Issue 205 - North Down BT18 •BT19 • BT20 • BT21
2024 Columbanus Festival!
A unique festival returns to Bangor this November, celebrating the life and legacy of two important figures in Irish and European history – Columbanus and Gall.
Snot (Jacob Eyre, 23 Belfast), Dame Gertie Dollop (Dylan Craig, 24, Lisburn), Goldilocks (Katie Kelly, 19, Portavogie) and Silly Billy (Nathan Irvine, 19, Mossley), are heading down to the woods in South Eastern Regional College’s annual pantomime production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears.
A Feisty Goldilocks Takes on the Three Bears at SERC Panto
If you go down to the woods this December you will find a rather feisty Goldilocks making an appearance at South Eastern Regional College’s (SERC) annual pantomime production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. The pantomime runs for two weekends 6 – 8 and 13 – 15 December at the College’s Space Campus on Castle Park Road, Bangor. The production, a collaboration between HND Performing
Arts, Level 3 Dance and Level 3 and HND Music students, promises to be one of the most entertaining pantos of the season. Performing Arts Lecturer, Steven Lee said, “Featuring the best of local
emerging talent in all aspects of music and performance, our production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears is an extravaganza of slapstick, jokes galore and full-on entertainment for all
the family – not to be missed!” Tickets are selling fast on Ticketsource (search SPACE Theatre, South Eastern Regional College) for the eight performances including a matinee each Saturday.
The Columbanus Festival 2024, running from November 22nd to 24th, offers a range of events for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. This year’s theme focuses on Gall, an Irish monk who accompanied Columbanus on a pilgrimage to Europe in 590 AD. Through a series of talks, tours, and cultural events, attendees can delve into Gall’s remarkable story and the lasting impact he left behind in Switzerland. Highlights of the festival include: A Free lecture: “Gall: the man, the monk and the bear” by local historian Leanne Briggs at St Gall’s Church, Carnalea, November 22nd Lecture by Dr. Cornel Dora: Director of the Abbey Library in St Gallen, Switzerland, Dr. Dora will discuss the impressive collection of Irish manuscripts linked to Bangor and Nendrum Monastic Site.
(SPACE Theatre, November 23rd) Stained Glass Windows Talk at St Columbanus Church of Ireland. (November 23rd) Special Columbanus Mass at St Comgall’s Church on November 23rd. Columbanus Cultural Evening and Dinner: A traditional Irish dinner followed by music, song, and dance by award-winning Ards CCE performers. (Bangor Golf Club, November 23rd) Bangor Bell Walk: Embark on a guided walk along the Bangor Bell Trail, exploring the interpretive art pieces depicting Columbanus and Gall’s European journey. The walk concludes at the North Down Museum, where visitors can explore the Columbanus Exhibition. (Meet at Bangor Bell, November 24th) For more information and the full event schedule, visit the Friends of Columbanus website: www.friendsofcolumbanusbangor.co.uk.