Down

Fancy a ‘selfie’ with an owl, the chance to get up close to unusual creatures or to find out to your surprise, that snakes aren’t slimy? All this and more at the fourth annual Safari Live event will take place on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September 2014 (noon-five), at Crawfordsburn Country Park, near Bangor, County Down.

Tyrone

The Cultural Crafts with Thai Arts NI Creative programme of workshops will be delivered by ethnic artists exploring arts and crafts from across the world at An Creagan this Saturday 27th September and run for 3 weeks, 11am – 1.00pm. Workshops are FREE but have limited availability. Ages 16+.

Fermanagh

Cleenish Community Hall will play host to a Vintage Fashion Show this Saturday in aid of the Northern Ireland Hospice. The night will also feature a raffle with a host of exclusive, high end prizes, including Sunday lunch at MacNean House and a signed Neven Maguire cookbook, cookery course for two at Belle Isle, champagne afternoon tea at the Lough Erne Hotel, a pair of tickets to see Nathan Carter when he plays the Ardhowen Theatre in October and much, much more.  Tickets cost £10 and all proceeds from the night will be donated to Northern Ireland Hospice and Cancer Research to support the vital work of the two charities. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts at 7.30pm sharp and guests will be able to enjoy complimentary refreshments.

Derry

The Hope and Gloria Emporium in Coleraine will host a charity event to celebrate brides-to-be and local wedding vendors from every area of the wedding industry on Thursday 25th September.  The Wedding Fayre will be a great night of fun, fashion and celebration with a wedding fashion show, First Dance Demonstrations, Hair and Beauty Consultations, the Open House of their new Hair Salon, Live Music, a charity raffles, and yummy drinks and nibbles!  With  wonderful vendors, you can plan your whole wedding at the “one-stop feel good” shop!  Vintage and Modern Wedding Dresses will be on sale too and admission is free.

Armagh

Armagh City Hotel will screen the Movie Premier of of 2Late this Saturday 27th September.  2Late is a New Exciting Powerful Movie Produced and Directed by Gary Wales & Phil McAleavey Written by Adam McCaffrey (Writer / Actor, Lead Role) 2Late is about a young teenage boy ”Sam Hunter” (Adam McCaffrey) who gets bullied for being different by School Boys and his own Dad. His best friend Reece (Gary Wales) tries to look after him and protect him. His mum suspects her husband beats him. Sam can’t take anymore and makes the most important decision that no one would ever wish to make. This movie tells a moving story based on real life events that continues to happen in society, and asks the questions why this happens but also hopes to make the audience understand what part they can play in helping to combat this. Proceeds in aid of Suicide Awareness.

Antrim

The River to Lough Festival is a new and innovative one-day festival that will take place at the Toome Eel Fishery on Saturday 27th September 2014 from 12 noon to 6pm. The festival will celebrate over 8,000 years of fishing on the River Bann and Lough Neagh. It will highlight the rich cultural heritage associated with this very ancient fishing tradition as well as the mythic transatlantic journey of the eel. It will also celebrate the uniqueness of other wild food that comes from the River Bann & Lough Neagh, and will encourage local, national and international visitors to appreciate the culinary uniqueness of the Lough Neagh Eel as well as other local artisan produce.

Belfast

This Sunday 28th September the Merchant Hotel is the place to be for all brides to be,  as they invite you to their Wedding Showcase. Speak to their Wedding Consultants about booking your dream day! Each Wedding Showcase features two Wedding Fashion shows with wedding associates on hand to help plan your day. To register go to the app on the Merchant Hotel’s facebook page.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.com

Down

Join the WWT to celebrate World Wetlands Day on the 1^st and 2nd February, an international celebration of wetlands. Meet amphibians and insects, take part in wetland themed activities.  Drop in and take part in a fun introduction into what wetlands do for us followed by a whirlwind tour of the wetlands at Castle Espie running at 12pm and 2pm each day.

Tyrone

Join in the celebrations for Burns Night at The Burnavon Theatre Cookstown on Friday 31st January.  Compere for the evening, the BBC’s ‘A Kist o’ Words’ presenter Wilson Burgess, will introduce dance and musical performances, recitals and yarns.  Then to top it off dance leaders Ken and Linda McLean will invite you on to the floor for a lively ceilidh to music provided by Risin’ Stour.

Fermanagh

Burns Night Supper on Saturday 1st February at 7.30pm in the Westville Hotel. Music on the night is by Ben Sands of  Sands Family Band from Rostrevor and dinner will include Haggis and all the trimmings! 

Derry

There’s still time to get your hands on tickets for Ballywillan Drama Group’s production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar at the Waterside Theatre Coleraine. An action packed, fast moving and gripping must-see for all theatre enthusiasts! Don’t miss out, book your tickets today before it’s too late! Runs until Saturday 1^st February.

Armagh

Recreate a Van Gogh picture – starry night or sunflowers at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday. Using the quick wet felting technique of joining fibres with just soap, bubble wrap and circular movements, children will have fun building up the layers of wool fibres to recreate a masterpiece but this time in felt! Once dry children can take home and put in their own frame.  All materials supplied.  Dress for mess!

Antrim
The ever-fabulous FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Vintage & Handmade Fair will be back at Malone House, Belfast on Sunday 2nd February 2014 for a Valentine’s extravaganza of gorgeous vintage and handmade treasures, nostalgia and fun. 45 fabulous vintage sellers and Irish designers will be showcasing vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares and collectables plus sweet treats, photography, music and more!

Belfast

The Quirky Weddings Alternative Wedding Fair is back at the Waterfront Hall on Sunday February 2nd from 12-5pm.   Don’t miss this fair if you’re looking for something a little different. With over  120 excellent exhibitors in a laid back, fun atmosphere this is a wedding fair not to be missed!

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni and remember to add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

Down

Bangor and Ards One Act Drama Festival takes place 8th – 10th November  where competing companies vie for the points which may take them on to the finals.  Three nights of drama six plays from some of the top amateur groups in the country.

Thur: “Lay Up Your Ends” by Martin lynch – Bangor Drama Club & ” Dark Alan ” by Sean Treanor – Newpoint Players.

Fri:   “The Donahue Sisters” by Geraldine Aron – Clarence Players &  ” The End of the Beginning” Sean O’Casey – Theatre 3.

Sat: “Duck Variations” by David Mamet – Lurig Drama Group &  ” The Extraordinary Revelations Of Orca the Goldfish” by David Tristram   – Belvoir Players. No better place to enjoy these plays than the intimate atmosphere of the WEB auditorium.

Tyrone

Wrestling Superstars are taking a break from their tours of America, Europe, Japan & Mexico to take part in a giant one-off extravaganza in County Tyrone. The Craic Theatre is the venue for this year’s must-see event where fans will have the chance to witness the passion of dedicated athletes perfecting their craft. Wrestling Superstars will collide in a clash of skill and will in the ring that will grip the audience’s attention like nothing you will have seen before. The spectacular event will take place on November 10th with doors opening at 7.30pm.  Spectators will get the chance to get up close and personal with their favourite stars. This is a great chance to have a great night out with friends and family at an affordable price. In recent year’s stars such as Wade Barrett, Drew McIntyre, Mason Ryan and of course Ireland’s own Sheamus have appeared in similar venues throughout the country. This bone-crunching event is catered towards kids both young and old!

Fermanagh

Little Castle Cross-Community Playgroup Lisnaskea has organised a Pre-Christmas Toy Sale & Coffee morning at the Archdale Hall, Main Street Lisnaskea on Saturday 10th November 2012 from 10 am to 2pm. Please no bric-a-brace. All items in Crhistmas spirit. £5.00 per table if selling. All proceeds will go towards the running costs of the Playgroup.

Derry

Following on from the success of Macbeth, the highly acclaimed Icarus Theatre Collective presents a bold and exciting new production of Shakespeare’s most tragic tale – Romeo & Juliet as part of an international tour. For two nights only at the Millennium Forum on Thursday 8^th and Friday 9^th November.

Armagh

The world-renowned Moscow Ballet presents the most popular of all classical ballets ‘Swan Lake’ in a dramatic production of this timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s superb score at the Market Place Theatre Armagh, Thursday 8^th November. The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; the ultimate fairy tale ballet.  World-renowned soloists Nadezda Ivanova, Andrey Shalin,Dmitry Smirnov lead the Moscow Ballet Company under the direction of Elik Melikov.

Antrim

On Saturday 10^th November Killymurris Church Hall Glarryford are hosting a funday for all the family. There will be demonstrations and stalls including Atlantic crafts NI, Peekaboo Boutique, Gloonan Gallery, Colemans Garden Centre, Black Bow Bears and many many more. Their charity for the day is Belfast Central Mission who will get a presentation of the food given by children and a cheque presented to them on the day too to help with their fabulous work.

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