Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 29 – September 4).

• Hillsborough International Oyster Festival & British Street Awards, Co. Down, until September 4. Now in its 24th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is set to return from Tuesday 30th August to Sunday 4th September 2016 in Hillsborough village, Co. Down and at venues in the surrounding area. Highlights of this year’s festival will include musical performances, pop-up restaurants, gala balls and not forgetting the World Oyster Eating Championship.

• The 2016 Belfast Tattoo, SSE Arena, Belfast, September 1-3. The Belfast Tattoo returns with over 600 performers. There will be a magnificent showcase of the finest international and local marching bands, musicians, and dancers in a two-hour show building up to the Grand Finale of the Massed Pipe and Drums. The 2016 show piece event will also commemorate the Centenary of the Battle of the Somme. Booking essential.

• Bluegrass Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, September 2 – 4. Expect plenty of strumming on the porches of log cabins, dancing in the cobbled streets and jamming sessions outside the General Store at the 25th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival. To celebrate the NI Year of Food and Drink, local celebrity chefs’ will be heating up the hearths and cooking some fantastic food in a series of food demonstrations.

• Carnival of Colours, St Columb’s Park, Derry~Londonderry, September 3 – 4. This circus, arts and music festival will be jam-packed with top treats featuring the very best of International Street Theatre and local acts interspersed with an eclectic mix of side shows and attractions to guarantee a full quota of belly laughs and a truly magical experience for folk of all ages.

• Air Waves 2016, Portrush, Co. Antrim, September 3 – 4. Are you ready for some high-speed aviation fun? This fantastic air show returns for another two action packed days featuring air displays, sea displays, trade village, entertainment shows, family entertainment and exhibitions. The world-class RAF Red Arrows will once again be returning for a fantastic performance each day!

• Autumn Book Fair, The Argory, Co. Armagh, September 3 – 4. Calling all bookworms. Browse through hundreds of second hand books in our Courtyard and stock up on your winter reads. There’s sure to be something for everyone with live music and children’s activities on Sunday.

• Images of Starlight, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, until September 30. From the sparkling curtain of the Milky Way to romantic moonscapes to the electric colour undulations of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), stargazers will love this photographic display capturing the beauty of the universe. Three special astronomy talks will take place on Tuesday 2 September.  www.linenhall.com.

• Fermanagh, August 29. See a different side to the natural beauty of Crom Estate from the water as you cruise around the Lough in a 100-year-old traditional craft. Weather dependant. Booking essential 028 6773 8118. Weather dependant.

• Castlerock Walkfest, Castlerock, Derry~Londonderry, September 3. Take part in a range of guided walks along the beautiful North Coast at Binevenagh Mountain with magnificent views of Lough Foyle or walk the beautiful Causeway cliffs to admire the Giant’s Causeway and wonderful North Antrim coastline. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 708 49303.

• Street Food Circle, Bank Square, Belfast, September 2. Folktown market is putting a sizzle into summer with ‘Street Food Circle’ – a Friday evening street food market with a difference. Call down and take your pick from 15 artisan food traders for a culinary snack and enjoy crafts, music and picnic areas complete with synthetic grass.

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.