Here are Jacqueline’s pick of family events taking place this weekend across the North.

Down

North & South in Harmony, on Saturday May 10th, brings together two community groups from Co Armagh and Co Monaghan in a feast of popular light and classical music – from Bach to The Beatles at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Newry on Saturday 10th May.

Tyrone

The Spring Continental Market is bringing its culinary delights to Cookstown from 9th – 11th May 2014. The aroma will inject a seasonal splendour into Cookstown’s retail experience. This is the first time that the Continental Market will be located in Mid Ulster as part of the Spring tour.  The award-winning Market, which will be located in Cookstown Town Centre, along William Street, will bring with it a fresh and cosmopolitan charm to the outdoor market experience.. Cookstown, renowned as the Retail Capital of Mid Ulster, has free on and off street parking, so come along and experience for yourself the assets of this market town!

Fermanagh

The Lough Erne Recreational Paddle Saturday 10th May – Sunday 11th May 2014 is suitable and open to families, clubs, paddlers of all ages and abilities and can be paddled in any type of craft. So dust down your boat and come and join us on these social paddles.

Derry

Join Ballet Theatre UK for the dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. Millennium Forum, Friday 9th May.

Armagh

The Bard of Armagh Launch takes place Friday 9th May at Basil Shiels Bar – celebrating 20 years of uproarious bardic revelry with the best of traditional music and song ‘Puzzle Find Pat’ and special guest Patsy O’Hagan, Eminent Storyteller & Three Times Bard Winner. Tickets available at Basil Sheils Bar, Tassagh, Anne Mone Fancy Goods, Keady & House of Gold, Monaghan.  Also available online through Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

Antrim

The Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s biggest cycling events is passing through the district of Moyle, the Heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens on Saturday 10th May. With lots of family fun including Balloon Modelling, Face Painting, Walkabout Characters, Climbing Wall, pink Fancy Dress and Pets in Pink Competitions. Sample Pink ‘Yellow Man’, attend pom pom workshops, enter pink themed golfing events, take part in time trial cycles and fun runs. For cycling enthusiasts no need to miss the action from other locations on the route with Big Screen delayed feed of Giro d’Italia race in a number of locations on Saturday 10th May.

Belfast

Swing by Belfast Zoo on Saturday 10th May with your little monkeys and enjoy tiny tots day at Belfast Zoo. Enjoy activities including bouncy castles, face painters, crafts, animal feeding times and Mr Hullabaloo’s interactive theatre.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.