Author: whatsonni

It’s the annual weekend of Mini Madness when enthusiasts of the iconic vehicle descend upon the Causeway Coast for two days of Mini heaven. 

The weekend commences with a Game of Thrones themed Fancy Dress Night on Saturday 24th August and on Sunday 25th August it’s the full public static display at the West Bay Car Park in Portrush which has proven a superb venue since first used three years ago. 

Once again the organisers are very grateful to JKC Mini, Morellis Ice Cream and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for the sponsorship and wonderful support, “we just couldn’t do it without them” a spokesman told us.  Entries for this particularly epic year, which celebrates 60 years of the Mini, are expected to be bigger than ever and given that numbers have excelled in the last few years those wishing to participate are advised to register as soon as possible at ccminiclub.co.uk 

To enter a car is a mere £10.00 and full participating details are on the Entry Form.  Music and banter on the day will be by local entertainer Brian Moore who told us, “circumstances prevented me from attending last year’s event so I’m really looking to this.  I particularly like the Morelli’s Italian Ice Cream Job where all the cars leave in convoy – to see all these wonderful vehicles at their spectacular best is a sight to behold”. 

Other features include a display of vehicles telling the story of the Mini over the years and of course it’s an ideal family event with attractions for the kids, food stalls and stands and incredibly there’s no admission charge.  All this hard work by the organisers isn’t for nothing, however, as it’s hoped to raise a considerable sum on the day for the charity Assistance Dogs N.I.  

Legendary P-47-D Thunderbolt American fighter headlines largest airshow on the island of Ireland 

The fast and furious P-47-D Thunderbolt American fighter will be the star attraction at this year’s Air Waves as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council announce a dazzling line-up of world-famous aviation attractions.

The legendary P-47-D Thunderbolt – affectionally known as the Mighty ‘Jug’ – will wow spectators with a thrilling show of power and sound as it makes its first ever appearance at the largest airshow on the island of Ireland.

Air Waves Portrush, supported by Tourism NI, will showcase an array of world-class aircraft for two days of thrilling flying and a host of land-based family entertainment on Saturday 31^st August and Sunday 1^st September 2019.

Looking forward to the weekend, The Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Sharon McKillop, said: “Portrush and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area is enjoying a stand out summer season following the huge success of The Open. On the back of that, Air Waves Portrush is set to be another unmissable action-packed event.

“We are anticipating large number of spectators from Northern Ireland and beyond will attend the two-day show, which takes place against the stunning backdrop of East Strand beach. With an array of air and ground displays to watch and explore, Air Waves Portrush remains a stand-out element of our annual events portfolio and I would encourage everyone to take this opportunity to enjoy some fantastic aviation entertainment in this unique location.”

Joining the P-47-D Thunderbolt in the stellar line-up for this year’s show will include unique daredevil manoeuvres from both the Global Stars and Team Raven. The AeroSuperBatics Wing Walkers will also perform their breath-taking aerial gymnastics routine.

The RAF BBMF Douglas Dakota and The RAF Tucano T1 will give a vintage showcase of low-level fly-bys as they commemorate the Battle of Britain. The Consolidated Catalina flying boat will also make a welcome return to Portrush with its vintage exhibition of graceful flying.

The Irish AirCorps CASA Maritime aircraft will perform a series of dramatic flypasts and the Irish Coast Guard will demonstrate its search and rescue capabilities over the Atlantic Ocean.

Other aerial highlights over the two days will be Vietnam veterans Huey and Loach, Calidus Autogyro, OV-10B Bronco, Yakovlev Yak–3, Wild Geese Parachute team and the Ulster Gliding Club.

On the ground, visitors can enjoy live music, street entertainment, fun zone, Motor Village and the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market each day from 11am.

The Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Military Vehicle Club will also display their collections of vintage flying machines and vehicles.

The STEM Village, sponsored by Matrix NI, will bring together a range of employers and education providers to showcase career opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

There will also be a stunning pyrotechnic aerial display in Portstewart by The Global Stars on the Saturday evening that will also include a packed programme of family entertainment, live music and a magnificent seafront fireworks display.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on Facebook and Twitter. 

Saturday 10 August – Wednesday 14 August 2019

Beginning this weekend, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down will host a live stage production from the world-renowned Horrible Histories.

Booking is strongly advised for this hugely popular production enabling families to travel back in time to the world of the Gorgeous Georgians and Vile Victorians.

Set within the Castle’s stunning gardens, this outrageously entertaining outdoor show presented by The Birmingham Stage Company, promises to uncover centuries of grisly history and is the perfect tonic for families with a thirst for all things awful and amusing.

This show is ideal for families with children aged between 7 and 14 years but can be enjoyed by all ages. Running twice a day, performances last for one hour and visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket and soak up the festival atmosphere with a dedicated food pop-up serving a range of goodies, from mouth-watering hot dogs to scrumptious salads sourced from Hillsborough Castle’s very own Georgian Walled Garden.

It’s 1714 and Queen Anne, the last of the Stuarts has just died – now who’s going to succeed her? Why the gorgeous Georgians of course – join in the Hanover Handover from King George I, all the way to the II, III and IV! Help cure mad King George III and meet other well-known characters from the period, including the Duke Wellington who wants to give someone the boot! 

Once you’ve had your fill of the Georgians, fast forward to the Victorian era as sewage fills the streets of Soho London.  Put your wits to the test as you try to solve a deadly outbreak of cholera with Dr John Snow and discover what happened when Florence Nightingale, the Lady of the Lamp, faced the gruesome hospital conditions of the Crimean War – where it’s fifty men to every toilet! 

Once you’ve had your Horrible Histories fix, make day of it with a series of activities for all the family to enjoy. Explore the majestic gardens set in 100 acres of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland, meandering waterways and picturesque glens. Families can also discover the Castle’s intriguing history brought to life on guided tours led by the Castle’s team of expert explainers.  

Horrible Histories is included in gardens admission tickets and family tickets are available. Free for Historic Royal Palaces members. To book tickets and for more information on Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, visit hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has been completely transformed by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces after five years and a £24 million investment – supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors. Greeting visitors upon arrival is a new visitor centre complete with café and shop. Meanwhile new access and learning facilities will host schools and community programmes reaching out to the widest possible audience. 

Portavogie Harbour will be a hive of activity this Saturday (10 August) as thousands of people flock to the charming coastal village for the delicious Portavogie Seafood Festival!

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, the Festival promises to be a fun-filled, free-to-attend event where all the family can enjoy food, activities, fancy dress competitions and more.

Festival-goers can even take the stress out of travel by availing of free transport to and from the venue thanks to free bus services available from Bangor and Newtownards.

They will operate from late morning with stops in Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter and Ballyhalbert on the Bangor route, as well as Greyabbey and Kircubbin on the Newtownards route, before leaving everyone at the heart of Portavogie’s festivities.

What’s On…

Jean-Christophe Novelli, an award winning and multi-Michelin starred chef, is among the star attractions and will entertain with his interactive cookery demonstrations. After picking up some tips from the master, you can visit the fish market to sample some of our world famous Portavogie prawns and maybe even treat yourself to some culinary delights at the range of artisan food stalls.

A fancy dress competition will keep the children entertained, as will a fun fair, motorbike simulators, model boat displays, bouncy castles, a Punch and Judy show, street entertainment, live music as well as other children’s activities.

Watch in awe as the winner of last year’s UK Strongest Man Competition, Pa O’Dwyer, takes part in a spectacular trawler pull while 11-times Ulster Trials Champion, Andy Perry, heads a crew of the best riders in Ireland as they demonstrate their skills with impressive motorcycle displays.

The free-to-attend Festival takes place this Saturday (10 August) from 12noon – 5pm at Portavogie Harbour. A timetable for the free buses, as well as other event information, is available from visitardsandnorthdown.com/portavogieseafoodfest.

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 80^th year.

As Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival, now in its 28^th 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.

GAME OF THRONES^TM: THE TOURING EXHIBITION Extends its Belfast Stop Until 8^th September

Tickets available at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk

Belfast, 8^th August 2019 — GAME OF THRONES^TM: The Touring Exhibition has been extended in Belfast until 8^th 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 8^th September 2019, bend the knee and book tickets before it’s too late at www.gameofthronesexhibition.co.uk.