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.

This summer Movie House will have special morning matinee screenings every single day of the week throughout July and August.

Any movie starting before noon will cost just £3 at all five Movie House cinemas – Dublin Road, Yorkgate/Cityside, Glengormley, Maghera or at the Jet Centre in Coleraine. This great low price applies 3d movies as well though where required 3d glasses can purchased at the cinema for £1.

There are loads of fab family movies this summer – starting with Despicable Me (28 June), Monsters University (from 12 July), Smurfs 2 (from 31 July) and Planes (from 16 Aug).

There are loads more films to choose for older kids and adults as well. To find out what’s showing at Movie House go to www.moviehouse.co.uk The cinema offers free online booking – and you can now book from your smartphone!

Movie House Cinemas are braced for the arrival of the Smurfs on Wednesday!

The little blue characters are always a huge hit at the Movie House and the cinema has brought in a limited line of collectors’ Smurf Straws, which are available from the snack kiosk while stocks last.

In the Smurfs 2, The Smurfs team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer’s newest creation – creatures called the Naughties – into real Smurfs.

Did you know the Smurfs began life as Les Schtroumpfs in a Belgian comic and television franchise back in 1958?

Kids still love them today! So if you’re looking to dodge the rain showers, head to Movie House Cinemas (Dublin road, Yorkgate/Cityside, Glengormley, Maghera or Coleraine) to catch the Smurfs in action.

Find out more at www.moviehouse.co.uk.

(http://www.moviehouse.co.uk/search/cinema//film/tt2017020/date/2013-07-31)

7 HILLS BLUES FEST RETURNS FOR SPECTACULAR THIRD YEAR

A spectacular line-up of blues events has been unveiled as part of Armagh’s 7 Hills Blues Fest at a special launch event in the city centre, where blues guitar legend Ronnie Greer and his powerhouse band were on hand to set a music-filled scene for a jam-packed preview of what’s in store over the festival weekend.

The launch saw the eagerly-awaited 7 Hills Gig Guide revealed for the first time, which includes details of more than 50 free gigs scheduled to take place at venues across the city from Thursday 8^th August through to Sunday 11^th August for what is already being billed as Armagh’s best summer blues fest yet.

Now in its third year, the 7 Hills Blues Fest has gone from strength to strength and includes a jam-packed programme of musical events planned over the whole weekend, including two ‘big ticket’ events – ‘The Blues Band’ in The Market Place Theatre, which will be a real treat for true blues fans, and the ‘7 Hills Great Gatsby Dance’ in Armagh City Hotel, which will revive the roaring 1920’s for one amazing night only.

The city will also play host to a clutch of fantastic free events for families on the hunt for more outdoor summer fun, with a Bluez 4 Kidz workshop, Picnic in the Palace Park, graffiti artist and an outdoor festival in the Shambles Yard all included in this year’s line-up.

City centre visitors who would like to shop while listening to the great music can get themselves down to the Shambles Market, Mall Shopping Centre, Market Square, Art on the rails and Vintage in the City – all of which will host a shopping experience with a difference. Many of Armagh’s fabulous cafes and restaurants will also have artists playing as part of the weekend-long event, so visitors are advised to check out the gig guide and book their table early.

The popular festival will see many of the city’s favourite performers return again, including Grainne Duffy, Pat McManus, Lee Hedley, Mark Black, Clive Barnes and Rab McCullough, as well as a host of exciting new acts such has Short Fuse Blues, Pilgrim Blues and Cold Porter.

Armagh City’s vitally-important local young talent will be showcased in Cup o’Joe and DANI, along with festival founder Simon Smith, who plays with the Crowbar Blues and Preacher Casey’s. Simon also teams up with Ian Sands and the Bluez Katz to create the Crow Katz which will set Market Square alight in the fabulous new Band Stand.

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor, Robert Turner, said:

“The excitement is really starting to build for this fantastic weekend festival which will bring many locals and visitors to the City Centre to experience the great atmosphere and wonderful venues Armagh has to offer.

“With over 50 free gigs and some fantastic fringe events, there’s something for everyone to enjoy – young and old.  I’m looking forward to seeing crowds of locals, visitors and blues fans enjoy the festival and I’ve no doubt it will be another major success for our city.”

Guides for 7 Hills Blues Fest are available at City Centre venues now or they can be downloaded from www.armagh.co.uk or for more information follow 7 Hills Blues Fest on Facebook or call the Armagh Tourist Information Centre for more details 028 3752 1800.

The fierce rivalry between last year’s Superbike race contenders Michael Dunlop and Guy Martin will be renewed at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix on August 17.

The Tyco Suzuki rider, who won the feature race in 2012, will face even stiffer competition this time as four-time 2013 TT winner Dunlop will be making his final appearance of the season on the Honda TT Legends Superbike that carried him to his first big bike win on the Island in June.

Dunlop won the second Superbike encounter in 2012 after crashing out of the battle with the 31 year old truck fitter at the Hairpin in the feature race. His recent defeat by Martin at the Southern 100 will ensure the 24 year old is even more determined to avenge those setbacks at this year’s Ulster.

However, the superfast Dundrod circuit has been a happy hunting ground for the English rider over the years and the Lincolnshire man will be focused on raising his tally of UGP victories into double figures this year.

No less than six of the 2013 TT’s podium finishers are also included in the rest of the line-up, with Cameron Donald winning the award for the ‘furthest distance travelled’ as he returns from his home in Australia to ride the Wilson Craig Fireblade he steered into second place in the Superbike TT.

William Dunlop and Manxman Conor Cummins will debut the fearsomely fast Milwaukee Yamaha YZFR1s at Dundrod, boosting the official factory entry for the Prix.

Cummins, a former lap record holder on the 7.41 mile circuit, has struggled to get to grips with the big Yamaha but the team will have been given a boost by the elder Dunlop’s double victory at Walderstown. William declared afterwards that the bike’s set up was “almost complete for the Ulster”.

The 27 year old will also have his CD Racing/Milwaukee rocketship R6 for both Supersport events which are always priority targets for the 600 specialist.

Both Bruce Anstey and Gary Johnson may have moved away from factory teams recently but it doesn’t appear to have diminished their speed. Johnson took his Lincs Lifting Kawasaki ZX10 to runner up spot in the Superstock TT in June and he is also entered on his own Honda Fireblade superbike at the Prix. He will also ride the iconic MV Agusta F3 machine in the Supersport races and he should be a podium contender in the both these races too.

The mercurial Anstey may be 43 years old but he is still the fastest man ever around Dundrod as his phenomenal 133.97mph lap, set in 2010 on a Relentless Suzuki, remains unbroken. Now on the HM Plant/Padgett’s Hondas, Bruce has kept up his winning ways on his favourite track, taking a Superbike win in 2011 and snatching a Supersport victory in 2012 after a race long dice with William Dunlop.

Although the Flying Kiwi was on the podium at both the North West 200 in May and at the TT in June, he has yet to win a race in 2013. It would be a very brave man who would bet against him doing so on 17^th August.

Dean Harrison could be the dark horse of the competition. Although not a factory rider, the fast talking Bradford lad is coming to Dundrod in peak form. The 24 year old had a brilliant TT, finishing 4^th in the Superstock race before scoring his first TT podium with runner up slot in the Lightweight race.

Harrison mixed it at the front with both Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop on his RC Express/MSS ZX10 Kawasaki in all three Superbike races at the Southern 100 and he dominate the Cock O’ the North meeting at Scarborough last weekend, winning the 600cc and 1000cc races.

With this much quality in the starting line-up for the 2013 Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, picking a winner might be a bit of a lottery but the racing will be as fast and furious as ever on the world’s fastest road race circuit.

The Dundrod 150 Superbike race will be sponsored by Topaz Airport Road Service Station, the first Superbike race of the Ulster Grand Prix will be sponsored by McKinstry Skip Hire and the second by Ireland Freight Services.

Bike Week 2013 will run between 12th – 17th August in Dundrod, Co. Antrim. The main events are the Topaz Dundrod 150 races on Thursday 15th August and the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix races on Saturday 17th August.

Wristbands that allow entry to the course and the paddock all week cost £25. Under 16s are free.

For more details on the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix, visit www.ulstergrandprix.net