SUMMER is a time for creating carefree memories, kicking off sandals on the beach and feeling the sand in between your toes; for eating too much ice cream and staying up late with friends around a campfire.

If you thought that you had to jump on a plane to find your perfect holiday then think again, as Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging everyone to find out more about the amazing staycation options that are available all over Northern Ireland.

TNI’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley explains why a break in Northern Ireland can prove even more fun than a trip abroad:

“Northern Ireland is simply bursting at the seams with great things to see and do which make it the perfect place to experience a staycation. We may not always get the weather we would like but we certainly make up for it in terms of wonderful experiences, from luxurious glamping under the stars, to a range of beautiful beaches and first class hotels, enabling you to create your very own bespoke trip of a lifetime.

“Whether you are planning a holiday with family, friends or your other half, be sure to spend some time exploring the possibilities for a fantastic summer break that are right on your door step,” added Pauline.

Tourism NI has created a list of options on how you can create your very own staycation. For more information go to www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Glamping

If you would like to experience a camping holiday but also appreciate the finer things in life, then glamping is for you.

Mountain Sky Luxury Glamping is located on Ash Park farm in the glorious Sperrin Mountains. The comfortable tents offer a wooden floor, wood burning stove, comfy sofa and beds and for those who like to mix luxury with a traditional camping experience there will be campfires to toast marshmallows under the stars.

Located just outside Markethill in Co Armagh, Tepee Valley is the perfect destination for those who would like a ‘back to basics’ experience. The campsite boasts exceptional views over stunning countryside down to the Cusher river and across to the Slieve Gullion. Happy Campers can choose from either a traditional Native American Tepee, a choice of two yurts, a log cabin, dome or a perfectly furnished gypsy caravan called The Rosie Lee.

Castle Ward is tucked away in a stunning 820 demesne and hosts four eco friendly continental camping cabins just waiting to be enjoyed. Families are sure to have fun in the nearby Clearksy Adventure Centre which includes miles of multipurpose trails including bike and canoe hire.

Take your family and head to Limavady for an unrivalled glamping experience at Benone Tourist Complex. The lodges have all the little luxuries needed for a comfortable stay including a kettle, heater, picnic table and showers and are also just a short distance away from the great outdoors with mountain views and wonderful fresh, sea air.

Situated on the picturesque Lower Bann just outside Ballymoney is the award winning Drumaheglis Marina and Caravan Park. The park offers campers the perfect riverside location which is ideal for water enthusiasts with amenities including a fridge, kettle, heater and picnic table. The park accommodates touring caravans and glamping pods are also available for hire.

Drumhoney Holiday Park in Co Fermanagh is nestled in quiet countryside surrounded by panoramic views of impressive hills and mountains. The camping pods are the ideal way to enjoy stress free camping as they come equipped with a heater, freeview tv and picnic table.

Sail Away

For something unusual, why not explore Northern Ireland by boat on a trip around one of the many beautiful loughs and rivers available.

Game of Thrones Boat Tour on Strangford Lough is a must-see way to explore Northern Ireland, especially for fans of the hit TV show. Participants will enjoy stunning views of various locations used in the filming of the show including Dreadfort, Robbs’s Camp and Winterfell Castle.

For an exciting weekend with friends try out Causeway Power and Sail in Coleraine which caters for every kind of water enthusiast from beginners to experienced sailors. Hop onboard the ‘Scallywag’ for an adrenalin filled ride around the beautiful North Coast.

Aquasports in Ballycastle allows holidaymakers to discover the wildlife of the Causeway Coast and Rathlin Island on a fascinating boat trip. Soak up the breathtaking views and keep an eye out for the exciting wildlife which includes puffins, guillemots, seals and dolphins.

For a relaxing evening during your staycation, take The MV Kestrel on a cruise around the beautiful waters of Lough Erne. Hop on the boat in Enniskillen for a tour which lasts almost two hours and includes a visit to Devenish Island as well as dinner at the Killyhevlin Hotel.

The Copeland Islands are situated just off the coast of Donaghadee and comprise around 300 acres. Take a boat trip to take in these picturesque islands which are noted for their varied bird population and grey seals.

Beach Life

You don’t need to hop on a plane to feel the sand between your toes as Northern Ireland boasts a wide range of beautiful beaches just waiting to be explored.

Benone Beach is a must-see and offers visitors seven miles of golden sand set against a magnificent back drop of mountains, scenery and stunning views. With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.

A year round mecca for holiday makers, Portstewart Strand holds the prestigious Blue Flag award for the management, cleanliness and quality of the water. The beach attracts a range of visitors wishing to partake in activities such as surfing, swimming, horse riding and scenic walks all with wonderful views of the North Coast.

Visitors are sure to enjoy a day out at Crawfordsburn Beach as they can explore the two excellent beaches on offer, enjoy the views across Belfast Lough or a peaceful walk through the wooded glens and country park. The park also offers a large visitor centre, café, running trail and mobility scooters.

Tyrella Beach is an award winning beach nestled in a small, enclosed complex within Dundrum Bay in Co Down. The clean waters make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts and the beach is perfect for a delicious picnic.

Something Quirky

Sample a stay at one of the many unusual properties that are available all around NI.

Whitehill Cottage in Brookeborough allows guests to take a step back in time within the stunning grounds of Colebrooke House, a beautiful neo-classical mansion just outside of Brookeborough.  The cottage is sympathetically restored and offers luxurious modern facilities whilst retaining the period features of an original Irish cottage. For those who like to keep active, activities such as fishing, cycling and tennis are all available within the grounds.

The beautiful Drenagh Estate in Limavady is set against 1,000 acres of parkland and has been the home of the McCausland family since the 1600s. The stately home is available to rent and with eight bedrooms, guests can invite lots of friends along to enjoy the elegant delights of the billiard room, home cinema, indoor pool and walled garden.

Belle Isle Castle & Estate offers the perfect country escape in luxurious surroundings and the 17^th century castle, once home to generations of nobles, hosts eight luxurious guest bedrooms which are uniquely decorated with antique furniture. The castle has a range of antique furnishings as well as works by Russian, Irish and English painters. Belle Isle is also home to a well known cookery school, the perfect activity for those who would like to try something a little different and learn some new skills.

Spelga House is a large detached, high spec modern house that sits in front of a dam wall on top of the Mournes and is the highest located house in Northern Ireland.  It boasts spectacular views of the surrounding Mourne Mountains and is only seven miles from the lively resort town of Newcastle. This unusual property is ideal for families who would like to get away to a cosy, luxury retreat or a group of friends who would like to spend some quality time together.

The Barbican in Glenarm is a castle positioned beyond an old stone bridge over the Glenarm River. Built in 1825, this medieval miniature castle is a perfect romantic hideaway in one of Ulster’s oldest villages. The property boasts its own roof garden and is the ideal location for a weekend to get away from it all and relax with loved ones.

Why not try the Governor’s Lodge in Co Tyrone which is situated in the centre of the Baronscourt Estate and dates back to 1890. This delightful two storey building has recently been renovated and can accommodate up to four people. This is the perfect place for keen fishers as the estate has some of the best pike fishing in Ireland on offer across three interconnected lakes.

The highly-anticipated opening of one the most unique attractions on the island, The Gobbins, has been confirmed as Wednesday 19^th August.

After months of speculation, the public will get their chance to experience the newly restored tourist attraction, located in Islandmagee that has already captured the imagination of tourists from around the world.

The original development by visionary Berkeley Deane Wise, Chief Engineer of the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company, is poised to enjoy a new era of discovery. It is expected to see thousands of tourists flock to the attraction in the year ahead. In its heyday it attracted more visitors than the Giant’s Causeway.

Speaking on the upcoming opening, Chief Executive of Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Anne Donaghy said: The Councillors of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are delighted to be opening The Gobbins cliff path to the public on 19 August 2015.

The Chief Executive, Anne Donaghy said: “This path offers a natural rugged beauty that can only be appreciated by a visit.  The Gobbins holds a special place in the hearts of local people and it is extremely rewarding that the Council has been able to reinvigorate what is one of the best tourism attractions, not only in NI, but across the whole of the UK.

“In fact, people have booked a tour of The Gobbins cliff path from as far away as Australia, New York, Sweden, France and Germany and beyond – we have been overwhelmed with the world wide interest in this local tourist attraction.  It is fantastic to see such interest from across the globe but what has impressed me the most is the eagerness and excitement of local people at the opening of The Gobbins.

“The Gobbins brings a modern day twist to an Edwardian tourism attraction with 23 bridges, paths and walkways. The path is steep in places but reveals a wealth of stunning unrivalled views of the Irish Sea.  Caves, steps, and tunnels carved through the rock, and offers a real mix of wildlife, flora and fauna on the numerous cliffs – it truly is a remarkable attraction soaked in heritage.”

Anne continues: “The Gobbins not only promises a dramatic and beautifully stunning walk, but it offers much more with its new visitor’s centre and exhibition area, a café serving the world famous Rinkha ice-cream and a gift shop stocking local arts and crafts.  A unique feature of ‘The Gobbins’ is the local people.  Council are proud to have so many local tour guides involved, who can bring to life the stories, myths and legends of The Gobbins and give all visitors a warm welcome.

“I would encourage everyone to come and experience this dramatic coastal path for themselves as words cannot describe the experience.  A personal highlight for me is the iconic tubular bridge on the walk, which took my breath away.  The Gobbins is a must do for local people as well as international tourists.”

Please visit the website for more information www.thegobbinscliffpath.com

EastSide Arts Festival, 19^th – 31st August, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, is just around the corner with 12-days of events across the EastSide and beyond; 33 of these are FREE and there are lots of family activities.

Highlights including: Ciara O’Malley’s mobile space project featuring her interactive caravan of art located at Connswater Pocket Park; Making It Up Story workshops at Skainos; Storytelling at Short Strand Community Centre and Cregagh Library; Craft Workshops with Redhead Thread at Short Strand Community Centre  and Belmont Tower and the fantastic Orangefield Park Celebrations on August 29, organised by Connswater Community Greenway, featuring workshops, music and street theatre. For further details visit www.eastsidearts.net

Getting ready for festival fun at Connswater Pocket Park were, from left, Leigh Chamberlain from Action Cancer, the official festival charity, Evvie Bishop(8) from East Belfast and Kirsty McGuinness, Redhead Thread.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Romance Package, Ten Square Hotel, Belfast. From £125 per room per night. Indulge your loved one with a romantic getaway for two. Luxuriate in a wonderful guestroom with a rose petal strewn bed, rose petal and bubble bath, house wine, strawberries and chocolate truffles. This package also includes full breakfast in bed. Guaranteed to relight your passion. Available until 31 Dec. To book call (028) 9024 1001.

• Stay & Play Golf Special, Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown. From £77.50 pps. The Glenavon House Hotel, situated on the outskirts of Cookstown, County Tyrone provides a haven for holidaymakers. Overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds, this luxurious hotel offers a wide range of high standard facilities to the discerning traveller. This offer includes dinner, bed, breakfast, use of the hotel leisure facilities and one round of golf at either Killymoon Golf Club, Cookstown or Dungannon Golf Club. Available until 31 September. To book call (028) 8676 4949.

• Exclusive Stay and Spa Package, Hunter’s Lodge, Killinchy, Newtownards. From £90pps. Luxury Bed and Breakfast Accommodation with Spa Package at Pure Day Spa. Choose one of five treatments: ESPA Express Facial, Aromatherapy Back, Neck, Shoulder Massage, Dry Flotation Treatment, Pure Manicure, Pure Pedicure. It will last approximately 2 hrs and you will have full use of the Spa facilities including thermal suite and complimentary refreshments. Available until 31 Dec.  To book call (028) 9754 2703.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 17 – 23).

• EastSide Arts Festival, East Belfast, Belfast, August 19 – 31. East Belfast is getting ready for the hottest summer yet as the annual EastSide Arts Festival serves up a sizzling 12-day feast of events. Locations across East Belfast and beyond will help to unpack a festival picnic featuring 78 events including 33 FREE events across music, comedy, movies, theatre, workshops, exhibitions, poetry, tours, events for the young and old and community events.

• Woodstock Rhythm & Blues Festival, various locations in NI, August 12-19. The 8th annual Woodstock Rhythm & Blues Festival takes place from 12 – 19 August and features a fantastic line up of Rhythm and Blues acts. This year by popular demand we welcome back one of the great British soul and blues vocalists… the wonderful Chris Farlowe, whose two previous sell out concerts at the festival were truly spectacular.  As always the calibre of music on offer is breathtaking with our usual mix of seasoned performers and rising stars of the blues scene.

• Seaside Country Music Showtime Concert, Newcastle Centre, Central Promenade, Newcastle, Co. Down, August 20. Sean Wallace presents Seaside Country Music Showtime with the stars in the Newcastle Centre on Thursday 20th August with a country line up like no other. Featuring Trudi Lalor, Farmer Dan, Cowboy Larry, Joe Moore plus the amazing Country Harmony. Doors Open at 7.00pm.

• A Story of Fire and Ice, Ti Chullain Centre, Bog Road, Mullaghbawn, Co. Armagh, August 18. Come and hear about the birth of Ireland’s most mysterious mountain, Slieve Gullion. Join Kirsten Lemon on an adventure through time as she shares the story of how Slieve Gullion and its surrounding ring of hills, formed and changed over the millennia to become the iconic landscape we know today. Start time 19:30. FREE but online booking is essential www.ringofgullion.org.

• 25th Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park Avenue, beside Bangor Town Hall, Bangor, Co. Down, August 19. Join this fascinating interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely, who will teach you all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park. Tour: 10.30am – 12.30pm. Free event and pre-booking essential.

• Carrowmena Monday Madness & Wicked Wednesdays, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, until August 31. Enjoy a family day out of adrenaline, action and adventure at Carrowena this summer with fun activities such as climbing wall, zip line, archery and canoeing or kayaking.

• Share Inishcruiser Sailing, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Shanaghy, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, August 23 and 30. Soak up the beautiful surroundings of Lough Erne in the summer sun. Share’s Inishcruiser sets sail with a morning cruise at 10.30am and an afternoon cruise at 2.30pm.

• Causeway Coast Artists Craft Fair, Portballintrae Village Hall, Beach Road, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim, August 22. Come along to this very popular event where a variety of local artisan craft makers showcase the very best of their work. From 10.30am.

• Groomsport Live Music and Fireworks, Groomsport, Co. Down, August 22. Local TV and Radio presenter and broadcaster Ralph McLean compères this free and open to all event that will showcase a selection of great live music. There will then be a finale of stunning fireworks at 10pm to end the night in style.

• Summer Jazz Nights With Jazz Gazette, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, August 14, 28 and September 11.Enjoy the lovely summer nights filled with the sounds of rhythm and blues from renowned jazz musicians ‘Jazz Gazette’.  Jazz Gazette will be joined by special guests and welcome anyone that would like to come and ‘jamm’ with them. From 8.30pm.

• A Taste of Titanic, Titanic Belfast, Queen’s Road, Belfast, August 21. Taste your way through the story of RMS Titanic with Titanic Belfast’s signature 2 hour food tasting tour, the ultimate combination of culture, history, food and fun! Go on a guided journey through the Titanic Galleries and learn about the fascinating story of the world’s most famous ship and sample culinary delights from the era. Tours will run at 6.30pm, 7.30pm or 8.30pm.

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.

Down

The Speciality Food Fair at Moira Demesne this Saturday 15th August is a one-off event that will celebrate the best of Northern Ireland’s local food producers. The event will feature an artisan food market, kitchen demo sessions, plenty of family fun, gourmet street food and a café bar to relax, enjoy your food and a few tunes from local musicians.

Armagh

Armagh has a significance that has been felt across the island of Ireland for over 6500 years. There are many special things to experience in the Ancient Cathedral City ranging from the historically unique Navan Fort, Ireland’s only Planetarium, two Saint Patrick’s Cathedrals, stunning architecture and the chance to enjoy the rural ambience of over 4,000 acres of apple orchards.  Book a day tour to Armagh and choose what you want to see!  Every Friday & Saturday until Saturday 29th August 2015. Departs 10.00am from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.Cost: £15.00 return coach trip.

Fermanagh

This weekend, 14th and 15th August, The Ulster Rally will return to Fermanagh after the successful first visit in 2013 and it will be the 39th Ulster Rally this year. Rally HQ will be based at the Belmore Court Hotel & Motel, Enniskillen, and the event’s Central Service Park will be located at St Angelo Airport. Organisers expect 300 drivers and co-drivers, supported by over 600 service crew, to be competing in up to 150 rally cars over the two day period. The 2015 Todds Leap Ulster Rally is a counting round of the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Historic Rally Championship.

Tyrone

The Castlecaulfield Show, Vintage Rally and Fun Day this Saturday 15th August at Parkanaur Manor House, will feature flowers, fruit, vegetables, home crafts, live entertainment, refreshments and fun activities. The Manor House and marquees will house all entry exhibits and over 20 craft stalls. Afternoon tea will be served in the ballroom between 1.00pm and 3.45pm and a BBQ is also available. The House and show marquee will house 15 sections covering 176 classes and will be open from 1.30pm. Prize giving by Jenny Bristow MBE Northern Irish Cook and Cookery writer. A free shuttle bus will operate within the grounds.

Derry

The Upperlands Annual Summer Craft Fair will be held at The Linenhall Upperlands on Saturday 15th August from 12pm – 4pm. There will be 30 indoor stalls and 12 outdoor marquee tents selling beautiful homemade gifts. Refreshments will be available at the nearby Old Mill Coffee Shop before or after your shopping. Come along for a great family day out suitable for all ages. Everyone is welcome and admission is free.

Antrim

Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey present their Gala Opera Evening in Civic Square this Saturday 15th August – a cornucopia of operatic delights performed in the open air within the stunning grounds of Mossley Mill.  Under the direction of Andrew Synnott, distinguished Irish soprano Virginia Kerr and friends from the international opera stage will perform classic arias from the World of opera and operetta including works by Rossini, Bizet, Mozart, Lehar and Dvorak among other to be accompanied by the Theatre at The Mill Ensemble.  For the best outdoor experience Patrons are welcome to bring along their own picnics and rugs or low back seating to the event as well as clothing suitable for all weather conditions.  Drinks and light refreshments will be available to purchase from the theatre bar.  Please note this is an outdoor event and the performance will go ahead in all weather conditions.

Belfast

Bonkers Betty’s Bizarre Bazaar invites you to their Artisan Food and Craft Market Saturday 15th August at Fortwilliam & Macrory Church, Antrim Road from 11am – 4pm. Bonkers Bazaar is a growing collective of artists, makers and producers who bring their hand crafted and unique wares under one roof every 2 months. There is live music, a pop up tea room to entertain you, 30 stalls each offering a different hand-made craft. There is literally something for everyone and to suit all budgets. All of our traders are very friendly and there is a fabulous atmosphere throughout the day.

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.

Ultimately it was the trusty Belfast weather that had the last word on Wednesday night, stopping the Belfast Buccaneers just as things were getting interesting.

Sporting a brand new battery of pitcher Christopher Barr and Irish fastpitch softball international catcher Marian Neill, the Bucs and Belfast Northstars faced off on an already gloomy Wednesday night at Hydebank and despite an early deficit, the expansion Bucs would circle the frigates and begin their comeback.

With two outs gone in the second, the Northstars (led by Melvin Woods who, by his own standards, was battling control issues) had jumped out to an 8-1 lead. With Sean Shackley taking over for Barr, the Buccaneers scrapped four runs back to take the score to 8-5.

In an effort to halt the comeback, the Stars would add another brace of runs in the fifth; Shackley taking matters into his own hands and driving in Chris Stange made it 10-6. Showing excellent plate discipline, Melvin Woods would see the bases loaded but after striking out Neill and Van Houten, minimal damage was done after another run plated for the Bucs when Billy Thompson was walked.

Unfortunately, with the game starting to heat up, the conditions became too dark too early for play to safely continue and, to put the final nail in the game, the heavens opened just as the final handshakes were being exchanged.

A critical win for the Belfast Northstars, but there was plenty for the Buccaneers to take heart from moving forward…

This weekend it is the turn of the Northstars to put their feet up along with the Angels with the Bucs travelling to Ashbourne and the Hornets welcoming the Cavan Comets to Hydebank.

The Giants will entertain the Buccaneers during a weekend of festivities to celebrate the opening of the newest jewel in the Baseball Ireland crown, the International Baseball Centre in Ashbourne.

Already leading the season series 3-1, the Bucs will be looking to build momentum to the playoffs. The first game was a short affair being called after four innings with the Giants lagging behind 19-4. The score was, in no small part, to the punch in the middle of the Belfast order provided by third baseman Chris Stange and centrefielder Terry Rosbotham (6  R, 6 H, 10 RBI combined).  With sixteen runs plating in the first two innings, the Giants had little chance to extend the game past the fourth.

In the second, despite another 4 RBI by Rosbotham the Giants, led by Sean Mitchell with both bat (2 R, 3 H, 5 RBI) and ball (9 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 9 K) would top the Bucs and their rookie pitchers Kalvin Breet and Christopher Barr, 12-9.

That blemish to the record would clearly be on the mind of the Belfast team as they travelled to Dublin for the third and fourth tilts of the season series as they outscored the young Giants 28-3. In the first game of the day the offensive provided by Jose Santos (3 R, 2 H, 1 2B, 3 RBI), Alex Linderman (3 R, 4 H, 2 2B, 3 RBI) and Stefano Baschiera (3 RBI) was simply too much of an assault on Giants starter Kevin Mitchell, 17-3 the final.

Not content with the three runs against and with the ball placed into the right hand of Sean Shackley, the Bucs would go on to slam the door, 11-0, on the Giants that were their own worst enemy committing eight errors during the game compared to the lone error by the northern side. That, coupled with another balanced offensive performance by the Bucs was enough to send the black and orange home happy.

Hopefully the weather will be a little more settled at Hydebank this Saturday as the Comets fly north. After splitting last weekend’s games against the Bucs on their home turf, the Cavan side will no doubt feel confident and ready to take on the division leaders.

This will only be the third time the Comets and Bugs have squared off due to a postponed series in July, with Mark Smith’s team taking the spoils in both games.

Smith himself was a huge part of the victory, driving in eight runs thanks to three home runs to seemingly each part of the field as the Hornets cantered to a 21-6 victory, bolstered thanks to an eleven-run outburst in the last inning.

The second game was a much closer affair and despite jumping out to a 3-0 lead to support starter Colin Woods, the Comets would jump to a 6-3 lead after five innings. Refusing to lie down, Smith would score in the sixth and (along with Woods, again in the seventh) to tie the game.

Moving to extra time and clearly with the momentum, the Hornets would add another four runs and, showing confidence and faith in his starter, Smith would leave Woods in to finish the job.

The Comets are looking to solidify a playoff spot in the Baseball Ireland B league North Division but with Smith and Woods likely starters once more, it will be a difficult task to slow down the Hornets.

Be sure to check out the Facebook pages and twitter feeds for the teams of the Belfast Baseball and Softball Club – The Belfast Northstars(@NorthstarsBB) , The Belfast Buccaneers(@BelfastBucs), The Belfast Hornets (@BelfastHornets) and The Belfast Angels Softball Club (@Belfast_Angels).

www.belfastbaseball.co.uk

Fans of the annual event at Groomsport will be thrilled to hear that the popular fireworks display is back this year on Saturday 22 August, with the bonus of an earlier start of 10pm making it a real family affair.

With a fantastic entertainment line-up, this free event has all the elements for a family evening out with music, food and drinks available on site, a fun fair and the spectacular fireworks finale.

For the children, from 12 noon – 10pm, there will be a funfair in operation and from 2pm to 4pm; there will be Plant & Play, children’s crafts and an animal roadshow at Cockle Row. There will also be a food fair on site all day providing a wide array of food and refreshments, another great reason to visit Groomsport and make a day of it!

At 7pm, the music programme will commence and local TV and radio presenter Ralph McClean will guide the audience through the event’s performers.  Malojian – Steve Scullion’s indie rock act – will get the party started with their melodic and fresh tunes attracting praise from the likes of Lauren Laverne and Fun Lovin’ Criminals singer Huey Morgan.

Next up, is the Nigel Mooney band – one of Ireland’s finest song writers and winner of Ireland’s bestselling Jazz album.  His sensitive, tenor voice, soulful jazz guitar stylings and preference for an acoustic sounding jazz approach to blues have made him a unique and popular artist.

The superb headline act will not disappoint, taking to the stage at 8.45pm, the Neil Diamond Tribute band “It’s A Beautiful Noise” is the perfect end to the evening.   This fantastic finale will feature all the spectacular songs of the world class legendary singer – Groomsport will be rocking!

Commenting on the event, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“I am looking forward to a fun, family day out in Groomsport.  The event is always very popular with people of all ages enjoying music, food and fireworks, and I am sure this year will be no different!”

There is a strict no glass policy on-site, so any alcohol consumed must be from the bar area.  A special late night bus service will run at 10.30pm and 11pm back to Bangor.

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has released details of a new Autumn | Winter season packed full of sparkling highlights including shows, workshop and exhibitions to keep audiences flooding back time and again.

The shows on offer are endless, so here’s just a glimpse of some of the treats on offer.

The most exciting family show since time began, is about to be discovered… by you! ‘Jurassic Adventures’ is a brand new production, set on a magical island, where anything might happen, with a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course DINOSAURS. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T Rex mother who wants her egg back! The adventure allows you follow the footsteps of Doctor Grant’s team of explorers, and laugh at their crazy antics, as they search for proof that Dinosaurs still exist! Jurassic Adventures will be staged on Monday 28 September.

Friday 2^nd October will see an event audiences in Armagh have long been waiting for as Paul Brady takes to the stage and it will be well worth the wait! This renowned singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist needs little introduction as he is one of Ireland’s most enduringly popular artists. From his renowned versions of great ballads like ‘Arthur McBride’ and ‘The Lakes Of Pontchartrain’ to acclaimed songs such as ‘Nobody Knows’, ‘Nothing But The Same Old Story’, ‘The Island’ and ‘The World Is What You Make It’, early booking is strongly recommended for this concert to celebrate the recent launch of his latest album ‘The Vicar St Sessions Volume 1’.

The recently voted ‘Most Significant English Language Play of the 20^th Century’, ‘Waiting For Godot’ will be at The Market Place on Thursday 29^th October. A country road. A tree. Evening. Vladimir and Estragon meet as dusk approaches. A conversation begins, a joke is interrupted. A carrot is eaten. The two men quarrel, then embrace. Unannounced, two eccentric travellers arrive. Seemingly master and servant, one stands weighed down at the end of a long rope, the other carries a whip. So begins Samuel Beckett’s sixty-year-old masterpiece ‘Waiting For Godot’, a ground-breaking, anarchic meditation on the meaning of life and death.

There’s a Halloween party special on Saturday 31^st October, when the brilliant ‘Dirty Dancing Show’ showcases some of the great songs from hit ‘Chick-Flick’ movies and musicals. This all-singing, all-dancing show will have you out of your seat from start to finish. Featuring and showcasing the songs of one of the most popular movies of all time ‘Dirty Dancing’, as well as the hits from ‘Footloose’, ‘Fame’, ‘Flashdance’ and many more. Performed by leading singers and dancers from London’s West End and supported by live musicians, this show brings the best in film music right to your doorstep.

The most popular of all classical ballets, ‘Swan Lake’ returns on Saturday 7^th November, performed by the world-renowned Moscow Ballet who demonstrate their continued quality of dance and performances in a dramatic production of this timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s superb score. The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; all leading dancers want to dance Swan lake during their careers and all audiences want to see them dance in this, the ultimate fairy tale ballet. Early booking strongly recommended.

Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre in December. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite! All the better to entertain you with! What’s happened to Grandma? Why has she got that big toothy grin, why has she stopped cutting her nails and why has her bed shrunk… or is it really Grandma at all? Families and children will get right up close to all of the action with loads of chances to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood, her friends The Three Little Pigs, and Boo the big and very bad wolf!

For details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets for can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

This Sunday, August 16, jazz sensations, Dave Howell & The Jazzmeisters will be performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme.

Led by celebrated Bangor saxophonist Dave Howell, The Jazzmeisters play music from across the jazz and blues spectrum and will entertain the crowds with hits from Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and many other jazz legends. Ward Park is sure to be buzzing!

So if you fancy spending an afternoon in beautiful surroundings, enjoying top class jazz, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm for this free event. Let’s hope the sun shines!

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