2015 marks the 75^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain – the greatest aerial conflict of the Second World War, which turned the tide in the war against Germany.

In recognition of this important anniversary, Ards and North Down Borough Council is holding a special commemorative event featuring a Spitfire and Hurricane fly-past, jazz picnic and vintage fair at Ards Air Field on Saturday 19 September.

We hope to involve the whole town in this event with a specially-themed market and with local traders joining in with 1940s music and costumes. Hop on the free shuttle bus which will leave the town centre every half hour. The first bus will leave South Street at 12pm and the service will run to the Airfield, throughout the day until 8pm.

Once at the Airfield, event-goers can look forward to a fantastic stage programme, commencing at 2pm with a short commemoration service to pay respect and honor the sacrifice, followed by Dave Martin and The Casino Cats with their smooth sounds from the 40s. Next up is the fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra, renowned for its exciting blend of high octane big band swing with classic tunes from Glen Millar, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Also on site, will be a vintage fair from Frock Around The Clock, a food fair, a military vehicle display, themed street theatre and vintage dancers making this a memorable day for all the family.

At 6.30pm spectators will be invited to look to the skies as a genuine Spitfire and a Hurricane aircraft perform a special fly-past finale over the Air Field.  Both of these famous aircraft were typical of the planes that fought in the Battle of Britain. The event will conclude with a performance by the NI Military Wives Choir.

Speaking about the event; Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, commented: “This commemorative event to mark the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain will be a very special and fitting tribute to the men and women who fought in the Second World War.  It is important that we continue to remember their sacrifice and the programme we have planned will encourage this as visitors have the opportunity to experience some of the most iconic sights and sounds associated with the period.”

Gates to the venue are open at 12noon and car-parking and food is available on-site. People are welcome to bring picnics and picnic chairs and rugs are recommended for your comfort. No alcohol is to be brought on site, bar facilities are available. This is a free event.

There will also be a display of local military artefacts and a wreath laying service at the RAF Ballyhalbert and Ballyhalbert Caravan Park on 12 September 2015, 2.00pm – 4.00pm to remember those who gave their lives in the Battle.

For further information on this event please contact Ards Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9182 6846 or email ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

U2’s sold out iNNOCENCE + eXPERIENCE European Tour 2015 will finish with six home shows, being Belfast on 18^th & 19^th November and four shows in Dublin on 23^rd + 24^th, 27^th + 28^th November 2015.

It is the first time the band will perform songs from their recent album Songs of Innocence to a home crowd. The album released last year, charts the group’s earliest experiences of growing up in Dublin influenced by 70s rock, punk and early 80s electronica and gives insight into how and why U2 came together. With its themes of home and family in songs such as Cedarwood Road, Iris (Hold Me Close) and Raised by Wolves, which deals with the impact of the ‘74 Dublin/Monaghan bombings, Songs of Innocence charts the end of the time of innocence for all four band members and their friends, as teens growing up.

Tickets for the Irish shows go on sale at 9am on Monday 14^th September, will be limited to 2 per purchaser and are priced from £30 to £165 for Belfast and from €30 to €185 in Dublin, plus charges. Tickets can be bought at the 3Arena and SSE Arena box offices and online, with floor tickets being sold with the Paperless Ticket system, to ensure fans have access to tickets at face value. A limited number of student-priced floor tickets will be available for sale online. For full details see www.U2.com/tour

€2,000,000 (€2 million) from these concerts will go to Music Generation, Ireland’s National Music Education Programme which currently provides high quality subsidised music tuition to some 26,000 children and young people. Music Generation was originally set up with €5m funding from U2’s Croke Park shows in 2009, along with a further €2m raised by The Ireland Funds.

“In the 18 years that I have worked with U2, the home shows are always very special. These shows promise to be brilliant.” – Arthur Fogel, CEO Global Touring Live Nation Entertainment.

“Finding venues to take this show is actually quite tricky and we’re grateful to our overworked crew who finally cracked the reconfiguring to fit these venues.” – The Edge

The iNNOCENCE + Experience Tour kicked off in May in Vancouver to rave reviews and the US leg saw the band joined onstage by specials guests including Jimmy Fallon, Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga, as they performed songs from across their career.

The Dublin and Belfast dates are: Wed, 18^th and Thurs, 19^th November – Belfast – SSE Arena

Mon 23^rd, Tues 24^th, Fri 27^th & Sat 28^th November – Dublin – 3Arena

Saturday 12 September – Friday 18 September

Tuesday 15 September, Valhalla Street Theatre presents ‘Winds of War’ in 1914’

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

7pm – 7.45pm & 8pm – 8.45pm

Calling all Amateur Actors & Actresses, join Valhalla Street Theatre in The Hub at Project 24 for an interactive rehearsal of their up and coming play ‘Winds of War’ in 1914.

Info: project24ni.com

Saturday 19 September – Friday 25 September

Saturday 19 September, Battle of Britain 75

Ards Airfield

12noon – 7pm

FREE

1940s Concert, Vintage Fair, Spitfire and Hurricane Flypast and more.

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

Saturday 19 September, Tea with the Lord (Coach Tour)

Tour Departs from Ards Visitor Information Centre, 1pm

Tickets: £18 (Ad), £16 (Conc), £9 (Ch)

Embrace the opportunity to visit Ballywalter House, the beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years.

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

Sunday 20 September, Movilla Cemetery Walking Tour

Tour departs from Movilla Cemetery, Newtownards, 2pm

Tickets: £6 (Ad), £5 (Conc), £3 (Ch)

This tour uncovers the stories behind the headstones as it explores the significant role the graveyard’s inhabitants played in the history of the area.

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

Sunday 20 September, En Plein Air Painting Challenge

Project 24, Bangor Seafront

11am – 5pm

Calling all Amateur Artists; bring your easels to Project 24′s Community Garden and The Hub and create your own masterpieces in 4 hours!

Info: project24ni.com

Wednesday 23 – Sunday 27 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival

Bangor, various locations

A celebration of the written word through poetry, prose, journalism, comedy, song writing and much more. Programme and Tickets now available via aspectsfestival.com

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, aspectsfestival.com

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall) BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Saturday 29 August – Sunday 27 September

Paintings: Bryansburn Artists

Wednesday 9 September – Sunday 1 November

Paintings: Middletown & Music

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 September

‘Avalon Pilgrimage’ – Avalon Guitars 

Movie fans can go back in time to 1985 when Marty McFly returns to the big screen with a special 30th anniversary showing of the iconic movie classic ‘Back to the Future’ on Friday 18 September at 8pm in Solitude Park, Banbridge.

Join Marty as he travels back to 1955 in the delightfully daft Doc Brown’s plutonium-powered DeLorean time machine with the seemingly simple task of making sure his teenage parents-to-be meet and fall in love which will enable him to journey back to his own era.

Unfortunately things don’t go quite to plan and so ensues a series of madcap mishaps and crazy capers. Will Marty get is parents to fall in love? Will he find the Doc Brown of 1955? Will he ever manage to get back to the future! There’s only one way to find out by setting the controls to Sept 18 2015, destination Solitude Park!

This family favourite will delight film fans and would-be time travellers of all ages. To add to the cinema experience tasty treats including popcorn, sweets and drinks will also be on sale. Booking is not required for this fabulous free outdoor cinema event, just come along and enjoy this time twister of a tale, and don’t forget to bring along a comfy cushion.

For event updates see www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or telephone the events team on 028 4066 0609.

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s biggest ever ‘Culture Night’ has just been launched and takes place on Friday 18^th September in various locations around Armagh City & District.

A jam-packed and vibrant programme of over 100 events featuring art, readings, workshops, demonstrations, tours, music, dance, drama, exhibitions and family fun takes place in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, throughout Armagh City Centre, and across the district including a wide programme of events in Poyntzpass.

It may be entitled ‘Culture Night’ but events kick off on Fri 18^th Sept from as early as 10.00am with music classes for babies ‘Doh Ray Me’ in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh. At 1.00pm there is a bi-lingual tour of Iron-Age Armagh led by Cairde Teo and departing from Armagh City Hotel.

Evening events kick off at 5.45pm in The Market Place Theatre, Armagh with a Hip Hop Dance School on the Theatre Veranda.

Over 100 events then run between 6.00pm and 11.00pm in 30 venues across the City & District. A full programme is now available and some of the highlights include:

• Tours Of The Historic Mall, Armagh Gaol, St Patrick’s COI Cathedral, Palace Demesne, Armagh County Museum
• Schools Culture Night Performances In Market Place Theatre
• Artist exhibitions by Armagh Art Club, Anne Callanane, Maria Cardenas, Andrew Haire, Armagh Pipers Club, Ulster Scots Community, Armagh County Museum
• Dance performances from JD Dance, Bulgarian Folk Dance, Tennessee Twisters, Hip Hop Dance School, Lithuanian Folk Dance, Jiving Crew, Hungarian Folk Dance, Tasagh Scottish Dancers, Taylor Scallon Irish Dance, Armagh Set Dancers, Karma Indian Dance
• Music from Banbridge Buskfest Winners, Appleby SEC Makaton Choir, DJ Sets, Armagh Pipers Club, solo performers in cafes around the city, Jazz Jams, South Ulster Sinfonia, U3A Choir, Armagh Rhymers, The Oriel Singers, Men’s Shed Choir, SRC Music Department, The New Rhythm Band, Cup O Joe, The Hanna Sisters, Finnvola Trad Rock
• Workshops in Wood Turning & Music Making
• Demonstrations of Graffiti Art, Martial Arts, Yoga
• Readings & Drama In Public Library & Visitor Information Centre & City Library
• Poyntzpass – Over 20 events in various locations in Poyntzpass including music, dance, choirs, food tasting and exhibitions

Speaking at the launch, Lord Mayor of Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor Darryn Causby commented:

“Armagh will highlight the unique mix of culture that exists within our Community.  The Council fully recognises that Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon districts are areas very rich in cultural terms and have a strong and hugely talented mix of local people from right across the whole spectrum of culture. Culture means many things to many people and the programme presented here today is certain to appeal to the widest possible audience”.

The full programme is now available in outlets across Armagh and from The Market Place Theatre Box Office or can be downloaded at www.marketplacearmagh.com. More details on the performers and performances can be found online and at www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh

The Gobbins coastal cliff path walk is already celebrating a major milestone, welcoming its 1,000^th visitor – appropriately a local man with close family connections over several centuries.

Just weeks after opening thanks to funding from the European Union’s INTERREG IVA Programme, Henry Valentine Bell, retraced his ancestor’s jaunting car-driver roots as he followed in his footsteps on Wednesday 2^nd September, walking the iconic series of suspension tubular bridges, caves, steps and tunnels carved through the spectacular rock face.

“My family have actually lived in Islandmagee since the 17^th Century,” he said.

“My great-grandfather, Robert McCartney, had a close connection to The Gobbins. His job was to taxi visitors via jaunting car from Ballycarry Railway Station to the attraction.

“It is true to say that The Gobbins has played a very important role in my family’s history so I am delighted to add this new chapter to my family history and plan to keep visiting for many years to come.”

“I am thrilled to be the 1,000^th visitor to undertake the newly opened path. The last time I walked The Gobbins myself was as a child when it was officially closed.

“Then it was quite dangerous and inaccessible in parts – but as a young child you saw it as an adventure. I have lots of fond memories,” said Henry.

Mr Bell was at The Gobbins as part of his local walking group so that he and 10 others experienced the breath-taking views and exposed coastline first-hand.

He said it was everything that visitors – past and present – have been raving about: “Undertaking the new path has been an amazing experience and everything I had hoped it would be. The new structure is a true triumph and brings back to life a much-loved local treasure.

The Gobbins was reinstated at a cost of £7.5 million with over half of the funding coming through the EU’s INTERREG IVA Programme, managed by the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) and administered by the North East Partnership. The Council provided £2 million with further funding of £200,000 from the Ulster Garden Villages organisation.

Commenting on behalf of SEUPB, Director, Lorraine McCourt, said: “The Gobbins pathway was funded as a cross-border initiative and is partnered with a similarly picturesque costal attraction, ‘Sliabh Liag’ in Donegal.

“European funding was awarded to both, to help boost the tourism offering and encourage a greater flow of tourist from both sides of the border.”

Speaking of this milestone event, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Councillor Billy Ashe said: “It is extremely poignant that it was a local resident who took the accolade of The Gobbins 1,000^th visitor.

“The local community has played a hugely important role in supporting us throughout the construction work and continue to do so now that it is open.

“We are thrilled at the success so far and look forward to welcoming thousands more visitors over the months ahead.

“Since we opened the doors of the new attraction, we have been overwhelmed by the local and global demand for tickets to The Gobbins.

“Currently the cliff path walk is fully booked until the end of September, with places in October filling up fast. We have even received requests from visitors looking to book ahead for June 2016,” the Mayor added.

Walking The Gobbins cliff path requires a reasonable level of fitness. There is also a height restriction in place and booking is essential for the hourly tours. Tickets cost £8.50 per person and £23 for family tickets. Telephone: 028 9337 2318.

The Team from Belfast Zoo will join the W5 Demonstrators to introduce a series of small animals, representing both vertebrates and invertebrates from many different habitats.

Join W5 to look at little mammals from a pygmy hedgehog of the African Sahara Desert to a bearded dragon from scrubland and eucalyptus woodlands of Australia. The invertebrates include an African mollusc and Asian stick insects, along with Rosie, the Chilean pink toed tarantula!

If you’re brave enough, experience helping to hold an African Royal Python and discover the beauty of these amazing snakes!

Dates: Saturday 12^th & 19^th September

Show Times: 2pm and 3pm

Free with General Admission

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s annual Supercar Sunday is set to offer festival-goers the ride of their lives on Sunday, 6th September at the Sprucefield Park and Ride from 1.30pm.

Car fanatics who fancy a spin in their dream car can experience an excursion in one of the supercars on display in exchange for a contribution fee to the Oyster Festival’s charities, Clubs for Young People (CYP NI) and Hillsborough Village Centre.

Supercar owners will also have the opportunity to showcase their famous and sought-after automobiles and, by offering the public the chance to ride in their supercar, they will be swelling the coffers of the Festival’s 2015 charities.

This event is supported by Charles Hurst, TrustFord and The Plough Inn. Visit www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com for further details on the Festival programme.

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 Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Golf and Spa Break, Midweek Pamper and Pitch, Killyhevlin Hotel, Spa & Health Club, Enniskillen. From £117pps based on two people sharing. An unforgettable break especially created for those that love to golf and spa! You will both enjoy two nights midweek accommodation (Sunday to Thursday) with one 4-course dinner, cooked breakfast each morning and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. You can then decide which of you will enjoy a round of Golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf Course while the other enjoys a 30-minute spa treatment in the Elemis Spa (treatments require advance booking). Available from Sep 1- Dec 13. To book call (028) 6632 3481. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• Romantic Break, Maldron Hotel Derry, Londonderry/Derry. From £99pps. Fall in love with Derry and enjoy 2 night’s bed and full Irish breakfast plus a 4 course meal on evening of choice. Bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries await you in your room on arrival. The Maldron Hotel Derry is the only hotel located within the Historic City Walls which makes it the perfect base to explore the city. £99pps midweek or £119pps weekend. Available from Sep 1- Dec 13. To book call (028) 7137 1000. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• 2 Night bed and breakfast (midweek), Stormont Hotel, Belfast. From £109pps. On the edge of Belfast City sits a hotel with an edge all of its own. There’s plenty to do also. You can enjoy a cocktail in the lounge, light bites or a full menu in La Scala Bistro or simply relax by the fireside and enjoy the famous afternoon tea! Available from Sep 1- Dec 13. To book call (028) 9065 1066. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

This year European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) have over 400 properties and events across Northern Ireland opening FREE OF CHARGE and Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in throughout the event.

• Bus Tour Of Belfast Historic Buildings, Tour Departs From Athletic Stores, Queen Street, Belfast, September 11. Belfast Civic Trust will run a bus tour of the city telling the story of its history through its architecture. The tour will include buildings such as Belfast City Hall, St Peter’s Cathedral, St. Anne’s Cathedral, Clonard Monastery, Queen’s University, Customs House and other important buildings. Booking essential – telephone (028) 9054 3022.

• Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience – Guided Tour, 44 Causeway Road, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, September 12. The award winning Giant’s Causeway Visitor Experience, designed by architects Heneghan Peng is an architecturally stunning and sustainable venue combining innovation, precision and craftsmanship to create a building that sits within the beautiful Causeway landscape. There will be two free guided tours of the Visitor Centre focusing on the architecture and sustainable features of this very interesting building. Architectural interest tours at 12pm and 2pm (40mins). Booking essential – telephone (028) 9054 3022.

• Carrick-A-Rede, Whitepark Road, Ballintoy, Co. Antrim, September 12. Suspended almost 100 ft (30 m) above sea level, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge was first erected by salmon fishermen 350 years ago. Today it is a popular tourist destination, attracting thousands of thrill-seekers (and birdwatchers!) to the North Coast every year. If you are bold enough to cross the 65 ft (20 m) bridge, stretching from the mainland to ‘Rocky Island’, you will be rewarded with fantastic views of Rathlin Island, Scotland and the Causeway Coast. Get a bird’s eye view of the clear, green water flowing around the ancient caves and caverns far below – if you dare to look down. Open Saturday 9am to 6pm with free guided tour at 10am (1.5 hrs). Booking essential – telephone (028) 2073 3419.

• Kevin McAleer, Omagh Library, Irishtown Road, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, September 8. Local comedian Kevin McAleer drops in to the library for an evening of vintage comedy in which he will attempt to condense thirty years of talking nonsense into an hour. His carefully worded scripts have been compared to the likes of Beckett or Flann O’Brien, while the timing and delivery are uniquely his own. Expect plenty of word play, bad puns and concentrated laughs from an original master of the comedy craft. Suitable for adults only. Booking essential – telephone (028) 8224 4821 or email omagh.library@librariesni.org.uk.

• The Argory, Moy, Dungannon, Co. Armagh, September 12. The Argory was built in the 1820s, a handsome Irish gentry house surrounded by a 130-hectare (320-acre) wooded riverside estate. The former home of the MacGeough Bond family, a tour of this Neo-classical masterpiece reveals it is unchanged since 1900. The eclectic interior still evokes the family’s tastes and interests. Outside there are sweeping vistas, superb spring bulbs, scenic walks and fascinating courtyard displays. A second-hand bookshop, adventure playground and Lady Ada’s award-winning tea-room provide retreats for children and adults alike. Opening times 12 – 5pm.

• The Inniskillings Museum at Enniskillen Castle Museums, Co. Fermanagh, September 12. A visit to the award-winning museum is a journey through more than 300 years of world history as encountered by two famous regiments. Be inspired by the heroism of the men and their families who served over the world and view a rich collection of personal stories, weapons, uniforms and regimental silver. You will be given the opportunity to use our handling collections and see uniforms and items that soldiers carried with them from different periods of time. Opening times 2 – 5pm.

• Springhill, Moneymore, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, September 12. Experience the beguiling spirit of this inimitable 17th-century ‘Plantation’ home, with its walled gardens and parkland, full of tempting waymarked paths. There are ten generations of Lenox-Conyngham family tales to enthrall you, as well as numerous portraits, much furniture to admire and not forgetting Ireland’s best-documented ghost, Olivia. The old laundry houses the celebrated Costume Collection, which features some fine 18th to 20th-century pieces that highlight its great charm and enthralling past. Opening times 12 – 5pm.

• Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, September 12. Following a three year £7million restoration programme, this 18th Century house has been significantly transformed, making it a must-see attraction on the island of Ireland. On Saturday Mount Stewart will be offering free entry to all visitors giving them the opportunity to view collections of national and international significance. Visitors can experience and explore the house at their leisure and learn more about the family and the important role they played in local and international history. You can also take a stroll around the stunning formal gardens which reflect a rich tapestry of design and planting artistry, making them so unique. Opening times 10am – 5pm.

• BBC Screenings, Building Britain: Belfast – City Renewal, Belfast Central Library, Belfast. September 10. Glenn Patterson reflects on Belfast’s industrial heritage and plans for the future. His film includes interviews with architects and developers and footage of early building work at Titanic Quarter. Starts at 6.30pm.

• Ring Of Gullion Coach Tour, Bagenal’s Castle, Castle Street, Newry, Co. Down, September 12. Fully guided coach tour taking in the most impressive sights and monuments the Ring of Gullion has to offer. Una Walsh will lead you on your journey through the breath taking landscape of the area whilst enlightening you about the rich natural, built, archaeological and cultural heritage, not forgetting the many myths and legends in which the area is steeped. Booking essential – telephone: (028) 3082 8590. Opening times 10.30 – 4.30pm.

Please note most 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.