Born in Dungiven in 1975, surrounded and infused with the rich cultural heritage of her native County Derry, Cara has risen to become one of the finest exponents of traditional Irish song anywhere in the world. Together with her husband and musical partner, Sam Lakeman, she has succesfully steered an eclectic musical path defying the typical pigeonholes that hinder most artists in her genre. Celebrated for entwining traditional and contemporary elements she has earned both commercial success and astonishing critical acclaim. Whether she's singing her native traditional songs of lost love and emigration, or original compositions, you will be hard pressed to find a more emotive and captivating performer. Cara Dillon is at the very top of her field and one has the feeling she'll remain there for a very long time.

Shakespeares long lost science fiction, rock and roll musical is loosely based around The Tempest and with music ranging from Wipeout through Good Vibrations and rising to the finale with Great Balls of Fire, we will journey through space, fighting monsters and rescuing scientists and damsels in distress and WE WANT YOU!

If you would like to try your hand at Regency dancing, this is your chance to learn or remind yourself of the dance steps. You can wear 21st century clothes, but you will benefit from live music played by the musicians who will be accompanying the ball and instruction from Hampshire Regency Dancers. The practice finishes at 5pm. There will then be a break until 7pm, when the doors open again for the Ball, which starts at 7.30pm.

A boardgame convention in which we pride ourselves on being family-friendly and where established gamers mix with absolute beginners. This is now our 9th convention, and due to our sell-out success, we are now moving to a bigger venue. A library of games will be available from which you can pick or we can recommend some. Teaching games to our attendees is also a big part of what makes MERRYCON the event that it is. We will be offering snacks on the day. There is plenty of parking in the town, and public transport is available.

Country dances - often referred to as Playford dances after the first publisher of instruction books - were popular from the 17th to early 19th century as a sociable and light-hearted relief from the formal dances of court or the precise stepping at a Regency Ball. Nigel Close will lead a dance workshop, to teach you the basics then, after a break, a chance to enjoy some of the dances that the young Jane Austen loved. The dancing session will include light refreshments at the interval. There will be live music by Pete & Sue Hall Timings: 6.30 - 7.30pm Workshop; 8pm - 8.30pm interval/buffet; 8.00pm - 10.30pm Dancing Price includes light buffet.

Adult Panto is back... and bigger than ever! Pumpkin Pantos return with another filthy fairytale. Join Jack, Fairy Flickbean and Pat the Cow for a raucously rude and riotous night out! Expect a giant helping of innuendo, a generous splash of smut, and enough shocks to make your beanstalk tingle. It's cheeky! It's naughty! It's raunchy! It's everything a panto shouldn't be! For wheelchair bookings please email [email protected]