This Christmas, the MAC is delighted to announce it will once again be collaborating with award-winning children’s theatre company Cahoots NI for a magical production of the classic fairytale, The Elves and The Shoemaker.

Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

Based on the much-loved story by the Brothers Grimm, The Elves and The Shoemaker is the uplifting story of a kind-hearted tradesman who has fallen on hard times and is assisted by a mischievous band of nocturnal fairy folk. Suitable for all ages, audiences will need to keep their eyes peeled for some of the fairyland’s best-known characters who just might pop up to make it Belfast’s funniest, festive family show.

As ever with the MAC’s Christmas shows, expect a unique twist on the traditional fairytale format with a funny script co-written by Simon Magill and Stephen Beggs, under the direction of Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, and an enchanting festive score from Garth McConaghie.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC has said, “Simply put, this year’s Christmas show promises to be absolutely spectacular. With the inimitable Sean Kearns as our eponymous shoemaker and some stellar performances from the likes of Clare Barrett and Jolene O’Hara, we’re really excited to revive this classic story for a modern family audience.”

Paul Bosco McEneaney adds: “We are very excited to be back at the MAC this Christmas after the huge success of Under the Hawthorn Tree in September. The Elves and the Shoemaker is packed with Cahoots NI’s signature magical touch and we cannot wait to welcome audiences into the Elfin world we have created!”

The show will run from Tuesday 27^th November until Saturday 6^th January, but with tickets selling out fast, book now to avoid disappointment! Avail of discount prices when you purchase a Family Saver ticket, valid Monday to Friday, which will save you 10% when you purchase 4 tickets or more.

This has been the busiest year for school bookings, with schools making a visit to the MAC an annual Christmas tradition. MACtile Tours, the MAC’s award-winning initiative to make the theatre a more relaxing experience for children with Autism Sensory Disorders, continues to bring the magic of theatre to more and more audiences. School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC  Under The Hawthorn Tree is perfect for families and children age 7+Treat the whole family by picking up the most flexible Family Saver ticket in town, valid Monday – Friday, save 10% when you purchase 4 or more tickets.

School Bookings
MAC school tickets are very good value, at only £8 per pupil. Plus, for every 10 tickets booked, we’ll give you an 11th free – making it more affordable to bring a whole class. To make an enquiry, simply email Melissa McMinn at the MAC For more information about the show or to book tickets for your festive family trip to the MAC, visit themaclive.com.

As part of the NI Science Festival, Titanic Belfast and The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA), are calling all whizz kids to get involved with its annual STEM Quest (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths challenge).

To date, over 170 teams from across Northern Ireland have competed, with Lumen Christi triumphing last year.

Titanic Belfast and CCEA are now on the lookout for this year’s best science, technology, engineering and maths Key Stage 3 (1st – 3rd year) quiz teams of four to compete and test their knowledge against their peers from across the region, in a bid to become Northern Ireland’s top team.

The teams will compete in a ‘University Challenge style’ Grand Final, hosted again by well-known personality, Joe Lindsay, at Titanic Belfast on 12^th February 2019. The closing date for entries for the STEM Quiz is 19^th January 2019, spaces are limited and will be given on a first come first serve basis. To enter, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to host our fourth STEM Quest Challenge supported by CCEA. To date, we have seen over 170 schools compete, and it is brilliant to see so many schools, teachers and pupils get involved and compete at such a high standard every year, especially as the need for Northern Irish STEM graduates grows. We are looking forward to this year’s competition so if you are science mad, geek chic or a mathematical whiz kid get your teacher to sign up and get involved!”

Justin Edwards, CCEA’s Chief Executive commented: “CCEA are delighted to be working together with Titanic Belfast on this year’s STEM Quest challenge, as part of the NI Science Festival.  NI’s young people continue to display an interest and enthusiasm in STEM, with our latest figures showing that over 40% of all GCSE entries are STEM subjects. The competitive, learning, fun environment that the STEM Quest challenge offers learners is wonderful and something which CCEA are delighted to encourage”.

The event is just one of the Titanic Belfast’s learning and outreach activities. It now a total of eight workshops and three guided tours and was recently awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle.  For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/learning.

This November Birmingham Royal Ballet brings the sunniest and funniest of ballets to the Grand Opera House with the ever-summery La Fille mal gardée (The Wayward Daughter).

Lise has a choice to make. Loaded country bumpkin or penniless, hunky farmhand? Of course, there’s no contest, but her mum has other ideas. Heels are dug in and sparks fly, as a mother-daughter battle ensues.

Mixing spectacular classical ballet with slick comedy, a clog-dancing dame and a super-cute pony, as well as live music by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, this is sure to be fantastic entertainment for you, your friends, and all your family!

★★★★ ‘Enchantingly and hilariously silly’ The Daily Telegraph
★★★★ ‘Unmissable’ The Daily Express
★★★★★ ‘If there is a happier ballet than Fille, then I do not know of it’ The Birmingham Post

 

Free Pre-Performance Talk
Friday 9 November 6.30pm. Call box office on 028 9024 1919 to reserve your place

A unique opportunity to hear about what it takes to be performance ready. Hear how Birmingham Royal Ballet stages its magnificent shows and what life is really like on the road. Talks are given by dancers of the Company as well as various members of staff .

Company class on stage
Saturday 11.45am | £10

Ever wondered what a ballet dancer does to prepare for a day of rehearsal and performance? This is your chance to watch an open Company class on stage and find out.

BOOK NOW

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Mid-Ulster!

From the switch on of a mile of Christmas lights in Cookstown, to the Christmas Market in Magherafelt, and a Magical Kingdom in Dungannon, you’ll be spoilt for Yuletide cheer this year in Mid Ulster.

The feast of festive events, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, kicks off on Friday 23^rd November at 6.30pm in Cookstown, with the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town.

Magherafelt Christmas Market is back bigger and better than ever this year, on Saturday 24^th and Sunday 25^th November, bringing more than 25 artisan food and craft stalls with tempting treats and wares for you to buy.

The switch on of Magherafelt’s Christmas lights, and accompanying street party and fireworks display will take place on Saturday 24^th from 6.30pm – 8.30pm in the town centre.

Meanwhile in Dungannon, over the weekend 24^th and 25^th November, Ranfurly House, and Hill of The O’Neill, will once again lead you into a Magical Christmas Kingdom, with a host of festive themed family entertainment including the lights switch on on the 24^th from 5.30pm.

The following weekend sees the turn of Maghera and Coalisland to launch their festive celebrations, with Christmas in Maghera celebrations happening in The Lurach Centre, Maghera Walled Garden and the town centre from 3pm on Saturday 1^st December. Mid Ulster’s Christmas celebration finale happens in Coalisland town centre from 3.30pm on Sunday 2^nd December.

For full details of these and other festive fun happening across the Mid Ulster District visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

 

Also, I noticed when I clicked the link on your website it took me through to our general what’s on page so can you make sure the link is taking you to just the Christmas events- the link is www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

One of Belfast’s biggest and most prestigious music events will take centre stage at the historic Ulster Hall on Thursday 15 November.

The NI Music Prize will mark its 6^th year by taking over Belfast’s famous music venue. The event celebrates the most exciting up and coming musical talent across the North and crowns the Northern Ireland album of the year.

Belfast City Council is supporting the event through its Amplifier project, which aims to enhance the city’s musical offering in line with the aspirations of its Belfast Agenda.

As the NI Music Prize continues to grow in stature year on year, organisers have introduced a number of new categories. Nominees have now been shortlisted for best single; best live and the Oh Yeah Contender Award, with winners being announced on the evening by a number of special guests.

In addition, one of the highlights of the evening will see Snow Patrol front man, Gary Lightbody awarded with the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Music’ award.

BBC Radio Ulster’s Rigsy will compare the event, which promises to shine a light on local talent with many of the nominees across all four categories taking to the stage to perform.

Looking ahead to a packed night of entertainment Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, said; “The NI Music Prize shines a light on the amazing musical talent across Belfast and the wider region. The awards are growing from strength to strength, and it is fitting that they will now take place in the historic and unique surrounds of the Ulster Hall.

“Some of the world’s best known musicians have performed on that stage, and I have no doubt that the NI Music Prize will act as a springboard for our local talent to experience bigger things in their musical careers.

“It promises to be a fantastic night and I would encourage as many people as possible to come along and enjoy the show.”

The Ulster Hall has welcomed world famous acts through its doors, with artists and bands such as U2, Coldplay, Thin Lizzy, The Clash, The Rolling Stones, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Johnny Cash, Jim Reeves, The Who, AC/DC gracing the stage to perform.

Charlotte Dryden, Chief Executive of the Oh Yeah Music Centre is excited about hosting the event in Ulster Hall. She said; “The Oh Yeah Music Centre is delighted to be able to bring the NI Music Prize back to the Ulster Hall. There is a tremendous amount of high quality music being produced in this part of the world, so much so that we felt confident enough to extend the number of categories to four this year.

“We are very proud of our music community and to be able to showcase just a small fraction of our best talent on one of the most iconic stages in Belfast is fantastic.

“Thanks to Belfast City Council and the Amplifier Fund for getting behind our plans to celebrate our very own home-grown and world class talent right here in Belfast.”

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, British Council, PRS, PPL, Invest Northern Ireland, Help Musicians NI and Tourism Ireland also support the NI Music Prize.

The NI Music Prize is part of a wider programme of events as part of the Sound of Belfast 2018. Organised by Oh Yeah Music Centre and supported by Belfast City Council, it aims to highlight and promote a great musical city. To find out more visit www.soundofbelfast.com.

Belfast City Council is giving away five pairs of tickets via an online competition. Applications can be made via the council website at https://dof.belfastcity.gov.uk/NIMusicPrize2018/

 

The event is open to the public and tickets for the evening cost £10. They are available via Ulster Hall website at tinyurl.com/NIMPrize.

 

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

 

Come join Hugh Tinney as he celebrates his 60^th 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

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 1^st November 2018 between 8pm-10pm in advance of its trip to Belfast on November 3^rd.

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 1^st 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).

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 8^th 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 8^th 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

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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