BEACHES TAKING PART IN DANNY BOYLE’S ‘PAGES OF THE SEA’ IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND COUNTY DONEGAL ANNOUNCED

Murlough Beach in County Down, Portstewart Strand and Downhill Beach in County Derry~Londonderry and Port Ban Beach, Dunree, County Donegal will join over 30 beaches across the UK and Ireland on Sunday 11 November for Pages of the Sea, Danny Boyle’s commission for 14-18 NOW to mark the centenary of Armistice Day.

The event is an informal, gesture of remembrance for the millions of men and women who left their home shores during the First World War, many never to return.

It will be delivered in Northern Ireland and County Donegal by the Nerve Centre and National Trust, in partnership with Big Telly Theatre Company, Stendhal Festival, UV Arts, Artlink and Live Music Now.

Murlough Beach

On Murlough Beach, County Down from 8.30am the portrait of John McCance from Dundrum, a casualty from the First World War will emerge from the sand. And then, as the tide rises at 10.30am, be washed away as the public take a moment to say a collective goodbye.

Rifleman John McCance was born in Dundrum, enlisted in Downpatrick and died at Passchendaele. He has no known grave and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial, along with 35,000 others.

Music will be provided by Mourne Community Choir and the public will be asked to join in by creating silhouettes of people in the sand, remembering the millions of lives lost or changed forever by the conflict.

The National Trust is offering free parking will be available at the main visitor car park at Murlough National Nature Reserve, adjacent to the start of the boardwalk which leads to the beach. The cafe will also be open for hot drinks and refreshments.

Portstewart Strand

Between 12pm and 3.30pm, Big Telly Theatre Company are inviting people onto Portstewart Strand to help them create an artwork in the sand using stencils of portraits.  Actors dressed as First World War soldiers can be spotted around the town and a free shuttle bus service will run every 20 minutes from the Promenade in Portstewart town centre to the Strand. The National Trust is offering free car parking on the beach with hot drinks and refreshments available from Harry’s Shack.

Port Bán, Dunree

Port Bán, Dunree beach will also unveil a stunning large scale portrait of Seaman John Buckley from County Cork who lost his life, along with 353 others, on the SS Laurentic after it sank at the mouth of Lough Swilly in 1917.  Built in Belfast, the liner was used by the government to transport gold during the War and sank after she struck mines laid by a German U-Boat. John is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial, Devon

Attendees can get involved in stencilling and have the opportunity to hear some of the poems written by the community and view the artwork created by local school children. A free shuttle bus will run every 20 minutes, from Dunree Fort to the beach.

Downhill Beach

The day will finish on Downhill Beach with a large 30m square portrait of First World War Nurse, Rachel Ferguson being completed at 2pm. Rachel was the daughter of John Stewart Ferguson and Annie Ferguson, of Lanebrooke House, Moneymore, County Derry. She died on 26th June 1918 at Bordighera, Italy whilst working for Queen Alexandra’s Imperial Military Nursing Service. She is buried in Bordighera British Cemetery, Italy.

Members of the public will have a spectacular view of the portrait from Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne with Stendhal Festival and Live Music Now providing music from 2.00 to 4.00pm in the Temple.

Free car parking is available on Downhill Beach with free admission to Downhill Demesne and Mussenden Temple. A shuttle bus service will run every 15 minutes, from Downhill Beach to the Lion’s Gate at Downhill Demesne, just a ten minute walk from Mussenden Temple.

Poet Carol Ann Duffy has been invited by Boyle to write a new poem, which will be read by individuals, families and communities as they gather on the beaches on 11 November. Copies of the poem are available online and will be available at the beaches for those who wish to come together or to offer their own personal contribution.

At the launch of Pages of the Sea, Danny Boyle said: “Beaches are truly public spaces, where nobody rules other than the tide. They seem the perfect place to gather and say a final goodbye and thank you to those whose lives were taken or forever changed by the First World War. I’m inviting people to watch as the faces of the fallen are etched in the sand, and for communities to come together to remember the sacrifices that were made.”

David Lewis, Director of Communications and Digital Content at Nerve Centre said:

“Nerve Centre is delighted to be working in partnership with 14-18 NOW, Danny Boyle and our local partners on this new commission. Pages of the Sea will encourage people to reflect on the profound significance of the First World War and its legacy. Around 200,000 men and women from Ireland served over the course of the war, with many thousands leaving these shores never to return.”

Heather McLachlan, Regional Director, National Trust Northern Ireland said: “We are delighted that two of our beaches in Northern Ireland have been selected to play host to this incredible event. Providing access to special places is at the core of everything we do. We think that it is important that everyone should be able to join these moving events so we will offering free access to and car parking at Portstewart Strand and Murlough beach (via the National Nature Reserve). We will also be throwing open the gates of Downhill Demesne, including the iconic Mussenden Temple, from which people have an incredible view of the large portrait on Downhill beach.”

The public is invited to explore an online gallery of portraits of some of the men and women who served in the First World War, and select someone to thank and say a personal goodbye to either via social media or as they gather in person on beaches on 11 November at www.pagesofthesea.org.uk. The images are drawn from the Imperial War Museum’s ‘Lives of the First World War’ which aims to tell 8 million stories of those who served from Britain and the Commonwealth. Visitors to the website can also add their own portraits of members of their family or community who contributed to the First World War. www.livesofthefirstworldwar.org

The work is commissioned and produced by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary, and delivered with partner organisations across the UK: National Trust; Activate Performing Arts; Creative Foundation; Eden Project; National Theatre Scotland; Nerve Centre; Sunderland Culture; Taliesin. The wok is in association with Aberystwth Arts Centre; The Grand Theatre of Lemmings; Magna Vitae; MOSTYN; SeaChange Arts; Swansea Council; Swansea University; Theatre Orchard; and VisitBlackpool.

Supported by The National Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

With additional support from Backstage Trust, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation (UK Branch) and National Rail.

The public can see which beaches are taking part by visiting www.pagesofthesea.org.uk #PagesoftheSea

 

Classical Evening To Celebrate Hugh Tinney’s 60th Birthday

Come join Hugh Tinney as he celebrates his 60th birthday with an evening of classical music at the Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Part of a tour to twelve venues around Ireland, the pianist and audiences will come together to celebrate the astonishing piano repertoire developed by the very greatest composers from Bach to the present.

The recital programme will feature works by Beethoven, Schubert, Chopin, Ian Wilson and Thomas Adés.

Since winning major piano competitions in Italy and Spain in 1983 and ’84, Hugh Tinney has performed in more than thirty-five countries throughout Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Far East.

He continues to be a major contributor to Irish concert life in recital, chamber music and teaching.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

The Redbull Racing F1 Car is coming to Portrush!

Be one of the first to see the F1 Redbull Racing Car when it comes to Portrush, ahead of their event in Belfast.

The Red Bull Racing Team are bringing their F1 Car to the Kelly’s Complex Portrush on Thursday 1st November 2018 between 8pm-10pm in advance of its trip to Belfast on November 3rd.

Fans will have the opportunity to get a close-up inspection of the feat of modern technology. Come along, grab a photo and be one of the 1st to check it out.

The Red Bull Wings team will also be there with their dodge truck and samples, making it a night that you’ll remember.

It’s FREE to come along, children are welcome so bring along your Formula 1 loving little ones.

The Kelly’s complex offers fantastic week night deals in their Pizza Library & Deerstalker Bar & Bistro if you wish to make a night of it and enjoy a meal with Family and Friends.

For further information visit The Deerstalker & Stubborn Stag Facebook Page Events section (@TheDeerstalker).

BON JOVI ‘THIS HOUSE IS NOT FOR SALE TOUR’

One of the world’s great rock bands hits stadiums in 2019

 

Back in their Irish home from home

Saturday 15 June, 2019: R.D.S Stadium, Dublin

 

After thousands of sold out shows, it’s clear – Bon Jovi = One Wild Night.

One of the planet’s biggest rock bands, Bon Jovi announce their return to Ireland, continuing a triumphant world tour that has visited the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina and Chile and will hit Japan and Australia later in 2018.  A huge year of 80 shows and counting has also seen them inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Their This House Is Not For Sale European Tour is set to be another blockbuster.

Bon Jovi will play the R.D.S. Stadium, Dublin on Saturday 15 June, 2019 (subject to licence). Something of a spiritual home for the band in Ireland, they sold out two consecutive nights at the R.D.S. in June 2011 and played there 3 times before that.

Tickets for the concert will go on sale on Thursday 8th November at 9.00am.

“Those huge shows, tens of thousands of people all together as one, that’s what we do,” says Jon Bon Jovi.

The success of latest album This House Is Not For Sale, which debuted at the top of charts around the world, was the culmination of a tempestuous period in the band’s 3-decade history. A defiant statement, launched in a series of intimate shows in 2016, the album became the jumping off point for a new era for Jon Bon Jovi and his band.

And that band has evolved since their last global trip. 2013’s Because We Can World Tour, was their third tour in six years to be ranked the #1 top-grossing tour in the world (a feat accomplished by only The Rolling Stones previously).

This will be their first Irish show since 2013 when the band played at Slane Castle.

The band has evolved since their last global trip, 2013’s Because We Can Tour, and features Bon Jovi originals David Bryan and Tico Torres alongside Jon, plus long time bassist Hugh McDonald, co-producer and co-songwriter John Shanks, multi-instrumentalist Everett Bradley, and lead guitarist Phil X, who joined the band on that 2013 tour.

“We’ve become a new, rejuvenated Bon Jovi,” says Jon, “A refreshed line up that kills every night.  We sound better than ever and we’re enjoying every minute.  We are out there as a band, feeding off each other and the fans, having the time of our lives all over again.”

This tour places the spotlight firmly on the music and the songs, the body of work that has propelled Bon Jovi to over 130 million record sales.  The band is ready with a choice of around 95 songs that they can change up every night, but have also been playing their all time classics like “You Give Love A Bad Name”, “It’s My Life”, “Wanted Dead Or Alive”, “Bad Medicine”, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home”, “Keep the Faith”, “Always”, “Have A Nice Day” and of course, “Livin’ On A Prayer.”

Bon Jovi

R.D.S. Stadium, Dublin

Saturday 15 June, 2019

 

Tickets on sale on Thursday 8th November at 9.00am.

From Ticketmaster: In person: From Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI: 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland: 0844 277 4455

Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

Newtownabbey Drama Festival

The Newtownabbey Drama Festival of One Act plays returns to The Courtyard Theatre for two nights of exhilarating drama on Thursday 1 and Saturday 3 November.

This annual festival of drama, presents the best one-act plays from amateur dramatic groups from Northern Ireland and beyond including The Holywood Players and The Rosemary Drama Group.

Join us over these two evenings for some great drama;

Thursday 1 November

HOLYWOOD PLAYERS – Hands across the Sea by Noel Coward

THEATRE 3 NEWTOWNABBEY – A Bench at the Edge by Luigi Jannuzzi

Saturday 3 November

THE CLARENCE PLAYERS – The Night I Danced with Cyd Charisse byNancy McPherson

ROSEMARY DRAMA GROUP – The Trial by Anthony Booth

 

This year’s adjudicator is Scott Marshall. A full synopsis of each play can be found on the website: www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

 

Tickets: £8 & £7 (Concession) are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.thecourtyardtheatre.com

 

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SPARK! STREET THEATRE SET TO DRUM UP MAGICAL SHOW FOR CITY OF MERCHANTS FESTIVAL

Get ready to be immersed in an evening of free carnival family fun at this year’s City of Merchants celebrations.

Street theatre team Spark! will be drumming up interest at the magical, movement and lighting street theatre show, shining a light on this year’s City of Merchants event on Friday 2nd November.

The renowned Spark! team are composed of light and sound, transforming the surrounding landscape to captivate their audience, combining high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and playful characters with colourful lighting design. The cast will take the audience on a vivid dreamlike journey, set to be memorable and mesmerising.

The Spark! drumming troupe will be leading a procession from Hill Street outside the Twilight Market towards the viewing area of fireworks at Fathom Line, leaving at 7.15pm with a magnificent firework display to follow at 8pm.  After the fireworks, the Spark! team drummers will then lead the crowd back to the Hill Street Carnival area, ending the evening on an up-beat!

Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Mark Murnin said: “It is great to see the Twilight Market return to the City of Merchants celebrations. This year with Spark! leading the festivities we are sure that it will be a spectacular and memorable evening for all the family.”

The City of Merchants Festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November and will see a host of activities take place to celebrate the area’s maritime and trading heritage. Activities on Friday alongside the Walking Tour & Banquet at Bagenal’s Castle include a Twilight Market from 5pm to 10pm in Newry Variety Market Hill Street; free children’s art and craft workshops at the market; a parade to the Fathom Line at 7.15pm; ending with a magnificent firework display from 8pm.

On Saturday you can enjoy the Tall Ships from 12noon to 4pm; a theatrical Merchant Quest through the streets of Newry created by theatre company Big Telly; a theatrical guided tour of Bagenal’s Castle; plus, a comical look at trade through the years taking place in both The Buttercrane and The Quays Shopping Centres.  For tickets, visit: https://bit.ly/2Az1gDK

This year will also see the inaugural Scenic Carlingford Ferry Loop Sportive in which hundreds of keen cyclists will take on a 62km route around the shores of Carlingford Lough. More details on this event can be found at www.loopsportive.com

On Sunday in partnership with Kx and Newry Business Improvement District (BID), Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will be bringing one of its famous Formula 1 cars to Marcus Square in Newry. Set to take up its podium position outside the newly opened First Derivatives building, the car will be on display between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information on the overall City of Merchants Festival programme, which is supported by Tourism NI,  and for details on how to book tickets for other events please visit: www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giant-adventures

MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING-ARTIST BRYAN ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW 2019 SHINE A LIGHT UK TOUR THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST: MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY

TICKETS GO ON GENERAL SALE AT 9:00AM ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2ND 2018

 

PRE-ORDER THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM FROM OCTOBER 26TH TO OCTOBER 30TH FOR PRE-SALE TICKET ACCESS

PRE-SALES BEGIN AT 9:00AM ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31ST

 

Armed with a career spanning over four decades and a signature brand of feel-good rock’n’roll hits, Canadian icon Bryan Adams announces his massive new ‘Shine A Light’ UK tour. The seven date tour which precedes his forthcoming album (more info to come), is set to kick off in Belfast on 25th February 2019.

Tickets go on general sale, 9am on Friday 2nd November 2018. However, fans who pre-order the album by 3pm Tuesday 30th October 2018, will gain exclusive access to the ticket pre-sale beginning 9am Wednesday 31st October.

American Express® presale will run from 9am on Wednesday 31 October to 9am on Friday 2 November 2018 for all eligible American Express Cardmembers. T&Cs apply. Visit: www.axs.com/amexpresale

One of the most highly acclaimed singer/songwriters, Bryan Adams is known for hit singles “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, “Summer Of ’69” and his Rod Stewart and Sting collaboration “All for Love”. The Grammy winning artist has seen success from a string of number 1’s in over 40 countries and has sold an excess of 65 million records worldwide. His thirst for performing and unique take on live concerts have established him as one of the world’s best rock singers of our time.

Tickets go on-sale Friday 2nd NOVEMBER at 9am

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office:

Tel. 02890 739074
Book on Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person:

From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

 

SHINE A LIGHT UK DATES:

Feb 25TH Belfast – The SSE Arena

Feb 27TH London – The SSE Arena, Wembley

Mar 1ST Sheffield – FlyDSA Arena

Mar 2ND Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena

Mar 3RD Liverpool – Echo Arena

Mar 5TH Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena

Mar 6TH Bournemouth – International Centre

 

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE FOR EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO PRE-SALE TICKETS ON OCTOBER 31st  

https://www.bryanadams.com

Instagram:@BryanAdams

 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea and Steam Train Rides at Whitehead Museum!

STEAM ‘N’ TEA

 

We are delighted to now offer our vintage inspired afternoon tea with a difference!

 

🍰Relax in our atmospheric steam train carriage

🍰Take a short journey on our steam train

🍰Enjoy delicious homemade treats

🍰Tea is served in our finest china

🍰£18 p.p

🍰Available Sat 27th Oct & Sat 24th Nov @ 2pm

☕Spaces are limited so please book in advance to avoid disappointment☕

To book, contact us today at rpsievents@gmail.com

 

STEAM SATURDAYS

27th October 2018.  Train rides will be running from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.

 

Experience the steam train which will be operating within our premises at Whitehead Excursion Station.

 

Visitors will be able to see at close hand how this magnificent machine works.

 

You will be able to talk to the Driver and Fireman and to see the footplate.

 

£2.50 for adults & £2.00 for children

 

No need to book!

 

Whitehead Railway Museum will be open as usual and guided tours are at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. You can buy your tickets at the Edwardian Tea Room.

 

The Edwardian Tea Room will be serving homemade lunches and lots of baked goodies from 10.15am

Halloween at Ballylough Country Estate – Two Events in One!

TWO EVENTS IN ONE – HALLOWEEN HULLABALOO + THE TRAVELLING TREELUMINATIONS

 

For good value it would be hard to beat two events for the one price and that’s exactly what’s happening at the Ballylough Country Estate outside Bushmills this weekend.  Commencing on Friday night and running until Wednesday 31st the Halloween Hullabaloo features all you’d expect and more at a spooky country farmyard.  Bring the family and enjoy the haunted trail which, amongst other attractions, will feature dunking for apples, toasting marshmallows, story telling and a trip around the zombie garden.  And running alongside will be the Travelling Treeluminations in the adjacent woodland.  Here you will meander through ancient trees with special lighting arranged by artist Walter Holt and which will be complemented by the music of pianist Sharon Graham.  It’s definitely an event to have your camera well charged as the lights are programmed to change with the music and will present many spectacular images.  And to allow the adults to properly enjoy the show there are plans to give the kids a treasure hunt to keep them occupied until you reach the end.  It’s here where you will rejoin the Hullabaloo once again and perhaps meet a zombie or two……

 

The organisers request that everyone wrap up warm and that wellie boots would be a great idea as after all, they did say it’s a haunted country farmyard!

 

From Ballymoney, travel to Dervock, turn left for Bushmills.

 

From Coleriane or Portrush, travel to Bushmills, turn right and go past the Old Bushmills Distillery and after one mile you’ll find it on your right.

 

Ballylough Country Estate, 53 Castlecatt Road, Bushmills, BT57 8TN

 

www.halloweentt.co.uk

 

Facebook – Halloween Hullabaloo 

 

Helpline – 07747 081718

BE TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME DURING THE GREAT WORKHOUSE ESCAPE

Clip, clop your way around Newry in style! You may have been in the city many times on foot or visited by car, but have you ever travelled by horse and carriage?

As part of the extensive events programme for this year’s City of Merchants, “The Great Workhouse Escape” will offer an interactive and fully immersive experience, which promises to be historical yet hysterical.

Be part of Marie and Daniel’s great escape from the Newry Workhouse as they attempt to flee the city, but by horse and carriage. You can hitch a 30-minute ride around the Merchant City, taking in the tales of the past, as you enjoy the sights from a whole new perspective.

The pony and trap tours will run throughout the day, offering rides to the public, leaving from Newry Town Hall. Tours depart every fifteen minutes from 11am to 3.45pm on Saturday 3rd November. Your journey will encompass historical sights, including Sugar Island, Needham Bridge and Merchant’s Quay.

Liz and Mervyn, from L&M Carriage Driving will be providing their horses and carriages for the event. “We love our horses and it is an absolute pleasure to share them with the people of Newry and beyond for this special occasion.  In the 18th century, horse transport was the only transport. Families would come to town to do their shopping. When sugar, coal or other goods came in off the boats, Clydesdale horses would have been used to do heavy lifting.  This event gives the public a unique opportunity to experience a side of history they aren’t familiar with.”

Deputy Chairperson Oksana McMahon said, “This particular part of the City of Merchants Festival is fantastic. I had the privilege of getting a sneak preview of the tour and it is so imaginative, not to mention unforgettable. The beautiful horses and carriages will make this event memorable for all ages. The fun theatrical elements and the important historical messaging are the perfect combination to share the city’s heritage.”

This is a free ticketed event. Tickets can be booked online at https://bit.ly/2Evl9jh

The City of Merchants Festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November and will see a host of activities take place to celebrate the area’s maritime and trading heritage. Activities on Friday alongside the Walking Tour & Banquet at Bagenal’s Castle include a Twilight Market from 5pm to 10pm in Newry Variety Market Hill Street; free children’s art and craft workshops at the market; a sensational parade to the Fathom Line at 7.15pm; ending with a magnificent firework display from 8pm.

On Saturday you can enjoy the Tall Ships from 12noon to 4pm; a theatrical Merchant Quest through the streets of Newry created by theatre company Big Telly; a theatrical guided tour of Bagenal’s Castle; plus, a comical look at trade through the years taking place in both The Buttercrane and The Quays Shopping Centres.  This year will also see the inaugural Scenic Carlingford Ferry Loop Sportive in which hundreds of keen cyclists will take on a 62km route around the shores of Carlingford Lough. More details on this event can be found at www.loopsportive.com

On Sunday in partnership with Kx and Newry Business Improvement District (BID), Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will be bringing one of its famous Formula 1 cars to Marcus Square in Newry. Set to take up its podium position outside the newly opened First Derivatives building, the car will be on display between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information on the overall City of Merchants Festival programme, which is supported by Tourism NI,  and for details on how to book tickets for other events please visit: www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giant-adventures