Daytrippers

7 things to do this week

TODAY A small team of enthusiastic lay people are behind what's known as Second Chance Saturday, a monthly Mass encouraging non-attenders, particularly in the 25-45 age group, back into the fold. Tonight sees the sixth such mass at St Andrew's Church in Westland Row, beside Pearse station in Dublin. The Mass starts at 6.45pm and afterwards there is a get-together with free organic cakes, biscuits and Fair Trade coffee. Amen.

Fill up on musical nostalgia tonight at the National Concert Hall. The Big Band Sentimental Journey - Swingin' Down Memory Lane event features old favourites performed by the Syd Lawrence Orchestra. Tickets are €30/€50 from 01-4751572 or www.nch.ie. Doors 8pm.

MONDAY The second Annual Asthma Control Week begins today, with events in shopping centres across the country designed to help the more than 400,000 Irish people with varying degrees of asthma. Specialist asthma nurses will be on hand to offer assessments and advice. Contact 0818-212016.

TUESDAY A two-week run of critically acclaimed Race of the Ark Tattoo begins this lunchtime at Bewley's Café Theatre in Dublin. Written by American David Hancock, it deals with the heartbreak of an orphaned child, and stars David Heap (Donal from Fair City). 1.05pm, until October 29th. Tickets €14, light lunch included. Bookings at 086-8784001.

WEDNESDAY Devotion is a play for young adults which forms part of FizzFest, the young people's theatre festival currently running at The Helix, DCU, Dublin. This production by Team Educational Theatre Company looks at conflict and how it affects the lives of children. Tickets €8/€10 from the box office at 01-7007000.

THURSDAY John Peel Day celebrates the memory of the late great DJ. House of Mexico, Hey Paulette, Luggage and Female Hercules will perform at The Hub on Eustace Street in Temple Bar, Dublin, while DJs for the night include Leagues O'Toole and The Dudley Corporation. Tickets €8. Doors 9pm.

FRIDAY Cancel all appointments for the next several hours, dust down your light sabres and prepare to watch the entire Star Wars Trilogy on the big screen. This might be some people's idea of hell but then they won't be down at the Ebrington Centre in Derry at 7pm to worship at the altar of George Lucas. Tickets £3 (€4.41) for adults, £2 (€2.94) for children. Doors 7pm. www.watersidetheatre.com.