The creative VFX studio MPC (honored with an Oscar for ‘Achievement in Visual Effects’ for its work on Life of Pi) will unveil a new global advertising & art initiative, alongside key creative partners from New York and London, at Derry-Londonderry’s CultureTECH Festival this September.

MPC, who are famous for their work on advertising campaigns including John Lewis ‘Snowman’, Channel 4 ‘Meet the Superhumans’ and Nike+ ‘Game On’; as well as blockbuster movies such as Prometheus, Life of Pi and the Harry Potter franchise – will announce the initiative as part of a keynote showcase at the festival’s industry conference, on Wednesday, September 11, which also includes presentations from creative companies including Culture Shock NY, Finger Music and Streaming Tank.

Hugh McGrory, Creative Director of Culture Shock, New York, one of the key partners in the new initiative, is also a Derry-native.

Hugh explained: “At Culture Shock we explore the intersection of art and technology and that’s why CultureTECH is the perfect partner for us in the North of Ireland. I grew up in Derry, it’s always been an amazingly creative place, and I’m delighted to be coming back in September to get a sense of what is happening now in the city. We are launching a global project in 2014 with MPC and want to use that to make it easier for creative talent with great ideas to connect with our partners in New York and around the world. ”

Justin Brukman, Executive Producer of MPC, New York added: “We are delighted to be coming to Derry for the first time during the UK City of Culture celebrations. We will launch a new global advertising and art initiative during the CultureTECH festival in September. We intend to bring to the project to the UK and Ireland for events in 2014 and want to grow our relationship with CultureTECH to explore a host of opportunities that can be of benefit to the creative community in Northern Ireland.”

Although details of the initiative itself won’t be announced until the event in September it is thought that it will include events and programming in major cities throughout the world.

CultureTECH Festival Director Mark Nagurski added:

“It goes without saying that we are delighted to have so many great creative companies, including MPC, involved in this year’s event – their collective international reputation speaks for itself. And the fact that Hugh McGrory is involved in the project adds a brilliant local dimension. The aim of this year’s festival is to help build new networks and anything that will help local creatives to connect with others internationally will be a brilliant legacy from the City of Culture year.”

Full details of the CultureTECH programme are available online now at www.culturetech.co/prog

(Tues, July 9th – Derry-Londonderry) Derry-Londonderry’s CultureTECH Festival has today unveiled its 2013 festival programme featuring in excess of 100 events across the week of September 9-15, including; The Belfast Media Festival, an International Artificial Intelligence Prize and a dedicated CultureTECH Junior programme which is hoped will engage with as many as 10,000 young people.

Speaking ahead of the launch, festival director Mark Nagurski explained that the emphasis of this year’s event was on “participation and accessibility”: “As you’d expect we have a brilliant lineup of speakers that cross the lines between technology, arts and culture. Organisations like the Tate, the Barbican, the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), the NY Philharmonic will join a host of speakers from the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and many more. But what hopefully sets CultureTECH apart are the opportunities for people from all backgrounds to engage.”

“Across the week we have events where people can build video games, write and record music, experiment with digital storytelling tools or learn software code. We have several groups who will be using CultureTECH as an opportunity to make films about the music industry, the games industry and the animation industry in Northern Ireland. And many more who will be using it as a platform to launch new companies, programmes and products.”

Perhaps the biggest draw will be the CultureTECH Junior programme, sponsored by Seagate. Designed initially as a dedicated strand of events for people under 18 to get involved in the festival, it has quickly grown into the largest individual project within it. Over three days, nearly 40 organisations – including CERN, Intel, W5, Samsung and Seagate – will host a major science and technology expo for young people at The Venue, making it one of the biggest events of its kind in the region this year. Over 4,000 school children will visit on the Thursday and Friday before the expo opens to the public on Saturday, September 14th

The CultureTECH Junior programme will also include events in partnership with CoderDojo (software workshops for kids), Teen Tech (hosted by former Tomorrow’s World presenter Maggie Philbin), Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and the University of Ulster. Many of the main programme’s international speakers will also take part in school visits across the week.

The full festival programme is available to view or download at www.culturetech.co/prog. The majority of events are free including CultureTECH Junior Family Day and a variety of live music and games events across the city on Saturday, September 14th.

Other programme highlights include:

Belfast Media Festival (Sep 12-13)

Free industry event featuring speakers from BBC, ITV, Channel 4 etc…

International Loebner Prize Contest in Artificial Intelligence (Sep 13-15)

The world’s longest running international artificial intelligence prize

DANI Awards (Sep 13)

Northern Ireland’s premier black tie awards for the digital and creative industries

City Arcade / Multiplay Games Bash (Sep 12-14)

Free-to-play games arcades throughout the city centre alongside games tournaments hosted in partnership with major publishers

Nerve Centre at CultureTECH (Sep 13)

Full-day music industry programme featuring speakers from Soundwave, Planet Mu, Amazing Radio, Propellerhead software

Twenty live music events

Featuring the best Northern Irish record labels, promoters and festivals (Sep 9-15)

Keynote Showcase

A major showcase and launch event from Oscar-winning visual effects studio The Moving Picture Company (MPC)

Gallery Exhibitions

Multiple gallery exhibitions of multi-media arts including a week-long pop-up gallery in Foyleside Shopping Centre

Selected Speakers include:

Scott Stulen – curator of the Internet Cat Video Festival

Sharna Jackson – Editor, Tate Kids

Wilson Kriegel – CEO of Paltalk and formerly of OMGPop (makers of Draw Something)

Michael Spencer-Jones – rock photographer who shot iconic album covers for Oasis and The Verve

Julii Oh – marketing manager of the NY Philharmonic

Adam Perry – founder of BandApp and former drummer with the Bloodhound Gang

Fred Bolza – VP, Sony Music Entertainment

Don Undeen – Manager, Media Lab at The Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC)

Hugh McGrory – founder and creative director, Culture Shock NY

Jay Onda – Business Development at NTT Docomo

Justin Brukman – Executive Producer, MPC New York

As part of Belfast Media Festival

Julian March – Director of Online, ITV

Peter Johnston – Director of BBC NI

Ralph Rivera – Director of Future Media, BBC

Stuart Cosgrove – Director of Creative Diversity, C4

As part of Loebner Prize

Prof. Noel Sharkey – Professor of Artificial Intelligence & Robotics, University of Sheffield

Dr. Roger Schank – John Evans Professor Emeritus, Northwestern University

Dr. Hugh Loebner – International Loebner Prize Contest in Artificial Intelligence (AI), New York

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (July 15 – 21).

• Jazz by the Lake, Crom, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, July 18.  Jazz has returned to Crom – come along and enjoy a relaxing evening listening to some local jazz by the shores of Lough Erne.  Hearty supper included.

• Wildlife Trackers, Mount Stewart House and Garden, Newtownards, Co. Down. July 18.  A drop off programme for children aged between 5 – 11 years.  Parents and carers can relax while the children learn more about the amazing animals that make Mount Stewart their home.

• Brighter Nights, Ballycastle Seafront, Co. Antrim, July 19.  Enjoy entertainment by the seafront with King Shah which combines pulsating music, good humour, acrobatics, contortions, tumbling and fire limbo.

• Glasgowbury 2013, Draperstown, Co. Londonderry, July 19 – 20.  For the first time ever Glasgowbury will expand to a two day festival and headline acts for this year’s event include a Northern Ireland exclusive performance from Downpatrick rockers The Answer, Derry~Londonderry dance duo The Japanese Popstars and North Coast instrumentalists And So I Watch You From Afar.

• Pinhole Camera Workshop, Armagh Planetarium, Co. Armagh, July 19 – 20.  World renowned camera expert Justin Quinnell will be holding exciting workshops where you will make your own five-month duration pinhole camera.  Using a tin can, some tape and paper you will be able to take a photograph from this summer until the winter equinox, recording the sun’s path on each day.

• T13 – All-Ireland Blade Jam, T13 Urban Sports Academy, Queen’s Road, Belfast, July 20.  Ireland’s first ever All-Ireland contest with the top blading athletes descending on T13 for a packed program of competition and entertainment including live music, action sports, urban arts and much more.

• Raspberry Tea, Ballance House, Glenavy, Co. Antrim, July 20.  Enjoy a taste of summer at Ballance House where there will be local produce to buy, a variety of craft stalls to browse, face painting and tombola.  Admission includes traditional afternoon tea and a bowl of locally grown raspberries or strawberries and cream.

• Argory Tartan, The Argory, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, July 21.  The estate will once again be filled with the sound of pipes, drums and folk music along with highland and Scottish dancing workshops.  There will also be traditional Scottish food in the Courtyard.

• Romeo and Juliet, The Walled Garden, Bangor, Co. Down, July 24 – 25.  Absorb yourself in this modern performance of Romeo and Juliet which sees two innocent young lovers fall victim to family hatred and cruel destiny.  Gather your family and friends and grab a picnic and enjoy this open air theatre performance.

• Come Canoeing, Gortin Lakes, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, every Wednesday in July. Enjoy some outdoor fun and go canoeing with Four Elements Outdoor Adventure.  No experience is necessary and all equipment will be provided.

Down

There is lots of fun to be had at this weekend’s SpecDuckular event at WWT Castle Espie on 12th and 13th July. Unlock your artistic talents and join local wildlife artist Bernice Anderson, in the Drumlin Theatre. Bring along a rubber duck and enjoy a picnic in our grounds. Show your ducks to the restaurant staff and collect a prize. Quackanory – enjoy some duck related children’s stories at different times throughout the day.  Have a go at Pond dipping at the pond zone and woodland mini-beast hunting in Stoat Town. At different times throughout the day.  Complete all 4 activities and collect a free duck related gift to take home with you.  Plus lots of lovely duck related games including favourites like Duck hunt and ducking and diving.

Tyrone

Glenelly Rockin’ By The River Festival is an annual festival which takes place in Plumbridge, Co Tyrone. This year the festival runs from Saturday 13th to Sunday 21st July and includes a vintage day, cycle and family day, variety concert, Nathan Carter & his band, under age disco, and much more.

Fermanagh

Looking for adventure and fun this summer? Share Adventure camp is now taking bookings for the 9th – 16th August 2013. The camp includes:· Morning, afternoon and evening activities, food and accommodation,  RYA/BCU Qualification, 24 Hour Supervision.

Derry

Slaughtneil GAC are hosting a family fun day on Sunday 14^th July from 1-5pm. Admission is free so bring the family to enjoy townland games, dance and music,  juggling, face painting,  games and more.

Armagh

Enjoy some summer fun in Armagh city – the perfect choice for those looking to fill their summer holidays with days to remember. From cathedrals to the planetarium, museums to the mall plus a series of fun-filled summer events, a trip to Armagh City this summer is sure to provide an unforgettable experience! Navan Fort or Emain Macha as it is known is one of Ireland’s most famous and important archaeological sites. Home of the famous Red Branch Knights and the Ulster Cycle of tales, Navan Fort is a place where myth and reality meet. During your visit you will have the chance to feast like a king or queen as you join one of Navan Fort’s mythological figures for a picnic.

Antrim

This weekend you can enjoy a range of family activities at Belfast Zoo’s Family Weekend event, including face painting and a bouncy castle. Animal feeding times will be taking place throughout the day.

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.

Join us this bank holiday (12^th & 13^th July) at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Kids grab your passports from reception and complete all the family fun activities.

All you have to do is get your passport stamped at each activity which will take place at different times throughout the day so please check  with reception on arrival. Once you have your passport fully stamped return to reception to collect a free bird related gift. So why not start off by unlocking your artistic talents with local wildlife artist Bernice Anderson. Grab your paintbrush, pastel and of course coloring in pencils and our local artist will show you the skills required to produce your very own  bird master piece. You can also help in constructing a true work of art by using your new skills to help create a Castle Espie Bird collage.

Go on to collect your next stamp and  join our guide for a session of pond dipping at the pond zone see if you can find any of the following aquatic life such as leeches, freshwater hoglouse, pond snails or greater water boatman. Alternatively   head towards Stoat Town and hunt the dark crevices and woodpiles of our woodland for millipedes, centipedes and other creepy crawlies.  Next point to collect your stamp will include some entertaining bird related children’s stories just outside reception. Make sure you complete the duck hunt and find 10 devious ducks hidden around the grounds and mark where you spotted them on the map. Reception staff will stamp your passport when complete.

A wee birdie craft area  will be set up on both days and we hope you will be inspired to make your own little bird to take home with you and  don’t forget to bring along a rubber duck to the Loughshore Cafe staff to collect a prize.

Downy Duckling Tours will also be taking place over the 12^th and 13^th July so come along and see our tiny fluffy ducklings and goslings as they take their first wobbly steps and take to the water like, well, ducks! You can even go behind the scenes and see the duckling nurseries with the incubated eggs and learn about egg fertility during ‘candling. If you’re really lucky, you might even see a tiny baby hatch from the egg, taking its first view of the world! Tours take place at 12noon, 2pm and 3pm and are included in price of admissions, due to popular demand pre-booking is essential. Please call 02891 874146 to book.

While we can’t guarantee the weather, you’re never far from shelter at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre. There are comfortable hides, easy buggy and wheelchair friendly pathways, fully stocked cafe and gift shop and disabled and parent & baby facilities. The art gallery is currently showcasing ‘DOWN to Earth’ by the Ulster Society of Women Artists which is free to attend and running until to the 27 July.  Kids will love our climbing wall which is down next to the limestone pavilion. If you’d like to hand feed the other ducks in our collection, grain is sold in the shop just before you go into the collection. For more information on planning your visit to WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre visit wwt.org.uk/castleespie. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @wwtcastleespie.

With sunshine forecast for Castlewellan Show on Saturday, preparation of the grounds are well under way.   Committee members gave the Clough roundabout sculpture a makeover  to promote the show.

Over 140 trade stands, dog agility, show jumping, cattle, sheep, goats, poultry and pigs spread across fifty acres will ensure it is set to be a great day out for all the family.   There is a real focus this year on enabling children to get close to a range of animals with kid goats, NI Rabbit Club, Sunnyland beagles, flying falcons, World of Owls roadshow and an array of livestock.  .   The County Down Young Farmers are set to entertain the crowds with tug of war, tractor driving and games.

Lots of interest already in the Fashion Show and Vintage Tea tent which will feature the Magee clothing range and raise funds for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.  Judges will be circulating for the Show’s Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gentlemen – check out the website for the list of fabulous prizes on offer.   The Apprentice’s Nick Hewer will be on the field with his film crew capturing Show highlights for an Autumn edition of Farm Fixer.

There are over 440 entries for the show jumping classes but riders can still enter the unaffiliated jumping competition on the day which is organised by Mossvale Riding Club.  The Coolmore Search for a Young Horse championship has attracted a high calibre field and the P Turley Ridden Hunter classes have increased this year.  Entries for the Working Hunter horse and pony classes supported by Burrendale Hotel & Spa,  First Trust Bank, Fresh Food Castlewellan and Redmills are popular as ever.

The cattle section includes five major championships  All Ireland Bull & Heifer Derby Limousin final, Ulster Bank National Hereford Show and Bank of Ireland Beef Shorthorn National, Blonde Calf and British Blue Young Bull championships.   The other classes are well subscribed with over 500 quality cattle registered for the day ensuring a high level of competition.

Once again Castlewellan continues to have the most sheep entries for a one day show with almost 700 across twenty two classes including the national for the Hampshire Downs.   The Danske Bank Interbreed championship and the Norbrook Pair of Ewe Lambs are always the most closely watched events.  The Show is delighted to welcome Dr Jane Guise from the prestigious Royal Bath & West Show as a judge for the Cydectin young handlers competition.

The new two day back to back goat class has resulted in an increase in entries supported by the Goat Club, O’Rourke Timber and The Dealer, with Churchview Goats are bringing along some kid goats for children (and adults) to handle.  The pig section supported by Walter Watson engineering is growing in popularity and the poultry classes are varied and promise a good visitor attraction.  Great to see have  John Thompson & Sons Ltd, P Murphy, Poultry Dealer, Crossgar Foodservice, GB Poultry, Baileyʼs Judy Maxwell on board as sponsors.

In access of 120 dogs will be competing in the Feedwell and Dusty’s Place dog friendly self catering, dog agility classes, so bring a seat along and grab a good spot beside the ring.   Then head over to the Home Industries tent which where you can peruse the 800 entries in home baking, jams, crafts, photography, art including fifteen scarecrows who will keep the birds of prey at bay.

The Show runs all day, admission is £10 for adults, £5 for Young Farmers (with their card), Under 16s go free and there is no charge for parking.   For a full list of trade stands and attractions, go to the website www.castlewellanshow.com

This Sunday, July 14^th, North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme continues at The Bandstand in Ward Park with the return of the ever popular Anthony Toner.

One of Northern Ireland’s most prolific songwriters, Anthony is fast emerging as one of our foremost composers and his single “Sailortown” has become of the province’s most requested radio songs. Last year, he shared the stage with Nanci Griffith and Guy Clarke in Nashville and showcased at Austin’s South by Southwest. He’s also developing a following in Canada and last year performed live at Grand Central Station in New York City as part of a Northern Ireland showcase event organised by Tourism Ireland.

So if you fancy relaxing to some smooth sounds in beautiful surroundings then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

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 Countdown is on for this year’s P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival at Glenarm Castle, 13^th July – 20^th July. The team at Glenarm Castle and village are busy putting together final preparations for the anticipated arrival of thousands of visitors to the estate and surrounding area over the festival week.

The Festival will kick off with a two day spectacular, 13-14^th July, featuring the Highland Games and Dalriada Live.  The estate will come alive with the sound of Northern Ireland and Scottish strongmen battling it out during the Highland Games. Over two days courage, passion and pride will take centre stage as the sounds of heavy hammer throwing, putting of the Causeway Stone (28lb) and a tug-o-war fill the air.  The clash of the strongmen kicks off on Saturday morning with Lord Antrim opening the event at 11am.

The sound of top class music will also fill the air! As visitors will be treated to world class musical acts including the sensational Irish music and dance spectacular – Celtic Dreams (13^th July) and  rising country music sensation Nathan Carter (14^th July) plus special supporting acts including Lisa McHugh, Hugo Duncan, Crawford Bell and Saffyre. Tickets are still available for Nathan Carter at www.ticketmaster.ie

Also, across the two days, visitors will be treated to top class food demonstrations courtesy of NI Good Food with celebrity chefs Paul Rankin, Paula McIntyre and Ian Orr. Also on the menu is the World’s ONLY Sheep Chic Fashion Show – if you think you’ve a fashionable sheep then get their glad rags on and bring them along!

Getting ready for festival Adrian Morrow, Glenarm Castle Estates Managing Director, said:

“The excitement is building at Glenarm Estate and Village for the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to what is guaranteed to be one of our best festivals yet. Whatever the weather, we will ensure that we give our visitors the best possible experience. Whether you are a foodie, a music lover or indeed a sports fan – you can be sure we will have something to keep you entertained.”

Visitors will also be treated to music and dancing, in association with the Ulster Scots agency which will include; The Willie Drennan Ulster Scots Band, Broken Strings Bluegrass Band, Scottish Highland Dancing, Highland Dancing and Glenarna School of Irish Dancing, Solo Piping and Drumming and St.Patrick’s Youth Pipe Band. For something on the vintage side Swingabella and Malojian will take visitors back to a by-gone era over a fantastic cream tea at the Punjana Tea Party in the walled Garden. Plus lots more fun and activities!

Arthur Murphy of P&O Ferries, said:
“There’s a lot to excite visitors to this year’s Festival.  With the promise of fine food, music, some great sporting action and no doubt a lot of fun it’s no surprise that this event draws bigger and bigger crowds each year.

“As operators of the shortest, fastest and most frequent crossings between Ireland and Scotland, P&O Ferries has some spectacular discounts available for the summer and we’re looking forward to bringing many many visitors over from Scotland to enjoy the event and the country of its home – Northern Ireland. We wish the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival 2013 every success.”

Eddie Rowan, from NITB, said:

“We are delighted to once again support the P&O Dalriada Festival.

With a large numbers of spectators expected to attend across the week, events such as the Dalriada Festival bring domestic and international spectators to spend time in Northern Ireland.  The financial benefit that these visitors bring is important for stimulating growth and delivering economic value to many sectors of the local economy.

On behalf of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board I would like to wish all visitors and participants a very enjoyable trip to Northern Ireland and to Glenarm Castle for this action packed week of events.”

Michael Wilson, Managing Director, UTV said:

“UTV has been part of the local community here for more than 50 years and is proud to join forces once again with the P&O Dalriada Festival to celebrate all that is good about culture in Northern Ireland with special emphasis on music, food and sport and of course our strong links with Scotland. We look forward to capturing the essence of these festival activities on TV and online for all our viewers.”

The week-long festival also includes Glenarm Village Auld Hirin’ Fair (15^th July) Super Endurocross and hymns and haybales (19^th July). In addition, the week includes a rowing regatta, horse hunt chase, triathlon and much, much more.  With a spectacular finale including Teddy Bears’ Picnic featuring Build-A-Bear Workshop prizes and a Fireworks Display.

Visitors to the Highland Games can pay at the gate Adults £10, Snr £7.50, children (12-16) £5 and children under 12 FREE. GATES 09:30am-late. Tickets for Nathan Carter are available at www.ticketmaster.ie. Discount available on Highland Games entrance fee on production of a Nathan Carter ticket. Further information on the festival can be found at www.dalriadafestival.co.uk.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (July 8 – 14).

• Belfast Hills Heritage Festival 2013, various locations, Belfast, June 29 – July 8.  Uncover the hidden history of the hills during this 10-day series of events including children’s storytelling, fossil hunting for dinosaur bones, pond dipping for water creatures, a bus tour, arts and crafts and much more.

• Early Christian Life on a Monastic Island, Devenish Island, Co. Fermanagh, July 7 – 28.  St Molaise will tell you all about how he founded the island monastery and its many transformations from a simple wooded church to an Augustinian Abbey.  Find out about his way of life in the 6^th century, the Vikings who raided and how, far from being a quiet place, Devenish was on a main ‘highway’ of Lough Erne.

• Perfect Little Planet – Digital Theatre Show, Armagh Planetarium, Co. Armagh, various dates in July and August.  Imagine you could take the ultimate space vacation – where would you go to find that ideal place? A family from another star system travel through the solar system looking for the perfect vacation spot.

• Belfast Orangefest, city centre, Belfast, July 12.  A showcase of Ulster’s rich heritage and culture with marching bands, fife and drums, flute music and the Lambeg drum.  The programme will be running from 10am – 5pm with a parade, cookery demonstrations, a mini market and street circus entertainment.

• LinkFest, various locations in the City of Derry, July 12.  LinkFest is a local music festival which promotes established and up-and-coming bands and artists, mainly from the city but also throughout Ireland.  There will be acts performing, a series of panel based discussions and talks on the various aspects of the music industry.

• The Siege of Carrickfergus and Re-enactment, Carrickfergus Castle, Co. Antrim, July 13.  An event which brings history to life with a re-enactment of the siege of Carrickfergus Castle and the landing of King William followed by a Pageantry parade to meet King William upon his landing.

• Glenelly Rockin’ By The River Festival, Plumbridge, Co. Tyrone, July 13 – 21.  An annual festival with a range of family fun including a vintage day, a charity walk, an underage disco, a variety concert and music.

• Kids ‘mini-beasts’ Nature Trail and Bird Box Making, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Bangor, Co. Down, July 14.  A guided woodland walk that will take you and your little ones on a mini beast and scavenger hunt.  Enjoy woodland games, pond dipping and also make your own bird box to take away and put up in your garden to encourage nesting birds to visit.

• Pottery for Children with Frances Sweeney, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, July 15 – 26.  These workshops will give children an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the oldest forms of art in the history of the world.  Suitable for 8+ years.

• Titanic Pilgrimage, Titanic Belfast, Queen’s Road, until September 28.  A reflective and emotional talk with Chris Bennett, the Titanic Quarter Chaplin, every Friday and Saturday at 2pm.  Take a 30-45 minute walk up and down the historic slipways, reflecting on the story of Titanic through first-hand witness accounts and other recordings of the disaster.

Down

Youth Fest NI is a cross border, cross community festival which offers a packed schedule of events for families with tots to young adults. This year’s festival will promote Sports, Health and Well-being, Ethnic Diversity and Arts & Music with over 30 events designed specifically for young people. Due to popular demand Youth Fest NI is back with a BANG to Kilbroney Park in Rostrevor! Saturday 6^th July from 10am to 6pm.

Tyrone

See L’Angelus play a free concert on the Hill of O’NEILL on 5^th July.   Expert musicians, incredible singers, and top notch entertainers L’Angelus are from Louisiana.  A high energy four piece displaying cajun fiddle tunes, saxophone driven swamp pop and New Orleans influenced R&B.   Concert begins at 7.30PM -9.30PM with BBQ.

Fermanagh

Wednesday 3^rd July from 6.30pm – 8.30pm The Chapterhouse Theatre Company is proud to present The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.  Join Badger, Ratty, Mole and Toad for a perfect summer of adventure. What starts as a search for the best picnic spot rapidly turns into the most hilarious of escapades.  Alive with music, song and dance, this magical family show is presented in beautiful traditional costume and features a woodland parade during the interval for everyone to join in with! Open-air performance by Chapterhouse Theatre Company play starts at 6.30pm. Grounds open for picnics from 6.00pm. Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating.  Admission by ticket only.

Derry

The ever popular Jumping Clay One hour Workshops  are back at Portstewart Town Hall on Friday 5^th July for only £10 per child. Operating at 10am ,11am, 12.30pm,1.30pm,2.30pm and 3.30pm.

Armagh

Fancy yourself as a Jedi?  Do you have the force?  If so then make the journey to Armagh Planetarium on the 6th and 7th July 2013 where the Emerald Garrison will be training some future Jedis.  Young visitors will have the opportunity to don the famous brown robe, pick up a lightsabre, and learn a few Force skills from an Emerald Garrison Master!  Junior Force Academy is aimed at 4 -12 year olds.  The class lasts for approximately twenty minutes with places allocated on a first-come first-served basis.  The Planetarium will also be running digital theatre shows, space themed arts and crafts workshops, launching rockets (weather permitting) and there will be Stormtroopers keeping the peace along our corridors.  Workshops begin at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm, 2.45pm and 3.45pm

Antrim

This Thursday 4^th July, in the eerie setting of the old Mossley Mill, join the dramatic detective duo, Holmes and Watson as they go on a mysterious adventure to the lonely wasteland of the desolate Devon moors, where something evil is afoot. When death stalks the Baskerville family, legend and superstition collide with the most heinous of crimes. On the moor nobody is safe, not even the bravest of men. Can Sherlock Holmes crack the mystery of the Hound of The Baskervilles?  For best outdoor theatre experience patrons are welcome to bring along their own picnics and rugs or low back seating to the event as well as clothing suitable for all weather conditions. Light refreshments will be available to purchase from the theatre bar.

Belfast

Sundays in Belfast are about to get a whole lot better, with 8 weeks of hand picked Sunday Treats. A series of the finest and funniest street theatre shows to be found in Ireland will be happening every Sunday afternoon this summer in Cathedral Quarter and Belfast City Centre. If you’re the kind of person who likes to laugh and loves a bargain you would be a fool to miss out on this season of shows.  After teaming up with some of the finest restaurants and bars in the area, the Festival of Fools is ready to bring you a fabulous feast of free shows and meal deals for the whole family. Sundays in July: shows 2pm Cotton Court and 4pm Saint Anne’s Square

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.