Month: May 2018

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (21-27 May)

 

  1. Armagh Craft Fair, Armagh, 26 May. Meet the makers and buy beautiful high quality handcrafted goods as 45 handpicked designers, artists and craftspeople nationwide are showcased at the Armagh Craft Fair. The event is held at the Market Place Theatre and includes workshops, demonstrations and live music.
  2. BBC Music: The Biggest Weekend, Belfast, 25-26 May. BBC’s Biggest Weekend ever comes to the Titanic slipways. Included in the line-up are Manic Street Preachers, Franz Ferdinand and Beck, amongst many other great acts.
  3. Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience, Belfast, 25 May. The critically acclaimed Game of Thrones Live Concert Experience will bring the world of Westeros to Belfast, giving fans the opportunity to watch in wonder as famed composer Ramin Djawadi leads an orchestra and choir performing music from all seven seasons of the iconic HBO series.
  4. Portrush Raft Race Weekend, Portrush, 26-27 May.  The Portrush Raft Race, in aid of RNLI, is one of the most popular family fun days on the North Coast. Large crowds of spectators gather to watch as the ‘home-made’ rafts race from the West Strand beach to the finishing line in the harbour.
  5. Annual Country Fair, Enniskillen, 27 May. Florence Court hosts its annual Country Fair, which is one of the most popular family-fun days in Fermanagh throughout the year. The fair includes live music, craft stalls, outdoor activities, face painting, house tours, forge demonstrations and much more.
  6. Festiv’Ards, Portaferry, 25-28 May. Portico’s annual four-day festival celebrates the best in classical music with a range of international artists. Line-up includes pianist Michael McHale, violinist Patrick Rafter, guitarist Thibauld Garcia and many more.
  7. Race for Life, Belfast, 27 May. Meeting at the Stormont Parliament Buildings the Race for Life is a sponsored race for Cancer Research UK where participants are encouraged to wear pink. Take on the 5K race or the muddy obstacle course in the name of beating cancer.
  8. Puppet Festival, Newtownards, 26-28 May. Coming to Conway Square, the Puppet Festival brings a programme jam-packed with fun and antics. With performances, workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone. For more information visit ArdsArts.com
  9. Belfast Parkland International Golf Tournament, Belfast, 23-25 May. This three day tournament is open to individual players and pairs, playing across Shandon Park Golf Club, Belvoir Park Golf Club and Royal Belfast Golf Club. Programme includes the tournament, a welcome reception evening and a prize-giving.
  10. Centenary Celebration Weekend, Lisnarick, 26-27 May. Celebrate the centenary of the RAF by taking a trip down memory lane back to the Second World War and the excitement in town when American and Canadian Airmen were stationed at RAF Castle Archdale. Weekend includes Spitfire displays, military vehicle displays and craft stalls.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

ARMAGH CRAFT FAIR RETURNS TO THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26 May.

Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Crafts on show at this year’s Craft Fair include printed textiles, jewellery, wood, metal, basketry, glass, soaps, candles, ceramics, hand-made paper and books, artisan foods and fantastic craft gifts for children, amongst many other superb and unique craft forms.

You can get hands-on and have a go yourself, with the free craft demonstrations throughout the day. Ever had a burning desire to try your hand at Pottery, Wet Felting, Flame Worked Glass, Basket Making, Silver Jewellery Techniques, Weaving, Sculpture or Wood Turning? Well now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Watch the Master Crafters as they demonstrate their skills and then have a go yourself at learning a new skill. Opportunities will be available for both adults and children.

When you’re in the venue, don’t forget to view this year’s fabulous Art Of Craft Exhibition, ‘Fused’, by artist Caroline Getty. ‘Fused’ forms part of Northern Ireland’s first Linen Biennale, celebrating the past, present and future landscape of linen through an extended arts festival. Caroline’s work incorporates delicate linen material immersed within strong ceramic forms, portraying a powerful and echoing remembrance of the linen industry within Northern Ireland.

With live music performances throughout the day, and the on-site bar and café facilities for when you need a break from all your craft shopping, this promises a superb day out in the heart of Armagh City.

This year’s Craft Fair will run from 10.30am to 5pm at The Market Place Theatre. Entrance is free, as are all craft demonstrations, and most of the creative experiences. For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

Elephant Extravaganza at Ards Puppet Festival!

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The Ards Puppet Festival is coming to Newtownards this May Bank Holiday weekend 26 – 28 May with a fantastic programme full of puppet fun!

‘Harminder,’ Festive Road’s impressive, larger-than-life mechanical Asian elephant. Pedal-power brings her to life, with her ear, head and trunk movements adding to the spectacle as she perambulates. Meet Harminder at Ards Puppet Festival ‘Elephant Extravaganza, in Conway Square, Newtownards on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 May at 2pm and 4.30pm.

Over the three days of the festival, Conway Square will be transformed into a pop-up puppet village packed with puppets of all shapes and sizes! Look out for puppet shows, walkabout characters, street theatre, craft activities and more!

One of the programme highlights will be The Elephant Extravaganza which will take place on Sunday and Monday afternoon. Prepare to be amazed by ‘Harminder,’ Festive Road’s impressive, larger-than-life mechanical Asian elephant. Pedal-power brings her to life, with her ear, head and trunk movements adding to the spectacle as she perambulates. She loves nothing more than packing her trunk and going to new places to make new friends!

Standing an impressive 4.5 metres in height, Harminder will be a sight to behold as she ambles around Conway Square with a dancer on her back. The Elephant Extravaganza will take place on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 May at 2pm and 4.30pm. Don’t miss it!

Other highlights include: The DaSilva Marionette Circus Troupe who are performing in the festival Big Top on Saturday 26 May at 2pm and 4pm. Come and be amazed by aerial acrobatics on the flying trapeze, spectacular cycling stunts and the antics of cheeky clowns. This show cleverly incorporates marionette puppets with real circus performers – a treat for the whole family! On Sunday 27 May at 1pm and 3pm, The Cardboard Carnival will take place in the Big Top. This ultimate animal show is beautifully crafted from cardboard, inspired by Camille Saint-Saens’ music.

Ards Puppet Festival takes place from 26 – 28 May in Conway Square Newtownards. For more information or to view the full programme go to: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.ardsarts.com

 

Artists come together to support Belfast’s Save CQ Campaign Fundraiser!

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An impressive array of local musicians, poets and visual artists have come together to support the Save CQ Fundraiser which will take place at the Black Box in Belfast on Thursday 7 June at 7.30pm.

Save CQ is a voluntary campaign group which is advocating for equitable urban development and is calling upon Castlebrooke Investments to “Develop, Not Demolish” 12 acres of Cathedral Quarter in the centre of Belfast.

Featuring music from the darkly swoonsome Ex-Isles, beautiful rhythmic melodies from Dandy’s Loft, high energy jazz and punk from The Tony Strickland Quartet and floor fillers from DJ Liam McCartan, the Save CQ Fundraiser will also include a campaign update, a performance of a new piece of writing by poet Colin Hassard, and a very special prize draw!

Rebekah McCabe, Chair of the Save CQ campaign said:

“Cathedral Quarter is the beating heart of Northern Ireland’s arts and cultural scene.  We are thrilled that so many artists and businesses have got behind the Save CQ Fundraiser and we are hoping that all those members of the public who have added their voices to the Save CQ campaign so far will do so too. 

The volunteers behind the Save CQ campaign have been fighting the current version of the Royal Exchange Development proposal for over 18 months and there’s still quite a way to go!  All funds raised at the Black Box event will support the Save CQ campaign into this next phase, to investigate alternative proposals for the area and ensure that any development creates a culturally flourishing community in the historic centre of the city.”

The Save CQ campaign team has also lined up a fantastic selection of raffle prizes which have been kindly donated by local artists, businesses and event promoters:

  • 2 x tickets to Belfast Gin Festival
  • A Belfast City Map by Model Citizen
  • A print of North Street Arcade by artist James Ashe
  • £20 voucher for Sunflower Bar
  • 4 x tickets to ‘The History of Peace accordin’ to my Ma’ at the Grand Opera House
  • A print by artist Peter Hutchinson
  • An artwork by Kev Largey
  • Lunch for 2 at OX Restaurant
  • A year’s membership of the Black Box – including discounts on in-house events, free tea and coffee refills and discounts with Framewerk and Velo Café Magasin

Raffle tickets for the Save CQ Fundraiser prizes are £1 each, £5 per strip, and are available to buy now from savecq.wordpress.com 

Tickets for the Save CQ Fundraiser are £10 and are on sale now from www.blackboxbelfast.com. 

For further information on the Save CQ campaign and how you can make a difference, visit savecq.wordpress.com  

Belfast Book Festival 2018

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Make a date in your diary for the 8th Belfast Book Festival, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, 6th – 16th June.

 

Picture by Brian Morrison

Over 11 days the world of books will open up via unique and diverse events featuring high profile authors as well as events exploring a range of interests and themes.

With The Crescent as its home, the festival will take place in various venues across the city.   New this year is the internationally recognised Lit Crawl were, for one night only, venues across the Queens Quarter including Botanic Gardens and Tropical Ravine will offer FREE and  exciting events which will  introduce festival goers to new experiences such as a Poetry JukeBox Jaunt at Botanic Gardens featuring the poetry of Mairtin Crawford & Heather Newcombe (bring your own headphones).

The Family Fun Day at Lower Crescent Park is this year inspired by the works of Roald Dahl. For further details on the festival programme visit www.belfastbookfestival.com

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

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Down

David Meade promises ‘Wizard of Odds’ to be his funniest and most impossible show yet as he will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible. His show promises to leave you both mesmerised and stunned at his amazing abilities. David is performing at the Town Hall in Newry this Saturday 19th May. His last record-breaking tour sold out everywhere, so grab your tickets now and look forward to a jaw dropping performance that your whole family will never forget.

Armagh

Fellas…slick your hair back, ladies…put on your best red lippy and rock around the clock with Northern Ireland’s only 1950s/60s Rock n Roll band, The Soda Popz this Saturday evening at the Market Place Theatre.  Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis and much more, this two hour spectacular is guaranteed to get any audience dancing in the aisles.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB NI this Saturday morning aboard the Lady of the Lake double-deck cruiser for a guided boat tour of the stunning Lough Erne for the Curlew Cruise (as part of Curlew Crisis Month).The RSPB Lower Lough Erne Islands reserve warden will be your guide as you set out to spot one of our most cherished birds.  Meet at Inishclare Jetty (close to the Manor House Country Hotel), Killadeas, Co Fermanagh, BT94 1NY at 9.30am for 10am sailing.

Tyrone

Celebrate World Culture Day with the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Saturday and enjoy a  vibrant celebration of all our differences with Arts and Crafts from Around the World.  Take part in some traditional arts and crafts, with something for everyone to enjoy.  Admission is free!

Derry/Londonderry

Book yourself a Slow Adventure at the White Horse Hotel. Slow Adventure NI is a form of tourism which avoids the adrenalin-pumping hits of many commercial adventure experiences, in favour of slow, immersive journeys, living in and travelling through wild places and cultural spaces, and experiencing nature in its seasons, its different weather and its variations.  Choose from Connectin with The Wild on Foot & Horseback, Connecting with Nature Irish Walking Tour and The White Horse Adventure, Subject to Availability and Weather. Call 028 7186 0606, City of Derry Equestrian Centre Landscape and Countryside Tours.

Antrim

This year’s Ballyclare May Fair  from 19th to 26th May will be a mixture of the popular traditional horse fair, local music and entertainment combined with traditional craft demonstrations and workshops.  New for this year is the Soapbox Derby race on Tuesday 22nd May. Saturday 26th May sees the return of the fantastic May Fair Parade, with Ritchie Remo and his band delighting fans of all ages, before the fireworks. Family fun activities, amusements, pet show, local movies, tea dance, a foam party and much more.

Belfast

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival returns once again to Queen’s Quay, Donegall Quay and Titanic Quarter 19th and 20th May to bring you a bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun and frolics!  Join in the fun at Titanic Quarter for a maritime celebration including the return of our Pop-Up ‘Titanic Street Food Market’ at Hamilton Dock, the ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ next to SS Nomadic,  as well as plenty of interactive demos, exhibitions, and maritime madness taking place across the quarter.  There will also be plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy our maritime heritage on one of the exciting photo & discovery tours!

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

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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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 (14-20 May)

 

  1. Balmoral Show, Lisburn, 16-19 May. Tens of thousands of people will flock to Ireland’s largest agri-food festival to enjoy everything the countryside has to offer. It is a superb family day out serving up a festival of food and farming alongside a jam packed entertainment schedule including show jumping, livestock exhibitions and much more.
  2. Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, Belfast, 19-20 May. Climb aboard the magnificent visiting tall ships and naval vessels, which will be docked in Belfast for the festival. A bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun, food and frolics.
  3. Vauxhall International 2018 North West 200 Race Festival Week, Portstewart, 13-19 May. With three days of racing, 100 riders, 100k spectators and speeds of up to 209mph, the NW200 is one of Northern Ireland’s top sporting events and one of the world’s fastest road races. The event includes exhibitions, charity cycles, mini moto cycling, car boot sales and displays of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles, as well as special guests and music entertainment.
  4. Opry le Daniel, Derry~Londonderry, 13-19 May.  TG4’s hit series Opry le Daniel returns to the Millennium Forum with seven nights of concerts featuring the best of country music.  Hosted live by Ireland’s ‘King of Country’ Daniel O’Donnell, Opry brings you all of your favourites plus the up and coming future generation of country music.
  5. Twilight at the Trust, Newtownards, 18-19 May. Mount Stewart is delighted to host a new production presented by Peter Corry. Enjoy a wonderful evening of music in the magical grounds with a drinks and canapé reception.
  6. Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour, Newtownabbey, 17-19 May. Three nights of exhilarating adventure at Theatre at the Mill with two unique film programmes. Through the big screen, join fearless explorers and intrepid filmmakers as they venture deep into the world’s most isolated and spectacular landscapes. For more details and to book tickets visit BANFF-UK.com
  7. Exclusive Carleton Wine Dinner, Clogher, 18 May. An exclusive Carleton wine dinner at Corick House Hotel and Spa with guest speaker Jamie Pike, the son of winemaker Neil Pike and export director for Pike’s Wines based in Clare Valley.
  8. Guided walk of Tully Castle and the Shores of Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 19 May. Nestled on the shores of Lower Lough Erne is Tully Castle, the impressive remains of a fortified house and bawn built during the plantation era in the early 17th century. On this walk a geopark guide brings you through hundreds of years of history at Tully Castle.
  9. Biodiversity Day 2018 at Castle Espie, Newtownards, 20 May. Visitors are offered the chance to explore Spring wildlife around the castle’s reserve. Learn more about birds nesting and see new spring wildflowers, which will be in full bloom, on this special afternoon dedicated to the biodiversity of Castle Espie.
  10. Mindreader David Meade – Wizard of Odds, Newry, 19 May. In his funniest and most impossible show yet, mindreader David Meade – the first mentalist to win a million dollars in Las Vegas – will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

 

Berries and Bubbles, Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £57 per person sharing.

Treat yourself to a bubbles and berries break at the four-star Stormont Hotel. Located in the suburbs of Belfast it is ideally located to explore many of the top tourist attractions the city has to offer. Offers includes overnight accommodation, full Irish breakfast and strawberries with a bottle of Prosecco served on arrival. To book call 9065 1066. Offer available until 31 August.

 

Family Inclusive Package, Lodge Hotel, Coleraine from £219 per stay.

Renowned for its hospitality and award-winning food, the three-star Lodge Hotel is the ideal base for touring the Causeway Coast. With the nearby seaside towns, Portrush and Portstewart, and medieval Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway less than a 20 minute drive away, there’s lots for the whole family to explore. Offer includes a two-night break with breakfast and main course evening meal for all the family on both days. To book call 7034 4848. Offer available until 23 December.

 

Stay with Dinner, Glenavon House Hotel, from £62.50 per person sharing.

The three-star Glenavon House Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Cookstown, overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds. This luxurious hotel offers a wide range of high quality facilities, whilst its Mid-Ulster location makes it an ideal base from which to explore the whole of Northern Ireland. Offer includes overnight bed and breakfast accommodation with a four-course dinner and use of the hotels luxurious leisure facilities. To book call 8676 4949. Offer available Friday and Sunday nights until 31 December.

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

 

ARMAGH CRAFT FAIR RETURNS TO THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26 May.

Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Crafts on show at this year’s Craft Fair include printed textiles, jewellery, wood, metal, basketry, glass, soaps, candles, ceramics, hand-made paper and books, artisan foods and fantastic craft gifts for children, amongst many other superb and unique craft forms.

You can get hands-on and have a go yourself, with the free craft demonstrations throughout the day. Ever had a burning desire to try your hand at Pottery, Wet Felting, Flame Worked Glass, Basket Making, Silver Jewellery Techniques, Weaving, Sculpture or Wood Turning? Well now’s your chance to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in. Watch the Master Crafters as they demonstrate their skills and then have a go yourself at learning a new skill. Opportunities will be available for both adults and children.

When you’re in the venue, don’t forget to view this year’s fabulous Art Of Craft Exhibition, ‘Fused’, by artist Caroline Getty. ‘Fused’ forms part of Northern Ireland’s first Linen Biennale, celebrating the past, present and future landscape of linen through an extended arts festival. Caroline’s work incorporates delicate linen material immersed within strong ceramic forms, portraying a powerful and echoing remembrance of the linen industry within Northern Ireland.

With live music performances throughout the day, and the on-site bar and café facilities for when you need a break from all your craft shopping, this promises a superb day out in the heart of Armagh City.

This year’s Craft Fair will run from 10.30am to 5pm at The Market Place Theatre. Entrance is free, as are all craft demonstrations, and most of the creative experiences. For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships 2018

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The Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships take place on Saturday 12 May 2018 in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor commencing at 11.30am.

There is an entry of 41 bands and 46 Drum Majors, with one band travelling over from Scotland and seven bands travelling from the South of Ireland. The grade 1 competition has attracted the top grade 1 bands with Field Marshal Montgomery, St Laurence O’Toole, the Vale of Atholl and the Police Service of Northern Ireland all having submitted entries. There are 3 Adjudicators attending from Scotland and 5 from Northern Ireland, they will no doubt be served up with some of the best piping and drumming.

A Highland Dancing Competition will take place in First Bangor Presbyterian Church Hall which has attracted an entry of 60 which commences at 10.00 am. The Highland Dancing will add to the Scottish Flavour of the day in Bangor.

The Grand Finale will commence at 4.30pm and the Chieftain of the Day, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, the will take the salute from the bands and Drum Majors and present the prizes.

This event is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

For more information, rspbani.org or visitardsandnorthdown.com, or call 028 9127 0069.

 

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