From today, Friday 21^st September, everyone will have the opportunity to step into and explore the magnificent world of Montalto Estate as, for the first time in its history, visitors will have access to never-before seen gardens and trails located around the historic estate.

Nestled in the picturesque Co. Down countryside, Montalto is a privately-owned demesne steeped in history dating back to the 1600s. It is famously the site of ‘The Battle of Ballynahinch,’ which took place during the Irish rebellion in 1798. It is also home to an exotic plant collection initially created by ‘The father of Irish Gardening’, Sir Arthur Rawdon.

Montalto Estate aims to reconnect visitors with nature through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. The visitor experience will include; public access to the estate’s beautiful gardens with elements including many varieties of flora and fauna along with unique and surprising garden features; historic walks and trails and an exciting play area where children can explore, learn and wonder at their natural surroundings. A purpose built centre, designed in keeping with the look and feel of the estate, includes a welcome area featuring interpretation of the estate’s history; a stylish 120 seat café offering flavoursome and beautifully presented food and a shop that offers a mix of estate produce, local craft products and many other unique and exceptionally designed items.

The beautiful gardens include an Alpine Garden, a Winter Garden, a Cutting Garden, a Walled Garden, a Formal Garden and the Orchard situated within a wildflower meadow. The Winter Garden and Alpine Garden will always be accessible whilst the other gardens will be accessible whenever possible. Four champion trees are located around the lake and the pinetum and over the past three years over 30,000 trees have been planted on the estate.

Active families will enjoy the Woodland Trail and low wood. The impressive purpose built tree house, which was handcrafted onsite, features rope bridges, monkey bars and treetop views kids of all ages will enjoy.  Mini explorers can enjoy the smaller tree house and natural play area.  Everything within this area has been designed to fuel the imagination through exploration and discovery.

For tranquil and picturesque walks you can enjoy the stunning views of The Lake Walk and The Garden Walk. Catch a glimpse of some of the wonderful wildlife that calls Montalto Estate their home or simply take in the beautiful seasonal displays and reconnect with nature.

As part of the visitor experience guests will discover the history and heritage of the estate through the informative interpretation in the welcome area, browse the stylish retail space or have a bite to eat in The Café at Montalto which has been lovingly designed to capture the essence of the estate as well as offering great tasting food.

Ahead of the opening David Wilson, MD for Montalto Estate, said:

“The opening of the estate to visitors marks a very special moment in our history. For the first time we are inviting people to step inside, explore our walks and trails and discover for themselves the magnificence of this beautiful site.  Our dedicated team has worked hard to create a very special visitor experience and are looking forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy their time with us.  We hope Montalto Estate will become the perfect complement to the Northern Ireland tourism portfolio and we look forward to sharing details of further developments at the estate in the future.”

David Wilson, added:

“By opening our estate to visitors, we are ensuring that we help to secure the preservation of Montalto’s long and fascinating history for future generations to enjoy. We hope visitors will get as much enjoyment from Montalto as our family has over the years. When visitors step inside and explore Montalto we hope that they will want to keep coming back.”

Montalto Estate opens Friday 21^st September at 10am. Opening hours are Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm.  Access to site including car park, welcome area, café and shop is free.  Gardens, Trails and Walks will be ticketed with prices starting from £7.50 (adults) and Children (age 5 – 16) £5.00 with discounted rates when you book in advance online. Children under 5 are free. Visit www.montaltoestate.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #exploremontalto.

THE annual Regatta for Lough Erne Cots is set to take place on Saturday 22^nd and Sunday 23^rd September as part of Festival Lough Erne in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.

This unique water sport is in its third year and is set to attract more visitors than ever due to its fascinating historical background. In the past, the traditional Lough Erne cot was one of the most popular modes of transport for goods around Upper and Lower Lough Erne and some variations are still used today by farmers moving livestock between the islands of Lough Erne.

Fred Ternan, Chairman of Lough Erne Heritage commented: “This is an extra special year for the Lough Erne Regatta because it is the first time in the history of boat racing on the lough that a regatta is being held to find the champion from amongst the many towns and villages taking part.

“Lough Erne Cots form part of Fermanagh’s rich heritage and historical customs as they were used as a mode of transport by people living on the islands and as ferries on Upper Lough Erne until bridges were built in the 1930’s. Much of the materials for some of the county’s most notable buildings such as the Enniskillen Castle were brought in by Lough Erne Cot,” added Fred.

The cot races form part of the Festival Lough Erne which is taking place at Enniskillen Castle on 22 and 23^rd September. The festival is perfect for foodies as it celebrates the very best of local produce as well as all the exciting things to see and do around Lough Erne and further afield around the county.

Not to be missed events include cookery demonstrations by well-known local chefs such as Glen Wheeler, chef and owner of Fermanagh’s newest restaurant 28 Darling Street, Marty McAdam, new Head Chef at Enniskillen Hotel and Stephen Holland, Executive Sous Chef at Lough Erne Resort among others.

 

Local artisan food and drink producers will be showcasing a range of products and live entertainment will go on throughout the weekend ensuring there is something for everyone.

Tanya Cathcart, Marketing Manager at Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism said:

“The Festival Lough Erne is one of the calendar highlights in Fermanagh and attracts more and more people each year. Last year 1,500 people attended the event and we’re expecting this year to be even bigger and better.

“We will be hosting lots of interesting and exciting events including the much-loved Regatta for Lough Erne Cots so why not treat yourself to a fun day out or even a weekend away to enjoy this really unique spectacle.”

Entry to the festival is only £2 per person and under 12’s go free.

For more information go to www.festivallougherne.com

Northern Ireland’s favourite potato-themed festival is back, bigger and better than ever, on Saturday 13^th October 2018.  And the popular event is set for a boost thanks to a new partnership with headline sponsor Randox, and a festival cookery theatre compered by NI Food Ambassador Paula McIntyre MBE.

Set against the backdrop of the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is a heady mix of family fun, a celebration of world-renowned potato breeder John Clarke, and a chance to sample the delights of the agri-food industry which thrives in the Causeway Coast & Glens. Festival fun starts at 10am and runs until 5pm in the grounds of the Causeway Hotel.

Now in its 6th year, the line-up for Festival Day boasts a packed programme of activities and attractions for all ages, and there is no admission fee.

Festival Committee Chairman Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes Ltd, said;

“This year the committee has worked effortlessly to bring a bigger and better potato festival to the North Antrim coast on the site of the Giant’s Causeway.  We have more fun-filled events planned with loads of arts and crafts on site and fantastic local chefs doing cookery demos.  Along with a free open day to the Causeway Centre, it will be a great family day out.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the National Trust for their continued support. Every year the National Trust is a key partner and sponsor for the Potato Festival, not only opening up the Giant’s Causeway site and providing the perfect location but giving their staff to co-ordinate the activities on the day. They also coincide the festival with their free Community Open Day – welcoming everyone to enjoy their Visitor Experience and award-winning guided tours for free and providing a great opportunity to showcase Northern Ireland’s heritage to local and international visitors while celebrating the legacy of John Clarke.”

This year also sees the first appearance of the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, with a popular collection of award-winning local artisan food and drink, and hand-made colourful art and crafts.

The Food NI Roadshow is back with its festival cookery theatre, compered by NI Food Ambassador and newly-honoured local chef Paula McIntyre MBE, and featuring a selection of talented homegrown chefs and producers.

Q Radio Bus and the PSNI tractor are making their debuts in the event’s exhibitor area, with a new ‘Kidzone’ featuring bouncy castles, potato-inspired activity workshops, ‘The Mighty Spud’, balloon-modelling, face-painting and a petting farm.

And for potato enthusiasts there will be a series of specialist talks on a range of topics including John Clarke and breeding your own potato varieties, as well as an exhibition of all John’s varieties.

Cutting Edge Helicopters will be back in the air again offering spectacular helicopter sightseeing flights (fee applies), and on the eve of Festival Day (Friday 12^th October) a ‘Super Spud Tour’ will be held along the beautiful Causeway Coastal Route, celebrating the area’s unique potato breeding and growing heritage.

This ticketed tour, offered by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, will include a potato producer tour, themed lunch and an opportunity to enjoy a delicious cocktail featuring Ireland’s first potato-distilled vodka.

Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr. Peter FitzGerald, said;

“This sponsorship means a great deal to Randox and we are delighted to work, for the first time, alongside the dedicated and enthusiastic committee behind this fantastic event. The local community has played a significant role in the successes of Randox over the past number of years and we believe it is important to give the same support and encouragement back wherever we can.

“The Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival is well-known in the area and attracts an impressive number of visitors, from both near and far. Like the Randox Northern Ireland Potato Festival, we at Randox are dedicated to supporting local quality produce, evidenced in our production of meats, jams, chutneys and apple juice straight from Dundarave Estate in Bushmills and CherryValley Estate in Antrim. The food and hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is among the best in the world and we are pleased to help showcase award-winning local producers on a national platform.”

As well as Randox as the main sponsor, the festival has benefited from financial help from The National Trust, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, NI Regional Food Programme (DAERA), Jamison Potatoes, McCurdy Potatoes, Wilsons Country, Manor Fresh, Active Packaging, First Trust Bank and Food NI.

Have you already been consumed by the return of BBC Strictly Come Dancing? Well if you have the glitter ball trophy in your sights dust off your own dancing shoes and Dance for a Difference this autumn.

Self Help Africa and British Red Cross is searching for 32 fledgling fox-trotters, budding ballerinas and up-and-coming congo stars for an entertaining competitive dance off in front of a live audience hosted by broadcaster Claire McCollum in The Whitla Hall, Belfast, on Saturday 1 December. Dancers will be trained by professional choreographers for nine weeks leading up to the event, to be fully prepared to stake your claim on the glitter ball trophy.

Dance for a Difference aims to raise vital funds for people both at home and abroad through the British Red Cross and Self Help Africa.

Frankie McClure of Self Help Africa said: “If you like to dance or have always dreamed of being professionally trained now’s your chance to take part in a fun event for a great cause. We’re not looking for our dancers to already be Strictly standard, if you’re a beginner you are more than welcome to join in. You’ll learn from professional choreographers, with all the glitz and glamour you would expect, and you’ll dazzle the audience with your moves at our Dance for a Difference extravaganza! We are dedicated to ending hunger and poverty in rural Africa and this event gives us an opportunity to raise vital funds for Self Help Africa’s life changing work across sub-Saharan Africa. Funds raised will to help rural farmers and their families grow and sell more food, improve diets, diversity and grow incomes.”

Charlotte King of British Red Cross said: “We’re so excited to launch our search for this year’s Dance for a Difference stars! You might not know your Pasodoble from your Rumba, but if you’ve always dreamed of taking the dance floor by storm and learning to dance just like the TV stars now’s your chance to make that dream come true.

“You’ll train once per week at Queen’s PEC in Belfast, starting on October 2^nd with Ballroom Blitz NI’s professional dance trainers helping each and every one of us on our way. And all the money you raise will be used to fund local Red Cross work including support to people after house fires, floods and other emergencies, independent living services, which assist vulnerable people on their return home from hospital and prevent unnecessary hospital admissions, community first aid training and support for refugees and asylum seekers.

“Across the UK, the Red Cross responds to an emergency every four hours. Red Cross volunteers provide practical and emotional support for local people facing these situations every week. The charity also works in many local schools to help young people develop the skills and confidence to take humanitarian action.

“If you’re interested please don’t be shy and get in touch with either myself or Frankie – it’ll be nice to see you … to see you, nice!”

To register for a chance to win Dance for a Difference contact: Frankie McClure on 028 9023 2064 or email frankie.mcclure@selfhelpafrica.org or Charlotte King on 028 9073 5367 or cking@redcross.org.

This Sunday, 23^rd September, the Falls Park will be host to hundreds as they take on the Run for Anto 5k Colour Run.

Open to all ages and abilities, the race will raise much-needed funds for deterMND, the charity set up by former Antrim GAA football captain Anto Finnegan following his motor neurone disease diagnosis in 2012.

Motor neurone disease (known as ALS in the U.S.) is a rare neurodegenerative condition, brought to the world stage most recently by the 2015 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and passing of Professor Stephen Hawking in early 2018. The illness attacks the nerves that communicate movement signals to muscles, leading to muscle wasting and immobilisation. Those with MND lose the ability to walk, talk, speak and eventually breathe. There is currently no cure.

Sean Kelly, Antrim GAA PRO said, “We are really looking forward to what is set to be a great event that has already raised an impressive amount of money for deterMND. It’s about coming together in support for Anto and his family, but there are of course great prizes of free GymCo membership to be won for the more competitive of participants.”

Following his MND diagnosis, Anto and his wife Allison have been raising awareness of the life-limiting illness and fundraising for patient care and research. Since 2013, deterMND has raised in excess of £140,000 with donations made to Project MinE, an international research project which focuses on the sequencing of DNA in order to identify and ultimately treat faulty genes associated with MND.

Those running are invited to continue the day post-race at a Family Fun Day hosted by The Devenish Complex. There will be a bouncy-castle, face-painting and a petting-zoo to entertain the whole family.

“The whole GAA community in Antrim and beyond are behind Anto and his family, as are the local community here in Belfast. We would encourage anyone to take part and enjoy a really fun family day out for a brilliant cause. Registration is still open online, but on-the-day participants are also very welcome”, Sean added.

“We’d like to thank all our sponsors for helping us deliver the event, including, The Devenish, O’Neills, The Kennedy Centre, Gym Co. and our partners at Upper Springfield Development Trust. We look forward to seeing everyone out to support Anto at Falls Park.”

To register for the event, visit ticketsource.co.uk/runforanto. Registration is £10 per adult, £5 for those under 12. Registration is also available in store at O’Neills in the Kennedy Centre and The Devenish complex. All money raised will go directly to deterMND.

Hi-Lo Productions present Shackleton’s Carpenter at The Old Courthouse Theatre, Antrim on Wednesday 31 October at 7.30pm.

Malcolm Rennie plays Harry McNish in Shackleton’s Carpenter, Gail Louw’s play about a forgotten Scottish hero, who was instrumental in ensuring the eventual survival of all the crew of The Endurance.

Shackleton’s voyage to the Antarctic with 26 crew and scientists in 1914 continues to capture the public imagination for the sufferings of the men, the photography of the Antarctic and its inspiring outcome of human determination and rescue.  Despite his extraordinary contribution to the heroic rescue, McNish did not receive the polar medal. In Shackleton’s Carpenter Gail Louw asks why the shipwright was ignored.

The play opens in 1930 with the carpenter destitute, sleeping in an open boat on the wharf in New Zealand. Cold and hungry, McNish wakes in the middle of night, recalling life on the Endeavour and the ice floes, Elephant Island and South Georgia. He remembers what it was really like to sail the famous James Caird lifeboat and the horrors of the 800-mile journey, sleeping like sardines in a coffin, in the worst seas known to man.

Malcolm Rennie returns to the stage to play McNish after four seasons as Fraser the family butler in ITV’s popular TV drama Mr Selfridge.

Malcolm said: “McNish was a working class man from Port Glasgow who called a spade a spade. He challenged Shackleton’s decision making and maybe this is why he has never had the recognition he deserved.”

Join us for a bold tale of courage, conflict, class and cold. Tickets from Box Office

T: 028 9442 8331 or theoldcourthousetheatre.com

NEW MATERIAL, NEW METHODS and a whole NEW MENU from the comedian who brought you ‘George Egg: Anarchist Cook’

 

“brilliantly funny” 

                The Observer (Jay Rayner)

 

George Egg is a stand-up comedian who cooks food, outstandingly good food, live on stage using unconventional methods and unexpected equipment. He makes you laugh too.

 

In GEORGE EGG: DIY CHEF a health scare sees George banished from the family kitchen, but relocated to the garden shed his imagination and resourcefulness lead him to build an improvised kitchen there instead. During an inspiring and inventive hour of stand-up, live cooking and comedy lecture George prepares a breakfast, a lunch and a dinner using, amongst other things, a wallpaper stripper, a heat gun, a paper shredder and a whole host of other power tools, office equipment, hair-dressing appliances and gardening implements. And the audience gets to eat the food at the end.

 

“the wonderfully talented George Egg is genuinely unique” 

The Independent

 

George Egg: DIY Chef was a Total Sell Out at the 2018 AND 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it enjoyed a glut of 5 and 4 star rave reviews. He is presently touring it all over the country including Brighton Fringe, Glasgow Comedy Festival, Galway Comedy Festival, Leicester Comedy Festival and a run at the Soho Theatre, London.

 

George’s last show, and Edinburgh debut in 2015 (George Egg: Anarchist Cook) was also a total sell out. It won him the Spirit Of The Fringe Award and he toured the show extensively on a 60 plus date tour throughout the UK as well as abroad at festivals in New Zealand, Estonia, Norway and Holland. Sell out runs at the Soho Theatre and numerous festivals, arts centres and theatres lead to appearances cooking on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Loose Ends’ and Radio 4 Extra’s ‘The Comedy Club’.

 

“trust us, you won’t believe how good the food is”

                The Scotsman

 

CONTACT INFO:                                                                                   SHOW INFO:

George Egg                                                                                            Venue: MAC Belfast

07977 413811                                                                                     Dates: Sat 22 & Sun 23 Sept

email: post@georgeegg.com                                              Time: 20:00

web: www.anarchistcook.info                                            Tickets: from £12.50

twitter: @georgeegg

Having just completed a small run of intimate, sold-out shows last week, Hozier has announced his forthcoming tour of Ireland.

 

15 December – The Olympia Theatre, Dublin

16 December – The Olympia Theatre, Dublin

17 December – The Olympia Theatre, Dublin

19 December – The Ulster Hall, Belfast

20 December – The INEC, Killarney

 

Tickets for all shows will go on sale this Friday 21 September at 9am via Ticketmaster.

 

Tickets limited to 4 per person.

 

The tour will also see Hozier and his band perform at venues across the UK and Europe – his biggest shows in over four years – and his first tour since releasing his celebrated new EP ‘Nina Cried Power’. Full tour schedule below:

 

Sunday 11th November – Coliseum, Lisbon, Portugal

Monday 12th November – La Riviera, Madrid, Spain

Wednesday 14th November – Salle Pleyel, Paris, France

Thursday 15th November – Cirque Royale, Brussels, Belgium

Sunday 18th November – Alcatraz, Milan, Italy

Monday 19th November – X-Tra, Zurich, Switzerland

Wednesday 21st November – Gasometer, Vienna, Austria

Friday 23rd November – Verti Music Hall, Berlin, Germany

Sunday 25th November – Sentrum Scene, Oslo, Norway

Monday 26th November – Annexet, Stockholm, Sweden

Wednesday 28th November – Vega, Copenhagen, Denmark

Friday 30th November – Mehr! Theatre, Hamburg, Germany

Monday 3rd December – Palladium, Cologne, Germany

Tuesday 4th December – TivoliVredenberg Ronda, Utrecht, Netherlands

Thursday 6th December – O2 Apollo, Manchester, UK

Friday 7th December – O2 Academy, Glasgow, UK

Sunday 9th December – O2 Academy, Birmingham, UK

Tuesday 11th December – Eventim Apollo, London, UK

Acclaim for Hozier’s recent shows and newly-released music has been widespread. The Guardian dubbed the single ‘Nina Cried Power’ as “startling”, with The Evening Standard commenting in their 5* live review that “Hozier’s watertight backing band wreathed the choruses in four-part harmonies, elevating his new songs into the realms of the celestial”.

Hozier’s 4 track EP ‘Nina Cried Power’ is out now via Island Records, and features legendary soul/gospel singer Mavis Staples, with iconic musician Booker T Jones on organ.

Listen to the EP and connect with Hozier here: https://hozier.lnk.to/FollowPR

https://hozier.com/

Tickets for the Ulster Hall are available:

In person at the Ulster Hall box office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk / www.ulsterhall.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie