“For never was a story of more woe / Than this of Juliet and her Romeo”

North Down Borough Council in association with Heart Break Productions Theatre Company are excited to announce Romeo & Juliet at The Walled Garden, taking place on July 24^th & 25^th 2013.

Shakespeare’s tragic tale of star-crossed lovers whose deaths ultimately reconcile their feuding families is one of his most popular plays and has become one of the world’s most enduring love stories with Romeo and Juliet becoming symbolic of young lovers and doomed love. With Verona as the backdrop, these young lovers in defiance of their families and in secret from their friends forge their love affair with the most tragic of endings.

Thrills and dynamism, masks, dance, blades, potions and poetry – Heartbreak’s inimitable storytelling style infuses a modern twist but maintains all the intensity of this legendary tale, creating a unique and compelling performance to move and engage audiences as they watch this riveting romance played out under sultry Italian skies.

Heartbreak Productions are an award-winning open air theatre company which have been creating theatre, film, education and community theatre since 1991. The company travels up and down the country performing their vibrant productions to sell-out crowds at castles, country houses, city parks and gardens and have won rave reviews for their work:

“A quality cast – Theatre at it’ best.” BBC Gloucester

“An excellent performance; clear and accessible, funny and touching. Brilliantly acted….” Playing Out.

Speaking about the performance, Wendy Smith, North Down Borough Council’s Events Officer said: “We are delighted to have Heartbreak Productions perform this famous love story in the beautiful surrounds of The Walled Garden and are very excited that the event coincides with the release of Carlo Carlei’s new Romeo and Juliet movie which is being released in cinemas on July 26^th. The event is part of our Bangor 400 programme of events and what better way to mark the occasion than with a play from one of the most celebrated bards of the era.”

So absorb yourself in the performance of Romeo & Juliet at The Walled Garden ….gather your family and friends, grab a picnic and join Heartbreak Productions for a fantastic summer experience, magnificent open air theatre full of passion and thrills.

Admission by ticket only, £5 per person.  Performances start at 7.30pm on each evening.

Tickets available via North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and Bangor Tourist Information Centre (028 9127 0069)

• Please feel free to bring along a picnic to enjoy at these events however note that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
• North Down Borough Council will be providing chairs for the events

This summer why not get some fresh air and enjoy the great outdoors whilst learning something new about North Down during one of the Discover North Down guided walks and tours.

Whether you are a local or a visitor to the area there really is something for all, from kid’s nature trails to coastal walks and local history and heritage to horticulture and literature, you can be sure to have a great day out discovering all that North Down has to offer.

Our Historical walks and bus tour of North Down and Ards cover the unique history of the area from the foundation of Bangor Abbey in 558AD to the Viking raids of Bangor and the settlement of the Ulster-Scots on through to Bangor’s development as a seaside town. For the serious walker try the coastal path walk to Orlock.

Children will enjoy learning about the world around us during nature trails hunting for mini beasts, bird box making in Crawfordsburn Country Park and discovering the wildlife and birds that make Castle Park their home.

Gain an insight into Bangor Castle Walled Garden and its fascinating history on our Horticulture tours and enjoy the Aspects Literature walk at festival time which offers something for all interests.

A copy of the Discover North Down Guided Walks and Tours programme is now available for download at www.northdowntourism.com or from Bangor Tourist Information Centre and at various distribution points throughout the borough.

For further information or to book a ticket contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre 028 9127 0069, email tic@northdown.gov.uk or visit www.northdowntourism.com

If you’re wondering what to do over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, head to Belfast, where bellylaughs galore are promised at the Festival of Fools.

The annual street theatre festival, now in its 10^th year, promises a weekend packed with stiltwalking mermaids, mysterious magicians, sword swallowing women, jugglers extraordinaire, and gardeners on trapezes!

From Thursday 2^nd May to Monday 6^th 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.

The Opening Ceremony features the acclaimed physical comedy company Bash Street Theatre. Inspired by Charlie Chaplin’s movie ‘The Circus’, this show combines top-notch slapstick with live music, producing an ambience of nostalgia and laugh out loud comedy.

Some of the more surreal performances is a man with a saxophone for a head; Dr Palfi, the world’s only laughologist, who will be continuing his relentless campaign to stop Natural Causes – the biggest cause of death in the world today; Travelling Obo, a mythical creature whose journey to Belfast is documented in a specially commissioned short film available on the Festival’s facebook page; and the incomparable Chris Lynam whose comedy is so unpredictable even he doesn’t know what comes next!

Also appearing at his first Festival of Fools is Martin Bigpig aka stand-up comedian Martin Mor. Martin began his performance career more than 20 years ago with Belfast Circus School as a street performer, and is now one of the UK’s busiest and funniest comics on the stand-up circuit. Martin is returning to his roots by performing his street show and compering The Big Finish cabarets each evening.

Mooky Cornish, an award winning clown who steals hearts at the same time as drawing tears of laughter, makes a welcome return from last year.

People can also treat themselves to delicious deals in 17 restaurants, bars and cafes taking part in the Festival of Foods – a special voucher section in the festival brochure, also downloadable from the website. Getting to Belfast couldn’t be easier with great value bus and rail ticket options from Translink.

With non stop shows throughout the day in locations across Belfast City Centre and Cathedral Quarter, each evening finishes with The Big Finish – a variety style show featuring highlights from the day’s acts in the relaxed surroundings of Saint Anne’s Square. You’d be a fool to miss it!

For more information visit foolsfestival.com or join facebook.com/foolsfestival

Almost 200 people packed into the beautiful surroundings of Castlewellan Castle for the Sponsors’ Evening for the 46^th Castlewellan Agricultural Show which takes place on Saturday 13^th July.

Guests were treated to a wonderful rendition of Feels of Gold by Orla and Niall McCrichard  before renowned goat breeder Geoffrey Ringland took to the podium to compere the evening.

Dromore’s Michelle McCauley, who is Castlewellan Show’s first female chairperson, welcomed the audience with special mention to Show President Walter Watson, patron Karen Patterson, Councillor Patrick Clarke and guest speaker for the evening broadcaster and business guru Nick Hewer.   She also acknowledged the new Show Secretary Jackie Fitzpatrick who has taken over the reins from Violet Bell and Theresa Kearney who has come on board as Show Treasurer.   In her speech she stressed the importance of the Show as a family day out attracting people from throughout Northern Ireland and beyond, showcasing the best of rural life.    This year the challenge is to increase the number of people who come along by providing a wider range of activities including a vintage tea tent and fashion event.  The Show will play host to the prestigious  All Ireland Limousin final and the Beef Shorthorn National Championship.  In addition an Irish Moiled cattle class has been introduced along with a new thoroughbred class, a display of Pathenaise cattle, a two day goat show and an increase in rare breeds by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.   She finished by commending the hard work of all who had helped to make the night happen, particularly Forthill Foods and Alex Woods for providing the supper and Joanne Orr Carriages for bringing along her elegant horse and carriage.

Theresa Kearney, treasurer, thanked the sponsors for their continued loyalty to the long running show.   She outlined new sponsorship packages including the gold level one for a unique single brand option to be associated with the Show.    However, she played tribute to the many smaller sponsors who support over 360 individual classes and committed to working with them to maximise opportunities to promote their businesses and brands, particularly through social media.  Stressing the importance of getting the Show onto a firm financial footing and protecting it for future generations, she encouraged sponsors to share their ideas on how to raise the profile before handing over to Show Secretary Jackie Fitzpatrick.

Jackie who has been in post for just six months thanked the committee for their support and hard work to date.   Focusing on the Show’s presence on social media through facebook and twitter, she announced that the Committee had agreed to investing in a brand new website which would be going live next month and provide additional opportunities for sponsors.   With this year’s Show falling on a bank holiday, optimism was expressed in relation to increasing footfall.  Finally she thanked those who supported the guest goodie bags, Farmweek, Abernethy Butter, Mash Direct, Farming Life and NFU Ballynahinch

It was with great pleasure that the compere introduced our new patron, broadcaster and journalist Karen Patterson, a familiar voice in early morning milking parlours as co-presenter of BBC’s Good Morning Ulster radio programme.  Karen recollected coming to the Show as a child with her father who exhibits Holstein cattle.  She praised the spirit of the Show and spoke of the plight of local farmers as a result of the recent snow storms.   She cited the Show as a celebration of country life and a time to recognise the eternal optimism of the farming community.

Councillor Patrick Clarke addressed the audience on behalf of Down District Council, highlighting the profile that the Show gives to the area and promoting Mournes as a must see destination.   He welcomed the opportunity the event gives local food and craft businesses to promote their produce  and was delighted that Castlewellan Show had been chosen to feature on Farm Fixer with Nick Hewer bringing the beautiful landscape to a television audience.

The final speaker of the evening was the much awaited Nick Hewer, presenter of Channel 4’s Countdown and Alan Sugar’s advisor on The Apprentice.  Last Summer he trekked from Istanbul to Almaty in Kazakhstan for Children in Need and as patron of the British charity Hope and Homes for Children, he has travelled to Romania and Rwanda.  He is in Northern Ireland for the programme Farm Fixer, giving advice to rural enterprises in these times of austerity.    He praised the work of the committee particularly Michelle, Jackie and Theresa or as termed them “The Three Graces”.  Speaking directly to sponsors he urged them to give to the Show not just in monetary terms but by way of promoting the event to their own clients and customers to provide additional reach.  He said he was looking forward to coming back in July to see the fruits of all of the hard work come together.

The event closed with a presentation of new cups.  Will and Allison from Abernethy Butter presented a cup for the best food exhibitor to Home Industries Chairperson Fiona Patterson.  Niall Brown and Aidan Brannigan presented a cup to Sheep Chairperson Roy Graham for Sheepbreeders.  Also in the sheep section, Victoria and Alan McFadden presented a cup for Hampshire Downs to Michelle McCauley.  Teresa Mallon has donated a new cup for the best pet competition in memory of her dog Roxy who was a previous winner.

Castlewellan Show takes place on Saturday 13^th July with entries opening in mid May.  The Show will feature in the series Farm Fixer in late Autumn.

Roald Dahl’s very first children’s book and one of his most popular stories, James and the Giant Peach, comes to the Millennium Forum from Tues 7^th to Sat 11^th May.

This classic book tells the story of James, a lonely young boy who lives with Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker, the most revolting Aunts in England. They make him work and slave and never let him play with other children. Then one day he meets a mystical old man who gives him a bag that contains the strongest magic the world has ever known. When James spills the bag near an old peach tree, the most incredible things start to happen and James embarks on the adventure of a lifetime with the most amazing group of characters you could ever meet!

The Birmingham Stage Company is famous for its acclaimed productions of Roald Dahl stories. In its twenty year history it has staged six Roald Dahl books and many other children’s stories including The Jungle Book and Horrible Histories. All have been loved and praised by audiences and critics alike.

James and the Giant Peach adapted by David Wood will be directed by Nikolai Foster, designed by Colin Richmond, with music by Grant Olding, lighting by James Whiteside, sound by Seb Frost and choreography by Drew McConie. Cast will include: Tom Gillies as James with Claire Greenway, Chris Lindon, Giovanna Ryan, Rhys Saunders, Sioned Saunders and Iwan Tudor.

James and the Giant Peach is wonderful entertainment for kids aged 4+ and all the family.

If you’re looking for family fun and wizzpopping wonders, then don’t miss this great Dahl show!

James and the Giant Peach performs at the Millennium Forum from Tues 7^th to Sat 11^th May. Tickets are now available from the Box Office. Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

The world’s longest running stage production, Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, is set to thrill local audiences when it performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 17^th to Sat 22^nd June as part of its Diamond Anniversary Tour.

The first ever tour of the record-breaking production opened on 11 September 2012 in Canterbury and is currently on tour through 2013 due to unprecedented demand.

The cast for the second leg of the tour includes: Steven France (Eastenders, The Bill) as Christopher Wren, Karl Howman (Brush Strokes) as Mr Paravicini, Bruno Langley (Coronation Street, Doctor Who) as Giles Ralston, Graham Seed (Yes, Prime Minister UK Tour, BBC Radio 4’s The Archers) as Major Metcalf and Jemma Walker (Family Affairs, Eastenders) as Mollie Ralston. Elizabeth Power (Eastenders) as Mrs Boyle and Clare Wilkie (Eastenders) will play Miss Casewell.  Bob Saul will reprise his West End role as Sgt Trotter.

This classic murder mystery play is now in its 60^th year in London’s West End. On 18 November 2012 to celebrate this milestone, a star-studded gala performance took place at St. Martin’s Theatre. Agatha Christie’s grandson, Mathew Prichard welcomed the audience for this diamond jubilee celebratory evening, which was also the 25,000^th performance.  All of the proceeds from the night were donated to Mousetrap Theatre Projects, the leading theatre education charity seed-funded by the play.

The scene is set when a group of people gathered in a country house cut off by the snow discover, to their horror, that there is a murderer in their midst.

In her own inimitable style, Dame Agatha Christie has created an atmosphere of shuddering suspense and a brilliantly intricate plot where murder lurks around every corner.

Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 17^th to Sat 22^nd June.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings. Opening Night Offer: All seats £19.50!

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 22 – 28).

• Translations, the Grand Opera House, Belfast, April 23 – 27.  A brand new production of this renowned play from Brian Friel, one of the greatest living English-language dramatists.  Directed by Northern Ireland’s Adrian Dunbar and featuring an all-star cast including Des McAleer, Conan Sweeny, Niall Cusack and many more.

• Queen’s Comedy Club – Abandoman, Mandela Hall, Belfast, April 24.  Abandoman create musical songs and sketches at lightning speed based on audience interaction.  Visitors are invited to drop suggestions in the ring and watch as Abandoman make musical magic.

• Spring Brass Spectacular, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 25.  Fermanagh has more brass bands per head of population than anywhere outside Yorkshire and the best will be on display with the return of this much loved event.  Complementing the bands on the evening will be Trombone Soloist Bob Quick.

• Facing the Music, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, April 25.  For one night only Patricia Routledge (aka Hyacinth Bucket) discusses her long successful career in musical theatre in both the UK and USA accompanied by rare and treasured recordings.

• Lark in the Park, St Columb’s Park, Co. Londonderry, April 27.  Maiden City Motor Club makes a welcome return to the NW MotorSport calendar for 2013 with its highly popular Lark in the Park.  Along with all the motorsport action and display cars the club will host family attractions for all.

• Dawn Chorus, Redburn Country Park, Co. Down, April 27.  Listen and learn the songs of the Robin, Wren, Blackbird, Song Thrush and more as they bring in a new day at the start of our summer.  A 5am start in a beautiful woodland setting.

• Vintage Rally, the Argory, Co. Tyrone, April 27.  Hundreds of vintage vehicles will descend upon Co. Tyrone as the Argory hosts the famous vintage vehicle rally.  A must-see event for all vehicle enthusiasts.

• Frock Around the Clock Vintage Fair, Castle House, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, April 27.  Enjoy around 40 exhibitors selling vintage clothing, accessories, jewellery, home wares, vinyl records, books, lace, collectables, handmade items created from recycled and vintage textiles, and much, much more.  There will also be a pop-up tea room and live music.

• The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, April 27.  The popular tribute to The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac is back delivering a brilliant night of good music and great craic.  The band features the vocal talents of Irish Eurovision winner, Niamh Kavanagh.

• Jazz in the Gardens, Mount Stewart, Co. Down, April 28.  Bring your picnic and settle down with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz in the beautiful setting of the lawns at the front of Mount Stewart House.

There’s lots to see and do in Holywood on Monday 6^th May, when the town will be transformed and filled with family fun for the annual May Day celebrations.

The town, which boasts the only Maypole in Ireland, will be filled with over 70 stalls including an Italian Speciality market, children’s activities, street entertainment, and a diverse menu of music and dance, all adding up to a great day out for the whole family.

Brand new entertainment includes a fantastic display from The Cone Dancers – a 21^st Century Maypole
eight metres high which creates a new stage for an extraordinary aerial performance – the illusion is gravity defying and extraordinary! It promises to be a truly modern day adaptation of maypole dancing.

Music from The Brass Volcanoes will resound through the Town Centre – the jazz band consisting of brass, saxophones and drums are inspired by a long tradition of brass bands from New Orleans as well as other parts of the world: expect flavours of The Balkans, Latin America, The Caribbean and Kletzmer, all with their own London twist.

In addition to this will be performances from The Divine Company – a stunning display of ribbon dances guaranteed to introduce a generous splash of colour and energy to the day.

Holywood & District Community Council have organised traditional favourites; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Stars of Holywood & As You Like It)

The ever- popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).

For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.

So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 6^th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day!

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

This May Bank Holiday Weekend sees the return of the Jamboree in the Park brought to you by AJS Promotions. From Friday 3rd May to Sunday 5th May some of the biggest names in the business come together once again, for one weekend, to bring you 3 nights of world class entertainment in spectacular live stage shows.

Last year saw thousands of country music fans attend the festivals at The Ecclesville Centre in Fintona and we assure you 2013 will be even bigger now making the ‘Jamboree in the Park’ Ireland’s largest indoor county music festival to date.
We have a great line up of acts showcasing their talents each night, Derek Ryan returns as the headline act for the Friday night and is joined by Boxcar Brian and local men John Garrity, Gavin McAloon 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 and he is joined by new boy on the block Jim Devine – Runner up in The Voice plus performances from Trevor Loughrey, The Originals and Ben Currie with a special guest appearance by local girl Alana Quinn.

Fiddling sensation Ritchie Remo will open the proceedings on the Sunday night along with performances from some of the finest country acts in Ireland at the moment including Lisa McHugh, Justin McGurk, The Logues and Ritchie Kavanagh with  headlining act of the night none other than More Power To Your Elbow.

Live acts and country DJs will provide entertainment from 7pm all 3 nights right through until the early hours with compere Pio McCann keeping it all in full swing on the Friday and Saturday night and Downtowns Siobhan McGarry on the Sunday night.

Stop by our facebook page and like ‘Jamboree in the Park’ for regular updates on the event and also to enter our ‘Golden Ticket Competition’ which includes, Dine in McAtees Restaurant pre show for 2 worth £40, 2 VIP Tickets for the night of your choice, Bottle of Champagne on Arrival, Plus Meet and Greet with the Headlining Act and signed CD and Photograph.

“At Jamboree in the Park we promise to go that extra mile to make the weekend something special with great music, great dancing, a great atmosphere and overall a great nights craic that is sure to be well received by all country music lovers. This will be the 3rd festival staged at The Ecclesville Centre and is the biggest yet“, said Event Organiser Andrew Short.

With top country music artists, the biggest dance floor in Ireland, food and drink on site, free car parking and just a stones throw away, what are you waiting for? Dust off your dancing shoes and get down to Jamboree in the Park 2013 and remember…Keep it country! Coming to the Jamboree and looking for somewhere to stay for perhaps the night or the weekend? Stop by our website AJS Promotions to view our accommodation list for places to stay in the surrounding area.

Tickets are available to purchase from AJS Promotions on 02882840200 (for posting) and in person at The Ecclesville Centre in Fintona, Opening hours are Monday-Friday 10.00am-10.00pm and Saturday 1.00pm-5.00pm. Tickets priced at £15 per night and £35 for a weekend ticket (access into all 3 nights). We also have limited VIP tickets for each night priced at only £20. VIP ticket holders gain entry into the stylish VIP area with private bars, toilets, best views of the stage and chance to mingle with the stars before and after they perform. Tickets are also available on the door, come early to avoid disappointment. Doors open 6.30pm nightly hope to see you all there.

With only days left until Jamboree in the Park 2013, Excitement really is beginning to build!! So get your tickets now and don’t miss out on your chance to be part of this amazing event.

Ballymena Arts Festival: Saturday April 20^th 2013

This unique event at the Braid will be a celebration of Ulster’s premier industry from its origins in the late 17^thCentury and highlighting the fact that the production of Irish Linen is alive and well to this very day: a model for regeneration of local sustainable enterprise.

Willie Drennan, who has created  a new stage performance for the evening concert points out that the Mid Antrim area  was one of the prime areas in Ulster for linen production: from the growing of flax to weaving and finishing. The Braidwater Spinning Mill until recent times was the largest of many local factories that employed thousands of local people and Ballymena had the largest Linen Market outside of Belfast.

The Linen Market (admission free) will operate in the Braid from 2 pm to 4.30 pm and the highlights will be the demonstrations – on spinning-wheel, weaving-loom, natural dyeing, embroidery, spade-making and shoe-making – with Rosemary McCartney, Marion Baur, Christine Boyle, Emma Whitehead, Colin Dawson and Robin Stewart. There will be locally produced linen cloth and locally crafted clothing, shoes, jewellery, spades, fifes and art-work – on display and available for purchase.

This will take place in the Braid centre’s suitably futuristic atrium and will be coordinated by Marion and Hermann Baur. This German couple restored and have been operating the Derrylane Flaxmill, in County Londonderry, for the past 21 years. They are inspirational pioneers who have been playing a crucial role in the salvaging, sustaining and transporting of our precious heritage into the future.

As well as the market and demonstrations there will be talks, and short films in the Braid’s Learning Zone. It will indeed be a learning zone as Bruce Clark will provide great insight into the history of Irish Linen, and will explain why it is still a living industry: he will tell you of Sam Anderson of Upperlands: the world’s last commercial beetler?

Bruce will be bringing along a very special guest: from Viginia, USA.  Nancy Sorrells is a historian with a keen interest in the Scotch-Irish and Nancy will explain how Ulster folk played a major role in all aspects of linen production in 18^THand 19^th Century USA.

And that’s not all. While this is all going on there will be a chance to cut loose on the dance floor in the Studio Theatre.  Local man Derek Montgomery will be giving a workshop on Ulster Country Dance. This is the social dancing that was hugely popular in Ulster up until the mid- 20^th Century. The dances included ‘The Lancers’ and ‘Quadrilles’ but Derek will offer a couple of simple local dances that, even you, can learn on the spur of the moment. If not you’ll still be able to stomp your feet to  the fiddle and go “Ye ha!” if you feel like it.

Evening Concert, ‘Braidwater Linen’, and Linen Fashion Show will start at 7 .30 pm: (Tickets £9)

This Stage Performance will feature Willie Drennan with members of his Ulster-Scots Band: on fiddles, accordion, flutes, harp, and loud drums. Performers on stage will include music supremo John Trotter and they will be joined on stage by local harpist Cherith Boyle… and the newly formed for-the-occasion –the four piece ‘Braidwater Lasses’.

With Hermann Baur on stage as narrator, this performance will depict how our local social history has been moulded by Irish Linen.  Stirring music and song will provide emotive insight.   Willie Drennan has created new material for this show but the repertoire will include two pieces from The Bard of Dunclug, David Herbison, and a newly arranged version of the popular local ballad, Bonnie Woodgreen.

There will be a grand finale with Willie’s full band on stage celebrating ‘the taking back to the future’, of our heritage. This will include at least one rendition of fifes and Lambeg , but for once Willie might just be out-staged on the night. The stage will be extended to create a cat-walk for models to show-off the very latest in linen fashion. The star model will be the stunning Orla McNichol,  and rumour hath it that Derek Montgomery will be dazzling the ladies in the audience as he embarks on a new career for himself. A big day and night out in Ballymena – not to be missed.

The whole event will be filmed for a short film to be distributed world-wide.

Café Couture of Mill Street (near Braid Arts Centre) will be providing a special meal-deal and welcoming atmosphere for those attending Braidwater Linen Market and Show. Vouchers available at Braid from 2 pm.