Clare Foreman, Leanne Briggs and Donna Wilson, members of local book club “Reading Between The Wines” swotting up ahead of The Open House Festival Book Clubs which will be taking place in Bangor throughout the month of August.

Bangor’s book lovers are in for a treat this August as The Open House Festival will be holding three Book Club events as part of their action-packed festival programme. Come and join these special festival book clubs where a sparkling literary panel from the local community will read from and discuss hand-picked books. Read the books (or don’t read the books!), then share your views with us over a beverage or two!

The first Book Club will be taking place in The Hutch at The Rabbit Rooms on Friday, August 9^th at 7.30pm and the featured books will be “The Great Gatsby” by F Scott Fitzgerald, “Give Me Everything You Have” by James Lasdun and “The Hive” by Gill Hornby. The panel for this event will include BBC broadcaster, Cherrie McIlwaine, journalist and political blogger Nick Garbutt, teacher and avid reader Alison Belch and the panel will be chaired by author and screen writer, Colin Bateman.  Tickets are £5, bookable in advance.

The next event is on Friday, 16^thAugust, also taking place at The Rabbit Rooms and in preparation for this Book Club, you are asked to read “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn, “My Animals And Other Family” by Clare Balding and “How To Get Filthy Rich In Rising Asia” by Mohsin Hamid. This event will be chaired by BBC correspondent Stephen Walker and the panel will include actress Nuala McKeever, broadcaster Joe Lindsay and journalist and blogger Nick Garbutt. Doors are open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £5, bookable in advance.

And finally, Fealty’s Bar will be hosting a Book Club on Monday 26^th August and the chosen book is “On The Road” by Jack Kerouac. This event is free and starts at 8pm.

These events are a wonderful opportunity to discuss books with other readers and literary experts so get reading and don’t miss out!

FROM breathtaking coastlines to fortified cities and a vacant jailhouse, Northern Ireland’s tourist attractions are on a par with many of the world’s famous sites, according to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).

Full of natural beauty and fascinating places to explore, there is no need to travel around the world to indulge in history, catch a glimpse of stunning scenery or see some of the world’s most captivating sites.

“Northern Ireland is an enthralling place to visit with sites and attractions that are on a par with many of the world’s famous tourist attractions,” says NITB Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley.

“Each one offers a unique insight into Northern Ireland, from its past and the time of the Ulaidh who were the people of early Ireland that gave their name to the modern province of Ulster right through to its future and political landscape,” she said.

“We have our very own breathtaking coastline along the North Coast route which is ranked among the top in the world, sites of important archaeological importance such as Navan Fort and the Beaghmore Stone Circle and places that are completely unique to Northern Ireland that can’t be found anywhere else in the world including the Giant’s Causeway,” she added.

To help you discover more of what is on offer in Northern Ireland, NITB has compared some of the world’s most famous attractions with those right on our own doorstep.

Fortified World – Walled City of Derry

You don’t have to travel to China to see an example of walled fortification as the city of Derry is one of the finest examples of a Walled City in Europe and the only remaining completely intact walled city in Ireland.  Just like the Great Wall of China, the City Walls were built as a defence mechanism against invasion.  Built during the period 1613 – 1619 to defend against early 17^th century settlers from England and Scotland, the Walls of Derry were one of the few fortifications that were never breached.  They are approximately one mile in circumference and provide stunning views over the historic landscape.

Breathtaking Coastline – Antrim Coast

If you are looking for a spectacular coastal drive then the Antrim Coast tops the list of the most breathtaking, sea-hugging routes in Europe, according to the Sunday Times travel section.  The coastline is packed with stunning scenery including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Dunluce Castle, Cushendall, Cushendun and the fishing village of Glenarm.  The Antrim Coast has been ranked first in the list of the Six Best Coastal Drives which includes Biarritz to Bilbao, Naples to Tropea, Dieppe to Le Havre, Kalamata to Monemvasia and a round trip of Reykjavik.

On the Inside – Crumlin Road Gaol

Just like San Francisco’s Alcatraz Prison, Belfast has its very own vacant jailhouse full of history and notable inmates.  Closed in 1996, which marked the end of 150 years of imprisonment, conflict and execution, the Crumlin Road Gaol was designed by Sir Charles Lanyon, built between 1843 and 1845 and cost £60,000.  The jail was modelled on London’s Pentonville prison and throughout its history it is estimated that around 25,000 prisoners were held here.  It is now the only Victorian era prison to remain in Northern Ireland.  In the Gaol’s lifetime 17 men were executed by hanging and their bodies buried within the prison walls in unconsecrated ground.  Today its cells are vacant, wings silent and the yards are empty, and historical and educational guided tours are running where you can hear about the history of the prison from the time when women and children were held within its walls through to the political segregation of republican and loyalist prisoners.  The historical and educational tours of the Gaol run every day between 10am – 4.30pm (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day excluded).

Political Power – Stormont

The White House is one of the world’s most symbolic buildings but when it comes to political power houses Belfast’s ‘House on the Hill’ is just as architecturally impressive.  Home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, Stormont was officially opened in 1932 by the then Prince of Wales and is set in the grounds of Stormont Estate which is a public park with majestic lawns and forest paths.  The great white Grade B listed building is made from English Portland stone and has six floors and six pillars at the entrance of the building, representing each county of Northern Ireland.  It is open to the public between 9am – 4pm Monday to Friday.

Archaeological Importance – Navan Fort

According to Irish mythology, Navan Fort in Co. Armagh was one of the great royal sites of pre-Christian Gaelic Ireland and the capital of Ulaidh (where the name Ulster originates from).  It was founded by the goddess Macha in the 5^th or 7^th century, around the same time of the construction of the Parthenon Temple in Greece.  Archaeological excavations at Navan Fort have revealed that a 40 metre mound that is still present today on the site dates back to 95 BC when it is believed to have been used for a pagan ceremonial purpose.

Impressive Bridge – The Peace Bridge

Few bridges are as impressive as California’s Golden Gate Bridge but if you don’t want to travel over 5,000 miles there is a stunning suspension bridge located a little closer to home.  The Peace Bridge was opened in 2011 and is a cycle and footbridge across the River Foyle in the city of Derry.  The 235 metre bridge was designed by Wilkinson Eyre, who also designed the Gateshead Millennium Bridge in Newcastle upon Tyne.  The inspiration for the bridge was Derry’s iconic hands across the divide sculpture, conceived as two distinct structural systems that work in harmony.  At the middle of the river both systems overlap, boldly interacting to create a single unified crossing – a structural handshake across the Foyle.  It is illuminated at night and is fast becoming a major landmark in the city.

Prehistoric monument – Beaghmore Stone Circle

Forget the standing stones of Stonehenge, the Beaghmore Stone Circle in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone was discovered during peat cutting in the 1940s and is a fascinating complex of early Bronze Age megalithic features, seven stone circles and cairns.

It is possible that Neolithic occupation and cultivation preceded the erection of the burial cairns and ceremonial circles that can be seen on the site today.  It is thought to have been a focal point for religious or social gatherings with some archaeologist believing the circles were constructed in relation to the rising of the sun at the solstice as a plea to the gods to help with crops.

Man made reservoir – Silent Valley

Just like Hoover Dam, the Silent Valley Reservoir has become an important visitor attraction, attracting around 50,000 visitors per year who come to enjoy the peace and solitude of this mountain area with its unique landscape and varied wildlife.  Situated in an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Silent Valley features a dam ringed by dramatic mountain panoramas and the famous Mourne wall located in the U-shaped valley of Kilkeel river.  The reservoir is the main water supply for most of Co. Down and a large part of Belfast.

Film locations – The Game of Thrones

The stunning landscapes in the Lord of the Ring’s trilogy captivated movie fans from around the world and saw them flocking to New Zealand to marvel in its breathtaking scenery.  Now movie fans have also been flocking to Northern Ireland to tour the locations used in the filming of HBO’s Game of Thrones, one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made.  The series is shot on location in Northern Ireland and locations include the Titanic Studios, Tollymore Forest Park, Ballintoy, Shane’s Castle, Inch Abbey and many more.  It is already said to have contributed £65 million to the local economy.

Unique attractions

Northern Ireland is also home to many unique tourist attractions which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.  Belfast is the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, the Titanic, and 2012, the 100^th year anniversary of the sinking of the sink, saw the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction open which is now the most popular tourist attraction in Northern Ireland.  Located right beside the ship’s construction site, Titanic Belfast tells the story of the Titanic from its conception in Belfast, to its tragic end and the discovery of the wreck.

Also unique to Northern Ireland is Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, which was formed due to intense volcanic activity 60 million years ago.  It is steeped in legend with the most famous myth being that it was built by Finn McCool as a way to reach his Scottish rival Benandonner.  The story goes that Finn fell asleep and the Scottish giant came across to find him.  Upon seeing that the Scotsman was much larger than her husband, his wife Oonagh wrapped him up and passed him off as her baby.  Benandonner began to wonder what size the ‘child’s’ father must be and made his return to Scotland, tearing up the Causeway as he went.

A short break in Northern Ireland starts from £49 per room. To book a short break and find out more about Northern Ireland’s world-class attractions visit discovernorthernireland.com.

As the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s looks towards this year’s event, Festival Director Richard Wakely today (Tuesday 6th August) announced the appointment of the Festival’s first ever “Artist in Residence”.

Internationally acclaimed Cuban-American artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada will work alongside volunteers and communities from all over Belfast to create a giant land-art portrait that will transform five acres of land in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter – the unveiling of which will open the Festival on 17th October.

Rodriguez-Gerada has created poignant land-art portraits all over the world and this piece  represents his first land-art work in the UK or Ireland. Supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ulster Bank, Northern Ireland Tourist Board and the European Union, the final piece will be created using materials sourced solely from the land. Entitled ‘Wish”, Rodriguez-Gerada’s portrait of an anonymous local child gazing towards the future will represent a new face for Belfast on the old face of the city and will capture the purity of a child making a wish.

Rodriquez-Gerada is excited about his UK and Ireland premiere and the opportunity to work with the Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s, “I create work that brings awareness to social issues and am looking forward to working with people from all over this fascinating city, from all backgrounds and beliefs. This is a project about identity, sustainability and aspirations and I believe that Belfast is one of the most interesting cities in the world in which to present such a piece.”

Rodriguez-Gerada is a founder of the New York Culture Jamming movement and an innovator in the international art scene. Since the late 90s he has been replacing the faces of cultural icons chosen by advertisers with the faces of anonymous people to question the controls imposed on public space, the role models designated and the type of events that are guarded by the collective memory. His large scale time based works avoid negative impact on the environment, challenge the conformity in contemporary art and allow for a reflection that goes beyond the completion of the piece to focus in its concept, process, and the metaphor that comes forth because of the material chosen.

Commenting on the appointment Festival Director, Richard Wakely, stated “We are truly privileged to have the opportunity to work with such an exciting and innovative contemporary artist. Jorge’s commitment as our ‘Artist in Residence’ offers the unique chance for local people to work alongside one of the world’s most influential emerging artists and be part of the creation of a world-class piece of art that speaks to the future of our society. “

Damian Smyth, Head of Drama and Literature for Arts Council of Northern Ireland commented, “To have access to an international artist of this calibre is an exciting engagement opportunity for both local artists and the wider community and really connects Belfast to world-class talent. ”

Ellvena Graham, Head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland, “We are very excited by Jorge’s appointment and his unique land art project which brings another innovative dimension to this year’s Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s.  Titanic Quarter is a symbol of Northern Ireland’s economic regeneration and it is very fitting that this vision for the future will be proudly created and displayed here.”

The 2013 Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s would not be possible without the continuing support of various public and private sponsors, including Ulster Bank, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the EU and the British Council. Plus the many venues, performers and partner organisations whose commitment and passion bring the arts to life for all to enjoy.

Wish will be revealed on 17th October and run throughout Festival until 27th October and can be viewed free of charge from various specified locations within the Titanic Quarter. To get involved in this project or for more information visit www.belfastfestival.com or call 02890 971197. Or follow the project on Facebook and Twitter. #BelFest

This Sunday, August 11^th, Ronnie Greer and his Band take to The Bandstand in Ward Park to entertain the crowds at North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment concert.

One of the justifiable legends of the Northern Ireland music scene, Ronnie Greer is also one of its favourite performers. A superb blues and jazz guitarist, his fingers have added passion and fire to some of the greatest blues bands in the country, including for a time the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band and a host of others.

Ronnie never fails to wring the last drop of emotion out of a solo, while still keeping the toes tapping. As a sideman and frontman, Ronnie has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business – including the likes of Dr. John, Lowell Fulson, Phil Guy, Johnny Mars and many more.

So if you fancy a relaxing afternoon in the park, enjoying the sounds of live blues and jazz, then gather your family and friends, pack a picnic and come to Ward Park this Sunday from 3pm – 5pm for this totally FREE event!

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

The CultureTECH Festival have today released details of group bookings for community and youth groups ahead of their September festival.

The festival, which takes place from September 9-15, is a celebration of digital technology, media, music and arts featuring over 160 events and sessions across the week. The announcement will see community and youth groups from across the city be given priority bookings for many of the festival’s most exciting events including a huge games arcade in the Millennium Forum and CultureTECH Junior, a dedicated strand of events for young people, sponsored by Seagate.

Festival Marketing Manager, Connor Doherty said: “We’ve always been very keen to work with as many local groups as possible to make sure that this year’s festival reaches the whole of the city. From today, community and youth groups can block book sessions within the games arcade, CultureTECH Junior and a variety of theatre, arts and technology events across the week.”

“We will also be announcing a series of events to take place in various neighbourhoods across the city during the festival. We have over 100 exciting speakers and dozens of artists, musicians and performers taking part in the festival and we want to make sure that it is accessible as possible for anyone who wants to take part.” he added.

In addition to games and the CultureTECH Junior exhibition, the full list of events where group bookings are available include film screenings, free coding workshops for kids, a multi-media performance for babies, theatre workshops and several theatrical performances.

Although the majority of the programme is completely free to anyone interested in attending, youth and community groups will also be able to reserve seats in advance for performances and take part in hosted, private sessions. Any community, youth group or school interested in booking spaces can contact Connor directly via email to connor@culturetech.co or by phoning 02871 262379.

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 5 – 11).

• Into the Deep, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, July 27 – August 11.  Enjoy family friendly talks with marine experts, explore the Titanic touch tanks which will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with local marine creatures and take part in marine-themed arts and crafts and hands-on experiments.

• Gasyard Wall Féile, various venues, Co. Londonderry, August 1 – 15.  Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, this festival will have a range of events taking place with everything from music, literature, sport, education, visual arts, fun days, lectures and much more.

• The Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, Co. Antrim, August 3 – 11.  One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland with a colourful programme of over 100 events including a themed street night, ceili, a family vintage day and much more.

• 7 Hills Blues Festival, Armagh city centre, Co. Armagh, August 8 – 11.  Already an established event on the Blues calendar, this event showcases all types of music from Chicago Rhythm to Funk Style with local bands and international acts all taking part.

• Sunflowerfest 2013, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 9 – 11.  A family-friendly festival with the best local music artists, bands and international guests.  Performers this year include Henry Cluney (Stiff Little Fingers), The Screaming Eagle, Roll the Dice, Emerald Armada and many more.

• Little Red Riding Hood, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, August 10.  A curious young girl weaves her way through the woods to her Grandma’s house on a journey full of surprises in this playful and imaginative re-telling of a timeless story.
• Jane Austen Exhibition, Carrickfergus Museum Exhibition Gallery, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, until August 17.  Immerse yourself in this fantastic exhibition which celebrates the 200^th year since the first edition of Pride and Prejudice was published.

• Summer Scheme, Share Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, every Monday – Friday in July and August.  A fun filled week of skills development for children aged 8 – 16. Choose from sailing, canoeing/ kayaking, windsurfing, rookie lifeguard, mountain biking and film making.  All levels welcome. 

• William Carleton International Summer School, Clogher Valley district, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 8.  Celebrating the life and works of the famous 19^th century novelist, this is a must for literature lovers with talks and debates with Carleton scholars, a literary symposium and a coach tour of the Carleton country led by a historian.

• Summer Street Art, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 9.  A week long workshop exploring the different techniques used by urban artists across the world, the reason behind street art and the difference between art and vandalism.

Bangor Open House Festival, 1^st -31^st Aug

This month throughout Bangor sees a music based festival featuring headline concerts, music sessions alongside comedy, poetry, walking tours and exhibitions. There will be something to suit everyone’s tastes. This fortnight will see music from The Farriers at Bangor Abbey and other local bands playing various bars throughout Bangor. There will also be exhibitions, pub quiz’s and other events…so be sure to pick up a copy of the full Open House Festival programme so you don’t miss out.

For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com

World Police & Fire Games 2013, 1^st – 10^th Aug

This biennial event is coming to Northern Ireland for the first time. With over 7,000 competitors from over 60 countries it is the largest sporting event to ever come to our country. Throughout the games, many events will be happening across North Down so be sure to get involved in this once in a lifetime opportunity. The new Bangor Aurora Aquatic and Leisure Complex will hold its first major events which include swimming, water polo and the much anticipated Toughest Competitor Alive. To be a spectator at the games is free. For a full list of events happening in North Down be sure to pick up the bespoke North Down World Police and Fire Games flyer.

For more information visit www.2013wpfg.com

Bluegrass Picnic, Sat 3^rd Aug, 3-5pm

Oh My Darling will be playing a free concert in Ward Park. Their prairie roots mixed with southern twang and Franco-folk create an Americana musical melting pot brewed from dynamic vocals, brilliant claw-hammer banjo, inspired fiddling and grooving bass runs. This will be a great day out for the whole family. As well as providing music, we will be taking care of your stomach with a Cajun hog roast and a barbeque pit. There will be activities to keep the kids entertained will you enjoy the music. Not to be missed! Free

For more information visit www.openhousefestival.com or www.northdowntourism.com

Family Fun at Cockle Row, Sat 3^rd & Sun 4^th Aug, 2-4pm

Come along to the cottages at Cockle Row, Groomsport and join in all the free family fun that is on offer every weekend throughout August. This Saturday there will be a Magician to keep all the children entertained with all his magical ways. On Sunday the Ark Open Farm will be making an appearance with their Small Animal Road Show, let the kids come along and pet or feed the animals. There will also be entertainment from the Ulster-Scots Agency on Sunday. Cottages are open to the public from 11am-5pm. Free

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

North Down Pipe Band Championships, Sat 3^rd Aug, 11am-5.30pm

The popular annual North Down Pipe Band Championships will return to the scenic Castle Park. This event is very competitive among the Pipe Bands and always proves to be a great day out for everyone to enjoy with a huge selection of bands taking part. So grab a picnic and head down to Castle Park for this enjoyable day out. Free

For more information visit www.northdowntourism.com

Donkey Day, Sat 3^rd Aug, 10am-5pm

Bring the kids and a camera as you get close to these wonderful animals. The annual Donkey Day proves that donkeys are more than just something to admire in the fields as these wonderful animals take on the donkey obstacle course, egg and spoon races and musical chairs in the BDS Championship. DBS members, two-legged as well as four legged, will also get the chance to dress in traditional garb from farming eras gone by, with the most authentic costume winning a prize in the Fancy Dress Competition. And rounding off the day, the handlers and their animals will join the Donkey Day Parade around Ballycultra town.

For more information visit www.nmni.com/uftm

History of Bangor & Ards Coach Tour, Sat 3^rd Aug, 10am-3pm

This tour takes in the history of North Down and Ards. It covers the areas Christian Heritag, from early monastic sites such as Nendrum and the founding of Bangor Abbey and Viking attacks. You will learn of the Ulster-Scots story which shaped our lands under Hamiliton and Montgomery, the role we played in World War II through to the borough’s we know today. Tickets £10 (Limited to 30 people)

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

St John’s Church and Grey Point Fort Walk, Sat 10^th Aug, 10.30am

This fascinating tour starts with a visit to the Church, with its historic connections to those who served in two world wars. The tour will then proceed on foot to Grey Point Fort via the Bayburn Trail display at the Fort Road car park will visitors will hear more about the local history of the village. Visitors will also be shown the massive guns and the emplacement and the unique collections of war-time memorabilia. Tickets £3 (Limited to 25 people)

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

Magic Hour at the Museum, Sat 10^th Aug, 2.30-3.30pm

Are the kids already bored with the summer and running out of things to do? Head to North Down Museum every Saturday for Magic Hour. This weekend there will be a show by Aldo including balloons and finger puppets. Limited places available. Tickets £2

For more information call North Down Museum on 028 9127 1200 or visit www.northdownmuseum.com

Summer Entertainment – Ronnie Greer Band, Sun 11^th Aug, 3-5pm

North Down Borough Council’s Live Music in Ward Park continues this Sunday with music from the Ronnie Greer Band. Ronnie Greer is a superb blues and jazz guitarist; his fingers have added passion and fire to some of the greatest blues bands in the country, including for a time the legendary Jim Daly Blues Band and a host of others. He never fails to wring the last drop of emotion out of a solo, while still keeping toes tapping! So pack a picnic and head down to Ward Park Bandstand for a fantastic afternoon of blues in the park. Free

For more information call Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com

Remember!!!

Project 24

Open every day down on Queen’s Parade. Call in and see the artists work in their pods or why not enjoy learning something while you’re there -the pink pod throughout August will be holding an array of workshops which include making your own crafts. Only 5 places are available on each workshop, so make sure you book fast for anything you’re interested in. You can find out further information and book by emailing Karin on englishcookies@me.com, up to one week before the event. You can also call in to the Pink Pod and book in person.

For more information visit www.project24ni.com

And…

Pickie Fun Park is still open daily 9am-9pm. This is a great day out for the whole family. For special offers visit www.pickiefunpark.com

Down

Join the world’s most famous outlaw – Robin Hood and come dressed up as one of his merry men/ladies for a weekend of medieval merriment at the Castle Espie Centre this weekend.  Outlaw activities include a falconry static display, archery, face painting, medieval woodland trail, village life demonstrations, crafts and games, medieval armour display, healing herbals clinic, leather makers, historical crafts with friendly Vikings and much more!  There will also be music from the period and a medieval BBQ in the courtyard. Prize for the best dressed merry man or lady.

Tyrone

Libraries NI is delighted to welcome K-9 and his creator, Mat Irvine, to Omagh Library on Wednesday 31 July at 7.00pm, making it this famous canine’s first visit to this island.  K-9 is the fictional robotic canine in the long-running British science fiction television series, Doctor Who, first appearing in 1977 and most recently in one of the series television spin-offs, K-9 (2009–2010).  Mat Irvine is a special effects designer and has worked extensively on Dr Who, operating K9 on the most recent Doctor Who series, which celebrates its 50th anniversary later this year.  During this event, Mat will present K9 and me: My Life in Special Effects covering his work with K-9 from the Tom Baker era to the more recent series with David Tennant and The Sarah Jane Adventures, which will appeal particularly to sci-fi and special effect enthusiasts.  Members of the audience will be able to have their photo taken with this famous dog, met Mat and buy a signed copy of one of Mat’s books!

Fermanagh

SUMMER EXTRAVAGANZA is the exciting and innovative summer activity programme available for visitors to Fermanagh at the Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea. Visitors may enjoy the thrills in a variety of land and water activities; one hour, two hour or even taster sessions in sailing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking and banana skiing or archery, climbing and circus skills.

Derry

The National Trust’s Kite Festival takes place this Sunday 4^th August at Downhill Demesne.  A high-flying spectacle with fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all shapes and sizes fly over the stunning coastal estate.  There will be kite performers and a wild geese parachute display.  To add to the festive atmosphere there will be a kids area with craft making, bouncy castles, exhibitors, craft and food stalls and much more. 

Armagh

Join The Armagh Planetarium on the 3rd and 4th August 2013 for the Planet Aliens workshop where you will design and make your very own model alien with the help of the fantastic Emerald Garrison sculptors. Will your alien be friendly or scary?  That will be up to you!  On this special weekend the Emerald Garrison will also be demonstrating how they have created some of their amazing props and sets using clay.  This is a hands-on workshop where you will get the opportunity to create your own unique sculpture to take home.  Each workshop will last approximately 40 minutes where fun is guaranteed for all the family.  Spaces will be allocated on a first come basis.

Antrim

The Summer Theatre programme at the Courtyard Theatre presents Absent Friends, performed by the Hollywood Players this Friday and Saturday.  A classic comedy of manners and social embarrassment served up a slice of deliciously black humour.  When Colin loses his fiancée, his married friends invite him round for comfort. As the tea starts to pour, it’s clear that trouble is brewing with a wickedly funny blend of jealousy, infidelity and barely concealed loathing.

Belfast

Go MAD for Madagascar! You have seen the movies but how much do you really know about the animals of Madagascar? Come along to Belfast Zoo’s event to learn more. Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world and has a diverse variety of wildlife. The island may not be home to lions, zebras, giraffes or hippos but it is home to lemur, sifaka, fossa and many more.Join in the fun with feeding times, keeper talks and much more! Saturday 3^rd August.

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.

Coming down from the mountains to entertain Bangor’s music lovers, this Sunday, August 4^th a special Bluegrass Picnic featuring all-girl Canadian group “Oh My Darling” will be taking place at Ward Park.

In place of the usual Summer Entertainment concert, this special event will mark the opening of the Bangor 400 Open House Festival which will run throughout the whole month of August.

Hailing from Winnipeg Canada, don’t be fooled by their sweet names and faces, the Oh My Darling girls are seriously good musicians, each of them virtuoso musicians in their own right who make it look so easy! Their prairie roots mixed with southern twang and Franco-folk create an American musical melting pot brewed from dynamic vocals, brilliant claw-hammer banjo, inspired fiddling and grooving bass runs.

As well as your country soul, we’ll be taking care of your country stomach, with lots of food available for sale on site. Choose from delicious pulled pork, French crepes, ice-cream, eton mess, tea and coffee, candyfloss and sweets – something for everyone!

To keep the kids happy, there will be face-painting and balloon modelling with co-ordinated games and crafts taking place on site too.

Speaking about the event and The Open House Festival, Kieran Gilmore, Festival Director, said: “Bluegrass picnic is just one afternoon in a full month of arts activity. Throughout August we have ninety events taking place in venues around Bangor town centre, including music, film, comedy, exhibitions, walking tours, boat trips and much more. We’ve got international performers alongside local artists, and more than forty free and family events. We’d encourage people to pick up a free copy of our full colour 100 page programme from the Tourist Office or North Down Museum and get booking soon – events are starting to sell out.”

The Bluegrass Picnic has all the ingredients for a fun family day out so get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 2pm – 5pm to get in on the action at this totally FREE event.  And don’t forget to pack your picnic!

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 5 – 11).

• Into the Deep, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, July 27 – August 11.  Enjoy family friendly talks with marine experts, explore the Titanic touch tanks which will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with local marine creatures and take part in marine-themed arts and crafts and hands-on experiments.

• Gasyard Wall Féile, various venues, Co. Londonderry, August 1 – 15.  Celebrating its 20^th anniversary, this festival will have a range of events taking place with everything from music, literature, sport, education, visual arts, fun days, lectures and much more.

• The Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall, Co. Antrim, August 3 – 11.  One of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland with a colourful programme of over 100 events including a themed street night, ceili, a family vintage day and much more.

• 7 Hills Blues Festival, Armagh city centre, Co. Armagh, August 8 – 11.  Already an established event on the Blues calendar, this event showcases all types of music from Chicago Rhythm to Funk Style with local bands and international acts all taking part.

• Sunflowerfest 2013, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 9 – 11.  A family-friendly festival with the best local music artists, bands and international guests.  Performers this year include Henry Cluney (Stiff Little Fingers), The Screaming Eagle, Roll the Dice, Emerald Armada and many more.

• Little Red Riding Hood, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, August 10.  A curious young girl weaves her way through the woods to her Grandma’s house on a journey full of surprises in this playful and imaginative re-telling of a timeless story.
• Jane Austen Exhibition, Carrickfergus Museum Exhibition Gallery, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, until August 17.  Immerse yourself in this fantastic exhibition which celebrates the 200^th year since the first edition of Pride and Prejudice was published.

• Summer Scheme, Share Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, every Monday – Friday in July and August.  A fun filled week of skills development for children aged 8 – 16. Choose from sailing, canoeing/ kayaking, windsurfing, rookie lifeguard, mountain biking and film making.  All levels welcome.  

• William Carleton International Summer School, Clogher Valley district, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 8.  Celebrating the life and works of the famous 19^th century novelist, this is a must for literature lovers with talks and debates with Carleton scholars, a literary symposium and a coach tour of the Carleton country led by a historian.

• Summer Street Art, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 5 – 9.  A week long workshop exploring the different techniques used by urban artists across the world, the reason behind street art and the difference between art and vandalism.