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When it comes to gigs in Belfast, the city’s Cathedral Quarter is a hub of fantastic music. From festivals, venues, and theatre spaces to bars and clubs there’s no better place to relax to your favourite genre.

Northern Ireland is full of talented local musicians that deserve our ongoing love and support, and several of them are hosting headline gigs around The Cathedral Quarter this year. 

It’s time for you to check out our amazing local bands, learn their lyrics and practice your best hand horns. 
 

Here are 5 local gigs coming up this year that you should check out:1. Junk Drawer Album Launch
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street
Date/time: 16th September @ 7:30 pm
Price: £7 entry or £21 entry + Ready For The House LP
Junk Drawer will be launching their new album “Ready For The House” as part of Black Box Recorder.
The album was released through Art For Blinds Records back in 2020 and the album features their lead single “Year Of The Sofa”, the winner of the Best Single at The Northern Ireland Music Prize in 2019”.
The band describes itself as “four multi-instrumentalists drawing from post-punk, krautrock, psychedelia, experimentalism and art-rock”. 

To find out more information about the event, go to blackboxbelfast.com and check out Junk Drawer on Soundcloud

2. BICEP 
Venue: Telegraph Building, Library Street
Date/time: 2nd October
Price: £30 + BF
Bicep are a popular DJ Duo from Belfast made up of Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar, the group are best known for their chart-topping single ‘Glue’. 
The electronic music stars are now strangers to The Telegraph Building stage having previously played the venue in 2018 and 2019. 

For more information and tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or check them out on Spotify

3. Brand New Friend 
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street 
Date/Time: 16th October @ 7pm
Price: £10 + booking fee
Brand New Friend, a five-piece indie-pop band from Castlerock, are back and headlining their own show at The Black Box this October.
Since the release of their debut album ‘Seatbelts For Aeroplanes’ back in 2018, Brand New Friend have been performing at venues and festivals across the UK and Ireland, supporting the likes of Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi, RAT BOY, and Ash. Brand New Friend brings energy to their shows like no other, promising an unforgettable night for their first headline gig post-COVID.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can stream all of Brand New Friend’s music on Spotify.

4. Joshua Burnside
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 12th & 13th November @ 7 pm
Price: £14 
Joshua Burnside is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter based in Belfast and was the artist in residence at The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. His new album “Higher Places“ incorporates elements of Irish Folk, rock, Americana, and electronica, and has featured on BBC Radio 6. 

For more information or to book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can listen to Joshua Burnside on Bandcamp

5. Amy Montgomery
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 26th November 
Price: 10+ booking fee 
Amy Montgomery is a singer-songwriter from County Antrim. At just 21 years old, she creates a fearless and confident persona in terms of singing and performing. 
Covered in war paint and performing barefooted helps to create a unique and memorable experience, as well as her strong and powerful voice.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or to listen to Amy Montgomery on Soundcloud

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

This year’s theme for Playday, the national day of play on 4 August, is ‘Summer of Play’ and the National Trust NI has is encouraging families to experience a range of simple outdoor pleasures designed to keep families entertained right through the school holidays. 

It’s been a challenging year, but with restrictions easing and summer in full swing, the National Trust in Northern Ireland is encouraging people to boost their wellbeing by getting outdoors and enjoying simple pleasures.

Playing is essential for children’s mental health and well-being and recent research by the conservation charity showed that connecting with nature supports different types of wellbeing, from being happy and feeling good, to functioning well day to day [1]. 

Research also found that children were more likely to report feeling happy if they had a higher level of nature connectedness, engaged in meaningful activities linked to nature (such as writing songs or poetry about nature) and spent time relaxing in nature [2].

The good news is that nature connection can be simple, everyday and under our noses like walking barefoot, listening to birdsong and smelling flowers.

Annie Reilly, Experience Development Manager at the National Trust said: “Going barefoot is one of those simple pleasures that forces you to stop to be more aware of your surroundings and is a really great way of connecting with nature.

“We know other simple sensory pleasures such as smelling flowers, listening to birdsong and noticing butterflies and bees can also help with nature connection and encourage feelings of wellbeing.

“With people’s desire to reconnect with family and friends, and to enjoy time outdoors and the simple and sensory pleasures in life, we will be concentrating on ensuring families can do just that at many of our places this summer by providing safe spaces to enjoy and to have fun.”

This summer, National Trust places in Northern Ireland will be ready to ‘Get set, go!’ with a range of active, sensory and playful activities that encourage fun, laughter and taking time out in nature.

You’ll be able to pick up a ‘Get set, go’ activity card – or if you prefer, download them to take with you – to inspire your summer adventure. These activity cards have lots of ways to enjoy summer activities, such as ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘Feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature. Each activity is designed to have fun with what’s around you and explore the simple things this summer.

National Trust ‘Get set, go!’ activities near you

The Argory, County Armagh

Challenge friends and family at Blackwater Bootcamp. How high can you jump? How much can you lift? Enjoy schoolyard skipping and tennis on the lawn; compose a nature tune in the giant arbour sound boot; try your hand at some Argory Art or help the next generation of cyclists learn to ride on the new free-to-hire balance bikes.

Pre-booking not required. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom, County Fermanagh

Grab a Get Set, Go card at Castle Coole, Crom or Florence Court and create your own adventure as you explore the activities at each place. You can make a splash at Crom, add some bounce at Castle Coole, or follow the path at Florence Court, all whilst noticing nature at each of these special places.  Don’t forget to collect your wooden medal for taking part.

Pre-booking not required visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court

Rowallane Garden, County Antrim

Venture into Explore & Play, a natural playground filled with fun, physical challenges. See if you can survive the swamp, find the tallest trees and get active in nature. Don’t forget to pick up a Get Set, Go card to inspire your summer adventure. ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature.

Pre-booking recommended, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Mount Stewart, County Down

Pick up your Get Set, Go pack from the courtyard outside Visitor Reception and choose your own adventure. Take a dive into forest bathing, hunt for hidden digital treasures with geocaching or try your hand at archery. Make a bee line for the Magic Ink Pot, a natural play area themed around magical journeys and mythical creatures; or see what strange and exotic animals you can find in the ark in the Italian Garden.

Pre-booking recommended visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Castle Ward, County Down

Choose to go barefoot in the wildflower meadow, hit the target while buzzing along with the bees, Get Set, Go in a potato sack race, catch your breath during a yoga pose, or find your way through the estate with a natural sensory trail.

Pre-booking not required, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

Are you a student looking for accommodation in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter? 

As demand for studying in Belfast continues to grow, more students are flocking into the city and moving closer towards the centre. 

With the opening of the new Ulster University campus this autumn and up to an additional 15,000 people in the Cathedral Quarter it’s no surprise student pads are highly sought after in the area,

There are a number of student accommodation developments across the city, with the newcomer being LIV, situated on York Street. The new accommodation is Ideal for those attending Ulster University’s Belfast campus, a 30-second walk away, or Queen’s University which is just a 15-minute cycle away.

Boasting affordable prices from £123 per week including wifi and bills, this brand new student accommodation offers a cinema room, karaoke lounge, fitness studio, and a games area. 

Not sure where you want to live this academic year? 

Here are 5 reasons why the new LIV student accommodation is ideal for you:

1. Central Location 

Be within the hustle and bustle of city life in the ideal location of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. No need for taxis or buses, as everything you need will be right on your doorstep. There is plenty to do and see around the area, so when you aren’t studying and want to enjoy some much-needed TLC, you won’t have far to travel. 
The Cathedral Quarter hosts some of Belfast’s most popular bars and restaurants such as – The Duke of York, The Thirsty Goat, and The Dirty Onion. Check out our blog 7 Beer Gardens To Visit This Summer.

2. Unique Amenities 

The new accommodation has been developed with the student lifestyle in mind, as it includes a games room, cinema room, fitness centre, study room and even a karaoke room. These amenities will help to keep you fit and healthy, and is also a space to create new friendships and help you to unwind in the evenings. 

3. 24/7 Security 

Are you nervous about moving away from home for the first time? LIV accommodation offers 24/7 security helping to put your mind (and your parent’s minds) at ease as you flee the nest and move onto city life. Staff will also be on hand to help with any maintenance issues, as well as to deal with any queries you may have.

4. A Thriving Student Community 

Starting a new course and moving away from home can be a scary time. With apartments and studio rooms spread across 13 floors, LIV accommodates over 700 students. As you will all be in the same situation in this new build, it takes off a little piece of the pressure of starting something new alone. Learn from your peers and create friends for life. 

5. Affordable Pricing 

With no deposit required and no cancellation fees, prices start from just £123 per week for a Standard En-Suite, which includes all bills, including super-fast WiFi and content insurance. They have the option of shared apartments or studio flats, giving you the flexibility of living that you need. 
They also offer a refer a friend scheme, providing a £100 discount for both you and your referral, as well as an early bird discount of up to £250 off. 

LIV Student Belfast offers modern halls of residence for students based in Belfast City Centre. For more information check out livstudent.com/belfast or call them on 07847893860. 

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter head to the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

HASTINGS Hotels has a star-studded selection of experiences on offer this summer including Bridgerton Inspired and Derry Girls Afternoon Teas and the hugely in demand Line of Duty Tour.

Derry Girls Experience

The Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry is giving people the chance to dine like a Derry Girl and even visit some of the filming locations. Guests will also have the chance to get their picture taken with the hotel’s famous resident, Michelle the Derry Girls duck.

Enjoy the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea (£30pp) with sandwiches, freshly baked scones & breads and pastry assortment but with a Derry Girls twist – sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, cone of chips and cocktail.

The Be A Derry Girl package from only £75pps includes luxurious overnight accommodation and breakfast the following morning and themed Derry Girls Afternoon Tea with cocktail or why not upgrade to the Derry Girls Tour overnight package from only £95pps which also includes a guided Derry Girls Walking Tour. All packages include your very own Michelle, the Derry Girls duck to take home.

Line of Duty Experience

The Line of Duty Overnight Experience, available on selected dates from £220 per room (based on 2 people sharing), begins with lunch in the Grand Café in the Grand Central Hotel, before an action packed guided tour onboard a luxurious McCombs coach, taking in some of the most recognisable filming locations including the iconic Subway location, the favourite meeting point for Steve and Kate to have their secret rendezvous; ‘Pelbury House’ the headquarters of the Central Police force and ‘Hickey’s Bookmakers’ from the opening scene of series six that first made viewers suspect that DCI Davidson was a bent copper.

The afternoon finishes with an AC12 cocktail or Wee Donkey mocktail in the Observatory, Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar in the Grand Central Hotel. Then it’s time to check in for a luxurious overnight stay and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

Bridgerton Afternoon Tea

Who didn’t watch Netflix’s most-watched show of all time, Bridgerton? Guests are cordially invited to experience the splendour of high society with a scandalously decadent Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea (priced from £35pp) featuring a host of delightful treats in a stunning setting at the Culloden Estate & Slieve Donard Resort.

Stimulate your tastebuds starting with Lady Whistledown’s Starter, followed by Queen Charlotte’s Delectable Sandwiches, Lady Bridgerton’s Finest Scones and Lady Danbury’s Desserts and Dainty Cakes. This fabulous experience is complimented with your choice of tea or coffee or enhance your experience with Lady Whistledown’s Gossipy Gimlet cocktail or a glass or two of the finest champagne. The Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea is ‘Flawless, my dear’.

The Bolly Bus

For the ultimate outdoor summer experience, the Bolly Bus, at the Culloden Estate & Spa has the star factor and a host of celebrities, including Christine and Frank Lampard, have already been spotted enjoying the 5-star luxury.

The leading five-star hotel has teamed up with Pattinson & Co Wine Merchants, distributors of Bollinger Champagne, to create the bespoke bus which has been designed specifically for the Culloden.  Where else in Belfast can you sit back, relax and enjoy incredible views and a fabulous selection of beverages. The Bolly Bus is open every Friday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm.

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066.

After a long 16 months the curtains will finally open at Theatre at The Mill on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 August. 

Northern Ireland’s Greatest Showman, Peter Corry and a special cast of young performers who have all tread the boards at Theatre at The Mill, will bring you a Summer Musical Spectacular, featuring the music from Oklahoma, The Producers, Les Miserables and many more smash hit musicals.

A full programme of shows including; Carson and The Lady – A never before told story of the unusual friendship between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene by local playwright Michael Cameron, The Johnny Cash Story and our annual Christmas Comedy Jingle all the Hairspray will keep you entertained throughout the coming months.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said; “I am thrilled that the Arts are on the road to recovery and Theatre at The Mill is back in business. It is very fitting that Musical Maestro Peter Corry will open our indoor performances again as he did 11 years ago when he starred in the Theatres premier show Sweeney Todd. I look forward to many nights out again at the Theatre and I wish all our performers the best of luck.”

Whilst we are really excited about welcoming people back to the Theatre, we have made some changes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. These changes include, temperature checks on arrival, regular use of hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask when moving around the theatre and maintaining social distancing whilst using the washroom facilities.

The Theatre will maintain social distancing at 2 metres for the duration of our autumn season of performances. This will reduce our usual seating capacity of 400 seats to 162.

A number of outdoor events at the Civic Square will take place throughout the summer including, Shane Todd, Flash Harry and The Elvis Spectacular Show.

Please note tickets must be booked in advance of all performances.

Details of all shows can be found online at theatreatthemill.com

With more than 15,000 visitors a year the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is going from strength to strength.

Since opening in 2017, the Fairy Trail has been enchanting visitors of all ages, and families can now book to take their children around the magical experience from its base, the magical Toadstool Cottage.

Special events are held throughout the year at Easter, Halloween, Christmas and over the summer holidays.

“We have families and school groups at our seasonal events that are based on an interactive outdoor experience,” said Stacey Mellon of the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail. “When the children arrive, they are given a special trail map with a range of interactive clues and puzzles to solve through the spectacular woodland trail in the heart of the Galgorm Castle Estate.

“They can complete it at their own pace whilst observing social distancing and discover some of the unique places through the forest.”

From a Wizard School to a Troll Swamp, every addition has been painstakingly designed by local craftsmen to enchant children.

“All the features have been specially created and many hand-carved,” said Stacey. “There are fairy houses, little fairy doors, gates and tunnels, and even a fairy library and the ever-popular Wizard School

“All the stops along the trail have a different theme and name to keep it interesting and stimulating for our visitors, and there are some lovely surprises as they explore.”

Taking up to two hours to complete, the trail is an integral part of the historic Galgorm Castle Estate near Ballymena, which boasts a café as well as the Galgorm Resort’s Castle Kitchen + Bar restaurant.

In October, the forest is turned into a magical Halloween wonderland.

“At the Halloween events we introduce a wide range of live characters to the trail, to really bring the experience to life.  Stacey explained. “Large as life fairies, zombies, mummies and other characters, created to entertain rather than frighten the younger children.

“At the Christmas event, a troop of elves lead our fairy-seeking visitors into the forest, where they encounter festive characters along the trail and at the end Santa is waiting to meet them.”

All the special event guided tours can be booked in advance with set booking times, for up to 40 people.

School and other groups can also book, with additional activities available, including crafts.

The Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail is open to visitors all year, seven days a week from 10am to 7pm (peak season) and 10am to 4pm (off peak) and maps available to collect on arrival.  The trail can cater for up to 60 people every 30 minutes.

Seasonal trails and special events vary in times and run over specific dates on a ticket only basis due to demand.

Booking for the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail, and for special events is via galgormcastlefairytrail.co.uk.

Perched just a couple of hundred yards from The Gobbins Cliffs, Audrey Kyle offers a unique art workshop, helping people learn the skills of painting as well as connecting with nature.

Folklore and the landscape of the Islandmagee peninsula, shaped by the sea, offers a stunning backdrop to learn art away from the daily hustle and bustle of modern life.

Audrey Kyle Art operates on a simple premise – learning a new skill in a tranquil setting.

It is a concept Audrey developed after re-discovering her affinity for painting.

“I had been working in the corporate world in HR, but eight years ago I took a change in direction and haven’t looked back,” she explained. “I began painting, started to get commissions and my new career started from there”

Audrey opened the Gobbins Studios to showcase her own work, but has since opened the studios for classes.

This Saturday August 1 from 12pm – 4pm, Audrey will be hosting an open studio where she will be displaying some brand new pieces that incorporate organic materials.

“What is offered is quite different to what other art classes offer,” she said. “As well as learning the skills of watercolours it is very much aimed at creating a relaxing, mindful experience.”

It also helps that the studio is part of a working farm with a livery stable and a flock of 50 Suffolk ewes.

“Where we are situated means we have a stunning landscape and an active farm,” Audrey said.

“There are so many aspects that can be drawn upon. And, as it changes through the seasons it offers many different inspirations.

“For example, in the summertime we do watercolour workshops and experience days where the people that visit can go for a walk through the meadow and through the woodland, we collect wild grasses and wildflowers and then they come back to the studio and paint them.”

Most classes last for three hours and can accommodate up to six people. However, there are also special summer sessions.

“In summer I host experience days, which last for five hours including lunch, and woodland and cliff top walk along with the watercolour practice.

“This enables the folklore to be incorporated to build experiences of the folklore of Ireland and really embrace the spirit of this remarkable area.”

Art Fans are welcome to join Audrey Saturday August 1 at The Gobbins Studio from 12 pm- 4 pm to view some of the artist’s latest work.You can find out more and book classes at audreykyleart.com or contact Audrey directly on 07712464966

Ards businessman, Dr Adam Hunniford is urging Northern Ireland businesses to seize the opportunities created by the contentious Brexit NI Protocol.

Dr Hunniford, of PiP Chemicals said that whilst the issue remains politically divisive businesses can use the unique position of Northern Ireland to boost existing trade with the EU and develop new contracts.

“The Irish Sea Border means that for EU companies buying from Great Britain, they cease to be simple distributors who can rely on their suppliers meeting the regulatory requirements” he said.

“Rather, they become importers who must ensure these are all met – themselves – and shoulder the responsibility should there be failings.

“The same is not the case for EU buying from Northern Ireland, as Northern Ireland is in both the EU and GB regulatory systems. So a PiP Chemicals competitor in GB trying to sell to an EU company causes the EU company a set of issues they never had before that do not exist when buying from PiP.

“In real terms what that means is that if you get your supplies through GB the EU can ask about regulations, compliance and any relevant duties.”

Dr Hunniford said that this has created the circumstances that can be capitalised on.

“The opportunities lie in the EU market for Northern Ireland companies,” he explained. 

“At the moment Northern Ireland is still operating in the EU system, comply with the rules and customers in Ireland remain a distributor and which means any compliance issues remain with the Northern Ireland company.”

He explained that already the Irish Health and Services Agency is clamping down on GB companies trading to the Republic of Ireland leading to many no longer supplying south of the border.

The Co Down businessman said that now was the time to promote Northern Ireland’s position.

“We should be shouting loud that we are still part of the EU, you can buy from us, there are no delays or regulatory hurdles,” he explained. 

“It may be politically sensitive, but the reality is that we are now in direct competition with Britain.

“We are separate but we can offer something that GB cannot and so we should be saying ‘buy from Britain, have difficulties, buy from us, they will be fewer’.”

Dr Hunniford acknowledged that this will not be a popular strategy for many.

He said: “The broader government, of course, won’t like that companies like ours are attempting to take this strategy and it may not go down well with the public at all if Northern Ireland companies started stealing business from other regions of Britain, but that’s what has been created, whether we like it or not.”

He also explained the Brexit situation has been taking place within the context of the global pandemic, meaning most have been trying to cope with unprecedented pressures.

“Shipping containers are in the wrong place, and it will take some time to resolve this,” he said. 

“Add into that is there are fewer haulage drivers across the UK.  A lot of the lorry drivers were often Eastern European, and they have gone home, and that means there are fewer lorries coming and going.

“Hauliers will not be able to supply services at the same level, as the paperwork and lack of full containers going back and forth to GB is hitting their bottom line and that leads to increasing prices.”

However, whilst there are opportunities to be had, Dr Hunniford also warned there are inflationary pressures building.

“It is imperative that companies look to the current unique position of Northern Ireland to look to EU solutions, including transport and seeking new markets,” he said. 

“PiP Chemicals have tried to mitigate the issues by having more stock and supplies, but that has extra storage costs. Had we not had to do that we may have been able to hire extra staff.

“Every company is facing cash flow problems, and that too will lead to price increases.”

PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, specialises in designing, formulating and manufacturing products for the automotive business and wider industrial uses. It sells directly to the automotive trade

What do you call a cluster of great nights out in Portaferry? Portico Comedy Arts Festival! 

Just a few weeks after winning an Arts and Business Award for being a “stand-out arts organisation”, the Portico of Ards has more good news: a brand new festival for Portaferry with every event designed to make people laugh. 

With funding from Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the Portico Comedy Arts Festival takes place across two weekends, 17-25 September 2021, with all events happening in the stunning grade A-listed architecture of the Portico of Ards in Portaferry.

The festival launches with The Pirates of Penzance on Friday 17 Sept. Dive straight into the Comedy Arts Festival by the sea with this fabulous production of this Gilbert and Sullivan favourite. Opera Anywhere has been thrilling audiences everywhere with this energetic and hilarious show. 

Sat 18 Sept brings NI comedy sensation Paddy Raff accompanied by BT9’s most famous export, his alter-ego Nigel. This show is a mix of brand new material from the sold out SSE Arena show ‘Me, Myself & Nigel’ along with some songs & stories from last year’s nine-time-sellout ‘Paddy & Nigel Act Their Postcodes’ show. 

A family show from The Scott Brothers Duo on Sun 19 Sept provides the perfect introduction to classical music for all ages. The brothers perform a fun-filled concert of duos for piano and organ featuring thrilling music with captivating animations on the big screen. With gorgeous original animation and scores, this is a charming afternoon treat.

On Thurs 23 Sept, ‘Our Jimmy’ is back by popular demand. David Hull Promotions presents comedian William Caulfield’s latest show featuring the beloved Ulster characters first created by the late James Young. What have Derek, Lily O’Condriac, Emily Beattie, Willie Simpson, Billy Hulk, the wee Schoolboy, the shipyard worker and Orange Lil all been up to? Come and find out!

Neil Delamere, star of BBC’s The Blame Game, Fighting Talk and the Newsquiz, hits the road again with his riotous new stand-up show, Liminal, on Fri 24 Sept. Expect an evening perhaps best described as Schrodinger’s chat as our wisecracking comedic hero struggles to figure out this strange new world. 

The festival concludes on Sat 25 Sept withThe Iconettes and their band The Hitzvilles. Featuring hit songs from The Ronettes, The Supremes, Martha and The Vandellas, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross and much more, this exciting musical homage pays tribute to the best ‘girl groups’ and ‘divas’ of the 60s and 70s. A fabulous night out guaranteed!

Wendy Smith, Tourism Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to support such a vibrant and imaginative programme set in such wonderful surroundings. I would encourage everyone to get their tickets early!”

Portico’s manager Dr Verity Peet said, “If you don’t need a laugh after the last year then well done you. Everyone else, we’ve got you covered!”

To find out more about the festival or Portico please visit PorticoArds.com

The popular Slemish Market Supper Club is set to offer food fans a new experience next month as their exclusive dining experience returns for another six-course event featuring well known chef Rob Curley.

Based in the beautiful surroundings of the greater Ballymena area, the unique pop up dining experience, Slemish Market Supper Club, creates an array of bespoke meals using only the finest local produce. 

Hosted by the award-winning chef, Rob Curley, Slemish Market Supper Club runs across a number of venues across the greater Ballymena area in County Antrim. 

At each fine dining experience, Rob will be on hand to allow you to learn more about each dish by explaining the ingredients, where they are sourced and the inspiration behind the creation of the distinctive cuisines.

“I love surprising people by taking a humble ingredient and turning it into something extraordinary,” said Rob.

The delectable dishes consist of six courses that will include a drink, a wee bite, a starter, a fish course, a meat course and a dessert. 

“We want our diners to have more than a meal,” explained Rob, adding: “We want them to understand what is on their doorstep, what they too can prepare and have a great time as well as great food.” 

Each event differs from the rest, as the ingredients used are done so when the produce is at its finest, making each experience special. Not just that, the menu is a surprise which Rob reveals on the night.

Offering the best summer creations, the next pop up event is due to take place on Saturday August 7 at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens in Cloughmills, Co. Antrim. The unique event not only offers the finest of cuisines but creates an intimate setting allowing you to meet new people and learn top tips from an award-winning chef. 

“It Is a delight for me to showcase what we have on our doorstep,” said Rob. “And when our diners experience the freshness it can be a revelation.”

Northern Ireland is renowned for its quality food and hospitality, and with Slemish Market Supper Club, they combine these two elements to create innovative and unforgettable experiences.

Tickets for the Slemish Market Supper Club at Incredible Edibles Community Gardens are £60 and can be booked at slemishmarketsupperclub.com 

To find out more or book a place, ​​phone Rob Curley on 07547804975, go to their Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter