DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (17-23 September)

 

1. Armagh Food & Cider Festival, Armagh, 20-23 September. In the heart of the Orchard County, this festival is brimming with fine foods, sharing plates, foraged lunches, artisan markets, art tuition, fiction and even a murder mystery. Combine all this with award winning ciders and stunning surroundings and you’re in for a harvest season treat.
2. Culture Night Belfast 2018, Belfast, 21 September. Culture Night is Belfast’s largest, most exciting and inclusive cultural celebration. This event brings together over 300 free events across 150 locations in Belfast City Centre in a single day, attracting over 100,000 visitors from Belfast, Northern Ireland and beyond.
3. Culture Night Derry~Londonderry 2018, Derry~Londonderry, 21 September. Enjoy a late night of free cultural events across the City and District on Culture Night. Culture Night is an annual public event that celebrates culture, creativity and the arts. Arts and cultural organisations open their doors until late with hundreds of free events, tours, talks and performances for you, your family and friends to enjoy.
4. Festival Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 22-23 September. Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen, will host a celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands. The weekend will see a host of activity on and off the water with cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment all taking place at the newly refurbished Enniskillen Castle.
5. Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon, Belfast, 23 September. Over 4,000 participants are expected to set off on their 13.1 mile journey from Ormeau Park in a bid to complete the largest Half Marathon event in Northern Ireland, the 6th Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon. As spectators cheer on the runners they can enjoy plenty of food stalls, music and entertainment.
6. Giant Fondo, Newry, 23 September. A new cycling Sportive which follows a route through the beautiful Mourne Mountains region. Starting from Clonduff GAC, the total ride distance is 76.63 km, taking in challenging ascents and some of Northern Ireland’s most fabulous scenery.
7. Cocktail Mixology Workshop, Armagh, 20 September. Learn how to mix, muddle and shake at an interactive 90 minute masterclass with Uluru’s Bar Manager, Paul McElligott. You’ll learn some of the tricks of the trade as well as learning about some classic and contemporary cocktails.
8. Ramble with the Ranger, Castlerock, 22 September. Set on a windswept cliff-top, with fabulous views in all directions, the 360-acre Downhill Demesne offers an invigorating setting for a guided walk. A National Trust Ranger will lead you around the Demesne, as well as the neighbouring Downhill Forest.
9. Out of the Night, Into the Light, Newcastle, 22 September. See sunrise from the highest point in Northern Ireland to raise awareness of the work of Adopt NI. Be guided by marshals and the trail of glow-sticks clearly marking out the route, to the top where you will then view a magnificent sunrise and descend into the light.
10. Woodland and Whiskey Coach Tour, Newtownards, 22 September. This coach tour combinines a guided walk along trails in the estate farmland at Mount Stewart with a visit to Echlinville Distillery. Experience the fine art of whiskey making and taste a golden drop.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (10 – 16 September)

 

1. Winterfell Festival, Downpatrick, 16 September. Game of Thrones® fans can step into the world of Westeros for the day at Castle Ward and join the residents of House of Stark at Winterfell. Meet the dire wolves, experience Kind Robert’s return with actor Mark Addy and face an ancient foe in the form of the White Walkers.
2. Autumn Fair 2018, Belfast, 15 – 16 September. Sit back and relax in the Botanic Gardens, with live music, an array of children’s activities, local food, award winning prize blooms, must-see street performers and more.
3. Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, Downpatrick, 14 – 16 September.  Held at Killyleagh Castle, thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies from Northern Ireland and beyond arrive to celebrate the best of local food and drink. The festival includes chocolatiers’ displays, market stalls, local artisan produce, family-friendly activities and entertainment.
4. Eco Creative Getaway, Omagh, 14 -16 September. Come and join An Creggan for an Autumnal craft retreat. The weekend combines natural dyeing, eco printing, wild foraging and local tours.
5. Mourne Mountain Marathon, Co. Down, 15 – 16 September. The Mourne Mountain Marathon is Ireland’s only two day endurance and navigation event held each year in the beautiful mountains of Mourne. A competitive event for teams of two, who can enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days, from walkers to elite runners.
6. Neon Night Maize Maze, Limavady, 15 September. Locals and visitors alike will be pleased to hear that the Neon Night Maize Maze is back by popular demand. Missed this unique event last year? This is your chance to experience a night out with a difference – fun for the whole family or with friends.
7. Foraging Sunday, Armagh, 16 September. Under expert guidance, learn to forage for food as the Celts did. Explore the wealth of edible delights in our countryside and sample dishes made with foraged foods like berries, apples, cherries and even nettles.
8. The Producers, Belfast, 11 – 15 September. This runaway hit was given the Broadway treatment in 2001 and is now coming to The Waterfront. Producers Max and Leo attempt to stage the worst show ever written and run away with their investors’ money, but their plan goes ridiculously awry. With toe-tapping tunes, loads of hilarious jokes and sharp satire, this big-time Broadway musical is pure side-splitting fun.
9. Who lives in a house like this?, Fivemiletown, 15 September. Enjoy this guided tour around Blessingbourne Estate. An historic 550 acre country estate, nestled in the heart of the woodlands and wildlife on the edge of the Clogher Valley and Fermanagh Lakelands – one of Northern Ireland’s most tranquil and magical locations.
10. Jersey Boys,  Belfast, 11 – 22 September. This smash hit musical comes to the Grand Opera House, having won 57 major awards worldwide, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical. Jersey Boys tells the true life story of four boys from the wrong side of the tracks who wrote their own songs, invented their own unique sound, and sold 100 million records worldwide.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland,

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (3-9 September)

 

1. The 2018 Belfast Tattoo, Belfast, 7-8 September. A firmly established annual event for Belfast drawing in spectators from outside the city, this amazing production includes pipe, drum and flute bands from across the world.
2. European Heritage Open Days 2018, Across NI, 8-9 September. Over 360 heritage buildings and events throughout Northern Ireland are opening their doors to the public, free of charge. This weekend provides a taste of the value of the historic environment while exploring Northern Irish heritage.
3. Derry Walls Day, Derry~Londonderry, 8 September. Coinciding with the first day of Northern Ireland’s European Heritage Open Days weekend, making the Walled City an especially great place for a great day out. The day includes exhibitions, tours and treasure hunts.
4. Fawlty Towers, Belfast, 7 September. Basil, Sybil and Manuel will do their very best to look after you in their crazy style at Belfast Castle. Chaos and mayhem are served in large portions and very likely to interrupt the proceedings, but all should end well, as the stars of the hotel and catering management do everything they can to keep the evening on course.
5. Donaghadee Lights Up Festival, Donaghadee, 6-9 September. This festival provides something for all the family. Enjoy food, boat and walking tours, pipe bands and much more. On the Saturday evening, see Brian Kennedy and Eddi Reader in concert with a grand firework finale.
6. Neil Delamere, Belfast, 7-8 September. The Grand Opera House is delighted to announce the return of the master of mirth, Neil Delamere, with an all new show, Controlled Substance, which is set to be riotous stand-up comedy.
7. Moira Calling, Craigavon, 7-8 September. Family-friendly festival Moira Calling is back for 2018 and the line-up is sure to have something for everyone. The line-up includes Ryan Vail and Arco String Quartet, Joshua Burnside, Owen Denvir and many more.
8. Summer Family Fun, Portaferry, 8 September. Call in to Portaferry Visitor Information Centre just beside the castle between 14:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays and enjoy free family fun. This is the last Family Fun Saturday and offers Captain Jack Nautical Knot & Wonderful Wildlife Crafts and Planting Seeds Workshops.
9. Whiskey Social, Belfast, 8 September. A new festival celebrating Irish whiskey comes to Belfast Waterfront. This Whiskey Social Festival will expand to the city showcasing the best of old, new and experimental Irish whiskey.
10. History of the Peace (Accordin’ to my MA), Coleraine, 3 September. Satirical duo Grimes and McKee bring their brilliant sequel to The History of the Troubles (accordin’ to my Da) to the Riverside Theatre this September.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (27 August – 2 September)

 

1. 27th Bluegrass Music Festival 2018, Omagh, 31 August – 2 September. Three days of live music from some of the biggest names in bluegrass and old time music. Line-up includes the multi-award winning Bluegrass & Gospel duo Darin & Brooke Aldridge, acclaimed traditional music veterans Mike Compton and Joe Newberry and the Demolition String Band, to name but a few.
2. Air Waves Portrush 2018, Coleraine, 1 – 2 September.  From historic wartime aircraft to stunning planes at the cutting edge of technology, this event offers a weekend filled with spectacular flying displays against the beautiful backdrop of the East Strand Beach. On the ground, attractions include the hugely popular STEM Village, motor village, trade stalls and exhibitions.
3. Walking With Dinosaurs, Belfast, 31 August – 2 September. Based on the award-winning BBC television series, starring Michaela Strachan as ‘Huxley’ the palaeontologist, the incredible Walking with Dinosaurs comes to Belfast’s SSE Arena. The show depicts the dinosaurs’ evolution with almost cinematic realism.
4. Waterside Half Marathon, Derry~Londonderry, 2 September. The 37^th Waterside Half Marathon will start in Ebrington Square. The route will take runners across the river to the cityside, showcasing Derry’s parks, greenways and bridges before finishing at St Columb’s Park.
5. Mount Stewart Conversations Festival, Co. Down, 1 – 2 September. This unmissable weekend festival, which celebrates the arts, literature, music and big ideas, will centre on the theme of Women in Power. The festival offers a stellar line-up of acclaimed guests for an array of debates, talks and performances.
6. Carnival of Colours, Derry~Londonderry, 1 – 2 September. Two Big Top Circus Tents filled with international circus shows including Tumble Circus, Two’s a Crowd and Fancy Pants Circus. This event will host an outdoor cinema, workshops and music acts, including a Stendhal and Celtronic takeover on the Saturday night, where the big top will be transformed with festival vibes.
7. Cinema Day, Across Northern Ireland, 27 August. The theme of this year’s Cinema Day is “Home”, with 29 events taking place across the cinematic six counties. Highlights include a Full Moon Fest at the Black Box, where you are invited to dress up and singalong to the Wizard of Oz and Movie House cinemas across Northern Ireland will be showing the Disney classic, Lady and the Tramp.
8. Weaponry at Martello Tower, Limavady, 1 September.  Soldiers from Wellington’s army demonstrate their weapons and drill while patrolling their lookout against Napoleon at the well-known Martello tower. A marvellous re-enactment of a time between 1812 and 1817 during the French invasion.
9. Bangor Christian Heritage Walk, Bangor, 28 August. Learn about Christian Heritage as you trace the steps of Canons, Priests and Pilgrims. This tour includes visits to Bangor Abbey Church of Ireland, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum, which houses a life-size reconstruction of a monk’s cell.
10. Rare Breed Survival Trust Northern Ireland Support Group Annual Show and Sale, Armagh, 1 September. Enjoy a wonderful family day out at Northern Ireland’s Annual Rare Breed Show and Sale in Gosford Forest Park. The show rings will include native breed cattle, sheep and pigs that will be judged to determine which animals are the best representatives of their breed.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (20 – 26 August)

 

1. Belfast Mela 2018, Belfast, 26 August. Music, dance, arts and culture come together as the Mela transforms Belfast’s beautiful Botanic Gardens into a magical global garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations from around the world.
2. Hilden Beer and Music Festival 2018, Lisburn, 24 – 26 August. Held in the grounds of Hilden Brewery and Hilden House, this ever-popular three-day ale-tasting event proudly boasts all that is great in terms of craft beers and ciders from the UK and Ireland, gourmet food and a huge range of live musical acts.
3. Jika Jika! Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 25 – 26 August. Respected Irish promoters Jika Jika! promise to bring something new and exciting to Ebrington Square. Their first ever festival is set to feature stages curated by Denis Sulta and Green Velvet across two days, plus a cultured mix of talents including Octave One Live, Willow and Charlotte De Witte.
4. Shortcross Gin Blues Afternoon, Downpatrick, 26 August. A blistering summer afternoon of blues music and Shortcross Gin at Rademon Estate. The afternoon includes live entertainment, local food makers and a fully stocked Shortcross Gin bar.
5. Lap The Lough 2018, Dungannon, 26 August. Get off the typical tourist trail and explore some of Northern Ireland’s unique countryside, landscapes and attractions by joining 2500 other cyclists on a journey around Lough Neagh. Whether you’re participating or spectating this is a great way to round off the summer season.
6. The Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, 26 – 28 August. Two days of trading, bartering, busking, amusements, street entertainment and competitions add to the atmosphere in the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle. The fair hosts over 400 stalls offering local crafts and locally sourced produce and is free to attend
7. Maiden City Ink, Derry~Londonderry, 24 – 26 August. The biggest tattoo convention in Northern Ireland hosting award winning artists from all over the globe. Whether you’re looking to get inked, show off your body art or curb your curiosity, this is guaranteed to be a great weekend with a buzzing atmosphere.
8. Sideboard Sideshow, Newcastle, 25 August. Superbly silly, stunningly surreal and seriously stupid the world of Sideboard Sideshow comes to Newcastle Promenade. A blend of awesome skills including acrobatics, juggling and fire this high energy show is full of fun, laughter and unpredictability.
9. Flashdance the Musical, Belfast, 21 – 25 August. Coming to the Grand Opera House, Flashdance – The Musical is the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex a determined welder who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream of attending Shipley Dance Academy.
10. Foyle Pride Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 18 – 26 August. The aim of Foyle Pride Festival is to acknowledge, empower and celebrate the LGBT community. The festival features a week of workshops  held throughout the city and a parade on Saturday 25 August.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (13-19 August)

 

1. CHSq, Belfast, 10 – 26 August. CHSq returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast’s iconic Custom House, bringing a series of headline shows by international musical artists. This year’s line-up includes Kasabian, Rag N Bone Man and Ben Nicky.
2. Groomsport Music and Fireworks, Bangor, 18 August. An evening of live music, family entertainment and a spectacular fireworks finale. This year’s headline act will be Fleetwood Mac Tribute band, Mack Fleetwood, supported by Wookalily who will deliver toe tapping alternative folk music.
3. Wake the Giant Festival, Warrenpoint, 18 – 19 August. This festival will once again see Finn the Giant come to life using the combined efforts of the audience, the artists and craftspeople. It is set to be an extraordinary day as ancient myth and legend comes to life in a series of street parades, music, song, and dance. In addition to the entertainment there will be free kids’ activities and a food village bursting with fresh local produce.
4. Causeway Coast Truck Fest, Portstewart, 19 August. This is a fun, family day out at one of the North Coast’s top festivals of the year. The festival will host 300+ show trucks, a craft village with local food suppliers and live entertainment, topped off by the famous truck convoy around the North West 200 track between Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush.
5. Portrush Flyer, Belfast, 12 – 19 August. Enjoy the nostalgia of bygone days. Departing from Belfast Central Train Station for Portush at 11.30am, spend the day by the seaside and enjoy fish and chips and ice-cream along the promenade. Train returns from Portrush at 5pm.
6. Moira Speciality Food Fair, Craigavon, 18 August. Award–winning food and drink producers from across Northern Ireland will feature in this speciality food fair, including Abernethy Butter, Burren Balsamics and Harnett’s Oils to name but a few. The event will include cookery demonstrations, educational workshops and masterclasses. Visitors will also have the opportunity to taste and buy from the many local producers in the artisan food hall.
7. Portaferry Triathlon, Portaferry, 18 August. Enjoy watching this challenging triathlon as the competitors take on the tidal flow at the Narrows of Strangford Lough, before cycling a 21.5 km two-lap route around the scenic southern tip of the Ards Peninsula, followed by a 5km run with stunning views across Strangford Lough.
8. Ulster Rugby V Gloucester, Belfast, 18 August. The English Premiership club Gloucester will visit Belfast for this fixture which kicks off at 5.30pm. In addition to watching world-class rugby, visitors of all ages can enjoy a range of activities including live music, autograph sessions, exclusive competitions and a fan photo-booth.
9. Northern Ireland Open, Ballymena, 16 – 19 August. A golf tournament for all the family this event will attract Irish European Tour players and host the NI Open village which includes a dedicated food festival showcasing the finest of local produce.
10. Box Car Blues Brothers, Newcastle, 17 August. Join the Box Car Blues Brothers for a high energy soul, rhythm and blues revue this summer at the Newcastle Community Cinema. All the hits and more will keep you moving from beginning to end and wanting more.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (6 – 12 August)

 

1. Portavogie Seafood Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down, 11 August. This festival celebrates Portavogie’s rich fishing heritage and is a fabulous day out for all the family. There will be cookery demonstrations, maritime themed activities, fun for the little ones and music throughout the day.
2. Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 10 – 11 August. Celebrating all things creative, Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival held in the stunning, scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. The festival hosts a programme of music, poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional crafts, sculpture, street performance and craft workshops.
3. Festival of Flight 2018, Newcastle, 11 August. The Festival of Flight will be soaring high over the shores of Newcastle and Dundrum Bay. This event promises a powerful combination of stunning airborne antics led by the Red Arrows, complimented by family-friendly events and attractions.
4. Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 8 August. Ta Da Irish Dance Company presents the tale of the famous song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supperclub in Belfast.
5. Open House Festival, Bangor, 1 – 31 August. Open House Festival Bangor is a vibrant music and arts festival that runs throughout the month of August in the picturesque seaside town of Bangor, Co. Down. The eclectic programme incorporates music, film, theatre, food & drink, books, local history, talks & tours, comedy, visual art and crafting.
6. Castle Capers Community Festival, Co. Fermanagh, 11 August. The men of the Tully Castle patrol the walls and make ready their weapons to defend this fortified house. See the firing of muskets, feel the heft of swords and pikes and try on the armour and helmets of the early 17th century.
7. Champion of Champions Pipe Band Competition, Portrush, 11 August. This is the culmination of a series of competitions held throughout the province during the year, offering a real feast of sound and colour. This event hosts a large number of bands, pipers and drummers, all vying for the silverware and is a great family day out.
8. Armagh’s Iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest, Armagh, 9 – 12 August. Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for an eighth summer, bringing world class talent to more than thirty venues and locations across the celebrated “Cathedral City”.
9. Olly Murs, Belfast, 11 August. As part of Féile 30, X Factor star and The Voice UK judge, Olly Murs will perform his hit songs including ‘Please don’t let me go’, ‘Dance with me tonight’ and ‘Troublemaker’.
10. Family Fun Day, Magherafelt, 12 August. Hosted by the National Trust at Springhill, a 17th-century ‘Plantation’ home, with walled gardens and parkland, this event includes a BBQ, traditional games, face paint, music, nature trails and much more, perfect for all the family to enjoy.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (30 July – 5 August)

 

1. Belfast Pride Festival, Belfast, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of activities from workshops to social events and much more, with the main parade held on Saturday 4 August.
2. The Wickerman Gathering 2018, Armagh, 4 August.  As the Celts celebrate the festival of Lughnasa, marking the beginning of the harvest season, join the clan in their preparations for the ceremonial burning of the 30ft Wickerman. Music, dancing and face painting will all be available at this event alongside the great ceremony of burning the Wickerman.
3. Ulster Military Vehicle Club Show, Portrush, 4 – 5 August.  This annual event gives the public the opportunity to see up close a range of historic military vehicles. The Ulster Military Vehicle Club exists to promote the restoration, preservation and display of ex-military vehicles. There will be re-enactments and display stalls alongside the exhibition.
4. Teddy Bears Picnic, Falls Park, Belfast, 5 August.  The Teddy Bears Picnic will have arts and crafts, a petting farm, graffiti wall art and a few other surprises. Bring along a picnic, a blanket, your teddy and its owner. There will also be a competition for the best dressed teddy bear and owner.
5. Hog ‘n’ Bog Weekend 2018, Newcastle, 3 – 5 August. The Hog “n” Bog weekend will see hundreds of Harley Davidson motorbike fans descend on Newcastle, Co. Down, for the chance to ride-out through the stunning surroundings of the Mourne Mountains. This year’s event will be based at the Burrendale Hotel and will feature a custom bike show, live music and much more.
6. Improv Comedy Festival, Belfast, 4 – 5 August. Improv acts from as far afield as Shanghai and as close to home as Dublin will be performing their unique form of comedy over the course of five evenings at the Accidental Theatre.
7. Kite Festival, Castlerock, 4 – 5 August. This high-flying spectacle offers fun for all the family as a kaleidoscope of kites of all sizes take to the skies over the iconic coastal estate of Downhill Demesne. There will be award-winning kite displays, stunt kite teams, and other kite related activities, all of which will make this a weekend not to miss.
8. Foyle Cycling Club 3 Day Race, Derry~Londonderry, 3 – 5 August. The FCC 3 Day Race is an event designed for A1, A2, A3 and junior male riders and A1, A2 and A3 female riders with the aim to be one of the best cycling events of its kind. Over the course of the weekend the race will see some of the best riders compete on some of the hardest roads in the North West.
9. Ulster Rugby Family Fun Day, Belfast, 3 August. Ulster Rugby’s Fun Day lets fans meet and greet members of the 2018/19 playing squad. Activities available on the day include rugby skills and tag sessions, a bouncy castle, meet and greets, a climbing wall, a petting zoo and much more.
10. Dog Leap Rally, Limavady, 4 August. A day of high quality motorsport entertainment, attracting top drivers and co-drivers. Visitors can experience high speed, high octane and an ultimately exhilarating event, making for a fantastic day out for all the family.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (23-29 July)

 

1. The Wizard of Oz, Belfast, 26-29 July. Follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Grand Opera House as the Theatre’s Summer Youth Project stages an unmissable production of one of the best-loved musicals of all time. All of the characters and songs from the iconic movie will be brought to life by a hugely talented cast of young people.
2. The Portstewart Community Red Sails Festival, Portstewart, 22-28 July. The Red Sails Festival includes a diverse range of free musical events, children’s entertainment and competitions, street theatre and dance. With O’Hara’s Castle a backdrop, the Red Sails Festival finale fireworks display has become one of the most popular displays in Ireland
3. Nathan Carter in Concert, Newcastle, 28 July. Nathan Carter is an exciting figurehead on the UK country music scene and returns to Newcastle for a one night concert in the stunning surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa.
4. Historical Walking Tour, Newtownards, 26 July. Situated at the northern end of Strangford Lough, Newtownards has a wealth of historical treasures waiting to be discovered. Medieval events, Oliver Cromwell’s campaign, the 1798 Rebellion and more have all influenced the town. Find out about Newtownards on this walking tour which departs from the City Hall.
5. Wild Air Run, Belfast, 28 July. The Wild Air Run coming to Stormont Estate is a dynamic fun run suitable for all abilities that features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course, including Europe’s biggest inflatable slide.
6. Grant Goldie – That Man, Newcastle, 28 July. A man and his case in a world of chance and opportunity, creating a show with interactive participation, acute absurdity and mesmerising manipulation. A wordless performance, not merely a juggling show but more a projectile assault on gravity coming to Newcastle promenade.
7. SupercupNI, Co. Londonderry, 22-27 July. SuperCupNI is an international youth football tournament, where teams from all over the world compete against each other at venues in Coleraine, Ballymoney, Limavady, Portrush and Ballymena.
8. Cairncastle Bluegrass & Folk Musical Evening, Larne, 24 July – 1 Aug. Cairncastle Ulster Scots Bluegrass & Folk cross community festival is held in the Halfway House Hotel, in the picturesque village of Ballygally and features international bands, performances and workshops playing a mixture of Irish, Scottish, Country and Bluegrass music.
9. Belfast Pride Festival, 27 July – 5 August. Belfast Pride is one of the biggest festivals in Belfast celebrating the LGBTQA+ community and runs over 100 events across 10 days. The week includes a range of events including workshops, social events and much more with the main parade held on the 4^th
10. Ulster Fleadh 2018, Castlewellan, 23-29 July. The Ulster Fleadh is a unique event offering something for everyone. It is a family friendly festival of Irish music, song, dance and language – suitable for all ages.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (16-22 July)

 

1. Soma Festival, Newcastle, 18-22July. Soma Festival is the brainchild of a small band of musicians, artists, and creatives from Castlewellan and surrounding areas. Over the years, the festival has organically grown into an intoxicating fusion of arts, crafts, storytelling, food & drink, health & well-being, and children’s activities, all the while keeping high calibre music at its heart and core.
2. Foyle Maritime Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 14 – 22 July. The theme of this year’s festival is ‘voyages’ in acknowledgment of the city’s rich maritime heritage. The quayside becomes engrossed in maritime magic as the city hosts a fantastic collection of live music, markets, entertainment, and river based activities.
3. Rose Week, Belfast, 16-22 July. Rose Week is a celebration of the Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Rose Garden. The full programme of activities includes music and entertainment for all the family with face painting, bouncy castle, mega slide, balloon modelling, Punch and Judy shows and much more.
4. Bushmills Through the Wars, Bushmills, 12-22 July. This exhibition takes in the Great War, Second World War and Korea. The event commemorates soldiers from all sides who lost lives serving their country. Exhibits include uniforms, medals, rations, worktime fashions,the experience of evacuees, information about G.Is and much more.
5. Ulster Pipe Band Championship, Newcastle, 21 July. Come along to Donard Park and see Pipe Bands from all over Northern Ireland compete for the prestigious Ulster title, with competitions for Grades 1 – 4 and Novice, Junior, Juvenile, Senior drum major titles up for grabs.
6. Foyle Cup, Derry~Londonderry, 16-21 July. Seen as one of the most important and pivotal tournaments in Northern Ireland, the Foyle Cup presents an opportunity for the youth of Northern Ireland to show their football playing abilities.
7. Parklife 2018, Lisburn, 7-28 July. Parklife encourages local people to reclaim their open spaces and celebrate their shared cultural heritage and identity. Held at Wallace Park the programme includes drama, dance, crafts and sporting activities for everyone to enjoy.
8. Lush! Classical – Ebrington Square, Derry~Londonderry, 21 July. A phenomenal, breathtaking event featuring a 65-piece classical orchestra, world-renowned DJs and live vocalists playing floor fillers from the past 20 years, all produced in conjunction with Kylie Minogue’s musical director
9. Stripey Socks – Curious World, Newcastle, 21 July. An enchanting comical twist on a classic children’s tale comes to Newcastle Promenade. Explore with Alice as she enters this curious world and meets the Mad Hatter, has a tea party and finds herself tangled up in this new aerial and acrobatic adventure
10. From an Abbey to a Stately Home Coach Tour, Newtownards, 21 July. View one of the finest Georgian country houses in Ireland, Grey Abbey House. The current owners will guide you around and join you for tea and a treat. You will also visit the Cistercian abbey founded by Lady Affreca, the wife of John de Courcy.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.