Down

This Saturday step into Winterfell and take aim where young Bran was taught archery by Jon Snow. Have a go at archery in the very place where the BAFTA award winning TV show was filmed – in  the courtyard aka ‘Winterfell’.  Stand in the recreated Game of Thrones archery film set tipi, dress in a Game Of Thrones like costume to look the part and get ready to take aim. Suitable for 8 years+ for an open Bran session (50 mins) and 4 years+ for a private Ned session (1hr).  (Under 18’s must be accompanied by an adult).

Armagh

Crunch your way around Armagh as Ireland’s Orchard County marks its first three-day apple blossom festival in 2016.  If you love apples, apple juice, cider, and tarts, with a generous helping of fun and entertainment, the good news is that Armagh’s Apple Blossom Festival is now three days long and not far away.  Celebrating its Orchard County status, Armagh will mark the start of this year’s growing season over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend from Saturday 30 April to Monday 2 May against the breath-taking pink backdrop of 4,000 flower-filled acres of land.

Fermanagh

This May Bank Holiday (30th April to May 2nd), try out all Share Village’s extravaganza activities for an amazing price of £5 for 1 hour sessions and £10 for 2 hour sessions if pre-paid, (£8 for 1 hour sessions and £13 for two hour sessions pay on the day).  For every two activities you get a free swim.  Mad May offers not to be missed!

Tyrone

The biggest country weekend of 2016 is fast approaching and tickets are selling fast. This May Bank holiday Weekend will see the return of the number one country music event in Northern Ireland, Jamboree in the Park. Over this one weekend country music fans are set to come together to form a weekend that is an unforgettable experience for all.  Showcasing all of Irelands top country acts at the one venue in the one weekend!

Derry

Whether you want a relaxing, fun-filled or adrenaline-pumping May Bank Holiday, they have it all at Foylehov Activity Centre, Limavady, with lots of activities that everyone can enjoy including Hovercrafts, Powerturn Buggies, Laser Combat, Archery, Laser Clay Shooting, Football and Golf.  Prices start from £5 per person with a wide range of fun activities and packages available for all ages.

Antrim

Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend is a four day festival of music, drama, poetry, art, walks, workshops and family fun in one of the most beautiful villages in the Glens of Antrim.  The programme has something for everyone and many of the events are free. 29^th April to 2^nd May.

Belfast

Belfast’s largest free festival, The Festival of Fools, returns over May Day Bank Holiday Weekend for its 13th edition.  From 29th April to 2nd May, daredevil acrobatics; chaotic clowning; heart-stopping Hip Hop and madcap musicians will be putting smiles on the faces of strangers and sending the sounds of laughter around Belfast City Centre.

Add your events free at www.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.

In Sir Van Morrison’s 1989 album ‘Avalon Sunset’ he describes a road trip to Coney Island.

His beautifully mundane descriptions of a day out in the south Down area has become one of the most evocative songs ever written about any part of the world. This particular road trip guided tour with the ultimate Celtic soul soundtrack, along with stunning visions of the Mountains of Mourne, has touched the heart of many Van Morrison fans and others.

‘Coney Island’ by Van Morrison

THE May Bank Holiday is the perfect time to get out and enjoy the long weekend with friends and family and to help people along, Tourism NI has listed some of the exciting events and things to see and do that are available all over Northern Ireland.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer, explains why everyone should get out and about this May Bank Holiday:

“With so much choice on offer from arts festivals and walks to family fun days and music events, everyone will find something they really want to go and experience.

“For those with an adventurous side there are a wide range of fun outdoor activities and events to choose from and if you prefer something a little bit more laid back there are lots of places to visit where you can kick back and enjoy some rest and relaxation.”

To help make the most of the May Day Bank Holiday, Tourism Northern Ireland has highlighted a number of fun events which are happening across NI.

BELFAST

The sound of laughter will be echoing all over Belfast this Bank Holiday weekend, as the 13^th Festival of Fools comes to town. Over 120 performances will be taking place from April 29 – May 2, all free of charge with daredevil acrobatics, circus acts, comedy, magic and much more from some of the leading street theatre companies from Europe, America, the UK and Ireland.

On Bank Holiday Monday, line the streets to support over 17,500 participants in the 2016 Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon, which will take in the north, south, east and west of the city.

The 17^th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival will provide a packed line-up of music, comedy and spoken word beginning on April 28, through May Day weekend and continuing until Sunday May 8. To celebrate Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016, the festival will also include a one day meat-free mini-festival, Vegstock, taking place in the festival marquee on May 2.

CO. ANTRIM

Cushendun is one of the most picturesque villages in the Glens of Antrim and will be hosting four days of music, drama, exhibitions and family fun as part of Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend from April 29 – May 2. Showcasing the rich culture and spectacular landscape of the area, this fun and varied weekend is sure to have something for everyone.

For those who would like to do something more active over the Bank Holiday weekend, there is the Causeway Coast Challenge Walk on May 1, commencing at Portballintrae and following the coastal cliff path via Giant’s Causeway to reach Portbradden, before returning. Not for the faint of heart, the walk is 30km in length and is organised by local club Bannside Ramblers, attracting walkers from all over Ireland and beyond.

Visitors to Ballycastle can invigorate their senses and tickle their taste buds as the Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market comes to Ballycastle Seafront on Sunday, May 1, featuring food and craft producers from all around the North Coast and Glens area.

CO. ARMAGH

The Orchard County celebrates its reputation as the Orchard of Ireland over the holiday weekend with the Apple Blossom Fair, taking place from April 30 – May 2. The festival comprises many different events at Ardress House and Loughgall Country Park, with shuttle buses to transport visitors between the two sites. Celebrate local food traditions with orchard tours, cider tastings, barbecues and entertainment for all the family.

Armagh is also home to plenty of places for a family walk or cycle on Bank Holiday weekend, such as the beautiful Gosford Forest Park and country estates like the The Argory or Derrymore House.

CO. DOWN

Enjoy the annual May Day celebrations in Holywood town centre with traditional May Day dancing by local school children, a selection of market stalls and fantastic family-friendly entertainment from 10am – 4pm on Monday, May 2.

Elsewhere in County Down, Newry will be holding its first annual Craft Beer Festival on April 30 and May 1, with ten craft breweries exhibiting over 30 craft products to taste including Mourne Mountain Brewery, Armagh Cider Company, Whitewater Brewery and more. Enjoy the best of local craft products with a top notch entertainment line-up.

The Newry and Mourne Museum is hosting the last weekend of its ‘The World Has Become Smaller – Transport in Newry and Mourne’ exhibition, examining all aspects of transport in the area over the centuries, and open to visit until May 2.

CO. FERMANAGH

It is the golden jubilee of Castle Archdale Caravan Park and Camp Site, and the whole family is welcome to join in the celebrations, which on Saturday April 30 include balloon modelling with Mr Twister and a kid’s quiz with prizes.

April 30 will also be an exciting day for dogs, dog owners and dog lovers as Castle Coole holds Paws In The Park. Dogs are always welcome at Castle Coole, but especially on this day, when dogs and their owners can join in the dog walk, enter the pet dog show, and pick up some behaviour techniques and grooming tips.

The May Day weekend is also the perfect opportunity for families or groups to visit SHARE Discovery Village. The Share Extravaganza gives visitors an opportunity to try out an array of land and water activities in one-hour, two-hour or taster sessions.

CO. LONDONDERRY

Fun for all the family is on offer at The Jungle NI in Moneymore on May 1 as its popular Family Fun Day takes place, where visitors can buy tokens to exchange for a variety of outdoor activities on offer throughout the day.

During the evenings from April 29-May 1, music lovers should head to the village of Macosquin near Coleraine for the Big Marquee Weekend II. This year’s line-up features a thrilling mix of big name dance, indie, country and Britpop stars, in a purpose-built marquee in the grounds of Mary Pat’s Bar.

However if jazz is your musical style of choice, the City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival is a must, with Derry~Londonderry reverberating to the sound of jazz from bars, theatres, shopping centres, restaurants and on the streets around the city from April 28 – May 2.

CO. TYRONE

Pull on your wellies as rare and minority breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry make the Ulster American Folk Park home for the weekend in the Rare Breeds Show. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the variety of farm animals on show. The event takes place from April 30 – May 2.

Also this Bank Holiday weekend in Co. Tyrone, the number one country music festival in Ireland returns as Jamboree In The Park comes to Ecclesville Centre, Fintona. Taking place on April 30 and May 1, there will be headline performances from Nathan Carter, Derek Ryan along with many other exciting artists, making this a must for country music fans.

Finally, on April 30, beer enthusiasts can enjoy the North West Brew Fest at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. The inaugural event will showcase local beer, ale, stout and cider produced across the North West, with the hotel’s pavilion transformed into a beer garden theme with fantastic live music across the weekend.

Leapin’ Lizards! It’s back!! The Market Place Theatre Youth Musical for 2016 will be the world’s best-loved family musical, ‘Annie’.

We are looking for budding actors and actresses to audition for the roles of Annie, Daddy Warbucks, Mrs Hannigan, Grace, Rooster, President FDR and many, many more. Auditions will take place on Saturday 14th May, at 10.15am for 10-15 year olds, and at 1.30pm for age 16+. Contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821 or visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com to book your audition now!

Auditionees should wear loose clothing (no jeans), trainers and bring a bottle of water. Everyone will be expected to sing – please prepare a short piece and bring along the music. All participants must be available throughout the period Monday 18th July to Saturday 23rd August 2016. Performances will take place from Tuesday 16th – Saturday 20th August 2016. Please note that there is a participation fee of £100.00 for successful candidates. A number of free places are available for families on state benefit.

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.

Game of Thrones® fever is on the rise once again all over the world – and no more so than in Northern Ireland. With anticipation mounting among fans everywhere for the long-awaited sixth season, Tourism Ireland today launched its latest campaign to showcase Northern Ireland to millions of Game of Thrones® fans worldwide.

The new campaign, created in partnership with HBO, celebrates Northern Ireland as Game of Thrones® Territory for the sixth year running. The campaign will also be rolled out by Tourism NI in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

An exciting feature of the 2016 campaign is a series of 10 intricately carved doors, depicting moments inspired by this season. The doors will be unveiled each week as season six unfolds – referencing key scenes and events from the latest episode and incorporating some of the iconic symbols of the show. The doors will be carved from the trees blown down in Storm Gertrude 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 wood from the fallen trees has been salvaged and will be carved into legacy pieces marking each episode, demonstrating the connection between the show and Northern Ireland. The doors will hang in pubs and other venues near filming locations across Northern Ireland, giving visitors a brand new Game of Thrones® Territory trail to follow. The first door – from episode one, which aired last night (Monday, 25 April) – will hang in The Cuan guest inn in Strangford.

Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Jonathan Bell, said: “Screen

tourism continues to be a growth area and the filming of Game of Thrones® here in Northern Ireland continues to showcase our stunning scenery and countryside to the world. Fans from around the world have travelled to visit filming locations here and this Tourism Ireland campaign will help build on the success of their previous social media promotion, which saw dragon eggs for sale in Belfast and three-eyed ravens spotted across Northern Ireland. The online videos generated in the region of five million clicks, comments and shares and reached about 100 million fans across the world. I am certain the new initiative will continue to be a huge success, further encouraging fans to come and see for themselves the filming location of their favourite show.”

Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with HBO in 2016, to highlight Northern Ireland – through the exciting events of Game of Thrones® – on the global stage. TV and film are recognised as strong influencers on travellers everywhere and the stellar popularity of Game of Thrones® is a fantastic opportunity for us to promote Northern Ireland to a huge audience of potential visitors. Our latest campaign is a fun and innovative way to bring the destination to the attention of Game of Thrones® fans everywhere – they will see our ads, spiking their curiosity about the landscapes and locations featured in the series and inspiring them to come and explore them for themselves.”

John McGrillen, CEO of Tourism NI, said: “This highly creative and innovative campaign will raise the profile of Northern Ireland as a holiday destination and encourage people to explore our stunning landscapes. There are over 20 Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland that are accessible to everyone including Tullymore Forest Park in Co Down, Pollnagollum Cave in Co Fermanagh and Ballintoy Harbour in Co Antrim.

“Across Northern Ireland we have embraced the global interest in Game of Thrones and developed a range of exciting and engaging visitor experiences built around the locations used in screening. Visitors wishing to explore the filming locations can do so independently or can choose from a range of guided location tours or immerse themselves in Game of Thrones themed adventures such as archery, cycle tours or banquets.”

Another element of the campaign includes a limited edition Game of Thrones® stamp for mail posted in Northern Ireland during the campaign. The campaign will also include some other surprising features around Northern Ireland, which will be rolled out by Tourism Ireland over the coming weeks – so watch this space!

Tourism Ireland will release a mixture of short films and images from the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube in ten markets – including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. It will build on the success of Tourism Ireland’s previous Game of Thrones® campaigns, which generated about five million clicks, comments and shares and reached about 100 million fans across the world.

Tourism Ireland will also target its own social fanbase – posting and tweeting to about 3.4 million Facebook fans and more than 323,000 followers on Twitter globally. The campaign will direct fans to a special section on Tourism Ireland’s international website, Ireland.com, which attracted more than 16.5 million views in 2015.

The campaign kicks off this week and will continue to roll out weekly until the end of season six, at the end of June.

Ards and North Down Borough Council, with support and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), have brought the towns Christian Heritage to life through the production of a new DVD and music CD.

The DVD features a selection of six short films showing the history of Bangor and highlighting its importance to the development of Christianity, not just here in Ireland but across Europe.

The DVD has a dual purpose, to animate tours to local Christian Heritage sites such as North Down Museum and Bangor Abbey, and also as an educational tool available to schools. The DVD compliments the publication, “the White Dove”, a comic which tells the history of Columbanus and the free Bangor Christian Heritage Trail mobile App, both supported by the HLF and available for schools to aid in the teaching of the areas local history.

The “Journey of a Single Day” CD brings together music and poetry from across Europe and the countries Columbanus established monastic settlements including; France, Italy, Germany and Ireland north and south.

The 18 tracks range from choral to traditional and instrumental to the works of Columbanus brought together through his poems. Locally it features works from the Ards CCE, the DIT Irish Traditional Music Ensemble, local poets and Bangor Ladies and Ballyholme Primary School Choirs.

At the recent launch event Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council, Alex Irvine said, “We are delighted that both the DVD and CD can be launched to mark St Comgall’s Day in May. Our aim is to keep Christian Heritage to the fore, both locally and within education but also for visitors to the town to be able to learn more about the town’s heritage in new and innovative ways. We are grateful to the HLF for all the support over the past year in delivering this suite of products”.

Mark Glover, Heritage Lottery Fund NI said “This has been a fascinating project which has explored St Columbanus and Bangor’s strong role in Europe’s Christian heritage. The project has told this story through a number of initiatives from exhibitions, events, trails and now the DVD and CD. We were delighted to support the council in taking such an innovative approach highlight the rich local heritage. It is thanks to players of the National Lottery that we can help fund projects such as these”.

Copies of the DVD and CD can be obtained by contacting bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk or 028 9127 0069.

Saturday 7 May 2016 is National Scrapbooking Day, in which “Scrappers” come together to enjoy a community event.

They will share stories in the creative form of Scrapbooking and meet like-minded people from different backgrounds, but having a common bond through this hobby.

To celebrate National Scrapbooking Day, this special event “MOMENTS AND MEMORIES” will take place on Saturday 7 May in the Linen Suite at Mossley Mill from 11am-3pm.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg commented “Scrapbooking is  a fantastic hobby which allows you to get creative and meet new friends” Tutor Jacqui Milliken who has over 12 years’ experience in teaching Scrapbooking, will show you how to be imaginative, turning  your photos into pages of memories and creative works of art.

The cost is £10 which includes tea/coffee, scones and all materials to complete the project.  No experience necessary. Please bring along photos, scissors and a ruler.

For bookings or for further information, contact Jacqui Tel: 077 5944 4723.

Mercury Prize nominee, Roots Album Of The Year and BBC Folk Awards Winner, outstanding singer and traditional song collector, Sam Lee will perform at the Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre on Friday 6^th May.

Sam is fast becoming accepted as a new pioneer, defining the sound, sight and texture of folksong today.

His latest album, ‘The Fade in Time’, released in March 2015, has received a 5 star review in The Guardian, and been described as ‘one of the albums of the year’. His live band, Sam Lee & Friends, carve a new acoustic sound with their homemade instrumentation using unconventional and contemporary arrangements that challenge preconceptions of what traditional folk should sound like. This will be a gig not to be missed. Catch them at the Market Place Theatre, Friday 6^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £13 and £11 (concession).

Northern Ireland’s No. 1 for swing, The PM Big Band returns to The Market Place Theatre on the same evening, bringing with them a classic mix of vocals and instrumentals from ‘The Great American Song Book’, including selections from Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Frank Sinatra, and other legends from this ageless and popular musical genre.

Adding a little spice the band will flavour the evening with Big Band versions of some modern classics ensuring an evening of music to appeal to everyone. The PM Big Band will perform on Friday 6 May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £12 each.

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.

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

• Opening offer with complimentary Prosecco, The Cookehouse, Belfast. From £70pps. The Cookehouse is a restored Art Deco house built in 1936, located in a quiet residential area 4 miles from Belfast City Centre, and within easy reach of City Airport, Stormont Estate and the beautiful Ards Peninsula. Enjoy B&B for 2 nights for £70 per person sharing and avail of a welcome bottle of Prosecco. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 9514 4648.

• Spring Break, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry, Co. Londonderry. From £119pps. Add some spring splendour to your life with a relaxing break at Derry~Londonderry’s newest hotel, ideally located within the historic city walls in the heart of the cathedral quarter. As well as two nights’ accommodation in a deluxe room with a cooked breakfast each morning, you will enjoy a signature cocktail upon arrival and indulge in a four-course gourmet dinner on an evening of your choice. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 7114 0300.

• Suite Treat, Manor House Country Hotel, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. From £129pps. Get away for some rest and relaxation on the shores of Lough Erne at the 4-star Manor House. This special offer includes a two-night stay in a Junior Suite, full Irish breakfast each morning and dinner at the hotel’s award-winning Belleek restaurant on the evening of your choice. Guests can also enjoy complimentary access to the newly refurbished leisure facilities, complete with swimming pool, steam room, outdoor jacuzzi and fitness suite. Available until 31 May. To book call (028) 6862 2200.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (April 25 – May 1).

• Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival, various locations, Belfast, April 28-May 7. The 17th Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns to enliven the city centre and beyond, with over 150 events. The packed musical line-up includes Marc Almond, Guy Garvey and The Zombies, with a comedy line-up featuring Rob Delaney, Tina C, Roy Walker. There is also a full complement of literature, theatre and visual art, including a bespoke programme in a dynamic new theatre space in the Cathedral Quarter, The Barracks. To celebrate the 2016 Year of Food and Drink, a one-day meat-free mini-festival Vegstock will take place in the Festival Marquee on May 2 accompanied by a great programme of entertainment.

• Apple Blossom Fair, Ardress House & Loughgall Country Park, Co. Armagh, April 30-May 2. County Armagh is known as the Orchard County of Ireland because of its many apple orchards, spanning over 4,000 acres of countryside. Celebrate local food traditions with orchard tours, cider tastings, barbecues and entertainment for all the family at Ardress House and Loughgall Country Park with shuttle buses available to transport visitors between sites.

• Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend, various locations, Cushendun, Co. Antrim, April 29-May 2. Cushendun’s Big Arts Weekend is a four day festival of music, drama, poetry, exhibitions, workshops and family fun in one of the most picturesque villages in the Glens of Antrim. Now in its fourth year the festival showcases the rich culture and spectacular landscape of Cushendun and has something for everyone.

• North West Brew Fest, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, April 30. This exciting debut event is all about great drink and will showcase local beer, stout, ale and cider produced from across the North West. The Silverbirch Hotel’s pavilion will be transformed into a beer garden with fantastic live music taking place throughout the day from local Tyrone band, Hootin Annie’s as well as Fermanagh duo, Niall and Karl. Begins at 4pm.

• Dawn Chorus, Kiltonga Nature Reserve, Newtownards, Co. Down, April 30. One of nature’s delights, the dawn chorus should be experienced at least once in a lifetime. Join bird expert Dot Blakely as the sun comes up over Kiltonga Nature Reserve for an early morning masterclass in how to recognise the songs of the dawn chorus.

• Festival of Fools 2016, various locations, Belfast, April 29-May 2. The sound of laughter will be echoing all over Belfast, as the 13^th Festival of Fools comes to town. Over 120 shows and walkabout performances will be taking place throughout the Bank Holiday weekend, all free of charge, with daredevil acrobatics, circus acts, comedy, magic and much more courtesy of some of the leading street theatre companies from Europe, America, the UK and Ireland.

• Rare Breeds Show, Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, April 30-May 2. Pull on your wellies as rare and minority breeds of cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry make the Ulster American Folk Park home for the weekend. Experts will be on hand to answer questions about the variety of interesting cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry on show.

• Big Marquee Weekend II, Mary Pat’s Bar, Macosquin, Co. Londonderry, April 29-May 1. The village of Macosquin near Coleraine will play host to music lovers from across Northern Ireland and beyond over the May Bank Holiday weekend at Big Marquee Weekend II. This year’s line-up features a thrilling mix of big name dance, Britpop, indie and Irish country stars.

• City of Derry Jazz & Big Band Festival, various locations, Derry, Co. Londonderry, April 28-May 2. Derry~Londonderry will be reverberating to the sound of jazz from bars, theatres, shopping centres, restaurants and on the streets around the city as the festival, now in its 15^th year, offers a fantastic programme of live music.

• Activities at Castle Archdale, Castle Archdale Caravan Park and Camp Site, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, April 30. It is the golden jubilee of Castle Archdale, and the whole family is welcome to join in the celebrations, which include balloon modelling with Mr Twister and a kid’s quiz with prizes. Begins at 3pm.

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.