It’s hard to believe January is upon us, and already we are looking ahead to spring. Our first event is aimed at families who can take advantage of the February half term break. Bring your friends and family and see who can make the biggest, craziest splash via the ‘splashometer’ at the Northern Ireland Puddle Jumping Championships.
The event is hosted by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie. Put on your wellies, and be prepared for the weather. Children can splash about in the ‘practice puddles’ throughout the day take part in the competitions with prizes to be won.
As well as splashing about in puddles there’s lots of other fun activities to have a go at including Wild Welly Walks, Wildwood play and Secret Swamp. Do wear wellies and waterproofs and you can also share your splash pictures at #wwtpuddlejumping.
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If Santa brought you a phone or tablet and you aren’t sure how to make the most of it, you can bring it along to one of the Digital FixIT surgeries which are running across Belfast throughout January and February. Free, basic IT advice will be offered in partnership with Supporting Communities and the Libraries NI Digital Citizenship project.
By learning basic tips, you will be able to keep your device running smoothly and securely.
The sessions will cover topics like keeping your tablet or phone up-to-date, keeping your data safe, emailing, freeing up space, saving photos and using social media.
Booking is essential – to book a place, call 028 9027 0644. More details are on Belfast City Council’s website.
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If you love Harry Potter, then this next event is for you. Hosted by Space and the NI Science Festival, The Science of Harry Potter tour takes place at Space, Castle Park Road in Bangor.
Join Jon Chase, co-author of ‘The Science of Harry Potter’, for a science show which explains the scientific principles behind some of the spells and games that our favourite witches and wizards love best.
This event is for ages 7 and over and takes place on Saturday, February 15 from 2:30pm to 3:30pm.
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Another event for science fans hosted by the NI Science Festival takes place during the half term break.
Nick Arnold, the award-winning author of the Horrible Science books, is back with a new show dedicated to all things yucky and funny. See the books brought to life with interactive experiments, quizzes and challenges, all aimed at children.
There are two dates for this show –
Saturday 15 February – Nerve Centre, Derry/Londonderry.
Sunday 16 February – Black Box, Belfast.
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If you like music, as part of the Carrickfergus Uke ‘n’ Trad Fest, you can enjoy Hooley In The Hall. This is an evening of singalongs, traditional music and dance at the Town Hall on Saturday, March 14. There will be performances by Gasworks Trad Group, the Flame ‘n’ Ukes and Keltic Flair Irish/Scottish dancers, and a chance to try some ceilidh dancing.
Free admission.
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Singer David Keenan will be at The Empire in Belfast on Saturday (January 11).
The 26-year-old from Knockbridge in Co Louth has been building up his profile in recent years and recently headlined the main stage at Electric Picnic. He also headlines the Olympia Theatre in Dublin on January 13. He is definitely one to watch and he will be in Belfast this weekend. Tickets are available online.
Also at The Empire on January 22 is Seth Lakeman, who has just released his ninth studio album ‘The Well Worn Path’.
The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist visits Belfast for a solo headline show.
It’s a return to classic folk-rock approach with hints of Fairport Convention, Neil Young, Nick Cave and Billy Bragg. Seth has featured on just about every major festival bill across the UK. He has also performed with Tori Amos and Clannad and toured with Jools Holland and Runrig.
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For trucking fans, the 13th annual Truck Festival weekend takes place at Lavey Termoneeny centre, in Gulladuff on May 30 and 31. Saturday will see the arrival of the truck and van convoy and on Saturday night there is live music by Eldorado, on stage from 11pm to 1am.
Sunday will include family activities and music by Drums and Roses.
The convoy will leave at 3.30pm. Also on the Sunday the Termoneeny centre will be hosting a big breakfast. The chosen charity for this event is F.A.C.T.S (Families With Autism Coming Together For Support).
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To get you in the mood for summer, the Black Box in Belfast is hosting Abandonman.
Rob Broderick is a hip hop musical comedian and he will be crafting songs on the spot to the world of Coachella.
Combining hip hop, pop, he will transport you to the world’s greatest music festival, without leaving the Cathedral Quarter.
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Heading back to yesteryear, and Our Jimmy will be staged at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh this Saturday (January 11).
Featuring some original, and some new material from the beloved comedy characters of Lily O’Condriac, Billy Hulk, Big Derek, Orange Lil, Willie Simpson, The Ballymena Man and wee Sammy the Schoolboy, this is a show for people who enjoy good Ulster humour.
Starring William Caulfield, he will celebrate the comedy legend that was James Young.
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Cinema
Little Women
Cats
Frozen 2
Jojo Rabbit
Jumanji
Playing with Fire
Spies in Disguise
The Gentleman
