Down

PIPS Newry and Mourne are taking part in the NI Mental Health Arts & Film Festival to raise awareness of mental illness. Join them at 8pm on Saturday 14th May in the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Newry for “Short Term 12”, starring the fantastic Oscar-winning Brie Larsen, who many of us enjoyed recently in “Room”.  This is a free event, but donations in aid of PIPS Newry will be welcome.

Armagh

Rich Hall’s critically acclaimed grouchy, deadpan style has established him as a master of absurdist irony and the king of rapid-fire wit. The award winning Montana native, saddles up and hitches his wagon to visit Armagh once again. See him live at the Market Place Theatre this Thursday 12th May.

Fermanagh

To celebrate the launch of its 35th Year, Share Discovery Village is hosting a Birthday Party this Saturday 14th May for everyone offering activities at the party price of £3.50 per activity or £35 for a day of activities for a family of 4.

Tyrone

The Curious Adventures of Pinocchio, Thursday 12th May at the Alley Theatre Strabane. Adapting this epic tale into a unique retelling where the story of Pinocchio leaps off the page and onto the stage. Crickets, cats, foxes and, of course, the world-famous puppet, will spring out of our collection of dusty, old, magic books, while Patrick Lynch from CBeebies pulls all the strings and turns all the pages to bring you the true story of Pinocchio, no lie. Who nose? He might even find his father and become a real boy.

Derry/Londonderry

The first Wicked Weddings Alternative Wedding show will take place this Saturday and Sunday at Ebrington Square Derry.  With big top fun and fabulous international, Irish & UK suppliers & designers and top wedding venues, brides & grooms to be cannot afford to miss this show,  so let the curious side of you out and book your tickets today!

Antrim

Come along to Larne Market Yard on Saturday 14th May for a day of creativity brought to you by a new group of professional artists, Latharna Creative Collective! This exposition will be a showcase of the creative talent that Larne has to offer, featuring professional artists, makers, musicians, actors, photographers, dancers, writers, and more!  There will be many interactive features of the day to really inspire –  meet the makers, art demonstrations. art workshops. have a go yourself, live performances of music, dance, and drama, fashion design, photography, literature readings, art and craft stalls,  children’s art activities – plus much more! Admission is free.

Belfast

The 82 members of the  City of Belfast Youth Orchestra (CBYO) conducted by Paul McBride return to the Ulster Hall on Saturday 14^th May for their Summer Concert.  Programme will include Marquez – Conga Del Fuego, Bruch Romanze for Viola and Orchestra (Soloist Matthew Kendell) and Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4. The Orchestra will also be joined by the City of Belfast School of Music’s Divertimenti String Group and A-Freek-A to showcase some of the best young musicians the City has to offer!

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Down

Join  Downpatrick Racecourse for their first horse racing meeting of 2016 on Wednesday the 2nd of March!  ‘Day at the Races’ fundraising packages available on certain race days to raise some much needed funds for your club or charity.

Armagh

Conal Gallen is back at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 5th March, with what promises to be his best show yet, jam-packed with over two hours of hilarious jokes, stories and songs which will have you in stitches from start to finish!  Loved by audiences young and old, Conal has proved time and time again why he is Ireland’s funniest man with his hilarious, side-splitting brand of comedy. Early booking is strongly advised.

Fermanagh

Visit Fermanagh’s most popular visitor attractions for FREE! Many of Fermanagh’s visitor attractions will open their doors for free as part of the Discover Fermanagh Open Weekend which takes place 4^th to 6th March 2016. The open weekend is the perfect opportunity for you to visit and experience some of Fermanagh’s top visitor attractions, free of charge.

Tyrone

Ed Masters, Ireland’s biggest illusionist, brings  his jaw-dropping new show ‘Life of Illusion’ to the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Friday 4th March. Juxtaposing traditional sleight of hand magic and big box illusions with mind-boggling predictions and cutting edge escape stunts, this family-friendly show is bound to thrill and amaze audiences of all ages!

Derry/Londonderry

After their hit Stitched Up which sold out at the Lyric, c21 present another satirical, biting comedy from Jenkinson, Love or Money at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady this Saturday 5th Marcy.  Eilis is a forty-something solicitor who’s back in the dating game whilst trying to rebuild her law career. Online she meets Connor and sparks fly, but will she choose love or money? Finance and fidelity entangle in a tug-of-love to keep business – and love – afloat in this hilarious play.

Antrim

Thirteen of Jane Austen’s heroines come to life in “Austen’s Women” this Friday at the Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, boldly revisiting of some of literature’s most celebrated works. Using only Austen’s words, Rebecca Vaughan becomes Emma Woodhouse, Lizzy Bennet, Mrs Norris, Miss Bates and nine other beautifully observed women in critical moments from the major novels (including Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and Emma) and lesser known or unfinished works. Directed by Olivier Award winner, Guy Masterson (Morecambe).

Belfast

Mums go Free this Sunday at Belfast Zoo!  Don’t forget to visit all of the animal ‘mums’ at feeding time and to take your mum to the cafe for a free cuppa!
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Down

This Thursday evening 4th February, Newry City Library will host a Harry Potter themed magical night of wizardry, games and crafts for children up to 12 years old. Fancy dress is optional – but SO much more fun! Booking is essential so call the library or email with child’s name, library card number and contact details.

Armagh

This weekend Navan Fort in Armagh will host a weekend of Celtic Mindfulness – a unique healing experience of the land and energy. Where Music, Myth and Meditation will be used to awaken your Celtic Soul. Creating a positive mindfulness, with workshops delivered by Ciaran Corr, Kate Fitzpatrick and Katie Rutledge.

Fermanagh

Neil Delamere returns with a brand new show to the Ardhowen Theatre this Saturday 6th February, brimming with hilarious stories and incisive wit. 2015 saw the award-winning comedian continue his star turn on the perennially popular The Blame Game for BBC NI on TV and radio. Neil also landed his own weekend national radio show for Today FM and the hosting role in the new RTE2 science series Eureka. Now he’s back to his first love, telling tall tales and spinning side-splitting yarns about the events of the last year. Patrons please note: as this is stand-up comedy, the content may not be to the taste of all. Suitable for 16+ years.

Tyrone

See “The Two Loves of Gabriel Foley” this Saturday 6th February at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  This 3-Act Irish Comedy play is exceptionally funny that has had entertained audiences all over Ireland.  Set in Rural Ireland and unlucky in love, Gabriel, a middle-aged bachelor farmer living with his elderly mother finds himself caught between the love of two women. Tickets £12 & £10.

Derry/Londonderry

The amazing Brick Wonders Exhibition by Warren Elsmore is coming to Nerve Centre this Saturday 6th February for 12 weeks.  Showcasing over 70 LEGO® models the exhibition covers not only the seven ancient wonders, but also seven old, modern and natural wonders. Using LEGO® bricks, artist Warren Elsmore creates stunning scenes with easy-to-follow instructions. While many of the original seven ancient wonders have crumbled away, here we see them in their full glory. Brick Wonders also takes a look at new wonders of the world; treasures from the past millennium that remain standing today.

Antrim

Remembering Rebekah, Friday 5th February, Loughshore Hotel, Carrickfergus.  A retro disco event organised by Louise Bunting & Mervyn Bunting in memory of their 9 year old daughter Rebekah, who passed away from DIPG in 2014. Tickets £20. Includes Hot Buffet Food on the evening. Fancy Dress optional but encouraged. Entertainment includes Jordan School of Dance, Drag Act Penny Cillin & Friends & other surprises. All monies raised will be donated to DIPG Angels & 1 in 3 Cancer Support (Registered Local Carrickfergus Charity).

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s leading theatre school the Belfast School of Performing Arts returns to the MAC with a musical that has taken Broadway by storm, it’s the high-spirited musical that has all of New York dancing the Charleston – Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr. this Saturday 6th February.

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Down

Elsa and Anna are coming to the Newcastle Centre on Sunday 13th December at 11am and will perform live all the favourite tunes from Frozen.  The world’s most popular snowman, Olaf will also join the princesses and a visit to Santa will be included.  Tickets are £8 per child and £4 per adult each.  To book log on to www.buytickets.at/tinylife.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  This is a ticket only event.

Armagh

Santa’s Magical Elves at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh will take you on an enchanted Christmas Journey with Santa’s little helpers who arrive on their very own Elf Mobile!  How did the Elves come to be at Navan?  How did they help Santa make Christmas?  Be captivated by the secrets of the Elves as you journey with them from Navan to the wonderful ‘Elf-ville’.  On your travels the Elves will stamp your Christmas Ticket allowing you unlock the gates on ‘Elf-ville’ to meet with Santa in his magical kingdom, where he has gifts for all the boys and girls!  Pre-booking essential on www.armagh.co.uk/santa. Open until 22^nd December.

Fermanagh

Visit Castle Coole while Santa and Mrs Claus make it their home this Christmas. Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus from 11th – 20th December as they busily prepare for Christmas.  Journey up the magical tunnel to the basement kitchen where Santa and Mrs Claus will be waiting to welcome you into their winter home. Grown-ups can enjoy a warming mulled drink and a mince pie from the kitchen as the children meet Santa and Mrs Claus and receive a special gift from Santa.  Booking is essential.

Tyrone

Kinturk’s magical Christmas Trail opens this Sunday. Write your letter to Santa in the Reindeer Room and make some magical glistening reindeer food for Rudolf and his friends.  Step into Mrs Claus living room for a Christmas tale or two before stepping outside to be greeted by our Chief Elves toasting marshmallows for your delight and waving you on your way up Kinturk Road.  Don’t forget to call into the Elves craft workshop, where you will be able to make your very own Christmas craft to show Santa and take home.  Santa will be waiting for you in his cottage and if you’ve been good, he may even have a little gift for you.  On return to the Centre, warm yourself up with a cup of hot chocolate and marshmallows or maybe Mum and Dad would prefer a little Mulled wine option whilst listening to Christmas carols.

Derry/Londonderry

No stranger to yap, Alan Carr is yapping his way around the UK & Ireland with his brand new stand up show ‘Yap, Yap, Yap!’ The BAFTA and British Comedy Award winning comedian, author and chat show supremo returns to his stand up roots with his hilarious take on life at the Millennium Forum 10^th – 13^th December.

Antrim

See Antrim Castle Gardens transformed into an enchanted world where the magic of Christmas fills the air Saturday 12 December to Sunday 20 December 4.00pm to 8.00pm.  Make magical Christmas memories as you enjoy a stunning light installation, Forest of Fire, Santa Grotto, Reindeer Trail, Christmas Train, Christmas Carousel, Festive Fayre and Christmas Lights. Extra special treats are available on both weekends when Christmas characters spring into life and fire shows feature in the Forest of Fire.

Belfast

This Christmas take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland at W5. Take a trip on the Winterland Express, the magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await!  The Winterland Express is FREE with admission to W5 and the ride lasts approximately 5 – 8 minutes. To guarantee a place, the Winterland Express must be pre-booked. Open until 23^rd December.

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Down

Enjoy a Halloween Spooktacular with all your little ghastly ghouls this Halloween with a fantastically devilish disco this Saturday from 3-5pm at Edenmore Golf Club Moira.  Halloween games, spooky snacks, face-painting, fancy dress and colouring in competitions guarantee a fiendishly fun filled afternoon for all!  Witches, devils, ghosts, black cats and vampires – all are welcome! Pre-booking essential as spaces are limited.

Armagh

Enjoy some family Halloween fun at the Navan Centre, Armagh from 29^th October to 1^st November. Have spooky fun as you meet with Hansel and Gretal at the witches house in the woods, but beware of what could be lurking in the trees.  You never know who is watching!  Enjoy the interactive ‘Billy Bones’ games and activities… are you sure that bone is supposed to be there?  Make a Halloween dream catcher to hang in your window and enjoy our hair-raising theatre presentation based on the popular ‘I am a Celebrity…’

Fermanagh

SHARE’S annual Halloween Howler event takes place this year from 29^th to 31^st October. Guests can purchase a pass that will grant them access to a Haunted Forest Walk, Pumpkin Carving and take part in an number of our Halloween Extravaganza Activities.

Tyrone

Dust off your broomsticks and dress up the kids if you’re brave enough to join the Premier Loughshore Spooktacular Halloween event – Nightmare on Kinturk Street II – Kinturk Centre, Moortown this Saturday.  This exclusive adult ONLY Ghostly Trail of the Banshee once again directed by the brilliant Gerry Cunningham is taking an alfresco twist into the Mysterious Murky Moss! Kinturk will once again be transformed into a fun, haunted centre with a variety of entertainment for all the family, apple bobbing, kid friendly ghost trails, storytelling, disco as well as delicious festive fayre – all culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at 9.30pm. So dust off your broomsticks and dress up your kids to make this Halloween a memorable one at Kinturk Centre .. if you dare!

Derry

With a bigger and even busier programme of events than ever before from 29^th October to 1^st November, coupled with the addition of the rise of the ghostly River Gods from the Foyle and further afield, it’s set to be a week awash with devilish activities for all to experience in Derry this year. The city and district will be full of tricks and treats galore – with the return of the gruesome ‘Chateau le Fear’ and  the incredible spectacle of ‘Awakening of the Walls’, and the addition of the ‘Rio Bravo Fiesta’ celebrating Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)! The big treat of course is the annual, world renowned, street carnival parade – the biggest in Europe, culminating in the explosive fireworks finale!

Antrim

There’s mischief brewing in at Mossley Mill this Halloween for little monsters too cute to spook, aged between 3 and 8 years on Saturday 31^st October. There will be crafty imps arty activities, fearsome face painting, Balloon modelling in the Museum and special performance with Mr Hullabaloo Puppeteer Show with storybook villains in Theatre at The Mill (tickets are £4.00 and must be booked in advance with box office).   Ending with a fancy dress competition, so if you’ve Got It, Haunt It!

Belfast

Enjoy a 1.5 hour ride in a restored steam train from Belfast Central, along the shores of Belfast Lough to Whitehead and return this Saturday. Ghosts and ghouls of all ages are encouraged to wear seasonal dress and enjoy the unique steamy atmosphere.  All ticket holding children receive a spooky goody bag from the wicked witch! Train departs Belfast Central at 11:30 & 14:30. Tickets must be booked in advance from Belfast Welcome Centre (02890246609) or online fromwww.steamtrainsireland.com

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Down

Fun for 3-5 year olds at Rowandale Primary School in October. The school is hosting  an October Arts Fest starting Saturday 10th October until Saturday 31st October.  Saturday 10th 11-12 Get imaginative with the Fairy & Elf Extravaganza, come dressed up ready to have fun! Saturday 17th October 11-12 Get active with hip hop and drama.  Saturday 24th October 11-12 Get creative with pottery yarn.  Saturday 31st October 11-12 Get crafty with Hallowe’en arts and crafts.

Armagh

The Armagh Food and Cider Festival celebrates a tasty feast of Armagh cuisine with the best of local Cider from 7th to 11th October at various venues across the city. Enjoy a delicious range of events at eateries and public houses throughout the Armagh area. Join in a weekend packed with special menus and mouth-watering events, including: Pop up cookery school. Armagh restaurant food tour, Artisan food and cider market, cider tasting, orchard tours and scrumptious menus using the finest locally sourced ingredients.

Fermanagh

There’s nothing nicer than exploring among the crunchy autumn leaves which is why families are invited to join the RSPB on the shores of Lower Lough Erne for a nature scavenger trail at Castle Caldwell Forest this Saturday 10^th October from 10.30 am to 12 noon.  Prizes will be awarded for the best finds!

Tyrone

Ireland’s hottest trio – Ray O’Hare, Dominic McGorian and Declan Kelly, The Three Tenors, with their amazing voices promise you a night to remember this Saturday at the Strule Arts Centre Omagh.  Noted for their friendly and down to earth approach, the trio love to talk with their audience during and after each show.  This thrilling fast moving concert is packed with the world’s most beautiful, magical feel-good, uplifting songs.  Hear the hits ‘I Believe’, ‘SHE’ and from Sinatra (‘My Way’/New York New York), Leonard Cohen (‘Hallelujah’), Pavarotti (‘Nessun Dorma’) and The Dubliners – rousing selection of the greatest Irish Ballads to include ‘Song For Ireland’ and ‘The Wild Rover’.

Derry/Londonderry

See The Matchmaker at the Millennium Forum from 8^th to 10^th October.  Based on the novella ‘Letters of a County Matchmaker’ by John B. Keane, one of Ireland’s most celebrated writers, the play follows the efforts of Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor to make matches for the lonely and lovelorn from all parts of the country. At the centre of this celebrated production is John B Keane’s marvellous and mischievous wit coupled by his unparalleled way with words. John B. Keane takes us back to a simpler time, when even phones were few and far between and the only web was oneleft behind by spiders.

Antrim

Following the critical acclaim of The Producers, Oklahoma, and Les Miserables, Peter Corry returns to Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey as part of the theatre’s fifth anniversary, weaving his magic by directing this new production of Irvin Berlin’s classic musical Annie Get Your Gun until Saturday 10^th October.

Belfast

There are some decidedly ghostly goings-on at W5 this October…Are you and your family brave enough to investigate the creepy mansion known as Monster Manor?  If the rumours surrounding this old place are true you will encounter singing pumpkins, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts, paintings which transform before your very eyes and all manner of mysterious monsters!  It’s really spooky, a little bit scary and a whole lot of fun. So this October why not bring your family along and discover the secrets of Monster Manor for yourselves? We dare you! Saturdays and Sundays from 3 October – 1 November daily from Monday 26 – Friday 30 October 1-5pm.

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Down

The Big Brent Event takes place at WWT Castle Espie this Friday 2nd – Sunday 4th October.  One weekend celebrating the return of the light-bellied brent geese.  Join Castle Espie to welcome back their annual arctic arrivals to Strangford Lough with family fun, wildlife experts and free workshops.  Experience their incredible journey on the Arctic Survival Trail, enjoy children’s art workshops with Bernice Anderson, make Jumping Clay brent buddies, join storyteller Liz Weir in the Brent Play Barn and be amazed by the Migration Vacation Show. There will be wildlife talks, guides in the hides, photography and nutrition workshops, Anthony McGeehan’s brent photography exhibition plus the Man v Brent cycle challenge.

Armagh

Learn the art of Japanese Manga illustration and comic book design with artist Dwyer McKerr in this fun and expressive creative workshop at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 3^rd October.  You will develop character design skills which you can use to create your own comic books, posters or expand your art and design skills to improve course work for participants studying art and Design. All materials will be provided.  Suitable for 12 – 16 yrs.

Fermanagh

Experience Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual arts this autumn when the county’s 7th Arts Festival, Fermanagh Live takes place from the 1st October to the 4th October 2015. Enjoy a programme of innovative events that are vibrant, colourful and contemporary yet connect with our regional sense of place. Each chosen local artist remains grounded in Fermanagh and West Ulster yet excels in his or her domain : Richard Pierce, Louise Irvine, David Robertson, the Mark Bradley Quartet, Bronagh Gallagher, Denise Ferran, Ciaran May.

Tyrone

One of Ireland’s greatest tales has been brought to life in this new adaptation of The Táin at the Strule Arts Centre this Saturday 3^rd October, turning the classic myth into a feast of sword play, buffoonery and slapstick.  Cú Chulainn, the hero of Ulster, stands alone against the might of the forces of Connacht. A hero at his finest, but also the worst, in this comedic, pantomime adaptation by Belfast’s own Benjamin Gould.

Legenderry

Family film Saturday at the Roe Valley Arts Centre present Labyrinth.  A teenager babysitting her little brother accidentally sends him to the land of the Goblin King, and she must get him back by midnight or he will be turned into a goblin.  Starring a young Jennifer Connelly and David Bowie as the Goblin King, this 1986 release is a family fantasy classic directed and co-written by the amazing Jim Henson.

Antrim

The Galgorm Resort and Spa Ballymena will host a Charity Gala Ball this Friday evening in aid of the The Alzheimer’s Society (Ballymena & Antrim Group) and Crohns and Colitis (NI).  The evening includes a 4 course meal with entertainment provided by Oonagh Clarke and Madasafish and a raffle.  The dress code is Black Tie and proceedings begin at 7.30pm.  Tickets £40 per person. For tickets/further details, contact Grace or Charlene on 07710582554/07845696655.

Belfast

If you love the Wild West and comedy,  then saddle up yer horse and gallop on down to the saloon on the Belfast Barge this Friday 2^nd October for Murder Mystery comedy night.  Come meet the good, the bad and the ‘not so aesthetically pleasing’ and help the Sheriff figure out who dunnit  …. before high noon!  Doors open 8pm, it’s bring your own drink and fancy dress is optional! Prizes will be given to the best fancy dress!  Tickets are £17 and includes a saloon buffet supper!You can book online at:  www.crazycatcomedy.com
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