Portrush Raft Race will take place on Saturday, 27^th May 2017 at the Harbour in Portrush as part of a jam-packed bank holiday weekend of harbour-side family mayhem and fun.

 

Chair of the Raft Race committee, Richard Connor, said, “We are really encouraged by the number of entries we have had so far, and knowing how many entries come in right until the afternoon itself, I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of healthy friendly competition on the day”.

The dedicated volunteers of Portrush Raft Race Committee have lined up a whole range of events for all ages throughout the bank holiday weekend.  The full programme is detailed below, with the lineup including live music throughout the day, on-board tours of historic lifeboats, a rookie life-guard challenge for kids aged 10-15, a fun dog show and much more.  The weekend’s grand finale will feature Irish magician Rod Hogg attempting daredevil escapology at the harbour.

Sponsors of weekend’s events, Ramore Restaurants, are launching their inaugural Portrush Daft Race on the Sunday afternoon.  Alan Simpson, the now familiar Raft Race commentator enthused, “as the weekend gets closer the excitement grows. With rafts of every shape and size travelling from every corner of Northern Ireland and visitors from far and wide, the town of Portrush comes alive with colour and silliness. I would ask that with so much happening over the two days that everyone can give whatever they can to help such a worthy cause. Even the dogs in the street are chatting about Sunday’s fun and with Rodd Hogg bringing his Houdini-like magic to the harbour area, this year’s Raft Race Weekend definitely promises to be Portmagical”.

As well as being enormous fun on the beautiful north coast, it’s an important annual event for the RNLI and the town of Portrush.   All the funds raised by Portrush Raft Race go directly to the local branch.  In 2015 274 brave souls, a mix friends, families and corporate teams, competing on over 50 rafts raising money for the local RNLI Lifeboat Station.

Richard Connor added, “each crew member’s uniform costs £2,000, entirely funded by donations, this brilliant family weekend makes it possible to provide the entire North Coast with a year-round invaluable rescue service”.

If you’re thinking of entering, but don’t have the skills to build your own raft there are some available for hire in return for a small donation to RNLI.

Entries are still open to teams; application forms and full entry guidelines can be obtained from www.portrushraftrace.com  Entries stay open until 2pm on race day.

 

SATURDAY, 27^TH MAY 2017

10:00AM – 2:00PM

Raft Registration (Kerr Street Green)

All raft teams to report to registration on arrival.

10:30AM – 5:00PM

RNLI Coastal Safety Roadshow (beside Lifeboat House)

Free advice on safety in and around our coastline, along with free lifejacket checks. Last year we discovered 289 lifejackets that would not have worked had they been used and 70 manufacturers’ recalls.

10:30AM – 5:00PM

Speciality Fair Stalls (beside Lifeboat House)

11:00AM

Junior Raft Race 2017 (Harbour Pontoon)

One for our Raft Race stars of the future. Fun mini-races in the safety of the harbour. Turn up and register at the pontoon from 10:30AM.  Entry fee is £2 per child, two kids per raft, with the race taking place in heats.  Full details in our FAQ section.

11:00AM – 5:00PM

Kids’ Play Zone (Kerr Street Green)

Bouncy castles, slides and a whole lot more fun c/o Cromore Castles.

12:00PM

Kids’ Outdoor Disco with Alan Logan (Amphitheatre)

12:00PM – 3:00PM

Pirate Walkabout (thoughout the harbour area)

12:00PM – 2:00PM

Lifeboat Tours Past and Present (Harbour Pontoon)

Tours of Portrush Lifeboat, ‘William Gordon Burr’, are subject to emergency response requirements. Historic ‘Joseph Soar’ Lifeboat was withdrawn from service in 1990, throughout her life she was launched 135 times and saved 135 lives.

12:30PM – 2:30PM

Music by South Ulster Community Band (beside Lifeboat House)

12:30PM – 2:00PM

Rookie Lifeguard Challenge (West Strand / ‘Wee Beach’ if inclement weather)

RNLI beach lifeguards invite kids aged 10-15 to have a go at some basic lifeguarding skills. From a beach start, competitors will complete a short sea swim, followed by a knee paddle on a surf rescue board. The timed challenge will finish with a run along the beach. Do you have what it takes to be a lifeguarding star of the future?

1:00PM – 2:00PM

Circus Skills Workshop (Amphitheatre)

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Facepainters & Balloon Modellers (Amphitheatre)

2:15PM – 2:45PM

RNLI Rescue Display (West Bay)

Portrush Lifeboats and Lifeguard teams showcase their amazing rescue skills. Live onshore commentary by Mark Mitchell, Deputy 2nd Coxwain.

2:45PM – 3:00PM

Selfies with Stormy Sam (Amphitheatre)

Stormy Stan is the busy Storm Force mascot, RNLI’s club which helps little ones discover the exciting world of lifeboats and lifeguards. The best selfie tweeted using #stormystan and #portrushraft will win a prize.

3:00PM

Beach Tug of War (West Strand)

Tug of war challenge for rafting teams.

3:30PM

Raft Race 2017 (start West Strand, finish Wee Beach)

The main event of the day. With 11 prizes up for grabs competition is sure to be fierce. Safety announcement at 3:25.

4:00PM – 5:00PM

Music with Alan Logan & Circus Skills Workshop (Amphitheatre)

4:15PM

Raft Race Prize-Giving (Wee Beach)

Presentation of prizes by Matt McAlpin (Ramore Restaurants) and Alan Simpson.

 

SUNDAY, 28^TH MAY 2017

10:00AM – 11:00PM

Beach Yoga (West Strand)

Everyone is welcome to join in our yoga taster session.

10:00AM – 12:00PM

Beach Volleyball (West Strand)

Come and watch expert teams battle it out on two beach courts.

11:00AM – 5:00PM

Kids’ Play Zone (Kerr Street Green)

Bouncy castles, slides and a whole lot more fun c/o Cromore Castles.

11:00AM

RNLI Mayday Welly Wang (West Strand)

An exciting new event to kick off Sunday’s programme of events. All are welcome to come and test their welly chucking skills. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each category: under 10’s, 11-16’s, 16+ male, 16+ female.

11:30AM

Babushka’s Big Dip (West Strand)

Harbour-side coffee shop Babushka will supply those brave enough to swim, dip or bathe in the Atlantic Ocean with warm drinks and tasty treats. In return for a donation to RNLI this exciting new event is open to everyone– wetsuits are of course, optional.

12:00PM

Paddleboard Taster Sessions (Wee Beach)

Trogg’s Surf School will be on hand at the ‘wee beach’ to offer SUP paddle board taster sessions in return for a small donation to the RNLI.

12:30PM – 1:00PM

Paddleboard Challenge (Harbour Pontoon)

Come and watch the mayhem unfold with a series of short races and fun SUP challenges taking place around the lifeboat. Showcasing the growing sport of paddleboarding, this promises good fun and enjoyment for spectators and participants alike.

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Boat, kayak and surfboard showcase (North Pier)

1:00PM – 5:00PM

NBOC’s VW Beetle and campervans display (North Pier)

1:00PM – 5:00PM

Gym / Fitness Sessions (North Pier)

1:00PM – 5:00PM

RNLI Coastal Safety Roadshow (beside Lifeboat House)

Free advice on safety in and around our coastline, along with free lifejacket checks. Last year we discovered 289 lifejackets that would not have worked had they been used and 70 manufacturers’ recalls.

1:00PM

Lifeboat Tours Past and Present (Harbour Pontoon)

Tours of Portrush Lifeboat, ‘William Gordon Burr’, are subject to emergency response requirements. Historic ‘Joseph Soar’ Lifeboat was withdrawn from service in 1990, throughout her life she was launched 135 times and saved 135 lives.

1:30PM

West Bay Open Water Swim ILDSA (North Pier)

This challenging event attracts entrants from all over Ireland. After the 1pm safety briefing swimmers are dropped off by boat at Island Dhu/Blackrock to swim the 1km back to the harbour, finishing at the slipway on the North Pier. Wetsuits not allowed!

2:00PM – 4:00PM

Historic Vehicle Display (Kerr Street Green)

Coleraine & District Historic Vehicle Club present their classic cars and bikes.

2:00PM – 5:00PM

Ramore Family Funday (Harbour)

Our sponsors at Ramore Restaurants have another Sunday afternoon of fun planned.  This includes Scrufts, a fun dog show and the largest daft gathering of four-legged friends ever seen at the Port; a food, craft and music village and by way of a grand finale, The Great Harbour Escape featuring Irish magician Rodd Hogg.

 

Award-winning flautist Eimear McGeown and acclaimed harpist Jean Kelly met in London and now perform regularly as a duo throughout the UK and Ireland, in concert and on BBC Radio. They will be performing at The Market Place on Friday 19^th May.

 

A First Class Honours graduate from the Trinity College of Music, London, Eimear McGeown has established a busy and varied career both classically and on the Irish flute. She has appeared as soloist across the globe including a notable performance on BBC’s ‘Last Night Of The Proms’. On Irish flute, Eimear has two All-Ireland titles and has released a Celtic EP.

Jean Kelly, harpist, won a scholarship to study harp at the Royal College of Music, London. Since graduating she has been in great demand as a versatile harpist, with an eclectic career ranging from Early Music to Contemporary Classical and Folk Music. Jean regularly performs with the Guy Barker Big Band, at major UK venues including The Proms at The Albert Hall, and has toured alongside pop singer Paloma Faith.

The programme for the evening will include works by Debussy, Rossini, Faure and Ibert followed by a second half of Irish pieces and compositions including ‘She Moved Through The Fair’ ‘Planxty Irwin’ and ‘Raglan Road’.

On Tuesday 23 May, Patrick Prior’s ‘On Our Way To Lisbon’ comes to The Market Place. Glasgow Celtic’s 1967 European Cup win is one of the great sporting legends of all time fifty years on and this amazing feat is at the heart of this spectacular drama.

Two fans recreate the epic campaign that saw Jock Stein’s young team sweep aside the best that Europe had to offer. Acclaimed actors Pat Abernethy and Dave Marsden become players, crowds, commentators and managers in a masterpiece of story-telling, including some hilarious slow-motion sequences. The glory of the famous victory is set against the drab reality of their Glasgow existence. Was Celtic’s victory the best moment of their lives? The play has already thrilled audiences in Scotland, Ireland, England and in the United States gathering rave reviews, awards and standing ovations. Don’t miss this stunning piece of theatre.

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.

Friday 19 – Thursday 25 May

 

Friday 19 May, The Faerie Thorn

The Web Theatre, Newtownards

8pm

Tickets, £10

Big Telly Theatre and Ards and North Down Borough Council are delighted to present ‘The Faerie Thorn and Other Stories’ by Jane Talbot. Tickets available on ticketsource.co.uk.

Info: 028 9181 0803, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport Harbour

2pm – 4pm

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

Saturday 20: Traditional Crafts and Clayrazy Workshop

Sunday 21: Archery and Children’s Crafts

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 20, Woodland and Whiskey Tour  

Mount Stewart and Echlinville Distillery  

2pm – 6.30pm

Tickets, £20 (includes light refreshments)

Explore the unexplored, combining a guided walk along emerging new trails in the estate farmland at Mount Stewart with a fascinating visit to the recently opened Echlinville Distillery to see the fine art of whiskey making and perhaps taste a golden drop! Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear is recommended.

Info:  028 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Tickets are now on sale for are Walled Garden Theatre performances this summer, see ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

 

Exhibitions

 

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846

 

Saturday 6 – Saturday 27 May

Meet the Maker: ‘What is Screen Printing? Digital Printmaking Through Process’

A exhibition by Seacourt Print Workshop

 

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

The Stables, Castle Street BT22 1NZ

T: 028 4272 9882

 

Saturday 6 – Sunday 28 May

Art in the Loft – A Moment in Time

An exhibition of glass art and ceramics by Agnes Eaton, inspired by singular moments in time.

 

North Down Museum, Bangor

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

T: 028 9127 1200

 

Check out our permanent exhibitions in the  ‘Memories of the 20th Century Gallery’ and ‘Nostalgia Gallery’.

 

A new BBC Northern Ireland photographic exhibition inspired by the world of road racing has opened in Ballymoney Town Hall.

‘Road Racing People’ is a collection of 26 portraits by internationally renowned motorcycle racing photographer, Stephen Davison.

Featuring riders, fans, mechanics and families, the exhibition will run until May 31^st.

The pictures were taken last year during the Mid Antrim 150, Tandragee 100, Cookstown 100, Skerries 100, North West 200 and Armoy road races. Using nothing more than a portable studio and a 50mm lens, Stephen invited people to come inside and bare their souls. His photographs capture the enthusiasm, character and essence of the sport.

Welcoming the exhibition, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “Ballymoney, with its own road racing story, is the ideal place to showcase these pictures, which give a raw insight into the world of road racing. Visitors to the museum can also enjoy our NW200 Faces and Places exhibition which features archive newspaper photographs and other memorabilia. Together, they create a must-see attraction for all road racing fans.”

The exhibition is a collaboration between BBC Northern Ireland and independent production company, DoubleBand Films, who produced the BBC Northern Ireland three-part series, ‘Road Riders’.

It’s supported by Libraries NI and curated by Sarah Edge, Professor of Photography and Cultural Studies in the School of Communication and Media at Ulster University, Coleraine.

The exhibition is open from Monday – Thursday and Saturday from 9am – 5pm and on Friday from 9am – 4.30pm.

Enjoy some Bank Holiday fun (29^th May) at the Navan Centre & Fort Armagh as we have a quest to challenge you and your family.

 

The Brehon Lawmaker has a crime to solve and to help make his decision he needs your help to gather evidence to help him decide whether the accused is guilty or not guilty!

Listen to the accused tell their story and together with your group find clues and get to question witnesses!  When all the evidence is gathered, go to the Brehon’s house and help him make the right decision!

Will Cormac be proved guilty or innocent?  The decision is yours!

All the fun happens from 11.00am – 5.00pm and no pre-booking is required.  Normal admission charges apply.

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

 

 

The event will be staged in Portstewart from July 5th – 9th, attracting some of the world’s best golfers to the seaside resort.

With upwards of 200,000 fans and visitors expected to attend, the online guide tells the story of the event, its history and the course at Portstewart. It includes details of accommodation and tourist attractions, and highlights why Portstewart, and the wider Causeway Coast and Glens, is a must-see destination.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, who provides a video welcome message in the guide, said: “We are looking forward to seeing Portstewart take its place on the global golfing stage when the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open begins in July. The guide puts all the information you will need to know at your fingertips, and really tells the story of the tournament while showcasing our beautiful Borough.”

Digital Services Manager Nial McSorley, who developed the user-friendly application, said: “We know people expect information to be easily and quickly accessible, and this guide fulfils that expectation. It promotes the Causeway Coast and Glens in an interactive and exciting way, making the area come alive and bringing people as close to the region as possible before they actually visit.”

The free guide uses a variety of mediums, including interactive multimedia, and GIS spatial analysis. Its responsive features can be regularly updated, ensuring the public receive accurate and up-to-date information at all times.

The guide can be accessed using your mobile phone, tablet or desktop device by going to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

 

With 11 days of 100 live events and workshops, get ready to celebrate the wonderful world of books at the 7^th Belfast Book Festival. Running from the 7-17^th June, this year’s festival features a unique, diverse and highly creative programme; catering for a wide range of interests and exploring many topical themes.

 

Through authors, workshops, music, comedy, poetry, theatre and discussions festival-goers will be treated to the best international and local talent at the Crescent Arts Centre and partner venues across the city.

Key highlights for this year include; renowned political scientist, activist, distinguished professor and prolific author Norman Finkelstein; comedian and actress Sara Pascoe discusses her debut book Animal which explores the forces that mould and affect modern women;  spend a night with the stars of the international smash hit podcast My Dad Wrote a Porno which recently sold out Sydney Opera House;  author of the best-selling book Captain Corelli’s Mandolin Louis De Bernieres talks about his latest novel Blue Dog;  spend a year in the life of mum, wife, blogger and bestselling author The Unmumsy Mum Sarah Turner;  British author, journalist and political commentator Douglas Murray discusses his book The Strange Death of Europe; stand-up comedian and author Luisa Omielan will question What Would Beyonce Do?  Poet Kayo Chingonyi will read from his new collection Kumukanda in which issues of race, identity and masculinity are explored; and local actor and author Ciaran McMenamin discusses his debut novel Skintown which is already receiving rave reviews.
This year also sees the launch of the inaugural Mairtin Crawford Award. Aimed at poets working towards their first full collection, the winner will receive a 6-month mentorship, which will support the poet to grow artistically and develop professionally.  The award has been organised in association with Moyra Donaldson and has received support from the Irish Writer’s Centre The book festival will also pay tribute to and celebrate the much missed poet at a special event during the festival.

Unsurprisingly the theme of Brexit and its associated issues around immigration and political uncertainly are present within the Festival. Guest authors and journalists include, Polly Toynbee, David Walker and Gary Younge. Feminist writers in both fiction and non-fiction feature this year, as well as discussions around related issues.  A key highlight, in association with the Woman’s Equality Party Northern Ireland, is Catherine Mayer, who is a co-founder of the Women’s Equality Party and former editor at large of TIME magazine.

The Belfast Book Festival, in partnership with Belfast City Council, invites families to discover the merry old land of Oz on 10^th June at Lower Crescent Park 11am – 3pm. Featuring children’s authors storytelling, games, lots of entertainment and of course books – this jam packed family fun day is free to attend.

 

Deepa Mann-Kler, Chair of the Crescent Arts Centre, commented:
“ We did it again – this year’s programme is so ridiculously good! We have literary nourishment for your mind, body and soul. You may have noticed that the world is in a state of flux, so if you want to escape the turmoil of the planet or if you want to reflect then you have to join us for #Belfastbook festival 2017. We have drawn talent from across the globe and closer to home, so please take a few minutes to book your festival highlights now. This year we are delighted to be working with the Bullitt Hotel, who are the festival sponsor, and a huge thank you to our funders and key sponsors – we can only do what we do because of you.”

 

Damian Smyth, Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival’s principal funder, said:
” The 7^th Belfast Book Festival opens up the incredible worlds of literature and the imagination by allowing the best international and local writers to present their work to audiences in the most intimate and personable of settings. The Arts Council’s  support as principal funder reflects our confidence in this festival to extend the appeal of all literary genres so that everyone, from the most tentative to the most seasoned of readers, has the opportunity to experience the full and inimitable pleasure of books.”

Festival Director, Keith Acheson, added:

“We are delighted to announce the programme of our 7^th Belfast Book Festival.  Year on year the programme reaches new heights and this year is no exception. Across 11 days, through a range of international and local talent, we will open up the world of books via workshops, talks, performances and our annual free Family Fun Day. The festival provides not only a unique opportunity to explore, discuss and debate key themes affecting us all, but importantly offers new and existing audiences the opportunity to discover these themes through the wonderful world of books and meeting the authors in intimate settings.”

For further details on the Belfast Book Festival including the full festival programme  visit www.belfastbookfestival.com or follow on facebook – Belfastbookfestival or twitter @belfastbookfest #belfastbook.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the arrival of their latest Arts & Heritage Guide.

The colourful Spring & Summer guide, covering the May to August period is absolutely packed with a huge range of exhibitions, music, theatre and arts events taking place across the borough, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy what the Arts & Heritage programme has to offer.

Highlights from the latest guide include; outdoor theatre and the FoRM Sculpture Exhibition in The Walled Garden, Bangor, fabulous music events like Yon Boys at Ards Arts Centre and ‘On Your Doorstep’ with the Ulster Orchestra at Bangor Abbey, or if theatre is more your thing, check out The Faerie Thorn at The Web Theatre, Newtownards or Theatre in the Walled Garden, along with lots of interesting exhibitions – there’s truly something for everyone!

North Down Museum also have a busy summer on the cards with free events like the Puppet Festival, Arts Nights at The Museum and the Summer Craft Market and a host of fascinating exhibitions such as The Nostalgia Gallery and The Dichotomy of a Seaside Town.

Fancy exploring your creativity? The guide also includes a wide range of classes and workshops covering a variety of arts and crafts. Learn how to draw a self-portrait with Lee Boyd, make a silver-linked bracelet with Diane Lyness or learn how to craft short stories with Kelly Creighton. There’s also photography, guitar, crochet, illustration, calligraphy classes and more!

Looking for ways to entertain children over the summer? There’s lots happening for kids too – Summer Crafty Kids at The Museum, Kids Art Club, Ceramics for Kids and a selection of Arts Summer Schemes across The Borough to keep little ones busy over the holidays! Book early to avoid disappointment.

Pick up your copy up from Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum or our Visitor Centres or download from www.ardsarts.com or www.visitardsandnorthdown.com