Following the success of its first outing earlier this year, TOTAL STITCH FEST:

THE ALTERNATIVE CRAFT SHOW will be returning to the Ramada Plaza Belfast this September in a big celebration of all that is handmade and unique in Northern Ireland, and it is the perfect opportunity to get a head start on Christmas shopping while supporting local designers and the Irish handmade movement at the same time.

Brought to you by the creative folks at Frock Around The Clock, TOTAL STITCH FEST brings together a community of designer-makers who lovingly cultivate a burgeoning handmade and DIY culture, and will feature a curated marketplace of around 60 crafters and artisans from all over Ireland who combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows, as well as sellers of quality and unique craft supplies. There will also be various mini craft demonstrations running throughout the day, some of which will be interactive giving visitors the opportunity to ‘make and take’ a small something away with them. It is the perfect opportunity to meet the makers in person, and talk about their handmade goods and creative processes.

The craft marketplace will include suppliers of quality craft materials such as Abacus Beads, The Textile Studio, I of The Needle, Dye Candy, Windmill Fabrics and A Fine Fish Yarns as well as many designer and artisan stalls selling a wide variety of high quality, unique handmade products including clothing and fashion accessories, homewares, home décor & soft furnishings, art & photography, jewellery, gifts, toys, artisan foods, baby and children goods, and much more! Exhibitors will include Art of Memories, specialising in beautiful artwork and gifts which capture memories, Crafts by Inga, creator of colourful handmade felt and wearable art, Shannon McShane Jewellery, selling one-off conceptual jewellery designs in sterling silver inspired by the coast, Kate and Daisy, creators of beautifully designed handcrafted children’s clothing, B-Louise, specialising in crocheted fashion accessories and homewares, Colour and Cloth, with handmade designs in scarves and cushions created from naturally hand-dyed textiles, The Floral Suitcase, showcasing beautiful handcrafted quilts and cushions, Softash Wood Crafts, specialising in various crafts made from locally sourced hardwoods, and Koko Designs, architects of handpainted silk lampshades, scarves, notebooks and bags.

Creative Director Becky Moore says ‘our commitment is to showcase the best and brightest in indie craft and design so TOTAL STITCH FEST is aimed at shoppers who seek unique, niche and handmade products in opposition to mass produced items. All handcrafted products available at the Alternative Craft Show will have been made by Irish crafters, designers and artisans and with the growing interest in buying local we hope to encourage socially-minded consumers to boost the local economy by purchasing unique gifts handcrafted in their own community and by connecting with the people who made them. The event on 7^th September is the perfect opportunity for visitors to make a head start on Christmas shopping, and with so much variety and quality under one roof it will be possible to find something fantastic for everyone on your gift list while supporting local business and the Irish handmade movement at the same time.’

As a nation who lament the loss of our manufacturing heritage, you know it makes sense – forget mass produced and head to TOTAL STITCH FEST for the best in local and Irish handmade products for you, your family and your home!

TOTAL STITCH FEST: THE ALTERNATIVE CRAFT SHOW will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 7^th September 2014 at Ramada Plaza, 117 Milltown Road, Shaws Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP.  Admission costs only £3. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockaroundtheclock.com and facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

Summer Sundays continue in Ward Park this Sunday, August 10^th as flamenco guitar act Los Dramatacos take to The Bandstand for an afternoon’s entertainment.

The group comprising of Paddy Anderson and Victor Heriquez were formed in 2011 and play and sing songs and instrumental pieces in a variety of styles from the Spanish speaking world – Spain, Cuba, Mexico, Chile and Argentina.

There will also be a market at the event featuring a variety of traders specialising in recycling products, including Art21 Education Bus, Redburn Community, Unicycle, East Belfast Mission, British Heart Foundation and Cloth Nappy Library NI.

So if you fancy kicking back in a deckchair to some Spanish sounds, get down to Ward Park this Sunday afternoon.

This FREE event runs from 3pm – 5pm and don’t forget your picnic!

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

Come and enjoy our colour festival by throwing brightly coloured powder with your friends whilst listening to a line-up of some of the freshest new DJ’s, as well as a number of internationally acclaimed DJ’s specialising in electronic and dance music!

Secure your ticket to the HOLI ONE Colour Festival in Belfast on Saturday 16^th August HERE or by visiting tickets.holione.com/Belfast

HOLI ONE Colour Festival hits UK cities this summer with a 16 city UK Tour. Inspired by the original Holi in India but not related, the HOLI ONE Colour Festival travels around the world bringing people together to experience music, dance, performance art and visual stimulation, all in all, just a general fun time.

HOLI ONE Colour Festival promises an unforgettable experience to cities all around the world. The festival’s iconic moment is the first count down, when crowds gather together to throw the brightly coloured powder in the same moment. The powder throws are visually stunning and beautiful to watch as crowds get immersed in a rainbow of colours and the air is filled with clouds of bright powder, creating an atmosphere which is electric, to say the least.

HOLI ONE Colour Festival 2014 will host a line-up of some of the freshest new DJ’s in the country, as well as a number of internationally acclaimed DJ’s specialising in electronic, dance and chart music.
To be part of the amazing experience and vibrant energy please visit www.holione.com

Add us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/belfastholione

Or follow us on Twitter @HOLIONEWorld

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 11 – August 17).

• Belsonic, Custom House Square, Belfast, August 15 – 22. Example and Jess Glynne are the first of an electrifying line up playing at this year’s Belsonic festival kicking off Friday 15 August. Biffy Clyro, Twin Atlantic, Kodaline and Chic follow throughout the week at what is tipped to be one of the most exciting events of the summer.

• Ulster Grand Prix, Dundrod Circuit, Lisburn, Co Antrim, August 13 – 16. Enjoy the world’s fastest road race right here in Northern Ireland with many of the top road racers from across the globe scheduled to attend.

• 24^th Anniversary Family Fun Day at Ark Open Farm Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co Down, August 11. Come and join in on the fun filled Ark Open Farm celebration. Now open to the public for 24 years, The Ark has plenty of events planned including a bouncy castle, inflatable assault course and face painting with a delicious BBQ served all day.

• Twilight Tour, Belfast Zoological Gardens, Belfast, August 16. Ever wondered what the animals get up to after closing time? Well come along and find out at this special VIP twilight tour of the zoo. The night will begin with a barbeque dinner, followed by a guided tour.

• Victorian Weekend, The Argory, Co Armagh, August 16 -17. Become a Victorian this weekend by enjoying afternoon tea, traditional games and get dressed up in customary clothing at the stunning Argory. The Argory is known for its sweeping vistas and eclectic interior of the 1820’s riverside estate.

• Dinner Cruise on Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Killyhevlin Hotel Jetty, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, August 16.  Start your Saturday evening off with a relaxing 90 minute cruise of Upper and Lower Lough Erne. Why not enjoy a chilled glass of wine, or a hot drink, listen to some music or the live commentary about the history of Enniskillen Town, the flora and fauna of Lough Erne, and much more.

• Celebration of Cultures, An Creagán, Creggan, Co Tyrone, August 12.  Have fun when a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, sights and fun at An Creagán on Tuesday 12 August.  With an African Drum Circle, Thai Sand Arts, Henna Tattooist, African face painter, Brazilian crafts and much more to entertain the whole family.

• River Discover Day, Riverwatch Aquarium, Co Londonderry, August 15. Enjoy an afternoon discovering the spectacular Faughan and Foyle wildlife and try your hand at willow craft, fishing, falconry and much more at the local aquarium visitor centre.

• Landscape Painting & Photography Workshops, Castle Archdale Country Park, Co Fermanagh, August 16. Explore your inner artist with the help of free tuition at Castle Archdale Courtyard where you can paint some stunning scenes and snap a memorable picture. Lessons available include painting and photography.

• Sundays at Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus, Co Antrim, August 17. History is made fun at Carrickfergus Castle with music, crafts, historic characters including the castle’s blacksmith and carpenter and also the Barber-Surgeon.

Down

The Festival of Flight 2014 will once again launch a full programme of thrilling events in Newcastle from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th August with the airshow taking place on Saturday.  The airshow is the centre piece of the Festival where the crowds watch in awe as the sky over Dundrum Bay is filled with the roar of engines. There will also be a programme of amazing displays throughout the afternoon with the Aviation Village open from 10am. Be sure to come early and book your space!

Tyrone

Omagh District Council is hosting the Royal Scottish Pipe Band NI Branch Ulster Championships this Saturday 9^th August at the Tyrone Farming Society Show Grounds.  This family event will see the very best pipers, drummers and drum majors compete for the coveted titles.  The RPSBANI organises and delivers all Championship Pipe Band and Drum Major Contests in Northern Ireland and the Ulster Solo Piping and Drumming Championships.

Fermanagh

Fermanagh District Council in partnership with the Department, Culture, Arts and Leisure have organised free angling sessions for girls and ladies specifically on Saturday 9 August 2014.  Three time slots are available; 10am-12noon, 12noon-2pm and 2pm-4pm.  Registration is essential with spaces allocated on a first come, first served basis.  Information regarding registration can be obtained from www.fermanagh.gov.uk/summerangling.

Derry

Stendhal Festival of Art returns even bigger in its fourth year, now, as Winners of the Best Small Festival in Ireland as voted for by the public.  Headlined this year by music legends The Undertones on Friday 8th August and Scottish indie rockers, Frightened Rabbit on Saturday 9th August, once again Stendhal brings over 50+ acts to please all musical tastes.  *Building on their Comedy dimension this year’s headliner is the incomparable Arthur Smith.  *With an eclectic mix of visual and performance arts, comedy, film, music and a packed kids programme, Stendhal’s ethos is to inspire old and young alike through affordable access to the arts.

Armagh

The 7 Hills Blues Fest is back for the 4th year to turn Armagh blue! From Chicago Rhythm, to Funk Style this festival will see blues fans flock to Armagh City from Thursday 7th – Sunday 10th August 2014.  Relax and listen some blues classics and discover new talent, with this year’s  festival hosting over 50 free gigs plus the return of some old fringe events and some exciting new ones.  A weekend of Blistering Summer Blues not too be missed!

Antrim

Enjoy a tour of Kilcoan Gardens, Islandmagee this Saturday then relax in the barn for afternoon Cream Tea followed by a demonstration of how to arrange a hand tied bouquet, using flowers from the garden. The bouquet will then be raffled for someone to take home!

Belfast

The 10^th Anniversary Festival of Speed & Family Fun Day takes place this Saturday 9^th August at Mercedes-Benz Truck & Van (NI) Mallusk Road Belfast, with guest Eugene Laverty & Voltcom Crescent Suzuki World Superbike team. Other attractions include Room 2 Race Simulators, Bouncy Castle, Bouncy Slide, Wipeout Sweeper, Postman Pat, Truck display, Ice-Cream van and BBQ, Mercedes-Benz AMG vehicle display, Rally cars and 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.

5 AUGUST – 24 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

Monday 4 – Thursday 7 August, Rosebowl Soccer Tournament

Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Centre

Grant Aided Event.

Info: www.cypni.net

Thursday 7 August, Speed Art at Project 24

Project24, Bangor Seafront

6pm-9pm. Free. A selection of artists will be demonstrating their vast variety of skills and techniques in a range of mediums. Project 24’s artists will not be the only artists at the event as Blaze FX who specialise in graffiti art will be on hand to bring some energy and cutting edge designs to the site plus The Really Rubbish Orchestra will perform their unique sounds using old garbage. Info: Cultural Services Marketing Officer, Paula Quinn. T: 028 9127 8032, paula.quinn@northdown.gov.uk

Saturday 9 August, Walking Tour: Helen’s Bay in Two World Wars

Meeting point: Helen’s Bay

10.30am, £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 9 & Sunday 10 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 9: Science Show

Sun 10: Archery, 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 10 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: Los Dramáticos, Salsa and South American music

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

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

Throughout August, Bangor Open House Festival

Various locations

Visit openhousefestival.com for more info.

Organisers of Northern Ireland’s leading lifestyle and alternative music festival Sunflowerfest are gearing up for this year’s three-day event, set to take place 22nd to 25th August on Tubby’s Farm in Hillsborough.

Now in its 5th year, Sunflowerfest has quickly built a reputation for delivering an eclectic, family-friendly event and this year’s festival, scheduled to take place from 22nd to 25th August, promises to be bigger and better than ever.

Attracting international artists as well as local talent and emerging acts from Northern Ireland is a coup for the quirky festival, but organiser Michael Magowan says there’s much more to Sunflowerfest than just music.

World class musicians from NI and beyond

London electronica group The Orb and Co. Down natives The Answer will headline the fifth annual Sunflowerfest alongside Lisburn natives Mojo Fury, who will perform on the closing night. In addition to these outstanding headline acts to celebrate Sunflowerfest’s 5th year, over 80 other acts from diverse musical backgrounds and genres are also scheduled to take to the festival’s five stages this year.

Speaking on the range of musicians scheduled to perform this year, music organiser Phil McCarroll said, “We are delighted to welcome back Sunflowerfest veterans including Amanda St John, Pocket Billiards, Randal Stephen Hall and The Bonnevilles, while we also welcome newcomers like King Kong Company, Loris, Go Swim, Fox E & The Good Hands, and also acts from further afield including Arkham Dispatch from Canada and the all-girl act Akabane Vulgars on Strong Bypass, who will join the festival all the way from Japan.”

The lineup also features a highly-anticipated performance by Holywood’s Matthew Malcolm, winner of 2014’s BuskFest in Newry. Matthew was chosen by a panel of judges on 23rd June and has been awarded a place on the main stage at this year’s festival.

Happy Campers

Staying true to the family-friendly ethos of the festival, Sunflowerfest offers diverse campgrounds for guests staying as families or individuals. For families looking for a laid-back weekend in nature, Sunflowerfest’s family campsites include activities all weekend including dancing, face painting, kids yoga, rock and roll football and even a gyroscope.

Whether you prefer a traditional pop-up tent or a kitted-out campervan, Sunflowerfest offers suitable campsites for all guests including family camping, a general singles camp site, quiet singles campsite, and even glamping options, where guests can sleep in a bell tent which sleeps two to four people.

Get in on Sunflowerfest’s ‘Bliss’

Sunflowerfest guests can take a break from the action by retreating to the serene Lighthouse Bliss area which is this year run by Siobhan Brogues, founder of The Lighthouse Centre. From yoga and meditation classes to reiki, Indian head massage and sound spa, the Lighthouse Bliss area is a one-stop shop for physical and emotional well-being and alternative therapies for the whole family.

This year’s event will also include a world record attempt at the largest group laughter yoga session on Sunday 22nd June. Guests can join in on a memorable experience of setting a world record and connecting with hundreds of Sunflowerfest guests through this unique event.

Traders set to make hay while the sun shines

Following the success of last year’s event, which showcased exquisite food, drink, arts and crafts and featured unusual delights like vegan treats and chilli chai, ice creams with names like buzzy bee and superman and funky clothing, vintage and holistic art and craft stalls, organisers are delighted to offer guests a wide range of quirky artisan goods and delights again this year.

A Strong supporter of local independent merchants and artisans, Vanessa Magowan, Sunflowerfest, said, “We are absolutely delighted with the interest in trading at the festival this summer. We have worked hard to build up the reputation of the festival, not just as one for music, but also as a lifestyle weekend that allows people to escape from the hustle and bustle of life and soak up and sample the best of Northern Ireland’s amazing artists, food producers and craftsmen and women.”

Fun for the Whole Family

Families looking for a weekend to remember will enjoy the biggest programme of FREE kids’ activities to feature at any event in Northern Ireland. The Kidz Zone at Sunflowerfest gives creative kids a chance to try their hands at everything from stilt walking to sculpture, clay modelling as well as a wide range of interactive activities including puppetry and painting.

The Enchanted Glade of Mystery and Surprises will also feature a programme of family shows within a wonderland of make-believe. Activities include drama and storytelling, and visitors young and old can roll up for Bucky’s Circus to learn circus skills including stilt walking and juggling.

The Eden Project will also appear at the festival, helping kids create bunting to decorate festival grounds, and A Big Lunch will feature as part of this year’s festival. Arts and crafts workshops led by Kids Art World will allow children to design and take away their own beautiful windsock and use recycled materials to make a wildlife stone.

For more information on the weekend’s lineup of musicians and events for the whole family or to purchase tickets visit www.sunflowerfest.co.uk.

Sunflowerfest kindly acknowledges the assistance of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council in the production of this year’s event and welcomes SOS Bus NI as its official charity partner.

The Walled City Tattoo returns to Northern Ireland this summer and promises another four nights of unforgettable, truly multi-cultural entertainment.

The outdoor spectacle, which was one of the highlights of the 2013 UK City of Culture, will comprise a 500 strong cast of local, national and international performers. The production will entertain and delight up to 15,000 people in Northern Ireland’s largest, bespoke Amphitheatre when it returns to the city’s Ebrington Square from 27th to 30th August.

The 200 Walled City Tattoo dancers have been recruited from the Highland, Irish and contemporary dance worlds from all across Northern Ireland and will be joined by North West supergroup Sontas who will provide the musical back drop to the show. Two of the city’s oldest bands, Britannia Concert Band and Hamilton Flute Band will share the stage with the Paris Fire Brigade Band who will show off their unique take on Tattoo entertainment, combining their precise marching skills with some more modern dance moves.

The ever-popular age old tradition of the Massed Pipes and Drums will comprise a spectacle of over 100 pipers and drummers from all over Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany. They will be joined this year by special guests from Malta, The Marsa Scouts Pipes and Drums. Swiss comedy act Star Bugs will add that special comic element to the production with their unique mix of dance, acrobatics and slapstick. And topping off this fantastic roll call of acts is the world renowned Imps Motorcycle Display Team who will be in town for 4 nights only to wow the crowds with their daring performance.

Event producer James Kee from Sollus Cultural Promotions commented:
“We were blown away by the response from audiences, performers and partners last year and can’t wait to present another 4 nights of dazzling entertainment at the end of August. The hope is that the Walled City Tattoo will become an annual event in the Northern Ireland calendar and the reaction to our announcements today go some way in ensuring that dream will hopefully become a reality.”

As with the inaugural 2013 production, the show will combine the pomp, ceremony and grandeur of traditional tattoo events with a special Maiden City twist with this year’s show telling the story of the city’s transport heritage from the local railways to the ship building yards.

Director Jonathan Burgess added:
“The city’s connection with the development of transport will be explored back to life in a spectacular extravaganza. Once again, we will see Derry~Londonderry lit up as a cultural hub where the people within our society celebrate side by side. Music throughout the show will reflect on our traditional roots as well as an exciting future. Massed bands will include pipes and drums, brass and flute and, with the support of Sontas, cultural fusion will create the essence of the whole event.

All the participants have an enthusiastic approach to local culture. Whether it is Ulster-Scots or Irish, music, song or dance, our cast is intergenerational and enthusiastic. The ethos of our team is to present our heritage in a fresh, new and modern way.”

A Family Festival Fun Day will run as part of this year’s Walled City Tattoo. Taking place on Friday 29^th August, the free event will be open to the public and will give the audience the chance to meet performers, try on costumes, play instruments and watch some very special performances.

Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly welcoming the return of the Walled City Tattoo during Music City 2014, said it was a huge mark of confidence in the city. “The event was a massive success in the city last year and we are delighted that the organizers have decided to return to the city to bring this spectacular showcase of local and international multi-cultural talent over four nights in August. Derry City Council is delighted to support the events as part of its Legacy Programme and is confident that the event will appeal  to locals and visitors alike. World class events such as the Walled City Tattoo with its eclectic mix of local and international performances has a broad cultural appeal and builds the City’s profile as a location for hosting major international events.”

The Walled City Tattoo is funded by the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Investment through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure, Derry City Council, Ilex and the Ulster Scots Agency and is supported by Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau.

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager for Northern Ireland Tourist Board added:
“Northern Ireland Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor the Walled City Tattoo in 2014.  This event will provide visitors and locals alike with the opportunity to enjoy an event showcasing a mix of performances, with international appeal.  This event has the potential to become an established event in Derry~Londonderry’s annual calendar of events.  We wish the organisers every success for the year ahead.”

The Walled City Tattoo, Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry
 Wed 27 – Sat 30 Aug 2014 at 20.45
Tickets from £18.50
For more information visit www.walledcitytattoo.com To book visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk or call 028 7126 4455

The Mayor of Newtownabbey, Alderman Thomas Hogg showed he’s got friends in high places as he met up with Gary McEvoy (performing as Garth Brooks) to launch this year’s Shoreline Festival which runs from Saturday 23 – Monday 25 August.

Loughshore Park, Jordanstown, will be buzzing over the August Bank Holiday weekend with music and fun activities for all the family.

Kicking off the festival on Saturday 23 August is renowned rock ban The Knights of Leon, who will be playing everyone’s favourite Kings of Leon tracks. Those who missed out on a Dublin date this summer should make sure they don’t miss the Garth Brooks Tribute Show on Sunday 24^th when Gary McEvoy will be performing classics such as The Dance, Thunder Rolls and The River.

A family Fun Zone with a range of activities to entertain the kids will run on each day, including bouncy castles, kite making, an assault course, foam party and amusements.

We’ll also be raising money for the NI Hospice by attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the longest ‘Rock the Boat’ dance at 4pm on Sunday 24 August – we need over 1200 to come and join in the fun.

Most of the activities over the weekend are free of charge, with the exception of the amusements!

The festival will end with the popular Classics in the Park, in association with NI Opera on Monday 25^th at 7:30pm. Picnics and chairs are a must for this event which closes with a fireworks extravaganza at 10:15pm.

The event will be an affordable weekend of fun for families to get together before school starts back! Check out the full programme at http://www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline or through the official Shoreline Festival Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/shorelinefestival

Visit The Argory on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August and take a step back in time to the Victorian era.

The National Trust property near Moy will host their annual Victorian Weekend where visitors have a one-off opportunity to experience life in 1847 on the beautiful Victorian estate.

One of the many highlights of the weekend will be a tour of The Argory House. Hear the gossip and tales of the Big House from The Housekeeper, Miss Hill, The Governess, Miss Daly and the Lady’s Maid, Miss McCall.

Traditional Victorian afternoon teas will be served in the stunning surrounds of the Octagon Room. Homemade scones with cream, fruit preserves, Victoria sponge, delicate finger sandwiches and tea or coffee await the discerning palate – an experience not to be missed!

There is something for everyone on Victorian Weekend – children can dress up in period costume and join in Victorian games. Laundry maid, Lizzie Conlon will need some help in the Laundry Yard and the Shop Keeper will be opening her Victorian Sweetshop for the occasion.

To complete a great day out, visitors can browse the Gift shop and second-hand Bookshop or take a relaxing stroll along the Blackwater River and Lime Tree Walk.

Victorian weekend will take place from 12-5pm each day on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 August. Normal estate charges apply and National Trust members are free. Additional charge for afternoon teas.

For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/argory or call 028 8778 4753.