Bullitt Belfast launches new ‘Tweet Seats’ campaign

 

Food lovers are in for a tweet this summer as Taylor & Clay in Bullitt Belfast launches its new Tweet Seats Tuesday campaign, offering Twitter fans the chance to dine for free.

Each Tuesday throughout June and July, the restaurant is inviting foodies to enjoy delicious lunchtime treats like salt beef Caesar salad, flatbread kebab with spiced beef & pomegranate and apple & blueberry frangipane crumble to mark the launch of its new 3-7-3 menu.

To get a free seat at the restaurant, you simply need to tweet your name, number of people and preferred time for lunch to @BullittBelfast using the hashtag #tweetseats.  If there are seats available, the restaurant will tweet back to confirm.

Each #tweetseats diner will enjoy three courses from the restaurant’s 3-7-3 menu and all they have to do in return is tweet a photo of the food.

Michael Patterson, F&B Manager at Bullitt Belfast is looking forward to the campaign launch.

“We are running the Tweet Seats campaign as a fun way to launch our new 3-7-3 menu and to offer people the chance to dine for free in our restaurant.  Taylor & Clay uses fresh produce that has been sourced from local suppliers and the food is cooked on a fire-pit grill to give it a unique flavour, so the winners really will be in for a delicious treat.”

The Tweet Seats concept was started by US theatres as a way of encouraging people to experience live shows.  It has now spread across cinemas and sporting venues with guests encouraged to live tweet during the events.

Taylor & Clay’s Tweet Seat campaign will run every Tuesday in June and July and there will be 10 seats available for guests each week.  The 3-7-3 menu is available weekdays from 12noon to 4pm with a starter for £3, main for £7 and dessert for £3.

For more information, follow @bullittbelfast on Twitter or visit bullitthotel.com

Friday 9 – Thursday 15 June  

 

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September

Sat 10: Science Workshop and Face Painting
Sun 11: Crafts and Mr Hullabaloo Puppet Show

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 10 June, Great Wars Coach Tour

Departs from North Down Museum, Bangor

9.30am – 1.30pm | Tickets £10

Join us on this half day coach tour and discover the area’s deep connections with the Great Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 16 – Thursday 22 June

 

Friday 16 June, On Your Doorstep With The Ulster Orchestra

Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Road

7.30pm | Tickets £10 (ad), £6 (ch)

Musicians from the Orchestra’s wind section will be centre stage for a performance focused around French music – perfect for a Midsummer evening of music!

T: 028 9181 0803 | ardsarts.com

 

Friday 17 June, Comber Earlies Food Festival

Comber Square and St Mary’s Church Car Park

10am – 4pm | Free

The award winning Comber Earlies Food Festival is back for 2017 bringing local artisan food, a hay bale picnic, music, children’s activities, street theatre, food demonstrations and lots more.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 June, Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf Championship

Donaghadee Golf Club

From 8am, various prices

See the best young golfers from Ireland and beyond compete in the Ulster U16 Boy’s Championship. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 028 9188 3624 | donaghadeegolfclub.com

 

Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 June, Portaferry Sails and Sounds 

Portaferry and Strangford

11am–10pm, various prices

The festival staged together on land & sea to bring to the shores of Strangford Lough a convoy of Old Gaffer Boats, traditional music & dance and street entertainment for all the family. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 078 7070 1620, portaferrysailsandsounds.co.uk

 

 

Tickets now on sale…

 

Walled Garden Theatre performances this summer:

 

Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Billionaire Boy

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

2pm and 6pm | Tickets £6

 

Thursday 20 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Northanger Abbey

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

Friday 21 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Murder on the Terrace

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

T: 028 9127 0069 | Book online (Fees apply) | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Art in the Loft: Sea

Textile Artist Jenni Cheung presents a collection of mixed media artwork inspired by the sea.

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 25 June

The Millennium Art and Craft Club

See paintings in all mediums from the club members.

 

Wednesday 7 June – Thursday 27 July

Fleadh Exhibition

Explore the history and culture of Irish Traditional Music and Dance in the local area.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

ForM Sculpture Exhibition 2017

Art and nature collide in a unique garden experience

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Portaferry Gala: The first 50 years

See how Portaferry Gala has developed and grown over the years.

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels is celebrating 50 years of the ownership of the jewel in its crown, the Culloden Estate & Spa.

Hastings Hotels purchased the luxurious property in June 1967, and over the course of the last 50 years, under the direction of Sir William Hastings, has transformed the Culloden in size and luxury.

“I purchased The Culloden in 1967 for £100,000, which was an extensive purchase for me back then. The 1960’s were properly named the ‘Swinging 60’s’, having left the legacy of wartime rationing and other restrictions well behind. My company was engaged in reinventing itself from a major licenced trader into the hotel business, an enterprise which required knowledge of a very different type of operation.

“Once a Bishop’s Palace, when I purchased it in 1967 the Culloden was a 13 bedroom boutique hotel with a splendid reputation for luxury and was by far the best in the province. 50 years on, I am proud to say this reputation has stood the test of time and the Culloden Estate & Spa remains Northern Ireland’s foremost five star hotel with 98 bedrooms and suites, an ESPA spa and health-club, a superb ballroom, conference facilities and meeting rooms and the Cultra Inn,” Sir William continued.

“I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 50 years. To my first general manager Hugh Margey, a young hospitality graduate from the University College Dublin and to the current general manager, Eoin O’Sullivan and his wonderful team who I am indebted to for their hard work and dedication. It is by their efforts that ensures the Culloden continues to attract guests from around the world and pick up prestigious accolades most recently being named Luxury Hotel of the Year at this year’s Irish Hotel Awards and highly commended at the first ever Georgina Campbell Breakfast Awards in the Best 5-Star Hotel category,” Sir William said.

“My marriage in 1960 produced four children and I am thrilled to be celebrating the golden years of this splendid hotel with my family, who are all now fully engaged in the management of Hastings Hotels. My four children, Julie, Howard, Allyson and Aileen each have their own responsibilities within the company and work determinedly for the six hotels.

“Over the last 50 years we have continuously invested in the Culloden and are delighted to mark its golden anniversary. The last 50 years have shown good and bad times and so it is a delight for me to enjoy the wonderful celebratory occasion and to stand proud in the knowledge that the Culloden is trading well and trading profitability with a well-grounded reputation that will allow it to be successful in our fast moving industry today and the years ahead.

“I am proud to say that the Culloden Estate & Spa was once built for a Bishop but is now truly fit for a king,” Sir William concluded.

Make your summer magic this weekend by visiting Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June from 12pm – 8pm.   Experience the magic of summer with a fantastic feast for the senses.

 

Browse the artisan market stalls, enjoy food from your favourite local restaurants, relax to the sounds of local music and enjoy our free family fun activities.

Events over this fantastic weekend include mini explorer’s sessions, bouncy castles, petting farm and a magic show.  Wiggle It will be on hand to help you strut your stuff with free dance sessions on Saturday and face painting will be on offer on Sunday.

There will be also be an appearance of some Star Wars characters so make sure you come along and keep an eye out for your movie favourites!  A fun fair will also be in the park on Friday 9 June from 6pm – 9pm and individual charges apply.

This wonderful summer event is funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, The Executive Office and jointly organised with the Community Relations Forum. For more information see www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/midsummer or follow “Get into Glengormley” on Facebook.

 

The exciting new summer workshop programme at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh during June comes to you from the artists at Create: Innovate: Armagh.

Jewellery Designer Mary Murphy, will lead the Silver Jewellery workshop on Saturday 10 June. She will take you step-by-step through the process of handcrafting your own bespoke Silver Pendant. You will create your piece out of silver sheet and wire using traditional hand tools, transferring your pattern, cutting out with a piercing saw, annealing, forming and soldering using a soldering torch. In addition to this you will learn some texturing and embellishing techniques before filing, emerying and polishing to bring your Silver Pendant to a high quality finish for you to hang on a silver chain provided. Suitable for beginners aged 16+ or those wishing to further their skills from previous silver jewellery workshops.

Pin Hole Photography on Saturday 17 June, is an experimental and vibrant workshop perfect for those aged 16+ with an interest in Photography. After a short introduction about pinhole photography you will make your own working pinhole camera from scratch using nothing but cardboard, tape and a piece of soda can! Once completed we’ll load it up with film and go out on a shoot. We will take care of the developing of the film and scan any successful images which you will receive by disk. No previous photography experience required.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will be home to twenty-nine sculptures for the month of June when the annual ForM sculpture exhibition takes up residence in its beautiful surroundings.

The eclectic exhibition which was opened on Saturday 3 June will showcase works from an array of talented artists who exhibit nationally and internationally.

The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.  A visit to Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a real escape and the sculptures enhance this experience even further.

Some of the works are of large scale and complement the setting whilst other subtler works will need to be sought out of the greenery. Come along and enjoy this exhibition with the whole family when art and nature collide in a unique garden experience.

Visitors to the launch were treated to a guided tour of the exhibition and got to meet the artists and learn about each piece and their inspiration behind it.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; “The Form sculpture exhibition provides the opportunity for artists to challenge themselves to create work for a unique environment and be inspired by the stunning setting of Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

The exhibition, which is open to all, especially creates an excellent opportunity for our local artists, some of whom are starting out on their artistic careers, to exhibit alongside established artists.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a treasure in Bangor and I would encourage everyone to visit it during the month of June and experience the sculptures alongside the stunning landscaping.”

The exhibition will remain open until 25 June and is free to visit.  Some of the sculptures will be available to buy.  You may pick up a map and brochure in the coffee shop in the Garden. This year for the first time, visitors are invited to vote for their favourite sculpture for the ForM Competition and can cast their votes when they visit the exhibition.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.

SUMMER 2017 is set to be an epic year for sport in Northern Ireland.

We are playing host to a stellar line-up of international events, from the Women’s Rugby World Cup to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship – among many more local events and tournaments.

So whether you’re a football, rugby or cycling fan, you’ll find plenty to get behind in this “Summer of Sport”.

John McGrillen, Tourism Northern Ireland Chief Executive, said: “This summer is packed full of sporting events that will make a real impact to the visitor economy across Northern Ireland.

“People from Northern Ireland have shown themselves to be hugely enthusiastic and supportive of local, national and international events. Local crowd support will be an important element in making these events a real success and helping us to attract more large-scale events to Northern Ireland in the future.

“From the Women’s Rugby World Cup to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship – there’s a huge variety of sporting events to choose from and at the same time experience some of our fantastic accommodation, restaurants, pubs and attractions.”

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has put together a list of some top sporting events taking place this year in Northern Ireland that you can be a part of, be that as a spectator or participant.

So why not get on your bike, tee off at a world-renowned golf course, or simply book your tickets to be a part of something amazing in this epic sporting year.

1. Gran Fondo
   3 – 4 June
   The Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland weekend is fast becoming one of the must-ride sportives in the UK and Ireland. Sunday will see thousands of cyclists take on two routes through the stunning County Down landscape – the 58km Strangford race overlooking the island-dotted lough,  and the more gruelling 175km Mourne route – ascending some of Northern Ireland’s highest mountain peaks. The Giro d’Italia trophy, Trofeo Senza Fine, will be on display at the Giro Expo in Belfast for riders and fans to get their photos taken, and there’s a post-ride pasta party at Stormont Estate.

 

2. Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament

5 – 9 June

The Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament is in its 50th year and is the largest amateur golf tournament in Europe, held every summer on the glorious north coast. Played over the Valley; Royal Portrush, Ballycastle, Castlerock and Ballyliffin links, the tournament offers a unique challenge to amateurs with an official club handicap of 20 or less.

 

3. Belfast Parkland International Golf Tournament
   3 – 5 July
   A unique parkland tournament, Belfast Parkland brings together some of the most prestigious golf courses in the Belfast area. Take the opportunity to be part of history and play the inaugural tournament this summer featuring Malone Golf Club, Royal Belfast and Shandon Park. Registration is open until 30 June.

 

4. Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

6 – 9 July
The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, hosted by the Rory Foundation, is returning once again to Northern Ireland this summer, with the Causeway Coastal Route providing a picturesque canvas for the July tournament at Portstewart Golf Club. Past winners Padraig Harrington and Shane Lowry will be joining host Rory McIlroy, and with more player announcements imminent, this year’s tournament is shaping up to be one of the best yet. Don’t miss out on seeing golfing’s elite this summer in Northern Ireland.

5. Foyle Cup
   17 July – 22 July
   The Foyle Cup is one of Ireland and indeed Europe’s premier youth tournaments and is widely recognised as a tournament that launches the careers of young players aspiring to sign professional contracts. It has grown into a six-day festival of football, catering for all ages, and allows spectators to watch up to three games every day.

   6. Super Cup NI
   23 – 28 July
   This summer Super Cup NI celebrates its 35^th anniversary as one of the world’s best youth football tournaments, with teams from across the world descending on Northern Ireland. Manchester United, six times Premier title winners, will contest the Junior competition, one of six English clubs involved.Past competitors in the tournament, formerly known as The Milk Cup, have included David Beckham, Gary Neville and Peter Crouch. Matches are played at various venues across the Causeway Coast area with the finals taking place at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Friday 28th July.

 

7. Ulster Grand Prix

6 – 12 August

Another exciting returning highlight in Northern Ireland’s road racing calendar is the MCE Ulster Grand Prix – the fastest road race in the world. The 2016 meeting was hailed as one of the most thrilling the sport has seen in recent years, with close racing between the world’s top road racers culminating in four wins for Tyco BMW racer Ian Hutchinson, who also broke the record for the fastest lap with a whopping 134.087mph on the final lap of the second superbike race. The 2017 MCE Ulster Grand Prix is expected to exhibit the best and brightest talent.
8. 2017 UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship
8 – 20 August
For the first time ever, the Irish Football Association is hosting the Women’s Under-19 Championship in Northern Ireland. Eight national teams, including host Northern Ireland, will participate in the prestigious 16-day tournament showcasing Northern Ireland at its best, including our football, our facilities, our culture, our history, our fans and our unconditional love of the game on a national scale. Get your tickets now and cheer on the girls in the first of two major women’s events taking place this year.

9. Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017
9 – 26 August
The 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup will be the biggest ever – and it’s happening right here. Following pool stage matches in Dublin, the tournament will make its way to Belfast for play-off rounds at Kingspan Stadium and Queen’s University, before culminating in a grand finale on Saturday 26 August at the home of Ulster Rugby. WRWC 2017 promises to be a highlight of the sporting calendar in Ireland and is sure to inspire a new generation of female players across the island. Tickets cost from as little as £10 for children and £15 for adults. Can Ireland bring the trophy home?

10. Northern Ireland Open
10 – 13 August
Northern Ireland’s annual national professional tournament returns to Galgorm Castle, Ballymena as part of the European Challenge Tour’s international schedule.  The tournament regularly attracts strong players such as Michael Hoey, Peter Lawrie and Gareth Maybin to the course’s stunning fairways. But this is a golf tournament for all the family – it also features a kids’ fun area, food festival and live music. The tournament is free for spectators and tickets can be secured by registering online.

11. Ulster Rally
18 – 19 August
Running for over 40 years, the Ulster Rally is one of a select number of events included in the prestigious MSA British Rally and TROA Tarmac Rally Championships as well as the European Celtic Cup and the Northern Ireland Championship. This prestigious sporting event is returning once again to the Walled City of Derry~Londonderry and this year will feature an exciting set of revised stages including the introduction of the Re-Grouping halts in Strabane town centre, giving spectators the opportunity to get up close to the competitors.

12. Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive, Co. Antrim
9 September
The Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive is a unique road cycling event along the iconic Causeway Coast, offering an unforgettable cycling experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the island. Starting and finishing in Ballycastle, it attracts over 1,000 participants, winding through the magical Glens of Antrim with three routes to choose from. Entries are now open online. 

For more information on any of these upcoming sporting events in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

*Information correct at time of print and subject to change.