This Sunday, 5 April, Cockle Row will be opening its doors to families who will visit over the summer season.

Open for Easter, Cockle Row Cottages will host free themed entertainment on Easter Sunday including Easter Crafts, a visit from the Ark Open Farm and their small animal roadshow, Plant and Play will be holding a Garden Workshop for little ones and there will be the ever popular balloon modelling.

The Cottages are situated in the quaint village of Groomsport. These lovingly restored fisherman’s cottages will host a variety of free weekend family entertainment every Saturday and Sunday from 5 April to 6 September from 2pm to 4pm. Children will have the opportunity to join in on a range of activities from face painting, children’s crafts, archery, science shows, to magic shows and much more every weekend. There will something for adults too in the form of

Ulster-Scots music and dance in July and August in association with the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Set within the picturesque Groomsport Harbour, Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Bird enthusiasts can enjoy live video feeds which have been set up on Cockle Island giving visitors the opportunity to watch birds on two large screens, control cameras for a more interactive bird watching experience and you can even follow the birds from home via the internet.   Open to the public daily from 1 June, the cottages also stock a range of tourist and heritage information as well as a small gift shop full of local crafts and pottery.

Whether it’s a weekend of free family fun or an afternoon away – Cockle Row Cottages are the perfect place for you!

Cockle Row Cottages are open 11am-5pm during weekends in April and May and daily from 1 June to 6 September.  Free weekend family entertainment from 2pm to 4pm beginning 5 April to 6 September.

For more information and a list of weekend events, www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or telephone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069.

To celebrate Bangor’s first Pirate Invasion, taking place this Easter Monday, April 6, local businesses have generously donated hundreds of prizes to be given out to lucky visitors.

On the day, the town will be transformed into a pirate wonderland and with lots of local organisations getting behind the event, it should be a fantastic day out for all the family.

Speaking about the event, Paula Kane, Development Director at Bangor Chamber of Commerce said: “Bangor Chamber of Commerce are eggs-cited to be part of this year’s Easter Monday festivities. With numerous Chamber member cars taking part in the parade we also have well over 250 ‘Spot Prizes’ on to be won on the day. Everything from an Easter Egg, shopping vouchers, free ice cream, passes to Pickie Fun Park, passes to Aurora, Personal training sessions, Free eye tests, free fry-ups, hair and beauty prizes and LOTS more! Not forgetting the ultimate ‘STAR PRIZE’ a £100 voucher and a personal shopper experience at MENARYS BANGOR; a customised Cut & Blow Dry that caters for the winner’s lifestyle. Plus a stress relieving sensory journey using natural essential oils. Provided by NICHOLAS GRAHAM CONCEPT SALON & SPA; a skincare review and full make-up along with a manicure, provided by OMEYA DAY SPA all followed by Afternoon Tea  for Two at the SALTY DOG HOTEL. Prizes are won by picking up a Chamber of Commerce Pirate Treasure Coin on the day. Bangor Chamber of Commerce President, Thomas Fegan said: ‘It’s brilliant to be involved in such a great day for Bangor and to have such fantastic support from our local businesses, we are genuinely thrilled with the level of support and look forward to a cracker day! We are looking forward to more events bringing local traders together, promoting Bangor as the destination we know and love.’

The highlight of the day will be the spectacular Pirate Parade which will be taking place at 3pm when over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will make their way around the Town Centre. Look out for pirate ships, colourful bands, pirates, dancers and live music. The parade will have a distinctly community feel this year with involvement from The Bangor Chamber of Commerce who will have branded cars featured in the parade and Bangor Rugby Club who will be providing players to push some of the floats around the town and also cycling a barista pedal bike! The parade will also include many other local groups and organisations including Rathgael gymnasts, McMasters Stage School, Victoria School of Dance, North Down Scouts, 12^th Bangor Brownies, the RNLI, Ballyholme Yacht Club,  Pickie Fun Park and many more!

Project 24 will be turned into “Pirate 24” for the day, a fun Treasure Island full of pirate-themed crafts, activities and music. Come and join in the fun in the pirate dress up area, get your face painted or make some crafts in the pirate craft emporium. Walk the plank with some real-life pirates or have a boogie to some Desert Island Discs. Look out for the pirate statue and stilt walker who will also be making an appearance. There will also be “X Marks The Spot” face-painting stations located throughout the Town Centre, North Down Museum and Bangor Aurora where children can have their faces painted as pirates. There will also be free pirate masks available on the day. Come along and have your little darlings transformed into pirates!

The McKee Clock Arena, will play host to a special Moto Trial NI motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike! The Pirates of Bangor marina have run aground and Ireland’s best trials riders will be competing over a challenging course of giant drift wood, treasure chests and even a ship wrecked Galleon in this specially designed, arena show to see who can win the treasure!!

Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills and perform some breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres! Starting at 12pm, this spectacular show is not to be missed!

On The Promenade, a special pirate land train will be giving free rides all day. And all of this coincides with the opening of the brand new pirate play park at Pickie Fun Park – check out the new park, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the café.

So come on down to Bangor this Easter Monday with your family and friends for lots of pirate fun at this FREE event! The fun starts at 12 noon.

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com

What does a recycled coffee bean bag or a notice board made from an up-cycled curtain look like?

Where can you find out how to make loo roll creatures with googly eyes or touch a giant lobster made from recycled tyres?

Find out the answers to these questions and more at Treasure Trash this weekend.

Works of art will be in abundance throughout the Crescent Arts Centre on Saturday 28 March from 12noon to 5pm during this innovative Outreach & Education event.

The aim of this free event is to actively demonstrate and encourage reusing and up-cycling household waste products, transforming them into useful items, toys or pieces of art!  No need to throw your stuff away, with a little bit of imagination and learning a new skill you will be amazed at what you can make from rubbish.

One local artist will be asking for lots of audience participation.  Fionnuala Duffin will be making a collaborative piece of wall hanging art with the public, which will go on display in the Crescent Arts Centre after the event. It will be made from recycled & up-cycled materials, especially bubble wrap.  Participants will fill the bubbles with old yarn, ribbons, found objects and will have the opportunity to write messages inside the piece of art.

Find out more about Street Gems-Belfast, a new cooperative based in the Welcome Organisation, a centre for the homeless.  This organisation works with homeless people in a number of areas including furniture restoration and up-cycling, textiles, ceramics, jewellery and general crafts. Their aim is to help generate change through creativity, transform lives, build confidence and self esteem as well as teach participants creative skills.

During the day live demonstrations by artists will be interspersed with a treasure hunt, up-cycling demonstrations, puppet storytelling, drop-in creative workshops and many other activities.   Why not take this opportunity to sit with your children and learn to make loo roll creatures or gigantic pom-poms to take home.

This event runs on Saturday 28 March from 12noon – 5pm.  Entry is FREE and is funded by Belfast City Council’s Zero Waste Grant. For more information visit www.treasuretrashbelfast.com or call the Crescent Arts Centre on 028 9024 2338.

Want to be a pirate for the day? This Easter Monday, April 6, pirates will run amok in Bangor!

If you would like to join in the fun, then come on down and be a part of it! Look out for ‘X Marks The Spot’ signs around the town and make your dreams of becoming a pirate come true in Bangor this Easter Monday. Expert face-painters will transform your little darlings into dashing pirates. Come dressed for the part and take part in a pirate bonanza day!

The spectacular Pirate Parade will be taking place at 3pm on when over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will make their way around the Town Centre. Look out for pirate ships, colourful bands, pirates, dancers and live music.  Led by The Mayor of Ards and North Down and featuring Bangor Rugby Club, Bangor Chamber of Commerce, the RNLI, Ballyholme Yacht Club and many more local groups, this is an extravaganza not to be missed!

Project 24 will be turned into “Pirate 24” for the day, a fun Treasure Island full of pirate-themed crafts, activities and music. Come and join in the fun in the pirate dress up area, get your face painted or make some crafts in the pirate craft emporium. Walk the plank with some real-life pirates or have a boogie to some Desert Island Discs. Look out for the pirate statue and stilt walker who will also be making an appearance. There will also be face-painting stations located throughout the Town Centre, North Down Museum and Bangor Aurora where children can have their faces painted as pirates and receive a free mask to get in on the action!

The McKee Clock Arena, will play host to a special Moto Trial NI motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike! The Pirates of Bangor marina have run aground and Ireland’s best trials riders will be competing over a challenging course of giant drift wood, treasure chests and even a ship wrecked Galleon in this specially designed, arena show to see who can win the treasure!!

Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills and perform some breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres! Starting at 12pm, this spectacular show is not to be missed!

On The Promenade, a special pirate land train will be giving free rides all day. And all of this coincides with the opening of the brand new pirate play park at Pickie Fun Park – check out the new park, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the café.

So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends for lots of pirate fun this Easter Monday!

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com

To mark the move of Larne Borough into to Mid and East Antrim Council, a special SPRING FORWARD family fun afternoon has been organised for Larne Borough residents at Carnfunnock Country Park.

Not only will the clocks be going forward on Saturday 28th March but Larne Borough will be “springing forward” into a new Council borough. The event will run from 2pm-5pm and will include a special outdoor circus show by Belfast Circus. The special circus show will chart 75 years of music and features acrobatics, comedy and circus skills.

There will be a Mobile Farm with lots of cute and cuddly friends to meet. Why not have a go at Archery, or speak to the gardening experts at Inver Garden Nursery Garden Clinic.

NI survival school will be there along with NI Salsa who will be teaching you how to put a spring in your step. There will be a number of craft demonstrations from Blacksmithing to saddle making and live music by Odibal!

Members of the public are encouraged to dress up in their finest spring inspired costumes with a chance to be spotted by our spring style spotters who will be roaming the park throughout the event, with prizes to give away.

Normal Car Parking Charges will apply. Check www.larne.gov.uk or contact 028 2826 0088 for more information. More information on the event can also be found on www.facebook.com/larnealiveofficial.

Leisure & Events Management Students Present The Purple Run 2015

Sponsored by Energie Fitness Coleraine

In aid of ‘Fight on for Annie’ Pancreatic Cancer Fund.

Ulster University Coleraine Campus
Wednesday 25th March 2015
1pm

Registration fee £6 –First 50 to sign up will receive a charity T-shirt.

To registered your interest please contact info@fightonforannie.com

On 25th March 2015, Ulster University Coleraine Campus will play host to the first ever ‘Purple Run’ proudly sponsored by Energie Fitness Coleraine,  In aid of ‘Fight on for Annie’ Pancreatic Cancer Fund.

The run will be a 5K Charity Fun Run around the campus. This run is designed to be a fun and relaxed event with the aim of raising awareness and funds for our chosen charity. You can run or walk its up to you!
The race will be followed by a participant Thank You party at the Student’s Union with light refreshments provided and spot prizes given out.

Our chosen charity “Fight on for Annie’ is a fund set up to raise money for both Pancreatic Cancer UK & Pancreatic Cancer Action UK in memory of one of our event team members mum Anne O’Neill. Around 8,800 people are diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK each year, making it the 11th most common cancer. Cancer of the pancreas is difficult to treat. It rarely causes any symptoms in the early stages, so it’s often not detected until the cancer is fairly advanced. Pancreatic cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the Uk, around 8,700 people in the UK died from pancreatic cancer in 2014, nearly 24 people a day.

Only 3% of pancreatic cancer patients survive the disease for five years or more. Meaning raising money for research is so important to help find a cure for this awful disease. Pancreatic Cancer UK is the only national charity fighting pancreatic cancer on all fronts from Support, Information to Campaigning and Research.

Please help us raise awareness and money for this wonderful charity and come join the ‘The Purple Run’ with us on Wednesday 25th March at Coleraine Campus.

Joanna MacGregor is thought of as one of the world’s most wide-ranging and innovative musicians, and she’s now set for The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

She has appeared as a concert pianist in over 70 countries, and has performed at the world’s most prestigious venues including Wigmore Hall and Southbank, Sydney Opera House, the Mozarteum and the Concertgebouw. She has made over 30 solo recordings ranging from Bach, Ravel, and Debussy to jazz and contemporary. Joanna’s concert on Wednesday 1^st April will feature an exciting and varied programme including works by Bach, Shostakovich, Chopin, a new commission by an Irish composer and six tangos by Piazzolla, arranged by MacGregor. This is a special chance to hear one of the world’s finest concert pianists. Tickets are priced £15 or £13 (concession) with the option to include tapas and wine for an additional £6.

Big Telly make a welcome return to The Market Place on Saturday 4^th April, following their previous visits with ‘Melmoth The Wanderer’, ‘Playboy Of The Western World’ and ‘The Colleen Bawn’. In their new production, ‘One Sandwich Short Of A Genius’, a ridiculously normal family is in absolute denial about the things they don’t mention. Mum is so determined to keep up appearances that when Dad leaves her ‘to find himself’, she hires an actor to replace him. It’s a perfect solution to an embarrassing situation, as long as she uses her imagination to find the extra cash. Luckily, the daughter’s far too busy planning the happiest day of her life to notice, but the son smells so many rats he’s a loose cannon who must be kept behind closed doors. Will keeping the cat in the bag and the skeletons in the cupboard whilst avoiding the elephant in the room tip them all over the edge? Or is it the best move she’s ever made… Tickets are priced £12.50 or £10.50 (concession).

Following the highly acclaimed ‘Adolf’, ‘Animal Farm’, and ‘Anthem For A Doomed Youth’, Guy Masterson Productions return to Armagh on Friday 10^th April with ‘Bill Clinton Hercules’. Come and meet the 42nd President as he cuts loose and shoots straight from the hip in his own fantasy TED talk! From the Trojan Wars to the future of democracy, his dreams, regrets, hopes and passions, Hillary and Monica… Beloved stained icon and reviled Slick Willy. A life epic in its own right, but what will be Bubba’s final act? Can the Comeback Kid come back? Tickets are priced £12.50 or £10.50 (concession).

Tickets for all events 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.

It’s just weeks now until the biggest highlight in the city’s musical calendar, as final preparations get underway for the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival 2015.

The festival marks the official start of summer in Derry as thousands of music fans descend on the city to sing, swing and enjoy the very best local hospitality, with over 250 events taking place in over 60 venues. Organised by Derry City Council and supported by Diageo, the festival will take place from April 30 until May 4, and draws over 35,000 visitors to the city annually.

This year Derry will welcome modern jazz sensation Jamie Cullum – the highlight event in five days of Jazz, Jump, Jive, Swing, and Blues delivered on note by some of the best artists in the business.

The concert, which takes place on Monday, May 4^th, will have a special local element as Jamie has invited none other than the St Mary’s College Choir to support him live on stage. The artist has a special connection with the school after he dropped in on the choir last year for a jamming session as part of the BBC Radio 4 Piano Pilgrimage series.

Festivals and Events manager with Derry City Council, Karan Leonard, said the programme had even more to offer music fans this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Jamie Cullum, who is of course recognised as one of the most exciting young jazz artists on the music scene. I know Jamie will attract a diverse range of music lovers to the festival, as he’s well known for his unique jazz interpretations of current music. That includes his young fans at St Mary’s College who will be thrilled to meet up with him again and actually perform at the concert. He got a fantastic reception on his first visit to the city and I have no doubt his return will be equally as popular.

“The programme this year offers music lovers of all ages the chance to sample a wide array of musical genres, performed by the highest calibre of artists including Louis Stewart, Charlie Wood and Camilla George. Local talent is well represented as always with performers such as David Lyttle, Dave Martin and John Leighton, and we have some international artists who will be travelling from across Europe and as far away as the US.”

The Festival opens appropriately on International Jazz Day and what better way to celebrate than with a selection of first rate performances from the cream of local jazz talent. Between 6pm – 8pm on April 30 a series of indoor and outdoor sets will take place at the Guildhall featuring the Paul McIntyre Trio, Gay McIntyre, George Hasson, John and Fiona Trotter, and lots more.

For those of you left standing at the edge of the dance floor last year now is your chance to shine! There are a few places still available at the jive lessons led by Jive and Ballroom champions David and Kathleen Cummings at the Alley Arts Theatre in Strabane.  Over four weeks participants can pick up a range of steps and learn how to adapt to a variety of rhythms, including Jazz, Swing, Boogie Woogie, and Big Band sounds.

To book a place for the Alley Theatre Dance lessons, please go to the Alley Theatre or pay via the telephone on 028 7188 4760.

For more information on all the events featured in this year’s Jazz Programme go to www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com or visit the City of Derry Jazz Festival Facebook page

Ends

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (March 30–April 5).

• Good Friday Fun, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, The Stables, Portaferry, Co Down, Belfast, April 3. To celebrate the reopening of Portaferry Visitor Information Centre for the summer season there will be some fun free activities going on so drop in with the children to take part on April 3 from 12-4pm.

• Easter Extravaganza at Share, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Co Fermanagh, April 3-12. Enjoy the thrills on a variety of land and water activities including one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in archery, banana boating, canoeing, climbing, orienteering, circus skills, combat corps, sailing, windsurfing and mountain biking. Various times available.

• Mount Stewart House Reopens, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down, April 3. Following a three year seven million pound restoration programme, this 19th century house opens its doors to visitors once again! The house rooms have been exquisitely re-presented and interpreted and some will be open to the public for the very first time. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the Mansion House at their leisure from 11.30am until 4.30pm.

• Family Adventure Day, Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward Estate, Co Down, April 4. Families will love trying out the many ranges of activities including canoeing, archery and orienteering.  It’s the perfect way to enjoy some quality time together whilst having loads of fun. Activities at 11am or 2.30pm.

• Acoustic Picnic, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, April 4. You are invited to come along to listen to some great live music for free over a picnic style lunch.  All ages welcome, and this year there will be the addition of some giant board games for families and groups of friends to enjoy. So bring a picnic, order a coffee, and enjoy the atmosphere. Begins at 1pm.

• Easter at Navan Centre & Fort, The Ugly Duckling Armagh, Co Armagh, April 4-7. Enjoy family fun with lots of songs, energetic dancing, ‘quack’ crafts and lots more ‘egg-citing’ activities! Shows throughout the day.

• Downhill Easter Egg Trail, Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, Co Londonderry, April 5-6. There will be fun for all the family as you follow the trail around the historic Downhill Demesne. Hunt for clues to crack the code and unlock the Cadbury Chocolate egg surprise. Lots of fun for the whole family! Wear clothing that is suitable for outdoors and meet at Lion’s Gate! 12-4pm.

• Jurassic Adventures, Millennium Forum, Newmarket Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, April 4-5. Enjoy this show aimed at families with kids aged 4-10. Audiences are encouraged to participate during the show which revolves around the official opening of the theme park. Adventures include storms, technical failures, adventures with the creatures in the park and the birth of the park’s first baby dinosaur. Saturday 4^th show times are at 1.30pm and 4pm. Sunday 5th show begins at 2.30pm.

• Spring Fair Day Easter Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Castletown, Omagh, Co Tyrone, April 4-6. Witness the sights, smells and sounds of a busy market day in 1900s Ulster. There will be lots of entertainers to keep you amused. Try your hand at traditional crafts of spinning or basket weaving while younger visitors help feed the baby chicks and ducks. With storytelling sessions for all the family and a chance to take your partner for a spring-time hoe-down this promises to be a great day out for the whole family.  10am – 5pm.

• Circuit of Ireland Rally 2015, various locations, Co Antrim and Co Down, April 2-4. Fans will have several opportunities to see the rally action over Easter weekend.  The qualifying stage of the Rally will be based at Ballycultra Village on Thursday 2 April, followed by a ceremonial start at Belfast City Hall that evening. The rally will finish back in Belfast on the evening of Saturday April 4 and the winner will be crowned at Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. World famous actor and car enthusiast Idris Elba will be taking part in this year’s Rally when he films a documentary about racing on land, water and air.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking.