Life

What's On: Fair might tempt you to wed on beautiful Ards Peninsula

Jacqueline McGonigle of whatsonni.com shares her pick of family events across the north this week

The cast of Wonderland, which is at the Millennium Forum in Derry this week
The cast of Wonderland, which is at the Millennium Forum in Derry this week The cast of Wonderland, which is at the Millennium Forum in Derry this week

DOWN

Portico and the Portaferry Hotel are hosting a Wedding Fair in Portaferry on Saturday March 25 from 12pm to 4pm. With classical architecture modelled on the Greek Temple of Nemesis, Portico is the perfect venue for a romantic and elegant wedding. This beautifully restored former church is now a non-denominational grade-A listed venue that hosts weddings of all kinds.

ARMAGH

As part of Navan Fort’s series of free events, they are bringing to you lots of mini-beasts, bugs and creepy crawlies this Sunday March 26. Get up close and person with some of the bugs and beasties that live around us and some more unusual characters too. With friends from Mantella Environmental Education they will highlight the roles these important animals play in our local environment. Come along and learn what a millipede feels like, why spiders have eight eyes and why some of our birds of prey are making a comeback after years of absence.

FERMANAGH

This Sunday delve off the beaten track to explore ‘real’ caving, deep inside the Marble Arch Caves System. Meander through wild cave passages, climb through boulder chambers and squeeze though the famous flyover to emerge into the Marble Arch Showcave, before returning to the boulder chambers on your way out, muddy but proud.

TYRONE

Strabane Drama Festival begins this Friday and runs until Saturday April 1 at 8pm each evening at the Alley Theatre. The programme include Heroes by Gerald Sibleyras, Blackbird by David Harrower, Eclipsed by Patricia Burke-Brogan, Abigail’s Party by Mike Leigh and Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel.

DERRY

Hailed by The New York Times as “inspirational”, Wonderland is an enchanting musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, with a huge heart, a medley of magic and a whole lot of wonder. Wonderland boasts a catchy score full of songs by Frank Wildhorn, writer of pop hits including Whitney Houston’s Where Do Broken Hearts Go? and theatre classics including This is the Moment from his acclaimed show, Jekyll & Hyde. Until Saturday, at the Millennium Forum.

ANTRIM

Easter's almost here so why not pick up a few gifts and treats at Raceview Mill’s indoor monthly Food & Craft Market. Returning Saturday March 25, 11am-3pm, the market is a fabulous mix of the finest in local food, arts and crafts with over 40 traders in attendance. Visitors can also treat themselves to a bite of lunch and a cup of coffee in the Red Brick Coffee House. Raceview Mill is only 35 minutes from Belfast and just over an hour from Derry.

BELFAST

The Fine and Dandy Market returns to the Crescent Arts Centre on Sunday, showcasing the work of independent artists, designers, illustrators and crafters alongside stalls from collectors of records, vintage wares and high quality, local food & drink produce. Free entry 11.30am to 3.30pm.

:: For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.