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 (19-25 March)

  1. BelFeast Food and Drink Festival, Belfast, 23-25 March. A new three-day food and drink festival based in and around the Cathedral Quarter showcasing everything that’s great about our local food and drink. Festival includes food theatre, food tours and live music.
  2. Belfast Fashion Week, 22-25 March. Belfast Fashion Week’s main runway shows will take place in the spectacular setting of Belfast Cathedral, featuring longer catwalks, more space and lots of interesting backdrops for photos of the fashion on the runway and of the guests in their stylish looks. To book tickets go to VisitBelfast.com.
  3. Sink or Swim, Belfast, 22-24 March. Jonathan M Daley’s Sink or Swim is a meditation on the more modern concept of fame and an exploration of how far people will go to have their name up in lights. This unique play comes to the Accidental Theatre on Shaftesbury Square. To book tickets  visit AccidentalTheatre.co.uk
  4. On the trail of Martel – Wild Caving Event, Enniskillen, 24 March. Explore ‘wild’ caving deep inside the Marble Arch Caves System. Meander through cave passages and climb through boulder chambers, before making your way out, muddy but proud. Booking is essential, phone 028 6634 8855.
  5. Omagh and Sperrins Walking Festival, 24-25 March. Offering the opportunity for locals and visitors alike to explore the spectacular Sperrins region of Northern Ireland. Suitable for all levels with easy, intermediate and challenging walks as part of the programme. For festival programme, visit WalkNI.com.
  6. Get Creative Festival, Ballycastle, 19-24 March. As part of the Get Creative Festival, the Puffin Gallery, a community interest company set up to promote the arts and crafts in the community, is organising different workshops and demonstrations including demonstrations on oil painting and pottery classes.
  7. Strabane Drama Festival 2018, 16-24 March. Nine nights of top class drama at the Alley Theatre as groups from all over Ireland compete for the title of ‘Best Play’. Plays include Danger Money by Knocks Drama Circle and Tom Dick and Harry by Clanabogan Drama Circle. For full line-up, visit Alley-Theatre.com.
  8. Flashdance, Derry~Londonderry, 19-24 March. Produced by the award winning team at Selladoor Productions, Flashdance the Musical comes to the Millennium Forum. Telling the inspiring story of 18 year old Alex, a welder by day and ‘flashdancer’ by night, who dreams of going to the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy and becoming a professional dancer. To book visit MillenniumForum.co.uk.
  9. COAL, Belfast, 21-22 March. Created to mark the 30th anniversary of the end of the 1984/5 British miners strike, award-winning choreographer Gary Clarke proudly presents COAL to the MAC theatre. A riveting dance theatre show which takes a nostalgic look at the hard-hitting realities of life at the coal face.
  10. Craft Beer, Cheese and Charcuterie Night, Comber, 23 March. Join Indie Füde in the Courtyard with Bullhouse Brewery from Ards, who will be demonstrating and discussing their brews. Along with them will be Jonny Cuddy telling his journey into the world of cured meats, bringing plenty to try and paired with fine cheese. To book tickets visit IndieFude.com.
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.