Here is Jacqueline’s pick of what’s on this weekend across the North this week.

Down

There will be a full country fair programme this Saturday and Sunday at the NI Countrysports Fair in Scarva, including, country sports and rural life competitions and demonstrations, a 2 day action-packed main arena programme, air display, crafts, artisan foods and much, much more.  A great, value-for-money family day out! Admission is £10 and under 12s go free.

Armagh

The Willis Clan is a family band of twelve brothers and sisters from Nashville, TN – Music City USA, where they perform regularly on The Grand Ole Opry.  They have Irish roots and started out in Irish music and dance placing in the top 5 at the World Championships of Irish Dance in 2013 and winning the Fleadh Cheoil in 2012.  Now they perform many genres of music such as bluegrass, country, pop, in addition to Irish.  They were contestants on Season 9 of ‘America’s Got Talent’ making it to the live rounds and getting to perform at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. See the Willis  Clan live at the Market Place Theatre this Friday 5th June.

Fermanagh

Join staff at the Marble Arch Caves on Sunday 7th June, in a hunt for unseen wildlife in the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. Hunt in habitats throughout the Nature Reserve, catch and identify invertebrates as you go! Why not learn a bit more about these mini-beasts fascinating lifestyles and their roles in an ecosystem.  This event is suitable for people of all ages but all children must be accompanied by an adult. Please bring warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. This event is FREE of charge. Book for one of the hour long slots. The event runs at 11:00pm and then again at 3:00pm (subject to demand).

Tyrone

Omagh Laughs Back is a brand new 3 day Festival of Comedy, 5th to 7th June, brought to you by Dalys Comedy Club. The Festival features an array of Comedy Talent from all over the UK and Ireland participating in a wide range of events including; Comedy Workshops, Street Performers and of course, Stand-Up Comedy.  The Festival contains a wide range of comedy to suit all tastes with headline acts such as, Ardal O’Hanlon, David O’Doherty, Kevin McAleer, Micky Bartlett, and Colin Murphy.  Alongside these amazing headliners, we have the very best new Comedy talent around, featuring Paul Currie, Colin Geddis, Shane Todd, Chris Kent, Sean Hegarty and many, many more.

Derry/Londonderry

‘The Trouble with Giants’, at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady this Saturday 6th June, is a brand new show for children, which brings to life the story of mythical giant Finn MacCool through music and storytelling.  The familiar story of how the Giant’s Causeway came to be is told from some new perspectives including a magpie, a fish and a frog. Each character and action, such as the fight between the giants, is represented by music.  Characters include Finn MacCool, his clever wife Oonagh and arch-enemy Scottish Giant Benandonner.  Suitable for ages 4-11, families welcome.  All children must be accompanied by an adult over 18.

Antrim

There is a packed festival programme this June to celebrate the Larne Area’s Maritime Heritage at this year’s Larne Maritime Festival, and also the visit of the Tall ships to Northern Ireland this July.  The festival opens on Saturday 6th June when Larne Main Street will be awash with all manners of strange sea creatures, sailors and of course pirates! The festival continues until 20th June with events for all the family to enjoy.

Belfast

The smell of the smoke and steam, the sound of the whistle….step back in time on a journey of nostalgia between Belfast Central and Dublin on Sunday 7th June.  At the head of your train will be a steam locomotive that was built especially for the Belfast-Dublin-Cork railway line, in 1932.  Your seats will be in lovingly restored carriages, a train from the 1960’s and 1970’s, complete with fully operational bar and tea-bar.  All of that, and 4 hours to enjoy Dublin before your return journey home.  The train departs from Belfast Central at 0915, Lisburn at 0943 and Portadown at 1009.  Tickets must be purchased in advance, either online at www.steamtrainsireland.com and 02890246609.

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.