Are you a local business, community group or resident that takes pride in the appearance of your home or premises?
If so, then make sure you enter the Best Kept Garden competition 2023! The competition is an opportunity for green-fingered gardeners to showcase their horticultural masterpieces and this year we have an additional category, ‘Best Kept Allotment Plot.’
Categories include:
Best Kept Garden
Best Kept Front/Container Garden
Best Kept Community Planting
Best Kept Commercial Premises
Best Kept School Grounds (Applications closed)
Most Wildlife Friendly Garden
Most Sustainable Garden
Best Kept Allotment Plot (plot must be within the Borough)
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented, “Our Borough is a beautiful place to live, work and visit and we are lucky to have so many green fingered enthusiasts who take pride in their surroundings. Whether you’ve meticulously cultivated a vibrant garden or created a flourishing allotment plot, we have a category just for you!”
Entries close on 14 July 2023 and judging will commence on 27 July 2023. For more details or to enter the competition visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/bestkept
HOLISTIC Kidz has launched its sell-out Summer Forest Camp and for the first time will be joined by some of Northern Ireland’s leading professional sportspeople to help inspire and encourage children to ‘Believe to Achieve’.
The award-winning camp will return to Barnett Demesne in Belfast from Monday 3rd July – Tuesday 29th August and runs Monday to Friday from 10am – 3pm.
Press Eye – Belfast – Northern Ireland – 15th June 2023 Photo by Darren Kidd / Press Eye. HOLISTIC KIDZ ENCOURAGED TO ‘BELIEVE TO ACHIEVE’ AND ENJOY A SUMMER OF FUN… Holistic Kidz Niamh McNally (11), Rocco Axon (8), Elle Brown (7), Harry Corry (8) and Susannah McCartney (9) are pictured at the launch the award-winning outdoor early years wellness company’s popular Summer Forest Camp. There will be lots of action-packed fun and outdoor adventure for children aged three to 12 including forest trekking, bushcraft, mega mudslides, mud bath jumping, tree swinging, nature arts & crafts, positive affirmations & mindfulness fun, scavenger hunts, planting & potting and much more! For further information go to www.holistickidz.com or holistic_kidz on Instagram.
There will be lots of action-packed fun and outdoor adventure for children aged three to 12 including forest trekking, bushcraft, mega mudslides, mud bath jumping, tree swinging, nature arts & crafts, colour run assault courses, pro-football and rugby sports star camp visits, positive affirmations & mindfulness fun, scavenger hunts, planting & potting, a weekly Pizza Co. campfire party and Friday prize giving ceremony and much more!
Northern Ireland football legend Niall McGinn is the first special guest to be announced. Whilst well-known personal trainer Neil Anderson will be returning to put the Holistic Kidz through their paces with weekly Woodland Workouts.
Colette McCartney, Founder of Holistic Kidz said: “Building confidence and inner self belief is at the heart of everything we do at Holistic Kidz and we encourage all children to ‘Believe to Achieve’. This summer, we are teaming up with some of Northern Ireland’s best known professional athletes and sports stars who will share their incredible stories with our Holistic Kidz to show how they believed in their dreams and because of this, have each gone on to achieve great success and accomplished their goals.”
“Scandinavian countries are ranked the healthiest and happiest in the world and one of the reasons behind this is that from a young age children are taught outdoors in all weather conditions. Our Summer Forest Camp takes place in the great outdoors, and rain, hail or shine, children will be able to avail of the many proven scientific benefits of this including increased energy levels, physical fitness, improved mood and focus and running around breathing in the fresh air always ensures a good night’s sleep!
There is no better place for children to thrive as they will learn new skills, build their confidence, boost their creativity and enquiring mind and develop essential problem-solving skills and independence,” Colette added.
An Holistic Kidz Weekly Explorer pass (Monday – Friday) is £127 per child and a Daily Explorer pass is £35 per child.
For further information go to www.holistickidz.com or holistic_kidz on Instagram.
The hugely popular Armed Forces Day will take place in Larne on Saturday 17 June 2023 at Sandy Bay Playing Fields, from 10am.
Every year the event is held in the United Kingdom to celebrate the service of personnel in the British Armed forces both past and present.
The action packed day will kick off with a parade to the venue and a drumhead service. The day will be filled with something for the whole family, including;
Interactive & static military displays
Performance from Band of the Royal Irish Regiment
Military village
21 Royal Gun Salute for the King’s official birthday fired by 206 (Ulster) Battery RA
Live music from the Music Yard, Swingtime Starlets and The Gold Tips
Army Parachute display by Silver Stars RLC
RAF Display team featuring BBMF Lancaster
AAC Gazelle helicopter (static display)
RAFP Military Working Dogs display
Children’s entertainment
Ulster Aviation Society static display
STEM competition
The day will draw to a close with a Beating Retreat finale.
Please note; all stall and charity pitches have now been allocated
Come along to Flowerfield Arts Centre or Roe Mill Playing Fields for Council’s all-ability cycle events held over two days this June.
The Sport & Well-being Team and Town & Village Management Team have collaborated on these events to offer inclusive cycling, fun games, activities and sensory taster sessions will be available.
The new electric accessible cycles, purchased through the Covid Recovery & Revitalise Programme, will be used during these events; participants will also be there for the official unveiling of the recently acquired Mobile Accessible Changing Units.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan welcomed the events saying: “I am delighted that Council can offer these accessible family events to its residents.
“The funding we have received for the new accessible electric bikes, and our Mobile Accessible Changing Units, has enabled us to continue with our commitment to provide services and support to all.
“I’d like to thank The Department for Infrastructure (DfI), Department for Communities (DfC) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for providing this support via the Covid Recovery Revitalise Programme.
“I’d encourage everyone to come along for what promises to be a very enjoyable two-day programme.”
Let Dad appreciate family time as much as you appreciate him with a special Father’s Day stay at Ballygally Castle Hotel from £225 a night. Enjoy a luxurious night’s stay, full Irish breakfast, entry to the special Father’s Day Grand Sunday Buffet and a relaxing lie in with a late checkout. Visit https://www.ballygallycastlehotel.com/ for more information.
Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry, Co. Londonderry
Book your summer staycation in Derry City. Enjoy an overnight stay at Da Vinci’s Hotel in one of their spacious rooms from just £145 per couple. Experience their traditional Irish bar, with live music every weekend, and indulge in a sumptuous 2 course evening meal. You’ll also get a complimentary bottle of bubbly to kickstart your break! Visit https://www.davincishotel.com/ for more information.
Seagoe Hotel, Portadown, Co. Armagh
The Seagoe Hotel is offering a Bed and Breakfast package form £149 per night. Located within 30 minutes from the centre of Belfast, this is the perfect getaway. Enjoy an overnight stay in a stylish room with a delicious breakfast the following morning. Visit https://www.seagoe.com/for more information.
Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
Here are ten exciting things to do 12th – 18th June
Ballycastle Seafront Artisan Market,Ballycastle, County Antrim, 18 June. Visit the flagship artisan market by Naturally North Coast & Glens on the beautiful Ballycastle Seafront. This is an excellent showcase of local food, culture, heritage, and traditions. Try a variety of exquisite handcrafted, artistic, tasty items, and enjoy the opportunity to interact with the artisans who created them. This is an ideal destination for anyone looking for an authentic experience!
Mourne Alpacas Sunset Supper,Dromara, County Down, see website for opening times. Experience the sun going down with Cria (baby Alpaca) pronking by and alpacas grazing as you relax with a glass of prosecco. After meeting some alpacas for a short walk, a cuddle, and a selfie, you can settle down together at a picnic table to enjoy a scrumptious supper box for two and a bottle of prosecco. This is the perfect immersive experience in the magical and relaxing world that the alpacas create at Mourne Alpacas.
Unearthing Macha, Armagh, County Armagh, 17 June. Follow in the footsteps of a legendary figure from Northern Ireland’s past. A sovereignty goddess, Macha is a central figure in the story of Ulster, with Armagh being named in her honour. Over three spellbinding hours, your guide Donna will lead you through a unique blend of history and legend built around Macha, a mythological hero that appears throughout Irish mythology.
Almac Belfast City Women’s 10K, Belfast, County Antrim, 18 June. Belfast City Marathon, along with their new title sponsor, Almac, are excited to introduce this new event to their running calendar. All females over the age of 15 are invited to run, jog or walk the 10k route in the Titanic Quarter on Sunday 18th June 2023. All participants will receive a commemorative medal and t-shirt on completion of the event. Let’s get moving ladies!
Best of the Bann, Coleraine, County Londonderry, see website for opening times. Let your worries float away as you sit back and relax on the picturesque, calm waters of the Lower Bann. Experience Northern Ireland’s longest river onboard the stylish M. V. Kingfisher – a classic vessel built by Harland and Wolff in the historic Belfast shipyard, which provides the perfect platform to relax, admire the scenery and learn about local heritage. Take time to be close to nature and uncover the fascinating heritage of an area so often overlooked!
Paddle and Pizza on Strangford Lough, Killinchy, County Down, 18 June. Master the basics of staying afloat on a stand-up paddleboard and tour around the beautiful islands on Strangford Lough. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy homemade pizza prepared by Tracey and Joe in their alfresco pizza oven, along with fresh salads using produce grown in their garden.
Downpatrick Racecourse Fixtures, Downpatrick, County Down, 17-18 June. Enjoy a fun day out with family and friends at Downpatrick Racecourse with their upcoming fixtures this season. Situated one mile away from the centre of the historic town of Downpatrick, this racecourse has been operating for more than 150 years. Indulge in the thrill of live racing following by live music.
Cocktail Making & Cruise-Erne Water Taxi,Enniskillen, County Fermanagh,see website for opening times. See Lough Erne your way with Erne Water Taxi’s chauffeur driven boats. Switch off and take in the panoramic views before heading to the M Lounge in Enniskillen to join one of the mixologist team who will guide you through a Cocktail-making session coupled with food boards.
Guided Tours of the Archbishop’s Palace,Armagh, County Armagh,18 June. Take this special opportunity to see behind the doors of The Primate’s Palace, built by Archbishop Robinson and used as the home of the Church of Ireland Archbishops from 1770 until the 1970s. Tour this magnificent building full of rich history and art. Finish your tour with the “Artist in Residence” exhibition by local man J B Vallely, who has had a career in art and music spanning over 6 decades.
Woodlab Distillery, Moy, County Tyrone,see website for opening times. Experience the unique science of harnessing nature at the Woodlab Distillery gin school. Here you will extract flavour profiles using some of the botanicals Woodlab Distillery uses in their products. Create a totally bespoke, one-off bottle: a gin, learn about the gin-making process and enjoy countless tales and stories along the way.
Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.
Family friendly events to take place on site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this summer
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly events that will take place on site during the summer holidays of July and August 2023.
These will include:
Visitors Enjoying a Dome Show at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
Planet Roar Live Dinosaur Show. Running at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 3:00pm from 18th July until 23rd July, the show takes a prehistoric leap into the world of the dinosaurs with LOC-DOWN EVENTS and their fun filled educational live dinosaur show!
The Ultimate Bubble Show. This one hour long interactive experience will run on 26th July and 27th July at 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm and 4:00pm on both days. Be amazed by this unique performance showcasing the best in bubble magic and infusing this with conjuring and circus sideshow acts adding exciting elements of drama.
Bakineering in Space Special Event is a one off, not to be missed event, running at both 11:30am and 3:00pm on Thursday 3rd August. Hosted by Netflix star and The Great British Bakeoff finalist, Andrew Smyth, it explores the surprising connections between the everyday bakes and the extraordinary engineering that helps keep astronauts alive. Expect tasters in this interactive event where your curiosity will be whisked, stirred and shaken in a show that is out of this world.
The Science of Dragons with Scientific Sue. This live show will run from 15th August until 17th August at 10:30am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm and 3:30pm. The interactive event is perfect for all the family, and especially those who dare to create their very own dragon! Join Scientific Sue on this most historical and creative journey of scientific discovery which is based on the book written by Cressida Cowell: How to Train Your Dragon.
Solar Superstorms is a Dome Show running daily at 4:00pm from 1st July until 30th August. Narrated by Benedict Cumberbatch, it takes a look at the interior of our star. A fury is building on the surface of the Sun – high-velocity jets, a fiery tsunami wave that reaches 100,000 kilometers high, rising loops of electrified gas. What’s driving these strange phenomena? How will they affect planet Earth? Find out during the Dome Show!
Jurassic Ark Encounters bring their reptile friends to meet you for an interactive workshop! Get up close and personal with some of nature’s most fascinating and amazing animals, like snakes, lizards, tortoises and many more. This is an educational learning session about nature’s most fascinating family, reptiles! This event will run daily from 4th July until 9th July at 11:00am, 11:45am, 12:30pm, 1:45pm,2:30pm, 3:15pm and 4:00pm. Each workshop lasts for 30 minutes.
The Bricks 4 Kidz Workshop is a fun space-themed brick-building workshops, where kids
can make their very own cosmic creations out of colourful LEGO® bricks. A great way to
have some fun with science, the Bricks 4 Kidz workshops are always popular with the kids
and help build confidence and creativity as well as developing problem-solving skills and
critical thinking. The workshop will run daily from 11 th July until 16th July at 10:45am,
11:45am, 1:45pm, 2:45pm, 3:45pm, as well as a relaxed show at 9:45am.
Helen McLoughlin, Education Officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says, “We can’t wait to host visitors over the summer months!”
“Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is a globally renowned centre for astronomical research and we aim to inspire Northern Ireland’s next generation of STEM leaders. With this in mind, we have created a jam-packed summer schedule to entertain the whole family, and stimulate the young minds of the future.”
Most event tickets include exhibition entry. Children Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com
The popular ForM Sculpture Exhibition has returned to Bangor Castle Walled Garden for the whole month of June. This awe-inspiring showcase will delight art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike as visitors experience this unique fusion of art and nature.
This is the twelfth annual ForM Sculpture Exhibition, and it is a fantastic opportunity for artists to create pieces as a response to the garden.
Brendan Jamson’s artwork ‘Full Circle’ part of the ForM Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor Castle Walled Garden, June 2023.
Visitors are invited to wander through the beautiful setting and immerse themselves in a stunning display of artistic talent. With over 30 sculptures thoughtfully positioned within the garden, the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on the relationship between art and nature and promises to stimulate the senses and ignite the imagination.
ForM was officially opened by The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Karen Douglas on Thursday 1 June. At the launch event, the winners of the 2023 ForM Competition were announced and presented with prizes. The competition was judged by a panel of experts. The winners are: 1st Place – Brendan Jamison, 2nd Place – Alison Hanvey, 3rd Place – Sandra Robinson. Kate O’Neill and Rosalind Lowry were both Highly Commended.
Speaking about ForM, The Mayor said: “I am delighted to welcome ForM Sculpture Exhibition back to Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. The artworks this year are just stunning, well done to all of the artists involved and to the Competition winners. The exhibition will enhance any visit to the garden, and I am sure visitors will thoroughly enjoy it.”
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; “ForM Sculpture Exhibition provides the opportunity for artists to challenge themselves to create work for a unique environment and be inspired by the stunning setting of Bangor Castle Walled Garden. The exhibition, creates an excellent opportunity for our local artists, some of whom are at the start of their artistic careers, to exhibit alongside established artists.”
ForM will remain open until 30 June and admission is free. Some of the sculptures are for sale and maps are available at each of the garden’s entrances to guide visitors around the exhibition.
Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm Friday to Sunday.
It’s all happening in Strabane next month as the final plans are put in place for the latest celebration of the sensational Strabane Summer Jamm outdoor festival.
This year’s event takes place on June 17th with a fantastic line up of entertainment for all ages, from live music and arts and crafts to cute critters and BMX biking.
Launching the programme today, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said the festival would offer fun for all the family. “The programme for this year’s Summer Jamm is fantastic with a diverse range of fun activities for all ages. There will be the usual brilliant line up of live music to get everyone into the swing, as well as street animation, petting zoos, market stalls, circus skills and much more throughout the day.
“Strabane town centre will be absolutely buzzing with visitors and the festival provides a fantastic boost to the local economy. Summer Jamm brings out the very best in the town with its strong community spirit and vibrant cultural scene. It’s just the perfect day out for families and the perfect way to welcome in the summer.”
Categories include:
The action packed day will kick off with a parade to the venue and a drumhead service. The day will be filled with something for the whole family, including;
The new electric accessible cycles, purchased through the Covid Recovery & Revitalise Programme, will be used during these events; participants will also be there for the official unveiling of the recently acquired Mobile Accessible Changing Units.
This year’s event takes place on June 17th with a fantastic line up of entertainment for all ages, from live music and arts and crafts to cute critters and BMX biking.