Two rising teenage singing stars are topping the entertainments bill at the forthcoming Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, which sees the city act as the home port for the first leg of the annual Tall Ships Race from July 2 – 5.

Sixteen year-old ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Bailey McConnell, who has just finished his debut US tour, and Lurgan YouTube sensation Emma Horan will be performing on the main stage, outside the Odyssey Arena, over the weekend.

They will be joined by a host of other acts across the four days of the festival, including The Nooks, Saffyre, the Down and Out String Band and the Broken String Band.  There will also be a vibrant line up of world music including Bhangra beats, a fusion of Andalusian and Latin American tunes, rousing African melodies and a unique fusion of Gyspy folk and Irish traditional music.

But, the entertainment isn’t just confined to the main stage, as there will be all sorts of weird and wonderful shenanigans taking place all over the Tall Ships site, which extends from the Titanic slipways right the way around the river to Pollock Dock – which hosted the Tall Ships’ first visit to Belfast back in 1991.  Look out for giant lobsters, dancing prawns, wriggling eels, cheeky sea gulls, holidaying penguins, dancing portaloos and zany lifeguards among the many colourful characters who will bring the docks and quaysides to life.

Among the many other activities taking place over the four days, visitors will also be able to enjoy Tall Titanic Tales, full of the best of Belfast humour, introducing some unforgettable characters and certain to please both land lubbers and salty dogs alike, or enter the private library of the distinguished inventor Tarquin Potts where he whips up a chaotic storm on his quest to outwit every circus artist’s worse enemy, gravity!

To mark the departure of the 50 vessels for the first leg of the Tall Ships Race, there will be a fireworks display on the Saturday evening (July 4) and a fly past by the Red Arrows over Titanic Belfast at 11am on the Sunday (July 5).

Details of the full entertainment programme, and everything else that is taking place during the Tall Ships, as well as a downloadable map showing what is happening and where, are available from www.tallshipsbelfast.com.

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!

A highlight on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s events calendar, this year the festival is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI.

Sailing into Bangor for the event is the impressive tall ship “The Morgenster” along with the HMS Ramsey navy vessel which will both be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and open to the public for both days of the festival.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be “The Great Bangor Bake Off” where contestants will pitch their talents against each other in the purpose-built kitchen in the “Bake Off” marquee. The programme will include; catering students from SERC coming up against each other during a “Fondant Challenge,” bread-making master classes, “Pancake Challenges” and “Cake Decorating Challenges” between members of the audience hosted by The Heatherlea.

As part of the two days of activities, there will also be demonstrations from local celebrity chefs Paula McIntyre and Danny Miller who will be showcasing their baking skills alongside chefs from other local businesses and SERC. The aroma of baking is sure to be mouth-watering!

Gastronomic and culinary treats galore are in store for visitors to the event with local restaurants and food producers selling their wares in the Food Tent each day. Run by Grub Streat, this year’s food tent will feature local food providers serving locally produced, delicious food.

The Shanty Shack which is being programmed by Open House will include an eclectic mix of live music and comedy. Compered by comedians Nuala McKeever on the Saturday and George Firehorse on the Sunday, the programme will feature such gems as BBC2 Folk Awards Nominees “Cup O’Joe,” an adorable young siblings trio featuring banjo, guitar, double bass and sweet harmonised vocals; cabaret juggler and street performer “Grant Goldie” who dances in the face of gravity; Bluegrass firebrands, “No Oil Paintings;” folkie four-piece “Lonesome George” and hilarious comedian “Tony Law.” The Shanty Shack will be a hive of music and entertainment for the duration of the festival so pop in and check it out!

And the entertainment doesn’t end there! Down on The Eisenhower Pier, a fantastic street theatre programme will take place all weekend. Look out for The Lighthouse, a tiny, fully furnished lighthouse keeper’s cottage with a striped red and white tower.  The lighthouse keeper – a retired seadog – who rambles through a vast arsenal of comic stories and anecdotes about kippers, guillemots, oyster smacks and the never ending menace of the birds mess. Also making special appearances to entertain the crowds will be The Crooning Captain and The Juggling Sailor!

Over in the kid’s tent “Tiddlers,” Cahoots NI will be performing their specially-created theatrical magic “Dr Marlin and His Wild West Illusion Show”. Prepare to be transported back in time into a world of wonder, weirdness and wickedness, with dazzling effects and show-stopping songs as you follow the adventures of Dr. Marlin and his Wild West Illusion Show. Featuring, The Mindreader, The Escapologist, The Professor and The Vanishing Lady all in a breath-taking carnival show. Combining elements of Cabaret and Vaudeville, Dr Marlin’s Wild West Illusion Show features an entertaining mix of storytelling, magic, circus and live music!

“The Dockside Emporium” which is being hosted by Bangor’s Craft Emporium promises to be a world of entertainment and wonder with demonstrations and crafts from lots of local artists. Create a beautiful piece of art with the clay modelling workshop, enjoy The Dockside Cinema where you can explore wonderful images of ‘old Bangor’ and browse through a mini gallery. Check out the woodwork area, float an origami boat or make a sand art bottle in our fun filled craft area and lots more. The fun starts as soon as you step inside!

There’s lots happening on The Eisenhower Pier too, which will be animated with street-theatre, Armed Forces Activities and Jetlev Flier Demonstrations. And look to the skies for aerial demonstrations from the Twister Aerobatic Display Team!

Speaking about the event; Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Event Officer, Wendy Smith said: “This year’s Sea Bangor programme is so exciting.  I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the first JevLev Flyer demonstration and the Cahoots show in the Children’s marquee.”

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 28.

So whatever floats your boat, come along to Sea Bangor for a great family day out! This is a FREE event.

If you fancy learning a new skill this summer, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has a fantastic line-up of workshops for July and August 2015.

The John Hewitt Summer School’s Creative Writing workshops will give the opportunity to develop your writing skills under the direction of one of our seven experienced creative writing facilitators, each an established writer and practitioner. All seven workshops run over three days [Mon 27, Tues 28 and Thurs 30 July], and each session lasts ninety minutes. There are six genres to choose from: Poetry, Short Story, Memoir,
Crime Fiction,
Prose Fiction, and
Screenwriting. The three-day course costs £40.

‘Beginners Basket Making’ will allow you to experience basket weaving with locally sourced willow to make your own traditional round egg basket. Under the expert guidance of basket maker Sabine Wolniczak, you will learn the techniques and skills involved in this intricate ancient craft. An absorbing and incredibly satisfying activity leaving you with a sense of achievement and a beautiful basket to take home. This course will run for two days from 14^th to 15^th August, from 10am-5pm each day. Participation costs £80 or £75 (concession).

Renowned lace maker and designer Theresa Kelly is sharing her knowledge in the exciting new workshop, Carrickmacross Lace & Colour. Using traditional and modern techniques, participants will create their own unique coloured piece of lace. Threads and materials are hand-dyed and hand-painted, to construct a piece which can then be embellished with beads. The class is suitable for beginners and advanced lace-makers, and will run from 20^th–22^nd August, from 10am-3pm each day. Participation costs £55 or £50 (concession).

I Heart Street Art is a two day Urban Illustration Summer School for 12-18 year olds. Professional illustrator and Urban Artist Dean Kane will guide you through the steps required to create a large scale mural using different graffiti art styles. Participants will learn to design, cut and paint using a range of spray paints and cutting equipment. Graffiti history, design processes and technical skills, how to use graffiti respectfully and an emphasis on team work will all be taught in this enjoyable indoor and outdoor learning experience. Taking place from 1.30pm-4.30pm on 29^th and 30^th July, participation costs £25 or £23 (concession).

Star Wars fans will love the exciting new Star Wars Light Box workshop. Make a light-box and add your own designs based on the Star Wars movies to decorate your light-box. Create your own Star Wars silhouette shadow figures, then the fun begins staging your own fight scenes. Back light your shadow box to create a fantastic night light for your room. Suitable for ages 8-12 years, the workshop will take place on Thursday 6^th August from 10.30am-12.30pm. Admission costs £10 or £8 (concession).

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.

A spectacular exhibition of sculptures by a Portuguese artist now living in Larne has been officially opened.

pres‘Myth and Modern Sculpture’ by Miguel Frederico Neves was launched by the Chairman of the Council’s Policy and Resource Committee, Alderman Tommy Nicholl MBE at Larne Museum and Arts Centre. He is pictured here cutting the ribbon with Pattie Barklie, Bruce McIntyre and Miguel Neves at the launch.

Hailing the event as an important part of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s ongoing Arts Programme, Ald. Nicholl said he was delighted to be able to host an exhibition of such an international standard at Larne Museum and Arts Centre.

“This is an absolute ‘must see’,” he said. “Over the past number of year’s Miguel has developed his gift for sculpture which demonstrates his originality, inherent vision and style.”

Miguel, who lives in Larne with his wife, the well-known dress designer Geraldine Connon, has used a variety of media to create his pieces, from wood, stone, horn and steel.

The exhibition also features pastels, watercolour and oil work by guest artists, Pattie Barklie and Bruce McIntyre. Pattie worked in London as a photographic ‘retoucher’ for Vogue magazine before a successful career as a singer-song writer. She then started painting in watercolour and then in pastels. Bruce McIntyre is married to Pattie and shares her passion for art. The exhibition showcases some of Bruce’s most recent work which captures the vibrancy of local scenery. The exhibition will run until 24th July, opening Monday-Friday 10am-4.30pm at Larne Museum and Arts Centre.

With more and more parents looking for affordable and entertaining summertime activities for the whole family, Sunflowerfest delivers!

As well as the fabulous line up of both local and international acts, families can enjoy a full and exciting programme of family entertainment at this year’s festival at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, 31^st July to 2^nd August.

Every adult ticket admits 2 children of 15 years or younger for absolutely free and all the planned kids’ activities at the festival are free! The theme is inventive, `Victorian Steampunk Menagerie’ sure to capture young imaginations and the range of free family activities is huge. With interactive performances and workshops, creative making and doing, outdoor cinema  and a family-friendly chill out space to get to know other festival goers being provided by The Big Lunch, this year’s Sunflowerfest is certainly shaping up to be an unmissable family experience.

“Sunflowerfest prides itself on being a festival for everyone – especially families,” said Rachel Overton, Director of the Kids’ Zone.  “Our festival offers the whole family an opportunity to escape for the weekend and enjoy an all-inclusive festival filled with the very best music, arts, crafts and entertainment that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

A bonus for families coming to Sunflowerfest is the free hands-on, educational, and exciting activities for children and young at heart including interactive activities of art, craft, willow weaving, sculpture, kids’ yoga, and workshops with Ulster Wildlife and RSPB, among others – and with the entire festival taking on a Victorian steampunk carnival atmosphere this year, festival organisers promise big surprises this summer.

Theatrical kids can look forward to getting involved in interactive drama performances including an awe-inspiring steampunk version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream to be performed in Belfast Vernacular by the local Gambit Theatre Company, led by Tom Finlay. Young outdoor lovers will enjoy opportunities to get up close and personal with Ulster Wildlife’s native animal displays as well as RSPB’s unique bug hotel and local bird exhibit; they can roam the picturesque countryside and discover the natural environment in a safe, fun way.  Budding artists can get hands on with arts and crafts for kids in the Kids Zone, and the whole family can enjoy food, fun and friendship with other festival goers. Joining in on the family-friendly fun, the Eden project brings The Big Lunch Neighbours Day idea to Sunflowerfest. Grainne McCloskey, The Big Lunch NI said, “Sunflowerfest is a unique chilled out weekend with something for everyone so we’re bringing a souk style communal space to share food, fun and friendship with some free steampunk inspired activities to interest all ages.”

Speaking on some of the unique offerings for families this year, event organiser Vanessa Magowan said, “This year we look forward to taking on our Victorian steampunk theme as well as working with our new charity partner, Habitat for Humanity and welcoming back some of our favourite organisations including RSPB, Ulster Wildlife and The Big Lunch in our schedule of activities for the whole family. We are also delighted to welcome back artist Gus Leuder who will create a stunning invisible forest soundscape for all to experience in the Enchanted Glade.  We believe this mesmerising art installation will be especially popular among the festival’s younger guests as they experience the opportunity to speak and interact with the forest.”

As always, the music line up at this year’s Sunflowerfest covers all genres with a wide range of local and international acts confirmed for the festival’s five diverse stages… something to suit all tastes.

Day tickets for Sunflowerfest begin at £20 per adult with weekend tickets at £49.50.  Weekend tickets in the family camping area are currently priced at £59.95 per adult. Each adult ticket admits 2 children aged 15 and younger free.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.sunflowerfest.co.uk

Further Line up details visit: http://www.sunflowerfest.co.uk/lineup-2015/

Having already announced such acts as Donovan, Kerbdog and DJ Format amongst many others for this summer’s Stendhal Festival of Art, organisers of the event are pleased to announce the second raft of performers who will be taking to the stage at Ballymully Cottage Farm on August 7 and 8.

To kick things off we are delighted to announce the return of the one and only Macka B, the Reggae and dancehall pioneer who was the sleeper hit of the 2013 festival.

For over 30 years Macka B has been a standout in British Reggae music and his brand of engaging, humerous and high-energy showmanship means anyone who has ever witnessed him play live before will be eagerly anticipating his return.

Rainy Boy Sleep returns to his old Limavady stomping grounds for what will no doubt be happy homecoming of sorts for Stevie Martin.

Since he was last with us at Stendhal, Stevie signed to Universal Records and released the brilliant EP Ambulance.

A long-awaited album is expected some time later in the year but before then Rainy Boy Sleep will be taking to the John Peel stage at Glastonbury before coming back to Limavady for Stendhal.

Also appearing will be Declan O’Rourke, who was a relative latecomer to the Dublin singer-songwriter scene.
But, in his mid-twenties, within months of discovering Dublin’s bustling songwriter open-mic circuit, O’Rourke found himself in the mix with the likes of Paddy Casey, Gemma Hayes, Damian Rice and many other Irish singer-songwriters.

His 2004 debut album Since Kyabram was a critical and commercial success and his subsequent follow ups 2007’s Big Bad Beautiful World and 2011’s Mag Pai Zai further cemented his place as one of Ireland’s best contemporary singer songwriters.

Declan’s deep-honey voice and astute song writing abilities will no doubt go down well at Stendhal.

We love innovation at Stendhal Festival of Art and Kormac’s Big Band certainly fits the bill.

While DJ Kormac is best known for the tracks he produces alone in his studio, intermittently accompanied by a guest musician or vocalist, his live performances often swell into a 10-piece orchestra.

Kormac’s Big Band is a mix of live electronics, turntables, drums, bass, vocals, trumpet, trombone, tuba, guitar and live visuals. In the last couple of months they’ve performed sold-out shows in London, Dublin, Australia, Holland and Germany and a currently preparing for a full schedule of summer festival appearances including a stop at Ballymully Cottage Farm.

Fatherson are an Alternative/Indie/Rock band hailing from Scotland.

In 2014, the band released their debut album I Am an Island through a record label set up by their management. The band and label worked to together to independently finance and release the record without the standard record company structure.

The release was a success and went to No.11 in the Scottish Album Chart, Top 40 UK Indie charts and peaked at No.5 on the iTunes alternative chart.

In a live setting their immediately singable choruses and hooks make their gigs an exciting and energetic experience.

Ursula Burns is a harpist with a difference who draws rave reviews wherever and whenever she steps on stage.

She combines a sublime dexterity in harp skills with a razor sharp wit to command the title of the best comedy harpist in Ireland, if not the world.

Winner of the 2012 Irish Comedy Music Award, the maverick songstress has released four self-penned albums and performed everywhere from the Albert Hall to burning fire escapes.

Her first trip to Edinburgh festival saw her nominated for the Malcolm Hardee Award for Comic Originality.

This is comedy coupled with virtuoso harping wrapped up in a nervous breakdown.

Making Monsters tore the house down last year at Stendhal, literally.  That won’t stop us from having them along again for more of their powerhouse brand of hard rock.

From Stompin’ Blues To Celtic Ballads & All That Folks Between, Dylan Walshe is an alternative roots artist from Dublin on the rise.

His varied palette draws from; traditional Irish and European folk, to North African and Americanised blues, but his sound is his own.

He is known for his robust guitar playing and warm unique vocal style. Where song writing is his craft and his lyrics are both insightful and poetic.

Never one to be easily tagged with generic genres, Dylan has been billed for shows representing a variety of areas in music such as folk, singer songwriter, country, blues, one man band, rock ‘n’ roll, Celtic & a cappella to name just a few…

This year Stendhal is excited to welcome an eclectic international experience courtesy of Afresh, a traditional Zimbabwean folk band led by Gabriel Makamanzi.

This truly international band of top-flight musicians from Zimbabwe , Poland, Slovakia, and Ireland was formed in Belfast in 2007 and brings a new slant to African rhythms mixing the eclectic approaches and influences of the players into a one of a kind live experience.

Maria McGrann is a Soprano from County Down who has a wealth of stage experience courtesy of her stunning voice and vocal range.

Winning a host of competitions around Ireland over the course of her singing career, Maria’s performance at Stendhal will be her first at a music festival of this type and we can’t wait for people to enjoy her beautiful operatic stylings which will be a perfect addition to a day in Karma Valley.

The Hardchargers are a raw and raucous blues-rock band that take no prisoners with their fierce live shows.

Their music is raunchy, exciting, provocative and honest, ranging from down-home washboard/resonator/double bass workouts, to a heady blend of twangy electric blues and roadhouse style rock.

Described by the legendary Teri Hooley as “My kind of fecking band,” the Hardchargers have been blazing a trail in the Irish music scene for six years and the time and effort has seen them morph into one of the finest live acts in Northern Ireland today.

The Whereabouts are a young, energetic four-piece rhythm & blues, rock & roll band from Kingscourt in Co. Cavan.

The band members have all been playing music from a very young age under the influence of bands such as the early Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Dr. Feelgood, The Doors and Chuck Berry and these influences flow from their live performances which harken back to the glory days of classic rock n roll.

Since releasing their first material in 2013 The Whereabouts have been heard on The Stuart Bailie Show on BBC Radio Ulster in Belfast, The Dermot O’Leary Show on BBC Radio 2 in London, Amazing Radio UK and Ireland plus a host of European and international radio stations.

Exit Pursued by Bear are a home-grown Limavady act that have been recently working on a raft of new material scheduled for release very soon as a follow up to their well received Bella Rose EP.

Describing themselves as ‘Space Rock’ the band draw on influences such as Radiohead, Muse and And So I Watch You From Afar.

They are an intelligent blend of melody, rhythm and dynamics and will no doubt go down a storm once again with their big home-town following and ever growing provincial reputation.

Another home-grown Limavady talent is making his Stendhal debut as the front man of his own band this summer.

The Eunan McLaughin Quartet is fronted by Eunan McLauglin and brings together several stellar Jazz musicians who have been wowing audiences across the country since their formation last year.

Axecatcher are a 4-piece hardcore act based in Derry.  Punchy, to the point and guaranteed to make a lot of noise, Axecatcher have evolved into a fantastic live act, blending hardcore, punk, prog and heavy rock for a signature sound that might melt your face off.

Apartment B are funk, soul and blues wrapped up in a blanket of brilliance. Having gigged up and down the Country for almost a decade, this band have an unmissible live set in store for guests at Stendhal this year.

Blending well known funk classics with their own material, Apartment B are part of the heart and soul of the local music scene and we are delighted to be showcasing their talents at Ballymully Cottage Farm in August.

The Oh Yeah ‘Scratch My Progress’ stage

This Year Stendhal continues to work with local music organisations and welcomes Belfast’s ‘Oh Yeah’ centre to the farm for the first time.

Oh Yeah will join with The Nerve Centre to take over the new Keady Corner Stage for the duration of the festival, showcasing some of the best up and coming talents in Northern Ireland.

Scheduled to play as part of the ‘Scratch My Progress’ programme are Hot Cops, R51, Sister Ghost, Serotonin, Shadow Police, Ed Butler and more to be announced.

We will be announcing even more acts in the coming weeks as the countdown to Stendhal continues, so stay tuned to our website and social media pages for more announcements coming soon.

Down

Take the whole family to Mount Stewart this Father’s Day, Sunday 21st June, for this popular day out. The vintage car display returns to the front of the house and you can take the opportunity to look around the house, which has re-opened after a £7 million restoration programme.

Armagh

On Sunday 21st June at 1.00pm, at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh treat your dad to a Father’s Day he will remember, starting with a wild BBQ and then watch as he tries his hand at making a wattle and daub fence, under the instruction of the Celtic characters.

Fermanagh

The inaugural Festival Lough Erne will take place in the island town of Enniskillen from 19-21 June 2015.  The event will be a celebration of food and the waterways over a busy weekend of fun for all ages. In the tented village there will be opportunities to meet  the food producers and sample the very best of local produce, see guest chefs at work and pick up some informative cookery tips and recipes, all whilst tickling  the taste buds.

Tyrone

A unique Craft Fair and Family Fun Day will be held in the gardens and grounds of Caledon Castle on Saturday 20 June 2015 from 12 noon to 5.00 pm.  There will be many attractions including bands, bouncy castles, short guided walks, afternoon teas, hog roast and barbecues.  Entrance is £5.00 per person (under 12 FREE) with free car parking.

Derry/Londonderry/Legenderry

Springhill in Moneymore will hold a Garden Fair this Saturday from 11.00 am to 4.00pm.  A great opportunity to stock up on all your shrubs and plants, herbs and other specimens native to Springhill. Take a look at the community allotments, enjoy a tour of Springhill Gardens and get an update on the progress of ‘The Drying Yard’ nursery due to open in spring 2016. Children can have a go in the ‘plant it, grow it, eat it’ workshop.

Antrim

Don’t be late! Join Whitehouse Ballet School in a fun adventure as Alice dances her way through a wonderland of magic & a little bit of madness in Alice in Wonderland at the Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey this Saturday, 20th June.

Belfast

Treat your Dad to a special Father’s Day in Titanic Quarter taking in the excitement of the Gran Fondo on Titanic Slipways before enjoying Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase !Live jazz music will add atmosphere to your afternoon as you dine on a delicious selection of finger sandwiches, superb cakes, sweets and freshly baked scones with clotted cream.Plus! All Dads in the party will receive a special gift from Titanic Belfast!

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.

Titanic Belfast is bringing Iron Man to Belfast this weekend before ROBOT’s takeover the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience this Summer.

The interactive Iron Man will be at Victoria Square on 20^th and 21^st June, before the suit which was used to promote the film takes centre stage at Titanic Belfast’s ROBOTS exhibition from 26th June – 13th September.

Iron Man is just one of the robots, cyborgs and android stars of the big and small screen that will be at Titanic Belfast this Summer. With over 50 robots on display, including R2-D2 and T-800 from Terminator, visitors to the exhibition will be spoilt for choice.

Film fans visiting the exhibition 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 will also be at Titanic Belfast.
For those who prefer ‘the dark side’, robots like ABC robot from Judge Dredd and a Sontaran from Doctor Who, will be awaiting Northern Ireland visitors at the largest ROBOT exhibition in Northern Ireland this Summer.
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.

Two rising teenage singing stars are topping the entertainments bill at the forthcoming Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, which sees the city act as the home port for the first leg of the annual Tall Ships Race from July 2 – 5.

Sixteen year-old ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Bailey McConnell, who has just finished his debut US tour, and Lurgan YouTube sensation Emma Horan will be performing on the main stage, outside the Odyssey Arena, over the weekend.

They will be joined by a host of other acts across the four days of the festival, including The Nooks, Saffyre, the Down and Out String Band and the Broken String Band.  There will also be a vibrant line up of world music including Bhangra beats, a fusion of Andalusian and Latin American tunes, rousing African melodies and a unique fusion of Gyspy folk and Irish traditional music.

But, the entertainment isn’t just confined to the main stage, as there will be all sorts of weird and wonderful shenanigans taking place all over the Tall Ships site, which extends from the Titanic slipways right the way around the river to Pollock Dock – which hosted the Tall Ships’ first visit to Belfast back in 1991.  Look out for giant lobsters, dancing prawns, wriggling eels, cheeky sea gulls, holidaying penguins, dancing portaloos and zany lifeguards among the many colourful characters who will bring the docks and quaysides to life.

Among the many other activities taking place over the four days, visitors will also be able to enjoy Tall Titanic Tales, full of the best of Belfast humour, introducing some unforgettable characters and certain to please both land lubbers and salty dogs alike, or enter the private library of the distinguished inventor Tarquin Potts where he whips up a chaotic storm on his quest to outwit every circus artist’s worse enemy, gravity!

To mark the departure of the 50 vessels for the first leg of the Tall Ships Race, there will be a fireworks display on the Saturday evening (July 4) and a fly past by the Red Arrows over Titanic Belfast at 11am on the Sunday (July 5).

Details of the full entertainment programme, and everything else that is taking place during the Tall Ships, as well as a downloadable map showing what is happening and where, are available from www.tallshipsbelfast.com.

Visitors to this year’s Sea Bangor Maritime Festival are in for a musical treat when Open House take over the event’s Shanty Shack for the weekend.

Sea Bangor which is a highlight on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Events calendar is taking place on June 27 & 28 at the tented village in Quay Street Car Park, Bangor.

The Shanty Shack which is being programmed by Open House will include an eclectic mix of live music and comedy. Compered by comedians Nuala McKeever on the Saturday and George Firehorse on the Sunday, the programme will feature such gems as BBC2 Folk Awards Nominees “Cup O’Joe,” an adorable young siblings trio featuring banjo, guitar, double bass and sweet harmonised vocals; cabaret juggler and street performer “Grant Goldie” who dances in the face of gravity; Bluegrass firebrands, “No Oil Paintings;” folkie four-piece “Lonesome George” and hilarious comedian “Tony Law.” The Shanty Shack will be a hive of music and entertainment for the duration of the festival so pop in and check it out!

And the entertainment doesn’t end there! Down on The Eisenhower Pier, a fantastic street theatre programme will take place all weekend. Look out for The Lighthouse, a tiny, fully furnished lighthouse keeper’s cottage with a striped red and white tower.  The lighthouse keeper – a retired seadog – who rambles through a vast arsenal of comic stories and anecdotes about kippers, guillemots, oyster smacks and the never ending menace of the birds mess. Also making special appearances to entertain the crowds will be The Crooning Captain and The Juggling Sailor!

Other highlights of the festival include; “The Great Bangor Bake Off,” a gourmet food tent, “The Dockside Emporium” a wonderful space created by local artists for people to experience and try out arts and crafts, “Dr Marlin and his Wild West Illusion Show,” a children’s theatre production from Cahoots NI, Jetlev demonstrations, a tall ship, a navy vessel, aerobatic twister displays, Armed Forces activities and lots more!

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 28. This year the festival is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI.

So whatever floats your boat, come along to Sea Bangor for a great family day out! This is a FREE event.