Preview // 10 Awesome Things To Do In Northern Ireland This Week (8 – 14 October)

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 (8 – 14 October)

1. Fashion Fest 2018, Derry~Londonderry, 13 October. Taking place in one of the city’s most iconic landmark buildings, the Guildhall, this stylish celebration will showcase the very best in emerging and established designers.
2. Kylie – Golden Tour, Belfast, 8 October. Kylie Minogue, currently on a high with her brand new track ‘Dancing’, will bring her extraordinary creativity as a live performer back to the SSE Arena this autumn on her headline UK and Ireland tour.
3. Cinemagic International Film & Television Festival, Belfast, 2 October – 4 November. This award-winning festival, which is the largest film and television festival designed for, and by, young people in the UK and Ireland, boasts an ambitious and exciting programme of over 200 events including film screenings, masterclasses with film and television industry professionals, school workshops, Q&As, and young critics panels.
4. Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Bushmills, 12 – 13 October. The NI Potato Festival celebrates the legacy of local man John Clarke OBE, a world-renowned pioneer in potato breeding. The Festival line-up boasts a variety of attractions including Naturally North Coast and Glens artisan market with food and craft producers, cookery demonstrations and talks, bouncy castles, exhibitions and displays, potato inspired games and a petting farm.
5. Evita, Derry~Londonderry, 9 – 13 October. Telling the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron, Evita follows Eva’s journey from humble beginnings through to extraordinary wealth, power and iconic status which ultimately lead her to be heralded as the ‘spiritual leader of the nation’ by the Argentine people. Featuring some of the most iconic songs in musical theatre, including Don’t Cry For Me Argentina and You Must Love Me, this smash hit show truly promises to be the theatrical event at the Millennium Forum.
6. Squirrel Walk & Talk, Cushendall, 13 October. Join the Glens Red Squirrel Group to celebrate ‘Squirreltober’ with a guided walk through Cottage Wood to see if you can spot the Red Squirrel, which is regularly seen here. The woodland also contains a range of native and non-native species of trees and shrubs such as Scots Pine, Elder, Holly, and Ash.
7. Jane Eyre, Coleraine, 10 October. The young, orphaned Jane meets with cruelty at the hands of her aunt and then at the school to which she is banished. She eventually finds her freedom and becomes governess to the daughter of the enigmatic Mr. Rochester at Thornfield Hall. As Jane and Rochester’s relationship grows, it is overshadowed by doubt, dark shadows, and terrible secrets and she must choose between passion and reason. Hotbuckle Productions bring their inventiveness, humour and unique magic to Charlotte Bronte’s compelling tale at the Riverside Theatre.
8. Fright Night 2018, Magherafelt, 12 October – 3 November. This year’s Fright Night is going to be bigger, scarier and full of twists. Fright Night will see the return of the horrid and harrowing “Woodland Trail”. Unveiling two amazing new sets, a brand new haunting story, coupled with special effects, atmospheric lighting throughout and a creepy cast of wicked creatures. On top of this, four of last year’s scare attractions will also be returning with a few extra dimensions and a brand new attraction; The Slaughterhouse.
9. Harvest Fair at The Ballance House, Crumlin, 13 October. Enjoy soup, sandwiches, traybakes and apple pie in the Ballance House tea barn and visit the craft market stalls with a great selection of local crafts and produce to purchase. There will be themed apple craft activities for the children, flower-arranging and wood-carving demos along with a bespoke Silent Auction featuring prizes ranging from restaurant vouchers to hampers which guests can bid on throughout the day.
10. The Baby Bushka Dance Party, Belfast, 13 October. Eight female performers use four-part vocal harmonies and epic choreographed dancing to bring the spirit and sound of music legend, Kate Bush, to life. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bush devotees and an amazing night out for lovers of choreographed dancing, jumpsuits and all things 80’s. Afterwards DJ Emma-Rose Hollywood will be playing 80’s dancefloor fillers from Bowie to Bananarama to have you dancing into the small hours.