Titanic Belfast is bringing Iron Man to Belfast this weekend before ROBOT’s takeover the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience this Summer.

The interactive Iron Man will be at Victoria Square on 20^th and 21^st June, before the suit which was used to promote the film takes centre stage at Titanic Belfast’s ROBOTS exhibition from 26th June – 13th September.

Iron Man is just one of the robots, cyborgs and android stars of the big and small screen that will be at Titanic Belfast this Summer. With over 50 robots on display, including R2-D2 and T-800 from Terminator, visitors to the exhibition will be spoilt for choice.

Film fans visiting the exhibition won’t be disappointed with Sonny from I,Robot, the B9 robot from Lost in Space and the cyborg RoboCop on the bill.  Enduring family favourites such as the stars from Star Trek, Red Dwarf and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Plant will also be at Titanic Belfast.
For those who prefer ‘the dark side’, robots like ABC robot from Judge Dredd and a Sontaran from Doctor Who, will be awaiting Northern Ireland visitors at the largest ROBOT exhibition in Northern Ireland this Summer.
To buy tickets to enter into the world of ROBOTS, priced at £6 per adult and £3 per child (age 5-16 years) with family tickets (two adults and two children) costing £16, visit: www.titanicbelfast.com or phone +4428 90766 399.

Two rising teenage singing stars are topping the entertainments bill at the forthcoming Lidl Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, which sees the city act as the home port for the first leg of the annual Tall Ships Race from July 2 – 5.

Sixteen year-old ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ star Bailey McConnell, who has just finished his debut US tour, and Lurgan YouTube sensation Emma Horan will be performing on the main stage, outside the Odyssey Arena, over the weekend.

They will be joined by a host of other acts across the four days of the festival, including The Nooks, Saffyre, the Down and Out String Band and the Broken String Band.  There will also be a vibrant line up of world music including Bhangra beats, a fusion of Andalusian and Latin American tunes, rousing African melodies and a unique fusion of Gyspy folk and Irish traditional music.

But, the entertainment isn’t just confined to the main stage, as there will be all sorts of weird and wonderful shenanigans taking place all over the Tall Ships site, which extends from the Titanic slipways right the way around the river to Pollock Dock – which hosted the Tall Ships’ first visit to Belfast back in 1991.  Look out for giant lobsters, dancing prawns, wriggling eels, cheeky sea gulls, holidaying penguins, dancing portaloos and zany lifeguards among the many colourful characters who will bring the docks and quaysides to life.

Among the many other activities taking place over the four days, visitors will also be able to enjoy Tall Titanic Tales, full of the best of Belfast humour, introducing some unforgettable characters and certain to please both land lubbers and salty dogs alike, or enter the private library of the distinguished inventor Tarquin Potts where he whips up a chaotic storm on his quest to outwit every circus artist’s worse enemy, gravity!

To mark the departure of the 50 vessels for the first leg of the Tall Ships Race, there will be a fireworks display on the Saturday evening (July 4) and a fly past by the Red Arrows over Titanic Belfast at 11am on the Sunday (July 5).

Details of the full entertainment programme, and everything else that is taking place during the Tall Ships, as well as a downloadable map showing what is happening and where, are available from www.tallshipsbelfast.com.

Visitors to this year’s Sea Bangor Maritime Festival are in for a musical treat when Open House take over the event’s Shanty Shack for the weekend.

Sea Bangor which is a highlight on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Events calendar is taking place on June 27 & 28 at the tented village in Quay Street Car Park, Bangor.

The Shanty Shack which is being programmed by Open House will include an eclectic mix of live music and comedy. Compered by comedians Nuala McKeever on the Saturday and George Firehorse on the Sunday, the programme will feature such gems as BBC2 Folk Awards Nominees “Cup O’Joe,” an adorable young siblings trio featuring banjo, guitar, double bass and sweet harmonised vocals; cabaret juggler and street performer “Grant Goldie” who dances in the face of gravity; Bluegrass firebrands, “No Oil Paintings;” folkie four-piece “Lonesome George” and hilarious comedian “Tony Law.” The Shanty Shack will be a hive of music and entertainment for the duration of the festival so pop in and check it out!

And the entertainment doesn’t end there! Down on The Eisenhower Pier, a fantastic street theatre programme will take place all weekend. Look out for The Lighthouse, a tiny, fully furnished lighthouse keeper’s cottage with a striped red and white tower.  The lighthouse keeper – a retired seadog – who rambles through a vast arsenal of comic stories and anecdotes about kippers, guillemots, oyster smacks and the never ending menace of the birds mess. Also making special appearances to entertain the crowds will be The Crooning Captain and The Juggling Sailor!

Other highlights of the festival include; “The Great Bangor Bake Off,” a gourmet food tent, “The Dockside Emporium” a wonderful space created by local artists for people to experience and try out arts and crafts, “Dr Marlin and his Wild West Illusion Show,” a children’s theatre production from Cahoots NI, Jetlev demonstrations, a tall ship, a navy vessel, aerobatic twister displays, Armed Forces activities and lots more!

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 28. This year the festival is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI.

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

There’s a sunny new season of events now on sale at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh for July and August 2015.

The John Hewitt International Summer School returns from 27^th to 31^st July with the customary line-up of readings, talks, workshops, discussions and debate from well-known writers, performers and esteemed speakers from across the UK, Ireland and beyond.

Mary Coughlan and The Nigel Mooney Organ Trio are two of the events taking place at The Market Place as part of the 7 Hills Blues Fest from 6^th – 9^th August. Mary is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices, effortlessly straddling jazz, blues, chanson and pop, while Nigel Mooney has been described by the BBC as ‘Ireland’s King Of The Blues’.

The ever-popular Belvoir Players will return on 7^th and 8^th August with the classic comedy farce, ‘Allo, ‘Allo’. Follow the escapades of Rene Artois as he keeps his hands full with trying to please his mistresses, wife, and the German soldiers who frequent his café, all whilst running a major underground operation for the Resistance.

This summer’s musical spectacular will be ‘The Wizard Of Oz’. Featuring a cast of the best young talent, wonderful sets, a live orchestra and some of the most memorable tunes ever written, the timeless story and characters will come to life in the most magical adventure of them all. Join Dorothy, Lion, Tin Man and Scarecrow and of course, a whole host of Munchkins, on an incredible journey to ‘The Merry Old Land Of Oz’ from 18^th – 22^nd August.

Comedian Des Bishop will bring his critically acclaimed show, ‘Coming Home’ to The Market Place on 27^th August. In February 2013, Des went to China to try and learn enough Chinese to do stand-up comedy in Mandarin. This is his hilarious account of that trip, a fun-filled journey through a country we all need to know better!

Marie Jones’ comedy, ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ will  be staged on 28^th and 29^th August, and tells the story of two care workers, who discover their elderly charge, Davey, has had a significant win on the horses, but he doesn’t know. The cash-strapped women are left with a mouth-watering dilemma when they learn that Davey won’t be around for a considerable time…

Tickets for all events can be booked by contacting 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.

Northern Ireland’s largest hospitality group, Beannchor has announced plans to open a new £4million hotel in Belfast city centre, creating 100 new jobs.

The new 55-bedroom hotel will wrap around Victoria St and Ann St, occupying Lagan House – a building formerly occupied by the Department of Justice. Subject to planning approval the hotel is expected to open in early 2016.

Located in the heart of the city centre, in close proximity to Victoria Square and the Cathedral Quarter, the ungraded hotel will epitomise urban chic with stylish, contemporary surroundings, alongside affordable room rates.

In addition to its sizeable accommodation offering, the complex will include a public work space with desktop computer access for residents and non-residents, high speed WiFi and wireless charging points for phones. Capitalising on the Group’s expertise in food and beverage, there will also be a destination ground floor bar/restaurant, with a courtyard garden, accessed via Church Lane, as well as a retail element on the ground floor.

The news of this latest development follows the announcement last month that Beannchor has invested £250,000 in the launch of a new Little Wing Pizzeria in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh this summer. The opening of Beannchor’s new hotel next year will bring the Group’s total number of employees to over 750.

Commenting on the announcement, James Sinton, finance director, Beannchor said: “Hospitality is one of Northern Ireland’s most important industries and, looking to the future, it will be one of the main drivers of sustainable economic growth. Ongoing investment in the sector is crucial and Beannchor is proud to continue to invest in hospitality, with the development of this new hotel in Belfast city centre.

“This latest investment of around £4million follows our major investment of over £20million in the hospitality industry in recent years and will be a major economic boost to the city centre and the wider hospitality sector.

“The creation of 100 new full time and part time jobs will be good news for Belfast. Beannchor prides itself on creating long and meaningful careers (underpinned by our ongoing staff training and development programmes) in one of Northern Ireland’s most exciting industries”

The development of the new property will be overseen by Beannchor’s longstanding project team, including John Busteed Architecture and Design who has completed recent projects such as Sixty6 Belfast and Little Wing, Holywood for the Group.

Commenting on the announcement, Conall Wolsey, director, Beannchor said: “We’re delighted to be bringing a new hotel concept to Belfast and Northern Ireland. This will be a hotel that we see as relevant to the modern day life of our customers; a hotel led by design, technology, efficiency, all in a friendly atmosphere, with the service that Beannchor is renowned for within the hospitality industry.

“The life of the hotel will be the public ground floor space, which will feature a restaurant, bar and coffee shop. We see this space being used day and night by a range of people, not just hotel guests. It will be a place where people can work, relax and socialise, within Belfast’s vibrant social scene in the heart of the city centre.”

The new hotel is set to open in spring 2016.

Don’t forget – Sunday, June 21 is Father’s Day!

FATHER’S Day is just around the corner and as Northern Ireland is simply bursting with exciting events, fun things to do, and interesting places to visit, you won’t be stuck for ideas on how to show your Dad how much you really care.

Tourism NI’s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley said: “Most Dads spend all year ferrying their children about, dispensing advice and just being there when they’re needed, so this is your chance to say a big ‘thank you’ and give your Dad a day to remember by taking advantage of the fantastic events, exciting days out and great activities that are taking place all over Northern Ireland.

“To help you plan a fun Father’s Day we have pulled together some of the top highlights so you and your Dad can have a unique and special day,” she added.

Get Active with Dad
If your Dad just loves to get out and about then why not treat him to an exhilarating day at The Jungle NI in Moneymore where he can try his hand at a range of exciting activities including zorbing, archery, Segway riding and even llama trekking.

If you have a really adventurous Dad take him to We Are Vertigo in Belfast, where he can try his hand on the ski slopes, wall climbing or trampolining or to really test his abilities visit Todds Leap in Ballygawley, Co Tyrone where he can choose from a whole host of fun things to do including archery, clay pigeon shooting and a rodeo bull – yeehaw!

For something a little different take your Dad on a Segway Tour of the Titanic Quarter where you can really test his sense of balance! Or why not go to the Navan Centre in Armagh which is hosting a special Father’s Day BBQ along with a wattle and daub fence challenge.

The Share Centre in Lisnaskea Co Fermanagh, Ireland’s largest residential outdoor activity and adventure centre, is simply jam packed with things to do and if your Dad is a water baby then this is the perfect day out as he can choose from banana boating, dinghy sailing, kayaking, canoeing and power boating, to name a few.

Delve into history with Dad

If your Dad has a love of all things historical then why not treat him to a day  on board the SS Nomadic in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.  Dads can explore over 100 years of maritime and social history as well as the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, Titanic Belfast.

For a real adventure, take a trip to the walled city of Derry ~Londonderry. The city is rich in heritage, culture and is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland. Embark on a fascinating walking tour or visit some spectacular attractions such as the Tower Museum, Saint Columb’s Cathedral or the stunning Guildhall.

Northern Ireland is simply bursting with stately homes and if your Dad is interested in this type of history and heritage then the only trouble you will have is deciding where to take him. Options include Mount Stewart House and Gardens in Newtownards, Lissan House in Cookstown, The Argory in Co Armagh or Castle Coole in Co Fermanagh. If the weather is dry, why not bring a picnic and treat him to an alfresco dining experience!

Get back to Nature with Dad

If your Dad is a nature lover and enjoys getting out and about then why not pay a visit to Tollymore Forest Park in Co Down, Roe Valley Country Park in Limavady or Gortin Glen Forest Park in Co Tyrone. All these places offer wonderful walks and trails set against a backdrop of stunning scenery. The perfect place for enjoying some quality time with your Dad.

Dads can try their hand at archery at the Crom Estate in Co Fermanagh before learning more about the local wildlife including rare butterflies and the largest heronry in Ireland.

Northern Ireland is one of the best destinations for fishing with many areas to choose from including the rivers of the Causeway Coast in Co. Antrim such as the Bush River which is located near the world renowned Old Bushmills Distillery – another treasure for your Dad to explore.
Perfect gift ideas

If your Dad is a Game of Thrones fan then he will be delighted if you surprise him with an Archery Experience at Winterfell, aka Castle Ward, in Strangford, Co Down which includes dressing up as characters from the show and a tour of the movie set.  Alternatively why not take your Dad on your very own tour of some of the filming locations like the Dark Hedges or Ballintoy Harbour.

If your Dad enjoys the occasional tipple then the Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square in the City of Derry will prove an ideal day out. Dad can sup ‘til his heart’s content on authentic, premium quality and flavoursome craft beers inspired by local recipes and new-world brewing techniques.

June 21 is also the day that the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland is in Belfast.  Cycle on down to the Titanic Quarter where Dad can take in the excitement on the Titanic Slipways before enjoying a special Father’s Day Afternoon Tea at Titanic Belfast in the plush surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning replica staircase.

Live jazz music will add atmosphere to your afternoon as you dine and all Dads will also receive a special gift from Titanic Belfast!

To find out more about activities and events taking place to celebrate Father’s Day in Northern Ireland click on discovernorthernireland.com/fathersday/ or visit your local tourist information centre.

Sat 20 June – Friday 26 June

Saturday 20 June, Strangford Upper Lough Boat Tour

Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Conc), £4 (Ch)

Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and experience the serenity of a trip around the beautiful and mystical Strangford Lough.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 20: Science Show: ‘Cool Vibrations’

Sun 21: Plant and Play Garden Workshop & Crafts

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 21 June, World Music Day

Project 24, Queens Parade, Bangor

Free entertainment, 2pm – 4pm

Beyond Skin and Project 24 presents traditional drum and dance from West Africa. The prestigious Ghanaian group ‘Akrowa’ will be visiting Northern Ireland to host this Interactive Music Experience. The event is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland & Ards and North Down Borough Council.

INFO: project24ni.com

Friday 26 June, Ards Half Marathon and Walk

Ards Leisure Centre (Start and Finish)

Marathon entry fees vary.  Free to spectate.

Start Time: 6.30pm

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sat 27 June – Friday 3 July

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Sea Bangor Festival

Bangor Seafront

Free admission

Time: Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12noon – 6pm

Sea Bangor Maritime Festival returns with a fantastic line up of entertainment, food galore, children’s fun, a Tall Ship, the ‘Great Bangor Bake Off’ and Twister Aerobatic Displays to mention just a few of the highlights of this superb weekend event.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 27: Archery, Face Painting

Sun 28: Glitter Tattoos, Children’s Crafts

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 28 June, Historic Bangor (Walking Tour)

Tour departs from Bangor VIC

Tickets: £3

Join us on a walk through the past discovering the varied history of Bangor. From bronze age settlements and the establishment of Bangor Abbey through Viking invasions and 2 World Wars to Bangor’s emergence as a prominent seaside town.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Tickets on sale now…

Wednesday 8 July and Thursday 9 July, Heartbreak Productions presents David Walliams’ ‘Mr Stink’

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Shows: 2pm and 6pm

Cost: Tickets £7 (Ad), £5 (Ch). Pre-booking essential

Watch the fabulous characters from the celebrated novel by David Williams come to life in Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of Mr. Stink for the outdoor stage, working together with Ards and North Down Borough Council.

To book: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, 028 9127 0069; Ards Visitor Information Centre, 028 9182 6846; Book online (ticketsource.co.uk/visitstrangfordlough)

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Wednesday 20 May – Sunday 28 June

The Bell Tolls for Thee : 9th Century Christian Bells Exhibition. This exhibition has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Tuesday 2 – Sunday 28 June

A Walk Around Portavoe Reservoir : Art Exhibition

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Castle Park, Bangor, BT20 4UT

T: 028 9127 0069. Admission Free

Saturday 6 – Sunday 28 June

Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to announce the return of ForM sculpture exhibition. The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Saturday 6 – Saturday 27 June

Art in the Loft – “Ash artefacts” – Ceramics by a collective of unique and diverse local artists and makers.

This June sees Bangor and Armagh play host to the first “Festival of the Columban Way”, marking the 1400^th anniversary of the death of St Columbanus.

The festival will see over 200 pilgrims from Italy visit Northern Ireland in honour of the legacy of St Columbanus. The Saint, who departed from Bangor Abbey around 590, was instrumental in spreading Christianity throughout Europe where he and his followers established settlements and monasteries in France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Italy.

This two day celebration begins in Bangor on Saturday 20 June with Morning Prayer at Bangor Abbey at 9:30am. Throughout the day there are various activities taking place within the town centre including guided tours, talk on Columbanus, exhibitions and in the evening, Concelebrated Mass at St Comgall’s followed by a concert of traditional music and dance. The services and activities are open to all and free of charge.

Commenting on the event Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council stated, “We are very much looking forward to the event. To be able to welcome so many visitors from Italy, where Columbanus founded his last Abbey, is very special in this the year marking 1400 years since his death”. Father Joe Gunn from St Comgall’s, added, “The fact that we are seeing so  many pilgrims visiting Bangor, not just from Italy, but also France and Germany, in this special year is testament to the influence that the Saints from Bangor Abbey and in particular Columbanus played in the development of Christianity in Europe”.

Following Bangor, the Festival moves on to Armagh on Sunday 21st for a Mass of Thanksgiving in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh at 11.00 am.  The main celebrant of the Mass will be Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All-Ireland and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference.  The homilist will be Fr Neil Collins, SSC.  The Relic of St Columbanus will be available after Mass for veneration.  Evensong will take place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh at 3.15 pm.  The homilist for the Evensong will be Fr Sean McDonagh, SSC.

For more information on the Festival T: Bangor Visitor Information Centre 028 9127 0069 for information on the Saturday for Armagh events on Sunday 21st please contact Fr Rory Coyle on 028 3752 2802.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do over the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland.

• Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland, Counties Down and Antrim, June 20-21. The Giro Paddock at Titanic Belfast will be turning pink again for the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia NI. This will be the start and finish site for those cyclists fulfilling their dreams of riding on closed roads, through stunning countryside. Why not come down to Titanic Belfast with friends and family to soak up the atmosphere, savour a little taste of Italy on your doorstep or get out and about and support the cyclists on their routes. From 10am-5pm Saturday and 7am-6pm Sunday.

• Bike Week 2015, The Diamond, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, June 15.  Enjoy a 12 mile cycle ride along the North Coast, mostly within the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, starting and finishing in Coleraine. You will be able to enjoy the stunning coastal scenery along the route which follows National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 93 from Coleraine to Downhill Forest and return.   Partake of some well-earned refreshments at the half way point in the tranquil surroundings of the Bishop’s Gate and Downhill Forest. Check online for time listings.

• Family Cycle and Activity Evening, Co. Fermanagh, June 16. Get the family active and have some fun at the Family Cycle and Activity Evening. Participants will depart the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen at 6pm progressing to the Castle Coole estate for a fun activity evening. Upon returning to the Westville Hotel a finger buffet will be available.  Please note that children U16 must be accompanied by a cycling adult. 6pm.

• Cycle Ride and BBQ, Cloonavin, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, June 17. Enjoy a family cycle ride (approx. 6 – 7 miles) starting and finishing at Cloonavin, Portstewart Rd, Coleraine. The route follows the River Bann through the town, including the traffic-free section through Christie Park and Somerset Riverside Park. Finish off the evening with a free BBQ at Cloonavin.  6.45pm.

• Piccolo Fondo, Lisburn, Comber, Holywood and Newtownabbey, June 20. For all families and communities who enjoy cycling together, the Piccolo Fondo, accompanied ride, on June 20 is just for you as there will be four rides on greenways and quiet roads from Lisburn, Comber, Holywood and Newtownabbey, arriving at Titanic Quarter. Advance registration is necessary so visit www.sustrans.org.uk/events/piccolo-fondo-led-rides for more information.

• Crit in the Park, Ormeau Park, Belfast, June 19. This is a very safe, traffic free environment for young riders. This style of racing is great for both competitors and spectators alike, so either way come along and help make it a fabulous night for all!! Please Note – A Cycling Ireland race licence will be required to be able to take part. A temporary event licence can be issued on the night for a charge. From 5-9pm.

• Cycle Training and Bike Check, Comber, Holywood, Lisburn, North Belfast and Newtownabbey, until June 18. Want to get on your bike but it’s been a while? Interested in free cycle training to improve your skills and confidence on the road? Perhaps you, family or friends have an old bike in the shed that’s been rusting away with a flat tyre.  Well visit one of the 5 locations and get expert advice from bike mechanics that will do a basic bike check, repair minor problems and show you how to fix a puncture, so you can get back on two wheels. http://www.sustrans.org.uk/events/free-cycle-training-and-bike-checks

• StreetVelodrome, Titanic Quarter, Belfast, June 20 – 21. During the Gran Fondo festivities both budding and experienced cyclists, young and old, are encouraged to come along and try the Street Velodrome. It’s completely free, bikes and helmets are supplied, and free pro coaching is also provided. From 10am until 6pm.

• Bike to Work Day, Gasworks to Belfast City Hall, June 19. Over 200 cyclists will gather at the Gasworks in Belfast at 8am and cycle to the City Hall to promote cycling in Northern Ireland.  Cyclists taking part in this event can enjoy a complimentary coffee and breakfast snack in the grounds of the City Hall before travelling to work.  The Bike to Work coffee stop at Belfast City Hall will be running from 7.30-10am.

• Mountain Bike Trails, Castleward, Co. Down, June 20. Bring your bike or hire one to enjoy the trails that meander through the estate’s ground and woodlands and have been specifically designed to be used by cyclists.

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.

This year’s Sea Bangor Maritime Festival will be action-packed with fun and entertainment for all the family.

Situated in a tented village on Bangor’s Quay Street, the festival which is part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Events Programme, takes place on June 27 & 28 and promises to have something for everyone!

For children, Cahoots NI will be bringing their specially-created theatrical magic show to the festival. Prepare to be transported back in time into a world of wonder, weirdness and wickedness, with dazzling effects and show-stopping songs as you follow the adventures of Dr. Marlin and his Wild West Illusion Show. Featuring, The Mindreader, The Escapologist, The Professor and The Vanishing Lady all in a breath-taking carnival show. Combining elements of Cabaret and Vaudeville, Dr Marlin’s Wild West Illusion Show features an entertaining mix of storytelling, magic, circus and live music!

Brought to you by the multi-award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI, this refreshing and innovative approach to an old art form is full of surprises and is sure to ignite and stimulate the imaginations of young audiences at this year’s Sea Bangor Festival.

Also at Sea Bangor, The Dockside Emporium will bring a world of magic and wonder to the event. Wander into this amazing space to find creativity, demonstrations and fun. Sit down and relax while you create a beautiful piece of art with the clay modelling workshop, move onto the colour therapy centre where you can learn new information on colour and emotions. The Dockside Cinema is next where you can explore wonderful images of ‘old Bangor’ and browse through a mini gallery. The Woodwork area is a place to learn new skills and create recycled blocks of wood with acrylic paint, float an origami boat or make a sand art bottle in the fun filled craft area. Learn how to sew and create unique crafts with beautiful papers, join in the fun and learn how to write songs and create music at the Sing and Song writing workshops and finally get dolled up by the amazing hair and make-up team – the fun starts as soon as you step inside!

Other highlights of this year’s festival which is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI include the “Great Bangor Bake Off” competition hosted by SERC which will include baking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, baking competitions and pancake challenges. The spectacular tall ship Morgenster will be moored at The Eisenhower Pier alongside a navy vessel, both of which will be open to the public. With maritime-themed street theatre, a gourmet food tent, a fantastic live music programme, an aerial display from the Twister Aerobatic Team, Jet Lev demonstrations, Armed Forces activities and so much more, Sea Bangor is definitely not to be missed!

Eddie Rowan, Tourism NI’s Events Manager, said, “We are delighted to once again support Sea Bangor which will give visitors from near and far an even better choice of things to see and do.  This fantastic event offers a jam packed, high quality programme of activity for all to enjoy and provides a great opportunity to celebrate our compelling maritime and cultural heritage.  I wish everyone a very enjoyable and memorable weekend.”

Sea Bangor will be open from 10am to 6pm on Saturday 27 June and Noon to 6pm on Sunday 28. This is a FREE event.

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com