Category: Pick of the Week

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across Northern Ireland!

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The Outlet is supporting Banbridge Action Cancer Fundraising Group’s Paint the Town Pink charity event on Saturday October 14th with a range of on-site activities including a raffle, face painting and appearances from family favourite superheroes Spiderman and Batman.  Help support the charity and paint The Outlet pink this October by joining the fun. Admission is free.

Armagh

All the agonies of Sue Townsend’s loveable loser are brought to life by the boisterous Bruiser Theatre Company in The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 14th October.   Mole, the unforgettable lad whose self-absorption only gets funnier as his life becomes more desperate.  This event takes place in the Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.

 

Fermanagh

The “Waterways Ireland Erne Pike Fishing Classic event takes place from the 13th – 15th October.  Friday 13th October – Bank Fishing Competition.  Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th October – Boat Fishing Competitions (enter 1 or 2 days).  Closing date for entries is Wednesday 11th October 2017.  Prize giving for all competitions will be held at Killyhevlin Hotel, Enniskillen at 8.00pm on Sunday 15th October where light refreshments will be provided.

 

Tyrone

How’s Your Father? is a non-stop, laugh a minute riot of craic, confusion and constant laughter!  A B&B! A Landlady! A Priest! A Jockey! A Mystery! Bridie Murphy opens Bridie’s Boutique B&B, much to her husband Willie’s bewilderment.  With their young, confused neighbour, Dick, having some family problems, Bridie steps in to help.  There’s only one thing for it.  Bring in the Priest,  which serves to make things even more confusing!  It’s a side-splitting tale of love, deceit, mystery, bad food and a bit of ‘How’s Your Father’ thrown in for good measure.  The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Friday 13th October.

 

Derry/Londonderry

The biggest Fashion event in the North West events calendar, the Fashion Fest The Show takes place on Saturday 14th October at the Guildhall,  making the NW the premier fashion destination of Northern Ireland.  Fashion Fest 2017 is delighted to announce one UKs most successful fashion designers, Jenny Packham will closing the show with her 2018 bridal gowns.  Tickets are priced at £15 (+booking fee) which includes a drink on arrival and an exclusive goody bag for all. (Concessions available for students and groups £12.50).  On sale now online at www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest or from the Guildhall, Derry and Alley Theatre, Strabane or by contacting the Fashion Fest team on telephone: 028 7137 6506.

 

Antrim

Featuring the very best of local Co. Antrim talent at the Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey this Saturday 14th October,  A Musical Spectacular is a night of music and dance featuring over 100 performers ranging from 8 to 80 years of age.  The evening will be hosted by Conor Taggart and his 8 piece Big Band, The Phat Katz, performing Swing classics from Sinatra to Michael Buble.

 

Belfast

The Free Minors Club returns to the Strand Arts Centre this Saturday at midday with The Adventures of Tintin!  While shopping at an outdoor market, young reporter Tintin (Jamie Bell), accompanied by his faithful dog, Snowy, buys a model of an old ship called the Unicorn. A shady character named Sakharine, and later an American named Barnaby try to buy the model from him, but Tintin refuses. The lad discovers that the ship contains a clue about a hidden treasure, but before he can locate it, Tintin is kidnapped and given over to the custody of drunken Capt. Haddock.  There will be a maritime-themed arts and crafts workshop after the screening.

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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Down

The Big Brent Event Returns to Castle Espie on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October to celebrate the return of 80% of the world’s population of Brent Geese from their summer breeding sites. Strangford Lough is their favoured destination following their long journey of 2500km from Arctic Canada.

Armagh

This Saturday at the Market Place Theatre, take a journey into the colourful world of Lego animation with this mini animation masterclass by Can Do Academy, which will teach you how to make a complete animated film on an iPad, including sound effects visual effects, and planning your film. You will receive a copy of your animation to take home to WOW your family and friends.

Fermanagh

The Ulster & Irish Open Short Circuit Championship Event, The Enniskillen 100, takes place this Saturday 7th October at St. Angelo Airport.  Non-stop live racing and parade laps from 9 am to 5 pm. Featuring vintage, classic and modern motorbikes, rally cars and vehicles of special interest.  Entry includes FREE event programme. Gates open 08:30. Adult £10.00, 12-16 year old £5.00, Under 12 Free., Family (2+2 teens) £25.00.

Tyrone

This Saturday enjoy a movie experience of the animated film, “Sing”, at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  In a city of humanoid animals, a hustling theatre impresario’s attempt to save his theatre with a singing competition becomes grander than he anticipates even as its finalists’ find that their lives will never be the same.

Derry/Londonderry

The best of local, clean, fair food will be on the menu when Derry City and Strabane District Council welcomes the return of the Slow Food Festival on the 7th & 8th October in the Guildhall Square.  Slow Food is a global, grassroots organisation that promotes true enjoyment of good food with the commitment to community and the environment. Join us for a major two- day celebration showcasing the best of local, clean, fair food from across the North West. Featuring the Slow Food Market, talks & demo’s, tours & tastings, street food, family fun and lots more!

Antrim

The award-winning Giant’s Causeway will open its doors on Saturday 7 October offering the local community the opportunity to enjoy the full visitor experience, free of charge to thank them for their ongoing support over the busy summer season.

Belfast

Saturday sensory development classes for new-borns up to 13 month olds with award winning Baby Sensory.  The venue is Newtownbreda Tesco community room. Cost £5 per baby.  With hundreds of sensory experiences and lots of ideas to try at home this is a class that supports baby development and includes baby signing, puppet shows and more.  The next session takes place on Saturday 7th October.

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 shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Bring the family to Exploris Aquarium this Sunday 1st October to celebrate World Animal Day.  Enjoy all the animal based fun on offer and learn all about the underwater and reptilian friends though discovery pool demos, seal and otter feedings plus lots more fun animal based activities throughout the day. Let the little ones dive into the soft play zone and then relax after a fun filled day in The Craken cafe and restaurant.

Armagh

The Assistant’s Revenge is a detective story for children and adults, a murder mystery with a magical twist. This Saturday 30th September at the Market Place Studio Theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.

Fermanagh

This Saturday at Cathedral Hall Enniskillen, enjoy a screening of one of the most iconic children’s films, The Railway Children, which all the family will enjoy.  Part of Fermanagh Film Club’s weekend to commemorate the closure of rail services in Fermanagh. Screening at 11.00am. Admission is free.

Tyrone

The Light for Life Event at Loughmacrory Lough in aid of Care for Cancer takes place this Friday 29th September.   Come and celebrate the lives who have passed from or are currently living with cancer.  The twilight walk around the lough starts at 8.00pm with registration from 7.00pm. Lights for all participants, with music and refreshments.  This is a family friendly event – everyone welcome including dog walkers.

Derry/Londonderry

The Guildhall Derry City Wedding Fayre, in association with Perfect Bliss Wedding Shows takes place this Sunday October 1st from 2pm until 5pm with mini fashion shows throughout the day along with a grand prize draw.

Antrim

Celebrate World Animal Day this Sunday at Carnfunnock Park.  Join Debbie Doolittle as she introduces some of Northern Ireland’s most magical mammals. With special guest appearances from Mrs. Fox and her friends, spend the afternoon with Debbie as she teaches all about these mammals and how you can help them. 2.00pm to 4.30pm.  £2.75 per adult, £2.25 per child/concession. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  Booking is advisable. All children must be accompanied by an adult.   Contact: Carnfunnock Country Park on 028 2826 2471.

Belfast

Monster Manor is back at W5!  And it’s even spookier than last year! The singing pumpkins, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts, witches and monsters have been joined by some new phantom friends this year. Some new rooms have been uncovered in the mansion where new scares await! It may be really spooky and a little bit eerie, but Monster Manor is a whole lot of fun. This Autumn, are you and your family brave enough to discover what lurks within MONSTER MANOR?  Weekends from 30th September, daily from 28th October – 5th November.

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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Down

Bring your picnic and settle down on the lawn with your family and friends to enjoy an afternoon of jazz in the beautiful gardens at Mount Stewart.  This Sunday from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

Armagh

Hosted exclusively for the Food & Cider Festival, A Night in the Orchard is a dining experience all about great food, delicious cider, music and company. You will be served the best ciders on the lawns of Crannagael House, Portadown, Friday 22nd September at 7.00pm.

 

Fermanagh

Celebrate Fermanagh’s finest food and the waterways at Enniskillen Castle.  Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen, will host Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands, for a third year, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September.  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.

 

Tyrone

Enjoy a day of free family fun on Hill of The O’Neill this Sunday. Bring your little ones to the Hill dressed as their favourite Superhero or Princess 2.00pm to 5.00pm and let their imaginations run free!  Activities on the day will include a superhero academy, princess singalong, medieval village, arts and crafts, face painting, amusements, pet farm and much more.  Admission is free.

 

Derry/Londonderry

For the first time ever, the much loved fairy-tale comes to the stage in an unforgettable live production of song and laughter. Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Ruffy the Dog and Mr Bunny perform live on stage at the Millennium Forum this Saturday 23rd September.

 

Antrim

Join the NICHS for their Causeway Coast Walk this Saturday 23rd September and fundraise to help support local people with chest, heart and stroke conditions.  The coastal walk from takes you along iconic sites such as Carrick-a-rede, Ballintoy Harbour and Whitepark Bay.  Hidden harbours with the smallest church and majestic views then onto the world famous Giant’s Causeway and the outstanding beauty of Portballintrae.  If you haven’t been before you owe yourself to witness one of the best walks our country has to offer and if you have already been, you know you will want to return!

 

Belfast

Planning a wedding and looking for something a little different – or very different? The Quirky Weddings Alternative Wedding Fair was created with you in mind! The fair returns to the Waterfront Hall on Sunday September 24th from12.00pm to 5.00pm.  Not only is there a lot to see but also the first 500 visitors will get in half price! (Regular admission is £7).

 

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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Down

Northern Ireland’s McPeake have launched their debut EP ‘Gypsies in the Wood’ and are appearing at Down Arts Centre on Friday 15th September before heading back to Nashville.   McPeake are a unique Irish trio that have developed a soul stirring, emotive sound that is genuine and classic yet contemporary.  A band with a rare combination of tradition and innovation laced with pop lyrics and radio friendly hooks on traditional instruments. Tickets available from Down Arts Centre.

Armagh

Join puppets Wendy & Will Wonder, The Wee Wonders, this Saturday at the Market Place Theatre Armagh, for a session jam packed with singing, signing, games, stories, activities as well as craft for you to take home.   Parents will enjoy participating with, and observing their wee wonder as they enter our exciting world of imaginative play and discovery.  From 10.30am to 12.00pm.

Fermanagh

Fermanagh Restaurant week, 15th to 24th September is a celebration of everything delicious about Fermanagh – clear your diary & indulge in unique foodie experiences! Unique foodie experiences include, Pop Up Restaurants, Dine on Lough Erne, Bespoke Themed Menus, Meet The Producer Events – Fermanagh’s artisan producers, growers and brewers and Gourmet Food & Craft Drink Evenings.   This is the perfect event for food enthusiasts with something for all tastes and budgets.  For a full programme of events, please visit www.fermanaghrestaurantweek.com

Tyrone

Learn to jive at The Hub Cookstown this Saturday 16th September. This is a one day Jive Workshop with Angela Hughes. Learn the basic jive steps in a day!  You will leave the workshop ready for the next dance…remember to wear loose clothing and a shoe you can turn in! 10.00am to 4.00pm. £20 includes refreshments and lunch. Places are limited to booking is essential. Call Claire on 028 8676 3398.

Derry

Carrowmena Family Fun Day & Teddy Bears Picnic takes place this Sunday 17th September at Carrowmena Activity Centre, Limavady.  This extra date will include the new Teddy Bears Picnic to  entertain children from 1 + years.  The Day will be jam packed with fun to include Face Painting / Story Time / Bear Hospital / Bear Hunt / Inflatables and all the usual Carrowmena activities including Zipline, Archery, Maize Maize, Climbing Wall and Leap of Faith.

Antrim

Portglenone village rests along the banks of the River Bann, which has been immortalised by countless artists and writers down through the years.  It is here in this idyllic setting that the 18th “Gig’n The Bann” Cross Community Music and Dance Festival will take place from the 14th – 17th September 2017. This festival has become one of the major events on the Summer Festival Calendar having built a reputation for offering a most impressive line-up of top performers spanning Traditional, Scottish and Folk Music circles.  The Festival programme for will again include the usual mix of Concerts, Traditional Music Sessions and the Bard’n the Bann competition which features local writers and now in its sixth year continues to grow as an integral part of the festival. There is also the opportunity to hear world class pipe bands at the “Pipe’n the Bann” event which is usually one of the highlights of the festival.

Belfast

The Body Mind Soul Health, Well-Being & Natural Therapies Expo at the Crown Plaza this Sunday will be bringing you some of Ireland’s finest and most popular Therapists, Treatments, Holistic Retailers and Readers. There will also be Inspirational Talks & Workshops so that you can experience what the Holistic field has to offer. The Body Mind Soul Festival is a truly fantastic day of events, with something appealing for everyone.

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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Down

After its success last year, ‘Donaghadee Lights Up’ is back again this Saturday featuring The Bay City Rollers starring Les McKeown. This internationally renowned band will take to the stage from 7.30pm. Bring your singing voice and dancing feet – This is a ‘Saturday Night’ you won’t want to miss!  The night will come to a close with what promises to be a spectacular show of fireworks at 9.30pm

Armagh

The Richhill Grand Fete, Auction & Craft Fair takes place this Saturday 9th September.  There will be 30+ stalls from local crafters, including handmade crafts, jewellery, art works, home bakes, wood works, bespoke hats and fascinators, decoupage and pamper products along with all sorts of local produce including fruit and veg, shrubs and flowers. For the younger visitors there will be face painting, lego, jewellery making and organised children’s activities.  There will also be a dog show with prizes. Refreshments will be available along with a variety of  home-made foods, burgers, hot dogs, dutch pancakes  and ice-cream!

Fermanagh

Omagh Laughs Back returns with a packed lineup of talent from both North and South of the border at Jazzeys Laughter Lounge, The Devenish Bar this Thursday 7th September. This month, the one and only Niamh Marron returns to the bosom of her adopted town of Omagh along-side Pauric Gallagher and Mary Flanigan.

Tyrone

One of celtic music’s most profoundly skilled and audaciously inventive exponents, Scottish piper Fred Morrison is justly famed for his passionately expressive style, rooted in the Gaelic traditions of his father’s native South Uist, and enriched by influences from far and wide, which has seen him dubbed “the Jimi Hendrix of the pipes”. See Fred perform live this Saturday 9th September at the Alley Theatre Strabane.

Derry/Londonderry

This Friday 8th September, acclaimed dancer Jean Butler premieres a deeply personal performance inspired by Heaney’s final collection, Human Chain at Seamus Heaney Homeplace Bellaghy.  Collaborators include Cara Butler, Kristyn Fontanella and Joseph Hunt.  New York-based choreographer and performer Jean Butler first came to prominence as principal dancer and co-choreographer of Riverdance and Dancing on Dangerous Ground. Jean is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Irish Post Award for her outstanding contribution to Irish dance.

Antrim

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to Market Square Lisburn on Saturday 9th September 2017 for The Splendid September Vintage & Handmade Fair. The event will feature around 25 sellers of beautiful and original vintage and handmade treasures including fashion accessories, jewellery, furniture, homewares, collectables, textiles & decor, artisan food, art, crafts and gifts, & much more besides!

Belfast

Belfast’s first urban pop up dog park takes place this Saturday and Sunday at the new #S13.  Let your pooch enjoy some free running & try basic dog agility.  Browse stalls, talk to vets, canine health professionals and behaviour experts.  Meet other dog owners over a coffee & bite to eat. Lots of love, play & praise!  Fun for dogs, socialisation for humans.  Suggested donation: £5 adult, £3 OAP & students, free for unemployed.  Kids under 16 free – must be accompanied by an adult.

 

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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Down

This Sunday 3rd September enjoy a sightseeing tour of Strangford Lough with its abundance of nature and wildlife. See the SeaGen, Angus Rocks Lighthouse, surface whirlpools and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve. You might see a pod of porpoise or even a basking shark! Book with Strangford Sea Safari.

Armagh

Calling all bookworms!  Browse through the hundreds of second hand books at the Argory’s Autumn Book Fair this Saturday and Sunday. There’s sure to be something for everyone. Live music and children’s activities on Sunday. Donations of unwanted books, CDs and DVDs are welcome prior to the event.

 

Fermanagh

The Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival takes place from 31st August to 3rd September.  There’s the return of old favourites such as the Schubertiade and Precious Little concerts, the morning boat rides out to islands on the lough for Beckett readings, and Festival Associate Adrian Dunbar’s acclaimed productions Ohio Impromptu and Catastrophe.  The Festival closes with a rare opportunity to watch Quad, the only work of Samuel Beckett’s to be inspired by dance. For a full programme of events see www.artsoverborders.com

 

Tyrone

There’ll be strumming on the porches of the log cabins, dancing in the cobbled streets and jamming outside the General Store at the 26th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival from 1st to 3rd  September at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh.  This famous Festival is jam packed with some of the biggest names in Bluegrass and Old-Time music.  Keep in touch at www.nmni.com/uafp for regular updates on this year’s Bluegrass Music Festival!

 

Derry/Londonderry

This Saturday 2nd September,  Guildhall Square will welcome the very best of artisan traders at the Walled City Market, offering visitors a friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from vegetables, homemade jams & preserves, artisan breads & cakes, sweets and handmade craft products.

Antrim

Ad Hoc Theatre performs The Importance of Being Earnest, 1st and 2nd September at the Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey. Recommended Age: 16yrs+ .  Two young couples hope to find true happiness, Jack with Gwendolyn and Algernon with Cecily.  Group Discount Available for groups of 10+ – contact Box Office to avail of group discount on 028 9034 0202.

 

Belfast

The Stormont Hotel Wedding Show, presented by the Award Winning Perfect Bliss Wedding Events, takes place this Sunday 3rd September from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. There will be over 70 Wedding Specialists in attendance, mini fashion shows throughout the day along with a Live Band Showcase. VIP Area for 50 Brides who will receive champagne and goody bag.  Admission is 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.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI!

By

Down

The UPU Plough Fest is coming to Hillsborough’s Plough Inn from Thursday 24th – Saturday 26th August. Aimed at keeping the spirit of the Hillsborough Oyster Festival alive, this festival is not to be missed by locals and foodies across the UK and Ireland. UPU Plough Fest will kick off on the evening of Thursday 24th August with a pop-up restaurant hosted by internationally renowned Brazilian chef, Andre Lima de Luca. Foodies are expected to return to Hillsborough in droves to enjoy the best of barbecue cooking from the king of the fire pit.

Armagh

Learn about foraging for food and the wealth of foods available around the countryside this weekend.  Take a walk around Navan Fort on Sunday 27th August and, under the guidance of the resident expert, collect food to bring to prepare for cooking.  Sample some fayre made with foraged foods like berries, vegetables, apples and even nettles! This is a FREE drop in event from 11.00am to 3.00pm.

Fermanagh

The Harvest 2017 Country Music Festival on 26th & 27th August in Ballinamallard will feature an exciting line up of Irish and International artists.  Get up close and personal to the songwriters behind the songs at the Harvest Café. Enjoy the full festival experience at dedicated Dancing sessions a food village, market stalls, funfair, full bar facilities. Camping options including Glamping, campervan facilities and family camping area are all on offer. The line-up for Enniskillen includes Miranda Lambert, Charley Pride, Maddie & Tae, Nathan Carter, Kip Moore, Jake Carter and more!

Tyrone

The Emerald Garrison, will be Invading Mid Ulster this weekend with the hugely popular Invasion show at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown!  The show includes a line-up of fun interactive activities as well as an amazing interactive walk around exhibition of life size Props & Sets created by fans!  Meet and pose with over 30 costumed characters including Storm Troopers, Jedi Knights, Bounty Hunters, Clone Troopers, Sith Lords, Wookies and many, many more! Experience Force Training with the Emerald Garrison’s Jedi instructors and have lots of fun learning the ways of the force and battle the dark forces.  Daily shows take place on 26th and 27th August at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm.

Derry/Londonderry

Discover the magic in Maghera Walled Garden on Saturday 26th August when a spellbinding collection of fairies and elves will take over and turn it into an enchanted garden!  Join in the fun from 12.00pm to – 4.00pm for a FREE Family Fun Day which will leave you wanting to become a real life fairy or elf! Whirl through the garden to find all the tiny fairies and elves hidden in the pathways in their homemade wooden houses. Meet Strawberry the Summer Fairy on her HUGE magical throne, as she recites traditional tales underneath the Whispering Story Tree.  Make your own fairy wand or elf hat with one of our own fairies or elves.

Antrim

Enjoy some free family fun and music performances at the Shoreline Festival, Loughshore Park Jordanstown, over the bank holiday weekend.  Usual favourites such as amusements, band concerts, live music, inflatables, outdoor activities, sensory play, street theatre shows and circus skills will be available on both days.  On Saturday night there will be fireworks and live music from Faith, The George Michael Experience and on Sunday evening, Oasis tribute band Roll With It will bring this “Supersonic” weekend to a close. With the exception of the amusement rides, all events and activities are absolutely FREE!  So be ‘shore’ not to miss out on two fantastic and affordable days of fun for all the family before school starts back!

Belfast

Making Waves with Craft NI on board HMS Caroline will return on Saturday 26th August and Monday 28th August.  This is a drop in session between 11.00am and 3.00pm. Fun for all the Family!  Join artist Julie Greenlee on board and learn how to weave using peg looms. Use a variety of wool and fabric strips to create ‘waves’ which will then be joined together and suspended from the ceiling creating colourful, gently flowing waves. This is a free activity, however, normal entrance fees will apply. See www.hmscaroline.co.uk for further information and to book your ticket now.  Drop in sessions between 11.00am and 3.00pm.­

 

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 shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Down

Enjoy an evening of live music, family entertainment, food stalls and a fabulous fireworks display this Saturday 19th August in Groomsport. Live music begins at 6.30pm, featuring No Oil Paintings. The night is headlined by The Boss UK, who are a tribute band to Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. The fireworks display begins at 10pm.  A special late night bus service departs from Groomsport’s Main Street to Bangor Bus Station at 10.30pm and 11pm. For more information on this special service, contact Translink on 028 9066 6630.

 

Armagh

Wild Wednesdays get wilder! Bring your haunted ham sandwiches to Lúnasa Festival’s Creatures of the Night Picnic this Wednesday 16th August.  Do you have a budding David Attenborough or Chris Packham in the family? If so, join The Ring of Gullion for a picnic with a difference. Bring along your picnic to enjoy while you watch and listen for bats and other mammals and perhaps trap a moth, in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. It’s a great chance for all the family to have a close encounter with wildlife!  This is a free event but booking is essential.

 

Fermanagh

On the Trail of Martel, Wild Caving Expedition, Wednesday 16th August. Delve off the beaten track to explore ‘wild’ caving, deep inside the Marble Arch Caves System. Meander through cave passages, climb through boulder chambers and squeeze though the famous flyover to emerge into the Marble Arch Showcave, before making your way out, muddy but proud!   This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old or those with limited mobility. All participants must be of moderate level of fitness and reasonably agile. Wear old clothes and wellies. Weather dependant. This is a free event, but booking is essential.

 

Tyrone

Parkanaur House is the setting for the 15th Annual Castlecaulfield Horticultural Show and Vintage Rally this Saturday 19th August. Featuring flowers, fruit, vegetables and home crafts, fun activities and over 20 craft stalls, open from 12.30pm. The Show Marquee will be open from 1.30pm. High Tea will be available in the Ballroom, and a BBQ and refreshments in the grounds. Enjoy the live entertainment. Ample parking with disabled area and a free shuttle bus available from the onsite car park.

 

Derry/Londonderry

This year’s Lumarina Festival will be Lighting Up the Lough this weekend!  On Friday 18 August, from 6pm – 10pm, Mid Ulster District Council will shine a light on the beauty of Lough Neagh, as Ballyronan Marina provides the backdrop for an evening of music and entertainment. Featuring fireworks, fire performers, a fun fair, children’s activities and food stalls, you can drink in the views from the Marina as dusk turns to night skies, to a live music soundtrack provided by Peach. The fun continues on the shores of Lough Neagh on Saturday 19th August from 2pm – 6pm, with arts and crafts activities for the little ones, African drumming workshops, and magic shows.

 

Antrim

The Carnlough Bikefest and Family Fun Day takes place this Sunday 20th August.  The Motorcycle ride out  from Carnlough to Portrush and back leaves at 10.30am. The family fun day kicks off at 12.30pm with the Trialstar stunt team, the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, Bouncy Castles, a bar-b-que, face painting, bikesafe, fun fair and much more. Then at 7:30pm there will be live music followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

 

Belfast

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to beautiful Belfast Castle for the fabulous Last Days of Summer Vintage & Handmade Fair on Sunday 20th August and will feature around 35 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectables, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, art, craft, gifts, artisan food & much more!

­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 shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Down

BuskFest is an international busking festival which takes place in Banbridge on Saturday 12th August. Now in its 14th year, the event attracts 6000+ people from across the globe to Banbridge Town Centre. The competition, which has a prize pot of £3000, runs from 1pm – 4.30pm and will culminate in an awards ceremony hosted by BBC Radio Ulster’s Ralph McLean in Solitude Park from 4.30pm – 6pm.

Armagh

Once again it’s blues that’s on the agenda, this being the 7th year of the 7 Hills Blues Festival 10th to 13th August.  This annual celebration will feature over 50 bands at venues across Armagh, with some regular artists back alongside some great new performers. So save the dates and let’s get some blistering summer blues : best served chilled!

Fermanagh

This Saturday 12th August 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. Booking essential.  (02866348855) Max. 14 per session. Meeting point: Marble Arch Caves Visitor Centre (event taking place in Cuilcagh Mountain Park), This event is not suitable for children under 12 years old.

Tyrone

The Clans of Ulster celebrates Lunása Spirit of Folk Festival on 12 August at Tullyhogue Fort, near Cookstown, from 11am-11pm.  The event is being hosted by The Clans of Ulster, and commemorates the ancient tradition of Lunása, which was celebrated all over Ireland, Scotland, and Europe.  It marks the end of summer and celebrates the harvest season, while honouring the role of the ancient Celtic ways.  It will include family fun, with a celebration of food, music, sport, and art. There will be plenty to see and do including visiting stalls from local food artisans and local crafts.  There is also a chance to participate in the Celtic warrior workshop, and see & learn about birds of prey with the NI School of Falconry.

Derry/Londonderry

Stendhal Festival is Northern Ireland’s biggest and best grass-roots music and arts festival.  With over 100 performances from the likes of Ash, The Magic Numbers, Sharon Shannon and Lisa McHugh taking place over August 11th and 12th at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, there is certainly plenty of musical variety as well as a dedicated family programme that caters for children and families of all ages.

Antrim

Allow qualified guides to take you on a leisurely ramble across Church Bay and into Mill Bay on Rathlin Island this Sunday 13th August.  Along the way discuss the island’s history, its people and its unique wildlife. You will be given plenty of opportunities to meet the local seal colony who bask along the shoreline and time to visit the bird sanctuary if you wish before returning to Ballycastle on the 4:15pm ferry.  The guide will meet you in Ballycastle at the ferry terminal at 11am and accompany you on the crossing.  Price of the tour (£10) does not include the ferry travel. The tour is wheelchair, child and dog friendly.

Belfast

Get ready for the free Twin Spires Complex Family Fun Day this Saturday 12th August.  There will be lots of free fun and games including Football Darts, Interactive Challenges, a Bungee Run, Toddler Zone and plenty of bouncy castles. Plus Magic George, Science Experiments, face painting and glitter tattoos free for all the family. There will also be a creation station for all little innovators and music plus lot of tasty treats are on offer. Save the date and don’t miss out on all the fun!

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