Larne Cycling Exhibition

‘Pop-Up Pop-In’ Outdoor Opera

Carnevale Parade

Illumination Bike Ride

Illumination Cycle Route

Pink Family Bike Ride

Giro d’Italia Race Day

‘Little Italy in Larne Market Yard’

Bicycle Art Parade

Design a Cycle Jersey
Local Schools Competition

Local Community Festivals

Contact our Events Team:

03 MAY – 09 MAY

Until Sunday 20 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst, Film Director

North Down Museum, Bangor

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, Bangor

Free admission.

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

Saturday 3 May, Project24 1st Birthday Celebrations
Project24, Bangor Seafront
Join the party! There will be music, art demonstrations, a craft fair plus much more.
Free. 12noon-5pm.
Info: project24ni.com

Saturday 3 May, Night at the Museum
North Down Museum, Bangor
‘Stars and Mars, Moon and Jupiter’

In conjunction with the Irish Astronomical Association
Cost £1 admission.
Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com
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

10 MAY – 16 MAY

Until Sunday 20 July, Exhibition: Brian Desmond Hurst, Film Director

North Down Museum, Bangor

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, Bangor

Free admission.

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

Saturday 10 May, Glass Making Workshop

North Down Museum, Bangor

Costs £25. 2pm-4pm. Create a beautiful glass bowl with local artist Kenny Devon.

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

Saturday 10 May & Sunday 11 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages
Groomsport Harbour
Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.
Sat 10: World of Owls, Children’s Crafts
Sun 11: Clown Activities
Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission
Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

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

ALSO…

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

Like to sing? In the shower? In a choir? In your head so no-one can hear? Big Big Sing is for YOU!

Come and join the crowd for an evening of song and fun in mass singing sessions led by an inspirational choirmaster, who will have you singing Commonwealth-style. Enjoy some brilliant sounds and rhythms from Africa, the Caribbean or India and get into the mood for this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
Everyone is welcome – you don’t need to read music or have any previous signing experience – just come along, join in, and sing up.
Big Big Sing is a UK-wide singing project which aims to inspire thousands of people to join in the celebrations for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games through singing.
Part of the Glasgow 2014 Cultural Programme. Big Big Sing is supported by Glasgow 2014, Spirit of 2012 Trust, Creative Scotland and Glasgow UNESCO City of Music.

The Big Big Sing will be in Ballymena, the only venue in Northern Ireland, on Thursday 15^th May from 6.30pm – 9.30pm so if you want to get involved or for more information contact The Braid Arts Centre Box Office on Tel: 02825635900 or online at www.bigbigsing.org

The heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens newest nautical festival returns with a boom this year as the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival was launched by Chair of Moyle District Council Cara McShane, Michael Cecil from the Rathlin Community and Paul Kerrigan from Ballycastle community on Thursday 1^st May.

The Festival, now in its second year, celebrates the rich maritime heritage and history of Rathlin Island and Ballycastle and promises to be a week of spectacular sailing and sod-based activities.

Organised by Moyle District Council, Ballycastle Community Development Group and the Rathlin Development & Community Association, and sponsored by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, there will be something for land and sea lovers, with sailing, historic and modern craft, demonstrations, exhibitions and guided walks, seafood themed markets as well as menus, music and entertainment.

Chairperson of Moyle District Council Cllr Cara McShane said, “We are really looking forward to welcoming visitors and locals to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. The beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glens is renowned the world over and the Rathlin Sound is a hidden gem that is ready to be discovered.”

Caroline Carey, Tourism Development Officer, Moyle District Council , said “Following the success of last year’s event, we’ve come back bigger and better with a range of events and activities for all the family. Whether you want to try your hand at paddle boarding or kayaking, take a sunset boat trip in one of the most scenic locations in Ireland or simply taste the best of local fayre – with a market, special seafood menus in local restaurants and cookery demonstrations – there will be something for everyone to enjoy at the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival. There are plenty of events to choose from including fantastic family friendly events.”

The celebration is centred on Rathlin Sound, the body of water that lies between Rathlin Island and Ballycastle on the spectacular north coast of Ireland, right in the heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens and the opening weekend will feature a fancy dress parade with the backdrop of the Tall Ship and finishing with music and a seafood barbeque on 23 May in the Diamond, Ballycastle.

“Over the course of the week we will be celebrating our passion for the sea, local culture, heritage and history culminating in Rathlin’s ‘Big Lunch’, music from ‘Goats Don’t Shave’ and traditional boat races on the 1^st June. We look forward to visitors arriving by boat and of course by road, bike and bus and cannot wait to share our little part of the world with the world.

“The packed programme includes walking tours, boat trips; sports such as paddle boarding, kayaking and dinghy sailing and both Ballycastle and Rathlin will definitely be ‘sounding off’ with a programme of traditional music including street entertainers’ competition open to everyone, traditional sessions in local pubs and hotels.”

The festival will run from 23 May – 1 June. For further information about the festival log on to www.heartofthecausewaycoastandglens.com/maritimefestival or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre 028 2076 2024.

It has been 1,000 years since Brian Ború, High King of Ireland, went to battle with the Vikings at The Battle of Contarf and as part of Armagh’s Brian Ború millennium celebrations, a large scale Viking Tented Village will be on The Mall in Armagh City from Saturday 3^rd to Sunday 4^th May as Armagh City and District Council invites you to explore what life was like in Medieval times.

The event is the finale to a thirteen day festival, commemorating Brian Ború’s connections with Armagh and his burial at Saint Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral. The special festival of events forms part of an Ireland-wide commemoration of the millennium anniversary. Armagh, as the final resting place of Brian Ború is one of four locations across Ireland taking part in the national programme and joins Clare, which was the seat of Brian’s High Kingship of Ireland, Tipperary, where Brian was crowned High King and Dublin, where Brian Ború was killed following his victory over the Viking rulers of Dublin at the Battle of Clontarf, in the special commemorations.

The Viking Tented Village on Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th May will see over 100 Viking warriors set up camp in the encampment for the weekend. Visitors will get the chance to see how life was in Brian Ború’s lifetime as Viking re-enactors work, cook, eat and sleep on site. Mock battles and a longship abandoned on The Mall will give visitors a glimpse of what life might have been like at the time.

Re-enactment group Fingal Living History Society, who travel all over Europe re-enacting Viking life, will set up the replica village, featuring over twenty Viking tents, to provide an insight into the daily life of the invaders, with costumed characters taking part in a range of activities from making weapons to cooking. There will also be children’s story-telling and talks on The Battle of Clontarf.

The Viking Tented Village will consist of:

• Living History Encampment: an area with authentic tents featuring Viking warriors and Viking families. The encampment will also have an exhibition featuring crafts displays including blacksmithing, fabric crafts, silversmith, leather work, bone carving, carpentry, pottery,  coin minting and much more.
• Falconry display: There will be falconry displays at 1.00pm and 4.00pm each day, with visitors being given an opportunity to see Golden Eagles, Vultures, Hawks and Owls in flight.
• Cookery Displays: learn about the ancient cooking methods with camp fire cooking displays. All the re-enactors will be wearing authentic Viking dress and using authentic replica tools.
• Military Display: Viking weapons and armoury will be on display with the re-enactors giving a short presentation on the weapons and their uses. Members of the public will be given the opportunity to ask questions and hold the weapons and armour.

The village will be open to visitors from 11.00am to 5.00pm on Saturday 3^rd May and 1.00pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 4^th May. Falconry displays will take place at 1.00pm and 4.00pm daily, craft demonstrations at 3.00pm daily and children’s story-telling at 2.30pm and 3.30pm daily. Admission to the event is free.

Guides for the Brian Ború festival are currently available at City Centre venues or they can be downloaded from www.armagh.co.uk. For further details contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800.

Visit Springhill, Moneymore this May bank holiday weekend where the beautiful National Trust property will once again come to life with the sights and sounds of a bygone era as it hosts its fantastic Vintage Fête for a 2^nd year.

The event welcomed nearly 3000 visitors in 2013 and this year’s event is set to be bigger and better. Visitors can pick up some retro and vintage inspired china, home furnishings, bunting, jewellery, soaps, candles and other handcrafted items from our quirky range of handpicked trade stands.

Specialising in supplying the ultimate party pieces, ‘Granny Shaws’ vintage candy will attend the event for the first time. They offer a wide range of products from handmade candy, popcorn, bespoke chocolate and candy floss. Local lady Jill Morton, also known as ‘Jill’s Cakes’ will also attend the event for the first time on bank holiday Monday. Jill will be selling homemade vintage cupcakes and cake-pops and visitors can pick up a bargain 6 cupcakes for £5.

On Sunday 4^th May, visitors can relax in the beautiful gardens of Springhill and enjoy the charismatic sounds from Kelly Smiley. Expect to hear classic tracks from artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Etta James and of course those hits from the classic Ratpack greats. On bank holiday Monday 5^th May visitors will be entertained by the sophisticated sounds of the Swing Gals, one of Northern Ireland’s only all-girl vocal collectives, well known for their close harmonies and interpretations of jazz, pop and easy listening favourites.

Another highlight of the event will be the spectacular display of nostalgic games and attractions; Coconut shys, ‘Splat the Rat’ and ‘Hoopla’ to name but a few will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Swing boats, a sky rider, a vintage rifle range and Springhill’s very own fortune tellers ‘Mystic Meg and her sister Peg’ will complete the entertainment line-up.

Springhill Vintage Fête will take place at Springhill, Moneymore on Sunday 4 and Monday 5 May from 12-5pm. Normal Admission, National Trust Members Free. For more information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/springhill

-Vice President of Europe for Stella & Dot to share insights on ‘achieving business success ’ at IBWC 2014, Belfast, Northern Ireland

Kathleen Mitchell, Vice President of Europe for social selling boutique business Stella & Dot, has been announced as one of the guest speakers at next month’s International Business Women’s Conference IBWC 2014: Creating a New Economy (Belfast, Northern Ireland, 13/14 May 2014).

Hosted by Women in Business NI, IBWC 2014 will bring delegates from across the globe to Belfast under the theme of ‘Creating a New Economy’ to inspire and empower entrepreneurs and create international working partnerships. Kathleen Mitchell will be hosting a masterclass centred around achieving success and balance as a working woman. Through her role with Stella & Dot, Kathleen helps businesswomen achieve success and a personal life by allowing them to run their own flexible fashion business.

Online jewellery boutique brand Stella & Dot has become a firm favourite among fashionistas with a celebrity fan base including Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Crowe.  The San Francisco-based social selling company gives women the means to run their own fashion business, selling a range of statement necklaces, charm bracelets and funky tech accessories, all designed in New York, to name just a few, all of which are exclusively available online or via Stella & Dot stylists.

The company has gone from strength to strength, with an expansion to the UK in 2012 and more recently to the Republic of Ireland in 2014, as well as being named as one of Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies.  Kathleen’s role has seen her create marketing strategies and train over 1,200+ women in the UK.

American born, Trinity College Dublin graduate, Kathleen has a wealth of experience in launching global beauty brands and working with both men and women at all levels.  Having led a division of L’Oréal, Kathleen was involved in launching Kerastase in the US & building Redken in the UK & Ireland.

Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI said, “We are delighted to welcome business expert Kathleen Mitchell to IBWC 2014 to host one of our master classes.  Kathleen’s experience will no doubt prove insightful and engaging to all our delegates.  Her positivity, enthusiasm and vision will be a welcome addition to our conference.  Kathleen is a true inspiration for female entrepreneurs.”

IBWC 2014 will welcome keynote speakers such as: Carla Busazi, Editor in Chief, Huffington Post UK; Helena Morrissey, founder of the 30% Club targeting female leadership in FTSE 100 companies; Professor Lizbeth Goodman, SmartLab, NUI, Dublin;  Ann Francke, MD of the Chartered Institute of Management; Dr Anita Sands, former Group Managing Director of UBS and Member of the Global Irish Network; Anna LiseKjaer, founder of trend forecasting agency Kjaer Global and Ingrid Vanderveldt, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (“EIR”) for Dell Inc – each of whom are exceptional and inspirational female leaders.

For information on and to register for the International Business Women’s Conference 2014 ‘Creating a New Economy’ visit www.ibwc2014.com and follow @IBWC2014 on Twitter.

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.

Down

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

Tyrone

Bringing a fresh approach to shopping for fashionable and unique items, you are cordially invited to the Oma Fair Lady Boutique Vintage Fashion & Homewares Fair Sunday 4th May at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh from 1.00pm – 5.30pm.   You will find a vast selection of stunning and unique items for your summer wardrobe and home. We will be full to capacity with the most desirable vintage summer wear, jewellery and accessories as well as a majestic array of chic homewares, handcrafts, gifts, sweet treats and much more.

Fermanagh

The Islander Festival is a brand new four day festival from 2nd to 5th May in the tranquil setting of the Upper Lough Erne Region in County Fermanagh that brings together musicians, artists, gourmet food and traditional craft to celebrate the life of Upper Lough Erne. Islands, stunning castles and historic sites around the Lough will be the backdrop for the entertainment as well as ancient traditions and local produce that will tell the story of a place steeped in history.

Derry

Undoubtedly one of the key calendar events for 13 years now, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is always legendary as it sweeps a frenzied fever for tantalising tunes across the city. Over 35,000 music lovers will take to the streets in pursuit of the perfect medley of music at this year’s festival, which will feature over 60 venues and 100’s of events from 1st to 5th May.

Armagh

The Brian Ború festival continues through until Sunday 4th May, marking the millennium anniversary since the death of Ireland’s High King  who was killed during the Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday 1014.   It is in the Ecclesiastical capital of Armagh that Brian Ború was laid to rest, as he wished, and his tomb is located in the Church of Ireland Cathedral. To commemorate the millennium anniversary a series of events, to suit all ages, will take place across Armagh City.

Antrim

The Cushendun Big Arts Weekend takes place from the 2nd to 5th May. This annual event has brought people from far and near to experience four days of events in one of the most beautiful villages in the Glens of Antrim. These include music, poetry, drama, arts and workshops.

Belfast

Northern Ireland’s biggest free festival, The Festival of Fools, brings some quite extraordinary sights to the streets and squares of Belfast City Centre from 2nd to 5th May. From slapstick supremos to the most agile acrobats. From terrifying trapeze artists through to jovial jugglers, this festival has something for everyone – and then some! As well as unicycling jugglers, silent clowns and a candy floss sculptor, the Festival of Fools will be presenting a motorised singing nun, a mindblowing magician and comedy painters.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (May 5 – 11).

• Shane’s Castle May Day Steam Rally, Shane’s Castle, Randalstown, Co. Antrim, May 4-5. A great day out for the whole family will include steam and vintage tractors, working demonstrations as well as a craft marquee, auto jumble and live rural craft displays.

• International Bread Festival, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co. Down May 5. Be prepared for your taste buds to be tantalised as the global bread tour returns with breads and foods from around the world bringing together bakers and bakeries, music, fun and games.

• Apple Blossom Festival, Loughgall Country Park, Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 5.  Enjoy a chance to sample different apple produce and the rural ambience with stunning pink and white blossom providing the backdrop with orchard tours, cookery demonstrations, children’s activities and much more.  

• Titanicdance, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, May 10. An all-new Irish dance sensation tells the story of the world’s most famous ship including 28 hugely talented performers with a cast of world class Irish dancers and musicians.

• Garden Show Ireland, Antrim Castle Gardens, Co. Antrim, May 9-11. Northern Ireland’s premier gardening event has a packed programme of demonstrations, advice from gardening experts, inspirational show gardens, crafts and much more.

• Giro d’Italia Big Start 2014, various locations, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Armagh, May 8-11. Grab a piece of the action as Northern Ireland hosts the opening stages of the world famous Giro d’Italia as it takes place over three days making its way through Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coastal Route and the historic city of Armagh.

• Mayor’s Carnival Parade & Family Fun Day, Wallace Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, May 10. Dance along to the carnival beat as the vibrant street party and procession of international carnival floats and acts ignite Lisburn street’s in bursts of energy and glittering colour as it makes its way to Wallace Park.

• Sixth Annual Maguire History Weekend, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 9-11. An exciting and varied programme, exploring aspects of the Maguire history of Fermanagh, from castles and chalices to important historic sites, food and family history information.

• The Jungle Book, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, May 7.  Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of Mowgli, the man cub brought up by wolves and befriended by a panther and bear is brought to life in a new adaptation by Riverbank Productions for young children and their families.

• Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run, The Alley Arts Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, May 11. Put your best foot forward for this fun charity event.  There are categories for all ages, as well as a walking section, giving everyone an opportunity to participate and join in the fun.

Pubgoers in Portadown are set for a GREAT time this Friday as TV star, mentalist and illusionist, David Meade performs a special pop-up show at The Head O’The Road in Armagh.

The quaint country pub, located just outside Portadown, was chosen by Pubs of Ulster at random to win a night’s entertainment with the hit TV star as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week, which kicks off this week.

Hot on the heels of shooting his first USA based TV special, David Meade will perform at the intimate, free ticket-only event to an exclusive audience of 50 people at The Head O’The Road this Friday, 2^nd May at 7.30pm.

With a live show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping, the enigmatic entertainer will reveal secret facts and thoughts of audience members; detecting lies and influencing those around him with seemingly inexplicable results. There’s no place for Meade to hide; no camera tricks or mirrors as the audience get up close and personal with him as he attempts to make them believe he can control their minds.

Commenting on the unique event, David Meade said: “I’m thrilled to join forces with Pubs of Ulster to put on this unique event as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week.

“Our pubs play such an important role in the cultural fabric of life in Northern Ireland and it’s exciting to be putting on a show to such an intimate audience in a Great Ulster pub.”

In addition to the special David Meade show, Pubs of Ulster are sending a touring magician and caricature artist around Northern Ireland during The Great Ulster Pub Week (1-9 May 2014) to provide further surprise pop-up entertainment to unsuspecting customers in participating pubs.

Caricature artist Brian John Spencer will be Live Drawing Pub Week Portraits in pubs right across Northern Ireland, whilst magician, Rodd Hogg will shock and awe pubgoers with his mind-boggling magic tricks.

Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said: “The Great Ulster Pub Week will showcase all that’s Great about Ulster’s Pubs between 1^st – 9^th May 2014.

“We’ve enlisted the help of three Great entertainers to help us bring some additional surprise entertainment to pubgoers across Northern Ireland, adding a little extra excitement to an already packed programme of events happening in pubs right across Northern Ireland.

“For nine days and nine nights, The Great Ulster Pub Week will create a real buzz, serving as an important reminder of how ‘Great’ Ulster’s pubs truly are.”

The pop-up entertainment represents just a handful of the Great events and surprises the public can expect to find in pubs during The Great Ulster Pub Week.

The Great Ulster Pub Week 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. For foodies, there’ll be special Great Ulster Pub Week menus in participating pubs, as well as wine and craft beer tastings, new cocktail list launches and much more besides.

And as the build up for the Giro d’Italia begins, many pubs are dialling up the Pink Power, with special Giro themed promotions, competitions and events running as part of their Great Ulster Pub Week programmes of activity.

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 simultaneous multi-venue pub quiz in association with Downtown Radio, in aid of Cash For Kids. The attempt, which will see registered Great Ulster Pub Week pubs across NI take part in the live pub quiz, will be broadcast on Downtown at 10pm on Thursday 1^st May, and aims to beat the current record of 2,679 participants in 39 venues. So far, over 30 pubs have signed up to take part. A full list of participating pubs is available at www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz for people wanting to take part in the historic World Record attempt.

The Great Ulster Pub Week kicks off on Thursday 1^st May 2014 and is supported by Discover Northern Ireland, 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

Tickets to the David Meade show at The Head O’The Road will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Contact the venue for further information on 028 3885 1322.