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13th March 2010
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EVENTS
Welcome to Events in the Ards, where you'll find a comprehensive list of what's going on in and around the Borough during the next few months. From regular, much loved events to one-off specials, you'll find it all here.
For further information about any events in the Ards, please contact the Tourist Information Centre on tel: 028 9182 6846, E: events@ards-council.gov.uk or download the latest Events and Arts Guide here.
Events in Ards Borough
The Bruiser Theatre Company.
'The Resistible Rise Of Arturo Ui' is one of Brecht's best known plays. It is an alarming and savagely hilarious allegory of Hitler's rise to power, in which the Fuhrer is portrayed as charismatic Chicago gangster, Arturo Ui, endeavouring to seize the city's fruit and vegetable racket from top dog, Al Capone. He systematically seduces the public and eliminates his political rivals in his bid for total domination.
This is political theatre at its best and most powerful.
Six actors/musicians will play over fifty characters to bring this powerful story to life in true Bruiser physical style.
Unnerving and scathing; the battle for political status and the corruption of power still fill our newspapers in 2010. When credits crunch, who do we turn to? Arturo Ui offers protection and freedom - at a very large price.
The Web Theatre, Newtownards, 8pm. Tickets £10. Group rates available for parties of 10 or more. Arts Links Bus Available. Tel: 028 9181 0803.
Enjoy Mother's Day at Mount Stewart. Treat your mum to a three course lunch in the Bay Restaurant and enjoy a stroll in the beautiful gardens.
12.30-2pm
Booking essential.
Admission: Adult £30 Child £10
Tel: 028 427 7807
- 24th April
'The Spring Exhibition' at the Battletown Gallery showcasing works by four gallery artists - Carol Graham, Jonny McEwen, Robert McLearnon and Ross Stewart.
Nestled between rolling hills and countryside, The Battletown Gallery is set within a dramatically
restored coach-house on prime farmland, providing a unique setting in which to enjoy and browse the works of art.
Directions: From Newtownards continue along the Portaferry Road for 2 miles. Turn left into Finlays Road. After 1 mile, turn left at the junction. The Gallery is the 2nd farm on the right.
The Battletown Gallery
Tue-Sat 10.30am-4.40pm or by appointment
Admission: Free
T: 028 9182 2626
W: www.thebattletowngallery.com
The Bourbon Swing Jazz Band is one of Northern Ireland's best Dixieland bands. Under the leadership of Bill Cheney (trumpet), the band stays faithful to the tradition of the delta, drawing upon a substantial repertoire of tunes from the early 20th century. The band's influences range from King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton to Louis Armstrong.
The band includes Victor Staley (banjo), David Smith (bass), Harry Burns (drums) and Trevor Foster or Ivan McCormick (clarinet).
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards, 8pm. Bring Your Own. Tickets £5, Tel: 028 9181 0803.
Stepping off the top of a tower is madness, right? Not for Marie Curie Cancer Care! Imagine the views of the beautiful Ards Peninsula, Belfast and as far as the Mournes. The Scrabo Tower Abseil is back by popular demand!
9am - 5pm
£10 Registration fee
Min £55 Sponsorship
Contact Events Team on 028 9088 2062/69 or go to www.mariecurie.org.uk/inyourarea/northernireland/events
Ramble through the lesser known areas of Mount Stewart with an experienced guide followed by a well earned meal in the Bay Restaurant. Children must be over 10 years.
11.30am-2pm
Booking essential.
Admission: Adult £25 Child £12.50
Tel: 028 4278 7807
Irish painter and sculptor, Alice Maher, was born in County Tipperary in 1956. After receiving an MA in fine arts from the University of Ulster, she won a Fulbright Scholarship to the San Francisco Art Institute. As well as drawing and painting in oils and other media, Maher often creates works with materials like hair and ropw, exploring themes of memory and identity.
She has exhibited widely in Ireland, Europe and the United States and represented Ireland at the 1994 San Paulo Bienale. Her paintings and artworks are held by several public and private art collections throughout the world.
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. 7-9pm. Free admission and open to all. Tel: 028 9181 0803.
- 26th April 2010.
Strangford Lough is one of the most stunning of Ireland's hidden treasures. Local photographer, Bernie Brown's latest exhibition 'The Life of the Lough' offers a unique insight into the timeless story of the County Down beauty spot.
A series of vivid images of the area's 21st century people and culture blend with the hint of ancient traditions and priceless natural heritage to bring you right to the beating heart of Strangford Lough.
Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. Free admission. Tel: 028 9181 0803.
The Northern Ireland Photographic Association (NIPA) is the organising body for club photography in Northern Ireland and has over 20 local camera clubs, including Ards Camera Club, as members.
The NIPA annual print exhibition comprises 75 prints, selected from upward of 250 entries from individual members of NI camera clubs. The exhibition is selected by a prominent photographic judge from the Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB), the national organising body, or from the Photographic Federation.
All types of subject are represented in the exhibition, portraits, natural history, candids, landscapes and seascapes, architecture, sport and street scenes, in monochrome and colour. PAGB accords patronage to the exhibition and the prestigious PAGB gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the authors of the top three monochrome and colour prints respectively.
Main Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. Free admission. Tel: 028 9181 0803.
- 30th April
Exhibition of work by local artists and craftspeople. Artists will be giving talks during the month - details can be obtained from the Library. Other works by these artists are available to view at The Fort, Ferry Street, Portaferry.
Portaferry Library, High Street, Portaferry
Mon and Wed 2-8pm
Fri 10am-1pm and 2-5pm
Sat 10am-1pm
Admission: Free
T: 028 4272 8194
- 9th April
Fun for all the family. Follow the trail around the magical gardens to find Mount Stewart's golden eggs. Easter prizes for everyone!
Mount Stewart
11am-4pm
Egg Trail: £1 per child
Admission: Normal Admission Members Free
T: 028 4278 8387
Join artists and draw a special picture for Easter. Perhaps our cute rabbits will inspire you!
Castle Espie, Comber
11am-1pm and 2-5pm
Admission: Adult £6.10 Concession £4.65 Child £3.05 Family £16.50 (2A&2C)
Children under 4 years Free Essential helpers assisting disabled visitors are free
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www. wwt.org.uk/castleespie
Come along and join in the adventure where families have to complete 5 tasks to protect a rare egg. A test of ingenuity, resourcefulness and fun family teamwork.
Castle Espie, Comber
11am-5pm
Admission: Normal Admission plus £2.50 per family
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www. wwt.org.uk/castleespie
- 7th April
Why not join us for some fun this Easter. Take part in our Great Egg Chase and Baby Boom Hunt, or join in with face painting, children's art activities, balloon modelling & inflatable obstacle course (latter weather dependant).
Exploris, Portaferry
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm Sat 11am-6pm Sun 12noon-6pm
Admission: Adult £7 Concession £4.50 Child £4.50 Family £22 [2A 4C] Family £19.50
[1A 4C] Under 4s' Free
T: 028 4272 8062
www.exploris.org.uk
An evening of traditional music and song featuring Irish and Scottish music from home and abroad. A great night of 'craic'!
Coach Inn, Ann Street, PortaferryAdmission: Free
T: 028 4272 8645
- 6th April 2010
Enjoy the fun of decorating a boiled egg and, if you wish, rolling it down the hill! Keep the kids amused this Easter on you visit to Portaferry. For the Mums and Dads, get some great ideas for days out, pick up a souvenir or enjoy the various exhibitions including the 'Textures & Designs' exhibition by Jennifer Brown, upstairs in our Loft Gallery.
Portaferry TIC is situated in the grounds of the Lifeboat station
Portaferry Tourist Information & Visitor Centre
Castle Street, Portaferry
12-4pm
Admission: Free
T: 028 4272 9882
National Championship Racing featuring The Mayors Trophy, hosted by Belfast & District Motor Club. The sight, the sounds, the speed - come and feel the atmosphere and watch some eggciting racing this Easter Monday! Featuring sidecars, superbikes and 125cc to 600cc motorbikes. From the exhilarating speed of Debtors bend to the slow speed of the hairpin, it's a cracking day's entertainment for the young to the 'not so young'.
Kirkistown Race Circuit
Practice 9am
Racing 1pm
Admission: Adults £10 (including race programme) Under 13s' Free
T: 07877987739
W: www.belfastanddistrictmotorclub.co.uk
The Upper Ards Historical society arranges talks on topics of historical interest, locally and nationally, from October to May. This evening's talk by Ian Wilson is the 'The Wreck of the Glendalough 1920'.
Ballyphilip Parish Centre, Portaferry
7.30pm
Admission: £2 per visitor
T: 028 4277 1421
An evening of traditional music and song featuring Irish and Scottish music from home and abroad. A great night of 'craic'!
Coach Inn, Ann Street, Portaferry
Admission: Free
T: 028 4272 8645
The first carriage driving show of the year in Northern Ireland. Classes for all types of carriages and driving horses, including Welsh Cobs being shown in hand.
Playing Fields, Ballywalter Road, Millisle
12-4pm
Admission: Free to public Competitor Fee applies
T: 028 9181 2169
W: www.britishdrivingsociety.co.uk
Demonstrations of Art and Craft by local artists currently exhibiting at the Fort, Ferry Street, Portaferry. Visitors can watch and chat to artists as they show you how it's done.
Barholm Conservatory, The Strand, Portaferry
11am-3pm
Admission: Free
T: 07771890973
The Peninsula Music Club is a venue designated primarily for local singer songwriters and performers. Every month we have one headline act which can vary from solo performers to small groups. We are predominantly an acoustic music venue. There is also ample opportunity for other performers to take the stage early in the evening and all are welcome.
Ivy Bar, Newtownards
9pm sharp
Admission: £5 on the door
T: Steve on 07734877732
An evening of traditional music and song featuring Irish and Scottish music from home and abroad. A great night of 'craic'!
Dumigan's Bar, Ferry Street, PortaferryAdmission: Free
T: 028 4272 8645
Facilitated by Teresa McBride who is a Life coach, NLP practitioner, Stress Management consultant and Hypnotherapist; and Sophia Longridge, a Nutritional therapist.
Castle Espie
10am-4.30pm
Admission: £39 per person
T: 028 9187 4146
W: www. wwt.org.uk/castleespie
The Rapparees are a five piece folk outfit based in Belfast and are about as exciting an act as you're likely to encounter on the Folk/Trad circuit. Their lively mix of contemporary sellf penned songs and traditional songs and tunes has led to rave reviews along the way. With a large helping of fiddles, banjos and whistles, the Rapparees promise to deliver an energetic, foot stomping evening of pure entertainment.
Queen's Hall, West Street, Newtownards, 8pm. Bring your own. Tickets £7 (£5 concession), Tel: 028 9181 0803.
Ards Choral Society's Spring Concert, 'With A Song In My Heart'.
Queen's Hall, West Street, Newtownards, 7.45pm.
Tickets from Scrabo Electrical, 22 Regent Street, Newtownards.
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