Congrats, Sue
Sue Divin
The novel has been widely read by adults and teenagers. It tells the story of two 16-year-old girls, Tara, from Derry, and Faith, from Armagh, who meet on a youth trip for the first time and discover that they look virtually identical. The mystery is: why?
We will always love you
After selling 100,000 tickets, including a UK arena tour and sold-out shows at the Royal Albert Hall, The London Palladium, and other venues, Queen Of The Night — A Tribute to Whitney Houston returns to Belfast’s Waterfront Hall on Thursday October 1, 2026.
Queen of the Night
This is a celebration of the music and life of Whitney Houston, one of the greatest singers of all time. Experience the ultimate tribute to Whitney’s remarkable musical repertoire in an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.
Tickets on sale from: www.waterfront.co.uk and www.ticketmaster.ie
Light up
Following this summer’s sold-out concert at St Anne’s Park in Dublin, The Lumineers have announced their return with a show at the SSE Arena, Belfast, on June 24, 2026. Across five studio albums, including this year’s release, Automatic, The Lumineers have achieved multiple number ones across radio formats, generated billions of streams, and built a global audience across streaming and social platforms.
The Lumineers
With Automatic, The Lumineers continue to evolve their sound while staying rooted in the raw, human connection that has defined their career. See ticketmaster.ie
Tune in and turn up
The search is on for volunteers to help with the smooth running of the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann will make history by coming to Belfast for the first time in 2026, from August 2-9. Volunteer Now has opened recruitment for the momentous event. Organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) in partnership with Belfast City Council and Ards CCÉ, the Belfast Fleadh will feature an eight-day programme of concerts, competitions, street performances and exhibitions.
A range of volunteering roles will be available including street ambassadors, team leaders and customer services. Successful applicants will receive bespoke training from Volunteer Now, beginning in early 2026. With interest set to be high, anyone keen to be involved is advised to apply before the end of this year. www.volunteernow.co.uk
A hike in Carl’s memory
Special needs teacher Anne Marie Doherty will be undertaking a sponsored walk up Errigal on October 26 to raise money for a defibrillator to be positioned at the top of the mountain.
Mount Errigal
In April of this year, her husband Carl was hiking on Errigal when he suffered a medical event, and despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he passed away. In doing the sponsored walk, Carl’s family and friends hope that another family won’t have to go through the pain of losing a loved one. For information or to donate, see www.idonate.ie/crowdfunder/ClimbForCarl
Under construction
A solo exhibition by Northern Irish potter and conceptual artist Derek Wilson is running in Craft NI Galley until October 31. Derek uses the gallery as a space to contemplate the dialogue and interaction between his current research project into collage and painting, and its later translation into three-dimensional sculptural objects.
Derek Wilson exhibition
As a recent recipient of the Rosemary James Memorial Trust Award, Derek’s ‘Under Construction’ ’exhibition gives insight into his research and creative practice, by showcasing the development of these new ideas, and responding to the themes that are prevalent within: composition and spatiality, structure and balance, tone and colour, line and form.
Celebrate social sciences
The UK’s biggest celebration of social science research returns for its 23rd year. The aim of the festival is to show how social science is key to understanding the world around us. The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Festival of Social Science is an annual celebration of the social sciences.
ESRC Festival
This year, the festival will run from today until November 8 and features hundreds of free events across the UK for both children and adults, run by 41 universities and research institutes. Queen’s and Ulster University have come together to curate and create an entertaining and informative programme of 18 talks, workshops and exhibitions. Events run by Queen’s and UU are free. To register, log onto ESRCFestivalNI-2025.eventbrite.com
Book your place at Book Week
There’s still time to get involved with Irish Book Week, with events taking place across Northern Ireland. On October 21, Irish Book Week ambassador, Máire Zepf, will visit Bridge Books, Dromore, for a special signing.
Irish Book Week
Three days later, author and Irish Book Week ambassador, Sheila O’Flanagan, will visit the store at 7.30pm for a chat and book signing. Máire Zepf will also be visiting An Ceathrú Póilí Bookshop in Belfast for a book signing and chat ‘as Gaelige’ on October 22. These are just a few of the events taking place. See https://www.booksellers.org.uk/Campaigns/Irish-Book-Week
Wine and dine
Lough Erne Resort is thrilled to invite guests to the Château Penin Evening — a refined wine and dine experience celebrating the rich heritage of Bordeaux wines and the finest Irish produce, on November 21. The event starts with a Champagne reception, and diners will enjoy a meticulously curated seven-course menu at the award-winning Catalina Restaurant. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with exceptional wines from the Château Penin estate, with Antoine Carteyron sharing insights into his family’s winemaking legacy.
Wine and dine package at Lough Erne Resort
Wine and dinner pairing is available at £85 per person or alternatively you can include an overnight stay, from £169.50 per person. www.lougherneresort.com/