Imagine getting dropped off at a random location in Northern Ireland with a couple of friends, no money, no use of mobile phone and a series of tasks to complete – all the while trying to make your way safely back to Banbridge. Sound like a challenge?

20 teams of willing volunteers have signed up to take part in the event on Saturday 27^th June, with each team raising funds for two chosen charities; Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and the Southern Area Hospice Services.

Club President, Neil McShane, commented: “At Banbridge Lions Club, our aim is to help people and communities in need as well as raise money for local, national and international charities”.

“We’re very excited about bringing back our Lost & Unleashed event this June. Last year we managed to raise £10,000 for Southern Area Hospice Services and Pancreatic Cancer UK and this year we hope to do the same for the Children’s Hospice and again Southern Area Hospice Services.

“We had teams arriving back in Banbridge in style, some blagging a journey back in a fire engine, others came home on donkeys! It was a thoroughly enjoyable day for us all. We hope after the success of last year’s event that we can have another great day on 27^th June and we really encourage the people of Banbridge to come and join us welcoming the teams back at the Hockey Club – who knows what grand entrances we will experience this year!”

This year’s Lions Lost & Unleashed event is taking place at Banbridge Hockey Club on Saturday 27^th June with teams leaving at 10 am, arriving back between 4 pm and 6 pm and there will be food, a raffle, an auction and a disco from 9pm. Entry on the day is £10 each which includes food provided by Quails Fine Foods.

To find out more about this exciting event, visit www.banbridgelions.com/lostandunleashed or visit the Banbridge Lions Club Facebook page.

The Tall Ships Races are coming back to Belfast from 2 to 5 July, welcomed by the Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.

This is the third time that the city has hosted Sail Training International’s annual flagship event, having previously welcomed them in 1991 and more recently in 2009.

This year, the vessels will dock along the harbour from Queen’s Quay, beside The Odyssey, to the Pollock Dock area where the first Tall Ships took place back in 1991.

Around 50 vessels will be gracing our shores, from the impressively large Scandinavian square riggers Statsraad Lehmkuhl, Sorlandet and Christian Radich to the vibrant South American naval ships including Guayas (Ecuador) and Cisne Branco (Brazil).

There’s something for everyone at the four day maritime festival from fairgrounds and markets to live musical performances, an array of street theatre and a BBC interactive zone!

Some of the acts to look forward to on the main stage include teen singing sensation, Bailie McConnell and singer-songwriter, Emma Horan. Street performers will be on hand to entertain festival goers throughout the day, with everything from cheeky seagulls and maritime monologues to balancing sailors, stilt-walkers and jugglers!

With continental markets, international bars, a seafood market in Titanic Quarter and vintage afternoon teas on SS Nomadic, Tall Ships Belfast is a food lover’s haven! Host port sponsor Lidl, will also be offering samples of some of their delicious produce.

The event pays tribute to Belfast’s rich maritime heritage with a mix of seafaring activity in Titanic Quarter and beyond, ranging from rope-making demonstrations to interactive archives and walking tours. The Viking Village in the Pollock Dock area will also offer a host of arts and crafts.

The more adventurous visitors can get involved in water sports, archery and tug of war competitions. T13 will also be on site with Titanic-themed urban art and parkour demos.

And activities aren’t just restricted to land and sea. The sky will also come alive during the event with a kite-flying workshop, hot air balloon displays, fireworks on the Saturday night and the famous Red Arrows on the Sunday!

Additional markets and live entertainment will fill the popular Custom House Square and Belfast City Hall will also get in on the act with marine-themed movies on the big screen and maritime-focused City Hall tours. These events will be connected to Belfast Harbour via a special Tall Ships free shuttle service close to the Belfast Welcome Centre run by Visit Belfast.

And of course, there will be an opportunity to board and explore some of the stars of the show – the Tall Ships themselves!

On the final day, you can witness the amazing scene as the ships leave Belfast or view the spectacle from vantage points along the coastline including Cultra, Jordanstown or Carrickfergus. Or why not take your binoculars up to Cave Hill for a birds-eye view of the proceedings?

Whether you’re a previous tall ships visitor keen to relive those magical moments, or you want to experience this unique event for the first time, come along on 2 to 5 July. Make memories this summer!

For more information go to www.tallshipsbelfast.com or follow @tallships2015 on Twitter and @tallshipsbelfast on Facebook and Instagram.

UK September tour

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New album at #1

ODYSSEY ARENA: 9^th September

**** Q

**** The Times

**** Evening Standard

***** Timeout

“a joyful return” 8/10 NME

“Florence’s finest hour of all” **** DIY

“Florence is clearly ready to soar once again” **** MOJO

‘How Big How Blue How Beautiful’, Florence’s third critically acclaimed album was released this week to top the UK album chart, selling more than the rest of the top 5 combined, topping the charts in 24 other countries and are currently on course to have their first Number One album in the USA.

Now Florence + the Machine announce their return to the stage with their first full UK tour since March 2012. September will see them embark on a 12 strong string of dates which will take them across the country, culminating with 4 nights at London’s Alexandra Palace. The tour will follow a big festival season for Florence + the Machine who are set to play big slots at Glastonbury, Splendour In The Grass, Electric Picnic amongst others.

Tickets go on sale on Friday 12^th June and will be available from:

Odyssey Arena Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.odysseyarena.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

On Sunday 21^st June @ 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.

The Celts were expert fence builders as they needed fences to protect their homes, their crops and their animals.  But for Father’s Day they are looking for some help with this task… your dad.  It is definitely going to be a mucky job!

It’s hard choosing a ‘different’ gift for your father, but we have it all sorted for you with this great idea.  Admission is just £8.95 per adult and £6.00 per child.  Pre-booking is essential, so book today on www.armagh.co.uk/dad or call 028 3752 9644

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

On Friday 19^th June at 7.00pm join King Conor and his bards at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh to enjoy a fabulous King Conor’s Supper.

The courageous and great King Conor, invites you to take your place at his sumptuous supper table.  The supper will be held in his feasting hall, which will be filled with the sound of music from the internationally renowned Armagh Rhymers, stories from his bards and of course there will be plenty of cheering and laughter from you, the guests!

A great evening out, not to be missed.  You are welcome to bring your own wine to this event, corkage will not be charged.  This event isn’t suitable for children under 8 years.

Admission for this event is £16.00 per adult and £6.00 per child, this cost includes your food and entertainment.  Pre-booking is essential on www.armagh.co.uk/kingconor

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

BuskFest is sending the call out to buskers from near and far to take part in the 12th annual busking festival, which takes place on Saturday 27 June in Banbridge town centre.

Every year at BuskFest the streets of Banbridge town centre are bustling with hundreds of musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers from across the globe entertaining the appreciative crowds in the hope of winning a prize from the £3000 cash pot.

The competition runs from 1.00pm – 4.30pm and will culminate in an awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in Solitude Park from 4.30pm – 6.00pm.

Music fans will be in for a treat, with BBC’s The Voice contestant and local singing star Daniel Duke and band kicking off proceedings, followed by performances by the winners of each of the six competition categories.

Categories include overall winner, best individual, best band, best junior performer, best performance which is sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, sponsored by The Outlet, Banbridge.

As well as a superb cash prize, the overall winner will also land a prime spot on the line-up at Sunflowerfest music festival, which takes place at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co Down from 31 July – 2 August 2015.

Online registration is now open via the website at www.buskfest.com and further details can be found on the official Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buskfest

With a large number of performers already registered this year promises to deliver another bumper Buskfest. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (June 8 -14).

• Belfast Book Festival, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, June 8-14. With over 100 events, many completely FREE, the fifth Belfast Book Festival, 8-14 June, is getting ready to showcase some of the biggest names in the literary world from home and beyond.  Whatever your age or level of reading interests the jammed packed programme is guaranteed to have something to encourage you to take part. Begins at various times.

• Fermanagh Fleadh, various locations, Newtownbutler, Co Fermanagh, June 7-14. Commencing with Comhaltas Mass at 3pm, followed by a County Youth Session at 5pm. There will be a variety of events throughout the week including singing sessions and an Ulster Scots concert. There will also be a Traditional Concert showcasing a wealth of talent from our county and beyond.

• Beer Festival at An Creagan, Creggan, Omagh, Co Tyrone, June 13.  Local brewer Darren Nugent from Pokertree owns the first brewery in County Tyrone in over three generations. Darren brews superb quality, small batch, handmade beers that use all natural and where possible local ingredients at all times. Other Ales and Ciders from all over Tyrone and Ireland will available on the night. Begins from 7pm.

• Steam and Jazz Train, Steam Trains Ireland, Belfast, June 12. Get out the glad rags, dust off the straw boater – it’s Jazz time! Join our restored 1960s steam train at Belfast Central. Relax as we leave the city behind and enjoy the sounds of New Orleans jazz as we pause at stations which could be anywhere on the Northern Ireland railway network. Departs Belfast Central at 7:20pm returning at 11:30pm.

• Causeway Speciality Market, The Diamond, Coleraine Town Centre, Co Derry~Londonderry, June 13.  You will find fabulous cheeses, home baked speciality breads, cupcakes, meringues, tray bakes and cakes, olives, spices, pesto, vegetarian food, chutneys, relishes, chocolate, curry sauces, cooking sauces and oils, fudge, cookies, coffees, fish, goat, fruit and vegetables and a superb range of quality crafts such as handmade jewellery, wood crafts, hand stitched cushions, handbags, candles and soaps.  From 9am to 4pm.

• Castle Classic Club Annual Motor Show, Brownlow House, Lurgan, Co Armagh, June 13. Everyone is welcome to the annual event showcasing anything classic, sports, modified or performance. So if you own a modified, vintage, sports, rare, hybrid or just unique vehicle of any kind, then come along and show it off. Begins at 10am.

• Cycling Across the Divide, begins at Giant’s Causeway, Co Antrim, June 10 -14. Join this scenic cycle event from the coast of Northern Ireland to Ireland. This cycle starts at the iconic Giant’s Causeway and finishes in the vibrant city of Cork. The route covers just under 350 miles with the nights stopping in Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny and Cork. It has a few sections of the 2014 Giro d’Italia on its route.

• Summer Jamm in Strabane, Various locations, Strabane, Co Tyrone, June 13. Get ready for a family fun day out with the return of the Strabane Summer Jamm.  Strabane will come alive with music, street entertainers, sporting events, gardening & cookery displays, fun fair and food and craft markets.  Begins at various times.

• Mammia Mia It’s Murder, Grand Opera House, Belfast, June 11-13. Join top tribute band Abbasolutely Abba and zany host Melvyn Starbright for an evening of mayhem, fun, laughter, murder and intrigue. Sing along to some classic Abba songs and solve the crime as a bride-to-be tries to discover who her real father is. But not all is as it seems, as there is tension in the air and a murderous villain is in the crowd. Join the Inspector to help solve the terrible crime and you could become the winning team of super sleuths. From 7.30pm.

• Strangford Lough Festival, various locations, Co Down, June 6. The Strangford Lough festival showcases the best of the area’s heritage and traditions.  This year’s Festival has a medieval mayhem theme with medieval men at arms, scriptor monks and the NI school of falconry on the Saturday & Sunday.  Archaeology NI, the Ulster Wildlife and RSPB will be in attendance with fun activities for the kids and there will be lots of opportunities to take part in guided walks or enjoy the two day craft fair.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival will be held on Saturday 13th June 2015 in the beautiful surroundings of Gosford Forest Park, close to the village of Markethill.

The show has enjoyed a growing level of success and now over 20,000 people regularly attend. It is one the largest annual public events in the Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council area and is now recognized as one of the leading one-day Agricultural Shows in the country.

This year we welcome Fane Valley as are principal sponsor, with other premier sponsors including Armagh City Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, Hewitt Meats, Pinkertons, Linwoods, Maison Real Estate, Wilson’s Country, First Trust Bank, Ulster Bank, Bank of Ireland and Danske Bank.

In the Food Village, the Show has been selected to host a heat of “ The All Ireland Home Cook Championship” with eight cooks demonstrating ‘Creativity with Irish Ingredients’. The winner’s prize includes a one week cooking course at the world renowned Ballymaloe Cookery School.  Finals of this will be held in Castleblaney later in the August.  So, if there are any budding amateur cooks out there who wish to have a go, then give us a call.

This year we are re introducing our Best Dressed Female and Gent on Showday, sponsored by Lila’s and JR McMahon, this will be run in conjunction with a Fashion Show styled by both stores.  Trade stands from all over the country will grace the park and we will have our normal Livestock on show with the full range of classes on parade for Dairy and Beef Cattle, Sheep, Goats and Pigs …. and maybe even other rare and exotic breeds including Alpacas !  Another first for Armagh this year will be a Dog Grooming competition which will start sharp at 9.00am.

In the Equestrian Classes there is a full range of in-hand and ridden classes for ponies and horses including, donkeys, clydesdales and miniatures. Our Poultry Section has grown dramatically and this year they will be exhibiting over 600 birds of all varieties. And of course the Home Industries continues to grow and competition for rosettes in Craft, Photography, Art and Cooking will be fierce! To mark Fane Valley’s involvement with the Show this year there will be a prize draw for two hampers and a signed Ulster Rugby Shirt …tickets to enter will be printed in the Show Catalogue.

To ease the traffic problems this year, visitors are encouraged to use the parking fields on the Mullabrack / Hamiltonsbawn and Tandragee Roads and make their way to the entrance gates on those roads where a free Park & Ride trailer will transport them to the Show Grounds.

Make a date in you diary and come and enjoy all the fun with your family at the Armagh County Agricultural Show and Country Festival on Saturday 13th June  2015 … a day not to be missed!  Check out our Web page www.armaghshow.com and find us on FaceBook and Twitter.  Entrance fees are £10 for adults with children under 16 free.