Month: July 2018

10 things to do in Northern Ireland this week

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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 (2 – 8 July)

 

  1. Grandslam 2018: Summer of Steps Tour, Belfast, 8 July. The iconic pop group Steps reunite to perform their Grandslam tour at The Pavilion, Stormont Estate with support acts Aqua and Blue.
  2. Downy Duckling Week, Newtownards, 2-8 July. Get behind-the-scenes access to Castle Espie’s newly renovated Duckery and witness the whole egg-to-duckling process, alongside experts who will guide you through their duckling nursery and incubation areas.
  3. Mini Pony Camp, Limavady, 2-5 July. An opportunity for younger riders to experience a mini camp at Crindle Stables, perfect for the summer holidays. Learn to look after your pony with help from more advanced riders including riding lessons, stable management, pony games and fun whilst improving skills and confidence.
  4. Gardens and Gin Tour, Newtownards, 7 July. Explore the botanicals, combining a guided walk through the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart Estate with a fascinating visit to the Echlinville Distillery to experience the fine art of gin making and taste an aromatic drop.
  5. Bing Live!, Belfast, 7-8 July. Calling all Bingsters! Bing and his friends are coming to Belfast’s Waterfront Hall for their first ever Bing stage show. Full of fun, laughter and music, ‘Bing Live!’ is the perfect first theatre trip for pre-schoolers and their families.
  6. Dr Nick on the Prom, Newcastle, 7 July. Dr. Nick’s solo street show is a brilliant mix of high-energy unicycling, tantalisingly dangerous fire-juggling, awe-inspiring plate spinning, and masses of audience participation – all stuck together with Dr Nick’s own brand of comedy, coming to Newcastle’s promenade.
  7. Sink or Slim, Newcastle, 6-7 July. Sink or Slim is a classic Sam Cree comedy coming to the Newcastle Community Cinema. This comedy is set in the 1960s on a health farm run by the owner Mrs. Babbington, who rules with a rod of iron and feeds her pet poodle better than her paying guests.
  8. Lunchtime Recital with the Allegra Singers Canada, Armagh, 7 July. An intergenerational community choir with members from all over the Victoria area in British Columbia, Canada. The Allegra Singers performance at St Patrick’s Church of Ireland will feature a diverse repertoire ranging from classical to jazz, gospel to musical theatre, world music, pop, rock and folk.
  9. Discover Maghera’s Hidden Heritage, Cookstown, 7 July. Join Mid-Ulster Council on a journey to discover Maghera’s Hidden Heritage, in a town full of significant sites from ancient times. Your visit will include a stop at Maghera Walled Garden, following with a refreshing high-tea at Walsh’s Hotel, before commencing to the foot Carntogher mountain and Siopa An Carn.
  10. Lazy Sundays, Dungannon, 8 July. Every Sunday in July The Argory hosts “Lazy Sundays.” Enjoy laid back tunes and relaxation as you chill in the Courtyard. Meanwhile the kids are entertained and feast on a summer BBQ.

 

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

Get that Friday Feeling in Conway Square!

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Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the return of Fair Weather Fridays to Conway Square.

Now in its third year, the lively events programme is a fun addition to summer Fridays in the Square and is a great way to get you in the mood for the weekend! 

Kicking off this year on Friday 6 July then running every Friday for the whole of July and August (except 13 July), this year’s programme includes an eclectic mix comedy, fire-eating, juggling and magic!

Featuring amazing acts such as; Miss Shell, Dansko Gido and FizzWizzPop, –  Fridays have never been more entertaining!

Opening the programme on July 6 is ‘Tennis Dennis’ – this crazy guy can squeeze himself through his own tennis racket, juggle and perform some pretty hot dance moves! Don’t miss this hilarious performance!

Speaking about the programme, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community Arts Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “Ards town centre has a beautiful square that is always buzzing on a sunny afternoon. Come down, enjoy the local cafes and shops and take in a bit of live entertainment to add to the summer atmosphere.”

So if you fancy some free quality entertainment to liven up your Friday lunch-times, head to Conway Square, every Friday in July and August from 12.30 to 1.30pm.

In the event of rain, performances will move into Ards Arts Centre.

For further information on the full programme visit www.ardsarts.com.

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

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Down

This weekend, 6th and 7th July at the Newcastle Community Cinema,  Belvoir Players present Sink or Slim, a classic Sam Cree comedy set in the 1960″s in a Health Farm run by the owner Mrs Babbington. She is a formidable lady who rules with a rod of iron and who feeds her pet poodle better than her paying guests! We meet the Major, Millie the dippy maid, Willie the handyman who supplies guests with whatever contraband they are willing to pay for and a Swedish Masseuse called Hildie who’s determined to help everyone lose weight and get fit! A merry go round of crazy craic and lots of laughs…….one not to miss!

Armagh

Enjoy a lovely lazy Summer Sunday this weekend at the Argory in Moy with laid back tunes and relaxation. Chill in the Courtyard while the kids are entertained and feast on the summer BBQ.  From 1pm- 4pm, every Sunday in July. Normal Admission.  Members Free.

Fermanagh

Make your way to Castle Coole this Sunday 8th July for Music in the Park. Join the National Trust as they bring you a Summer of music after the success of BBC Proms in the Park 2017 at the Castle.   Sit back and relax as the Magee Family Band play in the beautiful Drying Green.  Enjoy a relaxing Summer afternoon and pick up some tasty treats and lunches from the Tallow-House Tearoom!

Tyrone

The Ulster American Folk Park presents A Step in Time : The Story of Irish Dance. The collection of Irish dance costumes, programmes, photographs and medals provides a fascinating overview of a performance art which has grown over the last 125 years from dancing at village crossroads to a global phenomenon. Along the way, many women have played a key role in championing change and innovation, designing sets and costumes, and choreographing new work. The exhibition opens July and runs until May next year. Normal admission costs apply.

Derry

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Sunday 8th July, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  Enjoy an Action Packed Adventure – family dun says with a wide range of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy from 11.00 am – 4.00pm. Activities include Teddy Bear Hunt – follow the clues to crack the answer and claim your prize, face painting, inflatables, story time – gather round and hear a story and a Teddy Bears’ Hospital – bring your teddy and get them checked at the teddy hospital.

Antrim

Every Saturday in July and August you can experience the steam train which will be operating at Whitehead Excursion Station.  Visitors will be able to see how this magnificent machine works up close.  You will be able to talk to the driver and fireman and see the footplate.  There is an additional option to enjoy a visit to the Whitehead Railway Museum and Edwardian Tea Room.

Belfast

JCC is Ireland’s only indoor JDM exhibition show casing the best JDM cars the country has to offer. Complimented by a live action arena and an extensive trade village JCC is arguably Northern Ireland’s largest true petrol head exhibition!  JCC brings together everything from rare retro Japanese classics to insane horse power highly tuned monsters and everything in between all under one roof at the Eikon Centre this Sunday 8th July.

 

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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