Ards and North Down celebrate their Ulster-Scots heritage with a week of activity beginning on Sunday 4^th September at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport, and culminates with a spectacular finale, “Donaghadee Lights Up”, on Saturday 10^th September.

The Ards and North Down we all know today was shaped in a large part thanks to the influences of Sir James Hamilton and Sir Hugh Montgomery; arriving here in 1604 with Scottish settlers they brought with them new techniques in building, farming, and of course culture, arguably creating the “home” of the Ulster-Scots.

Their influences have stayed with us ever since in our music, food and even language, all of which will be celebrated during the first week in September across the Borough.  From talks, including Time McGarry’s “Ulster-Scots Odyssey” and the history of Bluegrass, to music, from ever popular groups such as Cup O’Joe and Down and Out Bluegrass Band, coupled with historic walks and family fun; there should be something for all tastes throughout the week.

The activities, being run in conjunction between Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency, culminate on Saturday 10^th with “Donaghadee Lights Up”, a free event featuring the world-renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers and a spectacular display of fireworks.

Catriona Holmes from the Ulster-Scots Agency, commenting on the festival said, “We are delighted to be working with the Council on the week-long festival. The influences of the Scottish settlers on the area are something that is still evident today.  With many unaware of our heritage and culture, we hope that through the week’s activities we can both entertain and educate visitors and locals alike on how the Ulster-Scots shaped where many of us call home”.

For the full program of activity and tickets log on to visitardsandnorthdown.com or

T: 028 9127 0069 or 028 9182 6846 for more information.

You could be forgiven for thinking that Portrush was in the midst of a remake of the film “The Italian Job” this weekend as hundreds of Minis are destined for the ‘ports on Sunday for the annual Causeway Coast Mini Event.

Celebrating its 20th Anniversary the Causeway Coast Mini Club have added several new features including a draw that is hoped will raise considerable funds for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and the Paddy Hopkirk Children’s Charity Trust.

The organisers are quick to thank their sponsors Morellis Ices, J.K.C. Minis and Minisport and Club Chairman Andy Shaw enthused “their help is staging this has been nothing short of brilliant and I really don’t know what we’d do without them”.  The local Council are equally supportive and have even engaged Dynamic Audio Visual to supply a concert sound system.  Brian Moore has also been brought on board this year as Compere and says he “can’t wait as it’s always such a great day”.  The Mini Enthusiasts come in their hundreds from all over the island and beyond and it all starts with a fun run from Bushmills Distillery Car Park to Portstewart on Saturday night.

Then on Sunday they congregate on Dunluce Green from 10.00am where the day will feature stalls, stands and music.  The show features over seventeen classes of cars both classic and new-style minis and JKC Mini supply awards with a 1st and runner up in each one.  The Minis will depart the site in their usual style at 4.00pm and follow a route through the town with the classic minis actually crossing the bridge at Portrush Harbour before making their way along Main Street.  Morellis Ices generously take care of the “pit stop” in Station Square with a free Morellis Ice Cream for every occupant of each mini!

Attendance at the event is absolutely free and this year there’s a chance to win a £500 Sealey Tool Chest supplied by Minisport, £100 worth of shopping Tesco Shopping Vouchers donated by Morellis Ices and a voucher for Dinner for Two at The Anchor Complex.

Do you have you an hour or so to spare each week? The Causeway Coast Dog Rescue are calling out for volunteers, to work with dogs, come and work in their charity shop, or to help fundraise, any support is welcome. They are your local charity which rescues and rehomes hundreds of dogs each year in your area. For more information, go onto their Facebook page causewaycoastdogrescue, Twitter CCDogRescue, or telephone 07595602702.

This Sunday 28 August, the Bluegrass Picnic will take place in Bangor’s Ward Park.

The event which is becoming a bit of an annual institution marks the end of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s popular Music In The Park programme and is a highlight on the Open House Festival calendar  – an end of summer party to end them all!

The headline act is the fabulous Prison Love – on mandolin, flat-picking guitar, fiddle, doghouse bass, washboard and harmonies, this Dublin based five-piece play Bluegrass, Old-time, Gospel and Cajun like a fast train a comin’! The Open House Festival Choir will also be performing.  The perfect way to spend your Bank Holiday Sunday afternoon, picnicking in the park with family and friends, and chilling out (or dancing) to fabulous Bluegrass sounds!

As well as your country soul, we’ll be taking care of your country stomach, with lots of food available for sale on site.

To keep the kids happy, there will be face-painting and balloon modelling with crafts taking place on site too.

The Bluegrass Picnic has all the ingredients for a fun family day out so get down to Ward Park, this Sunday 28 August, from 2.30pm – 5pm to get in on the action at this totally FREE event.  And don’t forget to pack your picnic!

Air Waves Portrush has added another star to its airshow lineup for 3-4 September, with the cold war soviet fighter jet, the MiG-15 UTI, known as the Midget.

This particular display aircraft was manufactured in Poland and its unique RED 18 markings are a nod to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space in 1961, who carried out his fighter pilot training in the aircraft before becoming a cosmonaut.

Now operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron to showcase the cold war ‘enemy’ of NATO, the two-seater MiG-15 UTI is one of the most widely produced jet aircraft, with over 18,000 manufactured and was used as the main training craft for soviet fighter pilots.

This year will be its first appearance at Air Waves Portrush, the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have also pulled out all the stops to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for info.

Northern Ireland’s top Queen tribute band, Flash Harry, is set to return to the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s line-up on the evening of Saturday 3^rd September 2016.

Harry Hamilton, the band’s front-man and Oyster Pearl, Shannon Graham (pictured), have started warming-up for the live concert and BBQ which is supported by New City Cabs.

Performing all the top Queen tracks, Flash Harry will entertain guests with hit records like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Don’t Stop Me Now, while local chefs will be serving up a sizzling barbeque menu produced with premium Northern Irish meats for concert and BBQ ticketholders.

To book your tickets and further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s full programme visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.

A new exhibition is set for Mossley Mill this bank holiday weekend.

Operation Banner was the Operational name for the British Armed Forces operation in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July 2007, as part of the Troubles.

Operation Banner Veterans Museum serves to remember this period of the service and sacrifice of all Military and Police who served during this difficult period, especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice.

The exhibition is made up of regimental and police uniforms, personal kit, deactivated and replica weapons all of which would have been worn and used during Operation Banner.

This exhibition will for many Veterans recall both happy and sad memories but, more importantly it will tell the true story of this troubled period in Northern Ireland History.

The exhibition will run in The Linen Suite at Mossley Mill from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August during the following times;

Friday 26 August – 12-6pm

Saturday 27 August – 10am – 6pm

Sunday 28 August – 12-6pm

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival committee member Sarah Waugh, Oyster Pearl Shannon Graham, and Nigel Crawford, Executive Director, Quilter Cheviot toast the launch of the exclusive Quilter Cheviot Pearl and Oyster Ball which will take place on Friday 2^nd September as part of the Festival’s 2016 programme.

With world-class entertainment from the American Supreme Dream Girls, guests will enjoy a six-course gala dinner with boutique Chateau de la Ligne wines. A raffle will also take place to raise funds for the Festival’s 2016 charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust with one lucky winner receiving a stay at the luxurious Chateau.

Nigel Crawford, Executive Director, Quilter Cheviot said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Pearl and Oyster Ball and helping to support the Festival’s charity. The festival is a huge draw for visitors to our region and we are proud to give our backing to the Ball, which is a key part of the event and a much-anticipated date on the local social calendar. We’re looking forward to greeting guests to what is set to be a fabulous evening.”

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event. The ball gown worn by Oyster Pearl Shannon Graham (pictured) was generously provided by leading Irish designer Maryrose McGrath.

To reserve a table contact Sean Hall on 0044 (0)7802 311388 or email sean.g.hall@outlook.com

For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s full programme visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park is the place to be over the August Bank Holiday weekend for some musical treats.

Northern Ireland’s number one Adele tribute act, Suzanne Pavis, kicks off the live music offering at 8pm on Saturday 27 August as she performs smash hit songs by Adele to get the Bank Holiday party started.

The musical entertainment continues from 3pm on Sunday 28 August with Laganvale Metal Technology Brass Band taking to the stage.  Fiddler Adam will get your toes tapping from 4pm and at 8pm, rock sensations Con Jovi will be belting out Bon Jovi’s classic hits to ensure everyone has the time of their lives!

Join us from 1pm until 6pm over the long weekend for a festival of fun with something on offer for all ages to keep you entertained during the Bank Holiday weekend.  The family fun includes bouncy castles, face painting, magic shows, foam party and a petting zoo.

Admission to the festival is free of charge and for a full festival line-up visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline