Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is set to make a splash when it returns to Ballycastle and Rathlin Island later this month.

Until June 2nd get closer to the maritime heritage of this very special part of the Causeway Coast and Glens through an exciting and engaging programme of events.

The celebration is packed full of seafaring, food experiences, artisan produce, live music and lots more on water and dry land while a mesmerising range of sailing vessels will bring the story of sea travel to life. For a must-see sight, watch as a flotilla makes its way across Rathlin Sound on Friday 31st May. A Viking longboat, drontheims and currachs, including the magnificent Colmcille and Menapian which at almost 40ft long are two of the largest of their kind in Northern Ireland, all feature in this magnificent fleet.

Looking ahead to the festivities, a spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is a very special event, set in one of the Borough’s most scenic locations. We have worked closely with our community partners to deliver an exciting showcase of maritime connections which have brought Ballycastle and Rathlin Island together through generations. The Festival brings this to life through food, music, dance, arts, crafts, boat trips and watersports and there will be plenty of opportunities to immerse yourself in the very best of what the area has to offer.”

For foodies, the Ulster Chowder Championship is a must see in the Cookery Theatre on Bank Holiday Monday (May 27th). This is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate our sea food and skilled chefs. With a chance to compete in the world famous Kinsale competition next year it’s all to cook for in the seafront marquee!

New this year, The School of Irish Archaeology brings ‘The Big Dig’ to the festival.  This fun hands-on workshop is educational, engaging and interactive offering the experience of a real life dig for Viking treasures and artefacts. Guided by a team of professionals, this dig gives children the opportunity to experience what it is like to be an archaeologist whilst learning about the lifestyles of their Viking ancestors.

On Rathlin Island, take an evening tour of the West Light Seabird Centre with the RSPB and watch as the red beam shines out across the sea over one of the biggest seabird breeding colonies in Europe. Visit an art installation in the unique surroundings of a cliff-edge Coastguard hut or meet the crew of the Mamoch Mor Currach and learn more about this inspiring community-built traditional boat for a taste of contemporary maritime culture.

For all of this and much more make sure that you experience Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival for yourself between Friday 24th May and Sunday 2nd June. As the programme is subject to change due to tides and weather conditions please follow the festival’s social media channels on Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) and Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) for the latest updates. To view the full programme of events go to www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com.

New Four Day Boating,  Music, dance family Festival in Portaferry on the shores of Strangford Lough Co. Down

Portaferry is preparing for a four-day Sailing and Music and family fun festival which will be the biggest maritime event to come to Ards Peninsula  since the very popular ‘Galway Hooker Festival’ of many years ago.  The event is being hosted by Portaferry Sailing Club and will centre around their Club House on the Shore Front.  Events will spread out from the Club to all parts of the town ensuring plenty of family fun for everyone. 

The Club is running the festival we are expecting boats from all over the lough and North Down, Scotland, England, Wales, Isle of Man & ROI and farther afield.   The boats will gather on Thursday and Friday for registration , race on Saturday the 22nd in Strangford Lough and have a final Parade of Sail on Sunday the 23rd. 

The festival highlight is a unique opportunity for the public to engage on the water and to cruise the lough on the beautiful boat “Soteria” and for game of thrones fans an opportunity sail past the famous original filming ground of “Winterfell” not forgetting 2 game of thrones doors one in Strangford and one in Portaferry other tours include guided walking tours both available to book  via www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown  also Skiff Racing, taster sessions and our the very special Water Olympics with a twist, and if you fancy kayaking now’s your chance for taster session with Mobile team adventure (go to website to book) for registration and other bookings events see programme via sails and sounds on facebook/website… don’t miss out!

To compliment the Sailing, there will be local food outlets promoting local produce food tasting and cooking demonstrations and even a chance to go foraging cook food from the water’s edge  The visiting public will be entertained by traditional dancing from both our Irish and Scottish heritages and giving displays and competing at several open-air venues. Portaferry’s Bars and restaurants are also gearing up for the Festival with live music and special food menus to keep locals and visitors replenished.

The Festival committee will be providing crafts for kids, kite making, treasure trail even chance to find some Portaferry Rocks, art competitions, street entertainment, inflatables, face painters,  and much, much, more.   In addition, there will storytelling, dress -up and crafts at the Portaferry Library free open days at RNLI, QUB and MINESTO will be demonstrating their Deep Green energy project on Strangford lough our local   , PAST Maritime Museum will be doing an Exhibition of 1000 years of ferry service which will compliment to new project around the town “FERRY DOORS” and photo opportunities in the ‘Pirate Photo Booth’ and met our very own Captain Jack Sparrow.  There will be information stands by the local groups and emergency services and opportunity to meet the big lottery community winners Ards Peninsula 1^st Responders.

Theatre entertainment @ Portico’s “Anthony Toner” celebration of his new album “Our Lady of the Wind and Rain”  we have music from Scotland’s Box O Banana’s and Irelands Hair o the Dog Irish traditional band and “Many of the owners and crew members of the boats are musicians themselves, so this is a double whammy for them”  For all gin, vodka and whiskey lovers we have an afternoon “Tastes of the Peninsula”  all products from our local distillery Echlinville tickets £20 available Portaferry Sailing Club.

Look out for details of all events, locations and times to be published and distributed all over the province in the near future.  The festival program can be found on our exclusive website www.portaferrysails&sounds.co.uk or follow us on facebook, www.facebook.com/Portaferrysailsandsounds  for updates and festival information. Trips aboard the Schooner ‘Soteria’ on Strangford Lough, Kayaking or walking tours

Special thanks goes to the Ards and North Down Borough Council & Dept for Communities for their supporting the festival   This promises to be one of the highlights of the summer and will involve many volunteers and local business owners who will go out of their way to extend a welcome to all visitors whether they come by land or by sea.

The ForM Sculpture Exhibition opens this Saturday 1 June in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. For the whole month of June, the garden will be transformed into an alfresco art gallery when it showcases 42 beautiful sculptures.

The event is a wonderful opportunity to view these specially created pieces of art all inspired by the garden, whilst enjoying the tranquil surroundings that this beautiful space has to offer. 

This juxtaposition of art and nature offers a unique experience and the whole family will enjoy seeking out sculptures located in the garden’s walkways, plants and flowerbeds. Some of the works are striking and of large scale whilst other smaller works will need to be sought out of the greenery. Pick up a map at the gate and see what you can find!

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said, ‘This eclectic mix of sculptures, which come in all shapes and sizes, provide a unique garden experience with an added dimension. This is the largest ForM exhibition we have had since its inception in June 2012 and we are pleased that its reputation has grown throughout Ireland and the participating artists have reflected that’.

ForM will remain open until 30 June and is free to visit.  Some of the sculptures are available to buy.  Visitors can pick up a map and catalogue on arrival and are also invited to vote for their favourite sculpture in the ForM Competition.

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

To celebrate the exhibition, a series of FREE art workshops facilitated by local artists will run in the garden during the month of June. For more information and to book a space, go to:

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 7.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 5.30pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.

The Phoenix of Dell Quay tall ship is preparing to set sail for the two-day Sea Bangor maritime festival which takes place this Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June!

The majestic vessel will dock at Bangor’s seafront for the first time since 2017, giving visitors to the seaside town an opportunity to climb on board during both days of the popular festival.

Usually docked at Charlestown in Cornwall, the Phoenix was originally built in Denmark back in 1929 and started her life as an evangelical Mission Schooner. She has enjoyed a varied life and even featured in the Ridley Scott ‘1492 Conquest of Paradise’ movie.

The tall ship joins a jam-packed maritime themed programme during the course of the weekend that includes entertainment and activities for all the family.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council with support from Bangor Chamber of Commerce, South Eastern Regional College (SERC), Bangor Marina and Translink, thousands of visitors from the Borough and beyond will visit Bangor to see a host of water and aerial displays.

In the Sky

The AeroSuperBatics Wingwalking team of high flyers are among the main attractions. They will swoop over the lough in their modified Breitling Stearman biplanes at 4.30pm on the Saturday and 3pm on the Sunday, performing incredible feats in the sky in what will be a spectacular aerial display above Bangor.

Get Your Feet Wet

And if you fancy getting your feet wet, you can take part in one of the Royal Yachting Association’s sailing experiences on the Saturday or try kayaking on the Sunday. There will be boat tours on offer too, allowing you to explore Bangor’s coastline from the sea.

On the Ground

A bit closer to earth, you can watch Daniel Doyle create stunning sculptures made out of sand near the entrance to the Long Hole while the Eisenhower Pier will host the popular Rowing Challenge which features local community teams competing for the Sea Bangor Cup. Watch them battle it out for the prestigious trophy!

Those keen to keep their feet firmly on dry land can visitthe Army Reserve Village in the Marina car park or head to the Tented Village in Quay Street car park. The Tiddler’s Tent Silent Disco is open for all the family while the ‘Under the Sea’ creative experience marquee will inspire and engage.

If you fancy a gentle ride, you can check out the funfair rides or jump on the Panoramic Wheel and get a bird’s eye view of the marina. You might even be able to spot Detritus of the Deep from above. Having exited the depths of the ocean, he’ll be roaming around the crowds on his stilts in an attempt to find out why his sea home is being destroyed by pollution.

Food, Glorious Food!

All that activity will get those tummies rumbling and the Sea Bangor Café will serve a variety of food with a focus on local business and local produce. Plus, there will be cookery demonstrations and competitions hosted by SERC, including ‘Bangor’s Best Balti’ (pre-registration essential at visitardsandnorthdown.com), helping to find the master chefs in our midst.

The food stalls, street theatre and live music from different local bands in the Open House Shanty Shack will all add to the bustling atmosphere so make sure you come to Sea Bangor this weekend!

Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival will have an even bigger ‘foodie focus’ when it returns to the village from June 7th – June 9th.

Celebrity chef Ian Orr, from the multi award winning Browns Bonds Hill Group, will be the special guest in the festival Cookery Theatre on Saturday 8th June from 12pm. Located in Main Street car park, visitors can enjoy a unique opportunity to get up close as Ian demonstrates his culinary prowess with delicious recipes using the best of local produce. As a previous guest on the popular Saturday Kitchen food show and regarded as one of Ireland’s top talents, event organisers are delighted to have his support this year.

On Sunday, it’s the turn of some of the region’s best local chefs to showcase the foodie repertoire of the Causeway Coast and Glens with appearances by Trudy Brolly (Ocho Tapas, Portrush), Pol Shields (Marine Hotel, Ballycastle) and Kevin Farren (Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae). Compered by local food tour guide Wendy Gallagher, the live audience will benefit from her specialised knowledge and passion for local produce.

Over the weekend make sure to visit Bushmills Distillery, the oldest of its kind in Ireland and a unique attraction where you can sample the famous whiskey while learning more about the story of whiskey distilling in the village which stretches back for centuries

To celebrate the International Year of the Salmon, the Salmon Fisheries will be open throughout the weekend (Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12pm-4pm) offering free talks and tours showcasing ‘The Cycle of Wild Atlantic Salmon’ and the history of the station. Fly tying and casting demonstrations, fish tanks, visitor stands and information on outreach and funding for angling events will also be available.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “The Salmon and Whiskey Festival celebrates the village’s famous local produce and our growing reputation for world renowned hospitality. With free live music and artisan market stalls featuring an exciting mix of our food, arts and crafts produce there is so much to enjoy and Bushmills looks forward to welcoming you all.”

Throughout the weekend, take part in the self-guided Bushmills Taste Trail highlighting unique specialties from a range of local cafes and award winning restaurants. Maps can be picked up from participating businesses allowing you to plot your own course through the village from The Old Bushmills Distillery to The Bushmills Inn with many tasty stops along the way. Guided Food Tours are also available and can be booked at www.irishfeast.com.

For those with an interest in history, a free ‘Taste of Bushmills Heritage’ guided walk, led by Art Ward of Bushmills Walking Tours, will let you experience the conservation village’s unique history, heritage and culture. Please note, places are limited and tours are weather dependent.  For further information and to book your place please ring Bushmills Visitor Information Centre 028 2073 0390.

For the children, Millennium Park will host various free fun activities and entertainment throughout the weekend. A ‘quiet time’ Jumping Clay session will be available for young people with additional needs on Saturday from 10.30am-11.30am.

The Festival’s main attractions over the weekend will follow the hotly anticipated Bushmills Banquet which takes place on Friday evening. Building on its inaugural success last year, the Banquet is already a sell out. If you are lucky enough to have a ticket, the collaborative gourmet event will celebrate Bushmills Irish Whiskey and serve up festival themed dishes from local restaurants and artisan food producers.

To find out more about Bushmills Salmon and Whiskey Festival go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or ring Bushmills Visitor Information Centre on 028 2073 0390.

To keep up to date with the latest announcements follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.