Dazzling array of culture in city this weekend

Undertones in Brooke Park

On the music front the fantastic fifth annual Picnic in the Park event at Brooke Park takes centre stage on Saturday with the city's favourite musical sons, the Undertones, topping the bill.

The family event organised by the Friends of Brooke Park and SEEDS and supported by Derry City Council will provide a packed programme of activities for young and old alike from noon to 5pm.

As in previous years the event has been geared towards maximising the positives of the park.

And don't worry about the weather as there will be a large marquee to avoid the scorching sunshine ordered for the day!

The gig rig stage will have the cream of the city's talent with the brilliant Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas, the fabulous Border Blues Project, the exceptional City of Hope Choir, the driving vibe of the Cannibals, the classical tones of Sarah Murphy and Sean Woods, the multicultural drummers of Harmonicity and the up and coming young bands; The Wonder Villains and many others.

There will also be a full programme of games and activities for children of all ages. Throughout the day the Park will come alive with clowns, jugglers, balloon modelers, samba bands and a host of children's games where every child has a chance of winning a sack race, three legged race or egg and spoon race.

Sporting excellence

If you require more information please contact the Friends of Brooke Park on 028 71 370989.

Running to bowling, are the sporting highlights as the city welcomes top class athletes and international bowlers to the city.

The sporting programme gets underway at Lisnagelvin's Bowling Green on Saturday which hosts the Men's British Isles Junior International Bowling Series. This two day competition is the only bowling event being held outside England this year and is set to see over 100 participants, family members; friends and supporters travel to the city for the occasion.

Sunday sees the 29th Tesco Waterside Half Marathon welcome the cream of local and national athletics talent to the city. The event, as always, caters for runners, joggers, wheelchair participants and walkers of all abilities and there is also a three-person team relay format.

This year's race is expected to attract 1500+ for the Half Marathon and 500 for the Fun Run. A great family programme has been put together in the Gransha Grounds to mark the occasion kicking off firstly with the walkers at 9.30am with the main race at 10.30am, so get there early to soak up the atmosphere.

The celebrations will continue later that evening with a post event party being held in the City Hotel. Relax and unwind after the day's event to music by the wonderful Goodfellas in the Corinthian Ballroom. Tickets priced 6.00 are available now from the City Hotel, telephone 71 365 800 for more information. Click on www.derrycity.gov.uk/halfmarathon for up to date race information.

Classic comedy

The Playhouse Big Tickle comedy festival will have patrons at the playhouse laughing themselves silly throughout this month with another outstanding line-up of comedians and comedy events.

This weekend award-winning comedian and actor Phil Nichol will bring some truly unique theatrical jazz silliness with his critically-acclaimed comedy show 'Welcome to Crazytown' on Friday, September 10, at 8pm.

He will be quickly followed by one of today's top Northern Irish comedians, the accomplished Colin Murphy, who will be bringing his topical satire and edgy wit on Saturday, September 11 at 8pm.

To find out about all of the fantastic comedy events coming up as part of The Big Tickle or to view all the exciting events in the new Playhouse autumn brochure call (028)71268027.

Museums free of charge

This weekend also marks European Heritage Open Day which means that entry to the city's museums will be free of charge. The Harbour Museum (10am – 4.30 pm) and Workhouse Museum (10am – 5pm) will be open free of charge on Saturday. The Tower Museum will open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 12 pm to 4pm on Sunday.

So whether it's heritage, music, comedy or sport that grabs your interest there's something to suit everyone in the City of Culture this weekend.