OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

  • Dine and Stay, Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim, Co. Antrim, from £110 per couple. Ideally situated in the heart of Northern Ireland, Dunsilly Hotel is an ideal base for a perfect break away at home. Unwind with this special offer and enjoy a relaxing break at this three-star hotel.  Package includes overnight accommodation for two people sharing a twin or double room with breakfast and an evening meal in the Grill Bar with £20 dining credit. To book call (028) 9446 2929

  • Two Night Getaway, Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry, Co. Down, from £109pps. Enjoy a ‘Home away from Home’ feeling amidst the luxurious surroundings at the four-star Canal Court Hotel located in the heart of Newry city. Relax, unwind and enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast break with one evening and full use of the Health & Leisure Complex with an additional 20% discount in the CC Spa.  Available until December 22.  To book call (028) 3025 1234
  • Relax and Indulge, The Merchant, Belfast, from £110pps. Leave your stresses behind and treat yourself to a luxurious stay at the five-star Merchant Hotel.  Enjoy an exquisite three-course meal in The Great Room followed by a relaxing night in a deluxe room followed by a delicious breakfast the following morning.  Offer also include complimentary newspaper, use of the gymnasium and roof top hot tub.  Available Sunday – Thursday.  To book call (028) 9023 4888.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 5 – September 11).


  • Giant’s Causeway Coast Sportive, Co. Antrim, September 10. The Giant’s Causeway Sportive is a unique road cycling event based on the iconic North Coast of Ireland that offers and unforgettable cycling experience through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Ireland.
  • Moira Calling, Craigavon, Co. Armagh, September 10. Local festival goers are in for a treat this September as Brown Lemonade NI prepare to launch their first ever ‘Moira Calling’ music, food and drink festival at Moira Demesne. Fourteen of the best singer-songwriters and bands have been hand-picked to perform on the day across two stages in the gorgeous picturesque setting of Moira under a canopy of stretch tents and festoon lighting.
  • Helen’s Tower, Clandeboye Estate, Co. Down, September 11. Visitors have the opportunity to see the conservation work of Irish Landmark in this self-guided tour of the restored tower for FREE as part of European Heritage Open Days. This unique building is situated on a hill top deep within the estate and has incredible views over the surrounding countryside and out to sea.
  • Ukulele Orchestra, Ulster Hall, Belfast, September 7. Belfast can look forward to unique blend of toe-tapping music, hilarious banter and superlative entertainment at the Ulster Hall as the world-renowned Ukulele Orchestra bring their captivating show to the city. Descried as ‘pure entertainment’ and ‘magisterial’, it is a performance not to be missed.
  • Marlacoo House, Portadown, Co. Armagh, September 10. This two storey, three bay Georgian House is two hundred years old. It is situated beside Marlacoo Lake where Hugh O’Neill kept his wife and valuables safe on a crannog during the 9 years’ war. Explore it for FREE this European Heritage Open Days weekend.
  • Tower Museum, Union Hall Place, Derry~Londonderry, September 10 – 11. Explore the ‘Story of Derry’ and the ‘An Armada Shipwreck’ through exhibitions and interactive displays at one of the city’s most-loved visitor attractions for FREE over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.
  • Beating Retreat, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, September 10. A historic event will take place in Enniskillen on Saturday 10th September to commemorate the actions of the 36th (Ulster) Division and the 16th (Irish) Division at the Battle of the Somme. The Beating Retreat is a standing-only outdoor event with gates opening at 5pm and the performance commencing promptly at 6pm.
  • Mullaghmore House, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, September 10 – 11. Once the parent house of Knocknamore Castle, this fully restored Georgian House retains many period features including outbuildings and show room, all set within three acres of gardens. Free guided tours will be available throughout the day over the European Heritage Open Days weekend.
  • Chicago, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until September 10. The award-winning Broadway and West End musical Chicago is coming to Belfast, starring West End and EastEnders’ actor John Partridge (Cats, A Chorus Line, Miss Saigon and Starlight Express) as Billy Flynn. Based on real-life events back in the roaring 1920s, nightclub singer Roxie Hart shoots her lover and, along with cell block rival double-murderess Velma Kelly, they fight to keep from death row with the help of smooth talking lawyer, Billy Flynn.
  • The Bridewell, Magherafelt, Derry~Londonderry, September 10. The Bridewell, a familiar landmark at the bottom of Magherafelt’s Broad Street will open its doors and host a special day of living history. A guided tour for European Heritage Opens Days will take you through the experience of what life was like for the prisoners.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

Vampires flying in for Air Waves Portrush

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for info.

Air Waves Portrush has added a pair of Vampires to its airshow lineup for this weekend.

The all silver FB.6 and T.55 Vampires of the Royal Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will make their maiden appearance at Air Waves Portrush this weekend. These unique aircraft will perform a series of synchronised manoeuvres for an awe-inspiring display, especially for enthusiasts.

The de Havilland Vampire pair were manufactured in Switzerland in the 1950s and flown with the Swiss Air Force until 1990. Now operated by the Flyvåpnets Historiske Skvadron and based at Rygge Air Base near Oslo in southern Norway, the aircraft are in the Royal Norwegian Air Force markings to represent Vampire PX-K and Vampire PX-M, serving at the 336 squadron in the early 50s, Norway’s first pure jet fighter squadron.

Air Waves Portrush is the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. This year Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has expanded the show to deliver a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

Visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk for info.

Woodland and Meadows just Magic for Coleraine

Kew Gardens Grow Wild’s flagship, the Cornfield Project, launches.

TWO local communities in Coleraine, Millburn and Ballysally, are busy preparing for a magical woodland enchanted evening to celebrate the launch of the Cornfield Project on Saturday 10th September 2016.

Following on from winning a public vote to become Grow Wild’s Northern Ireland’s flagship site in November 2015, Coleraine’s Cornfield Project received funding from Grow Wild to transform a large area in Hartford Park, Ballysally.

Supported by the Big Lottery Fund, Grow Wild is the national outreach initiative of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and aims to bring people together to transform local spaces with native, pollinator-friendly wild flowers and plants.

At the Cornfield Project, local community volunteers, both young and old, have been busy working alongside the Conversation Volunteers to transform an area of scrubland into 7.5 acres of community woodland with beautiful wild flower meadows, sensory garden, community gardens and outdoor classroom spaces.

This fantastic project is focused on creating thriving and colourful areas of wild flowers, wildlife and environmentally sensitive spaces which are to be used by, and enjoyed by, all members of the public.

The launch event is a free festival for everyone to come along and see what the project has achieved so far.  There will be a Mad Hatter’s Fancy Dress Tea Party, live entertainment and music, storytelling, an appearance from Coleraine’s own renowned professional magician, Rodd Hogg and an outdoor cinema showing ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Award winning local sculptor, Sara Cunningham Bell will be unveiling her new sculpture for the community space, a three metre high new insect called ‘George’ with its own neighbourhood story created especially for the Cornfield Project after collaboration with local community groups.  And fellow local artist Harry McMahon along with Jenny Methven will showcase how the community has helped transform a derelict wall into inspirational wall art.

The project will be officially launched by three local children from the two communities and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey.

Catherine Armstrong, who is leading the project on behalf of Aspire Community Partnership, a local consortium of grass-roots community groups who are working together for the benefit of the Causeway area, said; “The Cornfield site was an underused patch of land dividing the communities of Millburn and Ballysally in Coleraine.  By getting local people involved to help transform the woodland we hope it will help tackle issues of low employment and health by creating activities which will increase people’s confidence, enable them to develop new skills and friendships which in turn will help provide a positive and fun sense of community.  By coming together and creating an area for wildlife to thrive, the natural habitat also provides all members of the community with a beautiful outdoor space to enjoy.

“The evening woodland festival will celebrate the launch of the project and hopefully encourage more people to volunteer and get involved. We hope that the framework we use here will be adopted by communities throughout Northern Ireland.”

Stephanie Baine, Grow Wild Northern Ireland Partnership Manager said; “The Cornfield Project won a public vote to become the Grow Wild flagship project for Northern Ireland.  The project is bringing two separated communities together and it has been inspirational to see how the local community has engaged with the project. The woodland has truly been transformed into a magical place, the local people are getting passionate about the wildflower meadows and the training opportunities are just beginning. We would encourage anyone to come along and get involved.”

Big Lottery Fund NI Director Joanne McDowell said; “Grow Wild is all about bringing people together to improve their environment and benefit their communities, and it’s wonderful to see how local people have transformed this area. At the Big Lottery Fund we want to support people and communities to improve the places where they live. This fantastic project is bringing that ambition to life to create a beautiful, interesting and wildlife rich space for the community to enjoy.”

Grow Wild received an incredible 23,493 votes to be named the UK’s Best Environment project in this year’s National Lottery Awards – the annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.  Grow Wild’s achievements, including a number of locally funded projects in Northern Ireland helped them win it.

The festival woodland area will come alive with twinkly lights, magical glowing trees and plenty of activities for people to get involved with including searching for bats, hunting for moths, building a bug hotel and making willow creatures with local willow artist Louise McLean.

So come along and join us for what promises to be an evening of enchantment and see just what the project is all about on Saturday 10th September from 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

To celebrate winning their National Lottery Award, Grow Wild are giving away thousands of FREE wild flower seed packets to people all over the UK. For more information and terms and conditions please go to www.growwilduk.com

Jason Lynn adds his name to ‘Young Rider of the Year’ nominees

With just one event left on the 2016 Masters Superbike Championship calendar, nineteen year old Jason Lynn has secured the penultimate place at the end of season ‘Young Rider of the Year’ shoot-out, with an impressive Supersport double at Bishopscourt.

Photograph : Jonathan Sweeney

Created by Mondello Park and backed by Circuit owner Martin Birrane, along with Dawn International, AJ Plumbing Supplies, EMS and Oxford products, the Young Rider award is the first of its kind to be offered to Irish Motorcycle Racing competitors. The competition will see six young racers nominated to go forward to an end of season shoot-out where one of them will walk away with a fantastic package of benefits to assist them in the next stage of their career. Nominees for the award must be under 23 years old and can come from any of the classes racing on the Masters Superbike programme.

Lynn, from Maghera, has been competing in the Masters Supersport Championship since 2013 and had picked up three wins prior to Bishopscourt, along with 14 podium finishes. The wins had dried up this season however as the youngster was unable to match his pace of previous years. Having recently diagnosed a bent front suspension component during a National Championship event Lynn returned to the Masters full of confidence and duly dominated rounds eleven and twelve taking his first ever double win in difficult conditions.

Starting race one from second on the grid Lynn was immediately into the lead but his progress was halted by a red flag. Taking the re-start from pole he was never headed, despite the close attentions of the highly experienced Nikki Coates and Carl Phillips, who he held at bay to win by three tenths of a second.

Race two was stopped twice before being moved to later in the timetable and when it did eventually run Lynn started from pole position due to his fastest lap in race one. Rain began to fall early on making things difficult for the riders, who were all on dry weather tyres, and it was once again Lynn who impressed as he worked his way past Coates and Robert Kennedy to be just ahead when the race was stopped due to the track conditions. Despite having a poor first half of the year the teenager is now firmly back in championship contention due to his pair of wins.

Speaking on hearing of his nomination Lynn said “It’s really nice to have your efforts recognised like this. I had some bad luck at the start of the season and then a big crash at Kirkistown after which we replaced the forks. Having struggled since the accident we checked the suspension again and found a bent Yoke, which we replaced, and since then we’ve won four of the six races we’ve done. It was great to get back to the front of the Masters and particularly to beat the likes of Carl Phillips and Robert Kennedy who have British Championship experience from racing on the BSB package. Credit has to go to Mondello Park and their partners for putting this award together as there is nothing like it in the National Championship and I’m really looking forward to the final in October and seeing what I can do against the other nominees.“

Lynn now joins Robert English, Aaron Clifford, Rhys Irwin and Aaron Armstrong in the hunt for the inaugural Young Motorcycle Racer of the Year award, the line-up for which will be completed at the final event of the year at Mondello Park on October 1st and 2nd.

For more information see www.masterssuperbike.ie/youngrider.

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this Weekend across the North.

Down

Now in its 24th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is set to return from Tuesday 30th August to Sunday 4th September 2016 in Hillsborough village, Co. Down and at venues in the surrounding area. The 2016 Festival is supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot and will provide a week-long spectacular showcase of the best in hospitality, local produce, arts and entertainment.

Now in its 24th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is set to return from Tuesday 30th August to Sunday 4th September 2016 in Hillsborough village, Co. Down and at venues in the surrounding area. The 2016 Festival is supported by principal sponsors Turkish Airlines, Phoenix Natural Gas and Quilter Cheviot and will provide a week-long spectacular showcase of the best in hospitality, local produce, arts and entertainment.

Armagh

Saturday 3rd September, join top comedian William Caulfield at the Market Place Theatre Armagh for a night of music and laughter.  William is delighted to have young Country sensation Seany Mac as his guest for the opening half of the show. Seany recently won “Best Newcomer” at the Irish World awards in London and his hit songs such as Jive Jive Jive, along with Tears in Mama’s Eyes from his new album Love a Little and many more will have the toes tapping and the hands clapping. William’s  jokes, stories and observations of our everyday lives will soon have you rolling about laughing.

Fermanagh

Experience Fermanagh’s newest visitor attraction and be immersed in the Lakeland landscape of Lough Erne with Erne Water Taxis. Sit back, relax and see Lough Erne your way with a chauffeur driven boat. This unique taxi service will provide a pick-up and drop-off from any accessible jetty on Lough Erne.  Specialty tours of the Lough Erne, including a heritage trail and Food Trail are also available. More info at ernewatertaxi.com

Tyrone

There’ll be strumming on the porches of the log cabins, dancing in the cobbled streets and jamming outside the General Store at the Ulster American Folk Park’s 25th Annual Bluegrass Music Festival this weekend. This famous festival is jam packed with the biggest names in bluegrass and old-time music. Stroll around the toe-tapping afternoon sessions before experiencing the electric atmosphere of a party in the park after dark. All this good music will be washed down with fantastic food as local celebrity chefs heat up the hearths with fusion food demonstrations. Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th September.

Derry

Getting married?  On Thursday 1st September 2016 visit the Belfray Hotel for the Perfect Bliss Wedding Fayre from 6pm-9pm. Meet with the staff from the Hotel & discuss your requirements for your special say. Browse through the services & products available from the wedding suppliers in attendance. Catwalk show from 8:30pm. Admission to the fayre is free.

Antrim

The Air Waves Portrush Air Show is the largest airshow in Ireland and takes place this weekend! A two day air show and festival with no admission fee.  The weekend features air displays, sea displays, trade village, entertainment shows and exhibitions. The display line is in a beautiful natural setting and a great back drop for the many photographers who attend who help showcase the beauty of the North Coast to a worldwide audience (Giant’s Causeway, Whiterocks Beach, Dunluce Castle). There will be 2 packed days of family entertainment on the ground.

Belfast

Belfast Bred takes you on a tour through Belfast where Barney (recently defrosted from an iceberg where he’s been since the sinking of the Titanic) will guide you through the history of the city and the food that it was built on. Along the way you’ll be stopping off at Sawers Belfast, Mourne Seafood Bar, The John Hewitt Bar and McHugh’s Bar to taste the culinary delights on offer in the city today before ending up at the world famous St George’s Market, Belfast.  Tours run every Friday and Saturday until September 10th and depart from Sawers at 10:30am

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

What’s On in Ards and North Down this week and next!

Friday 2 – Thursday 8 September

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm

Sat 3: Clayrazy and children’s crafts

Sun 4: Children’s Crafts, ‘Plant and Play’ and Ulster-Scots Agency Entertainment

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm, daily. Free admission

Info: (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sun 4 – Sat 10 Sept, Ulster-Scots Festival –  Walks, Talks and Live Music

Bangor, Ards, Comber and Donaghadee

Tickets Free-£3, available now!

There are a number of Talks and Tours taking place as part of this week long Festival. Tickets must be allocated in advance.

The event culminates in a fantastic finale with Donaghadee Lights Up on Saturday 10 September, featuring the enthralling Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Wednesday 7 September, Historic Holywood and Ulster Scots Walk

Holywood

Tickets £3, 2.30pm – 4pm. Enjoy an informative stroll through Holywood’s colourful history. Tour departs from outside The Maypole Bar.

Info and booking: (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Thursday 8 September, Historical Society Talk: The Life of Emma Duffin, WW1 Nurse

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 8pm, Free for Society members, £4 for non-members

Info and booking: 028 9127 1200, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 10 September, Donaghadee Lights Up

The Commons, Donaghadee

Free. 12noon-9.30pm. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers play live at this spectacular seaside setting. Supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency with a full programme of music, activities and food.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Friday 9 – Thursday 15 September

Until Saturday 10 Sept, Ulster-Scots Festival –  Walks, Talks and Live Music

Bangor, Ards, Comber and Donaghadee

Tickets Free-£3, available now!

There are a number of Talks and Tours taking place as part of this week long Festival. Tickets must be allocated in advance.

The event culminates in a fantastic finale with Donaghadee Lights Up on Saturday 10 September, featuring the enthralling Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency.

Info: (028) 9182 6846 | (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 10 September, Guided Walks and Tours: Ulster-Scots Dander Round the Dee

Donaghadee

2.30pm – 4pm. Tickets £3.

Step back through the ages as you are lead around the history-rich town of Donaghadee. Discover the stories behind the buildings and hear how Hugh Montgomery and his followers arrived at the harbour in 1606 to help shape present day Donaghadee.

Info and booking: (028) 9182 6846 | (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 10 September, Donaghadee Lights Up

The Commons, Donaghadee

Free. 12noon-9.30pm. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers play live at this spectacular seaside setting. Supported by the Ulster-Scots Agency with a full programme of music, activities and food.

Info: (028) 9182 6846 | (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 September, European Heritage Open Days

The Ards and North Down Area

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Bangor Castle, The Boys’ Brigade Heritage Museum, Sketrick Castle, Holywood Motte and Light Ship ‘Petrel’ to name just a few attractions of interest open this weekend.

See visitardsandnorthdown.com for more details.

Info: (028) 9182 6846 | (028) 9127 0069, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Aspects Irish Literature Festival, Bangor

25 Years Celebrating Irish Writing

A quarter of a century has passed since the first Aspects Festival took place and its spirit remains ‘a celebration of Irish Writing’. The festival returns this year still celebrating, nurturing and exploring the extraordinary literary talent found locally and throughout the island.

Tickets on sale now!

For info and to book visit aspectsfestival.com or call (028) 9127 1200

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Ebb and Flow

Friday 2 September –  Saturday 1 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

An exhibition by North Armagh Arts Collective.

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Exhibition: The Irene Sendler Window

Friday 2 September –  Saturday 1 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

David Esler worked with a group of ex service personnel, nurses and older people who experienced the conflict in N Ireland to create the Irene Sendler Window.

Info: (028) 9181 0803, ardsarts.com

Exhibition: NI’s Landscape and Wildlife Photography

Thursday 1 – Wednesday 28 September

The Loft Gallery, Portaferry VIC, BT 22 1NZ

Photographer Donny Moore presents a collection of captivating images of NI’s wildlife and landscape in this free to visit exhibition.

Info: (028) 4272 9882, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Air Waves Portrush ready for take-off!

Portrush to welcome over 200,000 spectators to largest airshow on the island of Ireland

The largest airshow on the island of Ireland is ready for take-off with two days of thrilling flying displays across Portrush’s eastern shoreline by some of the world’s most famous aviation attractions.

Air Waves Portrush, running on Saturday 3rd – Sunday 4th September 2016, is expected to attract over 200,000 spectators to one of Northern Ireland’s much-loved coastal resorts for a packed programme of aerial entertainment, as well as a host of land and water based activities and events.

The stellar line-up, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, will include the world-famous RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by B&E Security on both days) who will perform their trademark formations, close passes and dynamic loops.

Visitors can expect to fly back in time with the sights and sounds of the Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane. Also hotly anticipated are the jaw-dropping manoeuvres from the Typhoon Jet (sponsored by The Adelphi Portrush), the breath-taking aerobatics from the Wildcats display team (sponsored by Barry’s Portrush) and the spills and thrills of the colourful Muscle Bi-plane.

Helicopter fans are in for a treat with an appearance from Vietnam veteran craft Huey and Loach. As an added attraction this year, there will be a stunning new one-off pyrotechnic aerial show in Portstewart on the Saturday evening.

Looking forward to the show, Richard Baker, Director of Leisure & Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Air Waves Portrush is our blockbuster finale to mark the end of the 2016 summer season with a stellar line-up of air displays, and an array of fantastic sea and land activities and its status as a flagship event is underpinned with continued support from Tourism NI.

“We had record crowds in 2015 and we are expecting over 200,000 spectators to attend the show over the two days and we have pulled out all the stops to ensure this year’s show will be spectacular, awe inspiring, and different from the previous year.”

Meanwhile on the ground, a wide and wonderful host of activities will expand the entertainment offering to make this year’s event the best yet. There will be live music, street entertainment, play zone, Motor Village and an artisan marketplace.

The Ulster Aviation Society and the Ulster Gliding Club will invite visitors into a bygone era with its collection of vintage flying machines and gliding aircraft.

New for 2016 is the STEM Village where amongst other activities teenage school leavers aged 16-19 will also get the opportunity to trying out the brand new RAF Skytech experience – a futuristic virtual challenge to tackling some of the most testing aspects of an aviation job.

Richard adds: “With huge crowds anticipated on both days to mark the end of the 2016 summer season, we are working closely with the PSNI and Translink to ensure we minimise traffic congestion as much as possible.

“Translink is providing additional capacity on trains and buses and we would encourage as many visitors as possible to use these services. “

The official Air Waves Portrush 2016 souvenir programme is now on sale from selected outlets in Portrush, Portstewart, Coleraine and Ballymoney and Visitor Information Centres throughout the borough of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

For more information on Air Waves Portrush visit www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or search for Air Waves Portrush on social media.

Quest for the Sacred Feminine – an exciting new course at the Navan Centre

An exploration of the feminine in ancient and contemporary spirituality with Grace Clunie M.A. The Centre for Celtic Spirituality and Kate Fitzpatrick B.Tech teacher of mythological and indigenous wisdom traditions.

This course is a journey to uncover and hear the call of the Sacred Feminine. Through the Old Testament and the Gospels, the Desert Mothers and medieval Mystics, we unveil a lost tradition within Christianity. We will also explore examples of the Celtic Goddesses such as Brigid, Macha, Danu and Morrigan and their roles within the beautiful mythological wisdom traditions of Ireland.

This course will be held at the Navan Centre over a period 10 weeks, every Friday from 12 midday to 2pm beginning Friday 30th September.

To enrol contact Queens University Open Learning on 028 9097 3323 / 3539 or see www.qub.ac.uk/ol as soon as possible as places are limited.

Cultures of the world converge at Mount Stewart Conversations

Excitement builds as more details emerge on how Mount Stewart Conversations will unite global acts in a weekend of inspiring debate, arts and culture.

Mount Stewart will open its doors to world renowned academics, thought leaders and performers for Mount Stewart Conversations on the 17 and 18 September – a weekend festival that will bring global diversity to the shores of Strangford Lough.

Day passes to this unique National Trust event are selling fast as word spreads about how Mount Stewart Conversations will unite the arts, culture and youth in one unforgettable weekend.

Acting as a gateway to the world, the eclectic menu of talks, performances, music and dance will see Mount Stewart once again make its mark on the international cultural scene, stirring the emotions and stimulating the curiosity of all who visit during the two days. Encouraging conversation through the use of music and dance, Mount Stewart Conversations has worked with local charity Beyond Skin to add a range of unique creative acts to the programme ensuring inter cultural arts are at the fore.

‘Beyond Skin is an organisation focused on recognising the power of the arts and youth in the community for the development of peace. We know that this pioneering new festival will encourage interactions and conversations, leaving a legacy that will benefit the wider community,’ explains Chief Executive Darren Ferguson.

‘We are delighted to bring some of our acts to the Conversations weekend, adding to the global essence of the festival and ensuring cultural expression through arts and youth.’

Encouraging global diversity

Visitors to the festival can join a Ugandan dance workshop led by Donna Namukasa, a Ugandan musician living in Belfast who facilitates the entire workshop in her own native language encouraging the audience to use body language to communicate.

Intriguing Anglo-Colombian duo Bitch ’n’ Monk consisting of Mauricio Velasierra and Heidi Heidelberg will stimulate all the senses with their unique blend of electric guitar, beatboxing soprano and traditional Andean flutes, all electrified with effects pedals for a sound unlike any other.

Learn to play the Ukulele to the story and sound of its big brother – the Charango at a Charango and Ukulele workshop facilitated by Chilean musician Victor Henriquez.

Adding a sense of mystery to the weekend the illusive Orchestra des Réfugiés et Amis will be performing diverse music compositions throughout the weekend.  Developed by Beyond Skin and supported by the Arts Council, Orchestre des Réfugiés et Amis creates a space for artists in Refugee or Asylum status to meet, collaborate, socialise and get creative with professional musicians.

In addition to these international acts, musical minds can enjoy being serenaded by Bangor born singer-song writer Iain Archer, Irish artist Molly Sterling and maverick harpist Ursula Burns.

A belly of laughs is guaranteed from acrobatic act Lords of Strutt and the Camper Van of Dreams will be encouraging visitors to step inside and share their dreams. With new acts being added daily, this is shaping up to be an unmissable event.

Of course no festival is complete without enticing food and drink offerings and Mount Stewart Conversations will deliver on that front as well, with a host of local suppliers providing a tempting variety of drinks and snacks to enhance the visitor experience.

Summarising the ethos behind the event, Jon Kerr, National Trust General Manager at Mount Stewart said:  ‘Mount Stewart is no ordinary country estate. For hundreds of years, this has been Ireland’s secret retreat for Royals, leaders of state, influencers and aristocracy.’

‘For generations this has been a powerhouse of great thinking, art, music, talks and deliberation, and this energy lives on today. In the spirit of the estate, Mount Stewart Conversations will bring an eclectic range of people, artists and performers together for a unique weekend of lively debate, stories, music and arts.’

Mount Stewart Conversations runs on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 September from 11am – 9pm.

Day passes cost £30 per day or £50 for a weekend pass. Concession tickets are also available.

Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/conversations to book tickets and for up-to-date event information.

If you are interested in volunteering at Mount Stewart Conversations visit here https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart/features/volunteer-at-mount-stewart-conversations-