There’s something for everybody at this year’s Sea Bangor Festival; whether you’re into baking, art, good food, live music or you fancy sailing the high seas, we’ve got it covered with lots happening in the tented village on Quay Street, Bangor on June 27 & 28.

One of the highlights of the weekend will be “The Great Bangor Bake Off” where contestants will pitch their talents against each other in the purpose-built kitchen in the “Bake Off” marquee. Catering students from SERC will come up against each other during a “Fondant Challenge,” members of the public will be invited to submit entries to the “Sea Bangor Celebration Cake Competition” and The Heatherlea will be hosting “Cake Decorating Challenges” between members of the audience. The aroma of baking is sure to be mouth-watering!

Based on the popular TV show model and hosted by SERC, contestants will get to showcase their baking flair to the Sea Bangor audience. The competition will be fierce and entertainment value high! Sunday afternoon will also see some well-known local business characters battle it out in a Pancake Challenge.

As part of the two days of activities, there will also be demonstrations from local celebrity chefs Paula McIntyre and Danny Miller who will be showcasing their baking skills alongside chefs from other local businesses and SERC.

Two great competitions are being held over the Sea Bangor weekend too – members of the public are invited to produce a Celebration Cake with a theme of Sea Bangor or bake and present an Afternoon Tea Platter for “The Great Bangor Bake Off Competition.”

Bring your finished celebration cake or afternoon tea platter to be displayed at Sea Bangor. Entries will be judged and announced at the festival.

Cakes must be no greater than 12 inches wide, will not be tasted and points will be awarded on design, creativity, flair and theme. The Afternoon Platter should be for four people and should include scones, a tart, a sponge based item and a cookie, shortbread or biscuit. The entries will be on display over the two days of the festival with the winner of the Celebration Cake competition being announced on the Saturday and the winner of the Afternoon Tea Platter will be announced on the Sunday. Prizes and certificates will be presented to “Bangor’s Best Baker” by The Mayor of North Down, Alderman Alan Graham. Closing date for entries is June 22. To obtain an application form, please go to www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or email: events@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Speaking about the event, Paul Mercer from SERC said: “The students  and staff of South Eastern Regional College are excited to be involved with the ‘Great Bangor Bake Off’ it’s a great opportunity for students and local residents to showcase their bakery talents and learn from the range of local guest chefs and bakers”.

Gastronomic and culinary treats galore are in store for visitors to the event with local restaurants and food producers selling their wares in the Food Tent each day. Run by Grub Streat, this year’s food tent will feature local food providers serving locally produced, mouth-watering food.

This year’s Sea Bangor, which is being kindly sponsored by Tourism NI, is absolutely packed with something to do for everyone. Over in the kid’s tent “Tiddlers,” Cahoots NI will be performing a special magic show and “The Dockside Emporium” which is being hosted by Bangor’s Craft Emporium promises to be a world of entertainment and wonder with demonstrations and crafts from lots of local artists.  With maritime themed street theatre, a tall ship, a navy vessel, a fantastic live music programme, an aerial demonstration by the Twister Aerobatic Team, Jet Lev demonstrations and so much more, Sea Bangor is definitely not to be missed!

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

So whatever floats your boat, come along to Sea Bangor for a great family day out!

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

‘LOVE REVOLUTION’ UK TOUR

Monday 9^th November: WATERFRONT, Belfast

NUMBER ONE ALBUM ‘85% PROOF’!

‘The most deliciously instinctive and relentlessly endearing pop music you’ll hear this year…a masterclass in delivering a mature pop record’ Clash

Will Young announces a UK nationwide tour, his first in 4 years, including a date at Belfast’s Waterfront.

Tickets will be available at 9AM this Friday 5^th June from:

Tickets for Belfast Waterfront are available:

In person at the Waterfront Box Office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

The tour announcement comes as Will’s brilliant brand new album ’85% Proof’ goes straight into Number One on the Official UK Album Chart.

‘85% Proof’ is the sixth album from the multi-million selling Brit Award winning singer-songwriter and represents his most accomplished work to date. The record is an eclectic, hugely confident and startlingly human record which Clash described as ‘The most deliciously instinctive and relentlessly endearing pop music you’ll hear this year. A masterclass in delivering a mature pop record’. Meanwhile The Sun called the album ‘pure class’ and The Guardian said it was ‘A reminder of how good Young can be.’

’85% Proof’ follows up Will’s No 1 album ‘Echoes’ released in 2011 which has sold over half a million copies. In the intervening years Will moved back to theatre staring as The Emcee in Cabaret (for which he was nominated for an Olivier Award); presented an ITV documentary on surrealist artist Magritte; filtered his passion for politics via blogs for the likes of Huffington Post; wrote a best-selling biography and fronted a campaign for Stonewall. He also started teaching and mentoring other singer-songwriters.

Produced by previous collaborator Jim Eliot (Mikky Ekko, Ellie Goulding), ‘85% Proof’ is a creative reflection of Will’s extracurricular activities post-Echoes and his most personal/honest songwriting to date. Writing and recording for the new record also coincided with a move to a brand new label, Island Records.

Over the coming weeks, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has a fantastic selection of adults and children’s workshops, which will enable you to brighten up your summer wardrobe with a range of fantastic accessories handcrafted by you!

In the Kids Button Bracelet Workshop, you will be taught basic jewellery techniques on how to make a beautiful button bracelet. Have fun choosing bright coloured buttons and choosing your own special colour pattern to style your bracelet.  Perhaps you’ll want to make a bracelet that matches your favourite outfit or you might even like to make a bracelet as a present for your best friend and show off your fantastic new skills.  One things for sure, you’re guaranteed to have lots of fun! This is a great idea for a birthday party for your stylish little girl and her friends! Suitable for ages 6+, this workshop will take place on Saturday 6^th June from 2pm-3.30pm. Admission is priced £10.

Adults will enjoy the Embroidery Hoop Necklace workshop, where you will be taught how to make a beautiful embroidered necklace placed in a miniature embroidery hoop. You will learn basic embroidery steps to help you create a unique design of your own! This workshop will take place on Saturday 6^th June from 10.30am-12.30pm. Admission is priced £12 or £10 (concession), all materials are supplied, and the workshop is suitable for 16+.

As summer approaches and the holiday season begins, why not prepare by creating a fabulous silk painted scarf, wrap or sarong to create the finishing touch to your day, evening or beach wear in the ‘Silk Painting For Summer’ workshop. Create fascinating designs and vibrant colourful effects as you explore silk painting techniques, using a range of materials allowing colours to flow and mix together with unique results. Design unique patterns on your silk scarves and work on extra-large frames to create larger pieces such as wraps.  Add a splash of colour and style to any outfit with your new silk apparel, you’ll be the envy of all your friends! This workshop takes place on Saturday 13^th June from 10am-4pm. Places cost £33 or £28 (concession), and all materials will be supplied.

To book a workshop, contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or book online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

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

Set sail for Larne this June and join Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the Larne Alive Maritime Festival.

There is a packed festival programme this June to celebrate the Larne Area’s Maritime Heritage and also the visit of the Tall ships to Northern Ireland this July.

The festival opens on Saturday 6^th June when Larne Main Street will be awash with all manners of strange sea creatures, sailors and of course pirates! Schools, groups and clubs from throughout the Larne area will be dressing up and taking part in the parade along with a group of local young people who have being learning to stilt walk for the event.  This parade is sure to be a colourful and vibrant affair and lots of fun for all taking part and spectating!  Come down to Larne Town Centre from 2pm to 4pm to enjoy live music at Broadway Bandstand along with face painting and walkabouts! Enjoy the atmosphere and watch the parade pass by at around 3.15 pm. The Parade will be leaving Larne YMCA at 3pm.

On Sunday 7^th June at 8pm in Larne Town Centre the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council sports crew will be hosting a special pirate bicycle ride around Larne Town Centre. Dress up yourself and even your bike and sail up Main Street in true Pirate style. Why not even light up your vessel with LED lights and glow sticks to stand out from the crowd.

Throughout June you will be able to take part in a tricky treasure trail around Larne town for all those aspiring sailors out there! To complete the trail, pick up a form from Larne Visitor Information Centre or Larne Museum & Arts Centre. Locate all TWELVE pieces of loot hidden in various locations around the town which will reveal the location of the Buried Treasure. Fill in the entry form and drop it into the treasure chests located at the Larne Visitor Information Centre or Larne Museum & Arts Centre. Closing date is Friday 27^th June.  Forms will also be available to download from www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

As part of the festival programme budding photographers will be asked to take photographs which capture Larne coastal landscape and maritime heritage. Whether it’s a striking shot of the rugged coast line or a fisherman coming into shore we are looking for creative images that show off Larne’s beautiful landscape! Entries will be displayed at Larne Visitor Information Centre in June. There will be 2 categories, under 16 years and over 16 years. There will 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for each category.

This is just one of a large number of events taking place in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Keep up to date with what is happening in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (June 1 -7).

• Bargain Hunt Antiques, Art and Collectibles Fair, Greyabbey, Co.Down, June 1. Join Tim Wannacott and other art dealers for a special day of antiques in Greyabbey. Two teams will go head to head and visitors can enjoy the fun atmosphere whilst browsing the stalls of porcelain, furniture, silver, original paintings, vintage clothing and more.

• Walk the Glens Festival, Co Antrim, June 5. The Walk the Glens Festival is based around the spectacular surroundings of Glenariff, Cushendall and Cushendun. Local guides will escort you through breathtaking routes and also inform and educate on the culture and history of this famous area.

• Titanic Taster Tour – Art, Titanic House, 6 Queen’s Rd, Belfast, Co. Antrim, June 6.  Join the Titanic Foundation for an exciting opportunity to enjoy a fully tutored day of location drawing with local artist Julie Douglas.  Stops include the SS Nomadic, the former Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, before finishing off in the famous Titanic Dock & Pump-House.

• Mid Ulster Vintage Rally, Springhill House, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Co Derry~Londonderry, June 6.  Spectators can enjoy the largest vintage vehicle rally in mid Ulster, where hundreds of vehicles and items of machinery will be on display for all the family. The event will be hosted by the Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicles Club.

• Fleadh Cheoil Ard Macha, Parochial Hall,  Blackwatertown, Co Armagh, June 5 – 7. The Fleadh will begin on Friday 5^th June with a concert featuring the Crosskeys Group of Traditional Music and various local artists. The Saturday will see competitions take place all day in St Jarlath’s Primary School followed by Street Sessions.

• Omagh Laughs Back, various venues around Omagh, Co Tyrone, June 5 – 7. This brand new Festival of Comedy is brought to you by Dalys Comedy Club and will feature an array of comedy talent from all over the UK and Ireland including comedy workshops, street performers and stand up comics.

• Forest Fun and Minibeast Hunt, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh, June 7. Families can come along and join the hunt for wildlife in the Marble Arch Caves National Nature Reserve. Children can learn all about the minibeasts fascinating lifestyles and their roles in the ecosystems.

• Christy Moore with Máirtín O’Connor Band, Belfast Waterfront, Co Antrim, June 5 – 6. Music legend, Christy Moore will entertain crowds with his much loved songs and will be joined on stage by Máirtín O’Connor, one of the most respected and best loved musicians to emerge from Ireland and one of the main musical forces behind Riverdance.

• Open Day at Grey Point Fort, Helen’s Bay, Co Down, June 6. This exciting event is organised by the Grey Point Fort Amateur Radio Society and Volunteers. Visitors can watch the Living History show from 12.30pm which will include representatives of British, German and Russian WW2 armies with their respective uniform and weapons as well as take in a display of D Company military vehicles, a collection of radios and military memorabilia.

• Photography Weekend Workshop, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, June 6 – 7. Perfect for photography enthusiasts, this mixed weekend workshop with two award winning photographers will focus on landscapes and birds.  Attendees will learn lots of new skills and techniques on what promises to be an exciting and interesting weekend.

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.

With over 100 events, many completely FREE, the fifth Belfast Book Festival, 8-14 June, is getting ready to showcase some of the biggest names in the literary world from home and beyond.

The voices of authors, poets and performers will come alive at the Crescent Arts Centre as well as other locations across the city. From young to old from first timers to late bloomers – whatever your age or level of   reading interests the jammed packed programme is guaranteed to have something to encourage you to take part.

Notable highlights for this year include; a conversation with Guardian columnist Polly Toynbee and David Walker on their co-authored book ‘Cameron’s Coup’; 1991 Booker prize winner, novelist and short story writer Ben Okri; writer, filmmaker and radical thinker Tariq Ali in conversation on his book ‘The Extreme Centre: A warning’; Comedian Mark Thomas who will be raising the roof of the Belfast Empire; actress and comedienne Helen Lederer who will discuss her book ‘Losing It’.  Plus hear from Eimear O’Callaghan on her book ‘Belfast Days: A 1972 Teenage Diary.’

The Belfast Book Festival is proud to present a range of firsts, late bloomers, launches, weeklong events, workshops, lunchtime sessions, as well as providing a platform for unknown authors.  Look out for ‘Fiction Firsts’ featuring first time novelists, contemporary writers at ‘Young Irelanders’ and, showing it’s never too late to start writing, will be the ‘Literary Late Bloomers’. Join local author Glenn Patterson as he launches his latest book ‘Here’s me Here.’  Get yourself heard through events such as Self-Publishing Salon, Publishing Day and Squat Pen.  Need a festival fix during the day?  Then, make sure you check out the literary lunchtimes featuring a range of local author’s voices. Weeklong events include ‘SacrumProfanum’ an exhibition in the 1^st floor Crescent Arts Centre gallery whilst workshops range from fiction writing with Claire Keegan to performance reading for writers with Rosie Pelan.

The festival will also provide a voice on interesting topics and debates. Highlights include ‘Writing on Depression’ with Liz Frazer and Carolyn Jess-Cooke, high profile former Premiership footballer Thomas Hitzlsperger in conversation with Denise Watson and racy revelations of a famous Dublin Madame with Julie Peakman and Nuala McKeever – ‘Peg Plunket: Memoirs of a Whore.’

Poetry lovers will be in their element with the wide choice of events available. Some of the events include; ‘The Accessible Muse’ Brian Patten one of the legendary Liverpool Poets; exhilarating performance poet Tony ‘Longfella‘ Walsh; the annual Poetry Slam; award-winning Kate Newmann and Nessa O’Mahony or hear from John F Deane, James Harpur and Anthony Cronin at Three Voices.

The voices of children and children’s authors will also be heard with support from Eason and the best bit – all of these events are FREE. Hear from Julie-Anne Graham’s ‘The Perfect Percival Priggs’, to Chrissie Gittins’ ‘Stars in Jars’ to Derek Mulveen’s ‘Oisin the Brave – Robot Island’.  Kids will enjoy the book detective events where they can track down escaped book characters as well as the outdoor Eason Family Fun Day at Crescent Arts Centre featuring art workshops and magical stories.  Want to spark their imagination then get your 7 – 12 yr along to the Scribbling & Rory’s story cubes workshop.  Local school pupils will get the chance to be involved in the Festival when featured authors will join them for workshops. Register your interest at outtreach@crescentarts.org.

If music is your interest then the Belfast Book Festival has something for you. Look out for a discussion with local musician Duke Special & writer and comedian Andrew Doyle on their forthcoming musical adaption of Gulliver’s Travels at the Lyric Theatre with Youth Music Theatre UK.  Hear from storyteller, illustrator and musician Randall Stephen Hall on his one man show.  Go behind the scenes of the Eurovision Song Contest with David Blake Knox or hear about life in 90s Manchester band Inspiral Carpets with frontman Tom Hingley.
Festival Director, Keith Acheson, said:

“Every year the Belfast Book Festival provides an opportunity for authors, poets and performers, to showcase their work.  Yet again we reveal another packed programme of events which we hope will appeal to everyone – no matter what age or level of interest in literature. Whilst we are delighted to welcome returning supporters we are keen to reach out to those who have never participated in our festival before and encourage them to join us in trying something new.  I would also like to take this opportunity to thank our key funders the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council for their continued support as well as all of our many festival sponsors and partners.”
For further details on the Belfast Book Festival including the full festival programme  visit www.belfastbookfestival.com or follow on facebook – Belfastbookfestival or twitter @belfastbookfest #belfastbook.

Sat 30 May to Fri 5 June

Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 30: Bricks4Kidz Lego Workshop

Sun 31: Face Painting, Plant and Play Garden Workshop and Crafts

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

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

Saturday 30 May, Tea with the Lord

Tour Departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Conc), £4

Embrace the opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 31 May, Comber Historical/Titanic Walking Tours

Tour departs from The Square, Comber

Tickets: £6 (Ad), £5 (Conc), £3 (Ch)

Join Valhalla Street Theatre as they transport you back in time to Thomas Andrews, designer of the Titanic.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sat 6 June to Fri 12 June

Saturday 6 June, Meet the Maker: Making a Folding Stool

Ards Crafts, Craft and Design Centre

Tickets: £12 inc materials (Age 18+)

A workshop with green woodturner Alexey Janes

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 6: Glitter Tattoos, Casey’s creatures

Sun 7: Aldo’s Magic Show

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

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

Saturday 6 June,  Abbots, Priests & Pilgrims Coach Tour

Tour departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre

Tickets: £17 (Ad), £15 (Conc), £8 (Ch) – Includes light lunch

This tour traces the rise of Christianity in the Ards Peninsula.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Monday 8 June,  Helens Bay in 2 World Wars: St Johns Church and Grey Point Church

Tour departs from St John’s Church car park

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

Wednesday 10 June,  Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tour

Tour departs from the bandstand in the Walled Garden

Free tour

This popular tour provides an insight into the garden’s history, its restoration and the vast array of plants, fruits and vegetables which are grown there.

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

Tickets on sale now…

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June, Sea Bangor Festival Tall Ship Sailings

Bangor Seafront

The Morgenster will be open to the public over the two days of the Sea Bangor Festival weekend, with evening sailings on both nights from the Eisenhower Pier (limited numbers):
Saturday, departs at 7pm
Sunday, departs at 7.30pm

Tickets cost £15 (no concessions) and the sailing will take you around Belfast Lough over a duration of 1 hour and thirty minutes

Info and booking: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

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

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Shows: 2pm and 6pm

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

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

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

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

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 6 – Saturday 27 June

Art in the Loft – “Ash artefacts”

Downloadable Guides

2015 Ards and North Down Events Guide

2015 Experience Ards and North Down Tours

Ever seen a Jetlev before? Come to the Sea Bangor Maritime Festival and watch the spectacular Jetlev in action!

The Jetlev Flyer is a water jetpack which the pilot straps into and takes off like a superhero. Water is delivered to the jetpack through a sophisticated device giving enough pressure to lift them out of the water up to heights of 10 metres high and speeds of 40mph.

The Jetlev-Flyer is an exhilarating combination of personal flight and an extreme water sport. These unique £80,000 carbon fibre 260hp machines combine their powerful supercharged engines and unique designs with water nozzle repulsion force to achieve stable, controlled flights. Jetlev demonstrations will be taking place each hour at the Bangor Festival 27 and 28 June.

We are giving one lucky person the chance to have a free ride on a Jetlev at the Sea Bangor Festival (worth £150). If you would like to be in with a chance to win this thrilling prize, please email events@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk and tell us in less than 30 words why you deserve to win! You must be over 18 to enter.

This year’s Sea Bangor, which is being run by Ards and North Down Borough Council and kindly sponsored by Tourism NI, is absolutely packed with something to do for everyone. Situated in a tented village in Quay Street car park, highlights of the festival will include the “Big Bangor Bake Off” competition hosted by SERC which will include baking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, a cake contest and pancake challenges. Over in the kid’s tent “Tiddlers,” Cahoots NI will be performing a special theatrical magic show and The Dockside Emporium which is being hosted by Bangor’s Craft Emporium promises to be a world of entertainment and wonder with demonstrations and crafts from lots of local artists.  With maritime themed street theatre, a tall ship, a naval vessel, a gourmet food tent, a fantastic live music programme, an aerial display from the Twister Aerobatic Team, and so much more, Sea Bangor is definitely not to be missed! The festival runs from 10am to 6pm on the Saturday and Noon to 6pm on the Sunday.

For further information check www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

The straw is once more the draw in Magherafelt when the town’s annual festival takes place next month (Saturday 6 June).

Up to a dozen ‘straw people’ are expected to be on show during the festival’s community carnival parade through the town centre, with an exhibition of all the straw creations, entertainment, food and craft stalls on offer during the afternoon at Meadowbank Sports Arena.

All of the straw characters are being designed by local community-based groups for the event which is organised by Mid Ulster District Council.

The Straw Festival takes place on Saturday 6 June, beginning with the community carnival parade at 1pm from Magherafelt High School and finishing at Meadowbank Sports Arena with a family fun day and prizes for the best straw creations. Entertainment will continue on site until 5pm and admission is £1.

For further information on the Straw Festival, contact Magherafelt Visitor Information centre on 028 7963 1510 or visit http://www.midulstercouncil.org/Things-To-Do/What-s-On/Straw-Festival