Down Arts Centre New Season Autumn Arts Programme Out Now
Down Arts Centre is delighted to announce the arrival of their latest Arts programme.
The new-look autumn guide, covering September to December is brimming with a huge range of exhibitions, music, theatre, comedy, poetry readings, as well as classes and workshops.
A varied season of live performances gets off to a musical start with the launch of Studio Nights, an intimate evening of acoustic live music in the studio bar at Down Arts Centre.
Join Fil Campbell and Tom McFarland who will be performing a mix of their original compositions with traditional and contemporary songs – punctuated by the Irish gift of chat and craic.
Other musical highlights include Downpatrick songsmith and critically acclaimed artist, Brigid O’Neill for her hometown gig of the year, and if you only plan on seeing one Elvis show this year, make sure it’s The Elvis Spectacular Show starring European Champion, Ciaran Houlihan with his TCB Band and The Sweet Sensations.
The Arts Centre will welcome Réalta, the dynamic Ulster based Irish traditional group, who have joined forces with Myles McCormack to record a special blend of traditional and contemporary songs, all performed with the group’s trademark passion and skill.
Rounding off the season is Soda Popz, bringing their spectacular rock’n’roll show to Downpatrick for the first time and the award-winning Celtic Soul with their definitive tribute to Van Morrison.
Acclaimed as one of our finest singer songwriters, Anthony Toner returns to the stage at Down Arts Centre to celebrate the release of Ghost Notes Vol 2, a brand-new collection of cover songs, rendered in his usual warm and intimate style.
Theatre highlights include ‘Truth Love or Promise’, the new one-woman drama about identity, love, and the power of friendship from internationally acclaimed writer and actor Nuala McKeever.
The award-winning ‘Green & Blue’ presented by Kabosh Theatre Company, explores the painful and humorous realities faced by individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict.
Belfast writer, Joe Nawaz, brings his new autobiographical one-man show ‘Five Days’ to Downpatrick, which finds him grappling with the murder of his father in Pakistan.
Closing the season for Christmas is The Belfast Ma with her brand-new comedy theatre show ‘The Belfast Ma: Makin Christmas’ starring TikTok sensation Paul Nugent as everyone’s favourite Ma, Sadie Devine.
For our younger audience family friendly panto, ‘Little Miss Muffet’s Christmas Adventure’, presented by Centre Stage Theatre Company, is guaranteed mischief, magic, loads of audience participation and merry mayhem in the run up to Christmas.
Weekly classes this autumn include Guitar for beginners and improvers with Ossia Music starting Wednesday 20 September for 10 weeks from 6.15 – 7.15pm for beginners and 7.30pm – 8.30pm for improvers.
There is also a new after schools guitar club from 5pm to 6pm. All aspects of guitar playing will be taught from basic rhythms to fundamental finger style.
Creative Writing returns on Wednesday 20 September 7pm – 9pm for 10 weeks. These workshop-based classes are designed to support those who wish to explore and develop their writing skills.
Whether for fun or with a view to publication, this course aims to find ways to unlock imagination and to develop a greater awareness of craft.
Exciting new one day workshops include Glass Painting with Naomi Whan on Saturday 2 September from 10am – 4pm.
You will learn to play with light and form to explore the versatility of the translucent paint.
Everyone will each paint a beautiful glass piece of their choice to take home and all materials you will need are provided.
There are a variety of new plant-based one day workshops like Kokedama, Pumpkin Succulent Planters and Closed Terrarium with tutor Joanne Donnelly.
Kokedama, a Japanese term that translates as ‘ball of moss’ are plants which grow in a moss-covered ball and often sit on a decorative tray or plate or shelf – but they also look amazing hanging!
uring this workshop, which takes place on Saturday 16 September, you will be guided through the steps of creating your own Kokedama and learn how to care for and keep your Kokedama thriving.
Another unique workshop that is new to Down Arts Centre this Autumn is Book Binding and that takes place on Saturday 9 December from 10am – 4pm.
Join Karen Daye-Hutchinson and make a beautiful hand stitched book – learn the essentials of this craft with step-by-step instructions on how to make your own journal or art book.
So why not pick up a new Season Programme today from the Down Arts Centre or go online at:
For further information or to book tickets, go online at:
or contact the Box Office on 0330 137 4014
