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The Walled City Music Festival has announced a stunning line-up of world-class musicians for this, its 10^th anniversary, taking place from 7 to 10 March. The north-west’s premier classical music festival, which will take place in the Guildhall, the Great Hall Magee and Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, will feature return appearances by some of the outstanding performers from the festival’s first decade, including Dimitry Sitkovetsky (violin), Kirill Troussov (violin), Sylvain Blassel (harp) and Jeffrey Zeigler (cello). Artistic Director of the festival, Derry-born Cathal Breslin, will perform in all four of the concerts, both as a soloist and with his Trio Festivale, which also features fellow Artistic Director Sabrina Hu (flute) and Gerald Peregrine (cello).

In addition to the impressive concert series, the festival will run an extensive outreach programme in primary schools throughout Derry and the surrounding area. These highly interactive workshops will include a performance of a new commission by Joe Csibi based on the tale of The Children of Lir, incorporating well-known excerpts from classical and Irish music repertoire.

The festival’s opening concert in Magee will herald the imminent arrival of spring with Beethoven’s ever popular Spring Sonata, Spiegel im Spiegel by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt and masterpieces by Debussy and Ravel. This is followed on Friday by a chamber recital in the Guildhall focusing on the wild and romantic side of classical repertoire, with works by Liszt, Bartók, Wagner and Sarasate.

Saturday sees a double-bill of UK premieres written in the past year. Ian Wilson’s The Great Hunger, commissioned for Trio Festivale, takes as its starting point the epic poem by Patrick Kavanagh and complements the exhibition of Great Hunger artworks running at Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin. This concert also features Jeffrey Zeigler, one of the world’s foremost contemporary cellists and a former member of the renowned Kronos Quartet, who returns to the festival with a trio of works from the cutting edge of New York’s new music scene.

The 2019 Walled City Music Festival comes to a rousing conclusion with a return visit by the Ulster Orchestra, performing with the festival’s guest artists in an evening of overtures, concertos and solo works, ranging from Mozart’s Concerto for Flute and Harp to the richly romantic music of Tchaikovsky’s Concertos for Violin and Piano. Conducted by the orchestra’s former Principal Conductor Dmitry Sitkovetsky, and showcasing some of classical music’s most iconic repertoire, this concert promises an experience to remember.

The Walled City Music Festival will take place from 7 to 10 March and tickets are now available via the Millennium Forum Box Office or online at www.millenniumforum.co.uk.

For more information visit www.walledcitymusic.com.

Skating Spectacular Featuresa Magical Medley of Classic and Modern Tales, Including Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory, Disney’s The Lion King, Frozen, and many more!

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Friday 3^rd May – Sunday 5^th May

Tickets on-sale THURSDAY 28^th February at 9am

Audiences will relive the magic and memories of their favorite Disney animated films when The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice skates into Belfast. Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they venture through a treasure-filled journey bound for heartwarming adventure. Featuring more than 50 Disney characters, this production includes the box office smash hits Disney•Pixar’s Finding Dory and Disney’s Frozen.

Don’t miss your chance to secure *priority booking and save £10/£12 on family of four ticket  for The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice before they officially go on general on-sale next Thursday 28^th February. Follow the link to get yours now www.ticketmaster.ie/disneyoffer  

Tickets for performances at The SSE Arena, Belfast go on sale THURSDAY 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

Feel the rush of the stampede as Simba learns to live by the motto of “Hakuna Matata” from the wise-cracking meerkat Timon and his warthog pal Pumbaa. March alongside the seven dwarfs, as they whistle off to work to the catchy tune of “Heigh Ho.”  Be dazzled by the hilarious Genie, as he makes Aladdin’s wishes come true with a spectacular parade for Prince Ali. Watch as the ice transforms into the wintry world of Frozen during Elsa’s emotionally powerful performance of “Let It Go.” Plus, discover the true meaning of family with everyone’s favorite forgetful fish, Dory, as she searches the deep blue sea for her parents with a little help from Marlin and Nemo.

“What I like best about Disney On Ice is that we are privileged to bring classic and modern Disney and Pixar stories to hometowns around the world live on ice,” says Producer Nicole Feld.  “In this production, our amazing creative team chose action-packed stories that really resonate with not only kids today, but with their parents as well.  The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice has everything from an underwater adventure in Finding Dory to the comedic duo Timon and Pumbaa in The Lion King.”

Crowd interaction is a key component to the Disney On Ice experience and Director Patty Vincent focuses on immersing audiences in key segments of the production.  “In The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice, we’ve created a beautiful moment where an audience member gets to release a lantern with Rapunzel and Flynn at the beginning of “I See the Light,” says Vincent.  “It’s breathtaking to watch, and then Rapunzel and Flynn skate a beautiful duet with the lanterns glowing above them.” 

Visit www.DisneyOnIce.co.uk for more information

Stay current on the latest developments through social media:                                                                                                           

• Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce 
• Twitter: @DisneyOnIce
• YouTube: www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce 
• Instagram: @DisneyOnIce

*Priority booking  and save £10/£12 on a family of four ticket

Offer valid on all price levels excluding ringside

Offer not available on Saturday or Sunday matinee shows

Offer not valid with any other promotional discount.

Offer is limited, subject to availability and on a first come, first served basis.

Internet and phone bookings are subject to a Ticketmaster service charge

Outlets (in person) may be subject to a local agent fee

Offer valid until 11:59pm on Wednesday 27^th February 2019

Audiences at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will be ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’ ‘All Night Long’ with a magical evening of pure Lionel Richie  & The Commodores.

‘Oh! What A Feeling’, winner of ‘Best Newcomer’ at the ‘National Tribute Music Awards’ is coming to town. With a stellar line-up of world class musicians, this is a high octane show including all the greatest hits – ‘Easy’, ‘Say You Say Me’, ‘Dancing On The Ceiling’, ‘Three Times A Lady’, ‘Hello’, ‘All Night Long’ and many more… Following his recent TV appearances on the ‘Graham Norton Show’ and ‘Sunday Night At The Palladium’ with Lionel himself, Malcolm Pitt delivers a powerhouse performance as the iconic Lionel Richie in this must-see theatre production. Tickets for this show on Thursday 28 February are priced £21.50 and £20.00

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Also on 28 February, comes ‘Orlando’, the latest offering from the award-winning creators of ‘Jane Eyre: An Autobiography’, ‘I, Elizabeth’, ‘Female Gothic’ and ‘Austen’s Women’. The life-affirming, comedic tale of an immortal poet, whose gender cannot be pinned down, whose spirit cannot be caged, and whose irreverent, romantic adventures across British history provides a magic-realist exploration of human identity. Drawing on a decade’s worth of critically acclaimed theatre-making, Dyad Productions explore what it means to find our place in the world whilst remaining utterly true to who we are. Based on the satirical 1928 novel by Virginia Woolf, tickets are priced £13.50 and £11.50 [conc].

Join us on Friday 22 February for an evening of top quality music from two of the very, very best. With their critically acclaimed new LP ‘Music Confounds The Machines’ garnering high praise, Villiers and The Villainscontinue their upward spiral with raw and raucous gigs at Electric Picnic, Stendhal Festival and Crumlin Road Gaol. Old school rhythm, rock ‘n’ blues akin to The Band and Bob Dylan with a hint of Little Feat and The Stones, these villains are proving they are ones to watch out for. The band will be joined by Paul Meehan, one of Ireland’s finest guitar and banjo players, who has recorded two albums and toured for seven years with traditional group Lunasa. Tickets are £12.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Planning Committee of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has granted planning permission to Hammerson Ltd for a major new £8 million development comprising a multi-screen cinema and café/restaurant units on a disused brown field site at Old Church Road, Newtownabbey.

Welcoming the decision, Committee Chairman, Councillor Henry Cushinan said; “This is a fantastic investment in the Borough’s economy that will provide an exciting new entertainment facility for Newtownabbey and create over 70 new full time jobs.  The new development will occupy a key location next to the Abbey Centre Shopping Centre, creating a truly family-orientated offer for residents and visitors to the area. This latest investment will bring an element of trade that will extend into the evening, creating a strong daytime and evening attraction for the area. It will regenerate a site that has been derelict for a number of years also bring much needed construction jobs to the area both during construction and after completion.”

Full details of the planning application are available to view at the Planning Portal www.planningni.gov.uk

In preparation for the arrival of the GAME OF THRONES^TM: THE TOURING EXHIBITION, coming to the TEC Belfast for its first and only limited-engagement visit to the UK and Ireland, sigils from fans’ favourite houses have appeared around the city.

From Monday 18^th to Sunday 24^th  February, fans of the Emmy® award-winning HBO^® hit series in Belfast are invited to hunt down banners featuring the Game of Thrones House sigils to be entered for a chance to win VIP tickets to the launch event of GAME OF THRONES^TM: The Touring Exhibition in Belfast. Upon finding the banners, featuring sigils of the direwolf for House Stark, the dragon for House Targaryen and the lion for House Lannister, fans must take a selfie photo with the House banner in their town and share the image publicly on their social media channels (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) using #GoTBelfastContest.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Deirdre Hargey was one of the first citizens to snap a selfie with one of the House banners. She said: “Belfast City Council is thrilled that GAME OF THRONES^TM: The Touring Exhibition is coming to the city, and I’m delighted to be here today to help kick off this exciting competition to immerse both residents and visitors in the world of Game of Thrones® as we continue to bring the world of Westeros to life.”

Tickets available at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk

GAME OF THRONES^TM: The Touring Exhibition features the largest ever public display of costumes, authentic props and majestic settings from all seven seasons to create an interactive and immersive experience like no other.

Designed specially by GES Events in collaboration with HBO Licensing & Retail opening on 11^th April 2019 – 1^st September, the winners will be the first to authentically immerse themselves in Westeros and Essos by:

• Experiencing the wintry landscapes of the North and the tree-lined pathway of the Kingsroad
• Viewing a garrison of Unsullied warriors and the iconic costumes of House Targaryen
• Stepping into the House of Black and White
• Exploring Castle Black, the home of the Night’s Watch
• Battling for the Iron Throne

Clues on where the banners are placed are given on TEC Belfast’s (@TECBelfast) Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels. For full details on how to enter, terms and conditions or to book tickets for this not-to-be-missed blockbuster event, visit gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk.

A 200 year old beech tree on the famous Dark Hedges has been put to auction after falling victim to a storm earlier this month.

A fallen beech tree from the Dark Hedges near Stranocum in Co Antrim, which was the “King’s Road” in the famous Game of Thrones drama has been put to auction to the highest bidder,

The tree lined avenue known as the Dark Hedges has been a massive hit among tourists since its claim to fame in series two of Game of Thrones

Now auctioneer Daniel McAllister is offering fans of the show the chance to own a genuine tree as seen in the series.

Daniel McAlister and Son Estate Agents in Cushendall, said the tree fell onto land owned by his client James Laverty and he is open to the highest bidder.

Auctioneer Daniel McAllister can be contacted on 028 2177 1227 or info@danielmcalisterandson.com mailto:info@danielmcalisterandson.com


Pictures Steven McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time (GQT) is returning to the shores of Strangford Lough on Saturday 8^th June 2019 to hold their annual Summer Garden Party in the beautiful surrounds of the National Trust’s Mount Stewart.

Tickets go on sale today [Friday 15^th February] for the event at which the gurus of gardening, including Matthew Wilson, Bob Flowerdew, Bunny Guinness, James Wong, Pippa Greenwood, Matt Biggs, Matthew Pottage, Anne Swithinbank and GQT chairman Peter Gibbs will be in attendance.

TheGQT Summer Garden Party is Radio 4’s biggest annual event – including recordings of the BBC’s flagship gardening radio programme. Visitors will get the chance to meet the GQT panellists, put their questions to them in person, and participate in demonstrations and horticultural happenings across the gardens.

In addition to talks, demos and recordings with the Gardeners’ Question Time team, some of the highlights will include: recordings of BBC Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner, illustrated talks by three renowned Irish Gardeners: Helen Dillon, Daphne Levinge-Shackleton and Jimi Blake, guided tours, plant sales and fun for all the family.

Neil Porteous, Head of Gardens at Mount Stewart said; “We are very excited that Gardeners’ Question Time have chosen to come to Mount Stewart for their Summer Garden Party for a second year. The National Trust loved hosting this event last year and we hope to make this year even better, in this, one of the most magical of gardens.”

Peter Gibbs, Chairman of BBC Radio 4’s Gardeners’ Question Time said; “We’re delighted to be bringing our listeners back to Mount Stewart, a beautiful garden which played host to the GQT Garden Party for the first time in 2018. We were overwhelmed by the response last year and are looking forward to a triumphant return… let’s just hope we’re as lucky with the weather this time!”

The full programme of activities as well as how to take part in the recordings will be announced shortly and tickets will be available by visiting Mount Stewart’s website from Friday 15^th February: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Access to the Gardeners’ Question Time Summer Garden Party recordings and activities will be ticketed: Adult £11.50 & Child £5.75.

The biggest race launch of the year, the spectacular Meet the Stars of the 2019 fonaCAB International North West 200 in association with Nicholl Oils, will take place on February 28 in the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine.

It is a night not to be missed as fans get the chance to meet the riders who will be in action on the North coast during May 12-18 Race week.

This year’s launch line-up will include Glenn Irwin, Alastair Seeley, Dean Harrison, Ian Hutchinson, Jeremy McWilliams, Maria Costello, Adam McLean, Lee Johnston and Richard Cooper. As always, there may be some last-minute additions to that stunning list!

An evening of fun and chat will be hosted by Claire McCollum and Stephen Watson with racing pundit Liam Beckett adding some experienced insight-and tall tales- to the mix! Race fans will also have lots of opportunities to meet their favourite riders for selfies and autographs during the evening.

So come along and hear for yourself what’s to come in the latest instalment of the Irwin v Seeley North West battle. Listen to Lee Johnston telling how he intends to beat his best mate Dean Harrison. And hear how North West newcomer Richard Cooper plans to get to grips with the famous Triangle circuit.

Although entry to the event is free it is strictly by ticket only. For details of how to apply for your tickets please visit   http://www.northwest200.org/meet-the-stars/

For anyone who cannot make the Lodge Hotel event there will be a second chance to catch all the North West 200 news at the Carole Nash Irish Motorbike and Scooter show at the RDS, Dublin the following day, Friday, March 1.

In a new departure for the North coast races, the Dublin event will host a special North West 200 day with the full line-up of race stars travelling south after the Coleraine event to spread the word about the North coast races. The show will open at 2pm with the riders appearing on stage throughout the day until 8pm.

A sensory story tent will be the main attraction at the Playful Museums Festival at Ballymoney Town Hall.

The festival will tell the story  of ‘A Mermaids Tail’ which is inspired by a yarn collected  on Rathlin Island by Sam Henry.

Inside the tent, there will be lots of things to touch, feel, smell and see and children will be able to explore the story at their own pace.

This free event has been tailored for children aged 5 and under. Younger or older siblings are also welcome to join.

Children will be able to enjoy sea themed craft workshops and a reading corner.

Drop in sessions for the festival in Ballymoney Town Hall are available on Friday 22^nd February, 10am-12pm or 2pm-4pm,  Saturday 23^rd February from 10am-12pm and Monday 25^th February from 2pm – 4pm.

A quiet session will take place on Friday 22^nd February between 1pm-2pm.

Please be advised that booking is necessary for groups over 8 and children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information please contact Sarah Carson by calling 028 2766 0230 or email sarah.carson@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk