Month: July 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 (6 – 12 August)

 

  1. Portavogie Seafood Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down, 11 August. This festival celebrates Portavogie’s rich fishing heritage and is a fabulous day out for all the family. There will be cookery demonstrations, maritime themed activities, fun for the little ones and music throughout the day.
  2. Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 10 – 11 August. Celebrating all things creative, Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival held in the stunning, scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. The festival hosts a programme of music, poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional crafts, sculpture, street performance and craft workshops.
  3. Festival of Flight 2018, Newcastle, 11 August. The Festival of Flight will be soaring high over the shores of Newcastle and Dundrum Bay. This event promises a powerful combination of stunning airborne antics led by the Red Arrows, complimented by family-friendly events and attractions.
  4. Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 8 August. Ta Da Irish Dance Company presents the tale of the famous song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supperclub in Belfast.
  5. Open House Festival, Bangor, 1 – 31 August. Open House Festival Bangor is a vibrant music and arts festival that runs throughout the month of August in the picturesque seaside town of Bangor, Co. Down. The eclectic programme incorporates music, film, theatre, food & drink, books, local history, talks & tours, comedy, visual art and crafting.
  6. Castle Capers Community Festival, Co. Fermanagh, 11 August. The men of the Tully Castle patrol the walls and make ready their weapons to defend this fortified house. See the firing of muskets, feel the heft of swords and pikes and try on the armour and helmets of the early 17th century.
  7. Champion of Champions Pipe Band Competition, Portrush, 11 August. This is the culmination of a series of competitions held throughout the province during the year, offering a real feast of sound and colour. This event hosts a large number of bands, pipers and drummers, all vying for the silverware and is a great family day out.
  8. Armagh’s Iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest, Armagh, 9 – 12 August. Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for an eighth summer, bringing world class talent to more than thirty venues and locations across the celebrated “Cathedral City”.
  9. Olly Murs, Belfast, 11 August. As part of Féile 30, X Factor star and The Voice UK judge, Olly Murs will perform his hit songs including ‘Please don’t let me go’, ‘Dance with me tonight’ and ‘Troublemaker’.
  10. Family Fun Day, Magherafelt, 12 August. Hosted by the National Trust at Springhill, a 17th-century ‘Plantation’ home, with walled gardens and parkland, this event includes a BBQ, traditional games, face paint, music, nature trails and much more, perfect for all the family to enjoy.

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

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

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Down

Myra Zepf, the first ever Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland, is set to create the magical story behind this year’s Footsteps in the Forest. From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.  The two-day event returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August when actors will guide adventure-seekers through the forest in a theatrical tour in search of dragons and to help overcome Gullion’s witch, the Cailleach Bheara.  The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this for the annual celebration of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. The 30ft Wickerman will proudly oversee the many and varied activities taking place during this evening of music, dance, crafts, and displays of ancient Celtic traditions & custom this Saturday 4th August. Enjoy performances by, among others, Hatch jaw, Trad Folk Experience. Get into step with dancing, observe the amazing agility of the World of Owls demonstrations. Be transformed with Henna body art and traditional face painting, and join our Celtic characters in their preparation for the great ceremony of the burning of the Wickerman.  Pre-booking essential, limited tickets available.

Fermanagh

Arts Over Borders presents The  Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Legnabrocky, Enniskillen, 1st to 5th August.   The 6th Beckett Festival returns with its uniquely adventurous mix of site-specific events in our landscape, world class song in our churches and its engaging talks and discussions on a wide range of themes for everyone to enjoy.

Tyrone

Rock around the clock with The Soda Popz at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday 4th August. This sensational seven piece band pays a memorable tribute to some of the best-loved hits from that fabulous era! Take a nostalgic trip back to the dance hall days with this action packed, fully costumed, toe tapping show which has been wowing audiences all over the country! Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Francis and much more… So put your glad rags and dancing shoes on for an uplifting night of timeless classics!

Derry/Londonderry

See the second instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the eighth main instalment of the Star Wars franchise this Friday 3rd August at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady.  Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. Tickets are only £3.

Antrim

From 31st July to 4th August, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks.  Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

Belfast

Come along to Orangefield Park on the Connswater Community Greenway for Greenway Celebrations! There’ll be environmental activities, sports, historical tours, local food stalls, entertainment, street theatre and so much more!  Part of The EastSide Park Fest.  Two days, two parks in east Belfast and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy! This August we are excited to announce the first EastSide Park Fest offering a whole weekend of fun in C.S. Lewis Square and Orangefield Park where we guarantee there is something or everyone. Admission is free.

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.

Hop on board a free shuttle bus to this year’s Portavogie Seafood Festival

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Join local school children, Alfie McBurney and Lily Kelly, who are taking the opportunity to relax and “go green” by taking the free shuttle bus to this year’s Portavogie Seafood Festival on Saturday 11 August, 12noon-5pm.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is providing the free return shuttle bus service from Newtownards Bus Station to the heart of the event, Portavogie Harbour. There will be three departures during the day. For a timetable see visitardsandnorthdown.com.

Little ones can be in for a chance to win a cash prize by dressing up ‘sea-themed’, just like Alfie and Lily. A prize each will be awarded to best dress boy and girl. There will be plenty more sea-themed fun for the little ones to enjoy including a touch tank on the day.

The festival as always will celebrate all things seafood. With cooking demos hosted by celebrity chefs, Paul Rankin and Nick Nairn, and Northern Ireland’s biggest fish market and artisan food stalls. Be sure to catch the free bus!

For more information, including a full programme and the timetable for the free shuttle bus service, go to: visitardsandnorthdown.com

Host of theatre stars to bring Jimmy Ellis’ childhood story to life at Eastside Arts Festival 

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One of the highlights of the Eastside Arts Festival (2-12 August) is the premiere of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again, an auto-biographical reflection of the late actor’s family home in east Belfast at 30 Park Avenue during his childhood.

The performance will take place at St Martin’s Church, east Belfast, on 2 & 4th August.

It stars Stuart Graham (The Fall, Hunger) and Fra Fee (Les Miserables, The Ferryman) who will both play Jimmy at different stages of his life and Michael Nevin (My Mother and Other Strangers) who will play Jimmy as an 8-year old child during the war.  Katie Tumelty (Fly me to the Moon, Divorcing Jack) plays Jimmy’s mother Tilly and local musician Clare Galway plays his sister Eileen.  It has been adapted and directed by novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, Glenn Patterson and is produced by Blunt Fringe.

Jimmy Ellis: Home Again combines poetry and live music to recreate and celebrate Jimmy’s family and the characters who informed his own life as well as the lodgers who inhabited the house at Park Avenue during the war years.

Jimmy Ellis has long been held in fond esteem in Northern Ireland, and by everyone who knew and worked with him.

Long-time friend of Jimmy’s Adrian Dunbar sent a message to Jimmy’s widow Robina Ellis saying:
“The great Marlon Brando once said that Nostalgia is the most powerful drug of them all …  I can only imagine the powerful spell the works and voice of Jimmy Ellis will have on those lucky enough to attend Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.”

This project has been supported by Belfast-based engineering firm Arup who have partnered with Blunt Fringe for the last few years to support their programme of work.  Together they have helped to raise almost £25,000 for local charities through an annual charity concert and this year the partnership will help to bring a number of new projects to life including Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.

Claire Murray from Blunt Fringe said:

“We feel very privileged to be working on such a special project, and are very excited about bringing Jimmy’s words to life in this new production with the help of people who knew and admired him. Jimmy paved the way for many actors from Northern Ireland to be recognised in the wider world stage and his own story adds to the narrative of Belfast as an immensely rich artistic hub. We are very grateful to have the support of Arup’s team in Belfast to help us bring this work to this stage”.

Rachel Kennedy, EastSide Arts Festival Director commented:
“We were delighted and thrilled to be working with Blunt Fringe to host this very special rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again. In the unique surroundings of St Martin’s church, audiences will be transported back to the war time era of east Belfast and hear about the characters and music that impacted on a young Jimmy Ellis. We are very privileged to be given this opportunity to show this theatrical work in development and to share it with our audiences.  This is certainly an event not to be missed.”

A rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again is presented as part of the Eastside Arts Festival on 2nd & 4th August 2018 at 8pm. For booking details visit www.eastsidearts.net

 

 

SLIEVE GULLION TAKES CENTRE STAGE ONCE MORE FOR THIS YEAR’S FOOTSTEPS IN THE FOREST

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ENJOY A MAGICIAL FAMILY DAY OUT AT SLIEVE GULLION THIS WEEKEND.

From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you and your family could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.

The two-day event returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August and whilst online tour tickets are sold out, there are still plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Tour tickets may become available during the day due to “no-shows” from ticket-holders; if you’re interested in going on a tour, please go to the onsite ticketing area and staff there will try to assist. There will be a market featuring local food produce and musicians performing throughout the weekend. Other activities include face painting, balloon modelling, nature mask making, a puppet show and much more.

The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Footsteps in the Forest is supported by Tourism NI. For further information about Footsteps in the Forest and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giantadventures

Offers of the Week!

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of 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.

 

Summer Self-Catering, Dovedale Cottage, Co. Down from £500 per stay 

The four-star Dovedale Cottage is located one mile from the town of Banbridge, offering tranquil and peaceful surroundings and spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the Mountains of Mourne.  This self-catering property sleeps up to six people and has charming traditional features such as wood burning stoves in each of the three bedrooms. Offer includes a £50 discount on a seven-night stay, using promotional code JON. To book call 078 0805 8392. Offer available until 28 September 2018, based on summer availability.

 

Fermanagh Lakeland Summer Deal, The Garden House Self-Catering Cottage, Co. Fermanagh from £375 per stay

This three-star, self-catering property sleeps up to six people and is based three miles outside Enniskillen. The property is set in a quiet, rural area of Fermanagh’s Lakeland at the edge of Riversdale Forest, alongside the beautiful Ballycassidy River, making it perfect for enjoying the abundance of wildlife, a number of walking trails and some fishing. Offer includes a discounted rate for a seven-night stay with promotional code den123. To book call 077 4529 3595. Offer available until 1 September 2018.

 

Causeway Coastal Route, 2 nights B&B and One Dinner, The Adelphi Portrush, Co. Antrim from £99 per person sharing

The Adelphi Portrush features 28 individually designed en-suite rooms and suites with a sauna, spa and in-house treatments available to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Centrally located in Portrush, this four-star hotel is an ideal base for exploring the town and surrounding Causeway Coast. Offer includes two nights B&B accommodation and one three-course evening meal. To book call 028 7082 5544. Offer available until 19 April 2019.

 

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 (30 July – 5 August)

 

  1. Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of activities from workshops to social events and much more, with the main parade held on Saturday 4 August.
  2. The Wickerman Gathering 2018, Armagh, 4 August.  As the Celts celebrate the festival of Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the harvest season, join the clan in their preparations for the ceremonial burning of the 30ft Wickerman. Music, dancing and face painting will all be available at this event alongside the great ceremony of burning the Wickerman.
  3. Ulster Military Vehicle Club Show, Portrush, 4 – 5 August.  This annual event gives the public the opportunity to see up close a range of historic military vehicles. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. There will be re-enactments and display stalls alongside the exhibition.
  4. Teddy Bears Picnic, Falls Park, Belfast, 5 August.  The Teddy Bears Picnic will have arts and crafts, a petting farm, graffiti wall art and a few other surprises. Bring along a picnic, a blanket, your teddy and its owner. There will also be a competition for the best dressed teddy bear and owner.
  5. Hog ‘n’ Bog Weekend 2018, Newcastle, 3 – 5 August. The Hog “n” Bog weekend will see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorbike fans descend on Newcastle, Co. Down, for the chance to ride-out through the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains. This year’s event will be based at the Burrendale Hotel and will feature a custom bike show, live music and much more.
  6. Improv Comedy Festival, Belfast, 4 – 5 August. Improv acts from as far afield as Shanghai and as close to home as Dublin will be performing their unique form of comedy over the course of five evenings at the Accidental Theatre.
  7. Kite Festival, Castlerock, 4 – 5 August. This high-flying spectacle offers fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes take to the skies over the iconic coastal estate of Downhill Demesne. There will be award-winning kite displays, stunt kite teams, and other kite related activities, all of which will make this a weekend not to miss.
  8. Foyle Cycling Club 3 Day Race, Derry~Londonderry, 3 – 5 August. The FCC 3 Day Race is an event designed for A1, A2, A3 and junior male riders and A1, A2 and A3 female riders with the aim to be one of the best cycling events of its kind. Over the course of the weekend the race will see some of the best riders compete on some of the hardest roads in the North West.
  9. Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Belfast, 3 August. Ulster Rugby’s Fun Day lets fans meet and greet members of the 2018/19 playing squad. Activities available on the day include rugby skills and tag sessions, a bouncy castle, meet and greets, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and much more.
  10. Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 4 August. A day of high quality motorsport entertainment, attracting top drivers and co-drivers. Visitors can experience high speed, high octane and an ultimately exhilarating event, making for a fantastic day out for all the family.

 

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

First ever Tafelta Festival this August!

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The first ever Tafelta Festival, the ancient name for Magherafelt, will take place in the town centre next month.

The 2-day music and entertainment event will take place in Magherafelt from 10-12 of August.

The event, which has been organised by Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Magherafelt Town Centre Forum and local hospitality businesses, will see a selection of free family friendly entertainment in the town accompanied by entertainment in hospitality businesses throughout the weekend.

The idea for the festival came from the hospitality trade in the town following the success of last year’s Magherafelt Christmas Market.

From Monday 6 – Friday 10 August, an Orchestra of Change Makers Project will take place from 11am – 3pm at the Bridewell where young people aged 11 – 18 can get involved in performing, producing, choreographing etc a musical piece that will then be showcased in the Bridewell on Saturday 11 August at 2pm. The project is being facilitated by Beyond Skin and delivered by experienced tutors Raphael Frank and Nikolas Petsakos.

Anyone interested in taking part should email info.beyondskin@gmail.com.

On Saturday 11 August free family entertainment will take place in the town centre from 12pm – 4pm including face painting, balloon modelling, street entertainment (including HipOps and Queen B and Honey B), and a street art workshop where children can experiment with graffiti and chalk art.

Drop in arts and craft workshops will also take place during the same time in Bank of Ireland.

Sunday 12 August will see a host of family entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and special walkabouts by singing chefs circus jesters, take place at Meadowlane Shopping Centre from 1pm – 5pm.

Hospitality businesses taking part in the festival include: Mary’s Bar, Dorman’s Bar, Slims Healthy Kitchen, The Coachman, The Terrace, Ground, Brysons, The Flax, The Step Inn, Market Tavern and Meadowlane Shopping Centre.

A host of entertainment and promotions will take place in the establishments over the duration of the festival including musical and dance performances, a Farmer’s Market and special food and drink promotions.

For more information on the Tafelta Festival go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/Tafelta.

Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne bigger and better

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Speciality Food Fair will return to Moira Demesne on Saturday 18th August for its fourth year with a focus on local artisan food with sustainability and preservation of food a key focus for 2018.

 

The Food Fair has grown in popularity among traders and consumers alike as a key date in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s summer events calendar. This year’s event will benefit from additional funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, with new features added to the event programme.

Popular features from previous years will be retained, with an extended artisan food hall, chef demos, café bar, street food and picnic village. This year an ‘edutainment’ element will be added to the line-up featuring expert talks, workshops and masterclasses for both adults and children.

Reflecting on the popularity of the Speciality Food Fair, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee said, “We are delighted to welcome the return of the Speciality Food Fair to Moira for its fourth year. We are very pleased with the growing interest in the event from award-winning producers based within the Council area and further afield. Produce will be on offer to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, so we hope to see many local visitors as well as foodies from across Northern Ireland celebrate the top-notch producers and products against the stunning backdrop of Moira Demesne.”

Producers from varying artisan backgrounds will take part including Abernethy Butter, Ke Nako Biltong, Krazi Baker, Harnett’s Oils, Burren Balsamics, The StillHouse Moira, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Bara Bakehouse, Ispini Charcuterie and Ballyriff Buffalo among many others.

Head of DAERA’s Regional Food Programme, Louise Millsopp said, “I am delighted that the Department is providing support to the Council’s Speciality Food Fair through the Regional Food Programme this year. The event will be a fantastic showcase of Northern Ireland’s local, award-winning, agri-food industry highlighting the quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that exists across the food and drink sectors. I’m sure it will be a really enjoyable day with something to suit all the avid foodie enthusiasts among us.”

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Food Fair

Set amongst the lush backdrop of Moira Demesne’s stunning parkland, guests will enjoy plenty of opportunities to indulge their interests, whether it is chatting to producers or going along to the chef demos in the Kitchen Sessions, or to one of the expert talks. There will be plenty of options also to enjoy speciality treats al fresco, whilst relishing in live entertainment from local musicians.

As always, the street food village and picnic area will be a primary outdoor feature at the Food Fair with an even greater choice on offer, reflecting Northern Ireland’s burgeoning gourmet street food scene. Guests are encouraged to get acquainted with emerging faces on Northern Ireland’s gourmet street food scene, including Dickie D’s Grilled Cheese, Fionnbobs Food Wagon, Burger Republic, The Hatch as well as more established names such as Pheasantshill Farm.

Plenty to quench guests’ thirsts

The Café Bar will also return, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suitable for all ages, with local apple juice, cordials, craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Speciality coffees for those in need of a caffeine fix will be served up alongside teas and hot chocolate. The StillHouse will up the ante in the café bar, bringing a taste of what is on offer in their newly created Distillery Bar located a stone’s throw away in Moira village.

Fun for the whole family with children’s workshops and Kitchen Sessions

The popular Kitchen Sessions will return to this year’s Speciality Food Fair in addition to fringe events featuring leading chefs and experts. Award winning Moira chefs, Chris McGowan of Wine & Brine, Danni Barry of Clenaghans Restaurant and Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School will lead the charge with Chris focusing on a modern twist to traditional food preserving, Danni giving a workshop on foraging and incorporating your finds into your home cooking and Stephen offering a skills masterclass in addition to cooking a dish from his new cookbook.

‘Edutainment’ will once again be the key focus for all interactive family fun activities, encouraging kids to learn about the natural world around them and to get involved in planting their own food. Interactive activities will include bug hotel making, observational beehives, beeswax wrap making, all as 30-minute workshops running from 10am-3pm. For a full schedule go to the Visit Lisburn Castlereagh website.

Entry and parking to the Speciality Food Fair is free and will run from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 18th August. Access for disabled visitors is provided.

For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook.com/enjoylisburn, Twitter @VisitLisburn and Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh.

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

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Down

This month sees the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park. From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centred activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more. The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

Armagh

Lúnasa Festival 2018 – Lúnasa… Bringing it on! takes place on July 28, 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Meigh.  Lúnasa is one of the four great days in the Celtic wheel of the year. It traditionally  announced the beginning of the grain harvest, was recognised as a time for matchmaking and marks the sun’s progress around our planet. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts, skills or ideas you need to harvest and bring forth over the coming season. Facilitated by Janet O’Hagan.

Fermanagh

Asda Enniskillen is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need in store this Saturday 28th July.. There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.

Tyrone

Dergfest Music Festival is back for its fifth year this weekend from 27th to 29th July. This year’s line-up includes Mark McCabe, Darude, Teddy Cream, Niamh McGlinchey, Jim Devine, Derek Ryan, Rough Justice, Mundy and the Logues. Full details at dergfest.co.uk.

Derry

Frock Around The Clock will be taking The Great Summer Holiday Fair to the wonderful seaside location of Portstewart for the first time on Sunday 29th July. This event will feature 20 stalls of beautiful artisan crafts, vintage & antique items, holistic therapies and much more, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, art and photography, health and beauty, artisan food, & much more besides. Town Hall, The Crescent, Portstewart. Admission is  £2 and children go free.

Antrim

Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28th July at Shanes Castle, Antrim, from 9.00am – 5.00pm.  Take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s bets known regional agricultural shows and its beautiful location on the shore of Lough Neagh.  From cookery demonstrations by Paula McIntyre in the Festival of Food marquee, to livestock, sheep shearing and horse jumping competitions there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused. There’s also a dog agility display, a children’s pet show, a petting zoo, Young Farmers Games, Irish dancing, live music and a jiving competition to be found among craft stalls, family entertainment, and Home Industries and Horticulture exhibits.  Admission is £10 per person, where accompanied children under 16 years of age go free. Car parking is also FREE. Admission is payable at the gate, and discounted early bird tickets can be purchased online for £9 until Wednesday 25th July. Further show information available at www.randoxantrimshow.com.

Belfast

On Saturday 28th July, Belfast Zoo will go ‘quiet’. Belfast Zoo’s quiet hours allow visitors on the autism spectrum, their family and friends to enter the zoo an hour early at 9am. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the zoo for an hour before it opens to the general public. Normal admission prices apply. You can book online in advance or can purchase your ticket on arrival.

 

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.

 

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