CultureTECH, the week-long festival of digital culture and technologies taking place in Derry-Londonderry this September, has today released a limited number of Early Bird festival passes on a “Pay What It’s Worth” basis, ahead of their full programme launch on July 9^th.

The limited “Pay What It’s Worth” ticket includes access to over 150 events across the week, including the CultureTECH conference, a full week of workshops, music events, film screenings, arts exhibitions and even a free CultureTECH t-shirt.

Festival Director, Mark Nagurski explained the decision to allow people to set their own ticket price: “We’ll be launching the full festival programme on July 9^th but we’ve already started adding chunks of the programme to the website. The idea of the “Pay What It’s Worth Ticket” is partly about making the festival accessible to everyone and partly an experiment.”

“The full ticket price after July 9^th will be £99 – which is still incredibly inexpensive for a week of events – but we know that many people will simply want to come for a day or two and this is the perfect way for them to judge what that’s worth to them. We also want to make sure that anyone, no matter what their budget, can come and get involved in the festival.”

The festival, now in its second year, is the largest digital media and technology event in Northern Ireland and expects to attract an estimated 1500 conference delegates and a total audience of some 30,000 across the week.

Elements of the programme already announced include the main conference on Wednesday, September 11^th, the Belfast Media Festival, the DANI Awards at St. Columb’s Hall and a 3-day video games tournament and expo. Further events include dozens of music events, theatrical performances, art exhibitions and a week-long schools programme in partnership with Seagate.

The “Pay What It’s Worth” Early Bird ticket is now available for a limited period via the website at www.culturetech.co before the full programme release on July 9^th.

Ever considered studying part time to boost your career skills?  You should, according to University of Ulster career consultant Davina Roche.

Next week, the University of Ulster is hosting an Information Day at the Magee campus to showcase the vast range of part-time study options available on the campus – from short courses in the latest creative technologies to full-scale undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

The event, hosted on Tuesday 18 June, between 4 and 7pm in the Martha Magee room of the Main Building, will allow visitors from Derry and further afield to find out about the first-class courses and learning facilities on offer at Magee.

Attendees will be able to meet with staff and existing students, get detailed information about part-time courses and speak to advisors about finance and student support.

As well as sixth-form students and recent school leavers who may prefer to study part-time, the event is aimed at mature students, people coming to university with Access Diplomas and anyone else thinking of undertaking part-time study.

Davina explains: “This event is open to anyone interested in part-time study at the University.  This includes school leavers considering part-time study in place of full-time undergraduate options, to employees wanting to study part-time to fit around their job and further their career.

“It will also appeal to those who did not take the opportunity of third level education the first time around, or are hoping to return to work and feel they would benefit from qualifications – usually through the Access Diploma route.

“Finally, if someone just wants to return to study for the pure enjoyment of learning – maybe they have some free time, maybe they have retired – we have a range of qualifications from short courses through to full master’s degrees – there’s something to suit everyone.”

Part time study at Magee certainly worked for local Derry woman Joanne Toner. A bank branch manager, she is enhancing her career by studying for a Bachelor’s degree in business – enabling her to earn and learn at the same time.

“A part-time course allows me to study for me degree in the evening so lectures don’t interfere with the working week. My course is just as intense as full time study, and I can immediately apply what I learn to my current role as well.”

Next week’s special event, the first of its kind at Magee, showcases the opportunities open to local people to gain a top flight qualification from a leading university, right on their doorstep and in a way that fits around their lifestyle.

Part-time courses at Magee are offered in the broad areas of Business, Creative Arts and Technologies, Computing and Engineering, Education, Irish Language and Literature, Law, Nursing, Psychology and Sociology and Applied Social Studies.

For further information please contact Davina Roche, Career Consultant, on 028 7167 5784 or visit www.ulster.ac.uk/up

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (June 17 – 23).

• Music City!, various venues, Co. Londonderry, June 21.  The streets will be alive with the sound of rock, pop, trad, jazz, electronic, classic and opera for Music City! which promises to be one of the most memorable days of 2013.

• Songs and Stories from the Mills, Ulster Hall, Belfast, June 21.  This event will commemorate the rise of the labour movement and trade unions and the role they played in shaping industrial Belfast as we know it today.  The McPeake Family will be performing songs and stories of the mills with free admission and refreshments included.

• Summer Festival of Racing, Down Royal Racecourse, Maze, Lisburn, June 21 – 22.  Experience Northern Ireland’s most sophisticated event of the year and with several hospitality packages on offer there is no better way to spend a summer evening.

• Mid Summer Concerts, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, June 21 – 22.  Enjoy an evening of classical music in the unique surroundings of the spectacular Mussenden Temple with a buffet supper included.

• Explore Upper Lough Erne, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, June 21 – 23.  Come along and enjoy a weekend of land and water based activities on Main Street in Lisnaskea and the Boat Club at Derryadd.

• Carrickfergus Armed Forces Day, Carrickfergus Waterfront, Castle and Town Centre, Co. Antrim, June 22.  Northern Ireland’s Armed Forces Day returns bigger and better than before and will feature interactive and static military displays, naval vessels, helicopters, exhibitions, tours, live music and much more.

• Experience Ards – Copeland Island Boat Tour, departs from Donaghadee Harbour, Newtownards, Co. Down, June 22.  This tour will depart from picturesque Donaghadee harbour and will sail out to the Copeland Island where you will hear interesting stories about the many different travellers this piece of water has seen over the centuries.

• Best of the 1980s, The Burnavon, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, June 22.  A show which will take you back to the 1980s – the decade that saw the birth of MTV and success of stars like Madonna, The Bangles, Cyndi Lauper and Belinda Carlisle.  Fingerless gloves and legwarmers are optional.

• Primate Weekend, Belfast Zoo, Belfast, June 22 – 23.  Swing by with your little monkeys and learn more about the zoo’s primates at the keeper talks and feeding times.  There will also be other activities taking place including face painting, crafts and a trail around the zoo.

• Tour of the Orchard County, Co. Armagh, June 23.  A unique event which is based in Northern Ireland’s Orchard county – Armagh – during this event cyclists will have the chance to experience some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Ireland and enjoy an after-event BBQ.

Down

Take a step back in time with a visit to Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport. The cottages illustrate life for a fisherman and his family at the turn of the last century. Also houses a seasonal tourist information centre and shop. Open daily June, July and August. Saturday and Sunday join in the fun at Cockle Row from 2pm – 4pm. The cottages are open from 11am – 5pm.  For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

The Alley Theatre Strabane is once again hosting the Sounds Like Summer Competition. See a wide range of talented musicians as they battle it out to become SLS:2013 winner and join past winners such as Gerard i2, Conor McAteer, King Coma and Pavesi. Expect 5 nights of wonderful music from very talented musicians all eager to win the main prize of the production of their own original track.  Qualifying heats take place Friday, June 14th at 8pm and Saturday, June 15th at 8 pm.  Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd at 8pm.  For all our County Tyrone listings click  HERE.

Fermanagh

Tour of Fermanagh is a charity cycle challenge which is open to the general public and will raise funds for both the Lisnaskea Emmetts GAA club and the Clic Sargent childrens cancer charity.  Three individually tailored cycle routes (60km/100km/150km) will cater for cyclists of all abilities and fitness levels whilst showcasing the beautiful scenery and peaceful surroundings of  Fermanagh. The Tour takes place on Saturday 15th June with all routes starting  and finishing in Lisnaskea.  Registration open until 8:45am on the morning of the event.  For all our County Fermanagh listings click  HERE.

Derry

Enjoy a little quality family time at The Jungle Moneymore and partake in a tantalising array of exciting adventure-packed activities sure to contribute to the family album of happy memories. Every Sunday until Sunday 29th September, The Jungle will be hosting their infamous Family Fun Days with activities starting from only £3per person.  Activities are suitable for kids aged 6+ and include  Archery, Boat Rides, Crazy Golf Kart Challenge, Fun Zorbs, Llama Trekking, Paintball Target Range, Powerfan Drop*, Segways, Treasure Hunts and more. Hot food and snacks will be available onsite to ensure your energy levels are kept stocked all day. For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

Enjoy archaeology days with a difference at the Navan Centre and Fort, as you get to witness what life would be like if the Georgians and the Celts swapped lives.  Visit the Iron Age dwelling and see how the Georgians are getting on in a Celts shoes. Can they manage cooking on an open fire? Are they comfortable in the Celts tunic and brat? Can they cope with bartering and self-sufficiency? All will be revealed at this Horrible Histories Life Swap on Saturday 15^th and Sunday 16^th June.   For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

Celebrate the start of summer this Friday 14^th and Saturday 15^th June at the Theatre at the Mill with a bright, entertaining and feel good show, The Magical Musical Theatre , filled with the big musical showstoppers from the West End & Broadway.  Take the Theatre at The Mill live band on stage, add 4 of Northern Ireland’s best musical actors to the biggest numbers from hits shows including Chicago, Fame, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Evita and many more.  For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Belfast

In a first for this year’s Belfast Book Festival The Crescent Arts Centre will be taking over the Crescent Park on Saturday 15^th June to bring you an event for all the family, young and old. With children’s writers, storytelling, food and drink and loads and loads of books, the Book Festival invites you to enter the magical world of stories. With entertainment, art workshops and much more.  For all our Belfast events listings click HERE.

Don’t forget to enter our competitions -we have some great prizes up for grabs – go towww.whatsonni.com/competitions and good luck!

If you would like to see a boat race with a difference, come along to Antrim Lough Shore Park on Sunday 23 June from 12 Noon – 5 pm for Antrim’s first ever Dragon Boat Race.

This exciting new dragon adventure is guaranteed to impress participants and spectators alike! Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition over 2000 years old and is one of Britain’s most competitive water sports. It’s a great way to raise money and it’s spectacular, colourful, exciting and fun!

This extremely popular event will see teams from local businesses row Dragon boats along the Six Mile Water River against the clock in a knockout race to win the title of Dragon Champions. This will be a fantastic day out for all the family. As well as the river race, spectators can enjoy a Chinese dragon display, a display from World of Owls, arts and crafts, radio roadshow and mobile animal farm. Everyone is invited to dress up as dragons and there will be prizes for the best dressed!

Money raised from the event will go towards the CLIC Sargent Homes from Homes Appeal to deliver 2 new homes from homes in Belfast, providing free self-catering accommodation for children receiving cancer treatment and their families, within walking distance of the hospital.

The Dragon Boat Race is free of charge to the public. Limited disabled parking will be available at the Lough Shore Park and a free bus service will be running regularly from nearby overflow carparks.

To find out more information about entering a team contact

CLIC Sargent T: 028 9072 5780

For further information about the event contact Antrim Borough Council

T: 028 9446 3113

The weekend of 29^th & 30^th June will be a particularly busy one for Bangor as the Town comes alive for its special Bangor 400 Seashore Festival. This event is one of many on North Down Borough Council’s busy events schedule to mark 400 years since King James I granted the town it’s charter.

The Festival will include a display of 400 cars, from vintage to performance, at The Town Hall the cars will then  Parade around the town on the Saturday at 6pm, led by the Central Band of The RAF.

At 3pm on the Saturday, there will be a very special musical display by The Central Band of The RAF and The 152 (U) Tpt Regiment Bugles Pipes & Drums on The West Lawn in front of The Town Hall. Established in 1920, the internationally renowned Central Band of The RAF is one of the premier military bands, and is always in great demand, performing more than 370 engagements a year and representing The Royal Air Force at every major event.

Armed Forces activities will be taking place on The Eisenhower Pier including The HMS Bangor which will be moored alongside and opened to the public on both days.   On Sunday 30^th June at 3.00 pm over a hundred veterans will meet at Ward Park for a service to commemorate the Battle of the Somme and be led off to parade through the Town Centre by The Central Band of the RAF and the 152 (U) Tpt Regiment Bugles Pipes and Drums.

Animating The Town on both days will be a special maritime-themed street entertainment programme, featuring fantastic street theatre acts and live music guaranteed to thrill young and old alike.

Acts like Hoop La La, a circus hula-hoop and acrobatic trio, who’s shows bring together acro-balance, dance, comedy and, most importantly, Hula-hooping!

The Swimmers are 1920s styled bathers who promenade inside their striped bathing huts, lifting the canvas to engage in dry land drills and life saving with passersby.  They will be in Bangor on both days showcasing their talents!

Belfast Swing Dancers will be performing dance displays on The Pier and providing live music will be The Lightning kids, a sharply dressed, young, and versatile 4 piece cover band from parts unknown with one common goal and message; “get paid to have the craic!”
Commenting on the event, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager, Alison Stobie said; “As our Bangor 400 events programme continues and this will be a very great weekend for Bangor, with so much happening in the town continuing to mark this special anniversary.  We are always delighted to greet the HMS Bangor back to our shores and are very honoured to have the Central Band of The RAF perform at The Town Hall. We would encourage everyone to come down and join in the festivities over the weekend.”

Other Town Centre attractions that weekend will be the return of the ever popular Fun Fair at The McKee Clock Arena and a special food fair featuring lots of local food traders which will be taking place in The Sunken Gardens and along The Promenade.   Family activities will also be happening at Project 24 and of course there’s the usual range of entertainment at Pickie Park.

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.

This Summer at Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey, children aged 5-10 can follow the yellow brick road and travel ‘Over the Rainbow’ with Mr Hullaballoo and get the opportunity to sing, dance and perform in their very own show.

When you’re a child summer can seem to last forever and with the unpredictable Northern Irish weather it’s not always easy to find activities to keep youngsters busy.

This unique summer adventure for little ones will allow them to spend a week taking part in a fun and structured theatre school environment from Monday 1 – Saturday 6 July and will end with a performance for all family and friends to watch their little ones shine live on the stage.

Those taking part will get the opportunity to improve confidence, develop new skills, make great new friends and use their imaginations as they enter a into a world fantasy with Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Toto the dog. Places on this workshop are £110 which includes 7 free tickets to the performance on Saturday 6 July.

Theatre at The Mill also has workshops running throughout July and August for older kids, including ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘The Nutcracker and Hairspray’ and ‘Grease’ which will all be directed by leading theatre professionals from NI and London’s West End as well as the internationally recognised Guilford School of Acting.

Places for all workshops are limited, so don’t miss out and book your child’s place online at www.theatreatthemill.com or through box office on 028 9034 0202.

This Summer at Theatre at The Mill, Newtownabbey, children aged 5-10 can follow the yellow brick road and travel ‘Over the Rainbow’ with Mr Hullaballoo and get the opportunity to sing, dance and perform in their very own show.

When you’re a child summer can seem to last forever and with the unpredictable Northern Irish weather it’s not always easy to find activities to keep youngsters busy.

This unique summer adventure for little ones will allow them to spend a week taking part in a fun and structured theatre school environment from Monday 1 – Saturday 6 July and will end with a performance for all family and friends to watch their little ones shine live on the stage.
Those taking part will get the opportunity to improve confidence, develop new skills, make great new friends and use their imaginations as they enter a into a world fantasy with Dorothy, the Tin Man, Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Toto the dog. Places on this workshop are £110 which includes 7 free tickets to the performance on Saturday 6 July.
Theatre at The Mill also has workshops running throughout July and August for older kids, including ‘Oliver Twist’, ‘The Nutcracker and Hairspray’ and ‘Grease’ which will all be directed by leading theatre professionals from NI and London’s West End as well as the internationally recognised Guilford School of Acting.
Places for all workshops are limited, so don’t miss out and book your child’s place online at www.theatreatthemill.com or through box office on 028 9034 0202.

After sell out performances in 2011 & 2012, Theatre at The Mill’s audience favourite ‘Magical Musical Theatre’ will return on Friday 14 & Saturday 15 June to start summer on a high note with some big musical showstoppers from the West End & Broadway.

This year’s production will feature hits from Chicago, Fame, Les Miserables, Phantom of The Opera, Wicked and many more and will be performed by a number of Northern Ireland’s best musical theatre actors, a talented live band and energetic dancers. Local stars Ceara Gallagher and Lesley Henry will be joined by graduates from Guildford School of Acting Conservatoire, Nick Corre and Gary Mitchinson.

Director Ian Kells commented,

“During rehearsals the cast and I have had a great time recreating the joy and laughter as well as many of the key dramatic moments from a wide range of musical theatre shows.  Whatever your particular musical tastes, I hope that our selection of music will invoke memories of great shows of the past as well as renew your enthusiasm for the shows which are the hit musicals of today.”

The show is packed with magical musical moments for all, in an entertaining and feel good performance to kick start your summer, tickets from £9 are available online at www.theatreatthemill.com or through Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (June 10 – 16).

• Game of Thrones Exhibition, Titanic Belfast, June 8 – 18.  This hotly-anticipated exhibition is designed to transport viewers into the breathtaking and enchanted world of Westeros and will feature over 70 original artefacts including props and costumes.

• Incredible Edible Leaves, Antrim Castle Gardens, Co. Antrim, June 11.  Spring is a time of fresh green growth and quite a lot of it is edible and delicious.  Enjoy a walk around Antrim Castle Gardens and identify wild edible leaves such as wild garlic, nettles, chickweed and dandelion before making a salad to take home.

• Beginner’s Dressmaking, Homecraft Revival, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, June 14.  A one day course which will teach people who already have basic sewing skills how to make a new top.  Learn how to read patterns, pick suitable fabrics, how to cut pattern and the sewing techniques needed to complete your top.

• Phil Coulter & Friends Live with the Ulster Orchestra, The Venue 2013, Co. Londonderry, June 14 – 15.  Undoubtedly one of the highlights of the City of Culture programme, Phil Coulter will return to the ‘Town He Loves So Well’ for a unique and historic event for one of the most ambitious concerts he has ever performed in his hometown.
• Ducklings and Dabblers, Castle Espie, Wildfowl & Wetlands Centre, Co. Down, June 15.  This workshop is for anyone who enjoys sketching and using watercolours – illustrating the new arrivals and feathered residents in the reserve with artist Bernice Anderson.  Price includes lunch and Downy Duckling Tour.

• Vintage Tractor and Vehicle Extravaganza, Divis Mountain, Belfast, June 15.  Come and see a glorious convoy of vintage tractors, cars and motorbikes before watching them make their way to the top of Divis Mountain.

• Northern Ireland Open Farm Weekend 2013, various venues, June 15 – 16.  Open Farm Weekend is taking place in Northern Ireland and once again the public will be invited to visit a number of farms to learn about the story behind local food and its link to nature.  Also get the chance to explore your local farm, learn about its history and interact with the animals.

• Archaeology Days: A Horrible Histories Life Swap, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, June 15 – 16.  Visit the Iron Age dwelling and see how the Georgians get on in a Celts shoe.  Can they manage to cook on an open fire? Are they comfortable in the Celts tunic and brat? Can they cope with bartering and self-sufficiency?

• Father’s Day Fun, Crom, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, June 16.  Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon this Father’s Day and celebrate the beauty of nature and wildlife at Crom.  Take part in craft activities, trails, egg and spoon races, hoopla and challenge your dad at archery.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, June 16.  Join Mount Stewart for a celebration of transport from classic to contemporary.  Enjoy amazing cars in all shapes and sizes as well as a range of fun activities including pleasure flights, model plane workshops and vintage and collectibles stalls.