Down

This weekend, 6^th and 7^th July at the Newcastle Community Cinema,  Belvoir Players present Sink or Slim, a classic Sam Cree comedy set in the 1960″s in a Health Farm run by the owner Mrs Babbington. She is a formidable lady who rules with a rod of iron and who feeds her pet poodle better than her paying guests! We meet the Major, Millie the dippy maid, Willie the handyman who supplies guests with whatever contraband they are willing to pay for and a Swedish Masseuse called Hildie who’s determined to help everyone lose weight and get fit! A merry go round of crazy craic and lots of laughs…….one not to miss!

Armagh

Enjoy a lovely lazy Summer Sunday this weekend at the Argory in Moy with laid back tunes and relaxation. Chill in the Courtyard while the kids are entertained and feast on the summer BBQ.  From 1pm- 4pm, every Sunday in July. Normal Admission.  Members Free.

Fermanagh

Make your way to Castle Coole this Sunday 8th July for Music in the Park. Join the National Trust as they bring you a Summer of music after the success of BBC Proms in the Park 2017 at the Castle.   Sit back and relax as the Magee Family Band play in the beautiful Drying Green.  Enjoy a relaxing Summer afternoon and pick up some tasty treats and lunches from the Tallow-House Tearoom!

Tyrone

The Ulster American Folk Park presents A Step in Time : The Story of Irish Dance. The collection of Irish dance costumes, programmes, photographs and medals provides a fascinating overview of a performance art which has grown over the last 125 years from dancing at village crossroads to a global phenomenon. Along the way, many women have played a key role in championing change and innovation, designing sets and costumes, and choreographing new work. The exhibition opens July and runs until May next year. Normal admission costs apply.

Derry

Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Sunday 8th July, Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  Enjoy an Action Packed Adventure – family dun says with a wide range of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy from 11.00 am – 4.00pm. Activities include Teddy Bear Hunt – follow the clues to crack the answer and claim your prize, face painting, inflatables, story time – gather round and hear a story and a Teddy Bears’ Hospital – bring your teddy and get them checked at the teddy hospital.

Antrim

Every Saturday in July and August you can experience the steam train which will be operating at Whitehead Excursion Station.  Visitors will be able to see how this magnificent machine works up close.  You will be able to talk to the driver and fireman and see the footplate.  There is an additional option to enjoy a visit to the Whitehead Railway Museum and Edwardian Tea Room.

Belfast

JCC is Ireland’s only indoor JDM exhibition show casing the best JDM cars the country has to offer. Complimented by a live action arena and an extensive trade village JCC is arguably Northern Ireland’s largest true petrol head exhibition!  JCC brings together everything from rare retro Japanese classics to insane horse power highly tuned monsters and everything in between all under one roof at the Eikon Centre this Sunday 8^th July.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Portaferry Sails and Sounds Festival on the shores of Strangford Lough and Portaferry Town,  entering its 3rd successful year, is aiming to add and improve the festival each year with new events and keeping some of the popular traditional events. Highlights this year include Brian Boru Tall Ship, trips on Strangford Lough, kids entertainment, themed food talks,  and exhibits. The festival runs from the 28^th June until the 1^st July.

Armagh

Our Wee Craft Village at Brownlow House in Lurgan will be hosting its first fair on Sat 30th June from 10.00 am – 3.00 pm`.  Another fun filled event with kids crafts, live demos, make and take sessions for all ages, plus 25+ craft stalls, with all handcrafted products.  There will be jewellery making, kids crafts, jumping clay for kids and art workshops and live demos for the adults.  The vintage car club will be also be exhibiting outside in the gardens and raising money for various charities.  Come along for a great family fun day out!  Entrance Fee £4.

Fermanagh

The roads of Fermanagh will echo to the sound of racing bikes for the first time in 66 years when the Fermanagh 100 Road Races return to the county. The Enniskillen and District Motorcycle Club is set to host two days of racing on Friday 29th June and Saturday, June 30 on a three mile circuit based in the shadow of Cuilcagh Mountain. Organisers have promised that the course will feature a ‘little bit of everything’ ranging from wide fast straights with sweeping corners to blind jumps along narrow tree lined routes, only a few miles from the now famous stairway to heaven walk over Marble Arch Geopark and Lough Erne and local marinas. The race schedule will see a full day of practices on the Friday and on Saturday there will be an eleven race program with the Richard Britton Memorial Race to be the showcase of the day.

Tyrone

Don’t miss this year’s Cookstown Summer Carnival on Friday 29th June! The carnival parade begins at 7.00 pm with all the fun continuing until 10.00pm with live entertainment,  food village and a fairground.  Admission is free. Organised by The Hub for all the community.

Derry/Londonderry

This year’s St. Lurach’s Maghera Garden Fete and Vintage Rally takes place this Saturday 30^th June.  There will be vintage vehicles, live music, strongmen, afternoon teas, Ulster Scots and Traditional Irish Music and free entertainment for the children. Ritchie Remo and David “Jonny Cash” Kelly with also be making a special appearance in the afternoon.

Antrim

This Saturday 30th June the Organisers of “Pirates Off Portrush”, Portrush Heritage Group, will stage the 6th adventure of the notorious Pirate Off Portrush, Tavish Dhu when the town is invaded by the Emperor of The Orient. The Emperor and his Dragon Queen, with her ferocious Dragons and Ninja Warriors, are searching for Skerry Island of the Seven Cities which they believe contains great riches. The Emperor has not reckoned on coming against Tavish, the fearless Pirate Off Portrush. The outcome, will be revealed at the festival, but be warned the town is full of Pirates and Ninja Warriors. Events kick-off at 11.00 am on Saturday with a Pirates Treasure Hunt, from the Portrush Atlantic Hotel, followed at 1.00 pm with the Pirate Dance and Pirate Dress Competitions at the Amphitheatre.

Belfast

It’s party time at Roar and Explore, Daisy Farm Shopping Centre, when Moana, Batman and Spiderman come and play this Friday 29th June! This first Party Night will include singing and games from Princess and all-round heroine Moana plus a Super Hero Academy from both Batman and Spiderman, who will put you through your paces. There will be plenty of opportunity for photos and play in the roarsome Roar and Explore!

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Jacqueline McGonigle

Down

On Saturday 23rd June, the annual Comber Earlies Food Festival welcomes the multi Michelin Star Chef, Jean-Christophe Novelli, who will be hosting this year’s food demonstrations. Join the celebrations and have a relaxing hay bale picnic while listening to a Brass band. With amazing savoury potato-based traditional gourmet dishes to try, children’s activities and street theatre to enjoy this is going to be a great family day out.

Armagh

Join Navan Fort this Friday 22nd June for Celtic Celebration on the eve of Mid-Summer as the Celts say goodbye to the longest day in the year – why do they do this?  How did they celebrate?  Join the camp and celebrate in style. Arrive and be welcomed into the Celtic camp, mingle and help set up for the evening’s festivities, dine at 9:00pm on something quite wild, caught earlier in the day then sing, dance and listen to stories of the years gone by while watching the sunset.  Pre-booking only, as spaces are limited.

Fermanagh

This Saturday 23rd June, join staff at the Marble Arch Caves in a hunt for unseen wildlife in the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. Hunt in habitats throughout the Nature Reserve, catching and identifying invertebrates as you go!  Why not learn a bit more about these mini-beasts’ fascinating lifestyles and their roles in an ecosystem. You will also get an opportunity to get up close to some of the moth species found in the woodland, as you discover what is inside the moth trap from the night before!  This event is suitable for people of all ages but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Please bring warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear. Unfortunately, the Nature Reserve is not suitable for pushchairs.

Tyrone

The biggest summer jam live music festival is in Strabane this year with headline act “Hothouse Flowers”. It all takes place at the Canal Basin on 23rd June. There are five top local bands supporting the spectacular Hothouse Flowers, on two stages, namely The Paul Brady stage and the Flann O’Brien stage. The fun starts at 5pm with “1980’ Something” and the main act hits the stage at 9.30pm. There will be a fully licensed bar area and a selection of food vendors covering the whole area. So summer is here and it’s time to party at Strajamba 2018!

Derry

Take a journey through Chocolate & tantalise your taste buds with the Chocolate Manor’s tasting session this Thursday, followed by dinner at the fabulous, award-winning Angler’s Rest.  You are invited to try some new taste sensations in chocolate, beginning with the Chocolate tasting, where you will learn a little about how their favourite chocolate is created, and be guided through a cocoa journey, uncovering flavours you may not have experienced in chocolate before. Focus on tuning your senses so you can enjoy chocolate even more than you do now!  You will then enjoy a 2 course dinner in the wonderfully welcoming Angler’s Rest Restaurant – this award winning eatery brings the best of local produce together to create some stunning dishes!

Antrim

The Randalstown Soap Box Derby is back on Friday 22^nd June! This year it’s even bigger, better and faster, so why not enter your team to take part in this exciting and entertaining event?  If you, your group or business would like to enter a team, entry forms and rules are available from ARCHES Office or email: info@randalstownarches.com.  All Soapbox Karts must have: – back brakes, steering and drivers must wear a helmet. Age 16+Pre-registration of teams is essential and all drivers competing will be required to provide details for insurance purposes. Entry is free!

Belfast

W5 Late, this Saturday 23^rd June, is a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre!  With over 250 interactive exhibits and four incredible exhibition areas, there’s plenty to see and do!  Meet the life-sized humanoid robot as Robothespian goes LIVE! Scale the heights on Climbit, and engage with the experts in our exciting range of science shows and lecture theatre talks!  Marvel at moving, ROARING dinosaurs as the incredible Dinosaur Encounter exhibition arrives at W5 and try your hand at drawing some prehistoric predators at Sketch Club with local illustrator Blair Bailie, plus so much more!  There will be a fully licensed bar where you can have a glass of wine or cold beer.  Admission is £12.00 per adult. Capacity is limited, therefore online booking essential.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

 

Down

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Open Art at Project 24 Bangor this weekend on the 17th June. Relax and listen to live music; the afternoon will be an art lovers dream, with the chance to participate in workshops, watch demonstrations, browse and buy original artwork.

Armagh

Multi award winning singer songwriter Kaz Hawkins, is launching her new solo career with an Irish Tour with special guest Sam York on piano.. Kaz will perform at the Market Place Theatre Armagh this Saturday 16th June. Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £15.

Fermanagh

Explore the Cliffs of Magho this Sunday 17th June. This is a guided walk along the Magho Cliffs pathway leading from the Shore Road to the Magho Viewpoint. The view from the top is arguably one of the best vistas on the island of Ireland and the cliffs are also home to some of the rarest flora and fauna within the Geopark. Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Dublin City Ramblers will be performing live this Saturday at the Alley Theatre, Strabane. They have thrilled audiences worldwide with their unique blend of Ballads, Folk ,Humour, Wit and foot-tapping music. Their impressive career has spanned more than 35 years, with over 30 albums, Top Ten hits, several Awards for best Ballad/Folk Group and, to top it all off, 8 Gold Albums. It is certainly no wonder that they are classed as Ireland’s Number 1 Ballad Group! Show starts at 8.00pm and the tickets are £14-£16.

Derry/Londonderry

Ground Work: Writings on Place, Heaney HomePlace, Saturday 16th June.   How best to make our way through the ruins that we have made? Ground Work – a new anthology of commissioned work tries to answer this as it explores new and enduring cultural landscapes, in a celebration of local distinctiveness that includes new writing from some of our finest authors, three of whom will speak about their work at HomePlace.  This panel will feature Tim Dee, the writer, BBC radio producer, birdwatcher and editor of Ground Work. He will be joined by Scottish poet and novelist John Burnside who is one of only two poets to have won both the TS Eliot Prize and the Forward Poetry Prize for the same book and by writer Tessa Hadley whose novel The London Train was longlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction.

Antrim

The Allstars Annual Extravaganza, Theatre at the Mill, Saturday 16th June. This is the annual show for Allstars Dance Academy and Newtownabbey Allstars Cheerleading Squad. An incredible night, showcasing the dancers and cheerleaders achievements over the last year. This year they will be joined by special guests – Moira Vipers Cheerleading Squad.  Allstars – Where Every One is A Star!!

Belfast

The Belfast Book Festival Family Fun Day returns for its 6th year and promises to deliver a great day out that the whole family can enjoy!  This Family Fun Day aims to introduce children to the fabulous world of books for all ages and abilities and this year’s event will celebrate the great Roald Dahl and all his wonderful characters and stories!  There will be Arts & Craft activities, Face Painting, interactive storytelling, Renowned children’s authors’ readings, entertainment and a Book Fair! Best of all, our it is FREE for all to attend! So why not pack a picnic and join us for a great day out!

Down

The popular Sea Bangor Maritime Festival returns this weekend with a host of activities including live music, food stalls, street theatre and impressive displays that the event is known and loved for. Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th June. See visitardsandnorthdown.com for the full line up of events.

Armagh

In a special collaboration, the pupils of St Patricks Primary School, Armagh will join the members of the South Ulster Sinfonia for an evening of musical entertainment this Thursday at the Market Place Theatre. There will be a varied range of music including folk, classical, hymns, and even a little ABBA, alongside improvisation, dancing and drumming. The players from Lisanally Special School will be assisted by the Drake Project NI. This performance promises something for everyone.

Fermanagh

This Sunday jump on board one of the Geopark Landrovers and explore the stunning scenery of Cuilcagh Mountain Park. Ranging from the rugged upland cliffs to the weathered limestone landscapes on the lower ground, this safari is a chance for you to experience and explore the patchwork of landscapes found on Cuilcagh Mountain.  Not suitable for children under the age of 12 years old.  Please note this tour does not go to the summit of Cuilcagh. Booking essential.

Tyrone

Croke Park meets Windsor Park Charity Fundraising Event this Friday evening at the  Glenavon Hotel, Cookstown. Enjoy an interview with Aaron Hughes & Owen Mulligan by TV sports journalist Adrian Logan.  The net proceeds of the evening will go to support the work of two very deserving Cookstown charities, The Hub and Charis Cancer Care.  It promises to be a great night of celebration, banter and craic. Additional entertainment will be provided by Magician Rodd Hogg. Signed Northern Ireland & Tyrone jerseys as well as sought-after match tickets and other good prizes will be up for grabs in the half-time raffle.

Derry/Londonderry

On the evening of Saturday June 9th, everyone is invited to walk through the gates of the Playtrail, Racecourse Road Derry,  and step into the city’s very own Little Tokyo as Foyle O-Bon, Derry Londonderry’s very own festival of Japanese music, arts and culture returns for a third year.  Foyle O-Bon was born of a desire to share Japanese taiko, culture and tradition while creating a meaningful family festival for all and recognising the ever growing number of Japanese and shared heritage families in the North West.

Antrim

Prepare to be dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s ‘Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries’, a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide in a fun and interactive performance this Saturday 9^th June at The Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey.  Following a hugely successful American tour enjoyed by over 30,000 people, Danny Carmo is back and bigger than ever before with a brand new interactive LED wall to be enjoyed by young audiences this Spring.

Belfast

From  6th – 16th June the 8th annual Belfast Book Festival, supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council, will open the world of books to everyone. For 11 days, venues across the city including The Crescent will come alive with unique and diverse events featuring high profile authors as well as events exploring a range of interests and themes.  See belfastbookfestival.com for the full programme of events.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Legendary Irish rockers, The Boomtown Rats are to headline Harmony Live 2018 in Holywood this weekend.  The three-day event, which is set to pack out the County Down town, will run from June 1^st to 3rd at the Festival Marquee in the Holywood Rugby Club grounds.  Previously known as the Holywood Harmony Festival, Harmony Live will see big-name acts take to the stage at the main marquee as well as events across several venues in the town.

Armagh

Following their first visit to The Market Place Theatre last October with a sold-out performance of ‘Lady Windermere’s Fan’, Theatrical Niche Ltd return with a new adaptation of ‘A Doll’s House’ based on Henrik Ibsen’s classic tale this Friday 1st June.

Fermanagh

If you love Van Morrison’s music you will love Celtic Soul, the definitive Van Morrison tribute. BBC’s Ralph McLean, describes Celtic Soul as ‘a great band’ and ‘a very fine tribute’.  The band perform songs from his days with Them right through to the present day. Expect to hear the big hits as well as hardcore album tracks. See Celtic Soul perform this Saturday evening at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Cookstown is set to go continental when the food and flavours, sights and sounds of Europe and beyond come to the town centre for two days on 2nd and 3rd June 2018. It will feature over 40 traders from as far afield as Morocco, India, Belgium, France, Russia, Holland, Spain and China, who will set up stalls alongside local traders from the weekly street market.  As well as mouth-watering dishes, from freshly made Paella to delicious Bratwurst sausages, visitors will also be kept entertained with a variety of street performances, music and entertainment for all the family.  A German beer stall offering specialty beers, wines and spirits will also be available.  An added feature to this year’s market is ‘The Brickx Club’  at the Burnavon where children and adults alike will have the opportunity to utilise LEGO through creative brick building. There will be construction zones and brick pits where LEGO enthusiasts of all ages can build and create.

Derry/Londonderry

Enjoy unique adventure activities at budget prices at the Jungle NI this Sunday 3^rd June.  Similar to a fun-fair, The Jungle’s Family Fun Day  is an open-park day and offers a range of outdoor activities by token. Simply buy as many tokens you wish, exchange your tokens for the activity, or activities, of your preference and enjoy a fun family experience day unlike any other!  Suitable for all ages and abilities.

Antrim

This year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is now in full swing and continues until  Sunday 3rd June with a packed programme taking place between Ballycastle and Rathlin Island and the sound of water separating the two.  The festival has firmly established itself as a fabulous celebration of our rich maritime heritage offering something for all the family!  You are invited to enjoy the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival and to stay, enjoy and explore further the spectacular Causeway Coast and Glens.

Belfast

The Belfast Craft Beer festival runs on the 1^st and 2^nd June.  Taking over Custom House Square, the festival is ready to set the city’s taste buds alight!  Whether it is a quirky craft beer or a delicate gin cocktail that tickles your fancy – guests can relax in the atmospheric marquee or sit back under the stars in the beautiful surroundings of Custom House Square, right in the heart of the city.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

The Puppet Festival is back with a bang in 2018 with the biggest festival yet!  Expect a programme jam-packed with puppet fun and antics.  With a variety of free scheduled performances, free puppet workshops and plenty of quirky characters to meet, there’s something for everyone!  Performances take place at various times and venues around Newtownards town centre, 26^th to 28^th May.

Armagh

The Armagh Craft Fair returns for the eighth year to the wonderful surroundings of The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre in Armagh on Saturday 26th May.  Bringing high quality craft to the heart of Armagh City, this highly anticipated annual event offers something for everyone. The fair will feature over 45 fantastic craft stalls from makers across Northern Ireland and Ireland, 7 free craft demonstrations from master crafters throughout the day including hands on creative craft making experiences for adults and children, free children’s drop in creative craft sessions, family workshops, musical entertainment, great food & much more.

Fermanagh

SHARE is offering a portfolio of outdoor activities for you to get involved with.  Activities for All offers the general public, a chance to try a wide variety of outdoor activities according to the activity timetable at great prices. Every weekend in May and June (and Bank Holiday Mondays!) SHARE are offering a selection of Outdoor Activities. These activities are open to the public, and if booked in advanced are great value for money, with a 1 hour session being just £6. Get outside this Spring and enjoy a number of activities such as Banana Boating, Climbing, Archery, Sailing and many more!

Tyrone

Award winning singing sensations, Leading Ladies, (Michelle Baird, Ceara Grehan and Lynne McAllister) bring their highly acclaimed Country & Celtics Classics show to Ranfurly House this Friday 25th May. Featuring popular Celtic favourites such as Caledonia, No Frontiers and Will ye go Lassie go, their show includes haunting music from Riverdance, traditional Irish favourites and some of the best America country songs ever written, from artists including Dolly Parton and John Denver, you’ll not want to miss it!

Derry/Londonderry

Try something new and exciting this May Bank Holiday at Foylehov Activity Centre.  Ever fancied having a go at flying a Hovercraft?   Prefer a more relaxed day off? Then why not pop out and have a few rounds at the 18 hole Football Golf course at your leisure . See foylehov.com for details.

Antrim

Do you love community, walking and Rathlin Island? On the 26th of May you can enjoy all three as part of the #BigWalk which is a community celebration building up excitement in the run up to #TheBigLunch 2018.  The walk will be four slow-paced miles and will include several interesting catch up points, a beach clean and a Big Lunch!  Senior Smart Pass holders can book free Rathlin ferry tickets, so if you haven’t been, or if you are eager to return, this is the perfect time!

Belfast

Make a Terrarium this Saturday at the Crescent Arts Centre. A Terrarium is a miniature garden for indoors, usually in a glass container.  Using succulent plants you will learn how to layer the container in a way to be of maximum benefit to the plants.  These gardens need very little maintaining and just need a well-lit spot.  They are easy to make and are excellent gifts for family and friends.  All materials are provided, including the container.  You don’t have to be a keen gardener to enjoy this fun class!

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Down

David Meade promises ‘Wizard of Odds’ to be his funniest and most impossible show yet as he will blow your mind as he beats the odds and predicts the impossible. His show promises to leave you both mesmerised and stunned at his amazing abilities. David is performing at the Town Hall in Newry this Saturday 19th May. His last record-breaking tour sold out everywhere, so grab your tickets now and look forward to a jaw dropping performance that your whole family will never forget.

Armagh

Fellas…slick your hair back, ladies…put on your best red lippy and rock around the clock with Northern Ireland’s only 1950s/60s Rock n Roll band, The Soda Popz this Saturday evening at the Market Place Theatre.  Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Buddy Holly, Connie Francis and much more, this two hour spectacular is guaranteed to get any audience dancing in the aisles.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB NI this Saturday morning aboard the Lady of the Lake double-deck cruiser for a guided boat tour of the stunning Lough Erne for the Curlew Cruise (as part of Curlew Crisis Month).The RSPB Lower Lough Erne Islands reserve warden will be your guide as you set out to spot one of our most cherished birds.  Meet at Inishclare Jetty (close to the Manor House Country Hotel), Killadeas, Co Fermanagh, BT94 1NY at 9.30am for 10am sailing.

Tyrone

Celebrate World Culture Day with the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Saturday and enjoy a  vibrant celebration of all our differences with Arts and Crafts from Around the World.  Take part in some traditional arts and crafts, with something for everyone to enjoy.  Admission is free!

Derry/Londonderry

Book yourself a Slow Adventure at the White Horse Hotel. Slow Adventure NI is a form of tourism which avoids the adrenalin-pumping hits of many commercial adventure experiences, in favour of slow, immersive journeys, living in and travelling through wild places and cultural spaces, and experiencing nature in its seasons, its different weather and its variations.  Choose from Connectin with The Wild on Foot & Horseback, Connecting with Nature Irish Walking Tour and The White Horse Adventure, Subject to Availability and Weather. Call 028 7186 0606, City of Derry Equestrian Centre Landscape and Countryside Tours.

Antrim

This year’s Ballyclare May Fair  from 19^th to 26^th May will be a mixture of the popular traditional horse fair, local music and entertainment combined with traditional craft demonstrations and workshops.  New for this year is the Soapbox Derby race on Tuesday 22nd May. Saturday 26th May sees the return of the fantastic May Fair Parade, with Ritchie Remo and his band delighting fans of all ages, before the fireworks. Family fun activities, amusements, pet show, local movies, tea dance, a foam party and much more.

Belfast

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival returns once again to Queen’s Quay, Donegall Quay and Titanic Quarter 19^th and 20^th May to bring you a bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun and frolics!  Join in the fun at Titanic Quarter for a maritime celebration including the return of our Pop-Up ‘Titanic Street Food Market’ at Hamilton Dock, the ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ next to SS Nomadic,  as well as plenty of interactive demos, exhibitions, and maritime madness taking place across the quarter.  There will also be plenty of opportunities to explore and enjoy our maritime heritage on one of the exciting photo & discovery tours!

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you

Down

The annual Pipe Band Championships take place this Saturday 12^th May at Bangor Castle.  With over 40 bands and 50 Drum Majors competing, this event is impressive to spectate. Admission is free.

Armagh

Labelled as the Hottest New Group out of Northern Ireland, Connla  have recently released their EP in April 2015, and album ‘River Waiting’ in July 2016, and have received fantastic reviews at home and internationally.  See them perform live this Friday 11^th May at the Market Place Theatre.

Fermanagh

The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves this Saturday 12^th May for 5:00am to join Geopark staff to listen to the spectacular array of birdsong as they welcome the new day with fine voice. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear – from wrens to ravens. Afterwards join us in the Café for your early bird breakfast. This promises to be a truly memorable morning.  Warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear are essential.

Tyrone

The Rock’N’Roll Years and Dance Hall Days’ Show is back  this Saturday at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown with a brand new show featuring George Jones, Clubsound and four wonderful singers.  The show will transport you back to the nostalgic days and incredible music and artistes of 50’s and 60’s.  Combining evocative love ballads with the greatest Rock‘n’Roll hit songs of the era, this show will carry the audience back to a time when dance halls were full and the youngsters danced, jived and rocked to the Four Seasons, the Shadows, Neil Sedaka, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline, Elvis and much, much more!

Derry/Londonderry

Calling all runners and walkers! This year’s Termoneeny 10k & 5k Fun Run/Walk takes place on Friday the 11th of May at 7.30 pm. Registration opens at 6.00 pm.  Water will be available in the Termoneeny Centre and along the route. Tea and sandwiches will be served in the Termoneeny Centre after the race. Showers and changing facilities are also available in the building. The Termoneeny Centre is situated at  56 Quarry Road, Knockloughrim, Magherafelt, BT45 8NS.

Antrim

Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival returns to Larne for a second year on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th May. The free event has been revamped and relocated yet will again have a packed programme of live music, dancing, family entertainment, children’s activities, an exhibition, street theatre, food heritage demonstrations, a ceilidh and a bit of magic.The main venue is the restored Market Yard on Station Road which will host lively sets from The Logues, Runabay, Booka Brass, Pilgrim Street, Paul Casey, Stonewall, Pure Blarney, the Ulster Scots Juvenile Pipe Band, Eilidh Patterson and Lee Lawson.

Belfast

The annual film event organised by the Classical Association in Northern Ireland (CANI) will take place on Saturday 12th May, commencing at 2pm, in the Lecture Theatre, Ulster Museum.  The film is the 1963 Charles H. Schneer production of “Jason and the Argonauts”, which is famous for the special effects created by Ray Harryhausen.  The film is a U certificate and is suitable for all ages.  Dr Katerina Kolotourou of CANI will give a brief introduction.  Admission for non-CANI members is £5, members and under 16s free.

 

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.  

Down

Cable and Wake outdoor waterpark is opening this May Day holiday weekend! Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Then visit Knockbracken Reservoir from 2nd May for fun mid week and weekend activities. The new waterpark at Knockbracken Reservoir in Carryduff is just 15 minutes drive from Belfast City Centre. The site boasts a massive aqua park, cable wakeboard park and glamping village with a sauna for warming up on those cold days! The waterpark is a perfect place for birthday parties, community groups, school groups and the adventurous corporate group!

Armagh

Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt as Navan Fort prepares for the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, marking the gateway between the earthly and spiritual realms?  Try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of hand fasting cakes.  The Celts are sure to entertain you with stories, dancing and singing in anticipation of the final fire purification ceremony on Bank Holiday Monday.  This highly engaging experience is suitable for all ages and will give you a unique insight into life long ago!  Saturday 5th – Monday 7th May, 11.00am – 4.00pm daily.

Fermanagh

The water trampoline at Castle Archdale Boat Hire and Watersports is great fun for all the family. Situated within the marina, the trampoline with log and slide is a very popular activity. Jump in, slide in, roll in, flip in or try walking the log – it’s the best fun you could have and great for kids and adults of all ages. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets provided for all activities.

Tyrone

Ireland’s premier tribute to the super group Fleetwood Mac, brings you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling Anglo/American band that still tour today.  See Mack Fleetwood deliver a spellbinding show this Friday at Ranfurly House Dungannon.  Their love of the material and musical prowess shines through in each song. They will bewitch you with authentic renditions of all your favourite Fleetwood Mac hits.

Derry/Londonderry

The biggest and best Jazz Festival is returning to Derry from 3rd – 7th May.  The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will be back for its 17th year, featuring artists from all over the world and attracting over 60,000 revellers over the bank holiday weekend.  This year’s headliner is Sir Van Morrison, who will perform in the Millennium Forum on Sunday 6th and Monday 7th May. Some popular acts returning to the Festival will include the Red Stripe Band, The Roaring Forties, the Ska Beat, Velocity Brown and The Hot Rods, and Jaydee Brass band.  New acts joining us in 2018 will include Mercury nominated Dinosaur – a vibrant new ensemble praised for their blend of styles, taking sounds from folk, rock, minimalism and contemporary art music.  Dinosaur will be performing in the Playhouse on Sunday 6th May 2018 at 8pm, admission £6.  For the full line up see cityofderryjazzfestival.com.

Antrim

Antrim Castle Gardens will be in full bloom at this year’s Allianz Garden Show Ireland.  A three-day festival with a bloomin’ great line-up of flowers, food, crafts, music and dedicated kids zone and so much more.  The family-friendly event is worth visiting and will appeal to all ages.  Sitting alongside the vast display of specialist plants, artisan food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, local crafts and feature gardens will be fun-filled activities appealing to all age groups – live music, dedicated kids adventure area, a doggie zone – complete with competitions – tree-climbing demos and much more; it’s truly a superb three-days that attracts everyone from garden enthusiasts to families, spanning three generations.  Adults tickets cost £10 (concession £8), the event is FREE for children under 16 and there is a reduced rate for online booking, for more information on the Show or to book tickets online visit www.gardenshowireland.com.

Belfast

This Saturday HMS Caroline hosts Belfast Battleship!  The year is 2018. 6 years have passed from the events that saw the brave crew of the USS Missouri defend earth from an alien invasion, in what is now known as “Incident 11”. Rumours of an imminent second global invasion are being downplayed in the media.  Over 100 years ago, HMS Caroline was used to train sailors for life at sea, and as part of top secret global plan to ready all museum ships for a repeat of Incident 11, the crew have docked in Belfast to train a new generation.  Aimed at children between 6 and 14, and an uncle, aunt, parent or older sibling accompanying them, Moving Pictures invite you to join them on the 5 May, on board the Belfast Battleship.

 

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