This year, North Down Borough Council is excited to announce that the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at our Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5^th May.

The Demon Barbers 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.

This vibrant group creates a unique and captivating sound – energetic fiddle and passionate, distinctive vocals with driven punchy tunes and songs, drum ‘n’ bass grooves, the odd touch of ska and an ever present feel that this lot know how to party result in one of the most exciting acts around.  Their unique blend of modern, morris, clog and sword dancing captivate their audiences, leaving everyone wanting more.

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.

The Demon Barbers will be touring the length and breadth of the country throughout the summer with gigs including Glastonbury and the Edinburgh Fringe so we are thrilled to welcome them to the stage at our Merry May Day festivities this year. Their 90 minute performance will kick off at 2pm at the main stage.

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.

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.

Women in Business NI calls for private sector to pledge support for gender diversity ahead of International Business Women’s Conference – IBWC 2014

With just under 30days until the first International Business Women’s Conference – IBWC 2014 -in Northern Ireland, Women in Business NI (WIBNI) are calling upon top players in the private sector to sign up to ‘30:30 Vision’, an initiative aimed at driving gender diversity at leadership level in business here.
It is the aim of Women in Business NI that by the time their upcoming conference opens in Belfast on 13^th May 2014, at least 30 of Northern Ireland’s top 100 businesses will have signed up to this commitment. The Conference theme is ‘Creating a New Economy’ and among a variety of topics under discussion, the business and economic case for gender diversity will feature.

In pledging their commitment to the 30:30 Vision, companies will be encouraged to consider how they can develop initiatives to support and promote a more diverse workplace.

Speaking about the challenge, Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive, WIBNI said,

“There is a global body of evidence to prove that companies and economies will be more competitive and successful if they empower individuals with the best talent; both male and female. Evidence shows that creating a balanced workforce aids innovation and increases the representation of consumers in employee teams, resulting in improved product design and development.

“Across a number of studies, the end result is shown to be greater productivity, improving companies’ operational performance by between 20 and 35%.Gender diversity in business is therefore not only the right thing to do; it makes good business sense for all. That said, women remain the most under-represented group in enterprise in Northern Ireland. Indeed, across Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies, only five are led by females, whereas we believe that figure should be at least 30%.”

Through its 30:30 Vision, WIBNI seeks to secure a minimum of 30% of Northern Ireland’s top 100 companies signing up to show their commitment to supporting and promoting the diversity agenda. Some of the leading representatives from within Northern Ireland’s business sector have already pledged their support, including Asda, PwC, Ulster Bank and Liberty IT.

Kate Marshall, Chair, Women in Business NI added;

“At a time when we are trying to give the NI economy a competitive edge, unlike many other economic levers unlocking the economic potential of gender diversity is entirely within our control. It would therefore be a missed economic opportunity if we were to ignore this challenge and WIBNI believe it is the collective responsibility of business leaders to harness the power of a more gender diverse workplace for all our benefit.

“While we are starting with this initial commitment, long term, we hope to see all of Northern Ireland’s Top 100 companies creating strategies and policies that proactively focus on creating opportunities for talented women to progress to CEO, Senior Management positions and Boards by 2017. As such, we believe 30:30 can help unlock Northern Ireland’s full potential and create an economic ripple effect, driving growth at home and beyond.”

All businesses signing up to Women in Business NI’s 30:30 Vision within the next 30 days will be announced to an international audience in Belfast at IBWC 2014 next month.  More details about the initiative and conference can be found at www.ibwc2014.com
IBWC 2014 is supported by Visit Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Department for Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council, Ulster Bank, NYSE Euronext, Queen’s University Belfast, Equality Commission NI, Enterprise Ireland.

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 21-27).

• Brian Boru Festival, various venues, Armagh, Co. Armagh, April 22 – May 4. The ancient Cathedral City of Armagh will commemorate the life and times of Brian Boru, in this the 1,000^th anniversary of his death, with events including a warrior re-enactment, Viking long-boats, a Viking tented village and more.

• Pan Celtic Festival, various venues, City of Derry, April 22 – 27.  The festival attracts visitors from across Ireland and the Celtic nations with events including the Festival Parade, harp, fiddle, piping, choral and traditional singing competitions along with themed nights and a Camogie Blitz.  

• The Single Speed European Championships, Castlewellan Forest Park, Castlewellan, Co. Down, April 25-27. Single speed mountain bikers and friends can enjoy a fun weekend of sporting action as well as camping, food and drink and entertainment.

• Cookstown 100, various venues, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, until April 26. A host of events are set to take place in the build up to the Cookstown 100 including a Vintage Vehicle Run, Classic Bike Run and a Practice Day.

• Bangor Easter Parade & Fun Day, town centre, Bangor, Co. Down, April 21. Enjoy a family Easter day out in Bangor with variety of entertainment including the Easter Parade, Lego Live Show with talented motor bikers and a Spring Fair.

• Thai Belfast Festival, T13 Urban Sports Academy, Belfast, April 27. The festival offers a colourful and vibrant fusion of culture with traditional music, fashion, glamour and cuisine as well as Thai dancing, Muay Thai boxing and relaxing Thai massage.

• Picnic in the Park, Forthill, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 21. Enjoy an Easter picnic at Forthill with friends and family and explore and discover the beautiful Victorian park along with music, an Easter Egg trail and family games.

• Easter Walk, Glenarm Forest, Glenarm, Co. Antrim, April 21.  Families can get their walking shoes on this Easter and add a spring to their step with various walks available from the traditional Easter Egg Trail to more advanced walks with trained leaders.

• Thrills and Spills, Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, April 23. A day of exciting adventure for the family with orienteering through the park followed by a picnic lunch to refresh ahead of a thrilling abseil down O’Cahans Rock.

• The Legend of Luke Kelly, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 26.  A popular tribute show to the iconic Luke Kelly of The Dubliners featuring the vocals of Chris Kavanagh as he takes you on a journey through Luke’s numerous hit songs and music.

Down

Sunday 20th April, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour.

Easter fun with  Ark Open Farm, Easter crafts, Glitter Tattoos, Bun Decorating and Traditional Live Music, 2pm-4pm. Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission.

Tyrone

There are only a few tables left for the upcoming Masquerade May Ball at the Glenavon House Hotel on 3^rd May in aid of the Mid Ulster Dementia Support Group and Cancer Focus. With entertainment from Rodd Hogg, compered by Daybreak’s Rita Fitzgerald and dancing to James Huish and his band – this is a night not to be missed.  Contact masquerademayball2014@gmail.com for tickets.

Fermanagh

A day with a difference this Easter at Share Discovery Village Sunday and Monday. Hunt for your egg around the site following the clues, once you find your egg you can decorate it and then have a go at rolling it down a hill! After completing all the tasks you will receive an Easter Egg.  Then cruise aboard the bunny boat with Balloon Modelling, Face Painting and Games. Free Tea and Coffee for adults.  Prices – £6 per Child, £10.00 per Adult, £28 Family ticket.

Derry

On Monday 21^st April the beautiful Ballyscullion Park Bellaghy will host  an afternoon of craft displays, Easter Egg Painting, nature walks, bluebell trails and an Eggscellent Easter Egg Hunt in the fabulous Walled Garden!  (Event is free but some of the participating attractions may charge a fee.)  Gates open at 11.30 for parking and access.

Armagh

Are you looking for somewhere amazing to visit during the Easter holidays?  Then make the trip to Armagh Planetarium and visit the stars! Beginning on Monday 21 April until Friday 25 April they have a thrilling line-up of Digital Theatre shows on offer as well as many ‘eggciting’ activities to keep you entertained!

Antrim

Easter weekend in Portrush and The Causeway Coast Surf Festival offers surf competitions for all ages at national level (Open, Senior, Masters, Bodyboard, Womens, SUP, Under 18s).  Art and Photo displays from local surf and landscape photographers.  Surfers marketplace and stalls showing surf gear and equipment.  Activities include beach volleyball, skate & BMX demos, VW “Dub Surf” van & car display, surf school lessons, kids fun golf and more. Saturday evening (19th April) includes the Shore Shots Surf Film Festival with the best Irish and International surf movies being shown at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart. 7pm-10pm.

Belfast

This Easter Monday and Tuesday enjoy a 1.5 hour ride in a restored steam train from Belfast Central, along the shores of Belfast Lough to Whitehead and return. All ticket holding children receive a free Easter egg. Train departs Belfast Central at 11:00 and 13:30. Tickets must be booked in advance from Belfast Welcome Centre (02890246609) or online from www.steamtrainsireland.com.

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.

Saturday 10th May will see the second day of the Grande Partenza or the ‘big start’ of the Giro d’Italia race, pass through Newtownabbey.

As part of the Causeway Coastal Route, the cyclists will race through Glengormley at approximately 10.50am and along the Shore road at approximately 4pm as they near the finish line in Belfast.

To celebrate this historic event and to help everyone get into the spirit of the Giro d’Italiia, five family fun events have been organised to take place along the route:

Get into Glengormley for the Giro fun taking place throughout the town centre from 9am-1pm! The event will be jam-packed with activities for all the family including face-painting, arts and crafts, balloon modelling, street entertainment, bouncy castles and some children’s favourite characters on walkabout!

The caravan of promotional vehicles will be giving out goodies and creating a buzz in Glengormley at 9.20am so be sure not to miss out on this!

At Loughshore Park from 1-5pm, there will be amusements, inflatables and lots of family fun activities. Why not get in the ‘pink’ and try the sports on offer  – pink cycling, pink football and pink aerobics. Cycling enthusiasts will love the cycling challenges and cycle checks. With the exception of the amusements, all activities are FREE!

Whiteabbey Village will host an event from 2-4pm which will see the Really Rubbish Orchestra perform with instruments made from bicycle parts in the Presbyterian Church car park. The Templemore Silver Band will also provide entertainment while children’s activities such as face painting and balloon modelling will be available.

Fun days will take place at Rathcoole (Shore Road entrance) and Merville Garden Village fun from 2-4pm with free inflatables, face painting and balloon modelling and a performances by local bands.

In order to facilitate the race, the following road closures will be in place during the event:

Antrim Road 8am-11.30am and Shore Road 1pm-4.40pm.

Sandyknowes offslip at M2 will also have limited access during the times of 8am-11.30am.

Everyone is encouraged  to get into the carnival spirit that the Giro brings and ‘pink it up’ by dressing in pink, wearing pink wigs and making pink flags and banners! Look out for local food businesses offering Italian menus and admire the Giro themed window displays which will be on offer in Glengormley.

For more information on the Giro d’Italia, please visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/giro or contact Lisa O’Kane on telephone 028 9034 0052 or email  lokane@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Peter Duffy’s powerful theatrical performance of Patrick Kavanagh’s poem ‘The Great Hunger’ has been touring the country for the past year to popular and critical acclaim, and now the performance is heading to the stage of The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

Generally considered to be Patrick Kavanagh’s finest work, its protagonist is bachelor farmer Patrick Maguire who has spent years at his mother’s beck and call. When she finally dies aged 91, he himself is 65 and has missed the boat in terms of finding a wife and having a family of his own, a source of acute sorrow and regret to him. Peter Duffy himself grew up on a small Monaghan farm so has a ready affinity for Kavanagh’s material which informs and shines through his absorbing interpretation of the work.

‘A finely-achieved and compelling production. Its conclusion was greeted with a standing ovation from the appreciative audience and the accolade was fully merited’ Galway Advertiser

‘The Great Hunger’ will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 26^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 and £8 (concession), and can be booked by contacting 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.

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Grainne Duffy returns to The Courtyard Theatre for a night of dynamic music and entertainment on Sat 19 April.

In the last year Grainne Duffy has released her new album Test of Time to a wonderful reception from the press and fans worldwide. Still pioneering her first love the blues she has also found a voice in writing and playing in styles ranging from pop, soul and rock. Her live show is still as dynamic as ever and her band are a treat not to be missed.

Come along to another one of Grainne Duffy’s unmissable concerts at The Courtyard Theatre. Tickets cost £12 & £10 (Concessions) and are available online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by contacting Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Looking for a family day out this Easter?

Why not come to Bangor this Easter Monday, 21st April, for a day packed full with FREE family fun at the annual Easter Parade and Funday where Bangor’s Seafront will have something to appeal to everyone from 11.00 – 6.00 pm. This year’s event will be action-packed featuring motorbikes, Lego and a spectacular carnival parade.

Starting at 11am on Easter Monday, at The McKee Clock Arena, eight of Ireland’s best trials riders will compete over a challenging course of giant colourful Lego pieces in the fantastic Lego Live event. Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills.

The Sunken Gardens will play host to the some very special visitors – The Giant Slinkies! Stretching to 6 metres high, twisting and curling into balls with playful and eye-catching performances. Also, in The Sunken Gardens, special Lego workshops are taking place, where children can come along and help build a mosaic of an iconic Bangor image.

On The Promenade, Bangor & Holywood Town Centre Management in partnership with North Down Borough Council will be hosting a Spring Fair where an array of local crafts and speciality foods will be available. Take the time to have a browse in this picturesque setting.

If you still have energy after all of that, Pickie Fun Park will be open all day with lots to do and see, take a ride on a swan, play in the play park or just have a coffee and relax in the refurbished café.

At 3.00 pm over 200 children and young people from local youth and dance groups across North Down will take part in the spectacular Buttercup Carnival Parade. The parade will have a distinctly different feel this year and will be a celebration of Bangor and the surrounding areas with a lively Spring theme. Look out for giant buttercups, butterflies and ladybirds, dance groups, live music, a Pickie Swan, boats and lots of other surprises! There will also be a “Lucky Buttercup Competition” taking place with lots of opportunities to win some exciting prizes from local retailers like The Flagship Centre, Easons, The Sports & Fashion Outlet and many more.

This year, The Parade will be led by the The Mayor of North Down, Councillor Andrew Muir who will be travelling in a very colourful rickshaw.  The Parade’s route will start at The Town Hall, then onto Main Street, along Quay Street, turning into High Street and making its way back up Main Street to The Town Hall – an extravaganza not to be missed!

Also, on Easter Monday, North Down Museum will be holding its annual Easter Egg Hunt from 11am – 1pm (cost £1) and there will be live music in Coffee Cure with “The Woodworms.” And at Bangor Aurora, Maurice Jay and the U105 Crew will be on hand to offer special prizes, games and family fun. Come and paint an egg in the café or enjoy the bouncy castle and colouring in competition.

There’s plenty happening at Project 24 over the Easter weekend too with the rescheduled “Out Of The Shadows” event which will take place from the April 18^th – 20^th.

So come on down to Bangor with your family and friends this Easter for lots of family fun!

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com

This is the 9^th year of Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Causeway Trek.  With hundreds of participants taking part each year our increasingly popular trek is one event not to missed!

Join us for the 11 mile long walk which starts at the Giants Causeway and finishes at Larrybane Car Park situated at the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge.  You will be bused from Larrybane Car Park to your sign in point at the start where you will begin your walk.

Imagine one of the most picturesque walks in Ireland on a beautiful spring day. The views are wonderful – from the magnificence of the Giant’s Causeway to the windswept sand dunes of Whitepark Bay. On the way, you take in the picture postcard beauty of Dunseverick Harbour and stop to admire the smallest church in Ireland at Portbradden. And best of all, every step you take is improving someone’s life.

The funds you will raise by taking on the Causeway Trek challenge will support NICHS’ programmes of research in our local hospitals and universities into the treatment and prevention of these illnesses. You will also help us continue to provide a broad range of services in every part of Northern Ireland for people affected by stroke, respiratory diseases and heart conditions.

Once you sign up you will receive your fundraising pack, tshirt and contact from the Events Team.

For fundraising advice and assistance you can contact us on –

Telephone: 028 9032 0184
Email: events@nichs.org.uk

As the infusion of Pan Celtic traditions prepare to travel to Derry-Londonderry this month, Music City 2014 is delighted to host the vibrant family festival for the first time in its history.

A celebration of the cultural links between the Pan Celtic regions, thousands of visitors is expected to arrive in the city from 22^nd -27^th April for the festival which boasts a week of fun traditional music, language, competitions and craft events for all ages.

Mayor Cllr Martin Reilly, encouraging everyone to check out the programme for the full range of activities on offer said: “I am delighted that the Pan Celtic Festival has been incorporated as a key element within the Music Legacy Fund and to welcome this festival which will offer audiences not only some of the most exceptional performers from the Celtic nations of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, Brittany and the Isle of Man to the city, but a complete range of exciting family-orientated events throughout the week promoting Celtic culture.”

Children can try their hand at the Celtic art of Straw Crafting, find clues written in different languages to win prizes at the Treasure Hunt on (Tuesday 22^nd April) or get comfy and enjoy Tea & Tales in the magnificent mirrored Speigeltent in the Guildhall Square from (11am-3pm, Wed 23^rd April).

Age restrictions do not apply and the whole family can catch the unique show of mummers and seasoned Glastonbury performers the Armagh Rhymers on the afternoon of Friday 25^th April, they also offer 7-14 year olds an interactive and fun session to learn about the traditional art of Mumming from the mysterious characters themselves.

Geraldine Curran, current member of folk theatre ensemble Armagh Rhymers, speaking about what the children can expect said. “The Mummers are instantly recognisable by their distinct willow hats and have many talents.  Come join us in for our unique performances and series of workshops were we will entertain and delight the audiences with our old Irish Mumming traditions, telling stories through poetry, music, drama, song and dance.”

“Participation from the children is key – it is amazing to watch their level of self expression as the storytelling evolves through the performances.  In acknowledging the Arts Council of NI in their funding, I am delighted that we can bring the Mummers to Derry, come and enjoy our sessions which always promise high energy and lots of memorable fun. “

Families can watch the procession of the Parade of Nations, along Shipquay St and across Guildhall Square, led by a conglomerate of pipers marching as Pan Celtic Pipe Band (6pm, Fri 25^th April). For those interested in the learning about the links and nuances between the Celtic languages, free taster courses relevant to children and young adults will be running throughout the week in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin and the Tower Museum.

Mayor Reilly continued, “From choral competitions to golf contests, language workshops and céilí dancing, festival clubs hosted by each Celtic region not to mention the world famous Speigeltent for the best in international live music, there really is something for everyone at this year’s Pan Celtic Festival.”

Tickets for individual events can be purchased online at www.culturlann-doire.ie or through the Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin box office. For more information on the festival, visit www.panceltic.ie or call +44 (0)28 7126 4132.