World Oyster Eating Champion, Colin Shirlow, has launched the search for a protégé as he celebrates the tenth anniversary of his Guinness World Record achievement of eating 233 oysters in 3 minutes.

Still undefeated, the Dromore man, now aged 59, has learned that his unique oyster-eating technique is being studied by some of the world’s top competitive eaters to help them improve their own performance and he is hoping to share this technique with an aspiring future king or queen of oyster-eating.

“I had never eaten oysters before I undertook my first challenge at the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival back in 2005,” said Colin. “So this year, to coincide with the tenth anniversary of my Guinness World Record, I am keen to find someone who, just like me, doesn’t yet know that they have what it takes to be the next World Oyster Eating Champion.”

One of the world’s top competitive eaters, who has closely studied Colin’s technique is FoodChallenges.com owner, Randy Santel.   Only last year Randy completed a series of eating challenges in Northern Ireland, including massive breakfasts and oversized burgers. Randy comments, “I have closely followed the sport of competitive eating since 2010, and individual eaters from the UK, Europe, Australia and the USA who compete in global food challenges. The World Oyster Eating Championship has been of great interest to me and I’ve watched all of the videos on YouTube and have used Colin’s techniques in every oyster eating contest I’ve done. Everyone in the USA does. He is absolutely flawless and unstoppable.”

In recent years Colin has been challenged by some of the best and the fastest competitive eaters in the world, including Matt Stonie, Sonya ‘The Black Widow’ Thomas, Miki Sudo, and Bob Shoudt, none of whom have managed to get near Colin’s world title. Randy explains, “Most competitive eaters in the USA specialise in quantity and speed with large items such as hot dogs, pizza, and burgers. Speed eating oysters is an entirely different ballgame and one for which Colin has developed a truly unique technique.”

Colin adds, “I hadn’t really thought of my technique as being truly unique and I take this as a real compliment. I am very chuffed that my technique is something which is helping to inspire professional competitive eaters and I wonder if my former boxing career has helped in the development of this?”

The World Oyster Eating Championship is a key feature of the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival, which is being held from 1^st to 6^th September 2015. If you are interested in learning from global oyster icon, Colin Shirlow, and participating in this year’s World Oyster Eating Championship please contact the event organisers on WOEC@hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival please visit  www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com/

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set to provide a weekend of music and laughter, as Irish singing legend Mary Coughlan, and local favourites Belvoir Players, take to the stage.

In a special event as part of 7 Hills Blues Fest, Mary Coughlan will provide the entertainment for the next Blues Supper Evening; the ultimate evening out all under one roof. Mary Coughlan is one of Ireland’s most distinctive voices since overnight success with her debut release, ‘Tired And Emotional’ in 1984. Singing songs of joy, sadness, mischief and melancholy, songs by Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith and Peggy Lee, her voice effortlessly straddles jazz, blues, chanson and pop. Mary will be accompanied on piano by James Delaney.

The Blues Supper Evening will take place on Thursday 6^th August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £23 with supper, or £13 for the performance only.

Belvoir Players make their annual summer return visit to The Market Place Theatre with the classic comedy farce by Jeremy Lloyd & David Croft, ‘Allo, Allo’, which was hugely popular on the BBC in the 1980’s.

René Artois runs a small café in France during World War II. He always seems to have his hands full: he’s having affairs with most of his waitresses, he’s keeping his wife happy, he’s trying to please the German soldiers who frequent his café, and he’s running a major underground operation for the Resistance. Quite often, the Germans’ incompetence itself is what nearly lands René and his cohorts in hot water; they are not helped either by the locals, who are dreadfully keen to get rid of the Germans, but their blatant and theatrical attempts at espionage and secrecy create problems of their own.

Presented by one of Northern Ireland’s leading amateur theatre companies, ‘Allo, Allo’ will be staged on Friday 7^th and Saturday 8^th August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £11 and £9 (concession).

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Down

With three days to go until thousands of eager festival goers descend upon Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, for the 6th annual Sunflowerfest, festival organisers have announced the full programme of performances scheduled for the five main stages of the festival from Friday 31st July – Sunday 2nd August. From spoken word and comedy performances in the Moot to local gems and cocktails at the Pond Stage, the picturesque backdrop of the Campfire Stage which will feature a range of more acoustic, folk and traditional acts, and the heavier, more alternative acts housed in the Barn Stage, this year’s festival is offering something for every musical taste and all ages of festival guest.

Armagh

Navan Fort in Armagh will host the Wickerman Gathering this Saturday 1st August. An evening where fire, storytelling, dance and music celebrate the ancient festival of Lunasa. Activities include
live music, traditional dance lessons, storytelling, kids activities & crafts, Armagh Rhymers, feasting, ceili and Wickerman fire ceremony. Bring a picnic or try our Celtic BBQ for an additional cost.
Event not suitable for under 4 year olds. Pre-booking is essential. Book before 24th July & receive 10% discount on admission charges.

Fermanagh

Taking place in the island town of Enniskillen, lovers of music, theatre, dance and literature, will not want to miss a moment of the jam-packed programme for the 4th Happy Days Enniskillen International Becket Festival, which runs until August 3rd. This year’s festival features Drop the Dead Donkey’s Neil Pearson, wife of Benedict Cumberbatch Sophie Hunter, Pirates of the Caribbean actor Kevin McNally, the amazing Maguy Marin Dance Company from France and Germany’s number one theatre company the controversial Berliner Ensemble. Northern Ireland’s own Ian McElhinney, who played Ser Barristan on Game of Thrones will perform, while local star Adrian Dunbar will once again Direct a World Premiere production, on Devenish Island, in his role as Festival Associate.

Tyrone

Omagh Craft Collective was born after a casual chat with a few local crafters who recognised the need for a better platform for selling crafts locally, and decided to experiment with a Pop Up Shop in December 2011. It was formerly established as a Community Interest Company in September 2012 with help and guidance from Omagh Business Complex. The Collective is non-profit making and run voluntarily by 6 directors who give their time freely to organise events and the crafters donate their time to the daily running of each shop. Omagh Craft Collective has now undertaken four successful pop up shops and the range of craft is always changing and evolving. The Collective is delighted to be showcasing their craft work this August in Strule Arts Centre as part of Craft NI’s August Craft Month 2015 – The Year of Design.

Derry

This year’s Dale Farm Milk Cup is well underway with young aspiring footballers welcoming the opportunity to participate in one of Europe’s most famous Youth Football Tournaments. The tournament, while attracting some of the most famous Club teams from all over the world, provides an important platform for local Northern Ireland players to pit their skills against these visiting players. For all fixtures go to www.dalefarmmilkcup.com.

Antrim

Now in its 24th year, the Heart of the Glens Festival takes place from 1st to 9th August. Events during the week include those firmly established in the festival calendar such as the Lurig Challenge Run, Lorry and Float Parade, Glens Vintage Day, and Ireland’s Longest Waves of Tory. In addition to the more regular events there will be some new and exciting themes and activities for young and old to enjoy!

Belfast

Relax with your little ones at the MAC for some fun free storytime at Story Time Sunday throughout August. Storytime is free and takes place in the wonderful Family Room – as it is quite popular we advise that you book your tickets in advance.

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.

This Saturday sees the beginning of free weekend entertainment throughout August in Portaferry.

Every Saturrday and Sunday from 3pm-5pm enjoy fishy fun street theatre; discover all kinds of marine life at the Exploris Discover Tank and visit local exhibitions in Portaferry Visitor Information Centre.

Let the world be your oyster at the annual Hillsborough International Oyster Festival 2015. Running from Tuesday 1^st to Sunday 6^th September, this world-famous Festival offers visitors the opportunity to sample the finest locally sourced produce and to be entertained by local artists and fun activities.

The Hillsborough Oyster Festival will include activities, performances and eating experiences to satisfy all tastes. This year’s Festival will see the return of the World Oyster Eating Championship, the glamourous Pearl and Oyster Ball, The Oyster Masters Golf, the Super Car Dream Sunday and the Soapbox Derby which is being sponsored by TrustFord this year. The line-up will also feature the debut of a number of exciting events including the appetising Hillsborough Gourmet Pop-Up Restaurant.

The week-long Oyster Festival attracts large numbers of tourists to the Hillsborough area each year and now in its 23^rd year, the prestigious event once again anticipates many visitors from the USA, Japan and beyond, all travelling to Northern Ireland to indulge in the unique food festival.

Speaking at the launch of this year’s event, Don Spence, Chairman, Festival organising committee said, “Each year the Festival goes from strength to strength and contributes enormously to the local tourism industry. It sparks interest among food lovers, car fanatics and music fans. This year we’re looking forward to having racer Guy Martin join us for the TrustFord Soap Box Derby, as well welcoming the Ulster Youth Orchestra as a new addition to the Festival line-up, all in support of our nominated charities, Clubs for Young People (CYP NI) and the Hillsborough Village Centre.”

Premium gastronomy is a core ingredient of the Festival’s success with shellfish taking centre stage on Saturday 5^th September at the World Oyster Eating Championship where competitors will be given the chance to win the coveted champion’s title. The new Gourmet Pop-up restaurant which premiers on Thursday 3^rd September will provide guests with an exclusive dining experience comprising a three-course meal with dishes prepared by chefs from the Mourne Seafood Bar, The Hillside, The Parson’s Nose and The Plough.

Don Spence adds, “The Festival is a great opportunity for neighbourhood restaurants to display their culinary flair and local food producers to exhibit their home-grown goods at the Festival’s Gourmet Food Market.”

In addition to the cuisine, The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also gives visitors the chance to delight in the company of the local community through the scheduled social events such as the Oyster Masters Golf Day, live concerts, the Pearl and Oyster Blues Brothers Ball, and during the open-air motor show at Super Car Dream Sunday.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism NI and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme continues in Ward Park this Sunday, August 2 when Stephen McCartney and Dolbro Dan take to The Bandstand to entertain the crowds at the popular weekly event.

Stephen McCartney, the songwriter and frontman for well-known Bangor-based folk band The Farriers, will be joined by bass player Gareth Hughes; guitarist Collie McClean and drummer Paul Hamilton. A super alliance – guaranteed to entertain!

The set will be made up of his Stephen’s best known songs mixed with some popular covers. This is a musical treat not to be missed!

So if you fancy kicking back and spending a relaxing afternoon in the park, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm for this free event. Fingers crossed for sunshine!

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone.

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

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Going to the Theatre can be overwhelming and intimidating for many people.  This year, as part of our 5^th Anniversary celebrations, we are staging a relaxed performance of our Summer Youth Theatre production Oliver on Saturday 1 August at 2.30pm.

Our relaxed performance is open to all, but is adapted to accommodate people who may have sensory or learning issues.  These can include (but are not limited to) autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing disorders, Down’s syndrome and learning difficulties.  The relaxed performance of Oliver is suitable for children and adults and will feature adapted lighting and lowered sound levels.  Audience members will be free to talk and move around the auditorium if they wish, we also have an open door policy so patrons can make use of the quiet room as they please.  Other facilities include ample free car parking, accessible seating, accessible bathroom facilities on all levels and a hearing loop system.

Lionel Bart’s sparkling musical adaption of Charles Dicken’s novel tells the story of nine-year-old orphan Oliver Twist who falls in with a group of street-urchin pickpockets led by the Artful Dodger and masterminded by the wily and devious criminal Fagin. When Oliver’s intended victim, Mr Brownlow, takes pity on the lad and offers him a home, Fagin’s partner in crime, Bill Sikes, conspires to kidnap the boy to prevent him from talking.

Oliver opens Fri 24 July – Sat 1 August, tickets available from £9

Further relaxed performances will take place throughout the year , Annie Get Your Gun Saturday 10 October at 2.30pm and Jack and the Beanstalk Saturday 12 December at 1pm at The Courtyard Theatre. A social story is availble to view  on our website www.theatreatthemill.com.

For further information contact our Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is bringing culture outdoors again with an unmissable performance of Jane Eyre in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 7th August 2015 at 7.30pm.

Chapterhouse Theatre Company, who previously performed in the park and brought great literary classics such as Wuthering Heights, Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility to life, will deliver another powerful adaptation of this beautiful story of undying love by Charlotte Brontë.

Jane Eyre tells the tale of the young governess and her arrival to the mysterious Thornfield Hall deep in the Yorkshire moors where she meets the enigmatic Mr Rochester and so begins the most unforgettable of love stories.

When a secret from the past returns to haunt them, can Jane and Rochester’s passion survive the forces that might tear them apart forever?

Everyone is welcome to come along and enjoy to what is certain to be another captivating performance by a highly acclaimed theatre company.

Pack a picnic and bring your family along to this free event. A range of refreshments such as strawberries and cream, tea and coffee, popcorn and slush puppies will also be on sale.

Climb Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak on Sunday 20^th August and help raise funds for NI’s leading kid’s cancer charity to ensure children, young people and families don’t have to face cancer alone.

Money raised will go towards supporting a range of Cancer Fund for Children services including Daisy Lodge, the charity’s therapeutic short break facility, located nearby in the tranquil foothills of the Mourne Mountains.

Cancer Fund for Children and its service users are appealing to members of the public to set off in support of Daisy Lodge in a sponsored 5.8 mile Slieve Donard trek which will see participants climbing to 2,550 feet, enjoying breath-taking views as far as Scrabo Tower, the Wicklow Mountains and Isle of Man while showing solidarity with children, young people and families affected by cancer..

Bethany Courtney aged 18 from Ballynahinch was diagnosed with cancer like illnesses Aplastic Anaemia and PNH two years ago, (these are diseases of the blood which destroy the body’s red blood cells). Bethany spoke about the restorative setting of Daisy Lodge and how it has helped her:

“The whole Shimna Valley Complex is just beautiful. It’s like an oasis with the trees and Mournes in the background. I have enjoyed stays there where I benefited from peer support and from the charity’s team of Specialists including Gemma O’Toole. I was so glad to be able to talk to her about how I was feeling about my illness. This was a big breakthrough for me as I had tried counselling before and was unable to open up, but with Gemma I just felt so relaxed and comfortable. It helped me see I don’t have to face things alone. I’m urging people to sign up to Slieve Donard so more young people can benefit from this type of support.”

Climb Slieve Donard this August and help Cancer Fund for Children reach its target of £26,000 which will help more children and teenagers like Bethany Preen.

The challenge sets off on Sunday 30th August from Donard Car Park in Newcastle at 9.30am. Afterwards, participants can celebrate with a BBQ at Hugh McCann’s Pub in Newcastle.

To register for Slieve Donard visit http://www.cancerfundforchildren.com/event/slieve-donard-climb-3/ Alternatively, phone 02890805599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com