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;

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”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

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