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Bangor will once again become a hub for books, ideas and inspiration this autumn as Aspects Festival returns for its 34th year.

Running from Wednesday 24 September to Sunday 5 October 2025, Northern Ireland’s longest-running literature festival promises an unmissable line-up of acclaimed writers, live events and creative experiences. From author events to intimate workshops, music and art, this year’s festival offers something for everyone who loves a good story.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Aspects welcomes visitors from across Northern Ireland and beyond, celebrating Irish writing in all its forms.

This year’s programme is packed with events for all tastes – from poetry and nature writing to creative workshops, discussions, live music and podcast storytelling. Audiences can also enjoy in-conversation evenings with Eamon Carr, Seán Farrell and Glenn Patterson, explore Bangor Abbey Graveyard tours and discover the work of emerging and established writers.

Among the programme highlights:

• Dara McAnulty at Clandeboye – Award-winning naturalist and writer Dara McAnulty launches his new book, A Wild Child’s Guide to Nature at Night, in the stunning surroundings of Clandeboye Estate. Dara will also join internationally acclaimed Bangor-based pianist Xenia Pestova Bennett for an intimate evening weaving together words, music and nature at Studio 1A.
• David Trimble: Peacemaker – A special evening at Bangor Abbey, where author Stephen Walker will discuss his new book with former MP Lady Hermon, offering revealing insights into the life and legacy of the political leader.
• Carol Drinkwater: One Summer in Provence – Beloved actress and bestselling author Carol Drinkwater joins Aspects at Bangor Castle to discuss her new novel, a tale of betrayal, belonging, and unexpected love set on a sun-drenched vineyard in the south of France.
• Remembering Michael Longley – This year, Aspects honours the late, legendary poet with two special events. A dedicated evening at Bangor Castle, will bring together his friends and fellow writers to share memories and readings, celebrating his life and work. A special exhibition by artist Pauline Little, inspired by Longley’s poems, will run in Bangor Carnegie Library throughout September.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:
“Aspects Festival brings people together – readers, writers and anyone with a love of stories, to share in the joy of words and ideas. I’d encourage everyone, whether you’re a lifelong book lover or new to the festival, to come along and experience it for yourself.”

Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director, added:
“Aspects Festival has always been about connection – sparking conversations, celebrating voices from near and far, and creating space for audiences to explore new ideas. This year’s programme captures that spirit more than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Bangor this September.”

Aspects Festival runs from 24 September to 5 October 2025 at venues across Bangor. The full line-up and tickets are available at: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

Dust off your cowboy boots, channel your inner Dolly, and get ready to sing along—it’s time to take care of business with Ulster Operatic Company at Grand Opera House Belfast in Dolly Parton’s smash-hit show, 9 to 5 the Musical running  7–11 October 2025.

From the multi-award-winning team that brought you West Side Story, Evita, and Legally Blonde, this laugh-out-loud musical comedy is bursting with energy, sass, and unforgettable songs. Based on the iconic movie, 9 to 5 follows three office workers who decide they’ve had enough of their sexist, egotistical boss—and hatch a plan to take control of their workplace and their lives.

It’s a feel-good story of friendship, empowerment, and fighting the system—with a whole lot of Dolly sparkle thrown in. Featuring original music and lyrics by the Queen of Country herself, Dolly Parton, including Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like the Sun, and the legendary title track 9 to 5, this toe-tapping show is not to be missed.

For tickets visit 9 to 5 The Musical | Grand Opera House

In a major first for railway preservation in Ireland, the Downpatrick & County Down Railway in partnership with the Irish Traction Group unveiled a major milestone on Saturday 23rd August, as former Córas Iompair Éireann and Irish Rail diesel locomotive No. 124 hauled its first passenger trains in preservation at the DCDR’s 40th Anniversary Gala event.

Built in 1961 by General Motors in La Grange, Illinois, the 121 Class were the first American-built locomotives to operate in Ireland, transforming CIE’s fleet with their reliability and distinctive styling, looking more like Amtrak switchers (shunting locos) with their distinctive huge cab, with little to compare them to anywhere in Ireland or the UK. Withdrawn in the mid-2000s, most were scrapped, and for years many doubted 124 would ever run again. No. 124 had been placed in long-term storage at Moyasta, County Clare since 2008, only moving to Downpatrick in June 2025. After just two months of intensive restoration, it returned to service in time for the gala, making a surprise debut to an enthusiastic but unsuspecting crowd of visitors and photographers.

The day itself began with cab rides in G-Class locomotive G617, and run-pasts featuring the railway’s fleet, including the recently restored Wickham Railcar No. 713 and 450 Class Railcar No. 458. However, the biggest cheer of the afternoon came when 124 appeared for the first time, surprising everyone as it rounded the corner with a fully loaded ballast train. Later in the day, the locomotive made history by hauling the first passenger trains operated by a 121 Class locomotive since their withdrawal from mainline service. This special trip to Inch Abbey, using the DCDR’s vintage Edwardian carriages, was packed with enthusiasts eager to be part of the occasion.

The event was further enhanced with heritage buses on display outside the station from Ards Bus Preservation and Irish Transport Heritage, while Táilte Tours provided a connecting coach link from Dublin, underlining the all-Ireland interest in the gala.

Irish Traction Group committee member, Mike Beckett, praised the team effort that brought the locomotive back to life: “A huge thanks has to go to all our supporters and especially Downpatrick & County Down Railway and its volunteers for all the work that went on behind the scenes to make the diesel gala event on 23rd August such a major success.

“Our relationship with DCDR has been ongoing for many years, and we have always been grateful for their support with our diesel locomotive fleet based here.”

He continues, “Following the arrival of 124 in early June, Downpatrick-based volunteers really pulled out all the stops to try to get 124 into service for this diesel gala event. Every spare minute was spent repairing electrics, air systems, coolant systems and testing every operational aspect of the locomotive. The final hurdle was getting the all important paperwork completed, and risk assessments written, and agreement from the railway regulator in Northern Ireland, the Railway Safety Authority at Stormont.”

“Thanks to the hard work of ITG & DCDR volunteers, including burning the midnight oil for some last minute faults, it is hard to describe the appearance of 124 at the gala as anything other than triumphant, operating the first 121-class hauled trains in preservation anywhere in Ireland. The crowd were expecting a different locomotive, but we somehow managed to keep this secret until the train started rolling down the line, and jaws were dropping and looks of disbelief and amazement broke out as we powered past the spectators. It’s a real win for ITG and DCDR, and a testament to the skills and perseverance of the volunteers from both groups.”

Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, added, “We are proud to host 124 and to work with the Irish Traction Group on this achievement. This gala not only celebrated our 40th Anniversary, but also demonstrated our comeback from the devastating floods of 2023 – as well as the importance of cross-border cooperation in preserving Ireland’s transport heritage.”

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is pleased to welcome two new art exhibitions to its Georgian and Sunburst Galleries: The Human Condition a solo exhibition by Leah Davis and Linen Landscapes, a solo exhibition of work by Zoë Gibson.

In The Human Condition visual artist Leah Davis explores the intricate relationship between the human figure and its surrounding space through a dynamic interplay of painting and drawing.

This exhibition reflects Davis’s evolving investigation into the complexities of the human experience, with works that examine how the body interacts with negative space to express emotional depth and shared vulnerability.

Featuring a range of scales and mixed media, the exhibition embraces both intimacy and expansiveness, inviting viewers into an immersive dialogue.

In response to the 2025 Linen Biennale theme Regroup and React emerging Bangor-based artist, Zoë Gibson, presents linen landscape embroideries focusing on the ecologies which we often take for granted. Through craft and creativity, the landscapes are reimagined on a linen canvas to encourage the viewer to visually connect with the intricacies of the individual flax fibers and explore a landscape which they may have only ventured on foot.

Challenging familiarity, this personal journey explores how landscapes sit within their wider context, hoping to provoke viewers to reconnect with these places within Ards and North Down, Ireland and Great Britain.

Both exhibitions will open on Thursday 4 September and continue until Saturday 27 September. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend a Preview Event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 4 September at 7pm.

The event will also include an informal artist’s talk by Leah Davis before the preview of her exhibition (at 6.30pm), The Human Condition, giving further insight to her work and inspirations. Both events require pre-booking.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Newcastle is preparing to welcome visitors for the free Eats & Beats Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. With two music stages, a wide range of local food vendors and a host of family-friendly activities, the weekend promises a vibrant mix of live music, local flavours and fun for all ages.

Festival goers can begin their culinary journey at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, where the finest local produce will be on display. Here, visitors can sample and purchase tasty treats while enjoying cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Melissa McCabe, Great British Menu NI Winner 2024 and Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, alongside local favourites such as Jonny Murphy – The Hungry Hooker.

For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.

Alongside the cookery demonstrations, the Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase fresh breads and home-baked delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Mourne Food Adventures and Counter Culture Real Bread, while Raymie’s Seafood Bar & Grill, The Whistledown Hotel, and the Montalto Estate will inspire visitors with signature dishes. Complementing the food offerings, Killowen Distillery and the Avoca Hotel will present craft drinks and cocktails, making the pavilion a true celebration of local tastes.

Adding an interactive element in the pavilion, the Meet the Producers sessions will allow visitors to learn directly from NearyNógs, Counter Culture Real Bread, Killowen Distillery, Castlescreen Farm, and Whitewater Brewery, who will share recipes, cooking tips and sustainable food ideas, providing insight into the region’s thriving food scene.

Families are also well catered for with the Curious Minds experiences in Donard Park, as well as Castle Park activities including The Mourne Eye, Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.

This year, Sensory Sessions will take place at the ADHD Hub Coffee Shop & Info Point, 2 Savoy Lane. From 9.30am – 2pm each day, a gentler festival experience can be enjoyed with quieter music, fewer crowds and no queues for visitors with sensory or access needs.

In the week leading up to the festival, visitors can also savour the flavours of Newcastle during Restaurant Week from 1 – 7 September, with exclusive offers served daily from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm. Local eateries, set between the sea and the stunning Mourne Mountains, will highlight the best of regional produce, perfectly setting the stage for the festival weekend.

Beyond the main festival, Newcastle’s fringe events provide additional experiences, from live performances and food tastings to artistic displays throughout the town. Whether indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the lively atmosphere, On the Fringe adds an extra spark to the Eats & Beats experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is renowned for its award-winning food, drinks and music. The Eats & Beats Festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious local dishes, live performances and family-friendly fun.”

Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, “This year’s festival also includes fringe events and unique experiences offered by local businesses, bringing Newcastle to life for all ages. Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival, is an integral part of this year’s celebrations and encourages visitors to stay longer.”

” Together, these events enhance our tourism offering, creating unique opportunities to connect with the local community, celebrate Newcastle’s vibrant culture and make lasting memories. From savouring delicious local food to enjoying live music or a fun-filled family weekend, the Eats & Beats Festival is the perfect way to experience everything this beautiful town has to offer.”

For those attending, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on Carrigs Road, Newcastle BT33 0JZ, where free parking will be available. The Park and Ride route will be clearly signposted and open to all festivalgoers. The service will be available on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, operating from 9.30am to 7.30pm each day. Toilets, Changing Places and Accessible facilities will also be located at the site.

Belfast is about to get a brand new addition to its social and family entertainment scene. After several years of involvement in pop up arcades around the city, The Retro Room has secured a new and permanent home at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park. 

The Retro Room is a vintage video arcade brimming over with original 70s, 80s and 90s arcade games as well as classic consoles and tabletop titles, designed as a welcoming space for all ages. 

From gamers nostalgic about the games of their youth to families looking for something different to do together, to friends on a night out or couples on a first date, the new venue promises to combine fun, nostalgia and community in one place. And the arcade will be also be available to hire privately  for companies, birthday parties or any occasion. 

Founder Martin Neill said:

“Some of our happiest memories are of the arcades we spent our childhoods in in the 1980s. We’re bringing that environment, and the games that made the old arcades so great, back for a new generation to enjoy. We want the Retro Room to be a great place to hang about with a few of your mates like it was for us, when playing games was a social experience rather than a solitary one.”

“We’ve spent a few years hunting down a great selection of retro arcade titles in particular, we’re sure most people of a certain vintage will find something they loved back in the day on our arcade floor. But still there’s nothing like watching kids discovering the likes of Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man or Wonderboy for the first time. These games are timeless.” 

The new venue will sit alongside popular neighbours including Black Axe Throwing Co, Lost City Adventure Golf, Movie House Cinemas and Gallaher’s Bar, strengthening Cityside’s position as one of Belfast’s leading leisure destinations.

With its focus on inclusivity, The Retro Room will be open to kids, teenagers and adults alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and experience.

The doors open on September 12th 2025. Find out more at www.retroroombelfast.com

Enjoy eclectic events across Northern Ireland in this month-long programme from Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council

August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce your young ones to local craft.

Everyone, even complete beginners and kids, can get involved. It is your chance to learn, make, explore and connect through creativity.

With just a few weeks left until the schools return, if you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained or are simply looking for a family day out, Northern Ireland is full of opportunities to make, see and do this August.

From origami to copper engraving, August Craft Month offers ways for families to slow down, learn together and connect with skilled makers.

More than 300 events, featuring 1200 talented designer makers across 26 craft disciplines, will support centuries-old traditions while showcasing the innovation of today’s designers.

Here are just a few family-friendly events that will inspire, teach and entertain.

August Craft Month Exhibition: (Un)Bound – Belfast

Location: Craft NI Gallery, Belfast

Price: Free

Date: 2–31 August

This month-long exhibition invited contemporary craft makers to address the context of binding and show how the creative process is no linear. A yearly highlight of August Craft Month, this exhibition celebrates and profiles excellence in the NI Craft Sector.

Causeway Craft Trail – Derry/Londonderry

Location: Flowerfield Arts Centre and across the Causeway Coast

Price: Free

Date: 3–31 August

Follow a trail of creativity across the Causeway Coast, with exhibitions and displays from talented makers. The trail celebrates a variety of disciplines, from ceramics and textiles to mixed media, and is ideal for a summer day trip with the family.

North Down Craft Collective Fair

Location: WWT Castle Espie

Price: Free

Date and Time: 24^th August, 10am – 4pm

Discover the work of our talented members – from handcrafted pottery and textiles to original artwork and prints. Enjoy live craft demonstrations running throughout the day – a perfect chance to see the making in action! Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie is a magical setting, and this summer, it’s also home to an exciting Dragonfly festival – a perfect day out for all ages! The award-winning Kingfisher Café will be open throughout the day serving hot and cold drinks and snacks

Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard – Enniskillen

Location: Down Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7DU

Price: Free

Date and time: 1–31 August

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century dairy market, the Buttermarket is home to nineteen craft units offering ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, textiles and more. Families can browse, meet makers, and see demonstrations before enjoying a coffee or lunch together at Rebecca’s Coffee Shop.

Humans, Being

Location: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Price: Free

Date and Time: 1-29 August, 10am – 6pm

An exhibition of figurative sculpture, focusing on the joys, the sorrows the challenges and the triumphs we meet during our life cycle. The exhibition will be open to all and will run for the month of August.

For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth25 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2025 #makeseebuy

The Shoreline Festival is back this August Bank Holiday weekend! Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council invites residents to come along to Jordanstown Loughshore Park on Sunday 24 August from 12noon to 5pm, for a fun-filled, free daytime festival that’s suitable for all ages!

Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket and soak up the atmosphere at the shoreline of Belfast Lough. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the day with family and friends!

At the heart of the Shoreline Festival is the main stage, which will host an entertaining line-up of performers. Expect everything from a Chappell Roan Tribute (Chappel Clone) to a kids’ magician (FizzWizzPop).

Kids will be thrilled with the variety of activities on offer. Look out for rides and amusements, lively walk-about characters, mini-golf and even bouncy inflatables!

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “There is no better way to close out the summer holidays than at this free community festival filled with fun activities for the whole family. I look forward to seeing everyone there”.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Shoreline-Festival.

Coleraine is gearing up for a jam-packed day of entertainment on Saturday, 16 August, with activities for all ages taking place across the town centre.

The highlight of the day will be a Taylor Swift “Master the Moves” workshop from 1–3pm in the Event Space behind the Town Hall, specially designed for Swifties aged 7–12. 

Hosted by the talented coaches from Take to the Stage Theatre School, participants will sing along, learn choreography, and act scenes inspired by Taylor Swift’s biggest hits. Adding to the sparkle, Facepainting by the Sea will be on hand from 12–4pm to get budding performers glittered and ready to shine.

Live music will fill the streets with performances from Jamie Sloan and Aaron Jamieson, while Iconic Street Dance brings high-energy routines to keep the crowds moving.

The day kicks off at 11.15am in Coleraine Library with Walk like an Egyptian Storytime, where families can enjoy ancient tales and create their own hieroglyph bookmarks.

Animal lovers can meet the friendly residents of Jigsaw Farm at the Town Hall, as well as the much-loved North Coast Alpacas on Church Street, perfect for photos and a furry hello.

For younger visitors, there’s a bouncy castle at Kingsgate Street (12–3pm) and Stories and Crafts at Waterstones (3pm) for children aged 3–7 years.

With activities running throughout the day, visitors are encouraged to explore, shop local, and enjoy everything Coleraine has to offer.

Ireland’s oldest traditional fair returns to Ballycastle from Saturday 23rd August – Tuesday 26th August 2025, and there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy across the bank holiday weekend.

With the construction of the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre on Quay Road, this year’s Ould Lammas Fair offers exciting changes and a brand-new layout for 2025.  Make your plans now to ensure you have time to enjoy everything this much-loved event has to offer.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional favourites returning such as the heavy horse show and parade through the town on Saturday 23rd at 1pm, followed by the vintage vehicle & tractor run at 3pm.

At the seafront, the popular Naturally North Coast & Glens artisan market will be set up for all four days of the fair from 11am – 5pm, with a special Street Food Market taking place on Saturday evening from 7pm – 10pm and Sunday from 7-9pm.

With around 60 small businesses taking part in the market, you’ll find everything from handcrafted goods and unique artworks to mouth-watering local artisan food. It’s a fantastic chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, and support homegrown talent in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

This year, the markets new ‘Street Food Village’ is an exciting addition, with a host of food producers offering local delicacies and delicious dishes. Sample traditional treats such as yellow man and dulce, or tuck into more filling bites such as burgers, pizzas, crepes and hog roast.

Across the weekend, the seafront will play host to sand sculpting competitions, dog agility, fun activities, children’s entertainment and soft play amusements, all set against the sounds of fantastic live music from the stage.

On Saturday 23rd, after an afternoon of live music, get your cowboy boots on for The Electric Hoe Down at the Seafront stage from 8pm. Join Downtown’s Neal McClelland and Jason Hughes for a high-octane, genre-blending set that brings together two worlds that rarely collide: modern country and clubland rave. Expect a full-blown sonic culture clash as two of Northern Ireland’s biggest on-air personalities go head-to-head in a high-energy musical showdown.

Not to be missed, on Saturday will be the spectacular opening fireworks display which will light up the night sky at 9.30pm, to mark the start of the Ould Lamas Fair.

The ever-popular outdoor concert will be hosted at The Diamond on Sunday 24th from 7pm, with Irish Dance music band Clada warming up the crowd for trailblazing Irish Folk powerhouse, Wolfhound at 8.30pm. A blend of traditional and modern, an electrifying combination of time-honoured tunes and modern compositions, all wrapped up in a fusion of raw energy and exhilarating musical talent.

Sticking with tradition, the main events will be held on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th, with the town transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, with locals and visitors as far as the eye can see.

One of the event’s most historic traditions will be celebrated at Fairhill Street, as the street transforms into a traditional horse-trading area, with farrier displays, pony rides and an animal petting farm.

Visitors can soak up the atmosphere in Fairhill Street and Castle Street, with busking pop-ups from local artists throughout Monday & Tuesday.

In an exciting addition to the Monday entertainment lineup, BBC Radio Ulster will be broadcasting live from the Seafront with Hugo Duncan and special guests from 1.30pm – 3pm.

Quiet time sessions for individuals with additional needs take place from 11am – 12noon, including the soft play amusements and a selection of activities.

This year’s Fair promises to be the best to date so have your comfortable walking shoes ready for a great weekend of fun at the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair.

For the latest updates, follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook or Instagram.

Programmes for the event are available to download or you can find more information by visiting: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/ould-lammas-fair.