Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Three Night Stay with an afternoon tea, Maryville House Tearooms & Boutique B&B, Belfast. From £270.00. Maryville House is a fine example of a Victorian gentleman’s residence on the cosmopolitan Lisburn Road in Belfast, renovated and opened in 2010 as a boutique B&B. Offer includes 3 nights stay with an afternoon tea included. Offer is for two persons sharing a double room. Available Sunday – Thursday until September 30. To book call (028) 9068 1510.

• Just the Two of Us, Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry, Londonderry/Derry. From £89pps. Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway in the City of Derry at Da Vinci’s Hotel and experience our ‘Just the Two of Us’ couples offer from £89.00 per person sharing. Offer includes 2 nights’ accommodation for 2 people, full Irish breakfast each morning, couples 3 course evening meal on an evening of your choice, bottle of wine in your room OR a free walking tour of the historic City of Derry, complimentary parking, unlimited Wi-Fi and weekend entertainment. Available until December 31. Book by calling 028 7127 9111 or visit www.davincishotel.com.
• Summer Sizzler, Marine Court Hotel, Bangor. From £99.99 per room. Beautifully situated overlooking the marina on Bangor’s seafront, the hotel is ideal for both business and pleasure. Offer includes Lunch and Dinner with wine, overnight accommodation with breakfast. Available Sunday-Thursday only until August 31. To book call (028) 9145 1100.

For further information, contact TNI on 028 9023 1221 or view on www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 31 – September 6).

• The Belfast Tattoo 2015, SSE Arena, Belfast, September 4-5. The Belfast Tattoo returns with over 600 performers. There will be a magnificent showcase of the finest marching bands, musicians, and dancers from across Ulster and beyond in a two hour show building up to the Grand Finale of the Massed Pipe and Drums. Show times: Fri at 8pm Sat 5 at 2.30pm and 8pm.

• Gobbins, Visitor Centre, Islandmagee, Larne, Co Antrim, Now Open! Experience one of Northern Ireland’s newest and most exhilarating attractions. On the very edge of the Irish Sea lies The Gobbins cliffs where you will find a unique coastal experience re-imagined for the 21st century. A guide will escort you on a journey along the narrow winding cliff edge path which rises and dips and follows the curves of curious geology. Bridges, tunnels, caves, steps, unique rock formations and stunning views will punctuate your path as you walk, presenting themselves in a different light for your return journey.

• Air Waves Portrush 2015, East Strand Beach, Portrush, Co Antrim, September 5-6. Air Waves Portrush is the biggest air show on the island of Ireland. Each day there will be a four and a half hour air display featuring some of the most exciting aircraft including the ever popular Red Arrows. The North Village (Lansdowne Green) and the South Village (East Strand Car Park) will be filled with static helicopter displays, entertainment, stalls, crafts, living history installations, armed forces displays and the latest in cars. Show from 11am – 18pm.

• Titanic Bank Holiday Weekend, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, August 29 -31. Titanic Belfast is going nautical for the Bank Holiday Weekend, from 29 – 31.  From meeting the mascots to an Ocean Explorer Trail, Clayrazy, Ocean Exploration Face Painting and Under the Sea colouring in, Titanic Belfast has it all.

• 30th Anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, September 1. To mark the 30th anniversary of the discovery of the Titanic, from 5 – 6pm Titanic Belfast will be hosting a live interaction with Dr Ballard, where guests can ask questions to the explorer who discovered the Titanic. Keep an eye out for more information.

• Summer Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Cockle Row Cottages, Main Street, Groomsport Harbour, Co Down, September 5-6. Come along and enjoy family fun at Cockle Row Cottages with free entertainment from 2pm – 4pm including magic shows, crafts and workshops and so much more.

• Family Fun Afternoon Climbing and Archery, Mobile Team Adventure, Old Milltown Road, Belfast, August 31. Try something new and exciting with the family. Ascend the mobile rock climbing wall and see who can hit the target as you take aim at archery. Everyone will have the opportunity to try both activities. Instructors will be on hand at both stations to show you the ropes, provide some encouragement and generally help you to have a really great time.

• Autumn Book Fair, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, September 5-6. Calling all Bookworms. Browse through the hundreds of second-hand books in the courtyard and stock up on your winter reads. There’s sure to be something for everyone. There will be live music and Punch and Judy shows on Sunday. Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event. From 12-5pm.

• Pleasure Ride/ Go as You Please, Lissan House Estate, Drumgrass road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, September 5. Who’s ready for another day at Lissan? Lissan Horse Riders host a fantastic open this September! With hacking or jumping options around this beautiful 300 acre estate from 11am to 3pm. This event will be a safe environment for off road hacking and jumping trails with over 40 natural type jumps over a 4 or 6 mile route.

• Last Family Fun Day of the season! The Jungle NI, Moneymore, Co Londonderry, September 6. The Jungle will host the last Family Fun Day of the season offering unique, adventure activities at the discounted rate of £3 each or 6 activities for £15. Suitable for ages 4+. The quirky Coffee Shop and BBQ Bar will be selling a range of hot-food and snacks ensuring your energy levels are well stocked to take advantage of the vast range of activities available. From 11am – 4pm.

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 August bank holiday will see Lough Neagh light up in a weekend of festival fun in Ballyronan and Toome.

Friday 28 August kicks off the bank holiday weekend of festival fun with Lumarina at Ballyronan Marina. This annual spectacular illumination has gained a reputation for amazing audiences on the picturesque backdrop of the lough at this family themed event. While dancing displays, food stalls and a live band entertain and tickle the tastebuds on dry land, boats will light up the night sky on Lough Neagh before the evening draws to a close with what promises to be a fabulous fireworks display.

Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “The unique illuminated event, Lumarina has gained a reputation for being a great night out for all the family, becoming a real attraction for the destination.”

This event has been made possible by Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council and Tourism NI.

More details can be found a​t www.lumarina.co.uk a​nd you can follow Lough Neagh on Facebook at www.facebook.com/loughneaghanditswaterways, call Lough Neagh Partnership on tel 028 7941 7941 or email at info@discoverloughneagh.com.

Join W5 at Greenmount Campus Conference Centre on Wednesday 16^th September for a free Ultimate Farming event where engineering meets farming for a better future!

Can agricultural engineering help improve your farm efficiency? W5 brings you a Farmers Lunch event which aims to promote agricultural engineering, showcase current innovations in agriculture and highlight their importance in improving farm efficiency.

Join W5 to experience:

• A tour of Greenmount’s state-of-the-art Dairy Development Centre

• Lely product showcase

• Inspiring examples of agriculture engineering

• Link and share knowledge with other farmers and engineers

• Enjoy a free lunch!

This event is open to all farmers, agricultural engineers or those employed in or connected to the agriculture industry.

Numbers are limited therefore pre-booking is essential.

For more information or to register please contact:

Email: educationqueries@w5online.co.uk

Or call: 028 9046 7799 or 7836

Website: www.w5online.co.uk

2015 marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany.

In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and Vintage Fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September. The sounds of the 40s will be recreated by headline act The Syd Lawrence Orchestra, known as the ‘Best Big Band in the Land’.

Following an Opening Address and Commemorative Service, Dave Martin and The Casino Cats will start the stage programme at 2pm.  Led by the charismatic Dave Martin with his smooth velvety vocals, the band offer authentic smooth sounds from the 40s era with a set list of popular big band tunes.

Next up is the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra.  Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, the orchestra has been thrilling audiences in concert halls, theatres, TV shows and music festivals all over Great Britain and Europe for over 40 years.  Renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing and classic dance music, The Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller, through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra, to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.  The concert will be compered by local broadcaster Frank Mitchell.

At 6.30pm spectators will be invited to look to the skies as a genuine Spitfire and a Hurricane aircraft perform a special fly-past finale over the Air Field.  Both of these famous aircraft were typical of the planes that fought in the Battle of Britain and these restored versions are very rare examples that will lend authenticity to this commemorative event.

Also on site throughout the day will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock. Guaranteed to delight the vintage lover and shopaholic like, the fair will feature a fabulous line-up of around 30 hand-picked local vintage dealers and creative designers offering a huge array of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, furniture, home-wares, collectables, gifts, sweet treats and so much more.

A display of military vehicles, street theatre, vintage dancers and a food-fair will make this commemorative event a day out for all the family.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, commented: “This commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be a very special and fitting tribute to the men and women who fought in the Second World War.  It is important that we continue to remember their sacrifice and the programme we have planned will encourage this as visitors have the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic sights and sounds associated with the period.”

Gates to the venue are open at 12noon and car-parking is available on-site.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Belfast Programme

Time	Thursday 27 August	CATEGORY	Location
19.30	How to do it like a woman: Caroline Criado-Perez	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
19.45	Dancing at Lughnasa	Theatre	Lyric Theatre
	Friday 28 August
11.00	The Gentle Island	Rehearsed Reading	Brian Friel Theatre, QUB
15.00	Loving the Part of History that is Story: Kamila Shamsie and Margie Orford	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
17.00	Women Leading the Way: Frances O’Grady in conversation with Shami Chakrabarti	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
18.30	Faith Healer – with Clonleth Hill, Denis Conway & Eleanor Methven	Rehearsed Reading	(starting point @Duncairn Centre)
19.00	Transforming Societies: Nuala O’Loan and Gillian Slovo	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
19.45	Dancing at Lughnasa	Theatre	Lyric Theatre
21.00	Big Dance – with DJ David Holmes	Dancing Cranes/New Norths
	Saturday 29 August
06.30	Ryanga Ritual Dawn Dance	Dancing Cranes/New Norths	The Giant’s Ring
10.30	LEONORA	Mundy Concerts	Titanic Suite, Titanic Belfast
11.00	The Enemy Within	Rehearsed Reading	Venue TBC
12.00	Women and Publishing: Kamila Shamsie and Sinead Gleeson	Amongst Women	The Linenhall Library
13.00	KIteTanica	KiteTanica	Titanic Quarter
14.00	Laura Bates and Ione Wells	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
14.30	Dancing at Lughnasa	Theatre	Lyric Theatre
16.00	On Liberty: lecture by Shami Chakrabarti	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
18.00	Women In Music: Viv Albertine	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
18.00	Dancing on the River	Dancing Cranes/New Norths	Lagan Weir Footbridge
18.30	Faith Healer	Rehearsed Reading	(starting point @ Duncairn Centre)
19.45	Dancing at Lughnasa	Theatre	Lyric Theatre
20.00	Sandi Toksvig live and unleashed	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
	Sunday 30 August
12.00	The Long Gaze Back: Lucy Caldwell, Evelyn Conlon and Lisa McInerney with Sinead Gleeson	Amongst Women	Naughton Studio @ The Lyric
13.00	Dancing over the Peace Wall	Dancing Cranes/New Norths	(Peace Wall) Lanark Way, West Belfast
14.00	Talking about Revolution: Ahdaf Soueif in conversation with Rachel Holmes	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
14.30	Dancing at Lughnasa	Theatre	Lyric Theatre
14.30	Faith Healer	Rehearsed Reading	(starting point @Duncairn Centre)
16.00	Lynn Barber and Kathy Lette	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
18.00	RUBY PHILOGENE	The Mundy Concerts	Rosemary St.Church
20.00	Feist: In Conversation and Performance	Amongst Women	Elmwood Hall, QUB
	Monday 31 August
10.30	KATYA	The Mundy Concerts	Titanic Suite, Titanic Belfast
12.00	Drowsy Maggie’s Waves of Tory	Dancing Cranes/New Norths	Titanic Slipways

ExKitement is soaring for the first ever display of professional kite-flying to take place in Dungannon.

Kites of all shapes, sizes, characters and colours, will take to the skies above Dungannon Park in a precision flying event, where professional pilots will showcase their skills in flying kites into stack formations and other intricate manoeuvres.

The kites are the main attraction at the free ‘Picnic in the Park’ on Bank Holiday Monday (31^st August) being organised by Mid Ulster District Council.

As well as the entertainment in the air, there will be a range of activities on the ground, including live music from Whistlin’ Donkeys and Afrikan Warriors, magic shows, carnival games, cage football, puppet workshops and jump, jiggle and jive.

The Picnic in the Park takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, 31^st August, from 12noon to 7pm and entry is free. For further details contact Dungannon Park on 028 8772 8690 or visit www.midulstercouncil.org/whatson.

Getting the autumn off to a creative start, TOTAL STITCH FEST: The Alternative Craft Show will be returning to the Ramada Plaza Belfast on Sunday 13^th September in a big celebration of all that is handcrafted and unique in Northern Ireland.

It will be the perfect opportunity to get your hands on authentic Irish artisan products, stock up on quality craft supplies for your own creative pursuits, and participate in fun workshops, all while supporting local designers and the Irish handmade movement at the same time.

Brought to you by the creative folks at Frock Fairs NI, TOTAL STITCH FEST is held just twice a year, and Sunday 13^th September will be its 4^th outing. A great hit with all ages, the event has become known as something of a paradise for crafters, bringing together a rapidly growing community of designer-makers who lovingly cultivate a burgeoning handmade and DIY culture. A fantastic day out, it features not only a quality marketplace of over 60 crafters and artisans from all over Ireland but also a popular Drop-In Workshop area where visitors of all ages can sit down to learn new crafts in a fun atmosphere. Run by the ladies from The Craft Market (based in Fivemiletown) the drop-in workshop area is free and participants get the opportunity to make and take something away with them.

New and seasoned craft addicts will love to browse the stalls and select gorgeous fabrics, natural & luxury yarns, and vintage textiles from quality craft purveyors like The Textile Studio, I of The Needle, Windmill Fabrics, A Fine Fish Yarns and Vintage & Interiors. Similarly, eco-conscious buyers, fashionistas and trend hunters will go mad for the superb selection of designer and artisan stalls selling a wide variety of high quality, unique handmade products including clothing and fashion accessories, furniture, home décor & soft furnishings, art & photography, jewellery, gifts, toys, artisan foods, baby and children goods, and much more!

Exhibitors combine new and traditional craft techniques to produce fresh, innovative work not found at mainstream craft shows and will include Laird & Gillie, specialising in beautiful tweed textile art, Liz Nicholls Felt & Textile Designer, maker of handmade felt wall hangings and fashion accessories, Patricia Millar Ceramics, creator of original stoneware ceramics inspired by the surroundings of the Ards Peninsula, and The Honeysuckle Bee and Me, architect of handcrafted goats milk soap and natural soy wax candles.

Others will be demonstrating their crafts in an interactive way affording visitors the opportunity to get involved in interesting activities. Make fabric flowers with Strombolitwo, paper crafts with Maple Leaf Memories, bead projects with Seed Bead Buddies, and design your own teabags with Miss McKeown’s – it’s the perfect opportunity to meet the makers in person and talk about their handmade goods and creative processes!

TOTAL STITCH FEST: THE ALTERNATIVE CRAFT SHOW will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 13^th September 2015 at Ramada Plaza, 117 Milltown Road, Shaws Bridge, Belfast BT8 7XP.  Admission costs only £3 for adults and children go free. More information on the event and the exhibitor list can be found at frockfairsni.com and facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

Saturday 22 August – Friday 28 August

Saturday 22 August, Music and Fireworks

Groomsport

Free Event

With a fantastic entertainment line-up, this free event has all the elements for a family evening out with music, food and drinks available on site, a fun fair and the spectacular fireworks finale.

Children’s Fair 12noon – 10pm, Live Music from 7pm and Fireworks Display from 10pm.

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

visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 22 August, Bangor Culture Day

Free Event, 12noon – 5pm

Bangor Culture Day returns this year to celebrate the wealth of creative talent in the town, with music, dance, theatre, spoken word, craft, magic and much more.

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

visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 22: Plant and Play Garden Workshop and Crafts

Sun 23: Aldo’s Magic Show, Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

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

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

Saturday 22 and 23 August, Fun at the Lough

Portaferry, various locations

Free Entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Free entertainment every weekend this August in Portaferry, including Fishy Fun Street Theatre, Exploris Discovery Tank and Exhibitions.

Sat 22: Captain Morgan

Sun 23: Serena Sea Queen

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 23 August, Live Music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Join us for the summer season of free live music every Sunday in Ward Park, with a fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act:  Nathan O’Regan Band with Ryan McMullan (Popular, Folk)

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

Sunday 23 August, Summer Band Concert

Lemons Wharf, Donaghadee

Free entertainment, 3pm – 4pm

Join us for the summer season of free band concerts every Sunday in Newtownards, Comber or Donaghadee.

This week’s band: Ballywalter Flute Band

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

Saturday 22 August, Maritime Coach Tour

Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 1pm

Ticket: £12 (Ad), £10 (Con), £6 (Ch)

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

Sunday 23 August, Strangford Lough Boat Tour

Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, 2pm

Ticket: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £4 (Ch)

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 23 August, Donaghadee Living History Walking Tour

Tour departs from the Town Hall, Donaghadee, 2pm

Ticket: £6 (Ad), £5 (Con), £3 (Ch)

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

Tuesday 25 August, Bangor Christian Heritage Walk

Tour departs from Bangor Abbey. 2:30pm

Ticket: £3

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

Saturday 29 August – Friday 4 September

Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 29: Face Painting, Casey’s Creatures

Sun 30: Science Show: ‘Dino Dig, Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

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

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

Saturday 29 and 30 August, Fun at the Lough

Portaferry, various locations

Free Entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Free entertainment every weekend this August in Portaferry, including Fishy Fun Street Theatre, Exploris Discovery Tank and Exhibitions.

Sat 29: Captain Horatio Hawke

Sun 23: Miss Shell the Singing Mermaid

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4272 9882, Portaferryvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 30 August, Live Music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

Free entertainment, 3pm – 5pm

Bring along a picnic and join us for the final day of our summer season of free live music Ward Park.

This week: Open House Bluegrass Picnic

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

Sunday 30 August, Summer Band Concert

Conway Square, Newtownards

Free entertainment, 3pm – 4pm

Join us for the summer season of free band concerts every Sunday in Newtownards, Comber or Donaghadee.

This week’s band: Ballygowan Flute Band

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

Saturday 29 August, Decourcy’s Norman Conquest of the Ards

Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 10:30am

Tickets: £17 (Ad), £15 (Con), £8 (Ch)

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

Copeland Island Boat Tour

Tour departs from Donaghadee Harbour, 2pm

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £ 4 (Ch)

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

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Tuesday 4 August – Sunday 6 September

The Creative Peninsula Exhibition – Now in its 14th year, this thriving event features Open Studios, Tours, Exhibitions, Workshops, Demonstrations and more.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Friday 31 July – Saturday 29 August

Art in the Loft – ‘Ocean Reflections on the Creative Process’ – Drawings, sketches & panting proofs by Seacourt Print Workshop Artists.

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Friday 31 July – Saturday 29 August

Meet the Maker: ‘Outside of Us’ – An exhibition by ceramicist Sharon Regan