Down

Your taste buds are guaranteed to be satisfied at Newry’s Food Festival this Friday 22nd April, with over 30 food producers, restaurants and eateries taking part. Local businesses are bringing a taste of their menus to the heart of Newry – be sure to stop by for lunch, tea, a coffee or snack and even bring some wholesome Northern Ireland produce home to your own kitchen.  A range of demonstrations will take place between 12.00 pm and 6.00 pm including SRC Catering Students as well as Aine’s Kitchen Cookery School, and live music for everyone to enjoy.

Armagh

This Sunday 24th April at the Navan Fort Armagh – MythOlogy is a FREE drop-in event as part of the ‘Ology’ series of events.  This event looks at the whole idea of myths.  Enjoy a Queen Maeve shadow puppet show  and make a puppet of your own..

Fermanagh

Apr Icarus Theatre Collective presents The Trials Of Galileo by Nic Young at the Ardhowen Theatre this Friday 22^nd April. The Trials of Galileo focuses on the events surrounding Galileo’s heresy trial in 1633. This witty, chilling, and passionate one-man rollercoaster stars Tim Hardy of the RSC/RADA and is written by Emmy Award-winner Nic Young. After a highly successful tour of Malta, Spain, the Edinburgh Fringe and America, with multiple four-star reviews, RSC actor Tim Hardy brings his solo show to theatres across the UK. Suitable for 14 years and upwards. Contains some strong language.

Tyrone

Continuing in the Riverbank tradition of producing exciting adaptations of classical children’s literature, the company are now embarking on one of the most famous books ever. “Alice in Wonderland” featuring all your favourite “Alice” characters portrayed by a cast of four talented actors this Friday at the Square Box Dungannon. You’d have to be mad as a hatter to miss this!

Derry

The Storytelling Festival & Music Maghera on 22nd & 23rd April is a first for Mid-Ulster and includes 8 well-known names from around the province Roy Arbuckle, Joe Brennan, Ian Coalter, Declan Forde, Pearl Hutchison, Steve Lally, George Shiels and Liz Weir.  Also featuring local musicians John Burns, Vincent McCusker and James Bradley. The evening events start at 7.45pm. Tickets are £8 and available from the Heritage Centre. Refreshments available.

Antrim

The Courtyard Theatre Newtownabbey are delighted to have Celtic Soul return again to celebrate one of the truly great singer/songwriters of all time: our own Van Morrison, this Saturday evening.  With Van marking his 70th birthday with concerts on Cyprus Avenue, the band has been busier than ever both at home and with fans from abroad. They also performed at the Ulster Hall to mark the first BBC Music Day.  With years of playing in blues, folk, trad and jazz bands these musicians have the ingredients to deliver Van’s music authentically.

Belfast

Grab your cloaks, your cushions and your supplies this Thursday 21st April and climb on board a shipwreck for a truly magical experience. Belfast is joining the global celebration in honour of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death with a truly extraordinary version of the Tempest – the Bard’s last play.  Join 230 people from across the city and a professional cast from around to world as choirs, dancers, actors, music and lights come together to create a uniquely Belfast Tempest at the Titanic Quarter in T13 warehouse.

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.

One of the major festivals in the Celtic calendar was Bealtaine.

For the Celts this festival marked the end of Spring and the arrival of the longer, warmer Summer days.  This light and heat meant they could grow their crops and fatten animals to store for Winter.

On Sunday 1^st May, from 11.00am – 5.00pm, join the Iron Age family at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh as they use different traditions to mark the end of winter and all that summer brings! At this festival the family will light purifying Bealtaine fires, help in the preparation for upcoming battles and will be making gifts for the gods by tying woven ribbons to the tree of Spring.  You are of course invited to get involved!

The event will continue with a very special Celtic wedding ceremony, known as a hand-fasting.  Learn about the traditions of Celtic marriage and the customs of the wedding celebration.  You might even be chosen as the bride or groom!

No booking is required, just drop in and enjoy all the fun!  Normal admission charges apply.

For information please contact: Navan Centre & Fort, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

UK Young Restaurant Team of The Year title could be coming to Northern Ireland

A team of talented young hospitality professionals from the Hastings Hotels Group have just been named as finalists in the UK Young Restaurant Team of The Year competition.

They are one of only five teams from across the whole of the UK to make the final, explained Mark McGurnaghan, Group Human Resources Manager.

“We are thrilled that some of our talented restaurant team members have made it to the final in one of the most prestigious hospitality competitions for young people in the UK,” said Mark.

He continued:  “We have been told that the calibre of the entrants this year was incredibly high so I would like to congratulate Andrew Bradford, Commis Chef, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Craig Thompson, Commis Chef, The Europa Hotel, Kevin Keenan, Front of House, Culloden Estate & Spa and the team mentor, Jay Eisenstadt, Executive Head Chef, The Stormont Hotel on making the final, which is an achievement in itself.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that the people who dine with us at Hastings Hotels, enjoy a first-class service and delicious locally sourced food, so to be recognised nationally in this way has really confirmed that the hard work and dedication to quality service our young team have been providing is working.  We would like to wish them the best of luck for the final in July and we will be cheering them on.”

The final of the competition will take place in Sheffield at the Sheffield City College on July 5.

Northern Ireland is proud to be home to a number of excellent breweries and distilleries, all busy handcrafting some of the UK’s finest beverages.

But rather than just drinking them, what about discovering how these fantastic local tipples end up in your glass, said Rachel Quigg, Communications and Destination PR Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland.

“This year is the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 and April is dedicated to brewing and distilling.  We are fortunate in Northern Ireland to have such a super collection of distilleries and breweries producing everything from the finest cider and whiskey to craft beers and gin.”

Rachel continued:  “Not only that, but there are many exciting drink themed events and happenings taking place all over the country including the not-to-be-missed Hilden Beer & Music Festival which takes place between August 26-28 at Hilden Brewery in Lisburn.”

Tourism Northern Ireland has created a refreshing list of tours, events and happenings, some of which you can enjoy right now.

Raise a glass to the tour

Old Bushmills Distillery

Positioned on the beautiful North Coast, Bushmills Distillery is Ireland’s oldest working distillery. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour where they will learn about the 400 year history of the distillery whilst taking in all the associated sights and smells, enjoy tutored whiskey tastings and be able to browse the specialist gift shop. There is also a restaurant which serves lunches and Bushmills inspired treats.  After enjoying a tour of this fascinating distillery visitors can explore all that the stunning North Coast has to offer including the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge.

Hilden Brewery

Hilden Brewery is Ireland’s oldest independent brewery and is located near Lisburn in the 19^th century courtyard of Hilden House.  Many visitors flock to the Brewery each year to discover its interesting history and heritage and to sample the award-winning cuisine. Hilden Brewery Beers are available at various bars and restaurants throughout Northern Ireland, including Molly’s Yard, Belfast, The John Hewitt, Belfast and the Dirty Duck in Holywood.

Rademon Estate Distillery

Rademon Estate Distillery in Crossgar is the home of Shortcross Gin.  Gin lovers should keep an eye out for the estate’s new visitor experience centre which is set to open this year and will take guests on a fascinating journey of how this hand bottled award-winning gin came to be.  Whilst in the area make sure to visit the Irish Linen Centre where you can take an audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms.audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms entre showcases one of Ireland’s best known industries. Take an audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms. This centre also showcases events and exhibitions which recreate and honour Lisburn’s rich, local history. The Irish Linen Centre showcases one of Ireland’s best known industries. Take an audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms. This centre also showcases events and exhibitions which recreate and honour Lisburn’s rich, local history. The Irish Linen Centre showcases one of Ireland’s best known industries. Take an audio visual tour and see the weaving centre and hand looms. This centre also showcases events and exhibitions which recreate and honour Lisburn’s rich, local history.

Hughes Craft Distillery

Hughes Craft Distillery in Lisburn is the brain child of Stuart and Barbara Hughes who manage everything first-hand in their small batch spirits business producing a wide range of award-winning RubyBlue Spirits in a variety of flavours. RubyBlue Liqueurs are made with real fruit from quintuple distilled Irish grain spirit and infused with Blackcurrants, wild Blueberries, Cranberries and Chilli Peppers.  The distillery has gained many coveted awards including Global Vodka Master Gold, New York World Wine and Spirits Sliver and won stars in the Great Taste Awards. Tours can be arranged which take visitors on the journey behind this interesting range of drinks.

Walled City Brewery, Derry~Londonderry

The Walled City Brewery is a brew house and restaurant in one making it a unique destination for sampling tasty craft beers and enjoying the delicious tapas style menu.  Visitors to the brewery can discover the fascinating stories as to why the brewery’s craft beers are named Boom, Stitch and Kick.  Be sure and visit the City Walls which are 1.5km in circumference and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day. which are approximately 1.5km in circumference, form a walkway around the inner city and provide a unique promenade to view the layout of the original town which still preserves its Renaissance Style street plan to this day.

Armagh Cider Company

Armagh is renowned around the world for its Bramley Apples and the Troughton family behind the Armagh Cider Company have been at the centre of the apple growing tradition for generations. All of their products are artisan and handcrafted so they are completely natural and contain no artificial ingredients or flavours. Those interested in finding out more can contact the Armagh Cider Company and arrange a tour.  Be sure to visit the Navan Centre which offers a unique appreciation of the history of the area through a stimulating exhibition packed full of information, artefacts and hands on activities for all the family. offers visitors a unique appreciation of the history of the area through a stimulating exhibition packed full of information, artifacts and hands on activities for all the family.

McComb’s Grub Crawl Tour

Those looking for a tasty way to spend the day with friends should look no further than McComb’s Coach Travel’s new tour, Grub Crawl, which will visit some of the country’s most innovative food and drink producers. Tours operate on a Friday and Saturday and will take in renowned food places such as Abernethy Butter, Kilmegan Cider, Mourne Seafood Bar and The Poachers Pocket.

Raise a glass to the event

North West Brew Fest, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, April 30.  This exciting debut event is all about great drink producers who will showcase local beer, stout, ale and cider from across the North West.  Silverbirch Hotel’s Pavilion will be transformed with a beer garden theme and there will be fantastic live entertainment by local band, ‘Hootin Annie’s as well as Fermanagh duo, Niall and Karl.Silverbirch Hotel’s Pavilion which will be transformed with a beer garden theme to the event and fantastic live entertainment by local Tyrone band, ‘Hootin Annie’s as well as Fermanagh duo Niall and Karl. Something very exciting is ‘brewing’ at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh who have ‘cracked open’ plans for a new and exciting event taking place on Saturday 30th April from 16:00 in The Pavilion.

Aptly named ‘North West Brew Fest’ this exciting debut event is all about great drink and will showcase local beer, stout, ale and cider produced from across the North West featuring; Pokertree Brewery (Carrickmore), Long Meadow Cider, Hillstown (Randalstown), Red Hand Brewing (Donaghmore), Farmageddon (Comber)and NorthBound (Derry).

Five Beer Friday, Neill Wine, Groomsport, Co. Down. Beer lovers can come along on the last Friday of every month and sample five local beers.

Bangor Beer Club, The Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro, Bangor, Co. Down. Come along to Bangor Beer Club on the first Tuesday of the month to meet some of the characters behind the ever growing NI brewing scene.

Beer Club Belfast, Sunflower Public House, Belfast, Co. Antrim. Beer Club meets monthly, usually on a Friday and is open to everyone from seasoned beer lovers to those who just want to find out more about the wide range of beers that are available. Samples are provided of new and exciting beers from around the world and interesting meet the brewer events are also held throughout the year.

For further information check out www.discovernorthernireland.com or join the conversation online with #EnjoyNI16.

~ Tourism Ireland promotion to reach 5.5 million people across Great Britain ~

19 April 2016 – Tourism Ireland has teamed up with actor Richard E Grant and Smooth Radio, the third largest radio brand in Britain, in a new promotion to showcase Northern Ireland to British holidaymakers this year.

Tourism Ireland is working with Smooth Radio to produce a series of short online films. Viewers will see Richard E Grant immerse himself in our culture and meet the locals, showcasing some of the many wonderful experiences on offer here, with films featuring Belfast and the Causeway Coast. Tourism Ireland worked closely with Tourism NI, to agree the locations to feature in each film.

The campaign – which will be rolled out in two phases – will reach about 5.5 million people across Britain. The films will be promoted on the Smooth Radio website and through on-air mentions. They will also be shared via social media – targeting Tourism Ireland’s audience on Facebook (430,000 fans in Britain alone) and Twitter (67,000+ followers).

Richard E Grant is a great fit for the Tourism Ireland campaign and our key audience of ‘culturally curious’ holidaymakers. His appearances in films and TV series like Withnail and I, Downton Abbey and Hotel Secrets have cemented his popularity and made him one of the best-known faces on British television.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Deputy Head of Great Britain, said: “Our newest promotion has been specifically designed to highlight holidays and short breaks in Northern Ireland to our ‘culturally curious’ audience in Great Britain. These are independent, active sightseers, who are typically looking to visit new places and expand their experience by exploring landscapes, history and culture. We are really excited to be working with Richard E Grant and Smooth Radio, as they are a great fit with this important demographic. This is just one element of our extensive promotional programme that we are rolling out this year – aimed at boosting travel to Northern Ireland from Great Britain during 2016.”

7,000 cyclists expected to participate in 700 mile 14-day bike ride

First Minister Arlene Foster has backed an epic round-Ireland challenge aimed at breaking the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland.

The fourth annual Cycle Against Suicide will cover fifteen counties and almost 700 miles over two weeks from Sunday 24^th April 2016 with over 7,000 cyclists expected to participate in the gruelling charity ride.

Cycle Against Suicide, founded by Irish entrepreneur Jim Breen, brings together cyclists of all abilities united in their desire to demonstrate that, shoulder to shoulder, they can break the cycle of suicide.

Over 800 people die by suicide in Ireland each year, with over 300 in Northern Ireland alone.

First Minister Arlene Foster said: “I am delighted to support Cycle Against Suicide with its fourth annual bike ride. The charity has been doing tremendous work to break down the barriers associated with mental health and suicide by spreading the message that ‘It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help’. I commend the organisers who volunteer their energies and the participants well in the challenge and I trust it will be an incredibly successful event.”

Beginning in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Cycle Against Suicide will take in southern and border counties of Northern Ireland, hopping in from Monaghan, with stops in Portadown, Cookstown, Omagh, Stranorlar, Glenties and Donegal Town.

The cyclists will then head down through Sligo, through the middle of Ireland and rounding off at Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, before finishing up in Dublin, at the Royal Hospital in Kilmainham on Saturday 7^th May.

Informative events will be hosted each day in schools and other locations along the route, with speakers ranging from celebrities to mental health professionals. There will also be an exhibition of local services at each venue, signposting people to where that critical help is available, if needed.

Jim Breen, Cycle Against Suicide founder said: “This is the fourth year of Cycle Against Suicide and we’re blown away with the phenomenal response from the communities involved in the Cycle. These communities are critical to helping us spread the message that “It’s OK not to feel OK; and it’s absolutely OK to ask for help”.

“Each year over the two weeks of our annual Main Cycle, we give presentations in schools, businesses and other locations all around the island of Ireland, and we witness how hugely responsive people are to that message.  We also see the value placed by individuals on their own mental wellbeing, and that of their friends and families.”

There are many ways to become involved in breaking the cycle of suicide on the island of Ireland. Cycle for a leg, a day, a weekend or maybe even the entire 14 days; offer your support as a volunteer; register as a Homestay Provider and host a cyclist as they pass through your community. Please e-mail volunteer@cycleagainstsuicide.com or homestays@cycleagainstsucide.com for more information.

Augmented Reality, or AR, is the amazing new technology that superimposes computer-generated images onto our view of the real world.

And this summer W5’s brand new AR exhibit is going bring dinosaurs roaring back into your world!

Prepare yourself for an encounter with some of the most realistic 3D animated dinosaurs you can get outside of a movie theatre. Watch yourself on the big screen as you get up close and personal with a T-Rex, get approached by a pack of curious raptors or try not to get trampled by a passing Diplodocus!

State of the art technology and prehistoric creatures combine to create a dynamic new experience. An experience that puts you right at the centre of the big screen action!

This brand new permanent exhibit goes live on Saturday 30 April and is FREE with admission to W5. For full information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce that the award-winning Demon Barbers will return for one show only to perform at the Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 2 May.

Previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are renowned for their no-holds-barred approach to their live shows and will bring to the stage a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow. The Demon Barber’s live shows are one of the most imaginative and inspirational dance shows this decade, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting young Folk, Hip Hop & Break dancers together to create this live folk music spectacular! The show kicks off at 2pm.

As well as live music, there’ll be an array of colourful street theatre performing around the town centre on the day. Look out for “Amy Amelia,” the magical roving butterfly and a pair of giant squirrels called “The Nutkins” who will entertain the crowds with their walkabout acts. In front of the stage, there’ll be performances from The Sid Bowfin Show, a wonderful combination of classical music and comedy who’s sure to have everyone dancing in the street and The Two Man Band will take popular songs and rearrange them with tricks and stunts to wow the audience. Outside Holywood Library, a traditional Punch and Judy show will take place throughout the day. Take a trip down memory lane with this nostalgic show, a hit with young and old alike!

All the usual favourites have been organised by Holywood & District Community Council; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.15pm – the themes this year are Princesses, Disney Characters, My Favourite Character from a Book). The May Queen will be crowned at 10.45am at The Maypole.

Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.

The ever-popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4pm.

And don’t forget if you fancy some shopping or a bite of lunch, most of Holywood’s shops and eateries will be open throughout the day.

So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 2 May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day at this FREE EVENT!

For further information check out: www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

HASTINGS Hotels will make sure you’re full of the joys of spring with two fantastic offers.

The Europa Hotel, Belfast is offering an overnight stay with breakfast from only £95 per room. This offer includes a welcome cocktail upon arrival and is valid throughout May so book quickly to take advantage of this welcoming deal!

For more information call 028 9027 1066.

Culloden Estate and Spa invites you to take advantage of its 5-star Bubbles offer, which includes an overnight stay with a bottle of Prosecco waiting in your Executive room with breakfast, all for £90pps.

For more information call 028 9042 1066.

To find out more about Hastings Hotels go to www.hastingshotels.com.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. 

Beannchor – Ireland’s largest hospitality group and owners of Belfast’s award-winning Merchant Hotel – has announced plans for expansion of its restaurant and hotel portfolio.

New sites are currently being explored for the Group’s Little Wing Pizzeria chain, which currently includes six restaurants across Northern Ireland.

Commenting on the news, Little Wing Managing Director, Luke Wolsey said: “The Little Wing brand has gone from strength to strength in recent years. Its success has proven that this is a good business model and we have ambitious plans for growth in the coming years.

“We are reviewing options for further expansion of Little Wing, with a number of sites being investigated across Northern Ireland. Looking to the future, we see the time arising whereby we will have reached a level of critical mass in Northern Ireland and will need to consider options in other markets for further growth. We are already tentatively looking at site locations in both the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.”

In addition, Beannchor has announced exciting plans for phase two of its new Bullitt hotel concept. The Group has acquired Annsgate House on Ann Street; the property adjoins Lagan House, which is currently being redeveloped to create the hotel.

Drawing on nearly 40 years of expertise in the industry to create a new and vibrant hospitality concept for the city, Bullitt – named after the Steve McQueen movie of the same name – will be an exciting new addition to the city’s social scene when Phase One opens later this year.

Bullitt will epitomise urban chic with stylish, contemporary surroundings, alongside affordable room rates. Located in a prime city centre location, wrapping Victoria Street, Ann Street and Church Lane, the hotel is a stone’s throw from Belfast’s shopping mecca, Victoria Square and the lively Cathedral Quarter. The hotel will be a social hub for city workers, locals and tourists alike, bringing a fresh approach to work, rest and play.

Phase one will feature 44 stylish mod-con clad bedrooms and a lively ground floor café, bar and restaurant will open later this year. Phase two, which is expected to open in 2017 (subject to planning), will add in excess of 30 rooms to the exciting new development.

Commenting on the announcement, James Sinton, Finance Director, Beannchor said: “Recent acquisitions have emanated from our trading confidence in the local market and our ability to create an exceptional new hotel concept for Belfast.

“Subject to planning, the addition of Annsgate House to our Bullitt hotel development will complement the existing footprint of Lagan House to deliver an 80 bed hotel in the heart of the City centre.”

The Beannchor Group owns pubs and hotels across Northern Ireland including The Merchant Hotel, The National Grande Café/sixty6, The Dirty Onion, Cuckoo and The Hillside, as well as six Little Wing Pizzerias, employing over 650 people.

In April 2016, The Merchant Hotel celebrates a ‘Decade of Decadence’ with a suite of luxurious offers to mark its 10^th anniversary. For further information, visit www.themerchanthotel.com