GALWAY, Pearse Stadium

Saturday 12 & Sunday 13 May 2018

 

DUBLIN, Phoenix Park

Wednesday 16 & Friday 18 May 2018

 

TICKETS ON SALE SATURDAY 8 JULY AT 9AM

 

ED HEADLINES GLASTONBURY (WATCH HERE)

26 MILLION ALBUMS SOLD, WORLDWIDE!

WWW.EDSHEERAN.COM

Following his triumphant Glastonbury Festival headline performance, Ed Sheeran is delighted to announce his Nationwide 2018 Ireland stadium tour. Kicking-off at Corks’s Páirc Uí Chaoimh on 4 & 5 May, Boucher Road Playing Fields in Belfast on 9 May, Galway’s Pearse Stadium  on 12 & 13 May followed by Phoenix Park Dublin on 16 & 18 May.

General sale commences on Saturday 8^th July at 9am at www.ticketmaster.ie and all usual outlets Nationwide.

NB – there are no presales for this tour. All tickets will only become available on Saturday 8^th July at 9am

Ed’s 2018 tour news closely follows the troubadour’s phenomenal Glastonbury headline performance. Commanding thousands at the Pyramid Stage on Sunday evening, pulling in one of the festival’s biggest-ever crowds, and with over 3 million viewers tuning in from home, Ed continues his rise as one of the world’s most successful and unique musical talents.

Released in March this year, Ed’s third studio album ÷ (pronounced “divide”) reigns as 2017’s biggest-selling album of the year thus far, having sold over 8 million copies, globally, in the space of three months. The album is currently 7 times Platinum in Ireland and Ed’s gigantic comeback single “Shape of You” has surpassed 1.5 BILLION streams in less than six months!

It was recently announced that Ed, who was recently awarded a Songwriters Hall of Fame 2017 Hal David Starlight Award for his contribution to music, is soon to be honoured with an MBE for his services to music and charity.

2018 IRISH TOUR

Friday 4 May                         CORK                                      Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Saturday 5 May                   CORK                                      Páirc Uí Chaoimh

Wednesday 9 May              BELFAST                                Boucher Road Playing Fields

Saturday 12 May                 GALWAY                                Pearse Stadium 

Sunday 13 May                    GALWAY                                Pearse Stadium 

Wednesday 16 May            DUBLIN                                  Phoenix Park

Friday 18 May                      DUBLIN                                  Phoenix Park

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE ON SECONDARY TICKETS – PLEASE READ
Ed and his team have a strict stance against anyone using secondary ticketing websites for profit. On this tour, any tickets that are resold will not be valid – this means no profit to touts and no one getting ripped off. On all the stadium dates you will be required to bring your tickets, booking confirmation and credit card, plus a valid form of ID or you will not be granted entry to the show.

 

Tickets for ED SHEERAN’S Irish Tour 2018 go on sale Saturday 8 July at 9.00am from:-

All Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

24hr Credit Card Bookings:-

0818 719300 (ROI)

0844 277 4455 (NI)

Book on line www.ticketmaster.ie

For more concert information check  www.aikenpromotions.com

NOT only will this year’s Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation be one of the biggest sporting events on the island of Ireland, its reputation as a true festival of golf for all ages has been enhanced with the announcement that the practice day on Tuesday will be open to the general public.

With the golfing spectacle now moved to July – when schools have shut for the summer – ‘Family Tuesday’ (July 4) offers a particularly great day out for families to go and see their golf heroes up close and enjoy the many family activities ahead of what is expected to be the biggest Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in the tournament’s 90-year history.

With adult tickets for ‘Family Tuesday’ costing just £15 and kids enjoying free entry up to the age of 16 all week, an entire family can enjoy a fun day out from just £30.

As well as watching reigning champion Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose and many more of the world’s best golfers prepare for the main competition, which tees off on the Thursday (July 6), the tented village will play host to a variety of family-themed activities and entertainment.

Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Championship Director Simon Alliss said:  “The Northern Irish golf fans have become renowned as some of the best in the world and have always shown up in such huge numbers every day of the week in past editions of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

“Family Tuesday gives fans an opportunity to see their heroes up close and personal as they play their practice rounds, and we think that £15 for parents and free entry for children up to the age of 16 represents incredible value for golf-mad families.

“With lots of entertainment lined up for Tuesday, it really promises to be a fun day out for all the family as part of what has become an ever-growing festival of golf in recent years.”

‘Family Tuesday’ will kick-start six days of top class golfing entertainment. Wednesday will see the tournament’s Pro-Am take place with the opening ceremony that evening featuring a live performance on the music stage from local heroes Two Door Cinema Club, who will be playing their only Northern Ireland show this year.

Then the serious business of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open will get under way the following morning with play beginning on Thursday July 6 and finishing on Sunday July 9 before the event wraps up with a closing performance from English band Scouting For Girls.

As part of the Rolex Series, with an increased prize fund of US$7 million, fans at this year’s event can expect to see Rory McIlroy defend his title for the first time against some of the world’s best golfers, with Hideki Matsuyama, Justin Rose, Jon Rahm, Shane Lowry, Rafa Cabrera Bello, Lee Westwood, Padraig Harrington, Danny Willett, Graeme McDowell, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood and Darren Clarke also confirmed to compete.

Tickets for the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation are on sale at www.dubaidutyfreeirishopen.com, and begin at £15 for ‘Family Tuesday’ with free entry for children under the age of 16 (limited to three children per adult).

Pro-Am Wednesday tickets, including opening ceremony concert, cost just £20, with tickets for Thursday and Friday costing £40 and day tickets for the weekend costing £45.

An adult season souvenir ticket, which covers six days of world class golf from Wednesday to Sunday, costs just £100 (a saving of £105 over the course of the six days).

Concessions are available for customers aged over 60 and between 16 and 21, while children under 16 are permitted free entry when accompanied by a ticket holding adult.

To get a full seated view of all of the drama at the 18th green, grandstand tickets cost an additional £11.50 for Thursday and Friday, £16.50 for Saturday and £21.50 for Sunday.

Official Hospitality packages are also available on the ticketing page, or alternatively contact the European Tour’s dedicated Hospitality Sales Team, who will be happy to answer any queries and discuss the various hospitality options, on enquiries@europeantourhospitality.com or +44 (0) 1344 840681.

Celebrate ‘Schools out for the Summer’ on Thursday 29 June, as Chapterhouse Theatre Company present an all new production of Peter Pan in the beautiful surroundings of Mossley Mill.

 

 

Bring along your picnics and low back seating and join Wendy, Michael and John Darling on their adventures with Peter. Far away on the magical island of Neverland they encounter the enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruellest pirate of them all, Captain Hook.

 

Presented by special arrangement with Samuel French and in support of Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity, J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by award winning writer Laura Turner. With beautifully designed costumes, music and songs, join Peter and his friends for what promises to be the most magical evening of the summer. Gates open from 5pm and show starts at 6pm. Tickets available online www.theatreatthemill.com or Box Office

T: 028 9034 0202.

Summer officially arrives at the Ward Park Bandstand on Sunday 2^nd July when this much loved music in the park programme starts.

Now in its 12^th 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

 

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 28^th and Saturday 29^th 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 (3^rd 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 40^th 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 28^th July and Saturday 29^th 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 The Terrace 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 23^rd 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”.

 

A full line up of events can be found below and online; www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/brighternights

Date                                       Theme

Friday 30th June 2017          School’s Out!

Friday 7th July 2017              Sports Special

Friday 14th July 2017            Clowning Around

Friday 21st July 2017             Super Heroes

Friday 28th July 2017            Countryside Capers

Friday 4th Aug 2017             Get Active

Friday 11th Aug 2017           Magical Mayhem

Friday 18th Aug 2017           Summer Holidays

Friday 25th Aug 2017           The Best Bits!

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+