Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Gareth Wilson recently took to the streets of Banbridge to sing the praises of Buskfest, the boroughs internationally reknowned busking festival which this year will take place on Saturday 12 August 2017.

Now in it’s 14^th year Buskfest has gone from strength to strength attracting singers, musicians and entertainers from across the globe who perform to huge crowds on the streets of Banbridge Town Centre all with the hope of taking away a share of the amazing £3000 prize pot.

Speaking at the launch the Lord Mayor said: “Buskfest is a superb event which  showcases the wealth and diversity of musical talent and performing skills thriving from the local area and further afield. Not only does it offer a wonderful platform for musicians to perform it provides a fantastic day out in Banbridge. With over 6000 visitors enjoying the atmosphere last year many of our local shops, restraunts and cafes also benefit from this annual musical extravaganza.”

BBC Radio Ulster presenter and Buskfest judge and compere Ralph McLean offered some words of encouragement for anyone interested in signing up for the popular competition, “Without doubt Buskfest is one one the finest examples of how a simple idea of giving musicians the opportunity to play in public has grown into a superb international annual event. It firmly puts the performer into the public spotlight offering great opportunities to help develop their musical career and I would encourage any performer whatever your age, experience or genre to give it a go. If busking put Ed Sheeran on the path to global stardom it can work for you too.”

During the competition, which will run from 1pm – 4.30pm participants can compete in a number of categories, including overall winner, best individual, best band, best junior, best performance and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize. As well as a colossal cash prize the overall winner will also be given the opportunity to record a live acoustic video produced by The Garage Project.

For further information and to register go to www.buskfest.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buskfest. Online registration will remain open until 2pm on Friday 11 August 2017.

The Rhythm of the Bann will ripple through Coleraine on Saturday 24^th June as the town prepares to host its inaugural music and dance event. The one-day festival celebrates a fusion of sounds including Ulster Scots, traditional and folk.

Afternoon entertainment on the Festival Stage begins at 12noon, setting the scene for a live concert in the Market Yard later that evening, featuring a specially choreographed dance performance and music from a host of local and international acts.

The celebration of music and dance will showcase the very best of talent from Northern Ireland and beyond, and reflect how our local influences resonate around the world – inspiring the festival strapline ‘We’re bringing it all back home’.

Located at the rear of the Town Hall, the Festival Stage will be graced by a fantastic line-up included the Hampsey Harp School, Grove Pipe Band, the Blue Bells dance troop, Heather Montgomery and friends, Coleraine Grammar School musicians and a cultural dance showcase.

This will be complemented by a host of live musical performances in cafés and bars, and shoppers can also look forward to impromptu song and dance throughout the town centre – helping to create a true festival feel to the day. Venues include The Three Kings, Ground Espresso, Diamond Centre, New Society, The Forum Restaurant, Café Nero, Moores of Coleraine, Coffee Emporium, Heralds at 22 and Pizza Pomodoro.

The evening event will see the old Market Yard venue comes to life as it hosts its first ever live concert. The family friendly evening will open with a bespoke dance spectacular ‘Rhythm of the Bann’ performed by the Dominic Graham School of Irish Dancing and the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, accompanied by seven-piece band Ballyrúa , all the way from Spain.

Hosts for the evening are stand-up comedian Tim McGarry and Ulster Scots historian David Hume MBE. The pair will keep the audience entertained throughout the evening with some Ulster Scots recitals and tongue in cheek humour.

Originally from Coleraine, singer-song writer Hannah McPhillimy will bring her unique style of jazz and indie to the event. A multi-instrumentalist with beguiling vocals, she is an exciting addition to the line-up.  Having released her first album ‘Seeing Things’ in 2013, she is enjoying a growing reputation, and is excited to be bringing her music back to her home town.

Sullivan and Gold, a talented two-piece are making a return to the North West for the event. The pair, previously likened to Simon and Garfunkel, will play a mixture of old material along with new material and renditions from their latest album ‘Guatemala’, released back in March.

Ballyrúa will perform in Coleraine fresh from the festival circuit in Europe, injecting an instrumental Galician style to the event ahead of headline act, The Peatbog Faeries from the Isle of Skye. They have toured the world with their unique music and light show so be prepared for high octane Scots Celtic music as you’ve never heard it before.

Gates open at 6pm with entertainment beginning at 7pm. Access will be by ticket only from Lime Market Street. No food or drinks can be brought in to the site and bag searches will be in operation. Amenities will be available inside, including food outlets, a bar facility and public conveniences. This is a non-seated event but patrons are welcome to bring their own fold up chairs.

Tickets are available online via Eventbrite or from Coleraine Visitor Information centre on 028 7034 4723, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for 16years and under.

Concert-goers are asked to use car parks within the town centre.

For further details go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

There will be more than just world-class golf to enjoy when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open comes to Portstewart next month from Wednesday 5^th until Sunday 9^th July.

The Crescent area will be transformed into a live music venue and outdoor cinema for the 2017 ‘Fringe Festival’, creating a unique tournament atmosphere in the host town.

Children will love the face painters, balloon modelling and walkabout characters and on Saturday night, the skies over Portstewart will light up with a spectacular fireworks display.

Midsummer Sessions, a spin-off from the popular Atlantic Sessions, will see over 30 musicians playing free gigs in bars, hotels, coffee shops restaurants across the four days.

For ease of access, the park and ride service will operate until the end of the entertainment every evening.  And to encourage people to travel from the golf course to the town centre, patrons can use Translink’s 140 service from the Burnside Road to the Promenade – seamlessly connecting the action on the green to the heart of the town. Park and Ride drop off and pick up points are located on Strand Road.

As the excitement builds, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Destination to the world. Portstewart’s stunning location provides the perfect backdrop, and with top class golf and entertainment with the emphasis on family fun, it’s a long weekend not to be missed.”

Aine Kearney, Tourism NI Director of Business Support and Events commented: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will bring thousands of domestic, national and international visitors to Portstewart and the wider Causeway Coastal Route this July, with footage of the event and the surrounding area beamed to over 450 million households worldwide. The ‘Fringe Festival’ is a fantastic addition to the visitor offering and has something for extended family, encouraging visitors to stay longer and enjoy the local hospitality.”

For more information go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.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

 

Saturday 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, Celebrity chef demos and lots more.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 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 17: Bricks 4 Kidz Lego Workshop and Children’s Crafts
Sun 18: Jumping Clay Workshop, Children’s crafts and Balloon Modelling

T:  028 9127 0069 | 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

 

Friday 23 – Thursday 29 June

 

Friday 23 June

Armed Forces Activities in the Square

Conway Square, Newtownards

12noon-7.30pm | Free

Music, military vehicle display and family fun.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 June

Sea Bangor Festival Hosts Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day

Sat 10am-6pm and Sun 12noon-6pm | Free

The popular maritime festival returns with plenty of fun plus a celebration of the Armed Forces. Come along for food, music, displays, Tall Ships and plenty of family fun during the weekend.

This event is supported by Tourism Northern Ireland.

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 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 24: Plant and Play – Garden Workshop and Glitter Tattoos
Sun 25: Science Workshop and Children’s Crafts

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

 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.

Ten days of events are taking place across Larne to celebrate this year’s Summer Arts Festival.

The theme for this year’s festival, is ‘Tall Tales’ so it promises to be a celebration of many childhood favourites to inspire the imagination.

There will be a free Carnival Parade, art, live music and performance in venues across Larne.

Local artists not only have the chance to showcase their designs in various exhibitions, but also in a series of specially designed lamppost banners which are scattered around the town.

Local business have also been getting involved with a competition for the best literary inspired shop window displays and special promotions.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid said: “We have more groups taking part than ever before this year so it promises to deliver a feast for the senses for all ages and right across the town.

“From the Carnival to the Arts in the Park performances this weekend there really is something for everyone in the family to enjoy and it will truly be a great day out in Larne.

“Council is committed to supporting art of all forms for our citizens and we’re hoping there will be a great turnout from people right across the Borough.”

The Carnival is one of the highlights of the festival and takes place from 1pm on Saturday 17^th June at Broadway with the parade starting at 3pm.

Lots of local schools have been involved and there will also be various specialist cars, tractors and lorries on display.

Sunday’s free Arts in The Park will be another highlight with a specially created fashion show from internationally renowned designer Geraldine Connon.

It will feature a collection, of day, occasion and bridal wear

Geraldine said: “I’m really excited to show off a selection of my couture pieces in my home town.

“I’ll be showcasing my work alongside a variety of visual; artists such as Jon Lashford, Miguel Neves, Laura Butler and Audrey Kyle to name a few”

The event will feature live music by Larne Music Yard, Zolene Mayberry and the Rod Paterson Swing Band alongside readings and storytelling by Angeline King and Billy Teare.

You will even have to chance to get a bit of hair up-styling by Crafty Belfast, watch C21’s Alice In Wonderland Street Theatre, have a go at learning some circus skills and create your own kite.

There is limited car parking at Town Park so those travelling by car are encouraged to use the event shuttlebus from Larne Town Centre.

For more information on the line-up, event timings and transport go to www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events/larne-arts-festival-2017 or contact Larne Museum and Arts Centre on T: 02828262443.

Award-winning Irish actress Olwen Fouéré and Syrian opera singer Lubana Al Quntar are to collaborate on a unique project exploring the Syrian conflict through Heaney’s collection The Spirit Level, at Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Saturday 24 June.

Currently starring together in Salomé at the National Theatre in London, Olwen and Lubana will take part in the latest in a series of events at HomePlace called Performance Reflections, which invites a leading artist to respond – in whatever way they choose – to one of Seamus Heaney’s poetry collections.

The evening will be built around Olwen’s performance of the epic Heaney poem Mycenae Lookout, in addition to musical contributions from Lubana.

Speaking from the rehearsal room, Olwen said:

“The Spirit Level explores issues of conflict and post-conflict society and Syria is one of the most potent areas of conflict in our world at the moment.  I am thrilled that Lubana, as one of that country’s most prominent artists, is able to collaborate on the event with me, to bring a fresh perspective on the conflict through her native music and Heaney’s words.”

Trained at the Royal College of Music in London, Lubana Al Quntar was the Head of the Opera Department at the High Institute of Music in Damascus, where she taught opera and Arabic singing techniques.  Known as “Syria’s First Opera Singer”, she was forced to flee the country as a refugee in 2012 and now lives in the U.S., where she has performed in numerous venues, including the Kennedy Center.

Olwen Fouéré is an actor, director and creative artist who has worked with the Abbey Theatre, Gate Theatre, the Royal National Theatre in the UK and with numerous companies in France, Australia and the USA. She has performed her recent creation, the internationally acclaimed “riverrun” (an adaptation of the voice of the river in James Joyce’s “Finnegan’s Wake”), across the globe and has starred on film with Sean Penn in “This Must Be the Place” and in “The Survivalist” by director Stephen Fingleton.

Tickets for “Performance Reflections on The Spirit Level” are £10 and are available to book online now at www.seamusheaneyhome.com

Highly Commended in the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016. Comber Earlies Food Festival makes a welcome return this Saturday 17^th June promising a fantastic free family day out celebrating all things potato!

The one-day festival organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with Food NI, Comber Earlies Growers and DAERA, takes place in the town centre and will showcase the world famous Comber Earlies which achieved EU Protected Geographical Indication status in 2012.

Richard Orr, Chairman of Comber Earlies Growers Co-op, said ‘We are really looking forward to showcasing this year’s crop. The festival is a great way to celebrate our produce and the season ahead’

There will be a packed programme from 10am-4pm. A Local Artisan food fair will pave the way to a Hay Bale picnic and Big Tops filled with music and children’s crafts. While top chefs will be demonstrating potato dishes and talking about the virtues of our wonderful Comber Earlies.

At the festival kitchen, local celebrities Paula McIntyre and Danny Millar will be joined by Sunday Times writer Lucas Hollweg and Charles Campion of MasterChef who will be give their expert views on our fine local food.

Look out for the tractor display, band performances and world class street theatre including Mr and Mrs Spud and a hilarious comedy chef show, Liver Cottage!

So come along and sample and celebrate the world famous Comber Earlies or some delicious locally produced treat while soaking up the festival atmosphere at this great family day out!

The Comber Earlies Fringe Festival will run from 9^th to 20^th June. Delivered by Comber Regeneration Community Partnership, the programme includes lots of activities for all ages including a Barn dance, live music, Festival quiz and lots more!

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

THE annual Armoy Road Races, which take place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017 builds on its local tourism with the aim of attracting visitors to the area from far and wide.

Armoy Road Races continue to attract large crowds of spectators and bike enthusiasts and has grown significantly year on year in its turnout figures. Organisers hope that this year will be no different.

The number of visitors to Northern Ireland was up by 6% compared to the previous year, and 2016 also marked the sixth year in succession that Northern Ireland has welcomed its highest number of overseas tourists.

Tourism Ireland estimates that its Game of Thrones strategy has reached approximately 61 million people.

President of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis said, “Undoubtedly, there has been a vast increase in tourism to the North West over the years, with significant interest in the Game of Thrones filming locations, especially here at the Dark Hedges. We’re finding that, whilst that may be a draw to get tourists here, once they are here, they’re interested in our culture and our heritage, and road racing plays a huge role in the North Antrim area.

“Armoy Road Races are well established in County Antrim and the Causeway Coast and Glens, and by offering a series of events throughout the week we are encouraging visitors not only to visit the area for the day but to lengthen their stay, thereby investing in the local and wider areas. It’s of course helpful that we have the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and The Dark Hedges nearby.

“It is essential that we attract people to the area to sustain businesses and to keep our economy afloat. Armoy and the surrounding areas have so much to offer visitors and we appreciate the support we receive. We are incredibly proud that the Armoy Road Races works to attract tourists, adding to the local offering.”

Local hotelier, Trevor Kane who owns the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae and sponsors the Supersport Race 2 as well as local rider William Dunlop, said, “The Armoy Road Races builds on a fantastic road racing heritage locally with the legacy of the Armoy Armada and Joey Dunlop.

“The continued growth and popularity of the Armoy Road Races really is testament to the effort and support put in by the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club. To have such a great event, which is unique to the area, just on our doorstep is a brilliant opportunity for encouraging visitors to stay and enjoy all that the area has to offer. 

“It’s great to see people return to see the races year on year and stay with us here at the Bayview Hotel. The road racing community is very supportive of the local area, which comes alive around the time of the races. We have tourists from across Ireland, North and South, as well as international road racing fans coming to the races. This leads to money going straight into the local economy as the visitors support local businesses.”

William Munnis said: “We’re very thankful to Trevor for his support over the years. The Bayview Hotel has supported the Club from our earliest of Races, and without his support, we wouldn’t be where we are today. Trevor is integral to the Armoy Road Races and the Bayview Hotel is integral to the community.”

This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017 culminating in the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.