The May Day Bank Holiday is nearly upon us and it’s time to start planning your weekend wisely.

Belfast will be alive with the sound of music across the Bank Holiday weekend (4^th-7^th May) with live sets in some of the city’s best bars and venues. Enjoy DJs in Babel, boogie at The National’s beer garden disco, jam along to the eclectic sound of Francis Inferno Orchestra in Bullitt or listen to smooth Jazz and Blues in The Cloth Ear, not to mention food and drink offers throughout the weekend.

Whatever your preference, don’t miss a beat; plan your May Day weekend with this what’s on guide.

Bullitt

Start the Bank Holiday weekend with sunshine and good vibes in the Bullitt courtyard on Friday 4^th May. Melbourne’s Francis Inferno Orchestra will be kicking off the first of Bullitt’s Bank Holiday DJ parties from 8pm, with support from resident Jonny Carberry.

Babel

Join the Summer Party in Belfast’s coolest roof-top bar, Babel on Saturday 5^th May. Gear up for an all-day line-up of live music, DJs, drinks and BBQs in the roof garden from 12pm. Chill out with one of Babel’s new summer slushies with four tasty flavours available.

The National

The National is hosting Alfresco Disco in its beer garden on Sunday 6^th May. Expect live music performances, DJ sets with all-time favourite anthems and BBQ nibbles. If you can’t make it, not to worry, the Alfresco Disco will be back at the end of the month for another Bank Holiday celebration (27^th).

The Dirty Onion

The Dirty Onion always delivers with live performances from start to finish, and this Bank Holiday is no different. Enjoy live acoustic acts in the beer garden and trad sessions inside every day from Friday to Monday, as well as the best craft beer and whiskey selection in town.

The Cloth Ear

Glide into the Bank Holiday weekend with smooth jazz and blues from local musicians, The Lee Hedley Blues Band on Friday 4th May in The Cloth Ear (5-7pm). If the all-day menu doesn’t tickle your fancy, why not try something from the dedicated vegan and gluten allergy menus; there will be something for everyone.

TOURISM businesses on the North Coast have joined forces to create a brand new tour to welcome visitors for the beginning of the International NW200 Race Week.

‘NW200 Feast & Fun Tour’ is a brand new experience which is being hosted by Glenara Elite Travel and supported by Maddybenny, Dalriada Kingdom Tours, the Tartine at the Distiller’s Arms in Bushmills, the Slemish Market Supper Club, Lime Park, the NW200 and Live It Experience It.

The ‘NW200 Feast & Fun Tour’, which will take place on Sunday, May 13, incorporates a breakfast time drinks reception at Maddybenny, a trip to Dunluce Castle, a guided tour of the Giant’s Causeway followed by an award winning lunch in Bushmills. From the Tartine, guests will venture on to the Dark Hedges and Armoy before settling down mid afternoon to hear BBC sports pundit Liam Beckett MBE tell his stories before a six course meal is served up by award winning chef Robert Curley.

Fergus Mackay, of the International NW200, said: “Our spectators love to travel around Northern Ireland while they are here so they will always want to know what there is to do, where there is to stay and where is good to eat. It’s fantastic Live It Experience It members are collaborating to create what will be a fantastic day out. And of course we are delighted Liam Beckett MBE is involved to give a talk at Armoy.

“Any of our spectators wishing to experience our North Coast should consider this tour which will be led by authentic tour guides who will give you a fantastic day out.”

Eleanor McGillie, of Live It Experience It, said: “Our tourism businesses are ready and waiting to welcome people to the North Coast. The ‘Feast & Fun Tour’ will be a fantastic experience. Visitors will get to taste the flavours of our shores and will also get the opportunity to sample Lough Neagh Eel as well as Lough Neagh Pollan, which, last week, was awarded PDO status by the European Commission.

“Not only that but our guides will take them to see for themselves why Lonely Planet voted Belfast and the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland the Best in Travel 2018.

“Tickets are being sold by the host Glenara Elite Travel and can be purchased here –  glenara-elite-travel.co.uk/nw200-feast-fun-tour/

“This tour takes in iconic sites, lunch and dinner and of course the craic will be great. So board the bus and come along for the ride.”

Tickets cost £100 and any money left over from ticket sales will be donated to the Air Ambulance of Northern Ireland.

An impressive line-up of 40 vintage and classic motorcycles will go on display in Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady during the Vauxhall International North West 200 Race Week from May 12^th – May 20^th.

Set against a backdrop of historic motorcycling photographs taken around Limavady, ‘90+ Years of Motorcycles in Limavady’ promises to be a must-see exhibition for all road racing enthusiasts.

Many of the machines in the display organized by Ian Foster have a connection with the Limavady area. Some have been owned by people from the town and surrounding area or were originally supplied by local motorcycle dealers including Hutchinson Brothers, Campbell Donaghy, Glendinnings and Billy Nutt.

The exhibition will be accompanied by a series of evening lectures including a history of the North West from Event Director Mervyn Whyte, an insight into sand racing at Magilligan and an interview with former local road racer Alie Donaldson.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “This new exhibition is a fantastic addition to the Race Week festival, helping to showcase almost a century of the Borough’s rich road racing heritage. Council is delighted to host this exceptional collection of bikes and photographs and we look forward to welcoming a host of new visitors throughout the week. Our Museums staff have worked closely with Ian and the North West 200 organisers on this new attraction, and it will be complemented by Council’s ‘NW200: Racing through the years’ exhibition which offers another fascinating glimpse in to the story of the iconic road race.”

Amongst the bikes on display will be a 1927 Royal Enfield, a 1941 ex-military Matchless G3L, a 1960 AJS 650cc, a replica of Tommy Robb’s 1972 Honda CB750-4 race bike, and the mighty 6-cylinder 1979 Honda CBX1000. The photographs of motorcycles in and around Limavady date from 1907 and include images from the first sand races run on Magilligan strand. Other rarities include a unique collection of the 1923 Coleraine 100 which ran only once in 1923 over 20 miles of roads connecting Macosquin, Limavady and Ringsend.

“It was really serious stuff with Norton fielding a full works team and Indian factory machines taking part as well.” local enthusiast Michael Boyle said.

The free nine-day exhibition at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre will be open on:

Saturday 12^th May 1pm – 9.30pm
Sunday 13^th 1- 5 pm, with a Show and Shine event in the Plaza.
Monday 14^th  10am – 5 pm
Tuesday 15^th 10am – 9.30pm
Wednesday 16^th 10am – 9.30pm
Thursday 17^th 10am – 5pm
Friday 18^th May 10am – 9.30pm
Saturday 19^th May 10am – 5pm
Sunday 20^th  May 1pm- 5 pm

For more information go to www.facebook.com/LimavadyClassics/ and www.roevalleyarts.com or email ian@netvigator.com.

Full details about the Race Week Festival are available at www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Albert Lee, the living guitar legend, the reliable Sideman, now amazing bandleader, is set to perform at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

On tour with his handpicked band, he always wins new fans and gives the old loyal fans finally what they always wanted – Albert Lee as Albert Lee.

Albert Lee is one of the most respected and renowned guitarists in music history, having worked with The Everly Brothers, Eric Clapton, Emmylou Harris and The Cricketts over his long and illustrious career. A two-time Grammy Award winner, Albert was also a member of the UK band Hogan’s Heroes, and spent many years touring with Bill Wyman’s band, the Rhythm Kings. In his fifth decade as a professional musician, Lee has risen to the ranks of the truly rare virtuosos of his time, respected on three continents and lives the professional life that most of his colleagues could only dream of. Eric Clapton has described Lee as “The ultimate virtuoso… gifted on just about every level.”

After moving to the U.S. and assimilating himself into the country music scene, Albert quickly garnered a reputation as one of the fastest guitar players in the business. He recorded a number of solo albums, and won a Grammy in 2002 for his contribution on ‘Foggy Mountain Breakdown’. He continues to tour today, and plays his signature Ernie Ball Music Man Guitar. In 2017 Albert was recognised by The Americana Music Association UK for his contribution to the genre over his long career when he was presented with the Trailblazer Award.

Albert Lee will perform for one evening only at The Market Place on Friday 4^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 each, and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre 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.

Practice makes perfect, or at least that’s what they say.  Twenty-eight amateur dancers are practicing over the next few weeks to strut their stuff in Belfast City Hall, on Saturday 19^th May.

By kind permission of the Rt Hon, The Lord Mayor Cllr. Nuala McAllister, who has chosen The Rainbow Project as one of her nominated charities for this year.

The event will take place during LGBT Awareness Week which in encompasses International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).  LGBT Awareness Week will see many events take place across Northern Ireland, from family fun days to art shows, from hill walking to dancing.  Showcasing the positive contribution the LGBT community brings to Northern Ireland.

The event aims to raise funds to support The Rainbow Project’s range of mental, physical and sexual health services for LGBT people and their families across Northern Ireland. The fourteen couples will go head to head on the night to receive hopeful perfect tens from our Judges Gavin Boyd, Policy and Advocacy Manager at The Rainbow Project, Ross Anderson-Doherty, Cake Daddy and Creative Director of Cabaret Supper Club, along with Guest of Honour, Lord Mayor Cllr. Nuala McAllister.

For the first time The Rainbow Project’s director John O’Doherty will be competing as a dancer with his husband Martin. O’Doherty said: ‘I’m thrilled to be able to dance in the contest for the first time as a married man. I’m so thankful for all the dancers who are giving up their time and challenging themselves in this way. And of course we are very thankful that the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Nuala McAllister has been such a supporter of The Rainbow Project during her tenure and has very kindly agreed to host us in City Hall and join us a judge on the night.’

One volunteer dancer, Aisling Twomey has said ‘I jumped at the chance to do Strictly. It was a no-brainer for me after my friends had participated in previous strictly events. Not only I am helping to support the wonderful work of The Rainbow Project by learning a new skill but it helps me personally by challenging myself to battle my nerves.  This show has all the strictly excitement about it, full on glitz and glamour!  I can’t wait to put on my sequins and dance my way to the trophy!’

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “During my year in office, I’ve strived to help make Belfast a welcoming, inclusive city for all and the work of The Rainbow Project is vital in giving a voice to so many people in our city, they consistently support, advocate for and provide vital service to the LGBT+ community. The work Rainbow do helps to make Belfast the colourful and diverse city it is.

“City Hall is a wonderful venue for this fundraising event- and I am looking forward to seeing top dancers strut their stuff to help raise money for a great charity, and I’m delighted to give them my support.”

Tickets are available now and are limited, so get yours now, while you still can www.rainbow-project.org/strictly

This Summer, Seamus Heaney HomePlace will continue to play host to a wide variety of artists and authors in the 191 capacity space, The Helicon.

World renowned pianist, Barry Douglas opens the new summer programme in May at HomePlace as he performs a selection of pieces from Schubert, whose work featured in Seamus Heaney’s choices for Desert Island Discs.

The Ulster Orchestra makes a very welcome return to The Helicon alongside a wide variety of musical performers including the legendary Kieran Goss, the father and daughter duo Eliza and Martin Carthy and soulful Declan O’Rourke.

Opening June with a more literary focus, Crime writer and former tabloid reporter Val McDermid will be in conversation with Declan Burke and later in the programme Emily Wilson will be in conversation with Dr Martine Cuypers to discuss her critically acclaimed version of The Odyssey, a poem about violence and the aftermath of war.

Debuting at HomePlace will be Andrew Motion, distinguished former poet laureate, as he discusses his new collection Essex Clay. The three new fellows from the Seamus Heaney Centre for Poetry at Queen’s will also make their first visit to HomePlace – Peter Wilson (who performs as Duke Special), Jo Baker and Doireann Ní Ghríofa.

This programme not only reflects on local born talent but also reaches a national and international dimension with a group of Santa Barbara’s Poets Laureate visiting in July, while the amazing Indian poet, journalist and dancer, Tishani Doshi, will be performing in June.

Coming to the end of this season’s programme, visitors will experience ‘About The Place’ – a series of events inspired by the work of Seamus Heaney and WB Yeats, combining music, conversation, books and theatre. An opportunity for a unique poetry experience will be available at the “Poetry Brunch”. The audience will be transported to a secret location in the landscape surrounding HomePlace for a special afternoon of poetry readings and music.

Tickets are now available for the summer programme at www.seamusheaneyhome.com or call the box office on 02879387444.