Red Arrows to provide a stunning send-off to Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race

The world-famous Red Arrows will take to the skies over the North West Coast of Ireland at the end of June with their display of daredevil aerial manoeuvres, to bring a spectacular close to the 2014 LegenDerry Maritime Festival.

Brought to the North West by a partnership between Donegal County Council, Limavady Borough Council and Derry City Council, the RAF Red Arrows will perform their thrilling flying display as the stunning send-off to the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race on Sunday 29^th June 2014.

The distinctive red jets, which are this year celebrating their 50^th display season, will execute their trademark formations, close-passes and dynamic loops and rolls at the mouth of the River Foyle between Greencastle in Co. Donegal and Magilligan/Binevenagh in Co. Londonderry.

Thousands of people are expected to descend upon the North West Coast to capture a clear vantage point of the Red Arrows’ stunning performance and celebrate the official Race Start of the Clipper 2013-14 Race at Greencastle, Co. Donegal.

Mayor of Donegal County Council, Councillor Ian McGarvey said: “Along with my fellow Mayors from Derry City Council and Limavady Borough Council I am delighted to confirm the staging of this spectacular Red Arrows event.  I am sure this will attract visitors from across the region and beyond to the Lough Foyle area. Their exciting air display will be an excellent way to see off the Clipper Race as the fleet prepares to sets sail off the coast of Greencastle.  I hope that everyone who comes to Donegal has a safe and enjoyable time.”

Mayor of Limavady, Councillor Gerry Mullan said: “I am delighted to welcome back the spectacular Clipper Race event and am looking forward to seeing the boats sailing into Lough Foyle past Magilligan Point. I wish all the crews a warm welcome to the area and hope they get the chance to explore all it has to offer when they come ashore.”

Mayor of Derry City Council, Councillor Martin Reilly said: “It is a major coup to have the Red Arrows perform and their display will provide a suitably spectacular final flourish to our week-long LegenDerry Maritime Festival.   We are delighted to have been able to facilitate this in partnership with our friends in Limavady and Donegal, who are bringing the world-famous Red Arrows here.

“Our stunning North West coastline will provide the perfect backdrop for the official Race Start of the Clipper 2013-14 Round the World Yacht Race.  We are thrilled that thousands of local people will be able to share the celebrations and the spectacle on land, on the sea and now, also in the sky.”

Derry~Londonderry is the penultimate stopover for the Clipper 2013-14 Race, the world’s longest ocean race. After a gruelling journey of almost 40,000 miles, 11 month circumnavigation of the globe the City will welcome the 12-strong fleet of Clipper Race yachts back to the city, including its very own Derry~Londonderry-Doire yacht, with a weeklong LegenDerry Maritime Festival from 21^st – 29^th June 2014.

The LegenDerry Maritime Festival will transform the River Foyle’s quayside into a summer promenade, with race village, award winning continental market, seafood festival, music extravaganza and a host of sea-faring activities on and off shore for families, sailors and land-lubbers alike.

For information visit: www.legenderrymaritimefestival.com or www.clipperroundtheworld.com.

Dyad Productions creates, produces and tours classic theatre with an innovative and contemporary emphasis.

This radical interpretation of one of the world’s most famous women is Dyad’s fifth original production in as many years, and, although a work of fiction, exposes the truth behind the legend.

This is Monroe as we’ve never seen her before: alone in her bedroom in a dressing gown and underwear; no glitz, no glamour, no masks.  Overdosed on pills, the woman behind the icon unravels her remarkable life and travels back through the memories of her closest relationships.  Repeatedly stalked by a mysterious caller, the Hollywood icon tells all (Joe DiMaggio, Clark Gable, Arthur Miller, her mother – it’s all here), revealing a biting intelligence and an imperfect body, and leads us in real time to the very moment of her death.

‘The Unremarkable Death Of Marilyn Monroe’ will be staged at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Friday 23^rd May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (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.

Banbridge BuskFest is once again sending the call out to buskers from near and far to take part in the 11th annual busking festival, which takes place on Saturday 21 June.

Every year at BuskFest the streets of Banbridge town centre are bustling with hundreds of musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers from across the globe entertaining the appreciative crowds in the hope of winning a share of the £3000 cash prize pot.

BuskFest offers a number of categories for would-be buskers, including overall winner, best individual, best band, best performance, best junior performer and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize, sponsored by The Outlet, Banbridge.

The competition runs from 1.00pm to 4.30pm and will culminate in an awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in Solitude Park from 5.00pm to 6.00pm.  Music fans will be in for a treat with singer/songwriter Allison McGrath performing on stage, followed by the winners of each of the six competition categories.

As in previous years, the overall winner of BuskFest will have the opportunity to perform live at Sunflowerfest music festival, which takes place at Tubby’s Farm in Hillsborough from 22 to 25 August.

Online registration for BuskFest is now open via the festival website www.buskfest.com and buskers of all ability are encouraged to enter. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win!

For further information and registration details log onto www.buskfest.com and connect with www.facebook.com/buskfest.

Critically acclaimed play from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, ‘Ernest and The Pale Moon’ awaits audiences at Theatre at The Mill on Thurs 19 June. This spine-chilling tale of obsession and murder is inspired by Hitchcock’s masterpieces and the tales of Edgar Allen Poe and is on stage for one night only.

Ernest spends his days watching the beautiful young woman who lives in the apartment opposite.  Upon seeing her with another man he is thrown into a jealous rage and driven to murder, though all is not what it may at first seem and slowly Ernest’s guilt sends him on a spiralling descent into madness.  The piece contains narrative twists and turns, live music, inventive design and physical storytelling to provide a thrilling and terrifying experience.

From the award-winning team behind ‘The Trench’ which visited Theatre at The Mill in 2013, drama company Les Enfants Terrible have built a formidable reputation for playful macabre tales by mixing drama, music, storytelling and inventive staging to create a gothic fantasies reminiscent of Tim Burton’s works.

To get a ticket for this thrilling theatre experience, visit www.theatreatthemill.com or call the Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (May 19-25).

• Spring Exhibition, McKenna Gallery, Omagh, Co. Tyrone until May 31. An exhibition of collectable new work by gallery artists including a special feature of two portraits by Selena Mowat of comedy actress Pauline McLynn and model Sophie Dahl which have both been displayed at the National Portrait Gallery in London.

• Divis Ridge Trail, Divis and Black Mountain, Belfast, throughout the year. Take a pleasurable walk along the brand new 4.2 miles Divis Ridge Trail and enjoy the spectacular 180 degree views across the city and beyond.

• Dean Herbert Cassidy Memorial Organ Recitals, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral, Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 18-19. Dr Malcolm Sim, organist of Glasgow Cathedral will perform works by Handel, Bach, Messiah and Vierne.

• 16^th Annual International Guinness Blues on the Bay, various, Warrenpoint, Co. Down May 21-26. The festival includes music workshops, Jazz picnic and food festival as well as busking competitions and over 90 free fantastic blues gigs throughout Warrenpoint.

• Micky Bartlett, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 23. A brand new show from the young local comedian who is fast becoming one of the funniest and most popular acts on the entertainment circuit today.

• An Evening with Doris Day and Gordon MacRae, The Playhouse, City of Derry, May 23-24. Transport yourself back to the era of romance as the story of Hollywood’s golden couple is told via a new piece of musical theatre.

• Glen Fest, Owen Roes Club Rooms, Glenmornan, Co. Tyrone, May 23-25. The summer of fun kicks off with a great weekend of activity from a country fair and family fun day to an angling competition, boxing tournament and entertainment.

• Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival 2014, various, Ballycastle &Rathlin Island , Co. Antrim, May 23 – June 1. A family friendly festival which includes various water sport activities, guided walks, seafood themed markets, music and entertainment.  The opening weekend is hosted in Ballycastle and closing weekend in Rathlin Island.

• Curadmir Ulster Cycle 2014, Aghnablaney, Co. Fermanagh, May 24-26. A three day rolling base camp sportive where completion rather than competition is the aim. The challenging event will see Rider Villages set up across Northern Ireland where riders will finish and depart each day.

• Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2014, Queen’s Quaysides, Belfast, May 24-26. Belfast’s quaysides play host to a fleet of Tall Ships with free activities, pop-up market and a chance to learn more about Belfast’s unique maritime history.  

Down

Northern Irelands favourite Circus makes a long awaited return visit to Newcastle from 15^th – 18^th May and this year’s show is sure to thrill.  Duffy’s is one of the world’s longest-established circuses, amazing family audiences across Ireland over three centuries. The new show blends the traditional and the twenty-first century. Acts enjoyed by generations of circus-goers are brought right up-to-the-minute with a spectacular light show, state of the art sound and expert choreography. With the glamour of elaborate hand-made costumes, glittering lights and stunning special effects, you’re sure to be astounded by Tom Duffy’s.

Tyrone

The Strule Children’s Arts Festival presents Peter and The Wolf on Saturday 17th May.  Follow the adventures of Peter’s visit to his grandfather’s cottage on the edge of The Great Forest.  Meet all the familiar characters – the Duck, the Cat, the Little Bird and of course, the wonderful life-sized Wolf!

Fermanagh

Enjoy an evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Castle Coole Enniskillen this Friday 16th May at 7.30 pm as the magnificent Grand Hall is brought to life with an array of musical scores.

Derry

Magherafelt Saint Vincent de Paul are holding an Antique and Collectables Fair this Saturday 17th May at the Parish Centre. The sale will include Fine Furniture,Irish Art, Victorian Jewellery, Vintage Clothing, Belleek, Silver, Silver, Linen and Lace, Militaria and much more.

Armagh

Spend a night with the stars at Armagh Planetarium. On Friday 16th May all the action at the Planetarium will take place late at night.  And best of all, admission is free! Blasting rockets is always great fun, but have you ever launched a rocket at night?  Well, now is your chance in the twilight rocket launches which take place during the “Museums at Night” festival.  Come in fancy dress, maybe dress as an alien, an astronaut or your favourite character from Star Wars and you could win a prize.  With other activities planned and special Digital Theatre shows screened, this is a night you will not want to miss!

Antrim

The ever fantastic Frock Around The Clock is on the road again, and off to Kells Ballymena for a fabulous outing of the famous Vintage & Handmade Fair. Around 50 exhibitors will be showcasing authentic vintage, stylish handmade and uniquely upcycled fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectibles, crafts & gifts, art & photography, sweet treats and much more! Taking place on Sunday 18th May from 12-5pm at Rosspark Hotel, Doagh Road, Kells, Ballymena Admission £3.

Belfast

Celebrate Belfast Zoo’s 80 year history by taking a special guided tour of the old zoo site on Sunday 18th May. The tour focuses on the Bellevue area, where the original zoo gardens were built in 1934. Visitors can also find out how the zoo adapted to the changing face of Belfast, particularly during World War II when the Cave Hill area came under heavy attack. The tour starts at 2pm.  Tickets must be booked in advance. For more information or to book, call 028 9077 6277or email events@belfastzoo.co.uk

10 MAY – 16 MAY Thursday 15 May

Arco String Quartet, plus special guests The Farriers Council Chamber
Bangor Town Hall

The Farriers will join Arco String Quartet for a captivating evening full of excitement and charm, set in the stunning Council Chamber of Bangor Town Hall.

Tickets £11 Adult, £9 Child. Starts 7.45pm. Pre-booking essential.

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

17 MAY – 23 MAY Until further notice

Exhibition: Day Trip to Bangor North Down Museum, Bangor ‘Didn’t we have a lovely time, the day we went to Bangor…’

This exhibition takes a nostalgic look back at Bangor as a holiday spot to day-trippers and overseas visitors alike. The story is told through a selection of original poster art, souvenir brochures and postcards.

Free admission.

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

Until Sunday 1 June

Exhibition: Percy French Art North Down Museum

1st May 2014 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Percy French, the renowned Irish artist, songwriter and performer. In this exhibition explore the art of Percy French through a selection of prints owned by the Percy French Society.

Free admission.

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

Saturday 17 May & Sunday 18 May

Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm. Sat 17: Children’s Crafts, Balloon Modelling Sun 18: Party Animals NI, 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

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS…

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 June

Seashore Festival Bangor Seafront & Town Hall

North Down Borough Council is excited to announce the arrival of not one but two spectacular tall ships which will be visiting Bangor this June 7th & 8th as part of their Seashore Festival event. The ships – The Mercedes and The Golden Lion will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and will be open to the public on both days. And if you fancy sailing the high seas on a tall ship, there will also be opportunities for hour-long evening sailings!

Tickets cost £10 and are available for sale now at Bangor Visitor Information Centre and North Down Museum or online at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings.

For more info on the full programme of activities at the Seashore Festival, including ‘Bangor and Back for a Bob’ in an original steam train, visit northdowntourism.com.

Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 July

Heartbreak Productions presents ‘Pride & Prejudice’

Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tickets £6.

On sale now! Book online or call for tickets. Pre-booking essential. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com Book online: www.northdown.gov.uk/arts

Saturday 26 July

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Grounds of Bangor Town Hall Free event

12noon-6pm.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm and the event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out.

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

Armagh Craft Fair will take place this year on Saturday 24 May at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh.

‘Armagh Craft Fair’ is a high quality event that offers something for everyone with beautiful yet affordable craft, new craft makers, free craft demonstrations, a free craft exhibition, great food, musical entertainment  and much more….

‘Armagh Craft Fair’ features many and varied Craft Stalls, displaying and selling high quality craft from makers across Ireland. On show will be textiles, jewellery, wood, glass, soaps, ceramics and candles to name but a few.

There will also be workshops throughout the day for kids and adults in Jumping Clay, Wire Jewellery, Ceramics – Hand-building and Throwing, and a Spring Floral Arrangements Demonstration.

One of the highlights of the Fair are the FREE Craft Demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors can watch the master craftsmen or have a go themselves at learning a new skill in Wood Carving, Tiffany Glass, Traditional Basket Making, CERAMIC Hand Building Techniques, Jewellery, Clay Sculpture, UDU Drum Making, Leather Working, Traditional Blacksmithing, Spoon Carving and Traditional Rush Craft.

There will be music at the event as well as an extensive food and drinks menu from ‘Footlights’ Bar & Bistro.

Entry to the fair is FREE. For further information on the fair visit www.marketplacearmagh.com or the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821

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.

Commemorate the Centenary with the Great War drama, ‘Talbot House’. This play journeys to The Courtyard Theatre on Wed 21 May and presents the story of a solitary haven for allied troops on the battlefield.

For much of the Great War the Ypres Salient was a hot bed of violent activity, but in a small house, just a few miles from the front lines in the town of Poperinge, an ‘Every Man’s Club was situated.

Amidst the turmoil, trauma and even boredom of life in the British Expeditionary Force this house became for thousands of servicemen, regardless of rank, a home from home where they could relax, read, pray, entertain and be entertained. It was called Talbot House and was run by a young diminutive army Chaplin by the name of Philip ‘Tubby’ Clayton.

The haven would soon be referred to as simply Toc H, Toc being the army’s signaller’s code for the letter ‘T’ and following the end of the war the house would be the inspiration behind the Toc H movement.

This play by peter Gill recreates the humour, music and wonderful atmosphere of this inspirational house.

Don’t miss this tender tale at The Courtyard Theatre. Tickets for the play are £12 & £10 and are available for purchase online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by phoning Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Industry body, Pubs of Ulster has welcomed Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ivan Lewis MP to Belfast.

Mr Lewis made a trip to the city on Thursday 8^th May to hear about the new Pubs of Ulster led initiative, The Great Ulster Pub Week, which was designed to champion and celebrate Ulster’s pubs for the role they play in the cultural and social fabric of life in Northern Ireland.

The inaugural Great Ulster Pub Week ran 1-9 May 2014, with over 160 pubs hosting hundreds of unique events, great food, great entertainment and great pubs.

During his visit, Mr Lewis met with Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster and  Peter Dolan, owner of The Albany on Belfast’s Lisburn Road – just one of the pubs participating in The Great Ulster Pub Week.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Pubs of Ulster said: “We are encouraged that the Shadow Secretary of State has come to Northern Ireland to meet local publicans and learn about Pubs of Ulster’s latest campaign to promote our great local pubs.

“The Great Ulster Pub has highlighted many of the great pubs we have right across Northern Ireland; showcasing their importance, not solely in economic terms but also the contribution they make to the local communities they serve.”

During his visit, Mr Lewis also met with Duncan McCausland, chair of the independent complaints panel for The Joint Industry Code for the Responsible Promotion & Retail of Alcohol in Northern Ireland to hear about the Code’s ban on irresponsible drinks promotions, which has now been in operation for over a year.

Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster added: “The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is moving forward and publicans are investing in diversifying their businesses. We are providing a world class product and this requires legislation that is fit for purpose.

“The Great Ulster Pub Week clearly demonstrated that Northern Ireland’s pubs provide a safe and enjoyable environment for their patrons, as well as contributing greatly to the communities they serve.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our Responsible Retailing Code with the Shadow Secretary of State, which demonstrates our industry’s commitment to selling alcohol responsibly and ensuring that the pub remains the safest place to consume and enjoy alcohol.”

Shadow Secretary of State, Ivan Lewis said: “Pubs make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, and also provide a hub for socialising. The high standards I experienced at The Albany today are testament to the quality of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, which makes it a brilliant place for tourists and locals alike. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit such a thriving local business.”

For further information on The Great Ulster Pub Week, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com