Whatsonni's Blog – Page 560 – Northern Ireland's What's On Events Guide

Causeway Speciality Market Coleraine – definitely one for the foodie diary!

September 24, 2009

Dissapointed at the cancellation of the Lough Neagh Food Festival this year I forced the kids into the car again and headed for Coleraine town centre for the monthly Causeway Speciality Market.

Not many people know this but the Causeway Speciality Market is a regular, monthly feature on the Coleraine Borough Council’s Events Calendar. I have to admit I had other personal reasons for making the trip – to offer my support to a new friend – Thana from Whoosh Catering who I would not have met were it

Thana and Therese of Whoosh Catering - Almost Sold Out!!

not for the growing Open Coffee movement.

Thana’s speciality is home made Thai and Vietnamese food and even though I made it to Coleraine early – she was almost sold out when I got there, but I snapped up a spicy chicken salad, some spring rolls with the most exquisite dip and a thai beef and noodle dish – all were so fresh, spicy (but not too hot) and very very tasty. For more details go to www.eatwhoosh.com (or you can follow Thana on twitter @whooshcatering).

Ted Jensen - The American Cookie Company.

We were also treated to an array of hand made crafts, artists, musicians, faith healers ( at least that’s what I think was going on – the signs had been taken down – if you can shed any light please get in touch!), freshly home made American Cookies – thanks Big Ted!, Asian Curry Sauces from www.currysauceni and much much more.

The next Causeway Speciality Market will take place on Saturday 10th October – go along and sample (and there are plenty of samples) some of the fresh local produce for yourself – and ladies – put that together with some relaxed shopping and perhaps some lunch with some take home Thai Food and you have the day all wrapped up.

Chicago!

September 7, 2009

By whatsonni

Ciaran Campbell kindly agreed to pen the following review of Chicago at the Grand Opera House for whatsonni. Thanks Ciaran!

Ciaran is a very good fb friend of ours – he is a live entertainment promoter and graphic designer (add him on facebook – Stage Door Entertainment and check out his upcoming events) .

“Chicago in Belfast’s Grand Opera House was simply outstanding. Sassy, classy and sexy are the words best used to describe it. One young performer Twinnie Lee-Moore from London easily stood out as her vocal and dancing capabilities were amazing – not bad for a 22 year old playing Velma Kelly.

Gary Wilmot & Emma Barton (Honey – Eastenders) were the headliners in this cast as smooth-talking lawyer Billy Flynn while Emma played murderess Roxie Hart. Unfortunatley I attended a matinee and didn’t get to see Emma perform but her Understudy Miriam-Eli Sutton was more than capable of stepping up to belt out me and my baby, we both reached for the gun and much more.

Gary Wilmots voice had a superb tone and quality and simply a pleasure to listen to particularly during All I Care About.

Over all a fantastic show and I’m glad I caught it while I was in town – the entr’acte in 2nd act was a pleasant surprise – a melody of all the Chicago songs that got me in a lively mood. Well worth the money. Hats off to the production team on this one as they’ve done the best possible job they could do to make this as true to the original production as possible, yet not creating a cover version.

The re-creation of Bob Fosse’s original choreography was a joy to watch. Chicago is currently in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre”

Ciaran Campell

Stuck indoors with bored kids? Here are the Top 10 suggestions from our fb friends…

September 5, 2009

By whatsonni

Last week we asked our facebook friends for suggestions to keep a couple of 7yr old twins entertained at home (it was raining – unusual for NI I know). So we have compiled a list of our favourites and here are the top 10. Enjoy!

10 Lego – every box a winner! – every house should own at least three buckets of lego. (Martin McAfee)

9. Jigsaws Another old favourite from Susan McKeever – check out Susan’s art exhibition – details at whatsonni.com.

8. Board Games – Monopoly, Kerplunk, Guess Who, Scrabble etc etc (thanks Jeff Whur!)

7. Photo Collage – make a collage from some old family photos (thanks to Margaret Ramm for that great idea).

6. Baking/Cooking – anything that involves making a mess – thanks Haly Mullen, Sioban Hagan and Stephanie Curry!

5. Treasure Hunt with a map of the house and prizes – Jeff Whur was full of great ideas – thanks again Jeff.

4. Make Your Own Musical Instruments from elastic bands and empty cardboard boxes then let them make a music video! thanks Patrick for that suggestion – that would really go down well in our house!

3. Beading – if you have no beads cut up straws or use pasta? – suggested by Tracey.

2. Family Fun Theatre get the old bed sheets and ends of make up and become their favourite fairy tale, or have an x factor party take turns at auditioning and judging my nieces and nephew love it!!! Thanks Anthony (of Ant and Dick fame who are at the Wedding Extravaganza at the Odyssey this weekend. That’s bound to be firm favourite now it’s x-factor season!)

And my personal No 1 favourite comes from Patricia Macbride:-

1.Worm Racing. We spent a rainy afternoon in Dingle last week with arms and legs inside sleeping bags seeing who could crawl fastest along hall, stairs and landing. Ran it in several heats, two at a time with a grand final and a prize of a giant ice cream sundae for the winner (my 8 year-old). Downside – you’ll have to wash the sleeping bags afterwards. Upside – your floors will be immaculate!

Now even though this didn’t make it into the top 10 I just felt I had to give a big shout out to Jamie Merrins for his suggestion, and I quote ” next time you are havin dinner with the family…turn to your kids and tell them due to the economic downturn we are goin ta have to let one of you go.” – drastic times!!!!!!

Huge thanks to everyone who contributed – it certainly brightened up an otherwise wet and gloomy day. Don’t forget if you are looking for something to do – adults and kids – check out www.whatsonni.com.

Jacqueline

Hilden Beer and Music Festival 2009

August 31, 2009

By whatsonni

Unfortunately I was unable to make the Festival but my new friend and acquaintance Mr. Alan Beck and his son went along on Sunday to sample the delights of the day. Here’s what Alan had to say…

Re the Hilden Beer Festival

A typical wet Sunday afternoon . It was . But it wasn’t . Those who took Courage in hand , or indeed , many other fine liquid refreshment , found that the Hilden Beer and Music Festival was the place to go on such a day.

Tents, awnings , tepees , umbellas and see through pacamacs defeated the elements and let everyone enjoy the ambience and bonhomie that was as evident as the beer and the beat . The music was raunchy , the kiddies danced and splashed in the puddles, the adults talked and tippled , and the food was just perfect for the occasion .

Enjoying the craic!

The musicians had us all shaking and spilling our drinks in time to the tempo. To those who didn’t make its a case of “Sorry can you come back next year !” We certainly will .

Alan C Beck

Thanks very much Alan for your input and for kindly allowing us to use your images from the day. Hopefully next year we’ll get a pint together!

The glass is definitely half full - Images courtesy of Mr. Alan C Beck.

Thank you also to Frances from Hilden Brewery!

If you would like to see your review of an NI event published at www.whatsonni.com please forward to Jacqueline at info.whatsonni.com.

Thousands flock to the Lammas Fair in Ballycastle!

August 27, 2009

By whatsonni

Crowds fill the streets at the Lammas Fair

Not knowing what to expect as I had not been to the Lammas Fair for many a year, we all bundled into the car (no, not the dog too) late Monday morning and headed off to sunny Ballycastle.

Now I am a regular visitor to this beautiful town, as that is where all the clever stuff for the website is done at the Enterprise Centre, grace a Glenovation. But it had indeed been transformed into a hive of trade and tradition.

Making some great music (and some pocket money).

The streets were lined with traders of all sorts from perfume to crossbows (my daughter rather worringly had her eye on one)! We had a very pleasant stroll along the streets stopping every now and then to listen to the multitude of country singers promoting their new cds and trying to outsing each other!

There were plenty of characters about enjoying the sunshine and the atmosphere – the wee man from Strabane was giving her dixie at the harbour with the BBC Radio Ulster Outside Broadcast – Downtown Radio also had an outside broadcast on the go.

There was all the usual – fortune tellers (seventh daughter of the seventh daughter), knock down perfume, yellow man, balloons, dulse, horse fair, fun fair, food, you name it. Thankfully there was only one shower which played itself out while we were kitting out three kids out with new school shoes at at great wee shoe shop called Gillians – they guy who measured my son’s shoes had the heart of a lion I can tell you!

If you have never been to the Lammas Fair or haven’t been for some time I would definitely recommend it for a good day’s craic. You never know who you will bump into – old acquaintances as I did – it’s a very social (af)fair. Parking facilities were more than adequate with a quad on hand for anyone who got stuck in the field – like us – everyone out and push! The PSNI were in attendance and also seemed to be soaking up the carnival atmosphere and mingling with the good natured crowd. Well done Moyle Council!

www.whatsonni.com hits the airwaves again on Feile FM (wee buns??)

August 21, 2009

By whatsonni

Paul McCusker and Chris Love of Feile FM have very kindly asked us to do regular feature on the drivetime show on a Friday. So tune in to 103.2 FM if you are in the Belfast area or you can listen live online at www.feilefm.com.

Paul and Chris said they would like me to come to the Studio every week as opposed to a phone in – how great is that! But hang on a minute – I have a sneaking feeling they only want me for my buns……………………….of the fresh cream variety supplied by Ditty’s Home Bakery of Castledawson – and Friday is fresh cream Friday.

If you have not yet paid a visit to Dittys of Castledawson or Magherafelt you do not know what you are missing. My hands down favourite has to be their chocolate muffins – my mouth’s watering just thinking about them! Robert Ditty is a personal hero to my three children who hold him in the highest esteem – I dare not drive through Castledawson without a visit to the bakery that has received a Royal visit/seal of approval. I have also heard Gerry Anderson saying he often samples the delights on offer in the bakery.

” Robert Ditty is known far and wide for his inspirational work in promoting Northern Ireland’s unique bakery tradition. He’s the driving force behind the Artisan Bakers of Northern Ireland, a guild of home bakeries. Ditty’s Home Bakery is a thriving third-generation bakery based in Castledawson, Northern Ireland.

Its delicious sweet and savoury biscuits are handmade using only the finest ingredients. Ditty’s biscuits are sold in many high-end restaurants, food shops and hamper companies throughout the British Isles, Europe and the USA.” (source www.dittysbakery.com – couldn’t have put it better myself so I left it to the experts but Mr. Ditty is an inspirational man with great vision).

I cannot finish this blog without bigging up my new friend Stephen Brown of The Adventure Team in Gortin – featured on this evening’s Gary and Danielle’s Northern Exposure with Gary Lineker and his fiancee Danielle stopping by for some moutain biking. Check out the website at www.theadventureteam.co.uk.

If you have an event to promote – any type of event, any size, anwhere in NI – list it on www.whatsonni.com – it’s free and user friendly.

Open Coffee Culture NI

August 20, 2009

By whatsonni

Open Coffee Coleraine hosted their second meeting last night and was once again a resounding success – more new faces which was great to see – the word is getting out. Personally I don’t have a problem walking up to complete strangers and introducing myself – after all – that’s why we are there. As I was in a bit of a hurry last night (the cupboards were bare at home and a quick shop in Asda beckoned) I was a bit like a speed dater – on speed!! I met some interesting people from a variety of industries who all seemed genuinely interested in what I do.

It’s not necessarily about passing business,but forging business relationships, sharing ideas, networking and having a chat over a nice cup of coffee (or tea).

I am delighted to say that the first Open Coffee Mid Ulster will take place somewhere in the Magherafelt District on Wednesday 9th September 2009. Interest is high and we are anticipating a healthy turnout.

The Open Coffee movement has it’s roots in London – originally putting the emphasis on entrepreneurs/business start ups. However the we are keen to point out that the key word for the Mid Ulster Open Coffee Club is “Open”.

For more details go to www.ocmidulster.com, find us on facebook or follow us @OCMidUlster. Venue to be confirmed asap.

Productive meeting with Glenovation Ballycastle

August 18, 2009

By whatsonni

As some of you may or may not know, the brains behind the beauty of whatsonni.com is the very talented (and patient!) team of web designers and programmers at Glenovation in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim. I had no hesitation writing the testimonial you can see here featured in their new brochure.

We have had some very constructive feedback since going live at the end of June and I spent Sunday collating the best of the ideas for add ons / amendments for the site to discuss with Ricky yesterday. As usual the ideas were well received, discussing the pros and cons and coming up with the best and most user friendly solution. No matter how complicated the programming becomes at the back end of the site, the most important criteria is to keep the site as simple to use as possible while providing as much functionality for the user as possible.

Please feel free to add your two pence worth! All ideas are taken on board and religeously noted in my faithful black hardback notebook/bible.

So thanks to everyone who has chipped in to date. We will keep you up to date with new features as they go live.

Check out what Glenovation can do for you and your business at www.glenovation.com.

Final Day of the Tall Ships Festival Belfast.

August 16, 2009

By whatsonni

At Clarendon Dock with my children — At Clarendon Dock for the Departure

At last- with two reluctant children, one submissive child and husband in tow – I managed to make it to the Tall Ships Festival. Yes, I know what you are thinking – that’s 3 times this week she’s been to Belfast! It was well worth it and completely lived up to the hype for me and my kids who were more than glad I had twisted their little arms into accompanying me.

We spent the afternoon along Clarendon Dock – the weather was perfect and the ships were certainly a sight to behold. I was glad we had not opted for the Co. Down coast as apparently the traffic was brutal.

The Europa sailing out of Belfast Harbour

The ships began their voyages home bang on time and we were kept well informed of what was what through the pa system. The kids favourite was without a doubt the Bounty which looked magnificent as it sailed on into the distance at full sail. Personally I liked the look of the Europa – a bit more majestic.

There was a fantastic carnival atmosphere along the docks and it was obvious that the event had attracted visitors from all over Ireland as well as further afield – we were beside a family from France. The crowds had certainly turned out in force for the finale and were not disappointed.

The view from the ferris wheel - busy busy!

Despite some recent bad press we were impressed with the ease with which we were transported to the city centre, having parked at Fortwilliam Park and Ride – we were able to get on a bus straight away and within minutes found ourselved amidst the festivities on the dock. The Market was bustling with an ample variety of food to choose from. The prices were not extortionate – as some people may have been lead to believe. (All the pirates were on the Bounty, not selling burgers!). No queues for toilets which were aplenty – and when it was time to go home the journey was as painless as getting there. We just missed a bus but were surprised to see 3 more waiting to ferry us back to Fortwilliam. 10/10 for organisation Belfast! We had a great experience.

Enjoying a pint in theHilden Brewery Tent

Something else that caught my eye in the market was the Hilden Brewery tent – the cider seemed to be going down a treat! Which brings me nicely on to this months Hilden Beer and Music Festival which will take place on the weekend of 28th August. This event has a full listing on the site. For full details click see main website and search “Hilden”. Three days of locally brewed beverages and music – what a great way to pass the weekend!

Féile FM Belfast visit 14th Sep 09

August 15, 2009

By whatsonni

In the Feile FM Studio with Paul — In the Féile FM Studio with Paul

Friday saw me travelling up to Belfast again (wow – twice in one week!) to meet the host of the popular drive time show of Féile FM – the lovely Paul McCusker. I met Paul on Facebook and he very kindly invited me to the studio to give whatsonni.com a plug and also to do an update on a few events across NI.

I have to admit I was VERY nervous but Paul really put me at my ease and I wasn’t quite the blubbering mess I thought I would be! I also had the pleasure of meeting Chris Love from Love PR who just happens to be working on the launch of the Appletise Stylefix tour which launches in Mary’s Bar Magherafelt on the 20th August – that promises to be a great night – check out the listing on the site for full details. I’ll be there to offer my support.

If you haven’t tuned into Feile FM yet I highly recommend it – great tunes and chat with a great variety of shows covering just about every subject. You can tune in on the radio on 103.2FM if you are in the Belfast area or listen online at the link below. Thanks again Paul and Chris!

http://www.radiomonitor.com/webradio/playlists/FeileFM.m3u

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