Did you know that…
25% of people in NI say looks are most important when choosing a new pair of sunglasses? Statistic courtesy of Specsavers.
Sweeney Todd, the Millennium Forum in Derry
Northern Ireland’s youth takes on Sweeney Todd
From August 15-17, a production of the musical thriller Sweeney Todd will be performed in the Millennium Forum in Derry as part of the Ignite Project CIC. The show is brought to life by over 40 young performers from across the northwest, following just two weeks of intensive rehearsals. It stars 20-year-old Ronan Cassidy, who previously received outstanding reviews for his role in Ignite Project’s production of Footloose.
Tickets range from £12-£17.50 and can be bought from https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/shows/sweeney-todd/
Ulster Folk Museum Making Festival
Indulge in NI’s traditional crafts
This August at the Ulster Folk Museum, join local artists who still embrace the traditional 200-year-old skills of NI. The second year of the Making Festival will see a range of crafts including thatching, blacksmithing, wool weaving, leatherworking, and goldsmithing. Visitors will have the chance to see skilled artisans in action and engage in these time-honoured practices, as well as enjoying traditional music sessions and film screenings at the Ulster Folk Museum’s historic Picture House. August 17-18, https://www.ulsterfolkmuseum.org/whats-on/making-festival
Ulster Operatic Company’s Legally Blonde
A West End show comes to town!
Join the world’s most fabulous lawyer, Elle Woods, at the Grand Opera House from October 8-12. Produced by the award-winning Ulster Operatic Company, the well-loved all-singing, all-dancing romantic comedy Legally Blonde is not one to miss.
Tickets are available now at: https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/legally-blonde
Participants in Glenarm Festival of Voice
Choose Ireland’s best opera singer
Join the five finalists selected for Northern Ireland’s 14th Glenarm festival of voice, August 23-25, in an exciting live opera competition, with the winners decided by a panel of judges and, most importantly, by you in the audience.
For more information and tickets, go to: https://niopera.com/performances/the-14th-glenarm-festival-of-voice/
Derry Pride
Pride in Foyle side
The Foyle Pride Festival, taking place in Derry-Londonderry, is set to run over 10 days from August 15-25. Various events will run each day across the city, including queer writers’ circles, games nights, queer arts and crafts, comedy nights, and much more. The festival will also host the Foyle Pride Parade on August 24, departing at 2pm from the Northwest Transport Hub.
Most events are free, and the full programme can be viewed at: https://discovernorthernireland.com/whats-on/foyle-pride-festival-p850101
Co Down artist Kathryn Callaghan
Unique exhibition combining NI’s nature and art talent
Co Down artist Kathryn Callaghan has created a NI art trail designed to celebrate the rich local coastal landscapes and the charming villages around them. Spanning our gorgeous coastlines from Bangor to Newcastle, Cushendun to Strangford, the trail showcases ten original artworks displayed in venues of the area. The trail has been running all summer and there’s still time to catch it before it closes at the end of August.
For more information, go to: https://www.kathryncallaghan.co.uk/news/from-bloody-bridge-to-benone/
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Wake the Giant Festival
Celebrate NI’s myths, legends, and heritage
The Wake the Giant Festival is returning to Warrenpoint this August. With the theme Land of Giants, including a spectacular towering figure of Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the festival aims to celebrate the town’s unique heritage and legends. There will be an array of events, including live music, a giants’ food feast and children’s activities. The event is free and will take place on August 17 and18.
For more information, go to: https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/wake-the-giant
Dancers Leyla Gailius, Wei Hong Tu and Diya Bhattacharya at the launch of the 18th Belfast Mela Festival. Photo: William Cherry/Presseye
Cultures around the world come together
Belfast Mela is a week-long celebration of global cultures with a fabulous finale at Botanic Gardens. The event will include various performances highlighting the city’s diversity, food tasting events and stalls including local foods and international delicacies. The event will run from August 17-27.
For more information, go to: https://belfastmela.org.uk/
Connections pen-air art exhibition
Open air art exhibition in the heart of the city
An open-air public art exhibition in the heart of the city, CONNECTIONS will be held along the Lagan Towpath in Belfast. The event will host a range of diverse artists exhibiting artworks responding to the natural area, celebrating Ireland’s craft sector. The event is part of Craft Month 2024 and will take place from August 10-31.
For more information about the exhibition, go to: https://augustcraftmonth.org/
Belfast was known as Linenopolis. Photo: Getty
Explore Belfast’s linen history in guided walk
Catch the end of the ongoing guided walking tour exploring Belfast’s vibrant Linen Quarter, combining heritage, entertainment, culture and craic. Hear entertaining stories from as far back as 250 years ago about the linen industry in Belfast, once landing the city with the title Linenopolis. The last event is on August 18 at 10.30am.
For tickets and more information, go to: https://visitbelfast.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873657328