The 2018 Nutt Travel MRA Ulster Motocross Championships moves away from the hard pack of County Down to the sand of the North West at the new to the Championship track at Claudy for the NIMC promoted event.

 

The Sport Insure Premier MX1 Class Champion Lisburn man Richard Bird the reigning Ulster Champion leads the Championship by an impressive 37 points from Banbridge Risk Racing Yamaha rider Sean Devlin,while up to third is Sean’s cousin John Meara on his Kawasaki, John catching up after a poor opener, the Loughbrickland man will be keen to catch the reigning Champ, although tying with John is Portavogie man Robert Hamilton on his Risk Racing Yamaha, with fifth and sixth also tied on 92 points each, the soon to be married Greyabbey man on his Smoke Vent KTM Craig Browne and Jordanstown rider Jay McCrum.

 

The Thompson Leisure MX2 Premier Jason Meara from Loughbrickland leads by 13 points from perennial rival Glenn McCormick from Glenoe, while Jasons younger brother Cailum is third 38 points adrift of McCormick he in turn is ten points ahead of Dubliner Stephen Mullaly and Donegal youngster Aaron Gardiner on his Risk Racing Yamaha and Comber man David Russell in sixth, this is a hugely competitive and entertaining class with super racing worth the price of admission alone.

 

The Precise Protect Semi Expert MX1 Class is led by Ashley Allerton feom Newtownards with Ballymena man Clifford ‘Badger’ Wilson ten points behind, Johnny Presho from Comber is only three points behind Wilson, but 8 ahead of Tony Conlon with Joel Brown and Chris Cully well adrift in fifth and sixth.

 

The Gortnacarrow Tyre Services in association with Bridgestone Semi Expert MX2 is led by Rhys Graham on 118 points with Nathan Green on 102, Michael McAllister on 100 and Dollingstown youngster William McBride is fourth on 84, Risk Racing Yamaha team mates David Robson and Ben Kennedy round out the top six.

 

The Robinson Concrete Clubman MX1 is led by six points by Calvin McCorkell from Jordan Wade with Ross Thompson third a long way behind on 71 points against Wades 125, fourth fifth and sixth are Fintan Fallon, Neill Laverty and Niall McCrum, the battle for the win is between McCorkell and Wade with the rest battling for third.

 

Laverty Motocross Clubmans MX2   is led by Markethill youngster Scott Bailey from Lurgan personal trainer Ruari Grimes only six pijts separate these two, while hot on their heels is Daniel McFerran only 22 behind Grimes while Callum Hemphill  is only a point behind him, fifth is Robert McAuley  with Adam McFaul in sixth.

 

Racing starts at 1100, entry is £5.00 with under 14’s free, and the circuit is signposted from Claudy Village.

‘Love Living Here through The Arts’, the new Arts Challenge Fund of £245k was launched today by Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill and Nick Livingstone of Arts Council NI.

This exciting new project was jointly funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland (ACNI) to the tune of £122k and matched with £123k from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council. This funding will allow us to deliver a number of arts programmes to support the Council’s new Community Plan ‘Love Living Here’

The Mayor, Councillor Paul Hamill remarked “This is a fantastic opportunity for the residents of our Borough to engage with the Arts. This is an inclusive programme available for all ages and abilities. I would encourage everyone to support this project and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this project in the Borough”

The Arts Challenge Fund has five strands which are designed to utilise the power of the arts and creative engagement. These programmes will aim to address some of the most significant challenges facing the Borough and its residents.  The objective is to reach out to a wide range of different groups and those living in every part of the Borough. They include;

• Village Artist in Residence programme
• Issue Based Theatre Programme
• Love Living Here Programme
• Older Peoples Arts Programme and
• Community Arts Apprenticeship Programme

Speaking at today’s launch Nick Livingston, Director of Strategic Development ACNI, commented; “We now have the opportunity to see some truly inspiring and challenging work begin in Antrim and Newtownabbey on quite a grand scale. The artists and arts organisations are truly at the heart of the new developments.

“I would like offer congratulations to the Council who have shown tremendous strength of vision and character coming up with not just one but five creative programmes. “

If you would like to know more about how you can get involved, either as an artist on through one of the many programmes, please contact Bernard Clarkson, Arts Services Manager on 028 9034 0202 or email bernard.clarkson@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

.

Walk the Glens Festival

Date: 1st – 3rd June

Time:

Venue: Glens

Contact: 028 2171 1378 / 07588 655 053 / craignagat@btinternet.com

A weekend of walks on offer for everyone ranging from gentle strolls to mountain challenges located in spectacular surroundings. Appropriate footwear must be worn on all mountain walks.

 

Ballycastle Food Tour

Date: 1st & 2nd June

Time: 10am – 2pm

Venue: Departing Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre

Contact: info@irishfeast.com 077 18276612

Enjoy 6 unique food venues in Ballycastle on a Ballycastle Food Tour. Cost is £40. Bookings can be made through all Causeway Coast and Glens Visitor Information Centres.

 

Ballymoney Show

Date: 1st & 2nd June

Time: Fri 3.30pm – late, Sat 10am-4pm

Venue: Ballymoney Showgrounds, North Road, Ballymoney

Contact: secretary@ballymoneyshow.org

One of the oldest and largest agricultural shows in Northern Ireland. 2 days of fun for all the family. The show includes cattle, sheep, goat and poultry judging, equestrian events, home industries and lots more.

 

Cloughmills June Fair

Date: 2nd & 3rd June

Time: 12noon- 4pm

 Venue: Old Mill, Main Street, Cloughmills

Contact: 07786 527 732 or 07916 503 367 info@cloughmills.org.uk

Live music, market stalls, dancing exhibitions, children’s craft activities, rural crafts and interactive workshops on bushcraft, archery, cooking and bread-making demonstrations and riverside activity trail. On Sunday teddy bear’s picnic and local history events. Admission adults £4, children £2.

 

Fairhead Walking Tour

Date: 2nd June

Time: 11am

Venue: Departing Fairhead Car Park £10

Contact: 07723 921 022 nineglenswalkingtours.co.uk

Walking tour of the iconic Fairhead departing 11am from carpark. Booking essential as spaces are limited on this popular tour.

 

 

Champion Auto Test, Coleraine District Motor Club Ltd

 Date:  2nd June

Time: 12noon-5pm

Venue: North West 200 Paddock – Championship Auto Test

Contact: John Wilson 07860 419 401

Penultimate round of championship, a popular event on the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Calendar.

 

Vineyard Car Boot Sale, farmers market & craft fair

Date: 2nd June

Time: 9am-1pm

Venue: Vineyard Centre, 10 Hillman’s Way, Ballycastle Road, Coleraine

Contact: 028 7022 0005 nigel@vineyardcompassion.co.uk

Car boot sale, famers market and craft fair taking place at the Vineyard Centre.

 

Dog Friendly Tours

Date: 2nd June

Time: 10am-2pm

Venue: East Strand Car Park, Portrush

Contact: 07400 094 252 woof@dogfriendlytours.co.uk

Dog Friendly Food Tours are a fun, outdoor, walking experience for dog owners, stopping to taste great local food and drink. £40 Only one dog per human.

 

Coastal Crafters – Craft and Collectables Fair, Portstewart

Date: 2nd June

Time: 10am-5pm

Venue: Portstewart Town Hall

Contact: 07850 377 644 kklm@btinternet.com

A craft and collectables fair taking place in the seaside town of Portstewart.

 

Causeway Coast Ford Fair

Date: 3rd June

Time: 12.30-4pm

Venue:  West Bay, Portrush

Contact: 028 7035 5921 sinead.reid@trustford.co.uk

Showcasing a wide range of Ford classic vintage vehicles, plus the latest Ford models.   Trade village, food village and children’s entertainment provided.

 

Ladies Magners International Golf Tournament

Date: 4th June – 7th June

Time: from 8am

Venue: Bushfoot Golf Club, Portballintrae

Contact: 028 2073 1317

This is the largest ladies amateur handicap event in Northern Ireland.

 

Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament

Date: 4th to 8th June

Time: –

Venue:  Various

Contact: info@causewaygolf.com

Played over Royal Portrush (Valley Course), Castlerockm Ballyliffen (Old Course) and Ballycastle. The Causeway Coast tournament is one of the oldest and best supported competitions in Europe.

 

Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival

Date: 3rd – 10th June

Time: – Various

Venue: Various throughout Limavady

Contact: www.limavadyjazzandblues.com/

The best of local, national and international acts will perform in venues throughout Limavady Town Centre.

 

James Blaney and the Titanic Story, Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival

Date: 1st June

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue: Portnagree House, Ballycastle

Contact: www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com

Find out more about the Titanic’s links to Ballycastle’s Portnagree House during this talk about James Blaney and the Titanic Story. Free admission. Further itinerary of events on both Rathlin and Ballycastle can be found online.

 

NW200 Racing through the Years

Date: 14th April –23rd June

Time: Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

Contact: info@rvacc.co.uk 028 7776 0650

Exhibition showcasing memorable moments from the NW200 including photographs and memorabilia.

 

NW200 Faces & Places

Date: 30th March – 28th June

Time: May & September – weekends only, 1-4.45pm.

June – August- Monday-Sunday, 1pm-4.45pm

 

Venue: Green Lane Museum, Roe Valley Country Park, Limavady

Contact: 028 7776 0650 information@rvacc.co.uk

This exhibition features photographs of riders, spectators, stewards, first aiders and fans of the North West 200 races in the years 1977-1987. All photographs are from the Coleraine Chronicle and Constitution Archives.

 

North West 200 People and Places Exhibition

Date: 4th May – 1st September

Time: Open Mon-Thurs &Sat 9am-5pm Fri 9am-4.30pm Special Sunday Opening NW200 week. 

Venue: Ballymoney Museum, Townhead Street BT53 6BE

Contact: 028 2766 0230 cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

 

New exhibition featuring people and places from the Chronicle and Constitution Archive, (1987 to 1997), the emergency services; display of bikes, leathers and NW200 memorabilia. Admission free.

 

Roe Valley Memories, A Nelson McGonagle Collection

Date: 30th March – Thursday 28th June

Time: April & May – Weekends only, 1pm – 4.45pm / June – Monday – Sunday, 1.00pm – 4.45pm

Venue: Green Lane Museum, Roe Valley Country Park

Contact: information@rvacc.co.uk

A selection of photographs on display in Green Lane Museum Green from Nelson McGonagle’s second book ‘Roe Valley Memories’.

 

Causeway 1718: Society in Transition

Date: 11th May – 20th June

Time: Opening Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm

Venue: Museum in Coleraine Town Hall

Contact: 02827660230

This exhibition explores the people and places of the Causeway area in the early eighteenth century, connecting local people and places with bigger national stories.

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

Mr & Mrs Helmer are the iconic power couple. They excel at work, staying on top, socialising. They excel at excelling. But as his autobiography rolls out around Christmas-time, it seems there are a few things that Mr. Helmer may not have mentioned in the foreword.

Exploring stigmas around gender expectations and mental health, this artful adaptation focuses on the impossible idolisation of one ‘perfect’ woman, by a man who walks with weights around his ankles. Incorporating visually-stunning choreography and emotive, real-life Verbatim interviews, our contemporary version will rocket Ibsen’s famous tale into a hugely relevant re-telling for modern audiences.

Then for a complete chance of tempo, alt rock quartet, Hunkpapa will perform on Saturday 2 June, after selling out every show they have played in their home city of Belfast.

The band are proving to be one the best bands Northern Ireland has to offer and deliver their songs through an enthralling live performance. As Phil Taggart on BBC Radio 1 said of them, ‘I’m blown away by how good Hunkpapa are. One of the best bands I’ve seen in ages- massive, massive tunes.’

Tickets can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

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.

Opening marks an important step in W5’s redevelopment programme.

 

Both the LEGO® Group and W5 are committed to the education and development of young people.

The award-winning science and discovery centre, W5, has today opened the doors to a brand-new gift shop and LEGO® Zone where visitors can purchase and explore many different LEGO® products.

The shop will officially open to the public on Saturday 26 May.

The news follows the recent announcement of a £4.5m investment programme by The Odyssey Trust that will facilitate a significant transformation of W5. The redevelopment of the attraction is set to take between 24-30 months to complete.

The new gift shop is located on the ground floor of W5 and will stock a wide range of products, such as science kits, toys and books. It will also include an exciting LEGO® Zone which will sell a wide range of LEGO® products.

The themed space will feature a series of life-sized LEGO® models that will provide fantastic photo opportunities for visitors. Movie characters such as ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Yoda’ are just some of the LEGO® models that will be on display in the new shop.

Adrian Lutton, head of exhibitions, design and marketing at W5, said:

“The opening of our new gift shop represents an important step in W5’s ongoing refurbishment and redevelopment programme. It is great to be working with LEGO®, one of the world’s leading brands and a company that shares our goal of promoting innovation and imagination.” 

Stephen Skinner, field account manager at the LEGO® Group, said:

“Much like W5, imagination is at the very heart of LEGO®, so we are delighted to be a part of this new venture. Both the LEGO® Group and W5 are committed to the education and development of young people. With our presence in the new shop we hope to celebrate creativity and the value of learning through play.”

 

On Thursday 7 June Comber Farmers’ Market will see the very first Comber Earlies arrive, as an important time of the agricultural year begins for the town named ‘The Home of Great Taste’.

With their own unique flavour, Comber Earlies have achieved PGI status which recognises the Comber spud alongside some of Europe’s most iconic regional food brands, such as Feta Cheese, Champagne and the Cornish Pasty.

Horner’s Farm Shop will have the first of its crop ready to try and buy, joined by Chef Dave Smyth from McBrides on the Square who will be serving samples of the nutty little potato to visitors.

Other traders at the market will have the very finest array of meat and fish, fruit and vegetables, jams and chutneys, home baked goods and breads, cheeses, speciality teas, sauces and syrups, seasonal plants, chocolate, free range eggs, granola, iced coffee, Mediterranean tapas, raw Jersey milk and more – all produced in Northern Ireland.

Chair of the Comber Farmers’ Market committee run by the Comber Regeneration and Community Partnership, Alderman Deborah Girvan, is delighted the Comber Earlies will be ready in time for the award winning market:

“I know it has been a difficult winter for our potato farmers with late frost preventing them from planting and indeed keeping them awake at night.  It is fantastic therefore that some will be available for Comber Farmers’ Market on the 7 June.  Then of course the whole town looks forward to the Comber Earlies Food Festival later in the month, when all the producers can come together to celebrate this humble and tasty little spud.”

Comber Farmers’ Market is held on the first Thursday of every month in the car park at St Marys Church in Comber Square from 9am to 1.00pm.  Car parking can be found at Parkway on Killinchy Street or in 1^st Comber Presbyterian car park on High Street.

 

For further information on the popular market go to www.combermarket.co.uk or find Comber Farmers’ Market on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

FIRST ALBUM IN SEVEN YEARS, WILDNESS, OUT NOW VIA POLYDOR RECORDS

DEBUT NEW MUSIC VIDEOS FOR “A YOUTH WRITTEN IN FIRE,” “LIFE AND DEATH,” “WILD HORSES,” AND “A DARK SWITCH”

 

“A Triumphant Return” Album Of The Week – The Sunday Times

**** Q Magazine **** Daily Express **** The Sun

 

29 May: This morning, Snow Patrol confirms 8 headlining dates in the UK and Ireland throughout December and January. The band will perform in cities including Dublin, London and Belfast (full dates below) – tickets will go on sale on Friday, June 8^th at 9am.

Snow Patrol’s album Wildness, their first album in seven years, is out now. Wildness taps into something raw and primitive. Lead-singer and songwriter Gary Lightbody says of the album: “There are many types of wildness, but I think it can be distilled into two: the wildness of the modern age, all its confusion, illogic and alienation and a more ancient wildness. Something primal, alive and beautiful that speaks to our true connectivity, our passion, our love, our communion with nature and each other. This is the kind of wildness the album is centered around. The loss of it. Trying to reconnect with it. To remember it.” Purchase Wildness on all formats here.

To celebrate the release of Wildness, Snow Patrol has debuted new music videos for “A Youth Written In Fire,” “Life and Death,” “Wild Horses,” and “A Dark Switch.” The band has previously released music videos for “Empress” “What If This Is All The Love You Ever Get?,” “Life On Earth,” and “Don’t Give In,” and you can watch them all here. Additionally, Ed Sheeran showed his support in an Instagram video here.

Snow Patrol recently returned to “Later… With Jools Holland” where they debuted a live rendition of “Empress,” along with performances of “Life On Earth,” “Heal Me,” and “Chasing Cars.” This weekend the band played BBC Radio’s Biggest Weekend in Coventry. Snow Patrol also appeared as musical guests on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on April 19^th and The Late Late Show With James Corden on April 24^th and performed “Don’t Give In,” the first single from Wildness.

Snow Patrol has launched a Spotify playlister website where fans around the world can create their own playlist of Snow Patrol songs throughout the band’s catalogue and share these playlists with a friend. When sharing the playlist, the fan marks his/her location as well as the recipient’s location on a global map. Check it out and create your own playlist at http://playlist.snowpatrol.com

Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, Snow Patrol has racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and are Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated. After their Fallen Empires tour ended in 2012, band members —which also include multi-instrumentalist Johnny McDaid, guitarist Nathan Connolly, bassist Paul Wilson, and drummer Jonny Quinn — decided to take a step back from the band, and focus on their own projects. Gary Lightbody continued his work with his Tired Pony side project with members of Belle and Sebastian, R.E.M, Reindeer Section and Fresh Young Fellows and moved to Los Angeles to begin writing songs for movies (including “This Is How You Walk On” for 2017’s Gifted), and doing a number of high-profile co-writes with Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Biffy Clyro, and One Direction. Taking this extended break from Snow Patrol proved to be a source of inspiration, and writing songs that were not pulled directly from his own psyche helped heal what Lightbody considered to be not so much writer’s block as life block.

 

Wildness Track Listing

01 Life On Earth

02 Don’t Give In

03 Heal Me

04 Empress

05 A Dark Switch

06 What If This Is All The Love You Ever Get?

07 A Youth Written In Fire

08 Soon

09 Wild Horses

10 Life And Death

Snow Patrol U.K and Ireland Tour Dates

Dec 5 /// Newcastle, England /// Metro Radio Arena

Dec 7 /// Belfast, Northern Ireland /// The SSE Arena

Dec 11 /// Dublin, Ireland /// 3Arena

Jan 25 /// Birmingham, England /// Birmingham Arena

Jan 26 /// London, England /// O2 Arena

Jan 29 /// Leeds, England /// First Direct Arena

Jan 30 /// Manchester, England /// Manchester Arena

Jan 31 /// Glasgow, England /// The SSE Hydro

www.snowpatrol.com

www.facebook.com/snowpatrol

www.instagram.com/snowpatrol

www.twitter.com/snowpatrol

www.youtube.com/snowpatrol

 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has unveiled its best ever Summer Recreation Programme.

For the first time, activities will take place in venues right across the Borough.

Developed by Council’s Sport & Wellbeing Development Unit, the programme runs from Monday 2^nd July until Friday 17^th August.  Participants now have more choice than ever before with 59 courses covering 28 different activity options and 10 summer activity schemes.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “Council is delighted to introduce a Borough-wide Summer Recreation Programme for the first time which gives our residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy fantastic fun activities from Ballycastle to Ballymoney and Coleraine to Limavady.  I would encourage all young people to take part in the programme and enjoy the many benefits associated with getting active.”

Sports Development Manager (Central), Stephen McCartney added: “I’m really excited about the scale and variety of courses and schemes on offer this year.  Council’s Sports Development Team is committed to offering quality activities which are reflective of the specific needs within our communities. This year’s programme demonstrates an innovative approach to sport and activity delivery. Our courses and schemes are developed with young people in mind and offer exceptional coaching and supervision with lots of emphasis on having fun.”

Enrolment for all courses begins on Saturday 2^nd June at 8.30am in Coleraine Leisure Centre, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre (Ballymoney), Roe Valley Leisure Centre (Limavady) and Sheskburn Recreation Centre (Ballycastle).

Each course costs £32 per person, however there is a discount ticket available priced at £26 per course per person, available for anyone enrolling on a minimum of three courses (activities must be booked at the same time).

The Summer Recreation Programme also includes summer activity schemes based in Coleraine West, Ballysally, Bushmills, Portstewart, Castlerock, Garvagh, Kilrea, Dungiven, Armoy and Cushendall.

Summer Recreation Programme brochures containing this year’s Coaching Calendar and all Summer Activity Scheme details together with enrolment forms are available now from your local leisure / recreation centre.

For further information, please contact Leisure Services on 028 7034 7234 or email SportandWellbeing@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (28 May- 3 June)

 

1. Causeway Coast Ford Fair, Portrush, 3 June. The 14th Annual Causeway Coast Ford Fair takes place on the West Strand.  The fair showcases a wide range of classic and vintage Ford vehicles and hosts a trade village selling car-related merchandise, a food village and a children’s entertainment area, offering a fabulous family day out for everyone.
2. Ballymoney Show, Ballymoney, 1-2 June. One of the oldest and largest agricultural shows in Northern Ireland, offering two days of fun for all the family. In addition to livestock judging the show offers equestrian events, home industries and school competitions, dog shows, live musical entertainment, tug of war games and football competitions and more. There are over 100 trade stands showcasing artisan food, rural crafts and agricultural products.
3. Michael McIntyre, Belfast, 2 June. Britain’s biggest comedian Michael McIntyre is going global with his Big World Tour coming to the SSE Arena. With his trademark quick fire style, he shares humorous anecdotes of his life, jokes and much more to create a night full of laughs.
4. Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Ballycastle, 25 May-3 June. The festival celebrates culture, cuisine and coastal treasures with exciting sea-focused events such as curraghs, have-a-go kayaking, cookery demonstrations, classes and traditional music. Naturally North Coast, the Glens Artisan Market and an ‘Ulster Chowder Cook off’ only give a flavour of what is on offer to see and do.
5. Walled City Marathon, Derry~Londonderry, 3 June. From the Everglades Hotel to the historic Guildhall Square, the SSE Walled City Marathon sees athletes from Ireland, Britain and across the world arrive in Derry~Londonderry to compete over a stunning 26.2 mile course that takes in all the sights and sounds of the city.
6. Otter MAYhem at Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry, 28 May. Combining the Spring Bank Holiday and World Otter Day, Exploris is hosting an Otter MAYhem event. Take part in animal talks and feeding demos as well as some ‘otter madness’ themed crafts and lots more entertainment for all the family.
7. Mid Ulster Vintage Rally, Moneymore, 2 June. Hosted by the Mid Ulster Vintage Vehicle Club you can enjoy the largest vintage vehicle rally in Mid Ulster. Hundreds of vehicles and items of machinery will be on display with fun for all the family.
8. Ulster Orchestra Season Grand Finale: Shostakovich Symphony No.5, Belfast, 1 June. Sweeping Romantic and epic national treasures come together in the season finale; three poetry-inspired pieces that reflect the concerns of the soul and ultimately end in the triumph of the human spirit will be performed at the Ulster Hall.
9. RuPaul’s Drag Race: Werq The World Tour 2018, Belfast, 1 June. Enjoy a fabulous evening at the Waterfront Hall hosted by celebrity judge Michelle Visage, with sickening performances by Kim Chi, Latrice Royale, Shangela, Sharon Needles, Violet Chachki, Valentina and a surprise guest from the all new 10th season.
10. ForM Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor, 2-14 June. The exhibition showcases works from an array of artists in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. The sculptures, inspired by the garden, will give visitors a unique experience and the opportunity to see art in a different context.

 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit  www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

The Foyle Merchant and Maritime markets, a 42-feet catamaran with an international jazz band on board, visiting Tall ships, Flavours of the Foyle Seafood Kitchen and Trail and a spectacular VOYAGES showcase event that will bring the River Foyle alight with music and animation are just some of the highlights announced today as part of the Foyle Maritime Festival that will take place in Derry from 14-22 July 2018.

The Festival, which is one of Ireland’s top maritime celebratory events, attracting over 160,000 people in 2016, will once again welcome the Clipper Round the World Race when the city acts as a host port for the fourth consecutive time for this much anticipated event.

Announcing details of the exciting festival programme, the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Maolíosa McHugh said the theme for this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival is “Voyages” with a strong emphasis on the city and district’s strong maritime history.

He said: “This year’s Foyle Maritime Festival promises to be another huge success for everyone involved. The programme has something for everyone with a bespoke and exciting programme of entertainment and animation on and alongside the River Foyle, including a food festival, artisan markets, live music and a range of keynote events that will justify the international audiences that the festival attracts to the city.

“I particularly like the idea that the theme of the festival is Voyages as Derry is synonymous with the sea and this acknowledges our rich maritime heritage and the journeys that we as a people, place and individuals have experienced. Not only was the city a major Irish emigration port throughout the phases of resettlement, it also played a key role in World War II when ships from the Royal Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the US navy were all stationed here.”

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Head of Festival and Events with Derry City and Strabane District Council says they have been working closely with festival partners the Loughs Agency and Foyle Port to ensure that this year’s programme reflects the significance of the event for the city and the close relationship it has with the river and its maritime heritage.

“The highlight event of the festival will be a spectacular VOYAGES showcase event on and alongside the river that encompasses land, water and air with the Clipper Race yachts joining Tall Ships, cruisers, yachts and punts from across the region and beyond as part of a live theatrical performance that will culminate with light and fireworks on the water,” she said.

In addition to the festival programme, local promoters have programmed a range of entertainment and musical events in Ebrington Square to coincide with the festival including two outdoor concerts that will add considerably to the range of events and musical experiences on offer throughout the nine days of the event.

There will be visiting tall ships berthed along the Quay and to add to the splendour of the occasion there will be a wide variety of food and bespoke craft stalls in both the Foyle Merchant and Maritime markets as well as lots of water activities including the River Foyle Races, organised by the Loughs Agency and participants from a variety of rowing and yacht clubs across the country.

Helena Hasson, Event Co-ordinator with the Council, said other highlights include the arrival and departure of the Clipper race yachts, boat tours and motor runs down the River Foyle and an interactive education area entitled ‘The Science of Water’ sponsored by DuPont Kevlar®.

“We are very grateful to all of our funders, sponsors and festival partners, who have been working with Council to develop this year’s programme. This is a huge week for the city to showcase all that’s best about our city and region and the support from everyone has been brilliant. She also added ‘We are delighted that in addition to our festival programme, local promoters have independently programmed a range of entertainment and musical events, including two large outdoor concerts in Ebrington Square to coincide with the festival.

“Likewise we are thrilled that the Foyle Cup is also on at the time of the festival and we’re working with the event organisers to support all event plans. With so much to experience in the city between 14 -22 July we are confident that locals and visitors alike will enjoy one of the most exciting weeks of entertainment and sport that city has hosted for several years.”

Encouraging the public to put the dates in their diaries and to extend an invitation to family and friends to come home for the celebrations, the Mayor said:

“The Foyle Maritime Festival is hugely important for the City and District and the wider North West region in promoting the area as a world class tourism destination and a maritime hub. The programme of events being put together for the festival is phenomenal with something for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s boating and yachting, live music and animation, or maritime history. The event has been hugely successful in the past attracting over 100,000 people and we are confident that this year will be another amazing celebration that will put our city and district on the international map.

“We are particularly keen to attract people from the city and district and wider region to take this opportunity to come home and be part of the festival celebrations. Not only is it a chance to catch up with family and friends but it’s a great opportunity to see how the city has transformed and developed and ready to welcome you back.”

The full festival programme will be launched in the coming weeks but details of the festival are available online where you can sign up for updates at  www.foylemaritimefestival.com or you can follow us on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/foylemaritimefestival  and on Twitter @Foylemaritime