Your guide to what's happening across Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon this week — theatre, running, family science and a taste of autumn at Ardress House.
What's On in Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon: 21–27 September
There's a good spread on offer across the ABC area this week, from an evening at the theatre in Armagh to a family day out among the orchards near Loughgall. Whether you're after something energetic, something cultural, or just a good excuse to get out of the house, here's what's worth knowing about between Monday 21 and Sunday 27 September.
A busy week at the Market Place
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is the place to be for four different nights this week. Things open on Tuesday 22 September with an NT Live screening of The Misanthrope — a great option if you enjoy big stage productions but don't fancy the trip to Belfast. Thursday 24 September brings Last of the Red Hot Lovers, and Friday 25 September offers a choice of two very different nights out: The Viper Club or The Kilkennys in Concert. The week wraps up on Saturday 26 September with another double-bill — The Bjorn Identity and The Twits — so there's something for date night and family night alike.
Market Place Theatre / placeholder via Unsplash
Coffee for a cause
Friday 25 September is the official date for Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning, and local groups, businesses and workplaces across Portadown, Armagh and beyond are expected to host their own events in support. If your workplace or community group is putting one on, it's well worth flagging to neighbours — keep an eye on local Facebook pages for details of what's happening near you.
On your feet — running near Portadown
For the more energetic among us, the Annaghmore Running Festival takes place on Saturday 26 September at Annaghmore Community Hall, near Portadown. There's something for every level, from a 1K family fun run right through to 5K, 10K, half marathon and a full 18-mile challenge.
Science, stargazing and Oktoberfest
Families looking for a weekend activity should head to the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, where the Institute of Biomedical Science's mobile Learning Lab visits on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, 10am–5pm both days. Expect hands-on microscopy, virtual reality and even a bit of DNA science — included as part of the normal Planetarium visit.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium / placeholder via Unsplash
Adults after something a little different can head to the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown on Saturday 26 September for an Oktoberfest-themed bottomless brunch, running 2pm–4pm with food, cocktails, live music and games.
Apple Sunday at Ardress House
Our pick of the weekend is Apple Sunday at Ardress House on Sunday 27 September, 11am–5pm. It's a celebration of County Armagh's orchard heritage, with the chance to learn about local apple growing, try your hand at the apple press, sample local cider and — depending on availability — pick your own apples. A proper autumn day out for the whole family.
Ardress House orchard — source from National Trust
And starting this week
A new six-week MUGA sports programme for young people also gets under way on Monday 21 September, running free at venues across the borough — worth watching for parents looking for something active for the kids after school.
The details
NT Live: The Misanthrope — Market Place Theatre, Armagh — Tue 22 Sept
Last of the Red Hot Lovers — Market Place Theatre, Armagh — Thu 24 Sept
Macmillan Coffee Morning — venues across Portadown, Armagh & beyond — Fri 25 Sept
The Viper Club / The Kilkennys in Concert — Market Place Theatre, Armagh — Fri 25 Sept
Annaghmore Running Festival — Annaghmore Community Hall, near Portadown — Sat 26 Sept
Biomedical Science Learning Lab — Armagh Observatory & Planetarium — Sat 26 & Sun 27 Sept, 10am–5pm
The Bjorn Identity / The Twits — Market Place Theatre, Armagh — Sat 26 Sept
Oktoberfest Bottomless Brunch — Seagoe Hotel, Portadown — Sat 26 Sept, 2pm–4pm
Apple Sunday — Ardress House — Sun 27 Sept, 11am–5pm
Free MUGA sports programme — venues across the borough — begins Mon 21 Sept
By Brian, LivingABC
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