Ten-year oyster eating champion, Colin Shirlow from Dromore, Northern Ireland finally faced defeat at this year’s Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship which took place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016.

Out-eaten by US Contender Michelle Lesco at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, Michelle managed to knock Colin off his throne by eating 227 oysters in three minutes and defeated fellow American Adrian ‘The Rabbit’ Morgan.

Although Colin remained top of the leader-board for so long, it’s hardly surprising that Michelle managed to overtake him. A regular at professional eating competitions in the States, Michelle managed to put away 385 oysters in 8 minutes at the Acme Oyster Eating Competition in New Orleans earlier this year.

Former oyster eating champion Colin Shirlow said: “I’ve won so many times now I really don’t mind that someone else takes it for a change. I still in enjoy the challenge. It all started when I walked into a pub years ago. They made me eat 60 oysters and all of a sudden I was in the final of the world championship. A Norwegian beat me this time around but you never know what will happen next year!””

Winner Michelle has taken part in countless eating competitions including ribs, hotdogs and hamburgers.

New world oyster eating champion, Michelle Lesco said: “Colin is like a machine and until now no-one has been able to touch him. I train before every competition and really studied how Colin has been doing it. I just managed to beat him and I’m delighted to have won.”

The Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship was attended by thousands of people as part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival. Other events included the Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby which featured a superb range of soapboxes and entertained the crowds and the first Northern Irish heat of the British Street Food Awards. This was another close contest which saw the public vote going to Pheasant Hill and judges Richard Johnson and Paula McIntyre’s votes going to Broughgammon Farm. These two street food retailers will now go on to represent Northern Ireland in the final of the British Street Food Awards in Birmingham.

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 event welcomed guests from the Hillsborough area and further afield, as well principal Festival sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas, Quilter Cheviot and Charles Hurst.

For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.

Be transported to a galaxy far, far away as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council present the sensational sci-fi spectacular Stars Wars: The Force Awakens on the big screen in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 16 September at 8pm.

This fabulous free film screening is the latest in the iconic movie series which has thrilled generations of cinema goers.

It is now three decades after the defeat of the evil Galactic Empire however a new threat arises.

Our hero Luke Skywalker has vanished and in his absence, the sinister First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and will not rest until Skywalker, the last Jedi, has been destroyed.

Only a ragtag group of heroes along with the Resistance stand in the way of their evil imperial ways.

Will the First Order gain control of the galaxy? Will General Leia Organa find her brother Luke? Or will the Stormtroopers get to Skywalker first?

To find out, charge your lightsabre and feel the Force in full flow at this unforgettable night beneath the stars.

To add to the magical movie experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required just come along and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Arts and Events team on T: 028 4066 0609 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.

It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has won the award at the ceremony, which has been nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’, in its 23 year history.

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition for the top spot from the Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.

Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so please that this is has been recognised on an international level. We are looking forward to welcoming the national and international visitors that this award will attract to Belfast and Northern Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us.”

First Minister Arlene Foster, said, “In just four short years, Titanic Belfast has become an iconic tourist attraction, attracting over three million visitors from all over the world. Titanic Belfast is now a global brand which has put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons so last night’s official confirmation that it is now Europe’s leading tourist attraction is well deserved. I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Titanic Belfast being voted Europe’s leading visitor attraction is a phenomenal achievement. The story of the Titanic is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world class visitor attraction to match. When we opened this building in 2012 we hoped it would enable the current and future generations to explore the story of The Titanic in an innovative and interactive manner. Titanic Belfast has been a resounding success and I thank everyone involved in making this local tourism attraction a global ‘must see.”

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength.  Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date. The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth from France, Germany, USA and China year to date.

The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was 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 a few years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Largest airshow on the island of Ireland hailed major success

The largest airshow on the island of Ireland dazzled huge crowds in Portrush at the weekend for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.

Up to 200,000 spectators made the trip to the Causeway Coast for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events across the weekend.

The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI, included the world-famous RAF Red Arrows kicking off both days of the show.

The Red Arrows’ Saturday performance included a range of their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops, as well as a special red heart shaped symbol for the mesmerised crowds. Although Sunday’s performance was curtailed by the weather, spectators were still treated to an array of trademark formations.

The Typhoon jet made a dramatic – and noisy – impact on both days with a thrilling show of power and sound and its collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.

The Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane treated spectators to a highly anticipated flypast on the Sunday, after being forced to postpone its Saturday appearance due to bad weather.

The Wildcat Aerobatics and the Muscle Bi-plane each performed their unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres to thrill the crowds on both days of the show.

As an added attraction this year, there was a stunning pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX Display Team in Portstewart on the Saturday evening as night fell.

Sunday’s airshow drew to a poignant close by commemorating the Battle of Britain, with a Royal British Legion Poppy Drop by the Huey helicopter, which showered spectators with a cloud of fluttering poppies.

Speaking about the success of the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This year’s Air Waves Portrush has been a resounding success. The weather is one thing that we can’t control and although one badly timed rain shower impacted the Red Arrows’ display on Sunday, overall we were able to deliver two packed days of aerial displays and a host of entertainment on the ground.

“I am particularly pleased with the resounding success of the STEM Village – a new addition to this year’s show – as we aim to inspire the younger generation towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Visitors flocked in from far and wide and we would like to thank all of the event sponsors, Ministry of Defence, emergency service agencies and all the volunteers who pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show was a safe, successful and spectacular event.”

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or for the weekend’s images search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Dine and Stay, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Co. Antrim, from £110 per couple. Ideally situated in the heart of Northern Ireland, Dunsilly Hotel is an ideal base for a perfect break away at home. Unwind with this special offer and enjoy a relaxing break at this three-star hotel.  Package includes overnight accommodation for two people sharing a twin or double room with breakfast and an evening meal in the Grill Bar with £20 dining credit. To book call (028) 9446 2929

• Two Night Getaway, Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry, Co. Down, from £109pps. Enjoy a ‘Home away from Home’ feeling amidst the luxurious surroundings at the four-star Canal Court Hotel located in the heart of Newry city. Relax, unwind and enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast break with one evening and full use of the Health & Leisure Complex with an additional 20% discount in the CC Spa.  Available until December 22.  To book call (028) 3025 1234

• Relax and Indulge, The Merchant, Belfast, from £110pps. Leave your stresses behind and treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the five-star Merchant Hotel.  Enjoy an exquisite three-course meal in The Great Room followed by a relaxing night in a deluxe room followed by a delicious breakfast the following morning.  Offer also include complimentary newspaper, use of the gymnasium and roof top hot tub.  Available Sunday – Thursday.  To book call (028) 9023 4888.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 5 – September 11).

• Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive, Co. Antrim, September 10. The Giant’s Causeway Sportive is a unique road cycling event based on the iconic North Coast of Ireland that offers and unforgettable cycling experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Ireland.

• Moira Calling, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, September 10. Local festival goers are in for a treat this September as Brown Lemonade NI prepare to launch their first ever ‘Moira Calling’ music, food and drink festival at Moira Demesne. Fourteen of the best singer-songwriters and bands have been hand-picked to perform on the day across two stages in the gorgeous picturesque setting of Moira under a canopy of stretch tents and festoon lighting.

• Helen’s Tower, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, September 11. Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark in this self-guided tour of the restored tower for FREE as part of European Heritage Open Days. This unique building is situated on a hill top deep within the estate and has incredible views over the surrounding countryside and out to sea.

• Ukulele Orchestra, Ulster Hall, Belfast, September 7. Belfast can look forward to unique blend of toe-tapping music, hilarious banter and superlative entertainment at the Ulster Hall as the world-renowned Ukulele Orchestra bring their captivating show to the city. Descried as ‘pure entertainment’ and ‘magisterial’, it is a performance not to be missed.

• Marlacoo House, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 10. This two storey, three bay Georgian House is two hundred years old. It is situated beside Marlacoo Lake where Hugh O’Neill kept his wife and valuables safe on a crannog during the 9 years’ war. Explore it for FREE this European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, September 10 – 11. Explore the ‘Story of Derry’ and the ‘An Armada Shipwreck’ through exhibitions and interactive displays at one of the city’s most-loved visitor attractions for FREE over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Beating Retreat, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, September 10. A historic event will take place in Enniskillen on Saturday 10th September to commemorate the actions of the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 16th (Irish) Division at the Battle of the Somme. The Beating Retreat is a standing-only outdoor event with gates opening at 5pm and the performance commencing promptly at 6pm.

• Mullaghmore House, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, September 10 – 11. Once the parent house of Knocknamore Castle, this fully restored Georgian House retains many period features including outbuildings and show room, all set within three acres of gardens. Free guided tours will be available throughout the day over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Chicago, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until September 10. The award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago is coming to Belfast, starring West End and EastEnders’ actor John Partridge (Cats, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express) as Billy Flynn. Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and, along with cell block rival double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

• The Bridewell, Magherafelt, Derry~Londonderry, September 10. The Bridewell, a familiar landmark at the bottom of Magherafelt’s Broad Street will open its doors and host a special day of living history. A guided tour for European Heritage Opens Days will take you through the experience of what life was like for the prisoners.

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. 

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show 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.

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show 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.

Kew Gardens Grow Wild’s flagship, the Cornfield Project, launches.

TWO local communities in Coleraine, Millburn and Ballysally, are busy preparing for a magical woodland enchanted evening to celebrate the launch of the Cornfield Project on Saturday 10^th September 2016.

Following on from winning a public vote to become Grow Wild’s Northern Ireland’s flagship site in November 2015, Coleraine’s Cornfield Project received funding from Grow Wild to transform a large area in Hartford Park, Ballysally.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Grow Wild is the national outreach initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and aims to bring people together to transform local spaces with native, pollinator-friendly wild flowers and plants.

At the Cornfield Project, local community volunteers, both young and old, have been busy working alongside the Conversation Volunteers to transform an area of scrubland into 7.5 acres of community woodland with beautiful wild flower meadows, sensory garden, community gardens and outdoor classroom spaces.

This fantastic project is focused on creating thriving and colourful areas of wild flowers, wildlife and environmentally sensitive spaces which are to be used by, and enjoyed by, all members of the public.

The launch event is a free festival for everyone to come along and see what the project has achieved so far.  There will be a Mad Hatter’s Fancy Dress Tea Party, live entertainment and music, storytelling, an appearance from Coleraine’s own renowned professional magician, Rodd Hogg and an outdoor cinema showing ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Award winning local sculptor, Sara Cunningham Bell will be unveiling her new sculpture for the community space, a three metre high new insect called ‘George’ with its own neighbourhood story created especially for the Cornfield Project after collaboration with local community groups.  And fellow local artist Harry McMahon along with Jenny Methven will showcase how the community has helped transform a derelict wall into inspirational wall art.

The project will be officially launched by three local children from the two communities and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey.

Catherine Armstrong, who is leading the project on behalf of Aspire Community Partnership, a local consortium of grass-roots community groups who are working together for the benefit of the Causeway area, said; “The Cornfield site was an underused patch of land dividing the communities of Millburn and Ballysally in Coleraine.  By getting local people involved to help transform the woodland we hope it will help tackle issues of low employment and health by creating activities which will increase people’s confidence, enable them to develop new skills and friendships which in turn will help provide a positive and fun sense of community.  By coming together and creating an area for wildlife to thrive, the natural habitat also provides all members of the community with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.

“The evening woodland festival will celebrate the launch of the project and hopefully encourage more people to volunteer and get involved. We hope that the framework we use here will be adopted by communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

Stephanie Baine, Grow Wild Northern Ireland Partnership Manager said; “The Cornfield Project won a public vote to become the Grow Wild flagship project for Northern Ireland.  The project is bringing two separated communities together and it has been inspirational to see how the local community has engaged with the project. The woodland has truly been transformed into a magical place, the local people are getting passionate about the wildflower meadows and the training opportunities are just beginning. We would encourage anyone to come along and get involved.”

Big Lottery Fund NI Director Joanne McDowell said; “Grow Wild is all about bringing people together to improve their environment and benefit their communities, and it’s wonderful to see how local people have transformed this area. At the Big Lottery Fund we want to support people and communities to improve the places where they live. This fantastic project is bringing that ambition to life to create a beautiful, interesting and wildlife rich space for the community to enjoy.”

Grow Wild received an incredible 23,493 votes to be named the UK’s Best Environment project in this year’s National Lottery Awards – the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.  Grow Wild’s achievements, including a number of locally funded projects in Northern Ireland helped them win it.

The festival woodland area will come alive with twinkly lights, magical glowing trees and plenty of activities for people to get involved with including searching for bats, hunting for moths, building a bug hotel and making willow creatures with local willow artist Louise McLean.

So come along and join us for what promises to be an evening of enchantment and see just what the project is all about on Saturday 10^th September from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

To celebrate winning their National Lottery Award, Grow Wild are giving away thousands of FREE wild flower seed packets to people all over the UK. For more information and terms and conditions please go to www.growwilduk.com

With just one event left on the 2016 Masters Superbike Championship calendar, nineteen year old Jason Lynn has secured the penultimate place at the end of season ‘Young Rider of the Year’ shoot-out, with an impressive Supersport double at Bishopscourt. Created by Mondello Park and backed by Circuit owner Martin Birrane, along with Dawn International, AJ Plumbing Supplies, EMS and Oxford products, the Young Rider award is the first of its kind to be offered to Irish Motorcycle Racing competitors. The competition will see six young racers nominated to go forward to an end of season shoot-out where one of them will walk away with a fantastic package of benefits to assist them in the next stage of their career. Nominees for the award must be under 23 years old and can come from any of the classes racing on the Masters Superbike programme. Lynn, from Maghera, has been competing in the Masters Supersport Championship since 2013 and had picked up three wins prior to Bishopscourt, along with 14 podium finishes. The wins had dried up this season however as the youngster was unable to match his pace of previous years. Having recently diagnosed a bent front suspension component during a National Championship event Lynn returned to the Masters full of confidence and duly dominated rounds eleven and twelve taking his first ever double win in difficult conditions. Starting race one from second on the grid Lynn was immediately into the lead but his progress was halted by a red flag. Taking the re-start from pole he was never headed, despite the close attentions of the highly experienced Nikki Coates and Carl Phillips, who he held at bay to win by three tenths of a second. Race two was stopped twice before being moved to later in the timetable and when it did eventually run Lynn started from pole position due to his fastest lap in race one. Rain began to fall early on making things difficult for the riders, who were all on dry weather tyres, and it was once again Lynn who impressed as he worked his way past Coates and Robert Kennedy to be just ahead when the race was stopped due to the track conditions. Despite having a poor first half of the year the teenager is now firmly back in championship contention due to his pair of wins. Speaking on hearing of his nomination Lynn said “It’s really nice to have your efforts recognised like this. I had some bad luck at the start of the season and then a big crash at Kirkistown after which we replaced the forks. Having struggled since the accident we checked the suspension again and found a bent Yoke, which we replaced, and since then we’ve won four of the six races we’ve done. It was great to get back to the front of the Masters and particularly to beat the likes of Carl Phillips and Robert Kennedy who have British Championship experience from racing on the BSB package. Credit has to go to Mondello Park and their partners for putting this award together as there is nothing like it in the National Championship and I’m really looking forward to the final in October and seeing what I can do against the other nominees.“ Lynn now joins Robert English, Aaron Clifford, Rhys Irwin and Aaron Armstrong in the hunt for the inaugural Young Motorcycle Racer of the Year award, the line-up for which will be completed at the final event of the year at Mondello Park on October 1st and 2nd. For more information see www.masterssuperbike.ie/youngrider.

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Down

Now in its 24^th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is set to return from Tuesday 30^th August to Sunday 4^th September 2016 in Hillsborough village, Co. Down and at venues in the surrounding area. The 2016 Festival is supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot and will provide a week-long spectacular showcase of the best in hospitality, local produce, arts and entertainment.

Now in its 24^th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is set to return from Tuesday 30^th August to Sunday 4^th September 2016 in Hillsborough village, Co. Down and at venues in the surrounding area. The 2016 Festival is supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot and will provide a week-long spectacular showcase of the best in hospitality, local produce, arts and entertainment.

Armagh

Saturday 3rd September, join top comedian William Caulfield at the Market Place Theatre Armagh for a night of music and laughter.  William is delighted to have young Country sensation Seany Mac as his guest for the opening half of the show. Seany recently won “Best Newcomer” at the Irish World awards in London and his hit songs such as Jive Jive Jive, along with Tears in Mama’s Eyes from his new album Love a Little and many more will have the toes tapping and the hands clapping. William’s  jokes, stories and observations of our everyday lives will soon have you rolling about laughing.

Fermanagh

Experience Fermanagh’s newest visitor attraction and be immersed in the Lakeland landscape of Lough Erne with Erne Water Taxis. Sit back, relax and see Lough Erne your way with a chauffeur driven boat. This unique taxi service will provide a pick-up and drop-off from any accessible jetty on Lough Erne.  Specialty tours of the Lough Erne, including a heritage trail and Food Trail are also available. More info at ernewatertaxi.com

Tyrone

There’ll be strumming on the porches of the log cabins, dancing in the cobbled streets and jamming outside the General Store at the Ulster American Folk Park’s 25th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival this weekend. This famous festival is jam packed with the biggest names in bluegrass and old-time music. Stroll around the toe-tapping afternoon sessions before experiencing the electric atmosphere of a party in the park after dark. All this good music will be washed down with fantastic food as local celebrity chefs heat up the hearths with fusion food demonstrations. Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th September.

Derry

Getting married?  On Thursday 1st September 2016 visit the Belfray Hotel for the Perfect Bliss Wedding Fayre from 6pm-9pm. Meet with the staff from the Hotel & discuss your requirements for your special say. Browse through the services & products available from the wedding suppliers in attendance. Catwalk show from 8:30pm. Admission to the fayre is free.

Antrim

The Air Waves Portrush Air Show is the largest airshow in Ireland and takes place this weekend! A two day air show and festival with no admission fee.  The weekend features air displays, sea displays, trade village, entertainment shows and exhibitions. The display line is in a beautiful natural setting and a great back drop for the many photographers who attend who help showcase the beauty of the North Coast to a worldwide audience (Giant’s Causeway, Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Castle). There will be 2 packed days of family entertainment on the ground.

Belfast

Belfast Bred takes you on a tour through Belfast where Barney (recently defrosted from an iceberg where he’s been since the sinking of the Titanic) will guide you through the history of the city and the food that it was built on. Along the way you’ll be stopping off at Sawers Belfast, Mourne Seafood Bar, The John Hewitt Bar and McHugh’s Bar to taste the culinary delights on offer in the city today before ending up at the world famous St George’s Market, Belfast.  Tours run every Friday and Saturday until September 10th and depart from Sawers at 10:30am

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to 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.