Month: August 2018

A Great Line up for Spinning Yarns Festival

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Spinning Yarns Festival will take place at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September from 10am-6pm. This two-day festival has a great line up suitable for the whole family.

We are delighted to welcome MANNS on board who will host The Afternoon Fashion Tea event during Spinning Yarns, commencing each day at 3pm. Afternoon tea will be served consisting of a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and MANNS famous home baked scones with jam & cream, complimented by Earl Grey or Darjeeling Teas. The Models will then strut their stuff as they walk around the tables showcasing classic designs in natural fabrics mixed with the seasons latest trends from leading fashion houses. The Fashion show is styled by local lady Pearl Mitchell of Style Solutions, an event for all fashion enthusiasts –  not to be missed. Seats are limited so booking is advisable for both days. Tickets £10 per person for bookings T. 028 9448 1338 or online at www.theoldcourthouse.com

Another great attraction for this family event are the NI Alpacas group who will bring two to three herds of these endearing animals each day, showcasing alpaca fleece products and giving demonstrations on alpaca fibre and the process of working it from the animal through to the finished product. Alpacas are one of the camelid species, closely related to the llama and originate from the high plain in west-central South America.

Enrol for one of our workshops ranging from Rag Rug Wreaths to White Work Embroidery squares, view one of the many exhibitions and market stalls and sample some of the culinary delights on offer.

Chef, author & broadcaster Paula McIntyre MBE and Irish fashion designer, Blogger and BBC The Great Sewing Bee contestant Angeline Murphy, will be joining us over the two days giving demonstrations and offering advice.

There are also a number of children’s activities planned for this weekend event making it a family affair. For more details and bookings visit spinningyarnsfestival.com.

The MAC Musical Is Back – In An All-New Club Style Venue

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A little bit of Broadway comes to Belfast this September when The World Goes ‘Round takes to a newly transformed stage at the MAC Belfast.

Showcasing some of the biggest songs, from Broadway’s biggest productions like New York, New York, Cabaret and All That Jazz, this feel good show is a revue of hits by Kander and Ebb and is performed by a multi-talented cast who sing, dance and play instruments.

A co-production by Blunt Fringe and the MAC and starring a host of local and West End performers, The World Goes ‘Round will open for a two-week run at the MAC from 1st September until 15th September 2018.

To enhance the audience experience, the main theatre at the MAC has been totally transformed into an all new club, called the Luminaire Club, complete with at-table seating and waiter service.  Guests are invited to take their seat, have a glass of bubbly and watch the action unfold on stage.   

Co-directed by Stephen Whitson (Associate Director of West End sensation Hamilton), this classic revue has a multi-talented cast of five actor musicians who will sing, dance and play in this spectacular evening of musical theatre. The cast includes Stephanie McConville, originally from Lurgan and has most recently starred in the UK tour of Little Shop of Horrors; Carolyn Maitland, from the Isle of Wight who has had many leading roles on the West End most recently playing Molly in Ghost the Musical; Aveen Biddle, a recent musical theatre graduate originally from Derry; Will Arundell, a singer and talented cellist from Norwich; and Conor McFarlane, an accomplished musician who recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and is originally from Derry.

Claire Murray, Blunt Fringe said, “We are thrilled to be working with such an illustrious cast and creative team to bring the incredible songs of Kander and Ebb to life on the main stage at the MAC. Our cast will be singing, dancing, playing instruments and maybe even roller skating their way through the most stunning repertoire of musical theatre hits.”

The show was first staged in Belfast in 2014 and The Musical Theatre Review called it, “A success – intelligently staged, impeccably sung, wonderfully entertaining and with enormous style.”  The MAC and Blunt Fringe hope to wow audiences with the amazing setting, style and performance for a thoroughly entertaining night.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said, “We’re delighted to be co-producing this musical at the MAC this Autumn with our partners Blunt Fringe. To make the experience extra special, I was keen to play with the flexibility of the MAC theatre space and to create something special for audiences by changing the format from our usual theatre set-up into a more intimate, club feel. We have invested in new seating, staging and dressing to create what we hope will be a really special experience. This is the first opening of the Luminaire Club at the MAC and coupled with the amazing talent on stage, audiences are in for a real treat.”

Tickets for The World Goes ‘Round are now on sale and are selling fast. For more information or to book, visit themaclive.com.  Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Exploris Aquarium’s Big Birthday Bash!

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On Wednesday 15th August we will be celebrating our 2nd birthday (can you believe it has been 2 years since Exploris Aquarium re-opened) and we want you to join us!

We are having a big birthday bash and offering FREE admission to anyone celebrating their birthday on 15th August!* There will also be lots of extra activities running throughout the day including;

  • Neil the seal mascot meet and greet
  • Crabby craft club
  • Face painting
  • Touch tank talks
  • Photo opportunities with Sir David
  • Seal hospital talks
  • Free prize draw

 

As you already know no birthday party is complete without cake and presents so we have planned a lovely salad cake for Sir David the Green Iguana, meat loaf cake for the otters and a shark feed at 1.30pm. As for the presents every child will receive a free gift to take home!

Join us for a day of birthday fun as we celebrate turning 2 with you and over 200 underwater species and reptiles!

Pre-book your tickets online today at www.explorisni.com for discount on admission.

 

*Must be born on the 15th August to gain free entry. Proof required in the form of driving licence, electoral card, passport or birth certificate. Subject to availability.

Donaghafeed Food Tour Serves Up a taste of the town!                                                                                                                                                                

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Tickets on Sale Now!

Pictured L-R James McFerran, Pier 36, Patrick Rowan, Harbour & Company, Lauren Simmin, Grace Neills, and Craig Beazley, Bull & Claw. Kilts kindly supplied by Focus, Bangor. Credit ©Press Eye/Darren Kidd

Donaghadee’s seaside cuisine is simply “Deelicious”. A brand-new food tour will be served up as part of the Donaghadee Lights up Festival, which takes place from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 September and celebrates the town’s fantastic restaurants and it’s Ulster-Scots Heritage.

There are five famous Donaghadee restaurants on the menu including Pier 36, Harbour and Company, Grace Neills, Slice of Heaven and Bull & Claw with dishes chosen to reflect the true Ulster-Scots heritage of the town. Guests will be entertained as they move from course to course by a good humoured Blue Badge Tour Guide. Listen to tales of the town, the links to Scotland and Robbie Burns himself may turn up for dinner! Taking place on Thursday 6 September and starting at Pier 36 at 6pm the ticket price of £60 includes five courses, paired wines and craft beers. The evening will end with a lively traditional music session.

Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Richard Smart commented:

“Donaghadee is one of our most iconic seaside towns and as such has exceptional coastal eateries. This food tour will cater for everyone who wants to sample local produce at its best whilst getting a real taste of the Ulster-Scots heritage of the town.  Whether you enjoy fine dining, are a regular foodie who loves tucking into local food, or just want to enjoy the crack, Donaghafeed is the night out for you.”

Tickets for the event are limited so booking essential. Strictly over 18s only. Kilts kindly supplied by Focus, Bangor.

For further information check out www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

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 (20 – 26 August)

 

  1. Belfast Mela 2018, Belfast, 26 August. Music, dance, arts and culture come together as the Mela transforms Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens into a magical global garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations from around the world.
  2. Hilden Beer and Music Festival 2018, Lisburn, 24 – 26 August. Held in the grounds of Hilden Brewery and Hilden House, this ever-popular three-day ale-tasting event proudly boasts all that is great in terms of craft beers and ciders from the UK and Ireland, gourmet food and a huge range of live musical acts.
  3. Jika Jika! Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 25 – 26 August. Respected Irish promoters Jika Jika! promise to bring something new and exciting to Ebrington Square. Their first ever festival is set to feature stages curated by Denis Sulta and Green Velvet across two days, plus a cultured mix of talents including Octave One Live, Willow and Charlotte De Witte.
  4. Shortcross Gin Blues Afternoon, Downpatrick, 26 August. A blistering summer afternoon of blues music and Shortcross Gin at Rademon Estate. The afternoon includes live entertainment, local food makers and a fully stocked Shortcross Gin bar.
  5. Lap The Lough 2018, Dungannon, 26 August. Get off the typical tourist trail and explore some of Northern Ireland’s unique countryside, landscapes and attractions by joining 2500 other cyclists on a journey around Lough Neagh. Whether you’re participating or spectating this is a great way to round off the summer season.
  6. The Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, 26 – 28 August. Two days of trading, bartering, busking, amusements, street entertainment and competitions add to the atmosphere in the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle. The fair hosts over 400 stalls offering local crafts and locally sourced produce and is free to attend
  7. Maiden City Ink, Derry~Londonderry, 24 – 26 August. The biggest tattoo convention in Northern Ireland hosting award winning artists from all over the globe. Whether you’re looking to get inked, show off your body art or curb your curiosity, this is guaranteed to be a great weekend with a buzzing atmosphere.
  8. Sideboard Sideshow, Newcastle, 25 August. Superbly silly, stunningly surreal and seriously stupid the world of Sideboard Sideshow comes to Newcastle Promenade. A blend of awesome skills including acrobatics, juggling and fire this high energy show is full of fun, laughter and unpredictability.
  9. Flashdance the Musical, Belfast, 21 – 25 August. Coming to the Grand Opera House, Flashdance – The Musical is the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex a determined welder who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream of attending Shipley Dance Academy.
  10. Foyle Pride Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 18 – 26 August. The aim of Foyle Pride Festival is to acknowledge, empower and celebrate the LGBT community. The festival features a week of workshops  held throughout the city and a parade on Saturday 25 August.

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

Join Ards & North Down Borough Council this Saturday 18th August at Groomsport for an evening of live music, family entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale.  This year’s headline act will be Mack Fleetwood a Fleetwood Mac tribute band supported by Wookalily, who will delivering toe tapping alternative folk music. The event will be compered by mentalist, magician and musician Joel Mawhinney.  Cockle Row Cottages are open from 11.00 am – 8.00 pm with free family fun between 2.00pm and 4.00pm.   Funfair open from 4pm (charges apply). Get home on the free late night bus departing from Groomsport’s Main Street at 10.30pm and 11pm going to Bangor Bus Station.

Armagh

Not every woman gets to spend the night with George Clooney… but Bridie Murphy does! Over the course of one night, Bridie takes George on the journey of her life; from the terrible lows to the hilarious highs and charts the course to her unlikely future.  Brought to you by West Belfast’s award-winning Brassneck Theatre Company, this hilarious night of theatre at the Market Place this Friday and Saturday will leave everyone wishing that they too could spend ‘A Night With George’

Fermanagh

Become a Rock Detective for a day this Saturday afternoon at Marble Arch Caves!  Join in this jam packed afternoon of interactive hands on fun where you can discover more about the fascinating rocks, landscapes and people of the Geopark.  Suitable for children aged from 4 – 12 years old. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Booking is essential but please note this is a free event.

Tyrone

This Saturday 18th August, the beautiful Manor House and grounds of Parkanaur Forest Park will host the annual Castlecaulfield Horticultural Show and Vintage Rally. Featuring flowers, fruit, vegetables, cookery, crafts, photography and live music. Craft stalls and fun activities open from 12.30pm. High tea can be taken in the ballroom and BBQ will be in the grounds. Show Marquee open from 1.30pm. Prize giving by Anne Marie McAleese, Radio Ulster’s presenter of Your Place & Mine.

Derry/Londonderry

Lumarina, the family friendly, fun filled, free event at Ballyronan Marina is back! This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing entertainment, with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough providing a unique atmosphere at this family themed event.  On Friday 17th August, from 6pm – 10pm, Mid Ulster District Council will shine a light on the beauty of Lough Neagh, as the Marina provides the backdrop for an evening of music and entertainment with the grand finale fireworks spectacular taking place at 9.45pm.

Antrim

Make and Take with Creative Coast Community this Saturday is a new and exciting event for the North Coast in summer 2018, taking place in Portballintrae Village Hall. For the first time ever a collective of some of the Creative Coast’s most talented artists and creators are coming together to host the inaugural ‘Make & Take’ event. Starting at 10am there will be sessions throughout the day, in which you can participate in hands-on creative workshops, leaving each one with your own handiwork!

Belfast

Visiting Titanic Belfast over the 18th & 19th August? There will be lots of free family fun from 12noon – 4pm on the plaza and surrounding area, including face painting, caricaturists, graffiti artists, chalk art and buskers! Titanic Foundation Ltd will be running a Maritime Photo Walking Tour (2.30pm – 4pm) and Titanic Taster Art Trail (2pm – 3.30pm) around the Quarter on Sunday 19th August for only £5pp! Meet at the Titanic Sign (Photo Tour) or at the festival space next to SS Nomadic (Art Trail) on the day to join the tour.  On Saturday 18th, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) will be providing children with the chance to get dressed up in the RNLI Crew Kit. Libraries NI Pop-up Library will also be joining the outdoor festivities, so come along and let the kids choose their new favourite book.

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.

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.

 

  • Stay and Spa, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Newcastle, Co. Down from £150 per person sharing

The magnificent four-star Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is nestled in the heart of County Down where the ‘Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’. Overlooking a windswept beach, the Spa at Slieve Donard is an exquisite haven of escapism. Here you will find the perfect space to relax, restore and revitalise. Offer includes overnight B&B accommodation, ESPA treatments for two people (50 mins each) and a glass of bubbly in the spa. To book call 028 4372 1066. Offer available until 31 December 2018.

  • Cruise Through Summer, Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh from £155 per person sharing

The picturesque location of the five-star Lough Erne Resort is the perfect place to experience the breathtaking views and natural beauty of Lough Erne. The multi-award winning resort, is known for its luxury offering and the opportunity it provides to escape from your day-to-day routine and revive yourself this summer. Offer includes a two-night B&B stay, a complimentary one-hour cruise on Lough Erne and use of the infinity pool. To book call 028 6632 3230. Offer available until 30 September 2018.

  • Group Getaway, Burndavis Lodge, Co. Antrim from £230 per stay

The four-star Burndavis Lodge is ideal for any trip with friends, housing up to six people. The lodge is conveniently located to suit all sorts of activities whether it’s a trip for a round of golf (Ballymena Golf Club and Galgorm Castle Golf Course are both nearby) or for some fishing in the local rivers. If you fancy something more relaxed try a walk around Broughshane Village (awarded UK Village of the year 2018) or some shopping in Ballymena, where there is something to offer for everyone. Offer includes a two-night break with afternoon tea on arrival. To book call 074 6742 9654 quoting “Tea”. Offer available until 20 December 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 (13-19 August)

 

  1. CHSq, Belfast, 10 – 26 August. CHSq returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast’s iconic Custom House, bringing a series of headline shows by international musical artists. This year’s line-up includes Kasabian, Rag N Bone Man and Ben Nicky.
  2. Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Bangor, 18 August. An evening of live music, family entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale. This year’s headline act will be Fleetwood Mac Tribute band, Mack Fleetwood, supported by Wookalily who will deliver toe tapping alternative folk music.
  3. Wake the Giant Festival, Warrenpoint, 18 – 19 August. This festival will once again see Finn the Giant come to life using the combined efforts of the audience, the artists and craftspeople. It is set to be an extraordinary day as ancient myth and legend comes to life in a series of street parades, music, song, and dance. In addition to the entertainment there will be free kids’ activities and a food village bursting with fresh local produce.
  4. Causeway Coast Truck Fest, Portstewart, 19 August. This is a fun, family day out at one of the North Coast’s top festivals of the year. The festival will host 300+ show trucks, a craft village with local food suppliers and live entertainment, topped off by the famous truck convoy around the North West 200 track between Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.
  5. Portrush Flyer, Belfast, 12 – 19 August. Enjoy the nostalgia of bygone days. Departing from Belfast Central Train Station for Portush at 11.30am, spend the day by the seaside and enjoy fish and chips and ice-cream along the promenade. Train returns from Portrush at 5pm.
  6. Moira Speciality Food Fair, Craigavon, 18 August. Award–winning food and drink producers from across Northern Ireland will feature in this speciality food fair, including Abernethy Butter, Burren Balsamics and Harnett’s Oils to name but a few. The event will include cookery demonstrations, educational workshops and masterclasses. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste and buy from the many local producers in the artisan food hall.
  7. Portaferry Triathlon, Portaferry, 18 August. Enjoy watching this challenging triathlon as the competitors take on the tidal flow at the Narrows of Strangford Lough, before cycling a 21.5 km two-lap route around the scenic southern tip of the Ards Peninsula, followed by a 5km run with stunning views across Strangford Lough.
  8. Ulster Rugby V Gloucester, Belfast, 18 August. The English Premiership club Gloucester will visit Belfast for this fixture which kicks off at 5.30pm. In addition to watching world-class rugby, visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of activities including live music, autograph sessions, exclusive competitions and a fan photo-booth.
  9. Northern Ireland Open, Ballymena, 16 – 19 August. A golf tournament for all the family this event will attract Irish European Tour players and host the NI Open village which includes a dedicated food festival showcasing the finest of local produce.
  10. Box Car Blues Brothers, Newcastle, 17 August. Join the Box Car Blues Brothers for a high energy soul, rhythm and blues revue this summer at the Newcastle Community Cinema. All the hits and more will keep you moving from beginning to end and wanting more.

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

It’s a boy… and 3 girls for the Exploris Aquarium otter family!

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Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary are currently celebrating their third otter litter, which is the largest they’ve welcomed to date.

 

On the 26th June Asian Short Clawed Otter, Sungari, gave birth to 4 healthy pups. Now 5 weeks old the news had been kept under wraps to protect the new born and ensure that all otters settled into their new family group.

Sungari began her labour in the early hours of the 26th June and had successfully delivered 3 pups by 9am when staff arrived on site.

“Looking in that morning Sungari looked so content, all cuddled up with the 3 babies in her straw nest” describes Curator Pete Williams. “After initially checking on the family we retrieved the families breakfast and on returning realized Sungari was not finished having her babies.”  Otter number 4 arrived just before 2.30pm.

Small-Claw Asian Otters form monogamous partnerships and much like human beings, share parental duties. Together they build and maintain a nest as well as feeding and attending to their young with which they form a close bond.

Sungari’s first 2 litters of just 1 pup each time were delivered in the winter with their eldest, a female called Brunei, born in December 2016 and a 9 month old Yalu, a male, born in October 2017.

It was during the early days of the litter that it was discovered that Brunei is actually a female. Originally thought to be a male, Brunei began to bed down with the pups with staff identifying the mix-up very quickly.

The new additions to the otter family are made up of 3 females and 1 male. Following their 5 week health checks the pups will soon be making their outside debut. When this will happen curator Pete is unsure. “The pups have only just opened their eyes so will take some time to adjust to their surroundings. I’m sure in a few weeks they will venture outside, whether its Sungari’s choosing or not. She will certainly have her hands full”.

Make sure to follow the progress of all our work on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or why not become a Member which allows you unlimited entry to our five star visitor attraction for a full year.  It is affordable with prices starting at £20 for children and £30 for adults with 25% discount in our café (excluding alcohol beverages), and in our shop.

Exploris Aquarium, located in Portaferry, opens daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Pre-book your tickets online at www.explorisni.com to avail of discounted admission.

What’s on in the Causeway Coast and Glens w/c 13th August

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Summer Kids Surf Camp

Date: 29th June- 2nd Sept

Time: 10am – 12 noon

Venue: Long Line Surf School, Benone

Contact: 07738 128 507 info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk

Surf school for children aged 6-12 years including surfing, beach games and safety designed to help children learn in a fun environment surrounded by other children. £15 per child per session.

  

Summer Holiday Adventures at Foylehov activity Centre

Date: 29th June – 2nd Sept

Time:

Venue: Foylehov Activity Centre, 71 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 7772 2235 info@foylehov.com

Open every day lots of outdoor activities including hovercraft flying, Powerturn off road buggies, laser combat, archery, clay pigeon shooting and football golf.

 

Summer Set Programme at Carrowmena

Date: 1st July -31 Aug

Time:

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 77776 3431 kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

Fun and adventure awaits you every day this summer. Full and half day packages available.

 

Maize Maze at Carrowmena Activity Centre

Date: 1 Aug– 2 Sept

Time: from 10.00am-8.00pm

Venue: 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 7776 3431 kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

 

The ever popular Maize Maze opens in August for a family treat and a day out not be matched in Northern Ireland. One way in, but can you make it back out?  Tickets can be booked online www.carrowmena.co.uk

 

Heart of the Glens Festival

Date: 4 Aug – 12 Aug

Time:

Venue: Cushendall Area

Contact: cushendall@nacn.org

This is the 28th anniversary of the Heart of the Glens Festival and one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland. Wide range of workshops, shows and events including RNLI open day, opening community parade and themed nights.

 

NW Pipe Band & Highland Dancing Championships

Date: 10-11 Aug

Time:

Venue: Recreation Grounds, Portrush

Contact: www.visitcasuewaycoastandglens.com

Competition held by the RSPBA in the Recreation Grounds, Portrush. Attracting up to 50 pipe bands annually to Portrush including international highland dancing and concluding with a street carnival parade.

 

Stendhal Festival of Art

Date: 9-11 Aug

Time: See line-up

Venue: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady

Contact: info@stendhalfestival.com www.stendhalfestival.com

Celebrating all things creative Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival promoting a programme of music poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional arts as well as sculpture, street performance and craft workshops.

 

Causeway Speciality Market

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 9am – 4pm

Venue: The Diamond, Coleraine

Contact: 028 7034 7034

Causeway Speciality Market is supportive of local producers and operators on the second Saturday of each month outside Coleraine Town Hall. All products are either organic or speciality goods. Quality arts, crafts and gifts for sale too.

 

Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, Coast and Country

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond

Contact: 07912 408 256 / causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Join a culinary tour of the Causeway Coast to sample some of the area’s locally produced food and drink. This is a 6 hour bused tour of the region. £60.

 

Coastal Crafters, Craft and Collectables Fair

Date:  11 Aug

Time: 10am – 5pm

Venue: Portstewart Town Hall, The Crescent

Contact: 07850 377 644

Handcrafted Jewellery, knitwear, greetings cards, bags, photographs, woodcraft and collectables. Free admission.

 

Irish History Starts Here Make and Take

Date: 11 Aug

Time:  2-4pm

Venue: Coleraine Museum, Coleraine Town Hall

Contact: 028 7034 4723

Join artists and crafts people to make some creative pieces to take home. Suitable for all the family. 

 

Butterfly safari

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 2—4pm

Venue: Portstewart Strand, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 6396 / gill.mciloyle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Calling all kids and families. Join rangers on a walk through the sand dunes, catching and identifying butterflies and moths.  Adults £2, Children £1 (parking charges apply to non-National trust members).

 

Rathlin Sports Day

Date: 12 Aug

Time:

Venue: Rathlin Island

Contact: 028 2076 9299 / rdca@btconnect.com

Fun day for all the family on Rathlin Island. Events include 3-legged races, teddy bear throwing competition, bouncy castle and so much more. Make sure to book ferry crossing.

 

Music Sundays at Downhill Demesne

Date: 12 Aug

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Road, Castlerock

Contact: 028 7084 8728

Enjoy local musical talent in Mussenden Temple to accompany a Sunday afternoon walk. This is a free event, but normal admission applies for the venue.

 

Summer Camp at Carrowmena

Date: 13-17 Aug

Time:  11am – 4.30pm

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: Kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

This year’s Summer Camp brings back adventure and fun to the North Coast. Experience fun and adrenaline based activities whilst making new friends this Summer.

  

Ballycastle Senior Tennis Tournament

Date: Commencing 13 Aug

Time:

Venue: Ballycastle Tennis Courts, Mary Street, Ballycastle

Contact: 028 2076 3300 carol.nicholl@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Tournament in coastal town of Ballycastle welcoming entries from all over Europe.

 

Advanced Pony Camp at Crindle Stables

Date: 14 Aug – 18 Aug

Time:

Venue: Crindle Stables, 6 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 07738 516 106 crindlestables@outlook.com

Enjoy an extensive week of tuition, including having fun both on and off the pony.  Improve your riding skills and learn how to look after your pony.

 

Kids Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Date: 15 Aug – 16 Aug

Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Venue: Long Line Surf School, 53 Benone Avenue, Benone

Contact: 07738 128 507 info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk

Surf camp for children 6-12 years including surfing, beach games and safety designed to help children learn in a fun environment.  £15 per child.

 

Summer  Street Theatre With Jim

Date: 15 Aug

Time: 1.30pm The Amphitheatre, Portrush and 4.00pm The Crescent, Portstewart

Venue: The Amphitheatre, Portrush & The Crescent, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7034 7234 eventscoleraine@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Enjoy a fun family afternoon of street theatre this summer on the Causeway Coast. Watch in awe as Jim performs his solo show, combining all the elements of circus, including fire juggling, an 8 foot unicycle and ladder balancing.

 

Portrush Summer Theatre

Date: 15 Aug – 18 Aug

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Portrush Town Hall, Portrush

Contact: 028 7082 9539

Performance by The Bart Players.  “Fool’s Paradise” by Peter Coke.  Seat prices: Adult £8/OAP £7/Children £5.  Special rates for organised parties.

 

Country & Comedy show featuring Curtis Magee

Date: 16 Aug

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Lodge Hotel, Coleraine BT52 1NF

Contact: T: 028 7034 4848 E: info@thelodgehotel.com

Singer Curtis Magee and Comedian Gary Wilson present a night of Country & Comedy at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. Other artists featuring in the evening’s line-up are: Hugo Duncan, Owen Mac, Boxcar Brian, Gerry Kane and Gerard Dornan. Tickets cost £10.

 

Summer Street Theatre with the Raven Sisters

Date: 17 Aug

Time: 1.30pm The Amphitheatre, Portrush and 4.00pm The Crescent, Portstewart

Venue: The Amphitheatre, Portrush and The Crescent, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7034 7234 eventscoleraine@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

The Raven Sisters bring their high energy show to Portrush and Portstewart. Evocative of a bygone era, of sideshow circus and the silver screen, brought sharply into the 21st century by these dextrous damsels and their fancy footwork. It’s a high energy, non-stop cabaret of chaos, including hat manipulation, contemporary clowning and hula hooping. Fun for all the family.

 

Family Film Friday: The Red Turtle

Date: 17 Aug

Time: 2.00pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

Contact: T: 028 7776 0650 E: information@rvacc.co.uk

Japan’s celebrated Studio Ghibli present this visual masterpiece in which a shipwrecked mariner battles all alone for his life at sea on a raft, encountering many of the ocean’s mysterious and wonderful creatures, but especially a large red turtle.  Cert PG / 2016 / Duration 81 mins.

 

North West 200 People and Places Exhibition

Date: 4 May – 1 Sept

Time: Mon – Thurs & Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm / Fri 9.00am – 4.30pm

Venue: Ballymoney Museum, Town Hall, Townhead Street, Ballymoney

Contact: 028 2766 0230 cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Motorcycle Road Racing exhibition featuring people and places from the Chronicle and Constitution Archive (1987-1997), the emergency services, display of bikes, leathers and NW200 memorabilia. Admission free.

 

North by North

Date: 14 May – 1 Sept

Time:

Venue: Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine

Contact: 028 7012 3123 www.riversidetheatre.org

North by North is an exhibition of new work by artist Jonathan Brennan. Working in pen and ink, print, photography and digital, Brennan has been travelling around the Causeway Coast & Glens area over a series of months making images of things that inspire him.

 

Irish History Starts Here

Date: 28 July – 15 September

Time:  Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

Venue: Coleraine Museum, Coleraine Town Hall

Contact: 028 7034 4723

From the earliest known settlement at Mountsandel almost 10,000 years ago, a fascinating Bronze Age village, and a Medieval Abbey kitchen, to the official Plantation, this exhibition reveals the history of the Coleraine area.

 

Headlands Islands and Skerries

Date: 28 July – 25 Aug

Time: Wed – Sat 12 noon – 5.30pm

Venue: Castlecat Gallery, 76 Castlecat Road, Bushmills

Contact: 028 7074 1682

 

Adrian Margey Summer Studio Open Weekends

Date: Every Friday – Sunday from 3rd August – 2nd September

Time: 11am – 5.30 (Fri – Sat), Sunday 12noon – 5.30pm

Venue: Adrian Margey Gallery, 99 Mark Street, Portrush

Contact: 07841 593 762 adrianmargey@googlemail.com

Pop-up artist studio and gallery space featuring the work of Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson open to the public during weekends in Summer.

 

As the Crow Flies

Date: 4 Aug – 31 August

Time: Daily 9.30 – 5pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

Contact:  info@rvacc.co.uk

Exhibition by Eleanor Wheeler who studied ceramics and sculpture in Aberdeen and Cardiff, completing her PhD in architectural ceramics and public art at Northumbria University. Free admission.

 

Intersection – Sharon Adams

Date: 4 Aug – 31 Aug

Time: 9.am-5.00pm Mon-Fri  & Sat 10.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts  Centre, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 1400 info@flowerfield.org

Sharon Adams’ first solo show explores places where diverse elements of life collide.  With a practice deeply rooted in the landscape of her agricultural childhood, she uses wood metal and textiles to create functionless tools.  Admission free.

 

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