Month: August 2013

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 5 – 11).

• Into the Deep, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, July 27 – August 11.  Enjoy family friendly talks with marine experts, explore the Titanic touch tanks which will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with local marine creatures and take part in marine-themed arts and crafts and hands-on experiments.

• Gasyard Wall Féile, various venues, Co. Londonderry, August 1 – 15.  Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, this festival will have a range of events taking place with everything from music, literature, sport, education, visual arts, fun days, lectures and much more.

• The Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, Co. Antrim, August 3 – 11.  One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland with a colourful programme of over 100 events including a themed street night, ceili, a family vintage day and much more.

• 7 Hills Blues Festival, Armagh city centre, Co. Armagh, August 8 – 11.  Already an established event on the Blues calendar, this event showcases all types of music from Chicago Rhythm to Funk Style with local bands and international acts all taking part.

• Sunflowerfest 2013, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 9 – 11.  A family-friendly festival with the best local music artists, bands and international guests.  Performers this year include Henry Cluney (Stiff Little Fingers), The Screaming Eagle, Roll the Dice, Emerald Armada and many more.

• Little Red Riding Hood, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, August 10.  A curious young girl weaves her way through the woods to her Grandma’s house on a journey full of surprises in this playful and imaginative re-telling of a timeless story.
• Jane Austen Exhibition, Carrickfergus Museum Exhibition Gallery, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, until August 17.  Immerse yourself in this fantastic exhibition which celebrates the 200^th year since the first edition of Pride and Prejudice was published.

• Summer Scheme, Share Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, every Monday – Friday in July and August.  A fun filled week of skills development for children aged 8 – 16. Choose from sailing, canoeing/ kayaking, windsurfing, rookie lifeguard, mountain biking and film making.  All levels welcome. 

• William Carleton International Summer School, Clogher Valley district, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 8.  Celebrating the life and works of the famous 19^th century novelist, this is a must for literature lovers with talks and debates with Carleton scholars, a literary symposium and a coach tour of the Carleton country led by a historian.

• Summer Street Art, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 9.  A week long workshop exploring the different techniques used by urban artists across the world, the reason behind street art and the difference between art and vandalism.

Bangor Open House Festival, 1^st -31^st Aug

This month throughout Bangor sees a music based festival featuring headline concerts, music sessions alongside comedy, poetry, walking tours and exhibitions. There will be something to suit everyone’s tastes. This fortnight will see music from The Farriers at Bangor Abbey and other local bands playing various bars throughout Bangor. There will also be exhibitions, pub quiz’s and other events…so be sure to pick up a copy of the full Open House Festival programme so you don’t miss out.

For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com

World Police & Fire Games 2013, 1^st – 10^th Aug

This biennial event is coming to Northern Ireland for the first time. With over 7,000 competitors from over 60 countries it is the largest sporting event to ever come to our country. Throughout the games, many events will be happening across North Down so be sure to get involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The new Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex will hold its first major events which include swimming, water polo and the much anticipated Toughest Competitor Alive. To be a spectator at the games is free. For a full list of events happening in North Down be sure to pick up the bespoke North Down World Police and Fire Games flyer.

For more information visit www.2013wpfg.com

Bluegrass Picnic, Sat 3^rd Aug, 3-5pm

Oh My Darling will be playing a free concert in Ward Park. Their prairie roots mixed with southern twang and Franco-folk create an Americana musical melting pot brewed from dynamic vocals, brilliant claw-hammer banjo, inspired fiddling and grooving bass runs. This will be a great day out for the whole family. As well as providing music, we will be taking care of your stomach with a Cajun hog roast and a barbeque pit. There will be activities to keep the kids entertained will you enjoy the music. Not to be missed! Free

For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com

Family Fun at Cockle Row, Sat 3^rd & Sun 4^th Aug, 2-4pm

Come along to the cottages at Cockle Row, Groomsport and join in all the free family fun that is on offer every weekend throughout August. This Saturday there will be a Magician to keep all the children entertained with all his magical ways. On Sunday the Ark Open Farm will be making an appearance with their Small Animal Road Show, let the kids come along and pet or feed the animals. There will also be entertainment from the Ulster-Scots Agency on Sunday. Cottages are open to the public from 11am-5pm. Free

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

North Down Pipe Band Championships, Sat 3^rd Aug, 11am-5.30pm

The popular annual North Down Pipe Band Championships will return to the scenic Castle Park. This event is very competitive among the Pipe Bands and always proves to be a great day out for everyone to enjoy with a huge selection of bands taking part. So grab a picnic and head down to Castle Park for this enjoyable day out. Free

For more information visit www.northdowntourism.com

Donkey Day, Sat 3^rd Aug, 10am-5pm

Bring the kids and a camera as you get close to these wonderful animals. The annual Donkey Day proves that donkeys are more than just something to admire in the fields as these wonderful animals take on the donkey obstacle course, egg and spoon races and musical chairs in the BDS Championship. DBS members, two-legged as well as four legged, will also get the chance to dress in traditional garb from farming eras gone by, with the most authentic costume winning a prize in the Fancy Dress Competition. And rounding off the day, the handlers and their animals will join the Donkey Day Parade around Ballycultra town.

For more information visit www.nmni.com/uftm

History of Bangor & Ards Coach Tour, Sat 3^rd Aug, 10am-3pm

This tour takes in the history of North Down and Ards. It covers the areas Christian Heritag, from early monastic sites such as Nendrum and the founding of Bangor Abbey and Viking attacks. You will learn of the Ulster-Scots story which shaped our lands under Hamiliton and Montgomery, the role we played in World War II through to the borough’s we know today. Tickets £10 (Limited to 30 people)

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

St John’s Church and Grey Point Fort Walk, Sat 10^th Aug, 10.30am

This fascinating tour starts with a visit to the Church, with its historic connections to those who served in two world wars. The tour will then proceed on foot to Grey Point Fort via the Bayburn Trail display at the Fort Road car park will visitors will hear more about the local history of the village. Visitors will also be shown the massive guns and the emplacement and the unique collections of war-time memorabilia. Tickets £3 (Limited to 25 people)

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

Magic Hour at the Museum, Sat 10^th Aug, 2.30-3.30pm

Are the kids already bored with the summer and running out of things to do? Head to North Down Museum every Saturday for Magic Hour. This weekend there will be a show by Aldo including balloons and finger puppets. Limited places available. Tickets £2

For more information call North Down Museum on 028 9127 1200 or visit www.northdownmuseum.com

Summer Entertainment – Ronnie Greer Band, Sun 11^th Aug, 3-5pm

North Down Borough Council’s Live Music in Ward Park continues this Sunday with music from the Ronnie Greer Band. Ronnie Greer is a superb blues and jazz guitarist; his fingers have added passion and fire to some of the greatest blues bands in the country, including for a time the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band and a host of others. He never fails to wring the last drop of emotion out of a solo, while still keeping toes tapping! So pack a picnic and head down to Ward Park Bandstand for a fantastic afternoon of blues in the park. Free

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

Remember!!!

Project 24

Open every day down on Queen’s Parade. Call in and see the artists work in their pods or why not enjoy learning something while you’re there -the pink pod throughout August will be holding an array of workshops which include making your own crafts. Only 5 places are available on each workshop, so make sure you book fast for anything you’re interested in. You can find out further information and book by emailing Karin on englishcookies@me.com, up to one week before the event. You can also call in to the Pink Pod and book in person.

For more information visit www.project24ni.com

And…

Pickie Fun Park is still open daily 9am-9pm. This is a great day out for the whole family. For special offers visit www.pickiefunpark.com

Down

Join the world’s most famous outlaw – Robin Hood and come dressed up as one of his merry men/ladies for a weekend of medieval merriment at the Castle Espie Centre this weekend.  Outlaw activities include a falconry static display, archery, face painting, medieval woodland trail, village life demonstrations, crafts and games, medieval armour display, healing herbals clinic, leather makers, historical crafts with friendly Vikings and much more!  There will also be music from the period and a medieval BBQ in the courtyard. Prize for the best dressed merry man or lady.

Tyrone

Libraries NI is delighted to welcome K-9 and his creator, Mat Irvine, to Omagh Library on Wednesday 31 July at 7.00pm, making it this famous canine’s first visit to this island.  K-9 is the fictional robotic canine in the long-running British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, first appearing in 1977 and most recently in one of the series television spin-offs, K-9 (2009–2010).  Mat Irvine is a special effects designer and has worked extensively on Dr Who, operating K9 on the most recent Doctor Who series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year.  During this event, Mat will present K9 and me: My Life in Special Effects covering his work with K-9 from the Tom Baker era to the more recent series with David Tennant and The Sarah Jane Adventures, which will appeal particularly to sci-fi and special effect enthusiasts.  Members of the audience will be able to have their photo taken with this famous dog, met Mat and buy a signed copy of one of Mat’s books!

Fermanagh

SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA is the exciting and innovative summer activity programme available for visitors to Fermanagh at the Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea. Visitors may enjoy the thrills in a variety of land and water activities; one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in sailing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and banana skiing or archery, climbing and circus skills.

Derry

The National Trust’s Kite Festival takes place this Sunday 4^th August at Downhill Demesne.  A high-flying spectacle with fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all shapes and sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate.  There will be kite performers and a wild geese parachute display.  To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids area with craft making, bouncy castles, exhibitors, craft and food stalls and much more. 

Armagh

Join The Armagh Planetarium on the 3rd and 4th August 2013 for the Planet Aliens workshop where you will design and make your very own model alien with the help of the fantastic Emerald Garrison sculptors. Will your alien be friendly or scary?  That will be up to you!  On this special weekend the Emerald Garrison will also be demonstrating how they have created some of their amazing props and sets using clay.  This is a hands-on workshop where you will get the opportunity to create your own unique sculpture to take home.  Each workshop will last approximately 40 minutes where fun is guaranteed for all the family.  Spaces will be allocated on a first come basis.

Antrim

The Summer Theatre programme at the Courtyard Theatre presents Absent Friends, performed by the Hollywood Players this Friday and Saturday.  A classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment served up a slice of deliciously black humour.  When Colin loses his fiancée, his married friends invite him round for comfort. As the tea starts to pour, it’s clear that trouble is brewing with a wickedly funny blend of jealousy, infidelity and barely concealed loathing.

Belfast

Go MAD for Madagascar! You have seen the movies but how much do you really know about the animals of Madagascar? Come along to Belfast Zoo’s event to learn more. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and has a diverse variety of wildlife. The island may not be home to lions, zebras, giraffes or hippos but it is home to lemur, sifaka, fossa and many more.Join in the fun with feeding times, keeper talks and much more! Saturday 3^rd August.

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.