The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is staging two dramatic performances next week, each taking a different look at moments in our history.

From Martin Lynch and Grimes & McKee, the team that brought you ‘The History Of The Troubles [accordin’ to my Da]’, comes the comedy sequel ‘The History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma!]’. A peaceful tale of street protests, riots, guns, bombings and more riots. Karen Reid is a Belfast community worker struggling to keep house and family together in the face of Northern Ireland’s unique form of peace. Through the 1994 ceasefires, The Good Friday Agreement, The Chuckle Brothers and the ‘fleg’ protests, she fervently believes in a new Northern Ireland.

Thankfully, Karen has the ‘total support’ of her loyal band of friends such as: Fireball (now working in Roselawn Crematorium), her dingbat best friend, Stacy, flute band leader, Roberto, Pineapple the paramilitary, Claire, the secret lesbian, Aaron, the serial ‘fleg’ protester and many more. ‘The History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma!]’ will be staged on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £18 each. Please note that this performance will contain strong language.

‘Nelson – The Sailor’s Story’ tells the tale of the inspirational hero, the flawed maverick, the tactical genius, and the rebel. Amidst Trafalgar’s shot, smoke and din, the crew of the Victory strive to destroy the Combined Fleet of France and Spain. Below the column in Trafalgar Square, a homeless Falklands veteran shivers in the cold – above, Nelson’s thoughts on the world today. This promises to be a compelling story…highly amusing, sobering and poignant.

‘Nelson – The Sailors’ Story’ will be told on Friday 15 April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 and £11 (concession).

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

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.

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.

• Three Night Break, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Co. Antrim. From £135pps. Ideally situated in the heart of Northern Ireland just off the M2/M22 motorway junction, the 3-star Dunsilly Hotel is perfect for both business and pleasure trips. Relax, unwind and enjoy a three night stay, with full breakfast and an evening meal on two nights of your choice. Available until 17 April. Quote ‘Spring Offers’ when booking. To book call (028) 9446 2929.

• Spa Break, Culloden Estate and Spa, Holywood, Co. Down. From £155pps. Relax on a spa break at Northern Ireland’s leading 5-star hotel. This offer includes overnight accommodation in one of the Culloden’s exquisitely decorated bedrooms, full Irish breakfast and a 55 minute Espa Spa treatment of your choice. Available until 17 April. Quote ‘Spring Offers’ when booking. To book call (028) 9039 3000.

• Foodie Delight, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel and Chalets, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £109pps. Enjoy two nights at the 4-star Killyhevlin Hotel, situated on the beautiful shores of Lough Erne. The offer includes a four course meal on each night of your stay, and a full cooked breakfast each morning. In addition, the offer includes use of the Killyhevlin Health Club complete with swimming pool, outdoor hot tub and gym. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

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

*All offers are subject to availability.

Down

Enjoy some family fun every weekend in April at the Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport. This Saturday 2^nd April join the CSI Detective workshop and balloon modelling and on Sunday 3rd April there will be children’s crafts and archery.

Armagh

Superman to Batman…choose your superhero and let’s get printing this Saturday 2nd April at the Market Place Theatre. Using foam printing techniques, fabric paints and fabric markers you will create your favourite superhero design that will be printed onto your t-shirt.  Bring your own plain white t-shirt to design on.  Dress for mess!

Fermanagh

Borderline Players are back this Easter with pantomime adventure, Robinson Crusoe at the Ardhowen Theatre 1st and 2nd April.  Set sail on a voyage across the high seas as the Crusoe family seek their fortune, but with the villainous Blackbeard out to thwart their attempts, and with the notorious pirate, The Crimson Hawk on their tails, the Crusoes will need the help of friends and strangers to complete their mission. Robinson Crusoe is fun for all ages. A meet and greet with the cast is available after each performance.

Tyrone

Join the very talented Encore Performing Arts Academy students this Saturday 2nd April at the Alley Theatre Strabane, as they bring High School Musical to life on stage! Troy, Gabriella, and the students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.  With classic sing a long songs such as ‘Breaking Free’, ‘When there was me and you’ ‘Start of something New’ and ‘We’re all in this together’ along with an unforgettable cast who will sing, dance and perform their hearts out, this classic Disney show is the perfect family show.

Derry/Londonderry

Local girl Cara Dillon returns to the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady this Friday 1st April.  Renowned as one of the most successful contemporary folk artists today, Cara has won every folk music award going. It has been five years since the world last heard from her but she has returned with her most gorgeous album yet. A Thousand Hearts, her fifth solo album, is another small masterpiece of song and emotion, ethereal and radiant, beautifully honed and perfectly true.

Antrim

Don’t miss the Theatre at the Mill’s live screening this Saturday 2nd April of Puccini’s Madame Butterfly. Anthony Minghella’s breathtaking production has thrilled audiences ever since its premiere in 2006.  One of the world’s foremost Butterflys, soprano Kristine Opolais, is in the title role. Tenor Roberto Alagna sings Pinkerton, the naval officer who breaks Butterfly’s heart. Karel Mark Chichon conducts.  This is a live screening broadcast by the Metropolitan Opera New York.

Belfast

Take your seats and cover your ears at W5  for the Big Bang Theatre, because this show gets loud! Prepare yourself for exciting, experimental and somewhat explosive family theatre. The time travelling explorers have crash landed in a strange laboratory. Here they must find a way of producing enough energy, and the biggest bang they possibly can, to jump-start their malfunctioning time machine. Searching the lab for chemicals, gases and equipment, our explorers must attempt to create a series of energy releasing flashes, bangs and explosions! Bubbles are set alight, fireballs are shot through the air, balloons explode and rockets whoosh into the audience!! See a series of wild experiments, culminating in one final BIG bang!  This spring, danger, humour, excitement and some very cool science combine to make a really entertaining experience for all the family.

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Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 4-10).

• Circuit of Ireland Rally 2016, various locations, Northern Ireland, April 7-9. Top rally drivers from around the world are gearing up for this year’s 85^th Circuit of Ireland Rally. The King’s Hall complex in Belfast will host the Rally HQ, whilst fans across Northern Ireland will have several chances to catch rally action. The qualifying stage will take place on April 7 at Antrim Castle, followed by a ceremonial start outside the Irish Linen Centre, Lisburn, with special guest Louis Walsh, and free entertainment throughout the evening. Stages on April 8 will take place in Larne, Ballymena and the Causeway Coast, and also a special Ards TT stage, with action rounding up in Belfast on April 9.

• Ards International Guitar Festival, various locations, Newtownards, Co. Down, April 6-10. Ards International Guitar Festival returns with an eclectic mix for every taste, celebrating all that is brilliant locally with a clever mix of international artists. Newtownards will come alive with the sound of blues, folk and flamenco. Every genre is covered; whether you play yourself or just love music, there will be a gig for you, as well as opportunities to get hands on with guitar clinics and tours of the Avalon guitar factory.

• 6^th Armagh City Toy Fair & Model Display Show, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh, Co. Armagh, April 10. The Fisher Suite in Armagh City Hotel will play host to some 30 model displays, with exhibitors from Northern Ireland, the South of Ireland and Scotland. Displays include construction, farm, railways, cars, steam engines and many more, with a large collection of Meccano models on display for the first time at the event.

• Zoo Lovers’ Day, Belfast Zoological Gardens, Belfast, April 8. Each year on April 8, Zoo Lovers’ Day is celebrated. Learn more about the role of a modern zoo, the animals that are cared for in Belfast Zoo, and the dangers that these species are facing in their natural habitat at the special keeper talks. Normal zoo admission prices apply.

• The Golden Years of Country Music, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 6. Hit after hit, song after song, this is a show not to be missed, defining an era in country music never to be surpassed, featuring Jimmy Hendry and his band. Over two hours of hit songs we all know and love, this is the most authentic show of its kind. Show begins at 8pm.

• Starman – A One Man Circus Comedy Theatre Show, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, April 7. Have you ever looked to the heavens for inspiration or guidance? Starman, the latest show from the award winning Tumble Circus, is an entertaining expedition into what happens when circus and comedy collide. It follows the journey of one man and his life as a circus artist, a dad, and a clown. Show begins at 8pm.

• Meet the Artist – Terry Doherty, Larne Museum & Arts Centre, Larne, Co. Antrim, April 9. Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open on Saturday 9th April featuring temporary exhibition “TAMED”, an arts exhibition by the Doherty Family. Terry Doherty will be available on the day to discuss or answer any questions on any of the works.

• Irish Vegan Festival, Ulster Hall, Belfast, April 9. The Irish Vegan Festival brings an array of vegan stalls and entertainment to the Ulster Hall. Ranging from hot food for consumption on the day, to sweets and chocolates, cosmetics and campaign stalls, there will be a great choice for everyone! Also enjoy live music throughout the day, film screenings and children’s entertainment.

• The Factory Girls, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, April 9. Set in a Donegal shirt factory, five women face the thread of redundancy. The play, written by Frank McGuinness, articulates their anger, courage and compassion. The Factory Girls presented by the acclaimed Newtownstewart Theatre Company is guaranteed to be very funny, engaging and moving. Show begins at 8pm.

• Easter Arts Scheme, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, April 4. Calling all Easter bunnies wanting to get creative over the holidays! Put down that chocolate egg and hop along to Ards Arts Centre to enjoy a whole day of arts, crafts and drama. Suitable for ages 6-12, from 10am-4pm.

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. 

Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd is to take over the daily running of Belfast Waterfront from Friday 1 April.

The new arm’s length company will be responsible for the operation and commercial growth of the venue, along with the Ulster Hall, on behalf of Belfast City Council, which will continue to own both buildings.

The handover comes as the newly expanded venue prepares to open for business in just over a month’s time, following a £29.5 million investment from the council, Tourism Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund, through the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Arder Carson, will officially open the new facilities on Friday 29 April, with the first business event – the NI Chamber Champions Dinner 2016 – taking place on Wednesday 4 May, ahead of the first major conference – the annual International Surgical Congress of the Association of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (ASGBI) – on 11-13 May.

“This is good news for both Belfast Waterfront and ratepayers, as it puts the venue in the best position possible to achieve our ambition to transform Belfast into a major destination for international business tourism,” explained Councillor Brian Kennedy, Chair of the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Shareholders Committee.

“Commercial flexibility is essential in competing with other cities to attract the biggest and best events to Belfast, and ensuring that we fully maximise the potential of this investment to be a major stepping stone in the city’s development.”

Ellvena Graham, Chair of the new Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd Board, said staff were looking forward to welcoming the first delegates to the new look facilities, which have doubled in size to host up to 5,000 visitors at a time.

“This is the start of an exciting new chapter in Belfast Waterfront’s history, and both the board and employees of Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall Ltd are hugely excited about the journey ahead,” she said.

“With over 20,000 people expected through our doors in the first six months of opening, and more than 30 national and international events already on our books for the first three years, we are confident of creating a fantastic experience for our customers which really sells Belfast to the rest of the world and helps reaffirm the Waterfront as a key driver in the city’s economic growth.”

Circuit of Ireland fever will hit Newtownards once again on Friday April 8 when thousands of spectators are expected to line the streets to watch 140 rally cars sweep through the town for the Ards TT leg of the 85^th Circuit of Ireland Rally.

The Ards leg which was a key element of last year’s rally, attracted a record 25,000 people onto the streets of Newtownards, and Circuit organisers alongside hosts, Ards and North Down Borough Council, very much hope to repeat its success once again this year.

Speaking about the event The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham said:

“We are delighted to host a leg of the 2016 Circuit of Ireland and be part of this prestigious and exciting motorsport event.  We’re very much looking forward to seeing some of Europe’s top drivers compete in the 3-day spectacle of racing which will showcase Northern Ireland to a huge audience.”

The Ards route will cover 2.3 kilometres and the 2 and a quarter laps will start at the Old Cross/High Street Junction then the route will follow Mill Street, Regent Street, Francis Street, Castle Place, High Street and finish at Conway Square. The race starts at 7.30pm but road closures will be in place on the route only from 5.30pm to 11.30pm. Special crossing points will open for 3 minutes every 15 minutes to facilitate spectator movement.

To mark the occasion, Conway Square, will play host to live music and children’s activities which should provide a great atmosphere for spectators and their families. Enjoy the Eddie Irvine experience with fun simulators, come and make your own car with specially-themed children’s crafts and enjoy the Ards Guitar Festival with live music provided by Los Dramaticos and Emerald Armada. This event runs from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.Tap to unmute

Last year over 78,000 people came to view the stunning stages across counties Antrim and Down and organisers anticipate the three-day festival will this year attract over 80,000 visitors and spectators from countries worldwide. The event will be broadcast on Discovery, Eurosport and global partners, BT Sport, Channel 4 and Irish networks to over 40 million viewers across the world.
Rally fans will have several opportunities to see the action from Thursday 7th to Saturday 9th April.  The Qualifying Stage of the rally will be based at Antrim Castle Gardens on Thursday 7th April, followed by a ceremonial start outside the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum that evening.

Friday 8th April features rural stages close to Larne and Ballymena and includes a refuel halt at the famous Ballymena Showgrounds. Friday’s route includes stages encompassing Torr Head and Glendun as well as a passage control at the Dark Hedges and a regroup at Bushmills Distillery, with the special Ards TT Stage taking place on the Friday night.

Saturday will include stages close to Banbridge, Ballynahinch and Dromore with town centre regroups in Downpatrick and Banbridge. The rally will finish back in Belfast on the Saturday evening April 9^th and will culminate in a special closing ceremony outside Queen’s University when the 2016 winners will be presented with the famous Circuit of Ireland trophy.

For further information on the 2016 Circuit of Ireland visit www.circuitofireland.net or www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Northern Ireland is the place to be this Easter for some egg-citing family fun and Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging people of all ages to get out and about to enjoy the packed programme of events taking place over the holiday.

Tourism NI’s Communication and Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg, has praised the array of activities happening throughout Northern Ireland.

“With schools off for the holidays and the days starting to get longer, Easter is a great time for families and this year there is plenty going on in all parts of Northern Ireland to make sure the holiday is fun, educational and action-packed.

“Whatever your age and wherever you live, there will be something for everybody to do this Easter,” Rachel concluded.

To help you to plan your Easter break in Northern Ireland, Tourism NI has highlighted some of the many events taking place.

Belfast

Easter Afternoon Tea, Titanic Belfast, March 27. Enjoy a wonderful Easter Afternoon Tea in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite for a wonderful celebration by the Grand Staircase.  Live jazz music will add atmosphere to your afternoon as you dine on a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, delicious cakes, sweets and freshly baked scones with clotted cream.

Spring into Easter Festival, City Hall, March 26-29. Enjoy the Easter break by going along to Belfast City Council’s annual Easter Festival which will include a range of fun entertainment such as an unforgettable ‘Nearly True’ walking tour through Belfast City Hall, a Punch and Judy show, themed workshop, farmyard animals, face painters, balloon modellers and much more.

Some Guy Called Hamburger, Belvoir Players, Belvoir Players Studio Theatre, March 28-30.  Theatre goers will enjoy this new play by David Bell which is set in an old folk’s home run by the formidable Mildred Fitch. This comedy will provide fun for the whole family with an entertaining group of characters and a guaranteed evening of fun and laughter.

Co Antrim

Watertop Farm’s Monster Easter Egg Roll, Watertop Farm, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, March 27-28. Watertop is a family run farm in the Glens of Antrim, with its annual Monster Easter Egg Roll taking place at 2:30pm on Easter Sunday and Monday. There is lots of fun to be had and prizes to be won, as well as a variety of activities taking place around the farm continuing into Easter week.

Naturally North Coast and Glens Easter Market, Marine Hotel, Ballycastle, March 28. Come along to this exciting Easter market where you can browse great quality produce and look for a special Easter egg. Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market has been established for a number of years and gets bigger and better with each event.

Easter Monday Family Fun Day, Ballymoney, March 28. Enjoy a cracking day out at Drumaheglis Marina which will host a range of fun entertainment for all the family including a Punch and Judy show, an Easter Egg hunt, a live DJ and kids characters.

Co Armagh

Old MacDonald’s Farm, Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, Co. Armagh, March 26-29. Join in with a wacky interpretation of the ever-popular nursery rhyme. Start with some face-painting or mask making so you can be part of the Farm, there’s a real choice of animals to be. Join the gang on an adventure to get to Grandpa’s Farm. Pre-booking for this interactive family sing-along is essential.

Easter Crafts and Games Club, Palace Stables, Palace Demesne, Armagh, March 31-April 1.

Children can enjoy a fantastic Easter at the Easter Craft Club where they can get their hands dirty making traditional Easter crafts, take part in egg rolling, games and of course an Easter egg hunt.

The Good Life Festival at Oxford Island, Oxford Island, Co. Armagh, March 25-26. The Good Life Festival takes place in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the shores of Lough Neagh. It is a fun-filled and creative day out for all the family with ideas and inspiration for getting the best out of life. From up-cycling and restyling to knitting and quilting there will be a wonderful range of handmade products to buy and new creative skills to try out, with a range of comedy, theatre, dance and children’s activities on offer.

Co Down

Castle Ward Easter Fair, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 27-28. Enjoy a family fun packed Easter weekend at the stunning Castle Ward. Solve the clues in the Cadbury’s Easter Egg Hunt to win a delicious prize, join in the mad scramble as the annual mega hunt takes place on the front lawn, visit Phil’s Farm, take part in the chicken run race and enjoy a range of local craft and food stalls.

Easter Monday Pirate Invasion, Bangor, March 28. Enjoy a pirate invasion at Bangor Seafront this Easter Monday with a fun filled day featuring the annual Easter Parade, motorbike trial action and lots of pirate themed family fun throughout the day.

Easter Celebrations, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, March 27-29. If you’re looking for a place where the whole family can work off those chocolate Easter eggs, then the range of traditional Easter activities is just the ticket at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum. Why not bring your own decorated egg and take part in the great egg-rolling experience down Bleach Green Hill and don’t forget to wear your Easter Bonnet to enter the Easter Bonnet Competition and maybe win a prize.
Co Fermanagh

Easter Activities & Bunny Cruise, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, March 27. Come along to Share for a fun filled family day out this Easter, where you can enjoy a range of activities including a Bunny Cruise, face painting, balloon modelling, crafts, games, challenges and much more.

Picnic in the Park, Forthill Park, Enniskillen, March 28. Come along and experience some fantastic fun for the whole family including entertainment from singer Cathy McGovern, Jo Jingles, a free Easter egg trail and face painting, balloon modelling, games and lots of animals such as Easter chicks and rare breed hens.

Easter Monday Family Fun Day, Florence Court, Enniskillen, March 28. Bring your friends and family along to Florence Court for a day of Easter fun for all the family. Keep an eye out for your very own Cadbury chocolate treasure on an Easter egg hunt whilst enjoying live music and other entertainment.

Co Derry~Londonderry

Eggciting Easter Entertainment, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, March 26. A great way to spend a couple of enjoyable hours with the kids this Easter, Babcock & Bobbins will entertain and amuse all the family with their hilarious antics. The show features Giraffe Unicycles, Stilt Walking, Rola Bola and Fire Breathing.

Easter Egg Hunts at Downhill Demesne & Hezlett House, Castlerock, March 27-29. Come and join a fun Easter extravaganza which will include an Easter egg hunt around the beautiful surroundings of Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne.

Easter Crafts Drop In, Green Lane Museum, Limavady, March 28. Families are in for a treat as they can join experienced craft tutor Thelma Whitehead for an afternoon full of fun and creativity, giving children aged 6-plus a chance to discover new skills whilst creating exciting Easter crafts.

Co Tyrone

Easter Celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, March 26-28. Stallholders, shopkeepers, travelling journeymen and entertainers are set to keep you amused this Easter as you stroll down Ulster Street witnessing the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day. Try your hand at traditional crafts, meet the Easter chicks and enjoy story-telling sessions as you travel back in time to April 1916.

High School Musical, Alley Theatre, Strabane, March 31 – April 2. Join the very talented Encore Performing Arts Academy students as they bring the cult classic and Disney Channels smash hit movie-musical to life on stage.  Dance along to an unforgettable cast who will sing and perform their hearts out.

For further information on Easter in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/easter.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will play host to The Trials of Galileo by the Icarus Theatre Collective on Wednesday 13 April 2016 at the McNeill Theatre, Larne.

The Trials of Galileo focuses on the events surrounding Galileo’s trial for heresy in 1633.

‘The Universe is a divine miracle Galileo, not a clockwork toy! Proof denies faith, and without faith we are nothing.’ In this reprimand by Pope Urban is Galileo’s tragedy, a mistaken belief that if he supplied the church with proof, he would enlighten the world while escaping persecution. He understood the science better than any man alive, but never grasped the politics. Until it was too late.

This witty, chilling, and passionate one-man rollercoaster stars Tim Hardy (professor at RADA, and star of The Royal Shakespeare Company, The West End, TV and film) and is written by Emmy Award-winner Nic Young.

The performance starts at 7.30pm .Tickets are £12 adult/ £10 concession and are available to purchase from Larne Visitor Information Centre or by telephoning 028 2826 2450. The performance will last approximately 70 minutes plus a 15 minute interval. It is recommended for 11 years + but open to all.

This is just one of a large number of events taking place in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Keep up to date with what is happening in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

MARVEL UNIVERSE SUPER HEROES COME TO LIFE AS LIVE ACTION FAMILY SPECTACULAR

VISITS BELFAST FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Thursday 12 January to Sunday 15 January 2017

Tickets for Marvel Universe LIVE! – On general sale THURSDAY 14 APRIL

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: Marvel families unite! For the first time ever, iconic Marvel Super Heroes and villains will be brought to life in a spectacular live action family arena show, when Marvel Universe LIVE! Super Heroes Assemble touches down in BELFAST.

This show is taking the live entertainment experience to a whole new level, with an epic show unlike anything seen before. Bringing together the largest assembly of Marvel characters in a live production, audiences will be able to watch some of their favourite Marvel Super Heroes step out of the silver screen and onto the stage – bringing the action to life right before their eyes.

Everyone will be able to cheer for  their favourite Marvel Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Thor, Black Widow and more, as they battle Loki and Marvel’s most sinister villains in a live, action-packed arena performance for the whole family. It’s being hailed as the most technically advanced live show ever, with cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, aerial stunts, martial arts, motorcycles and more.

From the creative team that brings you such arena spectaculars as Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment Inc, the world’s leading producer of touring live entertainment is excited to announce the UK tour of Marvel Universe LIVE! This arena stunt spectacular will be swinging into seven major UK cities – Nottingham, London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Sheffield, Manchester and Belfast – for an electrifying run of over 40 shows that have already entertained almost 2 million families in over 65 US cities to date in its first tour.

“We are delighted to bring Marvel Universe LIVE! to the UK, giving families an opportunity to enjoy this spectacular live show for the very first time. The audience will feel like they’ve been transported into a jaw-dropping Marvel blockbuster film, with an engrossing storyline and non-stop stunts”, said Steven Armstrong, VP of Europe North at Feld Entertainment, Inc.

Featuring over 50 cast members and taking over two years to research and develop, Marvel Universe LIVE! utilises some of the latest innovations in arena set design and aerial pyrotechnics, with stunts developed by the team from Hollywood blockbuster, Thor, and the recent The Amazing Spider-Man films. The set includes innovative lighting design, transformative 3D projection, 21 projectors, the largest flying system ever used for a live arena tour and the debut of a new Spotlight Tracking System.

Marvel Universe LIVE! begins its quest across the UK on Thursday 8^th September 2016 at Motorpoint Arena Nottingham, before visiting The 02 in London; Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham; the SSE Hydro Arena in Glasgow; Sheffield Arena; Manchester Arena and The SSE Arena, Belfast.

“To see all the elements of this spectacular live show come together has been truly incredible,” said Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada. “The technology utilised in the show is not only going to blow your mind, it is going to take you to a whole new Marvel world like nothing British families have ever seen before.”

Join Marvel families for this monumental performance. The fate of the universe depends on it!

Tickets go on sale to the general public on THURSDAY 14 APRIL.

Eager fans can sign up to receive advanced priority bookings, discount offers and advanced show information from: http://www.feldentertainmentpcsignup.com/

The website features the complete list of UK tour dates and fans can check the latest news and announcements via social media:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/MarvelOnTour
• Twitter: @MarvelOnTour
• Instagram (@MarvelOnTour)

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg officially launched the Darkness into Light charity walk which will take place on Saturday 7 May 2016 from V36 at The Valley.

Darkness into Light was started in 2009 by Pieta House Suicide Awareness Centre in Dublin, with a few hundred people supporting the event in its first year. There are now over 110,000 supporting Darkness into Light events across 100 locations and 4 continents which are essential for raising funds and awareness of the tragedy of suicide.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to assist local mother Colette Snoddy, who made contact with Pieta House in an effort to do something positive in memory of her son Matthew who was tragically taken by suicide in May 2015.

The new V36 event space and park is the perfect location to hold a dawn walk and run which aims to bring the community out in support of this worthy cause and help prevent more loss of life and distress to so many families. This walk will be fund raising both for Pieta House and local suicide prevention support service Light House.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “Statistics have shown Northern Ireland has the UK’s highest record of suicide for the second year running, and I am delighted to be backing this event. I would encourage you all to show your support and help raise awareness of Suicide prevention by registering for this 5km walk/run.”

Darkness into Light will take place on Saturday 7 May at V36 starting @ 4.15am when it is still dark with participants walking into the light as dawn arrives. This event is in conjunction with Pieta House and Light House.

Please show your support for this event and register today http://dil.pieta.ie/