Down

Holywood Players Presents “Agatha Crusty and the Village Hall Murders” At Studio 1A Theatre Bangor on 27th and 28th April.  Agatha Crusty is a crime novelist. She’s also pretty adept at solving crimes. And when her sister-in-law Alice invites her to spend a few days with her in the village of Chortelby, it’s not long before she gets caught up in a series of murders which seem directed at members of the All Saints Village Hall committee.

Armagh

Hundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon The Argory as they host their famous vintage vehicle rally this Saturday 28th April from 12.00pm to 5.00pm. This is a must- see event for all vehicle enthusiasts!

Fermanagh

To celebrate the centenary year of the birth of James Young, comedian William Caulfield is touring with this new theatre show – One Hundred Years of ‘OUR JIMMY’ to mark the occasion. See William live on stage this Friday 27^th April at the Ardhowen Theatre at 8.00pm.

Tyrone

Get the girls together for Ladies Night at An Creagan this Friday evening, 27^th April.  Enjoy cocktails on arrival before being served a delicious 5 course meal designed especially for you by dedicated chefs. Nominate your best friend for Most Loyal friend award, sponsored by An Creagan Restaurant. Wear your best frock and dancing shoes as you could be voted Best Dressed Lady on the night. Pull your best friend onto the floor as there is also an award for Best Dancers on the night! .

Derry/Londonderry

The Roe Valley Speciality Market takes place this Saturday 28^th April from 11.00am to 4.00pm.  If you love local fresh food, quirky handmade crafts and fine art why not learn more and visit one of the market days at the beautiful Limavady town centre location of Drumceatt Square, Limavady town’s only communal public square, this beautiful central outside space is located beside the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.   Enjoy the colourful displays, the delicious aromas, taste of fresh food produce and the buzz of traders and customers chatting and laughing.

Antrim

Ballyclare Male Choir, one of the leading male choirs in Ulster, presents itself again for your pleasure this Friday evening at The Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey.  Under their vibrant music team of Paul Briggs and Sheelagh Greer this well respected choir continues to develop repertoire to meet the demands of current musical tastes. They offer a mixture of traditional and contemporary, sacred and secular music.  The choir is honoured to have as guest soloist the much loved Father Eugene O’Hagan of The Priests fame.

Belfast

This Saturday and Sunday, dare to discover the dangers and delights of Dinosaur World Live at the Waterfront Hall in an interactive and mind-expanding Jurassic adventure for all the family!  Grab your compass and join our intrepid explorer across unchartered territories to discover a pre-historic world of astonishing (and remarkably life-like) dinosaurs. Meet a host of impressive creatures, including every child’s favourite flesh eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, a Triceratops, Giraffatitan, Microraptor and Segnosaurus!  A special meet and greet after the show offers all our brave explorers the chance to make a new dinosaur friend.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Bart Players are delighted to present Richard Bean’s gloriously funny One Man, Two Guvnors this Friday and Saturday at Warrenpoint Town Hall. Out of work, and permanently ravenous, Francis becomes minder to Roscoe, an East End hood. But, Roscoe is in fact Rachel, Roscoe’s sister posing as her own dead brother, killed by her boyfriend Stanley. (Got it? Good!)

Armagh

Join puppets Wendy & Will Wonder at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday morning for a session jam packed with singing, signing, games, stories, activities as well as craft for you to take home. Parents will enjoy participating with, and observing their wee wonder as they enter the exciting world of imaginative play and discovery.

Fermanagh

Join Geopark staff this Sunday 22^nd April for a guided walk of Cuilcagh Hikers trail. Starting the walk over Legacurragh where extensive areas of limestone are concealed by blanket bog. The guide will bring you across the bog land for approximately 4km towards Cuilcagh as it looms on the Horizon. A vigorous, steep ascent through blanket bog, heather and boulders leads you to the summit cairn.  Booking essential.

Tyrone

Multi award winning singer songwriter Kaz Hawkins, is launching her new solo career with an Irish Tour, with special guest Sam York on piano and as her support act.  You can see Kaz perform live on stage this Saturday 21st April at the Bardic Theatre Donaghmore. Show begins at 8.00pm and tickets are only £15.

Derry/Londonderry

Dara O’Briain performs his set, Voice of Reason, this weekend at the Millennium Forum from the 19th to the 22^nd April.  Dara is one of the most recognisable faces on British TV, as host of the hugely successful Mock The Week, Star Gazing Live, Robotwars and Go8Bit. Catch one of the most charismatic, intelligent, fast-talking and downright funny live performers working today in this brand new show for 2018..

Antrim

Made in Liverpool, Beatles Tribute Band, are resident at the world famous Cavern Club Liverpool from where The Beatles shot to fame, their show … A Night at The Cavern is a must see for any Beatles fan.  Uniquely and unlike other Beatles tributes Made in Liverpool are resident in the very place where pop/rock history’s greatest band were discovered and you can see them perform this Friday 20^th April at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey.

Belfast

Treat yourself to an afternoon of luxury at the Fashion Show and Champagne Afternoon Tea at The Merchant Hotel this Saturday afternoon The Rita Duffy Suite at The Merchant Hotel.  Guests can enjoy a fashion show whilst sipping on a glass of Champagne and savouring The Merchant Hotel’s famous Afternoon Tea. You will also have the chance to shop the Tahlia Leather range after the show and take home a luxury goodie bag.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

The Ards International Guitar Festival is back with a bang from 11^th to 15^th April with a fresh new programme of guitar inspired gigs, free fringe events, guitar clinics with industry professionals and an exhibition featuring many of your guitar heroes by Steve McDowell. Expect a jam-packed line-up of blues, folk, rock, bluegrass and classical for guitar aficionados across the borough.  Highlights of this year’s festival include Hungarian born/LA based guitarist Daniel Marx, Classical virtuoso Craig Ogden and a Saturday line-up featuring John Tracey, Clive Carroll and the fantastic Martin Simpson. The Ivy bar welcomes plenty of action with late gigs featuring BOWANA and the Woodburning Savages.

Armagh

Come along to taste and buy a range of locally sourced produce this Saturday 14^th April at the Argory.  The once bustling  Courtyard at The Argory will come alive with cookery demonstrations, shopping and music from 11.00 am to 4.00pm.

Fermanagh

The Lough Erne Canoe Rally this weekend, 14^th and 15^th April, is a not for profit, competitive canoeing/kayaking event open to all abilities and age groups. A fantastic weekend of craic and competition on Upper Lough Erne!   No experience is necessary and all entries are welcomed! The idea of the event is that all individuals must choose a boat and compete in the same boat across all disciplines; gathering points in each discipline.  Entry fee includes access to all events, BBQ dinner on Saturday evening, entry to fancy dress disco, bar and prizes.  Accommodation can be organised through SHARE starting from £10 per person.

Tyrone

Textile Arts Workshop, An Creagan, Saturday 14^th April. Textile Artist Andrea Hayes will show participants a variety of contemporary textile techniques that she uses to create her on artwork. Individuals can create a similar variation to one of Andrea’s pieces or if they have a scene/image they would like to recreate they can bring do this also.  This will include using specialist paints to paint backgrounds, access to a wide variety of fabrics for applique and fusing fabrics together and using fine metal such as copper and how to incorporate this into their very own artwork.  14th April, 10am – 4pm Cost: £35 – includes lunch.

Derry/Londonderry

On Saturday 14th April the Parish of St. Lurach’s Maghera & Killelagh are delighted to be hosting Linen in the Bible Exhibition in the beautiful and tranquil setting of their Georgian Rectory. The Exhibition has been very graciously co-ordinated by Mr Bruce Clark who is a member of the Clark Family who established William Clark & Sons Linen Factory over 300 years ago in Upperlands. The Exhibition illustrates the use and symbolism of linen in the Bible as well as a display of images and objects that recall linen-making in modern Ireland.  Visit the Exhibition, partake of afternoon tea and take a guided tour of the Rectory with historian Dan Calley.

Antrim

The new one-day Ballymoney Spring Festival on Saturday 14th April, has a packed programme of events and activities that will take place at Ballymoney’s Castlecroft Square, Megaw Park, The Diamond area in the town centre and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre.  Ballymoney Old Vehicle Clubs, Vintage and Classic Car Show will bring their annual show to the Joey Dunlop Centre. The event will then conclude with a cavalcade through the streets of Ballymoney.  The Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market will be on hand at Castlecroft Square to offer exceptional locally grown and produced food and drink and high quality hand-crafted goods created by the very best the Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer. Many of Ballymoney town centre’s retailers will be participating in a promotional event offering discounts throughout the event.

Belfast

Abigail’s Party, 14^th April to 5^th May at The Mac, is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20th century, thanks partly to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1. From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing, prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Jacqueline McGonigle

Down

The seaside town of Bangor will become a land of make-believe from Saturday 31st March until Monday 2nd April, with three days of free, family fun scheduled to take place.  Its very own mystical maze will take centre ‘page’ when ‘dotMaze’, a 20-foot installation that is travelling to Bangor all the way from America, comes to Bangor seafront.  The McKee Clock Arena will also play host to ‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ and ‘Mr McGregor’s Garden’ themed tents, with storytelling, sing-alongs, dress-up, crafts, a pop-up library and more entertainment planned.

Armagh

Who’s afraid of the big bad wolf? Visit the three little pigs in their houses made from straw, wood and stone at Navan Fort this weekend from 31^st March until 3^rd April.  What will happen when the big bad wolf comes calling…which house will survive the huff and puff of the big bad wolf? Join in the fun by making your very own piggy craft, and why not come dressed up as one of your favourite story time characters. Finish your visit with an Easter trail!

Fermanagh

Join Castle Coole’s Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt from 30th March to 2nd April, taking you towards the boathouse, past the house, through the beech trees and into the grand yard following Bunny’s clues.   Complete the nature themed egg hunt to claim your Cadbury chocolate prize!   Normal admission rates apply. Egg Hunts are £1.50 per child.

Tyrone

Visitors of all ages at the Ulster American Folk Park Omagh will be amused for hours on end over Easter weekend witnessing the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day. Take in the hustle and bustle of the stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and entertainers down at the heritage restored shop fronts of Ulster Street. Try your hand at traditional crafts, meet the spring lambs and enjoy storytelling sessions. Taste seasonal treats, giggle at a Punch & Judy show and have a go at egg & spoon races. Event day admission fees apply.

Derry/Londonderry

If you’re looking for something a bit different to liven up your Easter Holiday weekend, then join Big Telly Theatre Company in an innovative new game, developed in partnership with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, called Operation Sweet-Talk. Taking place on Saturday 31st March from 11.30am in Magherafelt Town Centre, Operation Sweet-Talk is an interactive game (part treasure hunt, part immersive theatre) to help find the lost words of Seamus Heaney hidden in multiple locations across Magherafelt.

Antrim

Enjoy a fun family day out with new and exciting thrills and entertainment of Planet Fun with the 60m Star Flyer, the Big Wheel, Ultra Buzz and much more as Planet Fun arrives in Carrickfergus on 30^th March until 14th April.

Belfast

Join Titanic Belfast for a special Easter Afternoon Tea in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite for a wonderful celebration by the Grand Staircase on Sunday 1st April!  Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service and enjoy an egg-citing Easter menu featuring a selection of finger sandwiches, classic scones with fresh cream, mouth-watering cakes and exquisite éclairs as well as tasty savoury bites!  Children can choose from a special Afternoon Tea menu for those aged 2-11, and have lots of fun decorating their own chocolate Easter Egg to take home!

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Down

Saturday Styling this Saturday 24th March, is the ultimate ladies day out, with lots of the latest tips & tricks in styling and fashion for this Spring/Summer. The fabulous Denise Curran will be the compere for the afternoon, while you enjoy a treat of Afternoon G & Tea by Duke Street at Number Seven, Warrenpoint.

Armagh

Love all the ‘Bake Off’ programmes on TV? The Easter Cupcakes for Kids this Saturday at the Market Place Theatre will introduce you to the skills and techniques for creating amazing cupcakes every time. Get hands on experience decorating a box of 12 cupcakes to take home. Learn to pipe buttercream like a pro and handle and colour using florist paste. Colour and cut sugar paste to top your cupcakes for a domed finish then complete your creations by making Easter eggs, bunnies or chicks from icing.  Suitable for age 8+.

Fermanagh

International Recording artists Foster & Allen are bringing their Golden Years Tour back to Northern Ireland.  See them perform live this Friday 23rd March at the Ardhowen Theatre. Celebrating over 40 years together in the music business they will be performing a string of their biggest hits including ‘Bunch of Thyme’, ‘Maggie’, ‘After All These Years’, ‘I Will Love You All My Life’ and ‘Old Flames’.

Tyrone

Join the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown this Saturday 24th March for a FREE, fun-filled Family Fun Day. There will be lots of music, arts and crafts, face painting, and an Easter Egg Hunt. This promises  to be a great day out for all the family.

Derry/Londonderry

Dance like you’ve never danced before! FLASHDANCE-THE MUSICAL, at the Millennium Forum until Saturday 24th March, tells the inspiring and unforgettable story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream.

Antrim

Yoga and Food Tour Ballycastle. This Saturday enjoy a wonderful morning of gentle stretching and breathing followed by the Lonely Planet recommended Ballycastle Food Tour.  Just what you need to wipe away those winter blues and welcome spring into your life. Book your place at www.irishfeast.com.

Belfast

BelFeast : An Evening at Belfast Cathedral.  Belfast Cathedral will open its doors on the evening of Saturday 24th March for an evening of fine dining and music entertainment provided by the talented choir and musicians of Belfast Cathedral. The evening will consist of a sparkling drinks reception followed by a fabulous 5 course menu with paired wines.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

 

Down

Join in with all the craic and banter this St Patrick’s Day at Exploris in Portaferry with their underwater and reptilian friends. Take part in themed arts and crafts in the Crabby Craft club or get your hands wet with daily open pool demonstrations. Plus, lots more surprises for all the family.  Book your tickets online (24 hours in advance) to be fast tracked and discounted.

Armagh

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Armagh with a spectacular display of colour, music, dance and entertainment for all to enjoy as the wonderful procession snakes it way through the city centre. The procession route runs from the Palace Demesne, Irish Street, Ogle Street, Thomas Street, Market Street, Market Street to English Street, onto Cathedral Road, past the Shambles Yard before finishing at the grounds of Cathedral Road Recreation Centre.

Fermanagh

Enjoy a St. Patrick’s Day like no other in Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen.

Broadmeadow : 1:30pm – 3.30pm, St. Patrick’s Day Water Activities & Family Fun Day, Broadmeadow. Free family fun day at the Lakeland Forum with special guests and activities including face painting, bouncy castles & live music.   St. Patrick Arrives at the Broadmeadow for a meet and greet, grab a selfie!  St. Patrick leads off the parade from the Forum through our island town. 3.30pm – 4.30pm Festival Parade from The Forum to The Enniskillen Castle.

Town Centre : 2.30pm –3.30pm Street Entertainment featuring a live music entertainment. 3.30pm Main Parade, Performances at East Bridge Street, The Diamond and Church Street.

Tyrone

The long goodbye – in addition to the vibrant music, crafts and festivities for the Ulster American Folk Park St Patrick’s Day Celebrations on Saturday 17 March, costumed guides will be re-enacting the emotive send-off which was carried out by countless thousands of people before their voyage from Ireland to America in the 1700s and 1800s. Known as the ‘American’ or ‘Living Wake’, re-live this dramatic re-enactment complete with music, song and dance as the family gather to bid a sad farewell to the departing emigrant. Normal Folk Park admission pricing applies, for more information visit www.nmni.com

 

Derry/Londonderry

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2018 with an action packed weekend of activities for all the family at the St Patrick’s Spring Carnival, Derry this Saturday and Sunday. The two day festival will be a celebration of Music, Food and Culture and include a number of key events throughout the city including St. Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade, Ubuntu Global Festival and the LegenDerry Food Festival​. For more information visit derrystrabane.com/springcarnival.

Antrim

On Saturday 17 March celebrate St Patrick’s Day climbing the slopes of historic Slemish.  There are spectacular views, an exceptional outdoor experience and some traditional entertainment on offer as thousands trek up Slemish Mountain this St. Patrick’s Day.  Raceview Mill and Broughshane & District Community Association will provide the hub of the event, with free activities for all the whole family to enjoy, from artisan market with live demos, children’s entertainment, small speciality car show and live music.

Belfast

Enjoy a family fun day at Colin Glen this St Patrick’s Day, with a range of activities, including the very popular Gruffalo Trail, Fairy village and Stick man Trails.  The event will mark the launch of the Spring/Summer season for the park and visitors will be able to have a go at a range of outdoor activities, such as the climbing wall, zip line, high and low ropes course, laser tag and archery.  Of course, being St. Patrick’s Day, the park will be filled with music & entertainers and children will be able to get into the atmosphere with glitter tattoo’s, balloon modellers and bouncy castles. There will also be a food & craft village, so you can take a break from the activities and browse through some of the stalls.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

 

Jacqueline

Down

The next concert in the series of Music In The Chamber concerts at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 9th March and will feature the hugely popular alt-folk band Runabay. With uplifting melodies, complex instrumentation, their music will appeal to fans of artists like José Gonzalez and Fleet. Don’t miss this chance to catch the band in the beautiful surroundings of The Chamber room at Bangor Castle. Show time is 8pm.  Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown. Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

Armagh

Navan Centre & Fort is the setting this Friday evening for a unique experience learning about the mysteries and wonders of the night sky. Observe the stars with expert astronomers from Armagh Observatory and Planetarium and discover the importance of the night sky during the time of St Patrick.  Hosted by BBC Weather presenter Barra Best, attendees will have the opportunity to see the sky through telescopes. As this is an outdoor event, attendees are encouraged to dress accordingly and please bring along your own binoculars and/or cameras if you wish. Booking essential.

Fermanagh

Haiku Poetree Walk/Workshop at Cladagh Glen, 10th March at 11.00am to 1.00pm.  Meet at Marble Arch Caves Visitor  Centre.  In honour of National Tree Week this event is hosted by local writer and Geopark Guide Bee Smith.  Take a walk down Cladagh Glen along the river, passing shake holes and cascades.  Create little haiku poems inspired by this splendid wet ash woodland.  Please wear sturdy footwear and warm waterproof clothing.  Bring a notebook and pen.

Tyrone

Treat your mum to a relaxing Afternoon at the Silverbirch Hotel Omagh this Saturday 10th March, and enjoy a delicious four course Afternoon Tea Menu, which begins with an amuse bouche followed by a selection of finger sandwiches, sumptuous cakes and scones served with fresh cream and local jam served with a selection of leaf teas (choose from Earl Grey Bravo, Hazelnut, Whiteberry, Apricot Green, Peach Oolong and Irish Breakfast Tea) or coffee and glass of bubbles!  Incudes treat pack for Mum. Live entertainment by Monte Thompson.

Derry/Londonderry

PROJECT TRACTOR & the BIG Country Breakfast on Saturday 10th March, is the second of a series of community focused fundraising events held by the Specialist Joinery Maghera to celebrate 30 years in business. Festivities will begin at 9.00am, with a bumper Charity Breakfast. Country star Richie Remo will provide the headline act for a strong bill of entertainment throughout the morning. Arbutus Catering will provide the tasty event catering.  Entry for Children is free and they will be entertained by an adventure playground and a selection activities. The cavalcade of Tractors will roll out from Specialist HQ at 1.00pm sharp, to travel the 30 mile Anniversary Route via Maghera, Tobermore, Draperstown, Desertmartin, Magherafelt, Castledawson, Bellaghy, Gulladuff & then finally return to Specialist HQ.

Antrim

To coincide with Larne Art Club’s Spring Exhibition, which will be on display, art club members will be hosting a ‘hands on with art’ day this Saturday 10^th March, giving visitors the chance to have a go at art using different mediums with an opportunity to learn more about being a member of Larne Art Club. Light refreshments provided. Everyone welcome!  10.00am – 4.30pm. Free admission.

Belfast

The 20th Belfast Children’s Festival takes place from the 9th to 14th March.  Dive into the packed programme of theatre, visual art, music, dance, literature, workshops and talks, guaranteed to inspire joy, creativity and curiosity.  Check out the Big Botanic Birthday Bash, which will be jam-packed with free activity for families over the main festival weekend.  The festival also offers a diverse programme aimed at adults, professional arts practitioners and those working and studying in related fields. See the full programme at www.youngatart.co.uk.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

 

Jacqueline

Down

May The Road Rise Up, this Friday at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Newry, is a  fast-paced, comedy rollercoaster about a woman who resolves to live life to the full no matter what it flings at her. When Mia’s boyfriend leaves her, she falls into debt and loses her job, but she still stays cheerful throughout our recessionary times.  Written by Rosemary Jenkins who is currently the writer-in-residence at the Lyric Theatre.

Armagh

Empowerment for Women with Wendy Porter, The Market Place Theatre Armagh this Saturday 3rd March, is a fun, informal workshop to help you realise your potential. You will learn relaxation techniques and how to handle stress, how to find your voice and stand up for yourself, positive thinking and how to become more confident. Tickets £10.

Fermanagh

Visit Fermanagh’s Visitor Attractions for FREE, 2nd to 4th March as part of Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend. To kick off the season, many of Fermanagh’s visitor attractions are opening their doors for free! With a wealth of visitor attractions in Fermanagh take this opportunity to visit and explore what Fermanagh has to offer.

Tyrone

Join Liz Weir, Storyteller, at the Burnavon on  World Book Day 2018 this Thursday 1^st March,  for an inspiring story session with your child. Liz has the extraordinary ability to inspire even  the most reluctant reader.  She will tell stories  which bring words and the world to life!  Allow Liz to  stimulate your creativity and become immersed  in a world of fantasy.  Why not come dressed as your favourite book character, and really get into the world of make-believe!  2.30pm (ages 3 – 6), 4.00pm (ages 7 – 10). Admission is free.

Derry/Londonderry

Love the outdoors? Join Derry & Strabane District Council in exploring the greenways in the City and District at a fun family activity event entitled Love My Greenway, taking place on Saturday 3rd March at the Peace Bridge in Derry, (cityside entrance).  Taking place from 11.00 am to 3.00pm the event will feature a series of fun filled activities for all the family aimed at promoting the greenways and encouraging people to get outdoors, get active and help improve their health and well-being.

Antrim

Following the success of All Shook Up, Fortwilliam Musical Society returns to Theatre at The Mill with their production of Sister Act. The stage show follows the story of Deloris Van Cartier who is in hiding in a local Convent after witnessing the criminal activity of her mobster boyfriend, set to songs Take Me to Heaven, I Could Be That Guy and Raise Your Voice. 27^th February to 3^rd March.

Belfast

The Dirty Onion’s first Pooch Social event of 2018 is taking place this Sunday 4th March. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, BBQ and doggy fair, selling locally produced food and accessories for your dog. Your furry friends are welcome, so you can enjoy the event with your doggo!  Live music throughout the day and into the evening.  Event in aid of Lucy’s Trust dog charity who help re-home unwanted dogs.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Have you got what it takes to put your powers of sleuthing to the ultimate test? Then “The Point of Murder”, a brand new 1940’s Country House themed Murder Mystery Weekend at The Lough & Key Hotel Warrenpoint is where you should be this weekend! This two day immersive Murder Mystery weekend will transport you back to war time Ireland for an experience not to be missed.  From the moment you arrive on the Saturday afternoon, to your departure on Sunday after the final lunch, mystery, intrigue and top notch entertainment will be the order of the day.

Armagh

Join Armagh City Hotel for an amazing Girls Night Out this Friday at the Something Blue Fashion Event! See the latest styles from leading boutiques Creative Ideas Bridal, Shauna Fay Designs, Crystal, Mary Curry, The Dressing Room & Paynters Menswear, showcased on the catwalk. The evening will be compered by Denise Curran Styling & Events. All proceeds will go to Sands NI (Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Support) to help fund a Bereavement Suite in Craigavon & Daisy Hill Hospitals.  Tickets available from all participating boutiques & online.

Fermanagh

Colin Murphy is coming to Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen for his Bald Ambition Tour on 23rd February 2018. Known for his role as resident panellist on the BBC Northern Ireland comedy show, The Blame Game, Colin will be making the humdrum fun with support from Mary Flannigan.

Tyrone

The Hothouse Flowers are a jam band with their own homemade jam spread into all corners of the bread!  Despite the band’s lengthy career, which is now heading into its forth decade, there is a sense of unfinished business.  There are still songs to be written and emotions to share, whether it’s in a tiny club, an arena or in a festival field, there is a sense that the best is yet to come.  See them perform live this Saturday 24^th February at the Alley Theatre Strabane.

Derry/Londonderry

It’s Freak Out Friday this Friday at Carrowmena Activity Centre Limavady, offering outdoor activities for crazy prices for the last Sunday the month.  Climbing Wall, Leap Of Faith & Archery Price – £10pp at 11.00 am & 2.00pm.  Enjoy a morning of Adventure Sports with Leaping from Heights, Tackling the 28ft Climbing Wall & Shoot Golds in the Archery Range. Your Instructor will guide you through the morning events.

Antrim

Ever fancied building your own castle?  Then join in the fun at Carrickfergus Castle Museum this Saturday 24^th February from 2.00pm to 4.00pm  to create a colourful cardboard castle, fit for royalty.  This is the perfect opportunity for your little ones to use their imagination, it’s super practical and always lots of fun!  Suitable for ages 1-5 and admission is free!

Belfast

Peace Proms returns to the stage of the SSE Arena Belfast at 3.00pm on Sunday 25th February 2018 and promises to be a huge celebration of youth, music, energy and sheer talent on an epic scale.  Peace Proms is an outstanding production, suitable for all the family – young and old! The critically acclaimed Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland will perform with the Belfast Children’s Peace Choir which is made up of 3,500 Primary School children from all over Northern Ireland.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

Calling all little superheroes this Thursday 15^th and Friday 16^th February! Join The Outlet in Banbridge for an action packed half term, where kids will get the chance to help protect the universe against evil arch enemies by designing and building their very own superhero using lego-bricks.  Children aged 5 – 11 years old are invited to create their favourite superheroes by visiting the free craft workshop, where they will go home with an official superhero certificate for demonstrating their super powers and completing their model (1-hour slots available from 11.00 am – 2pm and 3pm – 5pm).

Armagh

Enjoy a free day at Navan Fort’s Straw Craft Workshop on Sunday February 18th where you and your family can learn about the traditions of straw craft and participate in craft making activities. Admission is free!

Fermanagh

Join the Marble Arch Caves staff this Saturday 17^th February to hear about the hydrology of these fascinating caves while watching the Owenbrean River turn a luminous shade of green. Dye Tracing is a method used by hydrologists to track and trace the flow of underground streams and rivers. Learn about the importance of dye tracing in the field of geology and the different equipment used to carry out these exciting experiments. Admission is free but booking is essential.

Tyrone

The Burnavon in Cookstown will host the Bump, Baby and Beyond, Pregnancy and Baby Fair on Saturday 17th February.  This popular annual event hosted by Gold Surestart will be of interest to parents and family members in the antenatal period and beyond into family life. Visitors will be made welcome to browse various information stalls, receive midwifery advice and support, gain details of baby massage courses and other relevant antenatal and postnatal courses. There will also be the opportunity to view  nursery goods, baby wear and a number of handmade craft tables.  Come along for a browse and friendly chat.

Derry/Londonderry

Collapsing the Distance: With Damian Smyth, Matthew Warwick, Frank Ferguson, Nelson McCausland, Carol Baraniuk and John Erskine, Seamus Heaney Homeplace Bellaghy, Friday 16^th February.  In his collection of essays Finders Keepers, Seamus Heaney wrote a heartfelt essay called ‘Burns’s Art Speech’ detailing his love for the poetry of Robert Burns, his belief in the power of words and poetry to connect rather than divide and the joy of language found in Ulster Scots, Gaelic and the everyday colloquial phrases of Ulster. Inspired by this essay, this mini-festival will celebrate the work of Robert Burns, the legacy of Ulster Scots and the power of common speech to provide a positive viewpoint on Ulster’s history and culture.

Antrim

From the creative team that brought last year’s stunning production of Annie to the Theatre at The Mill stage comes a new special Youth Production of one of the most enduring shows of all time. Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colours. Wednesday 14^th to Sunday 18^th February.

Belfast

This half term break? Join HMS Caroline for a weekend filled with fun family activities! Journey around the ship and explore the historic spaces with Tom the Cat children’s trail. Join Bricks4kidz and Clayrazy in the Learning Room, where you can discover how to build your very own creations. Facilitated activities are available Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February from 11am – 3pm. Normal admission applies; opening hours 10.00am.

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