Down

With three days to go until thousands of eager festival goers descend upon Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, for the 6th annual Sunflowerfest, festival organisers have announced the full programme of performances scheduled for the five main stages of the festival from Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August. From spoken word and comedy performances in the Moot to local gems and cocktails at the Pond Stage, the picturesque backdrop of the Campfire Stage which will feature a range of more acoustic, folk and traditional acts, and the heavier, more alternative acts housed in the Barn Stage, this year’s festival is offering something for every musical taste and all ages of festival guest.

Armagh

Navan Fort in Armagh will host the Wickerman Gathering this Saturday 1st August. An evening where fire, storytelling, dance and music celebrate the ancient festival of Lunasa. Activities include
live music, traditional dance lessons, storytelling, kids activities & crafts, Armagh Rhymers, feasting, ceili and Wickerman fire ceremony. Bring a picnic or try our Celtic BBQ for an additional cost.
Event not suitable for under 4 year olds. Pre-booking is essential. Book before 24th July & receive 10% discount on admission charges.

Fermanagh

Taking place in the island town of Enniskillen, lovers of music, theatre, dance and literature, will not want to miss a moment of the jam-packed programme for the 4th Happy Days Enniskillen International Becket Festival, which runs until August 3rd. This year’s festival features Drop the Dead Donkey’s Neil Pearson, wife of Benedict Cumberbatch Sophie Hunter, Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, the amazing Maguy Marin Dance Company from France and Germany’s number one theatre company the controversial Berliner Ensemble. Northern Ireland’s own Ian McElhinney, who played Ser Barristan on Game of Thrones will perform, while local star Adrian Dunbar will once again Direct a World Premiere production, on Devenish Island, in his role as Festival Associate.

Tyrone

Omagh Craft Collective was born after a casual chat with a few local crafters who recognised the need for a better platform for selling crafts locally, and decided to experiment with a Pop Up Shop in December 2011. It was formerly established as a Community Interest Company in September 2012 with help and guidance from Omagh Business Complex. The Collective is non-profit making and run voluntarily by 6 directors who give their time freely to organise events and the crafters donate their time to the daily running of each shop. Omagh Craft Collective has now undertaken four successful pop up shops and the range of craft is always changing and evolving. The Collective is delighted to be showcasing their craft work this August in Strule Arts Centre as part of Craft NI’s August Craft Month 2015 – The Year of Design.

Derry

This year’s Dale Farm Milk Cup is well underway with young aspiring footballers welcoming the opportunity to participate in one of Europe’s most famous Youth Football Tournaments. The tournament, while attracting some of the most famous Club teams from all over the world, provides an important platform for local Northern Ireland players to pit their skills against these visiting players. For all fixtures go to www.dalefarmmilkcup.com.

Antrim

Now in its 24th year, the Heart of the Glens Festival takes place from 1st to 9th August. Events during the week include those firmly established in the festival calendar such as the Lurig Challenge Run, Lorry and Float Parade, Glens Vintage Day, and Ireland’s Longest Waves of Tory. In addition to the more regular events there will be some new and exciting themes and activities for young and old to enjoy!

Belfast

Relax with your little ones at the MAC for some fun free storytime at Story Time Sunday throughout August. Storytime is free and takes place in the wonderful Family Room – as it is quite popular we advise that you book your tickets in advance.

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