Family fun tops the bill at Ulster Hall
Family fun tops the bill at Ulster Hall
10 March 2009
Family fun is very much `top of the bill` at the newly restored Ulster Hall on Sunday 15 March.
The Grand Dame of Bedford Street reopened on 6 March, following her £8.5 million facelift. She is the first of a number of iconic Belfast buildings to open again this year after major renovation programmes.
As part of the refurbishment, the Ulster Hall now tells her own story through an intriguing new audio tour, which brings the famous old venue to life through a multitude of personal stories and recollections.
A series of poems inspired by archive material and reminiscence evoke special memories of the building itself. The poems are displayed on glass surfaces around the building.
The new Carey Gallery allows, for the first time in more than 200 years, visitors to come face to face with one of Belfast`s most prized art collections – the unique and fascinating Carey paintings, which were specially commissioned for the Ulster Hall before it first opened and depict historic scenes of the city. The collection has been restored to its original splendour and is now on permanent display for everyone to enjoy.
Highlighting the Ulster Hall`s new accessibility to everyone, there will a Family Open Day on Sunday 15 March, from 11am – 4pm. There will be guided tours, workshops and lots of other fun events, including juggling culchie mayhem, courtesy of the Magiligan Family Circus.
Many events are free of charge, but places for tours and workshops will be limited so advance booking is needed. Email Roisin Whyte at whyter@belfastcity.gov.uk for more information and to make bookings.
Also on Sunday, the Ulster Hall hosts its first ever Baby Rave.
For children aged 0-4 years and parents, this is a real rave – complete with DJ, music, lighting and projections (but child-sized) for both children and adults. Floor areas are partially covered with soft materials and carpets, and hanging decorations and sensory toys will add to the experience. Trained dance facilitators will encourage participants to experiment with rhythms and beats.
There are three Baby Raves during the day, at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Tickets are £4, with family tickets available at £12.
The Ulster Hall`s Free Fringe festival is also in full swing in the former Group Theatre, now the Group Space. `Sunday Service`, at 6pm, puts the spotlight on a series of history-making anti-establishment speeches, by recreating them. Women`s rights campaigner Emmeline Pankhurst is the focus for Sunday`s speech, while music is provided by Feile Women`s Singing Group.
Full details are available on the Ulster Hall website, www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ulsterhall
