Ards and North Down Borough Council has announced an exciting range of Tourism Experiences for 2023. From guided walking tours to unique immersive experiences, visitors are in for a treat with a range of activities designed to highlight the diverse tourism offering right across the Borough!

The guided walking tours and boat trips promise to be captivating experiences, with local experts taking visitors on a journey through time as they explore the rich historical sites in the area. The Holywood Historical Guided Walking Tour on 6 May and the Comber Historical Walking Tour on 24 June will give visitors the chance to discover the hidden gems of these towns, while the Step Back in Time Tour on 3 June and 12 August will take visitors on a nostalgic journey around Bangor through the years.

For those looking for something more unique, a range of immersive experiences are planned that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Visitors can try their hand at copper smithing in the inspiring setting of Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry on 27 May, create copper floral magic in The Walled Garden Helen’s Bay on 3 June, or even try out their surfing and Zumba skills on 27 August with Surf and Shimmy!

For those who prefer to unwind and relax, a range of suitable activities are on offer. The Wellbeing in the Walled Garden retreat on 11 June offers a yoga, meditation, and sound bathing experience, while the Full Moon Paddle on 29 September promises a peaceful and unforgettable night-time kayaking trip on Strangford Lough.

Foodies will also have plenty to enjoy, with many experiences offering high-quality local food and drink. Celebrate The Coronation of King Charlies III with A Right Royal Afternoon Tea on 6 May, enjoy a Midsummer’s Evening Picnic on 24 June, and Tea by the Sea in Millisle on 20 August are perfect for those looking for unique dining experiences.

For some, the SUP and S’mores event on 5 May promises to ease you into summer. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing stand-up paddleboarding trip on the water, followed by a cosy campfire where they can indulge in luxurious s’mores. Yum!

There are also a range of experiences planned for families, such as the Father’s Day Family Canoe Bushcraft on 18 June and the Mystery Picnic at the Ulster Folk Museum on 7 May, where families can solve clues while enjoying a picnic.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas, said:

“Ards and North Down Borough Council is committed to providing visitors with unique and memorable tourism experiences that highlight the best of the area’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to check out the full range of experiences on offer, and to book early to avoid disappointment.”

With tickets ranging from just £6 to £150, book now at visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND

Dolphins kindly answered the call to help Portico Arts and Heritage Centre promote its programme to a wider audience this week.

 

A pair of wine bottle nose dolphins have spent several days making appearances in Strangford Lough. While the rollicking frolicking may seem like playful behaviour to the uninitiated, Professor Gluck of the Institute for Dolphinalia identified the key messages in their display with impressive clarity. Astoundinglingly, the dolphins are actually using DSL to sign a marketing message from the Portico of Ards regarding its new season programme.

 

April’s programme includes the annual Tenebrae Service on Good Friday at 7pm with narration from UTV’s Paul Reilly and The Newquay Singers performing Faure’s Requiem. Everyone is welcome – any belief or none. Easter Monday brings magic for kids of all ages with Joe Daly of RTE Junior bringing his amazing magic show at 3pm. 

 

On Sunday 16 April at 3pm, Cuban guitar maestros Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas and grammy-nominated Eduardo Martin combine forces to deliver their lively mix of classical, flamenco and jazz.

 

A Glamourous Night With Ivor Novello and Friends on Sat 22 April offers a unique opportunity to hear classics from the ‘golden age’ of music theatre, including We’ll Gather Lilacs and My Dearest Dear with soprano Ali Darragh, tenor Caolan Keaveney and pianist Matthew Owens.

 

April events conclude with The Legend of Luke Kelly presented by David Hull Promotions. Created and performed by the renowned Chris Kavanagh, the show is not a tribute but a journey through Luke’s music celebrating the memory and music of a true Irish Musical Legend.

 

Portico is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ards and North Down Borough Council and further information on all the events can be found at porticoards.com

The grounds of Belfast City Hall will be packed with free family fun activities on Saturday 22 April for Councillor Tina Black’s Lord Mayor’s Day.

Belfast’s First Citizen is inviting everyone to join her in ‘Celebrating Belfast’ on the front lawns of City Hall between 12pm and 5pm.

There will be something for all ages, including multi-cultural arts and crafts, live music, dance, street theatre and much more. Activities will also take place in 2 Royal Avenue, the city centre’s cultural and events space.

Looking ahead to the day of events, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black said:

“My Lord Mayor’s Day celebrations give everyone an opportunity to come into the city centre and enjoy an action-packed afternoon of free and exciting activities.

“The theme for my year in office has been ‘Celebrating Belfast’ and I have experienced first-hand the amazing work of people from all walks of life to support each other, their communities and the wider city, in these current tough times.

“I’ve been so impressed with so many of the groups and organisations I’ve met that I’ve invited many to them to join me at my event to help showcase the huge variety of talent our vibrant, multi-cultural city has to offer.”

Visitors can enjoy a packed line-up of live music, featuring a Kiddy Céilí, Belfast Dhol drummers, emerging local bands and musicians from Afghanistan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Iran and Somalia, as well as performances from the South Asian Dance Academy.

Families will love the spectacular aerial circus show and comedy street theatre performances and trying their hand at old-style carnival games. Young people can also have a go at a variety of sports and make your own arts and crafts activities, before enjoying drop-in circus and creative writing workshops.

There’ll also be games and activities for older visitors, as part of our Age-Friendly Belfast programme.

Entry to the Lord Mayor’s Day event is free and is on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more details, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday

 

Eduardo Martin, the Grammy nominated and multiple life-time achievement award-winning Cuban guitarist and composer, joins forces with fellow award-winning, London based Cuban musician, Ahmed Dickinson – a guitarist described as a ‘true pioneer’ by Classic FM – to present ‘The Bridge’.

Launching an expansive tour of the UK and Ireland, Martin and Dickinson perform the music of their long-awaited album, ‘The Bridge’: a carefully curated compilation of Eduardo’s most alluring works for two guitars, where rock merges with son montunos; old Yoruba chants, feel-good rumbas and funk- boleros, with cinematic pieces sitting alongside Cuban tumbaos with slap bass. Perfect sound bites exploring the many facets of the guitar tradition from across the Americas. By incorporating the influences of jazz, flamenco, pop, Afro and raditional Cuban melodic and rhythmic intricacies, the music bridges the gap between generations and continents, past and present, uniting teacher and student. Says Dickinson:

“It is a privilege to play with Eduardo. Playing his music gives me a sense of musical sincerity. It is exhilarating to go on stage and convey all these melodies and rhythms that sound fresh, current and honest.” 

Eduardo Martin explains:

“The Bridge alludes precisely to the connections we have established musically, Ahmed and I. Also, the bridge that I establish throughout my compositions, between genres and musical styles that interest me. Finally, it is the connection with the audiences who enjoy our work.” 

Having first met as student and teacher at the Superior Institute of Art in Havana, the venerable musician and composer Martin instantly recognised in Dickinson a young man who knew the musical path he wanted to travel. The composer keenly followed Dickinson’s career over the years and a strong musical friendship developed. The pair first began to work together in 2014, when Dickinson invited Martin to London to perform a concert of his works at the Bolivar Hall. Since that performance, their musical partnership has flourished, pausing only for the time of the pandemic. Both artists are hugely in demand as solo performers, so to see them perform together in this project is one not to be missed.

This is a rare opportunity to catch guitar master, Eduardo Martin, on these shores. The collaboration with Ahmed Dickinson shares their rich culture and heritage, through the duo’s much celebrated artistry. Martin tells us, “This will be the first time we have been able to travel together since the pandemic. Playing live again fills me with a very great emotion. We have waited a long time and the feeling of anticipation and excitement to perform together again has only increased.”

Ahmed Dickinson and Eduardo Martin bring their music to Northern Ireland at the following venues 16^th  April, Portico of Ards at 3:00 pm.

For full tour dates and to listen/watch go to http://linktr.ee/Cubafilinrecords

Full EPK with images, album information, artist interviews and biographies available here. Further links at www.ahmeddickinson.com and https://cubafilin.com/ Press queries to dickinsonahmed@gmail.com

Taking place from May to August 2023 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, the upcoming events programme is overflowing with brilliant musicians, poets, authors, and artists.

Setting the tone for a wonderful summer season is ‘Ellipses’ by Maria McManus and Keith Acheson, featuring the very talented Arco String Quartet.

Poet Alice McCullough brings her critically acclaimed one-woman show ‘Earth to Alice’ to The Helicon on 12^th May, this event is taking place in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival, which runs from 11^th – 21^st May 2023.

Audiences will enjoy several genres of music throughout the season, featuring renowned performers such as Mundy (27^th May), Lisa Lambe (3^rd June), Ruth McGinley (1^st July), Luka Bloom (8^th July) and Colm Mac Con Iomaire (26^th August).

A film screening of the Oscar-nominated Irish-language feature film An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) is planned for 10^th June.  This coming-of-age drama tells the poignant tale of a young girl sent to live with distant relatives in eighties rural Ireland.

Playwright, author and poetry aficionado Roger McGough brings ‘Alive & Gigging’ to HomePlace near the end of June.  This will be Roger’s second visit to The Helicon following a memorable sell-out appearance in 2019.

Then there is the special announcement of the debut performance of Brian Bilston in The Helicon in November.  Brian Bilston has gathered a huge following on social media and has been described as ‘Twitter’s unofficial Poet Laureate.’

The highlight of the summer is a weekend of events to mark the tenth anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney.  Seamus Heaney HomePlace will welcome a number of award-winning poets from across Ireland and the UK over the course of this commemorative weekend.  The weekend will close with a poignant screening of Seamus Heaney and the music of what happens.

This special weekend is taking place from 25^th – 27^th August 2023 at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy and is part of a full programme of events happening throughout the summer.  A weekend pass for all five events is available to book.

Councillor Córa Corry, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council which owns and operates Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said:

“As always, I am impressed with the variety and quality of events on offer this summer at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.  I look forward to welcoming you to Bellaghy to celebrate the arts and enjoy the performances in the intimate setting of The Helicon.  The beautifully curated season demonstrates the significance of poetry and the ongoing influence of Seamus Heaney.”

Brian McCormick, Manager of Seamus Heaney HomePlace, said:

“The upcoming summer programme is full of award-winning performers and artists and maintains the standards our audiences have become accustomed to. The highlight of this season is a weekend of events to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney.  Through marking this significant date, HomePlace brings to a close a brilliant summer season of events.”

The summer programme will be on sale from 10am on Monday 3^rd April at: https://seamusheaneyhome.com/upcoming-events/

Picture This have added extra dates in Belfast, Killarney and Dublin due to phenomenal demand. Tickets for all extra shows are on sale now at www.Ticketmaster.ie

 

Last Monday, Picture This announce their long-awaited fourth studio album Parked Car Conversations, to be released 29 September 2023 (via RCA Records, Germany). This album announcement follows the release of two new singles from the band, ‘Get On My Love‘ and ‘Song To Myself’ , both tracks extending Picture This’ status as hit songwriters after their 18-month hiatus.

 

Parked Car Conversations has been named as Picture This’ most ambitious work to be released thus far. The album consists of 15 tracks written by the band over the last three years. Many of them, much like ‘Song To Myself’, illuminate an emotional depth that remained untouched on previous albums, presenting the band – particularly lyricist and singer Ryan Hennessy – at their most vulnerable. The album is a retrospective insight into Hennessy’s personal hurdles that seemed, at the time, impossible to overcome. The strength of overcoming such situations and the growth that comes from it is the focus of Parked Car Conversations.

 

Speaking on the upcoming album, Ryan Hennessy says: “Parked Car Conversations is by far the most personal album we have ever created. There are so many deeply meaningful songs to us on this record and I hope they can be just as meaningful to those who listen. It is an album about everything involved with being human. Love and loss and hurt and euphoria and all of those other complex emotions that flutter in between. The ups and downs of living are conveyed through ballads and anthems alike on this record. It is a truly raw and open album and we’re inviting you in further than we ever have before. 

 

I think Parked Car Conversations is so authentically Picture This both sonically and lyrically and with some gorgeous new flavours that we have never had before. It really is so exciting to be sharing it with the world. This album is a soundtrack. Not to a movie, but to life.” 

 

Sonically, Parked Car Conversations carries the band’s existing characteristics of pop-rock, with hints of indie and folk-pop. Catchy guitar riffs combine with melodic hooks and anthemic choruses, which are embellished by Ryan Hennessy’s stunning vocals.

 

Parked Car Conversations will be available on CD and LP, and ltd. book. The latter forms an intimate and unique insight into the band’s daily life. From the first small gig to their headline show at last year’s Electric Picnic, Ireland’s biggest music event with over 70,000 visitors. Through the studio recordings and video shoots, a complete picture of the band emerges for the first time, which will connect hardcore fans and newcomers alike even deeper with the art and show the band more personally than ever.

 

UK/IRELAND TOUR DATES:

• 11/10: BRISTOL O2 ACADEMY 1
• 13/10: GLASGOW ACADEMY
• 14/10: BIRMINGHAM O2 INSITUTE 1
• 17/10: MANCHESTER ACADEMY 1
• 19/10: BELFAST SSE ARENA
• 20/10: BELFAST SSE ARENA
• 21/10: KILLARNEY INEC ARENA
• 22/10: KILLARNEY INEC ARENA
• 25/10: DUBLIN 3ARENA
• 26/10: DUBLIN 3ARENA
• 28/10: LONDON EVENTIM APOLLO

 

 

Follow Picture This on socials:

Instagram: @picturethis

Twitter: @picturethis

Facebook: Picture This

YouTube: @PictureThisBand

TikTok: @picturethis

 

77 Per Cent of NI Public Benefit from Time Outdoors

Marking the clocks going forward for spring, Outdoor Recreation NI is encouraging people across the country to use the extra hour to ‘Get Out More’.

As days lengthen and the weather improves, there is no better time to explore some of the hundreds of outdoor trails and places across Northern Ireland.

Kerry Kirkpatrick, Communication and Training Executive at Outdoor Recreation NI, says, “Spending time outdoors is  fundamental to our wellbeing. It allows us to connect with nature and to experience the beauty of Northern Ireland. We are lucky to have a plethora of amazing green and blue spaces on our doorstep and I would encourage people across the country to  take advantage of the extra hour that we have gained and get out more.

“To help them do this, our OutmoreNI.com website is a vital resource for those who wish to explore the wonderful outdoor spaces that Northern Ireland has to offer.

“The site, which is easily navigated, showcases hundreds of outdoor trails, that are curated to offer something for everyone, from walkers and families to mountain bikers, cyclists, and canoeists. It also contains a vast range of information on beautiful beaches, forests, parks, and nature reserves.

“Of course, we would also encourage people to protect the environment by exploring these areas responsibly and OutmoreNI.com provides a wealth of information on how to do so through its Right Side of Outside campaign.”

Research from the People in the Outdoors Monitor for Northern Ireland (POMNI) report,* which was conducted by Outdoor Recreation NI from November 2020 to October 2021, shows that 77 per cent of people surveyed across Northern Ireland say that getting outdoors is good for their wellbeing.

41 per cent of those surveyed say that connecting with nature is a key motivator for getting outdoors, whilst 72 per cent say that their local greenspace is within easy walking distance.

Supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and Sport NI, the OutmoreNI.com website showcases over 850 green and blue spaces and outdoor  trails across Northern Ireland. These include those on our doorsteps, along with hidden gems further afield.

Don’t forgot when visiting an outdoor spot, you can help protect it by following a few simple steps to ensure you stay on the ‘Right Side of Outside’ such as:

• Planning ahead by checking the weather and bringing the right equipment such as clothing, footwear, map, wet suit, paddles etc.
• Keeping your dog on a lead to avoid livestock worrying and disruption to wildlife.
• Only camping or lighting a BBQ in a designated area.
• Avoid starting open fires.
• Only parking your car in designated spaces and don’t forget to consider local access
• Taking your dog waste and litter home with you.
• Get involved and protect the environment by doing things such as taking part in litter picks

To discover new outdoor trails and places to explore throughout Northern Ireland, visit https://outmoreni.com/

Darkness Into Light, the annual fundraising event organised by Pieta, and proudly supported by Electric Ireland is set to take place on Saturday May 6 and will see thousands of people across Northern Ireland come together to mark the most important sunrise of the year.

Launched today, March 29, Pieta and Electric Ireland were joined by representatives from 14 local mental health charities to invite people across Northern Ireland to sign up to take part in this year’s fundraising event.

Taking place on the morning of Saturday May 6, people can either participate in one of the 16 organised walks, or run, swim or cycle in their own time or even take on a special challenge to fundraise for their local communities.

As part of this year’s campaign, Electric Ireland Darkness into Light ambassador and Belfast based medical doctor turned artist Anna McKeever has launched her own fundraising effort and has created an original oil painting entitled Cavehill at Sunrise which she has donated to Darkness into Light.

People are invited to enter the ‘iDonate’ Darkness Into Light raffle to be in with a chance to win this very special painting. One hundred percent of the money raised from the piece will be donated to mental health charities working to support those impacted by suicide in local communities across Northern Ireland.

The bespoke piece showcases one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable landscapes and depicts the overriding sense of hope, strength and light of a vibrant sunrise stretching out over Belfast City.

The work, measuring 100 x 100cm, has been framed in a wooden box frame, hand finished in zoffany ink and is available to view in Anna’s Ormeau Road gallery now until the draw closes at 4.15am on Saturday May 6. The winner will be announced on Tuesday May 9.

Speaking at the launch, Darkness into Light ambassador, Anna McKeever said, “I initially trained as medical doctor and spent my career working in psychiatry and public health, before becoming a full-time artist. I am very aware of the impact mental illness can have, both on a professional and personal level. I am extremely proud to be an ambassador for Darkness into Light. I have created a bespoke oil painting for this year’s campaign, featuring Cavehill at sunrise. Fundraise with me on the Darkness into Light iDonate page to be in with a chance of winning this original artwork.”

To help Anna fundraise for Darkness into Light and be in with a chance of winning this special piece of artwork visit https://www.idonate.ie/raffle/AnnaMcKeeverDILPainting.

Bill Coyle, NI Residential Manager at Electric Ireland commented, “For more than a decade, Electric Ireland has proudly supported Pieta and its partner charities in the delivery of Darkness Into Light. This special sunrise event offers hope and solidarity to those impacted by suicide and self-harm across communities in Northern Ireland. We are delighted to welcome Anna on board as an Ambassador and are extremely grateful to her for the beautiful, bespoke and unique contribution she has made to this year’s campaign. With just over a month to go, we would like to welcome everyone to sign up, fundraise and get involved in Darkness Into Light to help raise vital funds for suicide prevention services in local communities.”

Sixteen walks have been organsied at various locations across Norther ireland, they will begin in darkness and continue through to sunrise; symbolising the journey from despair to hope.

Stephanie Manahan, CEO, Pieta said – “Darkness into Light is an opportunity for all communities to bring people together in the spirit of solidarity, comfort, and compassion to help people at a very local level and to raise awareness on mental health and the impact of suicide and self-harm. It is an opportunity to raise vital funds for a number of mental health charities in your local communities. There are many ways to take part in Darkness into Light and raise money for your local mental health charity; whether it’s taking part in one of the 15 local walks across Northern Ireland or by running, cycling or swimming we would encourage everyone to fundraise for your local charity and get up on the 6 May to join us for what is the most important sunrise of the year.”

To find out where your nearest walk is, to sign up and fundraise visit www.darknessintolight.com. Follow the conversation at #DIL2023