As well as the brighter days, spring sees the welcome return of the Irish Writers Centre to Mid Ulster as award-winning poet and Ireland Chair of Poetry, Erin Halliday hosts a six-week poetry workshop at Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy.

In honour of the Irish Writers Centre’s remit to support writers throughout the island of Ireland they are now offering access to their courses in Belfast and Derry focusing on editing, blog writing, creative non-fiction, poetry and the novel.

The course starting this month at Seamus Heaney HomePlace will be taken by Erin Halliday, Ireland Chair of Poetry bursary awardee and featured poet in New Poets from the North of Ireland (Blackstaff). She published her first collection Pharmakon (Templar) in 2015. An Arts Council of Northern Ireland ACES award has funded the completion of her forthcoming second collection.

Erin’s course will begin on Tuesday 27 February at 7pm and will run for six weeks, one evening per week, throughout the spring.  The course is aimed at emerging or advanced poets who are interested in receiving critique of their work and Erin will provide constructive workshop-based analysis throughout.

Speaking what would be available to emerging poets and peers during the course workshops, Erin said, ‘Your voice, form, your poetic preoccupations, condensing meaning into words, and how you consider these aspects of poetry in your editing process; these are questions we’ll consider over the course of this series of workshops.’

Spaces on the six week course, costing £60, can be booked directly through the Irish Writers Centre at www.irishwriterscentre.ie or for further information contact Bernadette Greenan, Education Programmer, Irish Writers Centre (telephone +353 (0)1 872 1302)

 

PROJECT TRACTOR & the BIG Country Breakfast with Richie Remo.

 

Maghera based Specialist Joinery Group, have set their sights on beating an Irish Record for having over 750 tractors on a charity run, a record which is currently held at 715 and was set in Armagh in November 2017.

PROJECT TRACTOR & the BIG Country Breakfast on Saturday 10^th March is the second of a series of community focused fundraising events held by the company to celebrate 30 years in business.

To mark this milestone, the staff aim to raise over £100,000 for ten designated charities carefully selected by the team. Those benefitting include; Steps, Alzheimer’s, Our Lady of Lourdes Pilgrimage. Chest Heart & Stroke, Cystic Fibrosis, Marie Curie, Children’s Cancer Unit, NI Children’s Hospice, Kings College Hospital, London and Sands.

Festivities at Specialist HQ on 10^th March will commence at 9.00am, with a bumper Charity Breakfast. Country star Richie Remo will provide the headline act for a strong bill of entertainment throughout the morning. Arbutus Catering, by Barry & Amanda Dallat will provide all tasty event catering.

Entry for Children is free and they will be entertained by an adventure playground and a selection activities.

Wheels on the road

The cavalcade of Tractors will roll out from Specialist HQ at 1.00pm sharp, to travel the 30 mile Anniversary Route via Maghera, Tobermore, Draperstown, Desertmartin, Magherafelt, Castledawson, Bellaghy, Gulladuff & then finally return to Specialist HQ.

We are calling all Tractor enthusiasts to join this very special charity tractor cavalcade to attempt to break the current Irish record for these brilliant charities. The group emphasis that everyone who participates on the day is working for charity and this event is made even more special by the number of brilliant causes that funds are being raised for.

Whilst there will be facilities for Tractors to register and pay on the day, drivers and passengers are encouraged to register in advance and avoid queuing and to allow for a coordinated record breaking attempt.

Set to be a fun filled event for all the family, as we have limited spaces available please book early to avoid disappointment!

Tickets to the big country breakfast are available online only.

For further event details visit www.sjg.co.uk

Dementia NI members have been working with CIYMS Tennis Club, Belfast to develop Dementia Friendly Tennis Sessions. These sessions are aimed at people with dementia, however, carers and loved ones are also welcome to participate.

CIYMS Tennis formed an outreach department in Autumn 2017 to reach out to the entire local community, and in particular those who might not have thought tennis was for them, or even possible.

CIYMS Outreach Manager, Jane McComb explains how it all began,

“Belfast City Council provided funding to help us set up a stock of rackets and balls. Members were also very generous with donations. This means that participants only need a pair of trainers to come and participate.

We have been able to run two new groups this year and offer Blind/VI tennis on Tuesdays and Dementia Friendly on Wednesdays. We have a fantastic team of volunteers who are able to offer 1 to 1 assistance with these groups.

Our Dementia Friendly session started up after we contacted Ashleigh at Dementia NI, and we invited a few members to come and visit us at the club to talk about their needs and see if we could work on a tennis programme together. A workshop on Dementia Awareness was held at CI, and we have been enjoying our Wednesdays together with an ever-expanding group of those living with dementia and their carers. We are indebted to Belfast City Council for funding this group for this term.”

Dementia NI member, Allison Batchelor encourages others to get involved,

“The Dementia Friendly tennis was an opportunity for me to do something completely different. It was proof that I was still able to learn and to develop new skills even after my diagnosis. I enjoy the gentle exercise and the social side with being given the chance to meet new people. The volunteers have learnt more about dementia and how they can help support people like me remain within the community. To me this gives me hope that another group of people see that those living with dementia are still trying to remain active and included within society.

I would encourage others to get involved, the tennis is for everybody at any level, the volunteers are very accommodating and will adapt to suit each individual’s personal needs.”

Ashleigh Davis, Dementia NI Empowerment Officer shares the benefits Dementia Friendly tennis has brought to the charity’s members,

“Studies show that leading a physically active lifestyle can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of people with dementia. Exercise can be beneficial for both physical health and mental health, therefore improving the quality of life for people living with the condition.

People with dementia are users of local services and Dementia NI members play a vital role in influencing how to make Dementia Friendly communities.

Our members are involved in many Dementia friendly initiatives throughout Northern Ireland, including here in East Belfast. Members regularly advise community groups, sports associations, shops, and organisations on how they can make their facilities or service more appropriate for people with dementia to access. Dementia friendly tennis is a wonderful example of how the views and opinions of people with dementia have been utilised into creating an environment where people with dementia feel socially included and integrated within the community.

We are currently working closely with CIYMS tennis to develop a model that can be utilised and rolled out by other tennis organisations throughout Northern Ireland. Dementia NI is delighted to be involved in the development of dementia friendly tennis sessions and welcome others inspired by these wonderful achievements to contact us to learn more about how to make their organisations more inclusive for people living with dementia.”

CIYMS Outreach Manager, Jane concludes,

“We know that tennis has many health benefits, for both our mental and physical wellbeing, and have already found that even the sceptical or reluctant, will end up having a lovely morning hitting some balls, and then we always have the important cup of tea in the clubhouse afterwards! We hope to be able to continue these two groups and to integrate our new friends into our club. We will also continue to reach out to the local community to offer tennis for everyone.”

For more information on Dementia Friendly tennis, please contact Jane McComb, CIYMS Outreach Manager on 07833 721 865 or email outreach@ciymstennisclub.co.uk to learn how to become involved.

One of Ireland’s most successful bands, The 4 of Us are bringing their critically acclaimed show to Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Saturday 3^rd March at 8pm.

Newry born brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy have developed a strong musical identity which has produced original and award winning recordings as well as a large and loyal fan base.

The band shot to fame in the late 80’s with songs such as ‘Mary’ and ‘Drag my Bad Name Down.’

They also enjoyed great success with their album ‘Man Alive’ which made Q Magazine’s Top 50 albums of 1992 and included the UK Top 30 song ‘She Hits Me.’

To date, the brothers have had six Top 20 albums with the most recent ‘Sugar Island’ released last year. It explores the brothers’ early years growing up in Northern Ireland at the height of the Troubles.

This concert will see the brothers in an up tempo acoustic setting. Fans can expect some beautiful songs, stunning interplay and great stories from the road.

For tickets and further information, please contact the Box Office on 028 7776 0650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com

Edgefest opened last week at the MAC with the critically acclaimed The Man Who Fell to Pieces from Tinderbox, and continues this week with two new productions from Prime Cut, Every Day I Wake Up Hopeful by John Patrick Higgins and East Belfast Boy by Fintan Brady.

Edgefest is a mini festival produced in collaboration with the two leading theatre companies and the MAC, with work that throws the light on the mental health crisis facing many of our citizens with a special focus on men. The theatre productions are supported by a series of free workshops and talks which are focused on practical and positive ways to manage self-care and evolve a deeper understanding of holistic practices which can help us manage stress in our daily lives.

Speaking today, Prime Cut Artistic Director Emma Jordan said:

‘We are so excited to be producing these two plays by two very talented Northern Irish writers. The plays are very different Every Day I Wake Up Hopeful [ starring Charlie Bonner and directed by Rhiann Jeffrey] is a heartbreakingly funny story of Malachy a man facing an epic mid-life crisis whilst East Belfast Boy [ starring Ryan McParland and directed by Emma Jordan] brings us into the world of Davy a young DJ and father who is at a precipice in his life – East Belfast Boy was created by Partisan Productions through a collaborative process involving the creative team and young men from the Beersbridge and Newtownards Roads in Belfast. It was first presented at Ballymacarrett Friendship Centre in August 2015 as part of the Eastside Arts Festival. Prime Cut are thrilled to be bringing this authentic exciting play to new audiences in the MAC. Both these plays are funny and real and encourage audiences to engage in an act of empathy as we understand the worlds in which these characters exist.’

Prime Cut Productions began 2018 making quite a splash with seven nominations in the prestigious Irish Times Theatre Awards for their Lyric Theatre co-production of Red by John Logan. Red had its Irish Premiere in The Lyric in April 2017 and is nominated in the Best Play category with further nominations for all the creative team and cast with a clean sweep for best lighting design, set design, director, actor, supporting actor and choreographer. The Award Ceremony will take place in the National Concert Hall on 25th Feb 2018.

Gilly Campbell, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “Congratulations to Prime Cut Productions and the Lyric Theatre on their well-deserved seven Irish Times Theatre Awards nominations.  Prime Cut Productions continue to push boundaries and offer audiences challenging, impressive and innovative theatre.  I would also encourage everyone to go along to Prime Cut’s Edgefest at The MAC which demonstrates the power of the arts in highlighting and opening dialogue around difficult subjects.”

To buy tickets to East Belfast Boy and Every Day I Wake Up Hopeful contact the MAC on 028 9023 5053 or  www.themaclive.com

Prime Cut’s work is supported by the Arts Council Northern Ireland, the Belfast City Council and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

For further information contact Stephen Coulter on 028 9024 4044 or mobile 078 5671 7726 email stephen@primecutproductions.co.uk

Belfast International Arts Festival is delighted to announce that the provisional dates for the 56^th edition are Tuesday 16 October to Saturday 3 November 2018 inclusive.

Today, the Festival announced the programme with a new signature work from American social practice artist, Suzanne Lacy, called Across and In-Between to be co-commissioned by the Festival and 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary.

Borders have profound impacts on the lives of people who live on or near them. Some borders, such as the one dividing Northern Ireland from the Republic, run through lakes, roads and farmland. The Partition of Ireland dates from the end of the First World War. After the Easter Rising of 1916 and the assertion of independence by Sinn Fein in 1918, a devastating civil war broke out following the division of Ireland into north and south. The consequences of partition are still being felt today.

Suzanne Lacy investigates how the border frames identity and intervenes in the routine of everyday life. For this new commission, she co-creates with residents a series of localised gatherings and individual musings on visible and invisible borders.

Lacy is a celebrated pioneer of social practice, a form of art that engages the public in collaborative projects on social issues such as class, race and gender equity. For the 56^th edition of the Belfast International Arts Festival and the final season of 14-18 NOW, Lacy will work with communities from both sides of the Irish border on a shared artistic project that will also feature a presentation in Belfast in October 2018.

Making the announcement, Festival CEO and Artistic Director Richard Wakely said:

“Borders are in the news as never before, from the continuing migration of peoples from Africa and Middle East into Europe through to the implications of Brexit for those living and working on the island of Ireland. However, does a border represent a particular kind of region or social environment? If so, does the border tend to produce a particular kind of culture? And what is the relationship between this environment and its culture? The Belfast International Arts Festival is a place for artists and audiences to come together and to explore, exchange and debate such ideas through creative practice. We are delighted to continue our relationship with 14-18 NOW with this co-commission of a new participatory work, Across and In-Between from Suzanne Lacy that will explore the impact of the Irish border on identity and everyday life for those who live on or near to it”.

Noirin McKinney, Director of Arts Development, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said:

“The importance of staging an international arts festival in Belfast cannot be overestimated. As the Festival’s principal funder, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland recognises its enormous contribution to high-quality arts and culture in return for a relatively small amount of public investment.  We are delighted to support the Belfast International Arts Festival once again through National Lottery and public funding and we wish the team every success with this year’s festival.”

Jenny Waldman, Director, 14-18 NOW said:

“14-18 NOW is the UK’s arts programme connecting people with the First World War. Our final season in 2018 marks the centenary of the Armistice and end of the war and features brand new artworks by some of the world’s leading contemporary artists taking place across the UK.  14-18 NOW has worked with Belfast International Arts Festival for three years, and we are thrilled to have the chance to continue this partnership.  Across and In-Between, by the renowned artist Suzanne Lacy, tackles the complex issue of borders, a topical theme in the UK and beyond.  This work will leave a lasting legacy for future generations.”

The full Festival Programme is due to be revealed later in the year with booking available for some key events over the coming months.

 

For all the latest information and to sign up for Festival News, visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com, follow on facebook and twitter @BelfastFestival  for all the latest news.

Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy (BABA) is organising what promises to be an exhilarating night made up of approximately 10 bouts in the ring on Saturday 3 March.

 

Marine Court Hotel in Bangor will play host to the athletic competitors who will be travelling from across Ireland in the cross community event in a bid to raise funds towards the Academy and the four nominated charities that Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, chose at the start of his term: Beyond the Battlefield, Decorum NI, Helping Alopecia Trust and Homestart.

Head Coach of BABA, Sandy Rice, is excited about the event and is urging people to purchase their tickets sooner rather than later due to the highly anticipated evening of entertainment, “the guys involved are looking forward to taking part, especially as the night is raising funds for good causes including our Academy. BABA means a lot to many people, and the passion these guys have runs over and above the involvement of the sport but to their dedication in ensuring facilities such as ours remain open and working.”

BABA, recently relocated to SERC in Bangor, is a hub for people of all ages and provides facilities where young boxers can really hone their skills. For many of the members it has been a place of refuge, giving them direction and focus in life. Places like BABA rely on funds raised via events such as these.

Mayor Adair was delighted when Sandy Rice approached him about organising the event, “I was thrilled when Sandy got in touch about the event. I was already familiar with the work Sandy does with the Academy as he had been awarded for his service in the field of Voluntary Community Work in last year’s Civic Awards. I myself am excited to be part of the event and so pleased for the charities, and the Academy, who will benefit from the proceeds of the night. Be sure to book your ticket soon as it is already proving very popular.”

Whether you are a boxing fan or not this evening is sure to have you enthralled in the fight. Come along and support your local club and your local charities.

Doors open 7.30pm for 8pm. Tickets £10, available from Bangor Town Hall, Bangor Abbey Boxing Academy, and the Mayor’s charities, or by calling 07985 476 414.

 

Bluegrass, Jazz and Comedy Drama are all on the bill for the start of March at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

C21 Theatre Company return on Thursday 1 March with ‘May The Road Rise Up’, a fast-paced, comedy rollercoaster about a woman who resolves to live life to the full no matter what it flings at her. When Mia’s boyfriend leaves her, she falls into debt and loses her job, but she still stays cheerful throughout our recessionary times. Mia is aided and abetted by her BFF, wedding singer, Paddy, who can sniff out a party at a hundred yards and, when it comes to acting disabled in the benefits office, he makes Liam Neeson look like an amateur! Then, one day, Mia lands a new job, driving round Belfast’s busy streets, and thinks to herself surely life is on the up. Little does she know, she could be about to get closer to those streets than she ever imagined…

Then on Friday 2 March, Chris Jones & The Night Drivers take to the stage, with some of the most distinctively elegant music to be heard anywhere today, and they’re delivering it with a unique blend of dry wit, emotional authenticity and broad humour that’s won the loyalty of a growing number of fans. Steve Martin referred to the Night Drivers as ‘some of the best players in bluegrass! Chris Jones’ voice is there with the great masters.’ Chris’ range of talents took centre stage at the IBMA’s Awards Show in 2007, where he earned both a Song Of The Year award, and the organization’s Broadcaster Of The Year trophy. The occasion marked the first time that both music and industry awards have gone to a single person.

Lovers of Jazz are in for a treat on Saturday 3 March, with a performance by jazz guitar legend Jim Mullen, unquestionably one of the all-time greats in the history of the genre. A five times winner of ‘Best Guitarist’ in the British Jazz Awards and recipient of a lifetime achievement award in 2015, Jim has worked with US jazz stars including Mose Allison, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy Witherspoon and Teddy Edwards. With his original and visceral guitar style, Jim will be joined by The Ronnie Greer Organ Band, featuring the complementary guitar playing of Ronnie, Scott Flanigan on Hammond organ, and Dominic Mullan on drums.

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre And 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 next concert in the series of Music In The Chamber concerts at Bangor Castle, is taking place on Friday 9 March and will feature the hugely popular alt-folk band Runabay.

 

Runabay are six musicians from the Glens of Antrim who through their passion for harmony and melody have been writing and recording since 2014.

The band are at the forefront of fresh, new music in Northern Ireland, a sound which has undeniably been shaped by the beautiful coastline which surrounds the Glens of Antrim and is felt through the swooping melodies and poignant lyrics. The band produce a mature sound that leaves the listener hanging on to the intricate guitar riffs, harmonies and haunting cello.

With uplifting melodies, complex instrumentation, their music will appeal to fans of artists like José Gonzalez and Fleet. Don’t miss this chance to catch the band in the beautiful surroundings of The Chamber room at Bangor Castle. Show time is 8pm.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale now at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown. Tickets can also be purchased from North Down Museum or any of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

The Millennium Forum has just announced that hugely popular comedian, Rob Brydon, will make his debut at the cityside venue on Saturday 29^th September.  Tickets go on sale tomorrow, Fri 9^th Feb at 10am and are priced at £31.50.

 

Rob Brydon is perhaps best known for the television shows Gavin and Stacey, Would I Lie To You? and The Trip as well as Marion and Geoff, Human Remains, Little Britain, The Rob Brydon Show, Best of Men, Gangster Granny and Q.I.  His film work includes The Huntsman : Winter’s War, Cinderella and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Earlier this year in London’s West End he starred opposite Sir Kenneth Branagh in The Painkiller.  His other theatre credits include Future Conditional at The Old Vic and A Chorus of Disapproval at The Harold Pinter Theatre.

I Am Standing Up represents Rob Brydon’s first stand up tour since his sell out national tour and West End run of 2009.

Rob Brydon performs at the Millennium Forum on Sat 29^th September.  Tickets go on sale at 10am tomorrow, Fri 9^th Feb.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.