Five things to do

Shake it this Saturday Street dance, hip hop for adults, gypsy skirt dances, captivating burlesque, disco moves, tribal bellydance... it"s all available tomorrow (Saturday) in Charleville Castle as part of Shakefest. There"s also workshops and a night-time peace gathering in support of the UN international day of peace. Individual entrance fees are €10 per adult and also a family pass (up to 2 adults and 3 children) for only €20! Music in Birr On Saturday, May 30, Mick Flannery will be performing in Birr Theatre & Arts Centre. Having just sold out his first headline gig at Vicar Street and described as a singer/songwriter to be reckoned with this is a concert that is sure to thrill music lovers. Supported by Offaly"s own Wayne Brennan who has himself recently released an album, early booking is highly advisable to avoid missing what is sure to be a musical treat! Tickets €20 available from Birr Theatre Box Office on 057 9122911. Art launch Head to the Clara Holistic Centre next Wednesday, June 3, for the launch of "Me and Thee" art exhibition. The event kicks off at 3pm. BanOffaly Pie anyone? It"s summer time and that means it"s ice-cream time. But are you bored all those common flavours? Think you can do better? Is there a big-selling flavour waiting to be discovered by you? Well Ben and Jerry"s want you to put Offaly on the global favour map. Whether it"s BanOffaly Pie or Offaly Orange Sorbet locals are invited to concoct their very own crazy flavour for Ben & Jerry"s "Do the World a Flavour" global campaign on www.benjerry.ie. The winning flavour will go on sale globally in 2010 and join some of the world"s most popular ice-cream flavours such as Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Karamel Sutra and Baked Alaska. Climb for Concern Fancy a weekend with a difference this August bank holiday weekend? Then get up the next hill you see and start collecting for Concern. A group of climbers will climb the 14 highest peaks in Ireland in aid of Concern. The weekend event costs €250, which goes toward hotel accommodation and evening meals. All other money raised goes to Concern. It"s a challenging and tough two days but it"s also a fantastic experience for people who are fit and are familiar with climbing mountains. If you think you would be interested in taking part, then contact John Corroon at 087 9740707, email johncorroon@esatclear.ie or check www.concernchallenge.org