Bio-Enviro Lough Neagh Wetlands coach tour: ‘Neagh’ture on your door step.
Sponsored by Translink
Itinerary: Saturday 24th August 2013

1000: Departure; Belfast City Centre, Europa Buscentre

1000 – 1020: Introduction to the dynamic ecosystem of Lough Neagh; on route commentary by Alastair Fenn Lough Neagh Partnership the Environmental Officer for Lough Neagh.

1040 – 1230: Arrival: Peatlands Park

1100 Visitor centre (convenience)

1120 This is Peatlands Park – guided tour

1220 Visitor centre (convenience)

1230 Board coach for next destination

1230 – 1240: Incredible native ‘Neagh’ture of the Lough Neagh Wetlands

1250 – 1445: Oxford Island; Lough Neagh Discovery Centre

1300 Lunch; bring your own picnic or utilise onsite café

1400 Discover Oxford Island – guided tour

1445 Board coach for return journey

1445 – 1455: Shaping the future of the Lough Neagh ecosystem by Alastair Fenn

1510: Return arrival; Belfast City Centre, Europa Buscentre

NB. All participants must bring comfortable walking shoes and waterproof clothing. Refreshments are not included within the price. Participants are encouraged to bring their own packed lunch, picnic or make use of café facilities at the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre at their own cost.

Booking Essential Tel 028 7941 4791

A series of decadent Fashion Teas are set to return to The Merchant Hotel, Belfast this September, serving up the hottest trends from some of Northern Ireland’s top independent boutiques and designers to launch the autumn/winter season in style.

On Saturday 28^th and Sunday 29^th September, the hotel’s Rita Duffy Suite will provide an opulent backdrop for five individual Fashion Teas, showcasing cutting edge autumn/winter collections alongside sumptuous champagne afternoon teas.

Models from Style Academy will provide a round table fashion show, allowing guests to get up close and personal to the new season collections, whilst sipping Moet et Chandon champagne and enjoying melt in the mouth patisseries.

A packed schedule of three shows will kick off the autumn/winter Fashion Teas on Saturday 28^th September with designs from luxury label, Goddess & Swift, the brainchild of Belfast based designer, Larissa Watson (12pm); stunning autumn/winter collections from designer Dungannon boutique, Edge Emporium (3pm); and show-stopping creations from Belfast designer,  Ruedi  Maguire’s REUDI Made in Belfast label (6pm).

On Sunday 29^th September, luxury Moira boutique, Diamond Dolls (2.30pm) will take to the catwalk with a stunning collection, perfect for the forthcoming party season. The grand finale, courtesy of up and coming NI designer, Nor Lisa (5.30pm), will draw this season’s Fashion Teas to a stylish close.

Following each show, guests will have the opportunity to shop the collections, hot off the catwalk with pop-up boutiques for each retailer taking up residence in The Merchant for the weekend.

The fashionably feminine Goddess & Swift collection is influenced by French impressionist artist Marie Laurencin and her portraits of pale ethereal beauties. Explored through feminine lines using drape, flow, curve and a limited edition series of hand painted pieces, the collection features luxe fabrics including leather, wool sheers and silk. The colour palette moves from the soft winter pales in pink and ice blue through to confident hues of wine, crimson and red and features eastern inspired prints.

Dungannon boutique, Edge Emporium will show a sumptuous selection of key autumn /winter looks, with a focus on new season silhouettes and fabrics. Luxury lace and soft silks combine with an on-trend palette of royal reds, navy and monochrome, presenting a chic offering for AW13. Exclusive lines from ALICE By Temperley, Circle Of Gentlemen and Custo will be amongst their selection.

The RUEDI AW13 collection consists of strong sculptural shapes, ideal for women with confidence and flare. Blending soft luxurious silks and wools with metallic leathers, red gold and black tones are key to this rich, modern collection. Guests at the RUEDI show will also get a relished sneak peak at the designer’s forthcoming SS14 collection, which features softer, more relaxed structures using fun, vivid colours including pink, yellow, orange and grass green, contrasted with shiny greys and metallic silvers.

Moira boutique, Diamond Dolls will show an inspired collection where warm earthy colours such as brown, cream, beige and olive green welcome the new season in all its autumnal splendour. A regal mix of red and navy also peppers the collection, with vibrant tartans, military inspired pieces and coats complete with tails adding to the Royal theme. Classic monochrome brings some chic finesse to this diverse collection.

For Nor Lisa Fashion, this season embraces the ‘moody blooms’ trend, which consists of lush colours in overripe hues, scattered across darker tones with elegant womanly charms.  The glamorous collection embraces a dark winter romance, using high end luxurious fabrics including silks, silk chiffon, soft cotton and stiff linen.  With this season comes the return of Nor Lisa Fashion’s custom designed in-house prints, which gives the new collection a completely unique look that won’t be found anywhere else.

Tickets to The Merchant’s Fashion Teas cost £35 per person and include an exclusive fashion show of your choice, served with champagne afternoon tea.  Tickets can be purchased by calling The Merchant Hotel’s events team on 028 9026 2717. Funds raised from a luxury ballot at the events will be donated to The Merchant’s 2013 charity partner, The Children’s MRI Scanner Appeal.  

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (August 26 – September 1).

• Summer Kids Camp, Troggs Surf School, East Strand Watersports Centre, Portrush, Co. Antrim, Monday – Friday throughout August.  Learn how to surf and meet new friends during these fun and friendly lessons with qualified instructors.

• Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, August 26 – 27.  Ireland’s oldest market fair with street entertainment, horse trading and market stalls where revellers can sample local specialties such as dulse (dried edible seaweed) and the famous and deliciously sweet chewy indigenous confectionary known as Yellow Man.

• 17^th Ards International Guitar Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down, August 26 – 29.  For guitar and music lovers, this year’s festival is guaranteed to bring you four days of plectrum plucking, finger-picking and strumming with a range of concerts, gigs and workshops.

• 50 shades of Red, White and Blue, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, August 28 & 29.  Fifty Shades of Red, White and Blue tells the story of loveable Maggie Muff and her search for love, featuring laugh-out-loud characters such as big Sally Ann, Sinead the Greener and of course, the mysterious Mr Red White and Blue himself.     

• East Belfast Arts Festival, various venues in East Belfast, August 28 – September 1.  Help celebrate all that east Belfast has to offer with a programme packed with local, national and international artists including music, visual arts, theatre, literature. Heritage, film and comedy.

• Walled City Tattoo, Ebrington, Co. Londonderry, August 28 – 31.  A blend of home and international talent with a 600-strong cast, music, song, dance and theatre including traditional favourites such as Highland and Irish dancers.

• Bat Detectives, Crom, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, August 29.  Crom is home to all bat species found in Northern Ireland and this event lets you learn more about these fascinating nocturnal creatures.  Booking essential.

• 22^nd Annual Bluegrass Music Festival, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 30 – September 1.  There’ll be strumming on the porches of the log cabins, dancing in the cobbled streets and jamming outside the General Store during this famous festival that will be jam-packed with performances from some of the biggest names in bluegrass and old-time music.

• Laganside 10k, start/finish at Ozone Complex, Belfast, September 1.  Grab your running shoes and take part in this year’s 10k challenge in aid of the NI Children’s Hospice.  Children are also being encouraged to take part with a one mile race for six – 15 year olds.
• International Boxing Tournament, Guildhall Square, Co. Londonderry, September 1 – 30.  An international boxing tournament which will see Ireland taking on a European national team.

Down

Corries Farm Butchers will host an exciting ‘Fun on the Farm’ family day on Saturday 24th August which will see the farm transform into a myriad of fun and entertainment for all in a bid to raise funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.   From 12-6pm, the family-run farm in Newtownards will open its gates to welcome children of all ages for a day on the farm. With vintage tractor runs, fire engines, bouncy castles, petting farms from the Ark Open Farm, face painting, helium balloons and much more the event promises to be bigger than ever.

Tyrone

Banyan Theatre Presents “The Elves & The Shoemaker” on Saturday 24th August at the Square Box Ranfurly House.  There once was a poor shoemaker, who worked very hard, but still he could not earn enough to live upon. All he had in the world was gone; he only has just enough leather to make one last pair of shoes… Just when he thinks all is lost, help comes in a very unexpected way!  An adaption of the much loved Brothers Grimm classic fairy tale, using puppetry, object theatre and original music. The story is set in a shoe-maker’s shop and is told in a playful way with gentle audience participation.

Fermanagh

The second Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival will take place 22nd-26th August 2013.   The Festival is the world’s largest annual multi-arts celebration of Irish Nobel Prize writer, Samuel Beckett, who attended Portora Royal School in the island town.  The festival will present the first major exhibition of material pertaining to Beckett’s work since 2007.

Derry

The Tales of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny will be told in the beautiful surroundings of Ballyscullion Park this Thursday 22^nd August. Bring the whole family along to enjoy this outdoor theatre experience Admission is free.  On  Friday get ready for an action packed evening at the Festival of Lights in Ballyronan with many events taking place. There will be the Lough Neagh Rescue Raft Race, Multi-Cultural food stalls, a fire-works display, taster sessions in windsurfing and canoeing, a dance and entertainment will be provided.

Armagh

Imagine a world made entirely of biscuits:  trees, houses and stars in the sky.  Into this beautiful world comes THE GINGERBREAD MAN, creating havoc wherever he goes this Saturday at the Market Place Theatre.  He meets a majestic Cow, a stubborn Goat and an opportunistic Bird. But can GINGERBREAD MAN outwit the dastardly Fox? With a foot tapping ‘Yummy Chase’ soundtrack, this is a tremendously popular story and a visual feast specially devised for younger children aged 3 +.

Antrim

Ireland’s oldest traditional market fair, the Lammas Fair in Ballycastle makes a welcome return on Monday 26^th and Tuesday 27^th August.  Its exact origin is uncertain but one theory is that it began as a result of the occupation of the area around Ballycastle by the MacDonnell’s of the Isles in the early part of the sixteenth century. At the present day fair, street entertainment and market stalls attract thousands of people to Ballycastle.
Belfast

Join Lagan Legacy over the weekend of the 23rd of August to celebrate the ten year anniversary of the charity which owns and operates the Belfast Barge.  The charity started in August of 2003, with the mission to preserve the history of the Belfast Harbour.  This goal has been achieved goal through the permanent exhibition on board the Belfast Barge, the off site archive of preserve artefacts and documents and their award winning education programme for both schools and adults.  In order to celebrate  the Lagan Legacy’s Harbour Festival was created and will be hosting a number of free events.

This Sunday, August 25th, North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment programme comes to a close with the fabulous Acro String Quartet providing the grand finale.

Arco String Quartet is one of the country’s leading professional and dynamic string quartets, having gained a fine reputation in Ireland both North and South for providing the highest quality musical entertainment and a level of performance, presentation and service second to none.

All of the players, are members of The Ulster Orchestra, are graduates of major music conservatories and have performed all over the world and with many prestigious orchestras as well as collaborating with artists like Foy Vance, The Farriers and Matt McGinn.

So for a lovely afternoon in the park, enjoying classical music in the great outdoors, make your way to Ward Park this Sunday from 3pm – 5pm and don’t forget your picnic!

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.northdowntourism.com

Thursday 26th September 2013
9am to 2.30pm
Stormont Hotel

The Northern Ireland Digital Marketing Forum, in conjunction with Hastings Hotels and the Ulster Business School, has organised an innovative Digital Marketing conference – Digi-Talk – to bring some of Ireland’s experts to Belfast. These speakers are leaders in their fields and will talk on digital marketing strategy, the adoption of tactics and the legal implications of social media.

Students: £25
Delegates: £65

Lough Neagh’s Festival of Lights will take place at Ballyronan Marina on Friday 23rd August with an impressive line-up of activities throughout the evening to entertain and awe audiences of all ages.

The magnificent illumination themed event is sure to draw large crowds of people from far and wide and have boats bedecking their vessels in the Marina for a dramatic light display.

Take a step back in time at our Vintage Tea Dance from 2pm in the Marina Centre with ‘Vintage Memories’ by the Washerwoman, entertainment by Liam McLaughlin and some delightful vintage refreshments.

From 4pm there will be taster sessions for canoeing & kayaking with the Mid Ulster Canoe & Kayak Club; a great opportunity for enthusiasts of all levels to try their hand at Water sports, so booking is essential (Tel: 028 7941 8399). You can also sample a short trip on the Lough, courtesy of Lough Neagh Boat Hire; booking recommended (Tel: 07928783516 or 07928766353).

Lough Neagh Rescue’s Raft Race will take place from 7pm, a perfect platform to showcase your creative flare and enter a home-made raft. Try building something fast and furious, the quirkier the better perhaps incorporating our theme of illumination.   To register Tel: 077 2516 2008.

A diverse range of activities and entertainment for you to revel in will be running throughout the evening, including an African drum band, Chinese dragon & Lithuanian Folk group, Flamenco dancers, a magician, face painters, kids craft activities, amusements as well as the Maid of Antrim vessel hosting its 50^th Birthday Party.  A perfect opportunity to come along and enjoy a slice of cake, and get your discount coupon!

New to the festival this year is the International Food Market offering culinary delights from across the world, as well as our locally coveted cuisine of Lough Neagh Eels & Pollan, as well as Paella, Tapas, Hog Roast, venison burgers, Indian cuisine, Pizza, Coco Mojo, chocolate fountain and more to be confirmed; simply irresistible! Come along and tantalize your taste buds!

The festivities will continue with a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by music at 9.30pm coloring the sky and reflecting from the waters of Lough Neagh at Ballyronan, then live music from Just 2 will have everyone dancing to the beat into the early hours, bar open until late.

Entry £1 per adult – kids go free!

Find us on facebook: ‘Lough Neagh Festival of Lights’ for details of spot prizes throughout the evening!

For further information about the festival contact 028 7941 8399 or www.discoverloughneagh.com/events

Supported by Cookstown District Council through the EU’s Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE III) which is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

University of Ulster Chancellor James Nesbitt, is urging thousands of prospective students to come and enjoy a taste of student life at the University this September as the University hosts a series of Open Days at its campuses in Coleraine, Jordanstown and Magee.

“We are throwing open our doors to give students and their families a glimpse of campus life,”  the Chancellor said.

“As a former Ulster student myself, I know that taking the next step in education, choosing course options and deciding where to study can be difficult decisions –  but we want to make it as easy as possible for prospective students to make the right choice.

“During our Open Days we’ll have all our offerings under one roof, so you can explore the range of opportunities – and chat with staff and students.

“Come and see what we have to offer!”

University of Ulster Open Days, in partnership with Danske Bank, will be held at:

• Coleraine Campus on Saturday 7^th September

• Jordanstown Campus on Tuesday 10^th Wednesday 11^th and Thursday 12th September

• Magee Campus on Saturday 21^st September

Pauline Wylie, Marketing & Recruitment Manager at the University of Ulster, said:

“Our Open Days are designed to give a feel for what it’s like to be a student at Ulster.  We’ll be hosting fun, informative lectures on a diverse range of subjects from Architecture to Biomedical Science and Creative Technologies, plus lots of interactive demonstrations and tours of our accommodation, library and sports facilities.

“We want to make our Open Days as accessible as possible – that’s why you’ll find our Coleraine and Magee campus Open Days taking place on a Saturday  –  and there’s also a special evening event at our Jordanstown campus.”

“Open Days are not just for sixth-form students or recent school leavers,” she said. “We want to encourage parents, mature students, anyone wanting to pursue postgraduate options to join us at the Open Day events.

“We will have staff available to explain how to fund your studies – and if you want to study and work at the same time, we’ll offer advice about how our part-time courses could help you create new opportunities in your career.

“From short courses, to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees – there is something foreveryone!”

All Open Days will run from 9.30am – 3.00pm with a special evening session at Jordanstown from 6.00pm – 8.00pm on Wednesday 11^th September. For further information or to register for Open Days please visit ulster.ac.uk/opendays

The wait is finally over and this weekend Stendhal Festival of Art returns to provide cravers of all things culture a healthy dose of creativity.

Musical performances from almost 60 acts including Neil Hannon of The Divine Comedy, Duke Special, Paddy Casey will complement a plethora of artistic genres including poetry, craft, sculpture, comedy, dance and much more, and Limavady is all set to get involved in the third instalment of this fast rising event.

Organisers of the festival have provided a few hints and tips about how to make the most out of your experience by answering some frequently asked questions about the event.

How do I get there?
If you have a sat nav – The postcode is BT490NQ If you have the internet, visit our website and click on the festival info link, then click on directions. Or simply type Stendhal Festival Limavady into Google Maps.
Can I bring my own alcohol on site?
Yes, those in possession of a WEEKEND CAMPING PASS or a FAMILY WEEKEND PASS are the ONLY patrons permitted to bring their own alcohol into the venue. Nobody in possession of a day pass is permitted to bring their own alcohol, but don’t worry, we will have very fairly priced drinks on sale at our bar. The Limit this year is 12 cans plus one plastic bottle. NO GLASS on site please or it will be confiscated.
Will there be a charge for car parking?
Yes, there will be a £4 charge for the full weekend OR £2 per day if you are only visiting for one day. People have asked us why we simply don’t add the price of the car park to the ticket price. Well the simple answer to that is that not everyone will drive to the event so in essence they would be paying for a service they won’t use and that’s not fair! Also see next post about our shuttlebus
I’m under 18, is the family pass my only option for entry?
Yes. Anyone under 18 will not be admitted unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
When do we pitch our tents? Gates open for the event on Friday August 16 at 5pm so anytime after that. If something comes up and you can only camp on the Saturday night, just bring your tent on the Saturday.
If the kids get tired later on can we drop them off and come back to let our hair down?
Absolutely, that’s part of the reason we have introduced the shuttle bus, so that people can come and go as they please. Just don’t lose your wristband in transit.
And kids must be present when a family ticket is presented.
What time do the gates close for entry?
The gate and ticket office close at 10pm on both nights. There will be no access to the site whatsoever after this point.

Our Art Gallery and Craft Market will be back to showcase local talent so bring your extra pennies if you wish to support our local arts and craft sector. We have an album on our facebook showcasing some of the products on sale.
With weather conditions so changeable at the minute we recommend that you bring the appropriate footwear and clothing for anything the weather may decide to bring. Your guess is as good as ours at the minute.

We recommend you bring a lock for your tent. Or don’t bring valuables.
Don’t fancy driving to Stendhal this year?  Not a problem thanks to the good folk at North Coast Community Transport, who will once again be providing a FREE shuttle bus service between Limavady and the festival site.
Friday August 16. 6pm to 9pm the service runs in half hour intervals, on the hour from Limavady Bus Depot car park; and on the half hour from the festival site) Departure point: Car park behind Limavady Bus Depot.

Saturday August 17. 10am to 9pm Service runs on the hour from festival site and on the half hour from Limavady Bus depot Car Park.

Unfortunately there isn’t an ATM onsite but if you get really stuck you can get the free shuttle bus into town, times on previous update

Any caravans turning up on the day will not be allowed to stay in the car park even during day hours. Campervans that are not on the list will be charged £10, be in the general carpark and the festival will not be liable for any damage incurred.

Alcohol may only be brought onsite and into the campsite, so for those staying the weekend – alcohol is permitted in this area – family weekend passes not staying are not permitted to bring alcohol.

Tickets are selling fast but we have held aside some for those who are undecided to pay at the gate, there will however be an additional service charge of £5 on tickets bought at the gate.