In the modern world of sport, cutting-edge science is being employed to develop new materials, equipment and techniques, all with the aim of making us better, stronger, faster!

From 18-21 February, W5 is teaming up with Queen’s University, Sport Northern Ireland’s Sports Institute, Ulster University, The Greenpower Education Trust and others to bring you four fun days of interactive sports exhibits, displays, inspirational talks, demonstrations and workshops!

In addition to Formula Student single seater racing cars from Queen’s University and Ulster University, our interactive exhibition area will include a stunning full size Formula One car with the latest simulation software! Can you set the fastest lap on one of the world’s most famous racetracks? Also on display will be electric racing cars designed and built by local schools as part of the Greenpower electric car challenge.

Why not tackle a virtual rugby player, check your reaction time or see if you can jump as high as a top basketball player! How good is your iron shot? Find out in the golf simulator; and our range of visual sports simulators will allow you to test your skill and your nerves as you kick conversions in rugby or take penalties against a virtual goalkeeper in an intense stadium environment.

Better, Stronger, Faster is part of the 2016 NI Science Festival and is FREE with admission to W5. For further information, visit w5online.co.uk.

The Other Half is a unique collaboration between the leading lights of crime fiction and country music!

Presented by Lakin McCarthy, The Other Half featuring Mark Billingham and My Darling Clementine is at The Old Courthouse on Thursday 25 February at 7.30pm. Tickets priced at £10 & £8 (Concession). To book, call 028 9446 3113 or book online at

www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

In a rundown Memphis bar, Marcia – a washed-up Vegas showgirl – works double shifts and reflects on her single doomed shot at happiness, while her customers tell the stories of their own troubled lives. This will be an evening of stories…tales of love, loss and murder!

‘Country romanticism and hard-boiled crime come together in a story that perfectly emphasizes the drama contained within the music.’

The story is written and narrated by bestselling crime author Mark Billingham, whose Detective Thorne series has been adapted for TV starring David Morrissey.  The tales are sound tracked by the fantastic My Darling Clementine, the internationally acclaimed Americana duo whose powerful and poignant songs echo the best of country music duos through their close harmonies and musical skill.

“Where literature and music collide is a perfect wrap for this latest project by top selling crime fiction writer Mark Billingham and the UK’s premier act for keeping the flame of classic country alive My Darling Clementine”. Threechordsandthetruthuk

An ‘open day’ recruitment drive is taking place for the Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Hall on Saturday, 27 February.

Up to 70 people will be recruited at the one day recruitment event to create a pool of casual workers for the two top city centre venues.

Organisers hope they will attract diverse interest from as wide a cross section of the public as possible, including people with caring  responsibilities and those able to work hours outside the usual ‘9 to 5’.

A number of exciting casual opportunities will be available; Assistant Duty Manager, Client Support Assistant, Box Office Assistant, Production Technician, Host, Porter and it is expected that the casual work will be available from April following initial training.

Potential applicants are asked to bring photographic ID along on the day.  Application forms will be available online and at the jobs kiosk in Cecil Ward Building, 4-10 Linenhall Street in Belfast from 11 February. These can be completed in advance or may be completed on the day.

The open day will run from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, 27 February at the new look Belfast Waterfront.

For further information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/<http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/>jobs

Have you ever wanted to visit the Pyramids in Egypt, experience the Niagara Falls or the Great Wall of China or see at first hand a Mini Shuttle? Now you can — or at least the Lego version of 70 wonders of the ancient and modern world that are on display in Derry.

The seven Wonders of the World are among the many unique and intricate LEGO designs that are featured in the 70-piece Brick Wonders exhibition in Derry for a 12-week showcase that has captured the imagination of thousands of LEGO lovers across the world.

The exhibition arrived in Derry for its first visit to the island of Ireland after a hugely successful showcase in Rome. The exhibition, secured by Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of its Science and Innovation Programme, will be hosted at the Nerve Centre from until 02 May 2016 and is expected to be a huge draw for families and LEGO enthusiasts across Ireland especially during the mid-term break and Easter holidays.

Tickets for the exhibition are selling well and fans are encouraged to book their 90-minute slot in advance to avoid disappointment. Tickets are currently on sale via the Nerve Centre box office on 028 71 260 562 and www.nervecentre.org. Prices: Under 2 yrs Free; Child (2-16yrs) £4; Adult (16+) £5; Family (1 Adult + 3 Children) £15; Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) £15. A £1.50 booking fee will apply. Group bookings (15+) can be made via Nerve Centre at the number above.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Elisha McCallion speaking ahead of the launch on Friday says securing the Brick Wonders exhibition is a major coup for the city.

“The Brick Wonders exhibition is a fantastic opportunity for families to see at first hand over 70 LEGO models of the Wonders of the World featuring not only the Seven Wonders of the World but a range of ancient, modern and historic exhibits such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef and Niagra Falls. It’s an ideal midterm break activity and a huge draw for LEGO enthusiasts across the country,” she said.

Warren Elsmore, creator of Brick Wonders, has recreated the Wonders of the World in painstaking detail and is hugely excited to bring the exhibition to Derry. “We are delighted to bring the Brick Wonders exhibition to Ireland and particularly to Derry, after a very successful run in Rome. The Brick Wonders exhibition is great fun and a fantastic way for me as an artist to show the versatility of LEGO and the amazing wonders of the world through time. While many of the original seven ancient wonders of the world have crumbled away, the Brick Wonders exhibition shows them in full LEGO glory while at the same time exhibiting some of the new wonders of the world and treasures from the past millennium that remain standing today.”

Oonagh McGillion, Director of Legacy withDerry City and Strabane District Council said in addition to the exhibition, the Council is organising a LEGO trail across the Council area to showcase the winning entries of the Brick Wonders LEGO competition, which attracted over 140 participants creating unique designs of significant landmarks.

“The LEGO trail will be an opportunity for the public to view the winning entries of our competition at a host of locations across the Council area including a number of shopping centres, leisure centres, the Alley Theatre in Strabane,  Altnagelvin Hospital, the Visit Derry offices and Ebrington. It is our way of showcasing the creative talent of the entries and to promote the exhibition to a wider audience.”

In addition to the exhibition and trail, a series of workshops are being held, details of which are to be announced later in the week.

Elsa Edwards, legacy officer with the Council added:  “The arrival of Brick Wonders in Derry is fantastic for the city and district. It’s a fantastic learning tool for kids and a good way of encouraging young people, families and LEGO enthusiasts to interact and be creative. We have a special break-out area just off the exhibition space where you can get involved in creating LEGO and interacting with each other in a series of games and experiments. The Brick Wonders Exhibition is another way of encouraging children and young people to become interested in the STEM subjects and to use their creative and design talents to come up with unique creations and intricate designs.”

For more information on the exhibition and to purchase tickets visit www.nervecentre.org.

School bookings can be made through Derry City and Strabane District Council, contact Elsa Edwards on Tel: 02871253253 or Email: elsa.edwards@derrystrabane.com

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (February 8-14).

• Valentine’s Afternoon Tea, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, February 14. Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and five star service with a romantic Valentine’s afternoon tea in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite, featuring the stunning replica staircase. The luxurious menu features delicious finger sandwiches, classic scones and mouth-watering cakes. Afternoon tea starts from £25 per person, plus a little extra for a glass of Prosecco or champagne. Begins at 1pm.

• Giant LEGO Brick Animal Trail, Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, Co. Down, February 13 – March 20. Opening on Saturday 13 February, sculptures made from the world’s most popular toy will be sitting alongside their real life cousins along the trail. The awesome models include a giant otter, a massive mallard and a colossal kingfisher. Follow the trail around the nature reserve and discover how many bricks have been used to make each animal.

• Valentine Family Lunch at Navan, Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, Co. Armagh, February 14. At this family-friendly Valentine’s lunch, enjoy a love story coming to life before your eyes. Join Rohan and Jacinta, as they try to mend the divide between their fathers, Lord McRoche of the South land and Lord Cahill of the North. Will the two young lovers be together again or will their families tear Ulster apart? Begins at 1pm.

• Belfast Vintage Cinema Club – The Quiet Man, Tudor Cinema, Comber, Co. Down, February 12. Take a step back in time and travel in a vintage bus to the smallest cinema in Ireland, the beautiful art deco styled Tudor Cinema, to see the epic film, The Quiet Man. Look out for future screenings themed for different times of the year. The bus will depart outside the Grand Opera House in Belfast at 6.30pm and return to Belfast at approximately 10.30pm.

• The Art Gang, Museum at the Mill, Mossley, Co. Antrim, February 13. A fun and messy Saturday morning workshop for 5-8 year-olds to kick off their weekend in style. Taking place on the second Saturday of the month with a different activity each time, participants will have great fun, make new friends and create some cool art. Come dressed for mess! Begins at 10.30am.

• Seats of Pleasure, Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, February 12. A rare and wonderful look at eighteenth century Pleasure Gardens, as represented in literature, music and art, featuring readings from literary texts accompanied by imagery, songs and music appropriate to the period. Begins at 8pm.

• Love Saves The Day, The MAC, St. Anne’s Square, Belfast, February 13. Perhaps the perfect antidote to Valentine’s night, or a date night with a twist, this is one 80s themed roller party you won’t want to miss. The MAC’s theatre space will be transformed into a retro roller disco, and when your session is over, stay and enjoy the party with dancing all night! Advance booking advised.

• Love on the Lough, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, February 14. Cruise Fermanagh’s tranquil Lakelands on board Share’s Inishcruiser, a charming way to explore the truly unspoiled countryside of Upper Lough Erne while spending time with a loved one or a friend.

• Saint Valentine’s Day Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, February 14. Recall the old match-making traditions of the past as you take a romantic stroll through the museum grounds. Also, have a go at making your very own Lover’s Knot to give to your sweetheart.  Begins at 11am.

• Woo at the Zoo, Belfast Zoological Gardens, Antrim Road, Belfast, February 13-14. Treat your ‘otter’ half to a Valentine’s Day with a difference as you enjoy a VIP giraffe feeding experience. Tickets are £20 each or £35 per couple; general admission is included in the ticket price.

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.

Little Red Riding Hood takes flight in this classic fairy-tale with an aerial circus spin.

Fidget Feet are an Irish aerial circus company, a little like a very small Cirque de Soleil. They mix circus tricks, acrobatics and dance to tell the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Come and watch this thrilling story on Friday 12 February retold, as Red Riding Hood and the Wolf swing high above the audience in a forest of over 250 metres of circus ropes.  Full of Fidget Feet’s trademark playfulness, Catch Me is a stunning mix of aerial feats and theatre that is suitable for children and adults (suitable for smaller children however parents should be aware there are a few scary moments that may frighten little children).

With an original score and visual projections that come alive around the performers, no two shows can ever be the same.

“You are left utterly stunned. Excellent.” The Irish Times

Fidget Feet tell their stories anywhere they can think of; in theatres, from cranes, hidden in forests, or swinging from buildings all over the world.  Their performances are for everyone and they love to find new ways of telling their stories to new people.

Why not make this a mid-term treat for the whole family.  Tickets from £8 available from Box Office 028 9034 0202 or online www.theatreatthemill.com.

DUE TO PHENOMENAL DEMAND
SIX EXTRA DATES ADDED IN BELFAST & DUBLIN

THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST – 9 & 10 MARCH 2016
EXTRA SHOWS ADDED
FRIDAY 11, SATURDAY 12 & SUNDAY 13 (Matinee)
ON SALE NOW

3ARENA, DUBLIN – 16 & 17 MARCH 2016
EXTRA SHOWS ADDED
FRIDAY 18, SATURDAY 19 & SUNDAY 20 (Matinee)
ON SALE NOW

Due to phenomenal demand, Dynamo has added an incredible six extra dates to his Seeing Is Believing Live tour in Belfast & Dublin including matinee shows with special family tickets available.

Tickets for all shows are on sale now via Ticketmaster.ie

For the first time, Irish Dynamo fans will have the opportunity to witness his magic skills live, in what promises to be a spectacular and unique stage production. This will be one of the most elaborate shows ever to visit the SEE Arena in Belfast and Dublin’s 3Arena, requiring thirty trucks to transport it on tour.

The first run of the tour kicked off last night in Manchester at the Eventim Apollo to a sold out crowd and travels to London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Nottingham, Birmingham and Leeds.

In 2016 Dynamo will now also be performing at; Brighton Centre, Motorpoint Arena Cardiff, Bournemouth BIC, Motorpoint Arena Sheffield, the Echo Arena Liverpool, the SSE Arena Belfast and finishing at Dublin’s 3Arena.

Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, hit our screens just three years ago with his first series of Magician Impossible, in that short time he has quickly established himself as one of the world’s most known and most loved magicians, with his series airing in over 180 countries worldwide reaching over 250 million cumulative viewers across the world. He was recently awarded the highest accolade by the magic circle with his promotion to Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, a position only held by 300 magicians worldwide, including HRH Prince of Wales.

Dynamo said of his new venture, “After four series of Magician Impossible, I was ready for a new challenge and for a long time I have wanted to take my show to the stage. I am hoping that like I did for magic on TV, I can reinvent the live magic show and produce something fans have never seen before. This is something I have been working towards for the last 20 years and I can’t wait to amaze audiences what I have in store for them. I can’t wait to get to Dublin, one of my favourite cities and it’s the perfect place for us to finish the tour.”

Ticket Information

The SSE Arena, Belfast: March 9 – 13^th
Tickets from £35.50 including booking fee
Family ticket available for March 13^th matinee show priced £120.00 incl. booking fee

3Arena, Dublin: March 16 – 20^th
Tickets from €45.00 including booking fee
Family ticket available for March 20^th matinee show priced €146.00 incl. booking fee
Tickets for all shows are on sale now and available to purchase from Ticketmaster outlets and online at www.ticketmaster.ie

Limited Golden Magic Circle VIP tickets also available, which include a best seat, a signed programme and an exclusive piece of tour merchandise.

This is an 8+ show, under 15s must be accompanied by an adult.

For more see:
Facebook | @Dynamomagician | YouTube

For further information please contact:

The SSE Arena, Belfast
James Rollins
T: 07967 584573 | E: james@jamesrollins.co.uk

3Arena, Dublin
Colm Hanley, MCD Productions
T: 0 284 1747 | M: 086 040 3256 | E: colm@mcd.ie

On Sunday 14^th February, from 1.00pm – 3.00pm, enjoy a Celtic family lunch celebration @ the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh.

During this lunch enjoy our love story that comes to life before your eyes!

Two clans both alike in strength, in fair Emain Macha, where we lay our scene…. Join Rohan and Jacinta, as they try to mend the divide between their fathers, Lord McRoche of the South land and Lord Cahill of the North.

Will these two young lovers be together again or will their families tear Ulster apart?

Join us at the Navan Centre & Fort this Valentine’s Day to find out!

Lunch is a homemade buffet style lunch with a selection of pies, quiches, salads and desserts with a soft drink.   Admission: £10.00 per person, £6.00 for aged 12 years & under, this includes your entertainment and food.

Pre-booking is essential on www.armagh.co.uk/valentine or call 028 3752 9644

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

The Merchant Hotel presents an evening of fine dining, coupled with the best of local operatic talent.

Guests will enjoy a champange reception, a sumptuous 6 course supper coupled with selected wines.  All whilst enjoying a selection of arias and duets from some of the world’s best loved operas.

Non refundable deposit of £20.  To book please call 028 9023 4888 or email thegreatroom@themerchanthotel.com.

The Flax Gallery at Museum at The Mill will be holding its Open Exhibition throughout May and June this year and is calling upon local crafters and artists to submit their works for this sensational opportunity to showcase your talent.

The exhibition will be a celebration of creativity showcasing local talent of those living, working or studying within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough. The show will welcome work in a diverse range of media from drawing, painting and photography to ceramics, jewellery and sculpture. Any craft or art submission from the Borough will be considered.

This exciting upcoming exhibition aims to feature a wide range of artists with different interests expressed through their work. “We are very excited about this year’s Open Exhibition in the Flax Gallery. It’s an opportunity to open up the space to a whole range of artists, showcase local talent and at the same time offer our visitors a really unique experience. The additional benefit is that works can be sold so it will be a great opportunity for visitors to view and buy artworks by local artists,” explained Samantha Curry, Culture and Heritage Manager.

To be eligible for entry you must live, work or study within the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough and 16 or over as of May 1^st 2016. Works should be recent and not previously exhibited. A fee of £10 will be charged per piece (maximum 3 pieces) but no commission will be charged on sales.

Don’t delay – pick up your paintbrush, fire up the kiln or get snapping with the camera! This is a fantastic chance to showcase your work and your creative flair as part of The Flax Gallery Open Exhibition. The deadline for submissions is 29 February and the exhibition will run from 12 May to 25 June 2016.

Application forms are available from Museum at The Mill at Mossley Mill or can be downloaded from www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/museumatthemill along with the standard gallery exhibition policy.

For any additional information please contact Museum at The Mill on 028 9034 0129 or email museums@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk