To celebrate World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October, Antrim Civic Centre, Ballyclare Town Hall Clock Tower and Mossley Mill will be lit up purple in support.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have teamed up with Action Mental Health (AMH) New Horizons, Antrim to help raise awareness of their services to adults recovering from mental illness.

AMH New Horizons Antrim assists adults, recovering from mental ill-health, offering a range of person centred programmes in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere to support recovery. AMH provide a range of training programmes to help increase confidence and self-esteem, gain new skills and qualifications and improve career opportunities.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “one in five adults in Northern Ireland will show signs of a mental illness.  I am delighted to be able to support AMH New Horizons Antrim, who offer hope to those affected by a mental illness”.

An art exhibition ‘Art as Therapy’ by Ross Thompson will run at Clotworthy House from Thursday 6 – Friday 14 October. Artist Ross Thompson from Coleraine is a service user who was supported by AMH New Horizons Antrim.

If you are unemployed, living with a mental illness and are interested in taking part in the New Horizons Employment Program, contact your Community Mental Health team, Condition Management team or Jobs and Benefits advisor, and ask for a referral to the service.

We’re used to banks lending money, but Ulster Bank is also lending out its branches as a stage for up-and-coming performers to mark its support for Belfast’s largest arts event.

Branches around the city will host artists such as musicians, dancers and magicians over the coming weeks in the build-up to the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival (11^th – 29^th October).

Supported by Arts & Business NI, the initiative is intended to widen access to the arts and encourage customers and members of the public to engage with this year’s festival.

Performances will take place on set days and times in some branches from Connswater in the east of the city to Andersonstown in the west, starting on Monday (October 3^rd).

To promote the initiative, local musician James Downey joined Ulster Bank’s ‘Bank on Wheels’ and performed on its journey from Belfast to serve customers in locations such as Carryduff.

Ulster Bank Head of Northern Ireland, Richard Donnan, said: “As title sponsor of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, we’re really excited to provide as many people as possible with access to the arts, and we’re delighted to be working with Arts & Business NI and the Festival to do so”.

Brona Whittaker, Arts Manager, Arts & Business NI, said: “The Ulster Bank and Belfast International Arts Festival is a partnership which connects Ulster Bank customers and reaches into local communities drawing in wide ranging audiences. The partnership brings an eclectic range of creativity to inspire and engage the city. Put the dates in your diary and get in on the act.”

Performers participating in the initiative, which runs between 3^rd and 14^th October, include musician James Downey, singer Marie Mullan, magician Caolan McBride, blues band Reverend Doc, and brass heavy band Fat Lip.

Further information is available at www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

She’s starring in her smash hit one-woman comedy drama, In the Window, which has sold out across Northern Ireland and wowed audiences as far away as Edinburgh, Kansas City USA and Mumbai, India!

In the Window is the story of Margaret, a woman who decides to end it all, only to be interrupted by an under-age intruder, a nosy match-making neighbour, and a tall policeman. A tall, handsome, policeman!

The evening is fraught with misunderstandings and little white lies as the characters struggle to untangle confusions and overcome painfully hilarious longings.  With her usual virtuosity, Nuala plays all the characters.

She said: “I’ve been thrilled to play In the Window to audiences in India and the United States, where people really loved Margaret and the other characters. Although In the Window is set in Belfast, it is a universal story and audiences were both moved and highly entertained by this heart-warming tale about our need to belong.”

Awarded a five star review by Broadway Baby, this black comedy about the resilience of the human heart in the face of just about everything that can go wrong in our crazy modern lives, delivers a cocktail of humour and disaster that’s just to die for.

In the Window contains some strong language and adult themes and is suitable for ages 16 years and above.

To book, contact the Arts Centre team on 028 7776 0650 or for further information and full autumn programme listings, visit roevalleyarts.com

She’s starring in her smash hit one-woman comedy drama, In the Window, which has sold out across Northern Ireland and wowed audiences as far away as Edinburgh, Kansas City USA and Mumbai, India!

In the Window is the story of Margaret, a woman who decides to end it all, only to be interrupted by an under-age intruder, a nosy match-making neighbour, and a tall policeman. A tall, handsome, policeman!

The evening is fraught with misunderstandings and little white lies as the characters struggle to untangle confusions and overcome painfully hilarious longings.  With her usual virtuosity, Nuala plays all the characters.

She said: “I’ve been thrilled to play In the Window to audiences in India and the United States, where people really loved Margaret and the other characters. Although In the Window is set in Belfast, it is a universal story and audiences were both moved and highly entertained by this heart-warming tale about our need to belong.”

Awarded a five star review by Broadway Baby, this black comedy about the resilience of the human heart in the face of just about everything that can go wrong in our crazy modern lives, delivers a cocktail of humour and disaster that’s just to die for.

In the Window contains some strong language and adult themes and is suitable for ages 16 years and above.

To book, contact the Arts Centre team on 028 7776 0650 or for further information and full autumn programme listings, visit roevalleyarts.com

Todds Leap are hosting a charity 5K off road fun run in aid of Chest Heart & Stoke on Sunday 6th November.

Team entry is £25.00p/p (minimum of 4 per team) or solo runners are priced at £30.00p/p. Price includes a free t-shirt and goody bag.  Pre-registration is at 10am with the run starting at 11:30am with free family fun event from 12pm.

Register online at www.toddsleap.com/gettomuck

Down

Join WWT Castle Espie this Saturday and Sunday, for Quackanory Storytime – children’s tales inspired by nature. Sessions at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.  Cost: Included in cost of admission and free for WWT members and under 4s.

Armagh

Do you feel ‘the need the need for speed’..then don your best pair of aviators and channel your inner Maverick and Goose at the Shambles Yard on Saturday 1st October at 8pm to watch ‘Top Gun’.  This seated adult cinema is FREE and available on a first come first served basis so come early to avoid disappointment. For extra comfort feel free to bring your own chair, cushions and blankets.  Please note this film is rated 12, under 12’s must be accompanied by an adult. Pick up your cinema treats on site or bring your own picnic, no alcohol is permitted.  Gates open at 19.00

Fermanagh

Experience and participate in Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment & visual arts 29th September to 2nd October.  Founded in 2006, the Fermanagh Arts Festival Ltd is a charitable company which coordinates a popular festival in Enniskillen that achieves a high quality of creative and cultural experience for all ages. The festival thrives on showcasing local and international innovative and exceptional talent providing a diverse range of the very best in music, dance, film, literature, comedy, carnival and visual arts. Past highlights have included Neil Hannon from The Divine Comedy, the Ulster Orchestra, Charlie Lawson, Phil Hessian, Melisma Choir, Claire Keegan, Andy Irvine and the Fermanagh All Ireland Fleadh Winners plus much more.

Tyrone

See Peter Corry’s “Master of the Musicals” this Saturday 1st October at the Strule Arts Centre. Join Peter and cast as they take you through the streets of Fagin’s London to Saigon, from Oklahoma to the barricades of Paris, to the Phantom’s Lair and onto New York’s West Side Story.

Derry

Featuring the songs that have rung round Celtic Park over the years Celtic – The Musical, at the Millennium Forum 27th September to 1st October, tells the amazing story of this legendary club and the greatest fans in the world. It takes audiences on an emotion-charged journey from the foundation of the football club by Brother Walfrid and its charitable origins onward through Willie Maley’s legendary successes as manager and the scoring feats of Jimmy McGrory.  The wing wizardry of Jimmy Johnstone to the triumphs of the immortal Jock Stein and the lasting legacy left by icons such as Billy McNeill, Tommy Burns and Henrik Larsson.  This is the story of a world famous sporting institution, a people’s club, truly a club like no other – a musical history of Celtic Football Club.

Antrim

Enjoy a celebration of the mighty spud! The Potato Festival at the Giant’s Causeway this Saturday 1st October showcases all that is local, fresh and seasonal. The Festival brings together members of the public and the farming community in celebration of all aspects of the local potato industry. Following the launch of the festival in 2013, the event has continued to draw in crowds of up to 7,000.The Potato Festival is held in a region known and respected for the strength of the local agri-food industry, world-class food and beautiful scenery, and is free to members of the public. Come and enjoy a day out for all the family. Something for everyone to enjoy including food tasting, face painting, games and lots more.

Belfast

Donaghadee Male Voice Choir are delighted to announce a special concert will take place in the Ulster Hall on Saturday 1st October.  Compered by Gene Fitzpatrick this special concert in aid of Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice will feature musical performances from Donaghadee Male Voice Choir, Julia Clarke, Leading Ladies, Bangor Ladies Choir, Donaghadee Community Choir, Festival Brass, Panama Jazz Band, Stephen Hamil and Jim McVeigh.  Beginning at 7.30pm this magical musical night is not to be missed.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

It’s back! St George’s Market will host two more Twilight Markets – on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 November – bringing Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 to a close.

There’ll be a wide selection of pop up restaurants and local food producers, all combined with live music and DJs, as well as over 130 food, drink and arts and crafts traders.

Opening hours for Tuesday’s event are 5pm to 11pm. Please note this event is strictly over 18s after 9pm.

Put the date in your diary and stay tuned to our website for updates! http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events/Event-67748.aspx

Northern Ireland is definitely putting its best foot forward. From food to fashion, drinks to entertainment, we are quickly gaining a reputation as a must-visit destination.

But what does that mean for us here at home?

From world class restaurants to some of the world’s leading cultural attractions, Northern Ireland is bursting at the seams with places and things to do. But it can be expensive getting out and about and that’s where OhhSocial comes in. From family-friendly deals, to couple’s packages and special treats to enjoy solo, OhhSocial has partnered with the best of local businesses and attractions to give us all a chance to get out and socialise more.

The idea is simple, and was inspired by the co-founders travels in America, Australia, and the Middle East where similar ideas are successfully operating.

Kelly McClements, Co-Founder of OhhSocial said, “Our team has tasted the best of local artisan produce and sipped local beers and gins and now we want you to do the same.”

“We want you to enjoy the best of Northern Ireland’s social scene. Whether that is relaxing with our awarding winning health & beauty experts, savouring a coffee with friends, tucking into a delicious dinner for two, or exploring some of Northern Ireland’s leading attractions, there is something for everyone with OhhSocial.”

“By downloading the OhhSocial app to your smart phone you will be able to tap into a whole range of exclusive offers”.

With the simple to use app you can unlock over 150 exclusive buy-one-get-one-free offers from local businesses in 4 key sectors – Wine & Dine, Health & Beauty, Leisure & Attractions and Kids Activities. For only £19 you can use OhhSocial offers when it suits you, and with potential savings of over £2,000 this year, there hasn’t been a better time to be more social.

OhhSocial is available to download NOW on Android http://bit.ly/2aceI2e and iOS http://apple.co/2b98nFF

NORTHERN Ireland’s favourite pizzeria Little Wing Pizzeria is offering children’s clubs local to its six restaurants the chance to win a £500 bursary.

The Little Wing Little Stars bursary, which returns for its third year, is open to all kids’ clubs, from sports to music clubs to art and dance clubs. The scheme returns after two highly successful years, with 12 clubs to date having benefitted from the cash boost.

The Little Stars bursary programme is open to all clubs with kids under the age of 13 that are located near each of Little Wing’s six branches: Enniskillen, Holywood, Bangor and Ann Street, Lisburn Road and Ballyhackamore in Belfast*. Each of the six winning clubs will receive a £500 bursary each to spend as they wish.

Commenting on the club bursaries, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said:

“At Little Wing we’re always looking for opportunities to give back to the community and now that we have six restaurants in six different communities across Northern Ireland, the Little Wing Little Stars bursaries are a great way to get involved with the children and families in the area.

“The programme is back for a third year to give local clubs a chance to apply for funding: we get a lot of requests for sponsorship and assistance throughout the year and the Little Stars bursary programme can make a real difference to these clubs.

“I hope all of our local clubs will apply for the chance to win the bursary, which can be used towards whatever they need, whether it’s equipment, new kits or the running costs of the club.”

Last year’s winners were Bangor Chiefs Inline Hockey Club; Enniskillen Rugby Football Club; Minis St John Bosco Amateur Boxing Club in West Belfast; Sydenham United Football Club and VC Glendale Cycling Club in South Belfast, all of whom benefitted from a £500 bursary for their club, with Holywood Tae Kwon Do club and Pophouse Theatre Company in Finaghy splitting the bursary to receive £250 each.

Coach Michael Rowley from Sydenham United Football club said “The Little Wing Little Stars bursary made a big difference to our club: we purchased training equipment, junior nets, footballs and bibs plus first aid kits for our junior teams. The children felt the immediate benefit of the £500 cash and their parents were thrilled to see the equipment in the club.

“The bursary can make all the difference to your club – we would encourage any children’s club to apply. It really helped us!”

To apply for the Little Wing Little Stars bursary scheme, children’s’ clubs simply need to submit a 300-word entry, explaining why they need the bursary and what it will be used for. Alternatively clubs can create a two minute video. Entries should be emailed to  bursaries@littlewingpizzeria.co.uk by Monday 31^st October 2016.

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information, visit littlewingpizzeria.com

Ladies if you have a passion for fashion then this is the perfect event for you…The Merchant Fabulous Fashion Teas.

For just £35 per ticket, guests can enjoy access to their chosen Fashion Tea show, whilst sipping on a glass of our finest Veuve Clicquot Champagne and savouring our famous Afternoon Tea.

Each guest will also receive a luxury goodie bag and access to the pop-up boutiques of the retailers where you can browse and shop all of the collections.