Carol Rhodes: Survey, Curated by Andrew Mummery

Dougal McKenzie: A Dream and an Argument

Bill Saunders: Side Steps These Ferried Measures Rise

30 June – 8 October

The MAC, Belfast is delighted to present three major solo exhibitions by three significant contemporary artists: two of whom are Belfast based — the painter Dougal McKenzie and sculptor Bill Saunders — with the third exhibition by one of Britain’s leading painters, Carol Rhodes, who lives and works in Glasgow.

Hugh Mulholland, Senior Curator at the MAC said: “Whilst these three artists have myriad starting points for their work, there is something that unities them all; that being a strong sense of ‘place’, whether this is the urban and industrial landscapes of Rhodes, or the emotional and historical attachment to Edinburgh in McKenzie’s work, or Saunders’ romantic but practical dependence and musings on the studio environment. We are extremely excited to be presenting this trio of exhibitions here at the MAC and we are confident that visitors will find lots to interest them.”

Carol Rhodes’ beautiful small-scale landscape paintings depict the interaction of natural geography and human intervention, placing the viewer on or near the edge of urban environments, seen from an aerial viewpoint, eerily distant from the world below.

Dougal McKenzie’s recent dreamlike painted scenes bring together key elements of the artist’s practice and thinking: an interest in history and storytelling through images and an investigation into whether it is possible to represent these as ‘memory’ in painting.

And finally, the work of Bill Saunders considers the very site where artwork is made — the profound “thinking space” that is the studio — as a source of inspiration for his work, presenting sculptural assemblages and works on paper that record, reconstruct, or otherwise invoke the place of artistic production.

The new exhibitions will open Friday 30 June in the Sunken, Tall and Upper Galleries at the MAC. Visitors will be welcomed daily from 10am-7pm and admission is free.  For further information on the exhibitions visit themaclive.com.

“The Big Splash”

A whole week of activities and madness in

PORTGLENONE

Marina, Village & Forest beside the beautiful River Bann

Sunday 16th July until Saturday 22nd July

The Big Splash Festival began over twenty years ago and is set in the picturesque village of Portglenone on the banks of the River Bann. The Festival features a week of family fun organised by a team of volunteers in Portglenone Enterprise Group (PEG).  

It is sponsored by the Mid and East Antrim Council, Waterways Ireland and local businesses.

 

SUNDAY 16th JULY

 

TEDDY BEARS’ PICNIC (local sponsors – Liam Vallely & Co, Solicitors)

 

Sunday 16th July from 1-4pm

in Portglenone Forest

 

Pack a picnic, enjoy the magic show (starting at 1.30pm) and join our resident teddy bear for guided walks through the forest.

 

Also available Ice Cream Van, Hot Food Van, Tea and Coffee, Face Painting

 

Limited parking at the forest with additional parking available at Augnahoy Cemetery Car Park.

Time 2.30pm

 

MONDAY 17th JULY

 

SOAP BOX DERBY

Portglenone’s own Crash Test Dummies!

 

Assemble at Mull Park, Finlaystown Rd at 7pm for start at 7.30pm

Minimum donation £20 –Single & Double Runs!

Register at PEG office before 3pm on 14th July.

Telephone 028 2582 0150

Entries restricted to 20 vehicles.

Rules apply – All vehicles must have back brakes, steering and towing eyes (no rope steering)

Drivers must be over 18yrs & wear a helmet at all times.

Prizes for Wackiest Soap Box & Fastest Soap Box

 

FINLAYSTOWN RD CLOSED 6-10PM

 

TUESDAY 18th JULY

 

FAMILY CAMP NIGHT

 

– Venue: Portglenone Marina (Secure Site)

– Voluntary Donation

– Pitch between 5pm and 8pm

– Activities: Songs/ Games/ Disco 7.30-9pm

– Hot Food- Children £3 Adults £5

– Under 18yrs must be accompanied by a Parent/Guardian who is responsible for all supervision of their children (no exceptions).

– No Alcohol Permitted

 

Register at the PEG Office before 18th July at 3pm

Email: pegmarkethouse@btconnect.com or

Tel: 028 2582 0150

 

 

WEDNESDAY 19th JULY 2-4pm

 

AFTERNOON TEA DANCE

 

Introducing the first ever Big Splash Tea Dance, held in the brand new Community Centre Portglenone. A chance to grab the dancing shoes out of the cupboard and with the promise of a cup of tea after you have waltzed the afternoon away, you’re guaranteed a great time. Admission £3.

 

Community Centre, Gortgole Road

Singer Dave Lee

HERITAGE WALK

 

Come and join us as we walk through the heritage highlights of Portglenone
village in the company of renowned archaeologist Thomas McErlean.

Be amazed at just how old and significant Portglenone is.

Learn about:
.    our 10,000 year old heritage
.    the village and its historical importance
.    some of the village’s most significant buildings

On the night you will also have the opportunity to become a member of our
newly formed, ‘Portglenone History and Heritage Group’.

The walk begins in the village square, at the bank building, and ends at the
Marina where there will be light refreshments.

Walk starts at 7:30 pm. It will last about 90 minutes and extend for about 1
mile of easy walking.

Everyone welcome (Children must be accompanied by an adult).

To confirm a place contact:
The PEG office, Main Street, Portglenone (028 25820150)
Or, Damien (028 25821048. mobile 07719340808)

 

THURSDAY 20th JULY

VINTAGE CAVALCADE

Assemble Hawthorn Inn, Kilrea Rd at 6pm. Depart 7pm

Proceeding through the village to finish at the Marina, Gortgole Road

£5 per vehicle

Refreshments and gift for drivers provided at Community Centre, Gortgole Road  (official entry number needed).

 

Portglenone Stitcher’s Display

Community Centre, Gortgole Road

From 7pm

Come and see a display of needlework produced by the ladies of the Bannside Stitcher’s Group (held weekly) where we sew, stitch and socialise.

Men’s Shed Display & Beekeepers Display

 

Big Splash Hunt –  walking treasure hunt for the family @ 7.00pm

For all the family.  Prize for Winners.  Register at the PEG Office at 7pm

 

FRIDAY 21st JULY

HUGO DUNCAN Live BBC Broadcast!

Town Square, Portglenone, 1.30pm – 3pm

 

Gig ’n’ the Bann Festival Launch & Music

7.30pm – 8.30pm – Town Square

 

Ceili/Ceilidh

8:30 pm – 11pm

CEILI / CEILIDHI n the Town Square with The Loch Lao Ceili Band

 

SATURDAY 22nd JULY

TRIATHLON (sponsored by Centra)

 

The Big Splash Sprint Triathlon, one of the fastest sprint triathlons in the country, is back for another action-packed race.

The race is centred round Northern Ireland’s longest river, The Bann. Competitors set off from Portglenone Marina for a 750-metre swim in the river, from transition they cycle through the village and along the rolling hills of the surrounding countryside for a 20km bike leg, with one or two little climbs just to keep it interesting!!

The 5km run closely follows the route of the river, giving a flat and fast out and back course, perfect for those Personal Best times.

Once finished, and back at the marina, the successful triathletes can relax and enjoy the festivities on hand at

The Taste of Portglenone.

Come join us on Saturday 22nd July for another great race.

Registration time – 8am-9.30am

Saturday 22nd July 2017

Portglenone marina

race starts 10am

£40 +admin charge

No license required

Relay team option

For more info contact Steven at pg1tri@outlook.com or PEG 028 2582 0150

 

Sign on via www.sientries.co.uk

 

A Taste of Portglenone

(sponsored by local shop Fullans Food Halls)

 

Saturday 22nd July 1 – 4pm

 

“This is a day for Everyone to showcase their individual talent.  Whether you bake, grow or sew there is something for everyone.  For a full list of all classes or to register for the 2017 fete, please mail info@bigsplash.com.  Please note classes will only run if there are 3 or more entrants, so registration is essential.  We look forward to seeing what talent Portglenone has to offer.”

Guest celebrity chef IAN ORR

Community Centre, Gortgole Road

FAMILY FUN DAY

Watersports (including Canoeing & Zorbing), Petting farm, bouncy castles and Art, Craft and Food stalls & more

1pm-4pm

FISHING COMPETITION

 

Fishing Competition

Entry free but DEFRA license is required

 

Date: Saturday 22^nd July 2017

Location: Clady District Angling Club – Opposite The Waterwall Bar, Clady

Time: 10.30am for Angling. 11am-5pm

Registration: In club house 10.30am

Prizes: Junior – up to 17 years – 1^st & 2^nd

Senior – 18 years and over – 1^st & 2^nd

Decal requirement: All competitors must have a license, which can be obtained from Bann Valley Outdoors, Glenone Business Park or by Decal online.

 

The Big Splash programme also features a Free Draw to win a 32” television sponsored by Dynamic Audio Visual.  Simply add your email address to the special token in the programme and give it to one of the Big Splash steward before Saturday 22nd July.

 

 

Dungannon has begun its busker ‘recruitment drive’ ahead of the town’s third Battle of the Buskers event next month (Saturday 5 August).

Musicians, singers, bands and solo artists are being invited to showcase their musical talent in the competition, devised by Mid Ulster District Council, and which last year saw local musician, Darryl Quinn take the title.

This year, as well as £1,000 in prize money, the overall winner will move straight from the street to the stage, performing that same evening at the ‘Blues on the Hill’ concert at the Hill of the O’Neill and Ranfurly House, on the same bill as Grainne Duffy and Band of Friends (artists that have played with blues legend, Rory Gallagher).

The second placed busker will win £500, while £100 prizes are also on offer in other categories, including Best Young Performer and Spirit of Battle of the Buskers.

Launching the call for buskers, Chair of the Council, Councillor Kim Ashton said:

“The 2017 Battle of the Buskers, now in its third year, will be the most tightly fought yet, given the wealth of talent we have in Mid Ulster and further afield, particularly now that the first prize is a once in a lifetime opportunity to share the bill with seasoned, internationally renowned performers such as Grainne Duffy and Band of Friends.

“Mid Ulster is the place in July and August to discover music; as well as the exciting chance to unearth new talent in the annual busking competition, there’s a variety of lakeside concerts in Dungannon Park, and performances on the hill from Tony Watkins, Donna Taggert and the Ulster Orchestra, all of which are included in a packed programme of family events across the district from 28 July through to 29 August.”

Each performer will be allocated a pitch to perform on the day, along with an opportunity to perform on stage in Upper Market Square.

The closing date for applications Friday 4 August 2017.   For more information about the event and how to apply, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/buskingbreak

FROM puffins and dolphins to butterflies and badgers, Northern Ireland’s countryside and coastlines are teeming with wildlife.

Summer is the time to see cute seal pups, bees buzzing in brightly coloured blooms and young birds making their first venture into the outside world.  DiscoverNorthernIreland.com is full of ideas for a wildlife treasure hunt – so dig out the binoculars and take your little nature detectives on a safari close to home.

 

Castle Espie, County Down

The only wildlife and wetland centre in Ireland, Castle Espie is definitely geared up for the kids. Pick up a bag of seeds at reception and you’ll have some of the many species of rare and endangered ducks and geese eating from the palm of your hand. Throughout June and July, it becomes home to a huge number of cute ducklings, goslings and cygnets. There are special behind the scenes tours every weekend in June to see the indoor duckery, where the ducklings hatch and spend the first three weeks of their life. Then when they are three weeks visitors can see the cute sight of watching them adapt to the outside world. Den building is also a must at the wildwood natural play area.

Stay at: Castle Espie Cottage, 3*, Comber.

 

Ness Country Park, County Londonderry

Ness Country Park comes alive with birdsong from willow warblers, black caps and chiff chaffs as well as resident tits and thrushes. The Burntollet River runs through the park – a great place to watch dippers bobbing away or spot signs of secretive otters and traces of badgers. Go on a hunt for the unusual Purple Hairstreak butterfly and make sure you visit Ness waterfall – believed to be the highest in Northern Ireland.

Stay at: Derry Farm Cottages, 4*, Drumahoe

 

Rathlin Island, County Antrim

A haven for wildlife, the Rathlin adventure begins with a ferry ride from Ballycastle where you can spot gannets, gulls, dolphins and seals basking on the rocks. The four-mile Rathlin Trail (one of six walk trails) will take you to the RSPB seabird centre where volunteers will be on hand to help spot the comical antics of puffins and seabird chicks perched precariously on the cliff edges as well as guillemots, kittiwakes and razorbills. Connected to the centre you can also explore a real working lighthouse. Home to many Irish hares, see if you can spot the unusual “Golden Hare” native to the island.

Stay at: Manor House, Rathlin Island

 

Oxford Island, County Armagh

Oxford Island is a fantastic family day out on the shores of Lough Neagh, with four miles of walking trails passing woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows and picnic and play areas. Bounded on three sides by water, there are plenty of ducks and swans hoping to be fed.  Explore the five bird hides and see if you can spot Mute Swans, Mallards or Grey Herrons. Watch out for Sparrowhawks or Buzzards performing soaring display flights over the treetops from the closet hide. Take a browse in the craft shop and have a bite at the Loughside Cafe at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre with panoramic views of the Lough or head down to the Kinnego Marina for a boat trip.

Stay at: Ballydougan Pottery Courtyard Cottages, 4*, Portadown

 

Ely Lodge Forest, County Fermanagh 

The Ely Lodge Forest is alive with wildlife and steeped in history.  Located six miles north-west of Enniskillen on the shores of Lower Lough Erne and part of the Marble Arch Caves Geopark, it’s home to an intricate network of waymarked walking routes. Some are pushchair accessible so even the youngest explorers can enjoy this scenic woodland. The kids will be in awe of the giant trees as well as carpets of bluebells in spring. Have a rest at one of the picnic areas on the lough shore and see who can spot great crested crebe, mute swans and a variety of ducks. Visit the Carrickreagh viewpoint for panoramic views over Lower Lough Erne.  Round off the day with a visit to the famous Marble Arch Caves, less than 30 minutes drive away.

Stay at: Castle Hume Court, 4*, Enniskillen

 

Mount Stewart, County Down

Listed in the top ten gardens of the world, Mount Stewart is a treasure trove of wildlife.  From bees buzzing in the brightly coloured blooms to ducks, swans and tadpoles starting life on the lake, the network of walk trails will keep your little ones fascinated.  The formal garden around the house is themed using an exotic choice of plants from around the world. The rhododendrons are a must-see until mid-August.  Keep your eyes peeled for red squirrels – and visit The Lookout, a wildlife interpretation centre overlooking Strangford Lough, to spot seals and birds. Staff are on hand to answer questions and provide telescopes and a remote camera so budding nature detectives can get a close up view of nesting seabirds.

Stay at: Merok Mill House, 4*, Bangor

 

Exploris Aquarium, County Down

Take a diver’s view of marine life at the amazing Exploris aquarium. Explore everything from the native fish of Strangford Lough to the colourful coral reefs of the tropical oceans – and brave the touch-tank to see if you can tantalise a tentacle or two. This is a busy time of year for the seal sanctuary at Exploris, with cute common seal pups being born during June and July.

Stay at: The Portaferry hotel, 3*, Portaferry.

For more information on any of these attractions, or to plan a short break visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com 

 

Portico in Portaferry is the venue for an exciting new series of traditional and folk music events which will be taking place from this July to October.

The Lough Lively sessions comprises of six separate music events, all featuring top class acts, who will bring a different musical flavour to the beautiful historic building.  Bringing music to the heart of Portaferry, the monthly events are supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The Arts Council of Northern Ireland

The fantastic programme includes gems like The 4 of Us, Runabay, Emerald Armada, Saffyre and Rapparees – music lovers are in for a treat!

Kicking off the events on Friday, July 7 is all girls act Wookalily. This group are quirky, in a good way. Folk-gothic troubadour tales, new-time mountain music, glorious melodic hooks and a drum kit which guarantees purists cover their ears. Five women too girly to be a beat group, too funky to be a folk group, too good to miss.

Speaking about The Lough Lively Sessions, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford said: “We are delighted to present this eclectic new music series in Portaferry in partnership with Portico. The beautiful venue in the heart of Portaferry is a super location for the new Lough Lively Sessions that feature some of Northern Ireland’s best live acts. The programme stay’s true to the cultural roots of the area with the best in traditional, folk and bluegrass bands that will have your toes tapping and heart singing.”

Also commenting on the programme, Dr Verity Peel, Heritage Officer at Portico said:

“We are delighted to be hosting these concerts in partnership with Ards and North Down Borough Council. This is fabulous entertainment for tourists as well as locals and adds to Portaferry’s many attractions.”

Tickets are on sale now and cost between £10 and £12 per event. A Lough Lively Sessions Pass can be bought for £40 and covers 5 concerts. For further information or for bookings, please visit: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or www.porticoards.com Early booking is advisable.

Today EastSide Arts announced that, from 3 – 13 August, east Belfast will become a hive of creative energy as details of the EastSide Arts Festival 2017 programme were revealed.

Everyone is invited to come and explore the east of the city, its people and places during a fantastic 11-day festival packed with music and words, theatre, film, tours, visual arts, workshops and community events, all rounded off with the EastSide Family Circus and Big Top weekend.

The Festival will use a diverse range of venues across east Belfast including; C.S. Lewis Square, Strand Arts Centre, EastSide Visitor Centre, Maple Leaf Club, The Bath House,
Skainos Rooftop Garden, St Martin’s Church, Willowfield Parish Church, The Bank, and the Tumble Circus Big Top – to name but a few.

Highlights for this year include; Free Festival Fun Day featuring a purpose-built People’s Pharmacy where creative prescriptions will be handed out to passers-by to brighten their day; EastSide Family Circus at the Big Top on C.S. Lewis Square offering entertainment for the whole family; Big Top Weekend featuring a cabaret evening and performances from both Gareth Dunlop and Ciaran Lavery; other music highlights include Ken Haddock and the Arco String Quartet recording a new album, Anthony Toner, Kaz Hawkins, The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh and Belfast Community Gospel Choir; poetry from Jan Carson, Poetry NI and Glenn Patterson; comedy and magic from Midweek Magic Club to the return of Murder She Got Wrote Off ; theatre including Sam McCready’s adaptation of Robert Harbinson’s No Surrender; Terra Nova’s new anti-racism play, Me You Us Them; a diverse range of cinema screenings at Strand Arts Centre and a special pop-up screening of A Patch of Fog at Wyse Byse Warehouse which was a location for the film; bus, walking, cemetery tours and the  Van Morrison and George Best tours; a host of visual arts, classes and workshops including courses at The Bank with the Belfast Bankers.

During the festival, east and west Belfast will connect with the Translink East West Bus Tour, specially commissioned for the festival, and Féile Unplugged where EastSide Emerging artists will perform.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister said;

“Belfast City Council is delighted to be funding the EastSide Arts Festival again this year – and to see it continue to grow in vision, stature and reach.  A central goal of our Belfast Agenda is to make Belfast a vibrant and attractive city – and thanks to EastSide Arts Festival, we can all look forward to being inspired, entertained, intrigued and uplifted by the arts this August, whatever our age, interests or background.”
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said;

“The Arts Council, as principal funder of EastSide Arts congratulates the festival organisers who continue so successfully to expand opportunities for people to access a wide range of high-quality arts in this part of the city. It is important that we acknowledge how the arts, with support from National Lottery and public funding, continue to make a major contribution to the creative, cultural and economic life of Belfast. We hope many residents, visitors and tourists alike take the opportunity this coming August to visit the east of the city and participate in this year’s excellent festival programme.”

Rachel Kennedy, Director of EastSide Arts Festival, added;

“This year’s EastSide Arts Festival is a noisy celebration of the creative energy of the people of east Belfast. We find ourselves in a flourishing time, an exciting time for artists and communities and we have the pleasure of inviting you to come and explore this part of the city, its people and places for yourself, over the eleven days of the festival. We would like to thank our principal funder, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and funders Belfast City Council and The Executive Office for their vital continuing support. Sincere thanks also to our key sponsors, Arts & Business Northern Ireland, The British Council, Translink, Hewitt & Gilpin, Connswater Shopping Centre and Retail Park, Forestside Shopping Centre and McCadden for their brilliant support and enthusiasm in being a part of this year’s EastSide Arts Festival.”

 

For full festival programme including tickets visit www.eastsidearts.net or Facebook/EastSideArtsBel and Twitter @EastSideArtsBel  #ESAFest17.

Just when you thought it was safe the word is out that Pirates Off Portrush is back bigger and scarier than every before!

 

Word has reached this publication of a Viking invasion and with the projected tides and wind forecast they’re due to land on the West Strand beach in Portrush at 12.30 on Saturday 1st July!  Will our very own Tavish Dhu make an appearance to save us; and if he does, will he be defeated by the Viking King Magnus Barelegs?  And will Magnus Barelegs manage to capture our Mayor and the main sponsors?  These and many other terrifying possibilities can only be answered by being in Portrush.  The drama all starts at 11.00am with a Pirate Treasure Hunt and all are invited to participate free of charge but make sure you’re in your best pirate outfit as you sail around the town in search of pirate answers!

No-one could have foreseen just how popular this event would become and five years later it’s one of the most popular fixtures in the resort’s diary.  Perhaps the beauty of it is that it can be enjoyed by all the family and it’s absolutely free!  The organisers, script writers and all in the background of this wonderful promotion have surpassed themselves with this year’s production and it’s described as Tavish Dhu’s most dangerous ever adventure!   Be prepared to “shiver your timbers” and “brace your mainbrace” for another day of swashbuckling madness, adventure and laughs!

Brian Moore, who acts as host and Compere of the Amphitheatre Events says of the event, “it’s the perfect combination of slapstick, imagination, music and lots of very innocent fun.  Last year we had people from all around the world in the audience and it’s an absolute joy to be a part of – if you’re only going to visit Portrush once this summer make sure it’s for Pirates Off Portrush!”

Sunday 2nd July – Heritage Fair

Day Two of PIRATES OFF PORTRUSH feature a Heritage Fair at Antrim Gardens in the town.  Again it’s absolutely free and features everything from the 42 piece Northern Ireland Concert Band to musket firing demonstrations!  Food will also play a major part with artisan offerings and a plethora of stands, stalls, demonstrations and competitions guaranteed to enthral all.  The gates open at midday for you to enjoy everything from storytelling to medieval shenanigans!