‘The History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma!]’, the brilliant sequel to ‘The History Of The Troubles [Accordin’ To My Da]’, is back at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh.

A peaceful tale of street protests, riots, guns, bombings, the RHI Scandal, the latest Stormont collapse and even more riots, PEACE also sees the return of the legendary Firebell, joined of course, by a host of hilarious new characters including Pineapple the paramilitary, Stacey the Flegs woman, Roberto the Flute band leader and many more.

And as expected from Lynch, Grimes & McKee, PEACE will be especially updated to scrutinize the very latest ‘peaceful’ events in Norn Iron.

‘History Of The Peace [Accordin’ To My Ma]’ will run for two nights on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £17 and £15 (concession), and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre This production is recommended for age 16+.

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.

The Observatory at the Grand Central Hotel takes Afternoon Tea to a New Level!

To celebrate National Afternoon Tea Week (14^th – 20^th August), Conleth Hendron, Observatory Manager from the Grand Central Hotel, is joined by Pamela Ballantine and Ross Thompson of Thompson’s Teas to launch a very special Afternoon Tea experience in the new Observatory Cocktail Lounge.

Served on the 23^rd floor of the hotel, Afternoon Tea in the Observatory will be unique and enchanting, and guests will marvel over the breath-taking views of Belfast and beyond whilst enjoying an array of the finest, locally blended Thompson’s teas, crafted coffees, deliciously designed and handcrafted nibbles along with the finest Champagne and cocktails.

Served daily from 1pm – 5pm, it really is Afternoon Tea nirvana.

Some of County Down’s finest food and drink artisanal producers will be at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle on Saturday 8^th September for the annual Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival.

Drinks exhibitors at the festival this year include Whitewater Brewery, Jawbox Gin, Kilmeggan Cider, Shortcross Gin and Echlinville Distillery, home to Dunville Whiskey and Echlinville Gin along with local food producers including Kearney Blue Cheese and Fivemiletown Creamery.

The festival will also welcome the return of the popular Street Food Stall with a wide selection of delicious local treats to taste.

Niall Burns, Operations Manager at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, said: “We are thrilled to announce the return of the Slieve Donard Beer, Cider, Spirit and Cheese Festival following the huge success of the past two years.

“The Festival will showcase many of County Down’s finest brands who will be here to talk about what they do with such enthusiasm that it’s impossible not to get totally drawn in.  On top of that there will be lots of food and drink to sample, ensuring that a good time is had by all.

“At Hastings Hotels we only work with the finest local food and drink producers and we can’t wait for guests to come along and see for themselves just why the Slieve Donard holds them in such vert high esteem,” concluded Niall.

This fabulous food and drink event is supported by both Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Tickets for the event cost £15 per person, which includes three drinks tokens and a souvenir glass, and are available from the Slieve Donard reception or by calling the hotel on 028 4372 1066.

Spinning Yarns Festival will take place at Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September from 10am-6pm. This two-day festival has a great line up suitable for the whole family.

We are delighted to welcome MANNS on board who will host The Afternoon Fashion Tea event during Spinning Yarns, commencing each day at 3pm. Afternoon tea will be served consisting of a selection of delicious finger sandwiches, delicate pastries and MANNS famous home baked scones with jam & cream, complimented by Earl Grey or Darjeeling Teas. The Models will then strut their stuff as they walk around the tables showcasing classic designs in natural fabrics mixed with the seasons latest trends from leading fashion houses. The Fashion show is styled by local lady Pearl Mitchell of Style Solutions, an event for all fashion enthusiasts –  not to be missed. Seats are limited so booking is advisable for both days. Tickets £10 per person for bookings T. 028 9448 1338 or online at www.theoldcourthouse.com

Another great attraction for this family event are the NI Alpacas group who will bring two to three herds of these endearing animals each day, showcasing alpaca fleece products and giving demonstrations on alpaca fibre and the process of working it from the animal through to the finished product. Alpacas are one of the camelid species, closely related to the llama and originate from the high plain in west-central South America.

Enrol for one of our workshops ranging from Rag Rug Wreaths to White Work Embroidery squares, view one of the many exhibitions and market stalls and sample some of the culinary delights on offer.

Chef, author & broadcaster Paula McIntyre MBE and Irish fashion designer, Blogger and BBC The Great Sewing Bee contestant Angeline Murphy, will be joining us over the two days giving demonstrations and offering advice.

There are also a number of children’s activities planned for this weekend event making it a family affair. For more details and bookings visit spinningyarnsfestival.com.

A little bit of Broadway comes to Belfast this September when The World Goes ‘Round takes to a newly transformed stage at the MAC Belfast.

Showcasing some of the biggest songs, from Broadway’s biggest productions like New York, New York, Cabaret and All That Jazz, this feel good show is a revue of hits by Kander and Ebb and is performed by a multi-talented cast who sing, dance and play instruments.

A co-production by Blunt Fringe and the MAC and starring a host of local and West End performers, The World Goes ‘Round will open for a two-week run at the MAC from 1^st September until 15^th September 2018.

To enhance the audience experience, the main theatre at the MAC has been totally transformed into an all new club, called the Luminaire Club, complete with at-table seating and waiter service.  Guests are invited to take their seat, have a glass of bubbly and watch the action unfold on stage.   

Co-directed by Stephen Whitson (Associate Director of West End sensation Hamilton), this classic revue has a multi-talented cast of five actor musicians who will sing, dance and play in this spectacular evening of musical theatre. The cast includes Stephanie McConville, originally from Lurgan and has most recently starred in the UK tour of Little Shop of Horrors; Carolyn Maitland, from the Isle of Wight who has had many leading roles on the West End most recently playing Molly in Ghost the Musical; Aveen Biddle, a recent musical theatre graduate originally from Derry; Will Arundell, a singer and talented cellist from Norwich; and Conor McFarlane, an accomplished musician who recently graduated from the Royal Academy of Music and is originally from Derry.

Claire Murray, Blunt Fringe said, “We are thrilled to be working with such an illustrious cast and creative team to bring the incredible songs of Kander and Ebb to life on the main stage at the MAC. Our cast will be singing, dancing, playing instruments and maybe even roller skating their way through the most stunning repertoire of musical theatre hits.”

The show was first staged in Belfast in 2014 and The Musical Theatre Review called it, “A success – intelligently staged, impeccably sung, wonderfully entertaining and with enormous style.”  The MAC and Blunt Fringe hope to wow audiences with the amazing setting, style and performance for a thoroughly entertaining night.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said, “We’re delighted to be co-producing this musical at the MAC this Autumn with our partners Blunt Fringe. To make the experience extra special, I was keen to play with the flexibility of the MAC theatre space and to create something special for audiences by changing the format from our usual theatre set-up into a more intimate, club feel. We have invested in new seating, staging and dressing to create what we hope will be a really special experience. This is the first opening of the Luminaire Club at the MAC and coupled with the amazing talent on stage, audiences are in for a real treat.”

Tickets for The World Goes ‘Round are now on sale and are selling fast. For more information or to book, visit themaclive.com.  Supported by National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

On Wednesday 15^th August we will be celebrating our 2^nd birthday (can you believe it has been 2 years since Exploris Aquarium re-opened) and we want you to join us!

We are having a big birthday bash and offering FREE admission to anyone celebrating their birthday on 15^th August!* There will also be lots of extra activities running throughout the day including;

• Neil the seal mascot meet and greet
• Crabby craft club
• Face painting
• Touch tank talks
• Photo opportunities with Sir David
• Seal hospital talks
• Free prize draw

 

As you already know no birthday party is complete without cake and presents so we have planned a lovely salad cake for Sir David the Green Iguana, meat loaf cake for the otters and a shark feed at 1.30pm. As for the presents every child will receive a free gift to take home!

Join us for a day of birthday fun as we celebrate turning 2 with you and over 200 underwater species and reptiles!

Pre-book your tickets online today at www.explorisni.com for discount on admission.

 

*Must be born on the 15^th August to gain free entry. Proof required in the form of driving licence, electoral card, passport or birth certificate. Subject to availability.

Tickets on Sale Now!

Donaghadee’s seaside cuisine is simply “Deelicious”. A brand-new food tour will be served up as part of the Donaghadee Lights up Festival, which takes place from Thursday 6 – Sunday 9 September and celebrates the town’s fantastic restaurants and it’s Ulster-Scots Heritage.

There are five famous Donaghadee restaurants on the menu including Pier 36, Harbour and Company, Grace Neills, Slice of Heaven and Bull & Claw with dishes chosen to reflect the true Ulster-Scots heritage of the town. Guests will be entertained as they move from course to course by a good humoured Blue Badge Tour Guide. Listen to tales of the town, the links to Scotland and Robbie Burns himself may turn up for dinner! Taking place on Thursday 6 September and starting at Pier 36 at 6pm the ticket price of £60 includes five courses, paired wines and craft beers. The evening will end with a lively traditional music session.

Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council, Councillor Richard Smart commented:

“Donaghadee is one of our most iconic seaside towns and as such has exceptional coastal eateries. This food tour will cater for everyone who wants to sample local produce at its best whilst getting a real taste of the Ulster-Scots heritage of the town.  Whether you enjoy fine dining, are a regular foodie who loves tucking into local food, or just want to enjoy the crack, Donaghafeed is the night out for you.”

Tickets for the event are limited so booking essential. Strictly over 18s only. Kilts kindly supplied by Focus, Bangor.

For further information check out www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary are currently celebrating their third otter litter, which is the largest they’ve welcomed to date.

 

On the 26^th June Asian Short Clawed Otter, Sungari, gave birth to 4 healthy pups. Now 5 weeks old the news had been kept under wraps to protect the new born and ensure that all otters settled into their new family group.

Sungari began her labour in the early hours of the 26th June and had successfully delivered 3 pups by 9am when staff arrived on site.

“Looking in that morning Sungari looked so content, all cuddled up with the 3 babies in her straw nest” describes Curator Pete Williams. “After initially checking on the family we retrieved the families breakfast and on returning realized Sungari was not finished having her babies.”  Otter number 4 arrived just before 2.30pm.

Small-Claw Asian Otters form monogamous partnerships and much like human beings, share parental duties. Together they build and maintain a nest as well as feeding and attending to their young with which they form a close bond.

Sungari’s first 2 litters of just 1 pup each time were delivered in the winter with their eldest, a female called Brunei, born in December 2016 and a 9 month old Yalu, a male, born in October 2017.

It was during the early days of the litter that it was discovered that Brunei is actually a female. Originally thought to be a male, Brunei began to bed down with the pups with staff identifying the mix-up very quickly.

The new additions to the otter family are made up of 3 females and 1 male. Following their 5 week health checks the pups will soon be making their outside debut. When this will happen curator Pete is unsure. “The pups have only just opened their eyes so will take some time to adjust to their surroundings. I’m sure in a few weeks they will venture outside, whether its Sungari’s choosing or not. She will certainly have her hands full”.

Make sure to follow the progress of all our work on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or why not become a Member which allows you unlimited entry to our five star visitor attraction for a full year.  It is affordable with prices starting at £20 for children and £30 for adults with 25% discount in our café (excluding alcohol beverages), and in our shop.

Exploris Aquarium, located in Portaferry, opens daily from 10am to 5pm, with last admission at 4pm. Pre-book your tickets online at www.explorisni.com to avail of discounted admission.

Summer Kids Surf Camp

Date: 29th June- 2nd Sept

Time: 10am – 12 noon

Venue: Long Line Surf School, Benone

Contact: 07738 128 507 info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk

Surf school for children aged 6-12 years including surfing, beach games and safety designed to help children learn in a fun environment surrounded by other children. £15 per child per session.

  

Summer Holiday Adventures at Foylehov activity Centre

Date: 29th June – 2nd Sept

Time:

Venue: Foylehov Activity Centre, 71 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 7772 2235 info@foylehov.com

Open every day lots of outdoor activities including hovercraft flying, Powerturn off road buggies, laser combat, archery, clay pigeon shooting and football golf.

 

Summer Set Programme at Carrowmena

Date: 1st July -31 Aug

Time:

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 77776 3431 kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

Fun and adventure awaits you every day this summer. Full and half day packages available.

 

Maize Maze at Carrowmena Activity Centre

Date: 1 Aug– 2 Sept

Time: from 10.00am-8.00pm

Venue: 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 028 7776 3431 kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

 

The ever popular Maize Maze opens in August for a family treat and a day out not be matched in Northern Ireland. One way in, but can you make it back out?  Tickets can be booked online www.carrowmena.co.uk

 

Heart of the Glens Festival

Date: 4 Aug – 12 Aug

Time:

Venue: Cushendall Area

Contact: cushendall@nacn.org

This is the 28th anniversary of the Heart of the Glens Festival and one of the most successful community festivals in Northern Ireland. Wide range of workshops, shows and events including RNLI open day, opening community parade and themed nights.

 

NW Pipe Band & Highland Dancing Championships

Date: 10-11 Aug

Time:

Venue: Recreation Grounds, Portrush

Contact: www.visitcasuewaycoastandglens.com

Competition held by the RSPBA in the Recreation Grounds, Portrush. Attracting up to 50 pipe bands annually to Portrush including international highland dancing and concluding with a street carnival parade.

 

Stendhal Festival of Art

Date: 9-11 Aug

Time: See line-up

Venue: Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady

Contact: info@stendhalfestival.com www.stendhalfestival.com

Celebrating all things creative Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival promoting a programme of music poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional arts as well as sculpture, street performance and craft workshops.

 

Causeway Speciality Market

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 9am – 4pm

Venue: The Diamond, Coleraine

Contact: 028 7034 7034

Causeway Speciality Market is supportive of local producers and operators on the second Saturday of each month outside Coleraine Town Hall. All products are either organic or speciality goods. Quality arts, crafts and gifts for sale too.

 

Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, Coast and Country

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Coleraine Town Hall, The Diamond

Contact: 07912 408 256 / causewayfoodie@gmail.com

Join a culinary tour of the Causeway Coast to sample some of the area’s locally produced food and drink. This is a 6 hour bused tour of the region. £60.

 

Coastal Crafters, Craft and Collectables Fair

Date:  11 Aug

Time: 10am – 5pm

Venue: Portstewart Town Hall, The Crescent

Contact: 07850 377 644

Handcrafted Jewellery, knitwear, greetings cards, bags, photographs, woodcraft and collectables. Free admission.

 

Irish History Starts Here Make and Take

Date: 11 Aug

Time:  2-4pm

Venue: Coleraine Museum, Coleraine Town Hall

Contact: 028 7034 4723

Join artists and crafts people to make some creative pieces to take home. Suitable for all the family. 

 

Butterfly safari

Date: 11 Aug

Time: 2—4pm

Venue: Portstewart Strand, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 6396 / gill.mciloyle@nationaltrust.org.uk

Calling all kids and families. Join rangers on a walk through the sand dunes, catching and identifying butterflies and moths.  Adults £2, Children £1 (parking charges apply to non-National trust members).

 

Rathlin Sports Day

Date: 12 Aug

Time:

Venue: Rathlin Island

Contact: 028 2076 9299 / rdca@btconnect.com

Fun day for all the family on Rathlin Island. Events include 3-legged races, teddy bear throwing competition, bouncy castle and so much more. Make sure to book ferry crossing.

 

Music Sundays at Downhill Demesne

Date: 12 Aug

Time: 12-3pm

Venue: Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Road, Castlerock

Contact: 028 7084 8728

Enjoy local musical talent in Mussenden Temple to accompany a Sunday afternoon walk. This is a free event, but normal admission applies for the venue.

 

Summer Camp at Carrowmena

Date: 13-17 Aug

Time:  11am – 4.30pm

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, 100 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: Kieran@carrowmena.co.uk

This year’s Summer Camp brings back adventure and fun to the North Coast. Experience fun and adrenaline based activities whilst making new friends this Summer.

  

Ballycastle Senior Tennis Tournament

Date: Commencing 13 Aug

Time:

Venue: Ballycastle Tennis Courts, Mary Street, Ballycastle

Contact: 028 2076 3300 carol.nicholl@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Tournament in coastal town of Ballycastle welcoming entries from all over Europe.

 

Advanced Pony Camp at Crindle Stables

Date: 14 Aug – 18 Aug

Time:

Venue: Crindle Stables, 6 Carrowclare Road, Limavady

Contact: 07738 516 106 crindlestables@outlook.com

Enjoy an extensive week of tuition, including having fun both on and off the pony.  Improve your riding skills and learn how to look after your pony.

 

Kids Stand Up Paddle Boarding

Date: 15 Aug – 16 Aug

Time: 3.30pm – 4.30pm

Venue: Long Line Surf School, 53 Benone Avenue, Benone

Contact: 07738 128 507 info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk

Surf camp for children 6-12 years including surfing, beach games and safety designed to help children learn in a fun environment.  £15 per child.

 

Summer  Street Theatre With Jim

Date: 15 Aug

Time: 1.30pm The Amphitheatre, Portrush and 4.00pm The Crescent, Portstewart

Venue: The Amphitheatre, Portrush & The Crescent, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7034 7234 eventscoleraine@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Enjoy a fun family afternoon of street theatre this summer on the Causeway Coast. Watch in awe as Jim performs his solo show, combining all the elements of circus, including fire juggling, an 8 foot unicycle and ladder balancing.

 

Portrush Summer Theatre

Date: 15 Aug – 18 Aug

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Portrush Town Hall, Portrush

Contact: 028 7082 9539

Performance by The Bart Players.  “Fool’s Paradise” by Peter Coke.  Seat prices: Adult £8/OAP £7/Children £5.  Special rates for organised parties.

 

Country & Comedy show featuring Curtis Magee

Date: 16 Aug

Time: 8.00pm

Venue: Lodge Hotel, Coleraine BT52 1NF

Contact: T: 028 7034 4848 E: info@thelodgehotel.com

Singer Curtis Magee and Comedian Gary Wilson present a night of Country & Comedy at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. Other artists featuring in the evening’s line-up are: Hugo Duncan, Owen Mac, Boxcar Brian, Gerry Kane and Gerard Dornan. Tickets cost £10.

 

Summer Street Theatre with the Raven Sisters

Date: 17 Aug

Time: 1.30pm The Amphitheatre, Portrush and 4.00pm The Crescent, Portstewart

Venue: The Amphitheatre, Portrush and The Crescent, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7034 7234 eventscoleraine@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

The Raven Sisters bring their high energy show to Portrush and Portstewart. Evocative of a bygone era, of sideshow circus and the silver screen, brought sharply into the 21st century by these dextrous damsels and their fancy footwork. It’s a high energy, non-stop cabaret of chaos, including hat manipulation, contemporary clowning and hula hooping. Fun for all the family.

 

Family Film Friday: The Red Turtle

Date: 17 Aug

Time: 2.00pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady

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

Japan’s celebrated Studio Ghibli present this visual masterpiece in which a shipwrecked mariner battles all alone for his life at sea on a raft, encountering many of the ocean’s mysterious and wonderful creatures, but especially a large red turtle.  Cert PG / 2016 / Duration 81 mins.

 

North West 200 People and Places Exhibition

Date: 4 May – 1 Sept

Time: Mon – Thurs & Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm / Fri 9.00am – 4.30pm

Venue: Ballymoney Museum, Town Hall, Townhead Street, Ballymoney

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

Motorcycle Road Racing exhibition featuring people and places from the Chronicle and Constitution Archive (1987-1997), the emergency services, display of bikes, leathers and NW200 memorabilia. Admission free.

 

North by North

Date: 14 May – 1 Sept

Time:

Venue: Riverside Theatre, University of Ulster, Cromore Road, Coleraine

Contact: 028 7012 3123 www.riversidetheatre.org

North by North is an exhibition of new work by artist Jonathan Brennan. Working in pen and ink, print, photography and digital, Brennan has been travelling around the Causeway Coast & Glens area over a series of months making images of things that inspire him.

 

Irish History Starts Here

Date: 28 July – 15 September

Time:  Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm

Venue: Coleraine Museum, Coleraine Town Hall

Contact: 028 7034 4723

From the earliest known settlement at Mountsandel almost 10,000 years ago, a fascinating Bronze Age village, and a Medieval Abbey kitchen, to the official Plantation, this exhibition reveals the history of the Coleraine area.

 

Headlands Islands and Skerries

Date: 28 July – 25 Aug

Time: Wed – Sat 12 noon – 5.30pm

Venue: Castlecat Gallery, 76 Castlecat Road, Bushmills

Contact: 028 7074 1682

 

Adrian Margey Summer Studio Open Weekends

Date: Every Friday – Sunday from 3rd August – 2nd September

Time: 11am – 5.30 (Fri – Sat), Sunday 12noon – 5.30pm

Venue: Adrian Margey Gallery, 99 Mark Street, Portrush

Contact: 07841 593 762 adrianmargey@googlemail.com

Pop-up artist studio and gallery space featuring the work of Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson open to the public during weekends in Summer.

 

As the Crow Flies

Date: 4 Aug – 31 August

Time: Daily 9.30 – 5pm

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

Contact:  info@rvacc.co.uk

Exhibition by Eleanor Wheeler who studied ceramics and sculpture in Aberdeen and Cardiff, completing her PhD in architectural ceramics and public art at Northumbria University. Free admission.

 

Intersection – Sharon Adams

Date: 4 Aug – 31 Aug

Time: 9.am-5.00pm Mon-Fri  & Sat 10.00am – 1.00pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts  Centre, Portstewart

Contact: 028 7083 1400 info@flowerfield.org

Sharon Adams’ first solo show explores places where diverse elements of life collide.  With a practice deeply rooted in the landscape of her agricultural childhood, she uses wood metal and textiles to create functionless tools.  Admission free.

 

This August will see the return of the much-anticipated Festival of Flight sponsored by Rockwell Collins, over the shores of Newcastle in scenic County Down.

The festival, hosted on Saturday 11^th August, will comprise of an afternoon of a stunning airborne display, led by the Red Arrows, complemented by family fun events including an Aviation Centre and Food Village.

2018 marks a particularly exciting year as the RAF celebrates its centenary.  To mark the occasion, the RAF will be displaying aircrafts on the ground to encourage the public to meet crew members and get close to the magnificent planes. There will be a STEM Zone focusing on aviation as a career, offering the public the opportunity to have hands on experiences with the aerospace world as well as the chance for younger visitors find out more about the aviation profession.

The festival, marking the third of five events in the Giant Adventures summer programme spearheaded by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, is expected to attract up to 100,000 visitors.

Councillor Mark Murnin, Chairman of Newry, Mourne and Down Council said: “The Festival of Flight is a spectacular event in the programme. Whether you are an aircraft enthusiast or would like a great family day out, Newcastle is transformed into an aviation hub that is the perfect place for people to visit, locally and beyond. With a range of music, food, aircraft displays and the excitement of the RAF100 commemoration, it is set to be one of the biggest and best years yet!”

Announcing continued support for the annual event, Martin McGinley, Managing Director and Vice President of Rockwell Collins in Kilkeel said, “Our passion for aviation is the bedrock of our success and we look forward to sharing our enthusiasm with the audience of almost 100,000 people who are expected to converge on this beautiful corner of County Down for this year’s event.

“In Kilkeel, we manufacture seating for most of the world’s commercial airlines and we are proud to be part of a major business which is recognised and respected as a global leader in aviation. We are equally proud of the significant economic contribution which Rockwell Collins makes in Northern Ireland, not only in its support for hundreds of jobs but also through our extensive supply chain.

“The 2018 Festival of Flight promises to provide a thrilling highlight to the Summer of 2018. Research demonstrates that the positive economic impact of this great event will continue long after the roar of the engines subsides, with many visitors encouraged to make return visits to the region. This is fantastic news for all of us who want to see the local economy soar!

“On behalf of everyone who will have their eyes on the skies on the big day, I thank all those whose hard work, vision and commitment combine to deliver this amazing annual attraction.”

For Mariners and Pleasure Craft Users, an important navigation warning has been issued to ensure the show runs undisrupted. Due to necessary restrictions in place for the Festival of Flight, it is important that all vessels observe boundaries from 14:00 to 18:30. Cooperation will be greatly appreciated to ensure maximum safety at the event.

Festival of Flight is supported by Tourism NI. For further information about the Festival of Flight and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.visitmournemountains.co.uk