Down

Want to learn more about the birds that visit your garden? Then why not come and join the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) for their garden birdwatch morning on Thursday 27th March. Both experienced and amateur bird watchers welcome.  Contact WWT Castle Espie reception to book your space on 02891 874146 or email info.castleespie@wwt.org.uk.

Armagh

The 4th Armagh City toy fair & display show will take place once again in Armagh City Hotel  on Sunday 30th March from 12-6pm with a great variety of dioramas & collection being displayed this year at the event : trucks, cars, farm, plant, trains and steam engines. Also at the event will be the largest collection of cattle trucks, Britians,Landrovers,Massey Ferguson tractors and Volkswagen car dealership. There will also be exhibitors from Scotland this year with avariety of trade stands at the event to fuel the hobby.

Fermanagh

Wed 26th March – see Nathan Carter in concert at the Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen 8pm. Nathan’s new album release follows the phenomenal success of ‘Wagon Wheel’, the title track of which has been one of the most requested songs ever on Irish radio. Early booking is strongly advised as this promises to be another sell-out concert!

Tyrone

The Mid Ulster Sports Arena in Cookstown is the venue on Saturday 29th March for a Family Fun Day with an amazing line up of entertainment including zorbing, segway, slides, rodeo bull, sumo wrestling, and much more! Admission is only £3 or £10 for a a family of four. The fun starts at 12pm.

Derry

The Portstewart Songwriters Festival is a brand new Music Festival for song writers and music lovers from all walks of life 28th-30th March 2014.Featuring Original Live Music in the coffee shops and bars along Portstewart Promenade, with over 20 FREE gigs plus showcase events, Industry Workshops and presentations. See www.northcoastni.com/music for full details.

Antrim

Treat your Mother to a lovely afternoon tea at Larchfield Estate with live music and then enjoy a leisurely stroll around our 4 acre walled garden.  Starts at 1pm, please note advance ticket sales only. £25 per Adult, £12.50 per Children under 12.  For bookings please call 028 9263 8025. www.larchfieldestate.co.uk

Belfast

Enjoy an evening with the Ulster Orchestra and Belfast Philharmonic Choir as they perform the music of Patrick Doyle from the films of Sir Kenneth Branagh at the Waterfront Hall on Monday 31st March. With highlights from Thor, Frankenstein, Jack Ryan, Shadow Recruit, Hamlet, Henry V and more! This event is part of the Belfast Film Festival. For more Patrick Doyle themed events including film screenings and workshops to to ww.belfastfilmfestival.org. Pre-concert talk by Patrick Doyle at 6.45pm.

This Easter Monday, April 21^st, The McKee Clock Arena, Bangor, will play host to a special one-off motorbike competition guaranteed to thrill and entertain young and old alike!

The Lego Live Show will feature eight of Ireland’s best trials riders who will compete over a challenging course of giant colourful Lego pieces in this specially designed, brightly coloured, arena show. Be prepared to be thrilled as these talented bikers showcase their amazing skills and perform some breath-taking stunts and manoeuvres! Starting at 11am, this spectacular show is not to be missed!

There are plenty of other activities happening around the Town too; a Giant Slinkies show will take place in The Sunken Garden alongside a special official Lego workshop, 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.

At 3pm 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, Pickie Fun Park 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.”

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 – 21^st.

Pickie Fun Park will also 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.

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

The Annual Motorcycle Egg Run, drawing bikers from all over Northern Ireland in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care takes place Sunday 6th April.

In its 21^st year the run has raised almost £10,000 for Marie Curie in the last 5 years alone.

This year bikes are gathering at Pennybridge Industrial Estate where Ballymena Honda hope to play host to a range of activities including an amazing opportunity to win a pillion ride of the NW200 with one of the world’s top road racers. Find out on the day who the lucky winner will have the chance to ride pillion with in this hair raising competition

Leaving at 1.30pm sharp, participants take the now traditional tour past Slemish and through the Glens to Carnlough where there will be a short stop for refreshments. After a ride along the coast road, the run will return to Ballymena Showgrounds (Des Allen Suite) where a light lunch will be provided. Cost is a minimum of £5 per bike plus a voluntary Easter Egg donation (the Easter eggs will all be donated to local children’s charities)

Once again this outstanding event in conjunction with Braid Arts Centre has been organised by Ballymena Rider Training. Chief Instructor David McGuckin says, “I have been amazed at the support that our event has received in the past, and hope that this year it will again be an enormous success. Marie Curie Cancer Care is a Charity that supports patients with terminal cancer and other illnesses and all funds raised will help the charity to continue the work that it does in Northern Ireland

Thanks again to the generosity of local businesses; a number of prizes are on offer for the free raffle which will be held at the end of the run

Be a part of this momentous and magnificent spectacle-come and join us at Pennybridge this 6^TH April, and whether you have a scooter or a racer, custom or classic, have a fantastic day out while helping to raise some money for charity

Those without motorcycles are more than welcome to come and cheer all the bikers on their way!

For more information on the event search “The Annual NI Easter Egg Run” on Facebook or contact David McGuckin from Ballymena Rider Training on 07712 935005, organisers Gary Olphert 07710 733292 or Walter Millar 07507639699

Easter bunnies, Easter eggs and baby chicks, all these things signal the start of the Easter holidays and with it a packed programme of activities and events at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre.

Family fun activities will be running from Monday 14^th April to Sunday 27^th April, 10am – 5pm. So make a sweet eggscape this Easter and join us to Search for the large coloured bunnies hidden around the site. Map and clues will be provided and prizes for all children upon completion of the trail. Free themed crafts will be run every day including help from our Easter bunny staff between Saturday 19^th to Wednesday 23^rd April and that’s just for starters.  There will also be storytelling, pond dipping, mini beast hunts and roving ramblers to tell you all about the amazing wildlife or history of Castle Espie.  All events are included in cost of admission and free for WWT members.

A Few More Eggs for the basket

Visit our spring exhibition ‘Moments in Nature’ by wildlife artist John Moore, 15^th March to 27^th April

• Wee Birdie Birdwatch; a series of birdwatching sessions with Dot Blakely, our resident bird expert. Walks start at 2pm and every half hour until 4pm

• Dawn chorus – join our resident expert to explore the reserve at one of the most productive times of the year. Learn how to identify the beautiful calls and songs of each bird. Followed by breakfast in the Loughshore Café on Sunday 6^th April at 6am.

• Meet the Quackers – what whistles and doesn’t quack? Find out more about the fascinating birds in our captive collection. Every Saturday and Sunday, 12noon & 2pm.

Eggstras

Enjoy delicious home-made food and Fairtrade coffees and teas, whilst taking in the views from the Loughshore cafe. Why not visit our shop to purchase some unique Easter treats. And remember, if you join when you visit it will be free! For more information on opening times and event activities and timings please call 028 9187 4146 or visit  wwt.org.uk/castleespie. Follow us on facebook and Twitter @wwtcastleespie.

The global bread tour at Castle Ward returns on Bank Holiday Monday 5 May as the International Bread Festival prepares to tantalise your taste buds with breads and foods from around the world.

The magnificent National Trust place will welcome for the first time, celebrity chefs Angela Harnett and Atul Kochhar. Angela is best known for being Gordon Ramsey’s protégé; she is one of the very few female chefs to have achieved a Michelin star. Atul was the first Indian Chef to gain a Michelin Star. His unique fusion of Indian cuisine has made him one of the most influential chefs currently working. Angela and Atul will be joined by the French master baker, Richard Bertinet, to help celebrate our unique bread culture. All three celebrities are regulars on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen.

The festival, now in its third year, brings together bakers and bakeries from near and far, great music and plenty of fun and games for all the family.

As preparations get underway for the big event, Jacqui Baird, Visitor Services Manager for Castle Ward, said:

“The Bread Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our amazing bread culture in Northern Ireland. It will showcase the best of bread from across the country such as barmbrack, soda breads and our famous potato breads. There will also be a strong international theme with breads and foods from India, Europe, America and UK as well as some traditional food from Ireland.

“We are very excited this year to offer our visitors a unique chance to see what Castle Ward would have been like 150 years ago, as we bring our farmyard area to life. This area was once the heart of the estate with the Ward family leading the way on being self-sufficient. During the day we will have our very own corn mill in action showing you how the corn was ground, as well as demonstrations from the Ulster American Folk Park and other traditional crafts and food producers.

“It is guaranteed to be a wonderful day for all the family and I would like to thank NITB and Food NI for their generous support of this international event.”

Russell Whitaker, Events Executive NITB commented:

“Northern Ireland Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor the International Bread Festival, an event providing an outstanding visitor experience. This event draws visitors of all ages to the picturesque setting of Castle Ward estate, showcasing all types of breads and bakers. We wish the National Trust every success for the event in 2014.”

Michelle Shirlow, CEO of Food NI added:

“From a Food NI perspective, the Bread Festival is a showcase for good local food here in Northern Ireland. We are passionate about our breads and are proud to share our love with others. The event at Castle Ward offers our food producers an opportunity to sell directly to customers and to get feedback on their products.”

During the Bread Festival there will be something for everyone to enjoy from live music, children’s activities, demonstrations and talks as well as a chance to see what life is like behind the doors of the mansion house.

The Bread festival runs from 10am – 6pm on Monday 5 May 2014. For further information please check the websitewww.castlewardbreadfestival.com or call Castle Ward on 028 4488 1204.

Regeneration of town centre gives Ballycastle new lease of life

Ballycastle Town Partnership is encouraging everyone from Ballycastle and further afield around the Moyle District to come along to an exciting day of free family fun on Saturday 29^th March in order to celebrate the recent revitalisation of the town centre.

Internationally acclaimed children’s theatre company Cahoots NI will perform a show called The Family Hoffman’s Mystery Palace* from 12pm to 5pm at twenty minute intervals throughout the day at the former Brady’s Supermarket, Castle Street.  Admission to the show is completely free and attendees will experience captivating fun for all the family, including storytelling, live music, magic and illusion, combining elements of cabaret and vaudeville.  The show uses an innovative approach to theatre that is full of surprises and sure to ignite and stimulate the imagination of young and old alike.

Visitors can also choose from a wide range of other entertainment that will be available on the day including live music, craft demonstrations and much much more.

Cllr Cara McShane, Council Chairperson explains why the event in Ballycastle will be the perfect day out for locals and visitors alike.

“Ballycastle has lots to offer visitors and is well known for its diverse heritage and culture as well as the friendliness of its people and strong community spirit.  We are delighted to host such a fantastic event in Ballycastle and I would encourage everyone from the town and around the Moyle District to come along and join in the excitement.”

“This is a great opportunity for people to get together and enjoy some old fashioned family fun and we would ask everyone to spread the word far and wide to invite others to join in the entertainment as well,” Cara added.

Locals have been working hard to showcase all that Ballycastle has to offer over the coming months, explains Cllr Donal Cunningham, Chair of the Revitalise Ballycastle Steering Group.

“The Revitalise Ballycastle Steering Group which is funded by the Department for Social Development has worked to improve the appearance of shop fronts in Ballycastle and the town is looking better than ever.”

“Our aim as a group, is to promote the social, economic and environmental development of Ballycastle and market the town to show visitors what a great place it is with an array of unique, independently owned shops, cafes and restaurants with delicious food, relaxing ambiance and of course world renowned stunning scenery with a plethora of rugged walks and outdoor activities,” Cara added.

There is a lot to see and do in Ballycastle this year from the Ould Lammas Fair in August to the world renowned Giro d’Italia which comes to Ballycastle on Saturday 10^th May.

* Tickets for Family Hoffman’s Mystery Palace must be pre booked and are available from various locations including Noel’s Pound Coiner, Castle St and Ballycastle Tourist Information Centre, Bayview Rd, Ballycastle.

Plunge into the dramatic dance re-telling of classic fairy-tale ‘The Little Mermaid’ at Theatre at The Mill on Wednesday 7^th May.

See Ballet Theatre UK perform the story of a mermaid and her love for a human prince.

Through fluid movement, the dancers articulate the tale of how 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. Determined to pursue her love on the shore, she makes a bargain with an evil Sea Witch, but it comes at a heavy price.

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.

This timeless tale will be an ideal treat for Mother’s Day gift and delightful entertainment for the whole family.

Come along for this unmissable and breath-taking performance at Theatre at The Mill on Wednesday 7^th May.  Tickets which cost £20, £18, £16 & £14 can be booked online at www.theatreatthemill.com or though Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Actress Donna O’Connor enjoys the company of Mr Clooney once again at Theatre at The Mill on Friday 4 and Sat 5 April as she continues to disclose her tales to her hunky confidante in ‘Two Nights With George’.

Reprising her role as Bridie Murphy, Donna O’Connor stars in the new sequel to the award winning comedy ‘A Night With George’ since one evening with George Clooney is never enough for any woman.

Bridie returns to her Ballymurphy living room, bold, brash and on the voddies again and reunites with her old flame. Much has happened to Bridie in the last few years and she shares this with companion George, as well as a few very large Belfast Martinis. With her unique brand of humour and language that would shock a sailor, Bridie’s rollercoaster life continues and she tells it warts and all to George and lets him in on some of her past secrets, and one shocker in particular.

Tickets for this unmissable comedy which cost £16, £14 & £12 are available online from the Theatre’s website at www.theatreatthemill.com or by phoning Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Down

Operation Lipstick is back and TinyLife are looking for ladies who like fun and adventure!  TinyLife is on the search for teams of 6 ladies to take part in a full day of practical, physical and mental challenges in the gorgeous setting of Castlewellan Forest Park on Saturday 22nd March 2014.

Tyrone

The Royal Hotel Cookstown are hosting their Wedding Fair this Friday 21^st March from 6-9pm with a wide range of exhibitors and a Bridal Fashion Show.

Fermanagh

Paddlefest 2014 21^st to 23^rd March at the Share Centre will be a fun packed weekend of skills clinics, quality coaching, great trips, inspiring evening talks and of course a social each evening.  The Share Centre was chosen for Paddlefest as it is located on the shores of Lough Erne and is close to many options for sea, river and surf.  Booking essential.

Derry

Join the LegenDerry Ladies in the Corinthian Ballroom City Hotel and check out the wide range of services and products that this talented collective of local business groups can provide! Crafts, cakes, mother’s day gifts, jewellery, handmade soaps, candles, home décor, fashion and much more will be on offer.

Armagh

Calling all bookworms! Browse through the hundreds of second hand books at the Spring Books Fair, The Argory on Saturday and Sunday.  Stock up on all your summer reads. Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event.

Antrim

There will be a free family fun day in the Market Place, Carrickfergus on Saturday 22^nd March 2pm to 5pm with music, face painters, balloon modellers, stilt performers and much more!

Belfast

The Merchant Hotel’s fabulous Fashion Teas Saturday 22nd March and Sunday 23rd March. A  series of gloriously decadent Champagne Afternoon Teas with a fabulous fashion show and amazing pop-up boutiques. Relax in the elegant Art Deco surroundings of The Rita Duffy Room, sip Champagne, savour melt in the mouth patisseries, and let the very best in fashion for the new season come to you.

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 (March 24 – 30).

• World War I: And the Truth Keeps Marching On, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, March 26.  The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) continues their series of scintillating talks as Ian Montgomery shows a range of fascinating World War I records available to the public one hundred years after it started

• Eduardo Niebla in Concert, Ballymoney Town Hall, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim, March 26.  World class Spanish guitarist and composer, Eduardo Niebla will offer a spellbinding evening of passion, verve and fleet fingered virtuosity from one of the most potent forces in flamenco jazz fusion.

• Space Alien Creatures, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh City, Co. Armagh, March 29. Children can get creative by designing their very own 3-D space alien creature using papier-mâché techniques and recycled materials.

• 14^th Belfast Film Festival, various, Belfast, March 27 – April 6. The 14^th annual festival will showcase the newest and best in local and international talent including short films, a documentary competition, classic retrospectives, industry master classes, workshops and special events.

• Steel Magnolias, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, March 27-29. Ballywillan Drama Group presents a beautiful, bittersweet comedy, written by Robert Harling about the bond among six very special friends as they share the cycles of life, birth and death to emerge stronger, closer and still laughing.

• Bap Kennedy, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, March 28.  Belfast singer-songwriter, Bap Kennedy is back on home ground having toured around America and Europe and will perform a collection of classic original songs.

• Movies and Musicals, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, March 28.  A fabulous celebration of the best songs from stage and screen performed and hosted by acclaimed Northern Ireland singer Michelle Baird and her Elluna Musical Ensemble.

• Donard Challenge Mountain Race, Donard Park, Newcastle, Co. Down, March 29.  A new course designed to provide a testing short mountain race specifically for the 2014 British Championship Series ascending over Millstone Mountain before climbing to the summit of Slieve Donard, offering a worthwhile journey for the adventurous fell runners.

• An Evening with Clanmore Choir, Square Box, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, March 29.  Enjoy an evening of music courtesy of the Clonmore Choir as they showcase the talent of local singers.

• Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Larchfield Estate, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, March 30.  Treat your mother to an afternoon tea at Larchfield Estate with live music followed by a leisurely stroll around the four acre walled garden.