This year the Giant’s Causeway celebrates 30 years of its United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site status – a title that brings with it recognition of the landmark’s global importance.

Only countries that have signed the World Heritage Convention, an agreement to protect heritage sites, can be including on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. However, in order to be listed, the site must meet at least one of the organisation’s strict criteria. The Giant’s Causeway meets two.

Beautiful – and important

The Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast is not only beautiful, (and therefore of huge aesthetic importance) but the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns are also testament to a major stage in the earth’s development.

When the UK government joined the UNESCO scheme in 1986, they pledged to protect the natural and cultural heritage of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Giant’s Causeway was the only natural phenomenon granted World Heritage status that year (although the tiny Scottish archipelago of St Kilda was deemed to have mixed – both natural and cultural — importance.)

Subsequently, a World Heritage Site management plan was put together by local authorities and charities, addressing the conservation requirements of the site and visitors’ needs in terms of access and information.

Since 2005 the UK’s largest conversation charity, the National Trust, has been the sole guardian of sections of the Causeway Coast World Heritage Site, including its crown jewel, the Giant’s Causeway.

The charity works to protect, manage, and ensure the integrity of this phenomenal natural landscape in line with UNESCO’s requirements, safeguarding its status and future.

‘It is a privilege to assist in managing such an important landmark,’ said Eleanor Killough, Learning and Visitor Experience manager at the Giant’s Causeway National Trust. ‘Those of us who work here know how much the causeway is valued both by international visitors and the local community. My team is passionate about this special place and the stories to be told. We pride ourselves on delivering excellent visitor experiences and are confident we do it justice.’

World Heritage Day event

To celebrate World Heritage Day on Sunday 17 April, the National Trust will host a series of fun activities at the Giant’s Causeway. Take a 2-hour guided walk with a National Trust conservation expert and plant wildflowers, or join us in the Visitor Centre for a themed-treasure trail, crafts and world music with Belfast musical ensemble, Los Dramaticos.  Normal admission applies; National Trust members free admission. Book online for discount at giantscausewaytickets.com. For bookings to the guided walk, call: 028 2073 3419.

The 3Arena, Dublin: 9 October 2016
The SSE Arena, Belfast: 10 October 2016

Multi-platinum selling rock band NICKELBACK are set to embark on a massive headline tour in 2016. Starting in Helsinki. Finland on 2^nd September, with support coming from fellow Canadian rockers MONSTER TRUCK. The tour marks NICKELBACK’s tenth world tour and will see the band performing in 32 cities across Europe this autumn, including shows at both London’s O2 Arena and SSE Arena Wembley.

Nickleback have also confirmed they will play Dublin’s 3Arena on October 9^th and The SSE Arena, Belfast on October 10^th.  Tickets for both Dublin and Belfast go on sale this Friday 15^th April at 9.00am.

In addition to membership gifts, exclusive giveaways and content, individuals that join the fan club will have first access to tickets. For additional information on joining the fan club, visit www.nickelback.com.

NICKELBACK have cemented themselves as one of the most commercially viable and important acts of the past two decades.  The group’s worldwide sales exceed 50 million units and their irresistible smash “How You Remind Me” remains Billboard’s “Top Rock Song of the Decade”. Amongst all of these accolades, they’ve been crowned Billboard’s “Top Rock Group of the Decade” as well. Along the way, they’ve received a staggering nine Grammy Award nominations, three American Music Awards, a World Music Award, and a People’s Choice Award. In their native Canada, the band have garnered 36 JUNO Award nominations of which 12 won in a variety of categories and have been inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame.

NICKELBACK return to Europe with a high octane rock show, to put it in the words of singer Chad Kroeger: “Get ready Europe, we are bringing one hell of a loud party to our fans over there!”

www.nickelback.com

www.MCD.ie

Tickets on-sale FRIDAY 15 APRIL from 9am:

Ticketmaster

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide

By Telephone (24 Hour): ROI – 0818 719 300, Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55

Buy Online: www.ticketmaster.ie

The SSE Arena Box Office

Tel: 028 9073 9074

Buy Online: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Tickets for Dublin from €60.59 and Belfast from £40.70 including booking and facility fee will go on general sale this Friday 15 April at 9.00am from Ticketmaster outlets nationwide and online at www.ticketmaster.ie.

A charity donation of €1/£1 from the Dublin and Belfast concerts will go to ‘All The Right Reasons Foundation’.

For all things NICKELBACK:

www.nickelback.com

http://www.facebook.com/Nickelback

http://twitter.com/nickelback

http://Instagram.com/nickelback

http://www.youtube.com/nickelbacktv

ARMOY Road Races has announced that road racing fans can enjoy the Armoy Road Races in style this Saturday 30^th July with one of their VIP packages.

Now in its eighth year, Armoy Road Races have gone from strength to strength every year ensuring that the public and racers alike have the best possible experience. Last year the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC), offered their very best VIP package to date, and this year they are looking to build on that once more.

William Munnis, Chairman of Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club, said, “ The Armoy Road Races are one of the key events in the road racing calendar and last year we had our most successful year ever, so trying to build on that has been challenging, but we are well up to the task.

“People come to witness some of the top road racers tackling this exciting 3.03 mile circuit in the birth place of the Armoy Armada, so why not ensure the experience is as enjoyable as possible and have everything taken care of for you. This year we are once again offering members of the public and road racing fans the chance to enjoy the races in style – a wonderful VIP road racing experience on Saturday 30^th July 2016.”
The VIP package includes car parking in any of the official AMRRC car parks, access to any of the grandstands and exclusive access to the VIP Corporate Hospitality Marquee, where morning coffee and scones in addition to a locally sourced gourment buffet lunch will be served with complementary wine. A copy of the official race programme will also be included. A dedicated VIP Hospitality team will be on site all day to ensure that all your needs are catered for.

Individual tickets are priced at £80 with a table of ten costing £750. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Darryl at NakedPR by email darryl@naked-pr.com or by calling 028 9091 8677.

William Munnis concluded, “The VIP Package offers a great day out at the Armoy Road Races. All you need to do is arrive safely, and we’ll look after you from there. The demand for these tickets are always high so I’d urge anyone thinking of going to grab tickets whilst they’re available! After that sit back and wait for the 30^th July and one of the best road racing events Northern Ireland has to offer. I look forward to welcoming you that morning.”

The event is part funded by Tourism Northern Ireland and 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 on twitter at @ArmoyRoadRaces.

There’ll be musical memories on tap at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh this weekend, with tributes to Phil Collins and a revival of the much-loved Dance Hall days.

‘And Finally Phil Collins’ is the ‘OFFICIAL UK No. 1’ tribute to Phil Collins, recognised throughout the industry as the market leaders and definitive Phil Collins and Genesis tribute show. Now in their eighth year together, this truly amazing eleven piece band faithfully re-create all the classic hits from the Phil Collins and Genesis timeless back catalogue.

This brand-new show has been truly enhanced with new lighting, stage sets and world class musicians to get even closer to that immense Phil Collins production to ensure an exciting spectacle is totally guaranteed. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… it did… so why not come and check out this sensational brand new show for yourself and…‘Take a look at them now’. ‘And Finally Phil Collins’ will be staged on Friday 15^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £18.50 each.

Then on Saturday evening, from the producers of ‘Do You Come Here Often’, comes a great new show, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Years And Dance Hall Days’. Relive all the memories of a decade that saw the birth of pop, from the ballads of Ruby Murray, Perry Como and Dean Martin to the early rock ’n’ roll of Buddy Holly, Brenda Lee and Bill Hailey.

Starring ‘Clubsound’, Jackie Fullerton, Trevor Kelly, Elaine Wood and Janet McCartney, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll Years And Dance Hall Days’ will be staged on Saturday 16^th April at 8pm. Tickets are priced £20 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.

Her Majesty the Queen celebrates her 90^th birthday on Thursday 21 April.

To commemorate this milestone join us for a free family fun event from 6.30-8.30pm at Antrim Castle Gardens.  A photograph exhibition, face painting and live music from Caroline’s Swing band will keep you entertained.  Let your little Princes and Princesses be King or Queen for the day with our crown modelling and special Throne room. To round up this evening of celebration a beacon will be lit at The Motte at Antrim Castle Gardens at 8.30pm.

Rathlin Island has recently undergone a complete upgrade of its Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre making it a must-visit destination for everyone in Northern Ireland.

Visitors can now experience the ‘upside down’ lighthouse built on Rathlin’s cliffs as well as one of the largest breeding seabird colonies in Europe with birds such as Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills and Kittiwakes making the island their home.

Rachel Quigg, Communications, Destination & PR Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging everyone to check out Rathlin Island for themselves over the coming months.

“If you are looking for a magical place to spend a day or even an exciting weekend then Rathlin Island is the place for you. This hidden gem is simply brimming with things to see and do and is ideal for those who like to get out and about or who have a keen interest in wildlife.

“Visitors will be surrounded by stunning scenery and the locals will be sure to give you a warm welcome so don’t delay and flock to Rathlin” added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of upcoming events and ways to discover more about Rathlin Island:

Upcoming Events

Rathlin Island has an exciting calendar of upcoming events including the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival which celebrates the stunning scenery, diverse attractions and local culture of Ballycastle Town and Rathlin Island.  Starting with the unique boat-blessing event at Ballycastle seafront and Marina on Friday, May 27 and continuing until the closing event on Rathlin Island on June 5, the festival is sure to have something for everyone.

On June 5, the final day of the Festival, Naturally North Coast and Glens Market will arrive in Rathlin Island allowing visitors to take a stroll through a wide variety of stalls taking in the fresh aromas, vivid colours and buzzing crowds.

In July, more cultural celebrations will take place on the island in the shape of the Rathlin Island Festival Week, July 10-17.  The annual week of music and celebration will include amateur dramatics, model yacht races, ceildhs, and much more.

Explore the Island

When it comes to seeing the beauty of Rathlin Island, visitors have many options throughout the year including exploring by boat, bicycle or on foot. The island boasts four walks which join the already existing Rathlin Trail and Roonivoolin Walk to provide just under 20 miles of walking trails, right around the island.

Walking tours are available courtesy of Coastal Walking Tours and participants can take in the beautiful sights and sounds of the island whilst learning more about its rich heritage and history. Alternatively why not hire a bike from Soerneog View Hostel and cycle around the island at your own pace.

Rathlin Island Boat Tours are another exciting way to explore the island as visitors will leave Portrush harbour and sail along the Causeway Coast, taking in the Skerries, Dunluce Castle, the Giant’s Causeway, White Park Bay, Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and then over to Rathlin Island. Once on the island, visitors will spend time exploring the Puffin sanctuary and the West Lighthouse.

There are great accommodation options on Rathlin Island including Coolnagrock Bed & Breakfast, The Hayloft, Soerneog View Hostel (reopens April 14^th), Kinramer Cottage and Rathlin Island Hostel.

For further information on things to see and do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Join W5 as they celebrate local creativity over an afternoon with artists, hobbyists, businesses and makers from across NI. So, who’s coming?

Fablab Belfast is based in the Ashton Centre in Belfast and is halfway between a laboratory and a workshop – a place where you can make (almost) anything, whether you are a small child or a big one! They will be demonstrating some of their fabrication machines such as a laser cutter and a 3D printer. If you come and say hello, you might even get to make your own W5 keyring!

Prop Lab is based in T13 in Belfast and have made amazing props for movies, TV and exhibitions. Stop by their stand to see some of their amazing creations and also watch them work as they sculpt something new right in front of you!

The Institute of Physics is a scientific charity dedicated to advancing physics education, research and application. Try your hand at some crafty physics and make your own particle structures! Who would have thought science could be so creative?

Gaming group Wee Gamers has travelled all over Ireland to exhibit and play some of the best tabletop games around. They have even helped develop games and are working on some of their own ideas too! At their stand they will be doing some model painting (sponsored by UK miniatures company Crooked Dice), building game terrain and playing awesome games, so drop by to have a try!

If you have ever dreamt of making your own costumes from movies and TV, now’s your chance to see how it’s done. The 501^st Ireland Garrison and Heroes Unite are collectives of costume enthusiasts,  a lot of whom make their own costumes. Call past to see some costumed characters, works in progress and possibly find out how they build a Stormtrooper!

The Creativity Hub are creators of Rory’s Story Cubes – the nine-dice storytelling game – and The Extraordinaires Design Studio. You can try these creative games yourself at their stand! Can you help design gadgets, clothing, inventions or buildings for the Extraordinaires?

If you like crafty activities and digital technology, Nerve Belfast will be glad to talk to you. Use green screen magic to send yourself off to a far off land, try your hand at programming some curious contraptions made of Lego and become your own inventor using the littleBits electronic building blocks!

Garry McElherron is a local author that has taken inspiration from the myths, legends, flora and fauna of the Mourne mountains and written it into a story for children and adults alike called MourneQuest. Let him explain where he gets the ideas for his stories and characters and inspire you to try a little bit of storytelling yourself. He will even show you how to design your own family crest, after his experiences creating one for MourneQuest.

Creatividay is FREE with admission to W5. For admission prices and further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Something very exciting is ‘brewing’ at Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh who have ‘cracked open’ plans for a NEW and exciting event taking place on Saturday 30^th April from 4pm 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).

The event is being held in conjunction with Brewing & Distilling month as part of Tourism Northern Ireland,  NI Year of Food & Drink 2016 calendar. April is dedicated to celebrating Northern Ireland’s brewing heritage and the exciting arrival of a collection of quality local craft beers and ciders.

Allan Duncan, Owner Silverbirch Hotel comments, “The Year of Food & Drink provides our local food and drinks sector with a great opportunity to showcase the quality product offering we can provide for guests.  We are excited to host the first North West Brew Fest, as we are aware that food and drink experiences have become increasingly important to guests. The event will give people the opportunity to taste new products and meet the local companies producing the goods.”

Festival goers will have the opportunity to taste for themselves a collection of beers, ales, stout and ciders that have been hand crafted and locally made as well as meeting first hand some of the characters behind the ever growing NI brewing scene.

North West Brew Fest tickets are now on sale from Silverbirch Hotel reception, buy your ticket in advance for just £5pp for your chance to win an overnight stay and tour of Pokertree Brewery for six guests.  Alternatively tickets will also be available on the day North West Brew Fest is the perfect event to get a group of friends and family together and try something new, groups of 10 more can enjoy 1 person free! All tickets prices include one free drink per person. There will be also be a festival raffle on the day with a great selection of prizes including craft beer hampers and much more.

To help you get into the festival spirit over the bank holiday weekend 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.

To help wash down the great selection of craft beers, ales, stouts and cider the chefs have created a special North West Brew Fest menu aptly featuring ‘beer battered’ fish and chips and lots more tasty bites, after all it is the year of food & drink!

To keep up to date on North West Brew Fest like us on facebook www.facebook.com/NorthWestBrewFest or follow @NWBrewFest on twitter.

Buy your ticket from Silverbirch reception telephone 028 8224 2520.

Made in Liverpool, Beatles tribute Band are resident at The world famous Cavern Club Liverpool from where The Beatles shot to fame.  This leading Beatles tribute will be appearing at The Europa Hotel, Belfast on Saturday, 30 April.

Uniquely and unlike other Beatles tributes ‘Made in Liverpool’ are resident in the very place where pop/rock history’s greatest band were discovered and were the first Beatles tribute band to play the iconic venue when it re-opened. They are mentioned in music writer and Merseybeat historian Spencer Leigh’s book ‘The Cavern, The Most Famous Club in the World’.

Born and bred in Liverpool the band perform to audiences World-wide. Their performance as The Beatles is unique, uncontrived and mind blowing, the show has an electric atmosphere and is not to be missed!

Like John, Paul, George and Ringo Made in Liverpool are all Liverpudlians and they naturally sound like The Beatles.
Their shows attract a regular following from Beatles fans throughout the world, recent performances have been as far afield as Russia, USA, Australia, Switzerland, Europe and the Far east.

Tickets for Made in Liverpool concert at The Europa Hotel on 30 April care available from The Europa Reception on 02890 271066 or from ticketmaster.ie and www.irishtourtickets.com or phone 028 90310101

Tickets include ‘Johnny’s Big Night Out’ disco after the gig with U105’s Johnny Hero.

The Old Courthouse is delighted to welcome back Bookends with their stunning show Simon & Garfunkel: Through the Years on Wednesday 20 April at 7.30pm

Simon and Garfunkel: Through the Years’ is the world’s most authentic sounding theatre show of its kind. Made up of close friends Dan Hayes and Pete Richards, Bookends are fast becoming known for recreating the sound of Simon & Garfunkel, with their perfect harmonies and renditions of the classic songs. The show has been labelled a ‘must see’ and when you hear these two voices together, you understand why.

With moving and powerful live performances and multimedia, the show takes a chronological journey through the music and behind the scenes of the greatest ever folk-rock duo.

The show features interviews with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, original movie footage and mind-blowing live performances of hits like Mrs Robinson, The Boxer, Homeward Bound and the incredible Bridge Over Troubled Water.

Come along and relive the unforgettable music of Simon & Garfunkel in what the BBC described as ‘a must see’ show.

“Not just your average tribute” – BBC Radio WM

“That could really be Simon & Garfunkel” – BBC Radio Nottingham

Tickets priced at £10 & £8 (Concession)  To book, call 028 9446 3113 or book online at www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice