Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of family events happening across the North this weekend.

Down

Celebrate Strangford Lough’s ancient and modern maritime traditions, and its world renowned wildlife and landscape this Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June across the Strangford Lough Narrows between the historic settlements of Portaferry and Strangford. The picturesque shore fronts, historic Market Square, 17th century Market House, medieval tower houses, and woodlands provide a captivating setting for a great family programme.  For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

Borderline Players are back this June with the hilarious Ray Cooney comedy, It Runs in the Family – this Saturday at Aghyaran GAA Centre Castlederg.  Set on the morning of the annual Ponsonby lecture in St Andrew’s Hospital, Dr David Mortimore is preparing for a career-making speech when his world is turned upside down by the surprise arrival of former flame and colleague Nurse Jane Tate. A cantankerous hospital chairperson, an unwelcome Police Sergeant and an unbalanced youth all add to chaos that ensues.  For all our County Tyrone listings click  HERE.

Fermanagh

The 2nd annual Brookeborough Community Festival  runs from Wednesday to Saturday with events including donkey derby, soapbox derby, street races, street music, car boot sale, compromise rules game between Brookeborough GAA and Clogher Valley Rugby Club & 10k fun run to name a few.  For all our County Fermanagh listings click  HERE.

Derry

Magherafelt District Council is once again planning an exciting event for the district.  The Strawman Festival will be launched on Saturday 1 June 2013.  The event will feature over 20 community groups and local charities taking part in a carnival from Magherafelt High School through the town centre and ending up with a Family Fun Day at Meadowbank Sports Arena.  The day will be rounded off by “The Hoedown” a Country Concert.  For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

A wonderful ‘Fleadh Rua’ will take place in the village of Forkhill, in South Armagh from Friday 31st May to Sunday 2nd June. This ‘Festival of the Red Heads’ will be a celebration of the rare and unique red haired gene, which is in danger of dying out. We are playing our part in it’s conservation by inviting red-heads and their friends, from all over the world to come to Forkhill for a weekend of great craic, music and humour, to meet their ‘like-kin’. There will be exhibitions and sales of local art and crafts, food stalls, children’s Art Competition, historical talks and tours of our beautiful ‘Ring of Gullion’ area. There will be great sessions of traditional music and a special guest concert, culminating in a ‘Big Ceili’ in the local GAA community centre on Saturday night. Coincidentally we are also aiding and endorsing the re-introduction of the ‘Red Squirrel’ into our area, a very special little four legged ‘Red Head’, who is also under threat!  For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

To kick off the Larne Alive Summer festival organisers have arranged a special cinema showing of ‘Grease’ at the McNeill Theatre, Larne, on Friday 31st May.  This promises not to be any old screening but a musical showing where the audience can sing-along with word to the songs appearing on screen!  There will be prizes for the best dressed and the ticket price includes refreshments during the evening.  Tickets cost £5 and are available from Larne Tourist Information Centre.  For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Belfast

Make some space in your wardrobe and save the date (Sunday 2nd June at the Apartment) for the RSPB’s Love Nature Frock Swap!  Guests are invited to bring 3 items of previously loved clothing to swap for 3 new stylish steals.  There will be fashion tips from a top Belfast style guru as well as beauty tips and cocktails in the fabulous surroundings of one of Belfast’s most glamorous venues.  Love Nature is a fundraising festival running from 29 May until 8 June.  All money raised will support the RSPB’s local conservation and education projects.  For all our Belfast events listings click HERE.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.