North Down Borough Council’s Summer Sundays continue this Sunday, 20 July with the very talented Amanda St John and her Band performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park.

A vibrant singer-songwriter from Glenariffe, Amanda’s songs are soul and blues influenced and are communicated through powerful, emotive vocals. She has appeared on various BBC and RTE radio and television programmes and been described by Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster) as “a wonderfully talented songwriter.”

Having supported Brain Kennedy and Eddie Reader this year Amanda and her band are becoming known for their lively sets which are filled with funky grooves and a high standard of musicality. Having been compared to Imelda May and Paloma Faith her live gigs are a must see!

The show runs from 3pm – 5pm so gather your friends and family, pack the picnic and don’t miss it!

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.northdowntourism.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 (July 21-27).

• Rose Week 2014, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park, Belfast, July 21-27. Enjoy a week of family fun with live music, entertainment and floral art demonstrations as the park celebrates the 50^th year of the International Rose Gardens with summer rose and flower show exhibitions.

• Nature Boy, Millennium Court Arts Centre, Portadown, Co. Armagh, until August 30. An exhibition by Peter Finnemore, Nature Boy is the artist’s first major solo exhibition bringing together a large body of photographic and video work on Finnemore’s investigation into his garden in rural Wales.

• B/E Aerospace GI Jive Festival, Mourne Esplanade, Kilkeel, Co. Down, July 19-26. Step back in time to the nostalgic sights, sounds, smells and music of the 1940s, including American GI re-enactments, planes, tanks, vintage cars and children’s entertainment.

• Foyle Cup 2014, various, Derry~Londonderry, July 21 -26. The Foyle Cup returns for another year, hosting a number of football teams both locally and from across the world, for a fun filled tournament.

• Macbeth, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, July 23-26. Discover Shakespeare as you’ve never seen it before with this thrilling new piece of music theatre from Stuart Harvey and Belfast-born Garth McConaghie as they combine fierce electronic music with contemporary choreography.

• Waterways Ireland All-Ireland Wakeboarding Championships, Broadmeadow, Enniskillen, July 26-27. A great event for thrill seekers who wish to take part or spectate, the competition offers a weekend of action as well as a chance to try out the sport with special sessions.

• Race of Legends, Armoy, Co. Antrim, July 25-26. Enjoy the excitement in Armoy as some of the current top motorcycle road racers gather in the historic town including William and Michael Dunlop to compete in what is considered to be one of the best competitions on the racing calendar.

• Woodland Wildlife Walk, Marlbank Scenic Loop, Florencecourt, Co Fermanagh, July 27. Experience the many sounds and sights of nature within the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve, listen to birdsong, spot signs of animal activity and view the spectacular array of tree and plant species.

• Flavours of the Foyle, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, July 26-27. A unique event to bring families, locals and visitors together to pay homage to the rich resources of the Foyle including seafood, live demonstrations and children’s activities.

• International Bog Day, Peatlands Park, Dungannon, Co.Tyrone, July 27. Enjoy a very mucky day out as competitors take part in the Northern Ireland Bog Snorkelling Championships 2014, as well as races for men, women and relays there will be activities taking place the whole family can enjoy.

Down

Set across 50 acres in the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Forest Park,  The Castlewellan Agricultural Show takes place from 9am – 6pm on Saturday 19th July 2014.  Featuring classes for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, ponies, donkeys poultry, pigs, rabbits, dog agility and home industries, we are hosting two national championships and many qualifiers.  Dozens of trade stands, food and craft producers showcase their wares alongside live music, vintage tractors, carriage driving, demonstrations of countryside pursuits, Young Farmers competitions, pet show, fashion show, vintage tea tent and children’s amusements which will entertain all day long.

Tyrone

The inaugural Lough Neagh Fish Festival will run from 17th – 19th July. The Festival seeks to celebrate the local culture & culinary delights of the Lough Shore area and promises to have something for everyone to enjoy. The Festival is supporting “Cathy ar gcara” fund, founded in memory of local lady Cathy Cassidy (nee McCann) helping to raise money and awareness for the charity “Friends of the Cancer Centre” based at the Belfast City Hospital.  Throughout the the day festival, there will be  host of events to whet the appetites of the very young to the not so young, including Lough Neagh Heritage Day, Charity Cook Off, Fish Supper Session and An evening of yarns and folklore from around the Lough Shore.

Fermanagh

Children and parents are being encouraged to get involved with their local library this summer with the Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge 2014.  Libraries NI, in collaboration with The Reading Agency, is inviting all children aged 4 and over and their parents/carers to sign up to this year’s Summer Reading Challenge called the Mythical Maze.  To start discovering, simply call in to any public library and register to collect a Mythical Maze free fold-out colour poster. Each participant will set their own challenge to read between 2 – 25 library books during the summer and a certificate and medal will be awarded to all those who complete their challenge and find their way through the Mythical Maze.  The Mythical Maze Summer Reading Challenge is taking place in all libraries across Fermanagh including Enniskillen , Irvinestown  and Lisnaskea.

Derry

The annual Red Sails Festival takes place this year from Sunday 20th July to Saturday 26th July.  The Red Sails Festival is an annual community event by the Portstewart Community Association in conjunction with Coleraine Borough Council.  The Red Sails Family Festival takes place in the picturesque seaside town of Portstewart and is a non-profit making festival organised by the Charitable Portstewart Community Association. Its voluntary members are involved in all aspects of organizing, planning, fund raising and implementing of the events. All of the entertainment and competitions are free, except the golf fees.  See www.redsails.co.uk for this year’s line-up of events.

Armagh

This Sunday 20th July The National Trust’s Argory estate will once again be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music, along with Scottish dancing workshops. There will be solo piping performances and full pipe band sets throughout the afternoon. The Award winning Armagh School of Drum Majors will take part for the fifth year in succession. Once again, there will be traditional Scottish food in the Courtyard and you are encouraged to bring your West Highland or Scottish Terrier along for their very own unique gathering.

Antrim

This Summer, the Fairhill Shopping Centre Ballymena are hosting their very own Kids Club every Sunday from 1.30pm throughout July and August.

Belfast

It’s movie night this Saturday 19th July as the Shawshank Redemption returns to Crumlin Road Gaol.
Doors open 7.00pm, Movie starts 8.00pm. Entry includes free complimentary drink with free parking available on site.

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.

THE Armoy Motorcycle Racing Club has just confirmed that a deal has been struck with major UK television channel, Channel 4, for a one hour highlights programme of the Armoy Road Races which will be aired in August 2014, just two weeks after the races.

Channel 4, already renowned for its coverage of motorsport, sees the thrill of real road racing as a great fit for their programming and with their on demand service, 4oD, the Armoy “Race of Legends” will now reach a wider audience while highlighting the heritage of motorcycle road racing in Ireland.

Local man, Graham Little will present the coverage. Graham is a well-known sports presenter who covered road racing during his time at UTV and Sky Sports and was most recently involved in the production of the BBC’s Moto GP coverage.

He said, “This is great news for Armoy Road Races and Channel 4 alike. With the recent Guy Martin ‘Speed’ series and Channel 4’s involvement in Motorsport this is a great addition to their programming. I’m personally delighted to be involved in the programme and with the Armoy Club, who have worked tirelessly to promote real road racing as a premier sports event.

“The support that local road racing has is quite extraordinary, and with the recent success of the Dunlop’s road racing film, ‘Road’, this UK-wide coverage of the Armoy Road Races serves to ensure that fans will get what they deserve – great coverage of great races!”

Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, William Munnis, said, “As you can imagine the Club is just over the moon. We’ve been working dilligently over the last number of years to bring the Armoy Road Races to as many people as possible.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and I’d like to thank Channel 4 for seeing the Armoy Road Races as a great event which will provide many existing and potential new fans with the chance to view the show on a mainstream, terrestial channel, which the whole of the UK has access to live and additionally through on demand services.

“This deal would not have been struck without the additional assistance of Tourism Ireland. The fact that NITB and Tourism Ireland can work together and bring international quality events to this part of the world is just fantastic. They ensure events like the Armoy Road Races are first of all funded and then capitalised upon, allowing our landscape to be showcased in Great Britain and beyond.

“The Club and I are extremely grateful for their help which will ensure that road racing, Armoy and all those other hidden gems located around the Causeway Coastal Route, are shown to a much wider audience.”

“Television coverage has become cruical in promoting our sport and ensuring our local fans and Channel 4’s motorsport fans will be able to experience all the action from the Armoy Races on Channel 4 on Saturday, 9^th August 2014 from 7am to 8am, and then on 4OD is a major boost.”

Aubrey Irwin, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Nothern Ireland, “I am delighted, along with NITB, to be able to support the Armoy Road Races. I am confident that this programme will encourage more to come and see this beautiful part of Ireland.

“This part of Northern Ireland is rooted in real road racing heritage. The Armoy Armada, Joey Dunlop, Jim Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy are renowned throughtout the world. Part of their legacy lives on through these races and the Armoy Club has done a terrific job to date.

“I believe the prospect of this Channel 4 show will greatly enhance this event and will only serve to encourage many from far and wide to not only come and see the fantastic road racing but to visit the beautiful Causeway Coast, the famous Game of Thrones ‘Dark Hedges’ and of course the races themselves next year.
“Given the recent success of the Giro d”Italia it is important that we continue to build on our great sporting heritage – this is great news for all!”

Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Road Races, Bill Kennedy concluded, “It is just terrific for the Club, road racers, sponsors and fans alike that the Armoy Road Races and the RiverRidge Recycling ‘Race of the Legends’ can be watched on Channel 4 just two weeks after the races.

“I’ve been told that Chris Kinley and Jeremy McWilliams have agreed to be commentators and with some of the top road racers set to come to Armoy everything is falling into place –  the way it should do!”

Armoy Road Races are sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Moyle District Council’s Tourism Events Fund.

Bike Week 2014 is from 20^th – 26^th July. For more information on the RiverRidge Recycling’s ‘Race of the Legends’ visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page. You can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Enjoy the musical sounds of the great jazz loving cities of New York and New Orleans this summer as The Merchant Hotel’s Berts Jazz Bar hosts a series of exciting live jazz events.

Music lovers can transport themselves back to the chic jazz bars of the ‘Big Apple’ on July 24 – 27 and enjoy ‘Summer in New York’ nights with Fiona and John Trotter presenting the voice of the Golden era of Jazz on Friday July 24.

On Saturday you can sit back, relax and enjoy Dana Masters featuring The Berts All Stars who will showcase The Divas of Jazz before finishing the weekend by soaking up the atmosphere of cool jazz melodies on Sunday.

Throughout the weekend, guests can also enjoy a taste of summer in New York with speciality cocktails including Gotham, Jersey Devil and Kerouac as well as favourite New York dishes including New York cheesecake, Pastrami bagels and Waldorf salad.

Those wanting to sample the sounds and tastes of New Orleans won’t have to wait very long as Berts’ presents ‘The Story of the Blues’ from August 28 – 31.

Discover the very essence of New Orleans jazz with an exciting line-up featuring the Barry McCrudden trio on Thursday August 28, Ronnie Greer Big Band playing the Kansas city blues on the Friday August 29, the Nigel Mooney Band playing the Chicago blues on the Saturday August 30 and to finish the weekend, Professor James Ronan McGee playing New Orleans blues on Sunday August 31.

A bespoke food and drinks menu will also be created for the New Orleans weekend which will include cocktails such as the Little Hurricano, Bon Ton Special, Delta Fizz and The Big Easy.

For further information, or to book a table, call Berts Jazz Bar at The Merchant Hotel, Belfast on 028 9023 4888.

Open Gardens offer a rare opportunity to explore the secrets of hidden and private gardens not usually open to the public and the Ulster Gardens Scheme has a spectacular array of gardens waiting to be enjoyed this summer.

The 2014 season continues as Mr and Mrs D I Page open the gates to Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 July from 2pm to 5pm.

This mature garden of three acres is situated on an historic site. To the front of the Georgian rectory is a large lawn with mature trees, an ancient well and a developing woodland garden with a small fernery. To the rear of the house is another large lawn with contrasting borders of roses, herbaceous plants and shrubs, as well as an attractive pond area. A wooden rustic fence separates the long herbaceous border from the kitchen garden, with greenhouse, herb, vegetable and fruit gardens. Beyond the lawn is a large old orchard with an ancient apple tree at its centre, as well as an experimental area with wildflowers and annuals. The garden is partially suitable for wheelchairs.  A plant stall and teas will be available during opening hours.

Location: Billy Old Rectory, 5 Cabragh Road, Castlecat, Bushmills BT57 8YH

From Ballymena take A26 towards Ballymoney. On Ballymoney by-pass go straight on at Kilraughts Road roundabout then take 2nd right onto B66 signposted Dervock. Enter Dervock and turn left (B66) signposted Bushmills.  Continue on this road, go through Derrykeighan.  Approximately 2.3 miles after Derrykeighan at Castlecat turn right, signposted Billy ½ mile, and then immediately fork left onto Haw Road. Continue to the church, turn right onto Cabragh Road, garden is on the right.

From Coleraine take Ballycastle Road (B67). At T junction turn right and then next left, Benvarden Road.  At Derrykeighan turn left, signposted Bushmills and on to Castlecat. From Castlecat directions are as above.

What better way to spend a balmy summer’s day than wandering around other people’s secret paradises. Whether you have a special interest in plants and garden design or simply enjoy beautiful and unusual plants in attractive combinations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

They say a garden is a friend you can visit anytime and while normally they would be kept behind closed gates, the Ulster Gardens Scheme offers the opportunity to explore the secrets and hidden treasures of wonderful private gardens.

For further information or a copy of the 2014 Ulster Gardens Scheme leaflet please contact National Trust Regional Office on 028 9751 0721 or visit www.ulstergardensscheme.org.uk

Admission £3 – all funds raised help support National Trust gardens in Northern Ireland.

THE Armoy Road Races Bike Week gets underway in just a few days, with a packed programme and it promises to offer something for everyone.

The week kicks off on Sunday 20th July with the popular annual Bike Run and Barbeque, which will begin at Tilly Molloy’s in the heart of Armoy village. Last year, over 100 riders signed on for this now very popular tour of the beautiful Antrim coast.

This year, the route will head off to Glenarm via Ballycastle and Waterfoot, stopping at Carnlough before arriving at Glenarm for a quick photo shoot outside the Castle walls.  On then to Larne and the Battery Inn to take in the views before returning via Broughshane, Clough and Cloughmills, and then on to Armoy for a couple of laps of the circuit. Then it is back to Tilly Molloy’s for a Barbeque on the decking overlooking the River Bush and all for £10.

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course, said, “Bike week is a great opportunity to bring people to Armoy and see all that is great about the area and the races.

“During the week we’ve various activities including the local Ballymoney Cycling Club racing around our circuit on Tuesday evening. They’ll be completing a total of nine laps, 27 miles in total with presentation and refreshments in Tilly Molloy’s.

“Wednesday sees a classic car display which just about brings Armoy to a standstill but is well worth waiting for. Each year it just gets bigger and bigger and the cars are just beautiful classic cars.

Thursday celebrates our racing heritage with a gathering of the Coleraine Motorcycle Club and Japanese Vintage Club bikes from our racing past, all before our very own Garth Brooks (aka Jason Hughes) takes to the stage later that evening. There really is no need to go to Dublin – we’ve our own country music star in Armoy!”

“Then we are straight into Practice and Race days on Friday and Saturday, where road racing begins in earnest in Armoy. This year we’ll have the first of our road races on Friday night –a Supersport 600cc  race (1) sponsored by Parker Transport  of Ballycastle and I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to them and welcome them on board as a new sponsor at Armoy in 2014.

“Of course I shouldn’t forget about the renowned Miss Armoy Competition in St Olcan’s Hall on the Friday evening where you’ll see a host of ladies vying for the enviable role and title of Miss Armoy, with entertainment from Phoenix Rising.

“Young and old, fans and family just come along to the Armoy Race Bike week -there’s something there for you all to enjoy!”

Summer is here and it is time to take part in the inaugural ‘Family Fun Day’ at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Saturday 2^nd August.

First up, why not come and enjoy a family lunch at our bistro from 12noon with tasty food for the kids and parents to enjoy [separate cost].

Then from 2.00pm to 3.00pm or 3.30pm to 4.30pm, we dive into the magical world of Belle’s Carousel Café in Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s ‘Diving Belle’. Tom the lighthouse keeper fishes by the jaggedy rocks and watches the ships by night. Belle makes such delicious ice cream for her customers. Everything seems fine and dandy until one day a storm brews up! Must Belle reveal her magic secret…a beautiful story for children age 4+ told with magic puppetry.

Following the performance from 3pm to 4pm or 4.30pm to 5.30pm, come along to our workshop and games session where kids can take part in our sea-themed ‘Fun-Craft’ workshop, have their face painted, enjoy balloon modelling, play ‘hook a duck’ and ‘tin can alley’

There will also be a Fancy Dress Competition with prizes for ‘Best Dressed Boy’ and ‘Best Dressed Girl’, so why not get the kids to come along in fancy dress, maybe using the theme from ‘Diving Belle’. They could be sailors, mermaids, pirates, or anything else that sparks their imagination.

All this is included in the £6 ticket price, but hurry, demand is sure to be high. Book now through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

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

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (July 14-20).

• Climbit, W5, Odyssey Pavillion, Belfast, throughout the year. Bring your little monkeys along to W5 to enjoy the new and unique Climbit, a three dimensional sculpture that also acts as a climbing frame where children can test their limits.

• The Royal Opera presents La Bohème, City Hall, Belfast, July 15. The big screen in the grounds of the City Hall will host a free screening of Giacomo Puccini’s La Bohème direct from the Royal Opera House in London, bring a picnic, sit back and enjoy!

• Rathlin Festival Week 2014, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim, July 13-20. The annual festival week will host fun events perfect for the whole family including ceilidhs, model yacht races and much more.

• Medieval Fair, Dunluce Castle, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, July 19. Mix with minstrels, storytellers, craftsmen, soldiers and scoundrels in the spectacular setting of Dunluce Castle and enjoy the stalls and other entertainment during this fun family day.

• Portaferry Gala Week, Portaferry, Co. Down, July 19-25. Portaferry will be filled with fun for everyone over the annual gala week with events including vintage tractor displays, paper boat races, live music and dance, arts and crafts and fancy dress parade.

• Family Bushcraft Workshop, Castle Archdale, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, July 19. The family bushcraft workshop will teach young and old the forgotten wilderness skills including identifying animal tracks, orientations and building a simple shelter.

• Martello Tower, Magilligan Point, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, July 19-20.  One of the few towers of its kind still intact, the weekend will allow people to come along and learn about the history and design of the structure which was built between 1812 and 1817 to guard against a possible Napoleonic invasion.

• Sperrins Hillwalking Festival, Plumbridge, Co.Tyrone, July 19-20. Pull on your walking shoes over the weekend and enjoy walks led by professional walking guides taking you through the fascinating landscape and revealing the hidden gems of the Sperrins region.

• Ulster Fleadh, Various, Dromore, Co. Tyrone, July 19 -27. An exciting week-long festival of music, song, dance and craic with competitions, concerts and street entertainment perfect for the whole family.

• Argory Tartan, The Argory, Moy, Co. Armagh, July 20. The estate will be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music along with Scottish dancing workshops, traditional Scottish food and more.

Down

Ahoy, me Hearties! Batten down the hatches and prepare for a pirate showdown at Castle Ward, Strangford, Downpatrick, on 12th July.  It’s all hands on deck with our swashbuckling pirate pursuits.  Ye better dress in your finest pirate tackle to impress the captain in his brand new best dressed competition, with prizes for the top pictures uploaded online.  Scallywags young and old can play tug o’ war on the front lawn, just don’t fall into Davy Jones’ Locker!

Tyrone

This year’s Glenelly Rockin’ By The River Festival festival takes place in Plumbridge, Co Tyrone, from Sunday 13th July to Sunday 20th July 2014 with lots of fun for all the family including family walks, kiddies night, variety concert, show and shine car exhibition, evening entertainment and much more.

Fermanagh

Enjoy some live music in the beautiful surroundings of Castle Archdale on Sunday 13th July the Courtyard from 12pm-5pm. There will be a selection of bands with different music genres, something for everyone.

Derry

The third annual Benone Summer Craft Fair by Limavady Crafters takes place this Sunday 13th July at Benone Tourist Complex. Come and shop at this amazing fair packed to the brim with the beautiful handmade crafts and foods an there are plenty of activities to keep the children occupied. 11.00am to 4.00pm. Admission is free.

Armagh

Book your place now for the 27th John Hewitt International Summer School  from Monday 28th July – Friday 1st August 2014 in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh. A feast of arts and literature, the 27th John Hewitt International Summer School will bring together in Armagh’s Market Place Theatre high profile writers, artists, performers, speakers and critics to consider a selected theme, inspired by John Hewitt’s poetry.

Antrim

The Dalriada Festival 13th – 19th July is a packed programme of events that highlight the unique historic sporting, music and food cultures of both Ireland and Scotland. The Dalriada Festival reflects our shared heritage which extends back in time to the ancient kingdom of Dal Riada and beyond. See www.dalriadafestival.co.uk for full programme of events.

Belfast

It’s Family Fun Day at Belfast Zoo this weekend on 12th & 13th July 2014. During this weekend you can enjoy a range of family activities, including face painting and a bouncy castle. Animal feeding times will be taking place throughout the day.  For more information, call us on 028 9077 6277or email events@belfastzoo.co.uk
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.com.