Community Ticket and A Night for Belfast initiatives make hundreds of festival tickets available across NI

Hundreds of tickets for this year’s Ulster Bank International Arts Festival are being offered to the public free of charge as part of two initiatives from the event’s title sponsor, it is announced today.

The Community Ticket scheme will make 150 tickets available to community groups throughout Northern Ireland while members of the public can apply for 150 free tickets through the A Night for Belfast initiative.

The free tickets can be applied for by registering on the festival website  http://belfastinternationalartsfestival.com/ulsterbank/ before the closing date of September 27.

Richard Donnan, Head of Northern Ireland at Ulster Bank welcomed the scheme, saying:, “As title sponsor of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, one of our key focuses is to provide as many people as possible with access to the arts. This year’s programme is packed full of world class performances and we are confident that once people have experienced the buzz of the festival, they will continue to engage with the arts throughout the year.”

“I would strongly encourage community groups and members of the public to take advantage of this opportunity and enjoy what promises to be a very exciting line up.”

Richard Wakely, Director of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival also welcomed the move by Ulster Bank saying: “We are always looking for ways to bring new audiences to the Festival and therefore applaud our title sponsors for again helping us make the Festival more accessible and inclusive.”

The 150 general public tickets are available for one of the Festival’s most hotly anticipated performances, the Irish Premier of David Greig’s version of Aeschylus’ The Suppliant Women, which promises to be an extraordinary theatrical event.

The 150 community tickets will be available for both The Suppliant Women and Taylor Mac’s 10-decade musical spectacular in which the glittering New-York artist gives his cultural take on the years before, during and after the First World War.

For full details about the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, visit www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com

Please read all terms and conditions before registering. Winners will be selected on September 30 and contacted by telephone or email.

This Saturday, September 10, Ards and North Down Borough Council in conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency is hosting “Donaghadee Lights Up” at The Commons, Donaghadee.

The FREE event will be the finale event of the Ards and North Down Ulster Scots Festival which will be running from September 4 with activities taking place across The Borough.

Featuring an afternoon of live food demonstrations from local chefs and artisan food stalls as part of the Peninsula Food Showcase, the highlight of “Donaghadee Lights Up” will be a performance by the world class Red Hot Chilli Pipers at 7.30pm and the evening will then culminate with a spectacular fireworks display.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a world-renowned bagpipe act who tour the globe with their unique ground-breaking fusion of traditional music and rock/pop anthems. Their live performances are high-octane and energetic and draw huge crowds wherever they go – Donaghadee will be rocking!

At 9.30pm, a spectacular fireworks display will end the evening and celebrate the end of the Ulster Scots Festival. The festival will be a celebration of Ulster-Scots heritage, from talks, including Tim McGarry’s “Ulster-Scots Odyssey” at Bangor Library, to music, from the popular Cup O’Joe, at the Hop House, Bangor, coupled with historic walks and family fun; there should be something for all tastes throughout the week.

So for some fantastic live music and family fun, come along to The Commons Donaghadee this Saturday! The Peninsula Food Showcase runs from 12 noon to 6pm. The Ulster Scots Agency Juvenile Band will take to the stage at 7pm, followed by The Red Hot Chilli Pipers and fireworks finale. An event not to be missed!

For more information, phone Ards Visitor Information Centre on 028 9182 6846 or visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Ten-year oyster eating champion, Colin Shirlow from Dromore, Northern Ireland finally faced defeat at this year’s Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship which took place on Saturday 3^rd September 2016.

Out-eaten by US Contender Michelle Lesco at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, Michelle managed to knock Colin off his throne by eating 227 oysters in three minutes and defeated fellow American Adrian ‘The Rabbit’ Morgan.

Although Colin remained top of the leader-board for so long, it’s hardly surprising that Michelle managed to overtake him. A regular at professional eating competitions in the States, Michelle managed to put away 385 oysters in 8 minutes at the Acme Oyster Eating Competition in New Orleans earlier this year.

Former oyster eating champion Colin Shirlow said: “I’ve won so many times now I really don’t mind that someone else takes it for a change. I still in enjoy the challenge. It all started when I walked into a pub years ago. They made me eat 60 oysters and all of a sudden I was in the final of the world championship. A Norwegian beat me this time around but you never know what will happen next year!””

Winner Michelle has taken part in countless eating competitions including ribs, hotdogs and hamburgers.

New world oyster eating champion, Michelle Lesco said: “Colin is like a machine and until now no-one has been able to touch him. I train before every competition and really studied how Colin has been doing it. I just managed to beat him and I’m delighted to have won.”

The Turkish Airlines World Oyster Eating Championship was attended by thousands of people as part of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival. Other events included the Phoenix Natural Gas Soapbox Derby which featured a superb range of soapboxes and entertained the crowds and the first Northern Irish heat of the British Street Food Awards. This was another close contest which saw the public vote going to Pheasant Hill and judges Richard Johnson and Paula McIntyre’s votes going to Broughgammon Farm. These two street food retailers will now go on to represent Northern Ireland in the final of the British Street Food Awards in Birmingham.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event. The event welcomed guests from the Hillsborough area and further afield, as well principal Festival sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas, Quilter Cheviot and Charles Hurst.

For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.

Be transported to a galaxy far, far away as Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council present the sensational sci-fi spectacular Stars Wars: The Force Awakens on the big screen in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 16 September at 8pm.

This fabulous free film screening is the latest in the iconic movie series which has thrilled generations of cinema goers.

It is now three decades after the defeat of the evil Galactic Empire however a new threat arises.

Our hero Luke Skywalker has vanished and in his absence, the sinister First Order has risen from the ashes of the Empire and will not rest until Skywalker, the last Jedi, has been destroyed.

Only a ragtag group of heroes along with the Resistance stand in the way of their evil imperial ways.

Will the First Order gain control of the galaxy? Will General Leia Organa find her brother Luke? Or will the Stormtroopers get to Skywalker first?

To find out, charge your lightsabre and feel the Force in full flow at this unforgettable night beneath the stars.

To add to the magical movie experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required just come along and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Arts and Events team on T: 028 4066 0609 or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Titanic Belfast has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.

It is the first time an attraction in Northern Ireland has won the award at the ceremony, which has been nicknamed the ‘Tourism Oscars’, in its 23 year history.

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition for the top spot from the Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy.

Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction. After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is something our city and country can be proud of and are so please that this is has been recognised on an international level. We are looking forward to welcoming the national and international visitors that this award will attract to Belfast and Northern Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us.”

First Minister Arlene Foster, said, “In just four short years, Titanic Belfast has become an iconic tourist attraction, attracting over three million visitors from all over the world. Titanic Belfast is now a global brand which has put Northern Ireland on the map for all the right reasons so last night’s official confirmation that it is now Europe’s leading tourist attraction is well deserved. I had the privilege as Tourism Minister of being involved with the project since its inception, and this award is further proof that the investment and imagination that went into this attraction keeps paying dividends for the whole of Northern Ireland.”

The deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness said: “Titanic Belfast being voted Europe’s leading visitor attraction is a phenomenal achievement. The story of the Titanic is known around the globe and it is only right and proper we have a world class visitor attraction to match. When we opened this building in 2012 we hoped it would enable the current and future generations to explore the story of The Titanic in an innovative and interactive manner. Titanic Belfast has been a resounding success and I thank everyone involved in making this local tourism attraction a global ‘must see.”

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength.  Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date. The visitor experience has also experienced significant growth from France, Germany, USA and China year to date.

The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only a few years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Largest airshow on the island of Ireland hailed major success

The largest airshow on the island of Ireland dazzled huge crowds in Portrush at the weekend for two days of thrilling flying displays by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.

Up to 200,000 spectators made the trip to the Causeway Coast for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events across the weekend.

The stellar line-up for Air Waves Portrush, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and sponsored by Tourism NI, included the world-famous RAF Red Arrows kicking off both days of the show.

The Red Arrows’ Saturday performance included a range of their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops, as well as a special red heart shaped symbol for the mesmerised crowds. Although Sunday’s performance was curtailed by the weather, spectators were still treated to an array of trademark formations.

The Typhoon jet made a dramatic – and noisy – impact on both days with a thrilling show of power and sound and its collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres.

The Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane treated spectators to a highly anticipated flypast on the Sunday, after being forced to postpone its Saturday appearance due to bad weather.

The Wildcat Aerobatics and the Muscle Bi-plane each performed their unique daredevil routines and aerial manoeuvres to thrill the crowds on both days of the show.

As an added attraction this year, there was a stunning pyrotechnic aerial show by the AeroSPARX Display Team in Portstewart on the Saturday evening as night fell.

Sunday’s airshow drew to a poignant close by commemorating the Battle of Britain, with a Royal British Legion Poppy Drop by the Huey helicopter, which showered spectators with a cloud of fluttering poppies.

Speaking about the success of the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “This year’s Air Waves Portrush has been a resounding success. The weather is one thing that we can’t control and although one badly timed rain shower impacted the Red Arrows’ display on Sunday, overall we were able to deliver two packed days of aerial displays and a host of entertainment on the ground.

“I am particularly pleased with the resounding success of the STEM Village – a new addition to this year’s show – as we aim to inspire the younger generation towards careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Visitors flocked in from far and wide and we would like to thank all of the event sponsors, Ministry of Defence, emergency service agencies and all the volunteers who pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show was a safe, successful and spectacular event.”

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or for the weekend’s images search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Dine and Stay, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Co. Antrim, from £110 per couple. Ideally situated in the heart of Northern Ireland, Dunsilly Hotel is an ideal base for a perfect break away at home. Unwind with this special offer and enjoy a relaxing break at this three-star hotel.  Package includes overnight accommodation for two people sharing a twin or double room with breakfast and an evening meal in the Grill Bar with £20 dining credit. To book call (028) 9446 2929

• Two Night Getaway, Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry, Co. Down, from £109pps. Enjoy a ‘Home away from Home’ feeling amidst the luxurious surroundings at the four-star Canal Court Hotel located in the heart of Newry city. Relax, unwind and enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast break with one evening and full use of the Health & Leisure Complex with an additional 20% discount in the CC Spa.  Available until December 22.  To book call (028) 3025 1234

• Relax and Indulge, The Merchant, Belfast, from £110pps. Leave your stresses behind and treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the five-star Merchant Hotel.  Enjoy an exquisite three-course meal in The Great Room followed by a relaxing night in a deluxe room followed by a delicious breakfast the following morning.  Offer also include complimentary newspaper, use of the gymnasium and roof top hot tub.  Available Sunday – Thursday.  To book call (028) 9023 4888.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 5 – September 11).

• Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive, Co. Antrim, September 10. The Giant’s Causeway Sportive is a unique road cycling event based on the iconic North Coast of Ireland that offers and unforgettable cycling experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Ireland.

• Moira Calling, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, September 10. Local festival goers are in for a treat this September as Brown Lemonade NI prepare to launch their first ever ‘Moira Calling’ music, food and drink festival at Moira Demesne. Fourteen of the best singer-songwriters and bands have been hand-picked to perform on the day across two stages in the gorgeous picturesque setting of Moira under a canopy of stretch tents and festoon lighting.

• Helen’s Tower, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, September 11. Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark in this self-guided tour of the restored tower for FREE as part of European Heritage Open Days. This unique building is situated on a hill top deep within the estate and has incredible views over the surrounding countryside and out to sea.

• Ukulele Orchestra, Ulster Hall, Belfast, September 7. Belfast can look forward to unique blend of toe-tapping music, hilarious banter and superlative entertainment at the Ulster Hall as the world-renowned Ukulele Orchestra bring their captivating show to the city. Descried as ‘pure entertainment’ and ‘magisterial’, it is a performance not to be missed.

• Marlacoo House, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 10. This two storey, three bay Georgian House is two hundred years old. It is situated beside Marlacoo Lake where Hugh O’Neill kept his wife and valuables safe on a crannog during the 9 years’ war. Explore it for FREE this European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, September 10 – 11. Explore the ‘Story of Derry’ and the ‘An Armada Shipwreck’ through exhibitions and interactive displays at one of the city’s most-loved visitor attractions for FREE over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Beating Retreat, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, September 10. A historic event will take place in Enniskillen on Saturday 10th September to commemorate the actions of the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 16th (Irish) Division at the Battle of the Somme. The Beating Retreat is a standing-only outdoor event with gates opening at 5pm and the performance commencing promptly at 6pm.

• Mullaghmore House, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, September 10 – 11. Once the parent house of Knocknamore Castle, this fully restored Georgian House retains many period features including outbuildings and show room, all set within three acres of gardens. Free guided tours will be available throughout the day over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.

• Chicago, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until September 10. The award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago is coming to Belfast, starring West End and EastEnders’ actor John Partridge (Cats, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express) as Billy Flynn. Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and, along with cell block rival double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.

• The Bridewell, Magherafelt, Derry~Londonderry, September 10. The Bridewell, a familiar landmark at the bottom of Magherafelt’s Broad Street will open its doors and host a special day of living history. A guided tour for European Heritage Opens Days will take you through the experience of what life was like for the prisoners.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland. 

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for info.

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for info.

Kew Gardens Grow Wild’s flagship, the Cornfield Project, launches.

TWO local communities in Coleraine, Millburn and Ballysally, are busy preparing for a magical woodland enchanted evening to celebrate the launch of the Cornfield Project on Saturday 10^th September 2016.

Following on from winning a public vote to become Grow Wild’s Northern Ireland’s flagship site in November 2015, Coleraine’s Cornfield Project received funding from Grow Wild to transform a large area in Hartford Park, Ballysally.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Grow Wild is the national outreach initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and aims to bring people together to transform local spaces with native, pollinator-friendly wild flowers and plants.

At the Cornfield Project, local community volunteers, both young and old, have been busy working alongside the Conversation Volunteers to transform an area of scrubland into 7.5 acres of community woodland with beautiful wild flower meadows, sensory garden, community gardens and outdoor classroom spaces.

This fantastic project is focused on creating thriving and colourful areas of wild flowers, wildlife and environmentally sensitive spaces which are to be used by, and enjoyed by, all members of the public.

The launch event is a free festival for everyone to come along and see what the project has achieved so far.  There will be a Mad Hatter’s Fancy Dress Tea Party, live entertainment and music, storytelling, an appearance from Coleraine’s own renowned professional magician, Rodd Hogg and an outdoor cinema showing ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Award winning local sculptor, Sara Cunningham Bell will be unveiling her new sculpture for the community space, a three metre high new insect called ‘George’ with its own neighbourhood story created especially for the Cornfield Project after collaboration with local community groups.  And fellow local artist Harry McMahon along with Jenny Methven will showcase how the community has helped transform a derelict wall into inspirational wall art.

The project will be officially launched by three local children from the two communities and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey.

Catherine Armstrong, who is leading the project on behalf of Aspire Community Partnership, a local consortium of grass-roots community groups who are working together for the benefit of the Causeway area, said; “The Cornfield site was an underused patch of land dividing the communities of Millburn and Ballysally in Coleraine.  By getting local people involved to help transform the woodland we hope it will help tackle issues of low employment and health by creating activities which will increase people’s confidence, enable them to develop new skills and friendships which in turn will help provide a positive and fun sense of community.  By coming together and creating an area for wildlife to thrive, the natural habitat also provides all members of the community with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.

“The evening woodland festival will celebrate the launch of the project and hopefully encourage more people to volunteer and get involved. We hope that the framework we use here will be adopted by communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

Stephanie Baine, Grow Wild Northern Ireland Partnership Manager said; “The Cornfield Project won a public vote to become the Grow Wild flagship project for Northern Ireland.  The project is bringing two separated communities together and it has been inspirational to see how the local community has engaged with the project. The woodland has truly been transformed into a magical place, the local people are getting passionate about the wildflower meadows and the training opportunities are just beginning. We would encourage anyone to come along and get involved.”

Big Lottery Fund NI Director Joanne McDowell said; “Grow Wild is all about bringing people together to improve their environment and benefit their communities, and it’s wonderful to see how local people have transformed this area. At the Big Lottery Fund we want to support people and communities to improve the places where they live. This fantastic project is bringing that ambition to life to create a beautiful, interesting and wildlife rich space for the community to enjoy.”

Grow Wild received an incredible 23,493 votes to be named the UK’s Best Environment project in this year’s National Lottery Awards – the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.  Grow Wild’s achievements, including a number of locally funded projects in Northern Ireland helped them win it.

The festival woodland area will come alive with twinkly lights, magical glowing trees and plenty of activities for people to get involved with including searching for bats, hunting for moths, building a bug hotel and making willow creatures with local willow artist Louise McLean.

So come along and join us for what promises to be an evening of enchantment and see just what the project is all about on Saturday 10^th September from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

To celebrate winning their National Lottery Award, Grow Wild are giving away thousands of FREE wild flower seed packets to people all over the UK. For more information and terms and conditions please go to www.growwilduk.com