THE annual Armoy Road Races, which take place on 29^th and 30^th July 2016, will once again benefit the local tourism industry by boosting visitor numbers to the area.

Now in its eight year, Armoy Road Races continue to attract large crowds of spectators and bike enthusiasts. Following last year’s record number of spectators who attended the event, the race organisers are confident that they’re on course for another vast turn out.

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis said, “The Armoy Road Races is well established in the calendar of events that take place in the Causeway Coast and Glens. Now a week long event, the races encourage visitors to stay in the vicinity and gives them the opportunity to visit some local attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, along with other local tourists attractions such as the Dark Hedges as well as our beautiful coast and glens.

“Armoy and the surrounding area has so much to offer visitors and we appreciate the support we receive as it is essential that we attract people to the area to sustain businesses and to keep our economy afloat.  If the Armoy Road Races helps to highlight the area in some way, then we are incredibly proud of that.”

Local hotelier, Trevor Kane who owns the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae and sponsors the Supersport Race 2 said, “The continued growth and popularity of the Armoy Road Races really is testament to the effort and support put in by the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club. To have such a great event, which is unique to the area, just on our doorstep is a brilliant opportunity for encouraging visitors to stay and enjoy all the area has to offer.

“I wouldn’t miss the road races and more importantly I see visitors return to Armoy each year and also to the Bayview Hotel because of them. We have tourists from across Ireland, North and South, as well as international road racing fans coming to the races. This leads to money going straight into the local economy as the visitors support local businesses.”

The Armoy Road Races is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 24^th July until Saturday 30^th July 2016 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 30^th July 2016.

For more information visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

BuskFest is back and calling on all musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers to register for Ireland’s fastest growing busking festival, which takes place in Banbridge town centre on Saturday 25 June.

The musical menagerie will battle it out in front of an appreciative public audience in the hope of picking up a share of the superb £3000 cash pot.

The competition runs from 1.00pm – 4.30pm and concludes with the all important prize-giving ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in the town’s Solitude Park from 4.30pm – 6.00pm. The marvellous Matt McGinn & Friends will kick start the prize-giving event with a foot stomping, sing-a-long, crowd pleasing performance before the winners of each of the six categories are announced.

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 spot on the line-up at Sunflowerfest which takes place from 5 – 7 August 2016 at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough plus receive a live acoustic video recording by The Garage Project.

In addition to the musical merriment in the town centre an Artisan Food Market, celebrating NI’s Year of Food & Drink will offer up the best of the Borough’s local produce as well as tasty treats from further afield in Solitude Park from 11am – 6pm.

Speaking at the launch Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Brendan Curran said, “I am delighted to be part of BuskFest. Now in its 13^th year this annual musical celebration has grown both in numbers participating as well as visitors to the town centre.  BuskFest is an excellent opportunity for musicians from near and far to showcase their talents and is a great day out for all the family to enjoy. From budding buskers to seasoned singers everyone is welcome to be part of this exceptional event”

Online registration for BuskFest is now open at www.buskfest.com, further details can also be found on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buskfest.

This year’s must-see summer exhibition, ‘Race to the End of the Earth’, which will be on display at Titanic Belfast, from 25th June to 28th August has touched down in Belfast for its premier in the UK and Ireland.

This is the first-time an exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History, which has been described by the New York Times as “engrossing”, has visited the UK and Ireland.

The word-class exhibition, which will be in Titanic Belfast’s Andrews Gallery, is a must-see for kids, parents and explorer enthusiasts alike to learn about the most stirring account of Antarctic exploration of all time – Scott versus Amundsen.

Through a series of interactive, multimedia experiences, hands on activities and life-size recreations, the world-class exhibit explores the ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ by two teams with one goal. Northern Ireland visitors for the first time will be brought back in time to follow in the footsteps of Norwegian Amundsen and Britain’s Scott as they embark on a 1,800-mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole, showing what life was like for the explorers on the ice 100 years ago as they faced not only the ultimate limits of human endurance but some of the harshest weather conditions in the world, as well of the risk of starvation and frostbite.

Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, Tim Husbands MBE, said “The Race is certainly on – we are delighted to be working with the American Museum of Natural History to bring this exhibition to UK and Ireland for the first-time! Scott and Amundsen were at the forefront of the heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, many people including Shackleton (who was from County Kerry) and local explorer Crozier from Banbridge where inspired and followed in their footsteps! Now Northern Ireland audiences can follow in their footsteps and experience one of the greatest challenges of exploration at our must-see ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ exhibition. Antarctica is no longer the last place on earth – it’s right on our doorstep this summer.”

Race to the End of the Earth is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France, and Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Titanic Belfast’s continues to raise its profile on the national and international stage as a world-class attraction and has now welcomed over 2.8 million visitors. It was also recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Celebrity chef Rachel Allen will be cooking up a storm and whipping up a treat at Lurgan Show on Saturday 4th June!

Hosted by award-winning chef and proprietor of the Yellow Door Deli, Simon Dougan, the fabulous Food Heartland event has been organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

Taking place from 10am – 5pm, renowned chef Rachel Allen will be cooking up a wide range of delicious local dishes and delicacies, featuring our very own Lough Neagh Eels and Bramley Apples! She will also be dishing out some handy hints and tips on home cooking and visitors will have the opportunity to ask any questions they have on how to procuce the perfect feast!

And that’s not all, there will be also be tasty chef demonstrations and cooking tips from skilled members of the Food Heartland Forum, including: The Moody Boar Bistro & Restaurant, The Armagh City Hotel, Uluru Bar and Grill and Yellow Door Deli, Portadown.

After whetting your appetite with the cookery demonstrations you can tantalise your taste buds at the flavoursome Food Heartland Village. There will be gorgeous grub from Abernethy Butter, Wilson’s Country Potatoes, Burren Balsamics, Harnett Oils, Long Meadow Cider (trading non-alcoholic produce only), Yellow Door Deli, Heavenly Cupcakes and Quail’s.

Interactive cookery demos, free prize draws and merchandise and a delicious Food Heartland Village – there really is something for all you foodies out there this weekend! Come along for a great day out!

Cost into Lurgan Show is:  General Show Admission – £6.00, Senior Citizens/Under 16’s – £3.00 or Family Admission – £20.00. Once paid, entry into Food Heartland event and cookery demonstrations is FREE.

For further information log onto www.discovercraigavon.com or www.facebook.com/discovercraigavon

With just three months until this year’s Air Waves Portrush Airshow, organisers have revealed that the jaw-dropping RAF Chinook Helicopter Display Team will be performing on both days: 3^rd and 4^th September.

The Chinook Display Team will join the line-up alongside the Red Arrows to perform on both the Saturday and Sunday of what is Northern Ireland’s biggest and most exciting airshow event.

Paul Sall, Airshow Director, said, “We’ve pulled off a bit a coup! The astonishing display by the Chinook will make its Portrush debut this September and is one of the most talked about and hotly anticipated displays on the circuit. They are displaying in only 11 UK venues this year and we will host the only display in Northern Ireland – it’s going to be show-stopping.”

Weighing around 15 tonnes, Chinooks are the heavy-lifters of the helicopter world, with a lifting capacity of 10 tonnes, the equivalent of 2 African bush elephants. The cabin is large enough to accommodate two Land Rovers, or when in use for search and rescue or casualty evacuation, they can carry a total of 24 stretchers.

Paul Sall continued, “Bearing in mind the might and weight of these aircraft, crowds at Air Waves Portrush can expect to see a display which includes high energy corkscrews, spiralling, a 360 degree orbit low to the ground, rearward takeoffs, a move known as a “noseover” and even a bow to the crowd.  The versatility and manoeuvrability of this powerhouse of an aircraft has to be seen to be believed.”

RAF Air Vice Marshall David Niven said, “The Royal Air Force is proud to bring the RAF Chinook Flying Display to Northern Ireland.  They have worked hard on this new display and are looking forward to showing at Air Waves Portrush.  Alongside the Red Arrows and a few other surprises yet to be revealed, this year’s air show looks set to be the best yet.”

For anyone looking for the best seat in the house for Air Waves Portrush, why not book an exclusive hospitality package in the Silver Wings Chalet, with flightline views, for just £59 each, up to and including 19^th June.

Air Waves Portrush is organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and supported by Tourism NI.  For more information visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or follow AirWavesPortrush on Facebook for more lineup news as it is revealed.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to welcome Buille, one of the most innovative groups in Irish Traditional Music, to perform at The Old Courthouse on Thursday 9 June.

This show is part of a tour with Moving On Music, supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Led by Armagh born brothers Niall and Caoimhín Vallely (Concertina / Piano) Buille create some of the most exciting and innovative traditional music heard today. The formidable lineup features some of the finest traditional musicians around including Ed Boyd (Guitar), Jim Higgins (Bodhrán) and Neil Yates (Trumpet).

Buille formed in 2004 as a vehicle to perform a body of new music composed by Niall, resulting in three critically acclaimed albums to date. The music is based on traditional forms but freely borrows stylistic elements from various genres including Jazz, Blues, and Contemporary music. Buille have toured extensively across Ireland, the UK, Europe, America and Russia.  They have earned the reputation as a must see live act and one of the contemporary Irish bands helping bring new ears to traditional music.

Maria McAlister, Arts Development Officer for Traditional Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented: “The Arts Council is delighted to support this tour through the Northern Ireland Music Touring Programme which has already brought a range of impressive tours to new audiences and venues across the region since its introduction in 2014. Our Five-Year Music Strategy outlines a firm commitment to bringing the best music, from a range of genres, to people across Northern Ireland.  We firmly believe the NI Music Touring Programme helps us achieve that.”

Buille’s latest album ‘BEO’ was released in Autumn 2015 to glowing reviews: described by the Irish Echo as “exquisitely delivered Irish music that has an utterly contemporary and original feel” and “virtuosic” and “extraordinary” by the Living Tradition.

Now in their 12^th year as a band, we are delighted to present BUILLE for what promises to be an evening of the very best contemporary traditional music around.

Local singer/songwriter and musician Ciaran O’Kane from Cushendun, will play support on the night. He sings traditional songs as well as his own compositions, having grown up surrounded by local music and song.

Tickets are priced at £10 & £8 (Concession) and are available from the Box Office: 028 9446 3113 or 9448 1338.

THIS WEEK, Friday 3 June – Thursday 9 June

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, Sea Bangor Festival

Quay Street, Bangor Seafront

Free event. Sat 4, 10am-6pm and Sun 5, 12noon-6pm

Visit and step on board the Tall Ship ‘Mercedes’, watch fantastic Jet-lev demo’s, Twister Aerobatic Displays, food, music, magic and more!

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

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 4: Animal Road Show and Children’s Crafts

Sun 5: Clayrazy and face painting

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

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

Saturday 4 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 plus much more.

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

Saturday 4 June until Sunday 26 June, Exhibition: In the Frame

Art in the Loft, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Admission Free. An Exhibition of Gillian Downing’s collection inspired by her love of nature and wildlife.

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 5 June, Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia: Strangford Route

Strangford Lough

This fantastic event returns to the Borough with the Strangford Lough route. Why not ‘go pink’ and cheer on the participants.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or granfondogiroditaliani.com

Until Monday 27 June, Exhibition: Discover Strangford Lough & the Ards Peninsula

The Saddlery, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Admission Free. An exhibition of beautiful places belonging to the National Trust

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

NEXT WEEK, Friday 10 June – Thursday 16 June

Friday 10 and Saturday 11 June, Cultra Hillclimb

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra

10am-5pm

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

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council

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: Brocks4kids 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

Starts 2pm, tickets £8 (Ad), £4 (Ch)

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

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

Starts 2.30pm, tickets £3

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

Sun 12, Thurs 16 & Tues 21 June, The Big Ards and North Down Footie Family Picnic

Ards and North Down Borough Council is inviting families to join the ranks of the ‘Green and White Army’ and enjoy a family friendly screening of the Northern Ireland UEFA Euro 2016 matches in parks across the borough.

Families can view the matches and soak in the great atmosphere at the following venues:

Sun 12 – 5pm, NI v Poland in Ward Park, Bangor
Thurs 16 –  5pm, NI v Ukraine in Londonderry Park, Newtownards

Tues 21 – 5pm, NI v Germany in Millisle Beach Park, Millisle

Gates open 90 minutes prior to kick-off. Tickets are free

Info: Bangor 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

Tickets on sale now…

Sea Bangor – Tall Ship Sailings – Sat 4 and Sun 5 June

Sailing into Bangor for the event is the impressive tall ship “The Mercedes” which will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and open to the public for both days of the festival. If you fancy sailing the high seas on the spectacular “Mercedes” there are opportunities available for hour-long sailings on both the morning and evening of June 4 & 5. There will be morning sailings at 9am on both days (£15), then Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 8pm (£20).

Tickets are available now at Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Ards Visitor Information Centre, North Down Museum and online via visitardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Download the leaflet

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

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay courtesy of Hastings Hotels this summer thanks to these special offers.

Take advantage of the Stylishly Stormont offer and treat yourself to a night’s stay with breakfast at the Stormont Hotel, situated just minutes away from Belfast City Centre and overlooking the beautiful grounds of Stormont Estate. Also, put some fizz into your overnight stay with a bottle of Prosecco with strawberries included in the offer, all from £99 per person sharing, valid until August 31. For more information call 028 9065 1066.

Have a mini getaway to soak up some 5-star luxury with the Classically Culloden offer from Culloden Estate and Spa. This offer includes a night’s bed and breakfast at Northern Ireland’s most prestigious hotel, as well as £10 of credit for each person to use however they wish in the Estate, whether you feel like a gourmet dinner in the stylish Mitre Restaurant, a luxurious treatment in the spa, or a traditional afternoon tea in the Crozier Lounge. This offer is only £90pps and is valid until August 31. For more information call 028 9042 1066.

To find out more about Hastings Hotels go to www.hastingshotels.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

The hugely popular River to Lough Festival has become a firm favourite in the family festivals calendar over the past couple of years and, to meet demand, this year River to Lough is setting up home in the lavish surroundings of Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 2 July.

The change of venue for the festival which celebrates the tradition of eel fishing and now in its third year, will enable organisers to welcome three times more visitors to River to Lough to celebrate Lough Neagh Eel because eels are tasty.

Lough Neagh Eels have been awarded for their heritage, tradition and authenticity and this year’s festival will bring to an end the inaugural ‘Eel-Eat’ restaurant week which will see 40 restaurants across Northern Ireland celebrate Lough Neagh Eel from Saturday 25 June.

Organisers at Lough Neagh & Its Waterways took the decision to grow the festival beyond Toome’s eel fishery following last year’s sell out event and they have been overwhelmed by the response from the public already to the festival which has gained popularity as one of Northern Ireland’s most unique food festivals.

Launching the event with outgoing Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Councillor Thomas Hogg, Eimear Kearney of Lough Neagh Partnership, said:  “To meet visitor demand we’re taking over the sumptuous Antrim Castle Gardens to provide capacity for up to 10,000 this year.  It’s the perfect location as it’s extremely accessible and is situated right on the river and mouth of Lough Neagh.

“With the added space we’re able to provide lots more entertainment for the whole family including cookery demonstrations, eel tastings and a teddy bear’s picnic.

“River to Lough will be the grand finale of Eel-Eat, the first ever dedicated week long celebration of Lough Neagh Eel which will take place in restaurants across Northern Ireland.”

Foodies and families will be able to descend on Antrim Castle Gardens from 12noon until 5.00pm on Saturday 2 July.  River to Lough Festival admission is priced at adults £2.00, children £1.00.
The River to Lough Festival programme includes cookery demonstrations in the Food Theatre, a cookery school with Paula McIntyre priced from £20.00 and a traditional eel supper in the pop-up restaurant priced from £5.00 (advance booking is recommended ); an eel heritage exhibition and fishermen story-telling, live entertainment, a craft and artisan food market, line demonstrations and a teddy bear’s picnic!

www.rivertolough.co.uk; www.facebook.com/rivertoloughfestival; https://twitter.com/eel_eat; #EelsAreTasty

Record-breaking crowds turn out for the annual celebration!

Now in full swing, the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is dominating the Causeway Coast with fleets of families turning out to partake in the nautically-themed festivities, which have included everything from iconic Tall Ship journeys to the crowning of Ulster’s very first Chowder Cook Off champ.

The weeklong celebration recognises the unique body of water between Ballycastle and the magical island of Rathlin- affectionately known as Rathlin Sound- and is only taking place until June 5th with thousands of people already having enjoyed the cultural celebration.

And while the opening weekend was filled with highlights such as country music sensation Lisa McHugh making an appearance at the Marine Hotel, there is still loads to come!

Caroline Carey, Tourism Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “Planning the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is always an exciting experience as we try to cater for absolutely everyone in our busy schedule. This year it has most certainly paid off with record-breaking crowds arriving every single day.

“Of course, we have been lucky with the weather, but it has been absolutely fantastic to see families enjoying themselves whilst recognising our unique maritime heritage.

“But the best is yet to come. There are lots of activities on Rathlin Island including an opportunity to explore the Ship Wreck and Arandora Star exhibitions. We also have a Rathlin Sunset cruise with Rathlin Island Ferry company and of course our finale on Rathlin on Sunday with the ‘Big Lunch’ music by Altagore and Aoife Scott and lots more.”

This year’s festival has been organised by the Council, Ballycastle Community Development Group, the Rathlin Development & Community Association, and the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sponsors include Tourism Northern Ireland, Malin Waters and Rathlin Boat House Partnership as returners.  Also on board are new sponsors Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Naturally North Coast & Glens Market and Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network.

For more information on the full Festival programme of activities in Ballycastle and on Rathlin Island, between 27^th May and 5^th June, visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com