Down

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Open Art at Project 24 Bangor this weekend on the 17th June. Relax and listen to live music; the afternoon will be an art lovers dream, with the chance to participate in workshops, watch demonstrations, browse and buy original artwork.

Armagh

Multi award winning singer songwriter Kaz Hawkins, is launching her new solo career with an Irish Tour with special guest Sam York on piano.. Kaz will perform at the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Saturday 16th June. Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £15.

Fermanagh

Explore the Cliffs of Magho this Sunday 17th June. This is a guided walk along the Magho Cliffs pathway leading from the Shore Road to the Magho Viewpoint. The view from the top is arguably one of the best vistas on the island of Ireland and the cliffs are also home to some of the rarest flora and fauna within the Geopark. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Dublin City Ramblers will be performing live this Saturday at the Alley Theatre, Strabane. They have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Ballads, Folk ,Humour, Wit and foot-tapping music. Their impressive career has spanned more than 35 years, with over 30 albums, Top Ten hits, several Awards for best Ballad/Folk Group and, to top it all off, 8 Gold Albums. It is certainly no wonder that they are classed as Ireland’s Number 1 Ballad Group! Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £14-£16.

Derry/Londonderry

Ground Work: Writings on Place, Heaney HomePlace, Saturday 16th June.   How best to make our way through the ruins that we have made? Ground Work – a new anthology of commissioned work tries to answer this as it explores new and enduring cultural landscapes, in a celebration of local distinctiveness that includes new writing from some of our finest authors, three of whom will speak about their work at HomePlace.  This panel will feature Tim Dee, the writer, BBC radio producer, birdwatcher and editor of Ground Work. He will be joined by Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside who is one of only two poets to have won both the TS Eliot Prize and the Forward Poetry Prize for the same book and by writer Tessa Hadley whose novel The London Train was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Antrim

The Allstars Annual Extravaganza, Theatre at the Mill, Saturday 16th June. This is the annual show for Allstars Dance Academy and Newtownabbey Allstars Cheerleading Squad. An incredible night, showcasing the dancers and cheerleaders achievements over the last year. This year they will be joined by special guests – Moira Vipers Cheerleading Squad.  Allstars – Where Every One is A Star!!

Belfast

The Belfast Book Festival Family Fun Day returns for its 6th year and promises to deliver a great day out that the whole family can enjoy!  This Family Fun Day aims to introduce children to the fabulous world of books for all ages and abilities and this year’s event will celebrate the great Roald Dahl and all his wonderful characters and stories!  There will be Arts & Craft activities, Face Painting, interactive storytelling, Renowned children’s authors’ readings, entertainment and a Book Fair! Best of all, our it is FREE for all to attend! So why not pack a picnic and join us for a great day out!

Down

The popular Sea Bangor Maritime Festival returns this weekend with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays that the event is known and loved for. Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June. See visitardsandnorthdown.com for the full line up of events.

Armagh

In a special collaboration, the pupils of St Patricks Primary School, Armagh will join the members of the South Ulster Sinfonia for an evening of musical entertainment this Thursday at the Market Place Theatre. There will be a varied range of music including folk, classical, hymns, and even a little ABBA, alongside improvisation, dancing and drumming. The players from Lisanally Special School will be assisted by the Drake Project NI. This performance promises something for everyone.

Fermanagh

This Sunday jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain.  Not suitable for children under the age of 12 years old.  Please note this tour does not go to the summit of Cuilcagh. Booking essential.

Tyrone

Croke Park meets Windsor Park Charity Fundraising Event this Friday evening at the  Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Enjoy an interview with Aaron Hughes & Owen Mulligan by TV sports journalist Adrian Logan.  The net proceeds of the evening will go to support the work of two very deserving Cookstown charities, The Hub and Charis Cancer Care.  It promises to be a great night of celebration, banter and craic. Additional entertainment will be provided by Magician Rodd Hogg. Signed Northern Ireland & Tyrone jerseys as well as sought-after match tickets and other good prizes will be up for grabs in the half-time raffle.

Derry/Londonderry

On the evening of Saturday June 9th, everyone is invited to walk through the gates of the Playtrail, Racecourse Road Derry,  and step into the city’s very own Little Tokyo as Foyle O-Bon, Derry Londonderry’s very own festival of Japanese music, arts and culture returns for a third year.  Foyle O-Bon was born of a desire to share Japanese taiko, culture and tradition while creating a meaningful family festival for all and recognising the ever growing number of Japanese and shared heritage families in the North West.

Antrim

Prepare to be dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s ‘Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries’, a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide in a fun and interactive performance this Saturday 9^th June at The Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey.  Following a hugely successful American tour enjoyed by over 30,000 people, Danny Carmo is back and bigger than ever before with a brand new interactive LED wall to be enjoyed by young audiences this Spring.

Belfast

From  6th – 16th June the 8th annual Belfast Book Festival, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, will open the world of books to everyone. For 11 days, venues across the city including The Crescent will come alive with unique and diverse events featuring high profile authors as well as events exploring a range of interests and themes.  See belfastbookfestival.com for the full programme of events.

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

Legendary Irish rockers, The Boomtown Rats are to headline Harmony Live 2018 in Holywood this weekend.  The three-day event, which is set to pack out the County Down town, will run from June 1^st to 3rd at the Festival Marquee in the Holywood Rugby Club grounds.  Previously known as the Holywood Harmony Festival, Harmony Live will see big-name acts take to the stage at the main marquee as well as events across several venues in the town.

Armagh

Following their first visit to The Market Place Theatre last October with a sold-out performance of ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’, Theatrical Niche Ltd return with a new adaptation of ‘A Doll’s House’ based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic tale this Friday 1st June.

Fermanagh

If you love Van Morrison’s music you will love Celtic Soul, the definitive Van Morrison tribute. BBC’s Ralph McLean, describes Celtic Soul as ‘a great band’ and ‘a very fine tribute’.  The band perform songs from his days with Them right through to the present day. Expect to hear the big hits as well as hardcore album tracks. See Celtic Soul perform this Saturday evening at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Cookstown is set to go continental when the food and flavours, sights and sounds of Europe and beyond come to the town centre for two days on 2nd and 3rd June 2018. It will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.  As well as mouth-watering dishes, from freshly made Paella to delicious Bratwurst sausages, visitors will also be kept entertained with a variety of street performances, music and entertainment for all the family.  A German beer stall offering specialty beers, wines and spirits will also be available.  An added feature to this year’s market is ‘The Brickx Club’  at the Burnavon where children and adults alike will have the opportunity to utilise LEGO through creative brick building. There will be construction zones and brick pits where LEGO enthusiasts of all ages can build and create.

Derry/Londonderry

Enjoy unique adventure activities at budget prices at the Jungle NI this Sunday 3^rd June.  Similar to a fun-fair, The Jungle’s Family Fun Day  is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities by token. Simply buy as many tokens you wish, exchange your tokens for the activity, or activities, of your preference and enjoy a fun family experience day unlike any other!  Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Antrim

This year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is now in full swing and continues until  Sunday 3rd June with a packed programme taking place between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island and the sound of water separating the two.  The festival has firmly established itself as a fabulous celebration of our rich maritime heritage offering something for all the family!  You are invited to enjoy the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival and to stay, enjoy and explore further the spectacular Causeway Coast and Glens.

Belfast

The Belfast Craft Beer festival runs on the 1^st and 2^nd June.  Taking over Custom House Square, the festival is ready to set the city’s taste buds alight!  Whether it is a quirky craft beer or a delicate gin cocktail that tickles your fancy – guests can relax in the atmospheric marquee or sit back under the stars in the beautiful surroundings of Custom House Square, right in the heart of the city.

 

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 Puppet Festival is back with a bang in 2018 with the biggest festival yet!  Expect a programme jam-packed with puppet fun and antics.  With a variety of free scheduled performances, free puppet workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone!  Performances take place at various times and venues around Newtownards town centre, 26^th to 28^th May.

Armagh

The Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26th May.  Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Fermanagh

SHARE is offering a portfolio of outdoor activities for you to get involved with.  Activities for All offers the general public, a chance to try a wide variety of outdoor activities according to the activity timetable at great prices. Every weekend in May and June (and Bank Holiday Mondays!) SHARE are offering a selection of Outdoor Activities. These activities are open to the public, and if booked in advanced are great value for money, with a 1 hour session being just £6. Get outside this Spring and enjoy a number of activities such as Banana Boating, Climbing, Archery, Sailing and many more!

Tyrone

Award winning singing sensations, Leading Ladies, (Michelle Baird, Ceara Grehan and Lynne McAllister) bring their highly acclaimed Country & Celtics Classics show to Ranfurly House this Friday 25th May. Featuring popular Celtic favourites such as Caledonia, No Frontiers and Will ye go Lassie go, their show includes haunting music from Riverdance, traditional Irish favourites and some of the best America country songs ever written, from artists including Dolly Parton and John Denver, you’ll not want to miss it!

Derry/Londonderry

Try something new and exciting this May Bank Holiday at Foylehov Activity Centre.  Ever fancied having a go at flying a Hovercraft?   Prefer a more relaxed day off? Then why not pop out and have a few rounds at the 18 hole Football Golf course at your leisure . See foylehov.com for details.

Antrim

Do you love community, walking and Rathlin Island? On the 26th of May you can enjoy all three as part of the #BigWalk which is a community celebration building up excitement in the run up to #TheBigLunch 2018.  The walk will be four slow-paced miles and will include several interesting catch up points, a beach clean and a Big Lunch!  Senior Smart Pass holders can book free Rathlin ferry tickets, so if you haven’t been, or if you are eager to return, this is the perfect time!

Belfast

Make a Terrarium this Saturday at the Crescent Arts Centre. A Terrarium is a miniature garden for indoors, usually in a glass container.  Using succulent plants you will learn how to layer the container in a way to be of maximum benefit to the plants.  These gardens need very little maintaining and just need a well-lit spot.  They are easy to make and are excellent gifts for family and friends.  All materials are provided, including the container.  You don’t have to be a keen gardener to enjoy this fun class!

 

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

David Meade promises ‘Wizard of Odds’ to be his funniest and most impossible show yet as he will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible. His show promises to leave you both mesmerised and stunned at his amazing abilities. David is performing at the Town Hall in Newry this Saturday 19th May. His last record-breaking tour sold out everywhere, so grab your tickets now and look forward to a jaw dropping performance that your whole family will never forget.

Armagh

Fellas…slick your hair back, ladies…put on your best red lippy and rock around the clock with Northern Ireland’s only 1950s/60s Rock n Roll band, The Soda Popz this Saturday evening at the Market Place Theatre.  Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis and much more, this two hour spectacular is guaranteed to get any audience dancing in the aisles.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB NI this Saturday morning aboard the Lady of the Lake double-deck cruiser for a guided boat tour of the stunning Lough Erne for the Curlew Cruise (as part of Curlew Crisis Month).The RSPB Lower Lough Erne Islands reserve warden will be your guide as you set out to spot one of our most cherished birds.  Meet at Inishclare Jetty (close to the Manor House Country Hotel), Killadeas, Co Fermanagh, BT94 1NY at 9.30am for 10am sailing.

Tyrone

Celebrate World Culture Day with the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Saturday and enjoy a  vibrant celebration of all our differences with Arts and Crafts from Around the World.  Take part in some traditional arts and crafts, with something for everyone to enjoy.  Admission is free!

Derry/Londonderry

Book yourself a Slow Adventure at the White Horse Hotel. Slow Adventure NI is a form of tourism which avoids the adrenalin-pumping hits of many commercial adventure experiences, in favour of slow, immersive journeys, living in and travelling through wild places and cultural spaces, and experiencing nature in its seasons, its different weather and its variations.  Choose from Connectin with The Wild on Foot & Horseback, Connecting with Nature Irish Walking Tour and The White Horse Adventure, Subject to Availability and Weather. Call 028 7186 0606, City of Derry Equestrian Centre Landscape and Countryside Tours.

Antrim

This year’s Ballyclare May Fair  from 19^th to 26^th May will be a mixture of the popular traditional horse fair, local music and entertainment combined with traditional craft demonstrations and workshops.  New for this year is the Soapbox Derby race on Tuesday 22nd May. Saturday 26th May sees the return of the fantastic May Fair Parade, with Ritchie Remo and his band delighting fans of all ages, before the fireworks. Family fun activities, amusements, pet show, local movies, tea dance, a foam party and much more.

Belfast

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival returns once again to Queen’s Quay, Donegall Quay and Titanic Quarter 19^th and 20^th May to bring you a bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun and frolics!  Join in the fun at Titanic Quarter for a maritime celebration including the return of our Pop-Up ‘Titanic Street Food Market’ at Hamilton Dock, the ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ next to SS Nomadic,  as well as plenty of interactive demos, exhibitions, and maritime madness taking place across the quarter.  There will also be plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy our maritime heritage on one of the exciting photo & discovery tours!

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 annual Pipe Band Championships take place this Saturday 12^th May at Bangor Castle.  With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing, this event is impressive to spectate. Admission is free.

Armagh

Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland, Connla  have recently released their EP in April 2015, and album ‘River Waiting’ in July 2016, and have received fantastic reviews at home and internationally.  See them perform live this Friday 11^th May at the Market Place Theatre.

Fermanagh

The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves this Saturday 12^th May for 5:00am to join Geopark staff to listen to the spectacular array of birdsong as they welcome the new day with fine voice. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear – from wrens to ravens. Afterwards join us in the Café for your early bird breakfast. This promises to be a truly memorable morning.  Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Rock’N’Roll Years and Dance Hall Days’ Show is back  this Saturday at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown with a brand new show featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers.  The show will transport you back to the nostalgic days and incredible music and artistes of 50’s and 60’s.  Combining evocative love ballads with the greatest Rock‘n’Roll hit songs of the era, this show will carry the audience back to a time when dance halls were full and the youngsters danced, jived and rocked to the Four Seasons, the Shadows, Neil Sedaka, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, Elvis and much, much more!

Derry/Londonderry

Calling all runners and walkers! This year’s Termoneeny 10k & 5k Fun Run/Walk takes place on Friday the 11th of May at 7.30 pm. Registration opens at 6.00 pm.  Water will be available in the Termoneeny Centre and along the route. Tea and sandwiches will be served in the Termoneeny Centre after the race. Showers and changing facilities are also available in the building. The Termoneeny Centre is situated at  56 Quarry Road, Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, BT45 8NS.

Antrim

Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival returns to Larne for a second year on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May. The free event has been revamped and relocated yet will again have a packed programme of live music, dancing, family entertainment, children’s activities, an exhibition, street theatre, food heritage demonstrations, a ceilidh and a bit of magic.The main venue is the restored Market Yard on Station Road which will host lively sets from The Logues, Runabay, Booka Brass, Pilgrim Street, Paul Casey, Stonewall, Pure Blarney, the Ulster Scots Juvenile Pipe Band, Eilidh Patterson and Lee Lawson.

Belfast

The annual film event organised by the Classical Association in Northern Ireland (CANI) will take place on Saturday 12th May, commencing at 2pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Ulster Museum.  The film is the 1963 Charles H. Schneer production of “Jason and the Argonauts”, which is famous for the special effects created by Ray Harryhausen.  The film is a U certificate and is suitable for all ages.  Dr Katerina Kolotourou of CANI will give a brief introduction.  Admission for non-CANI members is £5, members and under 16s free.

 

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

Cable and Wake outdoor waterpark is opening this May Day holiday weekend! Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Then visit Knockbracken Reservoir from 2nd May for fun mid week and weekend activities. The new waterpark at Knockbracken Reservoir in Carryduff is just 15 minutes drive from Belfast City Centre. The site boasts a massive aqua park, cable wakeboard park and glamping village with a sauna for warming up on those cold days! The waterpark is a perfect place for birthday parties, community groups, school groups and the adventurous corporate group!

Armagh

Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt as Navan Fort prepares for the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, marking the gateway between the earthly and spiritual realms?  Try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of hand fasting cakes.  The Celts are sure to entertain you with stories, dancing and singing in anticipation of the final fire purification ceremony on Bank Holiday Monday.  This highly engaging experience is suitable for all ages and will give you a unique insight into life long ago!  Saturday 5th – Monday 7th May, 11.00am – 4.00pm daily.

Fermanagh

The water trampoline at Castle Archdale Boat Hire and Watersports is great fun for all the family. Situated within the marina, the trampoline with log and slide is a very popular activity. Jump in, slide in, roll in, flip in or try walking the log – it’s the best fun you could have and great for kids and adults of all ages. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets provided for all activities.

Tyrone

Ireland’s premier tribute to the super group Fleetwood Mac, brings you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling Anglo/American band that still tour today.  See Mack Fleetwood deliver a spellbinding show this Friday at Ranfurly House Dungannon.  Their love of the material and musical prowess shines through in each song. They will bewitch you with authentic renditions of all your favourite Fleetwood Mac hits.

Derry/Londonderry

The biggest and best Jazz Festival is returning to Derry from 3rd – 7th May.  The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will be back for its 17th year, featuring artists from all over the world and attracting over 60,000 revellers over the bank holiday weekend.  This year’s headliner is Sir Van Morrison, who will perform in the Millennium Forum on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May. Some popular acts returning to the Festival will include the Red Stripe Band, The Roaring Forties, the Ska Beat, Velocity Brown and The Hot Rods, and Jaydee Brass band.  New acts joining us in 2018 will include Mercury nominated Dinosaur – a vibrant new ensemble praised for their blend of styles, taking sounds from folk, rock, minimalism and contemporary art music.  Dinosaur will be performing in the Playhouse on Sunday 6th May 2018 at 8pm, admission £6.  For the full line up see cityofderryjazzfestival.com.

Antrim

Antrim Castle Gardens will be in full bloom at this year’s Allianz Garden Show Ireland.  A three-day festival with a bloomin’ great line-up of flowers, food, crafts, music and dedicated kids zone and so much more.  The family-friendly event is worth visiting and will appeal to all ages.  Sitting alongside the vast display of specialist plants, artisan food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, local crafts and feature gardens will be fun-filled activities appealing to all age groups – live music, dedicated kids adventure area, a doggie zone – complete with competitions – tree-climbing demos and much more; it’s truly a superb three-days that attracts everyone from garden enthusiasts to families, spanning three generations.  Adults tickets cost £10 (concession £8), the event is FREE for children under 16 and there is a reduced rate for online booking, for more information on the Show or to book tickets online visit www.gardenshowireland.com.

Belfast

This Saturday HMS Caroline hosts Belfast Battleship!  The year is 2018. 6 years have passed from the events that saw the brave crew of the USS Missouri defend earth from an alien invasion, in what is now known as “Incident 11”. Rumours of an imminent second global invasion are being downplayed in the media.  Over 100 years ago, HMS Caroline was used to train sailors for life at sea, and as part of top secret global plan to ready all museum ships for a repeat of Incident 11, the crew have docked in Belfast to train a new generation.  Aimed at children between 6 and 14, and an uncle, aunt, parent or older sibling accompanying them, Moving Pictures invite you to join them on the 5 May, on board the Belfast Battleship.

 

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

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