Down
This month sees the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park. From the 27th to the 29th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centred activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more. The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Armagh
Lúnasa Festival 2018 – Lúnasa… Bringing it on! takes place on July 28, 2018 from 10.00am to 4.00pm, Slieve Gullion Courtyard, Meigh. Lúnasa is one of the four great days in the Celtic wheel of the year. It traditionally announced the beginning of the grain harvest, was recognised as a time for matchmaking and marks the sun’s progress around our planet. These were days of rent paying and stock taking but also days of pausing, merriment, reflecting and exploring what needs to be done in the coming period. You are invited to come along and enter into a pausing space, a space to reflect and discover what personal gifts, skills or ideas you need to harvest and bring forth over the coming season. Facilitated by Janet O’Hagan.
Fermanagh
Asda Enniskillen is hosting a Teddy Bear’s Picnic in aid of Children in Need in store this Saturday 28th July.. There will be lots of ‘bear-y’ exciting activities for everyone to take part in, from teddy bear bingo to a traditional tombola. A fun filled day for all the family to enjoy while doing their bit for Children in Need.
Tyrone
Dergfest Music Festival is back for its fifth year this weekend from 27th to 29th July. This year’s line-up includes Mark McCabe, Darude, Teddy Cream, Niamh McGlinchey, Jim Devine, Derek Ryan, Rough Justice, Mundy and the Logues. Full details at dergfest.co.uk.
Derry
Frock Around The Clock will be taking The Great Summer Holiday Fair to the wonderful seaside location of Portstewart for the first time on Sunday 29th July. This event will feature 20 stalls of beautiful artisan crafts, vintage & antique items, holistic therapies and much more, including fashion accessories, jewellery, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, art and photography, health and beauty, artisan food, & much more besides. Town Hall, The Crescent, Portstewart. Admission is £2 and children go free.
Antrim
Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28th July at Shanes Castle, Antrim, from 9.00am – 5.00pm. Take a walk in the country at one of Northern Ireland’s bets known regional agricultural shows and its beautiful location on the shore of Lough Neagh. From cookery demonstrations by Paula McIntyre in the Festival of Food marquee, to livestock, sheep shearing and horse jumping competitions there’s plenty to keep all of the family amused. There’s also a dog agility display, a children’s pet show, a petting zoo, Young Farmers Games, Irish dancing, live music and a jiving competition to be found among craft stalls, family entertainment, and Home Industries and Horticulture exhibits. Admission is £10 per person, where accompanied children under 16 years of age go free. Car parking is also FREE. Admission is payable at the gate, and discounted early bird tickets can be purchased online for £9 until Wednesday 25th July. Further show information available at www.randoxantrimshow.com.
Belfast
On Saturday 28th July, Belfast Zoo will go ‘quiet’. Belfast Zoo’s quiet hours allow visitors on the autism spectrum, their family and friends to enter the zoo an hour early at 9am. This is an opportunity to enjoy the peace and quiet of the zoo for an hour before it opens to the general public. Normal admission prices apply. You can book online in advance or can purchase your ticket on arrival.
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