This year the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at the Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5^th May.

Previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows and will bring to the stage a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow.  Their XL Show is one of the most imaginative and inspirational dance shows this decade, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting young Folk, Hip Hop & Break dancers together to create this live folk music spectacular! This will be the first time that the XL Show will be in Northern Ireland making May Day an exciting opportunity to see this special act live. The show kicks off at 2pm.

Also, throughout the town, there will be balloon modellers, face painters, stilt walkers, a mime artist, magician and the lively Ski Band, “the best street band ever,” who will be entertaining the crowds with their own special blend of live music!

All the usual favourites have been organised by Holywood & District Community Council; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Cartoon Characters & As You Like It)

Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.

The ever-popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).

For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.

At Holywood Library, Friends of Holywood Library will be holding a Book Sale from 10am – 2pm and everyone is welcome. There is also an art exhibition by The Monday Painters which will be opening on Monday 5^th and running until May 10^th.

And don’t forget if you fancy some shopping or a bite of lunch, most of Holywood’s shops and eateries will be open throughout the day.

So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 5^th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day at this FREE EVENT!

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1^st May 2014 with a World Record attempt to stage the World’s Largest Multi-Venue Pub Quiz.

The daring attempt, which is being undertaken by Pubs of Ulster in association with Downtown Radio and children’s charity, Cash For Kids, aims to beat the current record for the World’s Largest Simultaneous Quiz of 2,679 participants in 39 venues.

Over 30 pubs across Northern Ireland have already signed up for the exciting multi-venue event, with more expected to join the roster in the run up to the event on Thursday. From Belfast to Bangor, Donaghadee to Draperstown, Irvinestown to Portrush and towns and cities across Northern Ireland, the public can play their part in this historic World Record attempt

The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz will be broadcast live on Downtown Radio from The Errigle Inn, Belfast at 10pm on Thursday 1^st May 2014, with participating pubs tuning in to take part in the same quiz at the same time.

Commenting on the exciting event, Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said: “The Great Ulster Pub Week is all about celebrating what’s Great about Northern Ireland’s pubs – from great food and drinks to great entertainment and great craic. Quizzes are one of the things our pubs do best, so we’re delighted to join forces with Downtown Radio to host this ambitious World Record attempt, in aid of Cash for Kids.

“We’re offering a real opportunity for people right across Northern Ireland to come together and make a little piece of history – we hope the public will come out in force to join us as we go for this exciting World Record attempt.”

People wanting to take part in the Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz should sign up at a participating pub of their choice. Entrance costs £18 per team, with a maximum of six people per team – all entrance fees will be donated to Cash For Kids to support the charity’s great work across Northern Ireland.

In addition to being crowned the overall victor live on air, the winning team will receive a VIP trip to The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Other prizes will be awarded to runners-up in each of the participating pubs.

Mark Mahaffy, regional managing director, Downtown Radio/ Cool FM said:

“Downtown Radio is delighted to add its weight and six county coverage to this exciting attempt at a world record.

“As the only local commercial radio station to cover all of Northern Ireland, we’re hoping that our listeners will get involved all over the country to support this effort, and, in doing so, help raise funds for our charity, Cash For Kids.”

Stuart Robinson, acting programming controller, Downtown Radio added:

“We are delighted to be involved in a world record breaking attempt and can’t wait to hear how it comes across live on air. Downtown remains the only commercial radio station to cover the entire province, so if we are successful this will be truly a Northern Ireland wide effort.”

Darren Fowler, regional charity manager, Cash for Kids Northern Ireland said: “Cash for Kids is always up for a challenge, and we are all about putting the ‘FUN’ in fundraising, so a World record Pub Quiz attempt is right up our street. We’re delighted to join forces with Pubs of Ulster to host this exciting event as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week.

“Cash for Kids works all year round raising funds for children in communities throughout Northern Ireland who rely on charitable support to overcome disadvantage. It’s our mission to eliminate disadvantage for all children and young people who live in Northern Ireland and coming up with amazing and Fun events like this one is how we are making sure that happens.”

People wanting to enter a team to be part of The Great Ulster Pub Week, should contact the official venue of their choice.

The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Multi-Venue Pub Quiz attempt participating pubs:*

• Bureau by the Lough, 637 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. Tel: 028 9086 6111
• Drummond Hotel, 2 Main Street, Ballykelly, Co. Derry/Londonderry. Tel: 028 7772 2121
• Fa’ Joe’s, 25 Market Street, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, Tel: 028 3834 2335
• Freil’s Bar / Rafters, 2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Tel: 028 7940 1206
• Grace Neill’s, 33-35 High Street, Donaghadee, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9188 4595
• Hagan’s Bar, 39 Irish Street, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, Tel: 028 8772 2628
• Kiery’s Bar, 38 Main Street, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, Tel: 028 8776 1932
• Madden’s Bar, 51-53 High Street, Antrim, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 9446 2177/ 028 9446 9066
• Mayfly Inn, 16 Main Street, Kesh, Co. Fermanagh, Tel: 028 6863 1281
• McBride’s On The Square, 1-3 The Square, Comber, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9187 1744
• Molly Browns Kitchen and Bar, 45/47 South Street, Newtownards, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 9182 1444
• Necarne Arms, 2 -4 Church Street, Irvinestown, Co. Fermanagh, Tel: 028 6862 1572
• Railway Arms, 53 Railway Place, Coleraine, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 7034 2391
• Saddle or Sail Inn, 55/57 Castle Street, Killough, Co. Down, Tel: 028 4484 1419
• The Anchor Bar, 87-89 The Promenade, Portstewart, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 7083 2003
• The Botanic Inn, 23/27 Malone Road, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 9050 9740
• The Bush Tavern, 15-17 Market Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 2766  3167
• The Coachman, 58 Rainey Street, Magherafelt, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Tel: 028 7963 3527
• The Countryman Inn, Grove Road, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 2564 4814
• The Diamond Bar, 2 High Street, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 2766 2561
• The Errigle Inn, 312-320 Ormeau Road, Belfast, Belfast, Tel: 028 9064 1410
• The Glen Bar, 26-28 Dungiven Road, Londonderry, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Tel: 028 7134 8808
• The Head O’ The Road, 39 Clantilew Road, Breagh Lower, Portadown, Co. Armagh. Tel: 028 3885 1322
• The Huntsman Inn, 8 Castle Street, Comber, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9181 7777
• The Jamaica Inn, 180 Seacliff Road, Bangor, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9147 1610
• The Market Inn, 25 St Patrick’s St, Draperstown, Co. Derry/Londonderry, Tel: 028 7962 8250
• The Parlour Bar, 4 Castle Place, Newtownards, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9182 0212
• The Poet Bar and Grill, Kings Square, Kings Road, Belfast, Co. Down, Tel: 028 9040 1248
• The Quays Bar, 63 Eglinton Street, Portrush, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 7082 3889
• The Spaniard, 3 Skipper Street, Belfast, Belfast, Tel: 028 9023 2448
• The Wallace, 88 Bridge Street, Lisburn, Co.  Antrim, Tel: 028 9264 1155
• The Windrose, 5 Rodgers Quay Carrickfergus, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 9335 1164
• Whitecliff Inn, 2 Chester Avenue, Whitehead, Co. Antrim, Tel: 028 9337 8309

*This list is correct at the time of issue; check www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz for a map of participating pubs, which will be updated as further venues come on board.

The Great Ulster Pub Week (1-9 May 2014) will be the biggest pub centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland and will showcase all that’s ‘Great’ about the Ulster pub.  Over 160 pubs from right across Northern Ireland are signed up to be part of the exciting pub celebration, with hundreds of unique events showcasing great food, great entertainment and great craic set to take place.

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 will offer a diverse array of events that’s sure to surprise and delight pubgoers across Northern Ireland.   The Great Ulster Pub Week is 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.

A special promo video, filmed by local filmmaker, Ben Price and sound tracked by local band, Pretty Child Backfire can be viewed at Youtube.com/greatulsterpubweek

For further information and for full event listings, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek

Armagh flautist Eimear McGeown, who is now based in London, has steadily built a reputation as being one of the world’s most versatile exponents of both the Classical and Irish Flute, and she is now destined for the stage of The Market Place, back in Armagh.

She performed at the BBC’s ‘Last Night Of The Proms’ broadcast on BBC TV. As well as being a leading light in the Classical arena, Eimear is equally at home in the Traditional Irish music world and is All Ireland Champion on the Irish Flute.

Eimear will perform alongside composer and performer Ryan Molloy, whose work has been performed to international audiences on four continents for over ten years, including major concert venues. Ryan has recorded over a dozen albums and his repertoire spans numerous genres from traditional Irish music to contemporary classical music. The programme for the evening includes Faure – ‘Pavane’, Chopin – ‘Berceuse’, Debussy – ‘Syrinx’, Rachmaninoff – ‘Preludes In C Minor’ and Bizet – ‘Carmen Fantasy’. Eimear McGeown and Ryan Molloy will perform at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Friday 9^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 and £10 (concession).

Join Ballet Theatre UK on a dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of ‘The Little Mermaid’, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. The kind hearted Little Mermaid rescues the Prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways. Little girls will love it!

The Little Mermaid will be staged on Saturday 10^th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £14 and £12 (concession), with tickets at only £8 for children.

Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, ‘The Jungle Book’ will be vividly brought to life in a new adaptation for children aged 4-9 years. Come along to the Indian jungle, and follow the tale of Mowgli, the man cub, who is brought up by wolves and befriended by Bhagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. Together, they guide him safely through all the dangers in the jungle. With original catchy sing-along music especially composed with children in mind, comedy, and loads of audience participation, four talented performers will present a show guaranteed to delight young audiences.

The Jungle Book will be performed at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Thursday 15^th May at 6pm. Tickets are on sale at £6 for adults and £4 for children. Tickets for all events can be booked 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.

It’s a case of Glenarm Castle will come alive with colour as the 8^th annual Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival returns this bank holiday weekend, Saturday 3^rd – Monday 5^th May.

It’s not only a treat for tulip lovers but a treat for anyone who enjoys a colourful and spectacular display set within a beautiful, historic walled garden. The Festival, sponsored by Bloms Blubs, is a firm fixture in the horticulture calendar and is widely recognised as Ireland’s premier Tulip Festival.

Over the past 8 years and thousands of blubs later, the Glenarm Castle gardening team, brothers James and Billy Wharry, have put in a lot of hard work and commitment to ensure that the Festival grows in strength and vibrancy. The continued success of the Tulip Festival is testament to their artistic flair and passion for gardening.

The 8^th annual Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival also officially opens the Walled Garden and tea room season. Filled with exciting flowers and specimen plants the walled garden is one of the oldest in Ireland. Delicious homemade cream teas, light lunches and a gift shop are available in the charming old mushroom house.

Head Gardener at Glenarm Castle, James Wharry said:

“I have worked at Glenarm Castle for many years. During this time I have had the privilege to service the beautiful gardens as head gardener along with my brother Billy. In my opinion, Glenarm is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s never more beautiful than during the Tulip Festival.  Billy and I are lucky to work with the world renowned Bloms Bulbs to pick out the best blubs and to give them a specific location in the walled garden. Location is key as the Tulip colours need to blend and work together if we are to create an effective display.   It is such a delight to see visitors relax and enjoy our work during the Festival – it makes all the hard work so worthwhile.”

The Festival will include local crafts, great music, good food and a representative from Bloms Blubs will be available to discuss bulb requirements for the year. Reg Maxwell, former head gardener of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens will be on hand to offer his expert advice. A spectacular train ride on the newly commissioned Glenarm Castle Express will take visitors to the Castle on Bank Holiday Monday where there will be guided tours of the home of the Earls of Antrim by the Castle butler and house staff.  Ticket prices are adults £5, youth (12-16 years) £2.50 and children under 12 FREE. Guided tours of the Castle on the Monday are priced at £6. For further information including opening times visit www.glenarmcastle.com

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is looking for young people aged 10 to 25 to take part in their Summer 2014 extravaganza, ‘Oliver!’

‘Oliver!’ is the world-renowned musical which tells the story of a young orphan who arrives on the streets of London with no friends, no money and nowhere to live. He meets a cheeky pickpocket who shows him a whole new way of life. But as chance would have it, Oliver stumbles upon a gentleman who might just hold the key to his mysterious past… This exhilarating story about one boy’s survival against the odds is packed full of joyful songs including Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket or Two, Oom-pah-pah! and the exuberant Food Glorious Food.

Auditions for ‘Oliver!’ will take place on Saturday 17^th May, from 10am to 12noon for 10-15 year olds, and from 1.15pm to 3.15pm for 16-25 year olds. Auditions are now open for booking through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. All auditionees must be available throughout the period from Monday 21^st July until Saturday 23^rd August inclusive for rehearsals, should they be successful. Auditionees should wear loose clothing, trainers & bring a bottle of water. All auditionees should be prepared to act, dance & sing. You do not have to have experience to audition and auditions are completely free, although participation in ‘Oliver’ for successful candidates will be £100 for the five-week period. There will be some free places for people/families in receipt of state benefit.

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.

Discover Armagh’s rich apple growing heritage this bank holiday Monday 5^th May.

The picturesque village of Loughgall, set in the heart of the Orchard County of Armagh will burst into colour for the annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair on Monday 5^th May as visitors to Loughgall County Park will be able to take part in a whole host of exciting and interesting activities celebrating Armagh’s rich apple growing heritage. The event will take place from 10.30am – 6.00pm with a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.

Rural Armagh is widely renowned as the Orchard County, growing some of the finest apples in the world. The origins of the Armagh Bramley Apple are well known and this humble fruit has become a worldwide phenomenon, securing the esteemed PGI status in 2012.

The annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair brings this traditional fruit into the modern age, showcasing the high quality local food and produce available.

Throughout the day visitors can enjoy cookery demonstrations and dig into a scrumptious selection of all things apple as local chefs present a delicious selection of recipes using the Armagh Bramley.

Once stomachs are satisfied, visitors can enjoy the live musical entertainment whilst browsing through a wide variety of food and craft stalls, featuring some of the finest crafters and artisans from all over Northern Ireland. Over 20 high quality local crafters and apple producers will present a unique variety of handmade crafts and delicious locally produced apple goodies.

Guided tours of the orchards will bring the orchards to life with interesting stories surrounding the Armagh Bramley apple. Learn about the history of the local apple growing and the procedures involved with modern Bramley production. Visitors can choose from a coach tour, a walking tour or a bicycle tour of the Orchards. A limited number of bicycles are available free of charge.

Other activities on the day include live music and a barbeque, traditional afternoon tea with a selection of apple based treats, an apple tart competition and Scrufts Armagh, where local dog owners are asked to bring their canine friends along to the event as they battle it out in 4 categories; most handsomest male, prettiest female, best dressed dog and perfect puppy.

There are plenty of activities for children too with pony rides, cycling tours, an animal petting farm, traditional country games, a teddy bears picnic, children’s music and much more to keep the kids entertained.

Admission to the event is just £3.00 per person and under 4’s are free. Guided tours are included in the admission costs. For further information contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or visit www.armagh.co.uk

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 28 – May 4).

• Taste in the West, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, May 1. Taste in the West is the first ever food festival hosted by Strule Arts Centre and celebrates the very best in local food products and services and local celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will be on hand to offer cooking tips and recipes.

• City of Derry Jazz Festival 2014, various venues, City of Derry, May 1-5. The annual festival offers a packed programme of festival favourites throughout the city with some of the biggest stars and newest names on the jazz music scene.

• Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2014, various venues, Belfast, May 1-11.  The streets of Belfast will be alive with readings, live music and performances from some global acts including De La Soul, Gingers Baker from 60s band Cream and Jimi Goodwin from rock giants The Doves.  

• Festival of Fools, various venues, Belfast, May 2-5. The sound of laughter and the sight of acrobatics, music and comedy will fill the streets of Belfast City Centre and the Cathedral Quarter as the Festival of Fools celebrates coordinated comedic chaos.

• Tandragee 100, various venues, Tandragee, Co. Armagh, May 2-3. The Tandragee 100 is the largest National Road Racing Event in Northern Ireland attracting approximately 120 competitors from around the world to take part in the circuit between Tandragee, Markethill and Armagh.

• Guinness Carrick Sevens 2014, Carrickfergus Rugby Football Club, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, May 2-4. Northern Ireland’s biggest 7s tournament takes place over three days with four rugby competitions and a host of continental food, live entertainment and much more.

• Killyleagh Horse Show, Coiley Hill, Killyleagh, Co. Down, May 3. This popular outdoor event has grown over the years and includes class for Working Hunter, Show Jumping, Cobs, Young Handler and much more.

• Birds of Chicago, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 3. JT Nero and Allison Russell have emerged as two of the most compelling new voices in North American Roots music and will provide an evening with echoes of mountain gospel, corner doo-wop and classic soul.

• Night at the Museum, North Down Museum, Bangor, Co. Down, May 3.  North Down Museum will come alive at night with meteorites on display, children’s activities and an inflatable indoor star dome, bring your telescope along for some expert advice and enjoy a torch-lit tour.

• Causeway Coast Challenge Walk, Portballintrae, Co. Antrim, May 4. Take part in the 30km walk from Portballintrae to Dunseverick Castle passing through the Giant’s Causeway and along the cliff path.

Down

Pack a  picnic and settle down on the lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of Jazz in the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart this Sunday 27th April from 2.00pm to 4.30pm.

Tyrone

A coffee morning and craft fair will be held in Ballynanny Church Hall Dungannon on Saturday 26th April from 10.00am-2.00pm.  Homebakes, tea, coffee, crafts and homemade goods.  All donations to Fields of Life Cultiv8 team.

Fermanagh

Fawlty Towers Dinner Show Spectacular,  26th April, Westville Hotel. Performed as you dine, Fawlty Towers – The Dinner Show is a spectacular tribute to the iconic British sitcom. Everything that can go wrong will and as you, the dining audience are part of the show, you will gain first-hand experience of the Fawlty’s infamous hospitality, comical mishaps and manic mayhem… just don’t mention the war!

Derry

The annual County Derry Fleadh will be hosted by the Loup Comhaltas branch and takes place in the villages of Ballyronan and Loup from Wednesday 23rd – Sunday 27th April 2014.  The festival will have something for everyone with a mixture of traditional song,music, dance and a family fun day with cultural parade.

Armagh

Enjoy a family fun day out this Thursday as Viking Longboats are launched onto on the lake at Loughgall Country Park.  Family activities on the day include rowing and sailing sessions, Viking history talks, warrior weapon training and mock battles for children.  Full details of all national events taking place as part of the Brian Ború Festival & Events 2014 can be found at www.brianborumillennium.ie.

Antrim

Gathering of the Isles at the Braid Arts Centre Ballymena 24th to 26th April is a  weekend long festival of music from Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales, with concerts, master classes, workshops and performances throughout the Borough – in partnership with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association of NI and featuring the best in piping and traditional music from all over the Isles.

Belfast

The Ulster Museum is the venue for Henry Purcell’s King Arthur this Friday. A stunningly evocative new production using real letters from the front and setting Purcell’s great opera in a world of death where men have never felt more alive.    Inspired by David Jones’ WW1 prose-poem In Parenthesis this vivid, moving and beautiful new production brings together ancient questions of King Arthur and The Matter of Britain with Purcell’s rich and passionate score and the trenches of the Somme.  Using dance, drama, poetry, and a new libretto by Thomas Guthrie, Sestina will be joined by an ensemble of world class players on original baroque instruments.

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.

26 APRIL – 02 MAY

Saturday 26 April, Dawn Chorus Nature Trail

Redburn Country Park, Holywood

Learn how to recognise the songs of the dawn chorus and take in the history of Redburn Country Park.

Tickets free (limited availability). Pre-booking essential. Starts 5am.

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

Saturday 26 April, Manuka Hunney – Soul and Funk Band

North Down Museum, Bangor

This event will be held in Coffee Cure, North Down Museum.

Take three fine female voices; add the class of The Supremes, the funk of James Brown, the soul of Aretha, and a slice of now. Spice with a rhythm section drawn from Northern Ireland’s hottest musical talent; and what you have is the sweet sound of Manuka hunney.

Cost £10. Pre-booking essential. 7.30pm – late.

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

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, Irish Strength Expo 2014

Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex

This is first ever Irish Strength Exhibition of sport. Five sports are being represented over 2 days on 26th and 27th April 2014. Sport Stalls and Kids Strength Zone to provide a fun packed weekend in this Sport and Waterslide Complex.

£5 entry fee. Under 12’s free. 10am-5pm, both days.

Info: irishstrongman.com

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 26: Magician, Face painting.

Sun 27: 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

Saturday 30 April, Glass Making

North Down Museum, Bangor

An interesting and fun workshop with Kenny Devon. See Kenny at his work at Project24 in his pod at Bangor Seafront to get a taste of what his class has to offer.

Costs £25. Pre-booking essential. 2pm-4pm.

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

03 MAY – 09 MAY

Saturday 3 May & Sunday 4 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 3: Children’s Crafts, Archery

Sun 4: Jumping Clay, 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

Sunday 4 May, Holywood Through the Ages Walking Tour

Holywood Town

Learn of Holywood’s colourful history from the establishment of a monastic settlement to the Motte, where King John is said to have spent the night.

Tickets £3 (limited availability). Pre-booking essential. Starts 2.30pm.

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

Monday 5 May, Merry May Day

Holywood Town Centre

Free event, 10am-4pm.

Stalls, fancy dress competition, children’s traditional Maypole dancing and a highlight of the event, winners of BBC 2 Folk Awards ‘The Demon Barbers’ will be performing their XL show for the first time in Northern Ireland!

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

Thursday 8 May, Literary Lunch with Colin Pinney

Council Chamber, Bangor Town Hall

Colin Pinney has played in Shakespeare, Shaw and Aldwych farce and has directed plays both here and in America. He has been a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and his television appearances include Jeeves And Wooster, The Brittas Empire and The Bill. His literary lunch will be a reading of The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and will be illustrated using images by Gustav Doré.

Costs £6. Light lunch included. Starts 1pm. Pre-booking essential.

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

Thursday 8 May, Literary Evening with Colin Pinney

Council Chamber, Bangor Town Hall

Colin Pinney has played in Shakespeare, Shaw and Aldwych farce and has directed plays both here and in America.

He has been a member of the BBC Radio Drama Company and his television appearances include Jeeves And Wooster, The Brittas Empire and The Bill. He will host a one-man show presenting Rudyard Kipling his life and verse.

Costs £2. Starts 7pm. Pre-booking essential.

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

On Thursday 01 and Friday 02 May, Strule Arts Centre will be hosting its first ever food festival – Taste In The West.  The highlight of the menu is Jenny Bristow, Celebrity Chef and NI’s Good Food Ambassador.

The aim of the two day event is to demonstrate that food can be fun and delicious meals can be prepared quickly and easily with ingredients that can be found locally.

For ‘starters’ there will be Workshops for Schools on Thursday with the SWEET Programme funded by the Public Health Agency keeping the children active, the Western Trust Dietician highlighting the importance of nutrition and  the Conservation Volunteers helping the children to plant some herbs.

The ‘Main Course’ will be the Cookery Masterclass and Demonstrations with Jenny Bristow on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.  Jenny Bristow is no stranger to anyone as she is one of the most celebrated local good food ambassadors, TV Cooks and Cookery Writers.  Jenny has a unique cooking style as she can create new ideas and twists using ingredients that are readily available in local shops.  Jenny actively supports and encourages local businesses and food producers and she Bristow is a firm believer that good food is the best medicine for everyone and the story behind the products we are looking for.  All these ‘ingredients’ are the essence of what this evening is about as Jenny demonstrates a variety of recipes which are quick, simple and healthy.

On Friday Jenny will serve up a fun demonstration for young children and teenagers showing them how they can still enjoy the food they love but in a healthy and nutritious way.

Throughout the two days local food providers will be showcasing their products including Kees Outdoor Saddleback Pork, Heavenly Tasty Organics and The Poker Tree Brewery to name a few.

Strule Arts Centre aims to put Omagh and the surrounding district on the Food Map and develop the region as an exciting food destination as well as celebrate the best of local good food.

Further information on all the events can be found on our website, www.struleartscentre.co.uk or from our Box Office on 028 8224 7831.