Until 6th July : Exhibition, “Where is Sleep?”

North Down Museum, Bangor

These illustrations are taken from a children’s picture book story written by local couple Jim & Laura Lavery, ‘Where is Sleep?’.  The story is about a little girl who is told to ‘go to sleep’ but she doesn’t know where it is or how to find it. Her adventures lead her to new ways of thinking about sleep. The story grew from their young daughter’s struggle with sleep.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Until 27 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst

North Down Museum, Bangor

This exhibition explores the life and work of Northern Ireland’s most prolific director through a variety of fascinating images, objects and stories.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Until Sunday 22 June, Community Festival of Traditional Music, Song and Dance

Bangor Area, various

Grant aided by North Down Borough Council

Ards CCÉ can confirm that this year’s headline concert at St Comgall’s Parish Centre will be the legendary ‘FRANKIE GAVIN & DE DANNAN’ supported by INU and Ards CCÉ Award Winning Show. Tickets are currently on sale to the public at Mace Store, Brunswick Rd, Bangor and cost only £10 per person. Doors open at 7.30pm and a fully licensed bar is available.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 21: Party Animals NI, Glitter Tattoos

Sun 22: Jumping Clay Workshop, Balloon Modelling
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 28: Puppet Show

Sun 29: Science Show, Children’s Crafts
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 29 June, Walking Tour: Historic Bangor (Re-enactment) walk

2.30pm

Discover Bangor’s history, from Bronze Age settlements, Bangor Abbey and its European influence to the Vikings, World War II and Bangor’s development as a seaside town.

Tickets £3. Pre-booking your place is essential. Subject to availability.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Friday 4 – Friday 11 July, F18 World Championship

Ballyholme Yacht Club, Bangor

Ballyholme Yacht Club is the host for this summer’s prestigious F18 catamaran World Championship which will be sailed on Belfast Lough, one of the best sailing areas in Europe. The event, one of the largest in Ireland this year, will run from 4th till 11th July.

Info: 2014.f18worlds.com

Saturday 5 July, Harbour Hoedown

Groomsport Harbour

Live Music From 7pm

‘The Hardchargers’, ‘Flatville Ace’s and Headliner Act ‘Hayseed Dixie’ will be performing a mix of Bluegrass, Louisiana style Cajun and ‘Rockgrass’ music. Free.

More free family fun: Children’s funfair 12noon-10pm and children’s activities at Cockle Row Cottages 2pm-6pm.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 July, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment
Sat 5, 2-4pm: Glitter Tattoos, Children’s Crafts, Balloon Modeller, World of Owls

Sat 5, 4-6pm: Magician, Face Painting, Party Animals NI (The programme has been extended on Saturday to coincide with Groomsport’s Harbour Hoedown event: Live Music from 7pm)

Sun 6, 2-4pm: Face Painting, Children’s Crafts & Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 6 July, Live music at the Bandstand

Ward Park, Bangor

The summer season of FREE live music every Sunday in Ward Park starts this week! The 2014 programme promises and fantastic line up of eclectic music that everyone is sure to enjoy.

This week’s act: Ken Haddock and Scott Flanigan performing the music of Johnny Hartman, *4pm-6pm (*this week only). Weekly speciality market, organised by Town Centre Management.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS…

Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 July, Heartbreak Productions presents ‘Pride & Prejudice’

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Tickets £6. On sale now! Book online or call for tickets. Pre-booking essential.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Book online: www.northdown.gov.uk/arts

Saturday 26 July, ‘Pipes in the Park’ featuring Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Bangor Town Hall

Free event, 12noon-6pm.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm. The event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out. In conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

DON’T FORGET…

Pickie Funpark, Bangor Seafront is open daily 9am-7pm

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Castle Park is open Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun and Bank Holidays 10am-6pm

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (June 23-29).

• Celtronic Festival, various locations, City of Derry, June 25-29. The electronic festival showcases the best in all forms of electronic music with local, national and international DJ’s and live performance acts.

• Pipeworks Festival 2014, Ulster Hall, Belfast, June 25-27. The festival comes to Belfast for the first time and will showcase the mighty Mulholland Grand Organ in all its magnificence as the venue hosts two concerts. 

• Mourne International Walking Festival, Newcastle, Co. Down, June 27-29. This festival provides walking routes through the Mourne Mountains along with its very own “Blister Ball”, taking place on Saturday the 28^th of June which includes food and live music.

• Brian Desmond Hurst Exhibition, North Down Museum, Bangor, Co. Down, until July 27. A new exhibition looking at the life and work of Brian Desmond, originally from East Belfast he was one of Northern Ireland’s most prolific directors spanning a career of four decades.

• Erne Paddlers Open Day, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, June 28. Enjoy an afternoon of fun and the chance to try out the many different types of kayaks and canoes on offer during this open day on Lough Erne.

• Irish Game Fair and Flavour of Ireland Fine Food Festival, Shanes Castle Estate, Co. Antrim, June 28-29. Enjoy an evening of blues and jazz music – Ronnie Greer’s special guests are pianist Scott Flanigan, American saxophonist Meilana Gillard and percussionist Steve ‘Dakix’ Davis. Enjoy an evening of blues and jazz music – Ronnie Greer’s special guests are pianist Scott Flanigan, American saxophonist Meilana Gillard and percussionist Steve ‘Dakix’ Davis.This unique festival offers a glimpse into country lifestyle with a varied programme of competitions, attractions and much more for the whole familyEnjoy an evening of blues and jazz music – Ronnie Greer’s special guests are pianist Scott Flanigan, American saxophonist Meilana Gillard and percussionist Steve ‘Dakix’ Davskgfasdk.

• Portrush Regatta, Portrush Harbour, Co. Antrim, June 28-29. The two-day dinghy and yacht racing event launching from the Harbour, Portrush will be a fun filled weekend for all of the family.

• Armagh Annual Art Club Exhibition, Armagh County Museum, Co. Armagh, June 28 – September 5. The Art Club’s summer exhibition is a popular event allowing visitors to view paintings of the county and further afield.

• Frock Around the Clock Midsummer Vintage Fair, Lissan House, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, June 29. Set in the beautiful grounds of the 400 year old Lissan House and Demense, have a look at the wonderful vintage and handmade clothing, furniture and jewellery offered by various sellers.

• Archaeology Days, various locations, Derry~Londonderry, until June 30.  A celebration of the archaeology and early history of the province with a series of digs, lectures, talks and walks which will help to explore the history of the city and region.

Down

BuskFest is an international busking festival which takes place in Banbridge.  The event, which is now in its 11th year, attracts 6000+ people from across the globe to Banbridge Town Centre. This year’s BuskFest will take place on Saturday 21 June 2014! The event comprises the outdoor daytime busking competition followed by the prize giving ceremony in Solitude Park.

Tyrone

Coagh is the place to be this Saturday evening as stars of the future and folk veterans perform together to provide a night of musical magic that is certain to entertain and in the process raise funds for the MS Society NI. Held in Tamlaght Church Hall, Coagh, this night for all in the community promises rich variety from Irish and Scottish dancing to traditional folk and the voices of the St Malachy’s and Coagh Primary School choirs.

Fermanagh

Enjoy a Saturday Evening Dinner Cruise on Upper and Lower Lough Erne, Enniskillen this Saturday 21st June with Erne Tours. Start your evening off with a relaxing 90 minute cruise of Upper and Lower Lough Erne, listen to some music or listen to the live commentary about the history of Enniskillen Town, the flora and fauna of Lough Erne and much more. Departing at 6.30pm sharp from the Killyhevlin Hotel Jetty.  Your Dinner Cruise will include a 3 course meal at the 4 star Killyhevlin Hotel.  On arrival back at 8pm you will be escorted to the private Regatta Suite overlooking the lake where you can dine at your leisure.

Derry

Come and be part of one of the most exciting events to be held in 2014 to welcome the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race 2014 at the LegenDerry Maritime Festival.  From 21^st -29^th June the City will be alive for the homecoming festival when we will welcome the 12 strong fleet of Clipper 70 yachts into the Foyle including the Derry~Londonderry~Doire entry skippered this time by the City’s own Sean McCarter accompanied by his LegenDerry crew.  This event will enable families, visitors, marine and sailing enthusiasts to enjoy a host of exciting and diverse maritime activities from visiting yachts and boats. Whether you want to get on board the Clipper Race Yachts, soak up the action by learning to canoe or sailing a dingy or if you’re happy to just go with the flow of the festival there’s something to suit everyone. Come on, dive in and blow your inhibitions out of the water!

Armagh

Why not make a weekend of it and enjoy some family fun at Armagh Planetarium.  Armagh Planetarium is looking to train some future alien-hunters for a mission into space!  If you think you are up to the challenge then Armagh Planetarium will equip you with a special laser gun for this important mission.  This is an event not to be missed and guaranteed fun for all the family. Until 21^st June.

Antrim

WOMAD, World of Music & Arts Showcase event at the Braid Ballymena on Saturday 21^st June is part of Community Relations Week which runs from 16^th to 22^nd June.  This is a celebration of world culture featuring workshops, performances from schools and guest artists.  Using the arts presents opportunities for people to share and learn from each other in a safe space.  A full listing of Community Relations Week events can be found at www.nicrc.org.uk and printed programmes can be obtained from local libraries.

Belfast

The riotous comedy Can’t Forget About You, makes a welcome return to the Lyric Theatre with performances through until the 5th July. Can’t Forget About You is the first play written for the Lyric by former Playwright-in-Residence David Ireland, one of Northern Ireland’s hottest young writing talents. Age guidance 18+.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

Pearse Elliott and Rawlife Theatre Company bring a powerful new dark comedy that takes an original and entertaining look at the ‘Celtic Tiger’ and the mayhem left in its demise.

In the ashes of the economic downturn, a beautiful young woman, a psychopathic murderer and a bankrupt farmer become embroiled in a tiger kidnapping held at a farm in the North-South border area. Who is behind the kidnapping? What is the victim worth? Will the Germans bail them out? Does Cormac McCarthy have the answer? The play takes a comedic look at what ordinary people will resort to when hope is lost, love betrayed and everything familiar becomes a distant memory?

Although Pearse has forged an international reputation writing scripts for global stars such as Gillian Anderson and Robert Carlyle he has always remained true to his local roots and no more so than in this unmissable comedy.

‘Septic Tiger’ will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Friday 20^th June at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 each, and can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com. This production is recommended for age 16+, due to strong language.

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.

This year North Down Borough Council’s Theatre at The Walled Garden will be a production of Jane Austen’s much-loved classic Pride & Prejudice, produced by Heartbreak Productions who will be making a welcome return to the venue following the success of last year’s Romeo & Juliet.

Adding to North Down Borough Council’s already packed Summer Events Programme, this event will include two nights of outdoor theatre in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle Walled Garden and will take place on Wednesday 22^nd and Thursday 23^rd July.  Shows start at 7.30pm on both nights.

This fresh contemporary adaptation of the world-renowned Pride & Prejudice will provide an insight into the amorous exploits and enduring etiquette between family, friends and lovers.

As siblings squabble and passion-fuelled fall-outs abound, this inventive production combines dance, music and song to create an unforgettable interactive interpretation of the much-loved classic.  A combination of Jane Austen’s delicate yet intense observational style with the wit and affection of Heartbreak’s writer in residence David Kerby Kendall ensures that this hilarious adaption will resonate with anyone who has ever been in any relationship.

Tickets for this event cost £6 per person and are available at North Down Visitor Information Centre and North Down Museum. Admission is by ticket only.

• Please feel free to bring along a picnic to enjoy at these events however note that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
• North Down Borough Council will be providing chairs for the events

Tickets available via North Down Museum (028 9127 1200), Bangor Visitor Information Centre (028 9127 0069) or Book Online http://www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings

Deadline for Entries 25th June

Entries are still open for Castlewellan Show across all classes, so whether you are a baker, a knitter, a show jumper, have the most agile dog, the fluffliest rabbit, a flamboyant feathered hen or you think you have the best looking cow, sheep or goat, you can download schedules from the website www.castlewellanshow.com .

Bookings for trade stands have been filling up with a good variety of crafts, gourmet food, agricultural machinery and environmental products.  This year Target Dry will host a fashion village with a selection from their current range of contemporary and vintage outdoor wear.

Show day is Saturday July 19th, but if you would like to enter one of the classes, the deadline is June 25th.

To coincide with the fleet of Clipper Yachts arriving into the city next week, the Tower Museum will celebrate by displaying a small number of items from the Museum and Archive Collection significant to the maritime history of the region.

This temporary exhibition at the Tower Museum will add interest to the current exhibitions which tell the Story of Derry and the Spanish Armada, items on display relating to our maritime history were selected from a variety of collections including artwork, architectural drawings, posters and maritime objects.

Mayor Cllr Brenda Stevenson welcoming the opening of the exhibition said:

“As Derry City Council plans to interpret the city’s significant maritime history at a site in Ebrington, dedicated Maritime Galleries will tell the maritime story of the city These collections now open to the public at the Tower Museum from the vast Archive Collection have been previously underused and partially inaccessible.  I am delighted that these materials of historical significance can be enjoyed by the public, materials which are relating to almost all periods of the city and region’s maritime history such as the growth of the trade and shipbuilding, the development of emigration and the international conflict of the 20^th Century.

Continuing Mayor Stevenson said:

“As the city prepares for its biggest Maritime Festival to date, this provides the perfect opportunity to learn more about the importance of the River Foyle, the significant part it has played in transforming our city through the ages,  and how our city exists as it does today around this meandering lough.  The rich heritage of our river will be celebrated in events along the Quay and for the Legenderry Maritime Festival and the River itself will become a focal point as we provide a welcome to the fleet of Clipper yachts as they come up the Foyle and to their most anticipated stopover.”

Bernadette Walsh, Archivist with Derry City Council said:

“We have worked on selecting a number of items, photographs, paintings and sketches ranging from 1800 to present day from the archive for public exhibition.  The rich and varied collection illustrates the role the river played in the city and regions history.  The selected pieces now in included in the temporary exhibition gallery in the Tower Museum help to accentuate the importance of the River, the role it has played and the varied archive and museum collection we have.”

‘Celebrating our Maritime Heritage’ will remain on display with additional objects added over the next few weeks until September.  The Tower Museum is open Monday – Sunday from 10.00am – 5.30pm.   For more information telephone: 028 7137 2411 Email: tower.reception@derrycity.gov.uk

14 JUNE – 29 JUNE

Until Sunday 22 June, Community Festival of Traditional Music, Song and Dance

Bangor Area, various

Grant aided by North Down Borough Council

Ards CCÉ can confirm that this year’s headline concert at St Comgall’s Parish Centre will be the legendary ‘FRANKIE GAVIN & DE DANNAN’ supported by INU and Ards CCÉ Award Winning Show. Tickets are currently on sale to the public at Mace Store, Brunswick Rd, Bangor and cost only £10 per person. Doors open at 7.30pm and a fully licensed bar is available.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Until 6 July, Exhibition: ‘Where is Sleep?’

North Down Museum, Bangor

These illustrations are taken from a children’s picture book story written by local couple Jim & Laura Lavery, ‘Where is Sleep?’.  The story is about a little girl who is told to ‘go to sleep’ but she doesn’t know where it is or how to find it. Her adventures lead her to new ways of thinking about sleep. The story grew from their young daughter’s struggle with sleep.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Until 27 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst

North Down Museum, Bangor

This exhibition explores the life and work of Northern Ireland’s most prolific director through a variety of fascinating images, objects and stories.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Friday 13 & Saturday 14 June, BBA presents Punk

Marine Court Hotel, Bangor

Grant aided by North Down Borough Council

A stellar line up of local, national and international bands! The Godfather of Northern Ireland Punk, none other than the legend that is Terri Hooley is a special guest of BBA and will be attending both days and indeed will be doing occasional duties as compere. This will be the first appearance at BBA and he is a very welcome addition to the festival. Headline acts GBH on Friday and UK Subs on Saturday.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 14: ‘Casey’s Creatures’, Children’s Crafts

Sun 15: Ark Farm, Face Painting
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 14 June, Cultra Hill Climb

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra

Grant aided by North Down Borough Council

The annual opening round of the annual NI Hillclimb Championship. This year’s theme is Minis, Mods and Monsters, evoking memories of the Swinging Sixties as well as spectacular recent machinery. Live demos, a display at Cultra Manor, including a Vintage Fair, and much more besides complement high-speed action to create “Ulster’s Motoring Garden Party”.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 21: Party Animals NI, Glitter Tattoos

Sun 22: Jumping Clay Workshop, Balloon Modelling
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 28: Puppet Show

Sun 29: Science Show, Children’s Crafts
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Sunday 29 June, Historic Bangor (Re-enactment) Walk

2.30pm

You will be taken through Bangor’s past, from the Bronze Age settlements, Bangor Abbey and it’s European influence to the Vikings, World War II and Bangor’s development as a seaside town.

Tickets £3.  Pre-booking is essential. Subject to availability.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

DON’T FORGET…

Pickie Funpark, Bangor Seafront is open daily 9am-7pm

Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Castle Park is open Mon-Thurs 10am-8pm, Fri-Sun and Bank Holidays 10am-6pm

Back by popular demand, this saucy comedy about sex, sectarianism and super-heroes returns to the Lyric in June after a triumphant run in the Naughton Studio last year.

Directed by Game of Thrones and Suits star Conleth Hill, Can’t Forget About You tells the hilarious story of a young Belfast man who falls in love with an older, more sophisticated woman much to his narrow-minded family’s horror.

Can’t Forget About You was written for the Lyric by former Playwright-in-Residence David Ireland, one of Northern Ireland’s hottest young writing talents who is currently under commission to the National Theatre of Scotland, Tinderbox and the Abbey Theatre.

It stars one of Scotland’s best-known comedy actors, Karen Dunbar as Martha the older woman who becomes the object of Belfast man Stevie’s affections, played by Declan Rodgers from Dundrum, Co Down (Ashes to Ashes).

When the 25-year-old self-professed Buddhist, falls for 49-year-old Martha he faces the wrath of his ultra-conservative mother, played by Carol Moore (Macbeth) and fanatical Ulster-Scots speaking sister played by Abigail McGibbon (Nivelli’s War). To add to his misery his new romance is not welcomed by his on-off girlfriend, Ciara played by Naomi Rocke (Cinderella).

While it is a case of sex at first sight, the unlikely couple find themselves falling in love. Buddhism, fish suppers, and sectarianism …Can’t Forget About You is a play about two people re-imagining their future and getting over the past. Oh, and super-hero themed fantasy role-play!

Director, Conleth Hill, who hails originally from Ballycastle, has enjoyed a very successful career on stage and screen including an acclaimed run in the original Lyric production of Stones in his Pockets by Marie Jones which went on to conquer the West End and Broadway. He had further success starring in the Northern Ireland Short Film, The Shore which won an Oscar in 2012.

“I am very happy to be back at the Lyric with David Ireland’s brilliant comedy Can’t Forget About You,” Conleth said. “The transition from the Naughton Studio to the main Danske Bank stage is made all the smoother by the fact we have the same fantastic cast, crew and creative team coming together again. I hope all those punters who enjoyed it last year will tell their friends to come along and maybe come again themselves, and those who missed it last year get along to see it this year.”

Lyric Executive Producer, Jimmy Fay welcomed the return of the hit comedy.

“I’m delighted to have the same dynamic cast and creative team back for a re-mounting of this hilarious, poignant, richly textured play by David Ireland,” he said. “I’d encourage anyone who missed it last year to book this year.”

Damian Smyth, Head of Drama and Literature, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:

“The Lyric provides an outstanding cultural programme and this pairing of Conleth Hill, one of our most highly-regarded actors with this sharp comedy from the brilliant David Ireland, is set to be yet another landmark production for the theatre.”

Note Can’t Forget About You contains scenes of a sexual nature, bad language and some badly pronounced Ulster-Scots…

Can’t Forget About You runs on the Danske Bank Stage from 12 June to 5 July (previews 8, 10 & 11 June). Tickets from £10 – £22.50.  To book contact the Lyric box office on 028 9038 1081 or online at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk

Are you ready to hear their roar?

It’s going to be a totally awesome sight as GlenarmCastle prepares to shake under the thunder of Scotland’s ‘Champion of Champions’ Strongmen at the Highland Games this July Bank Holiday 13^th and 14^th July, as part  of P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV.

This giant, must-attend family event, which last year welcomed over 22,500 visitors will also feature numerous music and dance stages, fine foods& celebrity chefs, displays / exhibitions, shopping, gardens, children’s entertainment including a GIANT Ferris Wheel, helicopter pleasure flights and much much more; all under the spectacular backdrop of Glenarm Castle.

Now in its 20^th year, this year’s Highland Games will see Scotland’s ‘Champion of Champions’ have their strength, passion and pride tested against each other. Visitors will watch in awe as these giant men showcase the skill and determination that made them champions at other competitions throughout the world.  Eight champions will demonstrate athletic skills and determination through games such as tossing the caber, Scots hammers and throwing massive weights at a distance all to win the battle and claim the title of Dalriada Champion of Champions.

Can I get a bah, an oink and a bleat? What have you got? The Wacky B.O.B show –  the world’s only sheep, pig and goat extravaganza replaces last year’s much talked about Sheep Fashion Show! Fantastic cash prizes are available for the wackiest dressed animal!  So get designing and get your B.O.B on for Sunday 13^th July at the Highland Games. Riding on the wave of the recent rise in popularity of country music P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival is also delighted to welcome Irish country singing legend Mike Denver to headline.  Mike and his band along with special guests will headline Dalriada LIVE on Monday 14^th July following the 2^nd day of the Highland Games. His performance will come hot on the heels of rising country star Nathan Carter who makes a return to DalriadaLive following his sell out performance last year.  Nathan and special guests will take to the stage on Sunday 13^th July after the first day of the Highland Games.

Following the Highland Games and DalriadaLIVE Concerts, and from 15^th – 19^th July,the stunning village of Glenarm and wider community will further host an action packedprogramme of events including Super Endurocross, a beach mounted rally, Dalriada Wipeout, Kids duathalon, the Big Fun Run and much more.  There will also be traditional entertainment, food, games and local culture at the Auld Hirin’ Fair on Friday 18^th July, and at the heart of the village – Hymns and Haybales.  New to the community element of the festival this year is Dalriada SESSIONS featuring traditional music from Haste to the Wedding, gypsy jazz swing with a twist Manouche Swing and the award winning JP Mac’s  The Jonny Cash and June Carter Show. The Festival will close on Saturday 19^th July with a spectacular fireworks display, street entertainment, rowing regatta, fancy dress parade, live music and lots more.

Adrian Morrow, Festival Director, commented;
“The P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV is looking forward to welcoming the ‘Champion of Champions’ from Scotland for the Highland Games at this year’s festival. These strongmen will be a sight to behold and will no doubt hold our visitors in awe. We are also very privileged to have Mike Denver as part of our DalriadaLIVE musical line up. Country music has seen a recent surge in popularity and with Mike Denver following on from Nathan Carter the festival is definitely the place to be if you are a country fan. New for this year is the wacky B.O.B show which is a follow on from our Chic Sheep event which has always proved very popular. As always the festival includes the local Glenarm community – without them, our staff, volunteers and sponsors especially P&O Ferries, UTV and NITB we wouldn’t be able to return year after year with such a fantastic, family event. We also welcome the SANDS charity this year. We hope, with the support of our visitors, to raise lots of money for this very worthwhile cause.”

Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries, title sponsor of the event, said;

.

”P&O Ferries is proud to be title sponsor for the 2014 Dalriada Festival. Once again the organizers have surpassed themselves and are presenting a programme packed with excitement and entertainment for the whole family. With the promise of incredible music acts, fine foods, arts and crafts it really is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever before.  As operators of the fastest ship on the most direct and convenient route on the Irish Sea P&O Ferries is very much looking forward to welcoming on board the ever growing number of visitors who travel from Scotland each summer to enjoy this spectacular event and we wish everyone involved every success.”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV added;

“UTV is delighted to join forces once again with the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in Glenarm which promises to deliver a fabulous week for all the family this July. We look forward to capturing the essence of the activities taking place on the North Coast of Antrim on UTV for all our viewers, with regular updates online on u.tv and interviews on U105.”

Eddie Rowan, Event Manager Northern Ireland Tourist Board:

“The Northern Ireland Tourist Board is once again pleased to support the P&O Dalriada Festival.  It is a pleasure to see this fantastic festival grow from strength to strength as it continues to significantly increase visitor appeal to the North Coast of Antrim.  The range and quality of activity on offer will not only generate a substantial impact on the economy but also contribute to Northern Ireland’s positive profile as an attractive destination.  I wish all the participants and visitors a very memorable trip to Northern Ireland and to Glenarm for this action packed week of events.”

Admission to the community events is FREE. Gate Admission applies for the Champion of Champions Highland Games at £10 for Adults, £7.50 for Senior Citizens and £5 for Youth (12-16), children under 12 are FREE. Tickets for DalriadaLIVE, both the Nathan Carter and Mike Denver Concerts, are priced at £25 plus booking fee and available at www.dalriadafestival.co.uk or www.ticketmaster.ie