Belfast Cathedral is to be transformed into a high class dining room on the evening of March 24, offering a truly special night out as part of the BelFeast Festival.

Pews and kneelers will give way to some of the classiest tables in town, and diners will be able to enjoy atmospheric music throughout the evening from the Cathedral’s choristers and musicians.

St Anne’s is known not only as the spiritual heart of the booming Cathedral Quarter and the city of Belfast, but is also a key venue for concerts and corporate events.

This ability to switch from a ‘working’ place of worship, offering four services daily, to a breath-taking setting for events makes Belfast Cathedral a unique space in the city centre.

Following a reception on arrival, guests will enjoy a five-course dinner prepared by the talented chefs at Posh Nosh, served with paired wines from Mark Jefferson Wines.

Tickets are £60 per person and the evening will raise vital funds to further the mission and ministry of Belfast Cathedral.

BelFeast is a new three day food and drink festival based in and around the Cathedral Quarter aimed at showcasing everything great about the local food and drinks industry.

Holly Wilson, Marketing and Events Manager at Belfast Cathedral, said: “We are delighted to be hosting the headline event of the BelFeast Festival and look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable dining experience and evening of music in the aisles of the majestic Belfast Cathedral.”

More information and tickets, contact Belfast Cathedral on 028 9032 8332 or visit www.belfastcathedral.org.

The annual Newtownabbey Drama Festival returns to The Courtyard Theatre from Tuesday 13 – Saturday 17 March.  Offering five nights of full-length plays, from the best amateur dramatic groups from Northern Ireland and beyond.

Kick-starting the festival on Tuesday 13 March Newpoint Players present Seduction and Murder at the Red Barn. This is a new version of the play. It’s a farce. The style is Victorian melodrama with some music and dance. It draws upon the story of the Red Barn murder of Mariah Marten at Polested in 1829.

On Wednesday 14 March Rosemary Drama Group present Pride’s Crossing.  90-year-old Mabel is a passionate woman, preparing to throw a Fourth of July party for her granddaughter Minty Renoir. Present events call to Mabel’s mind memories of her life, and through these memories we glimpse her wit, resilience, youthful spunk and geriatric wilfulness. We see her as a young girl preparing to swim the English Channel.

The Clarence Players present John Gabriel Borkman on Thursday 15 March (Contains strong language and adult material) John Borkman has been in solitary seclusion in an upstairs room in his drab mansion since enduring a prison sentence for embezzlement. Still blindly hoping his career will be reignited, only his clerk Fodal, an aspiring poet, remained loyal to him throughout the years. Unhappily married to Gunhild, she is surprised when her twin sister Ella arrives. Having been tossed aside by Borkman in favour of her twin, Ella was left to raise their only child, Earhart. Now that he is grown up and in love with an older woman, the sisters become locked in a desperate spiritual battle over his future. As Borkman rages against the confines of his claustrophobic household, he ventures out into the snowy hills where he finally learns the true consequences of love betrayal.

Friday 16 March sees local group Theatre 3 Newtownabbey present Quartet.  Cecily, Reginald and Wilfred are in a home for retired opera singers and musicians. Each year, on the 10 October, there is a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday. Jean, who used to be married to Reggie, arrives at the home and disrupts their equilibrium. She still acts like a diva and refuses to sing in the gala, but, the show must go on.

Rounding off the festival on Saturday 17 March, Slemish Players present Say Cheese. Bridie and Val have won a competition organised by the Celtic Cheese Company. They have gained the crown of Ireland’s Happiest Couple. The prize is an enactment of their original wedding 30 years earlier. Will their new title hold fast for the day? Watch as the drama unfolds and the hilarity begins on this biggest of days.

Shows 8pm Tuesday – Friday and Saturday 7.30pm Tickets available from only £7, contact Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online thecourtyardtheatre.com

HASTINGS Hotels has launched its new Who Made My Breakfast? booklet which celebrates the dedication and passion of the group’s suppliers from across Northern Ireland and the local produce used in what is said to be the most important meal of the day.

The new booklet was launched at a recent Food NI event in the Culloden Estate & Spa with members, local suppliers and representatives from Tourism NI in attendance.

As part of the launch, the leading hotel collection has announced two new breakfast suppliers – Grand Café Coffee from UCC, roasted in County Antrim and Grant’s Dry Cured Bacon from Derry-Londonderry.

Also showcased in the booklet are the stories behind Hastings long-standing breakfast suppliers including black and white pudding from Gracehill Fine Foods in County Antrim, mushrooms from Malachy McKenna in Dungannon, Waggle Dance Honey from Portadown, Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt from Bangor and Just Live a Little granola and muesli from Portaferry.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “It is no secret that we at Hastings Hotels are extremely passionate about food provenance and our fabulous local suppliers. We make no apologies for only working with the very best of Northern Ireland’s food producers who continue to enable us to offer guests wonderful, seasonal menus in each of our six hotels.

“The Who Made My Breakfast? booklet is our little book of stories introducing our local suppliers and the delightful produce that helps us serve up the finest breakfasts every day. It allows guests to see the photos of the people responsible for the produce they are eating and find out more about where it comes from including McCann’s Apple Juice and White’s Oats from Co Armagh, Bushmills Whiskey which is served with the porridge, milk from Farmview Dairies and Thompson’s Tea from Belfast, Carnbrooke Meats from Dromara who produce Honeybee Sausages, Clements Eggs from County Down and Get Fresh Tomatoes from Bob Colhoun in Drumbeg,” Howard continued.

“Food is a hugely important part of the visitor experience and at Hastings Hotels we are exceptionally proud of our local suppliers who help us create great menus. We hope the new Who Made my Breakfast? booklet will help increase the business of our local suppliers, who I think are amongst the best in the world,” Howard concluded.

Details of the St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival celebrations in Derry have been unveiled with an action packed weekend of entertainment on 17 and 18 March for all the family that includes, music, dance, food and culture.

The route of this year’s Carnival parade on Saturday 17 March has changed and will depart from Bishop Street car park at 2pm when the colourful spectacle of carnival participants will go through the city centre much to the delight of spectators.

The new route will see the parade depart Bishop Street car park, making its way toward the Diamond and down Shipquay Street towards Harbour Square Roundabout before heading up Custom House Street across Waterloo Place and down Strand Road to finish up at the Strand Road Carpark at around 3.30pm.

Welcoming the new route, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Maoliosa McHugh said he was confident it made the event more accessible for the public.

“I am delighted that the Derry carnival parade on St Patrick’s Day will be taking place through the city centre and through areas such as Shipquay Street and Waterloo Place. Not only will it make it accessible to more people but it will bring atmosphere and colour to the city centre and help create a real festive spirit for St Patrick’s Day,” he said.

The theme for this year’s carnival parade is Spring is Sprung with a strong emphasis on the Spring goddess of growth and flowering. Up to 600 participants from local schools, youth clubs, community groups and arts and cultural organisations are expected to take part in the parade that will feature pageant pieces created by the North West Carnival Initiative, Greater Shantallow Community Arts, In Your Space Circus and Bluebell Arts Project.

Mayor McHugh says he is really looking forward to the parade and the range of events for everyone to enjoy over the weekend including the LegenDerry Food Festival in Guildhall Square, musical performances, street theatre and family activities, and the Ubuntu Global Festival.

“Derry is going to be a hive of activity over St Patrick’s weekend with something for every member of the family to come along and be part of. In addition to a real carnival atmosphere there is a strong focus on celebrating our diverse multi-cultures and making the event accessible and inclusive to everyone. A lot of work has been going on behind the scenes getting ready for the event and I am confident it will be a huge success for everyone involved.”

Among the highlights on St Patrick’s Day itself in addition to the parade will be the live musical performances on the Spring Stage at Guildhall Street with local musical acts, Dara, CCÉ Baile na gCailleach, Voices of the Foyle Choir and Suil.

The Mayor also will host a series of events in the Craft Village throughout the day including live traditional music and dancing, kids’ activities and crafts.

A key element of this year’s celebrations is the number of events being organised by organisations across the city including a St Patrick’s Day Road Race organised by the Foyle Hospice, a Family Dun Day at an Culturlann, Irish music and dance at Foyleside Shopping Centre, a Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication by the Apprentice Boys at the St Columb’s Cathedral, to name but a few.

For a full listing of what is happening log on to www.derrystrabane.com/springcarnival

For more info on the event follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/whatsonderrystrabane and Twitter @WhatsOnDS

A spell-binding theatrical performance by Cahoots NI takes to the stage at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 15th and 16th March.

 

‘Penguins’ is a unique production inspired by Roy and Silo, two male penguins living in Central Park Zoo who together hatched an abandoned egg and raised a chick.

Just like other penguin pairs, they walk, play, swim and dance together. When the duo decide to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg, they find themselves on an adventure that could mean raising a chick for real!

The adaption of the story is anticipated to be one of the most magical theatre productions to come out of Northern Ireland this year.

This co-production with Birmingham Repertory Theatre and Prime Theatre is a story of friendship, fun, identity which may leave some audience members wishing they were penguins!

The production on March 16th will be followed by a free learning and development workshop for artists, teachers and anyone interested in creative methods of working with young people. The workshop from 12.30pm – 1.30pm has been made available as part of the Fab Families inclusion programme at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. It will be facilitated by Steve Ball, Associate Director of Birmingham REP and Andrew Moffat MBE. Andrew is the author of “No Outsiders in our school: Teaching the Equality Act in primary schools” (Routledge, 2015) and was awarded an MBE for services to Equality and Diversity in Education in 2017. 

Director Paul Bosco McEneaney said: “I am thrilled to be working with Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. Our team is excited to be not only bringing our amazing show to the North West but also hosting a seminar as part of the Fab Families Programme. We are looking forward to meeting you there.”

The 50-minute performance is suitable for children aged 3+ and will take place on Thursday 15^th March at 6pm and Friday 16^th March at 11am. Tickets are priced at £5. Teachers with school groups go free.

For further information and to book tickets please call 028 7776 0650.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill has officially launched Antrim Live at The Old Courthouse.

Joined by Alderman John Smyth, Councillor Jim Montgomery, Councillor Neil Kelly, Councillor Roisin Lynch, Ursula Fay (Head of Arts & Culture) and some of the performers taking part in this event.

Antrim Live is an arts and cultural extravaganza set for Antrim Town from Friday 6- Sunday 8 April. There is a feast of festivities planned for this two-day cultural festival which includes headline act The Blame Game’s Neil Delamere.

Soda Popz, Northern Ireland’s only 50’s/60’s Rock N Roll band will kick start the line-up of events at The Old Courthouse on Friday 6 April. A Craft & Food Market, Baby Rave, Fun Fair, Live Street Entertainment and Story Telling with Mr Hullabaloo are just a few of the amazing activities lined up for Antrim Live.

A brand new attraction ‘Wonderland Wood Treasure Trail’ will keep treasure hunters young and old entertained. Join an array of quirky characters who will guide and surprise you through our Wonderful Wonderland Wood in Antrim Castle Gardens.

If you fancy yourself as a Busker make sure you are part of ‘Busking Live ‘on Saturday 7 April. Performers must be able to play acoustically or provide their own battery operated sound system if required. With a prize pot of £250 make sure you register today.

With something to tantalise every taste, Antrim Live is guaranteed to bring Antrim Town to life and will be the perfect day out this Easter! Tots, teens, seniors and shoppers are all catered for in what promises to be a fantastic festival of fun.

Check out the full programme www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/antrimlive

and make a date in the diary for Antrim Live! We know you’re going to LOVE Antrim Live!

 

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s LEAN (Linking Entrepreneurs in Antrim and Newtownabbey) Network invite local businesses to take part in an excellent workshop this month.

On Wednesday 21 March from 6pm – 9pm in Antrim Civic Centre, Conor Houston will present the “Delivering Excellence in Customer Service” workshop.

Conor will share his experience and insights, gained as both a lawyer and strategic advisor, into how to develop excellent relationships with your current and potential customers.  During this workshop he will help you to know your customer, impress your customer, manage expectations, develop and improve communications.

This event is open to all businesses in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area and includes a light supper.  The workshop is free to attend however places must be booked in advance by contacting T. 028 9034 0017 or E. events@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

 

 

Stendhal Festival has announced that applications for their 2018 Stendhal Featured Artist prize are now open.

The multi-award winning music and arts festival based in Limavady, introduced the prize for the first time last summer in order to help shine a light on up and coming Northern Irish artists, provide them a platform and have their work be the basis of their visual marketing strategy for the year.

The winning artist will receive a £500 prize, have their work highlighted through Stendhal, have the featured spot in the Stendhal Art Gallery at the event and have their work used in conjunction with Stendhal’s marketing campaign across, posters, billboards, flyers, social media and television.

Last year’s inaugural winner, Rachel Morrow, from Island Magee, said she thoroughly enjoyed the experience and urged any up and coming artists to apply for the prize.

“It was a fantastic experience to be Stendhal’s first featured artist,” said Rachel.

“Not only was it extremely enjoyable but I also benefited a lot from the opportunity, experience and of course, exposure.

She continued. “With over 6000 people in attendance, the exposure I gained as an emerging artist was priceless. Stendhal gave me the opportunity to raise my artist profile, network and sell.

“It was also a great experience learning how to exhibit in a non-traditional space, the vibes of the event and the ethos behind my work really meshed together well.”

Since Stendhal Rachel has continued apace with her art work, she completed a large commission for Electric Picnic Music Festival, been involved in more exhibitions and has sold more paintings, all while working on an online store and a new collection of prints.

She concluded by saying: “The festival is getting bigger and better every year. If you’re looking for exposure and an exciting opportunity to network, sell and raise your profile, it’s a no brainer, apply this year.”

To apply for the Stendhal Festival Featured Artist Prize 2018, simply visit Stendhalfestival.com, click on the BLOG link at the top right hand corner of the landing page and then click on the Featured Artist Link for all the info.

For any general enquiries about the prize contact Colm O’Donnell at colmo@stendhalfestival.com

Entries are open now and close on Friday, March 9.

 

“brilliant and hilarious” – Daily Telegraph

Abigail’s Party is the play everyone remembers, from the decade fashion forgot.

 

A revival of Mike Leigh’s acclaimed play, Abigail’s Party takes to the stage in the MAC Belfast in April. A biting, hilarious, disco-infused satire of British suburbia in the 70’s,

this is one of the most iconic stage plays of the 20^th century.

A new MAC production starring Belfast actress Roisin Gallagher as Beverly, Abigail’s Party will open for a three-week run from 14 April until 5 May 2018.

 

From a time when the height of urban sophistication was cheese and pineapple on a stick, served nonchalantly on a Lazy Susan, comes a tragi-comedy about social climbing,

prejudice and fear of not doing ‘the done thing’. The production is directed by Richard Croxford with an ensemble cast featuring Brigid Shine, Will Irvine, Craig Miller

and Imogen Slaughter during a cocktail party which Beverly and her husband Laurence are hosting for their neighbours. The evening is fuelled by plenty of alcohol, an

array of savoury bites and olives, and Donna Summer on the record player. But as prejudices are unmasked and tempers flare, Beverly’s perfectly planned evening

unravels before her eyes.

 

The award-winning writer and director Mike Leigh called his play “both a celebration and a lamentation of how we are”, because this isn’t just a play about 1970s Britain,

it’s a peek into the frustrations and struggles endured by everyone who has ever floundered and grasped their way through life.

 

Commenting on the production Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC, said: “We’re delighted to be producing Mike Leigh’s bitingly acerbic play at the MAC this spring,

perhaps introducing to many that which is familiar to a whole generation of us, thanks, partly, to its legendary 1977 ‘Play for Today’ production on BBC1.”

 

Tickets for Abigail’s Party are now on-sale. For more information about the show or to book, visit themaclive.com.

Victoria Square Says Thank You for the Memories with a Month-Long Celebration to Mark 10^th Birthday

Northern Ireland’s leading leisure and retail destination, Victoria Square turns 10 in March and is saying thank you for the memories with a host of exclusive events and over £10,000 worth of giveaways to celebrate its big birthday.

From the beginning of the month, the mall will be bedecked with an impressive floral installation and on Friday 3^rd and Saturday 4^th March, a big birthday shopping weekend will offer an array of exclusive offers across the centre.

Throughout March, shoppers will benefit from a fantastic range of promotions, offers, giveaways and events, as Victoria Square goes into full on celebration mode.

Live music on the mall will create a party atmosphere, as Victoria Square partners with the Oh Yeah Music Centre to host 10 live performances from up and coming local artists. To mark the official anniversary on Tuesday 6^th March, five children who share the same birthday will join in the celebrations with a private 10^th birthday party in the dome.

During the 10^th birthday month, customers will also have the chance to win an array of prizes and VSQ experiences. A massive £10,000 worth of Victoria Square prizes will dished out through giveaways on the mall and in partnership with Visit Belfast, Cool FM and Q Radio. A special arcade machine in the centre from 16^th-25^th March will offer visitors the chance to win fantastic gifts, ranging in value from £5 – £500, with proceeds going to Victoria Square’s chosen charities for 2018.

Victoria Square’s iconic dome will act as showcase area for a range of prize-winning artistic creations, submitted through a public art competition to mark its 10^th birthday. The 10 winning artworks, which draw their inspiration from Belfast over the last decade, were judged by local artist, Aly Harte following a public art competition that attracted a staggering 1000 entries.

A Mother’s Day Fayre on 10^th and 11^th March and Easter activities kicking off on 30^th March will bring further buzz and excitement to the centre during the 10^th anniversary month.

For further information, visit www.victoriasquare.com Share your Victoria Square memories on Facebook @victoriasquarebelfast Twitter @Victoria_Square and Instagram, @victoriasqbelfast using the hashtag #VSQ10