Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland (May 8 – May 14)

Gunpowder Irish Gin Evening, Co. Antrim, 9 May. Join in on the journey of Drumshambo Gunpowder Irish Gin… Galgorm Resort and Spa are proud to introduce the latest in their Gin evenings. Hear about the curious mind of PJ Rigney and how he got to work over signature serves paired with a mouth-watering menu from Galgorm’s 3AA Rosette River Room kitchen. £40.00 per person. To book email mmcclure@galgorm.com.

Spring Picnic Twilight Market, Belfast, 9-10 May. Back by popular demand, the Twilight Market is set to return to St George’s Market on 9 and 10 May, from 4pm-11pm. Now an award-winning market, the Twilight Market is an established highlight in Belfast’s calendar of events. Please note, the Twilight Market is strictly over 18s after 9pm due to licensing laws. Entry to the market is free. For more information, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/markets.

Balmoral Show, Co. Antrim, 10-13 May. Ireland’s largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show, is back at Eikon and Balmoral Park and this time it will be for four days. The show will be bigger and better than before with fantastic arena and livestock attractions including family fun for all the family. A complimentary shuttle service to the venue will operate from Lisburn Train station. Opening hours and ticket prices vary. Please visit balmoralshow.co.uk for more information.

The Guitar Artistry of Hugh Buckley, Belfast, 11 May. Hugh Buckley, one of Ireland’s most accomplished jazz guitarists brings a stellar guitar and piano trio to Belfast comprising the exceptionally gifted pianist Myles Drennan and legenderry bassist Dave Fleming. McHugh’s Bar. Ticket prices £8-£12

April Verch Band, Co.Down, 11^th May. Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to present the incredibly talented Canadian fiddler, singer and step dancer April Verch with her band to Portico, Portaferry as part of a Moving On Music tour. Portico, Portaferry. Tickets £12.

Slieve Donard Moonlit Walk, Co Down, 12 May. Get your torch ready for this must-do challenge. Starting at 19.30 you will plan to make it for the summit around midnight, where you will be able to stargaze and marvel at the lights of Newcastle and beyond before returning to Donard car park for a well-earned hot cuppa. This walk will be taken along the well-known Brandy Pad Route – the main track up and down alongside the River Glen. The time taken depends on the pace of the group but on average it takes approximately 6 hours. Early Registration: £25.00. To register online visit cancerfocusni.org/moonlit

Walled City Tattoo, Derry~Londonderry, 12-13 May. The Walled City Tattoo returns to the Millennium Forum stage. Audiences can expect an array of local and international talent that will include all the traditional aspects of a Tattoo including marching bands, theatrics and musical performances. The Walled City Tattoo will also tell local stories, contemporising and embellishing the show with a rich local theme. 8pm, £18-£22.00.

Dawn Chorus – Cladagh Glen, Co. Fermanagh, 13 May. The early bird catches the worm! Head to Marble Arch Caves for 05.00am to join Geopark staff to hear the dawn chorus of birdsong welcoming the new day. Geopark staff will help you to identify which birds you can hear. Please note Cladagh Glen is not wheelchair accessible; wear warm waterproof clothing and sturdy footwear. Booking essential – contact Marble Arch Caves (028) 6634 8855 to book. Free Event.

Ardress House, Co. Armagh. Nestled in the apple orchards of Co. Armagh, Ardress House offers afternoons of fun and relaxation for everyone. Why not visit the farmyard and let your imagination take you on a journey… as a Dairy Maid perhaps milking the cows in the Byre followed by butter making in the Dairy or imagine yourself as a Blacksmith shoeing horses and making tools in the smithy. Admission prices £2.27 – £13.50. For more information, please visit nationaltrust.org.uk/ardree-house.

Ulster American Folk Park, Co.Tyrone. Immerse yourself in the world famous story of Irish emigration at this dedicated museum that brings the story back to life! Follow the emigrant trail as you journey from the thatched cottages of Ulster, on board a full scale emigrant sailing ship leading to the log cabins of the American frontier. You can meet and chat with an array of richly costumed characters on your way, often with traditional crafts to show, exciting tales to tell and unusual food to share! Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm. Admission from £5.50 (children under 4 free) For more information visit nmni.com/uafp

 

With the Vauxhall International NW 200 just days away, the line-up for the supporting Race Week Festival has been announced.

The family orientated festival, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, begins on Sunday 7^th May and runs until Saturday 13^th with activities taking place all around the area.

Speaking about the upcoming events, The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “The NW 200 attracts upwards of 100,000 visitors, spectators and fans, and along with the road racing action, the Race Week Festival offers a packed programme of entertainment throughout the week. I would encourage everyone to take part in the festivities, and enjoy the unique atmosphere created by this world class event.”

Now a time honoured tradition at the Race Week Festival, everyone is welcome to The Family Motor Fest on Wednesday 10^th at East Strand Portrush. Massive jumps, freestyle tricks and breath taking ‘drop offs’ will be performed by the fantastic Inch Perfect Trials Show who are performing at the festival for the first time.

Further adrenaline filled stunts will be on display when Stannage International Stunt Show and the Vertical Trix Motorsport Stunt Display Team take to the stage with their act incorporating cars, bikes, wheelies and burn outs.

Alongside the show which is sponsored by Nutt Travel Coleraine, there will be food stalls and mini moto racing for children. Entertainment begins at 6.30pm and lasts until 8pm.

The public will get a chance to ‘Meet the Riders’ on Friday 12^th May in Coleraine Town centre from 2pm-4pm. Popular broadcaster Adrian Logan will be hosting a chat show with some of today’s top road racers, with fans getting the chance to take photographs and receive autographs during the free event.

The popular outdoor concert and fireworks display at The Crescent in Portstewart takes place on Friday evening. Featuring the legendary tribute band Con Jovi, it’s an event for all the family to enjoy.

Entertainment will continue throughout the week with bike exhibitions, cavalcades and back -to-back activities at the hospitality marquee. With local DJ Brian Moore, hypnotist Adrian Knight and music by The Untouchables and Klass, the week is packed with variety.

Download the Race Week Festival flyer at www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call Coleraine Visitor Information Centre on 028 7034 4723.

BE PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL

Special Olympics is calling on communities across Northern Ireland to help transform lives through sport and support their biggest annual fundraiser on Friday May 5^th.

Close to 1000 volunteers will take to the streets across Northern Ireland for Special Olympics Ulster’s Collection Day 2017, as the charity seeks to raise £75,000 in a single day.

The initiative is part of the wider Special Olympics Ireland Collection Day, which will see over 3000 volunteers take to the streets of towns and cities across Ireland.

On Collection Day, local supporters are asked to give they can to the on-street volunteers at 100 collection points across the Ulster region, or donate online at specialolympics.ie

Special Olympics is a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability. It gives children and adults the chance to train in a chosen sport, improve their quality of life, demonstrate courage, experience joy and share long lasting friendships. The organisation also provides an invaluable network of friendship and support for the families of athletes.

Commenting ahead of Collection Day, Shaun Cassidy, Regional Director, Special Olympics Ulster said: “This is our biggest annual fundraising event of the year. We’re asking people come out and support Special Olympics by donating what they can to our volunteers that will be manning collection points across Northern Ireland.  Every donation we receive on May 5^th will help Special Olympics in providing a year-round sports programme to athletes across the Ulster region. Full details are available on our website, specialolympics.ie”.

Special Olympics Ireland’s Collection Day is once again proudly supported by eir. On May 5th eir employees will join volunteers in towns and villages right across the country to raise vital funds for Special Olympics.

Carolan Lennon Managing Director open eir: “We have proudly worked alongside Special Olympics Ireland since 1985 and we have seen first-hand the difference this organisation makes to thousands of athletes, and their families, every single day. Special Olympics Ireland positively transforms lives through sport and this is only possible because of the support of people throughout Ireland on Collection Day.

For further information about Special Olympics Ulster’s Collection Day and to donate online, visit www.specialolympics.ie/collectionday.  People can also help to spread the word on twitter by tweeting @SO_Ulster or using the hashtag, #CollectionDay.

Saturday 13th May from 11am will see Castle Park in Bangor come alive with great sounds and sights as the Pipe Band Championships start their season with their first Pipe Band, Drum Major and Highland Dancing Championships of 2017.

This year sees a huge entry of 39 bands, 47 Drum Majors and 55 Highland Dancers taking part in this impressive music and dancing spectacle.

Scottish Pipe Band, The Vale of Atholl, will visit Bangor for the first time since the last major European Championship and will compete with current Grade 1 World Pipe Band Champions Field Marshal Montgomery along with many other finely tuned bands.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, who will act as Chieftain for the day said “The Championships are a firm favourite in the Council’s events programme and they bring a great day of family entertainment to Bangor enjoyed by competitors and supporters alike.”

RSPBA NI Chairman Ray Hall said, “I am really looking forward to the Championships in Castle Park, it is a fantastic start to the 2017 season. All the bands, drum majors and Highland Dancers have put in hours of practice over the winter months and are keen to show everyone what they can do in the competition arena at this great day out for all the family.’There will be delicious food and merchandise available throughout the day so come along to Castle Park and don’t miss this superb FREE EVENT!

For more information, check out: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com. or www.facebook.com/rspbani/

Stendhal Festival has revealed the first portion of the musical line-up for this year’s installment of the multi-award winning Festival.

The eclectic mix of genres and styles showcased at Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady, will be headlined by Northern Irish Legends ASH on Friday August 11.

The Downpatrick rockers are one of the most popular and successful acts to ever hail from Northern Ireland, bursting onto the scene with their seminal debut album ‘1977’, an album which contained classics such as ‘Girl from Mars,’ ‘Goldfinger’, ‘Angel Interceptor’ and ‘Oh Yeah’.

The album hit number one in the British Album Charts and spawned four top 20 hits for the fledgling outfit.

Since then their career has spanned over 20 years and ASH have produced 18 top 40 singles, 2 UK Number 1 Albums (‘1977’ and ‘Free All Angels’)  and a further 3 albums which all charted in the top 10.

From one legendary act to another, Irish folk hero Sharon Shannon will also be taking to the Stendhal stage this summer.

Sharon has quite literally seen and done it all in the Irish Folk Scene. She has played on stage with the likes of the Waterboys and Christy Moore, while her 1991 self-titled debut album remains the highest selling folk album in Irish history.

Granted a lifetime achievement award at the 2009 Meteor Awards, Sharon has attained legendary status and everyone involved with Stendhal is very proud to welcome her to Limavady in the summer.

Adding a stylish International flair to proceedings will be both Ginkgoa and Ulrich Schnauss featuring Nat Urazmetova.

Parisian/Manhattan Electro swing act Ginkgoa has been garnering rave reviews thanks to their electrifying recent appearances in festivals across Europe and North America.

German electronica icon Ulrich Schnauss is at once uplifting and otherworldly, combining multi-layered synthesizers with beats and ethereal vocals, serving as an aural escape route from the trappings of reality.

Showcasing the very best of Northern Irish talent has always been a key component of the Stendhal experience and this year some of our very brightest home-grown stars will be shining on the Stendhal stage.

Ciaran Lavery is making a welcome return to Stendhal. This fast rising home-grown star has been making huge strides in recent months and is recognised by the entire Northern Irish Music Industry as perhaps the one to watch from these shores.

Jealous of the Birds is another hotly tipped talent making waves in the Irish music scene,  equal parts light and shade, her songs are poignant and vulnerable, bursting with honesty and raw passion.

Ryan McMullan may be the Northern Irish breakout star of the year thanks to being chosen to open for Ed Sheeran in the superstars’ summer European dates.

Ryan is no stranger to Stendhal having made his Limavady debut in 2014 he hasn’t looked back. He has supported the likes of Foy Vance and is looking forward to his first headline show in Belfast this coming September.

Other local standouts include the brooding intensity of Hiva Oa, the always outstanding and original Joshua Burnside, the excellent Susie Blue, Derry electropop/rock purveyor ROE, the soaring vocal magnificence of Rosborough and with many more to be announced, expect only excellence from the Northern Irish contingent this year.

Brothers Declan and Brendan Murphy have been better known as The 4 of Us for over 25 years now. Propelled by hit single ‘Mary’ the band’s first album ‘Songs for the tempted’ shot them to Number 1 in the Irish album charts, going double platinum and winning them  Best Album of the Year at the Irish Music Awards.

Anthony Toner has been described as ‘John Prine meets James Taylor – in a second hand book shop’.

The Coleraine-born singer-songwriter is a masterful composer whose songs are meticulously crafted, poetic and suffused with compassion, warmth and wisdom.

As usual a multitude of different genres and styles of music will be on show, there will be bluegrass courtesy of Rackhouse Pilfer, Gypsy Orchestral from Basork, Reggae from the John Street Band, folk from Emma Lusby and with further announcements to come, Stendhal will ensure that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Stendhal Organiser Ross Parkhill told The Irish News: “We are really pleased to be welcoming so many top acts to Stendhal again this year. Last year was by far and away our best year ever so we have been working incredibly hard in the knowledge that we have to top it.

“The first part of the music line-up I think shows that we are on our way to doing that and that Stendhal is once again going to be the most unmissable music event in Northern Ireland this summer.”

Tickets for the event on August 11 and 12 are on sale now at Stendhalfestival.com and from local ticket outlets next week. For more info check out the Stendhal Festival Facebook page.

Stendhal Musical Line-up Part 1:

ASH, Sharon Shannon, Ulrich Schnauss ft. Nat Urazmetova, Ginkgoa, Ciaran Lavery, The Four of Us, Anthony Toner, Jealous of the Birds, Ryan Vail, Ryan McMullan, Paddy Nash, Joshua Burnside, Rosborough, Susie Blue, No Oil Paintings, Roe,  Hiva Oa, John Street Band, Emma Lusby, Bror, Chloe McAllister, Basork, Conor Mason, Isobel Anderson, Rackhouse Pilfer. The Burning Glass

 

Smile club is a multi activity summer scheme located in the city centre of Belfast at R.B.A.I. school. This summer scheme has full access to an onsite swimming pool.

This is one of the many outstanding facilities the Belfast summer scheme can offer. The many activities of the scheme include a huge range of SPORTS, Arts & Crafts, ICT, Talent Show and Cooking. There is also an early drop off and late pick up facility alongside all the activities for the children.

* FREE CHILDCARE

* EARLY / LATE DROP OFFS

* AGES 4-5, 6-8, 9-11, 12-14

Other activities include drama, music, singing and dancing all led by well qualified and highly motivated staff.

* MINIMUM OF 2 FREE SWIMIMING LESSONS

Focus will be on front crawl and breast stroke development. There will be some fun based activities too. The classes cater for all abilities.

Project work includes elements of painting, arts and craft skills. The children will be working in small groups and will gain experience in collective work, designing and using their creative sides to the full.

Energise with an action packed week and a huge range of activities with Smile Club NI “Vantage Group” this summer!!! This is the scheme for older children from ages 12-14. Key features include:

– Additional Choice

– More options

– Additional expert Coaching

Also fully included in the price is a FREE TRIP to Cairnfunnock Country Park on the second week.

 

 

THE Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club has said the last piece of the planning puzzle for Race Week 2017 is a title sponsor.

With sponsors for just about every race, the Club believes that there is still a fantastic opportunity for a business to support what is probably the best national road race in Ireland.

Bill Kennedy MBE, Clerk of the Course of Armoy Road Races, said, “We are a very progressive Club and year on year the Armoy Road Races just get bigger and better. We are very lucky as we’ve some great companies and people involved and we are very happy to have them on board but we are still searching for a title sponsor.

“We are now entering into our ninth year, and the growth that has taken place over those years could not have happened without the valuable support and engagement from all of our sponsors – some of which have been with us from year one.

“We hope to announce our race sponsors soon but we’d really like a title sponsor before that. Title sponsorship receives all sorts of coverage across a number of platforms, from television, radio, national and local media to social media.

“Armoy is continually ranked as a favourite race by not just the road racing elite but many road racing fans across Europe, UK and Ireland and I truly believe this is an excellent opportunity to be part of a fantastic race.

“I would ask if anyone is interested in discussing it, just lift the phone and give me a call. Why not be part of the best national road there is?”

Bike Week 2017 is from 23^rd – 29^th July. Sponsorship enquiries should be made to Bill Kennedy on 07734 776 694 or Jackie Logan on 02890 918 675.

For more information on the Armoy Road Races www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook and join the official fan page and you can also follow us on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

 

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest from individuals who are actively involved in the arts and cultural sector to be part of their Arts and Cultural Advisory Panel.

Either as working practitioners, educationalists or presently employed within the sector, the individual should have demonstrable experience in one of the following four specific areas: Museums, Visual Arts, Crafts or Performance Art where additional representation would be beneficial.

The Council owns and operates an extensive arts and cultural service from a range of facilities, which includes the iconic Antrim Castle Gardens and Clotworthy House as well as three performing arts venues: Theatre at The Mill, The Old Courthouse and The Courtyard Theatre. The Council has established an Arts and Cultural Advisory Panel to advise, advocate and endorse the Council’s arts and cultural offering and inform the development of the service thereby supporting the delivery of the Council’s Corporate Plan.

The appointed individuals will be non-executive members of the Advisory Panel in a voluntary capacity. Advisory Panel members will work in partnership with Elected Members and Officers of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in order to inform and contribute to the future development of the arts and culture service in the Borough.

Applications are welcome from all suitable individuals irrespective of religious

belief, political opinion, gender, age, racial group, marital status, sexual orientation,

disability or whether or not they have dependants. Closing Date is Friday 12 May at 12 noon.

Interested parties should visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Council/Committees-and-Meetings. If you would like an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Ursula Fay, Head of Arts and Culture, T 028 9034 0020 or E ursula.fay@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

 

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Imagine a rock concert involving three of the biggest named rock stars of the 21st Century! ‘Classic Rock USA’ is a heart pumping, drum beating and pulsating rock extravaganza featuring over twenty-five hits from Bryan Adams, Jon Bon Jovi and the ‘Boss’ himself, Bruce Springsteen, and it’s coming to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Friday 8 May.

You will be taken on an epic journey of all things rock, as the totally awesome cast and band brings down the house with the very best selections of these three great artists including ‘Born To Run’ ‘Thunder Road’, ‘Everything I Do’, ‘Summer Of 69’ ‘Living On A Prayer’, ‘You Give Love A Bad Name’, ‘Bed Of Roses and many more. Get Ready to Rock out and Party On with ‘Classic Rock USA!’ Tickets for this performance are priced £18.50.

On the same evening, Colin Bateman’s ‘Bag For Life’ will also be staged in the Studio Theatre. Karen is mid-thirties, married with a young child. She has just bumped into a man in Tesco – the man who shot her brother in the face. What does she do? What would you do?

Award winning novelist and screenwriter Colin Bateman’s second stage play asks the question, can forgiveness overcome the want for revenge in 21st century Northern Ireland? This powerful and captivating play is laced with the blackest of humour and stars Julie Addy. This play contains strong language and is recommended for age 16+. Tickets are priced £13.50 and £11.50 (concession).

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.

 

Monday 1 May – Thursday 4 May

Monday 1 May, Merry May Day

Holywood Town Centre

10am – 4pm

See Holywood transform into the magical wonderland of colourful street theatre and local delights which Merry May Day is known and loved for. Enjoy traditional May Day dancing by local children, a selection of market stalls and lots family fun.

Info: 028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Monday 1 May, Holywood Historical Walk

Holywood Town Area

10am-12noon

Tickets: 4, advanced booking required

Enjoy an informative stroll through Holywood’s colourful history from the establishment of a monastic settlement on the site of the Old Priory Church to the Motte where King John is said to have spent the night.  Tour departs on foot from Maypole Bar, High Street, Holywood

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Monday 1 May, Kids “Mini-beasts” Nature Trail

Nugent’s Wood in Portaferry 

2pm – 4pm

Tickets 2.50 (child), adults free. Advanced booking required

Join local naturalist “Woody” for a creative exploration of Nugent’s Wood this May Day holiday. All children must be accompanied by an adult.  Meet at Portaferry VIC, Castle Street.

Info: 028 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 5 – Thursday 11 May

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 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 6: Children’s Crafts and ‘Tales of the Wild’ Animal Roadshow

Sunday 7: Magic Show

Info:  028 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

 

Saturday 6 May, Dawn Chorus

Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards    

5am – 6.30am

Free, advanced booking required

Join bird expert Dot Blakely as the sun comes up, for an early morning master class in how to recognise the song of the Dawn Chorus

Info: 028 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com