Jacqueline’s Pick of What’s On this weekend across NI.

Down

Due to popular demand Youth Fest NI is back with a BANG to Kilbroney Park on Saturday 5th July 2014! Here’s a taster of what’s in store…Phils Farm, Jo Jingles. The Gathering Drum, The Funhouse Newry Lazar Tag Arena, DJ Workshops, Cloughmor Extreme Mountain Bike Trails, Sticky Fingers Early Years Arts, Bring IT On NI Workshop’s, SVP YOUTH Info, gymnastics workshops and displays, The Creation Station, Dance workshops and displays, Reptile Village, Wayne Denner – Youth & Digital Communicator workshop, Live music from 39 Steps, live music from Harrison Tweed, live music from Caolán Dooley, live music from Rebecca Keenan, PIPS Newry & Mourne information, Happy Faces NI arts workshops, mini golf, Lifeline information, Jumping Clay Warrenpoint, food / craft stalls and more.

Tyrone

Tyrone Farming Society looks forward to its 174th Annual Omagh Show which will take place on Friday and Saturday. Omagh Show’s enduring success can perhaps best be described as a true reflection of determination and motivation of its supporters throughout the years. Now ideally located on a prime site on the outskirts of Omagh town, this thriving Annual Show remains a source of much pride for its community.

Fermanagh

Cuilcagh Mountain Jeep Safari, Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th July 2.00pm – 4.00pm.  Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain. £5.00 per person. This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old. Booking is essential. Contact Marble Arch Caves Visitor’s Centre on 028 6634 8855 for further information.

Derry

The Chocolate Lab in Kilrea are holding summer workshops through the months of July and August including the Chocolate Bar and Lollipop Workshop, the Frozen Themed Workshop and Minion Chocolate Mayhem. Workshops for children and masterclasses available for adults too!

Armagh

After the huge success last year, the Emerald Garrison’s amazing Heroes & Legends event is coming back to Armagh Planetarium on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 July 2014.  This amazing family event is one not to be missed.  Meet and have your picture taken with some iconic costumed characters and see the amazing fan built sets and props from some of the biggest movies and television series including Ghostbusters, Dr Who, Star Trek, Batman, Aliens and Harry Potter.  Come dressed up as your favourite character!

Antrim

Great news for all pirate lovers! Our friendly local Pirate Tavish Dhu will be back with a new adventure this year at Pirates Off Portrush! Tavish having captured the gold from the Navy Captains is on his way to the Skerries to hide it when a friendly whale knocks the treasure out of his rowing boat and carries it away in its mouth. Tavish gives chase only to discover that a group of Eskimos are also looking for the whale. There is a race to see who will get to the whale first and recover the treasure. The pirate festival will be on the weekend of the 5th and 6th of July and rumour has it that this year the organisers are also planning to bring a replica Pirate Ship into Portrush in the week leading up to the Pirate Festival.

Belfast

Tina, the Asian elephant, is one of Belfast Zoo’s most loved and well-known animals. Tina is the longest resident at Belfast Zoo and many visitors have fond memories of Tina stealing their handbags and umbrellas in the old Bellevue Zoo. Come along and help celebrate her ‘elephantastic’ 50th birthday this Saturday 5th July with activities, including face painting, animal feeding times, a bouncy castle and much more.
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.