Month: August 2019

Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2019 – Programme Launched!

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Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to launch Aspects Irish Literature Festival’s 2019 programme. This year’s Festival will run with children’s events on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 September, then the main Aspects programme will commence on Thursday 26 September with the wonderful Michael Longley at Bangor Castle as he celebrates his 80th year.

Pictured at the launch of the Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2019 programme; The Mayor of Ards and North Down Alderman Bill Keery; Pamela Macrory, Manager of Bangor Library; Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director; poet Ross Thompson and artist Helen Hanse. This year’s festival will run from 20 September – 6 October in Bangor. View the full programme and purchase tickets at: www.aspectsfestival.com

As Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival, now in its 28th year, Aspects is renowned for bringing stars of the literary world to Bangor and is much-loved and highly regarded by authors and readers alike.

This year’s programme features over 40 events celebrating historical writing, poetry, crime fiction, writing workshops, children’s events, politics, memoir, journalism, scriptwriting, short stories and exhibitions. Back by popular demand are some old friends of Aspects; Fergal Keane, Polly Devlin and Malachi O’Doherty. The line-up also showcases local talent with Moyra Donaldson, Ian Sansom, Colin Bateman and Ross Thompson.

The doyenne of Irish cookery, Darina Allen will be launching her new book at Clandeboye on 5 October at a weekend of food-themed events in the beautiful estate courtyard. ‘Food for Thought’ will feature Lightning Talks on research and writing about food and drink from the Clandeboye Reading Party – a partnership project between the Festival, Queens University, Trinity College Dublin and Clandeboye Estate. The weekend programme includes a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party with Lady Dufferin, a talk from florist to royalty Shane Connolly and Women Aloud NI will share its thoughts on food with culinary inspired poetry.

Young readers won’t be disappointed either with a full programme of creative events designed to inspire imaginations. From Sensory Story experiences, Comic Book Creation, Bedtime Stories, Book Inspired yoga and Tablets and Text. The Festival is delighted to welcome award-winning illustrator Barry Falls who will host a special illustration workshop for 7 – 12 year olds in Bangor’s Carnegie Library where he will also be holding his ‘This World Is Magic’ exhibition.

Speaking about the programme The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery said, ““The Aspects Irish Literature Festival is a wonderful event for all the family. It provides everyone with an opportunity to learn and be inspired by some of our borough’s very own literary greats. Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to host the Festival and I hope that everyone enjoys what will be another inspirational programme that might even inspire some authors of the future.”

Also commenting, Aspects Festival Director Patricia Hamilton said: ‘

“Aspects is about a broad range of writing. You don’t have to be the most avid reader to enjoy the programme. With interviews, food events and readings, you can come along, sit back and be entertained or if you want to get involved, there is plenty on offer too. Learn more through one of the workshops or get involved in the Q and A’s where you will see things from a writer’s perspective.’

The Festival takes place from 20 September to 6 October. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com Tickets go on sale, Thursday 8 August at 9am.

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.

·         Game of Thrones®: The Touring Exhibition, Mill Valley Apartment, Belfast from £90 per person sharing

Enjoy an overnight stay in the four-star Mill Valley Apartment located three miles from Belfast City Centre. This self-catering accommodation sleeps up to four persons and provides spectacular views in quiet surroundings. Offer includes an overnight stay and tickets to Game of Thrones®: The Touring Exhibition. Throughout the journey fans can explore several dynamic themed exhibition areas featuring series settings such as The North, King’s Landing, Meereen, Castle Black and the House of Black and White among others, as well as the show stopping centrepiece of the Iron Throne Room. To book call 078 7124 1275. Offer available until 1 September 2019. 

·         Girls Getaway, The Lodge at Roe Park from £59 per person sharing

Get away from it all with your girlfriends for a night of luxury in the four-star Lodge at Roe Park. This self-catering accommodation is set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park, providing the perfect place to unwind. Offer includes sparkling wine and chocolate dipped strawberries on arrival, an Elemis Spa gift bag each, access to a variety of popular ‘chick flick’ DVDs, a three-course dinner in either Greens Restaurant or The Coach House Brasserie plus a fully cooked Irish breakfast the following morning. .To book call 028 7772 2222 – minimum of 5 adults, maximum of 11 adults per booking. Offer available until 31 December 2019.

·         Dinner, Bed and Breakfast Special, Glenavon House Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £80 per person sharing

The three-star Glenavon House Hotel is situated on the outskirts of Cookstown. Overlooking the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds, this luxurious hotel offers a wide range of high standard facilities. The hotel’s central location makes it an ideal base to explore Northern Ireland. Offer includes overnight accommodation, a four-course dinner in the Cellar Restaurant and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 8676 4949. Offer available until 31 December 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 (12-18 August)

1.       ISPS Handa World Invitational , Ballymena, 14-18 August.  The event formally known as the NI Open, the most successful and best attended event on the European Challenge Tour, has been transformed into a new global event for men and women professionals, playing at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.

2.       Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 15-17 August. A unique weekend festival like no other. The multi-award winning Stendhal Festival returns to Ballymully Cottage farm. With a packed programme of music, comedy, poetry, art, a dedicated family programme and much more, Stendhal is a cavalcade of creativity for all.

3.       Summer Cinema at City Hall, Belfast, 17-18 August. Tickets are on a first come first served basis for this outdoor cinema at City Hall. With a line-up of household favourites including Inside Out, Toy Story 3, Jurassic Park and Pitch Perfect, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

4.       Moira Food and Drink Festival, Moira, 15-16 August. Moira Food and Drink festival hosts a number of food related events including dining, food sampling, a comedy night, a pub quiz, masterclasses, a street party and much more. 

5.       Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Bangor, 17 August. A full day of events including family fun at Cockle Row Cottages and a fun fair at the Harbour. Then later in the evening enjoy music from local band 19th Street Band and the official Debbie Harry and Blondie tribute band before the fireworks display.

6.       Causeway Coast Truck Festival, Portstewart, 17-18 August. The festival will see over 600 of the finest show and working trucks from all over Ireland gather in this legendary venue on the North Coast. Trucks are also visiting from Scotland, Wales and England, each of them competing for 25 top prizes, including the main prize of Truck of the Show. The festival will also include a Kids’ Zone, a Food Trade Village and live entertainment on the Anchor Complex live stage.

7.       Larne Flower Show and Summer Market, Larne, 17 August. The Larne Flower Show gives the opportunity to see what’s best in flowers and locally grown fruit and vegetables as well as home baked delights. On offer during the day will be  market stalls from the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, as well as children’s entertainment, including friendly farm animals, live music, face painting, scarecrow-making, nest box building and more.

8.       Walled City 400, Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 – 31 March 2020. March 2019 marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Walls. To celebrate this, a full and vibrant programme has been developed featuring an eclectic range of musical ensembles, dance audio plays, historical and contemporary exhibitions, symposiums, films, living archaeology demonstrations and workshops, visual arts exhibitions and much more.

9.       Ballycopeland Windmill: See the Sails Turning, Newtownards, 18 August.  Ballycopeland Windmill is the only remaining working windmill in East Down. It was built in the late 18th or early 19th century and was worked until the First World War when it fell into disrepair. It was gradually restored between 1950 and 1978 to full working order. Enjoy exterior tours on Sunday 18th August as the sails will be released to turn from 11:00 – 16:00.

10.   Kids Nature Trail, Bangor, 14 August. Learn all about the natural habitat of the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park, Bangor. Tour departs on foot from the North Down Museum.

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

Missing GAME OF THRONES®?

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GAME OF THRONESTM: THE TOURING EXHIBITION Extends its Belfast Stop Until 8th September

Tickets available at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk

Belfast, 8th August 2019 — GAME OF THRONESTM: The Touring Exhibition has been extended in Belfast until 8th September and forits final month in the UK and Ireland it has unveiled its ultimate must-see list for fans.  

For those missing GAME OF THRONES who want to re-experience the world of Westeros and the trials and tribulations for the Iron Throne, GAME OF THRONES: The Touring Exhibition is extending its residency and has unveiled its must-see list, all currently housed at the TEC Belfast.

Judith Owens, Chief Executive of TBL International, commented, “For almost a decade, GAME OF THRONES has taken us on a wild journey full of White Walkers, dragons, and some of the most brilliant battle scenes that have ever been seen on the small screen.  Fans now have only one month to see some of these props, costumes and settings used in the making of the show while the exhibition is still in the UK and Ireland. Designed especially by GES Events in collaboration with HBO® Licensing and Retail, we’ve pulled together a must-see list for fans, including items seen in the final season.”  

The must-see list includes:

  • The skull of Balerion the Dread, as well as the other ancient dragon skulls from the catacombs in Kings Landing – exclusive to the Belfast stop.
  • The sacred crypt of Winterfell as seen in the recent season.
  • The Valyrian steel dagger used to kill the Night King.
  • Vital props such as Melisandre’s signature necklace and Jamie Lannister’s golden hand.
  • The costumes of the Mother of Dragons, Jon Snow, Cersei and Jamie Lannister, Arya and Sansa Stark and the Hound.
  • The home of the Night’s Watch, Castle Black, and the frozen lands beyond the wall
  • The iconic Iron Throne

Fans will be able to snap a photo on the Iron Throne, pose with the sword of their favourite character, appear on the Hall of Faces, climb The Wall, and even fly on a CGI dragon!

Running until 8th September 2019, bend the knee and book tickets before it’s too late at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk.

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

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Down

The Portavogie Seafood Festival takes place  Saturday 10th August, 12 noon – 5pm.  Jean-Christophe Novelli, will be delivering cooking demos in the festival kitchen. Buy, sample and even have cooked on site! – an array of seafood delights from NI’s biggest fish market and artisan food stalls. 

Armagh

History comes to life at  Armagh Friary this Saturday. Join this fun and educational Living History event, suitable for all the family.  Franciscan Friars walk the ancient ruins of this once grand foundation. Try your hand at writing with the quill pen!

Fermanagh

The Shoreline Music Festival takes centre stage at Enniskillen Castle from 9th to 11th August and is a must see for all Music Lovers. 3 nights, 3 different musical genres, international DJs, and live bands.

Tyrone

Make a minion this Saturday at Ranfurly House,  Dungannon. Create your own minion from various materials with tutor Louise Campbell.   Have fun making your very own character to take home!  Tickets are £6. 11am – 12.30pm.

Derry

Fun day out for all the family at Springhill, Moneymore, Sunday 11th August. Get outdoors and closer to nature this summer at Springhill. Enjoy traditional lawn games, Little Ranger fun, face painting, live music, BBQ and lots more!

Antrim

Join RSPB NI warden and islander Liam McFaul to explore the Roonivoolin reserve on the southern arm of Rathlin Island on Saturday.   Booking essential by calling 028 9064 5630. Please book your ferry crossing in advance on 028 2076 9299.

Belfast

Bollywood Baba, led by Bollywood Dancers and special early years facilitators,  is a dazzling dance experience for families to enjoy together in the magical surroundings of the Big Top in C.S. Lewis Square. Part of this year’s Eastside Arts Festival, Sunday 11th August.

For further 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 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.

·         Coastal Experience, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Co. Antrim from £165 per person sharing

The three-star Marine Hotel in Ballycastle provides an unrivalled seafront position in the heart of the Causeway Coast. Offer includes a paddle boarding coastal experience on the Saturday with Alive Surf School which includes a complimentary drink and snack.  Photographs from this activity and a return transfer back to the hotel are also part of this package. On return to the Hotel the offer includes a two-course evening meal in Marconi’s Bar & Bistro overlooking the sea. Rest peacefully with overnight accommodation and awaken to a full Irish breakfast. On Sunday morning  enjoy a walking tour of the famous Giants Causeway with Dalriada Kingdom Tours. To book call 028 2076 2222. Offer available 20-21 September 2019.

·         Summer Hotel Deals, Mountains of Mourne Country Cottages, Co. Down from £235 per stay

The Mountains of Mourne Cottages at Hannas’ Close offer a quiet place to relax and enjoy the sunny summer days. Relax in one of the gardens, by the river or enjoy a stroll on many of the pathways and tracks. With easy access to local mountain walks and fishing trips out of Kilkeel Harbour these cosy cottages are an ideal base in County Down. The Stable Cottage sleeps up to two people and can be booked as part of this four nights for the price of three offer. To book call 028 4176 5999 and quote SHD19. Offer available until 31 August 2019.

·         Friends Who Golf, Lough Erne Resort, Co. Fermanagh from £100 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 Fermanagh’s lakelands. The multi-award winning resort offers everything you need for a high quality break, as well as two golf courses. Offer includes luxury overnight accommodation, a round of golf on the championship Faldo Course with a celebratory drink each on the 19th hole and a fully cooked breakfast. Also included is  a complimentary round of golf on Castle Hume Golf Course or a one-hour Trackman playing session on the golf simulator. To book call 028 6632 3230. Offer available until 23 December 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 (5 – 11 August)

1.       Féile An Phobail 2019 August Festival, Belfast, 1-11 August. The Féile programme is packed with street theatre, children’s events, parties in the park, concerts, sports, discussions, debates, exhibitions, dramas and readings, offering something for the whole family.

2.       Portavogie Seafood Festival 2019, Portavogie, 10 August. Enjoy a rich range of seafood offerings at this festival from buying, sampling to cooking. There will be entertainment throughout the day including performances by musicians, a Strongman trawler pull and a cookery demonstration from celebrity chef Jean-Christophe Novelli.

3.       Ulster Grand Prix 2019, Crumlin, 5-10 August. Witness a variety of exciting competitions including three Superbike races, plus Supersport, Ultralightweight/Lightweight and Supertwins classes.

4.       Open House Festival, Bangor, 1-31 August. This festival is known for combining headline national and international artists with local musicians, writers, chefs and other creatives, and for curating bespoke events such as Folk on a Boat, Island Picnic and the Bangor Rocks Musical Bus Tour. It all adds up to a festival  programme which truly offers something for everyone.

5.       Eastside Arts Festival 2019, Belfast, 1-11 August. The landscape, history, culture and people of east Belfast have provided the inspiration for this festival. Programme includes dance battles, comedy shows, musicians, discussions, an 80s prom and much more.

6.       Armagh’s 7 Hills Blues Fest, Armagh, 8-11 August. Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for a ninth summer, bringing world-class talent to venues and locations across the celebrated Cathedral City.

7.       Heart of the Glens Festival 2019, Cushendall, 3-11 August. The Heart of the Glens Festival provides a packed programme of over 100 events including the opening parade, the Lurig Challenge Run, workshops, storytelling, quizzes, Irish dancing and much more.

8.       Horrible Histories Live on Stage!, Hillsborough, 10-15 August. Travel back in time to the world of the gorgeous Georgians and vile Victorians, with a live stage production from the world-renowned Horrible Histories at Hillsborough Castle.

9.       Shoreline Music Festival, Enniskillen, 9-11 August.  This festival at Enniskillen Castle opens with Planet Love, a spectacular outdoor dance event headlined by John O’Callaghan. Saturday and Sunday do not disappoint either featuring top artists such as Feeder, The Logues, Rory & The Island, Olivia Douglas, Nathan Carter and Cliona Hagan.

10.   Family Fun Day at Springhill, Moneymore, 11 August. A great fun day out for all the family at Springhill allowing you to get outdoors and closer to nature.

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

A WILDE WEEKEND in Enniskillen – a trivial festival for serious people!

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Arts Over Borders Summer Festival 2019 welcomes international cast.

A Wilde Weekend by Lough Ernest, part of the Arts Over Borders series of international bio festivals, is set to take place from 2nd to 5th August in locations across Enniskillen, including Oscar Wilde’s former school Portora Royal School (1864-71) to commemorate the 150th anniversary years.

Created by curators Sean Doran and Liam Browne, the Festival will showcase a host of events based on the much loved and treasured works and life of Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, including talks, music, film, song, readings and more.

Opening A Wilde Weekend is renowned historian and biographer Matthew Sturgis with WILDETALK, who will be discussing his recently published biography of Oscar Wilde with Carlo Gebler. WILDETALK will also see Franny Moyle and author, biographer and documentary film maker, Cate Haste discussing their biographies respectively of Constance Wilde (Oscar’s wife) and Alma Mahler (Gustav Mahler’s wife). The talk will be followed by WILDEMUSIC: Kindertotenlieder by Gustav Mahler, sung by Ruby Philogene MBE (mezzo soprano) and Maya Irgalina (piano).

The highlight of this year’s three-day-festival, following its successful debut at the original Wilde Weekend in May 2015 and an award-winning revival in the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York in 2016, will be At Home with Oscar Wilde, showcasing excerpts of Wilde’s plays performed at the school he once attended, Enniskillen Royal Grammar (Portora). Conceived and directed by David Grant, this witty and poignant telling of Oscar, Constance, Speranza (and Bosie) “at home” again, this time in the characterful and historic surroundings of Portora School will make you question whether it is life or art.

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