Here are five fab events and activities that are happening from Friday to Sunday, April 1-3.
1. The Braid Theatre in Ballymena will welcome Neil Delamere: Liminal on stage on Friday, April 1. Star of BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz, Neil Delamere hits the road again with his riotous new stand-up show, Liminal, on stage at 8pm - doors open 7.30pm. Tickets https://thebraid.ticketsolve.com/shows
2. Oriel Gallery in Antrim Castle Gardens is the setting for Antrim Art Club’s recently opened 70th anniversary exhibition of paintings which will run to April 24 and is open to the public from 9-5pm. Antrim Art Club is long established and respected throughout the Antrim community and is a fun, diverse group of artists aged 18. After viewing their fine work, why not take a walk around the stunning Castle Gardens which are open to the public.
3. If music is more your thing then Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, have a treat in store with ‘Tonight’s the Night’ Rod Stewart Tribute Show
on Friday, April 1, from 7.45-10pm. Adm: £18.00 & £16.00 (Concession). Tonight’s the Night have been wowing audiences far and wide with its seven-piece live, full production show. A two hour roller coaster of Rod Stewart’s greatest songs this is rapidly becoming one of the most sought after tribute shows. For information visit https://theatreatthemill.com
4. The Coach Bar in Ballymena will be the venue for a Save or Shave Fundraiser on Saturday, April 2, with all proceeds going to the Community Rescue Service. The event, being presented by DJ Ray entertainments in association with the Coach Bar, will include a Pool and Darts Competition at 1pm, a Karaoke/Disco with DJ. BB and curry lunch from 2-5pm, a raffle, pitch and toss and save or shave from 6-8pm and a disco from 8-late.
Everyone is welcome. Donations can also be made online at https://totalgiving.co.uk/mypage/djrayshaveorsave or @The Coach Bar, Ballymena
5. An Artists Lockdown Diary: Exhibition opens from Friday, April 1 and will run until April 29 at the Flax Gallery, Theatre at the Mill. Admission is free. Monday to Friday from 10am. The artwork in the exhibition are based on the Visual COVID-Lockdown Diary of artist Christopher Banahan, made during the 2020/21 lockdowns as a response to being a recipient of the Art Council’s COVID crises Artists Response Award. The exhibition addresses themes of loneliness with the effects of social isolation during the lockdowns, particularly for the elderly in rural communities. The exhibition also expresses the beauty of rural settings and being fortunate enough to be surrounded by such ‘imprisoned splendour’ particularly with the fine weather of the first lockdown.
1. Hunt for mini beasts at Antrim Castle Gardens
This informative workshop on Saturday, April 27 will delve into the fascinating world of invertebrates, the largest group of living organisms on the planet. The half-day programme will include an indoor presentation highlighting some of the more common mini beasts to be found in the area, along with other more exotic creatures. This will be followed by a guided mini beast hunt within the gardens. The event runs from 10.30am - 1.30pm and admission is £1.25, with all proceeds going to the Mayor's charities. For more information, visit https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events/2024/april/mini-beasts-workshop-for-the-family/ Photo: Freddy from Pixabay
2. Enjoy a night of acoustic music in Carrickfergus
Carrickfergus Town Hall will be hosting a chilled evening of new and experienced local performers on Saturday, April 27 from 7:30pm. With cabaret seating and a bring your own bottle feature at the venue, tickets are just £5 and can be purchased at https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/acoustic-night/ or at the door on the night. Photo: wal_172619 from Pixabay
3. Take part in the City Nature Challenge across Greater Belfast
Taking place from Friday, April 26 to Monday, April 29, the City Nature Challenge is an international citizen science competition to see which city can observe the most native species. The challenge in the Greater Belfast area is being managed by Belfast City Council along with Buglife, National Museums NI, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland and Ulster Wildlife. For information on how to take part in the free, family friendly event, visit https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/Events/City-Nature-Challenge-2024 Photo: Kathy Büscher from Pixabay
4. Create fairy themed arts and crafts in Carrick
Young visitors to Carrickfergus Town Hall can hone their creative skills at this kids' art workshop on Saturday, April 27 from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm. Suitable for kids aged 7-12, participants can learn about the Flower Fairies as they make their own fairy door, magical path and fairy swing; fairy dresses from flowers and a flower garland for their hair. Admission is £8 and children must be accompanied by an adult; for more information, see https://positivecarrickfergus.org/events/magical-day-with-the-flower-fairies/ Photo: Thomas G. from Pixabay