10 MAY – 16 MAY Thursday 15 May

Arco String Quartet, plus special guests The Farriers Council Chamber
Bangor Town Hall

The Farriers will join Arco String Quartet for a captivating evening full of excitement and charm, set in the stunning Council Chamber of Bangor Town Hall.

Tickets £11 Adult, £9 Child. Starts 7.45pm. Pre-booking essential.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

17 MAY – 23 MAY Until further notice

Exhibition: Day Trip to Bangor North Down Museum, Bangor ‘Didn’t we have a lovely time, the day we went to Bangor…’

This exhibition takes a nostalgic look back at Bangor as a holiday spot to day-trippers and overseas visitors alike. The story is told through a selection of original poster art, souvenir brochures and postcards.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Until Sunday 1 June

Exhibition: Percy French Art North Down Museum

1st May 2014 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Percy French, the renowned Irish artist, songwriter and performer. In this exhibition explore the art of Percy French through a selection of prints owned by the Percy French Society.

Free admission.

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, museum@northdown.gov.uk, northdownmuseum.com

Saturday 17 May & Sunday 18 May

Family Fun at Cockle Row Cottages Groomsport Harbour

Free entertainment, 2pm-4pm. Sat 17: Children’s Crafts, Balloon Modelling Sun 18: Party Animals NI, Children’s Crafts Cottages open to the public 11am-5pm.

Free admission

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

UPCOMING SUMMER EVENTS…

Saturday 7 & Sunday 8 June

Seashore Festival Bangor Seafront & Town Hall

North Down Borough Council is excited to announce the arrival of not one but two spectacular tall ships which will be visiting Bangor this June 7th & 8th as part of their Seashore Festival event. The ships – The Mercedes and The Golden Lion will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and will be open to the public on both days. And if you fancy sailing the high seas on a tall ship, there will also be opportunities for hour-long evening sailings!

Tickets cost £10 and are available for sale now at Bangor Visitor Information Centre and North Down Museum or online at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings.

For more info on the full programme of activities at the Seashore Festival, including ‘Bangor and Back for a Bob’ in an original steam train, visit northdowntourism.com.

Tuesday 22 & Wednesday 23 July

Heartbreak Productions presents ‘Pride & Prejudice’

Bangor Castle Walled Garden Tickets £6.

On sale now! Book online or call for tickets. Pre-booking essential. Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com Book online: www.northdown.gov.uk/arts

Saturday 26 July

Red Hot Chilli Pipers

Grounds of Bangor Town Hall Free event

12noon-6pm.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm and the event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, tic@northdown.gov.uk, northdowntourism.com

Armagh Craft Fair will take place this year on Saturday 24 May at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh.

‘Armagh Craft Fair’ is a high quality event that offers something for everyone with beautiful yet affordable craft, new craft makers, free craft demonstrations, a free craft exhibition, great food, musical entertainment  and much more….

‘Armagh Craft Fair’ features many and varied Craft Stalls, displaying and selling high quality craft from makers across Ireland. On show will be textiles, jewellery, wood, glass, soaps, ceramics and candles to name but a few.

There will also be workshops throughout the day for kids and adults in Jumping Clay, Wire Jewellery, Ceramics – Hand-building and Throwing, and a Spring Floral Arrangements Demonstration.

One of the highlights of the Fair are the FREE Craft Demonstrations throughout the day. Visitors can watch the master craftsmen or have a go themselves at learning a new skill in Wood Carving, Tiffany Glass, Traditional Basket Making, CERAMIC Hand Building Techniques, Jewellery, Clay Sculpture, UDU Drum Making, Leather Working, Traditional Blacksmithing, Spoon Carving and Traditional Rush Craft.

There will be music at the event as well as an extensive food and drinks menu from ‘Footlights’ Bar & Bistro.

Entry to the fair is FREE. For further information on the fair visit www.marketplacearmagh.com or 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.

Commemorate the Centenary with the Great War drama, ‘Talbot House’. This play journeys to The Courtyard Theatre on Wed 21 May and presents the story of a solitary haven for allied troops on the battlefield.

For much of the Great War the Ypres Salient was a hot bed of violent activity, but in a small house, just a few miles from the front lines in the town of Poperinge, an ‘Every Man’s Club was situated.

Amidst the turmoil, trauma and even boredom of life in the British Expeditionary Force this house became for thousands of servicemen, regardless of rank, a home from home where they could relax, read, pray, entertain and be entertained. It was called Talbot House and was run by a young diminutive army Chaplin by the name of Philip ‘Tubby’ Clayton.

The haven would soon be referred to as simply Toc H, Toc being the army’s signaller’s code for the letter ‘T’ and following the end of the war the house would be the inspiration behind the Toc H movement.

This play by peter Gill recreates the humour, music and wonderful atmosphere of this inspirational house.

Don’t miss this tender tale at The Courtyard Theatre. Tickets for the play are £12 & £10 and are available for purchase online at www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or by phoning Box Office on 028 9034 0202.

Industry body, Pubs of Ulster has welcomed Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ivan Lewis MP to Belfast.

Mr Lewis made a trip to the city on Thursday 8^th May to hear about the new Pubs of Ulster led initiative, The Great Ulster Pub Week, which was designed to champion and celebrate Ulster’s pubs for the role they play in the cultural and social fabric of life in Northern Ireland.

The inaugural Great Ulster Pub Week ran 1-9 May 2014, with over 160 pubs hosting hundreds of unique events, great food, great entertainment and great pubs.

During his visit, Mr Lewis met with Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster and  Peter Dolan, owner of The Albany on Belfast’s Lisburn Road – just one of the pubs participating in The Great Ulster Pub Week.

Colin Neill, Chief Executive, Pubs of Ulster said: “We are encouraged that the Shadow Secretary of State has come to Northern Ireland to meet local publicans and learn about Pubs of Ulster’s latest campaign to promote our great local pubs.

“The Great Ulster Pub has highlighted many of the great pubs we have right across Northern Ireland; showcasing their importance, not solely in economic terms but also the contribution they make to the local communities they serve.”

During his visit, Mr Lewis also met with Duncan McCausland, chair of the independent complaints panel for The Joint Industry Code for the Responsible Promotion & Retail of Alcohol in Northern Ireland to hear about the Code’s ban on irresponsible drinks promotions, which has now been in operation for over a year.

Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster added: “The hospitality industry in Northern Ireland is moving forward and publicans are investing in diversifying their businesses. We are providing a world class product and this requires legislation that is fit for purpose.

“The Great Ulster Pub Week clearly demonstrated that Northern Ireland’s pubs provide a safe and enjoyable environment for their patrons, as well as contributing greatly to the communities they serve.

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to discuss our Responsible Retailing Code with the Shadow Secretary of State, which demonstrates our industry’s commitment to selling alcohol responsibly and ensuring that the pub remains the safest place to consume and enjoy alcohol.”

Shadow Secretary of State, Ivan Lewis said: “Pubs make a significant contribution to the Northern Ireland economy, and also provide a hub for socialising. The high standards I experienced at The Albany today are testament to the quality of the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland, which makes it a brilliant place for tourists and locals alike. I was delighted to have the opportunity to visit such a thriving local business.”

For further information on The Great Ulster Pub Week, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com

North Down Borough Council in conjunction with The Ulster Scots Agency are delighted to announce that the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing a FREE concert in Castle Park, Bangor on Saturday 26^th July.

From a cameo appearance at T in The Park in 2004 with The Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014, the past ten years has seen The Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet – ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show so hot it carries its own health warning. The band’s achievements have reached incredible heights with their ground-breaking fusion of traditional Scottish music and Rock/Pop Anthems which they proudly call ‘Bagrock.’

Highlights from the band’s past few years include; a Gold Disk for over 100,000 UK sales for their first album, Triple Platinum album status for their third album, twice awarded ‘Best Live Act in Scotland and sell out tours, gigs and festivals worldwide to name but a few!

The Chillis have never been more in demand for their infectious style of feel good music which appeals right across the age range to people all over the world. They have a pool of the very best musicians from Scotland and across the globe – many holding World Champion titles and all serious players with impressive credentials and qualifications.

Speaking about the concert, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager, Alison Stobie said: “we are thrilled to announce that The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be coming to Castle Park in July. It is wonderful to welcome an act of this calibre to perform a free concert for residents and visitors alike. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a world-class act and everyone is welcome to come to Castle Park to enjoy the show.”

Also commenting on the event, the Chief Executive of The Ulster Scots Agency, Ian Crozier said: “The Ulster-Scots Agency is delighted to be supporting the event in Bangor this July. The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are a wonderful headline act and sure to draw a large crowd to this fantastic event. Combined with the other Ulster-Scots based activities on the day including music, dance and family fun we are sure that the event will be a huge success”.

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers will be playing from 4pm – 6pm and the event is free and non-ticketed. From 12 noon, other activities will be taking place around Castle Park and The Town Hall too, including Ulster Scots dancing, music and demonstrations and a children’s entertainment area which will guarantee to make the event a great family day out.

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com

This summer Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey invites children and young adults with an interest in the performing arts to take a step back stage and discover what it means to be part of a real stage show.

Running from June 30th – August 16th, the official 2014 Summer Workshop programme which was launched today [6 May] offers hundreds of children and young people across Belfast and beyond the chance to star in their very own show.

Aiming to expose young people to all the aspects of a real stage show from auditions through to key dancing, music and acting skill sets, budding actors and actresses will have the opportunity to make contacts and learn from the best in the profession including the Theatre’s own Home Spun Youth Drama group and Directors from the prestigious Guildford School of Acting.

For primary school children [5 – 10], Mr Hullabaloo returns with an adaption of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Following the success of last year’s Over The Rainbow, this unique week-long musical theatre adventure has been designed to give little ones the chance to experience a fun but structured theatre school environment where they will sing, dance and star in their very own show.

For teenagers [12-18] with musical theatre aspirations, Theatre at the Mill in association with Guildford Theatre Company presents Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat. Running daily, the 12 day workshop offers young people the unique opportunity to work with the best Theatre professionals in the industry. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from Sean McNamara Director of the Guildford School of acting as well as Guildford Theatre Company’s resident Director, Choreographer and Musical Director.  In addition the Theatre’s own Home Spun Youth Drama presents Stage-Door. A week-long workshop focusing on training and processes for stage performance, this course will teach vital skills of the trade to aspiring young performers. Workshops are open to all young people with an interest in theatre, there are no auditions and roles will be cast during the course of the workshop.

If dancing is more your thing, Home Spun Youth Drama Dance will be hosting a week-long dance workshop based around Cinderella the Ballet and Grease the Musical. Open to those with previous dance experience, participants [11 plus] will have the opportunity to develop their skills and build confidence in movement whilst learning choreographed routines from the very different worlds of Ballet and Musical Theatre.

Bernard Clarkson, Arts Centre Manage, says whatever your child’s age and interest, the Theatre at the Mill will have something for you;

“At the Theatre at the Mill, it is our aim to offer children and young people across all communities the chance to access and experience a variety of performing art forms while giving them an opportunity to be creative and learn new skills at the same time. With our latest workshop offering we do not disappoint. The summer 2014 programme is one of our best yet. Covering a wide variety of activities, these workshops are the perfect way to introduce your child too and develop their interest in the performing arts.”

The summer workshops begin on Monday June 30th and will run until Saturday August 16th. Enrolment is now open. Those interested in participating in a class are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment as places are limited. If you are interested in learning more about the workshops available log on to www.theatreatthemill.com .

Down

North & South in Harmony, on Saturday May 10th, brings together two community groups from Co Armagh and Co Monaghan in a feast of popular light and classical music – from Bach to The Beatles at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre Newry on Saturday 10^th May.

Tyrone

The Spring Continental Market is bringing its culinary delights to Cookstown from 9th – 11th May 2014. The aroma will inject a seasonal splendour into Cookstown’s retail experience. This is the first time that the Continental Market will be located in Mid Ulster as part of the Spring tour.  The award-winning Market, which will be located in Cookstown Town Centre, along William Street, will bring with it a fresh and cosmopolitan charm to the outdoor market experience.. Cookstown, renowned as the Retail Capital of Mid Ulster, has free on and off street parking, so come along and experience for yourself the assets of this market town!

Fermanagh

The Lough Erne Recreational Paddle Saturday 10th May – Sunday 11th May 2014 is suitable and open to families, clubs, paddlers of all ages and abilities and can be paddled in any type of craft. So dust down your boat and come and join us on these social paddles.

Derry

Join Ballet Theatre UK for the dramatic re-telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s all-time favourite story of The Little Mermaid, who falls in love with a human Prince and gives up everything to win his love. Millennium Forum, Friday 9th May.

Armagh

The Bard of Armagh Launch takes place Friday 9th May at Basil Shiels Bar – celebrating 20 years of uproarious bardic revelry with the best of traditional music and song ‘Puzzle Find Pat’ and special guest Patsy O’Hagan, Eminent Storyteller & Three Times Bard Winner. Tickets available at Basil Sheils Bar, Tassagh, Anne Mone Fancy Goods, Keady & House of Gold, Monaghan.  Also available online through Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

Antrim

The Giro d’Italia, one of the world’s biggest cycling events is passing through the district of Moyle, the Heart of the Causeway Coast and Glens on Saturday 10th May. With lots of family fun including Balloon Modelling, Face Painting, Walkabout Characters, Climbing Wall, pink Fancy Dress and Pets in Pink Competitions. Sample Pink ‘Yellow Man’, attend pom pom workshops, enter pink themed golfing events, take part in time trial cycles and fun runs. For cycling enthusiasts no need to miss the action from other locations on the route with Big Screen delayed feed of Giro d’Italia race in a number of locations on Saturday 10th May.

Belfast

Swing by Belfast Zoo on Saturday 10th May with your little monkeys and enjoy tiny tots day at Belfast Zoo. Enjoy activities including bouncy castles, face painters, crafts, animal feeding times and Mr Hullabaloo’s interactive theatre.

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your  events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (May 12-18).

• North West 200, various, Co. Antrim & Co. Londonderry, May 10-17. The International North West 200 returns for another year for the week long road race festival which is staged on the famous nine mile triangle course around the Borough of Coleraine.

• Balmoral Show, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, May 14-16. The annual agriculture show brings together livestock, experts in gardening, local food producers, a food pavilion as well as a kids zone offering a popular day out for the whole family.  

• Strule’s Children’s Festival 2014, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, May 14-17. The children’s festival offers a packed programme of shows for children of all ages from performances to workshops and taster sessions that the whole family can enjoy.

• Spring Concert, Castle Coole, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 16. Enjoy an evening of classical music in the stunning surroundings of Castle Coole as the magnificent Grand Hall is brought to life with an array of musical scores.

• Oil Painting with Duncan Irvine, Studio of Art, Donaghadee, Co. Down May 16. Participants will enjoy a relaxing and inspiring evening in the beautiful countryside painting a Strangford scene, working with oils under the tuition of artist Duncan Irvine.

• The John Hewitt Spring Festival, Londonderry Arms Hotel, Carnlough, Co. Antrim, May 16-17. Now in its 12^th year, the festival will include writing workshops, the annual Great Northern Novel panel debate, readings and much more.

• Borough of Ards Pipe Band Championships, Londonderry Park, Newtownards, Co. Down, May 17. A great day out for the whole family with music, colour and pageantry and watch some of the world’s best Pipe Bands compete for the coveted title Borough of Ards Champions.

• Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail, Swanna Bridge, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, May 17. Enjoy a unique, chilled out and super fun experience with the emerging popular sport of paddleboarding along the Rover Roe.

• Country Fair, The Argory, Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 17-18. The Argory will once again host their poultry fair and Scrufts Dog Show with rare breed animals, local trade and craft stalls, the Armagh Rhymers and various country activities suitable for all ages.

• Brick City, Titanic Belfast, Belfast May 17 – July 13. Famed independent Lego artist Warren Elsmore will bring his breath-taking recreations of major city landmarks and iconic global images to Belfast featuring scaled down versions of London’s Olympic Park and cities such as Tokyo and New York.

Ballyclare is set to come alive soon with the annual May Fair’s action packed programme for all the family! The theme of the fair this year is Discover Your Roots, so there will be lots of Ulster-Scots themed activities for young and old to enjoy.

The real fun of the fair begins on Tuesday 20 May when the Main Street will be closed off for the horse trading from 11am-6pm and a gourmet food market and market stalls will be situated throughout the town. The day will be crammed with lots of exciting events such as Hugo Duncan in the Square and the family fun day at Sixmile Leisure Centre. To mark the Ulster-Scots theme, a Uileann and Highland pipe and Lambeg drum workshop will take place from 7-9.30pm in the Town Hall.

The May Fair will end on Saturday 24 May with the Mayor’s Parade at 1pm, Family Fun Day from 2-5pm at Sixmile Leisure Centre and a family music concert featuring Jordan O’Keefe from Britain’s Got Talent. The May Fair will close with a spectacular fireworks display at 10.15pm in the Town Centre.

Many other events are taking place throughout the week including an Ulster Scots Ceilidh, a history night with comedian Tim McGarry, food demos and lots of Ulster-Scots music and dance!

Copies of the programmes are available at Ballyclare Town Hall or visit www.ballyclaremayfair.com or follow Ballyclare May Fair on Facebook.

North Down Borough Council is excited to announce the arrival of not one but two spectacular tall ships which will be visiting Bangor this June 7^th & 8^th as part of their Seashore Festival – Ships, Planes, Trains & Automobiles Event.

tThe ships – The Mercedes and The Golden Lion will be moored alongside The Eisenhower Pier and will be open to the public on both days. And if you fancy sailing the high seas on a tall ship, there will also be opportunities for hour-long evening sailings! Tickets cost £10 and are available for sale now at Bangor Tourist Information Centre and North Down Museum or online at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings

The Golden Lion, a 70 metre, three-masted ship was built in 1937 and retains many of the authentic, decorative features from this era. The Mercedes is a 50 metre, twin-masted vessel and can accommodate up to 140 passengers and visitors. Both of these ships promise to be a magnificent sight and will be well worth a visit!

As well as the tall ships, there are lots of other things happening around the town on this weekend too. A special steam train “Bangor And Back For A Bob” will be travelling from Belfast on the Saturday and Sunday, making two return journeys per day. Look to the skies for fantastic air displays by The Twister Aerobatics Team, a Vintage Motor Display will be taking place around The Town Hall, showcasing hundreds of fabulous vintage vehicles and down on The Promenade, a special Summer Fair will be taking place featuring lots of local retailers selling their wares.  Also making a welcome return to The McKee Clock Arena, The Armed Forces will be providing a wide range of activities and vehicles for everyone to enjoy.  And watch out for some wonderful, specially themed, street theatre which will be dotted around The Town as part of the festival.

Speaking about the event, North Down Borough Council’s Events Officer, Wendy Smith said: “we are delighted to have The Mercedes and The Golden Lion in Bangor as part of our Seashore Festival Event and I would encourage everyone to come down and visit the ships during their stay.”

Eddie Rowan, Events Manager at Northern Ireland Tourist Board, said: “Northern Ireland Tourist Board is pleased to sponsor the Seashore Festival – Ships, Planes Trains and Automobiles Event in 2014.  With a variety of activities, along with the addition of two Tall Ships, there will be plenty for visitors to the event to enjoy.”

For further information check www.northdowntourism.com