Ultimately it was the trusty Belfast weather that had the last word on Wednesday night, stopping the Belfast Buccaneers just as things were getting interesting.

Sporting a brand new battery of pitcher Christopher Barr and Irish fastpitch softball international catcher Marian Neill, the Bucs and Belfast Northstars faced off on an already gloomy Wednesday night at Hydebank and despite an early deficit, the expansion Bucs would circle the frigates and begin their comeback.

With two outs gone in the second, the Northstars (led by Melvin Woods who, by his own standards, was battling control issues) had jumped out to an 8-1 lead. With Sean Shackley taking over for Barr, the Buccaneers scrapped four runs back to take the score to 8-5.

In an effort to halt the comeback, the Stars would add another brace of runs in the fifth; Shackley taking matters into his own hands and driving in Chris Stange made it 10-6. Showing excellent plate discipline, Melvin Woods would see the bases loaded but after striking out Neill and Van Houten, minimal damage was done after another run plated for the Bucs when Billy Thompson was walked.

Unfortunately, with the game starting to heat up, the conditions became too dark too early for play to safely continue and, to put the final nail in the game, the heavens opened just as the final handshakes were being exchanged.

A critical win for the Belfast Northstars, but there was plenty for the Buccaneers to take heart from moving forward…

This weekend it is the turn of the Northstars to put their feet up along with the Angels with the Bucs travelling to Ashbourne and the Hornets welcoming the Cavan Comets to Hydebank.

The Giants will entertain the Buccaneers during a weekend of festivities to celebrate the opening of the newest jewel in the Baseball Ireland crown, the International Baseball Centre in Ashbourne.

Already leading the season series 3-1, the Bucs will be looking to build momentum to the playoffs. The first game was a short affair being called after four innings with the Giants lagging behind 19-4. The score was, in no small part, to the punch in the middle of the Belfast order provided by third baseman Chris Stange and centrefielder Terry Rosbotham (6  R, 6 H, 10 RBI combined).  With sixteen runs plating in the first two innings, the Giants had little chance to extend the game past the fourth.

In the second, despite another 4 RBI by Rosbotham the Giants, led by Sean Mitchell with both bat (2 R, 3 H, 5 RBI) and ball (9 R, 5 ER, 4 BB, 9 K) would top the Bucs and their rookie pitchers Kalvin Breet and Christopher Barr, 12-9.

That blemish to the record would clearly be on the mind of the Belfast team as they travelled to Dublin for the third and fourth tilts of the season series as they outscored the young Giants 28-3. In the first game of the day the offensive provided by Jose Santos (3 R, 2 H, 1 2B, 3 RBI), Alex Linderman (3 R, 4 H, 2 2B, 3 RBI) and Stefano Baschiera (3 RBI) was simply too much of an assault on Giants starter Kevin Mitchell, 17-3 the final.

Not content with the three runs against and with the ball placed into the right hand of Sean Shackley, the Bucs would go on to slam the door, 11-0, on the Giants that were their own worst enemy committing eight errors during the game compared to the lone error by the northern side. That, coupled with another balanced offensive performance by the Bucs was enough to send the black and orange home happy.

Hopefully the weather will be a little more settled at Hydebank this Saturday as the Comets fly north. After splitting last weekend’s games against the Bucs on their home turf, the Cavan side will no doubt feel confident and ready to take on the division leaders.

This will only be the third time the Comets and Bugs have squared off due to a postponed series in July, with Mark Smith’s team taking the spoils in both games.

Smith himself was a huge part of the victory, driving in eight runs thanks to three home runs to seemingly each part of the field as the Hornets cantered to a 21-6 victory, bolstered thanks to an eleven-run outburst in the last inning.

The second game was a much closer affair and despite jumping out to a 3-0 lead to support starter Colin Woods, the Comets would jump to a 6-3 lead after five innings. Refusing to lie down, Smith would score in the sixth and (along with Woods, again in the seventh) to tie the game.

Moving to extra time and clearly with the momentum, the Hornets would add another four runs and, showing confidence and faith in his starter, Smith would leave Woods in to finish the job.

The Comets are looking to solidify a playoff spot in the Baseball Ireland B league North Division but with Smith and Woods likely starters once more, it will be a difficult task to slow down the Hornets.

Be sure to check out the Facebook pages and twitter feeds for the teams of the Belfast Baseball and Softball Club – The Belfast Northstars(@NorthstarsBB) , The Belfast Buccaneers(@BelfastBucs), The Belfast Hornets (@BelfastHornets) and The Belfast Angels Softball Club (@Belfast_Angels).

www.belfastbaseball.co.uk

Fans of the annual event at Groomsport will be thrilled to hear that the popular fireworks display is back this year on Saturday 22 August, with the bonus of an earlier start of 10pm making it a real family affair.

With a fantastic entertainment line-up, this free event has all the elements for a family evening out with music, food and drinks available on site, a fun fair and the spectacular fireworks finale.

For the children, from 12 noon – 10pm, there will be a funfair in operation and from 2pm to 4pm; there will be Plant & Play, children’s crafts and an animal roadshow at Cockle Row. There will also be a food fair on site all day providing a wide array of food and refreshments, another great reason to visit Groomsport and make a day of it!

At 7pm, the music programme will commence and local TV and radio presenter Ralph McClean will guide the audience through the event’s performers.  Malojian – Steve Scullion’s indie rock act – will get the party started with their melodic and fresh tunes attracting praise from the likes of Lauren Laverne and Fun Lovin’ Criminals singer Huey Morgan.

Next up, is the Nigel Mooney band – one of Ireland’s finest song writers and winner of Ireland’s bestselling Jazz album.  His sensitive, tenor voice, soulful jazz guitar stylings and preference for an acoustic sounding jazz approach to blues have made him a unique and popular artist.

The superb headline act will not disappoint, taking to the stage at 8.45pm, the Neil Diamond Tribute band “It’s A Beautiful Noise” is the perfect end to the evening.   This fantastic finale will feature all the spectacular songs of the world class legendary singer – Groomsport will be rocking!

Commenting on the event, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“I am looking forward to a fun, family day out in Groomsport.  The event is always very popular with people of all ages enjoying music, food and fireworks, and I am sure this year will be no different!”

There is a strict no glass policy on-site, so any alcohol consumed must be from the bar area.  A special late night bus service will run at 10.30pm and 11pm back to Bangor.

For further information on this event please contact Bangor Visitor Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has released details of a new Autumn | Winter season packed full of sparkling highlights including shows, workshop and exhibitions to keep audiences flooding back time and again.

The shows on offer are endless, so here’s just a glimpse of some of the treats on offer.

The most exciting family show since time began, is about to be discovered… by you! ‘Jurassic Adventures’ is a brand new production, set on a magical island, where anything might happen, with a brave cast of amazing actors, a great fun script, superb scenery, and of course DINOSAURS. Get transported to a prehistoric place full of fun, thrills and screams, be amazed and awed by the birth of a baby Dinosaur, but beware of the T Rex mother who wants her egg back! The adventure allows you follow the footsteps of Doctor Grant’s team of explorers, and laugh at their crazy antics, as they search for proof that Dinosaurs still exist! Jurassic Adventures will be staged on Monday 28 September.

Friday 2^nd October will see an event audiences in Armagh have long been waiting for as Paul Brady takes to the stage and it will be well worth the wait! This renowned singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist needs little introduction as he is one of Ireland’s most enduringly popular artists. From his renowned versions of great ballads like ‘Arthur McBride’ and ‘The Lakes Of Pontchartrain’ to acclaimed songs such as ‘Nobody Knows’, ‘Nothing But The Same Old Story’, ‘The Island’ and ‘The World Is What You Make It’, early booking is strongly recommended for this concert to celebrate the recent launch of his latest album ‘The Vicar St Sessions Volume 1’.

The recently voted ‘Most Significant English Language Play of the 20^th Century’, ‘Waiting For Godot’ will be at The Market Place on Thursday 29^th October. A country road. A tree. Evening. Vladimir and Estragon meet as dusk approaches. A conversation begins, a joke is interrupted. A carrot is eaten. The two men quarrel, then embrace. Unannounced, two eccentric travellers arrive. Seemingly master and servant, one stands weighed down at the end of a long rope, the other carries a whip. So begins Samuel Beckett’s sixty-year-old masterpiece ‘Waiting For Godot’, a ground-breaking, anarchic meditation on the meaning of life and death.

There’s a Halloween party special on Saturday 31^st October, when the brilliant ‘Dirty Dancing Show’ showcases some of the great songs from hit ‘Chick-Flick’ movies and musicals. This all-singing, all-dancing show will have you out of your seat from start to finish. Featuring and showcasing the songs of one of the most popular movies of all time ‘Dirty Dancing’, as well as the hits from ‘Footloose’, ‘Fame’, ‘Flashdance’ and many more. Performed by leading singers and dancers from London’s West End and supported by live musicians, this show brings the best in film music right to your doorstep.

The most popular of all classical ballets, ‘Swan Lake’ returns on Saturday 7^th November, performed by the world-renowned Moscow Ballet who demonstrate their continued quality of dance and performances in a dramatic production of this timeless favourite set to Tchaikovsky’s superb score. The ballet is a favourite of ballerinas and audiences alike; all leading dancers want to dance Swan lake during their careers and all audiences want to see them dance in this, the ultimate fairy tale ballet. Early booking strongly recommended.

Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre in December. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite! All the better to entertain you with! What’s happened to Grandma? Why has she got that big toothy grin, why has she stopped cutting her nails and why has her bed shrunk… or is it really Grandma at all? Families and children will get right up close to all of the action with loads of chances to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood, her friends The Three Little Pigs, and Boo the big and very bad wolf!

For details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets for can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

This Sunday, August 16, jazz sensations, Dave Howell & The Jazzmeisters will be performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme.

Led by celebrated Bangor saxophonist Dave Howell, The Jazzmeisters play music from across the jazz and blues spectrum and will entertain the crowds with hits from Jamie Cullum, Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra and many other jazz legends. Ward Park is sure to be buzzing!

So if you fancy spending an afternoon in beautiful surroundings, enjoying top class jazz, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm for this free event. Let’s hope the sun shines!

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

There’s still plenty of time to plan a family trip to the Causeway Coast and Glens, full of fun, adventure and entertainment Whether you’re looking for a short activity break or an extended stay, we’ve got what you want.

The bumper events programme continues throughout August. Cruisers and dinghies will be battling for position off the Portrush shores on 15^th and 16^th during the 2015 Portrush Regatta, while the Causeway Truck Fest rolls into Portrush on Sunday 16^th with a static display of these monster vehicles at the NW200 Paddock, followed by a cavalcade through the town.

On Friday, 16^th, Go Wild with the Ranger at Downhill Demesne for a morning of fun and adventure – and it’s free. The National Trust Rangers will be on hand to complete some of your 50 things to do before you’re 11¾.  There’s lots more fun to be had at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Saturday, 22^nd when kids can let their imagination run wild at the Dragons and Dinosaurs Workshop followed by a special showing of Where The Wild Things Are.  The whole family will enjoy one of the busiest weekends of the year in Portrush at the North West Pipe Band Championships on 21^st and 22^nd and don’t forget to save some energy for the Lammas Fair which takes to the streets of Ballycastle on Monday, 24^th and Tuesday, 25^th August for two days of trading, busking, entertainment and the local delicacies – Yellowman and dulse.

The Bank Holiday Weekend is going to be a busy one, with the entertaining Causeway Coast Mini Weekend hitting the roads at Bushmills and Portrush and the Causeway Coast Surf Festival catching the waves in Portrush. If you’re feeling fit you will search hard to find a more unique or spectacular backdrop for a 5k or 10 mile race than the Rathlin Run on Rathlin Island on Saturday, 29^th August.

The final fling of summer sees two days of fast and furious air displays and entertainment at Air Waves Portrush on 5^th and 6^th September with the Red Arrows on both days, The Blades, the RAF Typhoon and lots more.

For details, check www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com and www.airwavesportrush.co.uk or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

SLIEVE MARTIN, ROSTREVOR, COUNTY DOWN
3-4 OCTOBER 2015

Red Bull is delighted to announce that Red Bull Foxhunt will return to Northern Ireland this autumn from 3-4 October 2015.

A challenging course, combining sections of existing downhill track with additional mountain and multi-terrain sections, Red Bull Foxhunt will begin atop Slieve Martin before descending through sections of trail, moorland and forest to the sprint finish in the grounds of Rostrevor’s Kilbroney Park.  The mountain biking event will feature over 400 bikers who will all try and beat the fox in a hunt with a difference.

From decorated pros to weekend warriors, the pack will tear down the three and a half miles of unforgiving downhill course encompassing wind bleached moorland, mud-spattered forests and hair-raising sprints, each adrenaline pumped biker tirelessly battling to cross the finish line before the advancing fox.

Red Bull Foxhunt will take place over 2 days, with qualifier time-trials taking place on the 3rd October and the event itself on Sunday, 4^th October. Further details including registration will be announced on www.redbull.ie in mid August

In 2011, Wicklow’s Ballinastoe Woods hosted the inaugural Red Bull Foxhunt event, with former Irish Olympian Robin Seymour taking the ultimate honours and in 2012 Greg Callaghan burned up the field on the challenging Cavehill course overlooking Belfast. Despite having to chase down a massive field Gee ‘The Fox’ Atherton battled his way from the very back to finish in a highly credible third place!

In 2013, the event relocated to the picturesque Mourne Mountains in Rostrevor, County Down. First place went to Colin Ross who thundered into the finish line arena with a good lead ahead of last year’s winner Greg Callaghan of Dirt Norco, with Joe Barnes of the Dudes of Hazzard coming in third. The event took a sabbatical last year, but will return this October, bigger and better than ever!

The Hillsborough International Oyster Festival’s Oyster Pearl, Emma Friars gets a lesson from local rock band front-man Harry Hamilton, at the official launch of this year’s Flash Harry Live Concert and BBQ.  The Concert takes place on Saturday 5^th September as part of this year’s Festival programme.

Back by popular demand, Flash Harry will be entertaining guests in the Festival’s Grand Marquee from 7.30pm with tickets at £15 per person, or £20 per person including the BBQ. Don’t miss out – book your tickets today at www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com. 

THE Red Arrows will bring a whole new meaning to the ‘flying kilo’ this Saturday after it was confirmed that they will perform a flypast over the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix.

With an official time still to be confirmed, the flypast will take place in the afternoon during a short break between races, and with sunshine forecast, fans are set to enjoy spectacular views of the world-famous display team.

Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix said: “To have the Red Arrows fly over Dundrod will be fantastic. It’s not often that you get such an exciting opportunity and I’m sure it will be a real treat for the fans.

“It will be a great addition to race day and our tribute to Doc John Hinds.

“We’re all thinking of him this week and with his dedication to road racing and work campaigning for an Air Ambulance in Northern Ireland, we felt that dedicating the flypast to ‘Delta 7’ would be a fitting gesture.

“The Red Arrows are one of the few things faster and louder than a factory Superbike so make sure you don’t miss it. We’ll also have a full programme of racing for fans to enjoy, so there’s no reason not to be at Dundrod this Saturday.”

Entry wristbands to the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix cost £25 per person, while entry is free for all under 18s accompanied by a paying adult.

For the latest news and information on car parking and getting to the circuit visit www.ulstergrandprix.net or you can also follow @UlsterGrandPrix on Twitter and find us on Facebook.

This Sunday, August 9, six-piece band, Soul Truth will be performing at The Bandstand in Ward Park as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Summer Entertainment Programme.

Soul Truth, led by vocalist and front man Andy Whittaker comprises of a fully-live brass section and will entertain the crowds with a full set of Motown classics and hits from Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Florence and The Machine, Amy Winehouse, The Beatles and so many more. Ward Park is sure to be dancing!

So if you fancy spending an afternoon in beautiful surroundings, enjoying top class live music, then pack a picnic and get down to Ward Park, this Sunday from 3 – 5pm for this free event. Let’s hope the sun shines!

Please note that Ward Park is an alcohol-free zone.

Keep an eye out in local press each week for details on each artist or for more information phone Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (August 10 – 16).

• CRAFT FEST 2015, Castle Ward, Strangford, Co Down, August 14-16. Now in its twelfth year, CRAFT FEST is the Craft & Design Collective’s annual celebration of craft, applied art and design at Castle Ward. CRAFT FEST offers visitors a Craft Festival that includes a fair, demonstrations and workshops, an exhibition ‘In The House’, and the chance to meet some of the NI’s finest designer-makers in an incredible location. Friday – 1pm to 5.30pm and Saturday to Sunday 10.30am to 5.30pm.

• ‘Allo, ‘Allo, Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co Tyrone, August 14-15. Belvoir Players have been producing first class amateur theatre for nearly 50 years and annually tour the Province with entertaining comedies and their latest play brings to the stage the life of René Artois and his life within his small café in France during World War 11. Begins at 8pm.

• Brighter Nights Street Theatre, Ballycastle Seafront, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, August 14. The Brighter Nights season offers popular summer street theatre performances suitable for people of all ages, with performers offering comic routines, technical skill and audience participation. All children must be accompanied by an adult. From 7.45pm.

• Longline Surf School Kids Big Day Out, Benone Strand, Co Londonderry, August 14. Let the kids spend the day outside: surfing in the morning, swimming in the afternoon and beach games in between. It is sure to be a great day out! Children are supervised at all times throughout the day.

• 25th Anniversary at the Ark Open Farm, Bangor Road, Newtownards, Co Down, August 10. Celebrate the 25th Anniversary at Ark Open Farm Fun Day with a bouncy castle, mega inflatable slide, assault course, face painting, barbecue and all the fun of the farm with the stars of the show – the animals! From 11am -4pm.

• Belfast Bred Tour, Belfast City Centre, August 14-15. On Belfast Bred you’ll discover the city’s fascinating culinary history in the company of Barney, a cheeky chef from RMS Titanic. Defrosted after 99 years frozen in an iceberg, Barney has just two and a half hours to search Belfast for the finest ingredients. This mouth watering dramatic tour gives you the chance to chat with local chefs and savour a wealth of free samples at each location.  Begins 10.30am at Sawers, Fountain Street.

• Donaghadee Festival Fortnight, Donaghadee harbour and town centre, Donaghadee, Co Down, August 1-16. Enjoy a fortnight of festive activities and events in this pretty harbour town. The 2015 Festival promises to be the best yet with over 45 events organised throughout the fortnight. There will be everything from concerts to farmers markets and yoga classes to art exhibitions.

• Crom Cruise and Castle Tour, Share Discovery Village, Smiths Strand, Lisnaskea, Co Fermanagh, August 12. Cruise to Crom and enjoy a tour of the West Wing. Your cruise will depart Share Village at 2pm navigating its way through the intricate maze of islands on Upper Lough Erne towards Crom Castle Boathouse where you will enjoy a tour of the West Wing at Crom Castle.

• Lúnasa Festival of Craft, Slieve Gullion Courtyard (Hawthorn Suite), 89 Drumintee Road, Kileavy, Newry, Co Armagh, until August 16. Come and explore the skills of the local artists and crafts people who have been inspired by the beauty of the Ring of Gullion to create unique pieces in a range of mediums. From 9am every day.

• Summer Jazz Nights With Jazz Gazette, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co Tyrone, August 14, 28 and September 11.Enjoy the lovely summer nights filled with the sounds of rhythm and blues from renowned jazz musicians ‘Jazz Gazette’.  Jazz Gazette will be joined by special guests and welcome anyone that would like to come and ‘jamm’ with them. From 8.30pm.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.