoying a delicious meal filled with all the intrigue, speculation and entertainment of our Valentines “Love You To Death” Murder Mystery Night. The evening will be followed with Live Music in Harry’s Bar & Bistro until 1am. For all our County Tyrone listings click HERE.

Fermanagh

Fermanagh Rewrites the History Books.   Discover How at the Drumclay Crannog Open Day at Fermanagh County Museum, Enniskillen Castle Museums on Saturday 16th February. Learn about the archaeological secrets uncovered so far… Meet the experts… “A Unique Opportunity”.  Spaces are limited for talks and guided tours of the site.  Access to the Drumclay Crannog is via an official coach, pick-up point at Fermanagh County Museum at Enniskillen Castle Museums.  Prior Booking Essential. For all our County Fermangh listings click HERE.

Derry

Based on the 80s hit movie starring Kevin Bacon, Footloose The Musical explodes onto the Waterside Theatre stage on Friday 15th February, featuring all its classic anthems.  Packed full of electrifying dance routines, this up-beat production is guaranteed to get you up on your feet and dancing in the aisles!  The huge cast of 56 members will swarm the stage with energetic routines combined with fabulous vocal performances, delivering a night to remember. “Dancing is not a crime” – but to miss this production of Footloose would be! For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

Explore all that Ireland’s oldest city has to offer by following the Public Art Trail. Take a wander around the City and enjoy our historic streetscape through engaging with our artworks. For the kids, there is an Angels and Gargoyles Miniature Sculpture Trail. With 22 sculptures hidden in all kinds of curious places amongst Armagh’s historic buildings, architecture and streets, watch the kids fill with excitement as they embark on an adventure to seek out these fascinating characters. For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

One of the most highly acclaimed folk/bluegrass bands in the UK today, the Southern Tenant Folk Union are on tour from Edinburgh to release their fifth album “Hello Cold Goodbye Sun”.  A seven piece band with banjo, mandolin, fiddle and harmony vocals, they perform with ‘soul & beauty’ on their murder ballads & laments and tear it up with their ‘Hootenanny sawdust-kickers’ and high energy sound.   The band are currently lighting up the folk music scene.  Tickets £9, concessions £7 available from Ballymoney Town Hall. Ballymoney Town Hall, Wednesday 13th February. For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Belfast

Ruffed lemurs are red, peacocks are blue, come and enjoy Valentine’s Day at Belfast Zoo. If you are looking for the ‘PURR-fect’ date this Valentine’s Day, why not take part in our guided tour around the zoo to learn more about animals in love!  Tickets cost £13 per adult and this includes zoo admission. Tickets must be bought beforehand. Saturday 16^th February. For all our Belfast listings click HERE.

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 Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (February 11 – 17).

• Andy Warhol, The Mac, Belfast, February 8 – April 28.  Over the course of a 30 year long career, Andy Warhol transformed contemporary art and this will be the first significant exhibition of Andy Warhol’s work in Northern Ireland.

• Chinese Culture Week, citywide, Co. Londonderry, February 9 – 16.  The Chinese community is NI’s largest and oldest minority ethnic group with over 13,000 Chinese people living here today.  Chinese New Year is the biggest celebration in the Chinese calendar and for the UK City of Culture 2013, there will be a week-long celebration across the city to mark Chinese New Year, The Year of The Snake.

• Brian Friel – Freedom of the City, Millennium Forum, Co. Londonderry, February 11 – 12.  First produced in 1973, The Freedom of the City is Brian Friel’s most overtly political play.  Set in Derry in 1970, in the aftermath of a Civil Rights meeting, it conjures the events of Bloody Sunday.

• Young Artists, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, February 12.  An evening of light classical music performed by some of Northern Ireland’s most talented young musicians including Andrew Douglas on the flute, Eva Richards on the cello and Zak Hassan playing the Violin and piano.

• Literary Lunchtimes – Poetry Picnic Love Sucks, Ulster Hall, Belfast, February 13.  Get out over lunchtime and explore the other side of Valentine’s Day with live music from Ursula Burns, poems by Scott Jamison and new theatre from Nicholas Boyle.

• Swingabella Sweetheart’s Tea Dance, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, February 15.  Swingabella is a close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the 30’s, and 40’s – the Swing era. Nothing conjures up the image of that era quite like the jaunty Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree and the ever-popular In The Mood coquettishly sung by three ‘broads’ in victory rolls and T-bar shoes.

• The Flying Dutchman, Grand Opera House, Belfast, February 15 – 17.  One stormy night a Norwegian sea captain encounters the Flying Dutchman – a ghostly captain doomed to sail the seas for all eternity.  The two men strike a deal, but when things do not go according to plan, other lives are pulled into the resulting maelstrom, brought by NI Opera.

• Owl Box Building for Landowners, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Newry, Co. Armagh, February 16.  Celebrate National Nest Box by encouraging birds in your garden to come home to roost.  If you own some land in the Ring of Gullion and are interested in owls or birds in general then come along and build your own owl nesting box.

• Valentines Murder Mystery Night, Tullylagan Country House Hotel, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, February 16.  Love can be blind to all sorts of faults and this Valentines you can take part in an investigation into a foul and heinous crime that takes place before your very eyes.  Have you got what it takes to get to the bottom of this horrid matter?

• Calendar Girls, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, February 16.  When Annie’s husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to coax friends to pose nude with them for an ‘alternative’ calendar and they had no idea of the media sensation they would create.

Down

The Web Theatre is the venue for A Mid Summer Night’s Dream on Wednesday 6^th February. This acclaimed one-man (17 parts) show production of Shakespeare’s famous play has been performed by Tony Howes as part of the RSC face-to-face educational programme. Tony trained at the National Youth Theatre and the Bristol Old Vic and was nominated for an Olivier Award for his part in a West End musical. He has appeared in numerous TV & Film roles , Emmerdale, Doctors, Midsomer Murders etc. After the performance Tony will return to the stage for a Q & A session.  To view all events in County Down click HERE.

Tyrone

From the company that brought you such outstanding productions as My Fair Lady, West Side Story, Les Miserables, Me and My Girl, The Crucible and many more.  The renowned Hazel Wand Theatre Schools brings you a feast of song, dance and drama from a variety of musicals. Come along to the Strule Arts Centre and enjoy an evening in the company of Omagh’s talented young people on Wednesday 6^th and Thursday 7^th February.  To view all County Tyrone events click HERE.

Fermanagh

The Buttermarket Craft & Design Courtyard comprises of seventeen art and craft units, a coffee shop and a gift shop, housed in the restored early 19th century dairy market. The Buttermarket’s unique position in the heart of Enniskillen makes it the central focus for the thriving craft industry in Fermanagh. The buildings have been beautifully renovated and house such diverse crafts as pottery, fly-tying, ceramics, handmade jewellery, textiles, picture framing and original art. Soak up the relaxed atmosphere of the Buttermarket surrounded by a feast of contemporary and inspirational gifts, from the shops, studios and galleries of some of Ireland’s top crafts people and artists. Treat yourself to some homemade Fayre at Rebecca’s Coffee Shop and browse through the treasure house of gifts in Boston Quay.  Open 10am – 5.30pm, Monday – Saturday all year round. To view all County Fermanagh events click HERE.

Derry

Starlight Express comes to the Millennium Forum 5^th to 9^th February. Light years ahead of the rest, this futuristic tale about love and hope in the face of adversity promises to take you on the ride of a lifetime – with two hours of speed, spectacle, energy and turbo charged excitement, combined with an electrifying sound track, dazzling sets and costumes, some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical hits and extraordinary nonstop roller-choreography by TV’s favourite dance show judge Arlene Phillips. To view all County DerryLondonderry events click HERE.

Armagh

One of the biggest Talent Shows Northern Ireland has seen in recent times, the Armagh City Hotel’s ‘Search For A Star’ takes place every Friday night until 19^th April.  The talent  is immense and each heat of the competition promises to be a spectacular show.  The competition offers local talent the opportunity of a lifetime. Local television and radio personality Malachi Cush will be presenting the Show throughout the twelve weeks of the competition. To view all County Armagh events click HERE.

Antrim

The Courtyard Theatre Picture House presents The Jungle Book on Sunday 10^th February – a perfect way to spend Sunday afternoon with the family.   See young Mowgli journey through the jungle under the watchful eye of Bagheera, Baloo the Bear and a host of other jungle animals in this timeless family favourite. To view all County Antrim events click HERE.

Belfast

Join the Belfast Barge for their new monthly event: Kids Second Saturdays.  Every second Saturday of the month, kids (ages 3-10) are invited to come and take over the barge. The day is filled with hands-on activities, storytelling and kid-friendly tours of the maritime museum. Each month we will feature a new theme and February’s Theme is the Wildlife of the Lagan.  Entry: £4 per child, £2 per adult.  Booking is not essential.  11am-4pm (Last entry at 3).  Storytelling at 12pm & 2pm. To view all Belfast events click HERE.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.com.

Test Drive the Arts NI reaches another important milestone with its 3^rd birthday this Saturday, the 9^th of February, and Audiences NI has 15745 reasons to celebrate this flagship arts development project.

Since its launch Test Drive the Arts NI has seen 15745 new attenders be issued tickets for arts event across Northern Ireland

The website www.testdrivetheartsni.org enables anyone in Northern Ireland who has never been to live theatre or performing arts events to get complimentary tickets to some of the best shows and events across the province.  Test Drive the Arts NI was designed to help organisations increase their audiences by offering the tickets, from unsold capacity. The result is that the Test Driver experiences the very best of what the arts has to offer and is encouraged to return as a paying customer to another event.

It is a simple process.  All the Test Driver needs to do is pick a show, apply on-line and wait for their tickets.  As long as the applicant is over 18 and hasn’t attended the venue in the last three years they can look forward to sampling the very best that the Northern Ireland arts scene has to offer. Test Drive the Arts NI also continues to provide best value to its subscribers with exclusive special offers on a monthly basis for theatre, film, dance, music and much more.

There are currently 86 arts organisations taking part, including venues such as An Droichead, Belfast Waterfront, Grand Opera House, Lyric Theatre, Strule Arts Centre, Millennium Forum and the Theatre at the Mill. Local theatre companies such as Bruiser and Kabosh are also on board, while the Cinemagic, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Cathedral Quarter Out to Lunch and Belfast Children’s Festival are just some of the festivals represented.

Audience members who have successfully received tickets through Test Drive the Arts NI have the following to say:

“Fantastic opportunity to attend events you might not otherwise attend. Great experience, would recommend.”

“What a fantastic idea! I was really impressed with how simple it was. All that’s left to be said is a big thank you for a wonderful day out and we will be seeing you again very soon!”

“Definitely a good way to be reintroduced to the Arts.  Loved it.  Thanks for the opportunity.”

You can watch a selection of Test Drivers talk about their experiences at http://www.audiencesni.com/what-we-do/Test-Drive-The-Arts-NI

Chief Executive of Audiences NI, Steven Hadley, says “We are very excited to see Test Drive the Arts NI reach its third birthday and to be providing this opportunity to access the arts to the people of Northern Ireland. The project is a great way for anyone who hasn’t tried the wide range of arts performances available in the province to get involved.”

There are at present a wide range of events online on www.testdrivetheartsni.org and those interested can register for regular updates on shows being added to the site.  Potential applicants can look out for regular updates on the Test Drive the Arts NI Facebook, Twitter and Google+ pages also.  Audiences NI encourage everyone to challenge themselves to experience a new art form and take a Test Drive of one of Northern Ireland’s many excellent arts productions.