Latest section of Tourism Ireland’s Game of Thrones® tapestry highlights key scenes from episode 3 of season 7

Tourism Ireland has released another time-lapse video of the weaving of the latest section of its Game of Thrones® tapestry – part of its 2017 campaign to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of GoT fans worldwide.

There are currently more than 160 scenes woven into the Bayeux-style tapestry which is hanging in the Ulster Museum – and more scenes are being added every week, to mark each episode of the new season. This week’s section of tapestry includes a collection of scenes from “The Queen’s Justice,” episode 3 of season 7 – including the meeting between Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen, the reunion between Bran and Sansa Stark, the Unsullied assault on Casterly Rock and Lady Olenna Tyrell’s final moments with Jaime.

 

As well as the time-lapse video, Tourism Ireland has also released a cinemagraph (or “living” photograph) for the first time as part of this campaign – it’s an animated version of a key scene from season 3 where, in the Brotherhood without Banners’ hideout, their leader Dondarrion faces The Hound in a trial by combat. The setting for the Brotherhood’s hideout is Pollnagollum Cave in Co Fermanagh.

Musical romantic comedy “Singin’ in the Rain” is running at The MAC from the 23^rd-26^th August.

This foot-tapping musical extravaganza is presented by the award-winning Belfast School

Set in the 1920’s, when talkies replaced silent movies, the Senior cast might be more at home in the modern world of selfies and surfing the net. However, the classic tale of triumph over trouble with clever humour, unforgettable songs, show-stopping dance routines and the allure of the Hollywood storyline makes “Singin’ in the Rain” a timeless, feel good family classic.

“Singin’ in the Rain” is frequently regarded as the best movie musical ever made.  No pressure then for the young BSPA cast. BSPA Artist Director and Show Director, Peter Corry knows they can and will deliver. “The energy of these young people is matched by their talent and maturity.  This is my second show at BSPA and I am continually impressed by the depth of talent.  They work extremely hard, with an intense rehearsal schedule and that comes across on stage.  We have shared the leading lady role between two young females – both of whom finish at BSPA this year as they take up places in prestigious London theatre schools, as will several of the male performers. That’s testimony to the quality of the cast.”

Director of BSPA, Tina McVeigh adds, “The forty strong cast of this Summer Youth Project has attracted several new members and we are delighted to also welcome a new Musical Director, Ashley Fulton, who is one of the UK’s most highly acclaimed vocal coaches and an award winning performer, producer and director.  Strengthening the production team further, we have appointed four of our BSPA dance tutors who each choreograph different parts of the show.  That’s a lot of talent on stage, guided by the very best in musical theatre production.”

“Singin’ in the Rain” started life as the iconic movie we all love with Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds and Donald O’Connor bringing the screen to life.  The adapted West End show opened in 1985 and thirty years later it was the inspiration for Golden Globe and Oscar winning movie “La La Land.”

For the movie the “Good Morning” routine took a gruelling 15-hour day to shoot. Many hours have been put into each number of this production to maintain the high standard required to guarantee the audience a performance which will “Make ‘Em Laugh” and leave them “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Northern Ireland’s leading theatre school, Belfast School of Performing Arts currently operates six schools across the province with locations in Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Ballymena enriching the performance talents of young people between 3 and 20 years. For more information contact info@thebspa.co.uk.

Tickets for “Singin’ in the Rain” are available through www.themaclive.com

The Alley Theatre, Strabane welcomed back renowned Jazz musicians ‘Jazz Gazette’ at the weekend for a night of summer swing, rhythm and blues.

Regulars to the Alley, ‘Jazz Gazette’ are now celebrating their 6^th season at the theatre, proving to be a hit each year on the summer programme.

The popular group will be returning to The Alley for performances throughout August and September, so anyone who missed out last weekend have another opportunity to catch the North West’s longest and most established jazz band.

Jacqui Doherty, Venue Manager at the Alley Theatre said, “Jazz Gazette perform at festivals and events throughout Ireland. The group are festival favourites at renowned jazz festivals such as the City of Derry Jazz Festival and Sligo Jazz Festival, as well as being in demand for weddings, parties and functions.

“A creation of local man, Gerard Bradley, ‘Jazz Gazette’ features Mark Bradley on trumpet/vocals, Gerard Bradley on piano/vocals, Peter Doherty on double bass and Aidan Dunphy on drums. They have performed alongside artists such as ‘The Rat Pack’ Orchestra, Joan Talbot, Triona Sweeney and Gary Cox to name but a few.

“The jazz evenings will take place at the Alley on Friday 11^th, 18^th August and Friday 1^st September at 8.30pm. This will be fantastic night for jazz and music lovers alike with Jazz Gazette filling the Alley with a mixture of classic swing numbers and contemporary funk and soul. Don’t miss it!”

Special guest Joan Talbot will be joining Jazz Gazette on Friday 1^st September.  Tickets for the performances are priced at £5.00 and will be available from the Alley Theatre online at www.alley-theatre.com or via the book office, telephone 028 7188 4760 for further details.

 

Ends

Friday 11 – Thursday 17 August       

 

Until 13 August, Creative Peninsula

Various locations

Throughout the week there will be Open Studios, Studio Coach Tours, Exhibitions, Workshops, Demonstrations, Art in the Walled Garden and more, all taking place throughout the beautiful and picturesque Ards and North Down Borough. See website for full programme.

Info: 028 9181 0803, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 11 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 11 August, Fair weather Fridays

Conway Square, Newtownards

12.30 – 1.30pm | Free

With everything from music to circus performance and comedy, Conway Square will be the place to be in Ards on Fridays throughout August.

Info: 028 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Portavogie Seafood Festival

Portavogie Seafood Festival

12noon -5pm | Free

Come along for a superb family day out, including a cookery demo with celebrity chef Nick Nairn, Fish Market, maritime themed activities, a touch tank, Dizzylands Funfair and so much more!

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Bring the little ones along to Portaferry VIC for free family entertainment every Saturday in August.

Sat 12:  Doodlebugs Workshop

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 August, Strangford Lough Boat Trip

Portaferry    

2pm-4pm | £10 (ad), £5 (ch)

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough

Info:  028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September.

Sat 12    Bricks4kidz Lego Workshop and Children’s Crafts
Sun 13    ‘Tales of the Wild’ Animal Roadshow, Traditional Crafts and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 13 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see  Tony Villiers and The Villains play a unique blend of folk-blues originals, influenced by Jonny Cash, Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 16 August, Kids Nature Trail

Castle Park, Bangor    

10.30am-12.30pm | £2.50

Join this fascinating interactive nature trail, led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and bird expert Dot Blakely.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Friday 18 – Thursday 24 August

 

Friday 18 August, Music in the Courtyard

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon – 2pm | Free

Chill out in the ambiance of lunchtime music performances, every Friday in August.

Info:  028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

 

Friday 18 August, Fair Weather Fridays

Conway Square, Newtownards

12.30 – 1.30pm | Free

With everything from music to circus performance and comedy, Conway Square will be the place to be in Ards on Fridays throughout August.

Info: 028 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Nautical Past – Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough

Departs Pickie Park, Bangor

2pm-3:30pm | £10 (Children under 14 accompanied by adult £5)

Learn more about significant landmarks on the coastline and be sure to look out for the fascinating variety of wildlife.

Info: 028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Family Fun at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, Portaferry

2pm-4pm | Free

Plant and Play – Planting Seed Wrokshop and Design a Fairy Garden

Info: 028 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September.

Sat 19    Clayrazy Workshop and Balloon Modelling

Sun 20    Science Workshop, Glitter Tattoos and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open 11am – 5pm

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 19 August, Groomsport Music and Fireworks

Groomsport Harbour

6.30pm – 10pm | Free

Make the most of the summer nights, enjoying music and fireworks with family and friends. This year’s headliner will be Bruce Springstreen tribute, The Boss UK.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Sunday 20 August, Summer Music in the Park

Ward Park, Bangor

3pm – 5pm | Free

Join us for live music every Sunday in August. This week, see  Wasted Talent, Bangor’s favourite punk rock sons, play music from the Pistols. Clash, SLF, PIL, Dead Kennedys and more.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Monday 21 August, Step Back in Time

Bangor, various

2.30pm-4.30pm | £5

Gain an insight into the history of the Ward Family who built Bangor Castle in 1852 and discover what life was like as a Victorian servant. Take this rare opportunity to tour Bangor Castle and the Walled Garden followed by tea and a treat in Coffee Cure.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Tuesday 22 August, Bangor Christian Heritage Walk    

Bangor Town Area

2.30pm-4pm | £4

Trace the steps of canons, priests and pilgrims in a tour that encompasses visits to Bangor Abbey, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum.

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 5 – Sunday 27 August

Art in the Loft: ‘The Language of Pain’

An exhibition by the Martin family addressing the hidden side of pain

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Until Sunday 20 August 

The Lay of the Land Exhibition

Bangor based artists draw on their experiences of living and working within the beautiful borough of Ards and North Down.

 

Wednesday 2 August – Sunday 3 September 

Creative Peninsula

A celebration of the exclusivity and quality of the artwork produced by local artists and craftspeople

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Natural Impressions’

A collaborative exhibition by Printmaker Michael Geddis and Ceramicist Andrew Cooke

 

Ards Arts Centre

Town Hall, Conway Square,  Newtownards, BT23 4NP

T: 028 9181 0803

 

Wednesday 2 – Thursday 31 August

Creative Peninsula

A showcase of the high concentration of artists and craft persons living and working in the Ards Peninsula

 

From the Heart of the Glens to Limavady, there’s no shortage of summer entertainment supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council this month.

In Cushendall, the Heart of the Glens Festival, one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland, runs from August 5^th – 13^th. The nine day, family fun week features over 100 events. Visitors can look forward to country sports, the Lark in the Park fun day, Lurig Challenge run, ping pong ball race and the ever popular Waves of Tory. There’ll also be various workshops to take part in, including art, drama, music and dance. The festival theme night on Friday 11^th August is a sight to behold, as hundreds gather for live music and a dress-up party while soaking up the festival atmosphere on Mill Street.

On Saturday 12^th August, the Vintage Family Fun Day takes place, followed by a magnificent fireworks display in the evening. The ‘Grand Finale Street Party’ on Sunday 13th August features the famous ‘Waves of Tory’ along with a variety of traditional Irish music, song and dance, finishing with live music by.

In Limavady, the Stendhal Festival takes place from Friday 11^th August – Sunday 13^th. The multi-award winning music and arts festival, takes place in the stunning scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm. Since its inception in 2011, the Festival has grown significantly over the years and celebrates all things creative including music, dance, theatre, comedy, poetry, traditional arts and sculpture to name a few.

Displaying both local and international talent, Stendhal is a family friendly festival and its programme seeks to introduce the arts to a new generation. The line-up this year includes Ash, The Magic Numbers, Sharon Shannon, Ciaran Lavery, Ulrich Schnauss + Nat Urazmetova, The Four of Us, Ryan McMullan, Lisa McHugh, Jealous of the Birds, Overhead, The Albatross, A Set of Stevie and much more. Further details available online at www.stendhalfestival.com.

With weekend camping tickets and free entry for children, Stendhal highlights the very best in local and international music, art, comedy, dance, theatre and more. Voted as Ireland’s Best Small Arts Festival since 2013, it offers visitors of all ages an entertaining grassroots festival.

The month comes to a close with the Auld Lammas Fair in Ballycastle which takes place on the Bank Holiday weekend Monday 28^th and Tuesday 29^th. Renowned as Ireland’s oldest fair, it has been held in the seaside town for hundreds of years and continues to attract thousands of people thanks to its truly unique atmosphere and visitor experience. This year’s Fair will be officially launched with a spectacular seafront fireworks display organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council on Sunday night (August 27^th). This new addition to the programme will provide a memorable opening to the much-loved event.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “From the beginning to the end of the month, August has so much to offer visitors and locals alike. It’s fantastic to see such a variety of events taking place right across the Causeway Coast and Glens. I would like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to all those who support our events throughout the summer, including visitors, volunteers, and local businesses for their donations and sponsorship.

For further information go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.

A full programme of events is now available in local shops or keep up to date on the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Facebook.

The Aspects Irish Literature Festival has a long tradition of embracing writing in all its forms and bringing household names to Bangor.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce this year’s programme that once again celebrates the best of Irish writing and brings together a wealth of local literary talents and writers from further afield.

Aspects 2017 brings you a host of renowned authors including Colm Tóibín, Frank McGuinness, Peter Fallon, Carol Drinkwater, Kelly Creighton and many more.

Poetry lovers are in for a treat too with a whole host of poetry events on offer. From the annual poetry slam to readings from Michael Longley, Moyra Donaldson and Paul Madden and an event featuring Rachel McCrum.

With live music from Joshua Burnside and plenty for younger audiences with Gruffalo yoga and Myra Zepf’s children’s workshops, there really is something for everyone at this year’s Aspects.

Keep an eye out around the town for some fantastic exhibitions including Neil Shawcross’ Penguins book covers and Boom Studios will be hosting a Sketch Walk from Ward Park to Luke’s Point inspired by the words of local author Ian Sansom.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair said, “Ards and North Down Borough Council are looking forward to welcoming everyone to join us in this celebration of the writing talent in the Borough and beyond. We hope readers and writers of all ages will be inspired by the Aspects programme.”

Speaking about the Festival, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; “We are excited to bring this diverse Aspects programme to Bangor. It showcases the immense writing talent from this area and throughout Ireland.”

The Festival takes place from 14-24 September at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com