Line up for Armoy announced!

Michael Dunlop has confirmed that he is set to race at the Armoy Road Races on the 29^th and 30^th July 2016 on his MD Racing BMW.

27-year-old Michael Dunlop has raced at the Armoy Road Races year on year and will be entering the two First4Printing and Bayview Hotel Supersport races, the Torquetronix Open Race and the biggest race of the day, the SGS International ‘Race of the Legends’.

Having won the SGS International Race of Legends for five years in a row, Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course, Armoy Road Races, thinks that Michael will be looking to retain the title at Armoy. “Michael wasn’t sure whether he could make Armoy due to other commitments but we are absolutely delighted that he is joining us.

“He’s had some great wins this year, more recently four out of four at the Southern 100 and with wins at Walderstown and the Skerries and of course that great win at the Senior TT I’ve no doubt Michael will be on fine form at Armoy.”

Ballymoney rider, Michael Dunlop, will be joining his brother, William Dunlop, Dubliner Derek Shiels and Mullingar man Derek McGee at the Armoy Road Races. Mar-Train’s Dan Kneen is also set to ride at Armoy, having broke his arm earlier in the year and having had to sit out the NW200 and the Isle of Man TT.

“This is shaping up to be a really good event we’ve riders from all over the UK and the South and I am confident that we are going to see some exceptional road racing again this year. Of course it has been confirmed that Guy Martin can’t attend this year. He and the Tyco team have been great supporters of the Armoy Road Races and whatever Guy is doing presently we will always send him our good wishes, but let me reassure you that there still will be plenty of fine racing,” added Bill.

International riders include Michal Dokoupil from the Czech Republic, Fabrice Faivre from France and Canadian Darren James who will be on a SGS International bike, along with some 30 newcomers including local man Gary Dunlop and Cornwall’s Forest Dunn.  Other riders include Christian Elkin, Paul Jordan, James Cowton, Adam McLean, Michael Sweeney and Neil Kernohan.

This year there are two races in the Senior Support, Bill Kennedy explains, “It’s always difficult when so many enter a race and they don’t get to participate as the Club can only put 27 bikes on the grid. The Senior Support always has an incredible entry.  I put it to the governing body and they’ve agreed we can run the two races and I’m happy as this gives everyone a race, however it’ll only be Race A that gets the podium. Those involved will find out more during the racers’ briefing.

“Bike week is already well underway with a great turnout at the motorcycle run out on Sunday and the service at Lagge Hall on Sunday evening. We are expecting big crowds, Facebook has been lit up with folk coming across from Scotland, England and Wales with different requests and letting us know they are on their way. Our VIP Corporate Hospitality marquee is full and we’ve local food and drink producers showcasing their products organised by Naturally North Coast and Glens’ Shauna McFall.

“At this stage I’d like to thank everyone who’s been involved from the sponsors to the club members and volunteers, their help has been invaluable. The course is just about there so all we have to do is pray for a few dry days, some great racing and everyone returning home safely with smiles on their faces.

“Lastly, I’d also like to take this opportunity to publicly wish Ryan Farquhar all the best and a return to good health soon. Ryan has been a great supporter of Armoy and the club from day one and he will be very much missed this year.  We would also at this time like to send our best wishes to Seamus Elliott and his family and hope that he makes a good recovery following the recent incident.”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 24^th July until Saturday 30^th July 2016 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 30^th July 2016.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy costing £10.00 or €15.

For more information visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s first Peninsula Food Showcase will take place in picturesque Portaferry on Saturday 30 July (12noon – 6.00pm). The showcase will be the first in a series of events which will take place around the Ards Peninsula from July until October to celebrate Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink.

The Portaferry Showcase will complement the Skiffie Worlds 2016 World Coastal Rowing Championships which will hold its closing ceremony in Strangford on the same day and the exciting programme will include; local chef demonstrations, food tastings, artisan food producers and family-themed fun.

Come and watch local chefs prepare delicious food at the live cookery demonstrations, sample some local produce from the artisan producers, kids will love the Giant Seagulls and the two-metre long friendly seal which are part of the street-theatre programme or find a good vantage point to enjoy the rowing on beautiful Strangford Lough and welcome the Skiffs ashore for their closing ceremony.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, is looking forward to the festival.  She said:

“Ards and North Down has around 115 miles of coastline: one of the longest stretches in Northern Ireland.  Fishing has been a major industry in the area for many years.  Local communities such as Portavogie – which is the second largest fishing port in Northern Ireland after Kilkeel and home of the Portavogie prawn – remain at the centre of the trade today.  It’s no surprise that we catch and cook some of the best seafood imaginable.  The food showcase will give us a chance to do just that – show off what wonderful food we catch and cook.  As well as providing a full day of free, fun, family entertainment.”

The Skiffie Worlds Rowing Championships are being hosted by The Strangford Lough Partnership & Lecale Partnership (SLLP) working closely with the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association (SCRA) and part-sponsored by Ards and North Down Borough Council. The event which runs from 25 to 30 July, will be a colourful and friendly celebration of coastal rowing including competitors from all over the world. On July 30 at 4.30pm, come and see an incredible spectacle, never seen before in Strangford Narrows, as 50 beautiful, colourful, traditionally styled coastal rowing boats enter The Narrows and come in to Strangford and Portaferry accompanied by the Johanna Lucretia tall ship.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre are holding a family fun day on the same day with ‘Clayrazy’ and glitter tattoos. This free event runs from 2pm to 4pm. There will also be an Open Day and Marine Discovery at the Queens University Lab running from 10am to 4pm.

If you fancy a family day out with some food, fun and rowing, come to Portaferry on July 30. The Food Showcase is a free event and runs from 12 noon to 6pm. The Skiffie Worlds Closing Celebrations runs from 4.30pm to late in Strangford.

As part of The Peninsula Food Showcase, special events will also be taking place in: Portavogie on 13 August, Donaghadee on 10 September, Ballywalter on 9 & 10 October and Greyabbey on 29 October.

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

Get ready to party this summer as Party in the Park returns to Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 6 August.

This free family fun event, now in its fifth year, has something for the whole family to enjoy. This year’s line-up features live music, bean bag cinema, bungee trampolines, swing boats and a range of culinary delights from the food fayre.

Music lovers are in for a treat as The Jukebox Jurors headline this year’s Party in the Park. The Jukebox Jurors are one of Northern Irelands premier party cover bands, covering all the hit songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and right through to the present day giving you the ultimate party performance.

Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House will be awash with activity for both young and old alike.  The little ones can take a journey to wonderland in our Alice in Wonderland show, visit the kids’ petting zoo or go fly their kite. These are just a number of things to keep the children amused on the day. Engage with the street entertainers or relax and enjoy some of the great food on offer whilst listening to the vibes of The Jukebox Jurors.

Join us for a festival of fun at Party in the Park, Antrim Castle Gardens Saturday 6 August from 1-5pm.  Free Admission.

So what do you do when you are afflicted with Stendhal Syndrome? This summer get yourself some Therapy? at Ireland’s Best Small Festival, Stendhal Festival of Art.

Northern Ireland’s most successful Alternative Rock act Therapy? will be bringing their frantic, pulse racing signature sound to Ballymully Cottage Farm on August 12 as part of the line-up for the sixth instalment of the multi-award winning showcase of the arts.

Having notched an incredible 2 million Album sales worldwide during their amazing career, Therapy? have had numerous top ten singles and albums, while building a reputation as one of the best and most revered acts to ever emerge from Northern Ireland.

Mercury Music prize nominees, Oh Yeah Centre Legend Award Winners, Kerrang award winners, Therapy? have produced 14 studio albums, garnered critical acclaim and were the soundtrack to the lives of many a child of Generation X.

Troublegum is without question one of the greatest albums ever by a Northern Irish act, tracks such as ‘Screamager’, ‘Nowhere’ and ‘Die Laughing,’ helped cement their place in Irish rock music history.

Their most recent offering, 2015’s Disquiet saw the band back in the UK album charts and tracks like ‘Deathstimate’ and ‘Still Hurts’, show that the band are as razor sharp with their riffs as ever.

Lead singer from Therapy? Andy Cairns says that the band are eager to get to Stendhal in August as playing new venues is one of the bands favourite aspects about gigging.

“We are excited to see what Stendhal has in store for us,” said Andy. “It’s a lot more exciting for the band to come and play new places than go back to venues they have been in hundreds of times before.

“Shows in new venues and towns where we have never played before present new challenges and as a band we like to be challenged.

“Having never gigged in Limavady before we have a new crowd to perform for, new people to work with and a new experience to look forward to.”

Having toured the globe and played at all the biggest festivals around the world, Andy says that he and the band usually enjoy festival shows a bit more than their own tour gigs, simply because they feel a lot less pressure and can really let loose.

“Festivals are great because they aren’t our gig,” he laughed, “when you are not having to worry about all the things that surround touring such as ticket sales, travel, set up, promotion, introducing new tracks, playing for over two hours a night,  festivals provide us with an opportunity to just go out and perform with the pressure off.

Therapy? have played the likes of Reading and Leeds, Donnington, Download and many other huge gigs throughout the world but Andy cites the bands appearance at Monsters of Rock in Sao Paulo as a festival highlight.

“We opened for Alice Cooper and Megadeth that night,” recalls Andy. It was in the Sao Paulo Football Stadium and it was a 70,000 people sell out. It was incredible. That said, my favourite part of it all was going to watch Megadeth at the very top of the stadium. The security allowed us access to a part of the ground that allowed us to look one way and see the whole of Sao Paulo and then look behind us to see Megadeth playing in front of a monster crowd. The sun was setting and everything. It was an amazing moment and I always remember thinking to myself at the time, “You aren’t in Antrim anymore kid.”

Regarded by many within Northern Ireland as the Godfathers of Northern Irish Alternative Rock, Therapy? Have been there, done that and bought the t-shirt and Andy has high hopes that some other Northern Irish Acts can break through and achieve the level of success Therapy? has.

“Festivals are an important showcase for bands trying to breakthrough,” he said, “for such a small place Northern Ireland has so many amazing bands and musicians so events like Stendhal are a great opportunity to get noticed.

“At the minute I really like Axis Of, Goons and I think that Robyn Shiels is one of the best and most important song writers in Northern Ireland. I like Boxcutter and Space Dimension Controller too but to be fair I could name loads of home-grown acts that I have plenty of time for.”

Event director of Stendhal Festival of Art, Ross Parkhill is thrilled to have Andy and Therapy? as one of the headline acts of the festival this year, saying: “Therapy? are one of the best known and loved rock bands to ever come from our shores so we are of course delighted to be welcoming them to the farm on August 12.

“They have played all over the world at some of the biggest festival’s and have one of the most electric live sets I’ve ever seen, so they will no doubt be a real highlight at Stendhal this year.”

Tickets for Stendhal Festival of Art are on sale now. Visit www.stendhalfestival.com for details.

This weekend will see the return of the massively popular Family Super Saturday at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh. In Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s ‘The Elves & The Shoemaker’, one good turn deserves another, in this magical story of kindness that will delight the little ones. A poor shoemaker has not enough money to pay his rent. He has enough materials to make one last pair of shoes or he will lose his shop! With the help of two mischievous Elves, he makes some unusual shoes that are very much appreciated and rewards the Elves in return.

But that’s not all you get for the tiny entrance price of £6. In addition, children can partake in a post-show hour of fun activities including themed craft workshop, face painting, balloon modelling and fancy dress competition with prizes. Great value for money! Super Saturdays are recommended for age 4+. This Family Super Saturday event takes place on Saturday 30 July at 11am or 2pm.

Then something for the grown-ups with Ireland’s unabashed and hilarious new comedy star, Micky Bartlett and his new show ‘Blissfully Ignorant’. Micky is entering the last year of his twenties and he isn’t prepared. Come join him in a journey through his own head.

‘In years to come, people will be talking about the time they first saw Micky Bartlett… one of the most consistently funny people I’ve ever worked with’ [Adam Hills].

Micky Bartlett will take to the stage on Saturday 30^th July at 8.30pm. Tickets are priced £13 each. This event is recommended for age 18+ as may contain material that some people could find offensive.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 25 – 31).

• Supercup NI, various locations, Co. Londonderry and Co. Antrim, July 24 – 29. Super Cup Northern Ireland (formerly Milk Cup) has been hosting youth football competitions since 1983 at various venues across Northern Ireland attracting youth teams from the British Isles and Ireland. There is a colourful parade of the various teams as they walk together round the town of Coleraine on the Sunday evening before the contest begins the following day. www.supercupni.com.

• Armoy Road Races, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, July 29 – 30. The world-famous Armoy Road Race takes place once again in and around the picturesque County Antrim village close to the breathtaking Glens of Antrim, charming Ballycastle and the world famous Giant’s Causeway.

• Northern Ireland Open, Galgorm Castle, Co. Antrim, July 27 – 31. A golf tournament for all the family; the Northern Ireland Open is Northern Ireland’s annual professional golf tournament attracting players such as Michael Hoey, Gareth Maybin and Peter Lawrie. Away from the fairways, tournament week will be buzzing with activity, especially at the dedicated food festival, which this year will become part of the main golf village and serving up a range of culinary delights in Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink.

• Bog Day Celebration, Cuilcagh Mountain Park, Co. Fermanagh, July 30. Find out more about the fascinating bog habitats that dominate the Geopark.  Learn of refresh your memory on how people hand cut peat, listen to stories from days gone by and take in some bog pool dipping activities. This event promises to be a great day out for all the family.

• Afternoon Tea at The Argory, Moy, Co. Armagh, July 31. Discover the fascinating history and explore the beautiful grounds of the National Trust’s Argory and dine on a delightful afternoon tea of sandwiches, cake, scones and seasonal delights. Booking essential.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory
• John Hewitt International Summer School, Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Armagh, until July 30. The John Hewitt International Summer School celebrates culture and creativity, with a newly-expanded festival programme over six days exploring diversity in contemporary Northern Ireland, through talks, readings, theatre, writing workshops and debates. Booking essential. www.marketplacetheatre.com.

• Summer Fun Days, various locations, Belfast, until Aug 5. Come along to a selection of free summer fun days in various locations throughout the summer holidays. There will be fun games for five to twelve year-olds from 2-4.30pm including wall climbing, face painting, street entertainers and much more. www.visitbelfast.com.

• Londonderry Agricultural Show, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, July 30. This long established agricultural show features livestock classes, home industries, trade stands, children’s entertainment, horse and pony showing. There is also a marquee displaying a large array of local crafts from bespoke jewellery, patchwork, handmade candles through to hand made cards and health products.

• Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, until July 30. This week-long festival includes a variety of entertainment and competitions for children, nearly all of which are free to view or participate in, with the fireworks finale one of the most popular in Ireland. www.redsails.co.uk.

• Sherlock Holmes, Solitude Park, Co. Down, July 28. Enjoy an unforgettable evening of mystery and suspense, meet the world’s most famous of detective, Sherlock Holmes himself, as he is called upon to solve a great mystery in this snappy adaption. Bring a picnic and your best detective skills for an unforgettable evening of mystery, suspense and theatre under the stars. 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.

As the summer holidays continue, why not enjoy quality family time at one or more of the exciting events taking place in Lisburn City Centre this August!

If you are out relishing Lisburn City Centre’s bustling shopping atmosphere, why not make your way to Market Square to enjoy a host of family-friendly events. Bricks 4 Kidz will be hosting workshops on Saturday 6 August, teaching children the basic principles of engineering and architecture with all the added fun of Lego. With workshops split across four different activity zones, let the kids’ imaginations run free! To register for this FREE Lego workshop, please email sophie.mcauley@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk. Places will be filled on a first come first served basis.

On Saturday 20 August, the stunning Frock Around the Clock Vintage Fair will take over Market Square located in front of the Irish Linen Museum, with a ravishing selection of vintage clothing, accessories, crafts and oddities. With over 20 individual traders offering everything from homewares to clothing, it is the perfect place to add some sparkle to your wardrobe and home.

If you still find yourself in need of more, a spectacular events programme is planned throughout the month of August. Have a read below to see what’s happening in Lisburn near you!

Take a trip to Wallace Park where a new adventure awaits each week. Brought to you by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, this host of free family events includes Pirates & Princesses (August 3), Peter Pan in the Park (August 6), Mini Mela (August 13) and the adorable Flower & Animal Fun Day (August 20).

If that’s not enough there’s not one, but two music festivals to dance the night away! The iconic Sunflowerfest, running August 5-7, returns to Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, and the Hilden Beer & Music Festival, running August 26-28, returns to delight craft beer lovers and concert-goers alike. Each of these three-day festivals celebrate the best in local music, with thriving atmosphere and divine food and drink.

Have you ever wanted to be a world record holder? Well, now is your chance! To mark the opening of the 2016 Ulster Grand Prix taking place August 8-13, the organisers will be attempting to break the world record for the most makes of motorcycle in one place on August 6 at Market Square. Only one make for each brand of motorcycle can register, so contact geoff@ulstergrandprix.net today to find out more information and secure your place.

If the Ulster Grand Prix doesn’t get your engines revving, then the Northern Ireland Speed Weekend running August 27-28 certainly will!

As the summer comes to a close, go out in style with the Colour Dash 5K on August 21. Raising vital funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, this all-new fun run will certainly brighten up your summer at Balmoral Park’s Eikon Exhibition Centre.

In one final farewell bid to the summer the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival returns to Hillsborough village from August 30 for a 6-day extravaganza of festival favourites including the World Oyster Eating Championship and Soapbox Derby.

For more information on any of these events, visit www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com or contact Lisburn City Centre Management on 028 92447543.

The weeklong Red Sails Festival organized by the Portstewart Community Association in conjunction with Causeway Coast and Glens Council and The Department For Communities, will take place from the 24^th-30^th July.

The 2016 festival includes over 60 free events for all ages.

Including:

Ritchie Remo’s Big Band, The Errol Walsh Band, Wllie Drennan’s Ulster Scots Folk Band and a reggae band from Scotland-Leanne and The Radix

Also included are 2014 Britain’s Got Talent Semi Finalist’s-The Innova Irish Dance Company and Hugo Duncan’s Radio Ulster Road Show, featuring several guest artists.

Plus lots more music including tributes to Status Quo and Ska. There will also be a variety of artists performing music in the local cafes.

Plus lots for the Kids-Workshops, Street Theatre and Talent, Sandcastle, Pavement Art, Fishing and Fancy Dress Competitions.

New for 2016 is a singer/songwriter competition on Thursday 28^th July.

There are also a couple of special events this year. Planned for Wednesday 27^th July (with a four day window to allow for weather conditions)-Heather Clatworthy attempts to repeat an historic swim from Moville in Donegal to Portstewart. The original swim was completed by Mercedez Gleitze (the first British women to swim the English Channel) back in 1929. From 10am-5pm on Thursday 28^th July there will be A World War I exhibition in Portstewart Town Hall. The exhibition includes a slideshow and members of the public can bring along their own family photos and newspaper memorabilia to be added to the show. The exhibition will also include a special Battle of the Somme tribute dance by the Bright lights Scottish Dancers.

It all finishes on Saturday 30^th July with a spectacular Fireworks display at 10.30pm

For full details of the program visit www.redsails.co.uk

Gin lovers are in for a treat this summer as The Merchant Hotel plays host to a very special event in its Rooftop Garden.

The Shortcross Twilight Picnic event will take place on Wednesday August 10 at 7.30pm and will showcase the locally crafted Shortcross Gin which is distilled just outside Downpatrick.

Gin connoisseurs will hear the story behind the brand from one of its founders and will have the opportunity to discover more about the distilling process, while enjoying gin cocktails, signature serves and delicious picnic food that will complement the drinks.

There will also be a specially made gin cocktail that has been inspired by a luxury summer picnic with gooseberry, elderflower yogurt and lavender hued Parfait Amour all making an appearance.

Michael Patterson, Manager of the Cocktail Bar at the Merchant Hotel is looking forward to the event;

“Northern Ireland, along with most of the world, is currently experiencing a gin revival and this event is designed to give gin lovers the opportunity to really find out about the brand.

“We’ve purposely selected the locally distilled Shortcross Gin and hope that the event will provide an educational experience for those attending.

“The event is set to be very popular and what better way is there to spend a summer evening than in relaxing surrounds of The Merchant’s Rooftop Bar.”

For further information, or to book a ticket, call The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 028 9023 4888 or visit themerchanthotel.com