Music lovers are in for a treat this Sunday, July 10, at Ward Park when The Blues Street Preachers take to The Bandstand as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Music In The Park series of events.

The Blues Street Preachers are a trio featuring Mark Braidner, resonator and acoustic guitars, Simon Templeton, piano and Michael Conway on percussion.  They are influenced primarily and pay homage to the Blues, Ragtime and Hokum styles popular in the Southern United States during the 1920’s and thirties.  Their music is infectious, played with passion and desire and guaranteed to get the most stubborn of toes tapping!’

So if you fancy kicking back to some blues, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol free zone. All events are subject to change as weather dependent.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

It has been a long 16 years since The Abbey Theatre, Dublin visited The Market Place Theatre and now they are back with Frank McGuiness’ powerful portrayal of mortality, love and loss, ‘Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme’.

On 1 July 1916, the 36th Ulster Division took part in one of the bloodiest battles in human history. The Battle of the Somme. One hundred years on, the Abbey Theatre presents this major new co-production directed by Headlong’s Artistic Director, Jeremy Herrin. In the extraordinary circumstances of World War 1, eight ordinary men are changed, changed utterly. This iconic war play by Frank McGuinness is a powerful portrayal of mortality, love and loss.

Observe The Sons Of Ulster Marching Towards The Somme will be staged at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Saturday 23^rd July at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 each.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

Down

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife of Strangford Lough with a Strangford Lough Boat Tour this Saturday 9th July.  See where Saint Patrick first came ashore, view landscapes used in Game of Thrones filming and hear of Viking raiders.

Armagh

The Willis Clan are a Nashville-based family band that has been featured on popular television shows and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry more than 40 times.  The band, which has roots in Irish music and dance, bluegrass and pop are set to make their much anticipated debut appearance at Armagh City Hotel on Friday 8^th July in what promises to be a remarkable show.

Fermanagh

SHARE Extravaganza is the exciting and innovative Activity Programme that runs DAILY through July & August. It is ideal for individuals, families and couples staying locally or visiting Fermanagh on Holiday.

Tyrone

The Alley Theatre Strabane Junior Open Mic Nights provide teens a platform to perform live in an intimate, friendly venue, with the promise of hearing some great young up-and-coming local talent. Hosted by Gerry Strawbridge. What better way to spend a Friday evening throughout the summer? This Friday 8th July.

Derry

The Foyle Maritime Festival 9^th to 17^th July.  Derry welcomes the Clipper 2015-16 Round The World Yacht Race to the Foyle in a major celebration packed full of land and river based activities for all the family. Highlights include concerts, maritime markets, the Clipper Race Kitchens, funfair, water sports, boat tours, arts and crafts and lots, lots more throughout the week.

Antrim

Reuniting the stars of his celebrated film of Cinderella, Kenneth Branagh directs Richard Madden and Lily James as Romeo and Juliet and Derek Jacobi as Mercutio, in Shakespeareʼs heart breaking tale of forbidden love.  See the Encore Screening from The Garrick London by Kenneth Branagh Theatre screened live  at the Theatre at the Mill this Saturday 9^th July.

Belfast

Second Chance Adult Ballet proudly presents La Bayadère – a classical ballet charity performance in aid of Alzheimer’s Society and in memory of its founder Ruth Adams, who sadly passed from the disease in 2015 this Friday evening at the Crescent Arts Centre.  Join the dancers on a journey to a world of love, magic and jealousy, and be transfixed as they prove that it’s never too late to be a ballet dancer. All proceeds go to the Alzheimer’s Society. First show: 6.15 – 7.00pm. Second show: 7.15 – 8.00pm.  Tickets are a £10.

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.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 4 – 10).

• Race To The End Of The Earth, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, Aug 28. Travel back in time and follow in the footsteps of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Britain’s Robert Falcon Scott as they embark on a 1,800 mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole. Booking essential.

• Birthday/Anniversary Celebrations, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, Jul 6. Celebrate the 40th birthday of the Folk Park in style and only pay 1976 admission charges. There will be special costumed tours of the museum site, food tasting, historical re-enactments, traditional games, exhibitions, displays, informative talks and live music sessions all jammed into this one special day.

• Wild Cookery, St. Patrick’s Church, Cushendun, Co. Antrim, Jul 9. Discover a multitude of edible goodies and learn how to make wild garlic pesto, nettle soup and a whole variety of wild salad and greens with Rachel Craig, whilst exploring the beautiful surroundings of Creagagh Woodland in Cushendun. Booking essential. To book call (028) 2075 2100.

• The Knotty Pine String Band, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, Jul 9. With a strong country roots influence with songs from the likes of John Pine and Kris Kristofferson, The Knotty Pine String Band have been bringing bluegrass and American roots music to audiences for the past twenty years.

• Causeway Coast and Foodie Tour, Coleraine Visitor Information Centre, Co. Londonderry, Jul 9. Stopping at five stops along the Causeway Coastal Route, this guided tour will showcase some of the best local produce and hidden gems the North Coast has to offer including samples at the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery to feasting on local fish prepared by fabulous chefs.  To book call (0)7912 408 256.

• Armagh City Walking Tour, Armagh Visitor Information Centre, Co. Armagh, Jul 6. For those who want to explore everything the city has to offer, a guided walking tour is a must. You’ll walk through Armagh’s rich history as you hear stories and anecdotes about the area, learn about the city’s renowned Georgian architecture and stroll along the distinct cobbled streets as you unearth some of the city’s hidden gems along the way.

• Go Mountain Biking, Life Adventure Centre, Co. Down, Jul 9. Whether you’re an adrenalin junkie or easy rider, get out and see what it’s all about in this fun Mountain Biking introduction session.  The intro is a 90 minute session on the national MTB trails set within the stunning surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park. To book call (028) 43 770714.

• La Bayadère, Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, Jul 8. Second Chance Adult Ballet presents a classical ballet charity performance in aid of Alzheimer’s Society. Join the dancers on a journey to a world of love, magic and jealousy, and be transfixed as they prove that it’s never too late to be a ballet dancer.

• Portaferry Fun Days, Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, Co. Down, until Aug 27. Don’t miss the free family fun day at Portaferry Visitor Information Centre every Saturday, each week there will be something different for everyone to enjoy, from children’s craft activities, a super science show, amazing animals with Tales from the Wild, Aldo the Magician or Princess Else and characters from the Minions.

• Big Houses, Green Lane Museum, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, until Sept 24. Taken from the ‘Big Houses, Hidden Gems of the Causeway Coast’ exhibition, this selection of photographs represents various Big Houses of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough, from Drenagh to Dundarave. Free admission.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Belfast based artist Kevin Hamilton opened his striking exhibition Kaleidoscopic Views at the Conservatory Gallery in Clotworthy House on Tuesday 28 June.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to present this exhibition of photographs which ask the viewer to look at what we see every day in a different way.

Taking landmarks that the people of Northern Ireland see regularly, Kevin explores the detail and beauty of our built environment by creating a kaleidoscopic view of colour and pattern. Kevin commented “My work emphasises the positive aspect of our culture. The legacy of the past has been a source for many artistic works, through my work I want people to appreciate the strength and beauty of our environment showing what we all know but in a very new and dynamic way.”

Kevin’s work aims to encourage the viewer to realise the beauty in our everyday surroundings, from the Grand Opera House to City Hall, Belfast Castle to the Titanic Centre. This fantastic exhibition urges us to stop and take a closer look at what is around is in our daily lives.

Kaleidoscopic Views will be on display in the Conservatory Gallery, Clotworthy House until Saturday 23 July 2016.

For further information please contact Clotworthy House on 028 9448 1338 or by email Clotworthy.reception@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Down

The Irish International Fly Fair is again hosted by the Dibney River Conservation Trust this Saturday and Sunday.  The ethos of the Fair is to continue to highlight the Trust’s struggle in its attempt to restore the infrastructure of the Dibney River that flows through the village of Killyleagh then into Strangford Lough and the strengths of this Fair are that it has a strong emphasis on involving the young people of the district. This year the main venue is the impressive Killyleagh Castle.

Armagh

M.D Rafferty Guitar School is holding its annual music showcase on Saturday 2nd July in the Armagh Market Place Theatre.  This year’s show promises to be bigger and better than ever.  Students from the school will have the opportunity to show off their talents to a packed out audience in the main auditorium and there will also be special performances from the Armagh Men’s Shed and local rock band Shoot The Preacher, who are currently kicking up quite a storm in the states.  Up and coming local Artist Jennifer Rafferty will also be showing off her work on the night too with a mini exhibition.

Fermanagh

Jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park at this Sunday’s Cuilcagh Mountain Safari! Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain.  This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Tyrone

This weekend at the Ulster American Folk Park,  be transported back in time to the 1770s as the British Redcoats battle American Militia Sharpshooters to bring to life the American War of Independence. Stroll through the encampments and meet the troops but make sure to take cover when the dramatic skirmishes begin. 2016 is the 240th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America and the 6th July is the museum’s 40th birthday so this double celebration will be greeted with live music, traditional Punch and Judy Shows, food-tasting and American games! Major event day pricing applies.

Derry/Londonderry

Join Martina Mullan this Saturday in the Lurach Centre Maghera for her Yummy Mummy Make Up Workshop. A make-up workshop in a relaxed environment where you can experiment yourself after Martina’s demonstrations on how to apply the perfect foundation, use concealer correctly, highlight and contour, as well as perfect a natural day time make up look which can then be updated into a night time smokey look…..all using your own make up…..

Antrim

On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, the streets of Portrush will be transform into a wonderland where Pirates, Vikings, Medieval Knights and Jacobean Soldiers will welcome and entertain children of all ages.  Pirates Off Portrush is an entrance free carnival for all ages and gives opportunities for individuals, groups, families and all sectors of the community to participate in have a go events. Discover the shenanigans of Tavish Dhu, a Scottish Pirate through drama, costumed characters, floats, music, street parade and children’s entertainers.  A Medieval tented village will play host to a display of ancient crafts, skills, tastes and sounds while locally caught fish on the day will be used for the cookery demonstrations on the Sunday.

Belfast

W5 need the help of budding architects, builders and engineers in their new hands-on block play area – BUILD IT! You can build it really big with Imagination Playground’s Big Blue Blocks. You can build it in all sizes with KAPLA or build it small with a wide range of natural wood blocks, bricks, logs and shapes. Build bridges, towers, animals, abstract structures, whatever you want! Whatever your age, whatever your experience, whatever inspires you – just BUILD IT! 1st July to 31st August.

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.

Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh were welcomed to the Giant’s Causeway World Heritage Site today as The Royal party visited County Antrim.

It was the first time that The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh had visited The Giant’s Causeway where they were met by National Trust rangers, volunteers, local crafters and some lucky visiting tourists.

Heather McLachlan, Northern Ireland Director for the National Trust said: “It was a huge honour to welcome Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh to Northern Ireland’s most famous natural wonder for the first time. The Giant’s Causeway welcomes more than 880,000 visitors a year from across the world. However today’s visitors were certainly extra special.

“As a conservation charity it was a great opportunity to share our conservation work on the north coast and of course to extend our famous Northern Irish welcome.”

The Royal party met with local craft producers who take the opportunity to sell authentic, Northern Irish products to the huge number of international and local visitors to the Causeway Visitor Centre.

Max Bryant, National Trust manager at the Giant’s Causeway said: “The Giant’s Causeway is a huge motivator for visitors to the island of Ireland and there is no doubt that a high profile visit like this will raise the profile of Northern Ireland as a world class destination even more.”

“We play a big role in the local economy and it was a proud moment for our volunteers, staff and local business people to tell The Royal party about the part they play in the community here. It was also important for The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh to simply enjoy this very special place. I am sure they will take home some lasting memories of our stunning Northern Ireland landscape and the world famous Causeway stones.”

Local school children presented gifts to The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh including a piece of north coast basalt and a hand carved bowl made from oak by wood turner Gerard Gray of Taisie Crafts based in north Antrim.

On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, the streets of Portrush will be transform into a wonderland  where Pirates, Vikings, Medieval Knights and Jacobean Soldiers will welcome and entertain children of all ages.

Portrush Heritage Group announced, at the official launch reception in Portrush Yacht Club, its ambitious plans for this year’s Pirates Off Portrush and Medieval Fair. In attendance at the reception were the Mayor Councillor Maura Hickey, Alderman Hillis, Actors, Volunteers and Sponsors.  The festival weekend is jointly funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and local Business and Community Organisations.

The Mayor praised the local traders for backing the initiative and stated that the Council were supportive of Portrush Heritage Group in their efforts to bring new events to the town. Arnaldo Morelli commented that Morelli’s were delighted to be asked to be the lead sponsor and they had plans to create a special pirate ice-cream sundae to celebrate their involvement in the event.

Details of the free family weekend were revealed by Event Director John Moore .

On Saturday morning there will be a Treasure Hunt  around the town, Street Dancing, Story Telling, Competitions for Pirate Fancy Dress and Dancing, Big Head Characters, Climbing Wall for the more adventurous, roving Samba Band.

The afternoon begins in the Amphitheatre and Kerr Street Green with a rollicking tale of Piracy on the high seas where the all female crew of Grace O’Malley takes on the all male crew of Tavish Dhu. Their Pirate Ships set sail around Portrush in a grand chase followed by a parade of floats, actors, dancers, a Giant Pirate, music colour and excitement. To find out who will win the battle of the sexes you will have to come along and find out.

Sunday starts at 12 noon with Dragoons firing Cannon and Muskets, a Medieval Village with Minstrels, a food stall, blacksmith, barbour / surgeon, medieval crafts and games, a battle workshop, weapons & armour, a basket weaver, story-telling monks, a coracle maker, viking  camp and long ship, have- a-go archery, currachs and monks at a medieval well. To cap it all there will be a giant Marquee with the Palais Big Swing Band and a Throne of Swords set and medieval drama.

Chairman of Portrush Heritage Group John Mc Nally stated that Pirates Off Portrush is…

• a free-entrance carnival weekend to be enjoyed by all
• a programme of drama, dance, music, walkabout entertainers, re-enactment and fun.
• a celebratory atmosphere for all the community
• a wide range of opportunities for groups, individuals and families to participate in the have-a-go events.

This year’s must-see summer exhibition, ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ has arrived at Titanic Belfast.

This is the first-time an exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History, which has been described by the New York Times as “engrossing”, has visited the UK and Ireland.

The word-class exhibition in Titanic Belfast’s Andrews Gallery, from 25th June to 28th August, is a must-see for kids, parents and explorer enthusiasts alike to learn about the most stirring account of Antarctic exploration of all time – Scott versus Amundsen.

Through a series of interactive, multimedia experiences, hands on activities and life-size recreations, the world-class exhibit explores the ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ by two teams with one goal. Visitors for the first time will be brought back in time to follow in the footsteps of Norway’s Amundsen and Britain’s Scott as they embark on a 1,800-mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole, showing what life was like for the explorers on the ice 100 years ago as they faced not only the ultimate limits of human endurance but some of the harshest weather conditions in the world, as well of the risk of starvation and frostbite.

Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, Tim Husbands MBE, said “The Race is certainly on – we are delighted to bring this American Museum of Natural History exhibition to UK and Ireland for the first-time! Scott and Amundsen were at the forefront of the heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration, now audiences can follow in their footsteps and experience one of the greatest challenges of exploration at our must-see ‘Race to the End of the Earth’ exhibition. Antarctica is no longer the last place on earth – it’s right on our doorstep this summer.”

Race to the End of the Earth is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (www.amnh.org), in collaboration with Musée des Confluences, Lyon, France, and Royal BC Museum, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Titanic Belfast’s continues to raise its profile on the national and international stage as a world-class attraction and has now welcomed approximately three million visitors. It was recently nominated alongside Buckingham Palace, La Sagrada Familia, The Eiffel Tower and The Roman Colosseum to become Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the World Travel Awards. As well as included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor. For more information visit www.titanicbelfast.com

Stendhal Festival of Art has announced the second raft of musical acts which will take to the stage at Ireland’s Best Small Festival in Limavady, Co. Derry/Londonderry on August 12 and 13.

Joining the likes of Badly Drawn Boy, Therapy?, DJ Yoda, Hayseed Dixie and Lynched are a Meteor Music Prize winner in Paddy Casey, the energetic and crowd pleasing Booka Brass Band and perhaps the finest exponent of Irish Americana currently on the scene in The Henry Girls.

Added to that are a galaxy of established and up and coming acts covering a multitude of genres including; Errol Walsh and Ted Ponsonby, Monkey Bath, A Traditional Keady Clachan Session, Roe, Emmet Mcgongle, Great White lies, Lo Major, Ria McGuire, No oil paintings, Tokyo Empire, R51, Cup O’ Joe, Lonesome George, Oracy, DSgrace, Northern Soles B-Boys, Militant Vinalyst, CM88 and Queen and Disco.

Festival director Ross Parkhill said that he is thrilled with the finalised line-up for 2016, stating that it is without doubt the strongest bill from top to bottom the festival has ever had.

“Traditionally we have always looked to have one or two well-known or bigger names on our bill to complement some of the up and coming talent which we always promote, but this year we have six or seven acts that we would have happily had headline the festival in years gone by.”

He added: “It’s a statement from us that says that not only are we are looking to continue in our growth but it also shows that we are constantly striving to better our line-up year after year and I really think we have put together something pretty special for this year.

“We still have more announcements to come regarding our comedy, poetry and family line-up and so stay tuned for more over the coming weeks and we hope to see you at the farm in August.”

Stendhal Festival of Art takes place on August 12 and 13 at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. Tickets are on sale now. See Stendhalfestival.com for details.