After the colour and crowds of Culture in the Park's biggest-ever weekend, things settle into something quieter — and quietly special — across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon this week.
Country Comes to Town returns to Portadown
Portadown's biggest annual event is back on Saturday 20 September, when Country Comes to Town takes over the town centre for a full day of live country music, vintage vehicles, steam traction engines, street food and family entertainment. Now in its third decade, the festival typically draws upwards of 20,000 visitors and is supported by ABC Council.
Country Comes to Town, Portadown, from a previous year's festival — © Henry Clark, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0 via Geograph Ireland
This year's full lineup hadn't been confirmed at the time of writing, but past headline acts have included Michael English, Robert Mizzell and John McNicholl — so expect a strong bill. Worth keeping an eye on the organisers' updates as the date gets closer.
Mrs Bling's 500th marathon
The story to watch is a personal one. On Sunday 20 September, a runner known locally as "Mrs Bling" laces up at The Mall East in Armagh for her 500th marathon — yes, five hundred — complete with the special bling that's become her trademark. It's exactly the kind of local milestone that deserves a crowd on the finish line.
Stargazing under the dome
That same Sunday, the sky gets its moment too. Armagh Observatory and Planetarium marks the autumn equinox with its Equinox Sound Journey Under the Stars, an immersive live sound experience beneath the dome, blending music with sweeping cosmic imagery — a genuinely different way to spend an evening in the city.
Susan McCann at the Market Place Theatre
Music lovers have a date for the diary on Thursday 17 September, when Co Tyrone country star Susan McCann brings A Life in Music, Celebrating 50 Years to the Market Place Theatre — an amazing half a century on the road.
Susan McCann performing at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, during last season's sell-out run — photo by Michelle Coey, courtesy of Dennis Heaney
On show in Banbridge
Over in Banbridge, the Barbara Freeman retrospective continues at the F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio until 27 September, well worth a visit if you haven't caught it yet.
Also worth a look
If you fancy something a little different, the Armagh City Holistic and Psychic Health Fair pops up at the Armagh City Hotel on Sunday.
Every week in ABC
As ever, the regulars keep the borough ticking along: Navan Fort's living history tours run daily through the week, the Scarva Band Stand continues its Sunday run through to the end of the month, and Portadown Farmers Market is open Friday and Saturday as usual at Millennium Court.
Quieter than last week, maybe — but there's still plenty worth putting in the diary.
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