Newcastle is preparing to welcome visitors for the free Eats & Beats Festival on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September. With two music stages, a wide range of local food vendors and a host of family-friendly activities, the weekend promises a vibrant mix of live music, local flavours and fun for all ages.

Festival goers can begin their culinary journey at the Mourne Flavours Pavilion, where the finest local produce will be on display. Here, visitors can sample and purchase tasty treats while enjoying cookery demonstrations from celebrity chefs, including Melissa McCabe, Great British Menu NI Winner 2024 and Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, alongside local favourites such as Jonny Murphy – The Hungry Hooker.

For music lovers, the festival offers two stages of entertainment. The Homegrown Stage, hosted by Gemma Bradley, features acts including The Boo Radleys, Orwells84 and local favourites Reevah and The Four of Us. While the World Stage, hosted by Ripton Lindsay, brings diverse rhythms from Boye PapaGee & Colours Afrobeat, 353 Samba, Baile An Salsa and Havana Roots. Performances begin at 10am each day in Donard Park, offering something for every musical taste.

Alongside the cookery demonstrations, the Mourne Flavours Pavilion will showcase fresh breads and home-baked delights from Mrs C’s Home Kitchen, Mourne Food Adventures and Counter Culture Real Bread, while Raymie’s Seafood Bar & Grill, The Whistledown Hotel, and the Montalto Estate will inspire visitors with signature dishes. Complementing the food offerings, Killowen Distillery and the Avoca Hotel will present craft drinks and cocktails, making the pavilion a true celebration of local tastes.

Adding an interactive element in the pavilion, the Meet the Producers sessions will allow visitors to learn directly from NearyNógs, Counter Culture Real Bread, Killowen Distillery, Castlescreen Farm, and Whitewater Brewery, who will share recipes, cooking tips and sustainable food ideas, providing insight into the region’s thriving food scene.

Families are also well catered for with the Curious Minds experiences in Donard Park, as well as Castle Park activities including The Mourne Eye, Pedalo Swans and a Go-Kart Track, ensuring fun for visitors of all ages.

This year, Sensory Sessions will take place at the ADHD Hub Coffee Shop & Info Point, 2 Savoy Lane. From 9.30am – 2pm each day, a gentler festival experience can be enjoyed with quieter music, fewer crowds and no queues for visitors with sensory or access needs.

In the week leading up to the festival, visitors can also savour the flavours of Newcastle during Restaurant Week from 1 – 7 September, with exclusive offers served daily from 11am – 2pm and 5pm – 7pm. Local eateries, set between the sea and the stunning Mourne Mountains, will highlight the best of regional produce, perfectly setting the stage for the festival weekend.

Beyond the main festival, Newcastle’s fringe events provide additional experiences, from live performances and food tastings to artistic displays throughout the town. Whether indulging in local cuisine or enjoying the lively atmosphere, On the Fringe adds an extra spark to the Eats & Beats experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “Newry, Mourne and Down is renowned for its award-winning food, drinks and music. The Eats & Beats Festival is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious local dishes, live performances and family-friendly fun.”

Chairperson Councillor Campbell continued, “This year’s festival also includes fringe events and unique experiences offered by local businesses, bringing Newcastle to life for all ages. Newcastle Restaurant Week, taking place in the week leading up to the festival, is an integral part of this year’s celebrations and encourages visitors to stay longer.”

” Together, these events enhance our tourism offering, creating unique opportunities to connect with the local community, celebrate Newcastle’s vibrant culture and make lasting memories. From savouring delicious local food to enjoying live music or a fun-filled family weekend, the Eats & Beats Festival is the perfect way to experience everything this beautiful town has to offer.”

For those attending, a Park and Ride will operate from the Northfield site on Carrigs Road, Newcastle BT33 0JZ, where free parking will be available. The Park and Ride route will be clearly signposted and open to all festivalgoers. The service will be available on both Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 September, operating from 9.30am to 7.30pm each day. Toilets, Changing Places and Accessible facilities will also be located at the site.

Belfast is about to get a brand new addition to its social and family entertainment scene. After several years of involvement in pop up arcades around the city, The Retro Room has secured a new and permanent home at Cityside Retail & Leisure Park. 

The Retro Room is a vintage video arcade brimming over with original 70s, 80s and 90s arcade games as well as classic consoles and tabletop titles, designed as a welcoming space for all ages. 

From gamers nostalgic about the games of their youth to families looking for something different to do together, to friends on a night out or couples on a first date, the new venue promises to combine fun, nostalgia and community in one place. And the arcade will be also be available to hire privately  for companies, birthday parties or any occasion. 

Founder Martin Neill said:

“Some of our happiest memories are of the arcades we spent our childhoods in in the 1980s. We’re bringing that environment, and the games that made the old arcades so great, back for a new generation to enjoy. We want the Retro Room to be a great place to hang about with a few of your mates like it was for us, when playing games was a social experience rather than a solitary one.”

“We’ve spent a few years hunting down a great selection of retro arcade titles in particular, we’re sure most people of a certain vintage will find something they loved back in the day on our arcade floor. But still there’s nothing like watching kids discovering the likes of Street Fighter 2, Pac-Man or Wonderboy for the first time. These games are timeless.” 

The new venue will sit alongside popular neighbours including Black Axe Throwing Co, Lost City Adventure Golf, Movie House Cinemas and Gallaher’s Bar, strengthening Cityside’s position as one of Belfast’s leading leisure destinations.

With its focus on inclusivity, The Retro Room will be open to kids, teenagers and adults alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the atmosphere and experience.

The doors open on September 12th 2025. Find out more at www.retroroombelfast.com

Enjoy eclectic events across Northern Ireland in this month-long programme from Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council

August Craft Month, a celebration of the vibrant craft scene across the island of Ireland, is the perfect opportunity to introduce your young ones to local craft.

Everyone, even complete beginners and kids, can get involved. It is your chance to learn, make, explore and connect through creativity.

With just a few weeks left until the schools return, if you’re running out of ideas to keep the kids entertained or are simply looking for a family day out, Northern Ireland is full of opportunities to make, see and do this August.

From origami to copper engraving, August Craft Month offers ways for families to slow down, learn together and connect with skilled makers.

More than 300 events, featuring 1200 talented designer makers across 26 craft disciplines, will support centuries-old traditions while showcasing the innovation of today’s designers.

Here are just a few family-friendly events that will inspire, teach and entertain.

August Craft Month Exhibition: (Un)Bound – Belfast

Location: Craft NI Gallery, Belfast

Price: Free

Date: 2–31 August

This month-long exhibition invited contemporary craft makers to address the context of binding and show how the creative process is no linear. A yearly highlight of August Craft Month, this exhibition celebrates and profiles excellence in the NI Craft Sector.

Causeway Craft Trail – Derry/Londonderry

Location: Flowerfield Arts Centre and across the Causeway Coast

Price: Free

Date: 3–31 August

Follow a trail of creativity across the Causeway Coast, with exhibitions and displays from talented makers. The trail celebrates a variety of disciplines, from ceramics and textiles to mixed media, and is ideal for a summer day trip with the family.

North Down Craft Collective Fair

Location: WWT Castle Espie

Price: Free

Date and Time: 24^th August, 10am – 4pm

Discover the work of our talented members – from handcrafted pottery and textiles to original artwork and prints. Enjoy live craft demonstrations running throughout the day – a perfect chance to see the making in action! Set on the shores of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie is a magical setting, and this summer, it’s also home to an exciting Dragonfly festival – a perfect day out for all ages! The award-winning Kingfisher Café will be open throughout the day serving hot and cold drinks and snacks

Buttermarket Craft and Design Courtyard – Enniskillen

Location: Down Street, Enniskillen, BT74 7DU

Price: Free

Date and time: 1–31 August

Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century dairy market, the Buttermarket is home to nineteen craft units offering ceramics, jewellery, leather goods, textiles and more. Families can browse, meet makers, and see demonstrations before enjoying a coffee or lunch together at Rebecca’s Coffee Shop.

Humans, Being

Location: Strule Arts Centre, Omagh

Price: Free

Date and Time: 1-29 August, 10am – 6pm

An exhibition of figurative sculpture, focusing on the joys, the sorrows the challenges and the triumphs we meet during our life cycle. The exhibition will be open to all and will run for the month of August.

For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth25 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2025 #makeseebuy

The Shoreline Festival is back this August Bank Holiday weekend! Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council invites residents to come along to Jordanstown Loughshore Park on Sunday 24 August from 12noon to 5pm, for a fun-filled, free daytime festival that’s suitable for all ages!

Bring along a blanket and a picnic basket and soak up the atmosphere at the shoreline of Belfast Lough. Just kick back, relax and enjoy the day with family and friends!

At the heart of the Shoreline Festival is the main stage, which will host an entertaining line-up of performers. Expect everything from a Chappell Roan Tribute (Chappel Clone) to a kids’ magician (FizzWizzPop).

Kids will be thrilled with the variety of activities on offer. Look out for rides and amusements, lively walk-about characters, mini-golf and even bouncy inflatables!

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “There is no better way to close out the summer holidays than at this free community festival filled with fun activities for the whole family. I look forward to seeing everyone there”.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Shoreline-Festival.

Coleraine is gearing up for a jam-packed day of entertainment on Saturday, 16 August, with activities for all ages taking place across the town centre.

The highlight of the day will be a Taylor Swift “Master the Moves” workshop from 1–3pm in the Event Space behind the Town Hall, specially designed for Swifties aged 7–12. 

Hosted by the talented coaches from Take to the Stage Theatre School, participants will sing along, learn choreography, and act scenes inspired by Taylor Swift’s biggest hits. Adding to the sparkle, Facepainting by the Sea will be on hand from 12–4pm to get budding performers glittered and ready to shine.

Live music will fill the streets with performances from Jamie Sloan and Aaron Jamieson, while Iconic Street Dance brings high-energy routines to keep the crowds moving.

The day kicks off at 11.15am in Coleraine Library with Walk like an Egyptian Storytime, where families can enjoy ancient tales and create their own hieroglyph bookmarks.

Animal lovers can meet the friendly residents of Jigsaw Farm at the Town Hall, as well as the much-loved North Coast Alpacas on Church Street, perfect for photos and a furry hello.

For younger visitors, there’s a bouncy castle at Kingsgate Street (12–3pm) and Stories and Crafts at Waterstones (3pm) for children aged 3–7 years.

With activities running throughout the day, visitors are encouraged to explore, shop local, and enjoy everything Coleraine has to offer.

Ireland’s oldest traditional fair returns to Ballycastle from Saturday 23rd August – Tuesday 26th August 2025, and there’s plenty for everyone to enjoy across the bank holiday weekend.

With the construction of the new Ballycastle Leisure Centre on Quay Road, this year’s Ould Lammas Fair offers exciting changes and a brand-new layout for 2025.  Make your plans now to ensure you have time to enjoy everything this much-loved event has to offer.

You’ll be spoilt for choice with traditional favourites returning such as the heavy horse show and parade through the town on Saturday 23rd at 1pm, followed by the vintage vehicle & tractor run at 3pm.

At the seafront, the popular Naturally North Coast & Glens artisan market will be set up for all four days of the fair from 11am – 5pm, with a special Street Food Market taking place on Saturday evening from 7pm – 10pm and Sunday from 7-9pm.

With around 60 small businesses taking part in the market, you’ll find everything from handcrafted goods and unique artworks to mouth-watering local artisan food. It’s a fantastic chance to meet the makers, hear their stories, and support homegrown talent in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

This year, the markets new ‘Street Food Village’ is an exciting addition, with a host of food producers offering local delicacies and delicious dishes. Sample traditional treats such as yellow man and dulce, or tuck into more filling bites such as burgers, pizzas, crepes and hog roast.

Across the weekend, the seafront will play host to sand sculpting competitions, dog agility, fun activities, children’s entertainment and soft play amusements, all set against the sounds of fantastic live music from the stage.

On Saturday 23rd, after an afternoon of live music, get your cowboy boots on for The Electric Hoe Down at the Seafront stage from 8pm. Join Downtown’s Neal McClelland and Jason Hughes for a high-octane, genre-blending set that brings together two worlds that rarely collide: modern country and clubland rave. Expect a full-blown sonic culture clash as two of Northern Ireland’s biggest on-air personalities go head-to-head in a high-energy musical showdown.

Not to be missed, on Saturday will be the spectacular opening fireworks display which will light up the night sky at 9.30pm, to mark the start of the Ould Lamas Fair.

The ever-popular outdoor concert will be hosted at The Diamond on Sunday 24th from 7pm, with Irish Dance music band Clada warming up the crowd for trailblazing Irish Folk powerhouse, Wolfhound at 8.30pm. A blend of traditional and modern, an electrifying combination of time-honoured tunes and modern compositions, all wrapped up in a fusion of raw energy and exhilarating musical talent.

Sticking with tradition, the main events will be held on Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th, with the town transformed by hundreds of stalls lining the streets, with locals and visitors as far as the eye can see.

One of the event’s most historic traditions will be celebrated at Fairhill Street, as the street transforms into a traditional horse-trading area, with farrier displays, pony rides and an animal petting farm.

Visitors can soak up the atmosphere in Fairhill Street and Castle Street, with busking pop-ups from local artists throughout Monday & Tuesday.

In an exciting addition to the Monday entertainment lineup, BBC Radio Ulster will be broadcasting live from the Seafront with Hugo Duncan and special guests from 1.30pm – 3pm.

Quiet time sessions for individuals with additional needs take place from 11am – 12noon, including the soft play amusements and a selection of activities.

This year’s Fair promises to be the best to date so have your comfortable walking shoes ready for a great weekend of fun at the 2025 Ould Lammas Fair.

For the latest updates, follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook or Instagram.

Programmes for the event are available to download or you can find more information by visiting: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/whats-on/ould-lammas-fair.

A powerful new series of short films has been launched by Lough Neagh Partnership.

The series, entitled ‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’, has been commissioned to explore subjects as complex as blue-green algae, the loss of habitats and species, and nutrient management policy on the Lough. These perspectives are told by the voices of scientists, conservationists, environmentalists, farmers and local people whose connection to the Lough spans generations.

Lough Neagh has continually been in the news in recent years due to recurring blue-green algal blooms, which have caused ecological damage, disrupted tourism, and affected the lives and livelihoods of people who live and work around the Lough. These new videos offer a balanced, educational, and engaging lens through which the public can better understand both the causes of these issues and the collaborative efforts being made to solve them.

Each short film focuses on a different theme critical to the long-term sustainability of the Lough and its surrounding catchment area. As well as being a call to action, the series is also a celebration of Lough Neagh’s unique ecology, culture, and heritage. The short films show that despite the challenges, there is hope, and that solutions are already being developed by those who care about the Lough.

‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ is available to watch online and Gerry Darby of Lough Neagh Partnership believes that the series will deepen public understanding of the Lough.

Gerry said: “The Lough Neagh Partnership is proud to support this initiative, and I believe that as well as deepening an understanding of Lough Neagh, the ‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ short film series will generate wider support for the Lough Neagh Action Plan and other crucial environmental policies and measures.”

Gerry described the project as being “an innovative and inclusive way to bring attention to the very real challenges and opportunities facing Lough Neagh”.

He added: “These films offer a rich and diverse tapestry of views from those who live, work, and care for the Lough. They provide expert commentary alongside heartfelt local insights. It’s vital that we bring people together across all sectors including farming, fishing, community, and conservation if we are to develop and deliver a sustainable future for Lough Neagh. This video series is a powerful catalyst for those discussions.”

Delivered by Lough Neagh Partnership, this project has been funded by DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) and NIEA (Northern Ireland Environment Agency), and is designed to inform, inspire, and invite broader public engagement in the urgent conversation about Lough Neagh’s future.

‘Perspectives on Lough Neagh’ will be available to watch on https://www.youtube.com/@lough-neagh-partnership and will be streamed on www.loughneaghpartnership.org

Follow the conversation on facebook and linkedin.

–            A packed schedule of over 60 free events is planned throughout August –

Building on the success of previous years, the campaign – sponsored by Belfast Harbour – focuses on inspiring people to connect with water through inclusive, community-based activities. The 2025 programme includes a mixture of events for community groups and charities, and those open to the public.