Celebrate ‘Schools out for the Summer’ on Thursday 29 June, as Chapterhouse Theatre Company present an all new production of Peter Pan in the beautiful surroundings of Mossley Mill.
Bring along your picnics and low back seating and join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter. Far away on the magical island of Neverland they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook.
Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner. With beautifully designed costumes, music and songs, join Peter and his friends for what promises to be the most magical evening of the summer. Gates open from 5pm and show starts at 6pm. Tickets available online www.theatreatthemill.com or Box Office
Summer officially arrives at the Ward Park Bandstand on Sunday 2nd July when this much loved music in the park programme starts.
The Jazzmeisters will perform in Ward Park on 2nd July between 4pm-6pm as part of this year’s Summer Music programme which runs every Sunday in July and August.
Now in its 12th year, happening every Sunday throughout July and August, between 3pm and 5pm. This year’s line-up offers a different vibe each week including Rock ‘n’ Roll, brass, blues, flamenco and punk ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy!
First up will be the fantastic Jazzmeisters playing a cool mix of hot swing and classic standards made famous by icons such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and modern maestro Jamie Cullum.
Please note this week’s performance is at the later time of 4pm to facilitate the Somme Service in the park.
So gather friends, family and a picnic and enjoy!
Look out for details of each week’s artist in local press and keep up to date with all summer events at www.vistardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
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. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.
Legenderry Golf Break, Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £123. Head to the famous Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and enjoy one night’s B&B at the 4* Everglades Hotel with golf at nearby Castlerock Golf Club, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful views along the Causeway Coast. Midweek £123 per person sharing/ weekend £135 per person sharing. Offer ends 31 October.
Family break on top of the Mournes, Spelga House, Co. Down, from £325. Stay in luxury at the highest house in Northern Ireland on top of the spectacular Mourne Mountains. Enjoy a weekend B&B for a family of up to 10 people in September/October/November. The 4* Spelga House has a games room and Jacuzzi. Fresh eggs and wheaten bread included with your stay. Offer valid until 26 November.
Girls’ weekend away, Robeth Cottage, Co. Tyrone, from £47pppn. This 4* cottage is a cosy, beautifully designed holiday home nestled in a peaceful location in the stunning Co Tyrone landscape. The property sleeps four and a package can be tailored for each group’s stay, from a private chef serving a three-course meal to freshly-baked afternoon tea delivered to the doorstep. Offer valid until 30 November. To book call (017) 89 720027.
DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (June 26 – July 2).
Winged Wonders Butterfly Hunt, Craigavon, 1 July. Make a bee-line for Portmore Lough and join the RSPB NI team as they search for beautiful butterflies, darting dragonflies and damselflies in the reserve’s meadows.
Lazy Sundays at The Argory, Dungannon, 2 July. Enjoy laid-back tunes and relaxation in the courtyard while the kids are entertained and feast on the summer BBQ.
Cuilcagh Mountain Jeep Safari, Enniskillen, 2 July. Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain. Booking essential (028 66 348855).
Music City, Derry~Londonderry, until 27 June. The city becomes one giant performance space with music of all genres in the streets, squares, venues, churches and communities. Derry’s choral tradition is showcased throughout the festival on the main outdoor stages while the historic walls will feature performances from pipe bands, flute bands and trad musicians.Most events are free of charge and family friendly.
Feux d’artifice: Équilibre et Espoir, Derry~Londonderry, 1 July. Fireworks Dance, Drama and Theatre Academy celebrate their fourth birthday with this exhilarating performance. An evening of inspiring entertainment awaits from over 100 energetic cast members.
Derek Ryan Summer Concert, Slieve Donard Resort, Newcastle, 29 June. Irish country music’s golden boy has chart topping albums, self-written smash hit singles, box office busting live tours and an army of faithful fans around the world. So dust off your dancing boots and get on down to Newcastle for a night of foot tapping country music.
Belsonic, Belfast, various dates. Green Day, Axwell ^ Ingrosso and The Chainsmokers are headlining this week at Belsonic’s new venue, Ormeau Park.
The Ladykillers, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 10 June – 8 July. A celebrated black comedy tale of a sweet innocent old lady, alone in her home, pitted against a gang of criminal misfits who will stop at nothing.
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, Ballymoney, 30 June. Colourful art and crafts, the delicious smell and taste of fresh food produce and the sound of musicians providing a backdrop to the buzz of traders and customers chatting and laughing.
Comber Historical Walking Tour, County Down, 2 July. Stroll through the home town of Thomas Andrews, designer of the Titanic, and discover points of historical interest on this guided tour. Visit St Mary’s Parish Church, the Comber Stones, the old Andrews Mill and Andrews Memorial Hall on your tour of this charming town.
‘Race of Legends’ 2017 launch with look back at original Road Racers
PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 21/6/2017: Armoy road races Clerk of the Course, Bill Kennedy is joined by road racers Dominic Herbertson, Adam McLean, Neil Kernohan, Darryl Tweed, Roger Chen, Christian Elkin, Paul Jordan, Paul Robinson, Gary Dunlop and William Dunlop at the launch of the 2017 Armoy road races today. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
THE youngest national road race in Ireland, the Armoy Road Races, confirmed this week that leading TT newcomer at the Isle of Man TT 2017, Adam McLean, will be at this year’s races on the renowned three-mile circuit come Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July 2017.
Joining Adam (McLean), a previous winner of the Junior Support at Armoy, will be local men William Dunlop, Neil Kernohan, Paul Jordan, Darryl Tweed, Paul Robinson, Gary Dunlop, Hexham rider Dominic Herbertson and Moto3/125 GP race winner Christian Elkin, winner of Moto3/125 GP race in 2016. With entries yet to close (3rd July) and the 2017 TT just finished, many riders are now turning their attention to Armoy and confirming their attendance.
The announcement was made at the official launch of the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’, which was held at Gracehill House, Stranocum on Wednesday 21 June 2017 alongside a keynote presentation from David Wallace, the film producer of Road Racers and a local Dunloy man.
2017 is the 40th anniversary of the original 1977 documentary, which truly captured the heady mixture of three local men, their families and their passion, drive and love of road racing. He gave a short presentation on why and how the film was made but having won two BAFTAs for other work, David freely admits that “the Road Racers film gets talked about more than anything else. I wanted to produce a genuine documentary in Road Racers that would give an insight into something very special but I was taken by surprise by its success.” Some key scenes of the film depict the three riders, Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy, riding through the village of Armoy where they often tested their bikes.
Bill Kennedy MBE, Chairman and Clerk of the Course, AMRRC said, “We are delighted to host, film producer and local man, David Wallace. It is difficult to comprehend that this film, Road Racers, was made 40 years ago, let alone the impact this film would have in years to come, the place it has in people’s hearts and the iconic level that it has reached across the whole road racing community.
“The Armoy Road Races came about as most of you know, after a bit of craic in a local pub. It’s hard to believe come September that we will be in our tenth year and that we continue to celebrate all of our road racers, past and present, including the reputed Armoy Armada.
“It is also hard to be believe how exceptionally fast 2017 is disappearing but we are on target with our planning. With additional monies from the Department of Communities and some work on the roads, courtesy of Transport NI, these races are set to be one of the best.
“William Dunlop was man of the meeting in 2016 and I’ve no doubt he will be keen to revisit his Armoy winning streak. As of yet, brother, Michael Dunlop, who retains the title of Race of Legends winner, having won in six successive years has yet to confirm his entry but the Club is hopeful he will race on his home course come July.
“VIP Corporate Hospitality Tickets are selling exceptionally well with folks from as far away as Wexford and Shropshire as well as Aberdeen en route. It’s getting down to those last few weeks, last minute riders’ entries, final preparations for setting up the course and then we will be ready for the best national race in Ireland.”
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, Terence Brannigan, Chairman of Tourism Northern Ireland, members of the Armoy Club and other guests and sponsors including title “Race of Legends” sponsor, Roadside Kia.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Joan Baird, who attended the launch said, “The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to continue their support of the Armoy Road Races. For us it is one of our key sporting events and we are only too happy to be involved and show our support.”
Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI Chairman also commented, “Armoy Road Races are one of Northern Ireland’s prime motorsport gatherings, attracting motorcycle riders and spectators both locally and internationally. As the event goes from strength to strength it has an important role to play in tourism, in contributing to the economy and in enhancing our reputation as a destination.
“Given that this event is built on such a strong heritage, this is a great opportunity for many of the visitors who come to the races and stay, to explore the area and visit the many other sights and events that it has to offer.”
Mr David Boyd, Roadside Kia, title sponsor said: “Now that the TT is over, it’s getting to the stage that most of us are patiently waiting for the next road racing event. The Armoy Road Races is one of the must attend events and I for one, along with my team at Roadside Kia, just can’t wait until Race Week. We are very proud to be associated with this event.”
Bill Kennedy concluded: “I’d like to finish by thanking event sponsors Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism NI for their very kind support. I’d also like to thank our title sponsor Roadside Kia. Without the support and sponsorship from these organisations and other sponsors present here today, the event just wouldn’t be possible.
“I often don’t get a chance to publicly thank the many hard working Club members and volunteers but as with the sponsors these races wouldn’t happen without their input. Now there’s still a bit of work to be done, but I look forward to seeing you all on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017!”
This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017 culminating in the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.
The popular Sea Bangor Festival returns with plenty of fun plus a celebration of the Armed Forces this Saturday and Sunday. Throughout the weekend, Sea Bangor’s maritime themed festival will once again delight all with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays which the event is known and loved for, including a Spitfire and JetLev demonstrations.
Armagh
Armagh City Guided Summer Tours begin again on Wednesday 21st June. As Ireland’s Ecclesiastical Capital, many impressive sites and attractions can be found in Armagh. From pre-historic Ireland to an unmatched Georgian architecture, modern day Armagh is built against a rich backdrop of history, clearly visible through its historic buildings and open spaces. For those who want to explore everything the City has to offer, a guided walking tour is a must. You’ll walk through Armagh’s rich history as you hear stories and anecdotes about the area, learn about the city’s renowned Georgian architecture and stroll along the distinct cobble streets as you unearth some of the city’s hidden gems along the way. Tour times: Each Wednesday to Saturday 11am – 12:00 noon and 1:00pm – 2.00pm from 21st June -2nd September.
Fermanagh
Borderline Players return to the Ardhowen Theatre this Friday 23rd June with Ray Cooney’s frantic comedy, ‘Out Of Order’. Set in the ‘steamy’ world of Westminster politics, Richard Willey a junior government minister, is attempting to spend an ill-advised evening in the company of Jane Worthington, a typist for the opposition. His plans are complicated by the arrival of his aide, George Pigden, his wife Pamela, an interfering hotel manager, an unscrupulous waiter, and a seemingly dead body… The evening goes disastrously wrong as Richard and George attempt to dig their way out of an ever deepening hole to avoid political scandal. Please note: the play contains mild language.
Tyrone
It’s the Friday Tea Dance this Friday 23rd June at The Hub in Cookstown. Dance the afternoon away to live music from Briege Devlin and a salubrious afternoon tea! Admission is FREE!
Derry/Londonderry
On Saturday 24th June, award-winning Irish actress Olwen Fouéré and Syrian opera singer Lubana Al Quntar are to collaborate on a unique project exploring the Syrian conflict through Heaney’s collection The Spirit Level, at Seamus Heaney HomePlace.
Antrim
On Saturday 24th June 2017 Ballymena town centre will be transformed into a fun and exciting summer carnival. This FREE one day event is taking place in Bryan Street, Wellington Court, Bandstand and surrounding areas. There will be on-street entertainment, carnival games and crafts, face painting, fun characters, live music, pet farm and sporting activities including a climbing wall, foot darts, foot pool and interactive challenges for all ages!
Belfast
This Sunday 25th June at the Crescent Arts Centre, take a journey into the colourful world of Lego animation with the mini animation masterclass, which will teach participants how to make a complete animated film on an iPad, including sound effects visual effects, and planning your film. You’ll also learn about how to create 2D animations and basic photoshop skills on the iPad.
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.
This year’s Outdoor Theatre in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will feature three fabulous productions – David Walliam’s Billionaire Boy, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Murder on TheTerrace by David-Kerby Kendall, all brought to life and adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions.
A popular event on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts’ Calendar, these productions will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Taking place on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July, Billionaire Boy tells the tale of how Mr Spud made his billions and lost it all and how his son Joe became the richest boy in the world! A charming tale of love, loss and friendship which is both hilarious and poignant, Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of Billionaire Boy is suitable for ages 7+. Shows take place at 2pm and 6pm – although the 6pm show on Wednesday 19 has already sold out!
Northanger Abbey is taking place on Thursday 20 July at 7pm, come and indulge in some fantasy, be it romance, intrigue or even something a bit darker in Jane Austen’s classic tale. Social commentary, humour and parody ensure this outdoor performance will be the perfect summer evening’s entertainment. The show is suitable for ages 8+.
If solving mysteries is more your thing, then Murder on The Terrace might be the one for you! Taking place on Friday 21 July at 7pm, this farcical romp through English entertainment, is an original interactive outdoor murder mystery – part Downtown, part Agatha Christie and a whole lot of fun! Bring your sleuthing skills to see if you can figure out ‘whodunnit!’ Suitable for ages 12+.
Ticket-holders are reminded that these are out-door events so please dress for the weather. They are fully seated performances, chairs will be provided so please don’t bring your own and picnics are welcome but please note that picnic space is limited due to seating arrangements.
To book a ticket, please go to www.ardsarts.com or call 028 9181 0803.
The Super Milk Wild Air Run saw over 20,000 people partake in the inflatable 5K obstacle course last summer.
The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course. This year the event is coming to Belfast for the very first time and will take place in Stormont Estate 24th June. 2017 sees the course return bigger and better than before with new obstacles, including Europe’s largest inflatable slide which is 60M long!
The Super Milk Wild Air Run can be undertaken by all fitness levels and the focus is on fun, not endurance. It can be undertaken by the fitness fanatic right through to the armchair athlete and everyone in between. The 10 obstacles combine agility, creativity and a vast amount of fun. The event is for both adults and children, seven years and up, and is a very enjoyable day for anyone from 7 to 70.
Event Manager Ronan O’Kelly said “We can’t wait to come to Belfast this summer. This event truly shows how fun it can be to get outdoors with friends or family of all ages, it’s really an event that everyone can partake in. The course can be walked or ran, it isn’t a timed event and the focus truly is on fun and getting active.”
Begin the race by tackling the staircase start-line, zig-zag through the maze and have a ball in the giant ball pit. Before you can claim victory over the Super Milk Wild Air Run you will finish with Europe’s biggest inflatable slide. There will also be a ‘Chill Zone’, an area for both participants and spectators to relax and enjoy music, games and food and drink from local vendors.
The event will kick off its first wave at 10:00a.m with additional waves running in 20-minute intervals until 6:00p.m.
Tickets for the Super Milk Wild Air Run are on sale now at www.wildairrun.com. Full priced tickets are £26.00 for adults and £16.00 for children. Family tickets (£72) and group rates are also available. Spectators can cheer from the side-lines for free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wildairrun.com. The event will also travel to St.Columb’s Park, Derry on 22nd July.
As the Summer Solstice draws to a close so does the life of a young warrior, a murder has been committed! Entering the feasting hall with a dagger to his back; who has committed this cruel act?
King Conor has invited you to the Navan Centre & Fort on 23rd June with all his clans to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Before the food can be served old rivalry between the clans has erupted leading to this murder! To add to the mystery, the victim dies before he can name the perpetrator!
However, King Conor will not allow this to stop the celebrations but he wants the villain caught! Can you help solve this curious case?
Event begins at 7.30pm and admission is £24.00 per adult, children £12.00 (suitable for 12 years +) A 2 course meal with tea and coffee will be served on the evening. Booking is essential on www.armagh.co.uk/solstice or call + 44 (0) 28 3752 9644
Lilian Bland Community Park will be awash with activity each Friday evening from Friday 30 June – Friday 27 August as Brighter Nights returns.
This popular annual event now in its sixth year, is for all ages, boasting a programme of events which will keep you entertained rain, hail or shine this summer. Weekly attractions will include bouncy castles, face painting, sports coaching, an adventure play bus, arts & crafts along with featured attractions & activities each week!
Kicking off this year’s Brighter Nights series is ‘Schools Out’ on Friday 30 June, celebrating the start of school holidays. Brighter Nights offers a different theme each week with something to suit everyone. So if you fancy yourself as a superhero, or a sporting great get yourself down to Lilian Bland Community Park for free family fun each Friday Night from 6.30-8.30pm.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill commented “Brighter Nights is a great way of bringing the community together offering a jam packed programme of Free Family Fun throughout the summer”.
Legenderry Golf Break, Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £123. Head to the famous Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and enjoy one night’s B&B at the 4* Everglades Hotel with golf at nearby Castlerock Golf Club, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, with beautiful views along the Causeway Coast. Midweek £123 per person sharing/ weekend £135 per person sharing. Offer ends 31 October.
A popular event on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts’ Calendar, these productions will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course. This year the event is coming to Belfast for the very first time and will take place in Stormont Estate 24th June. 2017 sees the course return bigger and better than before with new obstacles, including Europe’s largest inflatable slide which is 60M long!
King Conor has invited you to the Navan Centre & Fort on 23rd June with all his clans to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Before the food can be served old rivalry between the clans has erupted leading to this murder! To add to the mystery, the victim dies before he can name the perpetrator!
This popular annual event now in its sixth year, is for all ages, boasting a programme of events which will keep you entertained rain, hail or shine this summer. Weekly attractions will include bouncy castles, face painting, sports coaching, an adventure play bus, arts & crafts along with featured attractions & activities each week!