The tastes, sounds, colours and heritage of the Ulster-Scots will come alive on Saturday in Donaghadee when the town plays host to a fun-filled living history experience.

Come to the grounds of Donaghadee Community Centre to see displays of traditional dance, battle re-enactments and a mini Highland games competition that will provide an insight into how the Ulster-Scots dressed, exercised, socialised and fought(!).  Chat to our Viking visitors who will tell you about life aboard ship and demonstrate their long boat.

You can also enjoy a taste of Ulster-Scots at a cookery demonstration with celebrity chef Jenny Bristow (12noon to 1:30pm) and be entertained by the Willie Drennan Ulster-Scots Band who will be performing a mix of songs, stories and recitation featuring fiddles, flutes, bagpipes, guitar and, of course, the Lambeg drum (12:30pm to 4pm).

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, is looking forward to finding out more about our Ulster-Scots past and commented: “Donaghadee was the gateway for many Scottish families coming to County Down from 1606 with Hugh Montgomery and James Hamilton and so it is very fitting that it is the venue for this celebration of our Ulster Scots heritage.”

He continued: “The living history day will be lively and fun and so a great way to enjoy some family time, while learning more about our local history.”

Further information is available at visitardsandnorthdown.com or any of the local visitor information centres (Ards, Bangor, Groomsport and Portaferry).

Getting ready to perform at the Donaghadee Ulster Scots Festival this weekend are Chloe and Helen Parker from the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dancing. Bring ‘the weans’ and enjoy music, dance and lively living history demonstrations at this fun filled event on Saturday from 11am to 4pm. Find out more at www.visitardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Join the National Trust on Sunday 2 August from 12noon to 5pm for some kite flying fun at Downhill Demesne, Castlerock, Co Londonderry.

This high-flying spectacle returns for its 5th year, bigger and better than ever, offering fun for the whole family as a kaleidoscope of kites adorn the skies over the stunning coastal estate. Topping the bill will be an internationally acclaimed flying exhibition with synchronised acrobatics and altitude sprints from the Fusion Kite team, whilst an array of animals and figures take to the skies, some as big as your house!

The festival isn’t just about watching the professionals – you can bring your own kite, make one on the day or buy one from our shop – get tips from the professionals and show off your kite flying skills.

Festival highlights also include Northern Ireland Blo-karting demonstrations, Segway Express demos, Cutting Edge Helicopters pleasure flights and much much more.

To add to the festive atmosphere there will be specialty food stalls, local crafts, hot and cold refreshments, inflatable castles and a quad train in the kids’ area.

Marvel at the amazing displays of interesting shapes, sizes and colours of kites as the experts work their magic in the sky.  Bring your own kite and enjoy a fun packed day with attractions and entertainment for all the family.

If you don’t feel like flying a kite, then why not just come and join one of the most colourful and exciting events on the North Coast this summer.

What a great way to spend a summer day!

CAUSEWAY Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to benefit from increased tourism as the Armoy Road Races take place on the 24^th and 25^th July.

Councillor Michelle Knight-McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has witnessed first hand the boost to tourism that the annual event brings, and says this year will be no different: “The Armoy Road Races generate much interest in our beautiful Causeway Coast and Glens, especially with events happening throughout Bike Week that keep people in the area, which feeds back into our local economy.

“Coleraine office of the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council says it has seen an increase in tourists from across Ireland, North and South, as well as international road racing fans who come to enjoy the races and the wonderful attractions that the area has on offer.

“This year, we have received enquires from all over the UK, Ireland, Europe, even reaching as far as New Zealand. The New Zealand guests are coming to Northern Ireland specifically for The Armoy Road Races, and re-arranged their original travel plans to make sure Northern Ireland was included!” concluded Mayor Knight-McQuillan.

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis, welcomed the comments and said, “Armoy is on the map for all sorts of reasons, whether it’s to watch the Armoy Road Races or visit the various filming locations like the Dark Hedges, used in the filming of Game of Thrones – it’s just a great place to be.

“We, as a club, are very much involved in the community as well as the Armoy Road Races, and therefore appreciate how important tourism is, not just to Northern Ireland, but to our scenic Causeway Coast. It is essential that we attract people to the area to sustain businesses and to keep our economy afloat. If the Armoy Road Races helps to highlight the area in some way, then we are incredibly proud of that.”

Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel and sponsor of the Supersport Race 2, said, “ I think that we are extremely lucky to live and work in this beautiful part of the world and to have events like the Armoy Road Races. I’m very much part of the races and I wouldn’t miss them but more importantly I see visitors return year on year to Armoy and to the Bayview Hotel just because of them. It’s a real credit to the Club that they’ve managed to achieve such a great national road racing event in just seven years.”

William Munnis concluded; “I’d ask locals and tourists alike to visit Armoy during our Bike Week from 19^th – 25^th July, and take the opportunity to visit some of the wonderful attractions in our area too and if you need more information on the Armoy Road Races then visit www.amrrc.com to see what’s happening. You can also search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page as well as follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces – so come on, what are you waiting for!”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 19^th July until Saturday 25^th July 2015 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 25^th July 2015.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy from the Saturday 18^th July 2015 and cost £10.00 or €15.

For more information visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

With over 60 musical acts including Donovan, Kerbdog, We Were Promised Jetpacks and DJ Format ready to descend on Limavady for Stendhal Festival of Art on August 8 and 9, you may be forgiven for thinking that music was all Stendhal is all about.

That however, couldn’t be further from the truth as The Multi-Award winning festival has always prided itself on being an all-encompassing arts event and this year is no different.

Stendhal will also be showcasing Film, Theatre, Dance, Poetry, Comedy, Craft and a galaxy of other artistic endeavours over the weekend, with some top names to watch out for.

For starters the festival will be welcoming Brian J Falconer, the Bafta Award winning and Academy award nominated producer behind the smash hit short film ‘Boogaloo and Graham’ for a special screening of the film and a talk about how life for the team behind the film has changed since their huge critical acclaim.

To tickle your funny bones the comedy bill includes the award winning Sara Pascoe and Irish stand-up legend Kevin McAleer.

Nominated for best show at the 2014 Fosters Edinburgh Comedy Awards and winner of the 2014 Chortle Breakthrough Award, Sara Pascoe can be seen regularly on shows such as ‘Live at the Apollo’ and ‘Mock The Week’, while Kevin McAleer has been a mainstay on the Irish comedy Circuit for years

Theatre over the course of the two-day event will be provided by the amazing North Coast based Big Telly Theatre Company and the ever-popular Limavady Drama Club who will be performing, ‘The wooing of Barney McKeown part two’.

Dance performances will be delivered by the Echo Echo Dance Company and the saucy Soup Dujour burlesque Troupe.

The craft market will be home to some of the finest crafters in the country while two art galleries will also be showcasing the very best of some of the most talented artists Northern Ireland has to offer.

A full family programme will also be sure to give any young festival goers a weekend to remember with magic, kids workshops, puppet shows and much more.

Creative Director of Stendhal Festival of Art, Ross Parkhill says that having such a wide variety of arts at the event has been at the heart of its ethos since it started in 2011.

“We want to give people as wide and all-encompassing an arts experience as we possibly can,” he said.

“Of course the music line-up might be what first draws people to the event but once they are here and see just how good some of the other aspects of the festival are, we hope that they can maybe find passion for something new.”

He added: “We have such a massive pool of talent to draw from across the arts spectrum in Northern Ireland and this year we are welcoming talent from across all six counties along with Irish, UK and International artists.

“We feel that it is really important to give all the aspects of the arts a platform to grow their audience and Stendhal will always be about much more than music.”

Northern Ireland’s favourite vintage shopping event, the spectacular Frock Around The Clock Vintage & Handmade Fair, will be making its ‘End Of Summer’ appearance at Malone House Belfast on Sunday 9^th August with an extravaganza of vintage treasures, unique artisan gifts and a whole lot of nostalgia and fun.

The event will feature 45 handpicked, high quality vintage dealers and creative designers specialising in vintage, handmade and upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, stationery, art, artisan food, haberdashery, photography, gents beard care products, and much more! Whether you are in search of authentic vintage treasures, beautifully handcrafted designs, or delicious edible goodies, this event has it all!

In addition to many of your favourite exhibitors there will also be a number of fresh faces to be seen, providing a wonderful variety of unique, quality and interesting things to see and buy. The impressive exhibitor list will include Loving Spoonful, specialising in unique jewellery handcrafted from antique silver cutlery and coins, Norma Jean Vintage, offering a fabulous selection of vintage jewellery, handbags and vanity items, The Natural Room Emporium, purveyors of quality vintage furniture and collectibles, Ratty Tat Hats, creators of fabulously unique handmade steampunk hats,  Tiny Tower Vintage, specialists in vintage china, linens, eiderdowns and collectible books, Belfast Beard Company offering the finest natural beard care products, Laird & Gillie, creators of gorgeous handcrafted soft furnishings with a country feel, Once Upon A Dandelion, showcasing beautiful reclaimed wood art, and Toy Soldiers NI offering collectible vintage action toys.

All visitors to the fair will be able to enter the free draw for a chance to win the fabulous event competition package, comprising a pretty Teacup Necklace from Avec Amour Lauren, a scrumptious Strawberry Fizz Cake from Mrs Mann’s Kitchen, and a beautiful framed ceramic art picture from Rachel Julca Designs.

The End Of Summer Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Sunday 9^th August 2015 at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Malone Road, Belfast BT9 5PB.  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 on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

While Stendhal Festival of Art was winning three awards at The Irish Festival Awards earlier this year, a good friend of the Festival’s organising team was also quite a busy man during the awards season.

Brian J Falconer is the producer behind the Bafta Award Winning and Academy Award nominated short film ‘Boogaloo and Graham’ and he and fellow filmmakers Michael Lennox and Ronan Blaney have enjoyed incredible success with the film in 2015.

“It was typical,” joked Ross Parkhill, Director of Stendhal Festival of Art, “we get a fantastic result of three wins in the Irish Festival Awards and one of the boys goes and gets a Bafta and an Oscar nomination. We thought we would have bragging rights between the lads as far as awards went for a while, but yeah, Brian was the awards boss this year.”

So with their respective awards in their pockets there was really only one thing to do and this year the award winning filmmaker will be showcasing his award winning film at the award winning Stendhal Festival of art.

“We’ve known Brian for a long time and we were thrilled to bits for him when all the Bafta and Academy Award buzz was happening,” continued Ross.

“The Bafta win and Oscar nomination are two truly amazing accomplishments and everyone involved with Stendhal are absolutely delighted that Brian will be coming along to show the film and to host a talk about it at the festival this year.

Bafta Award Winner and Academy Award nominee Brian J Falconer echoed the sentiments saying that he was looking forward to being a part of the Festival programme this year.

“I was here at Stendhal for year one to support the guys and have been to 3 of the 4 years so far,” said Brian. “So when they got in touch to ask if we would come along and do a special screening of the film we were delighted to oblige.

“I think that it is important for everyone within the arts sector in Northern Ireland to look at any and every opportunity they get to further showcase their work, so while yes the Stendhal boys and have been friends for a long time, even if we weren’t, we would have been very happy to get the call to show the film at a festival of the caliber of Stendhal.”

Since the success of Boogaloo and Graham Brian has been working on two new feature projects and also got married to his beautiful wife Marian.

“Its been a crazy year,” he added, “I have been back and forward to LA a couple of times, been selected to take part in a production mentoring programme, got married, moved house and been chipping away at the day job, so it really has been a busy year so far but it’s been amazing.”

Catch this very special screening of ‘Boogaloo and Graham’ at Stendhal Festival of Art which takes place on August 7 and 8 at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady.

WITH only days to go to the SGS International Race of Legends, the Armoy Motorcycling Road Racing Club has confirmed its line up of riders and it’s looking like a great day’s racing will be had on Saturday 25^th July.

There are entries from the Republic of Ireland, England, Scotland, Czech Republic, including Darren James from Canada and Matt Brown from Australia, mixed in with our own Northern Irish riders. The Armoy races continue to attract top riders with many coming here in top form and with the past few weeks’ racing results at Skerries, Walderstown and Southern 100, the competition is wide open according to Clerk of the Course, Bill Kennedy.

“Last year’s Man of the Meeting, Guy Martin comes here in terrific form as does his Tyco team mate William Dunlop; throw in his brother Michael (Dunlop) back riding a BMW, Dean Harrison on the Mar-Train Yamaha and both Derek Sheils and Derek McGee, all coming here on the back of wins, coupled with regulars like Ryan Farquhar, Scotland’s Keith Amor on the Rig Deluge bikes and East Yorkshire’s James Cowton, the Supersport races, Supertwins, Open and the Race of Legends races are all wide open.”

“There have also been a few last minute changes. Fresh from his win in the Southern 100, Ballymoney rider, Seamus Elliott will be riding for Wilson Craig Racing and Norwich’s Connor Behan has secured a ride with the Air Kawasaki team.

“John Burrows, Cookstown BE Racing team, has just announced Guy Martin will be riding 650cc Supertwin with Mullingar man Thomas Maxwell on his 650cc Honda and Michael Sweeney planned to ride the 250cc Honda if he is fit enough.

“Practice day on Friday 24^th July followed by the Supersport 1 Race will definitely set the tone for the following 11 races on the Saturday. I’m very happy with this year’s entries.  We’ve some of the very best road racers and a few newcomers which is going to make for very interesting racing indeed.

“The Supertwins is always a hugely popular race at Armoy, and it’s great to see Ryan Farquhar return with his infamous SGS team which includes former Moto GP rider Jeremy McWilliams, no stranger to Armoy and newcomer, Canadian rider Darren James. The SGS/Manx Gas team also has a new talented rider Adam McLean from Magherafelt, riding in the Junior Support race. Ryan [Farquhar] has always been a keen supporter of the Armoy Road Races from day one, having come to Armoy even before our first race and offering invaluable advice from a road racer’s perspective. It was without a doubt instrumental in the formation of the circuit.

“One last thing there will be a Special Bikers’ Service this Sunday 19th July in the Lagge Parish Hall (down behind the church and round tower) situated on the corner of Lagge Rd. The relaxed service will be at 6pm on Sunday evening and will be followed by refreshments. Everyone is welcome to attend.”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 19^th July until Saturday 25^th July 2015 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 25^th July 2015.

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme. They are available from the AMRRC office and the Petrol Station in Armoy from the Saturday 18^th July 2015 and cost £10.00 or €15.

For more information visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (July 20-26).

• Flavours of the Foyle, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, Co Londonderry, July 25-26. Tantalise your taste buds at Northern Ireland’s biggest seafood festival! Local and celebrity chefs will cook a range of delicious fresh produce, providing authentic seafood dishes to try and buy. There’s lots of fun and games for the children on offer as part of Flavours of the Foyle, with themed arts and crafts, face painting and street entertainment, as well as the Loughs Agency Touch Tank so don’t miss it.

• Pop Up Camping at Florence Court, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh, July 24. Join in on an overnight camping experience on the front lawn at stunning, Florence Court. A campfire, no doubt with a sing-along, with entertainment and an estate walk is also included. Check in time 6pm.

• Woodland Warriors, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down, July 22. Woodland warriors is an action packed day of adventure for everyone to learn how to survive in the woodlands.  Participants will build shelters and bonfires as well as finding out more about Northern Ireland’s native wildlife and plants. Kids can be dropped off at the event which is suitable for young people aged 11 – 14 years. From 10am-4pm.

• Portaferry Gala Week, Portaferry, Co Down, until July 24. Portaferry Gala takes over the coastal town of Portaferry with a week full of events and activities for all the family. There will be a fair with plenty of stalls to purchase some goodies as well as treasure hunts, relay races, entertainment, fancy dress competitions, parades and plenty more.

• Donaghadee Ulster Scots Festival, Ards Visitor Information Centre, Regent Street, Newtownards, Co Down, July 22-26. Celebrate the town’s strong Ulster-Scots heritage with an extensive programme of themed entertainment, including the re-enactment of Montgomery’s arrival at Donaghadee Harbour, historical displays, live music and dance performances, Ulster Scots culinary fair, craft demonstrations and children’s activities.

• Victorian Tea Party, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, July 26. At the Victoria Tea Party you can step back to the 1800s to see what really went on behind closed doors in the Victorian big house. Get the gossip from the Housekeeper and the Lady’s Maid and enjoy a delightful afternoon tea of finger sandwiches, Victoria sponge, homemade scones and other traditional delights. Afternoon tea sittings: 1.30pm, 3pm, 4.30pm.

• Big Splash Triathlon and River Festival, Main Street, Portglenone, Ballymena, Co Antrim, July 20 – 25. Come to Portglenone and enjoy activities each evening finishing with a full day of activities. There will be a soap box derby, vintage parade, teddy bears picnic, Ceili-Ceilidh in The Square and of course the Big Splash Triathalon along with many more activities to enjoy.

• Glenelly Rockin By The River Festival, Plumbridge, Strabane, Co Tyrone, July 22-26. Enjoy this five day festival that will provide lots to do for the entire family. There will be a gentle family friendly walk, a treasure hunt, Hip Hop dance classes, a disco, vintage rally, craft stalls, amusements and much more.

• Belfast Music Tour, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Cathedral Quarter, Belfast, July 25. Take a bus journey through the heart of this rock and roll city. Sit back, relax, and enjoy tunes and tales from the band ‘Them’ and ‘Van Morrison’, by way of awesome guitar players, traditional and folk, to punk rock and Hollywood soundtracks before finishing up at the Belfast Music Exhibition at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. Tour starts 2pm at the Ulster Hall, Bedford Street.

• Dalriada Festival, Glenarm, Ballymena, Co Antrim, July 18-25. Enjoy one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural family events. The festival has something for everyone from Highland Games, Fine Foods, Celebrity Chef demonstrations, arts and crafts, live music and children’s entertainment to large outdoor concerts which to date has featured the likes of The Priests, General Fiasco, Duke Special, Ronan Keating and many others.

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.

Saturday 18 July – Friday 24 July

Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 18:  Louie the Magician and Caricaturist

Sun 19: Clayrazy, Children’s Crafts, 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

Sunday 19 July, 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: The Russian Dolls (Country Rock)

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

Sunday 19 July, 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: Ards Silver Band

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

Thursday 23 –Sunday 26 July, Donaghadee Ulster Scots Festival

Various Locations, Donaghadee

Celebrate the town’s strong Ulster-Scots heritage with an extensive programme of themed entertainment, including live music, a cookery masterclass, Living History Fayre and themed tours.

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

Saturday 18 July, Nautical Past, Short Sea Cruise Belfast Lough

Tour departs from The Jetty, Bangor, 2pm
Tickets: £10

Discover the rich nautical history of Belfast Lough as you explore Bangor’s role in World War I and II

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

Sunday 19 July, Copeland Island Boat Tour

Departs from Donaghadee Harbour, 2pm

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £4 (Ch)

Departing from Donaghadee your trip to Copeland Island will be enhanced by tails of those who have travelled across that stretch of water over the centuries.

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

Sunday 19 July, Helens Bay in 2 World Wars: St Johns Church and Grey Point Fort

Tour departs from St John’s Church car park, Helens Bay, 2:30pm

Tickets: £3

This fascinating Tour of two of North Down’s hidden gems explores their strong connections to both World Wars.

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

Thursday 23 July, Newtownards Historical Walking Tour

Tour departs from Town Hall, Newtownards, 7:30pm

Tickets: £3

Discover the wealth of historical treasures Newtownards has to offer and how some of history’s most notable civilians including the Normans, Celts and Vikings shaped the town.

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

Saturday 25 – Friday 31 July

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 25: Plant & Play Garden Workshop & Crafts

Sun 26: Children’s Crafts, Archery, 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

Sunday 26 July, 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: Johnny and the Riviera (Swing, Jazz)

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

Sunday 26 July, Summer Band Concert

Comber Square

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: Comber Silver Band

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

Saturday 25 July, Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park, Bangor

Tour departs from North Down Museum, 10:30am

Tickets: Free

Learn about the natural habitat or the birds and animals who live in the picturesque grounds of Castle Park

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

Saturday 25 July, Strangford Lough Twilight Boat Tours

Tour departs from The Slipway, Portaferry, 6:30pm

Tickets: £8 (Ad), £7 (Con), £4 (Ch)

Find a little inner peace and harmony as you take an evening cruise across the beautiful Strangford Lough

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

Sunday 26 July, A Forenoon Aroon the Ards

Tour Departs from the Ards Visitor Information Centre, 1pm

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Con), £9 (Ch)

This Ulster-Scots tour of ‘the Ards’ traces the history of the 1606 Hamilton/Montgomery settlement. (Includes afternoon tea)

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

Sunday 26 July, Dander around the Dee

Tour departs from Pier 36, Donaghadee, 3pm

Tickets: £3

Step back through the ages with local historian Harry Allen as he leads you around the history-rich town of Donaghadee.

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

Thursday 2 July – Sunday 2 August

Here Comes The Bride – Come along and enjoy an exhibition of bridal dresses from over the decades, on loan to the Museum from local ladies.

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882. Admission Free

Tuesday 30 June – Wednesday 29 July

Maritime Exhibition by Portaferry and Strangford Trust – This exhibition will showcase the great maritime past of the ports of Portaferry and Strangford.

Saturday 4 – Saturday 25 July

Art in the Loft – ‘Portaferry Reflections’ – Portaferry Art Society’s annual exhibition.

Down

Castlewellan Show is getting ready for another great show on Saturday 18th July 2015.  Over 4000 entries across cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, rabbits, dog agility, home industries and schools.  Entry is £10 for adults, under 16s are free and Young Farmers are £5 (with their card).  There is free parking on site and visitors also have free access to Castlewellan Forest Park on the day with beautiful walks, mountain bike tracks, kids playground and the Maze.  There will be over 300 traders from agricultural machinery to local food and crafts.

Armagh

The Shambles Yard will host their monthly Artisan Food & Craft Market this Saturday 18th July.  A feast for the senses the Artisan Food and Craft Markets offer a range of food, drinks and crafts from local and regional producers and crafters; which are home grown, reared, brewed, baked, processed, made and carved by the stall holders themselves. Budding crafters and chefs can learn the secrets of the crafts and pick up a few culinary tips at one of the many demonstrations and be entertained by the musical talent of our local musicians.

Fermanagh

Belvoir Players presents ‘ALLO ‘ALLO, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 16^th to 18^th July.  A comedy by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft, Their latest play, a staged version of the popular T.V. comedy series, features the café owner René Artois in war torn occupied France, as he and wife Edith struggle to keep a priceless portrait stolen by the Nazis. René is hiding two British airmen and has the Resistance as well as the Germans to cope with. Things come to a head when the Fuhrer plans to visit the town. Suitable for 14+ years and upwards.

Tyrone

Enjoy the lovely summer nights filled with the sounds of rhythm and blues from renowned jazz musicians ‘Jazz Gazette’ at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Friday 17th July.    Jazz Gazette will be joined by special guests and welcome anyone that would like to come and ‘jamm’ with them.

Derry

The Red Sails Festival Portstewart gets underway on Sunday 19th July.  All of the entertainment at the Crescent is free and includes a variety of music & drama, Irish & Scottish dancing, art, cheerleading and fancy dress. There are various competitions and challenges. On Saturday 25th at 10.30pm there is a firework display to mark the end of the festival.

Antrim

It is the Summer of 1961, and one year after their honeymoon, the Pepper’s return to Seaview Guest House in Portrush for a holiday. After being welcomed by the landlady, the formidable Mrs Austin, they soon discover that the other guests include Daphne Pepper’s parents, the Hemingways.  When personal items start to go missing, suspicion soon turns to the other guests, which include the rather eccentric Miss Windermere.  The stage is set for a hilarious romp by the sea where everyone gets a real basinful of the briny.  This performance takes place at The Courtyard Theatre this Friday 17^th and Saturday 18^th July, and is part of the Summer Theatre Season of amateur plays. Performed by Dove Theatre Group.

Belfast

Join RSBP warden Chris Sturgeon this Saturday at Belfast Harbour Estate to explore Belfast’s Window on Wildlife as summer is in full bloom. At this time of year wonderful views over the lagoon are complemented by the sound of squabbling terns on the man-made rafts and the reserve will also be all-a-flutter with beautiful butterflies.  £5 for adults, £4 for RSPB members. £2.50/£2 for children aged 5 to 17. Under 5s go free.

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