ENJOY A MAGICIAL FAMILY DAY OUT AT SLIEVE GULLION THIS WEEKEND.

From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you and your family could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.

The two-day event returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August and whilst online tour tickets are sold out, there are still plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Tour tickets may become available during the day due to “no-shows” from ticket-holders; if you’re interested in going on a tour, please go to the onsite ticketing area and staff there will try to assist. There will be a market featuring local food produce and musicians performing throughout the weekend. Other activities include face painting, balloon modelling, nature mask making, a puppet show and much more.

The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.

Footsteps in the Forest is supported by Tourism NI. For further information about Footsteps in the Forest and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giantadventures

The first ever Tafelta Festival, the ancient name for Magherafelt, will take place in the town centre next month.

The 2-day music and entertainment event will take place in Magherafelt from 10-12 of August.

The event, which has been organised by Mid Ulster District Council in partnership with Magherafelt Town Centre Forum and local hospitality businesses, will see a selection of free family friendly entertainment in the town accompanied by entertainment in hospitality businesses throughout the weekend.

The idea for the festival came from the hospitality trade in the town following the success of last year’s Magherafelt Christmas Market.

From Monday 6 – Friday 10 August, an Orchestra of Change Makers Project will take place from 11am – 3pm at the Bridewell where young people aged 11 – 18 can get involved in performing, producing, choreographing etc a musical piece that will then be showcased in the Bridewell on Saturday 11 August at 2pm. The project is being facilitated by Beyond Skin and delivered by experienced tutors Raphael Frank and Nikolas Petsakos.

Anyone interested in taking part should email info.beyondskin@gmail.com.

On Saturday 11 August free family entertainment will take place in the town centre from 12pm – 4pm including face painting, balloon modelling, street entertainment (including HipOps and Queen B and Honey B), and a street art workshop where children can experiment with graffiti and chalk art.

Drop in arts and craft workshops will also take place during the same time in Bank of Ireland.

Sunday 12 August will see a host of family entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and special walkabouts by singing chefs circus jesters, take place at Meadowlane Shopping Centre from 1pm – 5pm.

Hospitality businesses taking part in the festival include: Mary’s Bar, Dorman’s Bar, Slims Healthy Kitchen, The Coachman, The Terrace, Ground, Brysons, The Flax, The Step Inn, Market Tavern and Meadowlane Shopping Centre.

A host of entertainment and promotions will take place in the establishments over the duration of the festival including musical and dance performances, a Farmer’s Market and special food and drink promotions.

For more information on the Tafelta Festival go to: www.midulstercouncil.org/Tafelta.

Speciality Food Fair will return to Moira Demesne on Saturday 18th August for its fourth year with a focus on local artisan food with sustainability and preservation of food a key focus for 2018.

 

The Food Fair has grown in popularity among traders and consumers alike as a key date in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s summer events calendar. This year’s event will benefit from additional funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs’ Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme, with new features added to the event programme.

Popular features from previous years will be retained, with an extended artisan food hall, chef demos, café bar, street food and picnic village. This year an ‘edutainment’ element will be added to the line-up featuring expert talks, workshops and masterclasses for both adults and children.

Reflecting on the popularity of the Speciality Food Fair, Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee said, “We are delighted to welcome the return of the Speciality Food Fair to Moira for its fourth year. We are very pleased with the growing interest in the event from award-winning producers based within the Council area and further afield. Produce will be on offer to suit all tastes and dietary requirements, so we hope to see many local visitors as well as foodies from across Northern Ireland celebrate the top-notch producers and products against the stunning backdrop of Moira Demesne.”

Producers from varying artisan backgrounds will take part including Abernethy Butter, Ke Nako Biltong, Krazi Baker, Harnett’s Oils, Burren Balsamics, The StillHouse Moira, Crumbs Vegan Bakery, Bara Bakehouse, Ispini Charcuterie and Ballyriff Buffalo among many others.

Head of DAERA’s Regional Food Programme, Louise Millsopp said, “I am delighted that the Department is providing support to the Council’s Speciality Food Fair through the Regional Food Programme this year. The event will be a fantastic showcase of Northern Ireland’s local, award-winning, agri-food industry highlighting the quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship that exists across the food and drink sectors. I’m sure it will be a really enjoyable day with something to suit all the avid foodie enthusiasts among us.”

Enjoy the great outdoors at the Food Fair

Set amongst the lush backdrop of Moira Demesne’s stunning parkland, guests will enjoy plenty of opportunities to indulge their interests, whether it is chatting to producers or going along to the chef demos in the Kitchen Sessions, or to one of the expert talks. There will be plenty of options also to enjoy speciality treats al fresco, whilst relishing in live entertainment from local musicians.

As always, the street food village and picnic area will be a primary outdoor feature at the Food Fair with an even greater choice on offer, reflecting Northern Ireland’s burgeoning gourmet street food scene. Guests are encouraged to get acquainted with emerging faces on Northern Ireland’s gourmet street food scene, including Dickie D’s Grilled Cheese, Fionnbobs Food Wagon, Burger Republic, The Hatch as well as more established names such as Pheasantshill Farm.

Plenty to quench guests’ thirsts

The Café Bar will also return, serving both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages suitable for all ages, with local apple juice, cordials, craft beers, ciders, and spirits. Speciality coffees for those in need of a caffeine fix will be served up alongside teas and hot chocolate. The StillHouse will up the ante in the café bar, bringing a taste of what is on offer in their newly created Distillery Bar located a stone’s throw away in Moira village.

Fun for the whole family with children’s workshops and Kitchen Sessions

The popular Kitchen Sessions will return to this year’s Speciality Food Fair in addition to fringe events featuring leading chefs and experts. Award winning Moira chefs, Chris McGowan of Wine & Brine, Danni Barry of Clenaghans Restaurant and Stephen Jeffers of Forestside Cookery School will lead the charge with Chris focusing on a modern twist to traditional food preserving, Danni giving a workshop on foraging and incorporating your finds into your home cooking and Stephen offering a skills masterclass in addition to cooking a dish from his new cookbook.

‘Edutainment’ will once again be the key focus for all interactive family fun activities, encouraging kids to learn about the natural world around them and to get involved in planting their own food. Interactive activities will include bug hotel making, observational beehives, beeswax wrap making, all as 30-minute workshops running from 10am-3pm. For a full schedule go to the Visit Lisburn Castlereagh website.

Entry and parking to the Speciality Food Fair is free and will run from 10am – 6pm on Saturday 18th August. Access for disabled visitors is provided.

For more information on traders and a full programme of events visit visitlisburncastlereagh.com or follow Visit Lisburn Castlereagh on Facebook.com/enjoylisburn, Twitter @VisitLisburn and Instagram @visitlisburncastlereagh.

Arguably one of Ireland’s greatest female jazz and blues singers, Mary Coughlan will perform at Flowerfield Arts Centre on Friday 27th July.

Described as ‘Ireland’s Billie Holiday’ Mary has overcome childhood trauma, alcohol and drug addiction to become a musical force like no other. Her wonderful whisky-blurred, smoke-seared voice is full of husky notes, laconic wit, bitter-sweet defiance and despair. Mary is equally at home with the songs of Cole Porter or Jagger and Richards.

The artist has carved out a timeless and highly regarded career and has a legion of fans worldwide. Since her first album ‘Tired and Emotional’ rocketed her to overnight fame in 1985, her ability to deeply connect with both the song and audience remains undiminished, a testament to her inner strength and to the power of transformation & redemption.

Her live performances ‘have to be seen to be believed’ as described by British music journalism website NME.

Don’t miss this truly exciting ‘one night only’ performance at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart.

Tickets are available by calling 028 7083 1400 or at www.eventbrite.com and www.flowerfield.org

This July will see the return of the much-loved Skiffie Festival on Strangford Lough and in Delamont Country Park.

From the 27^th to the 29^th of July, international competitors and locals will descend upon Strangford Lough in their community-built skiffs for this action-packed weekend of events. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to watch the racing, there will also be a range of free family centered activities including boat trips, live music, model air craft displays, a food village and much more.

The festival marks the first of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme, spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. Around 20 races take place across the weekend, with teams competing from across the island of Ireland and Scotland.

Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council said: “The Skiffie Festival is a highlight of the Giant Adventures programme. The breath-taking setting of Strangford Lough and picturesque nature of Delamont Country Park presents the ideal location for this wonderful competitive racing and family fun festival. Following the excitement of the Skiffie World Championships in 2016 and last year’s successful Skiffie Festival, we are delighted to host this thrilling weekend, once again.’’

Families can enjoy a wide range of activities, suitable for all ages at Delamont Country Park. For further information about the Skiffie Festival and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk

Join us for a Festival of Fun at Party in The Park in Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 4 August from 1-5pm.  Now in its seventh year, this free family fun event is the only party to be at this summer.

Headline act, local comedy legends Clubsound, now in their 47th year on the road, will play a two-hour Rock & Roll set celebrating the music and fun of the fabulous 50’s&60’s (there is a strong possibility that a few jokes may find their way into the set). The guys will be accompanied on stage by the one and only, Trevor Kelly.

Other activities in this year’s lineup include bungee trampolines, crazy golf, swing boats, arts & crafts, balloon modelling, face painting and a range of culinary delights from the food fayre.

We hope you can join us for Party in The Park at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 4 August, the perfect day out for both young and old alike.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/partyinthepark

Take a walk in the country at Randox Antrim Show on Saturday 28^th July when the country life showcase descends on the beautiful setting of Shanes Castle, Antrim.

The event offers a fun-packed day where the best of the best of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, fruit, vegetables, flowers, photography, crafts and baked goods are brought to the one location for visitors’ enjoyment. You’ll also find a Festival of Food, dog agility displays, a petting zoo, sheep shearing, live music, dancing, and stalls to list only a few of the other attractions.

New this year is a Youth Busking competition where a £250 prize is on offer. The competition is open to individuals or groups of up to six performers of secondary school age (U18s) from youth groups across the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough.

A Children’s Treasure Hunt is also new and free for U12s to take part in; offering an extra element to the range of children’s entertainment on offer.

Following the event website’s revamp, this year there is the option to avail of discounted early bird tickets on the show website until Wednesday 25 July.

Paula McIntryre’s cookery demonstrations in the ‘Festival of Food’ marquee – surrounded by food producers keen for the public to sample their wares – has become one of the event’s most popular attractions.

As examples of what can be found in the Home Industries and Horticulture section, Antrim is hosting a new Women’s Institute team competition on the theme of ‘Afternoon Tea’ and is on the hunt for the Show’s ‘Gardener of the Year’ and County Antrim Shows’ Best Chocolate Cake.

In the entertainment marquee the jiving competition, introduced last year, returns to see who will win the ‘King & Queen of the Castle 2018’ title. There’s a tempting first prize of £200 on offer to the winning couple, £100 for second and £50 for third. Entries for the jiving competition are taken on the day of the show just before it starts at 2.30pm.

The Children’s Pet Show always draws a good crowd.  Open to U16s, it is £1 to enter on the day, just ahead of judging at 1.30pm in the cattle rings. Look out for the sign. Details of all of the event’s competitions can be found on the Show’s website.

When it comes to exhibitors’ classes, horticulture entries are still accepted up until Friday 27 July by contacting that section via 075 2609 9966. Only equine classes can be entered on the day and late entry fees will now apply in that section.

New livestock/equine classes for 2018 include working hunter classes for ponies and horses and in the sheep section, there are classes have been added for the new, Suffolk Cheviot breed.

This year Antrim is proud to be hosting the Northern Ireland Shorthorn Club’s National Championship, the NI Dexter Group’s Premier Show, NI British Blue Heifer Championship, NI Limousin Championship, incorporating the Young Limousin Breeders’ Anglo Irish Stockjudging Competition, the final of the Bank of Ireland and NISA pedigree Junior bull Championship; and, in the sheep section, the Border Leicester National Show.  Antrim is also a qualifier for the Bluegrass/NISA Clydesdale Championship 2018 and the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championships.

Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 28^th July at Shanes Castle, from 9am until 5pm. Admission on the day is £10 per person and children under 16 years of age go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is free. For further info and the event’s timetable visit www.randoxantrimshow.com.

Such was the popularity of Duke Special when he performed at the John Hewitt International Summer School in 2016 that the organisers were keen to have him return and they are delighted that he will appear with the traditional super-group, Ulaid, at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Tuesday 24 July.

Ulaid are already very popular with Armagh music enthusiasts as the exciting trio of master fiddler Donal O’Connor, the exceptional piper John McSherry and acclaimed guitarist Seán Óg Graham have been regular guests at William Kennedy Piping Festivals in the city.

Duke Special continues to enjoy a most successful solo career, performing at major venues and festivals throughout Ireland and the UK, and in 2017 he issued his latest solo album, “Hollow”, based on the poetry of Michael Longley [who is to read at JHISS the previous evening, Monday 23 July].

When contemporary song writing and traditional music meet, the results can be something to be treasured. Such is the case with the collaboration between the highly talented members of Ulaid and singer-songwriter extraordinaire, Duke Special.

When the idea of this unlikely collaboration was first suggested to Duke Special and the members of Ulaid by Tiona McSherry, they wondered how they could approach each other’s worlds in a way that was both authentic and that played to their strengths.

Ulaid is a group steeped in the rich tradition of a thousand years and Duke Special draws on a dusty world of gramophones and pre-rock and roll melodies. Through conversations, they lit upon the notion of exploring old texts collected by the antiquarian, Francis J. Bigger, and these texts became the starting point for what became a kind of musical homage to Belfast, its history, its stories and our own understanding of living here at this time.

In 2107 Ulaid and Duke Special made a live recording of their Belfast Suite, ‘A Note Let Go’, and they have continued to perform their incredible musical collaboration to hugely enthusiastic audiences at festivals throughout Ireland and the UK. Local music lovers can look forward to something very special when they perform for JHISS at The Market Place Theatre on Tuesday 24 July [with an 8.30pm starting time].

Booking for the Ulaid and Duke Special concert at The Market Place Theatre has already opened on 028 37521821 and online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

2018 marks the 28^th Heart of the Glens Festival – the Festival set up by the local community in 1990 has grown from humble beginnings to one of the largest Community Festivals in the county.

The Festival is held in and around the village of Cushendall in the beautiful Glens of Antrim.  Cushendall lies at the ‘heart’ of the Glens, hence the name.  There are over 100 events taking place during the week starting Saturday 4^th August until Sunday 12^th August.

The programme of events is as varied and entertaining as ever with something for all the family. The main anchor events are the RNLI Open Day, Community Parade, Country Sports, Street Food Fest , Lark in the Park, Cycling Time Trial. The Final weekend sees the Festival ‘Dallywood’ Theme Night.  This year dress up and get your hats ready for our ‘Mad Hat Street Party.’  The Glens Vintage Fun Day, the ever popula rLurig Run (already fully booked) and the Fireworks Night.  Sunday has the final festivities with the Artisan Market on during the day and then the Grand Finale night with ‘Waves of Tory.

A full Programme of events is available in local shops and the festival office at Old Schoolhouse, Mill Street, with some details available on www.glensfestival.com and regular updates on our Facebook page – Heart of the Glens Festival, Cushendall.

We would like to thank Causeway Coast and Glens Council for their Tourism Grant and Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership for funding received through Heritage Lottery Fund, without this funding and the generosity of the public attending the events, the support of local businesses, donations and sponsorship received the festival could not survive.

Heart of the Glens Festival Committee would like to welcome all visitors to the Causeway Coast & Glens.  Come along to our festival and join in with the locals and help create atmosphere and character which makes our festival unique.

Many of the events are outdoor and weather dependant – venues may need to be changed at short notice – notices will be displayed outlining any necessary changes.

If you require any help or information, call into the Festival Office at the Old School House where the staff will be happy to assist. (Tel – 028 2177 1378)

Following on from the success of Carousel and Phantom of the Opera, don’t miss Theatre at The Mill’s big summer musical production West Side Story from Tuesday 31 July– Saturday 4 August.

Bringing to life the tale of two young lovers caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in one of the most memorable and greatest love stories of all time.

This powerful interpretation of Romeo and Juliet proves to be as poignant and timely as ever bringing together two masters, Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim in a score regarded as the best ever written.

Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Peurto Rican Sharks.  Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.

With nightly performances at 7pm, this is a production not to be missed.  Tickets £15 & £13 (Concession) Group Discount Available. Call Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online  www.theatreatthemill.com.