THE biggest Countrysports Fair in Northern Ireland is back this May and promises to be even better than before as the two-day spectacular expands to Three Great Events in One Giant Festival.

The hugely popular extravaganza is supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council and saw 18,000 people attend last year. This year’s festival has been rebranded from The National Countrysports Fair to The Northern Ireland Countryside Festival and is celebrating its 10^th anniversary taking place at Moira Demesne on Saturday 26^th and Sunday 27^th May.

Families can enjoy all the fun of the fair as children under 16 years can enter free and this year will see three great events – the National Countrysports Fair, the Tea on the Titanic Festival and the Finn McCool Strongman Festival – rolled into one giant festival.

On display for all to see will be the Phoenix Falconry birds of prey, Drakes of Hazard sheepdog and ducks display and Gundog handling demonstrations. There will also be a chance for visitors to try their hand at countrysports activities including clay pigeon shooting, archery and falconry.

The Tea on the Titanic Festival will give guests the opportunity to relax and enjoy some entertainment, food and refreshments.  Music on offer over the weekend will include traditional music and dance from Hugo Duncan and band, The Bjorn Identity Abba Tribute Band and an Elvis Tribute act. There will also be a half-price evening ticket for those wanting to gain entrance and enjoy entertainment each evening from 5.00pm.

The Strongman arena is set to stage the Finn McCool Celtic Games, where five times UK Strongest Man Glenn Ross will host both the Highland and Celtic Games on Saturday 26^th May and the Irish Novice Strongman challenge on Sunday 27^th May. Some of the strongest men in the UK are down to compete in a mixture of traditional lifting, pulling and tossing cabers.

The event also offers novelty events including the Scruffs Dog Show on Sunday, where you can enter your pooch with the chance of being crowned ‘The Scruffiest’, ‘The One with the Waggiest Tail’ or ‘The One the judge would most like to take home’. There will also be a display of the ‘Titanic Dogs’ a Newfoundland, Pomeranian and Pekingese, three breeds of dog which survived the fateful sinking of the world famous ship.

Visitors can tantalise their taste buds at the Food Festival & Farmer’s market which attracts producers from Northern Ireland and abroad. The crafts fair gives visitors the opportunity to peruse a wide variety of country related products from walking sticks to candle making and there will also be vintage vehicles on display including tractors, farm machinery and a range of classic cars.

Event Director, Bill Beckett said, “This year the Northern Ireland Countryside Festival is bigger and better than ever. With the two additional events – Tea on The Titanic Festival and the Finn McCool Celtic Games, as well as the National Countrysports Fair, it really is set to be a fantastic weekend to entertain all ages and tastes.

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“Whether you want to come for the whole day to view the different displays, take part in the have-a-go events or enjoy the various stalls and musical entertainment as you sit back and enjoy some great food, not only are we providing something for everyone but as kids go free it’s a cost effective family day out.”

The Northern Ireland Countryside Festival runs from 11.00am – 9.00pm on Saturday and 10.30am – 7.00pm on Sunday. The adult admission fee is £10 and children can go free when accompanied by an adult.  The event also offers free on-site car parking.

More information on this and all aspects of the two-day festival is available from the show’s website at www.nicountryside.com and on Twitter @MoiraGameFair and Facebook www.facebook.com/nationalcountrysportsfair

Coca-Cola to get everyone in Northern Ireland to Move to the Beat of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay, with the help of General Fiasco!

Coca-Cola has today announced that it will bring General Fiasco – one of the UK’s most exciting indie rock bands – back home to Northern Ireland for a series of spectacular Evening Celebrations along the route of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay.

Coca-Cola, a Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, will bring some of the UK’s most exciting up and coming musicians to perform at the live, free-to-attend events taking place almost every night of the Olympic Torch Relay. Coca-Cola is working with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and host Local Authorities to give thousands more people across the country the chance to move to the beat of London 2012.

General Fiasco will play at the Olympic Torch Relay Evening Celebrations across Northern Ireland with performances at:

• East Strand Car Park, Portrush on 3rd June
• St Columbs Park, Derry, Londonderry on 4th June
• Pairc Esler, Newry on 5th June
• Belfast City Hall, Belfast on 6th June

Coca-Cola is encouraging everyone to bring family and friends to their nearest event to join in celebrating the inspirational Future Flames who will have carried the Olympic Flame through their community. Details on the Olympic Torch Relay can be found at: www.london2012.com/torch-relay/about/.

The events in Northern Ireland are part of 61 free Evening Celebrations happening along the course of the Olympic Torch Relay, which sees Coca-Cola taking some of the nation’s most exciting up and coming music acts on tour around the UK. The 61 dates will include performances from Emeli Sandé, General Fiasco, Katy B, Kids In Glass Houses, Little Comets, Loick Essien, Morning Parade, Rizzle Kicks, Tribes, Wombats, Wretch 32 and Young Guns.

Last month, Coca-Cola announced that in addition to the 61 Evening Celebrations, four Special City Celebrations will take place in Cardiff on 25th May, Glasgow on 8th June, Leeds on 24th June and Birmingham on 30th June, culminating with a star-studded finale in London’s Hyde Park on 26th July, the day before the Opening Ceremony.

The Hyde Park Olympic Torch Relay Finale concert – headlined by award-winning rapper Dizzee Rascal and featuring performances from The Wanted, a special performance by Mark Ronson & Katy B, Eliza Doolittle, You Me At Six, Rizzle Kicks, Wretch 32, Morning Parade, Loick Essien and Little Comets – will mark the end of the Olympic Flame’s route across the UK. Tickets costing £15 (plus order processing fee) are available via http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coca-colacelebrations.

James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, The Coca-Cola Company, said:
“We know that music brings people together in celebration and as a Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay we have a fantastic opportunity to extend the magic and excitement of London 2012 to every corner of the UK. We are taking some of the nation’s most exciting musical talent on the road with the aim of getting Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK moving to the beat in celebration of their local Future Flames. We’re encouraging everyone to attend their nearest Evening Celebration – and the spectacular finale in London’s Hyde Park – to soak up the incredible atmosphere as the UK prepares to host to the Games.”

The celebrations form a key part of Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of London 2012 and unite its two campaigns, Move To The Beat, which fuses music and sport to bring teens closer to the Olympic Games through a unique collaboration with GRAMMY award-winning producer Mark Ronson and chart topping dub-step vocalist Katy B, and Future Flames, Coca-Cola’s Olympic Torch Relay campaign which celebrates the best of British youth by giving them the once in a lifetime chance to carry the Olympic Flame.

General Fiasco said: “We’re delighted to be playing as part of four amazing nights back in Northern Ireland in celebration of the Olympic Torch Relay. We feel very fortunate to be part of the event and on home soil. It’s an amazing chance for everyone to experience the buzz of the Games thanks to Coke and awe can’t wait to partake in the celebration of the inspirational Future Flames who are running with the Olympic Torch.”

For details on how to attend the Evening Celebrations in Northern Ireland visit www.london2012.com/join-in/whats-on. Tickets for the Olympic Torch Relay finale in London’s Hyde Park are available at http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/coca-colacelebrations. Registration for the Special City Celebrations in Glasgow, Cardiff, Leeds and Birmingham is now closed.

Internet sensation Poppy D will be in Belfast on Monday 14 May to encourage Queen’s graduates to ‘be inspired’ about their future career opportunities.  One of ‘London’s 1000 most influential people’ in 2011, Poppy D is the founder of ‘What I Wore Today’.

Jonathan Hill, President of Queen’s Graduates’ Association, said:  “We’ve invited Poppy D to address recent graduates and anyone who may still be considering which career path to take.  At 24, Poppy has an inspirational story to tell about how her blog earns her a living and we want to share it with those who are embarking on their careers.”

Poppy D will be joined at the event by Phil Watson, who graduated from QUB in 2008 and now works with LinkedIn.

To date Phil’s job has taken him to London, New York, Miami, Las Vegas and San Francisco.  Phil will share some insights into how every graduate, job seeker and employee can maximise their potential through the power of social media.

Be Inspired is supported by Hastings Hotels and will be held in the Great Hall, Queen’s University on Monday 14 May at 6.00pm.  Queen’s Graduates’ Association members can attend for £5 and non-members – and current Queen’s students – for £20.  For details on how to book your place at the event, simply log onto www.qub.ac.uk/home/Alumni/ or call tel 028 9097 3114.

Twenty years on from his Olympic silver medal win, Wayne McCullough will be in the Old Courthouse, Antrim, for an evening of conversation, on Wednesday 23^rd May.

The event, in aid of Antrim’s Olympic and Paralympic Welcome Host Committee, will give fans of the ‘Pocket Rocket’ a chance to hear firsthand how Wayne’s experiences inside and out of the ring have afforded him such titles as ‘The Best Chin in Boxing’ and the first ever ‘World Boxing Council Ambassador of Peace’.

Wayne McCullough said:  “The Olympic Games will always hold an extra special place in my heart and I’m excited to be involved in Northern Ireland’s preparations ahead of London 2012.  Hosting this event in aid of the Welcome Host Committee, who will welcome the teams to Antrim in preparation for the games, gives me the opportunity to participate in London 2012 without actually stepping into the ring!”

Maeve Kyle, Olympic athlete and Chair of the Antrim Welcome Host Committee commented: “The Committee have been fundraising and organising events for the three Pre-Games Training Camps in Antrim.  The aim is to engage as many young people with the Teams and their sports while they are here and build a legacy that will last long after the Games are over.  Wayne is an inspirational sportsman and we are thrilled that he is helping bring the London 2012 Games to life in Antrim.”

One of the top amateur fighters in the history of boxing in Ireland, Wayne had over 50 International tournaments under his belt including a Commonwealth Games gold medal and fought a total of 319 amateur contests when he won his Silver Olympic Medal at the Barcelona Games in 1992.

Wayne’s professional career began in the United States of America in 1993 and within two and a half years Wayne won the WBC Bantamweight title in Japan – the only British and Irish fighter ever to achieve this.

Wayne will talk about how a failed brain scan and heart stopping moment almost changed his life forever and some 20 years on from Olympic glory, Wayne is now an associate of UFC.  He may even share some moves from the fastest growing sport in the world on May 23^rd in the Old Courthouse!

Tickets for An Evening With Wayne McCullough are priced from £15.00 to £75.00 and are available from the Old Courthouse Box Office tel 028 9446 3113.  Follow Wayne on facebook www.facebook.com/waynepocketrocketmccullough or on twitter @waynemccullough

If you think owning your own private island is strictly limited to the rich and famous think again.

You can follow in the footsteps of Richard Branson and Johnny Depp and get away from it all on your very own island right here on the shores of beautiful Lough Erne.  Join other celebrity Irish island owners including John Lennon, Louis Walsh and Michael Flatley who all snapped up an Irish oasis away from the spotlight.

Stunning Inisliroo Island is up for sale and considering private Irish islands don’t come up for sale too often this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to snap up your very own Irish getaway.  Situated just 500 yards from Knockninny Pier in Derrylin, the island comes with full planning permission for a new 2,000 sq ft home.

The Island is also an important part of local history with four generations of the Maguire family farming the island.  After the Second World War the island became famous for its fruit production and its orchard is still fully functional today.  The original family home remains and provides mains water, telephone line and electric generator.

Mark Leinster of selling agents BTWCairns comments:  “This is a truly unique opportunity as in over a decade of working as an estate agent I have not come across an island for sale.  Inisliroo Island has to be seen to be believed – it is a stunning piece of land with breathtaking views of Lough Erne.  Just think what you could do with your very own island – create a technology-free retreat, a nature reserve or even an exclusive holiday location.”

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty the island provides magnificent views and has its own private jetty.  It is ideally located to take full advantage of Waterways Ireland allowing you to cruise all the way to Limerick.  It also has access to a wide array of watersports and angling.

Inisliroo Island is on the market for £600,000, for further information on the property contact selling agent BTWCairns on 028 90668888 or www.btwcairns.com.

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company is launching its latest participation and performance programme for Spring and Summer 2012.

The Bishop Street-based dance company will be offering its usual weekly classes for all ages and abilities, from parent and toddler, kids aged 5-12 to adults and older people, starting 4^th May, AND it’s popular summer scheme in July for ages 5-12.

Echo Echo has danced with thousands of people from across the North West and beyond, and encourages anyone interested in dance or movement to come along and join in- no matter what their experience or ability level.

Last term, the company introduced their lunchtime performance events, which will continue in May and June. These are a great way to introduce the public to the performance work of the dancers for a short showing with tea and cake.

The new addition to this term’s programme is Salsa, led by local dancer Ayesha Mailey. Ayesha has been training in salsa for several years and will do two introductory sessions in May as tasters to see what level of interest there is in the city.

Ayesha said: “Salsa is, by its very nature, a fusion dance with its origins in Latin American and European dance and movement styles. It is lively, interactive and great fun.

“My teaching will combine the sensuous and energetic qualities of salsa with the improvisory feel of Echo Echo’s contemporary style. I will teach fundamental footwork and hand styling with the focus on embodying the choreography from the inside out.”

Echo Echo is considered to be Northern Ireland’s leading dance company. The company is known for it’s innovative projects and unique performance style as well as it’s accessibility to people of all ages and ability levels.

The company’s dance courses book up quickly so anyone interested in joining in is advised to book a place as soon as possible. Prices start from £3 per class and £30 for a full course.

Details are available by contacting the Echo Echo office on 028 7130 8883, email info@echoechodance.com or visit www.echoechodance.com

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Derry City Council and The Creative Industries Innovation Fund.

This May Day, North Down Borough Council in association with Holywood and District Community Council are proud to bring the internationally acclaimed street artist, Jon Hicks to Holywood as part of the annual May Day celebrations taking place on Monday, May 7^th.

Jon regularly appears in street festivals, arts festivals, art happenings, cabarets and corporate events all around the world. Performing his own shows or creating new artworks to a client brief. He has just recorded a spot for the new BBC1 children’s show “The Slammer” due to be on the TV this autumn.

At May Day, Jon will be creating a beautiful image of the Holywood May Pole on the pavement using chalk, a masterpiece which he will be creating throughout the course of the event. Members of the public can come along and watch Jon working and marvel at his artistry. This is a fantastic opportunity to see an art prodigy in action!

There’s plenty more happening at the May Day event too. The town will be filled with over 70 craft and charity stalls for the occasion so plenty for the shoppers to browse! Holywood and District Community Council have organised the now legendary Bonny Baby competition at 10.30am in the Queens Leisure Complex with the ever- popular Maypole Dancing at 10.15am and 11.30am. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12.00-4.00pm.

To celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee there will be a Royal themed Fancy Dress Competition at the Main Stage area at 12.15pm. At 1pm the stage will play host to a programme of medieval merriment to keep all the family entertained until 4pm.

The stage programme this year includes a comic portrayal of Robin Hood and the Sheriff of Nottingham along with Jester and Juggler frolics. And there will be many other enchanting characters weaving their way through the crowds throughout the day.

So come to Holywood this May Day for a fun-filled family day out!

For more information check out www.northdowntourism.com or call

Bangor Tourism Information Centre on 02891 270069

Silhouette, Farriers, Space Dimension Controller also confirmed

GLASGOWBURY are delighted to announce that rock giants Therapy? will headline this year’s ‘Small But Massive’ event.

Recently voted Northern Ireland’s Best Festival, Glasgowbury have arranged a stellar line-up of some of the best emerging and established talent for their July 21^st celebration.

NI legends Therapy? will cap off this year’s Draperstown based festival in a year that has seen them release their highly acclaimed new album, A Brief Crack Of Light.

With over 20 years of touring experience and stunning releases in the form of the iconic Mercury nominated album Troublegum, Glasgowbury 2012 will make history as the first NI headline appearance for the three-piece rock band.

Completing the first round of line-up announcements, Glasgowbury are also delighted to welcome Silhouette, Amidships, Pretty Child Backfire, Farriers, VerseChorusVerse, Space Dimension Controller, Ryan Vail and Our Krypton Son to this year’s celebration.

Festival organiser Paddy Glasgow said, “Having Therapy? play the festival is something we’ve been trying to make a reality for a few years now and I’m delighted that we can finally make it happen.

“The guys are legends of the music scene and respected the world over for their talent and having them headline their first NI festival is something we’ve proud to make happen,” he said.

“As always, Glasgowbury attempts to programme a festival based around the best in homegrown talent and I think this year’s festival will be testament to that.

“This year’s line-up is one of the most exciting yet and includes some festival first-time performances from artists such as Amidships, Ryan Vail and Our Krypton Son – acts which are making massive headway and some really exciting music.”

Glasgowbury 2012 takes place across the weekend of July 21^st and ‘early eagle’ tickets are on sale until the end of May at 2010 prices.

For more details on all things Glasgowbury, see www.glasgowbury.com

small but MASSIVE!

A total of 16 competitors have qualified to compete in the Ulster Strongest Man Competition to be held in Cookstown on Bank Holiday Monday 7^th May from 12 noon to 5pm.

The event, organised by Cookstown District Council and sponsored by Signworks is set to be a thrilling spectacle with competitors going head to head in six spectacular challenges.

The Ulster’s Strongest Man event is only one part of the fun filled day. Children will be entertained on the main street with an array of activities from kiddie’s amusement rides, free magic shows, balloon modeling and face painters.  In addition to last year’s set up, Grandstand tiered seating will be located on both sides of the arena.   

The Challenges 2012

1: Earth Mover – Tyre Super Yoke

A two laned event with a huge 850lbs structure being carried on each competitors shoulder over a set course of 20 metres. A Jurassic earth stumping event to start of the competition.  Fastest time or distance taken wins.

2: St Patrick’s Trail Carry

A huge Celtic Cross weighing in excess of 200kg will be picked up in the arms of the competitor and carried for a far as possible up a 20 metre set course.  A real lung busting event were not only strength but fitness is the key. Furthest distance wins.

3: The Apollo Axle Wheel Deadlift

This is the most famous weightlifting axle in the world, with a thick 2 inch bar making it difficult to hold.  Louis Cyr, the famous French Canadian Circus Performer lifted this mighty axle above his head.  In our competition it will be a deadlift from the ground.  This not only involves back strength but also pinch grip to lift the bar.  Maximum lift wins.

4: The Hercules Hold

This is one of the most painful strongman tests.  A competitor must lift a car on a frame off the ground for as long as possible.  Pain and guts are part of this event, the strongest grip around will be the winner.

5: Beaghmore Atlas Stone Lift

Five stones weighing from 85kg to a massive 145kg will be lifted onto a wall of varied heights.  This will be the toughest of all the strength events.  Stone lifting is the oldest strength test known to strongman, an overall body challenge.

6: The Olympic Strongman Medley

Competitors will go head to head in this event were a series of block lifts and presses need to be completed.  Competitors will first lift a 110kg axle push above their heads.  They will then pull a 200kg block on to an 18” platform.   Competitors will move on the second platform and push a 64kg dumbbell above their heads and then pull a 225kg block onto an 18” high platform.  The final task of the grueling challenge will be to lift a 130kg log and push it above their head and then lift a massive 250kg block onto the 18”platform.  Fastest time wins.

This is the finale event of 6 grueling events and it will test every sinew of the competitors body, only the strong will survive and the weak will falter.  The strongest will be crowned Ulster’s Strongest Man 2012 and receive the coveted Culcullen Warrior Prince Trophy. For more information contact Cookstown TIC on 028 86769949  or log onto our facebook page www.facebook.com/visitcookstown

This Mayday bank holiday weekend, the beautiful setting of Springhill in Moneymore will once again be the backdrop for the sights, smells and sounds of 1940’s wartime Britain.

The Wartime Living History Association has once again teamed up with the National Trust who own Springhill in Moneymore.  The event, ‘GI’s on Parade’ will allow members of the general public to experience first hand what life was like for the locals and the American soldiers in 1942.

In 1942 the 82^nd Airborne Parachute Infantry Regiment of the United States Army was stationed in and around Springhill, Moneymore.  The G.I’s stationed there were preparing for their part in Operation Overlord (D-Day) and the liberation of Nazi occupied Europe.  On Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May 2012 the members of the Wartime Living History Association and the staff of Springhill will transform this historical house and its grounds into a living time capsule that will allow visitors to relive that nostalgic time.

This year’s event is shaping up to be as exciting and as educational as last year.  The Wartime Living History Association in conjunction with the National Trust are putting together an event programme that will have something for all the family.  Even if wartime history is not of interest, there is will be plenty more activities for you to enjoy.

Try your hand at archery, target shooting and zorbing or simply relax in the surrounds of Springhill gardens with a tea and scone. The House will be open for wartime period living history tours while outside reenactments of sniper attacks, bunker assaults and woodland skirmishes will take place throughout the day.  A World War One demonstration military vehicle display and American GI parade are also among the days attractions

GI’s on parade will take place at Springhill on Sunday 6 and Monday 7 May from 12-5pm. Adult member and non-member £6. Child member and non-member £3, Family member and non-member £15. For further information visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni or call Springhill on 028 8674 8210.