Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this Weekend across the NI.

Down

SunflowerFest is a 3 day music and arts festival on Tubby’s Farm just outside Hillsborough 5th – 7th August.  There will be 6 stages featuring over 150 performances with live music, DJs, comedy, poetry, and theatre. Alongside this there will be live art & sculpture, a range of talks and workshops, media installations lots of family activities, silent disco, the ‘Bliss’ well-being area, and to coincide with NI Year of Food & Drink, local chefs will be hosting cooking demos and workshops throughout the weekend.

Armagh

On Saturday 6th August, the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh will celebrate the ancient Celtic Festival of Lunasa in style with a Wickerman Gathering.  Lunasa was a time when the Celts called on the sun god Lugh to bring them sun and warm weather guaranteeing a bountiful harvest.  Join in this celebration with living history performances, live music, the Armagh Rhymers, dancing, crafts, fire & flame demos and finish the evening with the burning of a 30ft Wickerman.  Live music from local band Tamna Ceili, and foot tapping tunes from the Down & Out Bluegrass Band, and some great sounds from the Trad & Folk Experience.

Fermanagh

Join BBC’s Hugo Duncan and friends in a non-stop evening of country music this Friday at the Ardhowen Theatre.  The old and new friends are Ireland’s first lady of country music Irish TV’s Susan McCann, Mr Five Little Fingers Frankie McBride, the only yodelling cattle breeder in Ireland Kenny Archer and introducing the voice and talent of Omagh’s Barry Kirwan.  The Ryan Turner Band provide the backing for an evening of country music hits and craic.

Tyrone

Hear Ye Hear Ye!  Prepare to step into a magical world of enchantment with Mr Hullabaloo the storyteller at the Enchanted Tea Party show live on stage at the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Saturday.  Through the magic of live storytelling combined with puppetry and beautiful scenery, you and your family will be transported to our kingdom of dreams to meet lots of your storybook friends.  Now in their 10th year Strule invite you all to step inside the pages of a magical storybook and believe that all of your dreams can come true!

Derry/Londonderry

Maghera’s first Agri Show and Country Fayre takes place this Saturday 6th August in the grounds of the Rectory Maghera starting at 10.00am. This will be a memorable occasion and a first for the town, with fun and activities for all the family.  Classes for everyone in Home Industries, Arts & Crafts, Handicrafts, Floral Art and Decoration and much more. Highlights include Irish, Scottish & Country Dancing to a variety of musicians.  Schedules are now available in the Heritage and Cultural Centre / Maghera Historical Society, 17 Coleraine Road, Maghera.

Antrim

2016 is the 26th anniversary of Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall,  one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland. The programme of events is as varied and entertaining as ever with something for all the family. The festival will open with fireworks and throughout the week there will be the usual favourites including the Lurig Run, Vintage Family Fun Day, Dance Workshops etc. There will be a festival theme on Friday night, 12th. This is always a popular night with hundreds crowding into the village for a great night of fun and entertainment. 6th – 14th August.

Belfast

Join HMS Caroline for a Digital Fabrication Workshop with FabLab Nerve Centre this Saturday 6th August. Explore the historic areas in HMS Caroline, and use the latest digital fabrication technology to create your very own laser-cut magnet. This is a drop in activity as part of the Creative Centenaries Programme. This activity is free, however standard entrance fees will apply.

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.