This August North Down Borough Council will be holding a series of events to commemorate the Centenary of the outbreak of World War 1.

The events, which will mirror the National Commemoration Programme will give people the opportunity to reflect and remember this momentous date.

On Saturday, 2 August, from 12 noon – 4.30pm, North Down Museum will be holding a “Reflections of The First World War” event which will include WW1 re-enactments, live music and tours of the “World War, Local People” exhibition which will be running from 30 July to 12 October. This special exhibition will include stories from local people personally affected by WW1.  On August 2, there will also be opportunities to create your own candle holder for The Candle Light Vigil at the ‘Lights Out Workshop,’ taking place from 2pm – 3pm also at North Down Museum.

On the following day, Sunday, 3 August, a Drumhead Service and Commemorative Parade will take place. Following the Drumhead Service, at 2.30pm at The Town Hall, over 600 veterans, serving officers and bands will proceed down Main Street, along Bridge Street, up High Street and finish at The British Legion Hall on Hamilton Road. The Parade will be followed by a Remembrance Picnic in Ward Park from 3pm-5pm, with music in The Bandstand featuring The Templemore Brass Band. This free event is in place of the regular Summer Sundays event.

An Interdenominational Remembrance Church Service will be held at Hamilton Road Presbyterian on Monday, 4 August which will include extracts, readings and praise in remembrance of the Centenary of WW1. Following the church service, a ‘Light’s Out’ Candlit Vigil will take place at the War Memorial in Ward Park.  All lights and candles will be extinguished whilst a one minute silence is observed at 11pm to coincide with lights being turned out across the UK and Europe to mark the outbreak of WW1.  Everyone is welcome to these services to commemorate every service man and woman who died during WW1.

‘Lights Out’ takes inspiration from the famous words of wartime Foreign Secretary Sir Edward Grey, who remarked on August 3, 1914: “the lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our life-time.”

Growing, thriving and legacy building – these were just some of the key messages at the launch of East Belfast’s 3^rd annual summer festival, Thursday 17^th July.

The EastSide Arts Festival, delivered by East Belfast Partnership with  support from  Department of Culture Arts and Leisure and Arts Council for Northern Ireland will run 21^st – 25^th August  across East Belfast locations, and will showcase a varied arts programme with something for everyone across the east of the city and beyond.

With the closure of Orangefield High School the festival programme will feature and celebrate some of the powerful, creative talent to emerge from the school. It will also feature as a location for some of the festival events. Earlier this year, ex-Orangefield boys’ pupil and legendary East Belfast singer Van Morrison announced two gigs (22 and 23 August) with one specifically for ex-pupils and staff.  With an overwhelming response from ex-staff and pupils Mr Morrison has announced a third (24^th August) performance with tickets available Saturday 19^th July from 1-3pm.

EastSide Arts Festival is delighted to showcase and celebrate many of the ex-Orangefield pupils and staff through performance, visual art, lectures, walking tours, film and music.  These include the playwright Marie Jones, writer Brian Keenan, Thin Lizzy musician Eric Bell, poet Gerald Dawe and actor Sam McCready. It will also celebrate the contribution of late playwright Stewart Parker, pioneering first headmaster of the school the late John Malone and the late David Ervine. The programme also features a range of East Belfast talent including, singer Kaz Hawkins, novelist Glenn Patterson, actor Dan Gordon, the late writer and broadcaster Sam Hanna Bell, and much more.

A whole range of free events will be staged in Orangefield Park in association with Connswater Community Greenway and will include circus acts, music and a cross-community art installation called ‘Wish Project’ which will bring wishes alive through a ‘wishing garden.’ Continuing on the cross community theme the festival will also feature a performance, in partnership with West Belfast Festival Feile An Phobail at The Strand Arts Centre, of RMS Titanic – An Evening with Donal Lunny, Anthony Cronin, and guests.

Maurice Kinead, CEO of East Belfast Partnership, said:

“We are delighted to announce details of the EastSide Arts Festival, 21^st – 25^th August.  This is the 3^rd annual festival we have delivered and we believe, yet again, that we have created a programme that will reach out to everyone in the East Belfast Community and beyond.  With the closure of Orangefield School we felt it was important to celebrate its legacy and showcase the huge talent that emerged from the school. We are immensely proud that some of the successful, creative and high profile past pupils are returning to mark this momentous occasion with us.  I would like to thank our key sponsors, DCAL and Arts Council for Northern Ireland, who along with our commercial sponsors, have made this festival possible. We hope to welcome as many people from the east of the city and beyond during the festival and hope that they leave with a sense that the arts is growing and thriving here.”

Roísín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said:

“The Arts Council is delighted to support the EastSide Arts Festival.  Across this great city the arts have been a marvellous tool for building identity and developing community, transforming and sharing the space in which we live, in new and inspirational ways. I welcome this year’s varied programme of arts events – there is something for everyone, from young to old and everyone in between. There are also a number of free events which we hope will allow everyone in the east of the city to access and participate in the arts.  The EastSide Arts Festival will play a pivotal role in the life of East Belfast this year and in years to come and I encourage everyone to get involved.”

The festival will be staged in a number of east Belfast locations including Orangefield High School, The Strand Arts Centre, Park Avenue Hotel, Orangefield Park and Shorts  Recreation Club. The official charity for the festival is Barnardos.

For full details of the festival programme and for ticket information visit www.eastsidearts.net

19 JULY – 3 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.

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

Saturday 19 July, Tour: ‘Nautical Past’ Short Sea Cruise on Belfast Lough

Meeting point: The Jetty, Pickie Funpark in Bangor

2pm, tickets £10. Discover the rich nautical history of the lough including Bangor’s role in D Day, WWII, ‘The Battle of the Copeland’s’, the first naval battle in the U.S. Civil War and of course the Titanic. Learn about the surrounding coastline and the variety of wildlife inhabiting it. Pre-booking essential. Call to book. Limited availability.

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

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July, Wood at the Walled Garden

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Castle Park

Free. 11am-4pm.

Bring the family along and enjoy an afternoon of free events. There will be demonstrations from the Irish Woodturners Guild and local sculptor Owen Crawford.  You can put your knowledge to the test with the Woodlands Trust display board or take the opportunity to have a stroll around the award winning gardens.

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

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 19: Clown Activities

Sun 20: Party Animals NI, 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 20 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: Amanda Jameson Band and Chelsea Chambers performing pop music and favourite covers.

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

Sunday 20 July, Walking Tour: Helen’s Bay in 2 World Wars

Meeting point: Helen’s Bay

2.30pm, tickets £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 26 July, Kids Nature Trail

Meeting point: North Down Museum, Castle Park, 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’- North Down & Ards

Meeting Point: Coach Collection at Ards Visitor Information Centre or North Down Museum

£10. 9.30am/10am respectively.

In this year of commemoration of the First World War, this tour focuses on our links with the two Great Wars. The tour will visit sites in both North Down & Ards including North Down Museum, the coastal defence battery of Grey Point Fort and the Somme Centre.

Call to book. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.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, 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: Remembrance Picnic, music from the Templemore Band – Commemorating the 100^th anniversary of the beginning of WWI.

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

BANGOR OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL, Throughout August

Info: www.openhousefestival.com

Top Racers set for Armoy Road Races

SINCE its first meeting in 2009, Armoy Road Races has grown from strength to strength. This year, according the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club there has been record entries with some late entries having to be turned away.

Entries include 11 times TT winner Michael Dunlop, Guy Martin, who has just retained his Southern 100 Manx Solo Championship Crown and fellow Tyco Suzuki racer, William Dunlop. The RiverRidge Recycling ‘Race of the Legends’ will also see Danny Webb, Connor Behan, Keith Amor, Michael Sweeney, Derek Sheils, Derek McGee, Davy Morgan and Dan Kneen. A recent addition to the entry list has been up and coming rider James Cowton. These top riders will ensure that racing will be at its best at Armoy Road Races 2014.

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course of Armoy Road Races, said, “We’ve just started to build the course at Armoy this week. It takes a little time but with such a fantastic record of top racers having entered, we are certainly up for some great racing come Friday 25^th July and Saturday 26^th July at Armoy.

“We’ve a new race on the Friday night, a 600cc Supersport race sponsored by Parker Car Transport but in addition to the Roadside Garages Kia Super Twin race they’ll be many waiting for the SGS International Open Race and the last but by no means least the RiverRidge Recycling ‘Race of the Legends’, where I’ve no doubt there will be a battle between those top racers.

“The recent news that there will be a one hour highlights programme on Channel 4 on 9th of August of the races has been widely welcomed universally. The Club is delighted that many across the UK and Ireland will not only see this beautiful part of the country but see some fantastic racing in the heartland of the Armoy Armada, the birth place of road racing in Co Antrim.

“With this news alongside the superb entry list anticipation is building for the popular road race where we are all set to see scintillating road racing action.”

Armoy Road Races are sponsored by RiverRidge Recycling, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Moyle District Council’s Tourism Events Fund.

Bike Week 2014 is from 20^th – 26^th July. For more information on the RiverRidge Recycling’s ‘Race of the Legends’ visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy from the Saturday 19^th July 2014 and cost £10.00.

North Down Borough Council’s Summer Sundays continue this Sunday, 20 July with the very talented Amanda St John and her Band performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park.

A vibrant singer-songwriter from Glenariffe, Amanda’s songs are soul and blues influenced and are communicated through powerful, emotive vocals. She has appeared on various BBC and RTE radio and television programmes and been described by Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster) as “a wonderfully talented songwriter.”

Having supported Brain Kennedy and Eddie Reader this year Amanda and her band are becoming known for their lively sets which are filled with funky grooves and a high standard of musicality. Having been compared to Imelda May and Paloma Faith her live gigs are a must see!

The show runs from 3pm – 5pm so gather your friends and family, pack the picnic and don’t miss it!

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 21-27).

• Rose Week 2014, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Belfast, July 21-27. Enjoy a week of family fun with live music, entertainment and floral art demonstrations as the park celebrates the 50^th year of the International Rose Gardens with summer rose and flower show exhibitions.

• Nature Boy, Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown, Co. Armagh, until August 30. An exhibition by Peter Finnemore, Nature Boy is the artist’s first major solo exhibition bringing together a large body of photographic and video work on Finnemore’s investigation into his garden in rural Wales.

• B/E Aerospace GI Jive Festival, Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel, Co. Down, July 19-26. Step back in time to the nostalgic sights, sounds, smells and music of the 1940s, including American GI re-enactments, planes, tanks, vintage cars and children’s entertainment.

• Foyle Cup 2014, various, Derry~Londonderry, July 21 -26. The Foyle Cup returns for another year, hosting a number of football teams both locally and from across the world, for a fun filled tournament.

• Macbeth, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, July 23-26. Discover Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before with this thrilling new piece of music theatre from Stuart Harvey and Belfast-born Garth McConaghie as they combine fierce electronic music with contemporary choreography.

• Waterways Ireland All-Ireland Wakeboarding Championships, Broadmeadow, Enniskillen, July 26-27. A great event for thrill seekers who wish to take part or spectate, the competition offers a weekend of action as well as a chance to try out the sport with special sessions.

• Race of Legends, Armoy, Co. Antrim, July 25-26. Enjoy the excitement in Armoy as some of the current top motorcycle road racers gather in the historic town including William and Michael Dunlop to compete in what is considered to be one of the best competitions on the racing calendar.

• Woodland Wildlife Walk, Marlbank Scenic Loop, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh, July 27. Experience the many sounds and sights of nature within the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve, listen to birdsong, spot signs of animal activity and view the spectacular array of tree and plant species.

• Flavours of the Foyle, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, July 26-27. A unique event to bring families, locals and visitors together to pay homage to the rich resources of the Foyle including seafood, live demonstrations and children’s activities.

• International Bog Day, Peatlands Park, Dungannon, Co.Tyrone, July 27. Enjoy a very mucky day out as competitors take part in the Northern Ireland Bog Snorkelling Championships 2014, as well as races for men, women and relays there will be activities taking place the whole family can enjoy.

Down

Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park,  The Castlewellan Agricultural Show takes place from 9am – 6pm on Saturday 19th July 2014.  Featuring classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys poultry, pigs, rabbits, dog agility and home industries, we are hosting two national championships and many qualifiers.  Dozens of trade stands, food and craft producers showcase their wares alongside live music, vintage tractors, carriage driving, demonstrations of countryside pursuits, Young Farmers competitions, pet show, fashion show, vintage tea tent and children’s amusements which will entertain all day long.

Tyrone

The inaugural Lough Neagh Fish Festival will run from 17th – 19th July. The Festival seeks to celebrate the local culture & culinary delights of the Lough Shore area and promises to have something for everyone to enjoy. The Festival is supporting “Cathy ar gcara” fund, founded in memory of local lady Cathy Cassidy (nee McCann) helping to raise money and awareness for the charity “Friends of the Cancer Centre” based at the Belfast City Hospital.  Throughout the the day festival, there will be  host of events to whet the appetites of the very young to the not so young, including Lough Neagh Heritage Day, Charity Cook Off, Fish Supper Session and An evening of yarns and folklore from around the Lough Shore.

Fermanagh

Children and parents are being encouraged to get involved with their local library this summer with the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge 2014.  Libraries NI, in collaboration with The Reading Agency, is inviting all children aged 4 and over and their parents/carers to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge called the Mythical Maze.  To start discovering, simply call in to any public library and register to collect a Mythical Maze free fold-out colour poster. Each participant will set their own challenge to read between 2 – 25 library books during the summer and a certificate and medal will be awarded to all those who complete their challenge and find their way through the Mythical Maze.  The Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge is taking place in all libraries across Fermanagh including Enniskillen , Irvinestown  and Lisnaskea.

Derry

The annual Red Sails Festival takes place this year from Sunday 20th July to Saturday 26th July.  The Red Sails Festival is an annual community event by the Portstewart Community Association in conjunction with Coleraine Borough Council.  The Red Sails Family Festival takes place in the picturesque seaside town of Portstewart and is a non-profit making festival organised by the Charitable Portstewart Community Association. Its voluntary members are involved in all aspects of organizing, planning, fund raising and implementing of the events. All of the entertainment and competitions are free, except the golf fees.  See www.redsails.co.uk for this year’s line-up of events.

Armagh

This Sunday 20th July The National Trust’s Argory estate will once again be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music, along with Scottish dancing workshops. There will be solo piping performances and full pipe band sets throughout the afternoon. The Award winning Armagh School of Drum Majors will take part for the fifth year in succession. Once again, there will be traditional Scottish food in the Courtyard and you are encouraged to bring your West Highland or Scottish Terrier along for their very own unique gathering.

Antrim

This Summer, the Fairhill Shopping Centre Ballymena are hosting their very own Kids Club every Sunday from 1.30pm throughout July and August.

Belfast

It’s movie night this Saturday 19th July as the Shawshank Redemption returns to Crumlin Road Gaol.
Doors open 7.00pm, Movie starts 8.00pm. Entry includes free complimentary drink with free parking available on site.

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.

THE Armoy Motorcycle Racing Club has just confirmed that a deal has been struck with major UK television channel, Channel 4, for a one hour highlights programme of the Armoy Road Races which will be aired in August 2014, just two weeks after the races.

Channel 4, already renowned for its coverage of motorsport, sees the thrill of real road racing as a great fit for their programming and with their on demand service, 4oD, the Armoy “Race of Legends” will now reach a wider audience while highlighting the heritage of motorcycle road racing in Ireland.

Local man, Graham Little will present the coverage. Graham is a well-known sports presenter who covered road racing during his time at UTV and Sky Sports and was most recently involved in the production of the BBC’s Moto GP coverage.

He said, “This is great news for Armoy Road Races and Channel 4 alike. With the recent Guy Martin ‘Speed’ series and Channel 4’s involvement in Motorsport this is a great addition to their programming. I’m personally delighted to be involved in the programme and with the Armoy Club, who have worked tirelessly to promote real road racing as a premier sports event.

“The support that local road racing has is quite extraordinary, and with the recent success of the Dunlop’s road racing film, ‘Road’, this UK-wide coverage of the Armoy Road Races serves to ensure that fans will get what they deserve – great coverage of great races!”

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis, said, “As you can imagine the Club is just over the moon. We’ve been working dilligently over the last number of years to bring the Armoy Road Races to as many people as possible.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’d like to thank Channel 4 for seeing the Armoy Road Races as a great event which will provide many existing and potential new fans with the chance to view the show on a mainstream, terrestial channel, which the whole of the UK has access to live and additionally through on demand services.

“This deal would not have been struck without the additional assistance of Tourism Ireland. The fact that NITB and Tourism Ireland can work together and bring international quality events to this part of the world is just fantastic. They ensure events like the Armoy Road Races are first of all funded and then capitalised upon, allowing our landscape to be showcased in Great Britain and beyond.

“The Club and I are extremely grateful for their help which will ensure that road racing, Armoy and all those other hidden gems located around the Causeway Coastal Route, are shown to a much wider audience.”

“Television coverage has become cruical in promoting our sport and ensuring our local fans and Channel 4’s motorsport fans will be able to experience all the action from the Armoy Races on Channel 4 on Saturday, 9^th August 2014 from 7am to 8am, and then on 4OD is a major boost.”

Aubrey Irwin, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Nothern Ireland, “I am delighted, along with NITB, to be able to support the Armoy Road Races. I am confident that this programme will encourage more to come and see this beautiful part of Ireland.

“This part of Northern Ireland is rooted in real road racing heritage. The Armoy Armada, Joey Dunlop, Jim Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy are renowned throughtout the world. Part of their legacy lives on through these races and the Armoy Club has done a terrific job to date.

“I believe the prospect of this Channel 4 show will greatly enhance this event and will only serve to encourage many from far and wide to not only come and see the fantastic road racing but to visit the beautiful Causeway Coast, the famous Game of Thrones ‘Dark Hedges’ and of course the races themselves next year.
“Given the recent success of the Giro d”Italia it is important that we continue to build on our great sporting heritage – this is great news for all!”

Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Road Races, Bill Kennedy concluded, “It is just terrific for the Club, road racers, sponsors and fans alike that the Armoy Road Races and the RiverRidge Recycling ‘Race of the Legends’ can be watched on Channel 4 just two weeks after the races.

“I’ve been told that Chris Kinley and Jeremy McWilliams have agreed to be commentators and with some of the top road racers set to come to Armoy everything is falling into place –  the way it should do!”

Armoy Road Races are sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Moyle District Council’s Tourism Events Fund.

Bike Week 2014 is from 20^th – 26^th July. For more information on the RiverRidge Recycling’s ‘Race of the Legends’ visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page. You can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Enjoy the musical sounds of the great jazz loving cities of New York and New Orleans this summer as The Merchant Hotel’s Berts Jazz Bar hosts a series of exciting live jazz events.

Music lovers can transport themselves back to the chic jazz bars of the ‘Big Apple’ on July 24 – 27 and enjoy ‘Summer in New York’ nights with Fiona and John Trotter presenting the voice of the Golden era of Jazz on Friday July 24.

On Saturday you can sit back, relax and enjoy Dana Masters featuring The Berts All Stars who will showcase The Divas of Jazz before finishing the weekend by soaking up the atmosphere of cool jazz melodies on Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy a taste of summer in New York with speciality cocktails including Gotham, Jersey Devil and Kerouac as well as favourite New York dishes including New York cheesecake, Pastrami bagels and Waldorf salad.

Those wanting to sample the sounds and tastes of New Orleans won’t have to wait very long as Berts’ presents ‘The Story of the Blues’ from August 28 – 31.

Discover the very essence of New Orleans jazz with an exciting line-up featuring the Barry McCrudden trio on Thursday August 28, Ronnie Greer Big Band playing the Kansas city blues on the Friday August 29, the Nigel Mooney Band playing the Chicago blues on the Saturday August 30 and to finish the weekend, Professor James Ronan McGee playing New Orleans blues on Sunday August 31.

A bespoke food and drinks menu will also be created for the New Orleans weekend which will include cocktails such as the Little Hurricano, Bon Ton Special, Delta Fizz and The Big Easy.

For further information, or to book a table, call Berts Jazz Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 028 9023 4888.

Open Gardens offer a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public and the Ulster Gardens Scheme has a spectacular array of gardens waiting to be enjoyed this summer.

The 2014 season continues as Mr and Mrs D I Page open the gates to Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July from 2pm to 5pm.

This mature garden of three acres is situated on an historic site. To the front of the Georgian rectory is a large lawn with mature trees, an ancient well and a developing woodland garden with a small fernery. To the rear of the house is another large lawn with contrasting borders of roses, herbaceous plants and shrubs, as well as an attractive pond area. A wooden rustic fence separates the long herbaceous border from the kitchen garden, with greenhouse, herb, vegetable and fruit gardens. Beyond the lawn is a large old orchard with an ancient apple tree at its centre, as well as an experimental area with wildflowers and annuals. The garden is partially suitable for wheelchairs.  A plant stall and teas will be available during opening hours.

Location: Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills BT57 8YH

From Ballymena take A26 towards Ballymoney. On Ballymoney by-pass go straight on at Kilraughts Road roundabout then take 2nd right onto B66 signposted Dervock. Enter Dervock and turn left (B66) signposted Bushmills.  Continue on this road, go through Derrykeighan.  Approximately 2.3 miles after Derrykeighan at Castlecat turn right, signposted Billy ½ mile, and then immediately fork left onto Haw Road. Continue to the church, turn right onto Cabragh Road, garden is on the right.

From Coleraine take Ballycastle Road (B67). At T junction turn right and then next left, Benvarden Road.  At Derrykeighan turn left, signposted Bushmills and on to Castlecat. From Castlecat directions are as above.

What better way to spend a balmy summer’s day than wandering around other people’s secret paradises. Whether you have a special interest in plants and garden design or simply enjoy beautiful and unusual plants in attractive combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

They say a garden is a friend you can visit anytime and while normally they would be kept behind closed gates, the Ulster Gardens Scheme offers the opportunity to explore the secrets and hidden treasures of wonderful private gardens.

For further information or a copy of the 2014 Ulster Gardens Scheme leaflet please contact National Trust Regional Office on 028 9751 0721 or visit www.ulstergardensscheme.org.uk

Admission £3 – all funds raised help support National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.