THE Armoy Road Races Bike Week gets underway in just a few days, with a packed programme and it promises to offer something for everyone.

The week kicks off on Sunday 20th July with the popular annual Bike Run and Barbeque, which will begin at Tilly Molloy’s in the heart of Armoy village. Last year, over 100 riders signed on for this now very popular tour of the beautiful Antrim coast.

This year, the route will head off to Glenarm via Ballycastle and Waterfoot, stopping at Carnlough before arriving at Glenarm for a quick photo shoot outside the Castle walls.  On then to Larne and the Battery Inn to take in the views before returning via Broughshane, Clough and Cloughmills, and then on to Armoy for a couple of laps of the circuit. Then it is back to Tilly Molloy’s for a Barbeque on the decking overlooking the River Bush and all for £10.

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course, said, “Bike week is a great opportunity to bring people to Armoy and see all that is great about the area and the races.

“During the week we’ve various activities including the local Ballymoney Cycling Club racing around our circuit on Tuesday evening. They’ll be completing a total of nine laps, 27 miles in total with presentation and refreshments in Tilly Molloy’s.

“Wednesday sees a classic car display which just about brings Armoy to a standstill but is well worth waiting for. Each year it just gets bigger and bigger and the cars are just beautiful classic cars.

Thursday celebrates our racing heritage with a gathering of the Coleraine Motorcycle Club and Japanese Vintage Club bikes from our racing past, all before our very own Garth Brooks (aka Jason Hughes) takes to the stage later that evening. There really is no need to go to Dublin – we’ve our own country music star in Armoy!”

“Then we are straight into Practice and Race days on Friday and Saturday, where road racing begins in earnest in Armoy. This year we’ll have the first of our road races on Friday night –a Supersport 600cc  race (1) sponsored by Parker Transport  of Ballycastle and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to them and welcome them on board as a new sponsor at Armoy in 2014.

“Of course I shouldn’t forget about the renowned Miss Armoy Competition in St Olcan’s Hall on the Friday evening where you’ll see a host of ladies vying for the enviable role and title of Miss Armoy, with entertainment from Phoenix Rising.

“Young and old, fans and family just come along to the Armoy Race Bike week -there’s something there for you all to enjoy!”

Summer is here and it is time to take part in the inaugural ‘Family Fun Day’ at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Saturday 2^nd August.

First up, why not come and enjoy a family lunch at our bistro from 12noon with tasty food for the kids and parents to enjoy [separate cost].

Then from 2.00pm to 3.00pm or 3.30pm to 4.30pm, we dive into the magical world of Belle’s Carousel Café in Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s ‘Diving Belle’. Tom the lighthouse keeper fishes by the jaggedy rocks and watches the ships by night. Belle makes such delicious ice cream for her customers. Everything seems fine and dandy until one day a storm brews up! Must Belle reveal her magic secret…a beautiful story for children age 4+ told with magic puppetry.

Following the performance from 3pm to 4pm or 4.30pm to 5.30pm, come along to our workshop and games session where kids can take part in our sea-themed ‘Fun-Craft’ workshop, have their face painted, enjoy balloon modelling, play ‘hook a duck’ and ‘tin can alley’

There will also be a Fancy Dress Competition with prizes for ‘Best Dressed Boy’ and ‘Best Dressed Girl’, so why not get the kids to come along in fancy dress, maybe using the theme from ‘Diving Belle’. They could be sailors, mermaids, pirates, or anything else that sparks their imagination.

All this is included in the £6 ticket price, but hurry, demand is sure to be high. Book now through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

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 14-20).

• Climbit, W5, Odyssey Pavillion, Belfast, throughout the year. Bring your little monkeys along to W5 to enjoy the new and unique Climbit, a three dimensional sculpture that also acts as a climbing frame where children can test their limits.

• The Royal Opera presents La Bohème, City Hall, Belfast, July 15. The big screen in the grounds of the City Hall will host a free screening of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème direct from the Royal Opera House in London, bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy!

• Rathlin Festival Week 2014, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, July 13-20. The annual festival week will host fun events perfect for the whole family including ceilidhs, model yacht races and much more.

• Medieval Fair, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, July 19. Mix with minstrels, storytellers, craftsmen, soldiers and scoundrels in the spectacular setting of Dunluce Castle and enjoy the stalls and other entertainment during this fun family day.

• Portaferry Gala Week, Portaferry, Co. Down, July 19-25. Portaferry will be filled with fun for everyone over the annual gala week with events including vintage tractor displays, paper boat races, live music and dance, arts and crafts and fancy dress parade.

• Family Bushcraft Workshop, Castle Archdale, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, July 19. The family bushcraft workshop will teach young and old the forgotten wilderness skills including identifying animal tracks, orientations and building a simple shelter.

• Martello Tower, Magilligan Point, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, July 19-20.  One of the few towers of its kind still intact, the weekend will allow people to come along and learn about the history and design of the structure which was built between 1812 and 1817 to guard against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

• Sperrins Hillwalking Festival, Plumbridge, Co.Tyrone, July 19-20. Pull on your walking shoes over the weekend and enjoy walks led by professional walking guides taking you through the fascinating landscape and revealing the hidden gems of the Sperrins region.

• Ulster Fleadh, Various, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, July 19 -27. An exciting week-long festival of music, song, dance and craic with competitions, concerts and street entertainment perfect for the whole family.

• Argory Tartan, The Argory, Moy, Co. Armagh, July 20. The estate will be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music along with Scottish dancing workshops, traditional Scottish food and more.

Down

Ahoy, me Hearties! Batten down the hatches and prepare for a pirate showdown at Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, on 12th July.  It’s all hands on deck with our swashbuckling pirate pursuits.  Ye better dress in your finest pirate tackle to impress the captain in his brand new best dressed competition, with prizes for the top pictures uploaded online.  Scallywags young and old can play tug o’ war on the front lawn, just don’t fall into Davy Jones’ Locker!

Tyrone

This year’s Glenelly Rockin’ By The River Festival festival takes place in Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, from Sunday 13th July to Sunday 20th July 2014 with lots of fun for all the family including family walks, kiddies night, variety concert, show and shine car exhibition, evening entertainment and much more.

Fermanagh

Enjoy some live music in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Archdale on Sunday 13th July the Courtyard from 12pm-5pm. There will be a selection of bands with different music genres, something for everyone.

Derry

The third annual Benone Summer Craft Fair by Limavady Crafters takes place this Sunday 13th July at Benone Tourist Complex. Come and shop at this amazing fair packed to the brim with the beautiful handmade crafts and foods an there are plenty of activities to keep the children occupied. 11.00am to 4.00pm. Admission is free.

Armagh

Book your place now for the 27th John Hewitt International Summer School  from Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August 2014 in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. A feast of arts and literature, the 27th John Hewitt International Summer School will bring together in Armagh’s Market Place Theatre high profile writers, artists, performers, speakers and critics to consider a selected theme, inspired by John Hewitt’s poetry.

Antrim

The Dalriada Festival 13th – 19th July is a packed programme of events that highlight the unique historic sporting, music and food cultures of both Ireland and Scotland. The Dalriada Festival reflects our shared heritage which extends back in time to the ancient kingdom of Dal Riada and beyond. See www.dalriadafestival.co.uk for full programme of events.

Belfast

It’s Family Fun Day at Belfast Zoo this weekend on 12th & 13th July 2014. During this weekend you can enjoy a range of family activities, including face painting and a bouncy castle. Animal feeding times will be taking place throughout the day.  For more information, call us on 028 9077 6277or email events@belfastzoo.co.uk
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.

Solitude Park, Banbridge, is set to become an enchanted world of magic and delight as Banbridge District Council present an enthralling open-air theatrical production of Emily Bronte’s celebrated literary classic, Wuthering Heights, on Friday 25 July 2014 at 7.30pm.

Performed by Chapterhouse Theatre Company, Emily Bronte’s classic love story Wuthering Heights tells the treasured story of enduring love and passion that has thrilled and entranced for generations. It is now brought alive on stage in an adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner.

Can Catherine and Heathcliff’s everlasting love bring happiness or will the very forces of nature and the moors tear them apart?

Banbridge Council Arts and Events Officer Leah Duncan commented: “This free outdoor event offers a delightful opportunity for family and friends to spend some quality time together experiencing a rich cultural experience.

This theatre production is set in the splendorous setting of Solitude Park, and once again we are hoping for the public to come along and enjoy this event in the magnificent numbers we have previously experienced. Everyone is welcome to pack a picnic and enjoy this wonderful performance under the summer evening sky.”

So let yourself be whisked away on a thrilling journey of this classic love story.

In conjunction with the outdoor theatre, Libraries NI are providing professional actors in the three of the libraries across the district, Banbridge, Dromore and Rathfriland. These actors will be re-enacting excerpts from a selection of the Bronte novels along with one piece from Wuthering Heights. These are taking place in the run up to the outdoor theatre – in Banbridge and Rathfriland on Tuesday 22^nd July from 7-8pm and in Dromore on Wednesday 23^rd July from 7-8pm. All these events are free admission but prior booking with each library is advisable.

For further information about this or other events contact the Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 028 4066 0605.

Ireland’s top Garth Brooks tribute is performing at the Armoy Road Races on Thursday 24^th July

The organisers of the Armoy Road Races have confirmed the venue and will be hosting their Garth Brooks tribute evening during Race week. On top of the other great spectator and participant attractions throughout the week we listened to our fans and what they told us was, they wanted a party – so we’re giving them one!

Following the news that the Garth Brooks Dublin shows ‘Ain’t Going Down’ – Ireland’s very own Garth Brooks, Jason Hughes, will be performing live on Thursday 24^th July from 9pm at St Olcans Hall, Armoy. So come along to see Garth Brooks ‘In Another’s Eyes’ as Jason Hughes!

Jason is in big demand up and down the country and I’m sure if you’ve seen him perform, you’ll agree he’s well worth the watching. Jason himself jokes that he has;”been Garth Brooks longer than Garth Brooks”. Jason will play after the Vintage bike display and tickets can be bought in advance at the Armoy Petrol Station and at the Armoy Club Office during race week or on entry to the hall, doors open at 9.00pm.

William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club stated: “We wanted to entertain people and put on a show, and we think Jason Hughes will do just that. We knew people were going to see Garth Brooks as it fell on the same weekend as the Armoy Road Races, however we never thought that this would be the only Garth Brooks act playing that night in all of Ireland!”

Tickets for our very own Garth Brooks cost only £8 each – much cheaper than having to travel to Dublin, and much less hassle to get to, and we guarantee that we won’t make our fans camp outside for days just to get a ticket!

So if you’re feeling disheartened by the sad news sweeping the nation – don’t worry! Come on down to ‘Race Week’, from Sunday 20^th July to Saturday 26^th, to see our very own Garth performing all the classic hits! So gather all your ‘Friends In Low Places’ and make your way to Armoy. To win two tickets to the tribute evening just search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and like and share the appropriate post.

Armoy Road Races are also sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Moyle District Council.

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.

The maximum number of young people from the Crescent Arts Youth Theater (CAYT) have been awarded a place to participate in the Commonwealth Culture 2014 programme this month.

Nineteen young people from across Northern Ireland will travel to Glasgow next week, where they will be representing Northern Ireland in this year’s Commonwealth Culture 2014 programme.  Five of these young people, the maximum allowed per organisation, have been selected from CAYT, which is something the staff and management at the Crescent Arts Centre are extremely proud of.

Keith Acheson, Crescent Arts Centre Director, said:  “We are absolutely thrilled with what the girls have achieved in securing their places at the Commonwealth Games.  The entire Crescent Arts Centre team and CAYT are extremely proud that Caoimhe, Courtney, Lucy, Rosaleen and Rose will be representing not only us, but also the rest of Northern Ireland at the upcoming games. What they have achieved in such a short space of time is down to their hard work and dedication and to the inspiring work of CAYT Director Andrea and our Outreach and Education Officer Ann Feely.”

Keith went on to say: “For many, this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn from and work with other young people from across the Commonwealth and perform together on an international stage.  The main reason that we have been able to secure the maximum number of places is due to Andrea Grimason and Ann Feely for engaging fully with this opportunity.”

Ann Feely, Outreach and Education Officer said: “ It has been a pleasure to work with Andrea and the young people on this Outreach and Education project.  This project started at Christmas and the girls have done so well to get this far under the direction of Andrea. Thank you also to Keara Fulton and everyone at UAYD for their constant support of this initiative.”

These young people will form the International Performing Company, part of the National Theatre of Scotland’s The Tin Forest festival, together with ninety other young people from all over the Commonwealth, including Jamaica, India, Malta and New Zealand.

The participants will perform live over three days, 21 – 23 July.

NORTHERN Ireland’s Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local sport teams to get a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Sports Stars scheme which will see £2,500 up for grabs.

The new bursary programme is open to sporting clubs located nearby each of Little Wing’s five branches: Holywood, Bangor, Ann Street, Belfast, Lisburn Road, Belfast and Ballyhackamore*.

The bursaries will be available to clubs coaching children under 12 years old and five teams will be awarded with a £500 bursary.

To apply for the bursary scheme, sports clubs simply need to write a 300 word explanation of why they need the bursary and what it will be used for and email it to bursaries@littlewingpizzeria.co.uk before the closing date of Friday September 19.
Commenting on the sports bursaries, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said:

“Little Wing has five highly successful branches in Northern Ireland and we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community by supporting local schools, clubs and charities so the Little Wing’s Little Sports Stars bursaries are an extension of this support.

“Throughout the year we get a lot of requests from children’s sports clubs to help them with sponsorship so we decided to launch this programme to give all local clubs an equal chance of being granted additional funding.

“I would encourage all clubs that are interested to apply for a bursary which can be put towards anything the club needs financial assistance with such as new sporting kits, equipment or even to go towards the general costs of running the club.”

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information visit littlewingpizzeria.com

Fans of Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Jackson Browne should hurry along to Ward Park this Sunday, July 13, as North Down Borough Council’s Summer Sundays continue at The Bandstand with Nathan O’Regan and Band performing the music of Elvis Costello, Jackson Browne and Bruce Springsteen.

The programme got off to a great start last weekend with over 500 people attending the park for the first event of the summer.

Cork-born Nathan has been working hard on crafting his live performances and draws crowds wherever he goes all over Ireland. Nathan has a voice that is distinctive, diverse, powerful yet comforting and when performing creates an intimate yet explosive atmosphere.

Despite being only 21 years old, Nathan is an old soul. The Cork-man’s voice looks back to a time when song writing was craft, taking inspiration from the likes of Jackson Browne, Billy Joel and Springsteen; but is current enough that Paolo Nutini should be feeling worried.

Nathan will be joined by his band; Collie McClean, Gareth Hughes & Paul Hamilton for his Ward Park debut.

So if you fancy relaxing to some smooth sounds in beautiful surroundings then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

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

Roadside Kia sponsors Super Twin Race

ARMOY Road Races have confirmed this week that the Ryan Farquhar KMR Kawasaki team supported by SGS International will have three riders competing this July.

Roadside Garages Kia of Coleraine, also confirmed they are back on board as sponsors of the 650 Super Twin Race which is part of the Armoy “Race of Legends” road races on Saturday 26^th July.

Speaking this week, KMR Kawasaki team manager, Ryan Farquhar announced that three racers, Scotland’s Keith Amor and English men Danny Webb and Connor Behan, who currently leads the Supertwins Irish Road Race Championship will be competing at the Armoy Road Races.

Ryan Farquhar, “I’m delighted that my team will be at the Armoy Road Races. I’ve been at Armoy every year since it began in some guise or other and it wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t make it to Armoy. Keith Amor has raced and won at Armoy before but it’ll be interesting to see what this year is going to be like.

“Connor was a newcomer last year and did incredibly well with a second in the Junior Support race, followed up with a first and setting a new lap record in the Senior Support race to give him his first Armoy win, pretty good going I’d say.

“Danny Webb, former MotoGP World125GP and Moto3 racer has got great credentials and having previously competed in Supersport World Championships, I’m really looking forward to seeing what he is going to make of Armoy’s demanding three mile circuit.

“There is no doubt that the Roadside Garages Kia sponsored 650 Super Twin Race at Armoy is going to be very interesting. It is one of those races that is just a wee bit special and I always enjoy it one way or another and given the Hamilton, McWilliams tussle last year that Jamie won, but Jeremy set the new Super Twin lap record, well let’s just say, you never know what this year will throw up.”

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course said, “I’m delighted with the line up that the Ryan Farquhar KMR/SGS Kawasaki team is bringing to Armoy. All three riders have great pedigree whether it is Keith Amor, Danny Webb or Connor Behan, and I’m really looking forward to seeing them all in action. It will make for a very exciting Supertwin race. The KMR/SGS Kawasaki team is going to be one of the more formidable teams and I advise you to keep an eye on them over the two days of racing at Armoy.

Kennedy also welcomed back Roadside Garages Kia as sponsors for the 650 Supertwin Race; “Roadside Garages Kia have been a great supporter to the Armoy Road Races for a number of years now. They provide us with sponsorship and two Kia race officials vehicles, which are branded with the AMRRC logo and Race Week dates. This is a great way to raise the profile of the event and without support from sponsors like this the race just wouldn’t happen.”

Ian Lamont, Sales Manger at Roadside Garages, said, “Roadside Garages has been involved with the Armoy Road Races for the last three years. It’s a great relationship, which works for both Armoy and Roadside Garages Kia.

“Each year it is just gets better and better, the Club is doing a fantastic job and I commend them for the way they engage and look after their sponsors – it couldn’t be better! It’s hard to believe this is only their sixth year.

“Once again it’s a privilege to be involved and along with the Ryan Farquhar KMR/SGS Kawasaki team added to the Super Twins race it looks that there is going to be some great road racing!”

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 and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.