Ireland’s Best Small Festival is back and better than ever

Stendhal Festival of Art, winner of Ireland’s Best Small Festival 2013, 2014 and 2015, has revealed the musical delights in store for all the guests visiting Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, this August 12 and 13.

The all-encompassing arts extravaganza has announced that this year there will be five headline acts for revellers to enjoy, along with over forty other musical offerings, art, craft, comedy, poetry and a bounty of all things creative.

Northern Irish Alternative rock legends Therapy? International DJ Sensation DJ Yoda, the hottest new act in folk, Lynched, Bluegrass festival juggernaut Hayseed Dixie and Mercury Prize winning Badly Drawn Boy are all scheduled to light up the stage at Stendhal this year.

On top of that stellar cast, the festival will also be showcasing the sensational talents of the finest Northern Irish acts plying their trade today. The Bonnevilles, The Emerald Armada, Ports, Ryan Vail, Paddy Nash and the Happy Enchiladas, The Woodburning Savages, Joshua Burnside, Lore and Jessica Doherty are all can’t miss acts.

Add to that The Pat McManus Band, Connla, Chirs Madden, Sons of Burlap, Andy the Doorbum and Emma Lusby and the surface has barely been scratched.

With more acts to be announced, plus the family line-up, comedy and poetry line-up to come, there is still plenty more to come for guests at the festival this year.

Festival Director Ross Parkhill said: “We are thrilled to be welcoming so many fantastic acts to Ballymully Cottage Farm again this August.

“From Legendary Irish acts to emerging ones, bands who have festival experience the world over to a Mercury Prize Winner, we believe that this year’s line-up is the strongest we have ever assembled.”

He added: “We strive to have as much variety in our acts as humanly possible, tick as many boxes as we can for fans of all genres and we once again will have something for everyone at Stendhal this summer.

“We will be announcing the second wave of acts, along with our comedy, poetry, theatre, art and family programmes very soon, so watch this space for much more to come.”

Tickets to the event will be on sale next week via stendhalfestival.com, Ticketmaster and a host of local outlets. For more information visit the festival’s social media channels and website.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (May 30- June 05).

• Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle and Rathlin Island, Co.  Antrim, May 27 – June 05.
  Celebrating the culture, cuisine and coastal treasures of Rathlin Island and its surroundings, the ten-day Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival has a jam-packed programme of exciting sea-focused events for every age group filled with food, fun and seafaring frolics.

• The Celtic Apprentice, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, May 30. Become a Celtic apprentice for the day as the living history team put you through your paces in the Iron Age dwelling.  Try your hand at boat building, cobb oven making, wicker weaving and pottery, all important tasks in the life of the Celt.

• Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, Co. Antrim, June 04 – 05. Like 2015, the 2016 Gran Fondo event will be a special experience with fully closed roads, two challenging routes and post ride party with wood fired oven pizzas, gourmet pasta dishes, Italian beer and wine and fun cycling activities such as a Velodrome at Titanic Exhibition Centre.

• Cruise the Lough at Crom, Crom Estate, Co. Fermanagh, May 30. Discover Crom Estate, one of Ireland’s most important nature conservation areas from the water on a cruise around Upper Lough Erne in Crom’s 100-year-old traditional craft. Price £4/£2.

• Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Italian Inspired Menu Evening, Coppi Restaurant, Belfast, Co. Antrim, June 03. The official charity of the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia NI, Co-operation Ireland, invites you to an evening in celebration of all things Italian.  Enjoy a creative Giro inspired menu and complimentary Italian wines by Executive Chef Tony O’Neill, meet Giro d’Italia winners and world cycling champions Stephen Roche and Gianni Bugno and get your photo taken with the iconic Giro Trophy. There is also a superb auction and raffle. To book call (028) 9089 1004.

• Family Fun Day at The Jungle, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, May30. Similar to a fun-fair, The Jungle’s Family Fun Day is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities by token such as archery, zorbing and Llama trekking. With both kids’ activities and adult adventures to be had, there is something for everyone. Starts at 11am.

• Walled City Music Festival, Culturlann/The Glassworks, Co. Londonderry, May 02 – 05. The Walled City Music Festival presents four packed days of high-quality classical music concerts and events, featuring guest artists including Andy Akiho and Ian David Rosenbaum, Jeremy Denk, Measha Brueggergosman.

• Slieve Donard Moonlit Walk, Slieve Donard, Co. Down, June 03. Challenge yourself to make it to the highest peak in Northern Ireland – in the dark! Starting at 19:30 you will plan to make it to the summit where you will be able to stargaze and marvel at the lights of Newcastle and beyond, before returning to the main car park around midnight.

• Marble Arch Caves Family Fun Day, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 30. Take a visit to the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark and enjoy a jam-packed programme of events taking place through the day including an interactive family nature hunt, face painting as well as a variety of arts and crafts activities. Charges for additional activities apply.

• Old, New, Borrowed & Blue, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone, May 04 – 05. Celebrate weddings from both sides of the Atlantic on the one day.  The 19th century rural Ulster wedding will take you on a journey from courting, to the church and then on to the wedding feast. On the ‘New World’ side of the museum you will join the 18th century wedding party in pioneer America, complete with old-time music and dancing in the Pennsylvania Barn.

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.

Down

Northern Ireland’s only  Puppet Festival dedicated entirely to puppets is back to thrill and delight with a jammed programme of puppet performance, workshops and general puppetry shenanigans. Taking place at venues across Ards, 28^th to 30^th May, this is a unique and fun filled treat for children of all ages… Power to the Puppets!

Armagh

On Bank Holiday Monday 30th May from 11.00am – 5.00pm the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh are offering you the chance to become a Celtic Apprentice for the day!  This promises to be a great family day out as our Celtic characters show how they live from day to day and train you on how to be a Celt.  They will be making a cobb oven and need you to get your hands dirty to help them out.  How creative can you be with your wicker weaving? The Celts used this to make fences around their homes, garlands etc. and now is your opportunity to try this new skill and many more!

Fermanagh

This Bank Holiday Monday enjoy a jam-packed programme of events at Fermanagh’s Marble Arch caves taking place throughout the day, including an interactive family nature hunt, face painting, as well as a variety of arts and crafts activities. There will be a small charge for additional activities.

Tyrone

Country In The Park comes to the Ulster America Folk Park Omagh May 28th & 29th, Over the weekend the festival will host 50 artist on 3 stages. See www.countryinthepark.co.uk for the full line up.

Derry

The Tamlaght O’Crilly Country Fair and Vintage Rally takes place this Saturday 28th May at Drumand School grounds with over 200 vintage vehicles, along with Ulster Heritage Day. There will be music by Country Features and Jordan Mogey,  an Ulster Scots showcase,  animal farm, arts and crafts, pet show, kids fun zone with inflatables, traditional fair games – rickety wheel, tombola, kids lucky dip, old skills demonstrations – pony threshing, pancake making, spinning, bee keeping and wood turning. Lots of fun for all the family. Starts at 12 noon.

Antrim

The Portrush Raft Race will take place on Saturday, 28th May 2016 at the Harbour in Portrush as part of a packed bank holiday weekend of harbour-side family mayhem and fun. Portrush Raft Race and Ramore Restaurants will each be celebrating their 35th birthdays in the coming year, and are both are well loved fixtures of the popular County Antrim town.  As well as being enormous fun on the beautiful north coast, it’s an important annual event for the RNLI and the town of Portrush. All the funds raised by Portrush Raft Race go directly to the local branch. As is now traditional the day’s events will be compered by Alan Simpson in his own inimitable style.

Belfast

Join the BIG Pop-Up Picnic next to Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic, running from Saturday 28th to Monday 30th May.  During the event, visitors can kick back and relax enjoying a mix of maritime activity including live music, dance style flash performances, Titanic mascots, games for kids & the kids at heart, whilst enjoying a delicious picnic.  Plus there are a host of other activities including walking & photography tours, where you will descend 44ft into the bottom of Titanic’s Dock; you could explore the galleries at Titanic Belfast or enjoy period music on-board Titanic’s little sister, SS Nomadic.

Add your events free at www.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.

Belfast Bar, The Cloth Ear has the perfect solution for those looking to spice up the Bank Holiday weekend, as its first ever Chilli Festival takes place Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th May.

As part of the festivities, the heat has been turned up on The Cloth Ear’s menu with a range of delicious new chilli based dishes and drinks introduced for the weekend. Amongst the sizzling hot offers is a fear-inducing Chilli Chicken Wing Roulette, with one of the chicken wings doused in extra hot hot sauce.

Spice lovers are also being dared to eat 10 eye-watering chicken wings made with the hottest pepper in the world – the Carolina Reaper – in under four minutes as part of a special Chicken Wing Challenge. Those with a preference for a slightly more subtle chilli kick can enjoy a range of chilli-flavoured cocktails.

Throughout the weekend, guests will also be in with the chance to win lots of prizes and enjoy live music on Sunday from Davy Watson from 5pm – 8pm.  For more information visit facebook.com/clothear or call 028 9026 2719.

Armagh Public Library has launched its next temporary exhibition to mark 2016 as the ‘Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink’, a celebration of local food and drink, promoted by Tourism NI.

pThe history of food and drink is an important element of cultural inheritance. It shows the place of food and drink in the society, economy and environment of a country, and in the lives of its people.

Library staff member, Rachel Toner, who worked on the exhibition said, “This exhibition highlights what the Library holds on eighteenth century food and drink in Ireland, from production to consumption.  The texts also provide us with an insight into the diet of local people during that period.”

The works of eight authors make up the exhibition, including Jonathan Swift’s humorous essay, ‘Directions to Servants in General, and in Particular to the Butler, Cook, Footman, Coachman, Groom’. Swift satirises the rules and regulations of eighteenth century English society by giving absurd advice to the many servants who would be employed in a large household.  Examples include, “When you roast a long joint of meat, be careful only about the middle, and leave the two extreme parts raw, which will serve another time […]”, and “If a lump of soot falls into the soup, and you cannot conveniently get it out, stir it well in, and it will give the soup a high French taste.”

The Keeper of Armagh Public Library, the Very Revd Gregory Dunstan said, “As human necessities, food and drink are fundamental and revealing aspects of any society’s culture.  The books displayed in this exhibition show both science and scorn, the views of foreigner and native-born, the desire to spread ‘improvement’ and affection for tradition.  The exhibition will remain on display until the middle of August.  We look forward to welcoming many visitors to see it.”

Stephen Bill, Regional Manager for Tourism NI, commented, “Tourism NI is delighted to support Armagh Public Library in launching its temporary exhibition to mark 2016 as the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink.

We believe that in partnership with our stakeholders we can really enhance our reputation as a food destination.  Collaboration and partnership, authenticity and genuine passion, are driving the Year of Food and Drink activity and we congratulate Armagh Public Library in showcasing a vital cultural element of

our social history.  The exhibition places food and drink firmly at the heart of our visitor’s tourism experience and enables the destination to tell their respective food and drink stories, enhance their reputation and celebrate continuing success.”

Popular Maritime Festival is only days away

Ballycastle and Rathlin Island are anticipating over 15,000 visitors to descend upon the coastal locations for a week long maritime themed festival packed awash with family fun, food and sea-going antics.

The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse maritime history and the unique stretch of water lying between Ballycastle and the magical island of Rathlin.

The festival will run from 27^th May to 5^th June and features a bustling schedule of events perfect for families, local foodies and boating enthusiasts, beginning with a unique boat blessing to open the festival.

From then on the activities are endless! Kids can take a ride on the famous Tall Ship, The Johanna Lucretia. Take part in a pirate-themed Children’s Treasure Hunt, learn about the tales of Vikings and the myths and legends around the Causeway Coast’s famous giant, Finn McCool.

Foodies shouldn’t miss Ulster’s inaugural Chowder Cook Off featuring live cookery demonstrations from none other than Paula McIntyre, and music lovers will want to hear country music sensation Lisa McHugh’s latest tunes.

All of this in addition to racing yachts and fishing trips, powerboats and traditional hand-crafted rowing boats (curraghs) – every pace and taste is catered for over the festival’s busy itinerary.

Caroline Carey, Tourism Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, shared her excitement for this year’s event, saying: “We are delighted to invite visitors back to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle for the fourth year of this superb festival. It is a fantastic mix of culture, entertainment, nature, sport and, of course, seafood.”

This year’s festival has been organised by the Council, Ballycastle Community Development Group, the Rathlin Development & Community Association, and the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sponsors include Tourism Northern Ireland, Malin Waters, Rathlin Boat House Partnership, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Naturally North Coast & Glens Market and Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network.

For more information on the full Festival programme of activities in Ballycastle and on Rathlin Island, between 27^th May and 5^th June, visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com.

Fancy yourself as a Poirot? Could you solve our Celtic Mid-Summer Murder?

Put your little grey cells to the test on Friday 17^th June as King Conor invites you to join him at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh to celebrate the Summer Solstice.

From 7.00pm – 10.00pm, King Conor plans a night of feasting and entertainment befitting to the Solstice but before the buffet is served a murder takes place.  Can you help solve the murder?

Promises to be a night of great fun for just £20.00 per person, children aged 12 years and under are charged £8.00 per child.

Booking in advance is essential.  Book your tickets today on www.armagh.co.uk/solstice or call 028 3752 9644

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

Think that Maths is boring? Think again! Cahoots NI present Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries, at The Old Courthouse on Saturday 11 June at 12.30pm and 3pm. A fun-filled family show that puts the magic, literally into Maths!

Prepare to be amazed, dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s mind-blowing new production. This is a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance that proves that maths can be fun!

Meet Danny Carmo. It’s not so long ago that he thought school, and in particular, maths, wasn’t for him. Danny had more interest in dreaming of a bigger future, one where he is known on stage and screen – all he has ever wanted is to be a famous magician! But when he knuckles down to learn the tricks of the magician’s trade, he realises that maths is not only essential….but is the SECRET to a whole world of magic and fun!

Starring magician Caolin McBride, this show is recommended for children aged 7+ and promises to bring lots of fun and learning. Tickets priced at £5 & £3 (Concession) and are available from Box Office: 028 9446 3113 or online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

SINCE the huge success of the Giro d’Italia in 2014, Northern Ireland’s love of cycling has reached new heights, so news of the spectacular series of events arranged as part of the NI Festival of Cycling, June 3 – 19, is sure to get thousands of people on their bikes to enjoy the many varied events planned, for all ages.

This year cyclists have lots to look forward to as part of the festival, including the Gran Fondo, the Piccolo Fondo, Velodrome activity and a range of fun events held across Northern Ireland.

Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg, said:  “We are thrilled to host a world renowned sporting event such as the Gran Fondo as well as a wide range of thrilling cycling events all over NI as part of the festival for both amateur cyclists and those who are more experienced.

“There are also lots of family events to bring children along to so why not take your friends and family for a day out where they can enjoy the thrill of cycling whilst also taking in NI’s stunning scenery,” added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has listed a range of upcoming events to try:

Not to be missed cycle events

Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia, Mourne Mountains and Strangford Lough, June 5.  June 2016 will see the second edition of this spectacular event and there will be celebrations galore with a post-ride party with wood fired oven pizzas, gourmet pasta dishes and Italian beer and wine.  There will be plenty of activities and entertainment for families at Titanic Belfast as well as photo opportunities with the Giro d’Italia Trophy.  For more information go to www.granfondogiroditaliani.com

Foodie Cycle Tour, Derry~Londonderry, June 11.  Departing from Eglinton Village (Hummingbird Café) at 10am sharp, cyclists will ride to Park Village at the food of the Dart Mountain via the Sperrins. Participants will have lunch cooked for them by a local chef using fresh home-sourced produce from the immediate area. For more information go to www.farandwild.org

In the Red, Kilbroney Park Mountain Bike Trails, Rostrevor, June 12.  This mountain bike sportive is perfect for anybody that likes to get the heart rate up and the adrenaline flying.  It’s all about getting around the 26km Rostrevor loop in as much style as possible. For more information go to www.extreme26.com

Bike To Work Day, Derry~Londonderry, June 13.  This healthy initiative is encouraging you to cycle to work on the 13^th and claim a FREE breakfast (bacon butty or healthy fruit bowl) at participating outlets from 8:30 – 9:30am.

Psycle, Castlewellan Mountain Bike Trails, June 18. This is an eight hour mountain bike endurance event which is open to individuals, teams of two or four and for both novice and experienced riders. For more information go to www.onegreatadventure.com/psycle.

Giro Junior Events, Albert Basin, Newry, June 18. This is a cycling proficiency skills event for children age 4 – 12. The programme focuses on 4 main skills; Cornering, Pedalling, Braking and Balance – great for ensuring your kids know how to bike safely.

Crooked Lake Duathlon, Camlough Lake, June 19. Navigating the hills and winding roads of beautiful South Armagh this is the perfect event for those who would like to try out the world of cycling for the first time yet, it is tough enough to challenge experienced riders too. To find out more go to www.active.com/newry-armagh/duathlon/crooked-lake-duathlon/crooked-lake-duathlon-19th-june-11am-2016.

ABC Sportif, June 19. This event is designed to challenge you against the distance and the clock.  Open to all level of cyclists the route will take cyclists through the old council areas of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon including a part of the Gran Fondo. For more information go to www.craigavonactivity.com

Pedal to Pickie, Bangor, June 19. This fun event allows families and children to participate in a mini challenge and cycle from the Sportsplex centre in Bangor to Pickie Fun Park on closed roads. This is the ideal event for young children who are inexperienced cyclists.

Ards Town Centre Race, Newtownards, June 15. This event will allow cyclists to take over the roads around Newtownards town centre and enjoy a race against the clock. The event will kick off with children completing a lap of the circuit before more experienced riders then join in. A BMX stunt team will be on hand to perform and wow spectators.

Night Ride & BBQ, Belfast, June 15. Enjoy an evening cycle starting from The Big Fish and travelling around Belfast’s city centre cycle network followed by a BBQ in the Courtyard. Starts at 9:30pm.

Cinecyle, June 11. This family orientated cycle will start at the Big Fish and follow the Comber Greenway to the Tudor cinema in Comber. Families will have the chance to enjoy a fun cycle day out and then take in a film screening afterwards, in a private cinema.

Piccolo Fondo, Belfast, June 4.  Take part in this year’s Piccolo Fondo and cycle along one of 4 traffic free routes from Comber, Holywood, Newtownabbey and Lisburn finishing at Titanic Belfast where the Gran Fondo ends the next day.

Touring Velodrome

Street Velodrome is an exciting high speed pop up course which offers cycling enthusiasts the chance to experience the thrill of competitive racing. Schools and clubs will take to the track on Friday and on Saturday and the public will be able to pop along and get to grips with the gears.

Are you brave enough to tackle the impressive Street Velodrome at one of the following locations?

Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast, June 4 & 5. The Street Velodrome Tour will kick off at the Gran Fondo where Northern Ireland’s very own velodrome team, the Belfast Titans, will show you how the professionals do it as part of a televised broadcast on the Saturday.  The track will then be opened to the public on Sunday for some ‘Have a go Sessions’.

Sixmile Leisure Centre, Ballyclare, June 18 and 19. Urban sports demos, Cycling training, skills course, bling your bike workshops, obstacle courses and much more will be happening around the Street Velodrome in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council from 10:00am – 6:00pm.

Solitude Park, Banbridge, June 11. The track will arrive at Solitude Park in Banbridge on June 10 for school groups and cycling clubs and will be open to the public on June 11 from 10am – 5pm.

Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, June 12. The final stop of the Street Velodrome will see it set up in Guildhall Square for one final day of free try outs and fast paces, head to head action.

For further information check out www.discovernorthernireland.com or join the conversation online with #NICycleFest.

With all the ingredients for the perfect seaside day out; superb local food, live music, celebrity chefs, street theatre, a tall ship, fun for kids and lots more, Sea Bangor is a highlight on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s events calendar and won’t disappoint!

Sailing into Bangor for the event is the impressive tall ship “The Mercedes” which will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and open to the public for both days of the festival. Tickets are currently on sale for sailings on The Mercedes and are available on both the morning and evening of June 4 & 5. There will be morning sailings at 9am on both days, and then Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 8pm. Tickets cost £15 each for the morning sailings and £20 for the evening and are available now at Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Ards Visitor Information Centre and North Down Museum. Tickets are also available online at www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

The event will heat up this year, when the festival will hold its very first “Big Green Egg BBQ Comp” where contestants will pitch their talents against each other on top of the range Egg Barbeques kindly provided by The Stove Yard. The competition will be fierce and entertainment value high! Members of the public are invited to take part in the competition to showcase the best local food from the best local BBQ chefs. Contestants can prepare their best chicken dish, pork dish or beef dish which can be as wide ranging and diverse as pork ribs, chicken wings, beef burgers, chicken tikka skewers, pork chops or steak. The aim of the game is to have fun, cook some amazing food and win great prizes! If you would like to take part in the competition, please visit www.thestoveyard.com to download an entry form. The closing date for entries is May 29.

In keeping with the carnivorous theme, look out for “Bangor’s Best Banger” competition and sausage making challenges, just a taste of the action-packed Sea Bangor Kitchen programme which will feature local chefs, butchers and catering students showcasing their skills and competing in cookery challenges over both days of the festival.

The festival will play its part in Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink with celebrity chef Paula McIntyre who will hold dairy-based cookery demonstrations to mark June the “Month of Dairy.” For more information on a series of Year of Food and Drink events in Ards and North Down see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/food.

Gastronomic and culinary treats galore are in store for visitors to the event with local restaurants and food producers selling their wares in the Sea Bangor Cafe each day. Run by SERC, this year’s food tent will feature local food providers serving locally produced, delicious food. Why not come down and have your lunch with us?

Programed by Open House, The Shanty Shack features a lively mix of eclectic music including such gems as Dolbro Dan, a local folk singer/songwriter, Wookalily, an all-female Americana folk band, Les Petits Hardchargers and loads more! The Shanty Shack will be a hive of music and entertainment for the duration of the festival so pop in and check it out!

Over in the kid’s tent “Tiddlers,” Cahoots NI will be performing their specially-created show “The Great Carmo”. Children will be mesmerised by the show which is an exciting blend of circus, cabaret, theatre, commedia, music, magic and illusion, jam packed with all the thrills and spills you’d expect from such a cocktail of art forms.

“The Dockside Emporium” which is being hosted by local artists promises to be a world of entertainment and wonder with demonstrations and crafts and lots to see and do! Let the kids get messy in the kids crafts area, watch artists at work, or try out some yoga!

There’s lots happening on The Eisenhower Pier too, which will be animated with fantastic street-theatre; look out for Maynard Flip Flap, with his coat hanger antics and legendary egg catapulting stunts and Gareth Jones who will be performing his strait jacket and escapology show. Beach Patrol will be guarding the waters with their special brand of life saving skills and so much more! Also, on The Pier, Armed Forces Activities and Jetlev Flier Demonstrations will entertain the crowds and look to the skies for aerial demonstrations from the Twister Aerobatic Display Team!

Speaking about the event; Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Event Officer, Wendy Smith said: “This year’s Sea Bangor programme is so exciting. I’m particularly looking forward to seeing the first BBQ Competition and the Jetlev demonstrations.”

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 4 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 5.

So whatever floats your boat, come along to Sea Bangor for a great family day out! This is a FREE event.