The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (August 4 – August 10).

• 2014 Maiden City Festival, Co Londonderry until August 9. Enjoy Derry~Londonderry’s walls coming to life as a wealth of talent including musicians, dancers and actors take to the streets for the 2014 Maiden City Festival.  The Festival is running at various venues and features over 20 different events including live music, dance, living history, tours and exhibitions.

• Open House Festival, Bangor, Co Down August 3 – 31. Enjoy a music based festival with a difference featuring headline concerts, informal music sessions, comedy, poetry, walking tours and exhibitions throughout the month in various venues throughout Bangor.

• Heart of the Glens Festival 2014, Cushendall, Co Antrim until August 10. One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland, the ‘Heart of the Glens Festival’ has over 100 events catering for all age groups, from toddlers to grandparents.  This year’s colourful programme includes the ever popular ‘Theme Street Night’ Ceili, the Lurig Run, the Family Fun Vintage Day and of course the Irish dance ‘Waves of Tory’.

• Hooley in the Valley, Augher Summer Music and Dance Festival, Augher to Ballygawley Road, Co Tyrone August 7-10. Hooley in the Valley is all part of Augher Summer Festival, with music holding centre stage but there are numerous other events taking place during the course of four busy days. There is an added attraction built into the programme this year too as ‘The Voice Ireland’ singer Jim Devine will make his inaugural appearance.

• William Carleton Summer School, Corick House Hotel, Clogher, Co Tyrone August 4 – 7. Discover all about the history, literature, music and art of Ireland at an enjoyable day or evening at the 2014 William Carleton Summer School. There will be a range of themes and focuses including Famine in Scotland and Ireland, Irish Literary Figures and Reflections and Memories of world renowned Seamus Heaney.

• 7 Hills Blues Festival 2014, Armagh City, Co Armagh August 7-10. Relax and listen to some blues classics and discover new talent, with this year’s festival  which will host over 50 free gigs, plus the return of some old fringe events and exciting new ones.

• Stendhal Festival of Art, Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, Co Londonderry August 8-9. Stendhal Festival of Art brings an all encompassing artistic experience to the Roe Valley, home of Danny Boy in a celebration of the creativity of artists, including musicians and comedians, from all over Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and further afield.

• Summer Extravaganza, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh until August 31. The Share Discovery Village is the largest outdoor residential activity centre in Ireland and their ‘Summer Extravaganza’ is a day visitor activity programme for individuals, groups and families that allows them to experience a number of different and exciting outdoor and indoor activities.

• Festival of Fools, Cornmarket and Cotton Court, Belfast, Co. Antrim until August 25. Visit Belfast’s Cornmarket at 1pm or Cotton Court at 3pm and delight in some of the finest and funniest street art that Belfast has to offer.

• Maiden of the Mournes International Festival, Warrenpoint, Co Down August 3 – 10. This festival has something for everyone from the colourful opening parade, concerts featuring great entertainment, free open air music each evening, children’s events, fireworks display, sports events, the festival banquet and the Crowning of the ‘Maiden of the Mournes’.

Here are Jacqueline’s pick of family events taking place this weekend across the North.

Down

This year’s Donaghadee Lifeboat Festival aims to cater for all age groups and you can be assured of a warm welcome and plenty of activities.  There will be a large variety of stalls, children’s entertainment, games, visits to the Lighthouse and Lifeboat, along with the Annual Raft Race and much more. All the fun takes place this Saturday 2nd August at the Harbour in Donaghadee from 12.00pm to 5.00pm and admission is free.

Tyrone

Castlederg’s First Ever Summer Festival, ‘Dergfest’, will all kick off this  Friday 1st August until Sunday 3rd August with an array of local musical talent taking to the streets and stage over this three day Festival.  The headline night of the Festival is Saturday when Shane Filan will take to the stage with local support The Whistlin Donkeys and The Hootin Annies.

Fermanagh

The 3rd International Beckett Festival will take place in Enniskillen from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 10th August 2014.  Klaus Maria Brandauer, Gavin Bryars, Tacita Dean, Adrian Dunbar, Heiner Goebbels, Antony Gormley, The Hilliard Ensemble, Derek Jarman, Netia Jones, Steve McQueen, Fiona Shaw, Peter Stein and John Tomlinson are amongst the artists featured in this year’s programme.

Derry

The 2014 Kite Festival takes place this Sunday 3^rd August at Downhill Demesne.  This high-flying spectacle will offer fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate. Kite performers, kite making, educational activities and the Wild Geese parachute display. To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids’ area with crafts, bouncy castles, rides, Segways, exhibitors, craft and food stalls and more.

Armagh

Join the Armagh Planetarium this weekend for their Great Balloon Race as hundreds of helium filled balloons will take to the skies over Armagh.  Prizes will be awarded to the launcher and to the person who finds the balloon that has travelled the greatest distance.  How far will your balloon travel?  Last year one of the balloons went all the way to Germany!

Antrim

One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland, the ‘Heart of the Glens Festival’ caters for all age groups, from toddlers to grandparents. This year’s colourful programme, which runs from the 2^nd to the 10^th August,  includes the ever popular ‘Theme Street Night’ Ceili, the Lurig Run, the Family Fun Vintage Day and of course Ireland’s longest ‘Waves of Tory’. Over 100 events are planned throughout the week. Fantastic fun for all!

Belfast

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.

Guaranteed there is something for everyone to sink their teeth in to.

Gerard McCarthy,  novelists Cathy Kelly and Jodi Picoult, Kym Marsh, Jane Weisner and West End Star Rachel Tucker are just some of the top-billed names included in the Autumn/ Winter programme for Newtownabbey’s Theatre at the Mill. Launched today [July 25], this latest offering boosts an exciting succession of world-class drama, music, talks, comedy and dance performances.

The new season kicks off in September with the co-produced adaption of Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Directed by Michael Poyner and starring Gerard McCarthy, of The Fall, Vikings and Hollyoaks fame, Jonathan Harker and Dracula is a World Premier for the Theatre and marks the opening-leg of a three-month nationwide tour.

Running from September 18 – 27, this newest adaptation of the gothic horror masterpiece sees McCarthy make a welcome return to the stage playing both Jonathan Harker, whose diaries chronicle the bloody tale, and Dracula, arguably the greatest supernatural character of all time.

Jayne Wisener from Tim Burton’s Sweeney Todd, Kym Marsh and West End star Rachael Tucker are set to appear in cameo, pre-recorded, roles as the ‘Brides of Dracula’ and will be projected on the stage with McCarthy. The Bride Of Dracula cast announcement was made at midnight on Twitter after a teaser quote from Bram Stoker’s original text was tweeted on the production’s official account @MrJHarker.

Using multiple cameras, backing screens, projections, surround sound and a newly commissioned score, this solo de force will have would-be theatre-goers screaming in the aisles. Recommended 12yrs plus. Tickets £12.

Speaking on Jonathan Harker and Dracula Bernard Clarkson, Arts Centre Manager said;

“We are delighted to be working with Michael Poynor again and to be co-producing this new production with the Ulster Theatre Company.  Michael adapted and directed our production of Comedy of Errors last year with Mark Docherty composing the music for that production too.  They are a terrific team and with the added energy and artistry of Gerard’s solo performance will create an original, chilling and thrilling interpretation of Bram Stoker’s classic novel.  I would advise audiences to prepare to be terrifyingly entertained!”

Speaking on the Brides of Dracula, McCarthy said

“We wanted three powerful, strong, sexy women to play the Brides Of Dracula and I’m delighted that Kym, Rachel and Jayne are on board.The three of them together will be a force to be reckoned with.”

For Opera lovers, the Theatre also has some treats in store. Running from October – January a series of world-class Opera will be streamed live to the Theatre at the Mill from The Met Opera New York. Opera fans of all ages will have the opportunity to listen to chilling productions from Verdi’s Macbeth to Bizet’s Carmen, one of the most popular operas of all time. Dates and times vary for more information please visit www.theatratthemill.com. To whet your appetite the Theatre will once-again be hosting the ever-popular Opera Gala Evening on Saturday August 2.  Under the Direction of Conductor Andrew Synott, distinguished Irish soprano Virginia Kerr and friends from the International Opera Stage will perform classic arias from the world of Opera and Operetta. Tickets £15.

In addition some of the world’s most popular female authors will be revealing the secrets of their success in a unique new programme of literary talks ‘Conversations at the Mill.’ Kicking off with Philippa Gregory on August 17, the Theatre will also host bestselling writers  Cathy Kelly and Tasmina Perry in October and Jodi Picoult in November.

For more information and to book tickets for any of the events log on to www.theatreatthemill.com or call the box office directly on 028 9034 0202.

Ever wondered if the myths are really true? Are bats really blind? Will they get stuck in your hair? Do they drink blood? And why on earth do they sleep upside down?

Find out the answers to all of these questions and more at Go Batty at Ardress House on Friday 8^th August from 7.30pm.

With the help of a bat specialist, discover more about the exciting lives of these illusive little creatures. Venture out into the grounds of Ardress House, Annaghmore as the sunlight begins to fade and watch the bats emerge from their roosts in the buildings. The whole family, especially the children will find tracking down the real live bats thrilling, using bat detecting equipment to identify the different species seen swooping around in the twilight.

What better place to catch a glimpse of these captivating creatures than at Ardress House where many of the eight species found in Northern Ireland have been recorded living in the buildings and surrounding parkland. With species such as the surprisingly small pipistrelle to the unusual brown long eared bat in residence, it is sure to be a fascinating and fun evening for all ages.

As the evening draws to a close the children will have the opportunity to get creative and make something batty to take home.

For further information please contact Ardress House on 028 8778 4753 or visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ardress-house

Go Batty will take place at Ardress House, Annaghmore on Friday 8^th August from 7.30pm-10pm. Admission for both members and non-members is £5 for adults and £3 for children. Family ticket £13.

26 JULY – 10 AUGUST

Until 27 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst

North Down Museum, Bangor

This exhibition explores the life and work of Northern Ireland’s most prolific director through a variety of fascinating images, objects and stories.

Free admission. Open: Tues-Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 12 noon – 4.30pm. Closed Mondays except July, August & Bank Holidays.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Wednesday 30 July – Sunday 12 October, Exhibition: World War, Local People

North Down Museum, Bangor

This exhibition explores the impact of WW1 on the people of North Down featuring many fascinating original objects and images.

Free admission. Open: Tues-Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 12 noon – 4.30pm. Closed Mondays except July, August & Bank Holidays.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 26 July, Kids Castle Park Nature Trail

Meeting point: North Down Museum, Bangor

Free. 10.30am. Join this interactive nature trail led by a guide from the Woodland Trust and a well-known local bird expert. Learn about the habitat and bird life that exist in Castle Park grounds. Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 July, ‘Pipes in the Park’ featuring Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Bangor Town Hall

Free event, 12noon-6pm.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm. The event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out. In conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 26: Magician, Face Painting

Sun 27: Jumping Clay Workshop, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 27 July, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Hoppers & Stompers ‘Downshire Jazz All Stars’ old time Dixie Jazz

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 2 August, Coach Tour: ‘Our links with the Great Wars’

Meeting point: Ards TIC/North Down Museum, Bangor

9.30am (Ards) or 10am (Bangor), £10. In this year of the commemoration of the First World War, this tour focuses on our links with the two Great Wars, visiting sites in North Down and Ards.

Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 2 August, Reflections of the First World War

North Down Museum, Bangor

12 noon – 4.30pm. Free. WW1 re-enactments, exhibition tours and music for the whole family.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 2 August, ‘Lights Out’ Workshop

North Down Museum, Bangor

2pm – 3pm. Cost £1. Create your own candle holder for the Candlelit Vigil taking place at 10.45pm on Monday 4 August.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 2 & Sunday 3 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 2: Casey’s Creatures, Balloon Modelling

Sun 3: Ark Open Farm, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 3 August, Drumhead Service and Veterans Parade

Meeting Point: Bangor Castle (Town Hall)

2.30pm. Following a short drumhead service, the parade will proceed down Main Street, along Bridge Street, High Street, to the Royal British Legion Hall on Hamilton Road.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 3 August, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week: Commemorating WWI: Remembrance Picnic, music by Templemore Brass Band

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 4 August, Walking Tour: Step Back in Time, Bangor

Meeting point: North Down Museum, Bangor

2.30pm, £3. Gain an insight into the history and life of the Ward family who built Bangor Castle (Bangor Town Hall).

Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 4 August, Interdenominational Remembrance Church Service

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor

10pm. Extracts, readings and praise in remembrance of the centenary of the beginning of WW1.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 4 August, ‘Lights Out’ Candlelit Vigil

Cenotaph in Ward Park, Bangor

10.45pm. Take this opportunity to reflect and to remember this momentous date. Lights are being turned out across the UK and Europe to commemorate WW1. Bangor will take part in this commemoration at Ward Park War Memorial

where all lights will be switched off and candles extinguished whilst a one minute silence is observed.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Monday 4 – 7 August, Rosebowl Soccer Tournament

Bangor Sportsplex

Grant Aided Event.

Info: www.cypni.net

Saturday 9 August, Walking Tour: Helen’s Bay in Two World Wars

Meeting point: Helen’s Bay

10.30am, £3. This fascinating tour of two of North Down’s hidden gems is conducted by expert local historians and guides. Visit St John’s Church then proceed on foot to Grey Point Fort via the Bayburn Trail display. Pre-booking essential. Call to book. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 9: Science Show

Sun 10: Archery, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment.

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 10 August, Summer Sundays: Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free live music every Sunday, 3-5pm. The 2014 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Los Dramáticos, Salsa and South American music

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS…

Throughout August, Bangor Open House Festival

Various locations

Visit www.openhousefestival.com for more info.

New guided tours, a free hop-on/hop-off bus tourist service and visitor discounts in Armagh!

School may be out, but Armagh is definitely ‘in’ as THE place for tourists to visit this summer.

Three new tours have been created to complement Armagh’s existing award-winning attractions, plus a new discount booklet unveiled this week means that visitors to the City and the surrounding areas will get even more value for money.

As part of a hectic programme of summer events and activities, from 24th July until 12th September, locals and tourists alike will get the chance to avail of two guided tours taking place on Thursdays to Sundays. As the Ecclesiastical Capital of Ireland, there are many fascinating sites to be found in Armagh. For those who want to explore everything the City has to offer, a Guided City Walking Tour is a must. On the tour you will hear anecdotes about the area and unearth some of the City’s hidden gems along the way. Visitors can also have an exclusive look in and around one of Armagh’s finest buildings with Guided Palace Demesne Tours also taking place.

From 1^st August, Armagh’s famous Gaol will also be opening its doors each Friday and Saturday to offer everyone a trip back in time through the landmark building’s history.

Visitors can now also get even more value for money with a specially-produced ArmaghPass visitor discount booklet offering the best deals on over 40 attractions, restaurants and shops in the area – and with three of Armagh’s attractions recently winning major awards, this summer looks set to be one of the busiest ever.

Emain Macha – Navan Centre & Fort was recently crowned NI4kids Small Visitor Attraction of the Year, as voted for by the public, while Loughgall Country Park  scooped top prize in the prestigious Netmums Outdoor Play Awards. Armagh’s Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre recently achieved The Government Standard Charter Mark for Customer Service Excellence, underlining the city and district’s reputation as a customer focused and must-visit destination.

This summer visitors to the City can avail of a free hop-on/hop-off bus service which will run from 9am-5pm on Wednesdays to Saturdays; the service will call at over ten of Armagh’s key attractions and hidden gems, helping tourists make the most of their visit to the City.

Lord Mayor of Armagh Cathy Rafferty says there’s never been a better time to visit:

“With the Brian Ború Festival and Giro d’Italia in Armagh, 2014 has already been an incredible year for the City and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors than ever before to the area this summer to enjoy what’s on offer.

“There are already so many great things to see and do in Armagh – now our visitors have even more choice for planning a day out here, and we can’t wait to show off our historical heritage with the new tours that have been created.”

“Our world-class facilities are now even more accessible with the production of the Armagh Visitor Discount Booklet, which can be used at 42 restaurants, shops and attractions to get a great deal,” she added.

Guided Tours of Armagh City and The Palace Demesne cost £3.00 and can be booked online at www.armagh.co.uk/guidedtours or by calling Armagh Visitor Information Centre on +44 [0] 28 3752 1800. Guided Tours of Armagh Gaol can be booked online at www.armaghgaol.com or by calling +44 [0] 28 9035 7527. For more information on all that’s on offer in Armagh City & District this summer visit www.armagh.co.uk for more information.

A team of 5 brave volunteers are rising above their fear of heights to be airlifted 140ft into the air for Cancer Fund for Children.

The plucky volunteers, all from Henderson Group, will take part in the Cherry Picker Challenge at the City Hall on August 1 to raise money for the leading local children’s cancer charity.

Henderson Wholesale Ltd along with their stores, EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA, have been supporting Cancer Fund for Children since May 2011 and have raised over £320k.

Martin Agnew, Joint Managing Director of the Henderson Group, who will be participating in the fundraiser said, “I’m delighted to be taking on the Cherry Picker Challenge to raise funds for such a worthwhile local charity.  Corporate Social Responsibility is high on our agenda, so what better way to show this than taking on a personal challenge to raise vital funds for local children and families affected by cancer.”

Cancer Fund for Children corporate fundraiser, Sorcha Chipperfield, said: “The money raised through the partnership with Henderson Wholesale has helped us provide practical, emotional and financial support for local families affected by cancer. We are delighted that they are aiming to raise a further £5000 through the Cherry Picker Challenge by asking their friends and family to sponsor them so they can be brought back down to the ground. It promises to be a really fun event and I look forward to seeing the participants complete the challenge and get safely back to ground level!”

The event has gained even more support from local radio presenter, Citybeat’s Stephen Clements, who is also taking on the challenge and will endure one scary half hour at the top of the cherry picker to raise extra funds. Stephen reckons his listeners would rather scare the wits out of him so they will have to text to donate to keep him up there.

He said:  “I’m giving listeners the opportunity to bring me down a peg by putting me through a nail-biting half hour at the top of the cherry picker – over 100ft in the air. They’ll need to text to donate to keep me up there.  Otherwise it’ll be an easy ride for me!”

To donate to the team or Stephen Clements, please text ‘PICK14 £3’ to 70070.  Your £3 donation will help to support children, teenagers and young people living with cancer in Northern Ireland.  All terms and conditions on www.justgiving.com/justtextgiving

To find out more about the partnership, or how you can support Cancer Fund for Children, please visit www.cancerfundforchildren.com or call 028 9080 5599.

Jazz fans are in for a treat this Sunday, 27 July, when Tony Martin’s Downshire Jazz Allstars take to The Bandstand at Ward Park to entertain the crowds at the Summer Sundays Event.

Tony Martin’s Downshire Jazz Allstars are a band with a big party atmosphere, they ain’t called the Hoppers and Stompers for nothing as they play a range of hard hitting New Orleans songs from the old days with a vibrancy that is seldom heard among the older bands that stride the jazz world. These guys hold energy as the key…always smiling, always laughing, always playing foot tapping tunes from the Royal Garden Blues to Sugarfoot Stomp, Swingin’ the Blues and Jada Jada Jing Jing Jing.

The group, led by drummer Tony Martin, are lively to say the least with a huge following and includes musicians who come from all the popular local jazz bands of the past twenty years such as the Apex Jazz Band and the Rodney Foster Jazz Band.

Try not to move your feet, we dare you!

There will also be a market at the event featuring local traders – another great reason to come to Ward Park.

This FREE event runs from 3pm – 5pm and don’t forget your picnic!

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.northdowntourism.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (July 28- August 3).

• Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh July 31- August 10. Say ‘HAPPY DAYS’ to the world’s largest annual multi-arts celebration of Irish Nobel Prize writer, Samuel Beckett, who attended Portora Royal School in the island town. The Festival opening event will showcase the great play ‘EN ATTENDANT GODOT’ (Waiting for Godot), sure to be a beautiful and moving performance.

• Coastal Life, Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry Co Down until July 31. Experience a mix of exhibitions and demonstrations at Northern Ireland’s public Aquarium and seal sanctuary where the wonders of the Irish Sea are presented through an enjoyable and interactive experience.

• Dale Farm Milk Cup, Co Londonderry and Co Antrim July 27-August 1. Enjoy the thrill of the Northern Ireland Milk Cup. The event, taking place at venues throughout the North Coast has attracted teams from almost 60 countries around the world including the USA and Africa. Former Westlife singer Nicky Byrne will open the event on the 27th, returning to a competition he played in on no less than three occasions.

• Wildlife Summer Camp, Navan Centre & Fort, Co Armagh July 28 – August 1. Excite the kids this summer with a fun packed activity days which will give your little explorers aged 6-11 the opportunity to make new friends and appreciate the great outdoors!

• Feile an Phobail, Belfast, Co Antrim July 31 – August 10. The star-studded Feile an Phobail will give you the chance to enjoy a range of music including Laidback Luke, Boyzone and Soul II Soul.  Comedy comes from Jason Manford with many other events making up a creative and community focussed programme.

• Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Kingspan Stadium, Belfast, Co Antrim August 1. This action packed fun day will include many interactive activities including skills sessions, a climbing wall, face painting and dance classes. A photo-booth will be set up for the opportunity to meet the players, get your picture taken and to get autographs. There will be a BBQ and the Food Village will be open for food and soft drinks throughout the afternoon.

• Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail, Swanns Bridge, Co Londonderry August 2. Try something unique, chilled out and fun this summer.  Stand Up Paddleboarding is an ancient form of surfing (with a paddle) with a Hawaiian heritage. Emerging as a popular and competitive global sport.

• The John Hewitt International Summer School, Market Place Theatre, Co Armagh July 28 – August 1. A feast of arts and literature, the 27th John Hewitt International Summer School will bring together high profile writers, artists, performers, speakers and critics.

• Downhill Kite Festival 2014, Downhill, Co Londonderry August 3. This high-flying spectacle will offer fun for all of the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate. There will be kite performers, kite making, educational activities and a display from the Wild Geese parachute team. To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids’ area, bouncy castles, Segways, exhibitors, food stalls and much more…

• Omagh Festival, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co Tyrone August 1-3. Omagh’s first Community Festival promises to be a fun time for the whole family with a wide variety of activities to suit all ages including a kids magic show, circus skills, Vintage Tea Dance, Raft Race and Duck Derby in Strule River, comedy and more.

Down

The Capri Club NI Annual Display 2014 takes place this Saturday 27th July at the Transport Museum Cultra.  Come along and enjoy the display of vintage, classic, modified, American and special interest Ford cars hosted by the Capri Club of Northern Ireland in the grounds of the Transport Museum, Cultra, Co.Down.  All Fords are welcome to the display.

Tyrone

The Ulster Fleadh, which kicked off on Sunday 20th July continues all week until this Sunday 27th.  Competitions, Concerts, Festivals, Sessions and Dancing all go to make the spectacular event that is the Ulster Fleadh which takes place this year in the village of Dromore, County Tyrone.  For further details visit www.ulsterfleadh.com

Fermanagh

Maguiresbridge Festival fun weekend kicks off on Friday 25th July at 6.00pm with a childrens disco, fun and games in the large marquee on the Village commons. Funday is 26th July from 1pm with all the usual attractions, bouncy castles, Bungee jumping, BBQ, Punch and Judy and magic show, face painting, pet show, craft stalls, Tug 0 war, Highland and Irish dancing, Traditional Irish music and singing along with the unveiling of the Belle of the Bridge, with a live outside broadcast from Q101 Radio, and more.

Derry

Try something new this Summer, come along to Moyola Park Golf Club, Castledawson for the first FREE Ladies Golf Taster Session of the year on Wednesday 23^rd July.  Learn the basics of golf with their professional, meet new people and develop new skills all while having fun! Sessions are open to beginners and non-members and all equipment is provided.  Sessions take place at Moyola Park Golf Club, Wed 23rd July, 1.00pm – 3.00pm and at Tobermore Golf Centre, Wed 23rd July, 7.00pm – 9.00pm.

Armagh

Loughgall FC will host their annual Family Funday this Saturday including bouncy castle, BBQ, balloon artist, face painting, penalty kick competition, cross bar challenge and keepy uppy challenge. All Kids events are free  and will be followed by Loughgall v Dungannon Swifts match. Starts at 11.30am with match KO at 3.00pm.

Antrim

Visit historic Armoy close to the breath taking Glens of Antrim, charming Ballycastle and the world famous Giant’s Causeway and experience the region’s Armoy Road Race. The three mile circuit harks back to the 1970’s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada – Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson, Frank Kennedy and Jim Dunlop, but has been brought bang up to date by organisers: The Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club. A thrilling experience for all! Bike week runs from 20^th to 26^th July. See www.amrrc.com.

Belfast

The world-famous Portrush Flyer returns this year with four trains on summer Sundays from Belfast Central to the north coast destination. This will be a traditional summer day excursion by steam train with up to 5 hours at the seaside. Plenty of time to dip your toes!  Steam trains will leave Belfast Central station at 10am on Sundays 27th July, 10th & 31st August, 14th September. Arrival back into Belfast Central will be at 7:10pm.  Tickets are only available in advance from Belfast Welcome Centre and cost £22 Adult and £15 Child.

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.com