With a double dose of the Red Arrows to look forward to, the sky may be the limit for this year’s Air Waves Portrush event on September 3rd and 4^th, as the Causeway Coast and Glens prepares to front its best airshow weekend yet.

Causeway Coast and Glen Borough Council, organisers of the biggest free airshow on the island of Ireland 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.

Visitors to Portrush 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 and the much-loved Red Arrows flaunting their spellbinding aerobatic displays on both days of the show. As an added attraction this year, there will be a stunning new one-off pyrotechnic aerial show in Portstewart on the Saturday evening.

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.

Mayor of the Causeway Coast and Glens, Alderman Maura Hickey said; “The Air Waves Portrush Airshow is set to exceed what visitors have ever experienced in previous years.

“Air Waves Portrush is one of the most anticipated diary dates and I have no doubt that visitors of all ages will leave in awe of this year’s programme, both in the air and at our designated event sites all along the Portrush shoreline.

“I’m delighted to be able to reveal that Air Waves Portrush has extended its programme this year to include a spectacular show at dusk on Saturday 3rd at Portstewart from The Aerosparx display team.  This promises to light up the sky with a kaleidoscope of colour through pyrotechnics and smooth aerial manoeuvres followed by a fireworks display.  On the ground, there will be live music and street entertainment to guarantee a true festival atmosphere.

“Although our air show programme is now one of the best in the UK and Ireland, this is certainly not just for the plane buffs. Our on-the-ground activity will perfectly combine the aviation theme with music, food and family fun, definitely something for everyone.

“On a more serious note, we have also recognised that Air Waves Portrush has an important role to play in capturing the imagination of the younger generation, inspiring them towards science, technology or engineering careers in the armed forces or in the aerospace industry, with which Northern Ireland has such a long heritage.

“Teenage school leavers aged 16-19 should not miss trying out the brand new RAF Skytech experience.  In this futuristic POD, they will take on a 90 second virtual challenge, tackling some of the most testing aspects of an aviation job in a mini-assessment, which will be uploaded onto Youtube for all to watch back and share on social media.  The most talented ones may even get a call-back!”

Elsewhere on the ground, 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.

In this, Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink, there will, of course, be plenty for those with an appetite, with the artisan foodie delights of the region at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market.

And for a touch of refinement in the company of friends, don’t delay in booking your place in the Silver Wings hospitality chalet – the best seat in the house, with a waiter-service lunch, private bar, exclusive parking and front-row views of the weekend’s aerial spectacles.  Space each day is limited so advance booking is essential.

The Causeway Coast and Glens is getting set for what looks to be the best Air Waves Portrush Airshow yet – don’t miss it!

For information visit www.AirWavesPortrush.co.uk

Taking your first steps to promote and sell your product may seem like a daunting one, but the good news is that the highly successful ‘Journey to Market’ Programme, funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is now open again for applications.

This bespoke Programme is delivered by Lara Goodall Consulting Ltd in partnership with Nuala Foley & Associates and is available for all those food, arts and craft entrepreneurs. It will focus on those wishing to develop their ideas and hobbies aiming to take that vital step to selling their product mainstream.

To date, four programmes and forty-five businesses have successfully completed their Journey to Market and have taken their product into the public arena, selling to the general market. On Thursday 18^th August at Council’s Civic Headquarters Cloonavin, Council will host a celebration event to toast the most recent successful participants who have completed the course and officially launch the next programme.  This will be an opportunity to hear first-hand the success of previous participants and the benefits that will set you on the right path for your ‘Journey to Market.’

Julienne Elliott, Economic Development Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said, “The ‘Journey to Market’ Programme will again be providing one to one mentoring to support each participant to develop their ideas and ensure they have the necessary skills to take them forward.

“The Programme takes the form of workshops which provides the necessary skills in business planning, product development, visual merchandising and marketing. As well as this, these new entrepreneurs will get the chance to ‘meet the buyers’ within local restaurants, retailers and distributors.

“Lara Goodall will be the Programme Manager, bringing with her a wealth of specialist advisors to provide the bespoke workshops and one to one mentoring support.”

A knowledge clinic will be part of the programme and enables each participant to meet with key stakeholders such as funders and industry specialists to help the entrepreneurs on the right path as well as support with developing business plans and best practice.

Whilst the focus for 2016 is on food products as part of NI Year of Food, the ten places on the programme are open for applications from all artisan producers in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough including the art and craft sector.

The Mayor of the Borough, Alderman Hickey will be in attendance during the celebration event to present the certificates of completion to the previous attendees. Also attending will be Lara Goodall Programme Manager and Business Consultant, along with Julienne Elliott Economic Development, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to answer any questions guests may have.

Programme Manager and Business Consultant Lara Goodall stated, “this is quite unique in terms of programme content and facilitating those with a direct interest in developing their product.  So many budding entrepreneurs are in our Borough and in Northern Ireland, but we have taken it a step forward by designing and developing this particular Programme to ensure those who are interested, get the best possible advice and support available.

“Many of those who have completed the previous programme are doing exceptionally well and will be only too happy to speak to new budding entrepreneurs during the celebration event. The next Journey to Market Programme will commence in September and run until January and I would encourage those interested in taking part to apply.”

To confirm your interest in the programme, come along to Council’s offices, Cloonavin Coleraine on 18^th August at 6pm for the opportunity to source more information on the Journey to Market Programme, and ring Lara Goodall on 07793 388 343.

Holly Topping from Belfast takes to the stage this month with her squad in a hilariously funny, smart, sassy and spectacular production of Legally Blonde the Musical.

Ireland’s largest theatre school, Belfast School of Performing Arts, brings a cast of 60 young people from across the province aged just 6-16 years old to the Mac on Tuesday 16^th August when they will entertain their audience with an all singing all dancing production after an intensive rehearsal period of just 2 weeks!

Pictured are (l-r) Katie McCausland , aged 15 and Taylor Healy, also aged 15, both from Bangor with Holly Topping aged 15 from Jordanstown, Suzanne McNutt, aged 13 from Belfast and Abbie McGowan aged 15 from Jordanstown. Tickets on sale now at www.themaclive.com

Irish theatrical torch-blues legend Mary Coughlan is set to perform at Causeway Coast and Glen’s Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady on Saturday 3rd September at 8pm.

The internationally acclaimed legend, hailed as one of Ireland’s best ever singers, is set to entrance audiences in the Centre’s intimate Danny Boy auditorium. Telling her unique story in her inimitable style through the many songs she has recorded over the last 25 years, this is a performance not to be missed!

Throughout Mary’s quite extraordinary recording career she has drawn from her legendary heroes: Billie Holiday’s grievous, teary outpourings, the husky flirtations of Peggy Lee, Van Morrison’s soulful wails, the defiant chanteuse style of Edith Piaf. All are present and correct in her delivery. Even so, Mary, with her naked honesty makes every song her own; they belong to her and nobody else.

2010 was the 25th anniversary of Coughlan’s seminal album Tired and Emotional which was Ireland’s biggest selling album in the year of release and is now seven times platinum. The following year, she released the acclaimed The House of Ill Repute, hailed by Q Magazine and critics alike as a serious return to form, complimented by the publication of her bestselling auto-biography Bloody Mary. She released her latest album Scars on the Calendar in May 2015.

Performing to international venues, including a sold out show at the Sydney Opera House, Coughlan has been heralded as Ireland’s match for Tom Waits!  The Observer describes her talent as awesome, whilst New Music Express say her live performances have to be seen to be believed.

Desima Connolly, Arts & Cultural Services Officer said, “This is the second time Mary has performed here. Her first concert back in 2012 was an amazing night and she had the audience spellbound. We are delighted to welcome her back.”

To book a ticket or find out more please contact the team at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com.

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival is cuing action for the ‘Magic of the Movies’ community concert taking place on Wednesday 31^st August as part of the Festival’s 2016 programme.

Sponsored by Lockton Insurance, the musical evening will include performances from the Belfast Operatic Company and The Leading Ladies and will raise funds for the Festivals 2016 charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The score for the evening will be taken from well-known movie soundtracks. The Belfast Operatic Company is renowned for its production credits such as Beauty and the Beast and Titanic the Musical, both of which have been performed at the Grand Opera House. Meanwhile the Leading Ladies have been hailed as Northern Ireland’s premier vocal harmony quartet and are well-known for their stage versatility throughout the local music scene.

Linda Alexander from charity, the Cystic Fibrosis Trust said: “The community concert is set to be a great event full of entertainment that will be music to your ears! We are inviting guests to come along and support our cause to raise resources to support research and clinical care for Cystic Fibrosis sufferers.”

Archie McAvoy from sponsor, Lockton Insurance, said: “The musical evening is great opportunity to connect with the local community and raise awareness of the good work the Cystic Fibrosis Trust will be able to do through its involvement with the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival.  Lockton are big believers in looking after people so we’re thrilled to come on board to support this community event.”

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival runs from Tuesday 30^th August – Saturday 3^rd September. To book your tickets for the musical evening and for all other Festival information 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.

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It’s time to head uptown and get down with some Motown Funk ‘n’ Soul as Jo Petit and The Dream Band bring their high energy dance-along party to Solitude Park, Banbridge on Friday 26 August at 7.30pm.

This funktastic FREE concert will feature well-known classics such as James Brown’s ‘I Feel Good’, Tina Turners ‘Proud Mary’ and Stevie Wonders ‘Superstition’ right up to present day hits such as Pharrell Williams, ‘Happy’ and  Bruno Mars ‘Uptown Funk’.

Jo Petit & The Dream Band have been wowing audiences since 2012 and feature some of the finest musicians from across the globe who between them have accumulated  several decades in the showbiz spotlight.

Having performed in some of Europe’s most celebrated venues, from London’s O2 Arena to the prestigious five star Inter-Alpen Hotel located in the Austrian Alps, the six piece band have received rave reviews for their uncanny recreation and dynamic delivery of some of the best loved hottest hits.

So whether its old school soul, the magic of Motown or a modern day jazz funk mashup, Jo Petit and The Dream Band will be sure to have you shuffling to their stylish signature sound in Solitude Park.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

Excited students across Northern Ireland are getting ready to go to university in Britain and the Irish Sea’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, has a budget busting way to get them there for FREE, when travelling by car!*

From only £79 single car and driver, usually mum, dad or another adult can take up to four students for FREE. This great offer is available on the Belfast to Cairnryan and Belfast to Liverpool routes for travel between 1 September, right up to 30 October.  Simply book by 26 September.

Plus with no baggage restrictions or charges, students can pack all the things they can’t live without including their heavy books, games consoles, clothing, guitar, even an ironing board if they’re feeling like doing a bit of housework!

Heather Gawley, Route Marketing Manager Irish Sea North, Stena Line, said:  “Students don’t need to look anywhere else when it comes to great value travel – you can’t get better value than free!”

Get online and book now at stenaline.co.uk/students

*Students travel free as additional passengers on an Economy, Flexi or Premium motorist fare when at least one other adult is driving.  Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Summer may be coming to an end, but there is still plenty of time to book a relaxing short break in Northern Ireland, and Hastings Hotels have some fantastic great-value options to choose from.

Whether you want to explore beautiful scenery, a favourite filming location, world famous tourist attractions or enjoy a lively city break or romantic getaway, Hastings Hotels can make your break extra-special.

Ballygally Castle

Game of Thrones Afternoon Tea: Enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast and a Game of Thrones afternoon tea, in Ballygally Castle Hotel, a 17^th century castle on the tip of the stunning Causeway Coast, close to several famous filming locations from HBO’s Game of Thrones, all from £75pps.

Culloden Estate and Spa

Classically Culloden: This offer includes a night’s bed and breakfast at Northern Ireland’s most prestigious hotel, the Culloden Estate and Spa. Each person who takes advantage of this offer is also entitled to £10 of credit to use however they wish in the Estate. The Classically Culloden offer is available from only £90pps.

Titanic Package: Situated just a short drive away from the centre of Belfast, Culloden Estate and Spa is perfectly situated to explore the attractions on offer in the city, including the famous Titanic Belfast. With the Titanic package, tickets to the visitor attraction are included with bed and breakfast at the Culloden from £100pps.

Bubbles: Book a night at the Culloden Estate and Spa with breakfast and enjoy a bottle of Prosecco during your stay, from £90pps.

Dinner, Bed and Breakfast: Dine in style at the Culloden’s Mitre Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Northern Ireland, run by top chef Paul McKnight, spend the night in the hotel with breakfast the following morning, all from £130pps.

Europa Hotel

Olympic Going for Gold: Don’t miss this special offer during the Olympic Games. Bed and breakfast at the Europa Hotel is included with a cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.  Anyone who books the Going For Gold offer will be entered into a prize draw to win an overnight stay with breakfast at their choice of Hastings Hotels. From £95 per room, specific dates only until August 21.

Titanic Package: Stay overnight in Belfast’s famous Europa Hotel with breakfast from £60pps, with tickets for the popular Titanic Belfast visitor attraction included.

Sip into Summer: Enjoy bed and breakfast in the Europa Hotel with a cocktail or mocktail upon arrival as part of this mouth-watering offer, from just £105 per room.

Everglades Hotel

Summer Cocktail in the City: Take a trip to the Everglades Hotel this summer and enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail or mocktail upon arrival and luxurious overnight accommodation with full Irish breakfast in the morning, all from £45pps.

Slieve Donard Resort and Spa

The Summer Collection: Enjoy a stay at the Slieve Donard this summer and choose from a series of dinner, bed and breakfast packages. A luxurious night’s accommodation plus breakfast, 4-course dinner in Oak Restaurant and use of spa facilities is available in 1, 2 or 3 night packages, starting from £140pps for one night.

Stormont Hotel

Stylishly Stormont: Treat yourself to a night’s stay with breakfast at the Stormont Hotel, situated just minutes away from Belfast City Centre and overlooking the beautiful grounds of Stormont Estate. Also included in this offer is a bottle of Prosecco with strawberries, all from £99 per room.

Cocktail, Cab & City Lights: Soak up the sights and sounds of Belfast with a stay in the Stormont Hotel from just £90 per room. As well as a night’s bed and breakfast in the 4-star hotel, a welcome cocktail upon arrival is included as well as a taxi into Belfast so you can experience all the city has to offer.

Titanic: Experience not only Stormont Hotel’s luxurious 4* accommodation and cuisine, but also one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, Titanic Belfast. Enjoy overnight bed and breakfast in the Stormont Hotel, plus tickets for the Titanic exhibition, from only £50pps.

To find out more about Hastings Hotels go to www.hastingshotels.com or to book call 028 9047 1066.

Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. All offers valid until the end of August.

An old favourite returns to Ward Park this Sunday, August 21 when Nathan O’Regan takes to the bandstand as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Music In The Park programme.

Cork-born Nathan has been working hard on crafting his live performances and draws crowds wherever he goes all over Ireland. Currently signed to Grammy award-winner Jimmy Hogarth’s record label, his debut album will be released later this year. Nathan has attracted acclaim from people of all ages, and is sure to have many fans in the audience in Ward Park.

So if you fancy relaxing to some smooth vocals and guitar sounds in beautiful surroundings then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone. Each event is weather dependent and subject to change on the day.

This year’s music programme is being provided by Open House.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone our Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Now for the first time Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, in collaboration with The Causeway Lass and Babushka in Portrush, can offer a truly unique experience unlike anything else found anywhere in Ireland.

Leaving Portrush Harbour, just before daybreak in The Causeway Lass, we will catch our breakfast in the crystal clear waters of the Causeway Coast, as the sun slowly rises over The Mull of Kintyre and Rathlin Island.

With the exception of waterproof clothing and suitable footwear, all fishing equipment and bait is provided along with tuition as to its use. During the trip tea and coffee will be available.

Your breakfast will be dependent on the variety of fish caught, but Mackerel Surprise is almost certain to be on the menu. The fun of fishing is, ‘you never can tell!’

At this time of the morning we may well encounter dolphins, basking sharks etc. so it is advisable to bring along a camera.

Having caught, cleaned and learned about the days catch; we will head to Babushka, where our bounty will be prepared and paired with local, seasonal produce to create a breakfast to be enjoyed overlooking the West Strand.

We are excited to be able to work with local providers to share this unique opportunity with you.

Timings

06.15 hrs                     Meet on North Pier, Portrush Harbour

06.30 hrs                     Go fishing on the Causeway Lass

07.45 hrs                     Return from fishing and fillet catch

08.30 – 10.00 hrs        Breakfast at Babushka

Cost

£45.00 per person. (Booking is essential as numbers are limited to 12 on the boat).

Bookings may be made via webpage: www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com

Tel: +44 (0) 7912 408 256 or E-mail – causewayfoodie@gmail.com