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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

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

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

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

Coleraine based, First4Printing, is sponsoring the Supersport Race, which will take place on Friday 24^th July 2015 in Armoy.

The long established graphic design and printing services company has been printing the Armoy programme since its inception in 2009 and has welcomed this opportunity to be able to give back and support the local event.

Chris Atchison, Director of First4Printing, who is a keen bike fan himself, said; “I’ve been working with the Club for the last number of years and I’ve been impressed by their professionalism, their work ethic and their ability to make things happen.

“In truth, I value them as a customer, and as a firm supporter of the local community. I had been looking for an opportunity to give back locally and the Armoy Road Races was that perfect fit for me and First4Printing.”

In 2014 the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, for the first year, ran a race on the Friday after practice. This proved a great success with a fantastic and exciting road race, which involved top riders Guy Martin and Keith Amor but it was local rider William Dunlop who took the win clinching a hard fought but tremendous battle for the top step of the podium. This year William will be riding the Chris Dowd/Ivan Curran Racing Caffrey Yamaha YZF- R6.

Thanking Chris Atchison of First4Printing, Clerk of the Course, Bill Kennedy, said, “Chris and First4Printing has been a great supporter of the races and we are very pleased that they have decided to sponsor Friday night’s Supersport Race.

“Friday’s race sees the bigger bikes take to the Armoy roads for the very first competitive race and it sets the tone for the next 11 races. The race also contributes to our ‘Man of the Meeting’ Award which also includes the second Supersport race on Saturday, the Open Race and of course the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’.

“First4Printing is a superb local company that is very much part of the community and now more so than ever they are part of the Armoy community that eats, breathes and sleeps Armoy Road Races!”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and 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.

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.

There’s lots to see and do for all the family next weekend in Bangor!

The Continental Market will be arriving at The McKee Clock Arena on Thursday May 14 for a five day stay. Featuring a wonderful range of foods and crafts from across Europe, the market has something for everyone and is a great day out for the whole family.

Bangor Sea Front will be home to an array of traders from all over the world, bringing foods and products from their country of origin. There will  be a huge variety of flavours to try at the Bangor Continental Market, Jamaican traders will be offering their bespoke variety of Jerk chicken, Quorn products, Veggie wraps, mutton and lamb dishes. Island Spice Grill and other tour regulars such as Bella Paella and our Italian nougat and chocolate traders are once again looking forward to encouraging visitors to swap their buckets and spades for some delicious mouth-watering food. The culinary adventurous of Bangor and visitors to the seaside town can look forward to a colourful aromatic adventure of exciting flavours.

Opening hours of the Continental Market are:

Thursday to Saturday 09:00 to 18.00

Sunday 10:00 to 16:00

Monday 09:00 to 18:00

Then on Saturday, May 16, the Ards & North Down Pipe Championships will be taking place in Bangor. This ever popular event will see Pipe Bands & Drum Majors travel from all over Northern Ireland to compete to become champions. The event is free and runs from Noon to 6pm. The competition will be taking place in Castle Park which is sure to be a spectacular back drop for the event.

With over 40 bands from all over Northern Ireland and Scotland competing, the event promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family.

Speaking about the event, The Mayor of Ards and North Down Alderman Alan Graham said: “As Mayor of North Down I am delighted to welcome the Ards and North Down Pipe Band Championships to Bangor and am especially honoured to act as ‘Chieftain of the Day’ for this prestigious event.

The Championships are a firm favourite in the Council’s Events Programme and brings a great day of family entertainment to Bangor, to be enjoyed by competitors and supporters alike.”

The event kicks off at 12 noon and runs till 6pm so come along for an afternoon of pure entertainment!

The fun will begin the minute you arrive into Bangor because to mark the 150^th Anniversary of the extension of Bangor Railway Line from Holywood a special event will be taking place at Bangor Train Station on Saturday and Sunday 16 and 17 May. Between 2 and 4pm on the Saturday, there will be children’s entertainment, a model railway lay-out and display and a special photographic exhibition illustrating the history of the line.

Look out on the station too for musicians and living history actors portraying some of the key characters in the 150 year history of the line.

On Sunday 17 May, the RPSI are running steam excursions from Belfast Central to Bangor and return; tickets can be purchased in advance from www.steamtrainsireland.com or from the Belfast Welcome Centre. The arrival at Bangor station at 1.55pm will be met in style, with representatives in period costume. This train will stop briefly at Holywood station, en route, to allow the local townsfolk to send it off to Bangor in style.

So come to Bangor next weekend – there’s something on offer for everyone!

Spring at Larne Market Yard

On Saturday 16^th May 2015 Larne Market Yard will be filled with a cluster of crafters, artists, and collectors selling food, art, crafts and gifts.  Alongside the market stalls a number of Artists and Makers, will be showcasing and selling their work,  giving demonstrations and chatting about what inspires them to be creative.

You’ll be able to view a saddle maker at his work, a blacksmith forging metal, as well as pottery, spinning and florist demonstrations. Larne musician Matthew Malcolm will be providing live music from 12pm-2pm and there will be face painting, balloon modellers and some cuddly animals from Phil’s Farm to oooh and ahhh at!

The event will take place from 10.30am- 3.30pm. Come along and enjoy perusing some beautiful handmade creations, local produce and spring time fun.

Why not also take time to head into Larne Town Centre, which is only a short walk from the Market Yard and enjoy the shops, cafes and restaurants the town has to offer.

For more information check out Larne Alive Official on Facebook or www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (May 11-17).

• Bluebell Walk, Lissan House, Drumgrass Road, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, May 16. Visit Lissan House, an enchanting country house, at the heart of a sprawling 267 acre demesne nestled in a prime location in the valley of the Lissan Water for a walk around the stunning bluebells and a guided tour of the grounds. From 1.30pm.

• Writers on Writers Festival 2015: Festival Launch, Linen Hall Library, Donegall Square North, Belfast, May 13. Focusing on the experience of reading, writing and publishing short stories, this year offers a host of events and writers to discuss their personal experiences including Bernard MacLaverty, David Park, Glenn Patterson, Anne Devlin, and many more.  From 1pm.

• Balmoral Show, Halftown Road, Maze, Lisburn, Co Antrim, May 13-15. This year’s Balmoral Show promises the usual components of food, farming excellence and showmanship alongside an even more exciting entertainment schedule. There will be lots to enjoy for all the family including world class arena stunt attractions, a food village, funfair, Craft village and much more. From 9.30am.

• The Argory Country Fair, The Argory, Moy, Co Armagh, May 16-17. Head to The Argory for the return of their fantastic Country Fair. The weekend activities include local trade, craft and food stalls, food demonstrations, rare breed animals and fun dog show, live music and entertainment. From 12-5pm.

• North West 200 Outdoor Concert and Fireworks, The Crescent, Portstewart, Co Londonderry, May 15. Things will really get going the night before the main race day with a free outdoor concert followed by an amazing fireworks display into the bay. Creedence Clearwater Revived is reforming especially for this event making it a gig not-to-be-missed! From 8.30pm.

• Danny Boy Festival, various locations around Limavady, Co Londonderry, May 15-17. Enjoy this unique festival that has everything from cultural tours to art exhibitions as well as outstanding music. Back by popular demand following their amazing 2014 show, the highly acclaimed and ever popular Bagatelle is the Danny Boy Festival headline act for 2015. Various times.

• Hands on Seafood Cookery Classes, Nautilus Centre, Rooney Road, Kilkeel, Co Down, February 21. Enjoy hands on cookery class where the chef will take you through a number of recipes, various cooking, and preparation techniques and tips. The course is designed to be informative but also to be a fun and enjoyable experience. From 6.30pm.

• Bangor 150, Steam Trains Ireland, Central Station, Belfast, May 17. Join Steam Trains Ireland on a return journey from Belfast with an afternoon at the seaside celebrating the 150th anniversary of the railway coming to Bangor. From 11.45am.

• Classic Fishing Festival 2015, Lough Erne, Co Fermanagh, May 11-15. The Festival welcomes more than 240 anglers, including several previous World Champions, from Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria to take part in a number of special events and exhibitions marking the 40^th consecutive year of the popular fishing festival. Begins each day at various times.

• Spring Dunes – Portstewart Strand, Portstewart, Co Londonderry, May 17. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore a fascinating 6000 year old ecosystem on your doorstep. Our rangers will show you first hand the new growth taking place in the ancient dune system and why this is such a special place. From 2-4pm.

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.

Down

The amazing Belfast Community Gospel Choir will be coming to Bangor Elim on Saturday 9th May. A night not to be missed with all the proceeds going towards the work of the Bangor Elim Family Foundation and the work of Davy & Esther Allen in Cambodia. Tickets are £10 and will be available at the Church, and at Faith Mission Bookshop, Bangor.  This promises to be a fun filled night with great music, singing and entertainment.

Armagh

This Friday  8^th and Saturday 9^th May meet Herman and Daisy at the Market Place Theatre. They want to make shoes for your feet. But they owe so much money they barely can eat. Don’t worry though, because magic is always just around the corner. The Elves are here to help! And sometimes the answers are right above your head.  Fidget Feet’s ‘The Elves & The Shoemaker’ is immersive storytelling with music and aerial circus for children aged between 4-8yrs and their families. There is no stage, you will join them inside their workshop and actually help them to make the best pair of shoes ever made. Herman, Daisy and the Elves need you!

Fermanagh

This Saturday 9th May take part in the 10K Fun Run / 3K Walk at 2.00pm, through the beautiful surroundings of Colebrooke Estate. Registration from 12-1.30pm in Colebrooke Church Hall. Strictly 15yrs & over competing in the 10K with cash prizes for those competing in the 10K.  All proceeds in aid of Brookeborough & District Community Playgroup Funds.

Tyrone

The Sperrin Choir present an evening devoted to the glitz and glamour of the musical this Thursday evening 7^th May at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown in “The Magic of the Musicals”.  The audience will be transported from 1950’s right through to the modern day.  The programme is sure to have everyone humming along to some of the world’s most famous melodies written by composers such as Andrew Lloyd Webber, Claude Schonberg and Stephen Schwartz.

Derry

See Goitse perform live this Saturday 9^th May at An Coire, Maghera.  Goitse Forged in the white-hot creative crucible of Limerick University’s Irish World Academy of Music and Dance, the quintet have graduated with a musical maturity worthy of the greatest. They have made a name for themselves as one of the most sought after bands amongst connoisseurs of Irish Traditional music, having won feverish critical plaudits for their Dónal Lunny-produced second album Transformed.  Their distinctive sound lies in the quality of their own compositions interspersed with well-known traditional tunes, which make each set entertaining and unique. The gripping rhythm section sets a breaktaking pace for the music while through the sweet, charismatic voice of Áine Mc Geeney draw audiences into the music in a way very few performers can achieve.  Lace up your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of wonderful music and fast paced fun with Goitse.

Antrim

Fresh from a West End run of ‘The Trials of Oscar Wilde’, European Arts Company returns with a thrilling adaptation of Wilde’s only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray this Friday 8^th May at the Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey.   Set in the decadent world of Victorian London, a beautiful, narcissistic young man called Dorian Gray becomes infatuated by the exquisite portrait that Basil Hallward has painted of him. He makes a Faustian pact that he will remain forever young while the picture grows old. Combining drawing room comedy and Gothic horror, this is a gripping and hugely entertaining theatrical event.

Belfast

The Crazy Cat Comedy Club returns to the Belfast Barge this Thursday 7th May with Paul Currie. This is what Stewart Lee had to say about him in Edinburgh 2014 “Wish I’d see him sooner! I’ll be back to see him every year now! Paul Currie was my favourite comedy show of the Fringe! “Paul has been doing stand up for over 10 years now but before that he was a street performer and was teaching circus skills. This is clear to see in Paul’s act too! Support comes from stand-up comics Conor McGinley and Louise Taylor. Both are also experienced comedy actors.  Hosted by MC Victoria E Armstrong. A great line up and a great night’s craic guaranteed!” Doors 8pm

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.