Ten exciting things to do in Northern Ireland

African Drumming, Crescent Arts Centre, 2 - 4 University Road, Belfast, until March 25. Suitable for those with some musical and/or drumming experience this event develops your hand drumming techniques on a variety of West African drums. You will be able to perform challenging parts that make up this rich and energetic art form. The fusion of different rhythmic patterns will culminate in a selection of African pieces.

Ava Vintage and Antiques Fair, Stormont Hotel, Upper Newtownards Rd, Belfast, January 17. Whatever you are looking to collect, buy or sell you will find most dealers at the vintage and antiques fair offering it. A wide range of items are available and you will find some of the great porcelain, furniture, silver, original paintings, vintage clothing, jewellery and vintage accessories here.

Hairspray, Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Coleraine campus, Co Londonderry, January 15 – 31. Ballywillan Drama Group has assembled a cast of the area’s leading musical theatre stars and an impressive line-up of dancing talent. Featuring brand new costumes, special effects, a wonderful and colourful signature set and the amazing on-stage orchestra HAIRSPRAY will blow away those mid-winter blues.

Duke Special, Market Place Theatre, Market St, Armagh, Co Armagh, January 15. Enjoy platinum album selling artist ‘Duke Special’ at the Market Place Theatre this January. Duke Special’s journey so far has seen him taking on projects as diverse as writing the theme tune for the Irish Sesame Street to writing the music for and appearing in Deborah Warner’s critically acclaimed 2009 production of Bertolt Brecht’s Mother Courage and Her Children at London’s National Theatre.

The Merry Widow, Theatre at The Mill, Carmoney, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, January 17. The great Renee Fleming stars as the beguiling femme fatale in Lehar’s enchanting operetta. This is an exciting live screening from The Met Opera in New York that is not to be missed.

A Morning of Relaxation, Tara Centre, Omagh, Co Tyrone, January 17. Treat yourself to gentle yoga postures, breathing and relaxation techniques as you work towards improved health and wellbeing in 2015.

Children’s Fun, The Nautilus Centre, Rooney Rd, Kilkeel, Co Down, January 14. Looking for simple fun and effective activities for kids? Then visit The Nautilus Centre for an afternoon of enjoyment where the kids can get to make a range of their very own crafts.

Cathedral Quarter Out to Lunch Festival 2015, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, various venues, Belfast, until January 25. This will be Out to Lunch’s 10th wholesome helping of music, comedy, literature and drama, and it boasts a delicious line-up that’s set to banish the post-festive blues with affordable lunchtime performances plus an array of evening shows.

Dick Whittington, Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, January 14-17. Enjoy the famous story of the adventures of Dick, his cat and their friends as they travel to far off lands and rid the King of Ibiza’s palace of a plague of rats.

Ulster Orchestra – Music from the Heart, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast. January 14. This concert is a perfect fit for those new to classical and romantic repertoire. Inon Barnatan gives a pre-concert talk on the Beethoven. Admission to the talk is free.