Over 200 pupils from Antrim Grammar and Parkhall College were put through their paces yesterday as they joined forces to compete in an ‘It’s a knock-out’ challenge.

Designed to develop team building and leadership skills, the pupils competed in various physical and problem-solving activities which were delivered by Pathways Adventure Activities as part of a range of events building up to Armed Forces Day.

A number of pupils who took part in the event will now use their skills to compete against other teams in a similar challenge during the Armed Forces Day event, which takes place this Saturday.

Neal White, Youth Engagement Manager with Pathways Adventure Activities commented; “These activities are designed to provide essential skills for vocational qualifications such as problem solving, increasing self-esteem, improving confidence and leadership development. I thoroughly enjoyed delivering the knock-out challenge to the pupils and look forward to seeing some of them in action again this Saturday”.

Armed Forces Day will take place on Saturday 18 June and will commence at 11am with a parade of Regulars, Reserves, Cadets and Veterans through Antrim town and Antrim Castle Gardens to Antrim Stadium where it will be followed by a Drumhead Service at 12noon.  The day will include a full line up of family fun events at Antrim Castle Gardens and Antrim Stadium, from assault courses in the military recruitment village to arena acts to wow the crowd.  Street traders, military bands and a capability demonstration showing the current work of the Tri-Services are just some of the activities that will be on offer.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “It is great to see so much support for Armed Forces Day within the Borough and I would ask you come along and join us for a great family day out as we celebrate our Armed Forces heroes.”

For further information on Armed Forces Day, including car park facilities, log onto www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/afd

THIS WEEK, Friday 10 June – Thursday 16 June

Until Sunday 19 June, NI Festival of Cycling

Throughout the Ards and North Down Borough

Various activities and events, from a cinecycle in Comber to town races, and a beaches and BBQ’s event plus much more.

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

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 11: Plant and Play and Children’s Crafts

Sun 12: Bricks4kids and glitter tattoos

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

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

Saturday 11 June, Strangford Lough Boat Tour

2pm-4pm, tickets £8 (Ad), £4 (Ch)

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough.

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

Sunday 12 June, Helen’s Bay in Two World Wars

2.30pm-4.30pm, tickets £3

This fascinating tour starts with a visit to St John’s Parish Church, exploring its strong historical connections to both World Wars, then proceeds to Grey Point Fort, via the Bayburn Trail.

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

Sunday 12 June Comber Historical Walking Tour

2pm – 4pm, tickets £3

Join this tour to discover points of interest as you stroll through the home town of Thomas Andrews designer of the Titanic.

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

Thursday 16 to Sunday 19, Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival

Classic Boat and Music Festival

Free event though charges apply to the Music Festival

Info: (028) 4272 8770

This events is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council

NEXT WEEK, Friday 17 – Thursday 23 June

Until Sunday 19 June, NI Festival of Cycling

Throughout the Ards and North Down Borough

Various activities and events, from a cinecycle in Comber to town races, and a beaches and BBQ’s event plus much more.

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

Until Sunday 19, Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival

Portaferry Village

Classic Boat and Music Festival

Free event though charges apply to the Music Festival

Info: (028) 4272 8770

This events is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Friday 17 June to Monday 4 July, 150 Anniversary Celebration Sailing

Royal Ulster Yacht Club, Bangor

Info: (028) 9127 0568

This events is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 18: Magic Show

Sun 19: Face Painting and Children’s Crafts

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

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

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 June, Culture Kids

Project 24, Queen’s Parade Bangor

12noon-4pm

Come along and watch the Kids perform or bring the kids along and enjoy workshops facilitated by professional tutors.

Info: Project24ni.com

Tickets on sale now…

Theatre in the Walled Garden: David Walliams’ ‘Ratburger’ – Tues 19 and Wed 20 July

£6, 2pm & 6pm

Voted the top children’s book of the year in 2012, David Walliams’ “Ratburger”

Heartbreak Productions returns this summer with the theatrical premiere of “Ratburger”, adapted for the outdoor stage.  Recommended for 7yrs+

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

Upcoming Events…

Comber Earlies Food Festival

Saturday 25 June

Download the leaflet

Peninsula Food Showcase

Sat 30 July – Portaferry, Sat 13 Aug – Portavogie, Sat 10 Sept – Donaghadee, Sun 9 and Mon 10 Oct – Ballywalter, Sat 29 Oct – Greyabbey

Download the leaflet

A number of outdoor theatre treats are planned for The Civic Square at Mossley Mill this summer.

Join Chapterhouse Theatre Company for an evening of Regency wonderment as Elinor and Marianne Dashwood make their first forays into the exquisite world of eighteenth – century society in Sense & Sensibility on Wednesday 22 June.

A Review to a Thrill will leave audiences on an “All Time High” on Saturday 25 June. The producers of ‘The Bjorn Identity’ present a live music experience to die for, with the best of the last 50 years of James Bond themes. The show features two stunning vocalists and a nine piece band featuring performers from the West End and International stage.

To conclude this trio of outdoor theatre events, swing diva Caroline Brown headlines the Belfast Jazz Orchestra in an evening of sensational songs from the Big Band Era and featuring the ‘Jazz Lads’ with a Big Band Night on Saturday 30 July. The evening will consist of music from the great American song book including hits by Count Bassie, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra.

Tickets for all of these events can be purchased online from www.theatreathemill.com or contact Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

For the full outdoor theatre experience you are encouraged to bring along a picnic, rugs or low back seating as well as clothing suitable for all weather conditions.

Not sure what Sam Cree would make the title, but that’s exactly what the Euro Spa Escape is – a wee slice of paradise.  Available at the Spas at the Culloden Hotel Slieve Donard Resort during the Euros 16.

Being somewhat rather inexperienced in the Spa department I was VERY quick to take up the offer to try this new package on offer from Hastings Hotels which is available during Euro Football season from 10th June to the 10th July.

I was greeted by Nicola, with the warmest of welcomes, who took some details regarding my health before showing me around the facilities.

I got changed into my robe and slippers before being escorted to the relaxation room – WOW- where I put my feel up for a while and drank some water infused with fresh strawberries and mint, and flicked through a magazine until my I was called for my treatments.

For my two 25 minute spa treatments I had chosen the Espa Boutique Facial and Mini Mani. The facial includes a shoulder, neck and head massage and Sarah my therapist for the morning was not only very lovely but very professional. I picked the toner and massage oil I preferred the scent of from the Espa range and relaxed so much I almost fell asleep!

The next stop was the newly opened, and very opulent nail bar where Sarah filed and painted my nails ( which were badly in need of some TLC ) to perfection. The nail bar has a fantastic range of OPI colours but I opted for natural.

Following my treatments Sarah took me back to the relaxation room where I stretched out on one of the adjustable loungers for a while and enjoyed a cheeky glass of prosecco (ncluded in the package) before going for a dip in the pool and a steam.  The changing rooms are equipped to cater for ALL of your needs.  The showers have Espa shower creme, shampoo and conditioner.   Espa Body Lotion is available post shower.  Hair dryers and ghd straighteners are on hand to help people like me with uncontrollable frizz for hair!

I decided to extend my stay by treating myself to lunch – thank you to the legend who is Paula at the Zest Bar who made me the most amazing salad with Fivemiletown Goats Cheese and was the best craic!

All in all I spent around 3 hours at the Spa at Culloden and really didn’t want to leave… but felt completely refreshed and revived to take on the rest of the week ahead.

There are two packages available – the Premiership Package and the Championship Package. So go ahead and spoil yourself (or your good lady wife/partner) to a few hours of pure indulgence while the footie is on the gogglebox!

I can highly recommend it – although I am more of a MotoGP widow than a Football widow. However,  after my experience yesterday, this might have been one of my first spa experiences, but it certainly won’t be my last. The bar has been set extremely high!

For reservations

The Spa at Culloden – 028 9042 1135

The Spa at Slieve Donard – 028 4372 6166

hastingshotels.com

Football or foot massage – it’s a no brainer!   Thank you to all of the amazing staff who took such great care of me. See you soon,

Jacqueline x

Stormont Hotel gets a major £1.15m upgrade

Belfast’s Stormont Hotel has unveiled the results of a £1.15m series of upgrades to its conference centre, hotel bar, foyer and external work which included new gates.

Jonathan Topping, General Manager, Stormont Hotel, said:  “We strive to be the best in everything we do at the Stormont Hotel so it is extremely gratifying to see the investment and hard work over the last number of months come to fruition and the results are fantastic.”

The 21^st century Confex Centre now offers delegates and conference bookers a number of modern, versatile and dedicated spaces in which to hold events, explained Jonathan.  “The refurbished and upgraded Confex Centre has a separate entrance for delegates and when they enter they will enjoy a bright, airy and modern area with lots of space for delegates.  A manned reception desk and a dedicated staff member will be there to answer any questions which may arise during a conference.”

The Confex Centre has nine Confex Rooms, with the option of opening partitions to allow for larger events as well as ample free car parking on site.

“Each conference room is equipped with integrated data projectors and motorised screens”, said Jonathan.  “They also have LCD televisions offering crisp HD audio-visual, technology sockets which are integrated with the AV equipment, storage areas that conference organisers can use and a fridge with soft drinks and mineral water.  Being at ground floor level it is also excellent for trade events such as clothing shows.

“It’s our business to take care of your business and with our experienced and dedicated staff we will do just that.”

For further information on the Confex Centre contact Eoin McGrath, Business Development Manager at Stormont Hotel via email, bdm@stor.hastingshotels.com or call, 07594 642 795.

Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink continues in June with Love Dairy month and to celebrate, Rachel Quigg from Tourism Northern Ireland (pictured) was joined by Soda the cow at a famous Northern Ireland location – can you name it?

If so, join the fun online and name the location and include #LoveDairy in your post.  For more information on ‘Love Dairy’ month and Year of Food & Drink 2016 visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/yearoffoodanddrink2016.  You can keep up to date with what’s happening on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #LoveDairy.

The newly opened Beef and Bird, located at the Lisburn Leisure Park, is looking to enlist the help of Lisburn’s budding young artists, to help design novel artwork for its new signature cow and chicken life-size sculptures.

The sculptures, which are currently blank canvases, will take up pride of place outside the restaurant’s front window where they will remain on display for all to marvel at.

Open to all children under the age of 11, the two winning designs will not only have their submitted drawings professionally transferred on to the Beef and Bird sculptures but will also have a celebratory plaque bearing their name installed, plus win a Beef and Bird party for themselves and up to nine friends. The second place runners-up will receive a jam-packed Beef and Bird goody bag and third place runners-up will walk away with a Beef and Bird T-shirt and baseball cap.

Appealing to young artists in the making from the local area, Bronagh Campbell, owner of Beef and Bird, said:

“If you look at the interior of Beef and Bird you’ll quickly see that we created a space that allowed us to express ourselves in creative ways; from our scrabble boards and play areas to quirky fixtures. There was no set formula; we want to work and eat in a space that inspires.”

“Our sculptures will eventually become integral pieces to the entire feel of the restaurant. We hope to receive wacky, vibrant and downright fun submissions to be professionally transferred onto the sculptures.

“We can’t wait to see who the winners are and what new funky designs our cow and chicken will be rocking.”

To enter simply collect an entry form and colouring-in stencil from the Beef and Bird restaurant, Lisburn Leisure Park, or download a copy from the restaurant’s website and submit by post or in-store before Wednesday 15^th June.

For more information on the Beef and Bird Children’s Colouring Competition or to make a reservation, visit www.beefandbird.co.uk or call 028 9260 7306.

The elite of Northern Ireland restaurants have signed up to the first ever restaurant week aimed at celebrating Lough Neagh Eel because eels are tasty.

Lough Neagh Eels have been awarded for their heritage, tradition and authenticity and the inaugural ‘Eel-Eat’ week which runs from Saturday 25 June will culminate in the third annual River to Lough Festival on Saturday 2 July.

Organisers have been overwhelmed by the interest in the event and would welcome any restaurants yet to get involved to sign up and join this unique celebration.

Launching the event, which was attended by newly appointed Minister for Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Michelle McIlveen MLA, Conor Corr of Lough Neagh Partnership, said:  “What better way to celebrate our unique product than to dedicate a unique celebration to it.  We’re tying in our inaugural Eel-Eat restaurant week with the Tourism NI Year of Food and Drink and believe it will be a firm economic driver for the local economy.”

Restaurants are being urged to sign up to Eel-Eat by Friday 10 June.  Those already participating are:  Deanes Eipic and Wee Love Fish, Belfast; The White River Hotel, Toome; Hastings Hotels – Culloden Estate and Spa, Europa Hotel, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa; The Tullylagan Hotel, Cookstown; Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown; Pier 59, Derry~Londonderry; Lime Tree, Limavady; Harrys Bar & Bistro, Cookstown; Café in the Park, Dungannon; Ardmore Restaurant and Beechill Country House Hotel, Derry; Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough; Downshire Arms Hotel, Banbridge; Central Wine Bar, Ballycastle; Truffles Restaurant, Randalstown and The Moody Boar Restaurant, Armagh.

At the end of Eel-Eat on Saturday 2 July, foodies and families will be able to celebrate the delicacy at the River to Lough Festival.  Now in its third year, the family festival will be situated for the first time right in the heart of Antrim at Antrim Castle Gardens.  Festivities will run from 12noon until 5.00pm with a pop-up restaurant, cookery demonstrations and a craft and artisan food market.

To become a participating restaurant in Eel-Eat, email Eimear@discoverloughneagh.com by Friday 10 June.

Eel-eat is supported by Tourism NI, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Food NI and The Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society.

www.twitter.com/eel_eat; #EelsAreTasty

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council launched their Somme Centenary programme at The Flax Gallery at the Museum at The Mill on Wednesday 1 June exactly one month before the anniversary of The Battle of the Somme.

To commemorate the centenary of The Battle of The Somme, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have a programme of events running from July until November, ranging from exhibitions to theatre performances.

A community grant fund was available for local groups who wanted to organise their own commemorative events.  Thirteen local groups were awarded this funding and received their certificates at the launch. Local school children were also involved in a competition designing an image to be included in the commemorative booklet being produced to promote the programme. Templepatrick Primary School P7 pupil Christina Jenkins was the lucky winner and her drawing will feature in the centre pages of the booklet.

The centenary of the Battle of the Somme has significant resonance locally, given the huge numbers of men from all parts of Ireland who served in the British Army and the many lives that were lost.  Many men from what is now Antrim and Newtownabbey, volunteered themselves for the war effort and served with great distinction; both at the Battle of the Somme and elsewhere during World War One. It is right and proper that we should honour their sacrifice.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg , commented “The Council programme aims to educate, inform and promote understanding of this historical event and the impact it had for the people of our Borough.  I invite all of our residents to engage with the inclusive programme of events and activities and remember the sacrifice made at the Battle of the Somme.”

For a full listing of events please visit the website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Open House Festival Bangor has launched its much anticipated 2016 programme, and with 125 events taking place in more than 40 venues, the seaside town will be the go-to destination for the month of August.

This year’s programme of handpicked special events includes music, film, food & drink, theatre, literature, comedy and art, and introduces magic, mystery, dance and lectures to the lineup. The Festival’s trademark diverse list of venues and locations includes pubs and parks, clubs and cafes, boats and a ballroom, as well as a theatre, a courthouse, a church, an island and an auction room.

“Commemorating anniversaries, celebrating local talent and forging new creative partnerships are some of the themes of this year’s festival,” says Festival Director, Kieran Gilmore. “And as this is the Tourism NI Year of Food and Drink, showcasing fabulous local produce in many of the town’s great restaurants will be focal.”

Highlights include a 40^th anniversary concert by The Damned, a 70^th birthday tribute to former ACDC front man Bon Scott, and a nod to the 400^th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with an open air performance of A Midsummers Night’s Dream. Singer Niamh Perry returns to Bangor for a homecoming concert – her first local appearance since her success in the BBC’s hit show, I’d Do Anything.

Other local acts include mentalist, David Meade; jazz singer, Dana Masters; and indie-folk band, Ports. They’ll share the limelight with American bands Iron & Wine and Spirit Family Reunion, and familiar faces like Suggs, Tom Robinson, Alexi Sayle and Ian Rankin. There are picnics in parks, gardens and islands, gourmet food tours, whiskey tastings and seafood with sea shanties. There are mad-cap lectures, magic tricks, and even a spot of ghost hunting, plus pub theatre, book clubs and dance classes. As well as the regular Walled Garden film screenings, there’ll be films with wine tasting, with disco dancing and even with a clothes swap. And the Open House Festival Choir, a stand out success at last year’s Festival, returns for its fourth consecutive season, with several performances throughout the month.

“This year’s programme is really eclectic and we’re hugely proud of it,” says Kieran, “especially as almost half of the events are free. Many partners from across the local arts and business communities have helped to develop it, embracing the idea of Bangor as a creative town. But Open House Festival isn’t just for locals – it’s for folk throughout the country and beyond who love live music, enjoy eating out, are game for a laugh, want to be surprised, and crave the feel-good satisfaction that handpicked arts and culture can deliver.”

Maria McAlister, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added: “It’s great to see Open House back again with another terrific programme of exciting events for the 2016 festival.  From music to comedy, food, film and theatre, there’s something for everyone, including many free events, offering more and more ways for local audiences to experience high quality arts events right on their doorstep.”

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager for Tourism NI said: “Tourism NI is pleased to once again support Open House Festival Bangor.  With such a variety of entertainment on offer, and celebrating Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, visitors to Bangor will be greeted with a fantastic atmosphere within the town.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, commented that: “Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to be supporting the festival for the fourth year running. As the festival grows it continues to bring an eclectic mix of both local and international artists. It is a true success story and, through its inclusive programme of culture and arts, plays a key role in helping to invigorate Bangor by increasing cultural tourism and by engaging and celebrating local businesses.”

Open House Festival Bangor 2016 is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Tourism NI and NI Year of Food and Drink. The County Down Spectator is the official media partner for the festival.

For more information, go to www.openhousefestival.com.