Northern Ireland’s favourite comedienne Nuala McKeever returns to Theatre at The Mill for one night only on Friday 10 June, with a special performance of her black comedy “In the Window” in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice.

Noreen Kennedy, Community Fundraising Manager said: “Northern Ireland Hospice only exists because of the support we receive from local people in the community. I am continuously amazed and encouraged by the generosity and goodwill from local people, businesses and organisations. We are preparing to open your new hospice next week and we need your help to complete the fit-out”.

Nuala McKeever is no stranger to Theatre at The Mill having starred as Mrs Lovett in the opening show Sweeney Todd and returning with smash hits Carol’s Christmas, Eternally Scrooged , Christmas Eve Can Kill You and Tinseltown. Nuala McKeever also starred in Alan Bennett’s A Lady of Letters and Her Big Chance at The Courtyard Theatre.  We are delighted that Nuala is returning to Theatre at The Mill for this special charity performance of In the Window in aid of Northern Ireland Hospice after its success with us at The Courtyard Theatre in 2014.

Nuala delivers a poignant, hilarious, disastrous cocktail that’s to die for, about the resilience of the human heart in the face of …well, just about everything that can go wrong in our crazy modern lives…

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey commented “Northern Ireland Hospice provides an essential service to the whole community and I would ask the public to show their support and get behind this campaign. You are not only getting to experience a great night out at Theatre at The Mill, you are also helping to raise much needed funds for the new Northern Ireland Hospice”.

Popular Maritime Festival is only days away

Ballycastle and Rathlin Island are anticipating over 15,000 visitors to descend upon the coastal locations for a week long maritime themed festival packed awash with family fun, food and sea-going antics.

The Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, now in its fourth year, is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s rich and diverse maritime history and the unique stretch of water lying between Ballycastle and the magical island of Rathlin.

The festival will run from 27^th May to 5^th June and features a bustling schedule of events perfect for families, local foodies and boating enthusiasts, beginning with a unique boat blessing to open the festival.

From then on the activities are endless! Kids can take a ride on the famous Tall Ship, The Johanna Lucretia. Take part in a pirate-themed Children’s Treasure Hunt, learn about the tales of Vikings and the myths and legends around the Causeway Coast’s famous giant, Finn McCool.

Foodies shouldn’t miss Ulster’s inaugural Chowder Cook Off featuring live cookery demonstrations from none other than Paula McIntyre, and music lovers will want to hear country music sensation Lisa McHugh’s latest tunes.

All of this in addition to racing yachts and fishing trips, powerboats and traditional hand-crafted rowing boats (curraghs) – every pace and taste is catered for over the festival’s busy itinerary.

Caroline Carey, Tourism Development at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, shared her excitement for this year’s event, saying: “We are delighted to invite visitors back to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle for the fourth year of this superb festival. It is a fantastic mix of culture, entertainment, nature, sport and, of course, seafood.”

This year’s festival has been organised by the Council, Ballycastle Community Development Group, the Rathlin Development & Community Association, and the Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Sponsors include Tourism Northern Ireland, Malin Waters, Rathlin Boat House Partnership, Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd, Marine Hotel Ballycastle, Naturally North Coast & Glens Market and Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network.

For more information on the full Festival programme of activities in Ballycastle and on Rathlin Island, between 27^th May and 5^th June, visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com.

This Bank Holiday become a Celtic apprentice, when under the guidance and instruction of our Celtic characters you will get the chance to try many of the activities necessary for daily life in an iron age dwelling.

Have you ever tried to build a cobb oven? Ever cooked with a Fulacht Fiadh? Tried wicker weaving or wattle & daub?  Made pottery or helped build a boat?  We suspect not, but this is your opportunity to try these new skills and see first-hand how life was for a Celtic family.

On Monday 30^th May from 11.00am – 5.00pm the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh are offering you the chance to become a Celtic Apprentice for the day!

This promises to be a great family day out as our Celtic characters show how they live from day to day and train you on how to be a Celt.  They will be making a cobb oven and need you to get your hands dirty to help them out.  How creative can you be with your wicker weaving? The Celts used this to make fences around their homes, garlands etc. and now is your opportunity to try this new skill.

Make some pottery and paint a shield to get ready to go to battle.  See how the Celts cook and even try using a bread oven, fire pit and fulacht fiadh.

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

THIS WEEK, Friday 20 May-Thursday 26 May

Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 21 – Brick4Kidz and children’s crafts

Sun 22 – CSI Detective workshop K’nex workshop

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 22 to Wednesday 25 May, Spring Continental Market

Conway Square, Newtownards

Sun 1pm-6pm, Mon –Wed 9am-7pm

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Saturday 28 May, Tea with the Lord, Ballywalter

Part of the Experience Ards and North Down Tours

£18Ad, £9ch. 1pm-5.30pm

Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and scones, in the historic conservatory of Ballywalter House.

Info and tickets: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Until 24 May, Exhibition: We are Sailing

The Saddlery, Portaferry

Admission Free. North Down Museum presents an exploration of local sailing clubs and their history.

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Until 29 May, Exhibition: A Sense of Place

Art in the Loft, Portaferry

Admission Free. An Exhibition of Work by Studio E

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

NEXT WEEK, Friday 27 May-2 June

Saturday 28 May, Craft in the Hub

Project 24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor

11am-5pm. Admission Free

Info: Project24ni.com

Saturday 28 – Monday 30 May, Puppet Festival 2016

Various locations in the Ards and North Down Borough

The Puppet Festival is back with a jammed programme of puppet performance, workshops and general puppetry shenanigans. Taking place at venues across the Borough this is a unique and fun filled treat for children of all ages.

Info: Ards Arts Centre, (028)  9181 0803, arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, ardsarts.com

Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 May, Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm.

Sat 28: Magic Show

Sun 29: Archery and traditional crafts

Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm. Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Until 29 May, Exhibition: A Sense of Place

Art in the Loft, Portaferry

Admission Free. An Exhibition of Work by Studio E.

Info: Portaferry Visitor Information Centre, (028) 4281 9882, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Tickets on sale now…

Sea Bangor – Tall Ship Sailings – Sat 4 and Sun 5 June

Sailing into Bangor for the event is the impressive tall ship “The Mercedes” which will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and open to the public for both days of the festival. If you fancy sailing the high seas on the spectacular “Mercedes” there are opportunities available for hour-long sailings on both the morning and evening of June 4 & 5. There will be morning sailings at 9am on both days (£15), then Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 8pm (£20).

Tickets are available now at Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Ards Visitor Information Centre, North Down Museum and online via visitardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Download the leaflet

Theater in the Walled Garden: David Walliams ‘Ratburger’ – Tues 19 – Wed 20 July

£6, 2pm & 6pm

Voted the top children’s book of the year in 2012, David Walliams’ “Ratburger”

Heartbreak Productions returns this summer with the theatrical premiere of “Ratburger”, adapted for the outdoor stage.  Recommended for 7yrs+

Info and tickets: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

UPCOMING EVENTS…

Sea Bangor Festival

Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June

Download the leaflet

Comber Earlies Food Festival

Saturday 25 June

Download the leaflet

Peninsula Food Showcase

Sat 30 July – Portaferry, Sat 13 Aug – Portavogie, Sat 10 Sept – Donaghadee, Sun 9 and Mon 10 Oct – Ballywalter, Sat 29 Oct – Greyabbey

Download the leaflet

Ards and North Down Borough Council is inviting families to join the ranks of the ‘Green and White Army’ and enjoy a family friendly screening of the Northern Ireland UEFA Euro 2016 matches in parks across the borough.

As players representing our wee country play their hearts out in France, families can dress from head to toe in green and white and cheer them on at the picnic events.

Of course fans supporting Poland, Ukraine, Germany or any of the other teams competing are very welcome to come along also!

Mums, dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles and all the kids can enjoy the games in a fun environment on big screens, and bring along their picnics with deckchairs and blankets.

Families can view the matches and soak in the great atmosphere at the following venues:

Sunday 12^th June at 5pm                NI v Poland in Ward Park, Bangor

Thursday 16^th at 5pm                      NI v Ukraine in Londonderry Park, Newtownards

Tuesday 21^st at 5pm                        NI v Germany in Millisle Beach Park, Millisle

Gates open 90 minutes prior to kick-off.

Tickets are free but in order to ensure a safe environment there are some restrictions.  Strictly NO alcohol allowed onsite, under 18s should be accompanied by adults, no dogs, no knives or metal cutlery and no umbrellas or seats with spikes.

Tickets can be booked on www.visitardsandnorthdown.com or are available in Ards and Bangor Visitor Information Centres and Ards Arts Centre.

Down

Have a great family day out at the Granshaw Country Fair this Saturday in Comber. Activities for all ages, animal displays, vehicle displays, Arts, Crafts and Specialty goods. Live Music, Food and so much more.

Armagh

Prepare to enter the enchanted wonderland of Portadown People’s Park at the Enchanted Park Trail this Saturday, and meet some very special visitors who will transport you to a magical, fairy-tale world!  Enter through the grand gates of the park to find yourself at the start of the mystical Pixie Trail full of puzzles and clues for you to solve, with the promise of a sweet treat reward by the end. Meet Tinkerbell, Tobey the Gnomey and lots of their charming friends who will help you along the way and spread a little magic!  When you have finished the trail you can then enjoy a multitude of exciting activities on offer. Bring a blanket and check out the puppet shows at the amphitheatre, take part in traditional maypole dancing and make something to treasure at the arts and crafts workshops. Children will also delight at the fairground rides, face painting and balloon modelling to make it a memorable afternoon.

Fermanagh

Experience Fermanagh’s newest visitor attraction and be immersed in the Lakeland landscape of Lough Erne on the Erne Water Taxi. Sit back, relax and see Lough Erne your way with our chauffeur driven boats. The taxi service provides a pick-up and drop-off from any accessible jetty on Lough Erne.  They also offer specialty tours of the Lough Erne, including a heritage trail and Food Trail. More info at ernewatertaxi.com.

Tyrone

Relive and remember the 1970s! Join artist and tutor Bill Gatt on Drawing Day at the Ulster American Folk Park Omagh Saturday 21^st May, and celebrate their 40th anniversary. This is your chance to draw Clare, our life model, dressed like a visitor from 1976 when the Folk Park opened. With pastels, charcoal and pencils, add a splash of colour to your weekend in the company of our charismatic and well-known tutor Bill. This event is open to children, adults and family groups with a special focus on animals for the children who will have a chance to learn more from Bill. Free event, materials supplied: usual admission prices. Booking is not necessary; drop in – and try your hand at drawing!

Derry/Londonderry

Celebrate the sights and sounds of the Sperrins with a weekend of FREE events organised by Sperrins Gateway Landscape Partnership (SGLP) on May 20th and 21st at An Rath Dubh Hall in Moneyneena, Draperstown.  The ‘Spring Into the Sperrins’ weekend promises something for everyone with a packed two-day programme featuring tours and talks, workshops, live animals, gold panning and a dawn chorus walk to name just a few of the many FREE attractions on offer. All of the events are open to all ages. However, booking is essential for the Friday events and Dawn Chorus Walk.

Antrim

BSPA present Fame Jr with its high- energy, contemporary pop score this Saturday at the Island Arts Centre Lisburn.  Set during the last years of New York City’s celebrated High School for the Performing Arts on 46th Street (1980-1984), Fame Jr id the bittersweet but ultimately inspiring story of a diverse group of students as they commit to four years of gruelling artistic and academic work. With candour, humour and insight, the show explores the issues that confront many young people today. A show for all the family to enjoy!

Belfast

Chinese Dragon Boats will be making their way around Northern Ireland to help raise vital funds for TinyLife with the second dragon boat race on Saturday 21st May 2016 at Cutters Wharf, Stranmillis.   This is an excellent opportunity to get friends and colleagues together for a great day out.  Teams of 15 – 20 will battle it out to be crowned the Dragon Boat Champions.

Remember to 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.

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

• Friday or Sunday Night Break, Glenavon House Hotel, Co. Tyrone. From £62.50pps. Situated on the outskirts of Cookstown, the three-star Glenavon Hotel is a haven for business and holiday makers alike. This special offer includes dinner, one night’s bed and breakfast and full use of Club Riveria leisure facilities. Available until 31 Dec. To book call (028) 8676 4949.

• Spring/Summer Getaway, Ardtara Country House, Maghera, Co. Londonderry. From £137.50pps. A member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book, Ardtara Country House is an elegantly restored 19^th century ancestral home. Enjoy a two night break at Ardtara and relax in cosy lounges surrounded by toasty fires.  Offer includes tea/coffee on arrival, two nights bed and breakfast and a three course evening meal on both nights. Available until 30 June.  To book call (028) 7964 4490.

• Titanic Package, Stormont Hotel, Belfast, Co.Antrim. From £50pps. Enjoy an overnight bed and breakfast break at the four-star contemporary Stormont Hotel located on the edge of Belfast City. Following your stay at the hotel travel to the depths of the ocean and uncover the true legend of Titanic at Titanic Belfast through nine interactive galleries and full-scale reconstructions. Available until 31 Dec. To book call (028) 9065 1066.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

SUMMER is just around the corner, and Hastings Hotels have two great offers that will really bring the sunshine to your short break!

The Everglades Hotel, situated close to the centre of Derry~Londonderry and overlooking the River Foyle and the rugged hills of Donegal, is offering a, Sleep, Wine and Dine deal from £55pps. This offer includes an overnight stay with breakfast, plus a two-course evening meal with a bottle of wine. This great value getaway is available until the end of June. For more information call 028 7132 1066.

The recently refurbished, Stormont Hotel is giving visitors the opportunity to experience not only its luxurious 4* accommodation and cuisine, but also one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, Titanic Belfast. Enjoy overnight bed and breakfast in the Stormont Hotel, plus tickets for the Titanic exhibition, from only £50pps. For more information call 028 9065 1066.

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

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. 

Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre have just received a delivery of a new Armagh Tea Towel and Apron.

Made by Ulster Weavers, these items would make a great gifts to bring to someone living away from home, or a great memento of a visit to our wonderful City and District.

Both items depict sketched images of our most iconic visitor attractions and are on sale at just £5.99 for the tea towel and £10.75 for the apron.

Call in today and snap up yours.

For information please contact: Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Armagh  BT61 7BA.  Tel 028 3752 1800

London Classic Theatre returns to The Market Place Theatre in Armagh with the Harold Pinter classic, ‘The Birthday Party’.

A shabby boarding house in a small English seaside town. An elderly couple take care of a solitary guest, who rarely ventures out. The arrival of two enigmatic strangers seems to offer a welcome distraction from their mundane existence. But when an impromptu, seemingly innocent birthday party abruptly turns into a deadly game of cat and mouse, there are horrifying repercussions.

By turns, cryptic thriller and macabre comedy, ‘The Birthday Party’ was Harold Pinter’s first major work and is among the most unusual and absorbing of his plays. London Classic Theatre presents the first significant touring revival of the twenty-first century, promising to bring this ground-breaking classic to fresh and exhilarating life.

Playwright, director, actor, poet and political activist, Harold Pinter was born on 10 October 1930 in East London. He wrote twenty-nine plays including Betrayal, Old Times, The Homecoming and The Caretaker. In 2005, he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature.

‘The Birthday Party’ will be staged on Friday 27^th May at 8pm. Tickets are priced £14.50 and £12.50 (concession). 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.