Stewart Lee, Content Provider, coming to a theatre near you this September!

David Johnson & John Mackay in association with Debi Allen present STEWART LEE CONTENT PROVIDER this September at the Millennium Forum Derry/Londonderry and the Waterfront Belfast.

After four years writing and performing his TV show Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle, Content Provider is Stewart’s first brand new full-length show since the award-winning Carpet Remnant World.

“The most consistently funny show of his brilliant career … I laughed till it hurt.” 5 Stars The Times

“Characteristically twisty and frequently brilliant” 4 Stars The Guardian

“Venomously funny” 4 Stars Standard

“The delusional ravings of a man who has lost his way in the world” 5 Stars Mail on Sunday.

To book tickets for the Millennium Forum click HERE.

To book tickets for the Belfast Waterfront click HERE.

To enter our ticket give away click our competition tab.

Bio

Born in Shropshire in 1968, Stewart Lee began writing and performing stand-up at the age of 20, having been inspired, as an impressionable teenager, by seeing the post-punk anti-comic Ted Chippington open for The Fall in Birmingham in 1984. In 1990 he won the Hackney Empire New Act Of The Year award and for the next five years he contributed to various BBC Radio comedy shows, including Fist of Fun and On The Hour, with Steve Coogan and Chris Morris. He performed as a stand-up almost nightly on the London comedy club circuit throughout the ‘90s, and co-created two programs for BBC2 with Richard Herring.

Stewart directed the Mighty Boosh’s breakthrough Edinburgh show, Arctic Boosh (1999), Simon Munnery’s Golden Rose Of Montreux nominated BBC2 show, Attention Scum, (2000), and a revival of Eric Bogosian’s Talk Radio (Underbelly 2007).  In 2001 he was invited to help write the libretto of, and direct, the composer Richard Thomas’ developing work, Jerry Springer The Opera, at Battersea Arts Centre. The show won four Olivier awards after its National Theatre run, though its commercial future was curtailed by the right wing pressure group, Christian Voice.

Stewart’s subsequent three stand-up tours, 2004’s Stand-Up Comedian, 2005’s 90s Comedian, and 2007’s 41st Best Stand-Up Ever, consolidated his live audience and critical standing and contributed to BBC2’s decision to commission his 2009 series, Stewart Lee’s Comedy Vehicle. This was followed by the stand-up tours, If You Prefer A Milder Comedian Please Ask For One (2009), and Carpet Remnant World (2011), and three more series of Comedy Vehicle for BBC2, the fourth airing in 2016. The second series won a BAFTA and two British Comedy Awards, though the same panels overlooked the superior third series, and all the series won Chortle awards.

Stewart is also the author of the stand-up studies How I Escaped My Certain Fate (Faber and Faber 2010) and If You Prefer A Milder Comedian Please Ask For One (Faber and Faber 2012), and the theatre pieces Pea Green Boat (Traverse/BAC 2002), What Would Judas Do? (Bush/BAC 2007), Johnson and Boswell, Late But Live (Traverse 2007), and Interiors (Manchester International Festival 2007, with Johnny Vegas and Rob Thirtle). He has hosted radio documentaries on Native American Clowns, Satanic music, free jazz, psychedelic pagan kids’ TV, Radiophonics, and Morris Dancing, and was the on-screen interviewer in Antoine Prum’s elegant improvised music documentary, Taking The Dog For A Walk (2014).

Stewart is a patron of the arts radio station Resonance 104.4 FM, has written on music for The Wire, Bucketful Of Brains, Uncut and Mojo, and performs in an irregular trio interpreting John Cage’s Indeterminacy with Steve Beresford and Tania Chen. He won Celebrity Mastermind answering questions on the guitarist Derek Bailey, pedalled a swan pedalo in Andrew Kötting and Iain Sinclair’s film Swandown (2012), and recently performed a folk song on a Shirley Collins tribute album. He is also the voice of a Tarantula spider in an exhibit at London Zoo. Stewart has two children and has lived in Stoke Newington, Hackney, London since the 1990s.

“One of the top three or four living stand-ups..” – Time Out

 “The worst stand-up I have ever seen”  – Graham Simmons, Chortle

www.stewartlee.co.uk

BITE-SIZE OPERA AT THE MARKET PLACE

 

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is hosting Northern Ireland Opera with their ‘Bite-Size Opera – Up Close & Personal’ series featuring ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ – a tale of deception, loyalty and desire.

Guigliemeo and Ferrando have been bragging about their new girlfriends Dorabella and Fiordiligi. Alfonso challenges them to put their girls and their own feelings to the test. Working with the girls’ servant Despina, he swaps the two pairs and watches as emotions are turned upside-down and inside out.

Working with a small team and a piano, the Studio of Northern Ireland Opera gives you the chance to get up close and personal to great opera, so join some of the island’s most talented young and emerging artists for a bite-sized version of Mozart’s opera of love, temptation and partner-swapping, to be enjoyed with a drink, light refreshments, a sense of humour and an open mind.

‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ will be staged on Sunday 20 August at 4pm. Tickets are priced £15 which includes a glass of prosecco and light refreshments.

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.

 

A visit to the STEM Village could help to shape your future

The STEM Village returns to Air Waves Portrush in a prime new location.

After its successful debut last year, the attraction will now be located on a more prominent site in East Strand car park when the event returns on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd September.

Bringing together a range of employers and education providers, it aims to showcase career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM).

As a major economic driving force, Air Waves Portrush enjoys a reputation as being much more than a tourist attraction, and the STEM Village puts education, networking and business at the core of the event. Visitors will get real experience of research and development, problem solving and careers through a range of interactive displays and tasks.

Globally the aerospace industry generates substantial economic growth, well-paid jobs and high tech exports. In order to do so the industry requires a highly skilled workforce. Northern Ireland, is Europe’s eighth main region in terms of revenue for the aerospace industry, with over 60 companies at the leading edge of design and manufacture, who rely on employees with experience, knowledge and qualifications in Science, Technology, Engineering or Maths.

During Air Waves Portrush, a visit to the STEM Village, will inspire people to get their career off to a flying start in this sector.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “Choosing a career is not an easy task, and for many people it is one of the most significant decisions they will face. The STEM village aims to inspire people of all ages by providing an exciting and interactive insight into research and development, problem solving and careers in STEM subjects. It is also beneficial for our exhibitors, offering them a bespoke space to highlight their facilities, projects and skills, and putting them in direct contact with future students, members or employees.”

Exhibitors at the STEM Village this year include Ulster University, Queen’s University Belfast, Northern Regional College, North West Regional College, Belfast Metropolitan College, FAST Technologies, Sentinus, Thales, Moyola, Royal Air Force, Armed Forces, Royal Navy, Thompson Aero Seating and FABLab.

Visitors are encouraged to enter our competition to win a Fitbit or an Amazon Echo when they visit. To enter, simply take a picture with your favourite part of the STEM Village and tweet ‘STEM_Airwaves’ including both hashtags #AirwavesPortrush and #STEM along with your photo. The most tweeted photo by 4:30pm each day (Saturday and Sunday) will win.

Air Waves Portrush is organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council with support from Tourism NI and a range of local sponsors.

For more information about the event go to www.airwavesportrush.co.uk

To find out more about is happening across the Borough go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.

Tourism Ireland’s latest Game of Thrones® promotion is showcasing Northern Ireland across Great Britain.

Timed to coincide with series 7 of the hugely popular TV series, the promotion in GB is under way right now, complementing Tourism Ireland’s global Game of Thrones® tapestry campaign.

August 2017 – Tourism Ireland’s latest Game of Thrones® promotion is showcasing Northern Ireland across Great Britain. Timed to coincide with series 7 of the hugely popular TV series, the promotion in GB is under way right now, complementing Tourism Ireland’s global Game of Thrones® tapestry campaign. It features a fun quiz on Tourism Ireland’s website, Ireland.com – where fans can answer questions connecting scenes in the Game of Thrones® tapestry with real life filming locations in Northern Ireland. Then, they’re in with a chance to win a three-day trip to Northern Ireland, including a Game of Thrones® tour. Once the quiz is complete, users can engage further with the tapestry and share the competition and scenes from the tapestry with their friends, through social media.
VISUAL SHOWS: FUN QUIZ ON IRELAND.COM.
Further media information: Clair Balmer / Elaine Moore, Tourism Ireland 077 6652 7719

It features a fun quiz on Tourism Ireland’s website, Ireland.com – where fans can answer questions connecting scenes in the Game of Thrones® tapestry with real life filming locations in Northern Ireland. Then, they’re in with a chance to win a three-day trip to Northern Ireland, including a Game of Thrones® tour. Once the quiz is complete, users can engage further with the tapestry and share the competition and scenes from the tapestry with their friends, through social media.

The competition is being promoted via Facebook and Twitter, as well as through email marketing to a database of almost 19,000 – reminding fans of the TV show that Northern Ireland is one of the main filming locations for Game of Thrones®, with numerous unforgettable set locations.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on travellers everywhere and the popularity of Game of Thrones® is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote Northern Ireland to a huge audience of potential GB visitors. Our latest Game of Thrones® promotion is a fun way to spike people’s curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspire them to come and explore those locations for themselves. It’s just one element of our busy programme of activity to highlight Northern Ireland as Game of Thrones® Territory.”

Separately, Tourism Ireland has released another time-lapse video of the weaving of the latest section of its Game of Thrones® tapestry, hanging in the Ulster Museum. This week’s section of tapestry includes a collection of scenes from “The Spoils of War,” episode 4 of season 7: as the Lannister army approaches King’s Landing, it is attacked by Daenerys, riding Drogon and leading her horde of Dothraki. Despite the Lannisters suffering heavy losses, Bronn is able to wound Drogon with Qyburn’s scorpion crossbow. Jaime attempts to run Daenerys down, but Drogon shields her and almost incinerates him before Bronn pushes him out of the way at the last moment. Click here to see Tourism Ireland’s video of the new panels – representing “The Spoils of War” (episode 4) – being created.

Game of Thrones Tapestry “looms large” in Belfast!

Latest section of Tourism Ireland’s Game of Thrones® tapestry highlights key scenes from episode 3 of season 7

Tourism Ireland has released another time-lapse video of the weaving of the latest section of its Game of Thrones® tapestry – part of its 2017 campaign to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of GoT fans worldwide.

There are currently more than 160 scenes woven into the Bayeux-style tapestry which is hanging in the Ulster Museum – and more scenes are being added every week, to mark each episode of the new season. This week’s section of tapestry includes a collection of scenes from “The Queen’s Justice,” episode 3 of season 7 – including the meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, the reunion between Bran and Sansa Stark, the Unsullied assault on Casterly Rock and Lady Olenna Tyrell’s final moments with Jaime.

 

As well as the time-lapse video, Tourism Ireland has also released a cinemagraph (or “living” photograph) for the first time as part of this campaign – it’s an animated version of a key scene from season 3 where, in the Brotherhood without Banners’ hideout, their leader Dondarrion faces The Hound in a trial by combat. The setting for the Brotherhood’s hideout is Pollnagollum Cave in Co Fermanagh.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

Down

Enjoy an evening of live music, family entertainment, food stalls and a fabulous fireworks display this Saturday 19th August in Groomsport. Live music begins at 6.30pm, featuring No Oil Paintings. The night is headlined by The Boss UK, who are a tribute band to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The fireworks display begins at 10pm.  A special late night bus service departs from Groomsport’s Main Street to Bangor Bus Station at 10.30pm and 11pm. For more information on this special service, contact Translink on 028 9066 6630.

 

Armagh

Wild Wednesdays get wilder! Bring your haunted ham sandwiches to Lúnasa Festival’s Creatures of the Night Picnic this Wednesday 16th August.  Do you have a budding David Attenborough or Chris Packham in the family? If so, join The Ring of Gullion for a picnic with a difference. Bring along your picnic to enjoy while you watch and listen for bats and other mammals and perhaps trap a moth, in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. It’s a great chance for all the family to have a close encounter with wildlife!  This is a free event but booking is essential.

 

Fermanagh

On the Trail of Martel, Wild Caving Expedition, Wednesday 16th August. Delve off the beaten track to explore ‘wild’ caving, deep inside the Marble Arch Caves System. Meander through cave passages, climb through boulder chambers and squeeze though the famous flyover to emerge into the Marble Arch Showcave, before making your way out, muddy but proud!   This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old or those with limited mobility. All participants must be of moderate level of fitness and reasonably agile. Wear old clothes and wellies. Weather dependant. This is a free event, but booking is essential.

 

Tyrone

Parkanaur House is the setting for the 15th Annual Castlecaulfield Horticultural Show and Vintage Rally this Saturday 19th August. Featuring flowers, fruit, vegetables and home crafts, fun activities and over 20 craft stalls, open from 12.30pm. The Show Marquee will be open from 1.30pm. High Tea will be available in the Ballroom, and a BBQ and refreshments in the grounds. Enjoy the live entertainment. Ample parking with disabled area and a free shuttle bus available from the onsite car park.

 

Derry/Londonderry

This year’s Lumarina Festival will be Lighting Up the Lough this weekend!  On Friday 18 August, from 6pm – 10pm, Mid Ulster District Council will shine a light on the beauty of Lough Neagh, as Ballyronan Marina provides the backdrop for an evening of music and entertainment. Featuring fireworks, fire performers, a fun fair, children’s activities and food stalls, you can drink in the views from the Marina as dusk turns to night skies, to a live music soundtrack provided by Peach. The fun continues on the shores of Lough Neagh on Saturday 19th August from 2pm – 6pm, with arts and crafts activities for the little ones, African drumming workshops, and magic shows.

 

Antrim

The Carnlough Bikefest and Family Fun Day takes place this Sunday 20th August.  The Motorcycle ride out  from Carnlough to Portrush and back leaves at 10.30am. The family fun day kicks off at 12.30pm with the Trialstar stunt team, the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, Bouncy Castles, a bar-b-que, face painting, bikesafe, fun fair and much more. Then at 7:30pm there will be live music followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

 

Belfast

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to beautiful Belfast Castle for the fabulous Last Days of Summer Vintage & Handmade Fair on Sunday 20th August and will feature around 35 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectables, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, art, craft, gifts, artisan food & much more!

­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.

HOLLYWOOD COMES TO BELFAST

Musical romantic comedy “Singin’ in the Rain” is running at The MAC from the 23rd-26th August.

This foot-tapping musical extravaganza is presented by the award-winning Belfast School

Set in the 1920’s, when talkies replaced silent movies, the Senior cast might be more at home in the modern world of selfies and surfing the net. However, the classic tale of triumph over trouble with clever humour, unforgettable songs, show-stopping dance routines and the allure of the Hollywood storyline makes “Singin’ in the Rain” a timeless, feel good family classic.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is frequently regarded as the best movie musical ever made.  No pressure then for the young BSPA cast. BSPA Artist Director and Show Director, Peter Corry knows they can and will deliver. “The energy of these young people is matched by their talent and maturity.  This is my second show at BSPA and I am continually impressed by the depth of talent.  They work extremely hard, with an intense rehearsal schedule and that comes across on stage.  We have shared the leading lady role between two young females – both of whom finish at BSPA this year as they take up places in prestigious London theatre schools, as will several of the male performers. That’s testimony to the quality of the cast.

Director of BSPA, Tina McVeigh adds, “The forty strong cast of this Summer Youth Project has attracted several new members and we are delighted to also welcome a new Musical Director, Ashley Fulton, who is one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed vocal coaches and an award winning performer, producer and director.  Strengthening the production team further, we have appointed four of our BSPA dance tutors who each choreograph different parts of the show.  That’s a lot of talent on stage, guided by the very best in musical theatre production.”

“Singin’ in the Rain” started life as the iconic movie we all love with Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor bringing the screen to life.  The adapted West End show opened in 1985 and thirty years later it was the inspiration for Golden Globe and Oscar winning movie “La La Land.”

For the movie the “Good Morning” routine took a gruelling 15-hour day to shoot. Many hours have been put into each number of this production to maintain the high standard required to guarantee the audience a performance which will “Make ‘Em Laugh” and leave them “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Northern Ireland’s leading theatre school, Belfast School of Performing Arts currently operates six schools across the province with locations in Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Ballymena enriching the performance talents of young people between 3 and 20 years. For more information contact info@thebspa.co.uk.

Tickets for “Singin’ in the Rain” are available through www.themaclive.com

Jazz Gazette begin summer residency at the Alley Theatre

The Alley Theatre, Strabane welcomed back renowned Jazz musicians ‘Jazz Gazette’ at the weekend for a night of summer swing, rhythm and blues.

Regulars to the Alley, ‘Jazz Gazette’ are now celebrating their 6th season at the theatre, proving to be a hit each year on the summer programme.

The popular group will be returning to The Alley for performances throughout August and September, so anyone who missed out last weekend have another opportunity to catch the North West’s longest and most established jazz band.

Jacqui Doherty, Venue Manager at the Alley Theatre said, “Jazz Gazette perform at festivals and events throughout Ireland. The group are festival favourites at renowned jazz festivals such as the City of Derry Jazz Festival and Sligo Jazz Festival, as well as being in demand for weddings, parties and functions.

“A creation of local man, Gerard Bradley, ‘Jazz Gazette’ features Mark Bradley on trumpet/vocals, Gerard Bradley on piano/vocals, Peter Doherty on double bass and Aidan Dunphy on drums. They have performed alongside artists such as ‘The Rat Pack’ Orchestra, Joan Talbot, Triona Sweeney and Gary Cox to name but a few.

“The jazz evenings will take place at the Alley on Friday 11th, 18th August and Friday 1st September at 8.30pm. This will be fantastic night for jazz and music lovers alike with Jazz Gazette filling the Alley with a mixture of classic swing numbers and contemporary funk and soul. Don’t miss it!”

Special guest Joan Talbot will be joining Jazz Gazette on Friday 1st September.  Tickets for the performances are priced at £5.00 and will be available from the Alley Theatre online at www.alley-theatre.com or via the book office, telephone 028 7188 4760 for further details.

 

Ends

What’s on in Ards & North Down Borough Council

Friday 11 – Thursday 17 August       

 

Until 13 August, Creative Peninsula

Various locations

Throughout the week there will be Open Studios, Studio Coach Tours, Exhibitions, Workshops, Demonstrations, Art in the Walled Garden and more, all taking place throughout the beautiful and picturesque Ards and North Down Borough. See website for full programme.

Info: 028 9181 0803, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 11 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 11 August, Fair weather Fridays

Conway Square, Newtownards

12.30 – 1.30pm | Free

With everything from music to circus performance and comedy, Conway Square will be the place to be in Ards on Fridays throughout August.

Info: 028 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Portavogie Seafood Festival

Portavogie Seafood Festival

12noon -5pm | Free

Come along for a superb family day out, including a cookery demo with celebrity chef Nick Nairn, Fish Market, maritime themed activities, a touch tank, Dizzylands Funfair and so much more!

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in August.

Sat 12:  Doodlebugs Workshop

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Strangford Lough Boat Trip

Portaferry    

2pm-4pm | £10 (ad), £5 (ch)

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough

Info:  028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

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

Sat 12    Bricks4kidz Lego Workshop and Children’s Crafts
Sun 13    ‘Tales of the Wild’ Animal Roadshow, Traditional Crafts and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 13 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see  Tony Villiers and The Villains play a unique blend of folk-blues originals, influenced by Jonny Cash, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 16 August, Kids Nature Trail

Castle Park, Bangor    

10.30am-12.30pm | £2.50

Join this fascinating interactive nature trail, led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 18 – Thursday 24 August

 

Friday 18 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August.

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 18 August, Fair Weather Fridays

Conway Square, Newtownards

12.30 – 1.30pm | Free

With everything from music to circus performance and comedy, Conway Square will be the place to be in Ards on Fridays throughout August.

Info: 028 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Nautical Past – Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough

Departs Pickie Park, Bangor

2pm-3:30pm | £10 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £5)

Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife.

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm-4pm | Free

Plant and Play – Planting Seed Wrokshop and Design a Fairy Garden

Info: 028 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

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

Sat 19    Clayrazy Workshop and Balloon Modelling

Sun 20    Science Workshop, Glitter Tattoos and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open 11am – 5pm

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Groomsport Music and Fireworks

Groomsport Harbour

6.30pm – 10pm | Free

Make the most of the summer nights, enjoying music and fireworks with family and friends. This year’s headliner will be Bruce Springstreen tribute, The Boss UK.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 20 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see  Wasted Talent, Bangor’s favourite punk rock sons, play music from the Pistols. Clash, SLF, PIL, Dead Kennedys and more.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Monday 21 August, Step Back in Time

Bangor, various

2.30pm-4.30pm | £5

Gain an insight into the history of the Ward Family who built Bangor Castle in 1852 and discover what life was like as a Victorian servant. Take this rare opportunity to tour Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden followed by tea and a treat in Coffee Cure.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Tuesday 22 August, Bangor Christian Heritage Walk    

Bangor Town Area

2.30pm-4pm | £4

Trace the steps of canons, priests and pilgrims in a tour that encompasses visits to Bangor Abbey, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 5 – Sunday 27 August

Art in the Loft: ‘The Language of Pain’

An exhibition by the Martin family addressing the hidden side of pain

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Until Sunday 20 August 

The Lay of the Land Exhibition

Bangor based artists draw on their experiences of living and working within the beautiful borough of Ards and North Down.

 

Wednesday 2 August – Sunday 3 September 

Creative Peninsula

A celebration of the exclusivity and quality of the artwork produced by local artists and craftspeople

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Natural Impressions’

A collaborative exhibition by Printmaker Michael Geddis and Ceramicist Andrew Cooke

 

Ards Arts Centre

Town Hall, Conway Square,  Newtownards, BT23 4NP

T: 028 9181 0803

 

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 31 August

Creative Peninsula

A showcase of the high concentration of artists and craft persons living and working in the Ards Peninsula

 

Family fun on the Causeway Coast this month

From the Heart of the Glens to Limavady, there’s no shortage of summer entertainment supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council this month.

In Cushendall, the Heart of the Glens Festival, one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland, runs from August 5th – 13th. The nine day, family fun week features over 100 events. Visitors can look forward to country sports, the Lark in the Park fun day, Lurig Challenge run, ping pong ball race and the ever popular Waves of Tory. There’ll also be various workshops to take part in, including art, drama, music and dance. The festival theme night on Friday 11th August is a sight to behold, as hundreds gather for live music and a dress-up party while soaking up the festival atmosphere on Mill Street.

On Saturday 12th August, the Vintage Family Fun Day takes place, followed by a magnificent fireworks display in the evening. The ‘Grand Finale Street Party’ on Sunday 13th August features the famous ‘Waves of Tory’ along with a variety of traditional Irish music, song and dance, finishing with live music by.

In Limavady, the Stendhal Festival takes place from Friday 11th August – Sunday 13th. The multi-award winning music and arts festival, takes place in the stunning scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm. Since its inception in 2011, the Festival has grown significantly over the years and celebrates all things creative including music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry, traditional arts and sculpture to name a few.

Displaying both local and international talent, Stendhal is a family friendly festival and its programme seeks to introduce the arts to a new generation. The line-up this year includes Ash, The Magic Numbers, Sharon Shannon, Ciaran Lavery, Ulrich Schnauss + Nat Urazmetova, The Four of Us, Ryan McMullan, Lisa McHugh, Jealous of the Birds, Overhead, The Albatross, A Set of Stevie and much more. Further details available online at www.stendhalfestival.com.

With weekend camping tickets and free entry for children, Stendhal highlights the very best in local and international music, art, comedy, dance, theatre and more. Voted as Ireland’s Best Small Arts Festival since 2013, it offers visitors of all ages an entertaining grassroots festival.

The month comes to a close with the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle which takes place on the Bank Holiday weekend Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th. Renowned as Ireland’s oldest fair, it has been held in the seaside town for hundreds of years and continues to attract thousands of people thanks to its truly unique atmosphere and visitor experience. This year’s Fair will be officially launched with a spectacular seafront fireworks display organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Sunday night (August 27th). This new addition to the programme will provide a memorable opening to the much-loved event.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “From the beginning to the end of the month, August has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. It’s fantastic to see such a variety of events taking place right across the Causeway Coast and Glens. I would like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to all those who support our events throughout the summer, including visitors, volunteers, and local businesses for their donations and sponsorship.

For further information go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.

A full programme of events is now available in local shops or keep up to date on the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Facebook.