The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is the place to be this summer as it launches its June to August programme.

Crammed full of light-hearted comedy and drama, chilled out musical performances, loads of entertainment for the little ones including the massively popular Showstoppers musical, and not to mention the now annual John Hewitt Summer School. Here’s just an outline of what’s available to enjoy during those long summer evenings.

A host of local talent will take to the stage in June with performances from the children of The Jennifer Marshall School Of Dance with their spectacular production ‘Gotta Dance’. The students of Drama For Kids offer an amusingly different take on everyone’s favourite fairytales in ‘Into The Woods’. Spotlight Studio are back with the much-loved tale of ‘Chara And The Beast’, and Stage Stars Youth Theatre present ‘Musical Mayhem 3’.

June will also see a host of creative opportunities with three superb workshops in Pastel Painting, Silver Jewellery and Pin Hole Photography, all led by expert tutors, allowing you to learn a superb new skill in a relaxed and fun environment.

For the kids, the ever-popular Family Super Saturday will take place on 29 July, this time featuring the Dinosaur Detectives. Follow a fascinating journey of discovery, fun and conflict surrounding the first fossil finds of Mary Anning, William Buckland and Gideon Mantell. A show with puppetry combined with projection and shadow theatre create their fascinating world. Boys and girls who are into Dinosaurs will love this show! A fossil table will be available at the end of the show for everyone to study fossils – including Dinosaur Vertebrae and Dinosaur Poo!

Families will also be delighted with the return of ‘Showstoppers’, our annual Musical Theatre workshop. Why not make good use of the holidays to learn or perfect your skills in acting, singing and dancing. Over the course of five days a professional director, musical director & choreographer will work with you on scenes, songs and dances from some of the most popular musicals around, before you perform ‘Showstoppers’ on The Market Place’s Main Stage in front of your own live audience. Believe us, it’s the best fun the summer can be!

There’ll be laughs aplenty with some fantastic stand-up comedy and comedy drama. Micky Bartlett’s hit 30 and he’s unapologetically taking on the big issues in his new show ‘Typical’: racism, sexism, his doctor telling him to avoid dairy. Don’t miss Northern Ireland’s favourite stand-up from BBC’s ‘Bad Language’, ‘Monumental’ and Radio 4’s ‘State Of The Nations’ with his funniest hour yet. Or so he hopes… bloody typical!

The craic continues with ‘Stop It Nurse’. Belvoir Players proudly presents this hilarious Ulster comedy by Sam Cree. Set in a Belfast hospital during the 1960’s, the Ward Sister rules the roost! We follow the fortunes and misfortunes of the patients in the male surgical ward. When Sammy, a Linfield supporter is admitted, followed by Felix who supports Glentoran, we can be sure mayhem follows! Add to the mix a giddy nurse, a domineering wife, a femme fatale and an all-in wrestler, then we have all the ingredients for a typical evening of pure Cree manic magic!

August will see the return of The 7 Hills Blues Festival with performances by Dana Masters and The Henry Girls. Originally from the Deep South in the United States, Dana Masters grew up with sound of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music all around her. From live work with BBC radio 4 and ‘Proms In The Park’ to singing regularly with Van Morrison, Dana’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top vocalists continues to gain momentum.

‘The Henry Girls’ are an Irish folk and roots music group consisting of three sisters, Karen, Lorna and Joleen McLaughlin. You’ll often see The Henry Girls on stage with a fiddle, ukulele, banjo, guitar, harp, mandolin, piano and accordion. Their new album ‘Far Beyond the Stars’ was named are RTE Radio’s Album of the Week in March 2017, an incredible achievement.

For details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets for can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

 

Highly Commended in the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016. Comber Earlies Food Festival makes a welcome return on Saturday 17^th June promising a fantastic free family day out.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Deborah Girvan said ‘‘I thoroughly enjoyed The Comber Earlies Food Festival last year and look forward to this year’s event celebrating our local food heroes and all the entertainment on offer’

The one-day festival organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Food NI, Comber Early Growers and DAERA, takes place in the town centre and will showcase the world famous Comber Early which achieved EU Protected Geographical Indication status in 2012. Richard Orr, Chairman of Comber Earlies Growers Co-op, said ‘We are really looking forward to showcasing this year’s crop. The festival is a great way to celebrate our produce and the season ahead’

 

There will be a packed programme from 10am-4pm. A Local Artisan food fair will pave the way to a Hay Bale picnic and Big Tops filled with music, children’s crafts and cooking demonstrations and activities showcasing all things potato! At the festival kitchen, local and well known chefs will be showcasing their cooking skills live throughout the day.

 

Look out for the tractor display, band performances and world class street theatre including Mr and Mrs Spud and a hilarious comedy chef show, Liver Cottage!

 

So Come along and sample and celebrate the world famous Comber Earlies or some delicious locally produced treat while soaking up the festival atmosphere at this great family day out!

 

The Comber Earlies Fringe Festival will run from 9^th to 20^th June. Delivered by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership, the programme includes lots of activities for all ages including a Barn dance, live music, Festival quiz and lots more!

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Calling all budding scientists! Bright Sparks is W5’s unique and exciting week-long summer camp for inquisitive young minds aged 8 to 11.

 

Participants in Bright Sparks will get hands-on in a range of exciting, science-based activities such as crime labs, rocket races, animation and building challenges. Each day will have its own theme and our young experimenters will be encouraged to explore and learn in a fun and positive environment.

 What W5 Offer

• A fun-filled programme of hands-on activities, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm
• Exciting and engaging topics covering a wide range of STEM disciplines
• Opportunities to explore W5, including Climbit
• Enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and experienced staff
• Drop-off and pick-up times designed to accommodate working parents
• A free ‘Bright Sparks’ T-shirt

 Programme

The programme of activities at the summer camp will be exciting and varied. To give the week a unique structure each day will follow a specific theme. W5’s Bright Sparks will also get to explore and enjoy W5’s shows, workshops and supervised exhibition floor visits. Throughout the week participants will also keep a record of their activities through a student-driven digital portfolio which will allow them (as well as parents!) to look back on their summer camp achievements.

 Dates & Costs

Bright Sparks Summer Camps is running on the following dates:

Week 1: Monday 3 – Friday 7 July

Week 2: Monday 17 – Friday 21 July

Week 3: Monday 31 July – Friday 4 August

Week 4: Monday 7 – Friday 11 August

Week 5: Monday 14 – Friday 18 August

The total cost for one week is £125 per child (with a reduction for additional children). Numbers are limited, therefore please book early to avoid disappointment.

 Visit www.w5online.co.uk for full information and to download a booking form.

 

 

 

Breast Cancer Survivors paddle the Lagan for their first ever Dragon Boat Regatta

The Lagan Dragons, Northern Ireland’s only breast cancer survivors dragon boat team, is gearing up to host their first ever regatta.

The River Lagan is set to come alive with the sound of drums and the splashing of paddles on June 3 as over 420 rival dragon boat paddlers compete in an exhilarating boat race, hosted by the Dragons and supported by Bryson LaganSports.  On the day, guests can also enjoy music and entertainment, a BBQ, craft tables, face painting and a raffle offering some very unique prizes.

The Lagan Dragons was founded by breast cancer survivor Joanne Rock and the group first set sail in 2015.  The group aims to help those affected by breast cancer by providing support, improving fitness and raising awareness.  The team has grown to over 40 members who attend weekly training sessions and has been backed by the Northern Ireland medical profession with most new members being referred by surgeons or nurses in local hospitals.

Joanne Rock, founder of Lagan Dragons, said;   

“I set up the club just over two years ago as a way of helping to support those who had gone through breast cancer.  We now have over 40 members who paddle together on the Lagan each week and provide an excellent support network for each other.

“This June we are hosting our very first regatta to raise funds for the club.  It is set to be a fantastic day for all the family and we are encouraging people to get involved by registering to take part in the race or by coming along to watch the teams compete in a friendly rivalry on the Lagan.  All racing equipment will be provided and there’s prizes for the fastest teams and for the best fancy dress.

“The Lagan Dragons Club is opened to anyone affected by breast cancer, whether you are a survivor or a family member, and we are keen to keep growing the club.”

Dr Gwyneth Hinds, Associate Specialist in the Breast Unit at Belfast City Hospital and a Lagan Dragons team member, says the club will help survivors feel emotionally and physically stronger.

“I’d encourage survivors of breast cancer to take part in the sport to enhance their physical health.  Medical research shows that those who participate in dragon boat paddling following breast cancer treatment have more energy and feel physically stronger due to the strenuous upper body activity.

“The sport also gives survivors the opportunity to gain emotional support and enhance their social wellbeing by providing a safe social outlet in a unique environment.”

 

The Lagan Dragons Regatta will take place from 10am – 3pm on June 3 at the Waterfront Hall Belfast.  All races will be over 200 metres and the teams must be made up of between 12 – 17 paddlers and one drummer.

To find out more about the Lagan Dragon Regatta, or receive further information on joining the Lagan Dragons, visit lagandragons.com or @Lagandragons on Facebook or Twitter.

The Lagan Dragons is registered as a voluntary sports club with charity status, consisting of people of all ages who have been affected by breast cancer.

A special crossing took place between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle on Friday evening ahead of the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival.

Crews rowed two currachs from the island as a symbolic gesture in anticipation of the 10-day celebration of the region’s rich maritime history.  The vessels, the Danny Rowan and The Mary O, hold a special place in the festival’s history as they were made during the inaugural event in 2013.

The currach crew members exchange gifts in Ballycastle with help from the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Maura Hickey.The festival is named after Rathlin Sound, the body of water which separates Rathlin from Ballycastle.  The currachs and their crew were met in Ballycastle by a group of supporters which included the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey. She said: “What a fantastic sight to see these community-made currachs reach dry land in Ballycastle. Rathlin and Ballycastle might be separated by a wide expanse of water, but this maritime pathway is also what joins both together.

“The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is a celebration of both communities, their connection to the water and their shared nautical heritage. With just days to go until the official start of the festival, I was delighted to be a part of this event.”  In Ballycastle, an exchange of gifts took place to reinforce the historic links between both areas.

Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival will officially begin on Friday 26^th May with a traditional blessing of the boats to offer safe passage to all who work or travel on the water.

Rathlin Island will open its exhibition of HMS Drake artefacts – which has extra significance this year as 100 years have passed since the battleship sank in Church Bay following a torpedo attack by a German U-Boat.

Following this, a packed programme of events is planned throughout the festival period.

Ballycastle seafront will be transformed into a main hub of activity, with Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, free family activities, cookery demonstrations, music and dance, sandcastle competition and Jet Man demonstrations just a small part of what’s on offer.

Along with visiting currachs, Rathlin Island will also welcome Viking friends from Ardglass, who bring a (charitable!) taste of invasion and battle re-enactment from their boat ‘Ellen Dubh’, star of ‘The Vikings’ TV series.

Ian Stephen and Christine Morrison bring a link with the communities of Western Scotland and beyond with storytelling and workshops, and look out for an exciting introduction to islands and seafarers of the South Pacific from some new friends to the Festival.

For a truly unique experience, the West Lighthouse Seabird Centre will be opening its doors for a special sunset experience during the week.  For full details on the festival itinerary go to www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates

 

 

We look forward to sharing our maritime heritage with you all.

The fun filled line-up, developed by Council’s Sport Development and Physical Recreation Team, will begin on Monday 3^rd July and run until Friday 11^th August.

This year’s programme will have something for everyone, offering a fantastic selection of 62 courses covering 27 different activities.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “The packed programme has so much to offer this year, with activities including cricket, rowing, badminton and paddle boarding. I would like to encourage all young people to get involved. They can learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun all at the same time.”

Sports Development Manager (Central), Stephen McCartney, who leads the Programme, said: “Council’s Sports Development Team is committed to offering a wide a range of quality activities for young people and we believe this year’s programme will exceed expectations. The Table Tennis Camp and Soccer Starz Indoor Camp are new additions to the programme and will appeal to a much wider audience, with traditional favourites such as tennis, hockey and golf also available. Each course is designed to increase the participant’s skill level but more importantly, the emphasis is on having lots of fun.”

 “There is also a special incentive for young budding footballers this year. Participants on all soccer school courses will receive a free football to help practice their skills.”

 Due to popular demand, the swimming courses follow the same format as last year with levels 1–10 in the main pool and minnows’ levels 1-4 in the minor pool.  They are also in keeping with the centre’s lessons, offering value for money and continuity.  

The full price for individuals to participate per course is £30 each. There is a special discount ticket available priced at £24 per person per course, for those who have a current Access to Leisure Card. This discount is also available for anyone enrolling for a minimum of three courses per household (activities must be booked at the same time).

Enrolment will begin on Saturday 3^rd June at 8.15am at Coleraine Leisure Centre.

All interested parties will only be permitted to enrol one family on the initial day of enrolment.

For those children who do not wish to be part of the sporting activities, Council’s Summer Recreation Programme will also be running numerous summer schemes throughout the borough. Taking place in Coleraine West, Coleraine Leisure Centre, Bushmills, Portstewart, Castlerock, Garvagh and Kilrea, full information brochures are now available.

Summer Recreation Programme brochures with summer scheme details and enrolment forms are available from Coleraine Leisure Centre. For further information, please contact Roger Downey, Participation Manager on 028 7034 7234 or Stephen Mc Cartney, Sports Development Manager (central) on 028 7035 5048.

Calling all budding actors and singers!  If you’ve ever fancied treading the boards in a professional theatrical production, make your way to the Millennium Forum on Saturday 10^th June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm when the North West’s premier theatre will be holding auditions for yet another fabulous Christmas Panto, ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’.

 

Directed by Jonathan Burgess, with choreography by Venessa Chapman and Alan Wright as Musical Director, ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ at the Forum boasts the best in local talent in the biggest show of the Autumn/Winter programme of events.

A number of lead cast roles including the King and Queen (playing an age of 35+) are up for grabs at the auditions.  If it’s simply singing and dancing that’s your thing, then there are also a number of adult ‘General Ensemble’ parts to be won (age 17+).  All roles require excellent singing, acting and dancing ability.

David McLaughlin, Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum and show producer for the past fourteen years, encourages everyone with a desire to perform to audition:

“The Millennium Forum has developed a reputation for producing fantastic Christmas pantomimes that are fun for all the family.  ‘Cinderella’ last year was hugely successful, having performed to a massive audience of almost 30,000!  The auditions for this year’s Christmas Panto provide a great opportunity to act, sing or dance in the biggest show of the season for all budding professional or amateur performers.  Who knows – it could be the first step to a career in acting for some talented individual.  We have already seen Gerard McCarthy (Jack in ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ 2002) move onto great success with Channel 4’s ‘Hollyoaks’, our ‘Aladdin’ from 2009 and ‘Peter Pan’ from 2004, Conleth Kane, is also doing exceptionally well; he has recently enjoyed success on London’s West End following an appearance in the hit television programmes, Casualty and RTE’s search for FAME THE MUSICAL stars; Orla Mullan who played our ‘Fairy Godmother’ a number of times, has enjoyed success in the recent hit television series, ‘The Fall’; our ‘Peter Pan’ from 2013 and 2015’s Aladdin, Mikey J Heath has recently starred as ‘Tom Thumb’ in the West End touring production of the hit musical, ‘Barnum’ and local actor, Dylan Reid, landed the part of ‘Andrej’ in the musical, ‘Once’.”

 Auditions for ‘Jack & The Beanstalk’ will be held in the Millennium Forum on Saturday 10^th June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Anyone interested should contact Lisa Lynch on 028 (048 from the Republic) 71 264426 between 9.30am – 4pm (Mon-Fri only) or email lisal@millenniumforum.co.uk to arrange an audition time. Please note, you must arrange an audition in advance.

 

 

 

Why not enjoy a night of great music at The Market Place Theatre’s popular Jazz Club. Taking centre stage will be the hugely popular Martello Jazz Band who feature a sound reminiscent of the Dixieland bands of 1920’s New Orleans, stamped with their own brand of drive and flair.

Since 1985, the band has built on its reputation for quality music, and has played at many venues. Over the years the band has featured in many local and national television and radio programmes, in addition to numerous appearances at regional jazz events. Through these the Martello have experienced many exciting encounters with celebrated international musicians who have sat in with the band. These have included Humphrey Lyttleton and Helen Shapeiro, George Melly with John Chiltern and the Feetwarmers, and the legendary trumpet player Kenny Baker.

The band continues to excite crowds of jazz fans old and new alike with their exuberant onstage performances. There is no doubt about it. If hard-driving, foot-tapping music is your scene, then this is the band for you!

The Jazz Club will take place on Friday 26^th May at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced £15 which includes wine on arrival and light refreshments during the interval.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.

 

 

Belfast’s first ever Social Souk is being hosted at St George’s Market next Wednesday, 31 May from 11am-2pm as part of Belfast City Council’s ‘Go Social’ Programme.

The event is designed to help those interested in setting up a social enterprise or co-operative by giving them the information, guidance and support they need and brings together expertise from Belfast City Council, Work West and Social Enterprise NI, along with other Belfast based support organisations, social enterprises and co-operatives.

Councillor Aileen Graham, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee commented: “The Social Souk is an event that everyone with an interest in establishing a social enterprise or co-operative should attend.

“There’ll be a real bazaar type buzz at the social enterprise and co-operative marketplace, where you can find potential new customers, you’ll also be able to access one-to-one specialist support and advice on the day, and you’ll benefit from peer support through our ‘Six Degrees of Separation’ networking sessions.

“Social enterprises marry the social mission of a not for profit organisation with the market driven approach of a business – and that poses quite distinct opportunities and challenges. So that’s why we’re organising this groundbreaking event for Belfast and bringing together the best expertise available to support the growth of social enterprise in the city.”

The event is free of charge you are welcome to drop in at any time between 11am – 2pm, but if you wish to attend any of the sessions you must register in advance at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/gosocial

For more information on the support Belfast City Council offers small businesses, visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessinfo

The Friends’ Goodwill Festival launches with a wave of top music artists and bands heading to Larne.

Four action-packed days of maritime-themed family fun are taking place in the town to mark the 300th anniversary of the departure of the Friends’ Goodwill ship from Larne to America back in 1717.

The entertainment includes outdoor concerts, exhibitions, displays, history re-enactments and American sports.

Singer-songwriter Una Healy will touch down in Larne having wowed audiences in the capital of American country music, Nashville, earlier this week.

Una, who recently embarked on a solo career after her chart-topping exploits with The Saturdays, headlines a fantastic line-up of artists and bands performing a wide range of music including country, Ulster-Scots, bluegrass and dance.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, said: “We are delighted to be hosting this festival which celebrates the legacy of the Friends’ Goodwill voyage and the deep links forged between Ulster and America.

“The Friends’ Goodwill Festival, organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, is free for the public to enjoy.

“I look forward to seeing a strong turnout to celebrate the rich shared culture and heritage of which we are so proud.”

The festival runs until Sunday (21 May).

American Dreams, a special play recounting the Friends’ Goodwill’s epic journey and the Ulster emigrants’ impact on the fledgling nation, is being staged at the McNeill Theatre, Larne, this evening (Thur).

Then three days of outdoor activities, including concerts at Sandy Bay Playing Fields, take place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Other events scheduled include a parade of sail, strongman competition, American football, living history performances and walking tours.

As well as Una Healy, other top performers who will take to the stage include Jim Devine, The Broken String Band, Marty Mone, Dana Masters, Philomena Begley, Four Men and a Dog, Barry Kirwan and Niamh McGlinchey.

The Friends’ Goodwill voyage is so significant as it is believed to have been the first emigrant ship to sail from Ulster to America in the 18th century.

A free park and ride facility will be in operation from the Caterpillar site at the Old Glenarm Road, bringing visitors to the drop-off point at Larne Leisure Centre, close to the event site at Sandy Bay.

There will be three access points to the site: Rugby Road, Bay Road and Chelmsford Place. Disabled access-only via Tower Road.

There will be additional pick up and drop off points on Agnew Street.

The 359D Harbour service will also be in operation, picking up from Dunnes Stores, Main Street, and drop off at the Curran Road/Tower Road junction.

A specialised changing and toilet facility for disabled adults and children will make its Northern Ireland debut at the festival.

The Mobiloo houses state-of-the-art equipment and ensures dignity and respect for disabled festivalgoers.

For more details, including a full listing of events and times, visit the Friends’ Goodwill Festival pages.