Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival Friday 16th to Sunday 18th June

Queen’s Quay and Titanic Quarter

Celebrating the city’s unique maritime heritage, you can expect plenty of exciting free entertainment for all ages. Enjoy visiting ships, live music, Q Radio roadshow, arts and crafts, amazing street theatre and lots more free family fun.

It’s so easy to get around with a free Maritime Festival shuttle bus, operated by Translink, running between the City Centre and Queen’s Quay, or hop on board the Wee Tram to take you down to Titanic Quarter.

Titanic Quarter Entertainment

Join us for an action packed weekend celebrating our waterfront heritage & seafaring traditions at the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2017. From a Big Titanic Pop-up Picnic to a seafood street food market, from wooden boats to model boats, nautical walking tours to Port to Starboard talks. Our festival invites visitors to explore a spectacular heritage site and enjoy music, games, interactive exhibits, roving performers and lots more.

The ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ (Friday 2pm to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 6pm)
The ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ will be popping up next to SS Nomadic, visitors can relax and enjoy a delicious picnic whilst watching a mix of maritime activity including live music, Titanic mascots, stilt walking pirates and games for kids and the big kids at heart. The Hamilton Dock will be full of maritime flavour with its very own ‘NI Pop-up Street Food Market’. Each trader has been handpicked for their awesome food and epic vans, trucks & stalls. Visitors can sample the different stalls during the festival, knowing that everything is locally sourced and freshly prepared to ensure a tasty lunch. There will be plenty of picnic tables available.

LIVE Cooking at Hamilton Dock (Saturday & Sunday 12noon to 5pm)

Come and watch our local chefs, Niall McKenna from James Street South, Titanic Belfast’s Alastair Fullerton & Gareth Wilson, Cyprus Avenue’s Richard McCracken, and Holohan at the Barge’s owner chef Calvin Holohan, host some spectacular cooking demonstrations. Local TV / radio Presenter Siobhan McGarry will be compering the event and there will be opportunities to sample dishes and ask as many questions as you like during the demos.

Maritime Marvels on the Slipway (Saturday & Sunday 12noon to 4pm)

Visitors will find the very finest examples of boatbuilding skills on display, demonstrations, exhibits, and traditional arts and crafts as well as many other hands-on family and children’s activities in our maritime marquee on the historic Titanic Slipways.

Live demos & exhibitions include:

  • Traditional Rope-makers NI will demonstrate how ropes were made, from raw materials before the Industrial Revolution to the creation of cordage, used by the large sailing ships to harness the wind. There will be traditional boat makers on hand to demonstrate building techniques and wood working skills.
  • Meet the HMS Caroline team at the Belfast Maritime Festival and find out more about what this five star visitor attraction has to offer. Explore the history of the ship and learn about what life was like for the crew over 100 years ago through hands on activities including knot tying and object handling. Listen to tales of pirate cats at their interactive storytelling session (Saturday only) and make sure to take a picture with the ‘HMS Caroline Band’ at the selfie station!
  • Exhibitors will include Lagan Search & Rescue, Belfast Titanic Society, Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Lagan Legacy and a few more in the mix.
  • Watch out for our flashmobs with Ajendance.
  • And for the little ones there will be maritime craft making with Clayrazy, Balloon modellers & a dressing up section.
  • Out on the slipways there will be Model Boat racing in our temporary Titanic pool.
  • And don’t miss the live maritime themed street art with our local graffiti artist, plus a series of BMX & Parkour demonstrations on the Titanic Slipways.

 

Port to Starboard Talks

There will be a series of talks taking place during the course of the festival which will focus on maritime heritage, sail training, and seafaring traditions, along with a magical Immersive Storytelling Experience for the kids, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of The Dawn Treader.

There’s also a chance to explore & enjoy our maritime heritage on one of the following tours. These tours are all free of charge but booking is essential.

  • Titanic Seafaring Walking Tours  An enthusiast guide will transport you back in time 100 years to when Harland and Wolff was the busiest shipyard in the world, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the thousands of men who built these legendary ships. During this 30 minute speedy historic encounter you will explore the spot where Titanic was constructed, and learn about the SS Nomadic, the Drawing Offices & the Slipways. Saturday & Sunday at 12, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm.
  • Maritime Photo Walks – Become a Titanic inspired photographer on our snappy maritime photo walk. Learn lots of top tips & techniques while capturing the colour of the maritime festival. Learn how to highlight subjects in a busy setting and see the world in a different light, and learn about Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage along the way. Suitable for all levels, and you can even use your iPhone. Saturday & Sunday at 12, 2pm & 4pm.
  • Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House Tours – This is your chance to explore the World’s only authentic Titanic Landmark! Visit the last place Titanic rested on dry group and uncover the maritime history of Titanic Quarter. Descend 44ft to the bottom of Titanic’s Dock and listen as our guide brings the Titanic story to life. Saturday & Sunday 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm.
  • Cafe 1404 at Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House will be hosting a BBQ from 12pm – 4.30pm Saturday & Sunday. Also serving up delicious homemade tray bakes, loose leaf teas & locally roasted coffees.  Enjoy your lunch on the site where Titanic last rested on dry land & take in this awesome piece of maritime history!
  • The Dock Market Pop in and visit over 30 stalls exhibiting handmade products made locally in Ireland and meet the people who have lovingly designed each unique product.

For further information on TQ entertainment, times and booking details please visit www.facebook.com/tqeventsbelfast or call us on 02890 730490.

The full festival programme is organised by Belfast City Council and proudly supported by Tourism NI, Q Radio, Translink & Titanic Foundation.  For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime.

 

What’s On, Causeway Coast and Glens

Annual Motorbike Exhibition

Date: 1st May – 26th August

Time: 9.00 -17.00 Mon – Sat (16.30 Fridays)

Venue: Ballymoney Museum

Contact: ballymoneyvic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk     Tel: 028 2766 0230

The excitement of motorcycle road racing is celebrated here in a display of leathers, helmets, trophies, bikes and memorabilia form Local riders.

 

Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament 2017

Date: 5th – 9th June

Time: Various

Venue: Portrush, Castlerock, Ballyliffen & Ballycastle

Contact: info@causewaycoastgolf.com      Tel: 028 7086 8140

The Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament is in its 50th year and is the largest amateur golf tournament in Europe, held every summer on the glorious North Coast.
The Causeway Coast Golf Tournament played over the Valley – Royal Portrush, Ballycastle, Castlerock and Ballyliffin links offers a unique challenge to amateurs with an official club handicap of 20 or less.
Registration: You can now register for the tournament – www.causewaycoastgolf.com/application.html. You can view the Terms & Condtions here.

 

Mid-Summer Solstice Walk

Date: 9th June

Time: 0830 -0900

Venue: Giants Causeway, Bushmills

Contact: 02820731855

Join a conservation expert on this guided tour exploring flowers and fauna.

 

Curtis Magee Fanfayre

Date: 9th – 22nd June

Time: 2100-0100

Venue: Lodge Hotel, Coleraine

Contact: 07889468112

Curtis Magee and special guests Hugo Duncan, Susan McCann, Boxcar Brian, Country Harmony and Gary Wilson for 4 nights of music and dancing. Tickets available from reception: £10.00 per night or a 4 night special £30.00

 

Rathlin Seabird Spotting

Date: 10th June

Time: 11.00 – 16.00

Venue: Rathlin Island, Ballycastle

Contact: Ciara.McElroy@rspb.org.uk     Tel: 028 9049 1547

Join RSPB warden Liam McFaul to explore Rathlin and get a ‘hands-on’ intro to nature conservation. A jeep tour of the island, a seabird survey tutorial and a tour of the Seabird Centre are just some of the highlights of this unique experience.

 

Castlerock Clydesdale Show

Date: 10th June

Time: 10.00 – 16.00

Venue: Junior Playing Field, Freehall Road, Castlerock

Contact: Tel: (028) 7034 4723
Email: hamiltonlesleya@gmail.com

The Castlerock Clydesdale Horse Show is a great day out for all the family. Along with the beautiful horses to admire there are craft stalls, a bouncy castle, penalty kicks and a BBQ to enjoy.

 

Causeway Speciality Market

Date: 10th June

Time: 0900-1600

Venue:  The Diamond, Coleraine

Contact:  Tel: 07702910884

One of the largest outdoor markets in Northern Ireland. With products sourced and made in Northern Ireland by local crafts makers. Food and crafts to appeal to everyone’s tastes. Come along and meet artisan craft makers and find out more about local products.

 

Damhead Miniature Railway

Date: 10th June

Time: 1200-1700

Venue: Damhead Miniture Railway

Contact: 07703254595

A miniture steam or diesel train ride. Picnic  facilities are available on site and if the weather is inclement then indoor facilities are available. Adult: £2.00, Child: £1.00

 

Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival

Date: 7th -11th June

Time: Various: see website

Venue: Various in the Limavady Town Centre

Contact: digital@dannyboyjazzandblues.com     Tel: 028 7776 0650

The best of local, national and international musicians will perform in venues in Limavady town centre. The Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre will host ticketed events.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail

Date:  12th June

Time: As booked 1.5 hour session

Venue: Swanns Bridge, River Roe, Limavady

Contact: info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk   Tel: 07738 128507

Flow with Nature down the River Roe whilst learning the skills and techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Price £30.

 

Bushmills Food Tour

Date: 16th June

Time: 10.00

Venue: Departing from Bushmills Visitor Centre

Contact: northcoastwalkingtours@gmail.com    Tel: 028 2073 0390

A food tour of Bushmills, learning about local culture, whilst tasting some of the best foods and produce in the North of Ireland, served up by passionate owners and chefs. This town is a treasure trove of whiskey, salmon and potatoes.

 

Salmon & Whiskey Festival.

Date: 17th-18th June

Time: see programme

Venue: Bushmills

Contact: bushmillsvic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk     Tel; 028 207 30390

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey 2 day event celebrates the local culture, heritage and local produce. Bushmills is the ‘Gateway to the Giant’s Causeway’ and home of world renowned Bushmills Distillery and the River Bush Salmon.

 

Causeway Coast and Glens Bike Week

Date: 10th-18th June

Time: Various

Venue: Various

Contact: tel (028)70347234 Alt: (028)70344723 colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

A fantastic opportunity to get on your bike and explore the great outdoors in various locations throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens region. Make the most of the long bright days of early summer.

 

Rosepark Farm 2nd Birthday Family Fun Weekend

Date: 17th– 18th June

Time: Sat 11.00-17.00, Sun 12.00-17.00

Venue: 98 Bravallen Road, Ballymoney

Contact: rosepark_farm@hotmail.com     Tel: 028 2766 5554

To celebrate being opened two years Rosepark farm are having a fun packed weekend. There will be Music and Entertainment, Barbeque, Face Painting and Fantastic Giveaways a whole weekend of games.

 

Father’s Day at Carrowmena

Date: 18th June

Time:

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, limavady

Contact: info@carowmena@co.uk    Tel: 028 7776 3431

A fun and exhilarating day at Carrowmena Activity Centre, celebrating that all important day that is Father’s Day. Dad’s go free of charge. Choose from activities including zip lining, archery and climbing wall.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail

Date:  19th June

Time: As booked 1.5 hour session

Venue: Swanns Bridge, River Roe, Limavady

Contact: info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk   Tel: 07738 128507

Flow with Nature down the River Roe whilst learning the skills and techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Price £30.

 

Mussenden Evening Concerts at Mussenden Temple

Date:  23rd – 24th June

Time: 20.00

Venue: Mussenden Temple, Castlerock

Contact: triciacolohan@gmail.com    Tel: 028 2076 8798

At this iconic venue, on two consecutive mid-summer evenings, a number of instrumentalists from the Ulster Orchestra will present a programme of music on summer melody themes. The concerts will be followed by a light supper.

 

Gatsby Gala Ball

Date: 24th – 25th June

Time: 19.00

Venue: Lissanoure Castle, Loughguile

Contact: movingpicturesevents@gmail.com     Tel: 028 2764 1132

Moving Pictures presents the Gatsby Gala Ball at Lissanoure Castle on mid-summer night for an evening of champagne, dancing and fine dining.

NI FOODIES CAN DINE FOR FREE THIS SUMMER

Bullitt Belfast launches new ‘Tweet Seats’ campaign

 

Food lovers are in for a tweet this summer as Taylor & Clay in Bullitt Belfast launches its new Tweet Seats Tuesday campaign, offering Twitter fans the chance to dine for free.

Each Tuesday throughout June and July, the restaurant is inviting foodies to enjoy delicious lunchtime treats like salt beef Caesar salad, flatbread kebab with spiced beef & pomegranate and apple & blueberry frangipane crumble to mark the launch of its new 3-7-3 menu.

To get a free seat at the restaurant, you simply need to tweet your name, number of people and preferred time for lunch to @BullittBelfast using the hashtag #tweetseats.  If there are seats available, the restaurant will tweet back to confirm.

Each #tweetseats diner will enjoy three courses from the restaurant’s 3-7-3 menu and all they have to do in return is tweet a photo of the food.

Michael Patterson, F&B Manager at Bullitt Belfast is looking forward to the campaign launch.

“We are running the Tweet Seats campaign as a fun way to launch our new 3-7-3 menu and to offer people the chance to dine for free in our restaurant.  Taylor & Clay uses fresh produce that has been sourced from local suppliers and the food is cooked on a fire-pit grill to give it a unique flavour, so the winners really will be in for a delicious treat.”

The Tweet Seats concept was started by US theatres as a way of encouraging people to experience live shows.  It has now spread across cinemas and sporting venues with guests encouraged to live tweet during the events.

Taylor & Clay’s Tweet Seat campaign will run every Tuesday in June and July and there will be 10 seats available for guests each week.  The 3-7-3 menu is available weekdays from 12noon to 4pm with a starter for £3, main for £7 and dessert for £3.

For more information, follow @bullittbelfast on Twitter or visit bullitthotel.com

What’s on – Ards and North Down Borough Council

Friday 9 – Thursday 15 June  

 

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm  | Free

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

Sat 10: Science Workshop and Face Painting
Sun 11: Crafts and Mr Hullabaloo Puppet Show

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 10 June, Great Wars Coach Tour

Departs from North Down Museum, Bangor

9.30am – 1.30pm | Tickets £10

Join us on this half day coach tour and discover the area’s deep connections with the Great Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 16 – Thursday 22 June

 

Friday 16 June, On Your Doorstep With The Ulster Orchestra

Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Road

7.30pm | Tickets £10 (ad), £6 (ch)

Musicians from the Orchestra’s wind section will be centre stage for a performance focused around French music – perfect for a Midsummer evening of music!

T: 028 9181 0803 | ardsarts.com

 

Friday 17 June, Comber Earlies Food Festival

Comber Square and St Mary’s Church Car Park

10am – 4pm | Free

The award winning Comber Earlies Food Festival is back for 2017 bringing local artisan food, a hay bale picnic, music, children’s activities, street theatre, food demonstrations and lots more.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 June, Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf Championship

Donaghadee Golf Club

From 8am, various prices

See the best young golfers from Ireland and beyond compete in the Ulster U16 Boy’s Championship. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 028 9188 3624 | donaghadeegolfclub.com

 

Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 June, Portaferry Sails and Sounds 

Portaferry and Strangford

11am–10pm, various prices

The festival staged together on land & sea to bring to the shores of Strangford Lough a convoy of Old Gaffer Boats, traditional music & dance and street entertainment for all the family. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 078 7070 1620, portaferrysailsandsounds.co.uk

 

 

Tickets now on sale…

 

Walled Garden Theatre performances this summer:

 

Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Billionaire Boy

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

2pm and 6pm | Tickets £6

 

Thursday 20 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Northanger Abbey

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

Friday 21 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Murder on the Terrace

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

T: 028 9127 0069 | Book online (Fees apply) | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Art in the Loft: Sea

Textile Artist Jenni Cheung presents a collection of mixed media artwork inspired by the sea.

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 25 June

The Millennium Art and Craft Club

See paintings in all mediums from the club members.

 

Wednesday 7 June – Thursday 27 July

Fleadh Exhibition

Explore the history and culture of Irish Traditional Music and Dance in the local area.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

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

T: 028 9127 1200

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

ForM Sculpture Exhibition 2017

Art and nature collide in a unique garden experience

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Portaferry Gala: The first 50 years

See how Portaferry Gala has developed and grown over the years.

HASTINGS HOTELS CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF THE CULLODEN

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels is celebrating 50 years of the ownership of the jewel in its crown, the Culloden Estate & Spa.

Hastings Hotels purchased the luxurious property in June 1967, and over the course of the last 50 years, under the direction of Sir William Hastings, has transformed the Culloden in size and luxury.

“I purchased The Culloden in 1967 for £100,000, which was an extensive purchase for me back then. The 1960’s were properly named the ‘Swinging 60’s’, having left the legacy of wartime rationing and other restrictions well behind. My company was engaged in reinventing itself from a major licenced trader into the hotel business, an enterprise which required knowledge of a very different type of operation.

“Once a Bishop’s Palace, when I purchased it in 1967 the Culloden was a 13 bedroom boutique hotel with a splendid reputation for luxury and was by far the best in the province. 50 years on, I am proud to say this reputation has stood the test of time and the Culloden Estate & Spa remains Northern Ireland’s foremost five star hotel with 98 bedrooms and suites, an ESPA spa and health-club, a superb ballroom, conference facilities and meeting rooms and the Cultra Inn,” Sir William continued.

“I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 50 years. To my first general manager Hugh Margey, a young hospitality graduate from the University College Dublin and to the current general manager, Eoin O’Sullivan and his wonderful team who I am indebted to for their hard work and dedication. It is by their efforts that ensures the Culloden continues to attract guests from around the world and pick up prestigious accolades most recently being named Luxury Hotel of the Year at this year’s Irish Hotel Awards and highly commended at the first ever Georgina Campbell Breakfast Awards in the Best 5-Star Hotel category,” Sir William said.

“My marriage in 1960 produced four children and I am thrilled to be celebrating the golden years of this splendid hotel with my family, who are all now fully engaged in the management of Hastings Hotels. My four children, Julie, Howard, Allyson and Aileen each have their own responsibilities within the company and work determinedly for the six hotels.

“Over the last 50 years we have continuously invested in the Culloden and are delighted to mark its golden anniversary. The last 50 years have shown good and bad times and so it is a delight for me to enjoy the wonderful celebratory occasion and to stand proud in the knowledge that the Culloden is trading well and trading profitability with a well-grounded reputation that will allow it to be successful in our fast moving industry today and the years ahead.

“I am proud to say that the Culloden Estate & Spa was once built for a Bishop but is now truly fit for a king,” Sir William concluded.

Midsummer Magic in Glengormley

Make your summer magic this weekend by visiting Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June from 12pm – 8pm.   Experience the magic of summer with a fantastic feast for the senses.

 

Browse the artisan market stalls, enjoy food from your favourite local restaurants, relax to the sounds of local music and enjoy our free family fun activities.

Events over this fantastic weekend include mini explorer’s sessions, bouncy castles, petting farm and a magic show.  Wiggle It will be on hand to help you strut your stuff with free dance sessions on Saturday and face painting will be on offer on Sunday.

There will be also be an appearance of some Star Wars characters so make sure you come along and keep an eye out for your movie favourites!  A fun fair will also be in the park on Friday 9 June from 6pm – 9pm and individual charges apply.

This wonderful summer event is funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, The Executive Office and jointly organised with the Community Relations Forum. For more information see www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/midsummer or follow “Get into Glengormley” on Facebook.

 

CREATIVE EXPERIENCES THIS SUMMER

The exciting new summer workshop programme at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh during June comes to you from the artists at Create: Innovate: Armagh.

Jewellery Designer Mary Murphy, will lead the Silver Jewellery workshop on Saturday 10 June. She will take you step-by-step through the process of handcrafting your own bespoke Silver Pendant. You will create your piece out of silver sheet and wire using traditional hand tools, transferring your pattern, cutting out with a piercing saw, annealing, forming and soldering using a soldering torch. In addition to this you will learn some texturing and embellishing techniques before filing, emerying and polishing to bring your Silver Pendant to a high quality finish for you to hang on a silver chain provided. Suitable for beginners aged 16+ or those wishing to further their skills from previous silver jewellery workshops.

Pin Hole Photography on Saturday 17 June, is an experimental and vibrant workshop perfect for those aged 16+ with an interest in Photography. After a short introduction about pinhole photography you will make your own working pinhole camera from scratch using nothing but cardboard, tape and a piece of soda can! Once completed we’ll load it up with film and go out on a shoot. We will take care of the developing of the film and scan any successful images which you will receive by disk. No previous photography experience required.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On across NI this weekend.

Down

The wonderful Castle Ward Book Fair is back on the 10th and 11th June with the usual amazing selection of quality second hand books to be had. It’s a magnet for book lovers – you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find. And you will be supporting a good cause as you head away with armfuls of fabulous reading material. There are fun family activities taking place as well, with aspiring young writers invited to take part in the Castle Ward Big Story Challenge. Aspiring adult writers are invited to join Words for Castle Ward to try their hand as some writing as well!

Armagh

The Castle Classic Club will host their annual show on the grounds of Brownlow House Lurgan on the 10th of June from 10.00am to 4.00pm.  This will be the 19th year showing a range of classic cars, motorcycle’s, tractor’s and machinery.  There will be a raffle on the day and all proceeds will go to Craigavon Cardiac Care.

Fermanagh

Join Crom Estate, Newtownbutler, this Saturday 10th June for a Mothy Coffee!  See which varieties of moths have been found on the estate. You can grab a cup of coffee and a bun and join the National Trust rangers to learn a few things about these amazing creatures.

Tyrone

Cookstown Superstars are back to dazzle you with their new musical production Happy Ever After this Saturday at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown.  This upside-down musical fairy tale tells the story of how one unlikely suitor wins the heart of a beautiful princess. A story of love, acceptance and, tolerance, with whimsical puppetry, high energy dance numbers and laughs by the minute – a true happy ever after story brought to life as only Superstars can!

Derry/Londonderry                                                                                           

This Friday 9th June at the Ardtara Country House in Upperlands, Chef Patron Ian Orr will share his tips and secrets for creating the perfect BBQ which can be recreated at home. The demo will be followed by a three course meal and is priced at only £31.95 per person. Telephone 028 7964 4490 to book or email info@ardtara.com.

 

Antrim

Mid Summer Magic takes place this Saturday 10th  and Sunday 11th June at Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley. Experience the magic of summer with a fantastic feast for the senses. Browse the artisan market stalls, enjoy food from your favourite local restaurants, relax to the sounds of local music and enjoy our free family fun activities. A fun fair will also be in Glengormley on Friday 9th June from 6pm – 9pm.

Belfast

The Ballyhackamore Community Fun Day will take place this Saturday 10th June at St. Joseph’s Primary School. There’s lots on offer for all the family! A giant inflatable wrecking ball, bouncy castles, slides, games, football cage, giant fire engine, and Lego and Clay modelling workshops (pre-book online at www.stjosephsps.co.uk).  If you’re peckish pick up a burger or treat yourself to some popcorn or candy floss and relax while enjoying some live music.

 

­For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are 10 exciting things taking place this week (June 12-18). 

 

  1. The Stone Roses, Belfast, 13 June. This summer saw them play to over 240,000 people across four sold out nights at Manchester Etihad stadium, as well as a sold out show at New York’s Madison Square Garden and now they’re returning with a small UK Arena Tour playing only three shows, one of them happening in Belfast.
  2. Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, 17-18 June. Taste whiskey and learn about how it is made, alongside cookery demonstrations and restaurants promoting locally sourced salmon and Bushmills as key ingredients.
  3. Father’s Day at Carrowmena, Limavady, 18 June. Dads go free on this fun day out for all the family.Choose from activities including zip lining, archery and a climbing wall.
  4. Belsonic, Belfast, various dates. This week sees the music festival kick off at its new venue, Ormeau Park, with indie rock band Arcade Fire and support from The Kooks. Other headline acts through June include The 1975, Cream Classical Live, Martin Garrix and Jess Glyne.
  5. Archaeology 101, Divis and The Black Mountain, 17 June. Have a taster session of excavation work, making bronze age style pottery, and receive a guided tour of the site and see the ancient art of stone knapping in action. Various time slots are available throughout the day. Booking is essential to secure your free place.
  6. Comber Earlies Festival, Comber, 17 June. See what the fuss is about and taste some Comber Earlies for yourself, sample a range of delicious local produce from gourmet burgers to artisan fudge, or find inspiration at the cookery demonstrations taking place throughout the day in the festival kitchen.
  7. Royal Irish Fusiliers Museum exhibition – 1917 Misery and Mud, Armagh, until 30 June. The fourth year of the Great War saw the Third Battle of Ypres, commonly known as The Battle of Passchendaele. It would become infamous. The Royal Irish Fusiliers spent 1917 on all fronts. A more fluid war was underway in the Region of The Levant and the glorious capture of Jerusalem was the aim.
  8. Mid Summer Festival, Omagh, 14-21 June. An Creagán are celebrating their 20th anniversary and the annual mid-summer festival makes another return, jam-packed with a host of events from traditional music, bus tours and Game of Thrones activities and much more.
  9. Fermanagh’s Hidden Treasures – Help Save our Magnificent Meadows, until 25 June. The Ulster Wildlife project “Save our Magnificent Meadows” showcases the abundance of wildlife such as butterflies, bees, flowers and birds that can be enjoyed among these precious remaining farmland habitats.
  10. Laurentic Exhibition, Derry~Londondery, until 21 June. It has been 100 years since the famous Laurentic sank off Lough Swilly on a bitter cold night in January 1917. This Tower Museum exhibition tells the story of the famous ship, the numerous salvage operations and the search for the elusive gold still on board.

 

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

ForM Sculpture Exhibition in Bangor’s Walled Garden

Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will be home to twenty-nine sculptures for the month of June when the annual ForM sculpture exhibition takes up residence in its beautiful surroundings.

The eclectic exhibition which was opened on Saturday 3 June will showcase works from an array of talented artists who exhibit nationally and internationally.

The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.  A visit to Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a real escape and the sculptures enhance this experience even further.

Some of the works are of large scale and complement the setting whilst other subtler works will need to be sought out of the greenery. Come along and enjoy this exhibition with the whole family when art and nature collide in a unique garden experience.

Visitors to the launch were treated to a guided tour of the exhibition and got to meet the artists and learn about each piece and their inspiration behind it.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; “The 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, which is open to all, especially creates an excellent opportunity for our local artists, some of whom are starting out on their artistic careers, to exhibit alongside established artists.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is a treasure in Bangor and I would encourage everyone to visit it during the month of June and experience the sculptures alongside the stunning landscaping.”

The exhibition will remain open until 25 June and is free to visit.  Some of the sculptures will be available to buy.  You may pick up a map and brochure in the coffee shop in the Garden. This year for the first time, visitors are invited to vote for their favourite sculpture for the ForM Competition and can cast their votes when they visit the exhibition.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.