Author: whatsonni

Preparations for Armed Forces Day 2023 in Larne are well underway and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to announce there will be a historic 21 Gun Salute to mark the King’s official birthday.

Taking place at Sandy Bay Playing Fields in Larne from 10am on Saturday 17 June, Armed Forces Day 2023 will be an action-packed day filled with something for the whole family!

One of the highlights on the day will be the gun salute to mark this special occasion.  Gun salutes have existed for centuries with the firing of guns or firearms seen as a mark of respect on special occasions or as a military honour.

Other entertainment on the day will include a performance from the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment, a fantastic military village, interactive & static military displays, a parachute display by Silver Stars Royal Logistics Corp and a RAF display team featuring a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire and Hurricane.

There will also be an Army Air Corp Gazelle helicopter (static display), a RAF Police Military working dogs display, children’s entertainment, an Ulster Aviation Society static display and Science Technology Engineering Maths (STEM) competition

Taking to the stage will be talented musicians from The Music Yard in Larne, The Swingtime Starlets and righteous rock and soul brothers The Gold Tips.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said: “I am so looking forward to Armed Forces Day 2023 in Larne and particularly the 21 gun salute to mark the reigning Monarch’s birthday.  It will be a very special occasion this year as it’s the first time they will be fired for His Majesty King Charles III.

“This is an exciting opportunity for residents and visitors to play a part in the birthday celebrations, plus there will be so much more entertainment throughout the day for all ages. Come along, join in the fun and help us recognise the honourable service of the Armed Forces, both past and present.”

The event will begin with a parade to the venue and a Drumhead service, concluding that evening with a Beating Retreat finale.

Further information about Armed Forces Day, together with a travel plan for the event, can be found at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/AFD.

Bangor Seafront will be a hive of activity next month when the Sea Bangor Festival returns on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, with support from South Eastern Regional College (SERC) and Bangor Marina, thousands of visitors from the Borough and beyond are expected to descend on the seaside city over the two days in what will be one of Bangor’s busiest weekends of the year!

The popular maritime festival will open from 12noon until 6pm on both days, with a host of entertainment and activities for all the family, including an exciting visit by the Artemis eFoiler, HMS Penzance and HMS Raider!

The 12-metre Artemis eFoiler is the world’s first high-speed, fully electric foiling commercial vessel. Plans are in place for the vessel to operate a pilot service between Bangor and Belfast next year and this is an early opportunity for the public to see it in action on Bangor’s shores. On-the-water demonstrations are scheduled to take place at 1.30pm and 3.30pm on the Saturday and Sunday, with the best viewing opportunities available from the Seacliff Road.

Also on the water and available for viewing will be a Sandown-class Royal Navy minehunter vessel, HMS Penzance. After it docks at Eisenhower Pier, members of the public will have the opportunity to climb aboard for self-guided tours between 12noon and 4pm on the Saturday, providing a closer look at a vessel that is used to survey shipping routes and clear the way for military operations. Pre-booking is essential.

HMS Raider, a small patrol boat from Scotland, will be moored beside HMS Penzance. HMS Raider is one of two Archer-class patrol boats that form the Faslane Patrol Boat Squadron. Together with her sister ship, HMS Tracker, she provides reassurance and protection in and around HM Naval Base Clyde.

Keeping with the maritime theme, there will be lots more activities on the water too. E-Foiling demos will show how an electric powered surfboard on a hydrofoil wing can lift almost one metre out of the water. There will also be plenty of ‘have a go’ sessions as well, with free paddleboarding and kayaking taster sessions at Eisenhower Pier that can be pre-booked, plus the return of the popular rowing competition where local teams will compete for the top prize.

Back on dry land, Quay Street car park will take on a distinct holiday atmosphere with the return of the Urban Beach, funfair rides and outside bar. Families will be able to enjoy a seaside ‘rave’ and then relax before heading to the pier for some delicious food demos, hot food trucks, seasonal bar, and the popular on-water activities.

Helping everyone get around will be a free land train that will operate from the McKee Clock to Pickie Fun Park throughout the weekend. Make sure you don’t miss out on all the fun and visit Bangor Seafront on 3 and 4 June from 12noon to 6pm!

For more information, including details on how to book free ‘have a go’ sessions and self-guided tours on HMS Penzance, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/seabangor.

The hugely successful Armagh Craft Fair is back for the 11th year at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre with our largest number of fantastic artists and makers to date.

There is an exciting programme of creative activities throughout the day for visitors of all ages to enjoy, making this year’s Craft Fair a definite date for your diary!

The venue will transform into a vibrant hub of high-quality craft, art and design activity for the day. Visitors can shop at over 50 craft stalls from maker’s nationwide, experience traditional and contemporary craft demonstrations with some hands-on craft-making opportunities. You will find printed and woven textiles, jewellery, wood, fine art, leather, glass, soaps, candles, ceramics and artisan foods. Come early and start your day by taking part in a range of short creative workshops.

Children will enjoy getting creative at the FREE drop-in art sessions throughout the day making this fun event a must for all families.

Live musical performances during the Fair will keep you entertained as you shop for beautiful craft products, relax with a refreshing drink or simply enjoy the atmosphere.

We look forward to welcoming you to experience and explore what’s on offer.

This year’s Craft Fair will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm at The Market Place Theatre. Entrance is free, as are all craft demonstrations. For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

Eats and Beats Festival, Newcastle, Co Down, 2nd & 3rd September

The Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle is a celebration of food and music that brings together the best of both worlds. From delicious local cuisine to live performances by some of the hottest acts around, this festival is a must-see event for anyone who loves great food and great music.

As one of the largest festivals of its kind in the region, Eats and Beats draws thousands of visitors each year who come to sample the incredible food and soak up the festive atmosphere. Whether you’re a foodie looking to try something new or a music lover in search of your next favourite band, this festival has something for everyone.

With its stunning coastal setting, Newcastle provides the perfect backdrop for this vibrant event. From the charming streets of the town to the rugged beauty of the nearby mountains, there’s no shortage of picturesque views to enjoy. And with an array of food vendors and musical acts on hand, there’s always something new and exciting to discover.

So, if you’re looking for a fun-filled weekend that combines great food, fantastic music, and beautiful scenery, be sure to check out the Eats and Beats festival in Newcastle, County Down. It’s a one-of-a-kind event that’s sure to leave you with lasting memories and a full stomach!

https://www.facebook.com/VisitMourne/

https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/eats-and-beats-festival-p795271

#Eats and Beats

Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival has announced its eclectic festival programme, as it returns from May 26^th – June 4^th with 10 days of exciting seafaring fun. This year the festival is pleased to announce ‘The Phoenix’ tall ship will be part of the celebrations.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is collaborating with Ballycastle Community Development Group and Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry-land and at sea, inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin Island to the mainland in Ballycastle.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme of live music performances, dance displays, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, walks, talks, cookery demonstrations and lots of artisan produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, all of which celebrate the area’s rich local history, culture, music, and food.

The Phoenix tall ship is well known for its appearances in many films and television shows including Hornblower, Chronicles of Narnia and Voyage of Discovery. Visitors can experience the unique ship, with one-hour tours as well as day trips.

This is the first year The Phoenix will be part of the festival, so it’s a brilliant opportunity for locals and visitors to experience it.

The 10-day festival offers something for everyone, whether you want to find out more about traditional boat making, enjoy some family fun on the beach or have a go at paddle boarding.

To add to the expanding festival, a new addition this year will be on the pier activities to include music, dance and entertainment. Corracle boat making will also be a unique experience to find out more about these tradition vessels.

In other programme highlights, look out for the blessing of the boats, traditional rope making, maritime themed children’s crafts, colourful kite display, sand sculpture demonstration and a children’s sandcastle competition on Ballycastle Beach.

Looking ahead to the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is about inspiring a passion for the sea, as well as celebrating Ballycastle and Rathlin Island’s shared nautical heritage. It is a fantastic showcase of the area’s unrivalled tourism offering and it brings a unique vibrancy which has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors since the festival began 10 years ago.

“I know it is highly anticipated every year as a highlight of our Borough’s events calendar, and Council is very grateful to the local community volunteers who play a crucial role in its success.”

The full programme is available on the festival’s website so please visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com for the latest updates or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre by ringing 028 2076 2024. Trips on The Phoenix must be booked in advance. Details for bookings can be found via the festival’s website.

Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.

Bluegrass Omagh makes a welcome return to the Ulster American Folk Park this year, from Saturday 27th until Monday 29th May.

The annual festival will bring together the finest bluegrass bands from around the corner and across the seas, as well as wholesome food, and fun activities for the whole family. 

Over the last three decades, Bluegrass Omagh has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America and has left an indelible mark on the Ulster American Folk Park, a museum which tells the story of Irish emigration to America. The festival is one of the major highlights of their annual events calendar, attracting musicians, enthusiasts, and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s line-up includes North American headliners Zoe & Cloyd, The Honeydew Drops, and Viper Central – groups that highlight the next generation of women in Bluegrass. They will be joined by local, homegrown talent including Eilidh Patterson, Woodbine and Knotty Pine String Band. Throughout the weekend, audiences can also watch talent from near and far pick ‘n bow ‘n strum ‘n sing at the Geordie McAdam Open Mic Sessions – in memory of one of the finest old-time fiddlers ever produced here at home. On Saturday 27th May Bluegrass enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear from the best in the industry at The McConversations – an informal Q&A with one of the genre’s finest exponents, Niall Toner. Niall is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading experts on Bluegrass and American Country Music and will delve into his years of experience on the musical road, with a song or two thrown in for good measure.

Tickets for the festival are available to book at ulsteramericanfolkpark.org, with a range of options from day tickets and family tickets to weekend passes. Weekend tickets also include entry to the Bluegrass Family Day on Monday 29th May.

So, whether it’s a day out with the family or an easy-going long weekend, start your Summer off with Bluegrass Omagh 2023 and enjoy a toe-tappin’, knee-clappin’, finger-pickin’ bluegrass weekend to remember!

Visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org to get your tickets.

An outstanding International entry has been confirmed for the tenth anniversary edition of City of Derry International Choir Festival. Between 18-22 October 2023, choirs from around the world will travel to the city to compete for the Festival’s International prize, and to bring their song to local communities throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

On Saturday 21 October choirs from Norway, Latvia, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland will perform for an international panel of adjudicators in Derry’s Guildhall, as they compete for the Oak Tree of Derry trophy, the Festival’s top International prize. The competing choirs can also be heard at the Festival’s Closing Gala in the Millenium Forum on Sunday 22nd. Tickets will be on sale for both events in the summer.

Derry Choir Festival has only grown in stature since the International prize was first awarded in 2013, and is now a major attraction on the global circuit for the world’s top competitive choirs. The Festival offers a unique experience for singers, due to the prestige of the competition and the vibrant life and beauty of the city. Previous winners of the Oak Tree of Derry trophy have travelled from Estonia, Slovenia, Wales and Indonesia.

The visiting choirs will also be singing in a programme of free community events throughout Festival week, as they take their songs out into the city. The Festival’s busy schedule of community concerts and pop-up choral trail performances attract local audiences in their thousands each year, bringing visiting groups and local choirs together to perform throughout Derry City and the neighbouring towns of Strabane, Buncrana, Muff and Eglinton. In 2023 visiting non-competitive choirs from the Netherlands and students from the University of Monterrey and the Beckman Foundation in Mexico, will join the International competitors to take part in this community programme.

Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, said “There is already a sense of something special about this year’s 10th Anniversary celebrations of this great festival. It’s wonderful to look back on the fantastic programme of events in the City of Culture year of 2013, but it’s even more exciting to look forward to what we’ve planned for October 2023, to recognise how the city has developed over the past ten years and to celebrate that progress with thousands of singers from near and far. Keep an eye out for all the programme announcements over the coming months – you won’t want to miss a bar!”

For information on how to take part, or to sign up to the Festival’s newsletter for ticket announcements, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG: @derrychoirfest or Twitter: @derrychoirfest