Tourism NI’s young ‘Adventure Ambassador’ enjoys some of Northern Ireland’s world class attractions and experiences

From exploring the depths of the Marble Arch Caves to the world-renowned Giant’s Causeway and even the stars above at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Northern Ireland is perfect for making core family memories.

You’re only a small step away from giant experiences as Tourism Northern Ireland’s ‘Adventure Ambassador’ eight-year-old Anna McGuinness and her family have been discovering.

Having won TNI’s Giant Memory Making competition earlier this year, Adventure Ambassador Anna, and her family, have been busy enjoying fun-filled day trips and short breaks across Northern Ireland and have put together a host of videos showcasing their giant adventures.

Narrated by Anna, the three videos provide a showcase of the McGuinness family’s trips to County Tyrone, County Armagh, County Fermanagh and the Causeway Coast.

“It has been great fun exploring Northern Ireland with my family,” said Anna.

“There are so many amazing places to see and things to do here and they’re all just a short journey away from our home.

“My sister (Bonnie) and I have had an amazing time so far and we can’t wait to continue our giant adventures across counties Armagh, Down and Londonderry with our mum, dad and dog Pepper.”

In County Tyrone, the intrepid explorers enjoyed zip-lining and mountain climbing at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, stepped back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park and learning all about the night sky at OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory. They also came face to face with a giant when they met Ceoldán: The Stargazer at Davagh Forest, part of the Sperrin Sculpture Trail.

On the Causeway Coast they spent time at Broughgammon Farm before departing Ballycastle harbour for a tour along the North Coast with Kintra Boat Tours. The family enjoyed lunch with Pepper at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle and stopped at Dunluce Castle. They learned about the legend of Finn McCool at the Giant’s Causeway and then dipped their toes in the water at Whiterocks Beach before heading to dinner at Ramore, Anna recommends the brownie.

Before heading to County Fermanagh, the McGuinness family stopped by Portadown to enjoy the Orchard County at Long Meadow Farm. After they tasted the fresh apple juice and treats, they made their way to a lakeside lodge at the Killyhevlin Hotel before exploring Devenish Island and Enniskillen Castle on the Erne Water Taxi. The Marble Arch Caves were also a hit with the young family.

Watch on to find out what else they got up to on each of their short breaks and for more information, and other family-friendly giant adventures in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

Join Fionn Mac Cumhaill as he returns to oversee festivities at the Wake the Giant Festival in Warrenpoint this year with the theme, ‘The Land of Giants’.

Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, this year’s festival promises even more excitement with the arrival of two new Giant Guardians, Wee Binnian and Carley who will make their grand debut in The Giants Parade.

Our mischievous newcomers, Wee Binnian and Carley, will make several pop-up visits to keep crowds entertained during the festival weekend creating awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable photo opportunities.

During the festival weekend Warrenpoint Municipal Park will be transformed into ‘The Land of Giants’, featuring Family Garden Games, Green Crafts Workshops, a Bemusement Arcade, and a Food Village. While at Warrenpoint Municipal Park, don’t miss the fantastic line up of musicians billed across the two days performing on the Park’s bandstand stage.

This year, we are thrilled to offer a diverse food experience, perfect for food enthusiasts of all tastes and preferences. Explore the Food Village in Warrenpoint Municipal Park and join the unique Food Trail through the town, featuring giant food offerings all weekend long. The Giant Funfair on Warrenpoint Promenade will entertain with thrilling rides and classic carnival games for all to enjoy.

Families and visitors can also enjoy a new Sensory Hub located in Warrenpoint Town Hall which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children and adults to enjoy over the weekend, with changing places located nearby on Great Georges Street (South).

Don’t miss this chance to watch the facade of the former Osborne Hotel be transformed into a vibrant canvas as nature street artist ‘Faunagraphic’ creates a Giant Art Mural depicting the unique aspects of Mourne Gullion Strangford Global Geopark.

With so much on offer throughout the weekend, visitors are encouraged to make a break of it and explore more of what the destination has to offer. For the full festival line-up and further information on where to stay, eat, and for even more things to do during a stay here in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion, please visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/wakethegiant

TITANIC Belfast has welcomed the pocket watch gifted to RMS Carpathia’s Captain, Arthur Rostron for his heroic efforts, which will be on public display for a limited time.

The luxury 18ct gold Tiffany & Co. timepiece, on loan from Wiltshire auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons until the end of October, was presented to Captain Rostron by the widows of high-profile businessmen, John Jacob Astor, George Dunton Widener and John B. Thayer – victims of RMS Titanic’s sinking.

Captain Rostron’s quick reaction and bravery resulted in him and his crew rescuing over 700 surviving passengers and crew of RMS Titanic after the tragic sinking of the ship on her maiden voyage.

Madeleine Talmage Astor, Marian Longstreth Thayer and Eleanor Elkins Widener, whose husbands were considered three of the wealthiest businessmen in the world at the time, presented the pocket watch to Rostron ‘with heartfelt gratitude and appreciation’ during a lunch at the Astor mansion in New York on May 31^st 1912, exactly one year after Titanic’s launch.

The pocket watch joins another of Captain Rostron’s heroic gifts, the Carpathia Loving Cup, which was presented to him by one of Titanic’s most famous survivors, Molly Brown. The Loving Cup is now permanently displayed as part of the Titanic Experience along with a collection of other rare artefacts.

The pocket watch will be free for the public to view on the Level 1 Apex of Titanic Belfast until 31^st October before it goes to auction and will also be part of the visitor attraction’s Titanic Experience by Night events being held every Friday evening throughout August.

Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: “Captain Rostron is a significant part of RMS Titanic’s story as his heroic efforts ensured that over 700 of its passengers were rescued. We are proud to be able to publicly display his pocket watch until the end of October, presented to him by these high-profile widows and survivors of the tragic sinking.

This adds to the collection of artefacts we already have displayed within the Titanic Experience, including the Carpathia Loving Cup and an original Fosbery lifejacket, one of only twelve remaining from onboard Titanic. Only the survivors will understand the true heroics of Captain Rostron on that fateful night, but these artefacts are a lasting legacy of the unbelievable gratitude they had for this man.

We are honoured to have the pocket watch visit Titanic Belfast, giving the public an opportunity to view this piece of maritime history for free ahead of it going to auction. So we would encourage everyone to take this unique opportunity to come and view it before 31^st October.”

Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, the world’s leading Titanic memorabilia auctioneers, said: “We are delighted to be able to place a watch of this importance with Titanic Belfast, the birthplace of Titanic this summer for visitors to enjoy prior to our specialist auction on November 16^th. It’s a unique opportunity to see first-hand this stunning artefact, gifted to Arthur Rostron who was one of the heroes of the disaster.”

For further information on the display of Captain Rostron’s Pocket Watch or to book tickets for the Titanic Experience, visit titanicbelfast.com

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is prepped and ready to deliver a jam-packed season of live entertainment, interactive workshops and the best in visual art to audiences this Autumn and Winter. Here’s a sneak peak of what’s on the horizon over the next few months,.

Local talent is set to dominate the comedy scene in the upcoming months; Lurgan’s own Micky Bartlett kicks off the season, followed by Tim McGarry, Rory O’Connor, William Caulfield, Diona Doherty, Neil Delamere and Jake O’Kane.

These stand-up comedians, who are the crème de la crème of the local comedy circuit, will be stepping into the spotlight, ready to serve up an unforgettable experience of homegrown humour.

For those who prefer a bit of drama in their lives, the Autumn season will not disappoint. National Theatre Live will host a screening of the exceptional Prima Facie which sees Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) give an Olivier and Tony award winning performance. Bruiser Theatre Company will take the stage their hard-hitting, socio-political play, ‘Wasted’. One-man show chronicling the life of ex-UVF and PUP politician David Ervine, ‘The Man who Swallowed a Dictionary’, will return following outstanding success on tour in 2023. Historical Entertainer, Paddy Cullivan brings the incredible story of the death of Irelands first Commander-in-Chief with ‘The Murder of Michael Collins’. Kabosh Productions present ‘Callings’, set in 1970s Northern Ireland, this powerful and poignant play delves into the struggle for survival our queer communities faced on a daily basis.

There’ll be music aplenty to while away the winter nights in style with performances from Brendan Quinn, Cahal & Rachael Materson, Onóir, The 4 of Us, Jamie Duffy, France Black and Market Place favourites, The Highstool Prophets and The Pat McManus Band. And as ever, a remarkable line-up of the best tribute acts around will be returning to Armagh. With world-class tributes to superstars including Fleetwood Mac, Shakin’ Stevens, Abba, Rod Stewart, Neil Young and Luke Kelly.

And then of course, there’s the Panto! Get ready for a hair-raising adventure this Christmas and unravel the story of Rapunzel, a lonely princess with golden hair who is trapped in a tower and longing for a life of adventure in the outside world. With the help of some a-moo-zing animal friends and Dame Pam Load, will Rapunzel be able to escape the tower and be reunited with her real family? Only one way to find out! Let your hair down and join us for an unforgettable pantomime experience this Christmas.

Don’t forget The Market Place also offers a superb range of interactive workshops for adults and children, but be quick, because these are sure to be as popular as ever, and tickets won’t hang around for long.

Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Instagram (@marketplace.armagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Ulster Youth Orchestra is regarded as one of the jewels in the crown of the local arts scene, with a reputation for excellence in all its performances. Established in 1993, the Ulster Youth Orchestra continues to flourish as the premier showcase youth orchestra in Northern Ireland.

Following rigorous competitive auditions, 94 talented young musicians have been selected to attend the annual summer course in preparation for two public concerts in Derry-Londonderry and Belfast.  The young players will be coached by a team of highly experienced professional tutors during the intensive 10-day residential course at Greenmount Agricultural College, Antrim.

This year’s programme begins with the exuberant Overture to Colas Breugnon by Kabalevsky.  A riotous and accessible opener to set the mood!   Prokofiev picks up the dramatic baton as the audience are treated to a selection of movements from arguably one of the best loved ballets, Romeo and Juliet.  To close the concert, Bartók’s folk-inspired Concerto for Orchestra gives every section of the orchestra a chance to shine and dazzle in this eternally popular work.

Paula Klein, UYO General Manager, says:

“The excitement is palpable as the young people prepare this summer’s fantastic repertoire and we make our last-minute arrangements ahead of UYO 2024.  Many of this year’s members will be here for the first time which adds an exciting edge to the course as we uncover new talent.  We look forward to welcoming everyone, to working hard, having fun and to producing high quality, sparkling performances!”

The Ulster Youth Orchestra is grateful for the substantial funding it receives from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland to support its work.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added,

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to be principal funder of the Ulster Youth Orchestra, the foremost youth music provider in the training, development, and showcasing of our finest young, classical musicians in Northern Ireland.  Funding from The National Lottery is a game changer in enabling this important organisation to create the next generation of classical musicians in the region, and I would encourage everyone to go along to the performances at the Guildhall and Ulster Hall, which promise to be two evenings of tremendous music.”

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Thirty years of partnership between Belfast and Nashville is being celebrated with a sister cities cultural fusion festival of food and music this month

This month, Belfast and Nashville are commemorating 30 years of a sister city partnership with a vibrant festival of culture, food and music. Established in 1994, the partnership between the two cities has grown into a remarkable fusion of traditions, creating a unique bridge connecting their shared heritage.

To mark the sister cities milestone, Nashville 2 Belfast will showcase the flavours and sounds of Nashville in Belfast next weekend. The exchange of culinary practices between Belfast and Nashville has enabled chefs from both cities to showcase their talents, deepening the appreciation of each other’s culinary traditions. This weekend festival of events is set to tantalise the taste buds while fostering deeper cultural connections. The bond between Belfast and Nashville is further strengthened through music, a universal language that resonates into the very soul of both cities. Belfast’s rich musical heritage, spanning traditional folk to contemporary rock, finds a kindred spirit in Nashville, the world’s capital of country music.

Nashville 2 Belfast celebrations commence with a civic reception hosted by Belfast’s Lord Mayor recognising the enduring transatlantic bond.

On Friday 23 August a Nashville-style gala dinner and cabaret in The Culloden Estate and Spa will encourage guests to discover the rhythm of Nashville and the charm of Belfast as they come together in a fusion of flavours and sounds. Guests will enjoy authentic Southern dishes while being serenaded by Ginger Newman, Jill Andrews and The Nashville Tenors.

On Saturday 24 August at St Comgall’s in Belfast a day of family friendly activities begins with a musical workshop led by singer songwriter Jill Andrews, aimed at children keen to hone their musical talents. Throughout the day the world-renowned pop-up Monell’s Restaurant, direct from Nashville, will serve up a menu including Southern-style fried chicken and more, from breakfast through to dinner. Monell’s will also serve brunch on Sunday 25 August at St Comgall’s.

McConnell’s Distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol will be the setting for an intimate gig with Jill Andrews on Saturday evening. Guests will be treated to a welcome beverage and Nashville-style dessert before being entertained by Jill and her friends.

Nashville 2 Belfast is spearheaded by restaurateur and entrepreneur Michael King, whose passion for cultural exchange has been instrumental in fostering this sister city relationship. Speaking ahead of the festival, Michael said: “I’m extremely proud to be celebrating the 30^th anniversary of the sister city bond between Nashville and Belfast. By bringing together chefs, artists and cultural ambassadors, we’re honouring our rich heritage and laying the foundation for future cross-Atlantic collaborations. This celebration is a testament to the power of international friendship and co-operation.”

For more information and to purchase tickets to the various Nashville 2 Belfast events on 23 and 24 August, please visit www.nashvilleto.com