TT stars on the grid to launch Ulster Grand Prix 2011!

By

TT winners Bruce Anstey, Michael Dunlop and Cameron Donald were in Dundrod, Co. Antrim today to mark the official launch of the McKinstry Skip Hire Ulster Grand Prix 2011.

They will be joined at the World’s Fastest Road Race this August by fellow TT winners Gary Johnson and John McGuinness as well as road racing greats such as Guy Martin, William Dunlop, Keith Amor, Conor Cummins and many more.

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, said; “I am delighted to see Bruce, Michael and Cameron in Dundrod, fresh from the Isle of Man TT, to launch Bike Week 2011.

“The exciting thing about this year’s event is that the competition is wide open and anyone could win, if the TT is anything to go by. Visitors to this year’s Ulster Grand Prix won’t be disappointed, we’re working very hard to match the great success of last year and fans can expect more exceptional racing round the seven mile long Dundrod circuit.

“Of course we wouldn’t be able to put on a great show without the help of the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Lisburn City Council as well as our title sponsor, McKinstry Skip Hire, Dundrod 150 sponsor Topaz and race sponsors Maxwell Freight Services. Without the support of these organisations, the Ulster Grand Prix just wouldn’t happen,” he said.

Joy Bond, Events Manager at the Northern Ireland Tourist Board said: “Exciting events such as the Ulster Grand Prix are very important in attracting domestic and international visitors to spend time in Northern Ireland.

“Visitors that do come to watch these events, and the financial benefit they bring, are of vital importance in stimulating growth and delivering economic value to many sectors of the local economy. I’m pleased NITB is supporting the Ulster Grand Prix through our Events Funding Programme.”

Councillor Thomas Beckett, Chairman of Lisburn City Council’s Leisure Services Committee, speaking about the Ulster Grand Prix, said: “The Ulster Grand Prix is a key event in the Northern Ireland sporting calendar and it is fantastic that the world’s fastest road race takes place in Dundrod, Lisburn.

“Lisburn City Council is looking forward to the top riders and race teams participating in this year’s event and bringing thousands of people to our City. The Council is looking forward to working with the Dundrod and District Motorcycle Club on the 2011 event and it hopes that it will be another successful year.”

Mr Johnston added; “As ever, safety around the circuit is paramount and I am always looking for ways to improve this. 2 and 4 Wheels have funded £40,000 worth of additional safety bales, which will be strategically placed around the course.

“ All our risk assessments are updated and we are working closely with Lisburn City Council to ensure all aspects of health and safety are strictly adhered to.

“While we hope for thrilling road racing, the most important factor is the safety of both spectators and competitors,” he said.

Bike Week 2011 will run between 7 – 13 August in Dundrod, Co. Antrim. The main events are the Dundrod 150 racing on Thursday 11 August, and main race day on Saturday 13 August. There will be other practice sessions throughout the week, and entertainment each night in the paddock.

Wristbands that allow entry to the course and paddock all week cost £25. Under 16s are free. Those who wish to pre-purchase wristbands can do so before 30 June at www.ulstergrandprix.net and will receive a free programme worth £5.

For more details on the McKinstry Skip Hire Ulster Grand Prix visit www.ulstergrandprix.net. Further updates can also be found every Tuesday in Keep ‘Er Lit and via www.whatsonni.com.

AOVC Classic show 2011, goes out to grass!

By

The AOVC Classic show will take place in Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday 25th June 2011 – with sponsorship this year is from Autoline, Irish Vintage Scene and Ballymena Borough Council.

Thanks to Ballymena Borough Council and showground’s staff, we can now confirm that weather permitting, entrants will be on grass this year, however the beauty of the showground’s means that if it ‘dared’ to rain we have hard standing and the show would go on…no need to cancel.  To make the best use of all the space provided, the Autojumblers/stall holders will be set up closer to the main display area, near the Slemish Hall, central to the event, so anyone wishing to book a stand please visit www.aovcclassicshow.co.uk for an entry form – or better still book on line with your credit card  If you need any further information phone Janet on 02838350539 or e-mail assistant secretary@aovc.co.uk and we will aim to assist you.

The event this year is open to all PRE 1990 cars, commercials, motorcycles, scooters, tractors, stationary engines etc, all are more than welcome, if you have not received an entry form then please feel free to use the above information.  Also bear in mind if your club would like a club stand, these are free, ask your Secretary to contact us for details. Wither you are entered individually or as a club, there will as in previous years be a prestige Finishers Award at the end of the event for all pre-booked entrants [so make sure you get your entry in as soon as possible] add to this a FREE FRY breakfast with tea/ coffee for the first 100 PRE-BOOKED entrants to arrive through the gates of the showground on the morning of 25th June 2011- so don’t delay folks, get there early the early bird gets the worm or in the case a fry.

At this moment in time entries are arriving daily, we have even received one from the Isle of Man – will they be the furthest travelled? – don’t forget there is an award for the furthest travelled, so come along and find out.  So far we have only covered entries, but there’s more – a new attraction for this year is the ‘Trial Stars Motorcycle Display Team’, who will be putting on exciting displays throughout the day – so make sure to take time out to watch them in action, but be warned ‘don’t try this at home!’, just enjoy spectating.

Add to this the usual features of the food village, where you can re fuel at any time throughout the day or the Des Allen suite for those who prefer a sit down meal, also music all day for your entertainment, the children have not been forgotten with amusements being provided for them and of course the ever popular Craft Marquee, again anyone wishing a stand for this, follow the previous advice, we would be more than happy to hear from you.

All in all this is a great Family day out, one to be enjoyed by the whole family with something of interest for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you at Ballymena showground’s on Saturday 25th June, 2011, so make a note of the
date in your dairy.

Sea Bangor On the Horizon!

By

Bangor’s Seafront is definitely the place to be this June.

On 18th and 19th June, the Tented Village will have all the ingredients for the perfect seaside day out with superb local food, live music, celebrity chefs, street theatre, kids zone and amazing Water Walkerz.

New to the event, is The Baby Rave at Kids Zone at Sea Bangor. This unique child-sized rave is complete with DJ, lighting, projections and dancers to help you and your babies move and groove.  The Baby Rave, which lasts for one hour will be held at 12.00, 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm.  The event is free and suitable for under 5s.  Also in the Kids Zone is Tall Tales and Tea interactive storytelling with a difference! This will be held from 10.00 am until 11.30 and from 4.00 – 6.00 pm.

The Tall Ship Pelican will also be joining the line-up and will be open to visitors at The Eisenhower Pier. The ship will be sailing from a Festival in Liverpool, to arrive in Bangor on Friday 17th June where it will be open to the public 10am-6pm throughout the Festival.

The Pelican is a sailing ship for all ages. She was originally built in France in 1946. Her conversion from Arctic trawler to tall ship was completed in 2007. She now sails thousands of miles each year crewed by people of all ages taking up the “Pelican Challenge

For a world of mystery & curiosities experience Bangor Bob’s Maritime Marvel Tent hosted by Firsty?, (an exciting new collective of local artists)  In here you’ll see a collection of art exhibitions and interactive demonstrations brought together in a unique, atmospheric way.  One of the exhibition highlights will be the amazing Wall of Curiosities, a collection of sculptures and paintings from local artists which will be displayed behind a wall of “peep-holes”.  Children will be thrilled by the sound installation, a large painting which responds to the sense of touch and the giant blackboard mash wall which will allow people to leave their own mini-works of art! Or for the budding writers, how about swapping words for art?

Market Kitchen and Saturday Kitchen’s Matt Tebbutt will be wowing the crowds with 3 live seafood cookery demonstrations in the Live Cooking Area.  The programme will last all day with demonstrations from a selection of Local Chefs.  A full programme will appear on our website.

On Sunday, Matt will be joined by Johnny Stevenson, Northern Ireland’s own Masterchef finalist on the panel for Sea Bangor’s very own Masterchef style competition.  Three catering pupils from local SERC colleges will be pitching their talents against each other during three rounds for the spectacular prize of a day’s work experience with Matt Tebbut. Based on the Professional Masterchef model, contestants will have to make the same seafood dish for round one, a dish for under £10 for round two and finish off with their own signature dish.

Over in the Music & Yarns Tent on Saturday, there will be talks on coastal birds and wildlife from Exploris and the RSPB and on the Sunday, award-winning journalist and author of “Titanic Port,” Alf McCreary will be giving a talk on the history of Belfast Harbour. Following Alf’s talk on the Sunday afternoon, BBC Radio Ulster’s Cherrie McIlwaine will be introducing a special gardening segment, featuring some local experts with talks, demonstrations and a Q & A session afterwards. Afternoons in the Music & Yarns Tent will feature a line-up of top class live music acts, including local artists like Gareth Dunlop and Matt McGinn.

Top quality local food will be on offer from 10.00 – 6.00 pm.

On Saturday 18th June there will be a chance to get up close to a Gannet SAR Sea King on Bangor’s Long Hole – and at 3.00 pm – prepare to be thrilled by a flypast by two Tornado GR4s.

There’s lots happening on The Eisenhower Pier too, which will be animated with quirky maritime-themed Street Entertainment and Water Walkers; inflatable ‘walk on water’ balls which let you run, roll, flip and spin on water without even getting wet! So whatever floats your boat, come along to the year’s Sea Bangor, guaranteed fun for all ages!

ED ZEALOUS REVEAL DEBUT ALBUM PLANS

By

For a band who has opened for some of the most commendable acts on the planet and who have graced some of the most prestigious festival stages that young bands can only dream of, Ed Zealous have been very quiet as of late. Truth is, the band have been getting down to business and masterminding their long overdue debut album. Ed Zealous made a collective decision seven months ago to stop gigging and concentrate on the most important asset a band require; songs.

This August the band will be working with the Winner of this year’s MPG Breakthrough Producer of The Year award – Eliot James. You will know him from his work with Two Door Cinema Club’s debut album “ Tourist History” along with the likes of Bloc Party, Does it Offend You Yeah?, Noah and the Whale and Kaiser Chiefs. There are no dates as of yet for an album release but expect a single release in early Autumn followed by an extensive U.K tour.

Word on the street is that the EZ demos are complex but utterly danceable, like a fine blend of Bowie & Justice.

“We worked with a lot of great producers across the U.K but in the back of our minds we knew Eliot was really the only guy for the job. We’ve been fanatical about these songs and now that Eliot is on board it feels like the final piece of the puzzle is in place” Stephen McAvoy Ed Zealous

Cruse Bereavement Care Memorial Walk.

By

On Saturday, June 11, 2011, at Belfast’s Ormeau Park, Cruse Bereavement Care-Belfast will hold its third annual Memory Walk, to raise funds to continue its work supporting bereaved children and adults in the local community.

Cruse Belfast was established in 1984 and has been at its current location, 10 College Green, since 1996, where it sees around 1200 people each year, providing counselling and emotional support to anyone having difficulty coping after experiencing a death.

Sponsorship of last year’s walk totalled over £4,000, which was used to train and develop new volunteers to provide services at Cruse Belfast. In the past year more than 6300 hours of time has been given by volunteers carrying out the work at Cruse’s Belfast office. It is hoped that this year’s walk will be an even greater success.

Over 100 people came out to take part in the sponsored walk in 2010, and as with last year’s walk, there will be a balloon release at the end of this year’s walk. As well as being able to dedicate their sponsorship donations in memory of someone who has died, walkers can also attach a personal message to their balloons, in memory of a loved one departed.

There is still time to register and take part in the walk. Contact Cruse Belfast on 02890 434 600 or email them at crusebelfast@btconnect.com to get more information and a sponsorship pack. Registration on the day will begin at 10:00 am at the Ozone Leisure Centre in Ormeau Park, with the walk beginning at 11:30 am. The short course is completely accessible and suitable for people of all ages and abilities. Registration costs £10 for adults and children are free; it will also be possible to register on the morning of the walk.

For fifty years Cruse has been helping to restore hope to bereaved people and demand for its services is continuing to increase. Last year in Northern Ireland, Cruse took over 9,000 enquiries from bereaved people and Cruse volunteers conducted over 7,500 one-to-one bereavement support sessions.

Fiesta for Magherafelt, including Human Tower Sat 11th June!

By

Don’t miss this once in a life time opportunity to see one of the “Masterpieces of Humanity” performed in Northern Ireland for the first time ever.

Ryan Dougan of the Magherafelt Chamber of Commerce, organisers of the event, said they “are delighted to be hosting the event” and that “it’s sure to be one of the most memorable occasions in the history of the town.” Traditional Spanish music and dancing in the lead up to the main event will help set the fiesta mood and many of the restaurants, pubs and businesses in the town will also be getting into the spirit of things.

The Human tower known as castell is traditionally built in festivals at many locations within Catalonia. On Saturday June 11th at 7pm all the excitement, colour and atmosphere of a Catalonian street festival will be evident here in Magherafelt.

This group will be building the human tower for the first time ever in Northern Ireland. 134 people from Tarragona, Catalonia will travel to Magherafelt and perform the world famous towers declared by UNESCO to be amongst the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity

The Human Tower known as a castell is considered a success when stages of its assembling and disassembling, can be done in complete succession. The assembly is complete once all castellers have climbed into their designated places, and the enxaneta climbs into place at the top and raises one hand with four fingers erect, in a gesture said to symbolize the stripes of the Catalan flag.

Aside from building the Human tower at the Magherafelt Fiesta, the 134 Catalonian Castellers will be treated to an action packed weekend learning about our culture and experiencing what Mid Ulster has to offer. “They will be performing one of the most iconic facets of their culture in the Human Tower, so we are proud to have the opportunity to showcase aspects of our own culture,” Said Mr. Dougan. On Friday Night they will be guests at Dunamoney Band Parade in Magherafelt and on Saturday morning they will visit the Rainey Old Boys Rugby Club to practice ahead of their Main event. On Sunday they can unwind with a trip on the maid of Antrim before attending the O’Donovan Rossa GAC Fun Day where they will be given a Gaelic Games tutorial.

For more Information visit , exploremagherafelt.com magherafeltchamber.com or find Magherafelt District Council on Facebook

Cockle Row Opens Daily for Summer 2011.

By

The Cockle Row Cottages are now open daily with a fantastic entertainment programme which includes a dynamic new exhibition representing the history of the village of Groomsport.

The new exhibition tells the story of Groomsport, from the origins of its name to the history of its settlers including the arrival of Scot settlers in 1606, the sailing of the Eagle Wing Ship in 1636 for America and the landing of the Duke of Schomberg.

Situated in the beautiful village of Groomsport, just 10 minutes from Bangor, the lovingly restored Cockle Row Cottages recreate a typical fisherman’s dwelling, complete with settle (the old name for settee), baby’s cradle, fire crane and open fire and fishermen’s baskets.

The cottages are not only a fantastic historical attraction but also a Tourist Information Centre and gift shop, stocking a selection of paintings, local crafts, pottery and souvenirs throughout the summer months.

The cottages are also host to a programme of free family entertainment every weekend with activities from balloon modelling and crafts to stilt walking.

The Cockle Row cottages are open daily throughout June, July and August with free family entertainment from 2pm to 4pm every weekend.

To stay up to date with events and activities in North Down sign up to the North Down Tourism Ezine by visiting www.northdowntourism.com or contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 email tic@northdown.gov.uk

Aoife and Mischa Dale pictured with Fluffy the Lionhead Rabbit from The Ark Open Farm, just one of the entertainment providers this summer at The Cockle Row Cottages in Groomsport that are open daily throughout June, July and August with free family entertainment from 2pm to 4pm every weekend.

Baby Rave First in Bangor!

By

A new highlight for many families this 18th & 19th June is the free Baby Rave at this year’s Sea Bangor Festival.

This unique child-sized rave is complete with DJ, lighting, projections and dancers to help you and your babies move and groove. Experiment with contemporary music and dance, in an ambient environment.  Baby Rave  is a fun event exclusively for this often overlooked age-group, it captures the pzazz of the parents’ nights out pre-baby, and gives mothers – and fathers- and tots a real sense of rhythm.

The Baby Rave is being brought to Sea Bangor by Belfast-based Young at Art, devised by director Ali Fitzgibbon and DJ (Lyndon Stephens). Baby Rave has now gone global, travelling to Australia for the Adelaide Fringe Festival in March 2007 and it was a sell out success in Edinburgh Bank of Scotland Children’s International Theatre Festival, Babaro Children’s Festival in Galway, the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and St.Patrick’s Festival in Dublin.

Each Baby Rave, lasts for one hour and will be held at 12.00, 1.30 pm and 3.00 pm.  The event is free and suitable for under 5s.

Sea Bangor has lots of other children’s activities too! For something more relaxed, Young at Arts are also hosting Interactive Story Telling in Kids Zone.  Each Tea and Tales session is led by a  story telling specialist who takes time out to join children on a journey through their favourite children’s stories. So pull up a bean bag and chill out! Tea and Tall Tales will be held from 10.00 am until 11.30 and from 4.00 – 6.00 pm.

For the more adventurous of you, how about walking on water without getting wet? Water Walkerz are inflatable ‘walk on water’ balls which let you run, roll, flip and spin on water. Step inside these giant hamster balls and propel yourself across the surface of the pool – they’re giant balls of fun!

For older kids, on The Eisenhower Pier, the Armed Forces will be hosting a whole range of displays and activities, including a climbing wall, shooting range and lots more. The Pier will also be animated with a range of quirky Maritime – themed street theatre.

As well as, live music, gardening, live cookery demonstrations, Bangor Bob’s Maritime Marvels and a whole lot more, this year’s Sea Bangor Festival is guaranteed to be the best yet!

BANGOR BOB’S MARITIME MARVELS AT SEA BANGOR!

By

Enter a world of mystery & curiosities, guaranteed to thrill the senses, in Bangor Bob’s Maritime Marvel Tent, at this year’s Sea Bangor Festival which is taking place on June 18th & 19th. Hosted by Firsty?, the tent will be part of The Tented Village and will comprise of a collection of art exhibitions and interactive demonstrations brought together in a unique, atmospheric way. Firsty? is a local networking group, who meet twice a month and has been set up by Bangor artists and creatives to share ideas, opportunities and banter.

One of the exhibition highlights will be the amazing Wall of Curiosities, a collection of sculptures and paintings from local artists which will be displayed behind a wall of “peep-holes” allowing spectators to view art from a range of different perspectives.

There will also be opportunities to view artists creating art-works, watch demonstrations, including wood-turning and live digital art or you can roll up your sleeves and get stuck in at the embroidery school or craft some paper and blackboard art.

Children will be thrilled by the sound installation, a large painting which responds to the sense of touch and the giant blackboard mash wall which will allow people to leave their own mini-works of art! Or for the budding writers, how about swapping words for art?

One of Firsty’s members Inga Hamilton commented: “Firsty?, a network based in Bangor for creative talent, is exploding onto the scene. And it’s testament to NDBC’s understanding of the arts’ economic power that they have invited Firsty? to be a part of Sea Bangor this year.

By filling the events Curiosity Tent with live art, craft and humour like you’ve never seen before, we hope to make Bangor people proud of all the amazingly creative people that live in and around the town – many of whom boast international careers. Throw out your pre-conceptions of what art and craft are about and come down during the weekend. We promise you’ll be surprised.”

So why don’t you come along to Sea Bangor and prepare to be thrilled and amazed by Bangor Bob’s Maritime Marvels!

SUMMER FUN AT THE MCKEE CLOCK!

By

This Saturday, June 4th, sees North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme kick off at the Sunken Gardens.

Jack Wise, the current Street Performance World Champion will be wowing the crowds with his magic and sword swallowing. Jack is a top notch magician, with unrivalled experience and sure fire delivery, who specializes in blending sophisticated humour with jaw dropping magic. Jack has performed live on The Late Late Show, at Leinster House, The Curragh Racecourse, for celebrities including U2 and The Spice Girls, and for corporate audiences around Ireland.

Jack is not only equipped with a razor sharp wit – he is also one of Ireland`s leading sword swallowers!

This year’s street theatre programme will be brought to Bangor by Emergent Events who book and supply the world’s best street entertainers for events in Ireland. Their roster of world-class and international acts have performed for President`s inaugurations and the opening ceremonies of Olympics.

The programme will see live street theatre at the Sunken Gardens every Saturday in June and every Saturday & Sunday in July and August (from 3 – 5pm). There will also be live music at The Bandstand in Ward Park every Sunday from 3 – 5pm during July and August.

So keep an eye out in local press each week for details of the upcoming artists!

SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT STREET THEATRE PROGRAMME 2011

Date: Performer
4th June Jack Wise – Ireland’ Quick Witted Magician (Current Street Performance World Champion)
11th June Yodel
25th June Owen Lean – Britain’s Best Young Magician
2nd July Pete Dobbing
3rd July Beautiful Stu – Inhouse comedian for Jonathan Ross Show & Loose Women
9th July Johnny Phelan –
10th July Owen Lean
16th July Jack Flash (aka Juggling Fugitive)
17th July Danger Boy (also known as Seamus McJuggler)
23rd July Captain Cian
24th July Jack Wise
30th July Jack Flash (aka Juggling Fugitive)
31st July Owen Lean
6th August Pete Dobbing
7th August Beautiful Stu
13th August Jitterbug Jackson
14th August Jack Wise
20th August Jack Flash (aka Juggling Fugitive)
21st August Dangerboy (also known as Seamus McJuggler)
27th August Captain Cian
28th August Jack Wise

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.