Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (May 18-24).

• 17th Annual International Guinness Blues on the Bay Festival, Warrenpoint Town, Warrenpoint, Co. Down, May 20-25. Listen to some of the world’s leading blues and jazz performers including Belfast born icon Van Morrison. The six-day festival weekend, whick also sees the return of the famous Guinness Bay Blues Pub Trail, featuring consumers over 90 free gigs and 35 performers. Time varies per day.

• Geoparks on the Air, Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 23-25. Join members of the Lough Erne Amateur Radio Club as they broadcast live from the Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre, contacting colleagues in other Geoparks throughout Europe. Time varies per day.

• Armagh Craft Fair, Palace Demesne, Friary Road Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 23. Consists of 45 high quality craft stalls from across Ireland, creative craft workshops for adults and children, 14 FREE outdoor craft demonstrations from master crafters, musical entertainment, children and family entertainment, guided tours of the Palace and Demesne, inspiring Art talks, great food, children’s play area and much more which makes this year’s fair a great day out for the whole family. From 10.30am – 6pm.

• The Three Giants, Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, May 21. Enjoy this wonderful performance and workshop for children and families. The hero of the story is Finn MaCool who is the biggest and strongest giant in the whole of Ireland. There lived in Scotland another giant, McGonigle who was a great big burly fellow who heard the fame of the Irish heroes and crossed the sea to do battle. Can Finn MaCool defeat McGonigle with the help of his clever wife, Oonagh? Begins at 11am.

• The 4 Of Us, The Alley Theatre, Railway Street, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, May 23. Enjoy critically acclaimed acoustic show ‘The 4 Of Us’ to The AlleyTheatre, showcasing songs from their brand new album, as well as songs from their extensive back catalogue. Show starts at 8pm.

• County Antrim Fleadh, Cushendall, Co. Antrim, May 17-24. Prepare for a week of song, dance, storytelling that is not to be missed! There will be a children’s Céili, open air concert with BBQ and music sessions on a flood-lit stage featuring the best in traditional music, song and dance. From 7pm on May 17.

• Belfast Spring Continental Market, Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast. May 22-25. Get down to the award-winning spring continental market! With traders from 26 countries as far afield as Morocco, India and China, the market is a source of outstanding local and international produce, gifts and crafts. A great selection of mouth-watering favourites will be available including freshly made Spanish paella alongside a tasty selection of cheeses, chutneys and crackers. Our local traders will be offering the finest local produce alongside the mix of international stalls. Fri and Sat 10am – 10pm, Sunday 1pm – 6pm, Monday 10am – 6pm.

• Country Fair at Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, May 17. Enjoy the annual country fair with dog shows, rare breeds, live music, craft stalls and much more. It’s an event not to be missed. From 12noon to 5pm.

• Strangford Lough Boat Tour, Newtownards / Ards Visitor Information Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, May 24. Take time away from the fast pace of everyday life and experience the serenity of a trip around the beautiful and mystical Strangford Lough. Enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife, see where Saint Patrick first came ashore and discover how the Lough assisted the pillage and plunder of Viking raiders, on one of Northern Ireland’s most beautiful bodies of water. From 2-4pm.

• Ulster Orchestra – The Grand Finale, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, May 22. In the closing concert of his first season as Chief Conductor, Rafael Payare showcases the power of the full Orchestra, starting with Wagner and ending in Shostakovich’s mighty Tenth Symphony. Payare is joined by his wife, outstanding young American cellist Alisa Weilerstein, making her Northern Ireland début. Show begins at 7.45pm.

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.

Sat 16 May to Fri 22 May

Saturday 16 May, Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships

Castle Park, Bangor

Free to spectate. 11am-6pm

The best Pipe Bands and Drum Majors will compete to become champions of the Borough

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

Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 16: Louie the Magician and Caricaturist

Sun 17: Archery, 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

Thursday 14 to Monday 18 May, Continental Market

McKee Clock Arena, Bangor

Thursday to Saturday 9am – 6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm, Monday 9am – 6pm

A selection of stalls offering a wonderful range of foods and crafts from across Europe.

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

Sat 23 May to Fri 29 May

Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 23: Party Animals NI

Sun 24: 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 24 May, Strangford Lough Boat Tour

Tour departs Portaferry

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Conc), £4 (Ch). Pre-booking essential.

Enjoy the magnificent scenery and fascinating wildlife in Strangford Lough.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069

Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846

Book online

Friday 29 – Monday 1 June

Ards and North Down International Puppet Festival

Various locations, Newtownards

Free to spectate

An exciting programme of all things puppetry including performances, workshops and street theatre.

Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069

Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846

Book online

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

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846. Admission Free

Saturday 2 – Saturday 30 May

Meet the Maker: ‘Green Wood Works’

Green Woodworker Alexey Janes

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Until Sunday 17 May

Exhibit: En-gauge with the past, history of the railway

Friday 1 May – Thursday 28 May

The Great War: Through the words of the County Down Spectator & Newtownards Chronicle

Saturday 2 – Sunday 31 May

Historical Storyboard: Mining Heritage

Wednesday 20 May – Sunday 28 June

For Whom the Bell Tolls: 9^th Century Bells Exhibition. This exhibition has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Saturday 2 – Saturday 30 May

Art in the Loft: ‘Follow the Thread – From Ewe to You’ Fibre art by the Ulster Guild of Spinners, Weavers & Dyers

Downloadable Guides

2015 Ards and North Down Events Guide

2015 Experience Ards and North Down Tours

The organisation which backs working women is relaunching itself and embarking on a major recruitment drive to double its membership base in the next 12 months.

Women in Business which claims one of the largest business memberships in the country with more than 1,200 signed up women from a broad range of sectors, is slashing its annual membership fee to £25 in a one-off bid to double its numbers and attract women from small businesses and organisations.  They want to offer all business women access and engagement with the fastest growing network of its kind on the island and believe that any perceived financial barrier to joining will now be removed with this new fee which averages at just over £2.00 per month.

Women in Business will actually increase it services to members while continuing to offer all current events and programmes and are delighted to be able to offer more for less.

Women in Business chief executive Roseann Kelly says the organisation which co-ordinates a series of networking and development events for its members each month wants to see more women from small to medium enterprises, she believes everyone can and should join.

Roseann said:  “We want to encourage more independent business women and women who work in small organisations in the private, public and voluntary sectors to join as we believe every woman in every business, whatever that business may be, can benefit from membership.

“Women in Business has helped thousands of women gain new confidence through professional networking events throughout the north”, says Roseann.  “Women members now represent all sectors from engineering to nail art and they benefit through growing their own network of contacts and peers by attending the masterclasses in business and career development, networking lunches and breakfasts to hear from role models and inspirational speakers and mentoring sessions that we organise all year round”, she says.

“At Women in Business we want to work with our members to help create a diverse business community that will be better for our economy, better for society, better for ALL of us. We support and encourage business women to reach their full potential and achieve their ambitions

“In the USA, corporate organisations have agreed a target of 30% of their boards to be composed of women.  This is because modern business leaders have understood that diversity in the work place at all levels is essential to success rather than a hindrance.

“Women in Business wants to achieve more than this but first we need to empower women and help them appreciate that they have as much right to ambition and confidence as anyone – something which until now was a difficult feature for women to express for fear of criticism from more conservative quarters”, she concluded.

The new membership fee is available from May 5, 2015.  To become a member log onto www.womeninbusinessni.com or tel 08000328533.  www.facebook.com/womeninbusinessni, @wibni.

FRANCES Black is returning to the Causeway Coast to sing at Northern Ireland’s leading nautical festival, the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival on Sunday 24^th May in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle.

Dubbed the ‘sweetest voice of Ireland’ by Grammy Award winning musician Nanci Griffith, Frances Black is one of Ireland’s most successful female solo artists. Frances has twice been the recipient of one of the highest honours in Irish music, the prestigious Irish Recorded Music Association’s ‘Best Irish Female Award’, in addition to a National Entertainment ‘Personality of the Year” award.

Frances’s live performances also saw her receiving ‘Best Solo Artist’ and ‘Overall Winner’ at the Celtic Fusion Festival Awards, in conjunction with Irish Music Magazine, from over 40 nominated acts.

Hailing originally from Dublin, but spending much of her childhood in Rathlin, Frances enjoys revisiting the island whenever she can, and was all too delighted at the opportunity to perform at the festival. Speaking ahead of her concert appearance, Frances explained: “I am delighted to be performing in the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on 24th May as part of the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival. It will feel like I’m coming home to perform, as Ballycastle is just across the water from Rathlin Island, where my Father comes from. I am really looking forward to it!”

Owner of The Marine Hotel, Claire Hunter explained: “The buzz in the area is palpable, as both Ballycastle and Rathlin locals seem to be very excited about the upcoming Festival, and especially for Frances Black’s concert. This will be Frances’s only show outside of Belfast in Northern Ireland, and promises to be a great homecoming concert that should not to be missed!”

Caroline Carey, Tourism Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens explains: ‘The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival celebrates our rich and diverse maritime culture here in the Causeway Coast and Glens, and we couldn’t think of a better artist to head up our programme of events. In addition to this wonderful concert, we have a jam-packed schedule of events planned between 22^nd May and 31^st May 2015, so if you like Frances Black, check out our website to make sure you aren’t missing out on anything else!”

Doors open at 8pm and the concert starts at 9pm. The concert is being held in The Marine Hotel, where tickets are available. Contact 028 2076 2222 or email reception@marinehotelballycastle.com for tickets.

For further information about the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, log on to www.heartofthecausewaycoastandglens.com/maritimefestival or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 2076 2024 or email ballycastlevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

Public encouraged to make ‘smart moves’ by train to Bangor on May 16 to mark historic milestone

The 150^th anniversary of the opening of the Holywood – Bangor Railway Line will take place this month (18 May 2015) and to mark the major historic milestone, Translink is encouraging more people to visit Bangor and enjoy a range of special events and activities taking place on Saturday 16^th May.

Steeped in history, the railway in North Down has come a long way since construction was completed by the Belfast, Holywood and Bangor Railway Company (BHBR) in 1865 when the population of Bangor was less than 3,000.

In the past decade alone, passenger numbers on the Bangor railway line have grown by 89%. Today, the line is thriving with over 2.87 million passenger journeys made in 2014/15. Customers today can choose from 100 services per day and six departures per hour during peak times.

Gemma McMurray, Translink NI Railways Route Manager – Bangor Line, said there are many reasons for the continued popularity of train travel:

“Travelling by train is a ‘smart move’ for many people in Northern Ireland. Both regular commuters and visitors to North Down enjoy a wide range of benefits by using the train – relaxing hassle-free journeys on board modern clean trains, frequent and reliable services, free on board wi-fi, time-savings compared to car travel and great value with a range of attractive tickets to choose from.

“During this special anniversary year, we want more people to explore North Down by train and enjoy all the excellent attractions situated along the route. Stop off in Holywood town centre and browse the speciality boutiques, step back in time at Cultra’s Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, blow away the cobwebs at Crawfordsburn Country Park, explore Grey Point Fort at Helen’s Bay, soak up the fun at Bangor’s Pickie Fun Park and Aurora Aquatic Complex or relax in the serenity of Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

“On Saturday 16^th May, a range of events will be taking place in Bangor making it a perfect destination for a fun family day out. There will be music and food galore with the Continental Market at McKee Clock Arena and the Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships taking place in Castle Park.

“There will also be entertainment in Bangor Bus & Rail Centre from 2 – 4pm with historical characters in costume provided by the Ulster-Scots Agency, memorabilia and model railway displays, Bluegrass musical performances as well as face-painting and balloon-modelling for kids. Translink customers can also enjoy complimentary treats provided by ‘The Salt House and Steam Coffee and Bake House’ and ‘Station News’.

“To get there, passengers can take advantage of a third-off rail day return tickets for travel after 9.30am or the Family & Friends ticket offering unlimited all day travel on Translink bus and train services for up to 2 adults and 4 children for just £22.

“We also want our passengers to tell us why they love their journey by train on the Bangor railway line– simply tweet Translink_NI #smartmovers with their stories. All the tweets will be entered into a competition to win prizes including travel and local attraction tickets plus copies of historian Robin Masefield’s new book ‘Be Careful, Don’t Rush, celebrating 150 years of train travel between Holywood and Bangor’ .

“We’ve also worked closely with Robin to create a series of Bangor Railway posters that will be put on display in coming weeks along the route and provide an interesting overview of each individual station’s unique history.

“We’re really looking forward to celebrating the 150^th anniversary and welcoming more visitors to Bangor for a great day out on May 16,” said Gemma.

Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer, Ards and North Down Borough Council, said:

“Visitors and tourists have been coming here by train since the railways inception to enjoy the many attractions and activities the area has to offer. We are delighted to be supporting this weekend of celebrations and we hope that people will take this opportunity to jump on board and come to Bangor for a busy day of activities on May 16^th.”

For further information on the Holywood – Bangor Railway 150^th anniversary click www.translink.co.uk/HBR150/. For Translink NI Railways travel information call 028 90 66 66 30.

Armagh Craft Fair is returning to Armagh on Saturday 23rd May from 10.30am to 6pm, in the splendour of the historic Primates Palace, Palace Stables and Chapel at The Palace Demesne, within 300 acres of beautiful parkland in the heart of the historic city of Armagh.

Now in its fifth year this high quality event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 high quality craft stalls from makers across the length and breadth of Ireland including textiles, jewellery, wood, glass, soaps, ceramics, and candles to name but a few. There will also be a host of creative craft workshops for adults and children including Wine Tasting, Porcelain Jewellery Tray Making, Gemstone Jewellery, and for the kids, Jumping Clay, Wacky Wax Hands and Clay Baby Hedgehogs.

There will be 14 free outdoor craft demonstrations from master crafters featuring Feltmaking, Basket Weaving, Wood Turning, Stone Carving, Rope Making, Leather Working, Glass-Lampworking, and many more. Makers will be inviting you to have a go and try your hand at the various craft activities.

All this will be combined with musical entertainment, children and family entertainment, guided tours of the Palace and Demesne, inspiring Art talks by JB Vallely and Anne Callanan, great food at the Moody Boar, Demesne walks, the superb children’s play area and much more to make this year’s fair a great day out for the whole family.

For further information, bookings and to download the full programme go to www.marketplacearmagh.com. Workshop bookings can be made online or through The Market Place Theatre Box Office at [028] 3752 1821. You can also follow developments on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) for the latest information and video previews.

The Directors of Hastings Hotels are delighted to announce: “Windsor House, in Bedford Street, Central Belfast has been purchased by the Hastings Hotels Group for £6.5m.

It is one of the tallest buildings in Ireland dominating the Belfast City centre skyline since its construction was completed in 1974.

Planning permission for a hotel of major city international quality will be submitted within a few weeks. Award winning Belfast Architects WDR & RT Taggarts have been engaged to develop the designs.

This will be a major construction project, and will be very much welcomed by the Northern Ireland building industry.

The hotel, when completed, will see the creation of 150 new jobs in the hospitality sector. Its prime city centre location is ideally situated to meet the urgent demand that the hotel sector requires to satisfy the growing business activity and the increase in tourism prospects.

With our philosophy of continuous reinvestment, Hastings Hotels will also continue to extend, enhance and invest in its existing six Northern Ireland hotels, and in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin.”

Join us for a magical night in the Maldron Hotel Derry, for a Disney themed fundraiser that will have you singing along to those catchy classics.

With performances that would put Lion King’s, Timon and Pumba to shame, it will be a night of fun and energetic performances all on behalf of Aware Defeat Depression and Link Music Academy.

An innovative Derry based company, Link Music Academy, is an organisation where many a local talent, including the Clameens, have a space to develop and grow as musicians. Based on Castle Street, it provides fully functional recording studios, rehearsal rooms with separate rooms for teaching, for those interested in learning how to play drums, guitar, piano, etc. Paddy Danagher, a member of the Link team says; “We want to work with all parts of the community, youth elderly, marginalised, and of course, bring musicians together across the city. The aim to work with a wide variety of clients, linking them with other potential help and resources in Derry, that’s where the ‘Link’ in Link Music comes from.”

The second beneficiary of the night is Aware Defeat Depression. Aware is a not-for-profit organisation that works with people across Northern Ireland who suffer from depression or Bi-Polar Disorder. Their mission is to promote emotional health and wellbeing. They have a network of over 20 support groups, a phone helpline and education and training programmes including Mood Matters, Living Life to The Full and Mental Health First Aid. Aware provide a free space where anyone can come and speak to trained facilitators, over a cup of tea as a way of ridding yourself of the clutter life can provide. Support Service Coordinator, Caroline McLoughlin says “Our vision is a future where people can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and have the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health.”

Organisations like these play a pivotal part in our community, but recent budget cuts have meant less funding for arts and charitable organisations. Many people across Northern Ireland are out working, collecting and fundraising in a bid to help keep places like Link and Aware continue their amazing work. This is what our Disney night is all about.

Event organiser, Aoife Kenny invites; “All to come and enjoy a magical Disney experience. There will be singing, dancing and appearances by some well-known Disney characters. We invite you to dawn your best party clothes and for children, it would be a great chance to dress up for the night, maybe making use of the Elsa costumes that were seen during Christmas. There will be make-up artists and nail technicians there on the night to help enhance the experience in our ‘Pampered Princess’ corner. It would be a great chance to let the normal fall away for a night and enjoy a mix of hits from some beloved Disney films such as Beauty and the Beast, Tarzan, plus many more.”

There will be prizes for the best costume plus raffle prizes to be won.

North West singing star, Olivia McBride will be there to blow us away with her big voice trapped in a young body. Dance sensation group ‘Ascent’ will also be performing after their triumph at the Northern Ireland Performing Arts Competition not to mention local musical genius Paul Mooney. A guest MC will be there to take you through the line-up which is composed of brilliant local musical talent.

To capture the night, we have a team of photographers and videographers, who will also provide a photo opportunity to take home. The red carpet will roll out at 6pm in the main foyer, and performances will begin at 7pm. The night will continue until 11pm with a VIP after party access for those over 18 years. Ticket prices are £6 for adults and £3 for children, available on the night, with all proceeds going to charity.

For more information see ‘Be Our Guest’ facebook page.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Be-Our-Guest/831701206914901?fref=ts

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.

• Weekend Getaway, Ten Square Hotel, Belfast.  From £55pps. Belfast City Weekend Getaway. Available Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings throughout 2015. Enjoy a sumptuous overnight stay with 3 course Table d’hote dinner in The Grill Room plus full Belfast breakfast. Upgrade options available from only £10. Friday £65pp, Saturday £100pp, Sunday £55pp based on 2 people sharing. Available until 29 Nov, To book call (028) 9024 1001.

• Weekend Break, Glenavon House Hotel, Cookstown. From £69pps. Enjoy a 2 Night Weekend Break at Glenavon House Hotel which overlooks the Ballinderry River and set in nine acres of its own mature grounds. The rate includes bed, breakfast and full use of the hotel leisure facilities. Available until 31 Dec. To book call (028) 8676 4949.

• Spring Breaks, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena. From £99.50pps. One Night’s accommodation in a Superior Guestroom and full Irish breakfast and 3 course evening meal in your choice of restaurant with a bottle of house wine and use of the Thermal Areas within “The Spa at Galgorm”. Available Monday to Wednesday until May 31. To book call (028) 2588 1001.