There’s still plenty of time to plan a family trip to the Causeway Coast and Glens, full of fun, adventure and entertainment Whether you’re looking for a short activity break or an extended stay, we’ve got what you want.

The bumper events programme continues throughout August. Cruisers and dinghies will be battling for position off the Portrush shores on 15^th and 16^th during the 2015 Portrush Regatta, while the Causeway Truck Fest rolls into Portrush on Sunday 16^th with a static display of these monster vehicles at the NW200 Paddock, followed by a cavalcade through the town.

On Friday, 16^th, Go Wild with the Ranger at Downhill Demesne for a morning of fun and adventure – and it’s free. The National Trust Rangers will be on hand to complete some of your 50 things to do before you’re 11¾.  There’s lots more fun to be had at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Saturday, 22^nd when kids can let their imagination run wild at the Dragons and Dinosaurs Workshop followed by a special showing of Where The Wild Things Are.  The whole family will enjoy one of the busiest weekends of the year in Portrush at the North West Pipe Band Championships on 21^st and 22^nd and don’t forget to save some energy for the Lammas Fair which takes to the streets of Ballycastle on Monday, 24^th and Tuesday, 25^th August for two days of trading, busking, entertainment and the local delicacies – Yellowman and dulse.

The Bank Holiday Weekend is going to be a busy one, with the entertaining Causeway Coast Mini Weekend hitting the roads at Bushmills and Portrush and the Causeway Coast Surf Festival catching the waves in Portrush. If you’re feeling fit you will search hard to find a more unique or spectacular backdrop for a 5k or 10 mile race than the Rathlin Run on Rathlin Island on Saturday, 29^th August.

The final fling of summer sees two days of fast and furious air displays and entertainment at Air Waves Portrush on 5^th and 6^th September with the Red Arrows on both days, The Blades, the RAF Typhoon and lots more.

For details, check www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com and www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

SLIEVE MARTIN, ROSTREVOR, COUNTY DOWN
3-4 OCTOBER 2015

Red Bull is delighted to announce that Red Bull Foxhunt will return to Northern Ireland this autumn from 3-4 October 2015.

A challenging course, combining sections of existing downhill track with additional mountain and multi-terrain sections, Red Bull Foxhunt will begin atop Slieve Martin before descending through sections of trail, moorland and forest to the sprint finish in the grounds of Rostrevor’s Kilbroney Park.  The mountain biking event will feature over 400 bikers who will all try and beat the fox in a hunt with a difference.

From decorated pros to weekend warriors, the pack will tear down the three and a half miles of unforgiving downhill course encompassing wind bleached moorland, mud-spattered forests and hair-raising sprints, each adrenaline pumped biker tirelessly battling to cross the finish line before the advancing fox.

Red Bull Foxhunt will take place over 2 days, with qualifier time-trials taking place on the 3rd October and the event itself on Sunday, 4^th October. Further details including registration will be announced on www.redbull.ie in mid August

In 2011, Wicklow’s Ballinastoe Woods hosted the inaugural Red Bull Foxhunt event, with former Irish Olympian Robin Seymour taking the ultimate honours and in 2012 Greg Callaghan burned up the field on the challenging Cavehill course overlooking Belfast. Despite having to chase down a massive field Gee ‘The Fox’ Atherton battled his way from the very back to finish in a highly credible third place!

In 2013, the event relocated to the picturesque Mourne Mountains in Rostrevor, County Down. First place went to Colin Ross who thundered into the finish line arena with a good lead ahead of last year’s winner Greg Callaghan of Dirt Norco, with Joe Barnes of the Dudes of Hazzard coming in third. The event took a sabbatical last year, but will return this October, bigger and better than ever!

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s Oyster Pearl, Emma Friars gets a lesson from local rock band front-man Harry Hamilton, at the official launch of this year’s Flash Harry Live Concert and BBQ.  The Concert takes place on Saturday 5^th September as part of this year’s Festival programme.

Back by popular demand, Flash Harry will be entertaining guests in the Festival’s Grand Marquee from 7.30pm with tickets at £15 per person, or £20 per person including the BBQ. Don’t miss out – book your tickets today at www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com. 

THE Red Arrows will bring a whole new meaning to the ‘flying kilo’ this Saturday after it was confirmed that they will perform a flypast over the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix.

With an official time still to be confirmed, the flypast will take place in the afternoon during a short break between races, and with sunshine forecast, fans are set to enjoy spectacular views of the world-famous display team.

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix said: “To have the Red Arrows fly over Dundrod will be fantastic. It’s not often that you get such an exciting opportunity and I’m sure it will be a real treat for the fans.

“It will be a great addition to race day and our tribute to Doc John Hinds.

“We’re all thinking of him this week and with his dedication to road racing and work campaigning for an Air Ambulance in Northern Ireland, we felt that dedicating the flypast to ‘Delta 7’ would be a fitting gesture.

“The Red Arrows are one of the few things faster and louder than a factory Superbike so make sure you don’t miss it. We’ll also have a full programme of racing for fans to enjoy, so there’s no reason not to be at Dundrod this Saturday.”

Entry wristbands to the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix cost £25 per person, while entry is free for all under 18s accompanied by a paying adult.

For the latest news and information on car parking and getting to the circuit visit www.ulstergrandprix.net or you can also follow @UlsterGrandPrix on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

This Sunday, August 9, six-piece band, Soul Truth will be performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme.

Soul Truth, led by vocalist and front man Andy Whittaker comprises of a fully-live brass section and will entertain the crowds with a full set of Motown classics and hits from Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Florence and The Machine, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles and so many more. Ward Park is sure to be dancing!

So if you fancy spending an afternoon in beautiful surroundings, enjoying top class live music, 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

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 10 – 16).

• CRAFT FEST 2015, Castle Ward, Strangford, Co Down, August 14-16. Now in its twelfth year, CRAFT FEST is the Craft & Design Collective’s annual celebration of craft, applied art and design at Castle Ward. CRAFT FEST offers visitors a Craft Festival that includes a fair, demonstrations and workshops, an exhibition ‘In The House’, and the chance to meet some of the NI’s finest designer-makers in an incredible location. Friday – 1pm to 5.30pm and Saturday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm.

• ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co Tyrone, August 14-15. Belvoir Players have been producing first class amateur theatre for nearly 50 years and annually tour the Province with entertaining comedies and their latest play brings to the stage the life of René Artois and his life within his small café in France during World War 11. Begins at 8pm.

• Brighter Nights Street Theatre, Ballycastle Seafront, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, August 14. The Brighter Nights season offers popular summer street theatre performances suitable for people of all ages, with performers offering comic routines, technical skill and audience participation. All children must be accompanied by an adult. From 7.45pm.

• Longline Surf School Kids Big Day Out, Benone Strand, Co Londonderry, August 14. Let the kids spend the day outside: surfing in the morning, swimming in the afternoon and beach games in between. It is sure to be a great day out! Children are supervised at all times throughout the day.

• 25th Anniversary at the Ark Open Farm, Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co Down, August 10. Celebrate the 25th Anniversary at Ark Open Farm Fun Day with a bouncy castle, mega inflatable slide, assault course, face painting, barbecue and all the fun of the farm with the stars of the show – the animals! From 11am -4pm.

• Belfast Bred Tour, Belfast City Centre, August 14-15. On Belfast Bred you’ll discover the city’s fascinating culinary history in the company of Barney, a cheeky chef from RMS Titanic. Defrosted after 99 years frozen in an iceberg, Barney has just two and a half hours to search Belfast for the finest ingredients. This mouth watering dramatic tour gives you the chance to chat with local chefs and savour a wealth of free samples at each location.  Begins 10.30am at Sawers, Fountain Street.

• Donaghadee Festival Fortnight, Donaghadee harbour and town centre, Donaghadee, Co Down, August 1-16. Enjoy a fortnight of festive activities and events in this pretty harbour town. The 2015 Festival promises to be the best yet with over 45 events organised throughout the fortnight. There will be everything from concerts to farmers markets and yoga classes to art exhibitions.

• Crom Cruise and Castle Tour, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, August 12. Cruise to Crom and enjoy a tour of the West Wing. Your cruise will depart Share Village at 2pm navigating its way through the intricate maze of islands on Upper Lough Erne towards Crom Castle Boathouse where you will enjoy a tour of the West Wing at Crom Castle.

• Lúnasa Festival of Craft, Slieve Gullion Courtyard (Hawthorn Suite), 89 Drumintee Road, Kileavy, Newry, Co Armagh, until August 16. Come and explore the skills of the local artists and crafts people who have been inspired by the beauty of the Ring of Gullion to create unique pieces in a range of mediums. From 9am every day.

• 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.

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

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is bringing culture outdoors again with an unmissable performance of Jane Eyre in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 7th August at 7.30pm.  Chapterhouse Theatre Company will deliver another powerful adaptation of this beautiful story of undying love by Charlotte Brontë.

Armagh

The 7 Hills Blues Fest in Armagh City will take place from 6th to 9th August. It’s that time of year where Blues, Jazz and Roots music comes to the fore at the 5^th festival. Enjoy the hospitality of Armagh’s fantastic bars & restaurants across the city. The Blues fraternity has lost one of the greatest performers “BB King” so this year  think of his genius as you enjoy this weekend of blistering summer Blues!

Fermanagh

Looking for adventure and fun this summer? SHARE run an annual Summer Adventure camp including the Junior Adventure Camp and Bushwacker Camp which starts on Sunday 9th of August to Sunday the 16th August.  The camps include morning, afternoon and evening activities, food and accommodation, RYA/BCU Qualification, 24 Hour Supervision.  Courses run from Sunday 9th August to Sunday 16th August to assist with drop off and pick up, however participants may also arrive on Monday morning before 9.30 am.

Tyrone

Share nature’s home for the night at The Big Wild Sleepout! Get close to nature with the RSPB in the fantastic surroundings of the Ulster American Folk Park on Saturday, 8 August 2015.This is a camping trip like no other. Get involved in bush crafts, bat detecting, nature orienteering, stargazing, arts and crafts and much more.

Derry/Londonderry/Legenderry

With over 60 musical acts including Donovan, Kerbdog, We Were Promised Jetpacks and DJ Format ready to descend on Limavady for Stendhal Festival of Art on August 8th and 9th, you may be forgiven for thinking that music was all Stendhal is all about.  That however, couldn’t be further from the truth as The Multi-Award winning festival has always prided itself on being an all-encompassing arts event and this year is no different.  Stendhal will also be showcasing Film, Theatre, Dance, Poetry, Comedy, Craft and a galaxy of other artistic endeavours over the weekend, with some top names to watch out for.

Antrim

The Heart of the Glens Festival continues until 9^th August.  Events during the week include those firmly established in the festival calendar such as the Lurig Challenge Run, Lorry and Float Parade, Glens Vintage Day, and Ireland’s Longest Waves of Tory. In addition to the more regular events there will be some new and exciting themes and activities for young and old to enjoy!

Belfast

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to beautiful Malone House Belfast for the fabulous ‘End of Summer’ Vintage & Handmade Fair on Sunday 9th August and will feature 45 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectibles, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, art, craft, gifts, artisan food, children & baby wear & much more!

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.

Saturday 8 August – Friday 14 August

Saturday 8 August, Super Saturday at The Square

Conway Square, Newtownards

Free Event, 10am – 4pm

A free family day out to celebrate the return of the weekly market at Conway Square, with pop up performances, live music, a bouncy castle, face painter, magic shows and much more.

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

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 8: Plant & Play ‘Design A Fairy Garden’

Sun 9: Science Show  ‘Forensics’ , 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

Saturday 8 and 9 August, Fun at the Lough

Portaferry, various locations

Free Entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Free entertainment every weekend this August in Portaferry, including Fishy Fun Street Theatre, Exploris Discovery Tank and Exhibitions.

Sat 8: Fish Heads

Sun 9: Captain John Ed Smith

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 9 August, Live Music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Join us for the summer season of free live music every Sunday in Ward Park, with a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act:  Soul Truth Band (Funk, Soul, R’n’B)

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

Sunday 9 August, Summer Band Concert

Conway Square, Newtownards

Free entertainment, 3pm – 4pm

Join us for the summer season of free band concerts every Sunday in Newtownards, Comber or Donaghadee.

This week’s band: Lord Londonderry Flute Band

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

Saturday 8 August, Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay Walk

Tour departs from Station Square, Helen’s Bay, 10:30am

Tickets: £3

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

Sunday 9 August, Strangford Lough Boat Tour

Tour departs from the Slipway, Portaferry, 2pm

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £4 (Ch)

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Wednesday 12 August, Kids ‘Sea Creatures Nature Trail’

Tour departs from Education Centre, Crawfordsburn Country Park, 10:30am & 2pm

Tickets: Free

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

Thursday 13 August, Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour

Tour departs from Bangor Abbey, 7pm

Tickets: £3

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

Saturday 15 August – Friday 21 August

Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 15: Children’s Crafts, Jumping Clay

Sun 17: Glitter Tattoos, Ark Open Farm, 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

Saturday 15 and 16 August, Fun at the Lough

Portaferry, various locations

Free Entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Free entertainment every weekend this August in Portaferry, including Fishy Fun Street Theatre, Exploris Discovery Tank and Exhibitions.

Sat 8: Pirate Peg

Sun 9: Pirate Living Statue and Pirate Lass

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 16  August, Live Music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Join us for the summer season of free live music every Sunday in Ward Park, with a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act:  Dave HOWELL AND THE Jazzmeisters (Jazz)

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

Sunday 16 August, Summer Band Concert

Comber Square

Free entertainment, 3pm – 4pm

Join us for the summer season of free band concerts every Sunday in Newtownards, Comber or Donaghadee.

This week’s band: Ards Silver Band

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

Saturday 15 August, From an Abbey to a Stately Home (Coach Tour)

Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Con), £9 (Ch)

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

Saturday 15 August, Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough

Tour departs from The Jetty, Pickie Funpark

Tickets: £10

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

Sunday 16 August, Copeland Island Boat Tour

Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £4 (Ch)

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

Wednesday 19 August, Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park

Tour departs from North Down Museum

Ticket: Free

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

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Tuesday 4 August – Sunday 6 September

The Creative Peninsula Exhibition – Now in its 14th year, this thriving event features Open Studios, Tours, Exhibitions, Workshops, Demonstrations and more.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Friday 31 July – Saturday 29 August

Art in the Loft – ‘Ocean Reflections on the Creative Process’ – Drawings, sketches & panting proofs by Seacourt Print Workshop Artists.

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Friday 31 July – Saturday 29 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Outside of Us’ – An exhibition by ceramicist Sharon Regan

Colin Glen Forest Park

Colin Glen Forest Park is a beautiful wooded glen located in the southwest of Belfast City in the heart of the Belfast Hills. Visitors can expect to enjoy beautiful woodland walks, adventurous outdoor activities and superb leisure facilities with a spectacular unparalleled view over Belfast City from a height!

Colin Glen Adventure Centre

Our ever increasing portfolio of Outdoor Activities ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy at Colin Glen

SKYTrek – is Ireland’s premier high & Low ropes activity centre including Climbing Wall & Challenges, Zip Lines & Fan Descender.  SKYTrek offers an adventurous day out for all! Suitable for everyone, from 5 years and up, SKYTrek will take you out of your comfort zone and force you to overcome challenges at height, leaving you with elated self confidence in your ability to master all of life’s difficulties!

Kayaking – Our nearby man-made lake at the top of the beautiful glen is perfect for beginners, right through to more experienced paddlers. Our qualified team of kayaking instructors will be on board to ensure you not only have a great day in the water but also learn new skills and improve your kayaking ability.

Lazer-tag – This exhilarating outdoor experience is a game of wits and cunning, stealth and strategy. At close combat try and lead your team to victory using our infra-red gaming guns while navigating through the wilderness of the forest.

Mountain Biking – Mountain Biking is the most fun you can have on two wheels. We have recently introduced a brand new fleet of Vitus bikes with sizes available for all sizes/ages. Learn new skills like: How to track stand, Overcoming tricky obstacles. Blaze the trails of the forest park, master berms & drop offs

Team Games – A range of Physical, Mental & Skill based problem solving & initiative tasks. These ‘Krypton Factor’ Style Games tailored to your age group. Each game focuses on progressive learning in areas such as planning, communication, leadership, motivation and team work.

Raft building – Robinson Crusoe eat your heart out! This water based competitive team challenge involves constructing a raft from barrels, planks and rope with a little encouragement from our skilled staff.

Bubble football – Crash, Bounce, Bump and Flip in the most unique, bizarre and energetic football game you will ever take part in.

Archery – Try your hand at archery, this exciting sport is suitable for all ages and abilities, enabling everyone to challenge themselves and develop skills such as accuracy, concentration and mental discipline.

Colin Glen Multisports

The Most unique sports complex in N.I. With a fantastic 9 hole golf course, 16 bay floodlit Driving Range and golf lessons from PRO Peter Martin. This along with the 3G floodlit multisport pitch complex ensures we are at the heart of local sport.

Golf – Colin Glen Golf Course is a challenging nine hole course which has recently been redeveloped and significant improvements made such as new tee boxes, water features and a number of pot bunkers. Our dedicated landscape team maintain the greens and keeping the course in great condition for a pleasurable golfing experience.

Driving range – Our state of the art driving range appeals to everyone from beginners to the top young and senior players. The driving range consists of:

• 16 fully equipped bays with Power-tee automated tees
• Indoor/Outdoor teaching bay
• Two left-handed bays
• 250yards with a range of targets from 50m onwards
• Floodlighting to cater for night-time use and high standard ball stop fencing.

Golf lessons – With our very own Pro Peter Martin on site, we are proud to claim he has improved everyone who has ever taken a lesson with him. He offers the latest in video technology in his own private teaching bay, equipped with indoor swing nets.

He offers a range of lessons including:

• Pitching
• Putting
• Irons
• Drivers
• Playing & course management lessons

Gym 10 – Gym 10 is our brand new fully accessible fitness room containing a full range of cardiovascular and weights training machines. Our fully qualified personal trainers offer inductions & programmes for new members with prices starting at just £3.50 per sessions and membership from Just £15.00 per month – for your induction give us a call on 028 90 601 133.

3G Sports arena – Our 3g sports arena caters for a number of sports such as Soccer, Gaelic Football, Hurling and Rugby, this synthetic, sand based area consists of 4 self-contained, small sided areas. With state of the art floodlighting this facility offers the best in playing surface for training, coaching, sports development, birthday parties and small sided games.

The River to Lough Festival is back promising a festival of fun this August bank holiday weekend in Toome with the chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel.

The Eel Fishery opens its doors to the public for the second year on Saturday 29 August to showcase the Lough Neagh eel fishing industry.  The inaugural River to Lough Festival last year drew thousands from across the area and beyond to taste the world famous delicacy and this year’s flagship festival event will see fishermen tell stories of the history and heritage on the lough while festivalgoers sample Lough Neagh eel.

Northern Ireland born award winning food writer and television presenter James McIntosh will be hosting cookery demonstrations and there will be an opportunity to browse the eel exhibition, take a tour of the factory and shop at the artisan food and craft stalls.  Traditional boat displays will feature and live music will provide background music throughout the day!

James will be joined to demonstrate eel cooking by BBC Radio Ulster’s Paula McIntyre, David Gilmore of James Street South and Eddie Attwell of Ard Tara.

New to the festival this year is the Taste & Dine pop-up restaurant, serving a traditional eel supper from 12 – 4pm.  Tickets can be purchased online with early bird rates available from August 5th at www.rivertolough.co.uk.  Booking in advance is strongly advised to avoid disappointment.

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “The River to Lough Festival promises heritage, culture, history, fun and most importantly, a chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel. We are confident based on last year’s event that this will truly offer something for all the family to enjoy.”

River to Lough Festival on Saturday 29 August has been made possible by Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative, Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council, Tourism NI and the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s NI Regional Food Programme.

More details can be found at www.rivertolough.co.uk and you can follow Lough Neagh on facebook at www.facebook.com/loughneaghanditswaterways, call Lough Neagh Partnership on tel 028 7941 7941 or email at info@discoverloughneagh.com.