Autism Initiatives NI is encouraging people across the North Coast to get together and have a Big Lunch with their neighbours and friends this June
At their Easter Surf Programme at West Strand in Portrush, organised in partnership with the brilliant ‘Alive Surf School’, Autism Initiatives called for community spirited people to get together on June 1st and hold a Big Lunch in their own neighbourhoods.
The innovative Surfing Programme, which was the first autism specific programme in Northern Ireland, is now in its third year and has so far provided more than 70 surf class places, which run across six to eight week sessions.
Health and Activity Coordinator, Pauline Graham, said: “When we ran our pilot programme three years ago we were excited about the possibilities around a surfing programme. Surfing allows the participants to enjoy physical activity and social interactivity in the unique environment of the beautiful North Coast.
“The health benefits of taking part in such a wonderful sport are obvious but the friendships which many have developed have been just as rewarding. Many of our young people and adults have returned year after year and we hope to continue for many years to come.
“We thought it would be a wonderful idea to cement these friendships with a Big Lunch at the end of the surf season in September. We will invite past participants of the programme and their friends and family to get together for a day of friendship and fun.”
The next surf programme will run in July and Autism Initiatives NI will collaborate with Alive Surf School and ‘Liquid Therapy’, a charity that helps local young people facing a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural challenges through surfing.
Local Big Lunch representative, Grainne McCloskey said: “Programmes like these are immensely valuable to children with autism. It provides an opportunity for important social interaction and helps the children to develop and learn in a positive environment.
“The Big Lunch is all about strengthening community and building support networks. The main date this year is Sunday 1 June, but like Autism Initiatives NI you can organise a Big Lunch for whenever best suits your community or organisation.”
The Big Lunch – made possible by the Big Lottery Fund – is expecting millions of people to take part on Sunday 1 June 2014. For more information about holding a Big Lunch, request a free pack online at www.thebiglunch.com. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for your community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and info to help get you started.
Preparations are well underway for the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race with one of the most exciting events planned for the year, a weeklong LegenDerry Maritime Festival from 21-29th June 2014.
The Foyle Quay is set to transform into a summer promenade, complete with race village, marine marquees, award winning continental market and host of sea faring activities on and off shore. With a lineup of outdoor concerts planned citywide to welcome the Clipper fleet, including our very own Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht on its penultimate stopover in the world’s longest ocean race.
Deputy Mayor Gary Middleton was with local businesses to deliver the programme which combined elements of the city’s rich maritime heritage and creative musical talent, encouraged everyone to get onboard for the world class event.
“I am delighted to launch the festival programme to once again welcome the Clipper Race crews to a world class series of events, activities and opportunities. The Maritime Festival is an excellent chance for us to build upon the superb success of our 2013 UK City of Culture year and to deliver our Legacy promise for Music City 2014.”
“As the Clipper Race yachts have journeyed around the world we have been busy promoting the city and region in international markets telling our new story. With our dedicated road show in which we are targeting the Diaspora, promoting trade, enterprise and investment links in the major stop over cities worldwide, and now look forward to continuing our partnership working to deliver not only an international festival but also delivery of a business opportunities programme, education and tourism campaign with a number of key stakeholders.”
A rich musical offering, the festival launches with Music City Day on 21st June where from dawn to dusk the city will become a giant performance space for both professional and amateur artists. The Beach Boys will bring Summer to Ebrington Square and Europe’s biggest dance music offering Celtronic showcases the best in electronic music. Incorporating the multi-cultural Ubuntu festival there will be a chance to bring people together to celebrate music of all cultures.
At the centre of the weeklong festival will be the welcome of the 12-strong fleet of Clipper Race yachts including Derry~Londonderry-Doire yacht which has once again been carrying the city’s story on its travels worldwide, a journey that has been both magnificent and dramatic in equal measures.
Linda Williams, Head of Economic Development and Marketing at Derry City Council said due to the phenomenal success of the Clipper Homecoming Festival in 2012, the Maritime Festival 2014 will again provide the opportunity to raise the profile of the city as a destination for World Class events as well as providing local businesses the chance to benefit from a unique opportunity to link with other cities and stakeholders.
She said: “The transformation of the City over the last few years has been amazing and the continuation of investment in the City’s One Plan sees the focus on the legacy of City of Culture year and past Clipper events.”
“The Derry-Londonderry-Doire Clipper Yacht has been travelling around the world cementing the city’s story to a global audience, both during and post City of Culture 2013. The world class event this summer is our chance to build on the confidence that 2013 has brought and positive world wide exposure, a chance to attract visitors and investment and to promote our vibrant and innovative city and for all in the city to realise benefits of this exposure and make 2014 successful and memorable for the city.”
Alan Clarke, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Chief Executive, said, “The city’s reputation for hosting this event has certainly gathered momentum. It is a great opportunity to build on the legacy of activity through the ni2012 our time, our place campaign and Derry~Londonderry’s mantle as the UK City of Culture in 2013. I believe it will not only help increase the international profile for the city but also support economic and tourism growth, continue with job creation, develop creative industries and create awareness of the city’s maritime and cultural heritage. NITB is please to provide financial support for this event through its International Tourism Events Fund.”
Clipper Race organizers are looking forward to bringing the event back to the city and showcasing their new fleet of twelve new identical 70-foot ocean racers. Jonathan Levy, Global Business and Communications Director for Clipper Ventures said: “We had an outstanding experience during our first visit in 2012 and are very excited to hear the news of the excellent programme for this summer’s festivities and race village.
“The warmth of your welcome and hospitality is indeed legendary within the Clipper Race and the whole fleet is looking forward to its visit here in June. In a more tangible sense, I am confident we will again make a big economic impact on the region through our presence and the spending power of the crew, race partners, fans and visitors. Add to this the global media we reach and this will once again showcase Derry~Londonderry on an international stage.”
Bill McCann, Foyle Port Harbour Master said: “The Port is delighted to be working in partnership with Derry City Council, Clipper Ventures and all the stakeholders involved in the LegenDerry Maritime Festival 2014. The return of the Clipper Race offers us the opportunity to utilise the £1.4m of infrastructure invested during 2012 and the chance to build on this legacy.”
“Foyle Port now has over 800m of pontoon space to offer including new pontoon facilities at Meadow Bank and Fort George to accommodate the 100+ visiting boats expected over the duration of the weeklong event. Our marine team has already demonstrated our capacity to stage and manage all the marine and technical aspects of the Clipper Race arrival and start. We look forward once again to offering the marine and berthing support that the Clipper Race crews will rely on when they are here and to playing our part in facilitating what is sure to be an amazing event for the City and North West Region.”
Whet your appetite aboard the LegenDerry Maritime Festival this June, whether you are a novice sailor, a lover of food or coming for the world class music, this event will enable families, visitors, and nautical enthusiasts enjoy a host of exciting and diverse maritime activities from visiting yachts and boats. Come meet the crews of the 70 Foot yachts as they dock on the Foyle and discover the fascinating stories of the city with a series of exhibitions and creative heritage areas along the way.
Start your summer in Derry-Londonderry Music City 2014 from Saturday 21st June until Sunday 29th June. You will find a city full of vibrancy and talent unlike any other, a city gearing up to provide a international welcome that promises to be Legenderry.
The LegenDerry Maritime Festival is being organised and lead by Derry City Council with support from NITB, Foyle Port, Ilex, Loughs Agency, DCC Legacy Fund, Diageo, Tourism Ireland, Donegal Co.Co and Limavady Borough Council.
For more information on the full programme of events or details on how to get involved, and special accommodation rates visit www.legenderrymaritimefestival.com. Keep up to date with the Clipper race on Facebook Derry-Londonderry-Doire Clipper.
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is welcoming the return of ‘The Art Of Craft’ exhibition.
This exhibition, showing in the Theatre Gallery, features the work of 23 artists and makers from across Ireland showcasing their unique talents through the creation of works featuring basketry, ceramics, jewellery, mixed media, textiles, bespoke furniture and metal. The exhibition runs from 2 May until 21 June. Visitors to the exhibition will be asked to vote for their favourite piece, and a cash prize of £300, ‘The People’s Prize’ will be awarded to the winning Artist/Designer/Maker.
The Art of Craft Exhibition is part of The Armagh Craft Fair, which itself will take place on Saturday 24th May. This high quality event offers something for everyone with even more beautiful and affordable craft, new craft makers, free craft demonstrations, great food, musical entertainment and much more. Armagh Craft Fair features many and varied Craft Stalls, displaying and selling high quality crafts from makers across Ireland. On show will be textiles, jewellery, wood, glass, soaps, ceramics and candles to name but a few.
Also on display will be the exhibition ‘Returned’ by the artist Maria Morgan. Maria comments “Returned looks at places connected with me and people in my life, and how these can evoke memories. Travelling has given a new perspective on local landscapes. I have revisited places that make me reminisce about my childhood and family. I have also gained a new appreciation for exploring new places within my own area. I initially take photographs or sketches and make notes about the memories or feeling these places generate. The work is then created using paint and mixed media.” ‘Returned’ will be on display in the Theatre Foyer from Friday 2nd May until Thursday 22nd May.
Admission to both exhibitions is free. For further enquiries, please contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.
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 twice.
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.
Speaking about the upcoming Giro d’Italia, the Mayor Alderman Fraser Agnew commented “The world famous race will pass through Newtownabbey twice bringing the festival atmosphere with it as it passes through. To welcome this fantastic event, parts of the borough have undergone somewhat of a makeover with various improvements to buildings and shop fronts through DSD and DOE funding.
All in all, Newtownabbey will be looking it’s best for the world’s media and I hope everyone gets out and welcomes the cyclists and enjoys this very unique occasion.”
To encourage everyone to mark and enjoy the spectacle, various family fun events will 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!
A spectacle in itself, the caravan of promotional vehicles will be giving out goodies and creating a buzz in Glengormley at 9.20am
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 performances by local bands.
Also look out for local food businesses offering Italian inspired menus and the Giro themed window displays in Glengormley.
Please also be reminded that 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.
For more information on the Giro d’Italia visiting Newtownabbey, please visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/giro or contact Lisa O’Kane on telephone 028 9034 0052 or email lokane@newtownabbey.gov.uk
This year the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at the Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5th May.
Previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows and will bring to the stage a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow. Their XL Show is one of the most imaginative and inspirational dance shows this decade, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting young Folk, Hip Hop & Break dancers together to create this live folk music spectacular! This will be the first time that the XL Show will be in Northern Ireland making May Day an exciting opportunity to see this special act live. The show kicks off at 2pm.
Also, throughout the town, there will be balloon modellers, face painters, stilt walkers, a mime artist, magician and the lively Ski Band, “the best street band ever,” who will be entertaining the crowds with their own special blend of live music!
All the usual favourites have been organised by Holywood & District Community Council; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Cartoon Characters & As You Like It)
Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.
The ever-popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).
For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.
At Holywood Library, Friends of Holywood Library will be holding a Book Sale from 10am – 2pm and everyone is welcome. There is also an art exhibition by The Monday Painters which will be opening on Monday 5th and running until May 10th.
And don’t forget if you fancy some shopping or a bite of lunch, most of Holywood’s shops and eateries will be open throughout the day.
So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 5th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day at this FREE EVENT!
For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.
The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1st May 2014 with a World Record attempt to stage the World’s Largest Multi-Venue Pub Quiz.
: (l-r): Gareth Stewart, Cool FM presenter, Colin Neill, CEO of Pubs of Ulster, Miss Northern Ireland Meagan Green, Gary Myles, Downtown radio presenter and Mark Stewart, Pubs of Ulster chairman get in some practice for The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Pub Quiz. The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1st 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 1st 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, with more expected to join the roster in the next week. A full list of participating pubs will be available www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz shortly, for people wanting to take part in the historic World Record attempt. For further information, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek Picture by Stephen Hamilton, PressEye.
The daring attempt, which is being undertaken by Pubs of Ulster in association with Downtown Radio and children’s charity, Cash For Kids, aims to beat the current record for the World’s Largest Simultaneous Quiz of 2,679 participants in 39 venues.
Over 30 pubs across Northern Ireland have already signed up for the exciting multi-venue event, with more expected to join the roster in the run up to the event on Thursday. From Belfast to Bangor, Donaghadee to Draperstown, Irvinestown to Portrush and towns and cities across Northern Ireland, the public can play their part in this historic World Record attempt
The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz will be broadcast live on Downtown Radio from The Errigle Inn, Belfast at 10pm on Thursday 1st May 2014, with participating pubs tuning in to take part in the same quiz at the same time.
Commenting on the exciting event, Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said: “The Great Ulster Pub Week is all about celebrating what’s Great about Northern Ireland’s pubs – from great food and drinks to great entertainment and great craic. Quizzes are one of the things our pubs do best, so we’re delighted to join forces with Downtown Radio to host this ambitious World Record attempt, in aid of Cash for Kids.
“We’re offering a real opportunity for people right across Northern Ireland to come together and make a little piece of history – we hope the public will come out in force to join us as we go for this exciting World Record attempt.”
People wanting to take part in the Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz should sign up at a participating pub of their choice. Entrance costs £18 per team, with a maximum of six people per team – all entrance fees will be donated to Cash For Kids to support the charity’s great work across Northern Ireland.
In addition to being crowned the overall victor live on air, the winning team will receive a VIP trip to The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Other prizes will be awarded to runners-up in each of the participating pubs.
Mark Mahaffy, regional managing director, Downtown Radio/ Cool FM said:
“Downtown Radio is delighted to add its weight and six county coverage to this exciting attempt at a world record.
“As the only local commercial radio station to cover all of Northern Ireland, we’re hoping that our listeners will get involved all over the country to support this effort, and, in doing so, help raise funds for our charity, Cash For Kids.”
Stuart Robinson, acting programming controller, Downtown Radio added:
“We are delighted to be involved in a world record breaking attempt and can’t wait to hear how it comes across live on air. Downtown remains the only commercial radio station to cover the entire province, so if we are successful this will be truly a Northern Ireland wide effort.”
Darren Fowler, regional charity manager, Cash for Kids Northern Ireland said: “Cash for Kids is always up for a challenge, and we are all about putting the ‘FUN’ in fundraising, so a World record Pub Quiz attempt is right up our street. We’re delighted to join forces with Pubs of Ulster to host this exciting event as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week.
“Cash for Kids works all year round raising funds for children in communities throughout Northern Ireland who rely on charitable support to overcome disadvantage. It’s our mission to eliminate disadvantage for all children and young people who live in Northern Ireland and coming up with amazing and Fun events like this one is how we are making sure that happens.”
People wanting to enter a team to be part of The Great Ulster Pub Week, should contact the official venue of their choice.
The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Multi-Venue Pub Quiz attempt participating pubs:*
Bureau by the Lough, 637 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. Tel: 028 9086 6111
*This list iscorrect at the time of issue; check www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz for a map of participating pubs, which will be updated as further venues come on board.
The Great Ulster Pub Week (1-9 May 2014) will be the biggest pub centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland and will showcase all that’s ‘Great’ about the Ulster pub. Over 160 pubs from right across Northern Ireland are signed up to be part of the exciting pub celebration, with hundreds of unique events showcasing great food, great entertainment and great craic set to take place.
From live music, magic, theatre productions, poetry readings and pub quizzes to arts & crafts workshops, film screenings and charity challenges, The Great Ulster Pub Week will offer a diverse array of events that’s sure to surprise and delight pubgoers across Northern Ireland. The Great Ulster Pub Week is supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca Cola, Coors Light, Guinness, Harp, Heineken, Jameson and Tennent’s, with media partners, Downtown/Cool FM, Hospitality Review NI and The Sunday Life.
A special promo video, filmed by local filmmaker, Ben Price and sound tracked by local band, Pretty Child Backfire can be viewed at Youtube.com/greatulsterpubweek
For further information and for full event listings, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek
Armagh flautist Eimear McGeown, who is now based in London, has steadily built a reputation as being one of the world’s most versatile exponents of both the Classical and Irish Flute, and she is now destined for the stage of The Market Place, back in Armagh.
She performed at the BBC’s ‘Last Night Of The Proms’ broadcast on BBC TV. As well as being a leading light in the Classical arena, Eimear is equally at home in the Traditional Irish music world and is All Ireland Champion on the Irish Flute.
Eimear will perform alongside composer and performer Ryan Molloy, whose work has been performed to international audiences on four continents for over ten years, including major concert venues. Ryan has recorded over a dozen albums and his repertoire spans numerous genres from traditional Irish music to contemporary classical music. The programme for the evening includes Faure – ‘Pavane’, Chopin – ‘Berceuse’, Debussy – ‘Syrinx’, Rachmaninoff – ‘Preludes In C Minor’ and Bizet – ‘Carmen Fantasy’. Eimear McGeown and Ryan Molloy will perform at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Friday 9th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 and £10 (concession).
Join Ballet Theatre UK on a dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of ‘The Little Mermaid’, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. The kind hearted Little Mermaid rescues the Prince during a storm at sea, and begins a journey that takes her far from her home beneath the waves. Ballet Theatre UK’s charming and poignant ballet explores the nature of longing, how making choices have lasting consequences and how goodness can be rewarded in unexpected ways. Little girls will love it!
The Little Mermaid will be staged on Saturday 10th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are priced £14 and £12 (concession), with tickets at only £8 for children.
Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale, ‘The Jungle Book’ will be vividly brought to life in a new adaptation for children aged 4-9 years. Come along to the Indian jungle, and follow the tale of Mowgli, the man cub, who is brought up by wolves and befriended by Bhagheera the panther and Baloo the bear. Together, they guide him safely through all the dangers in the jungle. With original catchy sing-along music especially composed with children in mind, comedy, and loads of audience participation, four talented performers will present a show guaranteed to delight young audiences.
The Jungle Book will be performed at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Thursday 15th May at 6pm. Tickets are on sale at £6 for adults and £4 for children. Tickets for all events can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com
And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.
It’s a case of Glenarm Castle will come alive with colour as the 8th annual Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival returns this bank holiday weekend, Saturday 3rd – Monday 5th May.
The Glens of Antrim Fairy aka Meagan Green sprinkles some fairy dust to help officially launch the 8th Annual Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival, 3-5 May. Widely recognised as Ireland’s premier tulip festival visitors will enjoy, food, crafts and music. The festival also marks open season of one of Ireland’s oldest walled gardens and tea room. Visit www.glenarmcastle.com for further details.
It’s not only a treat for tulip lovers but a treat for anyone who enjoys a colourful and spectacular display set within a beautiful, historic walled garden. The Festival, sponsored by Bloms Blubs, is a firm fixture in the horticulture calendar and is widely recognised as Ireland’s premier Tulip Festival. Over the past 8 years and thousands of blubs later, the Glenarm Castle gardening team, brothers James and Billy Wharry, have put in a lot of hard work and commitment to ensure that the Festival grows in strength and vibrancy. The continued success of the Tulip Festival is testament to their artistic flair and passion for gardening.
The 8th annual Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival also officially opens the Walled Garden and tea room season. Filled with exciting flowers and specimen plants the walled garden is one of the oldest in Ireland. Delicious homemade cream teas, light lunches and a gift shop are available in the charming old mushroom house.
Head Gardener at Glenarm Castle, James Wharry said:
“I have worked at Glenarm Castle for many years. During this time I have had the privilege to service the beautiful gardens as head gardener along with my brother Billy. In my opinion, Glenarm is one of the most beautiful places in the world and it’s never more beautiful than during the Tulip Festival. Billy and I are lucky to work with the world renowned Bloms Bulbs to pick out the best blubs and to give them a specific location in the walled garden. Location is key as the Tulip colours need to blend and work together if we are to create an effective display. It is such a delight to see visitors relax and enjoy our work during the Festival – it makes all the hard work so worthwhile.”
The Festival will include local crafts, great music, good food and a representative from Bloms Blubs will be available to discuss bulb requirements for the year. Reg Maxwell, former head gardener of Belfast’s Botanic Gardens will be on hand to offer his expert advice. A spectacular train ride on the newly commissioned Glenarm Castle Express will take visitors to the Castle on Bank Holiday Monday where there will be guided tours of the home of the Earls of Antrim by the Castle butler and house staff. Ticket prices are adults £5, youth (12-16 years) £2.50 and children under 12 FREE. Guided tours of the Castle on the Monday are priced at £6. For further information including opening times visit www.glenarmcastle.com
The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is looking for young people aged 10 to 25 to take part in their Summer 2014 extravaganza, ‘Oliver!’
‘Oliver!’ is the world-renowned musical which tells the story of a young orphan who arrives on the streets of London with no friends, no money and nowhere to live. He meets a cheeky pickpocket who shows him a whole new way of life. But as chance would have it, Oliver stumbles upon a gentleman who might just hold the key to his mysterious past… This exhilarating story about one boy’s survival against the odds is packed full of joyful songs including Consider Yourself, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket or Two, Oom-pah-pah! and the exuberant Food Glorious Food.
Auditions for ‘Oliver!’ will take place on Saturday 17th May, from 10am to 12noon for 10-15 year olds, and from 1.15pm to 3.15pm for 16-25 year olds. Auditions are now open for booking through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. All auditionees must be available throughout the period from Monday 21st July until Saturday 23rd August inclusive for rehearsals, should they be successful. Auditionees should wear loose clothing, trainers & bring a bottle of water. All auditionees should be prepared to act, dance & sing. You do not have to have experience to audition and auditions are completely free, although participation in ‘Oliver’ for successful candidates will be £100 for the five-week period. There will be some free places for people/families in receipt of state benefit.
And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.
Discover Armagh’s rich apple growing heritage this bank holiday Monday 5th May.
Discover Armagh’s rich apple growing heritage with the annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair on Monday 5th May 2014.
The picturesque village of Loughgall, set in the heart of the Orchard County of Armagh will burst into colour for the annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair on Monday 5th May as visitors to Loughgall County Park will be able to take part in a whole host of exciting and interesting activities celebrating Armagh’s rich apple growing heritage. The event will take place from 10.30am – 6.00pm with a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy.
Rural Armagh is widely renowned as the Orchard County, growing some of the finest apples in the world. The origins of the Armagh Bramley Apple are well known and this humble fruit has become a worldwide phenomenon, securing the esteemed PGI status in 2012.
The annual Armagh Apple Blossom Fair brings this traditional fruit into the modern age, showcasing the high quality local food and produce available.
Throughout the day visitors can enjoy cookery demonstrations and dig into a scrumptious selection of all things apple as local chefs present a delicious selection of recipes using the Armagh Bramley.
Once stomachs are satisfied, visitors can enjoy the live musical entertainment whilst browsing through a wide variety of food and craft stalls, featuring some of the finest crafters and artisans from all over Northern Ireland. Over 20 high quality local crafters and apple producers will present a unique variety of handmade crafts and delicious locally produced apple goodies.
Guided tours of the orchards will bring the orchards to life with interesting stories surrounding the Armagh Bramley apple. Learn about the history of the local apple growing and the procedures involved with modern Bramley production. Visitors can choose from a coach tour, a walking tour or a bicycle tour of the Orchards. A limited number of bicycles are available free of charge.
Other activities on the day include live music and a barbeque, traditional afternoon tea with a selection of apple based treats, an apple tart competition and Scrufts Armagh, where local dog owners are asked to bring their canine friends along to the event as they battle it out in 4 categories; most handsomest male, prettiest female, best dressed dog and perfect puppy.
There are plenty of activities for children too with pony rides, cycling tours, an animal petting farm, traditional country games, a teddy bears picnic, children’s music and much more to keep the kids entertained.
Admission to the event is just £3.00 per person and under 4’s are free. Guided tours are included in the admission costs. For further information contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or visit www.armagh.co.uk
their Easter Surf Programme at West Strand in Portrush, organised in partnership with the brilliant ‘Alive Surf School’, Autism Initiatives called for community spirited people to get together on June 1st and hold a Big Lunch in their own neighbourhoods.
