The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set for a dramatic few weeks, with two fantastic dramas scheduled to hit the stage.

On Saturday 12 August, perennial favourites, Belvoir Players return with a Sam Cree classic, ‘Strictly For The Birds’, a hilarious play featuring all the comedy and mayhem that are hallmarks of Sam Cree’s writing.

Muriel and Herbie Glover and their daughter Susan enjoy life in a wee terraced house somewhere in Belfast. Their neighbour, Lily Dodds, calls in quite frequently for the loan of a wee cup of sugar or a wee drop of tea to keep her going. Herbie keeps pigeons in his loft in the back yard and has collected quite a few cups from racing his birds across the continent. When Muriel and Lily learn that they share a sweepstake that has drawn the favourite in an impending horse race and are likely to win a considerable sum of money, Muriel’s mother, who lives in Cherry Valley, descends on the household with the threat that life will never be the same again for the hapless Herbie.

Then on Friday 25 August, Holywood Players will present ‘Deathtrap’. In this acclaimed dark comedic thriller, washed-up playwright Sidney Bruhl hasn’t written a successful play in years and money is getting tight. But when Clifford, a student of a creative writing course he’s teaching, comes to him for advice on a script he’s written, his prayers are answered. Sidney recognises the script immediately as a sure-fire hit and his ticket back to Broadway success. The only issue is, does Clifford want to share the credit… and what will Sydney do if he doesn’t?

Holding the record for the longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway, and nominated for four Tony awards including Best Play, ‘Deathtrap’ will keep you on the edge of your seats. Full of twists and turns, shocks and surprises, you will be holding your breath until the very last moment.

Please note, this show is not suitable for children under 12 as it contains violence and limited use of strong language. Tickets are priced £15 and £12 (concession) for ‘Strictly For The Birds’ and £15 and £13 (concession) for ‘Deathtrap, and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Harry Christophers’ The Sixteen, one of the world’s most renowned choral ensembles, will return to the Guildhall in 2023 as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of City of Derry International Choir Festival. They feature in a guest artist line-up which will also see the Ulster Orchestra, Festival Chorus and soloists performing Verdi’s dramatic Messa da Requiem at the Millennium Forum in the Festival’s Opening Gala.

On Friday 20th October, The Sixteen will visit Derry for the first time since 2016 to present their programme, A Watchful Gaze, marking the 400th anniversary of the death of composer William Byrd. Byrd was widely admired in his own time both at home and abroad, and the influence he had on future generations was immense. This programme explores the music of Byrd’s influences, colleagues and pervading faith, as well as taking his legacy firmly into the modern day with two new works by Dobrinka Tabakova.

The Choir Festival will open on Wednesday 18th October with a concert performance of the dramatic Messa da Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi. A 100-voice Festival Chorus (made up of singers from across the northwest of Ireland) will be joined by Northern Ireland’s premier symphony orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and soloists.

These performances will be among the highlights of five days of choral events scheduled in the Millennium Forum, the Guildhall and other venues in Derry, Strabane and Inishowen from 18-22 October 2023. Over sixty choirs from across Ireland, the UK and Europe have signed up to participate in the Festival’s packed schedule of competitions, workshops and community performances.

Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the Choir Festival, said, “It’s always a very special occasion when Harry Christophers and the Sixteen come to the city. It will be especially memorable this year, as we welcome back this exceptional ensemble to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary edition, in the wonderful setting of the Guildhall. Tickets will be at a premium, so book early to avoid disappointment.”

For more information on the Festival’s programme of events, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. For ticket sales, visit the Millennium Forum’s box office in person, online at  https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/, or by calling 028 7126 4455. Early bird offers are in place for the month of August. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG/Twitter: @derrychoirfest

August Craft Month returns with packed all-island programme of over 400 events

The highly anticipated month-long celebration of Irish craft has officially launched. This year’s August Craft Month brings together an array of talented makers hosting over 400 events with representation in all 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

Festivities last week at Marina Market, Cork, kicked off a series of unique events that will take place throughout the month of August.

Featuring live demonstrations, craft markets, great music and food, the launch truly shone a spotlight on local makers and showcased the variety of talented craft-makers involved in August Craft Month across the country.

An excited atmosphere was in the air, as the public got a taster of the month of craft celebrations ahead.

August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage, the artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.

With events taking place across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, August Craft Month provides unique opportunities for people to get involved as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Supported by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme.

There is a packed itinerary of over 400 eclectic events in all corners of the island, with an almost equal split on both sides of the border.

Widely acknowledged as among the finest in the world, Ireland’s linen heritage will take centre stage during August Craft Month.

The Linen Biennale Northern Ireland, an initiative of R-Space Gallery, returns for a second year in 2023 with events across Northern Ireland running across August, September and October.

The Biennale will showcase Ireland’s linen heritage and examine the future of linen and flax on the island.

Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said, “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are thrilled to once again work with Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design to extend the August Craft Month programme of events across the whole island of Ireland.

“Now in our second year of celebrating the all-island August Craft Month, a real momentum has been generated. There is an incredible 57% increase in the number of events being held this year, with over 400 listed in the programme. Many well-known names are taking part as well as emerging makers.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to take the plunge into the crafts world, see and experience the amazing work that is going on all around us. People are looking ahead, going onto the augustcraftmonth.org website to browse, select and book the events they want to go to and building their plans around them.

“It all combines to create a real energy around the Irish craft scene, and I know people are excited to find out more during August Craft Month.”

Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI, said, “August Craft Month is a fantastic platform to honour and acknowledge the skilled makers we have right across the island of Ireland.

“This year’s programme has shaped up to be one of our best, with a really diverse range of craft disciplines including ceramists, textile makers, glassblowers, designer-makers and many more. It’s a great opportunity to try a craft for yourself.

“Handmade pieces are often one-of-a-kind and make the most thoughtful and considered gift or an excellent way to show some self-care.”

Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Director at Cork Craft & Design, said, “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with August Craft Month again to truly bring the island of Ireland to life with locally curated art and design throughout the month of August.

“As Ireland’s largest social enterprise for craft-makers, we look forward to seeing all communities immerse themselves in the nationwide campaign, and to celebrate their local crafters by visiting exhibitions and supporting in any way they can.”

At the official August Craft Month launch in Cork, Rosemary Steen, CEO of DCCI announced the launch of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award. The award, which holds a prize of €5,000, is available for master crafts people over the age of 50 to apply for.

It was inspired in large part by Joe Hogan, traditional basket maker and fine artist, when he said in his keynote speech at the DCCI AGM last year, that a bursary for established makers in craft would be “a public way of showing we value things; it also gives a message to craftspeople that what we’re doing is important”.

The award recognises these incredibly important craft skills and the imperative of passing them down to get the future generation of crafters involved.

For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023, #makeseebuy

Faughan Valley Woodlands opening to the public August 1^st 2023

Faughan Valley Woodlands is home to a significant proportion of ancient woodland which is so rare it covers just 0.04% of our landscape in Northern Ireland. Since 2000 the Woodland Trust have bought small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo wood, all fragmented along the Faughan Valley, ASSI, a site of special scientific interest. And it has been the vision of the Woodland Trust for over a decade to connect these fragments for people, nature and climate.

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and has been managing woodlands within the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. Thanks to funding and partnership support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA’s Rural Development Programme and support from Derry City and Strabane City Council; the conservation charity has been able to realise their vision connecting small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan, and underneath the newly constructed A6.

Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new paths created to extend a trail network of more than 35km in the Faughan Valley Woodlands. This project means connectivity for people and nature and the Woodland Trust wants the valley’s woodlands to become the destination for the local community, visitors from across Northern Ireland and tourists from further afield.

Visitors to Faughan Valley Woodlands will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature. New walking trails have been carefully designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna that call this woodland home, providing an opportunity for both leisurely strolls and invigorating rambles. A beautiful sculpture trail weaves throughout the woodlands where hidden wonders are just waiting to be explored.

The Woodland Trust Project Manager Denise Murphy said: “The Faughan Valley is incredibly special due to the volume of precious ancient woodland in the area, it is vital that we protect and restore what little we have remaining by tree planting, buffering with blocks of new woodland and removal of invasive species building its resilience for the future.

“To be able to connect these previously fragmented woods, protect this ancient woodland and create better access for people and havens for wildlife is a dream come true. We can’t wait to show you our new walking trails seamlessly connected by winding paths and beautiful bridges with a few surprises waiting to be explored along your journey!”

The Faughan Valley Woodlands are located 10 minutes from Derry~Londonderry and 1 hour drive from Belfast. For more information on visiting the Faughan Valley Woodlands, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/faughan-valley/

Tales of the Past

Navan Fort & Centre, Friday 4th August , 7:30pm

Enjoy an evening of myth, music & exceptional home cooked food on Friday 4th August at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, to celebrate the Celtic festival of Lughnasa.

With storytelling from Gráinne Holland, music from Bog Bodies & An Fuaim and food provided by Safari Banbridge, this is sure to be a fantastic evening of entertainment. Taking inspiration from some of Ireland’s great mythological tales, Gráinne combines storytelling and song in her performance specifically tailored for this evening.

Bog Bodies are an alternative folk band with their songs charged with energy from the ancient megalithic sites and are often ethereal and Celtic in theme. Their genre-bending, high-energy folk sound is somewhere between Christy Moore, Kíla and Rage Against The Machine with a dash of psychedelia for good measure.

An Fuaim is the support act for this evening; an amazing local collective of young musicians and dancers.

Tickets also include barbecue style home-cooked food from Safari Banbridge, with vegetarian & vegan options available.

For more information or to book, please visit: https://visitarmagh.com/whatson/2023-08-04t1915000100/

Games of the Past

Navan Fort & Centre, Saturday 5^th August , 1:00pm

As part of our Lughnasa celebrations, enjoy a packed afternoon of family fun on 5th August at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh as we explore the Games of the Past! Discover how the Celtic clan would have used games as a fun way to train their young warriors in the art of battle and meet some of our greatest warriors and hunters.

Hone your warrior skills in the assault course, crawling under hessian sheets, dribbling a ball around a series of posts, balancing the ball, and striking at a target. Learn how hurling would have been a training method to strengthen the arms before moving on to wielding a sword. Discover how to hunt for your own food in Celtic times by using a spear & throwing a javelin! Our special hobby horses can lead you to victory in the Tailteann Derby and you can even experience the local sport of road bowling!

Meet some of the most skilled hunters we know, in the form of the amazing birds of prey from the award-winning World of Owls, such as owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures.

The afternoon will conclude with a special hand-fasting ceremony as we gather around the Sacred Stone and witness trial marriages.

For more information or to book, please visit: https://visitarmagh.com/whatson/2023-08-05t1250000100/

Creative Peninsula – Northern Ireland’s premier celebration of Art and Craft, will showcase the Borough’s most talented artists and makers at the Twilight Market and Arts Night event next Friday, 4 August. Formerly known as ‘Craft in the Square’, this year’s event has been renamed and moved to the later time of 4pm – 9pm.

For one evening only, Conway Square and Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards will be transformed into a creative hub with 28 artists and makers displaying and selling their work. 

With a selection of ceramics, textiles, print, paintings and mixed media on offer and a drop-in area for children’s arts and crafts. Meanwhile, Ards Arts Centre will be alive with creative activity, so make sure to drop in and try your hand at printing, painting or drawing and watch artists at work, demonstrating their techniques.

Taking place throughout August, Creative Peninsula, which is now in its 22^nd year, offers a range of free and bookable opportunities for people of all ages and levels of experience to see, learn about and even ‘try their hand’ at some of the many art and craft forms that are practiced in the local area.

Other highlights include;

Alfresco Demonstrations at North Down Museum: be inspired as you watch the Artists and Makers at work in the Courtyard of North Down Museum. There will be free demonstrations on offer throughout the afternoon and some hands-on activity to try yourself. Sunday 6 August. Free admission.

Bangor Art Tour and Tipple: join this walking tour of Bangor to visit three creative spaces where you can meet the makers and try your hand at making a print, enjoying a tipple along the way. Wednesday 2 August, £12. Booking essential.

Open Studios: some of the Creative Peninsula Artists have opened their studios to deliver workshops. For full details of participating artists and how to book, visit the Creative Peninsula website.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said:

“Ards and North Down boasts one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant creative communities, with a remarkable concentration of talented artists and crafts people. The Creative Peninsula offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the very best of local arts and crafts and interact with the talented creators behind the artwork.”

View the full Creative Peninsula 2023 programme at: https://creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk/

You can also pick up a programme and find out more information on all the events on offer from Ards Arts Centre or North Down Museum.