National Trust proudly presents one day of truly exquisite music, performed by a magnificent selection of some of the best young musical talent, Northern Ireland has to offer.

August 4 from 12 noon, will showcase this talent at our Gig in the Garden, only a couple of miles from Belfast city centre on the banks of the River Lagan, in the glorious setting of Terrace Hill Garden, Minnowburn.

The extraordinary line up will include, Katie & the Carnival with their whimsical spirit and a deep bluesy sound. The Jepettos, have been described as, sweet and heart warming, like pouring a cup of hot chocolate directly onto your ear. The White Mansions, evoke times gone by with their deep bluegrass sound and finally The Sons of Caliber “Music for folks”, with their earthy nature.

Other established and new bands hot from the Northern Ireland music scene will be The Bookhouse Boys, The New Sheriffs, The Jahm Band, Ciaran Lavery and Wes Grierson.

But it’s not all about the music; the gig will also celebrate the natural world, with hands on crafts and displays designed to encourage people to get outdoors and closer to nature.

The ‘Field Kitchen’ operated by Root & Branch Organics will supply delicious organic and fair trade food while Hilden Brewery will bring along their tepee, so punters can sample their celebrated local beers and ales.

Craig Somerville, Belfast Area Warden said,

“This is an exciting line up and this is not the first time the Minnowburn area has hosted a concert of this nature. On 2 August, 1969 ‘Pop for Peace’ was held in the adjacent Sandpit field. That gig was organised by people involved in the local music scene in a genuine attempt to bring the divided youth of Northern Ireland together, through music. John Lennon endorsed it and about 3000 people came along to see bands, such as Marmalade perform. So come along and support our local young musicians”.

Get your ticket via the Belfast Welcome Centre online at http://www.gotobelfast.com/whats-on/events or telephone 028 9024 6609.  Adults are £8, 16 year olds and under £4, while 5 year olds and under go free. Gates open at 12 noon and music ends about 7pm. Keep up to date with us via facebook/giginthegarden and twitter@Giginthegarden

Northern Ireland is catching its breath after the largest event of its kind ever staged here, Land of Giants, was performed in front of thousands of ecstatic audience members at the Titanic Slipways on Saturday night (30 June).

The team behind the massive outdoor happening managed to keep quite a few surprises up their giant sleeves as an enthralled capacity-crowd followed every step of the epic story, despite the rain.

Throughout the 45 minute night-time extravaganza the central character, Grace, took the audience on a thrilling journey visiting fictional characters from Northern Ireland’s history, starting in 1869, while referencing the many giants visible in our cultural and natural heritage, such as Harland and Wolff’s, Samson and Goliath and Cave Hill’s Sleeping Giant – which is allegedly the inspiration behind Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver.

At one point the tiny star of the show took a dramatic charge from one end of the 150m stage towards the Titanic Building and after a breath taking leap, suspended from a crane barely visible in the dark skies, she appeared as an animated character on the Titanic Building which transformed into the pages of a massive storybook. The Titanic was also ‘raised’ on the site where it was built using pyrotechnics and spectacular light effects – much to the delight of the wowed audience.

Throughout the show, snapshots of the lives and voices of the people of Belfast were narrated visually or in music, and the story touched on the hay day of the linen industry, the building of the Titanic, the First and Second World Wars – right the way up to the present year.

Moira Swinbank, Legacy Trust UK who part-funded the event said:  “The people involved in delivering this event; from the volunteer performers, acrobats, actors to the costumiers, production and operations teams, and many more, have gained invaluable experience that truly can’t be bought.

“The knowledge gained and contacts made will help develop their talents and prospects and ensure a bright future for events in Northern Ireland for many years to come.”

Land of Giants was delivered by a consortium which included Belfast City Council, Beat Carnival, Belfast Community Circus and Young at Art and was funded by Legacy Trust UK with additional support from Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director of Cultural Olympiad, said:  Well done Belfast for the stunning images of the London 2012 Festival – these will go round the world and be an amazing legacy for Belfast.”

Cian Smyth, London 2012 Creative Programmer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:  “This is a new and exciting era for outdoor arts events in Northern Ireland.  An event of this scale and calibre, involving so many people, has never been staged here before and sets a high standard for the sector.  The development of our arts performance and events sectors as a result of the show can’t be underestimated.”

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Gavin Robinson said:  “Belfast really shone last night and the show was everything we thought it would be; epic, exciting, colourful, breath-taking, and at times utterly moving; but most importantly it was about Belfast and its people who were the lifeblood of the story and the stars of the show.”

Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said; “The success of last night’s show demonstrates our ability to stage large, world class events.  I am sure this will be one of the highlights of the 2012 Festival. I want to congratulate everyone involved, and I know this was the result of many months of hard work.  I am sure everyone who made it along to the Titanic slipway will have enjoyed the show and its mix of pyrotechnics, music and daring aerial performances.”

Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster said: “People in Northern Ireland, whether locals or visitors, are just spoilt for choice over what to see and do at the minute. From the sell-out Irish Open and the Clipper Round the World Yacht race to amazing events such as the Land of Giants. We are continuing to show the world that we have so much to offer visitors and securing our place as a great country to visit.”

Legacy Trust UK is an independent charity creating a lasting impact from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games by funding ideas and local talent to inspire creativity across the UK.

Land of Giants was part of London 2012 Festival, the spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September 2012 bringing together leading artists from across the world with the very best from the UK.

There’s a fantastic line-up of top quality acts at this year’s annual Music & Fireworks event, taking place in Groomsport on Saturday, July 7^th. This free event has all the elements for a fantastic evening out with music, food & drinks available on-site, a fun-fair and a fireworks display!

UTV’s Ralph McClean will guide the audience through the event’s performers. First on stage at 7pm is the soulful Matt McGinn who has truly made his stamp on the Northern Irish music scene and further afield with his unique blend of heartfelt and quirky songs.

Next up, is bluegrass group ‘Viper Central’ who will entertain the crowds with their foot-tapping range of original and traditional bluegrass numbers. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, this five-piece group approach their music with the sense of creativity and adventure found in the earliest bluegrass and old time recordings.

The superb headline act will not disappoint, ‘Glory Days’ The Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show will be belting out all of Bruce’s old favourites from ‘Dancing In The Dark’ to ‘Born To Run,’ guaranteed to have Groomsport rocking! As the UK’s number one Springsteen act, the band has been playing for more than a decade and is made up of eight Springsteen fans who wanted to capture the live Springsteen experience – no lookalikes, just the music!

For the children, the funfair will be in operation from 3pm – 10pm and from 2pm – 4pm, there will be balloon modelling and American flag making at Cockle Row Cottages.

Commenting on the event, Alison Stobie, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager said: “I’m thrilled with this year’s line-up. We want everyone to have a good time but please stay safe, please be aware that there is a strict no glass policy on-site, so any alcohol consumed must be from the bar area. To help make it an even more enjoyable evening, our partners Translink are putting on a special late night service with buses at 11.30pm and 12midnight back to Bangor. Groomsport really is an ideal location for fireworks and I’m looking forward to our rock inspired fireworks display at 11pm.”

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

The National Trust opened the doors to the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre, today Tuesday 3rd July.

The £18.5 million investment will create an exciting new tourism offer which was made possible with support from £9.25 million from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment of which £6.125million has been provided by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland, and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £6.25 million from National Trust funds.

The visitor experience includes;

• · A new state of the art visitor centre featuring an illuminating exhibition showcasing the stories and the science behind the Giant’s Causeway
• · Innovative pocket size audio guide in a variety of languages
• · A grab and go style café
• · A new retail facility introducing new and exclusive local products
• · Tourist Information
• · Fully accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities

The walks and trails around the site have been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. It might even be possible to glimpse Northern Ireland’s favourite giant, Finn McCool whilst walking around these new trails!

The local community also plays an important part in the exhibition area of the new centre. Lots of wonderful stories and memories depicting the lives of the local around the Causeway area are captured through still and moving images.  There is also a display of postcards showcasing local people thoughts and feelings of having a World Heritage Site on their doorstep.

There is also a fantastic range of local produce on display in the retails area of the new visitor centre.  From the beautiful jewellery designs of Keri Shanks to the unusual wood carving of McCullough’s Furniture, Ballymena to the exclusive Causeway tartan designs of Tweedie Acheson, Coleraine.

The planning of this new visitor centre has been extraordinary, with local talent and expertise being integral in bringing the new building design to life.  Even the grass seed from the area was combed to produce a compatible grass variety for the planting of the grass roof on the new visitor centre. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the North Coast landscape from the grass roof of the new Visitor Centre – it is truly unique.

Giant’s Causeway Project Director, Graham Thompson said;

“This is a significant milestone for the National Trust in Northern Ireland and is the culmination of years of working in partnership with stakeholders in the community, the business sector, and government and political arenas.  This reflects our commitment to the tourism industry and Northern Ireland confidently moving on.”

Visitors wishing to avail of the fantastic new visitor experience can buy tickets in the following ways; pre purchase on line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

from the end of June, at the park and ride facility in Bushmills village,  or upon entry to the visitor centre.  Ticket prices are £8.50 (adults), £4.25 (child), £21.00 (family) with discounts available for green travel and pre purchasing online. Groups visits (15 people plus) can pre book now by contacting 028 2073 3419.  National Trust members will enjoy free entry.

As National Trust is predicting a significant rush of interest from local and international visitors, opening times to the Visitor Centre are extended from 9am to 9pm in the summer months, so there is a real opportunity to experience the Giant’s Causeway beyond the busiest hours of 11am – 3pm.

With over 100 staff and volunteers to greet and tell the stories of this geological phenomenon, the National Trust looks forward to welcoming all visitors to Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site.

For further information on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

Derry is buzzing with a new wave of excitement as the city welcomes home the iconic Clipper boats.

Privileged to be on board with the festivities, the famous Continental Market has transformed itself into a bespoke trading event for the Clipper Festival. Representing many of the boats international origins, the Market will unite the best of Northern Irish produce with their speciality continental delights for everyone to enjoy.

The social hub of the continental market will provide an eclectic blend of rich and flavoursome foods, vibrancy of colour and intoxicating aromas to stir the senses. With delicacies such as South African ostrich burgers, German Bratwurst, and irresistible crepes from France on offer, served alongside wholesome homemade pies and local cheeses from Northern Ireland, visitors will be spoiled for choice. Amidst the unique cultural atmosphere of Derry, visitors will be taken on a voyage of worldly discovery that will tickle the taste buds.

There is much more to the market than food. For those who want to treat themselves to something special, handmade gifts carefully crafted by traders from around the globe are also showcased.  Update your accessory collection for summer with South American jewellery, style your wardrobe with some unique fashion from Finland, or brighten up your home with an eclectic selection of household crafts from India and Asia.

Allan Hartwell, Chief Executive of Market Place Europe said  “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to be part of such a world-class event during this wonderful new beginning for Derry/ Londonderry. We look forward to making our contribution to this international event in this historic city.

There is no better place to promote the quality of Northern Irish produce, alongside that of their Continental trading brothers and sisters. The soon to be City of Culture, reinforces once again that it is indeed Our Time, Our Place.

The award-winning market will be located at Queen’s Quay from Thursday 5 July to Sunday 8 July.  The market will be open from 10am – 8pm daily.

The National Trust is delighted to announce that the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre will open on Tuesday 3rd July with public access from 1pm.

The £18.5 million investment to create this exciting new tourism offer has been made possible with support from £9.25 million from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £6.25 million from National Trust funds.

The visitor experience includes;

• · A new state of the art visitor centre featuring an illuminating exhibition showcasing the stories and the science behind the Giant’s Causeway
• · Innovative pocket size audio guide in a variety of languages
• · A grab and go style café
• · A new retail facility introducing new and exclusive local products
• · Tourist Information
• · Fully accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities

The walks and trails around the site have been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. It might even be possible to glimpse Northern Ireland’s favourite giant, Finn McCool whilst walking around these new trails!

The planning of this new visitor centre has been extraordinary, with local talent and expertise being integral in bringing the new building design to life.  Even the grass seed from the area was combed to produce a compatible grass variety for the planting of the grass roof on the new visitor centre. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the North Coast landscape from the grass roof of the new Visitor Centre – it is truly unique.

Giant’s Causeway Project Director, Graham Thompson said;

“This is a significant milestone for the National Trust in Northern Ireland and is the culmination of years of working in partnership with stakeholders in the community, the business sector, and government and political arenas.  This reflects our commitment to the tourism industry and Northern Ireland confidently moving on.”

Visitors wishing to avail of the fantastic new visitor experience can buy tickets in the following ways; pre purchase on line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

from the end of June, at the park and ride facility in Bushmills village,  or upon entry to the visitor centre.  Ticket prices are £8.50 (adults), £4.25 (child), £21.00 (family) with discounts available for green travel and pre purchasing online. Groups visits (15 people plus) can pre book now by contacting 028 2073 3419.  National Trust members will enjoy free entry.

As National Trust is predicting a significant rush of interest from local and international visitors, opening times to the Visitor Centre are extended from 9am to 9pm in the summer months, so there is a real opportunity to experience the Giant’s Causeway beyond the busiest hours of 11am – 3pm.

With over 100 staff and volunteers to greet and tell the stories of this geological phenomenon, the National Trust looks forward to welcoming all visitors to Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site.

For further information on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

-Live recordings to showcase music at iconic sights-

THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has proven to be well in tune with the local music industry on an exciting new film series of acoustic recordings with leading local bands including Ash and Silhouette at some of the country’s most iconic sights.

The ni2012 Sessions in association with Bandwidth and the Oh Yeah Music Centre will showcase the music of upcoming bands as well as celebrating established artists at famous locations across Northern Ireland.

The video recordings are being posted on YouTube and are expected to be viewed by thousands of music fans across Northern Ireland and beyond.  Silhouette at The Ulster Hall and Robyn G. Shiels on the roof of the Oh Yeah Centre overlooking Belfast have already been filmed, with Kowalski and Wonder Villains set to perform before the camera soon.

Tim Wheeler, frontman of NI music heroes Ash, recently recorded a ni2012 session before the band’s 20^th anniversary gig at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. The session features Ash’s single “Shining Light” which topped BBC Radio Ulster’s Great Northern Songbook public vote.

Helen Carey, NITB Product Marketing Officer, said that music is a key element in attracting visitors to Northern Ireland due to the country’s strong musical heritage.

“NITB recognises that Northern Ireland has a rich musical heritage and a vibrant current scene which has created international impact with the staging of major music events here and the export of home grown talent including the likes of Ash, Snow Patrol, Van Morrison and many more. Merging landmarks with music is an ideal platform to showcase new and established artists in a very interesting environment.”

Filmed by Will McConnell of Bandwidth, the ni2012 Sessions have an intimate, unplugged feel and are recorded using a handheld camera which allows music fans to see artists perform in a new and unexpected light.

“Our musical legacy around the world is as obvious as the big yellow cranes of Samson & Goliath in Belfast and as indelible as the stones of the Giant’s Causeway” said Will. “We’re a musical nation through and through which is evident in the boundless creativity and liveliness of our population – it is even in our accents.

“Northern Ireland, in terms of its geographical size, has always punched above its weight on the world musical stage and the vistas the country offers are so stunning, so I’m delighted to be joining forces with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to punch that little bit higher and put some of my favourite musicians onto an even bigger backdrop for the world to see,” he added.

Stuart Bailie from Oh Yeah Music Centre said, “The Oh Yeah Music Centre has enjoyed working with NITB on a series of music projects and we’re so pleased to see them actively promoting music from the likes of Silhouette and Future Chaser, as well as the array of great music festivals. The ni2012 Sessions project is a step further and we’re happy to be involved in another chance to show an international audience how dynamic our music scene is.”

Subscribe to Discover Northern Ireland’s YouTube channel to be the first to see the new sessions www.youtube.com/discoverni or for further information visit www.ni2012.com

Stendhal Festival of Art is proud to be an affordable option which allows families to explore the arts and this summer we have a host of wonderful attractions for families of all ages.

This year at Stendhal we have an all new family marquee for our guests at Ballymully Cottage Farm to enjoy, which will add a new dimension to the family programme.

On August 18, Stendhal welcomes back the Wheelworks Art Cart, a fantastic mobile workshop where children can produce their own music on site at the festival.

Children’s music, singing and movement workshops will be provided by the wonderful Jo Jingles while local group Dramabugs will be showcasing poetry for kids, nursery rhymes, craft and painting workshops and storytelling.

Mr Scallywags puppet show will be bringing their unique puppetry antics to the event this year Cleverly designed to represent youth culture, the puppets tackle important issues such as Bullying, Drugs and Alcohol, Relationships and Cross-Community issues.

Our friends from the Maiden City, ‘In your space’, will be hosting music making workshops, while we also have music specifically made for children thanks to the Miles of Smiles Show.

Over The Moon NI will be available for all your face painting and balloon animal needs.

For any young bird lovers we will also have a stunning falconry display taking place around the site throughout the day.

Also on site will be circus and street performers, Magicians and of course our fun fair will return bigger and better along with plenty more bit and pieces for the family to enjoy.

Belfast based The Vent Collective will also be on hand to help kids create some brand new artwork with a special street art workshop.
Organiser Ross Parkhill said: “We are delighted that we have upped the ante with regards to our family programme this year. We have a lot more for youngsters to see and explore and plenty to keep them entertained should mum and dad wish to go check out any of the 45 plus bands which will be playing the festival over the weekend.

“At £35 for a family ticket which includes weekend camping for up to 2 adults and 4 kids under 18, we truly believe that Stendhal is the best value for money festival for families in Ireland so we hope to see plenty of families there come the 17th and 18th of August.”

CELEBRITY chef Kevin Woodford arrived in Belfast this week to take his partnership with leading ferry company Stena Line onto its next course.

Woodford, who has featured as one of the celebrity chefs on ITV’s This Morning with presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, has been working with the ferry company since May across all five of its Irish Sea routes – Belfast to Cairnryan, Belfast to Liverpool, Dublin Port to Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.

The Liverpudlian chef has now set up a dedicated offshore teaching kitchen at Belfast’s Metropolitan College to fine-tune the culinary skills of the Stena Line team and share his vast experience.

“I believe the chefs on Stena Line have a really good product and I want to find ways of tweaking and fine tuning it,” said Kevin.

“I see great passion in these guys which I want to ensure is reflected in the dishes they serve to their thousands of passengers who sail with Stena Line on a daily basis.

“Some of the team have never had experience of working outside the ship so I think I can bring certain skills to those individuals to enhance the great work they are already doing,” he added.

The culinary partnership with Woodford was set up as part of Stena Line’s plan to develop its onboard food offering for customers and comes on the back of company research which shows that quality food provision scores consistently in the ‘Top 5’ requirements of an enjoyable ferry travel experience as Jamie Christon, Stena Line’s route director for central corridor and head of onboard support services for the UK and Ireland, explains.

“Food is a very important part of our overall customer service experience.  In recent years we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds throughout the Irish Sea in our ships and ports and it’s important that our food proposition keeps pace with this development,” said Jamie.

“Kevin has been working with our chefs over the past month, travelling on each of our ships on the Irish Sea and has developed a great understanding of what we need to do to take our food offering to a higher level.

“Our chefs are really enjoying the experience, not just because of Kevin’s obvious talent as a chef but also his infectious enthusiasm and inspiration when it comes to food preparation and delivery,” he continued.

“We’re very excited to reveal the results of this culinary partnership in the coming weeks, onboard all of our ships on the Irish Sea,” Jamie added.

Stena Line’s target is to have a new standardised menu for the Irish Sea routes by early summer.

Saturday and Sunday sell out for first time in European Tour history

NEXT week’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush has officially sold out on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1, and time is running out to book tickets in advance for Thursday June 28 and Friday June 29.

The European Tour announced today that, for the first time in its history, it has had to close tickets sales for any day of a regular Tour event as the Irish Open became the bestselling tournament on the schedule this year.

Spectators were also urged to book tickets for Thursday and Friday in advance although the deadline to do that is 5pm tomorrow (Friday).  While it may be possible to purchase day tickets for those days on the gate, that definitely won’t be an option on the Saturday and Sunday which are completely sold out.

The European Tour is also urging spectators to plan their journeys in advance by booking Translink rail and bus services or, if travelling by car, to follow dedicated event car park signage in order to facilitate the ease of access and exit to the event.

“We are preparing for a crowd around the 100,000 mark for the week of the Championship, and with a particularly large spectator audience expected for the weekend, we felt it prudent to stop selling tickets for Saturday and Sunday,” said Irish Open Championship Director Antonia Beggs.

“For operational reasons we also have to close the sale of advance tickets for Thursday and Friday at 5pm this Friday.  Due to the close proximity to the event, it would be impossible to guarantee that tickets bought after this Friday would arrive in time for the start of the tournament.”

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Chief Executive Alan Clarke said that this year’s tournament will be a record-breaking success and reiterated that people cannot turn up at the weekend without a ticket.

“This year’s Irish Open is sure to be one of the biggest in the competition’s history with advance ticket sales reaching unprecedented levels and record crowds expected in Co. Antrim.” said Clarke.

“While in previous years, it may have been possible for spectators to turn up on the day and purchase tickets on the day, we would strongly urge people not to try this on Saturday and Sunday as the event is completely sold out at the weekend and there is absolutely no chance of being admitted without a ticket.

“This reflects the tremendous interest in the competition this year but really it comes as no surprise to us given the fact that it’s the first time the Irish Open has been held in Northern Ireland for 59 years, and of course the incredible success in recent years of our golfers, who are all taking part in the Championship alongside a host of other top players,” he added.

“The Irish Open is the latest in a packed programme of major events, celebrations and commemorations during 2012 which are changing the global perception of Northern Ireland as a destination and restoring a sense of pride to everyone who lives here.” he added.

Beggs added: “It is important that the spectators enjoy the experience of attending the event so we are reminding everyone to follow the official Automobile Association event signage to and from the tournament rather than rely on ‘SatNav technology’ as the signs will direct spectators to the best available car park at the time.”

Speaking about dedicated rail and bus services, Translink’s Arthur Hamilton encouraged anyone travelling to the Irish Open to book train or coach tickets now to guarantee their seats.

“In addition to normal scheduled services, extra trains will run from Belfast and Derry–Londonderry to Portrush with tickets available to book online or purchase in advance from main train stations,” said Arthur.

“Dedicated golf coach services will depart locations across Northern Ireland and are available to book online only.  Ulsterbus Tours is also offering both travel and Irish Open ticket packages.

“Golf rail service online ticket bookings will close at 2pm three days prior to travel. However, additional rail tickets will also be available to purchase from selected stations on day of travel.

“Golf coach ticket bookings will close at 5pm on day prior to travel and are only available to purchase online

“Golf coach and train return services are £15 per adult and £7.50 per child. Ulsterbus Tours packages are £40 per person,” he added.

For travel information including bus and rail ticket bookings click www.translink.co.uk/irishopen or call the Translink contact centre on 00 44 (0) 28 9066 6630.