Local Produce is Star of Festival

THOSE attending the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival this year are in for a real treat with local cuisine and local chefs at the ready to tantalise the taste buds.

Festival goers are being urged to bring their appetite along to the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival this year as food traders are being joined by renowned chefs to celebrate the local fare of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

The Festival will take place between 22^nd May and 31^st May this year, with the Ballycastle Town Market running from Saturday 23^rd to Monday 25^th May, offering a diverse mix of local produce, art and crafts. The Market has a strong maritime theme, incorporating various seafood and inspired cookery demonstrations.

Caroline Carey, Tourism Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens explains: “The food on offer at the Festival celebrates our love of local produce, especially seafood and how it is such a big part of our cultural heritage. In addition to delicious seafood, we have some exemplary cooks and bakers exhibiting the culinary talents here in the Causeway Coast and Glens, with some amazing bread, cakes, cupcakes and tray bakes on offer, to name but a few!

“We are also lucky to have secured Derek Creagh from the Great British Menu, who will be appearing from 12:30 to 2:30pm on Sunday 24th May at the seafront in Ballycastle.”

Derek won the Georgina Campbell Chef of the Year Award and has worked with proprietor Donal Doherty to open the new Harry’s Shack restaurant on Portstewart Strand. Derek’s cuisine is modern with a focus on using the best local produce – this time pioneering the best on offer in the Causeway Coast and Glens.

“Local lad Oliver Molloy will be representing Gidleigh Park in the Seafood Cookery demonstrations. Well known for providing quality food at O’Connor’s Bar in Ballycastle, he was offered a position after his placement with 2 Michelin Star Gidleigh Park in Devon, after completing his Professional Chef’s Diploma in June 2014.  He will be on the same afternoon as Derek, which is perfect, as it shows the level talent in the area,” continued Caroline Carey.

Shauna McFall, Ballycastle Town Market, said, “This Festival is great news for the town and we are delighted to be playing our part. We are a not for profit community group which holds a regular market in Ballycastle with the aim to promote and encourage local producers, crafters and artists with a strong ‘shop local’ ethos.

“At this event there will be some amazing gastronomy on offer and Ballycastle will be a hive of activity over the ten days of the Festival, with a variety of events happening throughout, so I’d encourage everyone to come along, particularly to the Ballycastle Market as you’ll be missing out if you don’t!”

“It’s also worth mentioning that our fabulous restaurants and hotels use the freshest local produce on a daily basis, so make sure to sample these delights too. The Traditional boats, the Drontheim and the Currach are gracing Ballycastle seafront, as well as a fabulous Maritime Exhibition, exploring our fishing heritage. We have Treasure Hunts and Fishing Trips as well as the RNLI and Coastguard displaying their equipment and holding rescue exercises,” concluded Caroline Carey.

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.

Fane Valley recently announced plans to become the headline sponsor to Armagh County Agricultural Show.

The support for the annual family Show will commence from Saturday 13^th June 2015 until 2018 and once again reinforces Fane Valley’s close relationships in the rural and local community.

The Armagh Show is one of the oldest and standout dates in the County calendar and has grown significantly over the years with its re-location to the beautiful backdrop of Gosford Forest Park. The show each year endeavours to broaden its appeal and add to its vast selection of attractions and family festivities.

Speaking at the launch Trevor Lockhart, Fane Valley – Chief Executive said: “Fane Valley is very excited to become Principal Sponsor to Armagh Show for the next three years. This wonderful family event has gone from strength to strength and is a testament to the commitment and dedication of their members and volunteers.   We feel it is the correct time to increase our sponsorship for the show and where we can, help support the vision for its growth over the coming years.”

Stephen Hamilton – Armagh County Show Chairman commented: “We are very proud to be able to announce Fane Valley as our lead sponsor. Fane Valley is a major player in the agri-food industry and have long and established relationships with many of our farming and local communities. Fane Valley is no stranger to the show and has contributed to our success over the years. So it’s great that they have officially came onboard as headline sponsor.  This new partnership is a perfect fit for the show and the committee and I are delighted to work with Fane Valley over the coming years.”

See this year’s full programme at armaghshow.com/show-programme with some exciting additions including:

• Expanded Artisan Food Village featuring All-Ireland Home Cook Championship.
• Fashion Show and Best Dressed Lady and Gentleman Competition

Applications to enter classes in all Sections can be made online … see website for details.

Park & Ride at Mullaghbrack and Tandragee Road entrances.  Use Parking Fields on these roads.

The revised schedule for Saturday’s racing at the 2015 Vauxhall International North West 200 following the postponement of the Spidi Superstock race on Thursday evening is as follows:

Roads close 9.30 am

Racing begins at 10.30am

Race 1 Spidi Superstock race 6 laps

Race 2 Betmclean.com Supersport Race 6 laps

Race 3 Monster Energy Superbike Race 7 laps

Race 4 The Anchor Portstewart Supertwin Race 4 laps

Race 5 CP Hire Superstock Race 6 laps

Race 6 Vauxhall NW200 Superbike Race 7 laps

Ever wanted to come face to face with some of the biggest Robot stars of the big screen?!

Titanic Belfast’s exciting summer exhibition ROBOTS will give you the opportunity to do just that!

ROBOTS will be taking over from 26^th June – 13^th September with a collection of robots, cyborgs and androids from some of the most popular films and TV series…there’s something for everyone!
If it is the good guys that you like, come along and meet stars from Star Trek, Red Dwarf and Robby the Robot from Forbidden Planet. Film fans will also recognise the B9 robot from Lost in Space, Iron Man and the cyborg RoboCop amongst others.
Or if you prefer the darker side of things, come along and see ABC robot from Judge Dredd, a Sontaran from Doctor Who and T-800 from Terminator 2 are awaiting your visit!
With over 50 pieces on display including firm favourites R2D2, a Battle Droid, as well as stars such as Sonny from the film I, Robot and Michael Jackson’s bust from Moonwalker, robot fans will be spoilt for choice!
Enter into a world of ROBOTS from 10am – 7pm daily for an experience to remember!
Adult: £6
Child (5-16): £3
Family (2A,2C): £16

Book online now at www.titanicbelfast.com/robots.

Flower power is set to transform Ballyclare soon with the arrival of the annual May Fair!

This year’s ‘Ballyclare in Bloom’ theme, will see the town awash with vibrant colours as shop window displays embrace the floral theme ahead of the programme of events that will run from Tuesday 19 May until Saturday 24 May.

The fun of the fair begins on Tuesday 19 May when the Main Street will be closed off for the traditional horse trading from 11am-5pm and a gourmet food market with market stalls in place throughout the town. The day will be packed with entertainment for all the family such as Hugo Duncan in the Square,  a Family Fun Day at Sixmile Leisure Centre and a Garth Brooks tribute band in the Main Street later that evening.

Other highlights throughout the week will include half- price amusement rides from  7-9pm on Wednesday 20 May and a Ceilidh night on Thursday 21 May from   7.30pm-10pm in the Town Hall. A sing-along screening of Frozen will take centre stage at the Town Hall on Friday 22 May at 4.30pm and tickets for this will be on sale at Sixmile Leisure Centre.

The programme of events will end on Saturday 23 May with plenty of activities including the  Mayor’s Parade at 1pm and ‘Another Wee Gatherin’ with the Major Sinclair Pipe Band at 7.30pm in the Town Hall. A spectacular fireworks display will close the May Fair at 10.15pm in the Town Centre.

Copies of the programme are available at Ballyclare Town Hall and at www.yourballyclare.com or follow Ballyclare May Fair on Facebook.

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.