Down

The Cultra Hill Climb 2014 will take place this on Saturday 14th June, where the scene will be set to celebrate all ‘Minis, Mods and Monsters’ during the daylong event. The theme is in celebration of Paddy Hopkirk’s win on the Monte Carlo rally 50 years ago as Northern Ireland commemorates an important year for the Mini. The coolness of Vespa-riding mods and modified cars will also be recognised, alongside monster cars and trucks.

Tyrone

Get ready for a family fun day out as Summer Jamm in Strabane returns on Saturday 14th June.  Strabane will come alive with live music, street entertainers, sporting events, gardening & cookery displays, fun fair and food and craft markets.

Fermanagh

Tickety-Moo Farm will be taking part in Open Farm Weekend for the second time this year.  21 farms across NI will be welcoming the public for a free, fun day out where you can learn all about local food and farming. Each farm event is unique with some offering simple and informative guided tours and demonstrations and others offering full scale family fun days with petting zoos, barbecues and bouncy castles!

Derry

Based on the award-winning picture book by Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks, What the Ladybird Heard is the story of two crafty robbers, one tiny ladybird, and a whole farmyard of fun! Join the woolly sheep, the hairy hog, the fat red hen and the dainty dog in this brand new stage adaptation of Julia Donaldson & Lydia Monks’ colourful farmyard adventure at the Millennium Forum on Sunday 15th and Monday 16th June.

Armagh

The Armagh Show will be held this Saturday 14^th June in the beautiful forest setting at Gosford Park, close to Markethill.   It is a full blown agricultural show with 300 livestock and horse classes, trade and craft stalls, artisan food village, home industries and schools exhibits, dog show and lots of entertainment …. a day to spend time with the family, so come early and enjoy a celebration of rural life in a beautiful forest park setting!

Antrim

For a fantastic family fun day out by the water’s edge, Antrim Lough Shore Park is the place to be on Saturday 14th June from 12 Noon – 4pm.   The Dragon Boat Racet is being organised by Antrim Borough Council, in partnership with Eye Feel Good, whose aim is to raise money through organised events to donate to those living with cancer within the community.  The aim of the race is to beat the other competitors and win the coveted title of ‘Antrim Dragon Boat Champions’ and of course to raise money for a very good cause. As well as the river race, spectators can enjoy a Chinese dragon dance display, arts and crafts for children, radio roadshow, mobile animal farm and much more. Judging for the best dressed dragon will take place at 2pm.

Belfast

The Belfast Book Festival 2014 runs all week through until Sunday 15th June.  The Festival features international stars such as financial experts Max Keiser, Stacy Herbert and Mitch Feierstein, former Poet Laureate Sir Andrew Motion and Radio 3’s Ian McMillan.  Bring along your junior bookworms to the Family Day at Lower Crescent Park, with lots of quirky events to keep the entire family entertained.  There will also be a series of events, Book Festival Extra, that take place before and after the festival.  Just a taste of what’s to come in this year’s festival! www.belfastbookfestival.com .

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 16-22).

• British Amateur Golf Championship, Royal Portrush & Portstewart Golf Clubs, Co. Londonderry & Co Antrim, June 16-21. One of the biggest and most prestigious amateur events in the world with 288 players competing in a mixed strokeplay and matchplay format.

• An Creagán Mid Summer Festival, An Creagán, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, June 18-22. 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. 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’ DavskgfasdklmCelebrating An Creágan’s 20^th Anniversary with fun activities, food and craft stalls, a children’s festival, cycle tours and traditional music sessions as well as a concert featuring Sean Keane and Andrea Begley.

• Open House Belfast Festival 2014, various locations, Belfast, June 18-26. The 16^th Open House Festival returns with performances from the legendary Waterboys, the Texan alt-folk outfit Midlake as well as emerging new young acts and top quality musicians from across traditional, folk and roots music genres.

• Wilde About the Boy, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, June 18. Olivier nominee Gerard Logan delivers a dramatic interpretation of the letter Oscar Wilde wrote in 1897 from his jail cell to his lover giving a glimpse into the tortured soul of one of the greatest writing geniuses.

• Legenderry Maritime Festival 2014, Queens Quay, Derry~Londonderry, June 21-29. The week-long festival will welcome the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. The Foyle Quay will transform into a summer promenade with race village, marine marquees, continental market and much more.

• King Conor’s Supper, Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, Co. Armagh, June 21. Take a step back in time for an entertaining evening with supper held in the feasting hall filled with music from the Armagh Rhymers, stories from his bards and of course lots of cheering and laughter.

• Solstice at Dunluce, Dunluce Castle, Co. Antrim, June 21. The mid-summer weekend of entertainment will provide great music from Celtic rock legends the Horslips with support from Bap Kennedy, Gareth Dunlop and Fretwear.

• Cavan Burren Park Midsummer Festival, Marlbank Scenic Loop, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, June 21. Bring the family along for a fun day of guided walks, face painting and activities as well as discovering the rich archaeological and geological sites and spectacular views that the area has to offer.

• Bikes, Beach &BBQ Picnic, Seapark, Holywood, Co. Down, June 22. Hop on your bike for an afternoon cycle from Belfast’s Big Fish to Seapark where you can relax and bring your own picnic or BBQ food (BBQ’s are provided).

• Clearsky Game of Thrones Archery, Castle Ward Estate, Strangford, Co. Down, June 22. An exact replica of the Winterfell Archery Range has been masterfully recreated on the very spot filming took place to allow fans to dress up and be transported into the world of Westeros.

Stars of the future and folk veterans will perform together on stage on Saturday 21st June to provide a night of musical magic that is certain to entertain and in the process raise funds for the MS Society NI.

Being 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.

Organiser Leslie Ross explained “Our Charity Folk night will bring together some big names in the local folk music scene. Among our acts, we have the Bridge Singers, the Cookstown Folk Club, local legends the Mitchells and two local school choirs from Coagh and St Malachy’s. To keep the variety going we also have both Scottish and Irish dancers, so really there is something here for everyone to enjoy.”

“If that wasn’t enough, we’ll have a barbeque included in the entrance fee. With ample parking and seating at the hall, we really hope that local people will support the event so that we can raise much needed funds to support the MS Society in Northern Ireland.”
Doors open at 6.30pm on Saturday 21st June with the first acts on at 7pm.

Entry to the event is just £10 for adults (children free), paid at the door and all profits raised from the event will go to the MS Society of Northern Ireland.

Local pubs report increase in footfall and turnover

Glasses are being raised across Northern Ireland following the great success of the inaugural Great Ulster Pub Week.

For nine days and nine nights (1^st-9^th May 2014), pubs across Northern Ireland joined forces to show their best side with a packed programme of events, as part of the Pubs of Ulster led initiative.

Over 160 pubs took part in the exciting pub celebration, which was the biggest pub centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland. A post event survey of participating pubs showed that a whopping 85% of the pubs experienced an increase in footfall, with 77% of pubs reporting a rise in turnover, as local residents turned out in their droves to support the nine day extravaganza.

Hundreds of events took place in pubs throughout the province; from live music, magic, theatre productions, poetry readings and pub quizzes to arts & crafts workshops, film screenings and charity challenges.  The Great Ulster Pub Week brought a diverse array of events that surprised and delighted pubgoers across the province and showcased the great food, great entertainment and great craic our local pubs are famous for.

Commenting on the success of The Great Ulster Pub Week 2014, Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said:

“The support we received from the publicans and the general public in the inaugural year of The Great Ulster Pub Week was very encouraging.

“The Great Ulster Pub Week created a welcome promotional platform from which pubs could highlight their events but crucially, it also provided tangible opportunities to up skill staff within the local pub industry, with the provision of World Host Customer Service and social media training offered to all pubs taking part. A bespoke Great Ulster Pub Week How To guide also provided practical guidance on how to run and promote successful events.

“Our survey of participating pubs discovered that that over 77% of the pubs put on a new event especially for The Great Ulster Pub Week. The majority (85%) of premises hosted between 1 – 6 events during Pub Week, with 15% hosting 7 – 9 events. The aim of the initiative was to inspire publicans to think differently about their businesses and to innovate for success; we’re heartened by the positive feedback from publicans since the event, which is a clear indication of the success of the project.”

Pubs of Ulster chairman, Mark Stewart added:

“The Great Ulster Pub Week created a fantastic buzz in our local pub industry but its legacy will last longer than nine days. It has helped show that our pubs aren’t just about alcohol but that they’re focused on serving up fantastic food, excellent entertainment and great events.

“This was the perfect opportunity for pubs to remind their customers how great they are and also to communicate with new customers. Pubs of Ulster is committed to highlighting the valuable social and economic contribution of our local pubs and it’s encouraging that so many people have come away from this initiative seeing the industry in a new light.

”The Great Ulster Pub Week inspired publicans to think differently about their businesses and to try new things. The overwhelming majority of pubs surveyed in the weeks after the event (85%) said they would take part again, which is a clear sign of the success of the initiative.”

The Great Ulster Pub Week kicked off with an attempt to stage the world’s largest simultaneous multi-venue pub quiz in association with Downtown Radio and Cash For Kids NI.  Some 40 pubs across NI took part in the live pub quiz, which was broadcast on Downtown. Whilst the attempt came shy of beating the existing record of 2,769 participants, a great night was had in pubs across Northern Ireland, with Downtown listeners also taking part in the quiz at home. The flagship event, which raised over £3,000 for children’s charity, Cash For Kids was just one of dozens of charity fundraisers held during the nine days, with pubs estimated to have raised over £10,000 collectively during The Great Ulster Pub Week.

The Great Ulster Pub Week was buoyed by a province wide PR, marketing and social media campaign and was supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca Cola, Coors Light, Guinness, Harp, Heineken, Jameson and Tennent’s, with media partners, Downtown/Cool FM, Hospitality Review NI and The Sunday Life.

Be cool this summer and visit the sizzling hot FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Vintage Fair when it makes its third annual visit to Cookstown’s historic Lissan House on Sunday 29^th June, with another extravaganza of vintage treasures for sale and a big helping of timeless glamour, nostalgia, history and fun  – it’s the perfect day out for all the family!

The event will showcase an amazing line-up of 35 high calibre Irish vintage dealers and creative designers selling an unrivalled collection of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, crafts, art and gifts, most of which can’t be found on the high street. While browsing and shopping, visitors will be able to step back in time and explore the history of the ‘Big House’ which was established in the early 17^th Century and was home to the Staples family for almost 400 years. The Vintage Fair will take visitors on a tour of the house from the grand hall, through the ladies room, library, ballroom, bedrooms, the Sir Robert Ponsonby Room, and the Victorian kitchen and laundry room, revealing modern interactive exhibits and original family furnishings – a unique journey through the history of the estate and the family characters that have shaped it.  After shopping and browsing, visitors can wander through the rest of the house into the nursery, the WW2 ‘flats’ and the ‘Green Room’, now home to a wonderful second hand book store and children’s reading area.

The inspiring exhibitor list  will include Norma Jean Vintage – specialising in vintage clothing and homewares, Emily Loves Vintage – showcasing beautiful handcrafted jewellery, Strombolitwo – selling unique jewellery & fashion accessories crafted from vintage kimono silks, Alfie Loves Design – specialists in restyled furniture and beautiful soft furnishings, Vintage USA – connoisseurs of gorgeous vintage costume jewellery, and Vespertine Vintage – offering timeless and authentic vintage dresses and fashion accessories. So that’s the ladies sorted, but the men won’t be neglected either as they will love to rummage through a wide range of collectibles including stylish oddities from Bell & Woolf, handmade furniture from Wooden Treats, Lego portraits by Stefan Birch Art, and a cornucopia of salvage, vintage, and retro items from Borrowed N Blue. Children will love the vintage teddy bears, nursery games and antique books from Tiny Tower Vintage and the beautiful handcrafted dolls by Vintage Aggy & Molly, while sweet lovers can indulge in scrumptious baking from Patricia Mann Cake Designs.

After all the shopping and exploring it will be time to relax and revive in the Lissan Tea Room, enjoying all the scrumptious delights of afternoon tea in the Victorian dining room. Once refreshed, visitors will be able to explore the delightful setting of Lissan Demesne which features an adventure playground for children, a wooded picnic seating area, and many secluded walks to explore through the ancient woodland, along forest trails and riverside paths.

Lissan House is an enchanting country residence set within a 250 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry. The estate was created in the 17th century and remained the home of the Staples family for nearly 400 years, reputedly the longest habitation by any single family of a country house in West Ulster. Lissan came to prominence in 2003 when its popularity helped it reach the national final of the BBC2 television series, Restoration.

The FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place on Sunday 29^th June from 12 – 5pm at Lissan House, Drumgrass Road, Cookstown BT80 9SW. Admission will cost £5 for adults while accompanied children (under 15s) go free – the admission fee covers the house and demesne, including vintage fair, and there will be no additional cost for parking on the day of the event.

More information on the event can be found online at www.frockaroundtheclock.com and www.facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

The sustainable transport charity, Sustrans and the Derry Access Forum have teamed up with local cycling clubs and community groups to deliver a range of exciting events as part of Bike Week 2014.

The theme of this year’s festival, made possible through funding from DRD-Travelwise, the Public Health Agency and Derry City Council, is “Better by Bike”

Deputy Mayor, Alderman Gary Middleton, who helped launch the festival programme in Ebrington with local primary school pupils, has described the festival as ‘extremely accessible and having something for everybody.’ Speaking about the range of events for this year’s Bike Week he added: “Bike Week encourages people to think of other forms of transport and maybe think about leaving the car behind and getting on their bike instead.  With over 15km of traffic-free riverside greenways, not to mention the Peace Bridge, there has never been a better time to take to two wheels.”

This year’s festival will see the return of the Quayside Maiden City Crit on Tuesday 10^th June.  Building on the success of last year’s race, two city centre races will be on offer with the first race starting at 7pm sharp and huge crowds are expected.  Spectator admission is free and all ages are welcome.  Event registration is £13 and is now open by visiting www.entrycentral.com/Quayside_Maiden_City_criterium

The Two Bridges Family Cycle will take place on Saturday June 14^th in aid of Foyle Hospice. Registration is open at www.foylehospice.com is only £5 and will automatically enter you into a draw for a new children’s bike.

Ross McGill, Sustrans Bike Officer said: “No bike, No bother – there are a range of events in which you can take advantage of free rides, bike maintenance clinics and training.  As part of the programme we are asking people to swap one journey during Bike Week that they would normally make by car for the bike – be it to school, the shop or work.  As an added incentive if you register your journey you’ll automatically be entered into a draw to win a new bike, courtesy of The Dept. of Regional Development’s Cycling Unit!

If access to bikes is an issue you can get a lend of a bike and any necessary kit for free, courtesy of the lovely people at Claudy Cycles. So no valid excuses this year!!”

Terms and conditions apply and availability is limited.  To find out more and to register to swap a journey simply go to www.derrycity.gov.uk/bikeweek or contact Sustrans on 028 71 365151 or derry-londonderry@sustrans.org.uk

The full programme is being delivered across the city and can be downloaded from www.derrycity.gov.uk/bikeweek or contacting Sustrans NW office on 028 71 365151 on Facebook and Twitter @SustransNI

This Father’s Day, Sunday 15 June, the National Trust’s beautiful Crom Estate near Newtownbutler, will be offering an afternoon for dads and the whole family to enjoy.

Visitors will be able to test their bow and arrow skills and have a go at Archery; explore Lough Erne on a Cot trip to discover some of the estates most beautiful historic landscapes; or for the more adventurous and water confident, the Share Centre will be running a boat building exercise. The winning team will be the first to complete the course on the water – if you want to participate come prepared to get wet with a towel and suitable clothing.

Children can look forward to eco art craft activity, face painting and traditional games as they test their nerve at egg and spoon and sack races.

Local radio station Q101 will also be there with a live broadcast from Crom during the afternoon.

If you are ready to go exploring but need some refreshment the Little Orchard Tea-room offers delicious home style cooking and baking, and is open for lunches and afternoon teas. Then browse the National Trust gift shop with a range of gifts to suit all tastes.

Entertainment will run from 1- 5pm and normal admission applies with free admission for National Trust members. For further information, please contact Crom 028 6773 8118.

7 JUNE – 22 JUNE 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

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 7: Science Show, Children’s Crafts

Sun 8: Children’s Crafts, 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 7 & Sunday 8 June, Seashore Festival

Bangor Seafront & Town Hall

From 12noon

This event is sponsored by NITB

Join us for a fantastic weekend of free family fun from 12 noon on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June. Step on board one of the two Tall Ships that will be moored on Eisenhower Pier and The Twister Aerobatic Display Team will be performing afternoon and evening pyrotechnic aerial displays both days in the skies above Bangor Bay. Look out for the Promenade Market, Armed Forces activities, street theatre and more at the Seafront and ‘Car Galore’ at Bangor Town Hall. So much to do and see!

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

Monday 9 June, Walking Tour

Helen’s Bay in two World Wars

2.30pm

Tour of St John’s Church and Grey Point Fort, two of North Down’s “hidden gems”, conducted by expert local historians and guides.

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

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

Wednesday 11 June, Walking Tour

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

6.30pm

Learn of the history of this beautiful walled garden which date back to the 1840’s, about the plants, fruits and vegetables hand grown by North Down Borough Council Gardeners.

Tickets free though pre-booking your place is essential. Subject to availability.

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

Wednesday 11 – 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

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 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

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 Market Place Theatre in Armagh has just received its Summer 2014 programmes, and the line-up is looking hot!

The selection of entertainment on offer reinforces the venue’s reputation as one of the premier Arts Centres in Ireland and is packed full of events including sensational shows, wonderful workshops and exciting exhibitions for all ages.

Drama lovers are in for a truly enthralling summer, kicking off with ‘Septic Tiger’, a hilarious new dark comedy that takes an entertaining look at the Celtic Tiger and the mayhem left in its demise. This will be followed by ‘Tuesdays At Tescos’; the award-winning new play about love and death among the aisles. What is truly unique about this show is that the actor will perform outside the venue, whilst the audience watches from the theatre bar. The superb drama will continue with ‘The Auction In Killybuck’, a comedy play from Ulster Theatre folklore, presented by one of Northern Ireland’s leading amateur theatre groups; Belvoir Players.

There will also be comedy in the form of stand-up, when Colin Geddis brings his sell-out Edinburgh Fringe show ‘Not Safe For Work’, a blend of side-splittingly inappropriate stand-up material and trademark viral video sketches.

Families are invited along to the Theatre’s inaugural ‘Family Super Saturday’ in August, which includes admission to Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s ‘Diving Belle’, free ‘craft-fun’ workshop, face painting, balloon modelling, fun-fair games and fancy dress competitions. A superb afternoon’s entertainment all under one roof!

The highlight of the Summer is sure to be the summer musical spectacular, ‘Oliver’. Featuring a cast of the best local talent, wonderful sets, a live orchestra, and some of the most memorable tunes every written, Dickens’ timeless characters will be brought vividly to life with the story of one boy’s survival against the odds.

For those who like to join in on the action, there will be some new and innovative workshops on offer, including ‘Jumping Clay’ for the youngsters, and Cajon Drum Masterclasses, Craft and Drum Making.

For further information on the full season of events or to book your tickets show, workshops or class, you can visit the Box Office, call [028] 3752 1821 or visit our website at www.marketplacearmagh.com/whats-on/

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.

The buzz is building for BuskFest 2014, as Ireland’s fastest-growing busking festival returns to the streets of Banbridge on 21^st June.

Music fans will be in for a treat, when over 80 performers take to the town centre between 1.00pm and 4.30pm.  The festival is a full-on family affair, with something for all ages, including free face-painting at the Old Town Hall for little ones.

The fun then continues in Solitude Park from 4.30pm, as Allison McGrath and Soulantics take to the stage to get the crowd dancing, before the Awards Ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean.  The winners of each of the six categories will then perform on stage.

The Solitude audience can expect some serious serenading, if last year’s success stories are anything to go by.  Juram Gavero (Best Individual 2013) has recently made it through the audition stage of this year’s X Factor, while Sarah Toner (Best Junior 2013) supported Jordan O’Keefe on some of his local tour dates.  ‘The Left Backs’, who performed last year, were named ‘Best Band’ at the Irish Youth Music Awards in April, and Worn Down Shoes (Overall Winners 2013), Cup O’ Joe (Best Band 2013) and The Molly Maguires (The Outlet Spirit of Buskfest Winners 2013) are now household names to local music fans, playing regular gigs around Northern Ireland.

Over 60 different acts have already registered for 2014, with the hope of winning a share of the generous £3,000 ‘hat’.

Performers will compete in a number of categories including Overall Winner, Best Individual, Best Band, Best Performance, Best Junior Performer and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, sponsored by The Outlet.

Once again, this year, the Overall Winner will be given the opportunity to perform at the prestigious Sunflowerfest, held at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough from 22-25 August 2014.

For some buskers, it’s not all about the competition. BuskFest institution Geordie Rice returns to his pitch for the 10^th year running.  During the last decade, the flautist has raised almost £10,000 for LIFT building projects for special needs schools and orphanages in Africa.  Geordie said ‘If you’re new to BuskFest you’ll be amazed at the variety of music on the day, and it’s great to see so many younger performers having the confidence to get out there and have a go.  There is great buzz in Banbridge on BuskFest day.  The craic is fantastic. I have so many lovely memories of the generosity of the audience – it all adds up!  I can’t wait to get back to BuskFest.’  This year, Geordie will be busking to raise funds for his next trip to Africa, departing on 4^th July.

It’s not too late to get on board for BuskFest. Performers can still register between 9.30am and 11.30am on Saturday 21st June at the Old Town Hall, Scarva Street, Banbridge, or online at www.buskfest.com. Further details about the festival, rules of the competition and how to register are all available on the official website at www.buskfest.com and on the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/buskfest.