Friday 16 – Thursday 22 September

Friday 16 September, Holywood Culture Night

Holywood Town Centre

Free event

A night of entertainment for all the family. Enjoy live Art, Music and Rock, to Dancing, Drum Circles and more. 3pm-9pm.

Info: holywoodculturenight.com

Saturday 17 September, Classic Motocross Des Nations

Ballyblack, Newtownards

Spectators £5

Classic Motocross Des Nations comes to Ballyblack, Newtownards with competitors from far and wide.

Info: Niclassicscramblesclub.com

Sunday 18 – Sunday 25 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival

Bangor, various locations

A quarter of a century has passed since the first Aspects Festival took place and its spirit remains ‘a celebration of Irish Writing’. The festival returns this year still celebrating, nurturing and exploring the extraordinary literary talent found locally and throughout the island.

For info and to book visit aspectsfestival.com or call (028) 9127 1200

Thursday 22 September, Flush Hall Murder Mystery Tour

Newtownards

Tickets £6, Children £4

In a murder mystery tour with a difference, Valhalla Street Theatre will lead you on an investigation of the true story of young Willie Quinn who was brutally murdered in the grounds of Flush Hall.  7.30pm – 9pm.

Info and booking: (028) 9182 6846 | (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 23 – Thursday 29 September

Saturday 24 September, Bangor Aurora 10K

Entry from £16, free to spectate

Race starts from Castle Park at 11am and ends at Ward Park. To take part, runners must be aged 15 years or over on race day.

For more info and registration details, see visitardsandnorthdown.com

29 September – 1 October, Martin Donnelly Trophy

Adults £15, accompanied minors free

The final Kirkistown car race meeting of the year highlights Formula Ford with the Martin Donnelly Trophy taking centre stage.

Info: See visitardsandnorthdown.com or call (028) 4277 1325

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Ebb and Flow

Friday 2 September –  Saturday 1 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

An exhibition by North Armagh Arts Collective.

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Exhibition: The Irene Sendler Window

Friday 2 September –  Saturday 1 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

David Esler worked with a group of ex service personnel, nurses and older people who experienced the conflict in N Ireland to create the Irene Sendler Window.

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Exhibition: NI’s Landscape and Wildlife Photography

Thursday 1 – Wednesday 28 September

The Loft Gallery, Portaferry VIC, BT 22 1NZ

Photographer Donny Moore presents a collection of captivating images of NI’s wildlife and landscape in this free to visit exhibition.

Info: (028) 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Sensational September, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £74.50pps. Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the award-winning 4-star Manor House Country Hotel combines old world charm with modern hotel luxury. This limited offer is for a one-night break with three-course evening dinner in the Belleek Restaurant and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. Offer valid Sunday – Thursday, subject to availability until September 30. To book call (028) 6862 2200.

• Fruits of the Lough – Fish and Flora, The Cuan, Co. Down, from £69pps. Nestled in the centre of Strangford on the shores at Strangford Lough, close to beaches and Castle Ward, The Cuan is a four-star family owned and run establishment. Enjoy an overnight stay and celebrate Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink on a Fish Night at The Cuan. The chef’s selection of Marty Johnston’s finest fish will be on offer with the most natural of accompaniments – sea vegetables. Available September 24. To book call (028) 44 881222.

• Stay and Play, The Glenavon Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £82.50pps. Overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds, this luxurious hotel offers high standard facilities to guests. Enjoy a fabulous four-course dinner, bed, breakfast and a round of golf in either Killymoon Golf Club, Cookstown Golf Club or Dungannon Golf Club before unwinding in the three-star hotel’s luxurious leisure facilities. Golf must be booked prior to your stay at the hotel. Available until September 30. To book call (028) 86 764949.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland this week (September 19 – September 25).

• Fermanagh Restaurant Week, Various locations, Co. Fermanagh, until September 25. Don’t miss Fermanagh’s first ever restaurant week! Join in the celebrations and discover all that Fermanagh has to offer, from locally sourced produce and delicacies to wonderful restaurants and eateries. Highlights include pop-up restaurants at visitor attractions and craft beer events.

• Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, Killyleagh Castle, Co. Down, September 24 – 25. Do you love chocolate? Thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies from Northern Ireland and beyond are set to descend on this chocolatey event.  This year’s festival will be the largest one yet, with over 15 chocolatiers and nearly 40 local artisan food producers featured.

• Festival Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle Museum, Co. Fermanagh, September 24 – 25. Celebrate the NI Year of Food and Drink at the recently refurbished Enniskillen Castle as Festival Lough Erne honours the food and waterways of Fermanagh. Highlights of the festival include an artisan food market, face painters and family street entertainment.

• Hedge Fun, Minnowburn, Co. Down, September 24. Bring the family for a foraging morning on the outskirts of the city led by a member of the Belfast ranger team. Bring a basket or plastic container to gather some delicious autumn fruits.

• What We’re Made Of, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, until September 23. Tinderbox Theatre Company present three, new one-act plays that question who we think we are, challenge what we think we know and celebrate what it means to be alive. Three performances in one evening featuring an incredible ensemble of players; What We’re Made Of promises to be visceral, powerful and unforgettable theatre. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 90 242338.

• Culture Tech, Various locations, Derry~Londonderry, until September 20. Join the biggest technology and creative industries event in Northern Ireland. A week-long festival of tech, media, music and games for the whole family. The programme is designed to engage and inspire; reaching out to communities that most tech events never meet and creating a unique urban festival event with an inclusive and family-friendly vibe.

• Ballynahinch Harvest and Country Living Festival, Montalto Estate, Co. Down, September 24 – 25. Northern Ireland’s rich rural traditions and scenic autumn splendours will be cause for celebration at the festival. Highlights of the festival include a magnificent re-enactment of the famous Battle of Ballynahinch and country-themed events reminiscent of traditional Harvest, Pig and Potato Fairs.

• Magical Music Moments, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Armagh, September 23. This tantalising tribute to musical theatre will have you up on your feet dancing and singing along. With tunes from musicals such as ‘Wicked’, ‘Hairspray’, ‘Legally Blonde’, ‘The Sound Of Music’, ‘Phantom Of The Opera’ and many more, there will be something for everyone to enjoy as the evening showcases some of musical theatres timeless classics.

• The Bjorn Identity, Alley Theatre Arts & Culture Centre, Co. Tyrone, September 24. Audiences of all ages can discover and re-live the magic of the Swedish group, Abba. With stunning handmade replica costumes, this show has all the glitz of the 70’s era and is the best party night out in a theatre you will remember! Booking essential. To book call (028) 71 384444.

• Peppa Pig’s Surprise, Grand Opera House, Belfast, September 23 – 25. Surprise! Peppa Pig, George and their friends are back in a brand new live stage show. Kids will experience fun, loads of songs and of course, surprises in this charming, colourful new show. Booking essential. To book call (028) 241919.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

As part of the Cultural programme of the Northern Ireland Centenary Commemorations, Solar Theatre Productions presents The Prodger at The Old Courthouse Theatre, on Friday 30 September at 7.30pm

The Irish veterans of WW1 were a forgotten generation. However the veterans didn’t forget the war, nor did others let them forget who they fought for. For some it never went away…

Set in a pub on a wild winter’s night in Lismore Co. Waterford in 1964, this powerful one-act play is a poignant re-imagining of one such veteran – the writer’s Great-Uncle Johnny, who lost a leg in battle, woke up in a morgue and faced unequivocal prejudice when he returned home.

Decades later, the devastation of war still lingers and Johnny’s story still lies buried.  As rumours of a local murder unfold and old wounds and secrets are exposed, he can no longer hold back and finally roars his tale.

Tickets for this powerful drama are available from Box Office on 028 9442 8331 or online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

Aspects has a long tradition of embracing writing in all its forms. For 2016, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s 25^th Anniversary Aspects Festival continues to celebrate every aspect of Irish writing with bestselling authors, comedy, crime, song-writing, poetry, sport, family events, resources for aspiring writers, and a Festival Yurt, all happening in Bangor (18-25 September).

A standout highlight of this year’s programme is ‘Lit Up Inside’ with Van Morrison, who will be performing and talking about his song writing and poetry – with some very special invited guests!

Aspects 2016 is getting ready to welcome a glittering list of literary luminaries including Paul Muldoon, Glenn Patterson, Sinéad Moriarty, Gerald Dawe, Tara West, Owen O’Neill and many more.

The festival has seen the stratospheric rise of many local wordsmiths over its 25 year history, and this year offers you, no less than any other, the chance to hear new voices in Irish writing as they make their way in the literary world.

This year also brings a first for the Aspects Festival, as it sees the launch of ‘The Bangor Book’. Bangor has a long tradition of writing, and this special publication charts and showcases this rich history – from the ancient to some of the highest profile contemporary poets and authors.

To nurture reading and creativity, there will be workshops that emerging writers won’t want to miss, and family events to engage both young and old.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan said, “In this silver anniversary year, Ards and North Down Borough Council are looking forward to welcoming everyone to join us in this celebration of the wealth of writing talent in the Borough and beyond. We hope readers and aspiring authors of all ages will be inspired by the programme.”

The core of the festival takes place from the 18-25 September. Bangor Castle Walled Garden will host our Festival Yurt, a unique and atmospheric venue for Aspects’ weekend events. For further details and to book see aspectsfestival.com.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council launched the new tourism brand ‘It’s in our Nature’ at Belfast International Airport today.

The brand has been designed to support the first class tourism available. We live in a beautiful Borough, awash with attractions, history and places to visit for everyone and of course, with hospitality second to none.

As part of this new brand, a bumper visitor guide has been produced providing up-to-date information on the Borough’s expanding list of attractions from Belfast Lough to Lough Neagh and a wide range of activities including fishing, cycling and horse riding.

Speaking at the launch today the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott said: “We would like to encourage the local tourism industry to make full use of our new brand in their own marketing campaigns to help tourists recognise the excellent experience that the whole Borough of Antrim and Newtownabbey has to offer.  Our Borough is unique as it is bounded by Belfast Lough to the south, Lough Neagh to the North and has many rivers including the Six Mile Water, all of which offer beautiful scenery and a wonderful leisure resource.”

If you are arriving home from holiday or a business trip through international arrivals, keep an eye out for our new artwork at the airport promoting the diverse and unique tourism experiences we have to offer.  Attracting almost 4.5 million visitors annually, the airport is a gateway to our Borough and offers a unique opportunity to entice visitors to explore the fantastic nearby attractions and activities we offer.

For more information or to view the new visitor guide visit

www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/tourism

Bring along your youngest scientists for W5’s next Little Sparks toddler sessions on Wednesday 12 October! Visit W5’s under 8s area, the town of Discovery, and take part in a 25 minute ‘Potions for Little Wizards’ workshop as part of your visit!

Children are born natural scientists so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, explore, play and have fun? The town of Discovery is a place where children can learn about themselves and the world around them. Get hands-on with its interactive exhibits, play animal sounds in the farmyard, paddle in a virtual rock pool at the beach or flick through digital storybooks in the castle.

Little Sparks will be held one morning each month in W5. (Term time only) Your special Little Sparks ticket allows you entry into W5 from 10am – 12noon (unless otherwise stated) and sessions are aimed at children aged between 18 months and 4 years.

There will be two sessions held in the morning and each session will be themed and will include a 25 minute workshop at 10:30am or 11:15am with one of W5’s education team. Places are limited and must be pre booked by calling 028 9046 7790 or 028 9046 7793.

Costs

•    Children 4 and under: £1 each

•    Adults: £5.50

•    Additional (non-participating) children over 4: £4.50

Details of up and coming sessions

Workshop: Potions for Little Wizards – 12 October 2016

Get ready for Halloween by learning how to make the most powerful potions for Little Wizards. Watch the magic unfurl with fizzes and pops along the way!

For further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

#1 Animated Movie of All Time Brought to Life on Ice in Brand New Production

Tickets on Sale Now for Touring Spectacular

FOR THREE DAYS ONLY

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Friday 4 November – Sunday 6 November

Tickets go on-sale THURSDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – Feld Entertainment, Inc., the worldwide leader in producing live touring family entertainment, announced that its 34^th Disney On Ice spectacular will bring the Academy Award^® winning and number one animated feature film of all time, Disney’s Frozen, to life.  Disney On Ice presents Frozen is set to mesmerize audiences when the show arrives into Northern Ireland on FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER; tickets go on sale this THURSDAY, 15 SEPTEMBER.

The entire Academy Award^® winning tale will be told live for the first time in this brand new production, capturing the dynamic between two royal sisters, Anna and Elsa.  Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers.    Rugged mountain man Kristoff, his loyal reindeer Sven, the lovable and hilarious snowman Olaf and the mystical trolls help Anna along the way in this story about love conquering fear.  Audiences will get to sing along with such musical masterpieces as “Let it Go,” “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” and “Fixer Upper.”

“In our more than 30 years of producing Disney On Ice shows, Feld Entertainment has been waiting for a film like this,” says producer Nicole Feld.  “While it might seem obvious that Frozen is well suited for the ice, this Disney On Ice production will touch audiences emotionally through innovative show elements and world-class skating.”

Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee add, “Seeing audiences around the world embrace Frozen has been the experience of a lifetime.  And to now have the chance to consult with the talented team at Feld Entertainment and watch their creation come to life on ice, is thrilling.”

In Disney On Ice presents Frozen, Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse take the audience through the magical story based in Arendelle, with special appearances by beloved Disney princesses and favorite characters from Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story and Finding Nemo and Disney’s The Lion King, who come together to prove that true love is the greatest power of all.  Director Patty Vincent says, “Our goal is to showcase these heartwarming characters in a way that allows the audience to cheer and sing along throughout this emotional journey.”

To create a completely immersive experience for the audience, the set design will encompass the space from the ice surface up through the air, drawing everyone into the story and closer to the characters. Families will feel that they are trekking up to the North Mountains with Anna, Kristoff and Sven, and they will tangibly experience the storm inside Elsa.  Elsa’s magic will be enhanced by state-of-the art special effects while her emotions will be conveyed through powerful skating.

Producers Nicole Feld and Kenneth Feld have selected the brightest and most creative minds in the industry to put together this spectacular show.

Patty Vincent (Director) – Directed numerous Feld Entertainment ice and stage shows including Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, Dare to Dream and Treasure Trove; began her career at Feld Entertainment as a skater 31 years ago and has advanced in the company to become the Character Development Director for all touring Disney On Ice productions. In this role, she creates movement that best suits the performers, as well as the animation of the character they portray in each production.  Additional credits include co-director of Playhouse Disney Live! and co-director of High School Musical Summer Celebration (stage show).

Cindy Stuart (Choreographer) – Four-time Professional Skaters Association “Choreographer of the Year award” nominee and the 2014 Sonja Henie award nominee; collaborated with Olympic Gold Medalist Robin Cousins on multiple projects; choreographed for US Champion Gracie Gold,  US Bronze Medalist Mirai Nagasu, World and Olympic Champions Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao and Olympic Champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier; choreographer for several Disney On Ice productions, including Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After.

Adam Wilson and Melanie Wilson LaBracio (Writers) – The brother-sister writing team started their career together as children putting on elaborate puppet shows for neighbors in their parents’ living room.   Their creativity followed them into adulthood, and their ability to capture a youthful voice has yielded a broad range of projects including Trolls, an upcoming DreamWorks Animation feature film based on the iconic Troll toy property; an animated children’s series they are developing for Amazon Studios; and another upcoming Feld production, Marvel Universe LIVE! Their credits extend to other major production companies, including The Weinstein Company, Paramount, Universal and Nickelodeon.

Steve Bass (Scenic Designer) – Multi-Emmy^® award winner and holds countless credits throughout the entertainment industry as a scenic designer. As a professional known for his ability to interpret avant-garde concepts into masterful, visual displays, his breadth of experience reads as a playbill of the most prestigious events in Hollywood and theatre. His credits include the 83^rd Annual Academy Awards^® and several Tony ^® and Grammy^® award productions, along with Good Morning America, Sesame Street Live and Curious George, as well as collaborating on Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey^® performances.

Gregory A. Poplyk (Costume Designer) – Emmy^®-nominated costume designer known for his expert use of color has worked in all venues from drama to opera to ballet, he is best known for designing large scale musicals. His work has been seen at theatres across the country, among them the Goodspeed Opera House, Paper Mill Playhouse, New York City Ballet, the 5^th Avenue Theatre in Seattle and the Ordway Theatre in Minneapolis. Most recently he created the costumes for the Broadway musical Scandalous and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents Built To Amaze!℠ and DRAGONS℠.

Sam Doty (Lighting Designer) – Credits include Disney On Ice presents Rockin’ Ever After, Disney Live! Mickey’s Music Festival, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents Barnum Bash℠ and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^® Presents Super Circus Heroes℠; has assisted in the planning and building of every Feld Entertainment show since 2006. Doty’s vast experience with lighting dance shows and his understanding of rhythm and melody play an integral role in his unparalleled ability to translate music and movement into light.

For a complete list of tour dates, visit the Disney On Ice website (http://www.DisneyOnIce.com) and stay current on the latest developments through social media, including instructions on how to access presale codes for tickets as early as May 20th:

• Facebook  (www.facebook.com/DisneyOnIce)
• Twitter  (@DisneyOnIce/@NicoleFeld (show’s producer twitter feed))
• YouTube  (www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce)

Tourism Northern Ireland recently held its training day (Thursday 1 September 2016) for the new round of WorldHost Ambassador Workshop programme delivery at Balloo House in Killinchy, recognising that the borough of Ards and North Down has a fabulous reputation for its food and drink: from growers and producers to suppliers and places to consume.

Tourism Northern Ireland recognises the value that customer service along with great food can deliver for any business and is co-operating with Ards and North Down Borough Council to deliver a bespoke programme which presents a golden opportunity for front-line staff to develop their skills and knowledge to power sales in local businesses this year.

The WorldHost Ambassador Workshop gives staff and volunteers the skills to deliver a warm and friendly welcome to customers and visitors, and is particularly focused on their role as an ambassador for their local area. WorldHost Food Ambassador is a recognised and accredited training programme tailored specifically for Northern Ireland’s acclaimed food and drink industry.

Louise McKinstry, Tourism NI said, “We are delighted that Ards and North Down Borough Council have seized this opportunity to shine a light on, and invest further in both their people and their food”.

Candidates will learn how to equip themselves with knowledge about what’s on offer in their local community which can take their service to another level. They will be encouraged to think about what is available in the local area, and how a positive and enthusiastic attitude can have a real effect on the visitor experience and ultimately, visitor spend.

2016, as the Year of Food and Drink offers the perfect opportunity to showcase produce, tastes, venues and to shout about our home-grown classics and to spread the word about our amazing chefs and restaurants, building a legacy for Ards and North Down as the destination of choice for a fabulous food experience.

The programme will commence in the autumn and details can be obtained by visiting www.signalni.com or contacting Ards and North Down Borough Council on 028 9147 3788.

Maria Doyle Kennedy will perform in the intimate setting of The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Friday 23 September at 7.30pm.

Maria is an Irish singer, actor and filmmaker.  Together with her husband Kieran Kennedy she runs a small independent record label (Mermaid Records) and they have released seven albums to date.

Recent acting credits include Orphan Black (for which she won two Canadian Screen Awards). Most recently she completed filming on Jupiter Ascending and A Thousand Times Goodnight which won the Special Jury Prize at the Montreal Festival.

Sing released in 2012 features duets with Damien Rice, Paul Brady and John Prine. Hot Press described Sing as “Maria’s Masterpiece”. Inarguably Sing is her most accomplished and accessible work yet, a celebration of “the power of the voice, the sound a group of people can make when lifting their voices together – the human act of singing”.

Maria commented “Playing live gives me more pleasure than almost anything else. Something extra happens when you’re playing live. It’s the best way to share the songs, I think. The expression of them is different and affected by the people who are in the room. You’re sharing the songs with your audience.”

Maria has sung live with Snow Patrol in 2011 and 2012 and has spent more than two decades performing all over the world from audiences at Glastonbury, Oxygen and the Cambridge Folk Festival, to small, intimate theatres.  Maria’s reputation was strong enough to earn her a place singing on the album “The Lady Sings The Blues” alongside Aretha Franklin, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Tina Turner and Annie Lennox.

Don’t miss your chance to hear the wonderfully talented Maria Doyle Kennedy perform at The Old Courthouse on Friday 23 September. Tickets available from Box Office on 028 9442 8331 or online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice