Summer officially arrives at the Ward Park Bandstand on Sunday 2nd July when this much loved music in the park programme starts.
The Jazzmeisters will perform in Ward Park on 2nd July between 4pm-6pm as part of this year’s Summer Music programme which runs every Sunday in July and August.
Now in its 12th year, happening every Sunday throughout July and August, between 3pm and 5pm. This year’s line-up offers a different vibe each week including Rock ‘n’ Roll, brass, blues, flamenco and punk ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy!
First up will be the fantastic Jazzmeisters playing a cool mix of hot swing and classic standards made famous by icons such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and modern maestro Jamie Cullum.
Please note this week’s performance is at the later time of 4pm to facilitate the Somme Service in the park.
So gather friends, family and a picnic and enjoy!
Look out for details of each week’s artist in local press and keep up to date with all summer events at www.vistardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
‘Race of Legends’ 2017 launch with look back at original Road Racers
PACEMAKER, BELFAST, 21/6/2017: Armoy road races Clerk of the Course, Bill Kennedy is joined by road racers Dominic Herbertson, Adam McLean, Neil Kernohan, Darryl Tweed, Roger Chen, Christian Elkin, Paul Jordan, Paul Robinson, Gary Dunlop and William Dunlop at the launch of the 2017 Armoy road races today. PICTURE BY STEPHEN DAVISON
THE youngest national road race in Ireland, the Armoy Road Races, confirmed this week that leading TT newcomer at the Isle of Man TT 2017, Adam McLean, will be at this year’s races on the renowned three-mile circuit come Friday 28th and Saturday 29th July 2017.
Joining Adam (McLean), a previous winner of the Junior Support at Armoy, will be local men William Dunlop, Neil Kernohan, Paul Jordan, Darryl Tweed, Paul Robinson, Gary Dunlop, Hexham rider Dominic Herbertson and Moto3/125 GP race winner Christian Elkin, winner of Moto3/125 GP race in 2016. With entries yet to close (3rd July) and the 2017 TT just finished, many riders are now turning their attention to Armoy and confirming their attendance.
The announcement was made at the official launch of the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’, which was held at Gracehill House, Stranocum on Wednesday 21 June 2017 alongside a keynote presentation from David Wallace, the film producer of Road Racers and a local Dunloy man.
2017 is the 40th anniversary of the original 1977 documentary, which truly captured the heady mixture of three local men, their families and their passion, drive and love of road racing. He gave a short presentation on why and how the film was made but having won two BAFTAs for other work, David freely admits that “the Road Racers film gets talked about more than anything else. I wanted to produce a genuine documentary in Road Racers that would give an insight into something very special but I was taken by surprise by its success.” Some key scenes of the film depict the three riders, Joey Dunlop, Mervyn Robinson and Frank Kennedy, riding through the village of Armoy where they often tested their bikes.
Bill Kennedy MBE, Chairman and Clerk of the Course, AMRRC said, “We are delighted to host, film producer and local man, David Wallace. It is difficult to comprehend that this film, Road Racers, was made 40 years ago, let alone the impact this film would have in years to come, the place it has in people’s hearts and the iconic level that it has reached across the whole road racing community.
“The Armoy Road Races came about as most of you know, after a bit of craic in a local pub. It’s hard to believe come September that we will be in our tenth year and that we continue to celebrate all of our road racers, past and present, including the reputed Armoy Armada.
“It is also hard to be believe how exceptionally fast 2017 is disappearing but we are on target with our planning. With additional monies from the Department of Communities and some work on the roads, courtesy of Transport NI, these races are set to be one of the best.
“William Dunlop was man of the meeting in 2016 and I’ve no doubt he will be keen to revisit his Armoy winning streak. As of yet, brother, Michael Dunlop, who retains the title of Race of Legends winner, having won in six successive years has yet to confirm his entry but the Club is hopeful he will race on his home course come July.
“VIP Corporate Hospitality Tickets are selling exceptionally well with folks from as far away as Wexford and Shropshire as well as Aberdeen en route. It’s getting down to those last few weeks, last minute riders’ entries, final preparations for setting up the course and then we will be ready for the best national race in Ireland.”
Also in attendance were the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird, Terence Brannigan, Chairman of Tourism Northern Ireland, members of the Armoy Club and other guests and sponsors including title “Race of Legends” sponsor, Roadside Kia.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Joan Baird, who attended the launch said, “The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to continue their support of the Armoy Road Races. For us it is one of our key sporting events and we are only too happy to be involved and show our support.”
Terence Brannigan, Tourism NI Chairman also commented, “Armoy Road Races are one of Northern Ireland’s prime motorsport gatherings, attracting motorcycle riders and spectators both locally and internationally. As the event goes from strength to strength it has an important role to play in tourism, in contributing to the economy and in enhancing our reputation as a destination.
“Given that this event is built on such a strong heritage, this is a great opportunity for many of the visitors who come to the races and stay, to explore the area and visit the many other sights and events that it has to offer.”
Mr David Boyd, Roadside Kia, title sponsor said: “Now that the TT is over, it’s getting to the stage that most of us are patiently waiting for the next road racing event. The Armoy Road Races is one of the must attend events and I for one, along with my team at Roadside Kia, just can’t wait until Race Week. We are very proud to be associated with this event.”
Bill Kennedy concluded: “I’d like to finish by thanking event sponsors Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and Tourism NI for their very kind support. I’d also like to thank our title sponsor Roadside Kia. Without the support and sponsorship from these organisations and other sponsors present here today, the event just wouldn’t be possible.
“I often don’t get a chance to publicly thank the many hard working Club members and volunteers but as with the sponsors these races wouldn’t happen without their input. Now there’s still a bit of work to be done, but I look forward to seeing you all on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017!”
This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2017 culminating in the Roadside Kia ‘Race of Legends’. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.
This year’s Outdoor Theatre in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will feature three fabulous productions – David Walliam’s Billionaire Boy, Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey and Murder on TheTerrace by David-Kerby Kendall, all brought to life and adapted for the outdoor stage by Heartbreak Productions.
A popular event on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts’ Calendar, these productions will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
Taking place on Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July, Billionaire Boy tells the tale of how Mr Spud made his billions and lost it all and how his son Joe became the richest boy in the world! A charming tale of love, loss and friendship which is both hilarious and poignant, Heartbreak Productions’ adaptation of Billionaire Boy is suitable for ages 7+. Shows take place at 2pm and 6pm – although the 6pm show on Wednesday 19 has already sold out!
Northanger Abbey is taking place on Thursday 20 July at 7pm, come and indulge in some fantasy, be it romance, intrigue or even something a bit darker in Jane Austen’s classic tale. Social commentary, humour and parody ensure this outdoor performance will be the perfect summer evening’s entertainment. The show is suitable for ages 8+.
If solving mysteries is more your thing, then Murder on The Terrace might be the one for you! Taking place on Friday 21 July at 7pm, this farcical romp through English entertainment, is an original interactive outdoor murder mystery – part Downtown, part Agatha Christie and a whole lot of fun! Bring your sleuthing skills to see if you can figure out ‘whodunnit!’ Suitable for ages 12+.
Ticket-holders are reminded that these are out-door events so please dress for the weather. They are fully seated performances, chairs will be provided so please don’t bring your own and picnics are welcome but please note that picnic space is limited due to seating arrangements.
To book a ticket, please go to www.ardsarts.com or call 028 9181 0803.
The Super Milk Wild Air Run saw over 20,000 people partake in the inflatable 5K obstacle course last summer.
The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course. This year the event is coming to Belfast for the very first time and will take place in Stormont Estate 24th June. 2017 sees the course return bigger and better than before with new obstacles, including Europe’s largest inflatable slide which is 60M long!
The Super Milk Wild Air Run can be undertaken by all fitness levels and the focus is on fun, not endurance. It can be undertaken by the fitness fanatic right through to the armchair athlete and everyone in between. The 10 obstacles combine agility, creativity and a vast amount of fun. The event is for both adults and children, seven years and up, and is a very enjoyable day for anyone from 7 to 70.
Event Manager Ronan O’Kelly said “We can’t wait to come to Belfast this summer. This event truly shows how fun it can be to get outdoors with friends or family of all ages, it’s really an event that everyone can partake in. The course can be walked or ran, it isn’t a timed event and the focus truly is on fun and getting active.”
Begin the race by tackling the staircase start-line, zig-zag through the maze and have a ball in the giant ball pit. Before you can claim victory over the Super Milk Wild Air Run you will finish with Europe’s biggest inflatable slide. There will also be a ‘Chill Zone’, an area for both participants and spectators to relax and enjoy music, games and food and drink from local vendors.
The event will kick off its first wave at 10:00a.m with additional waves running in 20-minute intervals until 6:00p.m.
Tickets for the Super Milk Wild Air Run are on sale now at www.wildairrun.com. Full priced tickets are £26.00 for adults and £16.00 for children. Family tickets (£72) and group rates are also available. Spectators can cheer from the side-lines for free. For more information and to buy tickets visit www.wildairrun.com. The event will also travel to St.Columb’s Park, Derry on 22nd July.
As the Summer Solstice draws to a close so does the life of a young warrior, a murder has been committed! Entering the feasting hall with a dagger to his back; who has committed this cruel act?
King Conor has invited you to the Navan Centre & Fort on 23rd June with all his clans to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Before the food can be served old rivalry between the clans has erupted leading to this murder! To add to the mystery, the victim dies before he can name the perpetrator!
However, King Conor will not allow this to stop the celebrations but he wants the villain caught! Can you help solve this curious case?
Event begins at 7.30pm and admission is £24.00 per adult, children £12.00 (suitable for 12 years +) A 2 course meal with tea and coffee will be served on the evening. Booking is essential on www.armagh.co.uk/solstice or call + 44 (0) 28 3752 9644
Lilian Bland Community Park will be awash with activity each Friday evening from Friday 30 June – Friday 27 August as Brighter Nights returns.
This popular annual event now in its sixth year, is for all ages, boasting a programme of events which will keep you entertained rain, hail or shine this summer. Weekly attractions will include bouncy castles, face painting, sports coaching, an adventure play bus, arts & crafts along with featured attractions & activities each week!
Kicking off this year’s Brighter Nights series is ‘Schools Out’ on Friday 30 June, celebrating the start of school holidays. Brighter Nights offers a different theme each week with something to suit everyone. So if you fancy yourself as a superhero, or a sporting great get yourself down to Lilian Bland Community Park for free family fun each Friday Night from 6.30-8.30pm.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill commented “Brighter Nights is a great way of bringing the community together offering a jam packed programme of Free Family Fun throughout the summer”.
Box Tale Soup are back at The Courtyard Theatre on Saturday 1 July with a beautiful new adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved classic, The Wind in the Willows.
Featuring unique handmade fabric puppets and a charming original score, Box Tale Soup will transport you into a theatrical world like no other.
From the peaceful pleasures of Ratty’s beloved River Bank, to the fearful frights and wicked weasels of the Wild Wood, join Ratty and Mole on their marvellous
adventures, along with gruff old Badger and magnificent Mr. Toad. “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.”
Formed in 2012, Box Tale Soup seek to create productions that are affordable without being compromised in quality or originality. They aim to tell their tales in a way that is only possible with live theatre. Engaging and imaginative, in the world of Box Tale Soup even the stories you know aren’t quite as you remember.
Tickets are available from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or online www.thecourtyardtheatre.com . Suitable for children age 4+
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Gareth Wilson recently took to the streets of Banbridge to sing the praises of Buskfest, the boroughs internationally reknowned busking festival which this year will take place on Saturday 12 August 2017.
Now in it’s 14th year Buskfest has gone from strength to strength attracting singers, musicians and entertainers from across the globe who perform to huge crowds on the streets of Banbridge Town Centre all with the hope of taking away a share of the amazing £3000 prize pot.
Speaking at the launch the Lord Mayor said: “Buskfest is a superb event which showcases the wealth and diversity of musical talent and performing skills thriving from the local area and further afield. Not only does it offer a wonderful platform for musicians to perform it provides a fantastic day out in Banbridge. With over 6000 visitors enjoying the atmosphere last year many of our local shops, restraunts and cafes also benefit from this annual musical extravaganza.”
BBC Radio Ulster presenter and Buskfest judge and compere Ralph McLean offered some words of encouragement for anyone interested in signing up for the popular competition, “Without doubt Buskfest is one one the finest examples of how a simple idea of giving musicians the opportunity to play in public has grown into a superb international annual event. It firmly puts the performer into the public spotlight offering great opportunities to help develop their musical career and I would encourage any performer whatever your age, experience or genre to give it a go. If busking put Ed Sheeran on the path to global stardom it can work for you too.”
During the competition, which will run from 1pm – 4.30pm participants can compete in a number of categories, including overall winner, best individual, best band, best junior, best performance and the ‘Spirit of BuskFest’ prize. As well as a colossal cash prize the overall winner will also be given the opportunity to record a live acoustic video produced by The Garage Project.
For further information and to register go to www.buskfest.com or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/buskfest. Online registration will remain open until 2pm on Friday 11 August 2017.
The Rhythm of the Bann will ripple through Coleraine on Saturday 24th June as the town prepares to host its inaugural music and dance event. The one-day festival celebrates a fusion of sounds including Ulster Scots, traditional and folk.
Afternoon entertainment on the Festival Stage begins at 12noon, setting the scene for a live concert in the Market Yard later that evening, featuring a specially choreographed dance performance and music from a host of local and international acts.
The celebration of music and dance will showcase the very best of talent from Northern Ireland and beyond, and reflect how our local influences resonate around the world – inspiring the festival strapline ‘We’re bringing it all back home’.
Located at the rear of the Town Hall, the Festival Stage will be graced by a fantastic line-up included the Hampsey Harp School, Grove Pipe Band, the Blue Bells dance troop, Heather Montgomery and friends, Coleraine Grammar School musicians and a cultural dance showcase.
This will be complemented by a host of live musical performances in cafés and bars, and shoppers can also look forward to impromptu song and dance throughout the town centre – helping to create a true festival feel to the day. Venues include The Three Kings, Ground Espresso, Diamond Centre, New Society, The Forum Restaurant, Café Nero, Moores of Coleraine, Coffee Emporium, Heralds at 22 and Pizza Pomodoro.
The evening event will see the old Market Yard venue comes to life as it hosts its first ever live concert. The family friendly evening will open with a bespoke dance spectacular ‘Rhythm of the Bann’ performed by the Dominic Graham School of Irish Dancing and the Michelle Johnston School of Highland Dance, accompanied by seven-piece band Ballyrúa , all the way from Spain.
Hosts for the evening are stand-up comedian Tim McGarry and Ulster Scots historian David Hume MBE. The pair will keep the audience entertained throughout the evening with some Ulster Scots recitals and tongue in cheek humour.
Originally from Coleraine, singer-song writer Hannah McPhillimy will bring her unique style of jazz and indie to the event. A multi-instrumentalist with beguiling vocals, she is an exciting addition to the line-up. Having released her first album ‘Seeing Things’ in 2013, she is enjoying a growing reputation, and is excited to be bringing her music back to her home town.
Sullivan and Gold, a talented two-piece are making a return to the North West for the event. The pair, previously likened to Simon and Garfunkel, will play a mixture of old material along with new material and renditions from their latest album ‘Guatemala’, released back in March.
Ballyrúa will perform in Coleraine fresh from the festival circuit in Europe, injecting an instrumental Galician style to the event ahead of headline act, The Peatbog Faeries from the Isle of Skye. They have toured the world with their unique music and light show so be prepared for high octane Scots Celtic music as you’ve never heard it before.
Gates open at 6pm with entertainment beginning at 7pm. Access will be by ticket only from Lime Market Street. No food or drinks can be brought in to the site and bag searches will be in operation. Amenities will be available inside, including food outlets, a bar facility and public conveniences. This is a non-seated event but patrons are welcome to bring their own fold up chairs.
Tickets are available online via Eventbrite or from Coleraine Visitor Information centre on 028 7034 4723, priced at £10 for adults and £5 for 16years and under.
Concert-goers are asked to use car parks within the town centre.
There will be more than just world-class golf to enjoy when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open comes to Portstewart next month from Wednesday 5th until Sunday 9th July.
The Crescent area will be transformed into a live music venue and outdoor cinema for the 2017 ‘Fringe Festival’, creating a unique tournament atmosphere in the host town.
Children will love the face painters, balloon modelling and walkabout characters and on Saturday night, the skies over Portstewart will light up with a spectacular fireworks display.
Midsummer Sessions, a spin-off from the popular Atlantic Sessions, will see over 30 musicians playing free gigs in bars, hotels, coffee shops restaurants across the four days.
For ease of access, the park and ride service will operate until the end of the entertainment every evening. And to encourage people to travel from the golf course to the town centre, patrons can use Translink’s 140 service from the Burnside Road to the Promenade – seamlessly connecting the action on the green to the heart of the town.Park and Ride drop off and pick up points are located on Strand Road.
As the excitement builds, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase our Destination to the world. Portstewart’s stunning location provides the perfect backdrop, and with top class golf and entertainment with the emphasis on family fun, it’s a long weekend not to be missed.”
Aine Kearney, Tourism NI Director of Business Support and Events commented: “The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will bring thousands of domestic, national and international visitors to Portstewart and the wider Causeway Coastal Route this July, with footage of the event and the surrounding area beamed to over 450 million households worldwide. The ‘Fringe Festival’ is a fantastic addition to the visitor offering and has something for extended family, encouraging visitors to stay longer and enjoy the local hospitality.”
A popular event on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts’ Calendar, these productions will be enjoyed by young and old alike.
The dynamic fun run features 10 giant inflatable obstacles as part of a 5K course. This year the event is coming to Belfast for the very first time and will take place in Stormont Estate 24th June. 2017 sees the course return bigger and better than before with new obstacles, including Europe’s largest inflatable slide which is 60M long!
King Conor has invited you to the Navan Centre & Fort on 23rd June with all his clans to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Before the food can be served old rivalry between the clans has erupted leading to this murder! To add to the mystery, the victim dies before he can name the perpetrator!
This popular annual event now in its sixth year, is for all ages, boasting a programme of events which will keep you entertained rain, hail or shine this summer. Weekly attractions will include bouncy castles, face painting, sports coaching, an adventure play bus, arts & crafts along with featured attractions & activities each week!
Featuring unique handmade fabric puppets and a charming original score, Box Tale Soup will transport you into a theatrical world like no other.
The Crescent area will be transformed into a live music venue and outdoor cinema for the 2017 ‘Fringe Festival’, creating a unique tournament atmosphere in the host town.