Local band Paper Dogs, known for their funky blues rock sound, the 4 piece have been announced as the winners of the inaugural Sunflowerfest ‘Grass Roots’ band competition.

Over the past months, heats were held for the competition across Northern Ireland, including in Bangor, where Paper Dogs took the top prize. The winners from each heat then played a final gig to an enthusiastic crowd in Voodoo Belfast this week, where judges, picked Paper Dogs as the firm favourite on the night. As their prize, the group will now get the fantastic opportunity of playing a set on the barn stage at Sunflowerfest on Friday 5^th August 2016, at 1.50pm.

The band includes Chris Rooney (Guitar and Vocals), Nick McCully (Guitar), Mark Mahood (Bass), Kris Young (Drums) and has been together since 2012, and record their own material at Vega studio in Bangor and have recorded their most recent EP with Chris Ryan at Start together Studio, the oh Yeah Center. They hope this opportunity to play at Northern Ireland’s fastest growing festival will give them a step-up and the chance to reach more people with their music.

Inspired by bands 70’s bands such as Thin Lizzy and current artist Graveyard Paper Dogs deliver a funky or groovy blues rock sound and will be playing their own music as they take to the stage at Sunflowerfest. They also plan to debut 2 new songs they are working on at the moment. The band is just finishing their second EP, which is due for release this summer.

Speaking at the competition Chris Rooney said “Playing Sunflowerfest is going to be the highlight of our summer.”  When we entered Grass Roots, we just wanted decent exposure and to meet other bands we could gig with in the future; we didn’t think we’d win!  Now we’re going to be playing among 120 of the best acts in NI and further afield at the festival; we can’t wait to get down to the farm!

Michael Magowan, festival organizer, said “We are absolutely over the moon that Paper Dogs have taken home the Grass Roots crown. We couldn’t be more proud of the band! Right from the beginning they have been amazing to work with, from the initial heat through to the final, and we see big things in the group’s future.”

“Very well done to Chris, Nick, Mark and Kris. We can’t wait to see them live on stage at Sunflowerfest this summer and we will continue to support them as much as we can.”

Sunflowerfest takes place at Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, 5^th to 7^th August. As always, the music line up at this year’s Sunflowerfest covers all genres with a wide range of local and international acts confirmed for the festival’s six diverse stages… something to suit all tastes. Weekend tickets cost from £79.95 per adult and each adult ticket admits 2 children aged 15 and younger for free. Day tickets are also available £28.

For further information or to purchase tickets visit: http://www.sunflowerfest.co.uk/

We are delighted that Northern Ireland has reached the knockout stages at the European Championships.

We will continue with our family fun football events at both Mossley Mill and Antrim Castle Gardens, with a live screening of Northern Ireland v Wales on Saturday 25 June.  The event will begin from 4pm with kick off at 5pm.

Tickets will be released today at 3pm for both sites and are available to book online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/football or in person from Theatre at The Mill Box Office, Clotworthy House or Antrim Civic Centre.  Due to high demand tickets are restricted to four per person.

You know Summer has arrived in Bangor when the Sunday music returns to The Bandstand in Ward Park.

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s popular Music In The Park programme has been running for 11 years now and has become hugely popular with visitors who look forward to kicking back in the sunshine and enjoying some quality music acts. This year the Open House Festival will be programming the events, providing the most eclectic line-up of acts ever seen at The Bandstand!

Kicking off this year on Sunday, July 3, then running every Sunday for the whole of July and August, this year’s programme features a mix of blues, folk, easy listening and even some punk! Featuring gems such as; The Blues Street Preachers, Les Petits Hardchargers, Chris Keys Band, Sam Wickens, Jigs & Reels, & Nathan O’Regan!  The finale event will be the fabulous Open House Bluegrass Picnic taking place on the last Sunday in August.

One of the highlights of the 2016 programme will be ‘Punk In The Park,’ taking place on August 14. Shock Treatment 21 a modern day reincarnation of a late 70s punk new/wave outfit will take park-goers on a trip down memory lane to their punk hey-day – a new departure for Ward Park! So spike up your hair and don’t miss it!

Opening the programme on July 3 is The Salvation Army Brass Band playing a traditional programme of music to commemorate the 100^th year anniversary of The Battle of the Somme.

So if you fancy a lazy Sunday in the park, enjoying live music from the comfort of a deck chair, stick the dates in your diary, gather your family and friends, pack a picnic and head to Ward Park, every Sunday in July and August from 3 – 5pm.

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol free zone.

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

LOCAL food and drink producers will have the opportunity to showcase their products at this year’s Armoy Road Races on Friday 29^th and Saturday 30^th July 2016.

The Armoy Road Races is one of Northern Ireland’s prime motorsport gatherings, attracting motorcycle riders both locally and internationally.  Last year there were a record number of spectators to the event and in the run up to the main racing dates, a variety of events such as classic car and motorcycle displays, a horseshoe throwing competition, BBQs and the bikers’ ride out will take place from Sunday 24^th July followed by practice on Friday 29^th and racing on Saturday 30^th July 2016.

By teaming up with Tourism Northern Ireland for its Year of Food and Drink campaign, this year visitors to the road races will be able to sample and buy local produce in a dedicated food and drink marquee.

Shauna McFaul from Ballycastle Market said, “We are delighted to be involved with the road races this year.  It gives us the opportunity to show off all the wonderful, tasty and innovative food and drinks which are produced in the area in an exciting and unique setting.

“We’ll have plenty of stalls providing an opportunity for everyone to try as well as buy what’s on offer.  Armoy Road Races is a great event to be associated with and we are really looking forward to being there.  The Year of Food and Drink has monthly themes and as the theme for July is seas, rivers and coasts, we are well situated to enable some of our great fish producers to show what they do.  In addition to the theme, we’ll have everything from artisan cakes and breads to a selection of local craft ales and beers available.”

Ann Moreland from Tourism Northern Ireland said, “We are pleased to support the food and drink showcase at this year’s Armoy Road Races.  The NI Year of Food and Drink is a celebration of our local heritage and gives visitors a true taste of what local producers and traders have to offer.  Being involved with Armoy Road Races gives us an exclusive event to promote what is available in North Antrim.”

Now in its eight year, the Armoy Road Races is set to be another hotly contested event with a quality line up of riders, which usually includes the like of locals and brothers Michael and William Dunlop, as well as some notable riders from the Republic of Ireland, Great Britain and further afield. Practice, as well as the first Supersport race, takes place on Friday 29^th July with a full programme of racing on Saturday 30^th July 2016.

Bill Kennedy, Clerk of the Course said, “It is great that we are able to showcase and promote our local producers at this year’s races.  To have all the traders in a dedicated marquee is a brilliant way for visitors to see the great selection of food and drink that is available in the local area.

“We are delighted to be working with Shauna, her team and Tourism Northern Ireland.”

Fans have the option of enjoying the races through a VIP package which gives them car parking in the official car parks, access to any of the grandstands and exclusive access to the VIP corporate hospitality marquee which will serve morning coffee and scones followed by a locally sourced gourmet buffet lunch, showcasing local producers, and complimentary wine.

To purchase VIP tickets, priced at £80 with a table of ten costing £750, please contact Darryl at NakedPR by emailing darryl@naked-pr.com or by calling 028 9091 8677.

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Bike Week runs from Sunday 24^th July until Saturday 30^th July 2016 with the SGS International ‘Race of Legends’ featuring on the Saturday 30^th July 2016.

For more information visit 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.

Down

Enjoy a fun filled family day out celebrating our very own Comber Earlies and more at the Comber Earlies Food Festival this Saturday 25th June.  Start your day with a unique dish from one of the many local artisan food stalls at the festival. There will be potato themed children’s workshops and crafts and a chance to meet the growers. Live music, fun walk about acts and competitions will ensure there is lots to see and do to keep the whole family entertained including Meet the Growers, Artisan Food, Cookery Demonstrations, Vintage Tractors, Children’s Activities and Live Music.

Armagh

For those who want to explore everything the City of Armagh has to offer, a guided walking tour is a must!  You’ll walk through Armagh’s rich history as you hear stories and anecdotes about the area, learn about the City’s renowned Georgian architecture and stroll along the distinct cobbled streets as you unearth some of the City’s hidden gems along the way. Every Wednesday – Saturday from Wednesday 15 June – Saturday 27 August 2016 at11.00 am – 12.00pm, 1.00pm – 2.00pm. Only £3.00 per person departing from Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

Fermanagh

Join staff at the Marble Arch Caves in a hunt for unseen wildlife this Saturday 25^th June in the Marble Arch National Nature Reserve. Hunt in habitats throughout the Nature Reserve, catching and identifying invertebrates as you go! Learn a bit more about these mini-beasts’ fascinating lifestyles and their roles in an eco-system. You will also get an opportunity to get up close to some of the moth species found in the woodland, as you discover what is inside our moth trap from the night before! This event is suitable for people of all ages but all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Please bring warm waterproof clothing and suitable footwear.

Tyrone

Living Vintage very much welcomes this return visit to the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday 25^th June to support the very necessary work carried out in the Koram Centre. Living Vintage will bring their unique show of authentic clothes and accessories from the 1940s – 50s from their private collection. This amazing show is set in an atmosphere of fun and nostalgia, suitable for all ages, could be a trip down memory lane for some or a peek into grandma’s wardrobe. Early booking is advisable for this very exciting and memorable show.

Derry/Londonderry

BEST Wrestling Live bring “The Fight Across The Foyle” on Saturday June 25th to the Magee Sports Centre in Derry at 7pm, featuring Marty Jones and Johnny Saint, BEST’s first ever women’s wrestling match featuring Kaci Quin and Heidi Katrina, the man of a million kicks Cambo Cray,  and many more!  The newest wrestlers on the scene straight from The NI School of Wrestling plan to make an impact! Tickets available now from the Magee Sports Centre.

Antrim

Whatever your rural passion, indulge it to the full at the 2016  Irish Game Fair & Fine Food  Festival, incorporating the NI Angling Show, at Shanes Castle, Antrim on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th June (10am-6pm daily). From angling, archery and air rifles to falconry, fine food, ferrets and fun, it’s all about country sports and pursuits. Check out the medieval jousting, wander through a Living History Village, or cower at the re-enactment of the Battle of Antrim plus cookery demos and a great country-themed tented retail village.

Belfast

Travel back in time and follow in the footsteps of Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Britain’s Robert Falcon Scott as they embark on a 1,800 mile journey to be the first to reach the South Pole at Titanic Belfast’s Summer Exhibition ‘Race to the End of the Earth’!  This must-see exhibition, on loan from the American Museum of Natural History, will be on display for the very first time in the UK and Ireland from 25th June – 28th August, so don’t miss your chance to see it!  Described by New York Times as “five-star” and “engrossing”, this is the must-see Summer exhibition for kids, adults, explorer enthusiasts and adventurers alike!  Enter the Race to the End of the Earth from 10am – 6pm daily for an experience to remember!

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.

Our local history is under the spotlight at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh with two very different performances taking a candid look back.

‘The Rebel Crown’ is a poetic history of the extraordinary turbulent life of Red Hugh O’Neill Earl of Tyrone. It is a candid look at a man full of contradictions. Was he a saint or a sinner?

‘The Rebel Crown’, written and performed by award winning actor and writer Owen O’Neill, will take an irreverent look at what might have been. One thing is certain. Red Hugh was one of Ireland’s greatest warrior chieftains, a master tactician on the field of battle, undone in the end by treachery. ‘The Rebel Crown’ will commemorate the 400th anniversary of his death in Rome in 1616 aged 66. ‘The Rebel Crown’ will be staged on Friday 24^th June at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 and £11 (concession).

UK comedy circuit stalwart Neil Dougan attempts to compress over five hundred years of protestant culture into his new one man show, ‘Heretics & Head The Balls’. Packed with tales of head the balls and heretics. His subjects range from revolutionary reformists to bonfire builders. The Four Musketeers, a tribe of Native American Orangemen, The Scots Irish, 17th Century Calvinist orgies in Essex; Saint Patrick, even Rasputin gets a mention.

‘Heretics & Head The Balls’ will be staged on Saturday 25^th June at 9pm. Tickets are priced £12 each. Please note the show contains adult references, and responsibility for allowing under 12s to view lies with the accompanying adult.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

As part of The Somme programme of events, Theatre at The Mill in association with the Amoory Theatre Company and with the generous support of the Ulster-Scots Agency, present Tom.

Thomas McKinney was born in 1893 to a prosperous farming family in Carnmoney, County Antrim.  He attended the Royal Belfast Academical Institution (RBAI or ‘Inst’), before being sent to the Ballyhaise Agricultural College in Cavan in 1910 to prepare him for his future inheritance – the comfortable house and farm of Sentry Hill.

The McKinney’s could not have foreseen the flood of carnage and destruction that would sweep across the European continent in 1914. It was a tide of effects that would be felt across the island of Ireland and the rest of the world. Sentry Hill would not escape untouched as young Tom McKinney, the heir to the farm, joined the Irish Fusilier’s in 1914.  Tom survived the Battle of the Somme, but later died of his injuries on July 19th, 1916.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “It is a great privilege to have Sentry Hill as a visitor attraction within our Council and a very fitting tribute to the late Thomas McKinney for us to be here today to launch his story as part of our commemorative programme of events for the centenary of the Battle of The Somme.”

The play Tom is his story, based on his letters and journals. Tickets are available from £10 and can be booked online at www.theatreatthemill.com or www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice or Theatre at The Mill Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or The Old Courthouse 028 9446 3113

Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign continues to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of fans worldwide

21 June 2016 – Episode nine of season six of Game of Thrones® aired last night (Monday, 20 June) and Tourism Ireland unveiled its penultimate ‘Door of Thrones’ – in the Ballygally Castle Hotel, near the filming location of Cairncastle, depicted in the scene where Littlefinger took Sansa to Moat Cailin and she made her decision to ally with the Boltons.

This week’s door in the Ballygally Castle Hotel pays homage to last night’s episode and features striking designs honouring the Starks and Boltons. It’s part of Tourism Ireland’s 2016 Game of Thrones® campaign, created in partnership with HBO, which is showcasing Northern Ireland to millions of the show’s fans worldwide.

The stellar popularity of Game of Thrones® presents a fantastic opportunity for Tourism Ireland to promote Northern Ireland. The organisation’s campaign is an innovative way to bring the destination to the attention of fans of the fantasy drama everywhere – spiking their curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspiring them to come and explore them for themselves. The doors are being unveiled by Tourism Ireland each week as the series unfolds, in restaurants, pubs and other venues near Game of Thrones® filming locations across Northern Ireland.

Tourism Ireland has also unveiled its ninth – limited edition – Game of Thrones® stamp, another element of its campaign, produced in conjunction with the Royal Mail.

HBO’s Game of Thrones® is one of the most popular and successful fantasy TV series ever made and it is filmed in Northern Ireland which is the principal filming location.

The atmosphere captured on film is in no small way due to the stunning filming locations chosen by HBO to feature in the show. There are over 20 publically accessible filming locations in NI and Tourism Northern Ireland is eager for people to get out and explore them.

Tourism NI’s Communication & Destination PR Officer, Rachel Quigg, said: “As season 6 of the series comes to an end we thought it would be a great time to look at all of the wonderful experiences people can now enjoy across Northern Ireland due to the success of Game of Thrones®.  Part of the shows appeal and what has made it so popular with millions of fans are the mesmerising fantasy lands of Westeros which of course have been brought to life using Northern Ireland’s rugged coastlines, historic castles and breathtaking countryside and forests.

“Some of the dramatic scenery which forms the backdrop to much of the show’s action can be found in Northern Ireland in various locations including Causeway Coast and Glens, County Down and County Fermanagh.  Fans can easily visit many of the locations where a favourite scene was filmed or walk in the footsteps of a much-loved character.

“The Northern Ireland tourism industry has really embraced the global interest in Game of Thrones® and developed a range of exciting visitor experiences– self guided, guided tours and immersive experiences such as replica costumes, themed menus and interactive adventures”.

FIND YOUR OWN WESTEROS

Causeway Coast and Glens Game of Thrones® Tour – choose between one day, two day and three day Game of Thrones® self-drive itineraries and discover some key filming locations of the show along the stunning Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland. Plotting a path through the scenic splendour of the Seven Kingdoms, it takes you to where so many of the pivotal scenes were filmed.

The Game of Thrones® itinerary not only brings to life the drama of the series, but also provides a front row seat at locations steeped in local myth and legend, where ancient warriors walked long before leading men. Download the Game of Thrones® Locations app to pave your own way and look out for the dedicated signage and panels which has been installed at key locations from the show.

GUIDED TOURS

There are a number of guided and private day bus tours visiting the Causeway Coast and Co. Down as well as key filming locations across Northern Ireland.

McComb’s Coach Travel, rated 5*, visits some of the main locations where filming took place like Cushendun Caves, The Dark Hedges, Ballintoy Harbour, Castle Ward and Tollymore Forest Park.  You are driven by someone with first-hand experience and have a wealth of knowledge about where and when filming was done.

For a tour with a difference, why not get a unique ocean perspective of many of the stunning locations where this popular fantasy series was filmed on a sea safari. Key sites include Ballintoy Harbour and Murlough Bay. Operated by Aquaholics, you will tour on the very same boat that the film crew used during production of the series.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN WINTERFELL

The series was actually filmed on location in the farmyard at Castle Ward in Co. Down, just 40 minutes from Belfast.  Filming location hotspots include Winterfell Castle, Robb’s Camp, The Twins House of Frey, the Tree Branch where Brienne discovers three hanging bodies and many more.

The Winterfell Castle archery range filming set has been masterfully recreated in the Winterfell Castle. Dress up in replica character costumes from the show, stand exactly where ‘Jon Snow’, ‘Robb and Bran Stark’ stood and enjoy the thrill of firing live arrows!

There are also three self-guided cycle tour options: Robb’s Trail, Tywin’s Trail and Robb’s/Tywin’s Trail & Direwolf Pups Trail. Hop on a ‘Westeros Cruiser’ bicycle and recreate your own favourite scenes from Game of Thrones®– firstly you will meet Winterfell Castle’s Master-at-Arms in the ‘Armory & Forge’ who will issue you with a Game of Thrones® tour ‘Stark Sack’ to ensure you can defend yourself in the wilds of Westeros! A boat tour is a third option to enjoy stunning views from the water of the various ancient Westeros Castles and other shoreline locations used by HBO.

EAT LIKE A KING

The 4* Ballygally Castle Hotel in Co. Antrim offers a Game of Thrones® Afternoon Tea which will delight fans of the world renowned show as well as those who love the indulgence of a delicious afternoon tea.  The tasty treats, inspired by the fantasy lands of Winterfell, Iron Islands, King’s Landing or Stormlands, includes Lannister egg rolls, Baratheon bread, Littlefinger Chicken Caesar wraps, Jon Snow cakes and Dothraki trifle with mini Dragons’ eggs!

The King’s Banquet at The Cuan in Strangford is another unique way to recreate scenes from the show. The Cuan boasts exceptionally strong connections to this world renowned medieval drama having provided accommodation for many of the stars. Enter the creative Game of Thrones® inspired, award winning restaurant, enjoy the magnificent food of the banquet, partake in their customs and get some amazing photos for sharing with friends!

STAY & PLAY OPTIONS

Bed down for a night in a quirky glamping pod deep in the forest of ‘Winterfell’ at Castle Ward and explore the sprawling demesne and its many filming location hotspots and recreate your very own Game of Thrones® moments with a replica character costume and Stark family ‘LARP swords’. This experience includes one night’s glamping, with archery and cycling activities.

DOOR OF THRONES

Tourism NI and Tourism Ireland have been unveiling a series of ten intricately carved doors, depicting moments inspired by the current season in a campaign known as #DoorOfThrones. The doors have been carved from trees blown down in Storm Gertrude earlier in the year at the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim which serves as the backdrop for the Kingsroad, perhaps the most iconic Game of Thrones® location in Northern Ireland.

The impressive pieces of art are hanging in pubs and other venues in Northern Ireland near filming locations where iconic scenes took place, giving visitors a brand new Game of Thrones® Territory trail to follow. Check them out in places such as Blakes of the Hollow in Enniskillen (Co. Fermanagh), The Fullerton Arms Ballintoy (Co. Antrim) and The Cuan (Co. Down).

For further information on the Games of Thrones® filming locations download the free filming locations app for Apple https://goo.gl/YVWLel and Android https://goo.gl/O6pDpD and visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/experiencegameofthrones.

On Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd July, the streets of Portrush will be transform into a wonderland  where Pirates, Vikings, Medieval Knights and Jacobean Soldiers will welcome and entertain children of all ages.

Portrush Heritage Group announced, at the official launch reception in Portrush Yacht Club, its ambitious plans for this year’s Pirates Off Portrush and Medieval Fair. In attendance at the reception were the Mayor Councillor Maura Hickey, Actors, Volunteers and Sponsors.  The festival weekend is jointly funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and local Business and Community Organisations.

The Mayor praised the local traders for backing the initiative and stated that the Council were supportive of Portrush Heritage Group in their efforts to bring new events to the town. Arnaldo Morelli commented that Morelli’s were delighted to be asked to be the lead sponsor and they had plans to create a special pirate ice-cream sundae to celebrate their involvement in the event.

Details of the free family weekend were revealed by Event Director John Moore .

On Saturday morning there will be a Treasure Hunt  around the town, Street Dancing, Story Telling, Competitions for Pirate Fancy Dress and Dancing, Big Head Characters, Climbing Wall for the more adventurous, roving Samba Band.

The afternoon begins in the Amphitheatre and Kerr Street Green with a rollicking tale of Piracy on the high seas where the all female crew of Grace O’Malley takes on the all male crew of Tavish Dhu. Their Pirate Ships set sail around Portrush in a grand chase followed by a parade of floats, actors, dancers, a Giant Pirate, music colour and excitement. To find out who will win the battle of the sexes you will have to come along and find out.

Sunday starts at 12 noon with Dragoons firing Cannon and Muskets, a Medieval Village with Minstrels, a food stall, blacksmith, barbour / surgeon, medieval crafts and games, a battle workshop, weapons & armour, a basket weaver, story-telling monks, a coracle maker, viking  camp and long ship, have- a-go archery, currachs and monks at a medieval well. To cap it all there will be a giant Marquee with the Palais Big Swing Band and a Throne of Swords set and medieval drama.

Chairman of Portrush Heritage Group John Mc Nally stated that Pirates Off Portrush is…

• a free-entrance carnival weekend to be enjoyed by all
• a programme of drama, dance, music, walkabout entertainers, re-enactment and fun.
• a celebratory atmosphere for all the community
• a wide range of opportunities for groups, individuals and families to participate in the have-a-go events.