Jump onboard a new return visitor service to Armagh departing at 10am from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre each Friday and Saturday.

The coach operates as a hop-on/hop-off service; bringing visitors direct from Belfast to Ireland’s Ancient Cathedral City with stops at the following attractions:

– Armagh Cider Company (New juice & cider tours at 11am)
– Armagh Planetarium
– Armagh County Museum
– Armagh Gaol
– Navan Centre & Fort
– Saint Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral / Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich
Library
– Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral / Armagh Public Library & No 5
– Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
– Rushmere Shopping Centre

Fancy a good laugh? Spirits are running high at Tubby’s Farm where the organisers of Sunflowerfest, Northern Ireland’s leading music and arts festival have been confirmed as Guinness World Record Title Holder for ‘largest laughter yoga class’.

Laughter yoga, yes you read that correctly – a whole bunch of people got together for a massive giggle in the blazing sunshine last August at Sunflowerfest, and now the clipboard-toting experts at Guinness World Record ltd have solemnly decided that this was officially the biggest group of laughing yoga participants in the entire history of the world – ever!

This may sound a bit light-hearted – it is meant to be – but it’s quite serious really. The unusual event was inspired by Jackie Ingram a Laughter Yoga Teacher who sadly passed away after a battle with cancer 2 years ago and by Sunflowerfest regular Linda Quigley, whose 6 year old daughter Joy is currently in remission from blood cancer. Linda and the organisers wished to raise public awareness and support for the charity Delete Blood Cancer and to pay tribute to Joy’s courage, and to others who’ve found comfort and healing at this lovely festival which transforms attitudes and feelings in a positive way.

Festival goers turned out in droves on the Sunday morning to support the World Record attempt, needing 250 to surpass the previous record, beating it with a whopping 398 confirmed adults laughing yoga-style in front of the main stage. “We are thrilled to inform you that your application for largest laughter yoga class has been successful and you are now the Guinness World Record Title Holder” Guinness World Records Ltd.

Sunflowerfest co-organiser Vanessa Magowan said, “We hoped the World Record attempt would raise much needed awareness for Delete Blood Cancer and that our supporters will now register with the charity. In order to achieve this we had great help from the founder of the Lighthouse Centre Siobhan Bogues, and of course Kathy Barenskie and Michelle Major, our Laughter Yoga instructors who lead the crowd 400 plus crowd, in 30 minutes of blissful daftness to help us achieve the world record!”

Linda Quigley said: “Joy and I were overwhelmed at the support on the day, and to stand on that stage and see 400 people laughing together for half an hour was just spectacular! I would like to thank Michael and Vanessa; they have a dream, and are doing something about it. There is no capital profit to be gained from their festival, only enrichment of self-beliefs, and my experience with them has been the most reaffirming, spiritually lifting and strength-giving of my years”.

Sunflowerfest has built a reputation for being one of the friendliest and most inclusive festivals in Northern Ireland and 2015 will include performances, attractions and experiences to be enjoyed by all ages and backgrounds.  Taking place on Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, from 31^st July to 2^nd August 2015, this year’s festival will deliver the unique musical acts, child-friendly activities, local crafts, alternative therapies, theatrical performances, camping and a number of new elements to the weekend to ensure big surprises for all guests. For further information visit www.sunflowerfest.co.uk

You know Summer has arrived in Bangor when the Sunday music returns to The Bandstand in Ward Park.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s popular Summer Sundays programme has been running for 10 years now and has become a weekly staple amongst its regulars who look forward to kicking back in the sunshine and enjoying some quality music acts.

Kicking off this year on Sunday, 5 July, then running every Sunday for the whole of July and August, this year’s programme features an eclectic mix of swing, soul, jazz, salsa and folk. Featuring gems such as; The Emily Conway Swing Band, The Amigos, Russian Dolls, Johnny & The Riviera Swing Band, Stephen McCartney, Soul Truth and Dave Howell & The Jazz Meisters – park-goers are in for a treat!  The finale event will be the fabulous Open House Bluegrass Picnic taking place on the last Sunday in August.

Opening the programme on July 5 is The Emilie Conway Band. Emilie’s passion for jazz was ignited on a trip to Chicago in 1999, upon visiting a jazz club and performing with some of the world’s finest jazz-musicians, she fell in love with the genre and has never looked back. Emilie’s distinctive voice and inimitable style have earned her much acclaim in Ireland. Her band blend beautifully behind her and will create the perfect atmosphere to portray this wonderful vocalist as the star she is….. it should be a fabulous afternoon!

So if you fancy a lazy Sunday in the park, enjoying live music from the comfort of a deck chair, stick the dates in your diary, gather your family and friends, pack a picnic and head to Ward Park, every Sunday in July and August from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol free zone.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

With less than a week to go, Rebekah Shirley is inviting everyone to experience the Tall Ships’ Races from 02 – 05 July when Lidl Northern Ireland will be the host port sponsor at the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

As well as capturing the sights of up to 50 traditionally rigged sailing vessels which will dock in the city, visitors can enjoy numerous fun family activities throughout the 4-day festival. The Lidl marquee will host cookery demonstrations by chefs Dean Coppard and Ian Orr and children can enjoy storytelling and magic tricks. While over in Barrow Square, dozens of wooden Victorian games will be set up for those with a competitive side. Talented local artists discovered through a Lidl social media competition will also feature on the main stage in the Odyssey Arena.

The highlight of the entertainment will be on Saturday when Britain’s Got Talent sensation, Jesse-Jane McParland, will perform her famous martial arts routine.

Since opening their first store in Northern Ireland in 1999, Lidl have been deep-rooted and fully engaged in their local communities and are delighted to be involved in such an iconic event. The Tall Ships will bring visitors from near and far to experience the very best that Belfast can offer and there is huge enthusiasm within Lidl to be at the helm of a festival that will bring a real sense of vibrancy to the province.

Visit www.tallshipsbelfast.com for more information about the festival.

SGS International Supertwins lead the way with three Riders

NORTHERN Ireland’s youngest national road race, the Armoy Road Races, confirmed that both the SGS International team and the Tyco BMW team would be out in force next month.

Presently there are three riders for the Lynn/McAuley Supertwins race from the SGS International /Manx Gas team and we’ll see both Guy Martin and William Dunlop from the Tyco BMW team competing in the SGS International sponsored ‘Race of Legends’ on the famous three-mile circuit.

The announcement was made at the official launch of the SGS International ‘Race of the Legends’, which was held in the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae yesterday (24 June 2015).

Dungannon man, Farquhar who has been an avid supporter of Armoy since its inception is looking forward to this year’s event; “Last year I was at Armoy but I was flat out preparing bikes. 2015 is going to be a lot different not only will I be racing in the Supertwins but so will Jeremy [McWilliams] and Darren James, one of Canada’s top professional motorcycle road racers who will be racing as a newcomer. Folks will have seen him at the NW 200 earlier this year but I’ll wait and see how he gets on at Armoy.”

World championship rider McWilliams got a taste for the Armoy Road Races, both in the parades laps and the Supertwins Race in 2013 where he set the current lap record. Farquhar, who has 11 wins at Armoy, continued; “Jeremy was keen to return and race this year at Armoy – after his win at the NW200 there was no question he wasn’t going to race in the Lynn/McAuley Supertwins.”

McWilliams who is currently the team manager at Team Rivamoto with World Supersport and Superstock will ride one of Ryan Farquhar’s race prepared 650 Supertwin bikes that will be sponsored by SGS International and Manx Gas. SGS International is also the title sponsor of the ‘Race of Legends’.

Bill Kennedy MBE, Clerk of the Course at AMRRC said, “The Club and I are really delighted with the news that SGS International /Manx Gas team with Ryan Farquhar, Jeremy McWilliams and Darren James are entering the Supertwins race – there will be other riders and they may enter other races for that matter but we’ve just got to wait and see in the coming days.

“It’s also fantastic news that the Tyco BMW team will be racing at Armoy. Guy Martin and William Dunlop are no strangers to Armoy with Guy, the Man of the Meeting last year and top spot in the Supersport 2 and the Superbike races. I’ve also been reliably told that another Armoy favourite, Keith Amor is aiming to be fit and he’ll be at Armoy – so we wish him a very speedy recovery.

“The return of Martin, McWilliams, Dunlop and Farquhar is testament to the Club and the exceptional races that we put on as a team.”

Also in attendance at the launch were local riders, Paul Robinson and Sam Dunlop who ensured a great afternoon was had at Portballintrae. Armoy Road Races continue to support local riders like Paul, Sam and other 125cc riders as two strokes continue to play an integral part in their races.

They joined the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Mayor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, members of the Armoy Club, other guests and sponsors to hear senior race officials talk about what Armoy Race Week 2015 has in store.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Mayor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, thanked the AMRCC for the kind invitation to the launch and said, “Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is extremely proud to be associated with the Armoy Road Races and I am delighted to be here at the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae for the launch of the seventh road race.  The Armoy Races have managed to achieve notoriety in the world of road facing and beyond our shores.

“I’d like to take this opportunity and thank the Club for their hard work, co-operation and enthusiasm – it is to be commended and I look forward to a safe and enjoyable event.”

Bill Kennedy MBE concluded: “I’d like to finish by thanking Tourism Northern Ireland, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism Ireland for their generous support.  I’d also like to thank our title sponsor SGS International.  Without the support and sponsorship from these organisations and other sponsors present here today, the event wouldn’t be possible.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank all the Club members, the officials and volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise.  We could not do it without them.”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Bike Week runs from Sunday 19^th July until Saturday 25^th July 2015 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 25^th July 2015.

For more information 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.

Down

This year’s Sea Bangor Maritime Festival will be action-packed with fun and entertainment for all the family.  Situated in a tented village on Bangor’s Quay Street, the festival takes place on June 27th & 28th and promises to have something for everyone!  Highlights of this year’s festival  include the “Great Bangor Bake Off” competition which will include baking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, baking competitions and pancake challenges. The spectacular tall ship Morgenster will be moored at The Eisenhower Pier alongside a navy vessel, both of which will be open to the public. With maritime-themed street theatre, a gourmet food tent, a fantastic live music programme, an aerial display from the Twister Aerobatic Team, Jet Lev demonstrations, Armed Forces activities and so much more, Sea Bangor is definitely not to be missed!

Armagh

Lurgan Rugby Football & Cricket Club proudly present  “An Evening with Nigel Owens” this Saturday 27th June at the Hub, Brownlow, Craigavon.  Nigel Owens is rated as one of the world’s top International Rugby Referees. When he is not keeping order on the pitch, Nigel is also an exceptionally talented stand-up comedian and after dinner speaker. “This is not soccer” has become his famous catchphrase and Nigel is sure to entertain the audience with his tales of just how difficult it is to apply the laws of rugby on the pitch to 30 grown men.

Fermanagh

Borderline Players are delighted to return to The Ardhowen this June 27th with the hilarious comedy ‘Wedding Fever’ by Ulster’s favourite playwright, Sam Cree.  The Wedding Fever cast features 12 emerging actors between the ages of 16 and 23, some taking to the stage for the very first time, while others have been members of Borderline Players since the very beginning back in 2000.  The comedy follows the engagement and journey to the alter of 19 year old Myra Galbraith and Dennis Hall, set against the backdrop of 1960’s Belfast.

Tyrone

Encore PAA return to The Alley Strabane from 25th to 27th June with their annual end of year showcase!  Encore: The Classics will showcase the very best in acting, singing and dance from the students attending Encore’s Strabane and Letterkenny studios.  Prepare to be transported through classic eras with beautiful costumes and performance!  The perfect start to the summer holidays for all the family.

Derry/Londonderry/Legenderry

The Roe Valley Vintage Club Rally 2015 takes place this Saturday 27th June with a display of vintage cars, tractors and stationary engines.  The event also includes trade stands, craft stalls and a car boot sale.  There will be entertainment for the children and the tractor run through Limavady will commence at 3pm.

Antrim

Join the Allstars Dance Academy and Newtownabbey Allstars Cheerleading Squad at Theatre at the Mill on Saturday 27th June as they present their annual dance show, showcasing their dancing and cheerleading achievements throughout the year in an action packed energetic show

Belfast

Robots will be taking over Titanic Belfast from 26th June – 13th September with a collection of robots, cyborgs and androids from some of the most popular films and TV series.. there is something for wee kids and big kids too!  If it is the good guys that you like, come along and meet stars from Star Trek, Red Dwarf and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet. Film fans will also recognise the B9 robot from Lost in Space, Iron Man and the cyborg RoboCop amongst others.  Or if you prefer the darker side of things, come along and see ABC robot from Judge Dredd, a Sontaran from Doctor Who and T-800 from Terminator 2 are awaiting your visit!

Add your events free at www.whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Hastings Hotels, Northern Ireland’s leading hotel chain, today unveiled its plans for the latest addition to its portfolio which will see a £30M investment and the creation of over 150 new jobs for Belfast.

Last month Hastings Hotels announced the purchase of Windsor House, one of the tallest buildings in Ireland, which it will transform into a 200 bedroom hotel, subject to planning permission.

Sir William Hastings Chairman of Hastings Hotels said: “We are delighted to unveil the plans for what will be the seventh hotel in our portfolio in Northern Ireland.

“This acquisition represents our biggest single investment to date of £30M and upon completion in 2018 the hotel will operate at the upper end of the 4-star market offering 200 bedrooms, a restaurant and bar, 18 serviced apartments and a range of superbly appointed office accommodation. The hotel will create over 150 new jobs.

“This project is a huge undertaking for Hastings Hotels and it is has only been made possible by the strength of our existing hotels portfolio and the quality of our staff and management. It will bring the number of bedrooms in our group to over 1,000 making us the largest privately owned hotel chain on the island of Ireland,” Sir William said.

“I am also thrilled to announce that our new hotel will be called the Belfast Grand Central Hotel. The original Grand Central, which also boasted 200 bedrooms, was built in 1893 and was the thriving hub of Victorian Belfast as well as the finest hotel in Ireland. Winston Churchill, the King of Belgium, Al Jolson, Mario Lanza and the Beatles were all guests who enjoyed its luxurious hospitality.  I am extremely proud to be able to pay tribute to this much loved property of the past by naming Belfast’s newest hotel after it.

“Today I can also reveal the new branding for our new hotel, which incorporates the Seahorse. The Seahorse, part of Belfast’s Coat of Arms, celebrates the City’s Maritime history.  Old photos from the Glory Days of the Grand Central show the Seahorse motif featuring on menus and plates. Our new interpretation of this classic Belfast emblem is a permanent reminder of the new Grand Central’s connection with its elegant past.

“The Belfast Grand Central Hotel will fulfil the requirement for much needed city centre accommodation in Belfast. Tourism in Northern Ireland continues to thrive and it is the ideal time to extend our portfolio of hotels with more high profile events coming to the city as well as an increase in business tourism which will be helped by the expansion of the Belfast Waterfront next year,” Sir William added.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Jonathan Bell said: “I have been very impressed by Hastings Hotels vision for its new city centre hotel. This is great news for Belfast and for Northern Ireland, as the group’s continued investment is a massive vote of confidence in our tourism sector. The new hotel will add considerably to the local accommodation offering and allow Northern Ireland to capitalise further on the growing international business conference market.”

Belfast Lord Mayor Cllr Arder Carson said: “This is great news for the city. One of our major objectives is to double the current tourism revenue by 2020 and developments such as this one by the Hastings Hotels Group are a huge step forward towards achieving that goal.”

“Hastings Hotels is well known for its dedication to supporting the local economy and we have appointed WDR & RT Taggart Architects in Belfast to design the building, and once planning has been approved, we look forward to working with other local firms to build and furnish the hotel to the high standards for which our group is renowned,” Sir William concluded.

One of Europe’s largest privately owned collections of robots, cyborgs and androids have arrived at Titanic Belfast today for its ROBOTS Summer exhibition, which will run from 26^th June – 13th September.

The collection of movie props and costumes, including Iron Man, R2-D2 and T-800 from Terminator, which are on loan from the Museum of Movie Magic, Scotland, have taken centre stage at Titanic Belfast’s ROBOTS exhibition.

Thousands of visitors are expected to travel from far and wide to enjoy the eclectic collection from props used on-screen to personal robots, toys and sculptures.
With over 50 robots on display, the exhibition has something for children and adults alike. Film fans won’t be disappointed with Sonny from I,Robot, the B9 robot from Lost in Space and the cyborg RoboCop on the bill.  Enduring family favourites such as the stars from Star Trek, Red Dwarf and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Plant are also on display.
For those who prefer ‘the dark side’, robots like ABC robot from Judge Dredd and a Sontaran from Doctor Who are awaiting Northern Ireland visitors at the largest ROBOT exhibition in Northern Ireland this Summer.

Don Jack, curator of the ROBOTS exhibition, “We are delighted to bring ROBOTS to Titanic Belfast. People find our collections totally fascinating. Folks, just love to see the items, particularly the iconic pieces. I can’t imagine a more spectacular setting for the blockbuster ROBOTS than Titanic Belfast.”

Tim Husbands, MBE, commented “Titanic Belfast has pulled out all the stops to transform the Andrews Gallery into a world of ROBOTS making it the must-see exhibition this summer. We are looking forward to welcoming visitors of all ages from across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
To buy tickets to enter into the world of ROBOTS, priced at £6 per adult and £3 per child (age 5-16 years) with family tickets (two adults and two children) costing £16, visit: www.titanicbelfast.com or phone +4428 90766 399.

Sat 27 June – Friday 3 July

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Sea Bangor Festival

Bangor Seafront

Free admission

Time: Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12noon – 6pm

Bangor’s Seafront is definitely the place to be this weekend 27 & 28 June where Sea Bangor’s Tented Village will have all the ingredients for the perfect seaside day out with superb local food, live music, celebrity chefs, street theatre, a tall ship, fun for kids and lots more!

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 27: Archery, Face Painting

Sun 28: Glitter Tattoos, Children’s Crafts

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 28 June, Historic Bangor (Walking Tour)

Tour departs from Bangor VIC

Tickets: £3

Join us on a walk through the past discovering the varied history of Bangor. From bronze age settlements and the establishment of Bangor Abbey through Viking invasions and 2 World Wars to Bangor’s emergence as a prominent seaside town.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sat 4 July – Fri 10 July

Saturday 4 July, Glorious Gardens Coach Tour

Tour departs from Ards VIC

Tickets: £20 (Ad), £18 (Con), £10 (Ch)

Experience the Historical delights of some of the Peninsula’s Famous gardens, Including Mount Stewart, Greyabbey House and the Cistercian Monastery. Light refreshments included.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 4: Children’s Crafts, Party Animals NI, Aldo’s Magic Show

Sun 5: Crafts, Face Painting, Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 5 July, Live Music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

The summer season of FREE live music every Sunday in Ward Park starts this week! The 2015 programme promises a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Emilie Conway Band (Swing)

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 5 July, The Tall Ships Parade of Sails Belfast Lough

Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark

Tickets: £20

Experience the grandeur and history of the parade of sails by getting close to a fleet as large as Drake’s Spanish Armada.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July, Heartbreak Productions presents ‘Mr Stink’

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Shows: 2pm and 6pm

Tickets: £7 (Ad), £5 (Ch). Pre-booking essential

Watch the fabulous characters from the celebrated novel by David Williams come to life in Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of Mr. Stink for the outdoor stage, working together with Ards and North Down Borough Council.

To book: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, 028 9127 0069; Ards Visitor Information Centre, 028 9182 6846; Book online (ticketsource.co.uk/visitstrangfordlough)

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall) BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Wednesday 20 May – Sunday 28 June

The Bell Tolls for Thee : 9th Century Christian Bells Exhibition. This exhibition has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tuesday 2 – Sunday 28 June

A Walk Around Portavoe Reservoir : Art Exhibition

Tuesday 30 June – Thursday 30 July

Photographic: Mobile Artistry

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Castle Park, Bangor, BT20 4UT

T: 028 9127 0069. Admission Free

Saturday 6 – Sunday 28 June

Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to announce the return of ForM sculpture exhibition. The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Tuesday 30 June – Wednesday 29 July

Maritime Exhibition by Portaferry and Strangford Trust

Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 July

Art in the Loft – ‘Portaferry Reflections’ – Portaferry Art Society annual exhibition.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is calling for you to suit up in your superhero gear, decorate your bicycle and get on your bike!

On Sunday 26th July at 7pm Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is organising a special superhero bike ride for all the family along Larne Main Street.

The free event follows on from a very successful Giro d’Italia events held last year and a pirate ride held in June as part of the Larne Alive Maritime Festival.