Arts Festival line-up revealed

‘Autumn Arts’, which is supported by the Department of Social Development, runs from Wednesday 8 October to Friday 31 October and features a programme of musical, theatrical and literary performances plus a host of workshops and events for all ages.

This year’s highlights include Ulster Poetry Slam Champion Colin Hassard who presents his hilarious acclaimed one man show “Quantum of Sonnets” on Saturday 11 October in Banbridge Old Town Hall. Be prepared to be shaken and stirred as Colin explores the universal themes of love, relationships and learning from your mistakes (not)! Admission is £5 and booking essential.

The Bronte Centre, Rathfriland, plays host to the best of local talent on Saturday 11October with a wonderful World Music concert with VioLeeN and Friends featuring Nikolay and Veselka Ivanovi, Lee Lawson, Sergei Ussenko, Amita Ravikiran, Kim Lennon and Gavin Donnelly plus the Banbridge Chamber Orchestra. This world music showcase is a must for anyone who enjoys classic, traditional and diverse sounds.

World renowned Mayobridge native Colum Sands takes to the stage at the Bronte Centre on Friday 17 October. Colum has been described as a poet disguised as a songwriter and his ninth album Turn the Corner has been enchanting audiences.

On Saturday 25 October Pat Dam Smyth supported by Catherine Hatt will grace the stage in the Bronte Centre.

His music is an eclectic collection falling somewhere between Bowie, Beck and Lou Reed.

Both this and the Colm Sands shows are strictly ticket only priced £5 and are available from the F. E Mc William Gallery.

Calling all musicians, poets and comedians! On Saturday 18 October Banbridge Old Town Hall is giving up the stage for a special Open Mic Session which offers the chance to win a fantastic recording session with Big Space Studios. The evening will end with Acoustic Collective, featuring Gavin Ferris and BuskFest 2014 winner Matthew Malcolm.

Tickets are priced £5 and booking is essential. To book a slot on the Open Mic Session, please contact [email protected].

Other events will include poetry readings, storytelling sessions, movie making workshops, craft events and exhibitions plus a very special antiques talk and valuation with BBC TV’s David Harper.

Tickets for all performances are limited, and early booking is strongly advised by contacting Banbridge District Council on T: 4066 0605, Banbridge Old Town Hall, on T: 028 4062 0232 or where highlighted the F.E. McWillam Gallery on T: 028 4062 3322

The Autumn Arts brochure detailing all events and activities are widely available from a number of outlets across the district and also available to download online at www.banbridge.gov.uk

For further information about Autumn Arts, contact Banbridge District Council’s Leisure and Development Department on T: 4066 0605.