Category: Pick of the Week

Down

FSNDA (Fibromyalgia Support North Down and Ards) invite you to their Christmas Fair on Saturday 3rd November 2012 at First Presbyterian Church, Bangor from 10am until 3pm.  There will be a wide selection of stalls including craft and Christmas Baking. Please come along and support your local Fibromyalgia group. All funds raised will be used to continue to provide a varied programme of activities and support for members.

Tyrone

On Friday 2nd November Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre Dungannon is the venue for Tall Tales and Short Songs featuring Radio Ulster’s Gerry Anderson and Sean Donnelly.  This production is unique – a one–man show featuring two people. Main talking head is Gerry Anderson (BBC Radio Ulster) who will tell preposterous stories that are not necessarily true and read excerpts from his two volumes of autobiography ‘Surviving in Stroke City’ and ‘Heads’. He will read other pieces he has written with which audiences are unfamiliar.

Fermanagh

An evening of intrigue awaits you at Castle Coole, Enniskillen on Saturday 3rd November, as they bring you a thrilling murder mystery.  “Its 1930 and the setting is Hollywood USA.  Johnson T Brooker a well-known and famous movie producer is throwing a party for his girlfriend, the much younger Patsy Hardcastle. Patsy, a onetime famed Hollywood silent movie actress, has found the transition to “talkies” difficult and her fame and star has diminished of late. To try and appease her fiery temper Johnson has organised a party in Patsy’s honour, but she is not happy and all is not well. You are cordially invited to attend this celebration where murder and intrigue is thick in the air. Your investigative skills will be put to the test, to see if you truly are the sleuth you think you are.”

Derry

Springhill House Moneymore will hold a book fair on Sunday 4th November. Browse through hundreds of second hand books, then have an invigorating walk to view the stunning autumn colours around the estate. Donations of unwanted books, vintage lace and clothing, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event

Armagh

Libera – the chart topping boys choral group from London will be performing at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh on 1st November at 7 30pm. Famed internationally for their albums, they are familiar to UK TV and Radio audiences from programmes like Songs of Praise, Last Choir Standing, BBC Breakfast, Classic FM and the Chris Evans Show. The boys have a stunningly original sound, which is at once both ancient and modern. Their distinctive flowing white robes symbolise the traditional origins of their style – yet their music reaches across the generations to a modern audience.

Antrim

Do you believe in fairies? Have you seen one? They’re all around us… in the twinkling trees of Botanic Gardens there is a secret realm of fairies.  Come to the park at night from 1^st to 4^th November and watch everything come to life as the magical fairies gather in the trees and shrubs.  Shhhhhh……. did you hear something? I think there’s one over there! Please dress suitably for the weather and keep your eyes peeled, ears open and your wits about you, as some fairies can be very mischievous! Enchanted Garden 2012 has been created by Young At Art. As part of Enchanted Garden, Augustine Leudar, the man who brought the sound installations for the biospheres at the Eden Project is bringing his work to the Tropical Ravine.

Down

For those who are feeling brave, bring your little monsters along for a whole week of Halloween events at Castle Espie.   Face painting, haunted tours, storytelling, lotion, potion, smells and spells demonstrations, arts and crafts, owls, fancy dress competition and lots more ghoulish activities at the Spellbound Festival from 25^th October to 2^nd November.

Visitors to the Seapark Fireworks display in Holywood wrap up warm and make use of the hot and cold snack food stalls whilst enjoying the children’s funfair, all from 4pm, and live music by local band, The Jukes, (from 6pm) until the start of the spectacular fireworks display at 8pm. The atmosphere is fun, friendly and lively with a buzz of anticipation in the cool air and certainly not an event to be missed to keep the winter blues at bay.  4pm :Food stalls & Children’s Funfair, 6pm: Live music by local band, The Jukes,  8pm : Fireworks. Holywood train station is just a few minutes walk from the recreation grounds, so don’t let the worry of parking get to you, take the train if you can!

Tyrone

The Mystery of the Men on The Hill – Haunted Tours, Ranfurly House Dungannon, 27^th to 31^st October.  Two bodies have been excavated on modern day Castle Hill, Dungannon.To unravel the story of their brutish death, you are invited to step back in time to Dungannon of yesteryear, when the town was home to public executions, bloody beatings and 19th century night crime.From the courthouse to the gaolhouse and to the gallows via the Terror Tunnel, follow this spine-tingling story and relive some of the mysteries of the men on the hill in an interactive experience of horror and fright.  Be warned…this is not for the faint hearted. The living dead will be your living nightmare…

Fermanagh

Florence Court host their Halloween Fest and Craft Fair on Sunday 28th October 12pm – 4pm.  Come along for an afternoon of family fun and capers. Pumpkin carving, magician, face painting, live music, spooky tours and more. Normal National Trust admission charges apply.  Gates open: 10amLast admission time: 4pm.

The Council’s annual Fermanagh Fireworks Festival for Halloween Night will be held on Wednesday 31st October 2012 at 8pm prompt. Designated viewing area for spectators in the grounds of the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen. Further details available from the Bawnacre Centre, Irvinestown.

Derry

Ghosts and ghouls descend on The District of Magherafelt on Saturday 27th October 2012 as it prepares for Halloween with a Spooktactular programme of events. The freaky fun and scary shenanigans begin at 2.00pm, at Meadowbank Sports Arena which will be buzzing with ghoulish happenings at the children’s Halloween Hooley from 2.00pm to 5.00pm.  Open to all ages, children can join in the fun, watch Fizz Wizz Pop’s magic show or fancy a puppet show? Meet mischievous characters, burn off some energy on the extra-large inflatables or try out our children’s karaoke.  Be early and watch out, as you never know who is about!!!!  Then on Wednesday 31st October at 7.00pm, come along to Maghera Leisure Centre and watch the skies explode into a fantastic fanfare of colour and lights at the annual fireworks display. Admission to all these events is free of charge.

Armagh

Get your monster hands on for some frightful family fun this Halloween at St. Patrick’s Trian Armagh 29^th – 31^st October.  “Help needed to create giant creepy crawlies and insects for our amazing web of wonder”. Are you brave enough to create gory gargoyles in our clay sculpture workshop? ‘If so we need you’! Enter our Halloween Craft competition with your favourite creature feature and be in with a chance to win some hair raising prizes. Prepare for fun and games with Aggie the Witch in the Landof Lilliput and fish in her pond of slime if you DARE! Then sit back and enjoy a special screening of Oscar nominated movie ‘Monster House’ [PG]. Dress for mess!

Antrim

Head to Carnfunnock Country Park this Halloween for some spooky goings on – Saturday 27^th October.  Visit our secret walled garden and discover all manners of strange creature lurking in the bushes. Make your way around the enchanted maze and find bewitching characters around every corner. We have falconry and owl displays, Magic Shows, live music, arts and crafts, stalls and much more. The fancy dress competition will take place at 4.00pm in the amphitheatre. Dress up and take part! Why not also take part in the Larne Alive pumpkin carving competition. Simply bring your carved pumpkin to the walled garden for display. Registration for this will be from 2.00pm to 4.00pm in the walled garden, with judging taking place promptly at 4.05pm. The Knights of the Damned will be back this year for the nail biting finale – a fantastic, costumed display of Medieval Jousting at its very best. Admission to the event is free; however car parking charges will apply.

Down

Storyteller, published author and poet Lexy Higgins will amuse the crowd with stories for children of all ages at Banbridge Library this Thursday 18^th October from 10.30 to 11.30 am.

Tyrone

The wonderful three days Diwali Festival of Lights will commence at Alley Theatre Friday 19^th October 11.00 am to 12.30 pm as five local Primary Schools will do a presentation of their interpretation of the Lord Rama’s story as well as displaying their skills in Bollywood dancing and Bangara boys dancing.

Fermanagh

Nocturnal Nature Tour, Crom, Upper Lough Erne, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, Thursday October 18^th – Friday October 19th.  Take a tour in the 4×4 jeep and discover what lurks among the trees and foliage in Crom after dark.

Derry

Fright Night makes a scary return to the Jungle Moneymore on Friday 19th October and runs until Wednesday 13st October. Begin your terrifying tour through the woods in the darkness of the night with only a lantern to light the way… …As you walk along the winding trail you will encounter some disturbing sights and sounds. You will experience first-hand the troubled souls that live within the forest…

Armagh

Make a date in the diary for Friday 19th October, 7pm in the Armagh City Hotel and make a night of it at the Armagh Autumn/Winter Fashion and Beauty Event. With the Christmas Party season fast approaching, come and get some inspiration for your Autumn/Winter wardrobe.  Entry is by ticket only. Tickets are priced £10 and available from Armagh Tourist Information Centre, Market Place Theatre.

Antrim

A Charity Concert will take place at the Royal Belfast Academical Institution on Saturday 20th October with proceeds going to Happy Children Charitable Foundation.  In Association with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra and Assumption Grammar, Ballynahinch, Junior Choir, the night kicks off at 7.30pm sharp with a short interval.  Promises to be a great night!  Only £10 per person or £5 for U18’s – tickets available on the door.

Down

Join the Ulster Wildlife Trust on Saturday 6th October to explore the changes that take place in Kilbroney Park in autumn on a fun scavenger hunt for all the family. Search for seeds, fallen leaves and signs of wildlife activity as you put your sleuthing skills to the test. Run in conjunction with Newry and Mourne District Council.   Free event but donations welcome. Standard admission charges to Kilbroney Park apply. Booking is essential.

Tyrone

Get outdoors at Blessingbourne Estate on Sunday 7th October as part of National Trails Day. Activities include MTB Skills Course, Slow Bike Races, Guided History and Welly Boot Walk, Segway NI Safaris, Vintage Bike Display, Music and Pop Up Coffee Shop.  For information on all events taking place as part of National Trails Day across the country see www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk.

Fermanagh

Experience and participate in Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual festival when Fermanagh Live takes place from the 4th to the 7th October 2012.  Embracing all art forms such as music, drama and visual arts, Fermanagh Live, has been designed to appeal to all ages and includes performances of comedy, folk, classical music, brass bands, theatre, film, children’s entertainment, visual art exhibitions and much more. Showcasing both local and international talent, this year’s programme features workshops, exhibitions and a number of high profile performers including Donal Lunny and Andy Irvine, Ardal O’Hanlon, Juliet Turner, L.A.W., Gareth Knox, Vladimir Jablokov and Pat McManus to name a few.

Derry

On Sunday 7th October join BBC Radio Foyle’s Gareth Austin on a autumnal woodland walk around the parkland gardens and woodlands of Beech Hill House Hotel.  Local historian Gerry Temple will be giving insights into some of the history of the site as a Marine Base, and hotel gardener Ollie will be on hand to offer a tour of the kitchen garden which supplies the restaurant on-site. The tour is free, with welcome donations to Foyle Hospice on the day.

Armagh

Armagh County Museum is Ireland’s oldest county museum.  Its fine displays and collections reflect the rich and varied lives of the people who lived, worked and had connections with this famous city and county over the centuries.  No trip to Armagh County Museum is complete without a memento to take home.  The Museum’s shop offers an interesting selection of books related to Armagh and St Patrick, as well as pocket money items and confectionary. See www.nmni.com for more information.

Antrim

The Causeway Coast Surf Festival takes place from 5th-7th October 2012, Portrush.  Featuring Surf Contests, Music, Film, Photography, Art, Event Activities and more. See www.causewaycoastsurffestival.com.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE SURF FESTIVAL HAS UNFORTUNATELY HAD TO BE MOVED TO 20TH-21ST OCTOBER with many of the associated events taking place as scheduled – CHECK WWW.CAUSEWAYCOASTSURFFESTIVAL.COM FOR ALL UPDATES

Down

Renowned as the premier Irish Literature Festival in Northern Ireland, the Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2012 will take place from 26th – 30th September in various venues around Bangor AND for Music and Guitar lovers, this weekend is the 16^th Ards International Guitar Festival from 27^th – 30^th September. See www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.

Tyrone

The Hill of The O’Neill Dungannon will be alive on 29th and 30th September with the Taste of Tyrone Food Festival. County Tyrone was the first place in Northern Ireland to establish a Good Food Circle – this County food festival helps to promote the high standards of local produce and fine dining. Set your taste buds alight at this fantastic two-day food event. Forty local food producers will be laying out their wares with taste kitchens, cooking demonstrations, butter churning, apple pressing and a range of other food crafts and food theatre.

Fermanagh

Keeping it ‘Rail’! – A weekend of events to celebrate Fermanagh’s railway heritage.  Thursday 27th – Saturday 29th Sept – 3 day vintage Steam Traction run from Bundoran to Enniskillen stopping off at all the railway stations along the way with special evening events in Bundoran (Wed), Belleek (Thurs), Irvinestown (Friday) and Enniskillen (Sat).  Two vintage steam traction engines will be taking part and an opportunity will be provided for former railway employees to help drive and fire the engines as they travel from station to station.

Derry

The Vale Craft and Gift Fair takes place on Sunday 30th September Clooney Road, Greysteel.  A great event not to be missed!! Come along and see crafters displaying their goods and gifts – building up a craft mecca for their customers. There will also be music, refreshments, handcrafted products and gifts! For the kids there will be face painting and balloon modelling. Admission 50p – kids go free!

Armagh

If you go down to the woods today you’re sure to get a surprise…a curious young girl, a picnic in the woods, domesticated bears and lots and lots of porridge!  Goldilocks and the Three Bears – a well loved classic told in an imaginative and gentle way, through the use of puppetry, storytelling and theatre. A perfect introduction to theatre for young audiences aged three to seven years. Saturday 29^th September at the Market Place Theatre Armagh.

Antrim

The Chinese  Mid-Autumn Festival takes place in Belfast this Thursday 27^th September.  The festival highlight will be a lantern parade starting at City Hall, passing along Chichester Street, up Victoria Street, into Oxford Street and then to the River Lagan behind the Waterfront Hall were there will be an array of colourful water lanterns released onto the river.  Join the lantern parade at City Hall or make your way down to the back of the Waterfront for free Chinese Crafts and launch your own lotus flower lantern into the river.  Behind the Waterfront there will be performances from the Open Arts Choir, Beat N Drum as well as fire breathing acts, Dragon Dancing and more.

Down

Footloose – The 1984 all dancing musical movie classic will be shown on a big screen in Dromore Town Park on Friday 21 September 2012.  Both young and old of Banbridge District are guaranteed to love this toe tapping, feel-good film. Come and watch the rebellious dance moves of Kevin Bacon, Lori Singer and John Lithgow as they shake up their sleepy American town, as the screen comes alive at this free event organised by Banbridge District Council. So get your dancing shoes ready it’s time to lose your blues and cut footloose!

Tyrone

On Friday 21st September 2012 more than 29 towns, cities, counties and islands across the island of Ireland will take part in Culture Night 2012. One day and one evening of free culture for people of all ages and interests. Strabane are getting involved with poetry readings, live music, art workshops, dance and  open mic night.

Fermanagh

Belle Isle Cookery School is delighted to announce an exclusive ‘Evening with Jenny Bristow’ on Thursday 20th Sept 2012. The cookery demonstration will take place in the Grand Hall of Belle Isle castle, where Jenny will prepare some of her autumn favourites, using produce from the walled garden at the cookery school. The cookery demonstration evening will start at 7.30pm, where everyone will be greeted with a glass of wine and a copy of all the recipes. There will be an opportunity to taste all of the dishes at the end, as well as a chance to ask Jenny for any extra tips in the kitchen.

Derry/Londonderry

Sharpen your pencils, grab your schoolbag and come along to the Roe Valley Arts Centre’s school themed storytelling and crafts session in Limavady TIC this Saturday 22^nd September to celebrate the new school term! Hear some of our favourite school stories and enjoy making a surprise to bring to school on Monday! For age group 3-8 years old.

Armagh

Culture Night 2012 is coming to Armagh on Friday 21st September. Over 15 venues are opening their doors for over 50 FREE cultural events to provide a night of free entertainment and showcase some cultural gems.  Why not come along and enjoy some free performances, events, talks and tours.  Some of the events on the night include: Variety Showcase, Exhibitions, Workshops, Living History, Music, Storytelling,  Art & Crafts, Demonstrations, Dancing, Food Sampling, Walking Trails and much more……

Antrim

Vintage fever will be taking Lisburn by storm on 22nd September when Northern Ireland’s favourite fashion and lifestyle event, the fabulous Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair, will be visiting the City for the first time. Boasting a line up of around 40 Irish vintage dealers and creative designers offering a fantastic array of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectables, sweet treats and much more – it’s the hottest shopping destination to find the coolest stuff on the planet for your wardrobe and home.  Relax and revive in the pop-up tearoom run by The Tea Boutique NI, with scrumptious delights of afternoon tea served on pretty vintage china with a dollop of good old fashioned service on the side.  This Frock Around The Clock event will run from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 22nd September 2012 at Castle House (opposite Castle Gardens) on Castle Street Lisburn. FREE ADMISSION!

Check out this week’s pick of family events for the coming weekend – also available in the Parenting section of the Irish News, every Tuesday!

Down

The 11th Festival of the Peninsula will take place from 12th to 16th September when the Ards Peninsula will spring to life with music, songs and stories. Concerts and events organised throughout the Borough will celebrate the heritage and culture of the Ulster-Scots and Celtic traditions found in the Ards.  The festival features both traditional and contemporary artists mainly from Ireland and Scotland but with the rest of the world not totally excluded.   Relax, experience the breath-taking scenery, marvel at our heritage and be entertained. The highlight of this year’s festival will be an open air concert at Mount Stewart on Saturday 15th September.

Tyrone

Naomh Pádraig G.A.A Club Lifford  present a Fashion Show at the Alley Theatre on Friday 14th September.  Fun for all the family as members, supporters and retailers will display their products and skills while providing entertainment and presenting upcoming fashion for the season.

Fermanagh

Take the Fermanagh Castle Bus Tour on Saturday September 15th – visit all of the beautiful castles in County Fermanagh including Portora Castle, Monea Castle, Tully Castle, McGrath Castle Pettigo, Crevenish Castle, Castle Archdale, Enniskillen Castle. Tour departs 9am Enniskillen and returns at 5pm. Lunch is included at the Mayfly Inn, Kesh.

Derry

Country singer and yodeller Kenny Archer is the real deal, a genuine down to earth country singer with his feet firmly rooted in the mid Ulster farming community he comes from.  Join Kenny, his band and friends in the Faulkner Memorial Hall Tobermore on Saturday 15^th September, as they bring you back to the early days of country when artistes like Slim Whitman, Marty Robbins, Gene Autry, Loretta Lynn, Jimmie Rodgers, Hank Locklin, Jim Reeves and Patsy Cline ruled the airwaves.

Armagh

The Emerald Garrison’s amazing Heroes & Legends event is coming to Armagh Planetarium on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th September 2012.  This amazing family event is one not to be missed.  Meet and have your picture taken with some iconic costumed characters and see the amazing fan built sets and props from some of the biggest movies and television series including Ghostbusters, Dr Who, Star Trek, Batman, Aliens and Harry Potter. Come dressed up as your favourite character, the best costume will win a star prize! Opening hours: 10am – 5pm.

Antrim

Sunday sees the return of the hugely popular Quirky Weddings Alternative Wedding Fair – this time at the Waterfront Hall! Meet with approx 80 exhibitors who can help you inject your personality into your wedding celebration.  The Quirky Team strive to bring you creative people who are passionate about what they do.  This event is about exploring new ideas and finding wedding things you LOVE. With something for everyone but especially couples who don’t feel they fit the ‘traditional’ image of a wedding.