If you think owning your own private island is strictly limited to the rich and famous think again.

You can follow in the footsteps of Richard Branson and Johnny Depp and get away from it all on your very own island right here on the shores of beautiful Lough Erne.  Join other celebrity Irish island owners including John Lennon, Louis Walsh and Michael Flatley who all snapped up an Irish oasis away from the spotlight.

Stunning Inisliroo Island is up for sale and considering private Irish islands don’t come up for sale too often this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snap up your very own Irish getaway.  Situated just 500 yards from Knockninny Pier in Derrylin, the island comes with full planning permission for a new 2,000 sq ft home.

The Island is also an important part of local history with four generations of the Maguire family farming the island.  After the Second World War the island became famous for its fruit production and its orchard is still fully functional today.  The original family home remains and provides mains water, telephone line and electric generator.

Mark Leinster of selling agents BTWCairns comments:  “This is a truly unique opportunity as in over a decade of working as an estate agent I have not come across an island for sale.  Inisliroo Island has to be seen to be believed – it is a stunning piece of land with breathtaking views of Lough Erne.  Just think what you could do with your very own island – create a technology-free retreat, a nature reserve or even an exclusive holiday location.”

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty the island provides magnificent views and has its own private jetty.  It is ideally located to take full advantage of Waterways Ireland allowing you to cruise all the way to Limerick.  It also has access to a wide array of watersports and angling.

Inisliroo Island is on the market for £600,000, for further information on the property contact selling agent BTWCairns on 028 90668888 or www.btwcairns.com.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is launching its latest participation and performance programme for Spring and Summer 2012.

The Bishop Street-based dance company will be offering its usual weekly classes for all ages and abilities, from parent and toddler, kids aged 5-12 to adults and older people, starting 4^th May, AND it’s popular summer scheme in July for ages 5-12.

Echo Echo has danced with thousands of people from across the North West and beyond, and encourages anyone interested in dance or movement to come along and join in- no matter what their experience or ability level.

Last term, the company introduced their lunchtime performance events, which will continue in May and June. These are a great way to introduce the public to the performance work of the dancers for a short showing with tea and cake.

The new addition to this term’s programme is Salsa, led by local dancer Ayesha Mailey. Ayesha has been training in salsa for several years and will do two introductory sessions in May as tasters to see what level of interest there is in the city.

Ayesha said: “Salsa is, by its very nature, a fusion dance with its origins in Latin American and European dance and movement styles. It is lively, interactive and great fun.

“My teaching will combine the sensuous and energetic qualities of salsa with the improvisory feel of Echo Echo’s contemporary style. I will teach fundamental footwork and hand styling with the focus on embodying the choreography from the inside out.”

Echo Echo is considered to be Northern Ireland’s leading dance company. The company is known for it’s innovative projects and unique performance style as well as it’s accessibility to people of all ages and ability levels.

The company’s dance courses book up quickly so anyone interested in joining in is advised to book a place as soon as possible. Prices start from £3 per class and £30 for a full course.

Details are available by contacting the Echo Echo office on 028 7130 8883, email info@echoechodance.com or visit www.echoechodance.com

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Derry City Council and The Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

This May Day, North Down Borough Council in association with Holywood and District Community Council are proud to bring the internationally acclaimed street artist, Jon Hicks to Holywood as part of the annual May Day celebrations taking place on Monday, May 7^th.

Jon regularly appears in street festivals, arts festivals, art happenings, cabarets and corporate events all around the world. Performing his own shows or creating new artworks to a client brief. He has just recorded a spot for the new BBC1 children’s show “The Slammer” due to be on the TV this autumn.

At May Day, Jon will be creating a beautiful image of the Holywood May Pole on the pavement using chalk, a masterpiece which he will be creating throughout the course of the event. Members of the public can come along and watch Jon working and marvel at his artistry. This is a fantastic opportunity to see an art prodigy in action!

There’s plenty more happening at the May Day event too. The town will be filled with over 70 craft and charity stalls for the occasion so plenty for the shoppers to browse! Holywood and District Community Council have organised the now legendary Bonny Baby competition at 10.30am in the Queens Leisure Complex with the ever- popular Maypole Dancing at 10.15am and 11.30am. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12.00-4.00pm.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee there will be a Royal themed Fancy Dress Competition at the Main Stage area at 12.15pm. At 1pm the stage will play host to a programme of medieval merriment to keep all the family entertained until 4pm.

The stage programme this year includes a comic portrayal of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham along with Jester and Juggler frolics. And there will be many other enchanting characters weaving their way through the crowds throughout the day.

So come to Holywood this May Day for a fun-filled family day out!

For more information check out www.northdowntourism.com or call

Bangor Tourism Information Centre on 02891 270069

Silhouette, Farriers, Space Dimension Controller also confirmed

GLASGOWBURY are delighted to announce that rock giants Therapy? will headline this year’s ‘Small But Massive’ event.

Recently voted Northern Ireland’s Best Festival, Glasgowbury have arranged a stellar line-up of some of the best emerging and established talent for their July 21^st celebration.

NI legends Therapy? will cap off this year’s Draperstown based festival in a year that has seen them release their highly acclaimed new album, A Brief Crack Of Light.

With over 20 years of touring experience and stunning releases in the form of the iconic Mercury nominated album Troublegum, Glasgowbury 2012 will make history as the first NI headline appearance for the three-piece rock band.

Completing the first round of line-up announcements, Glasgowbury are also delighted to welcome Silhouette, Amidships, Pretty Child Backfire, Farriers, VerseChorusVerse, Space Dimension Controller, Ryan Vail and Our Krypton Son to this year’s celebration.

Festival organiser Paddy Glasgow said, “Having Therapy? play the festival is something we’ve been trying to make a reality for a few years now and I’m delighted that we can finally make it happen.

“The guys are legends of the music scene and respected the world over for their talent and having them headline their first NI festival is something we’ve proud to make happen,” he said.

“As always, Glasgowbury attempts to programme a festival based around the best in homegrown talent and I think this year’s festival will be testament to that.

“This year’s line-up is one of the most exciting yet and includes some festival first-time performances from artists such as Amidships, Ryan Vail and Our Krypton Son – acts which are making massive headway and some really exciting music.”

Glasgowbury 2012 takes place across the weekend of July 21^st and ‘early eagle’ tickets are on sale until the end of May at 2010 prices.

For more details on all things Glasgowbury, see www.glasgowbury.com

small but MASSIVE!

A total of 16 competitors have qualified to compete in the Ulster Strongest Man Competition to be held in Cookstown on Bank Holiday Monday 7^th May from 12 noon to 5pm.

The event, organised by Cookstown District Council and sponsored by Signworks is set to be a thrilling spectacle with competitors going head to head in six spectacular challenges.

The Ulster’s Strongest Man event is only one part of the fun filled day. Children will be entertained on the main street with an array of activities from kiddie’s amusement rides, free magic shows, balloon modeling and face painters.  In addition to last year’s set up, Grandstand tiered seating will be located on both sides of the arena.   

The Challenges 2012

1: Earth Mover – Tyre Super Yoke

A two laned event with a huge 850lbs structure being carried on each competitors shoulder over a set course of 20 metres. A Jurassic earth stumping event to start of the competition.  Fastest time or distance taken wins.

2: St Patrick’s Trail Carry

A huge Celtic Cross weighing in excess of 200kg will be picked up in the arms of the competitor and carried for a far as possible up a 20 metre set course.  A real lung busting event were not only strength but fitness is the key. Furthest distance wins.

3: The Apollo Axle Wheel Deadlift

This is the most famous weightlifting axle in the world, with a thick 2 inch bar making it difficult to hold.  Louis Cyr, the famous French Canadian Circus Performer lifted this mighty axle above his head.  In our competition it will be a deadlift from the ground.  This not only involves back strength but also pinch grip to lift the bar.  Maximum lift wins.

4: The Hercules Hold

This is one of the most painful strongman tests.  A competitor must lift a car on a frame off the ground for as long as possible.  Pain and guts are part of this event, the strongest grip around will be the winner.

5: Beaghmore Atlas Stone Lift

Five stones weighing from 85kg to a massive 145kg will be lifted onto a wall of varied heights.  This will be the toughest of all the strength events.  Stone lifting is the oldest strength test known to strongman, an overall body challenge.

6: The Olympic Strongman Medley

Competitors will go head to head in this event were a series of block lifts and presses need to be completed.  Competitors will first lift a 110kg axle push above their heads.  They will then pull a 200kg block on to an 18” platform.   Competitors will move on the second platform and push a 64kg dumbbell above their heads and then pull a 225kg block onto an 18” high platform.  The final task of the grueling challenge will be to lift a 130kg log and push it above their head and then lift a massive 250kg block onto the 18”platform.  Fastest time wins.

This is the finale event of 6 grueling events and it will test every sinew of the competitors body, only the strong will survive and the weak will falter.  The strongest will be crowned Ulster’s Strongest Man 2012 and receive the coveted Culcullen Warrior Prince Trophy. For more information contact Cookstown TIC on 028 86769949  or log onto our facebook page www.facebook.com/visitcookstown

This Mayday bank holiday weekend, the beautiful setting of Springhill in Moneymore will once again be the backdrop for the sights, smells and sounds of 1940’s wartime Britain.

The Wartime Living History Association has once again teamed up with the National Trust who own Springhill in Moneymore.  The event, ‘GI’s on Parade’ will allow members of the general public to experience first hand what life was like for the locals and the American soldiers in 1942.

In 1942 the 82^nd Airborne Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army was stationed in and around Springhill, Moneymore.  The G.I’s stationed there were preparing for their part in Operation Overlord (D-Day) and the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe.  On Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May 2012 the members of the Wartime Living History Association and the staff of Springhill will transform this historical house and its grounds into a living time capsule that will allow visitors to relive that nostalgic time.

This year’s event is shaping up to be as exciting and as educational as last year.  The Wartime Living History Association in conjunction with the National Trust are putting together an event programme that will have something for all the family.  Even if wartime history is not of interest, there is will be plenty more activities for you to enjoy.

Try your hand at archery, target shooting and zorbing or simply relax in the surrounds of Springhill gardens with a tea and scone. The House will be open for wartime period living history tours while outside reenactments of sniper attacks, bunker assaults and woodland skirmishes will take place throughout the day.  A World War One demonstration military vehicle display and American GI parade are also among the days attractions

GI’s on parade will take place at Springhill on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May from 12-5pm. Adult member and non-member £6. Child member and non-member £3, Family member and non-member £15. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni or call Springhill on 028 8674 8210.

Make your way to Meadowbank Sports Arena on Saturday 5th May 2-6pm as Magherafelt District Council has planned a spectacular start to its 2012 Summer Festival Season – and the best bit about this event – IT’S ALL FREE!

The fun gets underway at 2pm on Saturday 5th May with a wide range of attractions both inside and outside at the Meadowbank Sports Arena. Inside the arena children of all ages will be entertained by The Great Mefiesto with his tricks of balance, feats of equilibristic manipulation (juggling) and riding atop a 6ft unicycle: Mr McBubbles’ mesmerizing magic show;
Kirsty’s Kinetic Dancers with their hip-hop moves; and the groovy A-Hey Karaoke and disco.

Children can burn off some energy on it’s a knockout, the mega inflatables, bungee run, rodeo bull, demolition zone, and the assault courses. Other activities inside include; Jumping Clay demonstrations, nail painting, temporary tattoos, hair braiding, and balloon modelling.

There will also be a designated infant/toddler area comprising of small bouncy castles and a play trailer to entertain the little ones. Gymstar dance mats and the Whacker wall are provided by “Living and Learning Together” which is a 5 year Big Lottery funded programme assisting communities in the Magherafelt and Antrim area to enhance and develop skills, address health and wellbeing issues and to encourage social inclusion.

The fun doesn’t stop there as outside there will be a climbing wall to suit those with a desire to reach the skies, laser clay pigeon shooting to test your aim, and the Gyroscope Space Ball which twists, turns and puts you in a spin. The NI Fire Service will also be onsite giving Fireman Sam enthusiasts the opportunity to meet real fire-fighters and to get a closer look at how the fire engine works.
Event organiser Charmain Bell said, “This annual Summer Festival is set to be an amazing spectacle. It’s a great day out for all the family – and I do believe it will be bigger and better than previous years. We have incorporated more activities and new entertainers, which is sure to please everyone”.

But don’t just take our word for it – come along and experience the magic of Magherafelt for yourself. It’ll be more than you imagine!

For further information contact Magherafelt Tourist Information Centre Tel: 028 7963 1510 or visit www.exploremagherafelt.com.

As part of the run up to the Derry-Londonderry’s term as UK City of Culture in 2013, the city today announced that it will host a major new festival of digital culture this summer.

Special offer via whatsonni.com – use promo code “whatsonpromo” for £10 discount!

Culture Tech is billed as a four-day festival of digital culture and technologies and will take place from August 29th to September 1st within Derry’s historic walled city centre. The festival promises an eclectic mix of film screenings, digital arts installations, live music performances, public workshops and a major games tournament.

Mark Nagurski from Digital Derry, principal organisers of the festival, explained: “Digital technology has become a part of all of our lives in everything from the way we work to the games we play. In the run up to the City of Culture year we wanted to host an event that celebrated the way that technology is helping to shape exciting new projects in culture and the arts. We’re bringing in speakers, acts and artists from all over the globe but there’ll also be a strong emphasis on exciting projects being developed right here in Northern Ireland. We hope it’s an event that everyone can come and enjoy and we expect to have over 10,000 people taking part over the four days.”

The festival will include an industry conference expected to attract over 500 delegates and also a showcase event, co-sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland, where local companies can present their projects.

Martin Adair, acting Head of Creative Industries at Invest NI, commented: “Northern Ireland’s vibrant creative industries sector is hugely important to the Northern Ireland economy which has ambitious, world-class companies operating across the full spectrum of industries, from film and TV to digital media including gaming, animation and music.

“The Culture Tech festival will be an important opportunity to showcase this talent and help to maximise the export potential of these business as well as position Northern Ireland competitively among international investors.”

Brian Burns from festival sponsors Seagate said: “The creative industries, particularly games and music, are a hugely important growth area for Seagate. As digital content, such as music, video, photos and games, becomes more integrated into everyday life, the idea of static data storage is becoming obsolete.  Today, people want to access, share and secure digital content using dynamic storage solutions that give them the freedom to do business, and to create and interact at any time and anywhere. Seagate is in the business of delivering the advanced digital storage solutions that meet these needs. We’ve also been in Derry for nearly 20 years and have a long-standing association with the creative industries here. With that in mind, we’re enormously excited to be associated with what will undoubtedly be a fantastic event.”

Many of the festival events are open to the public and free to attend and the organisers expect it to be a big draw for families. Tickets for the conference, screenings and music events start at just £49 for all four days and are available online at www.culturetech.co where you’ll also find details of the festival programme.

Local singer/songwriter of international renown, David Mc Williams passed away in January 2002.

David had many international hits including ‘The Days of Pearly Spencer’.

On the 10^th anniversary of his death a tribute concert will be held at the Braid Arts Centre on Friday April 27^th, 8pm. This special event will feature three of Northern Ireland’s top singer/songwriters; Bap Kennedy, Errol Walsh and Bob Speers, who are all great admirers of David McWilliams. Bob Speers, who was a very close friend of David, will be re-releasing his own hit album ‘Northland’ on the night.

Also appearing on the stage at the Braid for the first time will be young local singer/songwriter Tara Hoy who will soon be releasing her very first album. At the event The Ballymena based David Mc Williams Appreciation Society will be presenting a donation of £2,000 to Belfast’s Oh Yeah Centre. Following David’s death this society was set up to promote local singer/songwriters while preserving the legacy and spirit of the exceptional character that was David McWilliams.

This event will be a rare treat and is part of the Ballymena Arts Festival. For tickets contact the Braid Box Office: 028 256 35900

The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) is delighted to host the UK premiere of Ground Zero 360° which will run from 3rd May – 25^th May 2012 at PRONI’s state of the art new building in Belfast’s historic Titanic Quarter.

Ground Zero 360° is a photographic exhibition which uses visuals, audio clips and a unique panoramic installation to depict the startling aftermath of one of the most tragic events in American history – ‘9/11’. The exhibition has been put together by Nicola McClean, a New York based Irish photographer who used her camera to document the devastation of the day, and her husband, Paul McCormack, an NYPD police captain who was part of the rescue mission.

Designed to honour the memory of the victims, Ground Zero 360° allows the onlooker to experience the enduring events of September 11th and celebrate the tremendous courage and dignity of a nation under fire.

www.groundzero360.org/