The awesome guys at the tourist board know there are stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events every week. So here are their top 10 exciting things taking place this week (25 September -1 October)

  1. Locally Produced Beer Cider & Spirit Festival, Newcastle, 30 September. Set in the picturesque Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, this event highlights the best local beer, cider and spirit Northern Ireland has to offer. Local produce will also be available to sample and purchase at the festival. Tickets are £14 and includes three drink tokens and a souvenir glass.
  2. Raising Steam, Cathedral Hall, Enniskillen, 30 September. Headhunters Railway Museum commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the closure of railway services in Fermanagh and bordering counties with events for all the family, including several vintage steam traction engines raising steam once again and a screening of the iconic film, The Railway Children.
  3. The Home Key, Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Derry~Londonderry, 29 September. A special performance from Lisa Hannigan, who is celebrated for her unmistakeable vocals. Her latest album, At Swim, which takes a turn into darker more reflective territory, features an inspired acapella version of Seamus Heaney’s poem ‘Anahorish’ taken from his early collections.
  4. Guitar Night – Thomas Leeb, Belfast, 28 September. The Crescent Arts Centre is delighted to present the first ever Belfast Guitar Night, which will feature the amazing Thomas Leeb. Leeb is a skilled guitar player, with his first solo performance at aged fifteen, he is now a frequent performer at concerts and festivals in Asia, America and Europe.
  5. Murder Mystery Evenings, Cookstown, 29-30 September. Lissan House sets the scene in 1943, when war rages abroad but at the ‘Big House’ the enemy lurks within. There has been a murder but who dunnit? What has ice-cream got to do with it? Fatal attraction, fun and forensics. Come dressed to kill in 1940’s style service or civvies. Tickets include a glass of bubbly on arrival and a hot buffet supper. Book early to avoid disappointment on 028 8676 3312.
  6. Mister Maker, Belfast, 30 September–1 October. CBeebies’ Mister Maker is coming back to the Grand Opera House by popular demand in his smash hit live theatre tour. With a fabulous supporting cast and art at its heart, this fantastic live show encourages Mini Makers and grown-ups to sing, dance and make some noise.
  7. The Unholy Gospel Band, Downpatrick, 29 September. The Unholy Gospel Band is a first in Northern Ireland with its authentic American gospel music delivered live and straight from the soul. Featuring songs by Mahalia Jackson, The Staple Singers, James Brown and many more. See them perform at the Down Arts Centre from 8pm.
  8. The Australian Pink Floyd Show, Belfast, 26 September. The Australian Pink Floyd Show returns to the SSE Arena with a new set of Pink Floyd songs – ‘The Best Side of the Moon’ incorporating a full performance of what many would call the most iconic rock album of all time.
  9. Country comes to the Forum, Derry~Londonderry, 26 September. Millennium Forum Theatre and Conference Centre hosts ‘Country Comes to the Forum.’ A night of entertainment with great country acts, fun and laughter with all proceeds going to a local charity.
  10. Strabane Market, Strabane, 29 September. On the last Friday of every month from April – December, the Alley Theatre will welcome the very best of artisan traders, offering visitors a friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods and handmade crafted products.
Chris Caldwell

Author: Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell at your service! My favourite things are eating and Theatre, I have 2 small sons called Alex and Max who are more mustard than Hellmann's. I spend my days trying to wrangle them and exploring my favourite city - BELFAST! My favourite films are horror, my fav music is metal and my favourite Beatle is Ringo, mainly his work on Thomas the Tank.