Do you have you an hour or so to spare each week? The Causeway Coast Dog Rescue are calling out for volunteers, to work with dogs, come and work in their charity shop, or to help fundraise, any support is welcome. They are your local charity which rescues and rehomes hundreds of dogs each year in your area. For more information, go onto their Facebook page causewaycoastdogrescue, Twitter CCDogRescue, or telephone 07595602702.
The event which is becoming a bit of an annual institution marks the end of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s popular Music In The Park programme and is a highlight on the Open House Festival calendar – an end of summer party to end them all!
The headline act is the fabulous Prison Love – on mandolin, flat-picking guitar, fiddle, doghouse bass, washboard and harmonies, this Dublin based five-piece play Bluegrass, Old-time, Gospel and Cajun like a fast train a comin’! The Open House Festival Choir will also be performing. The perfect way to spend your Bank Holiday Sunday afternoon, picnicking in the park with family and friends, and chilling out (or dancing) to fabulous Bluegrass sounds!
As well as your country soul, we’ll be taking care of your country stomach, with lots of food available for sale on site.
To keep the kids happy, there will be face-painting and balloon modelling with crafts taking place on site too.
The Bluegrass Picnic has all the ingredients for a fun family day out so get down to Ward Park, this Sunday 28 August, from 2.30pm – 5pm to get in on the action at this totally FREE event. And don’t forget to pack your picnic!
This particular display aircraft was manufactured in Poland and its unique RED 18 markings are a nod to Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space in 1961, who carried out his fighter pilot training in the aircraft before becoming a cosmonaut.
Now operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron to showcase the cold war ‘enemy’ of NATO, the two-seater MiG-15 UTI is one of the most widely produced jet aircraft, with over 18,000 manufactured and was used as the main training craft for soviet fighter pilots.
This year will be its first appearance at Air Waves Portrush, the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council have also pulled out all the stops 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.
Harry Hamilton, the band’s front-man and Oyster Pearl, Shannon Graham (pictured), have started warming-up for the live concert and BBQ which is supported by New City Cabs.
Performing all the top Queen tracks, Flash Harry will entertain guests with hit records like Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, and Don’t Stop Me Now, while local chefs will be serving up a sizzling barbeque menu produced with premium Northern Irish meats for concert and BBQ ticketholders.
To book your tickets and further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s full programme visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.
The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event.
Operation Banner was the Operational name for the British Armed Forces operation in Northern Ireland from August 1969 to July 2007, as part of the Troubles.
Operation Banner Veterans Museum serves to remember this period of the service and sacrifice of all Military and Police who served during this difficult period, especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice.
The exhibition is made up of regimental and police uniforms, personal kit, deactivated and replica weapons all of which would have been worn and used during Operation Banner.
This exhibition will for many Veterans recall both happy and sad memories but, more importantly it will tell the true story of this troubled period in Northern Ireland History.
The exhibition will run in The Linen Suite at Mossley Mill from Friday 26 – Sunday 28 August during the following times;
Friday 26 August – 12-6pm
Saturday 27 August – 10am – 6pm
Sunday 28 August – 12-6pm
With world-class entertainment from the American Supreme Dream Girls, guests will enjoy a six-course gala dinner with boutique Chateau de la Ligne wines. A raffle will also take place to raise funds for the Festival’s 2016 charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust with one lucky winner receiving a stay at the luxurious Chateau.
Nigel Crawford, Executive Director, Quilter Cheviot said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this year’s Pearl and Oyster Ball and helping to support the Festival’s charity. The festival is a huge draw for visitors to our region and we are proud to give our backing to the Ball, which is a key part of the event and a much-anticipated date on the local social calendar. We’re looking forward to greeting guests to what is set to be a fabulous evening.”
The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival also kindly acknowledges the support of Tourism Northern Ireland and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in the staging of this year’s event. The ball gown worn by Oyster Pearl Shannon Graham (pictured) was generously provided by leading Irish designer Maryrose McGrath.
To reserve a table contact Sean Hall on 0044 (0)7802 311388 or email sean.g.hall@outlook.com
For further information on the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s full programme visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com.
Northern Ireland’s number one Adele tribute act, Suzanne Pavis, kicks off the live music offering at 8pm on Saturday 27 August as she performs smash hit songs by Adele to get the Bank Holiday party started.
The musical entertainment continues from 3pm on Sunday 28 August with Laganvale Metal Technology Brass Band taking to the stage. Fiddler Adam will get your toes tapping from 4pm and at 8pm, rock sensations Con Jovi will be belting out Bon Jovi’s classic hits to ensure everyone has the time of their lives!
Join us from 1pm until 6pm over the long weekend for a festival of fun with something on offer for all ages to keep you entertained during the Bank Holiday weekend. The family fun includes bouncy castles, face painting, magic shows, foam party and a petting zoo.
Admission to the festival is free of charge and for a full festival line-up visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline
This Saturday 20th August, enjoy live music, a fireworks display, family entertainment and food stalls in Groomsport Harbour. Presenting Silver Dagger – the Dolly Parton Bluegrass years, Dogg Ruff String Band and Chris Keys Trio. 12noon-10pm Kiddies Funfair (charges apply). 2pm – 9pm Cockle Row Cottages open: 2pm – 4pm Jumping Clay and children’s crafts (Free).
The Market Place Theatre are delighted to present ANNIE, the world’s favourite family musical, 16th – 20th August. Set in 1930s New York during The Great Depression, brave young Annie is forced to live a life of misery and torment at Miss Hannigan’s orphanage. Determined to find her real parents, her luck changes when she is chosen to spend Christmas at the residence of famous billionaire, Oliver Warbucks. Spiteful Miss Hannigan has other ideas and hatches a plan to spoil Annie’s search. Prepare to sing along to the unforgettable songs ‘Hard Knock Life’, ‘Easy Street’, ‘I Don’t Need Anything But You’ and the unforgettable ‘Tomorrow’. A show no one should miss – you can bet your bottom dollar that you’ll love it!
Share Discovery Village have a new and exciting family event happening on Sunday 21st August ‘Fermanagh’s Fittest Family’ – a fun and competitive day out for families and friends. Compete in this fun family activity course to be crowned Fermanagh’s Fittest Family! Registration is between 9.30-10.30am and families or teams of 4/5. Includes Activity Course, BBQ lunch, prizes to be won, bouncy castle, slip N slide and more!
Castlecaulfield Show, Vintage Rally and Fun Day this Saturday 20th August, features, flowers, fruit, vegetables, home crafts, live entertainment, refreshments and fun activities. The Manor House and marquees will house all entry exhibits and over 20 craft stalls. Afternoon tea will be served in the ballroom between 1.00pm and 3.45pm. and a BBQ is also available. The House and show marquee will house 15 sections covering 176 classes and will be open from 1.30pm. Prize giving by Cecilia Daly, BBC Weather Girl. A free shuttle bus will operate within the grounds.
The NI Cruise car show returns to Mid Ulster on Saturday 20th August at the J&K Coach Yard Moneymore featuring show ‘n’ shine, live entertainment, demonstrations, trade stands, motorsport, competitions, family activities and inflatables.
Frock Around The Clock will be returning to Market Square Lisburn for the End Of Summer Vintage & Handmade Fair on Saturday 20th August and will feature from 27 stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectables, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, art, craft, gifts, & much more!
Join HMS Caroline for some family drop-in craft activity and make your own sailor puppet this Saturday. Take inspiration from the historic settings of HMS Caroline, and the various sailor styles to design your puppet’s outfit. A quick and simple activity using recycled materials and mixed media to fuel your imagination. This is a free activity, however a standard entrance fee will apply. As this is a drop in activity, you are welcome to stay as long as you like.
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.
Seamus, who grew up in Bellaghy and whose work was influenced by the spaces, people and places of his childhood, is also buried in the village and this event will recall the poet on the third anniversary of his passing.
It is also 50 years ago this year that Seamus’ first collection of poems was published by Faber & Faber and that body of work, ‘Death of a Naturalist’, will be celebrated throughout the event.
Poetic Gathering
Poets from across Ireland will attend the event to both honour Seamus and to recall his seminal first collection that gave us poems such as ‘Blackberry Picking’, ‘Digging’ and ‘Mid Term Break’. Death of a Naturalist received the Cholmondeley Award, the Gregory Award, the Somerset Maugham Award, and the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize.
Death of a Naturalist is largely concerned with childhood experiences and the formulation of adult identities, family relationships, and rural life. It is these themes that will inspire a day long series of cultural events at the Bawn with music, dance, recital, film and broadcast.
Poets already signed up to come along are Mel McMahon, Moyrah Donaldson, Colin Dardis and Geraldine O’Kane who will be among a dozen or so established writers coming to the event. Colin Dardis will also host Bellaghy’s first ever Poetry Slam in the Bawn at 6.00p,m that evening, so if you’re a fledgling writer or have an unpublished poem you’d like to share with the world, then do join in!
The day will also feature traditional music sessions, acrylic art workshops, creative writing workshops and art exhibitions. Foodies can enjoy fresh Lough Neagh eel and pollan and delicious buffalo burgers throughout the day. Further details on The Poetry House 2016 Facebook Page.
The event will be covered by no less than three national and local TV and radio broadcasters, including two from BBC Radio 4 and one from BBC2 Northern Ireland. BBC Radio 4 will be recording a special edition of its popular Open Country series on the landscapes that inspired Seamus Heaney, while that channel will also record an edition of Poetry Please at our Evening Recital, from 7.00p.m..
The organisers are also delighted to welcome I Lár an Aonaigh, the BBC2 NI television magazine show on the Irish Language to the event this year. They will be filming in and around Seamus Heaney’s home ground talking to local gaels about the landscapes and people of Bellaghy.
A staple on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s events programme, this year’s event takes place on Saturday 20 August from 6pm to 10.30pm. With a fantastic entertainment line-up, this free event has all the elements for a family evening out with music, a fun fair and the spectacular fireworks finale.
At 6pm, the music, which is being programmed by Open House, will commence on the stage and local TV and radio presenter Joe Lindsay will guide the audience through the event’s performers. Dogg Ruff String Band will get the party started with their toe-tapping, foot-stamping bluegrass music – sure to get the crowd moving!
Next up, is the Chris Keys Band. Influenced by the Nashville Country scene, Chris Keys is an award winning singer songwriter / guitarist who has developed an easy listening acoustic sound.
The superb headline act will not disappoint, taking to the stage at 8.30pm, the Dolly Parton tribute act “Silver Dagger” is the perfect end to the evening. This fantastic finale will feature all the classic songs celebrating Dolly’s bluegrass influences and recordings – Groomsport will be rocking!
At 10pm, the spectacular fireworks display will end the evening. This year’s music theme will be musical legends who have passed in recent years and will reference greats like David Bowie and Prince.
A special late night bus service departs from Groomsport’s Main Street to take revelers back to Bangor. The shuttle bus will leave at 10.30pm and 11.00pm and is a free service.
For the children, from 12 noon – 10pm, there will be a funfair in operation and from 2pm to 4pm; there will Jumping Clay workshops and children’s crafts at Cockle Row, another great reason to visit Groomsport and make a day of it!
There is a strict no glass policy on-site, so any alcohol consumed must be within the bar area
For further information on this event please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk