To celebrate, visitors will go free for the whole weekend of 1-2 September

Mount Stewart Conversations Festival is set to return to the shores of Strangford Lough on 1st and 2nd September 2018. This year’s festival will build on the success of two previous events, featuring the very best conversationalists from Ian Hislop to Kate Adie, and offer an unparalleled programme of arts and entertainment.

To celebrate the return of this unique festival, the National Trust, the UK’s largest conservation charity, is announcing that Mount Stewart will throw open its doors and offer free entry to the grounds all weekend*.

This unmissable weekend festival which celebrates the arts, literature, music and big ideas will centre on the theme of Women in Power in this, the year in which we celebrate 100 years since women were granted the right to vote.

The Festival highlights Mount Stewart’s history as a historical nucleus of creativity, individuality and influence. Here, Edith, Lady Londonderry welcomed leading political and literary guests as the famous house and gardens played host to magical debates and discussions.

Once again Mount Stewart Conversations has teamed up with two cutting edge arts partners: Seedhead Arts and Beyond Skin, in order to offer a stellar line-up of acclaimed guests who will engage visitors in debates, performances and talks on a vast array of emotive and inspirational subjects. The programme, which will be announced in the coming weeks, promises a jam-packed schedule of activities taking place around the family home and world-renowned gardens.

Adam Turkington, Seedhead Arts, Programmer, commented, “This festival is an opportunity for people of all ages to join the debate and talk about the things that really matter to us. Now, more than ever, we need conversations to be universal and we need people to come and listen but most of all, to contribute. Mount Stewart is the perfect location for this event and we are excited to encourage guests to debate, challenge and rethink their conversations.”

Jon Kerr, General Manager, Mount Stewart, commented, “With a diverse mix of cultural acts and performances that resonate with Mount Stewart’s place in history as a melting pot of minds, we are delighted to invite visitors from near and far to this wonderful festival.

“Last year’s festival was a roaring success where we welcomed TV personalities, journalists, academics and performers to name but a few. The ensuing conversations and debates were dynamic, topical and entertaining and we are very much looking forward to hosting the 2018 festival this September.”

More details on the fascinating line up of speakers, the exciting programme of events and tickets will be available soon. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart to find out more.

Access to Mount Stewart will be free. Selected talks will be ticketed and will be available to book in advance.

As a conservation charity, the National Trust is bolstered by the support of volunteers. Our team turns great events into amazing experiences with the help of volunteers. If you would like to get involved by volunteering at Mount Stewart Conversations, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart/features/volunteering-at-mount-stewart

Northern Ireland Opera is bringing its IMAGINE! tour to the Portico of Ards on Saturday 30 June from 11am to 1pm. Throughout an interactive session of music, art and craft, children are invited to go on a journey of playful engagement with themes of identity, discovery and fantasy.

The event, supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, will be led by the talented singers of the Northern Ireland Opera Studio; and children will investigate themes of identity, self-exploration and fantasy through music and art. They will be invited to imagine and create “a new world” with alien creatures, novelty architecture and fashion, undiscovered languages, unknown behaviour. What world would you like to live in and who would you meet there? On their journey, children will encounter studio singers as “otherworldly” inhabitants of an imagined parallel universe, singing their songs. Repertoire will include evocative pieces from children’s and family operas of the 20th and 21st century, as well as 19th century fairy tale operas.

The IMAGINE! tour has been performing across Northern Ireland during the month of June and has already performed in Belfast, Derry and Armagh. The tour is a perfect opportunity for parents to introduce their child/ children to the world of opera in a fun and interactive setting.

Kate Guelke, Director said:

‘‘So far, our young audience are brilliantly curious and imaginative. We’ve been delighted by their questions, suggestions, gasps, laughter! This is children’s opera as it should be – interactive, engaging and magical. Audience participation highly encouraged.’’

The IMAGINE! tour is suitable for children of a primary school age and is a magical introduction to opera and the arts. Previous attenders have been delighted and fully immersed in the event and this is definitely an event not to be missed.

Tickets for the Portico show cost £7.50 per adult and £5 per child and are on sale at:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

For further information, please contact:

Emma Martin (Marketing and Communication Assistant) on (028) 9027 2522 or visit www.niopera.com/imagine.

Brighter Nights are back at Lilian Bland Community Park from Friday 29 June – Friday 24 August. Join us each Friday evening from 6.30-8.30pm for a range of activities for all ages!

Kick starting this year’s programme is a special ‘Schools Out Party’ to celebrate the start of the School Summer Holidays. Party on down to Lilian Bland Community Park where we have The Adventure Playbus, Punch & Judy Show, Traditional Games, Multi skilled outdoor activities, Bungee Run, Bouncy Castle with slide and Face Painters to keep you entertained.

Launching Brighter Nights earlier this week Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael commented “It is fantastic to have these open green spaces in our Borough which allow us to hold a vibrant programme of events, bringing communities together”.

So if you fancy yourself as a Superhero, a Dancing Diva or a Sports Fanatic you will love Brighter Nights which offers a different theme each week.

For a full listing check out our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/brighternights

An appearance by one of the Army’s most impressive battle tanks is set to make Armed Forces Day an event to remember in Coleraine.

The Challenger 2, which is rarely seen by the public here, will be on display in Christie Park when the celebration of military life comes to the town on Saturday 23^rd June.

As the force’s main battle tank, it weighs over 62 tonne and spans over 44 feet when its gun is extended.

Visitors can also look forward to getting up close with a Gazelle helicopter while the Royal Navy is bringing its P2000 patrol vessel to the River Bann.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on Coleraine for the regional showcase, which celebrates the ongoing commitment of troops, their families, veterans and cadets. A park & ride facility will be available at Rugby Avenue from 8am – 9.30pm and further details about traffic and travel arrangements will be made available nearer the time.

A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “We are working closely with our partners in the Ministry of Defence to create a spectacular event for everyone to enjoy. The Challenger Tank showcase will provide an unforgetable sight and it is a real privilege for us to welcome it to Coleraine.”

The event will be compered by well-known media personality Paul Clark who will be on hand to guide visitors through the planned programme of events. This includes the event’s opening parade which will see hundreds of service personnel and veterans pass through the town before a Drumhead Service in the Diamond.

A gun salute will signal the start of a packed programme of family-friendly attractions and live music in Christie Park and throughout the town from 12-30pm-5pm. A water based showcase on the River Bann will feature exciting world class demonstrations of wakeboarding, barefoot water skiing and freestyle jet skiing.

The event will come to a close in spectacular style as the world renowned Band of the Royal Marines will parade through the town before leading the Beating of the Retreat.

And the entertainment doesn’t end there because from 5pm, the Diamond area will be transformed into a live music and dance venue with the return of Rhythm of the Bann.

Held for the first time last year, it promises an evening of superb FREE entertainment including an unmissable performance by the world renowned Royal Marines band.

Keep up to date with the latest announcements about Armed Forces Day and Rhythm of the Bann by following us on Facebook and Twitter @CausewayCouncil and @EventsCwayCoast

Get all your mates together for a pure geg as loveable rogue, Maggie Muff, returns to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre in ‘Maggie Yer Ma’, the highly anticipated sequel to best-selling author Leesa Harker’s smash hit trilogy.

Life doesn’t stop when you drop a sprog, whaaa?

With Billy in jail for the biggest feg run heist in history and Maggie’s ma dropping a bombshell that will curl your toes, Maggie finds herself a single Ma. Big Sally-Ann is no help – sure she’s become a Buddhist and is ringing bells and chanting all over the show! Life sure has changed for Maggie, but can she get back til herself? Til the way she was? [In other words, you’re guaranteed a geg].

From best-selling author and playwright Leesa Harker, directed by Andrea Montgomery, starring critically acclaimed Caroline Curran. This production will contain material of an adult nature.

‘Maggie Yer Ma’ will be staged on Wednesday 20 and Thursday 21 June at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20, and can be purchased through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre Get ‘er booked!

And 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.

An exhibition showcasing iconic images of artists including Billy Idol, Ultravox, Siouxsie Sioux and more will go on display at the Crescent Gallery, Belfast, as part of the 2018 Belfast Photo Festival Compact, in association with Quilter Cheviot Investment Management.

POP by Brian Griffin, which runs from June 17-27, features a selection of both studio and location images from Brian’s personal collection, many of which are rare vintage prints captured prior to the digital age of photography when technical proficiency and ingenuity was a must, whether it was twanging knicker elastic to create shafts of light or producing an album cover – front, back and inner sleeve – on a shoestring budget of less than one pound.

For a decade between the late 1970s though the 1980s, Brian was a highly sought-after photographer for record labels, band managers and artists themselves, all scrambling to book him to produce eye-catching album covers, single bags and publicity shots.

The exhibition features work for artists such as: Elvis Costello and the Attractions, Echo and the Bunnymen, Mari Wilson and The Wilsations, Depeche Mode, Kate Bush, King Sunny Adé, Psychedelic Furs and more.

On Saturday, June 16, Brian will also take part in the festival’s music symposium at The Crescent discussing his exhibition, POP, and his career-defining aesthetic that epitomises 80s pop and rock photography.

Known previously as Belfast Photo Festival Youth Edition, the biennial event, last held in 2016, has been rebranded to Belfast Photo Festival Compact, a condensed festival format which includes a programme of workshops, seminars, exhibitions, tours and screenings.

Belfast Photo Festival Compact is supported by National Lottery funding through Arts Council Northern Ireland, Quilter Cheviot Investment Management, Belfast City Council and Alexander Boyd Displays.

For more information on this year’s festival, visit www.belfastphotofestival.com and keep up to date on social media via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

It’s hard to believe that the biggest off-road event in Ireland is almost upon us, with only two weeks to go until the highlight of the motocross calendar arrives at Desertmartin on the 24^th June, the organising Cookstown Club are hard at work preparing the World-famous circuit to the highest level ready for the cream of British motocross to show their skills.

 

This year, the Club are delighted to host a round of the British Two Stroke Championship for the first time.

 

This Championship has been introduced by the ACU due to rider enthusiasm and is presently led by Dutchman Mike Kras on the GL12 KTM run by two stroke enthusiast Bob Buchanan, second dis Ashley Wilde, no stranger to these shores, while third is Kras’ team mate James Dunn, further down the table are familiar names like frequent visitor to Ireland South African Neville Bradshaw, veterans such as Brian Wheeler Phil Mercer and Mark Eastwood, mixed with younger talent like Jamie Skuse, there will be some local names announced next week to add to the mix here.

 

Meanwhile, in the MX1 Class for big bikes, the Championship has been dominated this year by Buildbase Honda star Jake Nicholls on 140 points, the step back from GP riding seems to have rejuvenated the ‘Rev’ and he has been on impressive form, following behind in second is the big Russian Evgeny Bobryshev on 121 points, the privately run Suzuki seems to suit the aggressive riding ‘Bobby’, while third is local hero Graeme Irwin run by the Northern Ireland based Hitachi Construction ASA Scaffolding KTM UK team based is Crossgar and owned by local businessman Roger Magee, Graeme is also holding down 24^th in  the World, a fantastic achievement considering he suffered serious back burns in an horrific crash at Blaxhall in the last round of the MAXXIS British Championship, repaired but in pain he finished both races there and has competed in GP’s since then, he has 107 points and will be looking to the home crowd to help him add to this points tally.

 

Fourth is another ex-British Champion in Elliot Banks-Brown on 105 points, while fifth and sixth are veterans Brad Anderson and Ryan Houghton on 82 points each.

 

In the field as far as, local interest in concerned locals such as Loughbricklands John Meara on his Kawasaki, Jim O’Neill from Dublin on his SONC Concrete KTM are regular, Championship runners, but it looks like crowd favourite and all round nice guy, Stuart Edmonds will be a non-starter on his Apico KTM due to a recently sustained broken arm

 

In the ultra-competitive MX2 Class the next ‘big name’ on the motocross scene, Conrad Mewse leads the Championship on 138 points, the youngster came up under the radar as he, perhaps wisely, concentrated his early youth career on the continent and has proved to be a great signing for the Hitachi Construction KTM UK team as he also lies thirteenth in the World Championship.

 

Second on 117 points is Josh Gilbert on the Dave Thorpe run Honda Adventure machine, another promising youngster on the domestic scene, while third is Mel Pocock on the Revo Husqvarna machine on 106 points while a point adrift is Liam Knight in his Pope Racing KTM.

 

Fifth after a disappointing opening round on 98 points is Ballyclare native Martin Barr on his Revo Husqvarna, however, Martin is currently leading the European MX2 Championship by three points from team mate Mel Pocock, Martin always enjoys racing in front of his home crowd and having a night’s sleep in his own bed too helps!!!

 

Other home interest in this class are the perennial home rivals Jason Meara from Loughbrickland and Glenoe man Glenn McCormick, both KTM mounted, and Dundonald youngster James Mackrel on his Yamaha, details of local wild card entries will be released closer to the event.

 

The Cookstown Club as usual would not be able to promote the event without the help of local sponsors, these include, Bannside Haulage & Pallets, Banbridge, Tobermore Concrete Products Ltd, Tobermore WJ Scarlett & Son Merchants, Ballyclare Bavarian BMW, Belfast

Charles Hurst Motorcycles, Fluid Plumbing & Heating Services MRA Ireland Ltd 2×4 Wheel Motorsport Steering Group, Edgar Electrical Supplies, Belfast, Heron Brothers, Draperstown

JB Tyres, Tobermore Lance Graham, LG Racing BM Auto exchange, Newtownards, Thompson Leisure Dromore, Mid Ulster District Council, and of course title sponsors MAXXIS Tyres and Pro Clean.

 

Further details will be released later, but racing commences at the circuit on 24^th June at 1045 with practice and qualifying off at 0900am, postcode for the circuit is BT45 4QW and further details can be found on www.mxgb.co.uk

 

PROCESSIONS takes place this Sunday 10th June across all four capital cities of the UK: Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh and London.

 

Tens of thousands of women have already signed up to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime mass participation artwork, celebrating one hundred years since the first British women won the right to vote.

Produced by Artichoke and commissioned by 14-18 NOW, the UK’s official arts programme for the First World War centenary, PROCESSIONS will unite women* and girls across the UK to form a living artwork, and a snapshot of life for women in the UK today. (*including those who identify as women and non-binary.)

Participants are encouraged to register for further information at www.processions.co.uk/register or let others know you are taking part by joining the relevant Facebook event @PROCESSIONS2018. Alternatively participants can turn up at the assembly point Titanic Slipways on Sunday 10th June from 12:15pm for a 2pm start to take part.

“The actions of women a hundred years ago during the First World War have paved the way for women today, and we are working with Artichoke to mark this landmark moment in women’s history.  We have been overwhelmed by the support for PROCESSIONS, and I look forward to joining women on 10 June to be part of this powerful artwork, which explores what it means to be a woman in the UK today, our successes, and the challenges we still face.”  – Jenny Waldman, Director, 14-18 Now.

 Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support PROCESSIONS 2018 and all that it stands for. We have a rich history of women from Northern Ireland who led the way in fighting for female emancipation, for the right to be heard and for the right to vote. This is a wonderful opportunity to remember those names on June 10th in a living artwork of mass participation by women and for women.

PROCESSIONS is also an opportunity to continue the call for equality for women across the world today. Under Artichoke’s brilliant direction and with the help of Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding, we are anticipating a marvellous display of hand-made banners recognising the issues of women in the twenty-first century. Funding from the wider National Lottery family has allowed professional female artists from Northern Ireland to work on creating PROCESSIONS banners with fourteen community and women’s groups across Northern Ireland, making this a truly regional and unifying event. I encourage people to register, to join in and to help make the Belfast PROCESSION a terrific sight to behold”.

On the Day:

Participants are invited to form up at the start locations of each city, from 12.15pm with the processions expected to start from 2pm and lasting approximately two hours. Once the procession is underway, each participant will pick up a scarf to wear in one of the three suffragette colours – green, white and violet – and will then be choreographed to walk in bands of colour, so as to appear as a long unfurling striped suffragette banner.

Interspersed amongst each procession will be participants carrying handmade banners reflecting the concerns and issues that women face in the 21st century. Over the last few months, women’s groups across the UK have been paired with female and female-identifying artists for a series of creative workshops to create these extraordinary artworks. In addition, all participants and ambassadors were invited to make their own banners at home using a bespoke toolkit inspired by a 1909 guide created by suffragette artist Mary Lowndes.

 

PROCESSIONS will be broadcast live across BBC News and on BBC One in a national two-hour programme from 2-4pm Sunday 10th June that will span all four cities, from a studio based in London, with regular correspondence from presenters in Belfast, Cardiff and Edinburgh.

Start times and form up locations:

PROCESSIONS Belfast: Participants are invited to gather on Titanic Slipways (BT3 9EP) from 12.15pm. The procession will start at approximately 2pm, the route is approximately 1.5 miles long and will finish at Belfast City Hall (BT1 5GS).

@processions2018  #PROCESSIONS2018   #PROCESSIONSBelfast   @artichoketrust   @1418NOW

What to look out for:

 

• PROCESSIONS Belfast Ambassadors, including Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson and  Comedian Gráinne Maguire
• Enhancing the festival atmosphere further will be bands and music across the routes in all four cities. In Belfast Northern Ireland’s only all female samba band, Chidambaram Samba, will be playing as part of the procession
• Partner of PROCESSIONS, Ulster Bank is also lighting up its building in Belfast which is on Donegal Square East (where City Hall is)
• DJ, TV presenter and author Lauren Laverne has curated a playlist will be broadcast on the PA systems along the route and near the assembly points of all four cities.

The project has been made possible in Northern Ireland with support from our proud partner

Ulster Bank, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, the National Lottery

through the Heritage Lottery Fund, and by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and

Sport.

HAVE you an urge to get others out on the water enjoying the River Foyle? Are you bursting to share your passion for science? Perhaps you’re just really friendly and feel you’re perfectly suited to welcoming and helping visitors to Derry-Londonderry.

Well now you have the perfect opportunity to do just that!

Anyone from the age of 16 up now has the chance to be involved in one of the biggest events in Ireland this summer by volunteering during Foyle Maritime Festival which runs from July 14^th – July 22^nd this year.

Aisling McCallion, Festival and Events Officer with Derry City and Strabane District Council said: “Volunteering can be a great way of adding to your experience or giving something back to your community. The Foyle Maritime Festival is looking to add to our existing team of event volunteers and we currently have roles available in a wide range of areas.

“We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team and help us create an enjoyable, safe and friendly festival for visitors and international guests.

“You’ll have the opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, build your CV and give back to your community while soaking up the fun at this world class festival. Lunch will be provided each day of your volunteering and a certificate of appreciation will be awarded.”

Volunteering opportunities include On the Water activity assistants, Welcome and Information assistants, main stage assistants, Science of Water marquee assistants, The Docks Zone assistants and event production assistants.

Whether it’s a teenager (16 and over) who wants to find something exciting to do during the summer holidays, a young person needing to gain vital experience in the field of their chosen profession or an older resident keen to enjoy the company of newcomers to the city, opportunities abound.

Tom Adams from Limavady can speak from experience about the benefits of volunteering, especially at such a high profile event as Foyle Maritime Festival.

Tom said: “I volunteered during the last Foyle Maritime Festival and I’m putting my name down again this year. I really enjoy meeting people and being able to help them out by signposting them to the various events and attractions. You get such a good feeling, especially when people come up to you to say what a wonderful place it is. It feels good to be helpful.

“Volunteering is great for getting you out of the house and keeping you busy so it’s good for both your mental and physical health.

“I work during the week but I spend my weekends volunteering and I’m really looking forward to Foyle Maritime Festival 2018.”

While the posts are unpaid, there are a range of benefits such as food allowance, a crew uniform, a volunteer recognition event and a certificate as well as free World Host training.

Volunteers are requested to give a minimum of 4 hours over the week of the event.

To make an expression of interest, apply online at: foylemaritime.com or email: aisling.mccallion@derrystrabane.com by Wednesday, June 20^th, 2018. A volunteer briefing will take place at The Guildhall on Wednesday, June 27^th at 2 pm.

The Foyle Maritime Festival has a wealth of activities and attractions on offer to locals and visitors alike. Up to 160,000 people are expected to attend the nine day festival which culminates with a spectacular Voyages showcase before waving farewell to the Clipper 2017-18 Round the World Yacht Race fleet.

 

To find out more about Foyle Maritime Festival 2018, visit www.foylemaritimefestival.com or you can follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/foylemaritimefestival  and on Twitter @Foylemaritime

The ForM Sculpture Exhibition is now opened in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden.

For the whole month of June, the garden will be transformed into an eclectic art gallery when it becomes home to 23 beautiful sculptures. Step inside this stunning space and start your journey of discovery…

The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors the opportunity to see art in a different context.  The tranquillity and beauty of the garden are enhanced by the artworks, making a visit to this exhibition a real escape.

Some of the works are of large scale and complement the setting whilst other subtler works will need to be sought out of the greenery – art and nature really do collide in this unique garden experience.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton said; “The ForM Sculpture Exhibition provides the opportunity for artists to challenge themselves to create work for a unique environment and be inspired by the stunning setting of Bangor Castle Walled Garden.

The exhibition, which is open to all, especially creates an excellent opportunity for our local artists, some of whom are starting out on their artistic careers, to exhibit alongside established artists.”

ForM will remain open until 24 June and is free to visit.  Some of the sculptures are available to buy.  Visitors can pick up a map and catalogue on arrival and are also invited to vote for their favourite sculpture for the ForM Competition.

As part of the exhibition, a series of free art workshops will run in the garden throughout June. From sketching to painting, there’s plenty to choose from! For more information and to book a space, go to:

https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

Bangor Castle Walled Garden is open from 10am – 8pm Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm at weekends and Bank Holidays.