Island Arts Centre

Lisburn · 26 approved listings in the next two weeks.

Friday 30 October 2 listings

Tonight 2

19:30Started

The Neil Diamond Experience

Join us for an evening filled with all your favourite hits, from Sweet Caroline to Cracklin’ Rosie. Expect a full band, charismatic lead vocals and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments: from the big sing-along chorus lines to those intimate, heartfelt ballads. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love a good night of live music, get your 'blue jeans' on - this is a show you won’t want to miss! Show finishes 10pm approx. Join us for an evening filled with all your favourite hits, from Sweet Caroline to Cracklin’ Rosie. Expect a full band, charismatic lead vocals and plenty of crowd-pleasing moments: from the big sing-along chorus lines to those intimate, heartfelt ballads. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just love a good night of live music, get your 'blue jeans' on - this is a show you won’t want to miss! Show finishes 10pm approx.
20:00

JOHN DEVLIN AND THE REVOLVERS aw26

Fri 30 Oct | 8pm Studio Theatre | £10 With a sound described as ‘an infectious combination of rootsy rock n roll, country, 60s pop and new wave flavoured sounds...’ the band consists of a classic line-up - two guitars, keys, bass, drums, three-part harmonies and harmonica. Date: Friday 30 Oct Time:8pm Cost: £10 Location: Studio Theatre With a sound described as ‘an infectious combination of rootsy rock n roll, country, 60s pop and new wave flavoured sounds...’ John Devlin and the Revolvers consists of a classic line-up - two guitars, keys, bass, drums, three-part harmonies and harmonica. The band will be supported Aidan Logan. Known for his catchy melodies and infusion of humour in his stage performances, Aidan was selected by Panarts to represent Northern Ireland at a series of showcase events in Nashville Tennessee, which saw the troubadour appear on television and radio and performing at the historic Bluebird Cafe.

Saturday 31 October 4 listings

Morning 3

10:00

CHAMBER BABIES aw26

Sat 31 Oct | Sat 12 Dec 10am-10.50am Age: up to 18 months Walk, sway, crawl or chill to live classical music performed by professional musicians. Guaranteed to engage and enchant or even soothe little ones to sleep! Dates: Saturday 31 Oct | Saturday 12 Dec Time: 10am-10.50am Age: up to 18 months Cost: £9 (one baby with adult) | Additional Space £6 Walk, sway, crawl or chill to live classical music performed by professional musicians. Guaranteed to engage and enchant or even soothe little ones to sleep!
11:00

CHAMBER CHERUBS aw26

Sat 31 Oct | Sat 12 Dec 11am-11.50am Age: 1-3 Walk, sway, crawl or chill to live classical music performed by professional musicians. Guaranteed to engage and enchant or even soothe little ones to sleep! For the day that is – dressing up is encouraged! Dates: Saturday 31 Oct* | Saturday 12 Dec Time: 11am-11.50am Age: 1-3 Cost: £9 (one child with adult) | Additional Space £6 Walk, sway, crawl or chill to live classical music performed by professional musicians. Guaranteed to engage and enchant or even soothe little ones to sleep! *For the day that is - dressing up is encouraged!

Afternoon 1

Tuesday 3 November 1 listing

Tonight 1

19:00

ADVANCED POTTERY aw26

Dates: Tues block 1: 22 Sept – 27 Oct | block 2: 3 Nov – 8 Dec A perfect course for the confident potter who wishes to develop their own project ideas and build on their throwing and hand building skills alongside developing their decorating and glazing abilities. Dates: Tuesdays Block One: 22 Sept -27 Oct* | Block Two: 3 Nov - 8 Dec Time: 7-9pm A perfect course for the confident potter who wishes to develop their own project ideas and build on their throwing and hand building skills alongside developing their decorating and glazing abilities. *Block One is Fully Booked

Wednesday 4 November 1 listing

Tonight 1

19:00

BEGINNERS POTTERY WEDS aw26

Dates: Wed 23 Sept – 28 Oct | 4 Nov – 9 Dec A course designed for those new to pottery. Simple hand building skills and throwing on the potter’s wheel will be explored alongside an introduction to glazing. Dates: Wednesdays Block One: 23 Sept - 28 Oct | Block Two: 4 Nov - 9 Dec Time: 7-9pm A course designed for those new to pottery. Simple hand building skills and throwing on the potter’s wheel will be explored alongside an introduction to glazing.

Thursday 5 November 3 listings

Morning 1

10:00

BEGINNERS/MIXED ABILITY POTTERY THURS aw26

Dates: Thurs 24 Sept - 29 Oct | 5 Nov – 10 Dec Suitable for beginners and those who are developing their skills, as well as the more confident and able to tackle their own projects. The basic techniques of throwing and hand-building will be covered. Dates: Thursdays Block One: 24 Sept - 29 Oct* | Block Two: 5 Nov - 10 Dec Time: 10am-12pm Suitable for beginners and those who are developing their skills, as well as the more confident and able to tackle their own projects. The basic techniques of throwing and hand-building will be covered. *Block One is Fully Booked

Tonight 2

19:00

INTERMEDIATE POTTERY aw26

Dates: Thurs 24 Sept - 29 Oct | 5 Nov – 10 Dec Perfect for those potters who have explored the basic techniques and want to develop their throwing and hand building skills alongside experimenting with decorative techniques and glazing. Dates: Thursdays Block One: 24 Sept - 29 Oct* | Block Two: 5 Nov - 10 Dec Time: 7-9pm Perfect for those potters who have explored the basic techniques and want to develop their throwing and hand building skills alongside experimenting with decorative techniques and glazing. *Block One is Fully Booked
19:30

EXHIBITION ON SCREEN: David Hockney at the Royal Academy of Arts aw26

Thurs 5 Nov, 7.30pm Studio Theatre | £8 A tribute to Hockney - the 21st century master of creativity. Featuring intimate and in-depth interviews, this revealing film focuses on two blockbuster exhibitions held in 2012 and 2016 at the Royal Academy of Art in London. Date: Thursday 5 Nov Time: 7.30pm Cost: £8 Location: Studio Theatre A tribute to Hockney - the 21st century master of creativity. Featuring intimate and in-depth interviews, this revealing film focuses on two blockbuster exhibitions held in 2012 and 2016 at the Royal Academy of Art in London.

Friday 6 November 1 listing

Tonight 1

18:30

CHEERLEADING ISLAND Rising Stars 8-12

Dates: Fridays 11 Sept \-16 October Ages: 8\-12 Enjoy High Energy cheerleading sessions that build confidence and spirit, finishing with a performance at the Twilight Night finale. Spaces go fast, so grab a spot and let your child shine! Cara Watson is a highly experienced cheerleading coach, judge, and programme leader with 14 years of involvement in the sport, including 13 years of coaching experience. A former competitive athlete who competed through Level 4, Cara currently serves as Cheerleading Programme Director and Head Coach at Kaleidoscope Gymnastics Cheer and Dance, where she leads a programme of over 100 athletes, including 75 competitive athletes across eight competition teams ranging from ages 3 to 35. Since joining Kaleidoscope shortly after its founding, she has been responsible for the development and growth of the cheerleading department, establishing a successful athlete pathway from beginner to advanced competitive levels. Cara has represented Ireland at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships as both Team Manager and Head Coach of Team Ireland All Girl Elite. She holds BGU Cheerleading Levels 1\-6 qualifications, BGU Foundations in Cheer and Dance, BGU SEN\/SSEND certification, and the prestigious ICU Black Medallion credential. In addition to her coaching expertise, Cara is an experienced judge with three years of judging experience across major national and international events, including BCA, Varsity, 21CC, and Celtic Spirit competitions. Cara also travels the UK and Ireland as a BGU instructor, educating other coaches in all levels of cheerleading and tumbling. Her coaching philosophy centres on technical excellence, athlete development, inclusivity, and creating positive environments in which athletes can thrive both within the sport and beyond. Dates: Fridays 6 Nov -11 Dec Time: 6:30pm-8pm Ages: 8-12 Cost: £42.00 Ready to jump, dance and shine? Our exciting cheerleading classes are perfect for children aged 8-12 who love to move, have fun and try something new! Combining dance, cheer routines, coordination and teamwork, young people will build confidence, develop new skills and make friends in a fun, supportive environment. Whether they’re complete beginners or already love to perform, everyone has the chance to learn, grow and show their spirit!

Saturday 7 November 6 listings

Morning 2

10:00

CHRISTMAS CALLIGRAPHY aw26

Tutor: Rosie Parkes Discover how pointed nib calligraphy adds a personal and festive touch to cards, gifting, your Christmas table and more. Modern calligraphy, using a pointed nib and inks, allows for more freedom, creativity and individuality than formal classical scripts. Rosie from Ink Drops Calligraphy will guide you in letterforms, layout techniques and colour blending. You will learn to create stylish strokes with a dip pen that responds to your hand’s pressure - soon you will find your own rhythm and flair and have fun in the process. Generous resources will be provided, including beautiful sparking metallic inks, worksheets, different papers, gift tags and cards for you to experiment and troubleshoot with, along with inks, paints and different nibs to try. Perfect for beginners or anyone wishing to refresh their skills. All materials provided. Please be aware there may be ink splashes, you might want to bring an apron. Tutor: Rosie Parkes Date: Saturday 7 Nov Time: 10am-1pm Cost: £32 Discover how pointed nib calligraphy adds a personal and festive touch to cards, gifting, your Christmas table and more. Modern calligraphy, using a pointed nib and inks, allows for more freedom, creativity and individuality than formal classical scripts. Rosie from Ink Drops Calligraphy will guide you in letterforms, layout techniques and colour blending. You will learn to create stylish strokes with a dip pen that responds to your hand’s pressure - soon you will find your own rhythm and flair and have fun in the process. Generous resources will be provided, including beautiful sparking metallic inks, worksheets, different papers, gift tags and cards for you to experiment and troubleshoot with, along with inks, paints and different nibs to try. Perfect for beginners or anyone wishing to refresh their skills. All materials provided. Please be aware there may be ink splashes, you might want to bring an apron.
10:00

ISLAND YOUTH THEATRE Minis aw26

Block 1: Sat 5 Sept – Sat 17 Oct (7wks) Minis (£42), Block 2 Sat 7 Nov – Sat 12 Dec (6 wks) Minis £36 Dates: Block 1 Saturdays 5 September - 17 October (7 wks) | Block 2 Saturdays Saturday 7 November - 12 December (6 wks) Times: 10am - 10:45am Cost: Block 1 - £42 | Block 2- £36 Ages: 4-5 Join our ISLAND YOUTH THEATRE ACADEMY! If your kids love drama, dance and singing, they’ll have a blast at IYT. Enrol for the Year but pay in Blocks for financial ease. Only bookable through Arts Reception. Please call us to book at 02892452447 or pop into the Arts Centre to book in person.

Afternoon 2

12:00

ISLAND YOUTH THEATRE Seniors aw26

Dates: Block 1 Saturdays 5 September - 17 October (7 wks) | Block 2 Saturdays Saturday 7 November - 12 December (6 wks) Dates: Block 1 Saturdays 5 September - 17 October (7 wks) | Block 2 Saturdays Saturday 7 November - 12 December (6 wks) Times: 12pm - 2pm Cost: Block 1 - £52.50 | Block 2- £45 Ages: 10-17 Join our ISLAND YOUTH THEATRE ACADEMY! If your kids love drama, dance and singing, they’ll have a blast at IYT. Enrol for the Year but pay in Blocks for financial ease. Only bookable through Arts Reception. Please call us to book at 02892452447 or pop into the Arts Centre to book in person.
14:00

CLAY CLUB aw26

Sat 19 Sept - 24 Oct | 7 Nov - 12 Dec | 2-4pm There's something satisfying about getting hands-on at the potter's wheel. Explore hand-building, coiling, slab techniques, and the creative possibilities of moulds, slips, glazes and more for all skill levels. Dates: Saturdays Block One: 19 Sept - 24 Oct | Block Two: 7 Nov - 12 Dec Time: 2-4pm Cost: £90 per block* There's something satisfying about getting hands-on at the potter's wheel. Explore hand-building, coiling, slab techniques, and the creative possibilities of moulds, slips, glazes and more for all skill levels. *Block One is now Fully Booked

Tonight 2

20:00

The Illegals

Oldshore Productions presents THE ILLEGALS with Niamh Kavanagh Eagles and Fleetwood Mac 2026 It’s hard to believe that it is over 50 years since the world first heard two of the greatest rock albums of all time: “Hotel California” by the Eagles and the eponymous “Fleetwood Mac” which marked the debut of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham into the British rock band. For 2026, The Illegals are putting a new show on the road to celebrate these two historical music events. Songs like, “One Of These Nights”, “Rhiannon”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, “Say That You Love Me”, “Take It To The Limit”, “Landslide” – and many others: all in celebration of two of the greatest rock bands of all time. If you missed out last year, book your ticket early through the venue box office for our 2026 gig. You won’t be disappointed. Aside from the headline albums the show consists of many other Eagles and Fleetwood Mac hits, as well as some of the solo work from individual members and other ‘connected’ artists. The Illegals is a band of experienced musicians performing mostly in theatres and rock venues throughout the country, putting on a formidable show and giving thousands of fans an experience they won’t forget. “Niamh is outstanding \- The Rolls\-Royce of Irish Rock” \– RTE “Simply Stunning” \– The BBC “What a fantastic gig” \– Facebook Video Sample https://www.facebook.com/ILLEGALSBAND/videos/1474341685977625/ BAND LINEUP & BRIEF BIOGRAPHY Niamh Kavangh vocals Paul Dean vocals, guitars Paul Megahey vocals, guitars Jim Sisk vocals, keyboards, saxophone Alyn Watson bass Joe Hanratty drums Graeme Denny lead guitars Quick Band Biog The Illegal started on the back of the Hell Freezes Over album/video and tour of 1994. The band was founded by music producer Mud Wallace along with Torry McGahey (of The Freshmen fame) and Joe Hanratty. Jim Sisk and Paul Megahey joined the band in 1996/97. Mud sadly died in 2016 \– a much lamented loss to the music scene in the north. Niamh joined the band in 1998 \– at first as a guest vocalist and later on a permanent basis. It was then that the band decided to expand its repertoire to include Fleetwood Mac \– and put Niamh’s exceptional voice to the fore. Lead guitarist Peter Cochrane came on board in 1999 and Belfast\-based singer Paul Dean brought his skills to the band in 2005. Torry eventually stepped back from the gigging world and Alyn Watson stepped in on bass guitar in 2013. Peter decided to hang up his guitar passed the reins on to Grame Denny in 2025, creating the line\-up as it is today. Drummer Joe Hanratty is the band’s longest-serving member having been behind the kit from the very start. The band has been playing as a seven\-piece for almost 25 years and is renowned for its blend of soulful harmonies, instrumental acrobatics and plain, simple craic. The band is now more popular than ever playing to packed theatres both north and south of the border and with many appearances on TV and radio as well as being a popular shout for festivals. Show finishes 11pm approx. THE ILLEGALS with Niamh Kavanagh Eagles and Fleetwood Mac 2026 It’s hard to believe that it is over 50 years since the world first heard two of the greatest rock albums of all time: “Hotel California” by the Eagles and the eponymous “Fleetwood Mac” which marked the debut of Stevie Nicks and Lindsay Buckingham into the British rock band. For 2026, The Illegals are putting a new show on the road to celebrate these two historical music events. Songs like, “One Of These Nights”, “Rhiannon”, “Lyin’ Eyes”, “Say That You Love Me”, “Take It To The Limit”, “Landslide” – and many others: all in celebration of two of the greatest rock bands of all time. If you missed out last year, book your ticket early through the venue box office for our 2026 gig. You won’t be disappointed. Aside from the headline albums the show consists of many other Eagles and Fleetwood Mac hits, as well as some of the solo work from individual members and other ‘connected’ artists. The Illegals is a band of experienced musicians performing mostly in theatres and rock venues throughout the country, putting on a formidable show and giving thousands of fans an experience they won’t forget. “Niamh is outstanding - The Rolls-Royce of Irish Rock” – RTE “Simply Stunning” – The BBC “What a fantastic gig” – Facebook Video Sample: https://www.facebook.com/ILLEGALSBAND/videos/1474341685977625/ BAND LINEUP & BRIEF BIOGRAPHY Niamh Kavangh vocals Paul Dean vocals, guitars Paul Megahey vocals, guitars Jim Sisk vocals, keyboards, saxophone Alyn Watson bass Joe Hanratty drums Graeme Denny lead guitars Quick Band Biog The Illegal started on the back of the Hell Freezes Over album video and tour of 1994. The band was founded by music producer Mud Wallace along with Torry McGahey (of The Freshmen fame) and Joe Hanratty. Jim Sisk and Paul Megahey joined the band in 1996 97. Mud sadly died in 2016 – a much lamented loss to the music scene in the north. Niamh joined the band in 1998 – at first as a guest vocalist and later on a permanent basis. It was then that the band decided to expand its repertoire to include Fleetwood Mac – and put Niamh’s exceptional voice to the fore. Lead guitarist Peter Cochrane came on board in 1999 and Belfast-based singer Paul Dean brought his skills to the band in 2005. Torry eventually stepped back from the gigging world and Alyn Watson stepped in on bass guitar in 2013. Peter decided to hang up his guitar passed the reins on to Grame Denny in 2025, creating the line-up as it is today. Drummer Joe Hanratty is the band’s longest-serving member having been behind the kit from the very start. The band has been playing as a seven-piece for almost 25 years and is renowned for its blend of soulful harmonies, instrumental acrobatics and plain, simple craic. The band is now more popular than ever playing to packed theatres both north and south of the border and with many appearances on TV and radio as well as being a popular shout for festivals. Show finishes 11pm approx.

Monday 9 November 1 listing

Afternoon 1

14:00

SILVER SCREEN SOCIAL: PHILADELPHIA STORY 1940 aw26

Island Arts Centre · Lisburn · Film
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Over 50s residents are welcome to join us free of charge in the ISLAND Studio Theatre for an afternoon matinee. Make new friends and step back in time with our classic film selection. All screenings start at 2pm. After a rich woman’s ex-husband and a tabloid-type reporter turn up just before her planned remarriage, she begins to learn the truth about herself.

Tuesday 10 November 1 listing

Tonight 1

19:00

DANCERCISE aw26

Tutor: Danielle Woodside Fun, beginner-friendly dance exercise classes. Enjoy easy moves and great music. With a welcoming vibe, you’ll leave energised and glowing! Tutor: Danielle Woodside Date: Tuesdays Block One: 29 Sept - 3 Nov | Block Two: 10 Nov - 15 Dec Time: 7-8pm Cost: £36 per block Fun, beginner-friendly dance exercise classes. Enjoy easy moves and great music. With a welcoming vibe, you’ll leave energised and glowing!

Wednesday 11 November 1 listing

Morning 1

10:00

POSTNATAL AND BABY YOGA aw26

Tutor: Gill Henderson Dates: Wed 23 Sept - 4 Nov (not 28 Oct), 11 Nov - 16 Dec Enjoy a fusion of fun yoga practices for mums and babies. Improve your wellbeing whilst gently toning your body and introduce your baby to multi-sensory stimulation with touch and movement and songs. Please bring a mat, blanket and your baby's favourite toy to class. Tutor: Gill Henderson Dates: Wednesdays Block One: 23 Sept-4 Nov (not 28 Oct) | Block Two: 11 Nov-16 Dec Time: 10-11am Cost: £54 per block Enjoy a fusion of fun yoga practices for mums and babies. Improve your wellbeing whilst gently toning your body and introduce your baby to multi-sensory stimulation with touch and movement and songs. With songs and rhymes to delight your baby. Suitable for babies from 6 weeks to crawling. Attendees are asked to bring the following items: A yoga mat A cushion A baby blanket Baby's favourite toy

Thursday 12 November 4 listings

Afternoon 1

14:30

BORN TO PRANCE: The Book Drop aw26

Thurs 12 Nov | 2.30pm Studio Theatre | £7.50 An afternoon set to entertain and amuse as Anthea McWilliams revisits her own challenge to dance along Ireland. Back in 2008, to mark her milestone 50th birthday, Anthea danced from Malin to Mizen – it took three months to dance the length of Ireland and 15 years to write the book! Come and find out why Anthea was Born to Prance – and take home a copy of her book - available to buy at the event (£20 - cash only please). Running time 90 mins Date: Thursday 12 Nov Time: 2.30pm Cost:£7.50 Location: Studio Theatre An afternoon set to entertain and amuse as Anthea McWilliams revisits her own challenge to dance along Ireland. Back in 2008, to mark her milestone 50th birthday, Anthea danced from Malin to Mizen - it took three months to dance the length of Ireland and 15 years to write the book! Come and find out why Anthea was Born to Prance - and take home a copy of her book - available to buy at the event (£20 - cash only).

Tonight 2

18:30

EASY VIETNAMESE FOOD aw26

Tutor: Erin Bunting Refresh your cooking repertoire with fresh, zingy and deliciously healthy Vietnamese food. Refresh your cooking repertoire with fresh, zingy and deliciously healthy Vietnamese food. It’s surprisingly easy to make once you know a few tips, tricks and what ingredients you need in your larder. Join Erin from The Edible Flower for this hands-on cooking workshop and learn how to make Vietnamese Summer Rolls, a Vietnamese noodle salad, simple pickles and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches). After we cook, we'll sit down to eat our delicious dishes. Recipe sheets will be provided so that you can recreate dishes. This workshop is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly. For other dietary requirements just let us know by phone and we’ll do our best to accommodate. Tutor: Erin Bunting Date: Thursday 12 Nov Time: 6.30-9pm Cost: £35 Refresh your cooking repertoire with fresh, zingy and deliciously healthy Vietnamese food. Refresh your cooking repertoire with fresh, zingy and deliciously healthy Vietnamese food. It’s surprisingly easy to make once you know a few tips, tricks and what ingredients you need in your larder. Join Erin from The Edible Flower for this hands-on cooking workshop and learn how to make Vietnamese Summer Rolls, a Vietnamese noodle salad, simple pickles and banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches). After we cook, we'll sit down to eat our delicious dishes. Recipe sheets will be provided so that you can recreate dishes. This workshop is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free friendly. For other dietary requirements just let us know by phone and we’ll do our best to accommodate.