Most likely if you lived in Cookstown or its surrounds you knew someone – a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, an aunt, a best friend – who worked in either the Daintifyt or Fisher’s Hat Factory, and to this day, many people know someone who worked as a ‘factory girl’, or were one themselves.

This May, the Burnavon, Cookstown will be celebrating the Factory Girls of Mid-Ulster with two very special events.

First produced at the Abbey Theatre, Millennium Forum Productions will bring their production of ‘The Factory Girls’ to the Burnavon in Cookstown on Thursday 23^rd May at 8pm. ‘The Factory Girls’ is a play written by Donegal playwright, Frank McGuinness that celebrates the working class culture of women, which drew inspiration from his grandmother, mother and aunt’s experience working in the local shirt factories of Buncrana where he grew up. His work is filled with humanity, his sense of politics and his ability to tell a good story.

‘The Factory Girls’ tells the story of five women who stage a lock-in at a shirt factory in Co. Donegal when faced with the threat of redundancy. Ellen, Una, Vera, Rosemary and Rebecca are five strong and independent women who take on the boss and the union.

What draws the play together is a generous sympathy with the five women’s foibles in all their forms and the competing pressures they face, torn between work and home – something that is still relevant today. The characters have tongues that could tar roads – the evening’s chief pleasure lies in their workplace banter and bickering. “You’ll thank me when you’re dying for a chip,” says one of the women, arriving at the lock-in armed with half a kitchen. These “girls” may never get back their jobs, but their brief adventure has brought each of them the insight that will give them the courage to soldier on.

Described as a truly realistic play filled with humour, charm, fine acting and staging, this brand new production for 2013 is directed by Caitriona McLaughlin and features a host of talented Irish actors including Lucia McAnespie, Noelle Brown, Stella McCusker, Kerrie O’Sullivan, Cathleen Bradley, Sean Donegan and Howard Teale.

To coincide with the performance, the Arts and Cultural Department of Cookstown District Council will be rolling out a special community project to mark the significant contribution that the Daintifyt and Fishers Hat Factories each made to the local area. The project will culminate in a photographic and memorabilia exhibition in the Burnavon from 20^th to 31^st May (free admission).

To book your tickets for the performance or find out more about the Daintifyt and Fishers Hat Factory Girls of Cookstown project, contact the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949 or online at www.burnavon.com . Tickets for The Factory Girls performance cost £13 and are available now.

Down

Enjoy a very special exclusive behind-the-Scenes tour at Castle Espie Wetland Centre this Bank Holiday Weekend.  Discover how the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust manage their wildlife reserve and collection of ducks, geese, and swans from around the world. Grounds and Reserve Manager, Kerry Mackie, will take you behind the scenes and explain how the all the amazing spaces for wetland creatures have been created, there ongoing management and show you the benefits to wildlife throughout the seasons. Seasonal highlights at Castle Espie include the arrival of thousands of Brent geese in winter to the return of other birds, such as Swallows, to build nests and rear their young. For all our County Down events click HERE.

Tyrone

This May bank holiday weekend sees the return of the Jamboree in the Park. From Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May some of the biggest names in the business come together for one weekend, to bring you 3 nights of world class entertainment in spectacular live stage shows from 7pm each night.. Derek Ryan returns as the headline act for the Friday night and is joined by local men Boxcar Brian and Paul Kelly plus many more support acts throughout the night. Saturday night sees the return of the star of Irish country music Nathan Carter.  For all our County Tyrone listings click  HERE.

Fermanagh

Join  the Corralea Activity Centre for some Bank Holiday adventure. Test your archery skills, explore Lough MacNean in a canoe or go bananas on the waterpark! 2 days packed with fun and adventure. Booking essential.  For all our County Fermanagh listings click  HERE.

Derry

Derry City Jazz and Big Band Festival 2nd – 6th May. Venues throughout  the city will be packed to the rafters as music fans flock to catch some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, jive, swing and dance, in what has become Ireland’s biggest jazz extravaganza. Headlining this year will be the vibrant vocal harmony stars The Overtones, the UKs hottest harmony group. Enjoy a blast from the past with this year’s vintage theme, culminating in a fabulous Vintage Ball with music by the amazing Puppini Sisters.  Also playing over the weekend are the sensational Soul Rebels and Pink Martini along with some of the city’s own premier musicians.    For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

The Orchard County of Armagh – with the picturesque village of Loughgall at its heart – is widely known for its apple growing tradition. The annual Apple Blossom Fair Saturday 4th May is a chance to sample different apple produce and enjoy the rural ambience with stunning pink and white blossom providing a spectacular backdrop for this special event.  For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

The Cushendun Big Arts Weekend takes place this weekend 3rd to 6th May.  The four-day celebration, including a jazz night, choral concert, drama, poetry, exhibitions and hands-on workshops, is being organised by Cushendun Building Preservation Trust to mark a milestone in the Cushendun Old Church project. The programme has something for everyone and many of the events are free.

The Big Arts Weekend will not only celebrate the signing of a lease on the disused Cushendun Old Church but will also give a taste of what may be on offer there when the 170-year-old building is restored as an arts and community space.  The weekend will bring visiting performers and artists to the village and will also showcase local talent.  For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

Belfast

Belly laughs galore are promised at the Festival of Fools this weekend.  The annual street theatre festival, now in its 10th year, promises a weekend packed with stilt walking mermaids, mysterious magicians, sword swallowing women, jugglers extraordinaire, and gardeners on trapezes!  From Thursday 2nd May to Monday 6th May, there will be non-stop breathtaking action and laughter across the streets of Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter, with more than 130 performances free of charge. For all our Belfast events listings click HERE.

May Bank Holiday Weekend, 4th – 6th May

Glenarm Castle’s popular Tulip festival is back this May bank holiday, Saturday 4^th– Monday 6^th May.  Now in its 7^th year, the Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival is not only a firm fixture in the horticulture calendar but is widely recognised as Ireland’s only Tulip Festival.  Sponsored by Bloms Blubs, the gardening team at Glenarm Castle has planted some 8,500 tulips which will provide a colourful and spectacular display.

Amongst the tulips on display this year are Monte Carlo a rich yellow peony-flower tulip with delicious scent, Black Hero a dark peony flower, Orange Princess and fringed tulips called Flamingo and Barbados. As with all gardens the weather plays a vital role in the final result and the team at Glenarm Castle have gone through a number of weather challenges since the bulb planting began back in November.

Reg Maxwell, Garden Adviser to the gardening team at Glenarm Castle, explains:

“I was manager at Botanic Gardens for many years but now I provide advice to the team at Glenarm Castle.  I have recorded weather patterns for over 40 yrs but I now find that these are no longer seasonal but simply erratic.  This makes an annual tulip display a challenge.  This year, due to the late winter, the Glenarm Castle Gardening team has been working very hard to ensure that there is a fantastic tulip display.  This has included careful drainage and the dressing of the beds. Hopefully the weather will be on our side as there will certainly be wonderful tulips and beautiful colours to see this year!”

The Festival will also include local crafts, children’s entertainment, food and music and a representative from Bloms Blubs will be available to discuss bulb requirements for the year. The famous Glenarm Castle Express Train will also make a welcome return (Bank Holiday Monday Only) which will take visitors to the Castle for tours or further up the Estate in showing them a little bit more of the grounds. Admission prices to the Tulip Festival are £5 for adults, £2.50 for Youth (12 – 16 years), and Children Under 12 go FREE.

For further information visit www.glenarmcastle.com

This year’s May Day is even bigger and better and stretches the whole length of Holywood High Street.  As well as the traditional attractions and entertainment, there will be an Italian Market, climbing wall, caged football and food stalls from local businesses.

With lots of participation from local groups, look out for exciting animation and art displays at Art and Home, vehicle displays from PSNI and the military and art workshops in the Wheelworks Art Cart.

Brand new entertainment includes a fantastic display from The Cone Dancers, a truly modern day adaptation of maypole dancing, a stunning display of ribbon dancing from The Divine Company, and live music from jazz band The Brass Volcanoes. Along with old favourites such as the Bonnie Baby competition, a Fancy Dress competition, Maypole Dancing (11.00 & 1.00 pm), a tea dance and children’s discos.

To accommodate the festival, the usual road closures and diversions will be in place throughout the day and motorists are reminded to please make note of these and plan your journeys accordingly.

Hold on to your (vintage) hats! Ireland’s longest running vintage fair, FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK, will be returning to Cookstown’s historic Lissan House on Sunday 19^th May with another extravaganza of vintage treasures for sale and a big helping of timeless glamour, nostalgia and fun for all the family.

The Met Office may have forecasted a heatwave for the month of May, but the hottest place to be will be Lissan House when the fabulous FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Vintage Fair visits for the second time with an amazing line-up of over 40 Irish vintage dealers and creative designers offering an unrivalled collection of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectables, and crafts & gifts, most of which can’t be found on the high street.

Visitors will be able to take a break from vintage shopping and browsing to relax and revive in the Lissan Tea Room, enjoying all the scrumptious delights of afternoon tea, while acoustic sets will be performed in the grand hall by singer and songwriter Della Storm.

Frock Around The Clock has an impressive 40 vintage events under its belt since launched in 2008 and is Ireland’s longest running vintage fair, featuring exhibitors from Dublin to Derry and attracting visitors from all over the country and further afield. The inspiring exhibitor list at the Lissan House event will include Norma Jean Vintage – specialising in pretty vintage china and glassware, Stitched In Stone – showcasing beautiful handcrafted gifts, Elephant Juice – selling unique jewellery crafted from antique silver cutlery, Sew What Interiors – specialists in restyled furniture and vintage homewares, Strictly Vintage – connoisseurs of high end vintage costume jewellery, and Brigitte’s Boudoir – offering timeless and elegant vintage dresses sourced mainly from France. So that’s the ladies sorted! But the men won’t be neglected either as they will love to rummage through a wide range of collectables including stylish oddities from Beyond Redemption and a cornucopia of salvage, vintage, retro, antiques and everything inbetween from The Old Hen House. Children will love the vintage teddy bears, nursery games and antique books from Tiny Tower Vintage Interiors and for the babies there will be handmade retro clothing for little tots from Bella Boo. Sweet lovers can indulge in scrumptious baking from Sparkles Cakes of Art and handmade luxury pralines and macaroons from Altemeyer Chocolates.  With the vintage fair overflowing with the coolest stuff on the planet for your wardrobe and home there will be something to suit all tastes, ages and budgets.

Lissan House is an enchanting country residence set within a 250 acre demesne of ancient woodland and forestry. The estate was created in the 17th century and remained the home of the Staples family for nearly 400 years, reputedly the longest habitation by any single family of a country house in West Ulster. Lissan came to prominence in 2003 when its popularity helped it reach the national final of the BBC2 television series, Restoration. The Vintage Fair will take visitors on a tour of the house from the grand hall, through the dining room, library, ballroom, bedrooms, WWII flats, and the Victorian kitchen and laundry room, revealing modern interactive exhibits and original family furnishings carrying you on a unique journey through the history of the estate and the family characters that have shaped it.

Visitors will also be able to explore the delightful setting of Lissan Demesne which features an adventure playground for children, a wooded picnic seating area, and many secluded walks to explore. Lissan House will be running a Family Treasure Hunt on the day of the Vintage Fair which will take place in the grounds, offering fun for adults and children alike.

Unfortunately this will be the last Frock Around The Clock Vintage Fair for a while – after 5 years and 41 amazing events, organiser and Creative Director Becky Moore will be taking a year off from event planning – all the more reason why you shouldn’t miss this fabulous day out to stock up on vintage fabulousness while you can!

The FROCK AROUND THE CLOCK Vintage Fair will take place on Sunday 19th May from 12 – 5pm at Lissan House, Drumgrass Road, Cookstown BT80 9SW. Admission will cost £5 for adults and accompanied children (under 15s) go free.

More information on the event and the full exhibitor list can be found online at www.decadencevintagefairs.com and www.facebook.com/decadencevintageevents.

One of Europe’s largest and most prestigious business events will take place in Derry-Londonderry in May with Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak as headline speaker.

Organisers, The Northern Ireland Business and Innovation Centre (NORIBIC) today unveiled the line-up and principal sponsors for this year’s European Business Network (EBN) Congress to be held for the first time in Northern Ireland.

Topping the programme for the three day conference (29^th-31^st May) will be Steve Wozniak, who has been a Silicon Valley icon and philanthropist for more than thirty years.  In 1976, Wozniak co-founded Apple Computer Inc with Steve Jobs, helping to shape the computing industry with his design of Apple’s first line of products.  Speaking from the US, Steve said, “I’m absolutely delighted to be coming to Northern Ireland for the EBN Congress. The programme sounds absolutely fantastic, and the fact that it is taking place during the UK City of Culture year adds to the excitement and anticipation.”

Wozniak will be joined on 30^th May by Sir Tim Smit KBE, famous for his work with the world-renowned Eden Project and USA based Richard Florida, the best-selling author on the economic importance of the creative industries.

Outlining the programme, Dr Bernard Toal, Chief Executive of NORIBIC said that the (EBN) Congress is of huge significance in the business innovation sector and attracts a high-powered audience comprising international decision-makers, investors and business angels.  “It is a massive coup to win the opportunity to host this conference, as it is the first time it is being held in Northern Ireland, and we are pulling out all the stops to deliver an event with a difference.  Derry’s status as City of Culture will be woven into the three days which will focus on the themes of Digital, Social and Cultural Innovation.  Testament to the importance of the Congress is the calibre of sponsorship it has attracted and we are delighted today to announce that Ilex has joined the Department for Culture Arts & Leisure (DCAL) and Invest NI as Principal Sponsor.  Given Ilex’s strategic role in the economic growth of North West its support is particularly welcome.”

Matt McNulty, Interim Chair of Ilex added,“Ilex is delighted to support the EBN Congress in Derry~Londonderry.  Not only will this conference draw people from around the world to the city, it will positively promote its regeneration in line with our ambition of the One Plan. It will also project the city as a location of choice for investment and will have a substantial economic impact, generating over £700,000 for the local economy.”

EBN Congress 2013 will include a series of events and exhibitions including the Digital, Cultural and Social Innovation networking Villages.  It will begin on 29^th May with a civic reception hosted by the Mayor of Derry, followed by a cultural welcome event in the Craft Village.  The Millennium Forum will then stage the main conference on 30^th and 31^st May with a Gala Dinner and Concert showcasing many local acts at The Venue at Ebrington on the Thursday evening (30^th May).

Dr Toal concluded, “It is very rare to have a conference of this magnitude featuring such a stellar list of speakers right on our doorstep and we would encourage local businesses to avail of the opportunity to attend.  Businesses with a postcode in Northern Ireland can benefit from a 70% specially reduced delegate rate sanctioned by EBN and available at http://www.noribic.com/ebncongress .”

In addition to the Principal Sponsors, the EBN Congress is also supported by SEUPB’s INTERREG IVA Programme, the Irish BICS, Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau (DVCB), the Nerve Centre, Concentrix, Carson and McDowell, Northern Ireland Science Park (NISP), Seagate, North West Regional College (NWRC) the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL), Tayto and Bushmills.

‘You ain’t got a thing, if you ain’t got that swing’, well in this case Derry ~ Londonderry will have it and everything else in abundance when the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival rolls into town from the 2nd – 6th May 2013.

Headliners include Soul Rebels (New Orleans), who have been described by Rolling Stones Magazine as ‘Utterly uninhibited hip-hop hybrid, not to be missed’ and play The Nerve Centre on the opening night (Thursday 2^nd May).

All male vocal group The Overtones will perform in the Millennium Forum on Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th of May. The handsome quintet have come a long way since their painting and decorating days, and now their unique harmonisations of old and modern day hits have made them a household name.

The Playhouse Theatre will become the weekend home to some of the hottest names on the Irish jazz scene at the moment.  From Thursday 2^nd – Monday 6^th the intimate surroundings of this venue will be filled with the sounds of the Dark Energy Trio, David Lyttle & Jason Rebello, John Leighton, Louis Stewart with Gay McIntyre and the Paul McIntyre Trio with Club Cabaret rounding off their weekend.

Following their recent collaboration with Michael Bublé, globally renowned swing-pop trio, The Puppini Sisters, are coming the festival to headline the Grand Vintage Ball in The Venue on Saturday, 4th May. The Grand Vintage Ball will be the culmination of a day long programme of events as part of the Vintage Fair celebrating the cultural past and promises to bring a fantastic night of glamour, great music, dancing and fun right to the heart of the city centre.

On Saturday 4^th May, the Nerve Centre will host UK Jazz Musician of the year – the Neil Cowley Trio. This is not your typical jazz trio and features a dazzling composer – pianist Neil Cowley – who creates engaging and dynamic music that embraces experiences in other genres – the highs of the dance music, the grooves of funk, and the elegiac nature of orchestral music

Sumptuous and classy music at its best will continue when Pink Martini take to the stage of the Millennium Forum as part of their global adventure on Sunday 5th May.

Other highlights include the Brass Impact Big Band, Dana Masters Band, Beverley Craven, The Stars from the Commitments, the Foyle Showband, Darryl Hendrix and The Love Hearts, Jerry Fish and his band, James Huish & Michael Buble Tribute and Club Cabaret.

With nearly 300 events, the wealth of international, national and local talent that will descend on the city’s venues over the May Bank Holiday is incredible. The Guinness Jazz Trail has become an essential part of the annual music festival, offering the opportunity for everyone to come out and enjoy some top class music without breaking the bank. With free events making up the bulk of this year’s trail, the only problem will be deciding where to go and who to see.

The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is arranged for you by Derry City Council in association with the UK City of Culture 2013 team, with funding from Diageo and support from NITB and Airporter.

So make a date with us and join us for what promises to be an unforgettable weekend. For a full programme of events and a chance to enter a VIP competition check out the website: www.cityofderryjazzfestival.com. Follow us on Derry Jazz Festival Facebook page for all the latest festival updates.  Telephone: (028) 7137 6545.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (April 29 – May 5).

• The Peace Bridge Race, River Foyle, Co. Londonderry, May 1 – 31.  The ‘Peace Bridge Race’ will see sailors compete for the John Hume and University of Ulster Trophy in a point-to-point race for sailing dinghies from Culmore to the Peace Bridge and back.

• One City One Book, various locations, Belfast, May 1 – 31.  All the Beggars Riding is the new novel by Belfast novelist and playwright Lucy Caldwell.  Narrated by Lara, nearing forty and nursing her dying mother, the book is the focus of this festival which will have a wide programme of events including readings, movies and talks which aim to encourage as many people as possible to read and discuss the same novel.

• Lough Lively Festival, Portaferry, Co. Down, May 1 – June 3.  Lough Lively celebrates everything that is unique to Strangford Lough, Lecale and the Ards Peninsula with over 150 attractions and activities waiting to be discovered.  Festival highlights including an antiques fair, music in the priory, an international bread festival and a maritime festival.

• Festival of Fools, various venues, Belfast, May 2 – 6.  The streets of Belfast city centre and the Cathedral Quarter will come alive for five days to the sound of laughter and the sight of acrobatics, music and comedy as the Festival of Fools celebrates ten years of coordinated comedic chaos.

• Jamboree in the Park, Ecclesville Park, Fintona, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, May 3 – 5.  This May bank holiday sees the return of the Jamboree in the Park with three nights of world class entertainment with spectacular live stage shows.

• Cushendun Big Arts Weekend, various venues in Cushendun, Co. Antrim, May 3 – 6.  Enjoy four days of music, drama, poetry, art and more in one of the most beautiful villages in the Glens of Antrim.

• Antiques Fair, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, May 4 – 6.  An antiques fair on the lawns of Mount Stewart where you will be able to browse antiques, arts and vintage pieces to pick up your own treasure from local traders or get some bargains in the popular second hand book fair.  TV Presenter and Antiques expert Paul Martin will be on hand to give advice and valuations on Saturday and Sunday.

• Apple Blossom Fair, Loughgall Country Park, Co. Armagh, May 4.  There will be lots of fun for everyone at this fair including orchard tours, food and craft stalls, cookery demonstrations, a dog competition, live music, a BBQ, an apple tart competition and lots of family fun.

• Rostrevor MTB Festival, Kilbroney Forest Park, Co. Down, May 4 – 6.  Celebrate a new trail centre in Rostrevor with three types of mountain biking at one venue.  Downhill, cross country and enduro competitions will be held with over 600 competitors expected.

• Cot Trips, Crom, Newtownbutler, Co. Fermanagh, May 6.  Take a cruise around the Lough in the Crom’s 100 year old traditional craft boat.

Magherafelt District Council is once again planning an exciting event for the district The Strawman Festival will be launched on Saturday 1 June 2013.

The event will feature over 20 community groups and local charities taking part in a carnival from Magherafelt High School through the town centre and ending up with a Family Fun Day at Meadowbank Sports Arena.

The day will be rounded off by “The Hoedown” a Country Concert being hosted by the Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council Cllr Paul McLean. “The Hoedown” will feature the well-known local country artist Kenny Archer and other local talent. “The Hoedown” is being held to raise funds for 3 local charities: Autism NI (Mid Ulster Branch), Charis Integrated Cancer Care and The Beacon Centre. Cllr Paul McLean explains the idea behind “The Howdown”: “ As my year as Chairperson of Magherafelt District Council draws to a close I wanted to host an event to raise money for these three well deserving charities and also to give something back to the local community. The Events team in Council were planning to hold the Straw man Festival and I felt “The Hoedown” Country Concert fitted in with the theme.” Prior to the concert a Hogroast will be served and guests will be able to inspect the Straw Men on display.

Tickets for the Hoedown are available by contacting The Bridewell on 028 79631510 or email thebridewell@magherafelt.gov.uk or by contacting any of the 3 charities who will benefit, Autism NI (Mid Ulster Branch), Charis Integrated Cancer Care or The Beacon Centre.

The Strawman Carnival will take place from 12noon – 1pm and will feature community groups and charities who have all built Straw Men that represent their group / organisation. These groups have been working with local creative writer Maura Johnston who has been helping them to create a personality and story for the Straw Men. The idea for the Straw Man Festival we the brain child of local artist Helen Heron – Helen had seen a similar event in Canada and The Scarecrow Festival in Durrow, Co. Laois. Luckily Helen knew just the man to help – Tom O’Brien  who works with traditional crafts and was able to come along and run a series of workshops to build the straw men with the groups. You may have seen these popping up around the district already – there have been reported sightings in Kidz Lodge, Charis Charity Shop and Crawfords Supermarket Maghera.

After the Straw Man Carnival there will be fun for all the family to enjoy at Meadowbank Sports Arena. Shaun the Sheep Championsheeps Live will take place, the first time the roadshow has been to Northern Ireland. The day will include appearances by Shaun the Sheep, Sheep Hopper Pie-athalon, Naughty Pigs Sack Race, Free Range Egg & Spoon Race and get Get Fit with the Flock. There will also be traditional games, food from the finest local companies in Magherafelt, face painting, balloon modelling, Jumping Clay, The Creation Station and inflatables guarantees there will be something to suit everyone. For further information contact The Bridewell on 028 79631510 or email the bridewell@magherafelt.gov.uk

Throughout the summer months The Magherafelt Straw Men will be popping up in various locations and at different events throughout the district so keep an eye out for further details on the Council’s website www.magherafelt.gov.uk

Down

E2A Inclusive Theatre Group is presenting ANNIE the Musical. This unique and innovative group comprises of individuals of all ages with and without learning or physical disabilities.  The show includes talented performers with downs syndrome & ASD (Autism) to bring a remarkable theatre experience. Featuring well known songs including  Tomorrow, Never Fully Dressed without a Smile, Maybe and Little Girls. Opens Friday 26th April at 7.30 with other shows Saturday 27th April at 2.30pm & 7.30pm with the final show Sunday 28th April at 2.30pm. Tickets are only £5.00 each and the venue is the Parish Centre, Scarva Road, Banbridge. For all our County Down events click HERE

Tyrone

Following his laugh a minute, sold out performance at the Bardic last February, Ireland’s number one comedian Conal Gallen is coming back for one night only on Saturday 27^th April for what promises to be one of the funniest shows you are ever likely to see.  Making a welcome return to one of his favourite venues, his show is littered with hilarious jokes, stories and songs. For all our County Tyrone listings click  HERE.

Fermanagh

The Waterways Ireland Fishing Classic, Enniskillen takes place this weekend and runs through until 3^rd May.   The main event of the Fermanagh match fishing season, attracting up to 250 anglers from N Ireland, ROI, GB, Germany, Austria and other countries.  For all our County Fermangh listings click  HERE.

Derry

Upperlands Royal British Legion would like to invite you to an evening of Cultural Music on Friday 26th April 2013 from 8pm with acts including  Ballybriest Pipe Band – World Champions, Songs, Drums, Accordions, Dancer, School Choir and Storyteller. Come along for a great evening out. Everyone welcome. Admission £5 pay at door or tickets available from June’s Upperlands, Culnady Shop, Tamlaght Shop or Upperlands Royal British Legion. P7 and below entry FREE.  For all our County Derry/Londonderry listings click HERE.

Armagh

The Argory Armagh is the venue for  their famous Vintage Rally this Saturday. Hundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon the Argory for what is a must-see event for all vehicle enthusiasts. Normal National Trust admission fees apply, members free.  For all our County Armagh listings click HERE.

Antrim

Frock Around the Clock, which since 2008 is Ireland’s longest-running vintage fair, makes its second visit to Lisburn in the historic Castle House from 11am-5pm on Saturday 27th April. Around 50 of Ireland’s best vintage sellers will be showcasing a rich array of time-travelled treasures from the early 1900s to the 1980s.  There will be something for everyone with a taste for vintage, at prices to suit all budgets, including clothing, fashion accessories, jewellery, homeware, furniture, dolls, bears and other collectables, and much, much more!  It won’t cost you a penny to browse for a vintage bargain with free entry for all.  For all County Antrim listings click HERE.

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.