Over 200 local school children have taken part in a week long dig at Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House.

 

The archology themed project, ‘Digging the Past’, was facilitated by archaeologists from the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork at Queens University Belfast, some of whom had originally participated in the BBC’s ‘Time Team’ three day dig that took place at the site ten years ago in 2007.

Classes from ten local schools took part in ‘Digging the Past’, which forms a strand of the heritage education programme offered by Mid Ulster District Council at the Hill of The O’Neill and Ranfurly House, between 22nd to 26th May. The schools were:   Newmills Primary School; St Mary’s Primary School, Lisbuoy, Carland; Gaelscoil Aodha Rua, Dungannon; Gaelscoil Uí Néill, Coalisland; Dungannon Primary School; St Patrick’s Primary School, Dungannon; Killyman Primary School; Laghey Primary School; Fivemiletown College; St Ciaran’s College, Ballygawley.

The pupils were given an insight into the practice of archaeology and carried out practical tasks, such as archaeological planning exercises on the Hill of The O’Neill, one of the most historically significant sites in Mid Ulster, and were able to study of a number of relevant artefacts and maps held within the exhibition on site.  The children also found out about the role of the archaeologist and discovered how each layer of earth offers up its own unique clues about the past.

Creativity was also very much in evidence as each class created 3D maps of the Hill of The O’Neill, which focused on the many stories of the tunnels under the Hill, in workshops that were facilitated by the artist Hazel Boland.

Former Deputy Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Sharon McAleer, joined pupils from Ballygawley and Fivemiletown as they participated in the last day of the programme, saying, “It’s wonderful to see our young people get the chance to be hands on with local history. Greater recognition of the complex ways that past events unfold and impact upon contemporary and future lives make the past more relevant to our young people and contribute to their education in vital ways. I am delighted to hear that this project will become a permanent strand of the heritage education programme and encourage schools to take part again next year.”

Teachers, principals and educators can find out more about the heritage education programme offered by contacting Peter Lant, Education Officer, at peter.lant@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 028 8772 8600.

 

People across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to get on their bikes and discover the benefits of cycling to celebrate Bike Week 2017, taking place from June 10 – 18.

Launched by the Department for Infrastructure’s Travelwise NI and the new Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Nuala McAllister, Bike Week aims to encourage ‘everyday cycling for everyone’ by highlighting how commuting by bike can easily become part of everyday life.

As part of the celebrations, the Department for Infrastructure in conjunction with Belfast City Council and Ride On Belfast will be hosting a Bike to Work Day on Friday June 16.  Commuters are invited to join 100s of cyclists for a mass bike ride from the McClay Library at Queen’s University Belfast at 8am.  The group will cycle to Belfast City Hall where they can enjoy a free cup of coffee or tea and a breakfast snack before making their way onwards to work.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister, said: “I would encourage as many people as possible to enjoy Bike to Work Day even if they usually travel by other means. Sometimes it is just taking that first step in becoming more active which is the hardest.

“Think of the reward at the end, not just breakfast but improving your fitness.  We are committed to making Belfast a healthier city and encouraging people to incorporate exercise into their daily activities is the easiest way to do it. One day a week cycling to work can make a difference,” added the Lord Mayor

Andrew Grieve, Head of the Department for Infrastructure’s Cycling Unit, said;

“Bike Week is a great opportunity for regular commuters and those new to cycling to come together and enjoy the many advantages of cycling.  As well as being a very cost effective mode of travel it also offers many social, health and environmental benefits.      

“Each year the Bike to Work Day event grows in numbers and it’s great to see more people taking up cycling in the city. 

“Northern Ireland already enjoys over 1,300 kms of National Cycle Network lanes and the infrastructure is continuing to improve year-on-year.  We are committed to working towards a future where people have the freedom and confidence to cycle in Belfast and across Northern Ireland.”

Ride On Belfast is also hosting the Tour De Lunchtime event on June 16.  Starting at the gates of Belfast City Hall at 12.30pm, cyclists can enjoy a trip across Belfast on bike.

For more information, visit nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bike-week

Lyngo Theatre presents There And Back Again – An Odyssey, on Saturday 17 June at 2pm in The Old Courthouse, Antrim.

Join BBC CBeebies star Patrick Lynch as he uses a pioneering mix of live cinema and theatre to take you on a thrilling ride across the magical world of ancient Greece. With miniature sets he directs the lights, camera and action in front of your eyes to show the famous battles, floating islands, one-eyed giants and angry Gods that make up Ulysees’ 20 year struggle to get back home.

The use of multiple cameras magnifies in wide screen our table-top pup-petry down to the smallest detail, turning a storm-in-a-teacup into an Ae-gean tempest, laying out the fundamental fable hidden in this classic of world-literature and proving that no matter how far you roam, there’s no place like Homer.

LYNGO is a UK based children’s theatre company with strong Italian connections. Their shows have delighted children and adults for over 10 years with their unique mix of fun and beautiful imagery, working magically together to reveal the vivid poetic realm that is at the heart of our work.

 “Lyngo knows the score when it comes to producing theatre for the very young”  The Stage

This show is suitable for children aged 6-11yrs. Tickets available online : www.theoldcourthousetheatre.com or from Box Office T: 028 9448 1338.

Queen’s Quay and Titanic Quarter

Celebrating the city’s unique maritime heritage, you can expect plenty of exciting free entertainment for all ages. Enjoy visiting ships, live music, Q Radio roadshow, arts and crafts, amazing street theatre and lots more free family fun.

It’s so easy to get around with a free Maritime Festival shuttle bus, operated by Translink, running between the City Centre and Queen’s Quay, or hop on board the Wee Tram to take you down to Titanic Quarter.

Titanic Quarter Entertainment

Join us for an action packed weekend celebrating our waterfront heritage & seafaring traditions at the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival 2017. From a Big Titanic Pop-up Picnic to a seafood street food market, from wooden boats to model boats, nautical walking tours to Port to Starboard talks. Our festival invites visitors to explore a spectacular heritage site and enjoy music, games, interactive exhibits, roving performers and lots more.

The ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ (Friday 2pm to 7pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am to 6pm)
The ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ will be popping up next to SS Nomadic, visitors can relax and enjoy a delicious picnic whilst watching a mix of maritime activity including live music, Titanic mascots, stilt walking pirates and games for kids and the big kids at heart. The Hamilton Dock will be full of maritime flavour with its very own ‘NI Pop-up Street Food Market’. Each trader has been handpicked for their awesome food and epic vans, trucks & stalls. Visitors can sample the different stalls during the festival, knowing that everything is locally sourced and freshly prepared to ensure a tasty lunch. There will be plenty of picnic tables available.

LIVE Cooking at Hamilton Dock (Saturday & Sunday 12noon to 5pm)

Come and watch our local chefs, Niall McKenna from James Street South, Titanic Belfast’s Alastair Fullerton & Gareth Wilson, Cyprus Avenue’s Richard McCracken, and Holohan at the Barge’s owner chef Calvin Holohan, host some spectacular cooking demonstrations. Local TV / radio Presenter Siobhan McGarry will be compering the event and there will be opportunities to sample dishes and ask as many questions as you like during the demos.

Maritime Marvels on the Slipway (Saturday & Sunday 12noon to 4pm)

Visitors will find the very finest examples of boatbuilding skills on display, demonstrations, exhibits, and traditional arts and crafts as well as many other hands-on family and children’s activities in our maritime marquee on the historic Titanic Slipways.

Live demos & exhibitions include:

• Traditional Rope-makers NI will demonstrate how ropes were made, from raw materials before the Industrial Revolution to the creation of cordage, used by the large sailing ships to harness the wind. There will be traditional boat makers on hand to demonstrate building techniques and wood working skills.
• Meet the HMS Caroline team at the Belfast Maritime Festival and find out more about what this five star visitor attraction has to offer. Explore the history of the ship and learn about what life was like for the crew over 100 years ago through hands on activities including knot tying and object handling. Listen to tales of pirate cats at their interactive storytelling session (Saturday only) and make sure to take a picture with the ‘HMS Caroline Band’ at the selfie station!
• Exhibitors will include Lagan Search & Rescue, Belfast Titanic Society, Great Lighthouses of Ireland, Lagan Legacy and a few more in the mix.
• Watch out for our flashmobs with Ajendance.
• And for the little ones there will be maritime craft making with Clayrazy, Balloon modellers & a dressing up section.
• Out on the slipways there will be Model Boat racing in our temporary Titanic pool.
• And don’t miss the live maritime themed street art with our local graffiti artist, plus a series of BMX & Parkour demonstrations on the Titanic Slipways.

 

Port to Starboard Talks

There will be a series of talks taking place during the course of the festival which will focus on maritime heritage, sail training, and seafaring traditions, along with a magical Immersive Storytelling Experience for the kids, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of The Dawn Treader.

There’s also a chance to explore & enjoy our maritime heritage on one of the following tours. These tours are all free of charge but booking is essential.

• Titanic Seafaring Walking Tours  An enthusiast guide will transport you back in time 100 years to when Harland and Wolff was the busiest shipyard in the world, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of the thousands of men who built these legendary ships. During this 30 minute speedy historic encounter you will explore the spot where Titanic was constructed, and learn about the SS Nomadic, the Drawing Offices & the Slipways. Saturday & Sunday at 12, 1pm, 2pm, 4pm.
• Maritime Photo Walks – Become a Titanic inspired photographer on our snappy maritime photo walk. Learn lots of top tips & techniques while capturing the colour of the maritime festival. Learn how to highlight subjects in a busy setting and see the world in a different light, and learn about Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage along the way. Suitable for all levels, and you can even use your iPhone. Saturday & Sunday at 12, 2pm & 4pm.
• Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House Tours – This is your chance to explore the World’s only authentic Titanic Landmark! Visit the last place Titanic rested on dry group and uncover the maritime history of Titanic Quarter. Descend 44ft to the bottom of Titanic’s Dock and listen as our guide brings the Titanic story to life. Saturday & Sunday 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm & 4.30pm.
• Cafe 1404 at Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House will be hosting a BBQ from 12pm – 4.30pm Saturday & Sunday. Also serving up delicious homemade tray bakes, loose leaf teas & locally roasted coffees.  Enjoy your lunch on the site where Titanic last rested on dry land & take in this awesome piece of maritime history!
• The Dock Market Pop in and visit over 30 stalls exhibiting handmade products made locally in Ireland and meet the people who have lovingly designed each unique product.

For further information on TQ entertainment, times and booking details please visit www.facebook.com/tqeventsbelfast or call us on 02890 730490.

The full festival programme is organised by Belfast City Council and proudly supported by Tourism NI, Q Radio, Translink & Titanic Foundation.  For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime.

 

Annual Motorbike Exhibition

Date: 1^st May – 26^th August

Time: 9.00 -17.00 Mon – Sat (16.30 Fridays)

Venue: Ballymoney Museum

Contact: ballymoneyvic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk     Tel: 028 2766 0230

The excitement of motorcycle road racing is celebrated here in a display of leathers, helmets, trophies, bikes and memorabilia form Local riders.

 

Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament 2017

Date: 5^th – 9^th June

Time: Various

Venue: Portrush, Castlerock, Ballyliffen & Ballycastle

Contact: info@causewaycoastgolf.com      Tel: 028 7086 8140

The Causeway Coast Amateur Golf Tournament is in its 50th year and is the largest amateur golf tournament in Europe, held every summer on the glorious North Coast.
The Causeway Coast Golf Tournament played over the Valley – Royal Portrush, Ballycastle, Castlerock and Ballyliffin links offers a unique challenge to amateurs with an official club handicap of 20 or less.
Registration: You can now register for the tournament – www.causewaycoastgolf.com/application.html. You can view the Terms & Condtions here.

 

Mid-Summer Solstice Walk

Date: 9^th June

Time: 0830 -0900

Venue: Giants Causeway, Bushmills

Contact: 02820731855

Join a conservation expert on this guided tour exploring flowers and fauna.

 

Curtis Magee Fanfayre

Date: 9^th – 22^nd June

Time: 2100-0100

Venue: Lodge Hotel, Coleraine

Contact: 07889468112

Curtis Magee and special guests Hugo Duncan, Susan McCann, Boxcar Brian, Country Harmony and Gary Wilson for 4 nights of music and dancing. Tickets available from reception: £10.00 per night or a 4 night special £30.00

 

Rathlin Seabird Spotting

Date: 10^th June

Time: 11.00 – 16.00

Venue: Rathlin Island, Ballycastle

Contact: Ciara.McElroy@rspb.org.uk     Tel: 028 9049 1547

Join RSPB warden Liam McFaul to explore Rathlin and get a ‘hands-on’ intro to nature conservation. A jeep tour of the island, a seabird survey tutorial and a tour of the Seabird Centre are just some of the highlights of this unique experience.

 

Castlerock Clydesdale Show

Date: 10^th June

Time: 10.00 – 16.00

Venue: Junior Playing Field, Freehall Road, Castlerock

Contact: Tel: (028) 7034 4723
Email: hamiltonlesleya@gmail.com

The Castlerock Clydesdale Horse Show is a great day out for all the family. Along with the beautiful horses to admire there are craft stalls, a bouncy castle, penalty kicks and a BBQ to enjoy.

 

Causeway Speciality Market

Date: 10^th June

Time: 0900-1600

Venue:  The Diamond, Coleraine

Contact:  Tel: 07702910884

One of the largest outdoor markets in Northern Ireland. With products sourced and made in Northern Ireland by local crafts makers. Food and crafts to appeal to everyone’s tastes. Come along and meet artisan craft makers and find out more about local products.

 

Damhead Miniature Railway

Date: 10^th June

Time: 1200-1700

Venue: Damhead Miniture Railway

Contact: 07703254595

A miniture steam or diesel train ride. Picnic  facilities are available on site and if the weather is inclement then indoor facilities are available. Adult: £2.00, Child: £1.00

 

Danny Boy Jazz and Blues Festival

Date: 7^th -11^th June

Time: Various: see website

Venue: Various in the Limavady Town Centre

Contact: digital@dannyboyjazzandblues.com     Tel: 028 7776 0650

The best of local, national and international musicians will perform in venues in Limavady town centre. The Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre will host ticketed events.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail

Date:  12^th June

Time: As booked 1.5 hour session

Venue: Swanns Bridge, River Roe, Limavady

Contact: info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk   Tel: 07738 128507

Flow with Nature down the River Roe whilst learning the skills and techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Price £30.

 

Bushmills Food Tour

Date: 16^th June

Time: 10.00

Venue: Departing from Bushmills Visitor Centre

Contact: northcoastwalkingtours@gmail.com    Tel: 028 2073 0390

A food tour of Bushmills, learning about local culture, whilst tasting some of the best foods and produce in the North of Ireland, served up by passionate owners and chefs. This town is a treasure trove of whiskey, salmon and potatoes.

 

Salmon & Whiskey Festival.

Date: 17^th-18^th June

Time: see programme

Venue: Bushmills

Contact: bushmillsvic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk     Tel; 028 207 30390

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey 2 day event celebrates the local culture, heritage and local produce. Bushmills is the ‘Gateway to the Giant’s Causeway’ and home of world renowned Bushmills Distillery and the River Bush Salmon.

 

Causeway Coast and Glens Bike Week

Date: 10^th-18^th June

Time: Various

Venue: Various

Contact: tel (028)70347234 Alt: (028)70344723 colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

A fantastic opportunity to get on your bike and explore the great outdoors in various locations throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens region. Make the most of the long bright days of early summer.

 

Rosepark Farm 2^nd Birthday Family Fun Weekend

Date: 17^th– 18^th June

Time: Sat 11.00-17.00, Sun 12.00-17.00

Venue: 98 Bravallen Road, Ballymoney

Contact: rosepark_farm@hotmail.com     Tel: 028 2766 5554

To celebrate being opened two years Rosepark farm are having a fun packed weekend. There will be Music and Entertainment, Barbeque, Face Painting and Fantastic Giveaways a whole weekend of games.

 

Father’s Day at Carrowmena

Date: 18^th June

Time:

Venue: Carrowmena Activity Centre, limavady

Contact: info@carowmena@co.uk    Tel: 028 7776 3431

A fun and exhilarating day at Carrowmena Activity Centre, celebrating that all important day that is Father’s Day. Dad’s go free of charge. Choose from activities including zip lining, archery and climbing wall.

 

Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail

Date:  19^th June

Time: As booked 1.5 hour session

Venue: Swanns Bridge, River Roe, Limavady

Contact: info@longlinesurfschool.co.uk   Tel: 07738 128507

Flow with Nature down the River Roe whilst learning the skills and techniques of this increasingly popular sport. Price £30.

 

Mussenden Evening Concerts at Mussenden Temple

Date:  23^rd – 24^th June

Time: 20.00

Venue: Mussenden Temple, Castlerock

Contact: triciacolohan@gmail.com    Tel: 028 2076 8798

At this iconic venue, on two consecutive mid-summer evenings, a number of instrumentalists from the Ulster Orchestra will present a programme of music on summer melody themes. The concerts will be followed by a light supper.

 

Gatsby Gala Ball

Date: 24^th – 25^th June

Time: 19.00

Venue: Lissanoure Castle, Loughguile

Contact: movingpicturesevents@gmail.com     Tel: 028 2764 1132

Moving Pictures presents the Gatsby Gala Ball at Lissanoure Castle on mid-summer night for an evening of champagne, dancing and fine dining.

Bullitt Belfast launches new ‘Tweet Seats’ campaign

 

Food lovers are in for a tweet this summer as Taylor & Clay in Bullitt Belfast launches its new Tweet Seats Tuesday campaign, offering Twitter fans the chance to dine for free.

Each Tuesday throughout June and July, the restaurant is inviting foodies to enjoy delicious lunchtime treats like salt beef Caesar salad, flatbread kebab with spiced beef & pomegranate and apple & blueberry frangipane crumble to mark the launch of its new 3-7-3 menu.

To get a free seat at the restaurant, you simply need to tweet your name, number of people and preferred time for lunch to @BullittBelfast using the hashtag #tweetseats.  If there are seats available, the restaurant will tweet back to confirm.

Each #tweetseats diner will enjoy three courses from the restaurant’s 3-7-3 menu and all they have to do in return is tweet a photo of the food.

Michael Patterson, F&B Manager at Bullitt Belfast is looking forward to the campaign launch.

“We are running the Tweet Seats campaign as a fun way to launch our new 3-7-3 menu and to offer people the chance to dine for free in our restaurant.  Taylor & Clay uses fresh produce that has been sourced from local suppliers and the food is cooked on a fire-pit grill to give it a unique flavour, so the winners really will be in for a delicious treat.”

The Tweet Seats concept was started by US theatres as a way of encouraging people to experience live shows.  It has now spread across cinemas and sporting venues with guests encouraged to live tweet during the events.

Taylor & Clay’s Tweet Seat campaign will run every Tuesday in June and July and there will be 10 seats available for guests each week.  The 3-7-3 menu is available weekdays from 12noon to 4pm with a starter for £3, main for £7 and dessert for £3.

For more information, follow @bullittbelfast on Twitter or visit bullitthotel.com

Friday 9 – Thursday 15 June  

 

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm  | Free

Come along to Groomsport for free family fun every weekend from now until September

Sat 10: Science Workshop and Face Painting
Sun 11: Crafts and Mr Hullabaloo Puppet Show

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 10 June, Great Wars Coach Tour

Departs from North Down Museum, Bangor

9.30am – 1.30pm | Tickets £10

Join us on this half day coach tour and discover the area’s deep connections with the Great Wars of 1914-1918 and 1939-1945.

T:  028 9127 0069 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 16 – Thursday 22 June

 

Friday 16 June, On Your Doorstep With The Ulster Orchestra

Bangor Abbey, Newtownards Road

7.30pm | Tickets £10 (ad), £6 (ch)

Musicians from the Orchestra’s wind section will be centre stage for a performance focused around French music – perfect for a Midsummer evening of music!

T: 028 9181 0803 | ardsarts.com

 

Friday 17 June, Comber Earlies Food Festival

Comber Square and St Mary’s Church Car Park

10am – 4pm | Free

The award winning Comber Earlies Food Festival is back for 2017 bringing local artisan food, a hay bale picnic, music, children’s activities, street theatre, food demonstrations and lots more.

T:  028 9182 6846 | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Wednesday 21 – Friday 23 June, Ulster U16 Boys Open Golf Championship

Donaghadee Golf Club

From 8am, various prices

See the best young golfers from Ireland and beyond compete in the Ulster U16 Boy’s Championship. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 028 9188 3624 | donaghadeegolfclub.com

 

Thursday 22 – Sunday 25 June, Portaferry Sails and Sounds 

Portaferry and Strangford

11am–10pm, various prices

The festival staged together on land & sea to bring to the shores of Strangford Lough a convoy of Old Gaffer Boats, traditional music & dance and street entertainment for all the family. This is a Tourism Grant Aided event

T: 078 7070 1620, portaferrysailsandsounds.co.uk

 

 

Tickets now on sale…

 

Walled Garden Theatre performances this summer:

 

Tuesday 18 and Wednesday 19 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Billionaire Boy

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

2pm and 6pm | Tickets £6

 

Thursday 20 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Northanger Abbey

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

Friday 21 July

Theatre in the Walled Garden: Murder on the Terrace

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

7pm | Tickets £10

 

T: 028 9127 0069 | Book online (Fees apply) | visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Exhibitions

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street, BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Art in the Loft: Sea

Textile Artist Jenni Cheung presents a collection of mixed media artwork inspired by the sea.

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200 | northdownmuseum.com

 

Wednesday 31 May – Sunday 25 June

The Millennium Art and Craft Club

See paintings in all mediums from the club members.

 

Wednesday 7 June – Thursday 27 July

Fleadh Exhibition

Explore the history and culture of Irish Traditional Music and Dance in the local area.

Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall), BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

ForM Sculpture Exhibition 2017

Art and nature collide in a unique garden experience

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 3 –  Sunday 25 June

Portaferry Gala: The first 50 years

See how Portaferry Gala has developed and grown over the years.

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels is celebrating 50 years of the ownership of the jewel in its crown, the Culloden Estate & Spa.

Hastings Hotels purchased the luxurious property in June 1967, and over the course of the last 50 years, under the direction of Sir William Hastings, has transformed the Culloden in size and luxury.

“I purchased The Culloden in 1967 for £100,000, which was an extensive purchase for me back then. The 1960’s were properly named the ‘Swinging 60’s’, having left the legacy of wartime rationing and other restrictions well behind. My company was engaged in reinventing itself from a major licenced trader into the hotel business, an enterprise which required knowledge of a very different type of operation.

“Once a Bishop’s Palace, when I purchased it in 1967 the Culloden was a 13 bedroom boutique hotel with a splendid reputation for luxury and was by far the best in the province. 50 years on, I am proud to say this reputation has stood the test of time and the Culloden Estate & Spa remains Northern Ireland’s foremost five star hotel with 98 bedrooms and suites, an ESPA spa and health-club, a superb ballroom, conference facilities and meeting rooms and the Cultra Inn,” Sir William continued.

“I would like to pay tribute to the wonderful staff who have worked tirelessly over the last 50 years. To my first general manager Hugh Margey, a young hospitality graduate from the University College Dublin and to the current general manager, Eoin O’Sullivan and his wonderful team who I am indebted to for their hard work and dedication. It is by their efforts that ensures the Culloden continues to attract guests from around the world and pick up prestigious accolades most recently being named Luxury Hotel of the Year at this year’s Irish Hotel Awards and highly commended at the first ever Georgina Campbell Breakfast Awards in the Best 5-Star Hotel category,” Sir William said.

“My marriage in 1960 produced four children and I am thrilled to be celebrating the golden years of this splendid hotel with my family, who are all now fully engaged in the management of Hastings Hotels. My four children, Julie, Howard, Allyson and Aileen each have their own responsibilities within the company and work determinedly for the six hotels.

“Over the last 50 years we have continuously invested in the Culloden and are delighted to mark its golden anniversary. The last 50 years have shown good and bad times and so it is a delight for me to enjoy the wonderful celebratory occasion and to stand proud in the knowledge that the Culloden is trading well and trading profitability with a well-grounded reputation that will allow it to be successful in our fast moving industry today and the years ahead.

“I am proud to say that the Culloden Estate & Spa was once built for a Bishop but is now truly fit for a king,” Sir William concluded.

Make your summer magic this weekend by visiting Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June from 12pm – 8pm.   Experience the magic of summer with a fantastic feast for the senses.

 

Browse the artisan market stalls, enjoy food from your favourite local restaurants, relax to the sounds of local music and enjoy our free family fun activities.

Events over this fantastic weekend include mini explorer’s sessions, bouncy castles, petting farm and a magic show.  Wiggle It will be on hand to help you strut your stuff with free dance sessions on Saturday and face painting will be on offer on Sunday.

There will be also be an appearance of some Star Wars characters so make sure you come along and keep an eye out for your movie favourites!  A fun fair will also be in the park on Friday 9 June from 6pm – 9pm and individual charges apply.

This wonderful summer event is funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, The Executive Office and jointly organised with the Community Relations Forum. For more information see www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/midsummer or follow “Get into Glengormley” on Facebook.

 

The exciting new summer workshop programme at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh during June comes to you from the artists at Create: Innovate: Armagh.

Jewellery Designer Mary Murphy, will lead the Silver Jewellery workshop on Saturday 10 June. She will take you step-by-step through the process of handcrafting your own bespoke Silver Pendant. You will create your piece out of silver sheet and wire using traditional hand tools, transferring your pattern, cutting out with a piercing saw, annealing, forming and soldering using a soldering torch. In addition to this you will learn some texturing and embellishing techniques before filing, emerying and polishing to bring your Silver Pendant to a high quality finish for you to hang on a silver chain provided. Suitable for beginners aged 16+ or those wishing to further their skills from previous silver jewellery workshops.

Pin Hole Photography on Saturday 17 June, is an experimental and vibrant workshop perfect for those aged 16+ with an interest in Photography. After a short introduction about pinhole photography you will make your own working pinhole camera from scratch using nothing but cardboard, tape and a piece of soda can! Once completed we’ll load it up with film and go out on a shoot. We will take care of the developing of the film and scan any successful images which you will receive by disk. No previous photography experience required.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.