The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has just released its Autumn | Winter 2014 season programme, which takes off with an amazing array of events to brighten up your September evenings.

Following their critically-acclaimed production of ‘L’Elisir d’Amore’ last year, award-winning Northern Ireland Opera return with Mozart’s most popular opera, ‘The Magic Flute’ on 4^th September. With colourful characters including a giant serpent, a loveable bird catcher, and a hero on a quest to rescue a beautiful princess, The Magic Flute features some of opera’s most famous arias and a hilarious fairytale story of good and evil.

Don’t miss out on the rare chance to see Conal Gallen back in his one-man stand-up show on Friday 5^th and Saturday 6^th September, and see why he really is Ireland’s funniest man! Due to the phenomenal success of Conal’s comedy play ‘A Bit On The Side’, he has been doing a very limited number of one man stand up shows and the Market Place Theatre is the place to see him.

Taking centre-stage at September’s Jazz Supper Club on Friday 5^th is clarinettist and alto saxophonist Gay McIntyre whose associations include Acker Bilk, Kenny Ball, Louis Stewart and Nat King Cole among many others. He will perform tracks from years gone by that provide fond memories of his extensive career. Timeless classics such as ‘Strangers On The Shore’, ‘Moon River’, ‘Danny Boy’ and ‘The Days Of Wine And Roses’.

Now in their seventeenth year together, ‘Talon’ have been recognised at the ‘National Tribute Awards’ as the ‘Official UK No. 1’ Eagles tribute show. Their latest production will feature all the classic Eagles hits including ‘Hotel California’, ‘Lyin’ Eyes’, ‘Take It Easy’, ‘Desperado’, ‘Take It To The Limit’, ‘Life In The Fast Lane’, ‘The Last Resort’ and many more, and will be staged on Thursday 11^th September.

Pat McCabe is one of Ireland’s most daringly original writers. ‘Frank Pig Says Hello’ is the stage version of his highly acclaimed novel ‘The Butcher Boy’ which was shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Set in 1960’s rural Ireland, it is a poignant and provocative journey into the heart and mind of Francie Brady, a young man driven beyond the boundaries of his mental and emotional health.

The Market Place is delighted to present ‘Night Music’ new for 2014, a series of classical concerts featuring top classical performers with the opportunity to enjoy wine and tapas before the show. On Friday 26^th September, award-winning Northern Irish pianist Michael McHale will fit the bill with a delightful programme of popular classics, including Schubert’s Four Impromptus op.90, alongside music from his début solo album, ‘The Irish Piano’.

On Saturday 27^th September, it’s time to dig out those flares and boogie on down to The Market Place for our ‘Super 70’s Saturday’. Kicking things off and celebrating the 40th anniversary of ‘Waterloo’ and the music of ABBA is ‘The Bjorn Identity’, Ireland’s premier Abba tribute show. Audiences of all ages can discover and re-live the magic of the Swedish Super Group, Abba and their musical legacy. The night of nostalgia continues with our 70’s themed disco after the show with Fancy Dress Competition prizes and lots of special offers and promotions in the bar.

The Market Place Theatre Cajun | Bluegrass Club returns by storm to round off September on Saturday 27^th, with the best of bluegrass and Cajun music and food that is as spicy as the music. ‘Wookalily’ is a female led Americana folk band with roots in bluegrass and country. They turf out timeless songs from the bogs of Northern Ireland to the bayous of Louisiana. Their style has an old-timey feel with a young-timey appeal.

Tickets for all events can be booked by contacting 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.

Loughshore Park in Jordanstown will be buzzing with music and fun activities for all the family when the annual Shoreline Festival returns for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

A huge array of family fun activities will land at the Shoreline making sure that everyone will be well entertained!

On Saturday 23 August, grab a blanket and a teddy and join the Teddy Bear’s Picnic! Learn some impressive skills at the circus workshop and say hello to children’s favourite characters who will be on walkabout!

Make and fly your own kite at the craft workshop on Sunday 24 August and then witness birds of prey in action at the amazing Falconry Display.

Monday 25 August will bring tons of fun at the bubbletastic foam party! Mini golf and archery will test your skills while laser tag will be sure to stir up some competition.

Each day, the Family Fun Zone will also include bouncy castles, a petting farm and amusement rides (chargeable) while each evening, live music entertainment will transform the park into a concert venue. Check out the fantastic line up at www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline or the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/shorelinefestival

With the exception of the amusement rides, all events and activities are absolutely FREE! So be sure not to miss out on fantastic and affordable days out for all the family before school starts back and make your way down to the Shoreline Festival!

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 18 – August 24).

• Ulster Rally, Enniskillen Town, Co Fermanagh August 15 – 16. For some heart racing action head to Enniskillen this weekend for the 38th Ulster Rally where all the best drivers and cars from across the UK, Ireland and beyond take part in a thrilling race extravaganza.

• Tennents Vital, Boucher Road, Belfast, Co Antrim, August 21 and 24. Tennents Vital has been tipped as one of the highlights of the summer where big acts such as The Killers, Bastille, David Guetta and Steve Angello perform to thousands on Boucher Road.

• Big Drawing Day, Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices, Belfast, Co Antrim, August 23. Get creative on a fully tutored course designed to improve core observation skills and teach you how to draw what you see.  The Big Drawing Day will take place at the historic Harland and Wolff Drawing Offices offering plenty of inspiration. The event is suitable for beginners and experienced artists who want to reconnect with their core foundation skills.

• Shambles Free Family Fun Day, The Shambles Yard, Co Armagh, August 23. Enjoy an exciting day suitable for the entire family with children’s workshops, a magician, face painting, music, cookery demonstration, traditional market and a petting farm.

• Hilden Beer and Music Festival, Hilden, Co Antrim, August 22 -24. A favourite for all lovers of beer and music, the Hilden Beer and Music Festival is a celebration of the best beers in the UK and Ireland and Northern Ireland’s finest local musical talent. Hilden Brewery’s unique Georgian courtyard will be packed to the brim with an outdoor gourmet kitchen, more beer and great music than you can shake a stick at.

• Sunflowerfest, Tubby’s Farm, Cabra Road, Hillsborough, Co Down, August 22 – 25. The 4-day festival of music and arts features the cream of local and international bands and artists performing on 5 different stages.  Adults can kick back and enjoy the music while the kids have the time of their lives listening to storytelling, puppetry, craft workshops, painting and a wonderland of fairies and make-believe in the enchanted glade.

• Family Fun Evening, Lisnaskea, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, August 23. Enjoy a variety of family activities including face painting, glitter tattoos, balloon modelling, outside disco (weather permitting), bouncy castle, delicious BBQ and scrumptious tuck shop. You can also try your luck at the lucky dip and go home with a few prizes!

• Belfast Mela, Botanic Gardens, Belfast, Co Antrim, August 24. Explore the wonders of the world at Ireland’s largest festival of world cultures.  The Belfast Mela – meaning ‘to meet’ – is jam-packed with a show stopping line up featuring music, dance, food, fashion, street theatre, circus and carnival from across the globe, all presented in a high energy and vibrant day out.

• City of Derry Guitar Festival, Foyle Theatre, North West Regional College, Strand Road, Co Londonderry August 21-24. This unique festival, in its 12^th year, is great for all music lovers featuring concerts, guitar master classes, workshops and lecturers in a relaxed atmosphere.   Look out for performances from the legendary Gordon Giltrap whose hit single ‘Heartsong’ was nominated for an Ivor Novello award and was the theme tune to the BBC’s Holiday programme

• RSPB Big Wild Campout, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co Tyrone, August 23. Experience a camping trip like no other and get close to nature with the RSPB in the fantastic surroundings of the Ulster American Folk Park. Get involved in bat detecting, enjoy nature trails, movie screening, stargazing, arts and crafts and face painting.

Down

Enjoy a wonderful open-air production of Jason & the Argonauts by Off the Ground Theatre Compan at the Bawn of Killyleagh Castle on Saturday 16th August, curtain-up 7.30pm sharp. Adults £11, Senior Citizens £8 and under 21’s £5. Tickets available online or from Picnic Deli,  Killyleagh and at the gate on the evening. Everyone welcome, bring a picnic, rugs or picnic chairs and the family.

Tyrone

Castlecaulfield Show, Vintage Rally and Fun Day this Saturday 16^th August will feature flowers, fruit, vegetables, home crafts, live entertainment, refreshments, demonstrations and fun activities. The Manor House and marquees will house all entry exhibits and over 20 craft stalls. Afternoon tea will be served in the ballroom between 1.00pm and 3.45pm with a BBQ also available. The House and show marquee will house 15 sections covering 176 classes and will be open from 1.30pm.  A free shuttle bus will operate within the grounds.

Fermanagh

The spotlight is on Belcoo again as their annual Sports & Festival is about to kick off. It promises to be an exciting event running all week until 17th August with lots of fun for all ages. One of this year’s highlights will be the Rodeo Themed Bar in the marquee which ties in with the Country & Folk night on Saturday 16th August.  A Country Music Disco, Buckin’ Bronco competition and a performance from popular folk band The Rockhill Ramblers promises to entertain.

Derry

Come and see one of Mid-Ulster’s biggest and best car shows on Saturday 16th August at the Mid Ulster Auction Yard Magherafelt (Beside the Castledawson Roundabout).  The show will be hosting a judged Show ‘n’ Shine with prizes in various categories.  This is a family day out for all and includes activities for kids and bouncy inflatables, including entertainment and commentary by the famous DJ Danny Dee.  On show will be some of the country’s best cars and will play host to live motor sport hosted by Magherafelt and District Motor Club.

Armagh

It is Victorian weekend at the Argory. This is your chance to see what really goes on behind closed doors in the Big House. Meet the Housekeeper, the Governess and the Lady’s Maid and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in the Octagon Room. Children can dress up, join in Victorian games and pick up some treats in the Victorian sweetshop. An experience not to be missed!

Antrim

The UGP practice session will commence on Wednesday 13th August continuing on the morning of Thursday 14th August. On Thursday afternoon the Dundrod 150 races take place and the main race day is Saturday 16th August. Log on to www.ulstergrandprix.net for further information on all events and races.

Belfast

Ravara Productions present Aladdin Jr at the Belvoir Players Studio 14^th,15^th and 16^th August. Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! All of your favourite characters are here in this stage adaptation of the Disney hit, including Aladdin, Jasmine, and of course, the Genie. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences’ spirits will soar with excitement. Most of all, the tuneful, Academy award-winning score with songs including  A Whole New World and Friend Like Me will certainly make this musical a favourite for many years to come!

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.

12 AUGUST – 31 AUGUST

Until 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

Throughout August, Bangor Open House Festival

Various locations

Info: openhousefestival.com

Thursday 14 August, Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour

Meeting point: Bangor Abbey

7pm, £3. Discover some of the graveyards most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic.

Pre-booking essential. Call to book. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 16 August, ‘Nautical Past’ Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough

Meeting point: The Jetty, Pickie Funpark in Bangor

2pm, £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. Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

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

Saturday 16 August, Eddie Skelly Swim

Groomsport, 4pm

Grant Aided Event.

Info: facebook.com/eddieskelly.memorialswim

Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 16: Magician, Face Painting

Sun 17: Circus Skills, Balloon Modelling & 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 17 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: Dana Masters Band, performing Motown, Soul, Jazz and Rock ‘n Roll

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

Monday 18 – Saturday 23 August, Clandeboye Festival

Clandeboye Estate, Bangor

Grant Aided Event.

This will be the 12th Festival at Clandeboye and as usual there will be a range of talent to learn from the best artistic talent the world has

to offer, this year from USA, Chile, England, France and Finland.

Info: camerata-ireland.com/clandeboye

Wednesday 20 August, Kids Nature Trail in Castle Park, Bangor

Meeting point: North Down Museum, Bangor

10.30am, free. Join this interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and well-known bird expert Dot Blakely, where you

will learn all about the natural habitat and bird life that exist in the grounds of Castle Park.

Pre-booking essential. Call to book.

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

Worldwide Missionary Convention

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor

Grant Aided Event

Info: worldwidemission.org

Saturday 23 August, Bank Holiday Fun at the Museum

North Down Museum, Bangor

Puppet shows: 2pm – Little Red Riding Hood, 3pm – Peppa Pig’s Birthday Party. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Cost £1. Free admission. Open: Tues-Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 12 noon – 4.30pm. Closed Mondays except July, August & Bank Holidays.

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

Saturday 23 August, Bangor Culture Day

Bangor Seafront and Town Centre

Free entertainment, 2pm-7pm

The first Bangor Culture Day takes place in less than two weeks! Local businesses and public spaces throughout the town centre will host

performances, workshops and demonstrations from hundreds of creative people. There will be an open air tea dance, a record fair, a craft bazaar and creative emporium, iPhone photography workshops, a street market, open air yoga and tai chi classes, a Reggae Sun Splash Sound System on the pier, flash dances, a campervan jam and dozens of other artistic delights.

Info: openhousefestival.com, sharon@openhousefestival

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 23: Party Animals NI, Glitter Tattoos

Sun 24: 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 24 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: Avalon String Quarter

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

Tuesday 26 August: Christian Heritage Walk, Bangor

Meeting point: Bangor Abbey

2.30pm, £3. This tours visits sites including Bangor Abbey, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down

Museum that houses various artefacts including a life-size reconstruction of a monks cell.

Info and tickets: 028 9127 0069, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 30: Science Show

Sun 31: Ark Farm, Face Painting & 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 31 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: Open House Bluegrass Picnic

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

To launch Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s new Titanic and Causeway Marathon Walks coming up this September, the first brave sign ups from the Horatio Group, took a giant leap to inspire others to follow suit.

The Belfast based hospitality group whose popular restaurants include Madison’s Hotel and the Botanic Inn are encouraging as many people as possible to sign up for the Titanic walk which has particular significance to their staff.

“In December 2013, we sadly lost a great friend and colleague, Kevin Dorothy. Kevin was renowned for his humorous anecdotes and for sharing plenty of smiles and laughs with customers and colleagues in the 19 years he worked for the Company and is fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of working with him”.

Kevin’s colleagues at Madison’s Hotel suggested that the Horatio Group help raise funds and awareness of the work of NICHS and they are hoping to do this by getting as many staff as possible involved in the marathon walk.

Whether you are an experienced walker or just looking for a challenge, sign up for either Belfast’s most exciting urban marathon walk at Titanic on 7^th September or for the Causeway Coast Marathon Walk on 27^th September. You can choose from two challenging distances of 25km and 50km on both walks which take in iconic sights as well as beautiful scenery.

The Horatio Group continued, “We endeavour to raise as much money as possible each year to support a worthwhile cause and this year is no different! We jumped at the opportunity to help fundraise for Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke, an organisation which does a fantastic job in helping people and their families to meet the challenges of living with these conditions”.

Cheryl Brown, Events & Marketing Co-ordinater explains “Taking part in the Titanic or Causeway Marathon Walk will help NICHS raise vital funds towards life-saving research. The money you raise is also used by NICHS for the care and prevention of chest, heart and stroke illnesses.”

Cheryl continues “We work with people who have these conditions and their families, offering crucial practical and emotional support at what can be one of the most difficult times of their lives. Our support groups provide an opportunity for people to come together and share experiences while benefitting from a structured programme of activities including rehabilitation, exercise and information about their conditions. We do health promotion work in schools, with the homeless and in the workplace. We fund research relating to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. And we campaign at Assembly level for the people who are affected by these conditions and their families. So please sign up to one of our Marathon Walks and help us to continue the work we do. You really will make a difference.”

To register, or for more information, visit www.nichs.org.uk/marathonwalks or call 028 9032 0184.

The 2014 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, Ireland’s leading international contemporary arts Festival has announced two new sponsors for key music strands of this year’s programme.

Leading telecoms provider O2 International Sim and Belfast Harbour have added their support as sponsors of the Music Club and the Classical Music elements respectively – both of which will showcase a diverse spectrum of the world’s leading musical talent in venues across the city from 16th October- 1st November as part of this year’s Festival.

Richard Wakely, Director, Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, commented “For 17 days the city of Belfast will be buzzing to the beat of music from all over the world and this would not be possible without the support of our sponsors and public sector funders. We are delighted to be welcoming two new sponsors, O2 International Sim and Belfast Harbour and look forward to working closely with them over the coming months and alongside our Title Sponsor, Ulster Bank, Principal Funder, Arts Council for Northern Ireland, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Queen’s University, Belfast City Council, British Council, Arts & Business NI and Department for Social Development – as together we celebrate the positive and transforming role of the arts to our city.”

Belfast Harbour will align their sponsorship to the classical programming of the festival, which features a range of high quality performances from award-winning acts from Sweden, Switzerland, UK and Ireland, which will be revealed on the Festival’s 4^th September launch.  Highlight events which are currently on sale include three performances from our very own Ulster Orchestra featuring visiting artists of international repute, including a thrilling opening concert of ‘Four Distinct Moods in Music’ with outstanding young Ukrainian violinist Valeriy Sokolov, an evening of ‘Classics Though The Ages’ with works by Haydn, Brahms, Strauss and Stravinsky and ‘Fanfare to Fate’ which celebrates the work of local composer Simon Mawhinney alongside those pf Beethoven andTchaikovsky and featuring world-renowned pianist Barry Douglas

On launching the partnership, Roy Adair, Chief Executive, Belfast Harbour said: “Belfast Harbour is strongly committed to the people and communities we reach and believe that engaging with arts will help build a sustainable society. Facilitating access to the arts is a key dimension of our community engagement strategy and we are delighted to form this partnership with the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. The Festival is a major highlight of the local arts calendar and we look forward to seeing the international talent showcased during the classical music programme.”

The Festival’s Music Club returns for 2014 and is presented in association with O2 International Sim. Sponsorship of the festival and Music Club in particular, offers O2 the potential to reach a high number of festival goers, of which there were 45,000 in 2013, to promote their latest offers including the O2 international sim brand incorporating an international sim card for calls between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.  The Music Club features a number of unmissable Irish and Northern Ireland premieres from soul, folk and blues legends, all to be revealed at the Festival’s launch on 4^th September.

“O2 International Sim is really excited to be partnering with the Music Club and the wider festivities of the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s. As a brand, it has a strong legacy of supporting the arts, especially live music so the opportunity to work with the Festival was too good to miss. O2 International Sim can bring great benefits to festival goers and the the people of Northern Ireland, they can call Ireland from just 1p. They only have to top up €15 to enjoy free O2 to O2 calls, as well as 100mb of data. O2 International Sim is looking forward to interacting with the Irish community and the famous Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s atmosphere to promote its great calling rates, data top up offers and coverage it has to Ireland and the rest of the World.”

The Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s presents great and diverse works of art from home and abroad and brings audiences something very special that they cannot see elsewhere all combining to deliver one unique festival which runs throughout the city from 16 October – 1 November.  The 2014 festival features performers from 18 different countries covering classical and contemporary music, film, dance, theatre, talks and visual arts, many of which are EU, UK and Ireland premieres.  First shows are now on sale with further booking information to be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, Check-in to www.belfastfestival.com

Coleraine Borough Council brings fireworks, fun and rock ‘n’ roll to Ramore Head, Portrush on Saturday 16^thAugust with an outdoor ‘Summer Entertainment Evening’.

The evening will star Northern Ireland’s only 1950s and 1960s rock n roll band, ‘The Soda Popz’. For further details on the event contact Coleraine Tourist Information Centre on 02870344723 or email info@northcoastni.com. For the latest updates visitwww.northcoastni.com.

Coleraine Borough Council brings rock ‘n’ roll to Ramore Head, Portrush on Saturday 16^th August with an outdoor ‘Summer Entertainment Evening’. The evening will star Northern Ireland’s only 1950s and 1960s rock n roll band, ‘The Soda Popz’!

The seven piece live band which features some of Northern Ireland’s top musicians and vocalists. These will include local singer Michelle Baird who will take to the stage at 8-30pm for a two hour performance, ahead of the annual August fireworks extravaganza which will begin at 10.30pm.

Soda Popz performance includes a unique action packed, fully costumed ‘Jukebox Jive’ show. The show will pay a memorable tribute to some of the best-loved hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s, as well as giving some modern tunes a rock ‘n’ roll twist.

Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor George Duddy said, “This is a great event and will certainly be a trip down memory lane, inspired by the 1950s and 60s. An era in which show bands and dance halls were widely popular.

“We know our very own Arcadia Ballroom in Portrush was so popular at that time, it drew dancers from across Northern Ireland and is known for hosting some of the country’s most celebrated show bands.

“With the Soda Popz performance and the fireworks extravaganza lighting the skies over Ramore Head, Portrush, this free evening of family entertainment is one of the highlights in the summer seasons calendar.”

Coleraine Borough Council’s Events Officer, Christine McKee commented, “The Soda Popz are a sensational seven piece live band who will wow the crowd with the songs of Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Elvis, The Drifters, Connie Francis and many more, so this two hour spectacular is guaranteed to get you dancing!

“A range of children’s entertainment will also be available to keep the little rock ‘n’ rollers happy during their visit. So fellas…slick your hair back, ladies…put on your best red lippy and make your way down to Ramore Head, Portrush on Saturday 16^th August for a rock and roll night to remember!”

Lead vocalist of the Soda Popz, Michelle Baird is a regular performer in Coleraine and a former member of Portrush Music Society and University of Ulster, Coleraine. She has also performed at many prestigious events throughout the UK and Ireland as a soloist and as part of The Leading Ladies vocal harmony quartet.

Speaking about the event, Michelle commented, “I am very excited to be back in the Coleraine Borough doing something completely different in the form of rock ‘n’ roll! Being raised in a home where this type of music was always playing, I couldn’t help but develop a real love for this fabulous era. The music, the fashion and the stories of the dance halls were fascinating’’.

For further details on the event contact Coleraine Tourist Information Centre on 02870344723 or emailinfo@northcoastni.com. For the latest updates visit www.northcoastni.com. or www.colerainebc.gov.uk.

What do you do with an Armagh Bramley Apple?  Bake a tart or stew it up as a sauce for roast pork?

Perhaps you’d like to try something a little more exotic – maybe make an Armagh Bramley Apple Mousse, use it in a savoury dish like pan-seared rump of lamb with Armagh Bramley Apple and Mint Salsa, or perhaps impress your dinner guests with Sweet Armagh Bramley Apple Spring Rolls!

If that’s whet your appetite to see and try such dishes for yourself, then put this date in your diary – Saturday 6^th September 2014 – when the inaugural Armagh Bramley Apple Festival takes place at the Shambles Market Yard in Armagh City from 10am until 6pm.

Being organised as part of Armagh City & District Council’s Armagh Bramley Development Programme, which is funded through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 (NIRDP) and administered through Southern Organisation for Action in Rural Areas (SOAR), the Festival is set to showcase Armagh Bramley Apples in their rightful place at the heart of the County’s historic tradition of culinary apple production and as an iconic Northern Irish food product that we should all take more pride in and celebrate for its unique characteristics.

The European Union has already given Armagh Bramley Apples such recognition, having awarded them Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status. That places Armagh Bramley Apples in the same league as the likes of Jamón de Serón, Feta Cheese, Cornish Pasties, Edam Cheese, Jambon de Bayonne, Arbroath Smokies and Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, to name but a select few, though not forgetting Lough Neagh Eels and Comber Early Potatoes!

Basically, what the PGI Quality Mark means is that no other bramley apple has quite the same attributes as one from the Diocese of Armagh, thanks to the distinctive climate and environmental conditions of the region in which they are grown and the way they are nurtured. Our Armagh Bramley Apples are a bit bigger than most, have a flatter top and bottom, are solid green in colour with a reddish blush, are more robust for a longer shelf-life, and, perhaps most importantly as a culinary apple, they have a delectable tangy flavour and maintain that taste and their texture when cooked. Now, is that not worth celebrating?

And celebration is what the Armagh Bramley Apple Festival is all about! At this free-to-attend event you can discover more about what makes Armagh Bramley Apples so special direct from the growers who produce them; learn about their history in the area, which can be traced back to the days of Saint Patrick when he is credited with planting an apple tree at the ancient settlement of Ceangoba, east of the City; watch local chefs on the Flogas demonstration kitchens create mouth-watering dishes from the new Armagh Bramley Cookbook, which will be launched at the Festival; check out the exciting and refreshing hand-crafted Armagh Bramley Apple juices and ciders that are being produced right here on your doorstep; and see what else they can be used for from other local artisan food companies – ever tried Balsamic Vinegar infused with Armagh Bramley Apple or Armagh Bramley Apple Ice Cream?

But that’s not all, while Armagh Bramley Apples are at the ‘core’ of the Festival, there will be plenty of fun and entertainment for the kids, while the adults can stock up their fridges and pantries from a select line-up of local artisan food producers – or maybe even grab a carry-out lunch as you’ve never had it before from an artisan street food vendor!

And you too could be a star of the show – the Armagh Bramley Apple Festival is calling for entries into the Best Armagh Bramley Apple Tart Competition. Open only to non-professional cooks, members of the public are invited to get baking and bring along their Armagh Bramley Apple Tart on the day for blind tasting by a panel of judges. And the prize for the winner? A box of new season Armagh Bramley Apples of course!

Local food producers interested in applying to exhibit at the Armagh Bramley Apple Festival or if anyone wants to find out more about entering the Best Armagh Bramley Apple Tart Competition should contact Kathy Jensen on 028 3833 2572 or Rhonda McDowell on 07578 334082 or email armaghbramleyapple@gmail.com.

Belfast Big Swing Band gets ready to jazz things up at the EastSide Arts Festival, 21-25^th August, as they prepare for their forthcoming gig at the Festival on Saturday 23^rd August at Shorts Sports and Recreation Club, Holywood Road.  Jazz and swing music from World War I and II will transport guests to another era who are also encouraged to come dressed in vintage style for the evening. For further information and ticket details visit www.eastsidearts.net.

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