Household names to feature at inaugural ‘Happy Days’ Beckett Festival

Comedy, arts and literature lovers are in for a real treat this month when well known faces, including David Soul (Starsky and Hutch), Booker Prize winner John Banville (The Sea), Pauline McLynn (Father Ted, Shameless) and Adrian Dunbar (Hear My Song), will take to the stage to give talks at the world’s first multi-arts Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival.

The inaugural five day event opens in Enniskillen on August 23 and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging fans of art, comedy, sport, music and literature to join in and celebrate the work and influence of Nobel Prize-winner Samuel Beckett with an incredible one hundred events taking place over five days over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

Comedy fans will be rolling in the aisles in an evening with multi award winning Scotsman Phil Kay who has appeared on television with Jonathan Ross, Reeves and Mortimer and many more.

Beckett’s ‘most perfect play’, Krapp’s Last Tape will be performed at the Ardhowen Theatre by Robert Wilson who has worked closely with artists as varied as Gianni Versace, David Bowie, Brad Pitt, Tom Waits, Philip Glass, Lou Reed and Jessye Norman.

Be wowed at the work of world renowned sculptor Antony Gormley who has created a tree specially commissioned by the Happy Days Festival towards a future Australian Aboriginal-Irish co-production of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.

The world acclaimed tenor Ian Bostridge, the UK’s most popular composer Gavin Bryars, and Northern Ireland’s own Duke Special will lead a programme of premieres, introducing Beckett’s love of music with an exciting and varied programme.

NITB’s Product Marketing Officer Helen Carey said, “The Happy Days International Beckett Festival is a must for arts lovers and a fantastic opportunity to visit and explore the town of Enniskillen and the surrounding beauty of County Fermanagh.  The festival adds a distinctive cultural flavour to the high quality events embraced so far in 2012 and showcases Northern Ireland’s rich cultural offering, diverse range of talent and impressive artistic history.

“The whole town of Enniskillen is set to get into the spirit. Cafes and bars have created new themed menus, retailers will be dressing their shop windows and hairdressers will even be offering stylish Beckett hairdos”

Those attending the festival can enjoy a short break with plenty to see and do in the area including;

Lough Navar

Enjoy a seven-mile drive through the forest to a magnificent panorama over Lough Erne, stopping off at viewpoints and picnic sites where you will come across Red deer and wild goats along marked trails.  This is a stunning forest with a variety of landscapes and lots of things to see.

Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark

Explore a fascinating, natural underworld of rivers, waterfalls, winding passages and lofty chambers. Lively and informative guides conduct tours past a bewildering variety of cave formations with naturally occurring stalactites and stalagmites visible throughout the tour.

Enniskillen Castle

Situated beside the River Erne in County Fermanagh, Enniskillen Castle was built almost 600 years ago by Gaelic Maguires.  Guarding one of the few passes into Ulster, it was strategically important throughout its history.  This historic site houses two museums, Fermanagh County Museum and The Inniskillings Museum.

With an excellent programme of literary activity, stunning tourist attractions and a fully fledged carnival atmosphere, Fermanagh awaits the Samuel Beckett Festival with great anticipation.

To find out more information about the Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival and things to do in Fermanagh visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.  A full festival brochure can be downloaded at www.happy-days-enniskillen.com.

The NI International Airshow sponsored by RSA NI will welcome back a firm favourite to Portrush on the 8^th and 9^th September.

Following a three year absence, The Blades Aerobatic Team, will bring their thrilling display to the free seaside event for both days. The team is made up of former Red Arrows pilots and the speed and precision of their carbon fibre stunt planes always guarantees a knockout display. The Blades have appeared many times on TV( The Apprentice, Ant and Dec, British Grand Prix) and this week are working with Blue Peter.

These former “Reds” will be joined by current RAF pilots from The Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon, Tucano, Hawk jet, King Air and Sea King helicopter. With 30 displays each day Portrush has the biggest airshow in Ireland and once again will have no admission fee.

The Mayor of Coleraine, Councillor Sam Cole said, “It is wonderful news that The Blades have accepted our invitation to return to Portrush. Their displays are always memorable and it will be interesting to compare their routines to the crop of current RAF pilots. The 8^th and 9^th is set to be a bumper weekend for the North Coast”.

Jack McIlduff , Managing Director, RSA NI said “2012 is proving to be a significant year for Northern Ireland and RSA NI Insurance is thrilled to be involved with the Airshow, which is unquestionably one of the most prestigious events in the calendar”.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has also confirmed financial support to the event as part of their Our Time, Our Place initiative.

As usual up to 100,000 spectators from all over the country are expected to attend the family event which, in addition to a comprehensive line-up in the air, will feature a non-stop programme of arena shows, family entertainment, sea manoeuvres and rescues, exhibitions, competitions, give-aways and the large trade village.

Organisers have added an evening concert on Saturday 8^th September featuring James Huish and his Michael Bublé Band along with the first dusk pyrotechnic air display in Ireland. Tickets are available on 028 7034 4723.

The Airshow opens at 11am each day with air displays from 12noon-5.30pm. Details and pictures of the aircraft can be found on niinternationalairshow.co.uk or on Facebook (PortrushAirshow) and Twitter (PortrushAirshow) or for general Council information, www.colerainebc.gov.uk

Here are some snippets of what’s coming up in the North Down Borough Council area this week and next week.

THIS WEEK & WEEKEND Mon 20 – Sun 26 Aug

Art Classes at North Down Museum, Bangor

Tuesdays, until 28 August

Tickets £8 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Mary Feeney will be running art classes for all levels of ability, including beginners. Each class will combine drawing exercises using pencil and charcoal and painting exercises in oils and acrylics. You will need to bring your own materials. For info and booking contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

Gardening Workshops for Beginners at North Down Museum, Bangor

Fridays, until 31 August

Tickets £10 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Caroline is a previous employee of The Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and Pershore College Worcester. She’ll be giving you an overview of various gardening techniques and giving you some great planting ideas, designed to get green fingers twitching! Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

Tourism Week, Bangor Golf Club

Sunday 19 to Sunday 26 August

Info: Francie Magee, (028) 9127 0922 www.bangorgolfclubni.co.uk

Lunchtime Music in the Courtyard at North Down Museum, Bangor

Every Friday in August

FREE. 12.30pm. A series of performances by young local musicians and music teachers working in the North Down area. Pianist Robert Sinclair, saxophonist Dave Howell, violinist Lauren Gibb and flautist Susan Gibson will all be performing during Friday lunchtimes, easing you into your weekend in style. For info contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200. (Seating priority given to Restaurant customers).

Salt-etching Course at North Down Museum

Thursday 23 August

Tickets £25. Robert Peters, Director of Seacourt Print Workshop in Bangor will take a one-day course in Salt-etching. This technique is used for etching aluminium and steel with a diverse range of marks from very precise lines to splashes and washes. Participants should bring source material to work from such as a drawings or photographs and should be over 16. Pre-booking essential. For tickets contact Seacourt directly on (028) 9146 0595.

Bangor Through the Ages Historical Walk

Friday 24 August

Tickets £3. Departs Bangor Tourist Information Centre (Tower House) at 7.30pm. With Bangor’s enriched history including the Bronze Age settlements, World War II and Bangor’s development as a seaside town, this walk takes in points of interest including the North Down Museum, Bangor Abbey and parks and gardens. Approximate tour length: 1½ – 2 hours. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact Bangor TIC on (028) 9127 0069.

Missionary Convention

Friday 24 August to Saturday 1 September

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor. Info Lesley Stewart, (028) 9146 1017.

Summer Saturdays at North Down Museum, Bangor

Saturday 25 August

Tickets £1. Visit the Museum on Saturdays during August for special summer events for children of all ages. Children aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This Saturday, the last of the season, bring the little one’s along at 2.30pm for a captivating Magic Show. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

Textile Screen-Printing Master Class with Katie Brown

Saturday 25 August

Tickets £5. 10.30am – 1pm. Seacourt Print Workshop artist-in-residence Katie Brown will give a master class in textile screen painting. Using a combination of screen printing and hand painting techniques participants can create unique artworks on fabric. The master class is suitable for beginners, but participants should be over 16yrs, and the cost of the session includes materials. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

High Street Speciality Market, Bangor

Saturday 25 August & Monday 27 August

FREE. 10am-5pm. Stalls will be located on High Street on Saturday 25th and in the Sunken Gardens, beside McKee Clock, on Monday 27th – Download the flyer & great High Street discount offers!

Free children’s fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport

Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 August

Free event. 2pm-4pm. Make the most of summer afternoons with the little one’s before school goes back – This Saturday come along for balloon modelling. Sunday is typically craft day, and this Sunday make your own keyring or bangle to take home. There will also be live music and a Fiddle Workshop by Keith Lyttle which is part of the Ulster-Scots programme. The cottages are open daily in August to 2 Sept from 11am to 5pm. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit northdowntourism.com. Full Cockle Row Programme for August

Street Theatre Summer Entertainment in Bangor

Saturday 25 & Sunday 25 August

FREE. 3-5pm. The Party Professor Science Show returns to the Sunken Gardens beside McKee Clock to wow the crowds on Saturday and on Sunday the Louie Comedy Magic Show will bring some clowning around to the garden, bringing an end to the lively programme of entertainment North Down Tourism has put on this summer season. Don’t forget about music in Ward Park on Sunday too, 3-5pm. For info visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Craft Fair at the Boathouse, Groomsport

Sunday 26 August

12noon-4pm. Local crafts, goods and foods on sale at the Boathouse, beside Groomsport harbour. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Live Music Summer Entertainment in Bangor

Sunday 26 August

FREE. 3-5pm. This week’s live music theme is Jazz, rock, rhythm and blues brought to you by Katie & the Carnival. Come along for this lively performance at the Ward Park Bandstand this Sunday, the finale to the summer entertainment programme by North Down Tourism for 2012. For info visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Bangor to Orlock Coastal Walk

Sunday 26 August

Tickets £3. Departs 11.30am from Bangor Tourist Information Centre (Tower House) in Bangor. Led by a Blue Badge Guide the walk follows the coastal path to the National Trust Reserve at Ballymacormick Point and then on to the Cockle Row Cottages at Groomsport, where there will be a short comfort break before you continue on to Orlock Point. Approximate tour length: 2½ hours. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact Bangor TIC on (028) 9127 0069.

NEXT WEEK & WEEKEND Mon 27 Aug – Sun 2 Sept

Art Classes at North Down Museum, Bangor

Tuesdays, until 28 August

Tickets £8 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Mary Feeney will be running art classes for all levels of ability, including beginners. Each class will combine drawing exercises using pencil and charcoal and painting exercises in oils and acrylics. You will need to bring your own materials. For info and booking contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

Gardening Workshops for Beginners at North Down Museum, Bangor

Fridays, until 31 August

Tickets £10 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Caroline is a previous employee of The Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and Pershore College Worcester. She’ll be giving you an overview of various gardening techniques and giving you some great planting ideas, designed to get green fingers twitching! Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.

Lunchtime Music in the Courtyard at North Down Museum, Bangor

Every Friday in August – Last chance this Friday, 31 August

FREE. 12.30pm. A series of performances by young local musicians and music teachers working in the North Down area. Pianist Robert Sinclair, saxophonist Dave Howell, violinist Lauren Gibb and flautist Susan Gibson will all be performing during Friday lunchtimes, easing you into your weekend in style. For info contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200. (Seating priority given to Restaurant customers).

Bangor Christian Heritage Walk

Tuesday 28 August

Tickets £3. Departs Bangor Abbey at 2.30pm. This tour visits sites including Bangor Abbey, St Comgall’s Roman Catholic Church, First Bangor Presbyterian Church and the North Down Museum that houses various interesting artefacts including a life-size reconstruction of a monk’s cell. Approximate tour length: 2 hours. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact Bangor TIC on (028) 9127 0069.

Missionary Convention

Until Saturday 1 September

Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, Bangor. Info Lesley Stewart, (028) 9146 1017.

Eagle Wing Celebration, Groomsport

Saturday 1 & Sunday 2 September

Free event. 2pm-4pm. The summer season comes to an end at quaint Cockle Row this weekend with crafts on Saturday and a Highland Dance Display by Kelly Forsythe and Piping Display by Andy McGregor. On Sunday, the Story of Eagle Wing will be celebrated with traditional annual activities – a re-enactment of the story and themed crafts. The cottages are open daily until 2 Sept from 11am to 5pm. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit northdowntourism.com.

Don’t forget that Pickie Funpark in Bangor is also open daily, 9am-9pm.

Events to look out for over the rest of the year…

Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2012, Bangor – Wednesday 26 to Sunday 30 September

Tickets on sale now. Event Programme . You can find the programme and book tickets online at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings or by contacting North Down Museum (028) 9127 1200 or Bangor Tourist Information Centre (028) 9127 0069.

Seapark Fireworks, Holywood – Saturday 27 October

Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Bangor – Sunday 28 October

Bangor Christmas Switch On – Saturday 17 November

Holywood Christmas Switch On – Saturday 24 November

Installation to be unveiled at Giant’s Causeway as part of London 2012 Festival

A MAJOR display of art will be unveiled today at the Giant’s Causeway by an internationally acclaimed artist as part of the London 2012 Festival and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s ni2012: our time, our place campaign.

FLAGS, an installation by German artist Hans Peter Kuhn, will be embedded temporarily in the dramatic landscape of the Giant’s Causeway, from August 20 to November 4, creating a new visitor experience within this unique natural phenomenon.

Located just beyond the world famous Causeway stones, a series of flags will stretch along the length of the bay of Port Noffer. They will be randomly positioned along the trail and the banks of the cliff face, drawing on the natural power of the elements.

This will allow visitors to first view the natural beauty of the original site of the Giant’s Causeway then continue along the trail to discover another view, this time man made as Hans Peter Kuhn explains.

“For me this is an amazing opportunity to create an artwork which is driven by natural forces, blending into a delicate landscape of enormous beauty,” said Hans.

“It is especially exciting because the work is located next to a stunning world heritage site the monumentality of which was a consideration in my own conceptual approach to this commission,” he added.

Northern Ireland Tourist Board Chief Operating Officer Kathryn Thomson said:

“FLAGS is another example of how Northern Ireland is punching above its weight in terms of securing world class events. This is a chance to showcase the breathtaking North Coast, along a route that has been awarded the accolade of one of the world’s great road journeys. FLAGS will further showcase the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre as part of the ni2012: our time, our place programme.

“By linking in to the London 2012 Festival, we are continuing to show the world how much Northern Ireland has to offer and why ‘our place’ is a great tourism destination,” she said.

“The London 2012 Festival is a spectacular 12-week nationwide celebration running from 21 June until 9 September, bringing together leading artists across the world with the very best from the UK”, added Kathryn.

The flags, red on one side and yellow on the other, will rotate freely in the wind. Depending on the strength and direction of the wind the viewer will see a flickering pattern of red and yellow set against the backdrop of this spectacular landscape, generating a strange form of semaphore transmitting nature’s message. FLAGS emanates a quiet, contemplative power, perfectly compatible with the surrounding landscape.

Ruth Mackenzie, Director of London 2012 Festival and Cultural Olympiad, said:

“Hans Peter Kuhn is one of Europe’s most innovative artists. His ambitious FLAGS project for County Antrim’s Giant’s Causeway will allow people to see this dramatic landscape in a new light.”

For further information on FLAGS and for a free parking voucher for those visiting the installation only, click on www.ni2012.com.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (August 27 – September 2).

For all events in ni2012 click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

• Buttermilk Point, Enniskillen Castle, Co Fermanagh, until September 27.  Born in Enniskillen in 1915, Joan Trimble was a renowned pianist and an accomplished composer.  This exhibition showcases part of her remarkable musical career through music manuscripts and photographs.
• Antiques and Collectables Fair, The Argory, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, August 27.  A fantastic range of antiques and collectables for sale with live entertainment in the courtyard.
• Ladies Day at the Races, Downpatrick, Co. Down, August 27.  Enjoy a ladies day out at Downpatrick which is one of the friendliest courses in Ireland with a strong local following.
• EAZA South East Asia Week, Belfast Zoo, Belfast, August 27 – 31.  The zoo will be hosting a week of activities to fundraise towards the lasting contribution to the survival of animals native to South East Asia.

• The Gruffalo, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, August 28 – September 2.  Meet a wheeler-dealer Fox, an eccentric old Owl and a maraca-shaking, party mad Snake.  Mouse can scare these hungry animals away with tall stories of the terrifying Gruffalo, but what happens when he comes face to face with the very creature he imagined?
• Causeway Coast Walk, Portballintrae Village Hall, Co. Antrim, August 29.  A four-mile walk from Portballintrae to the Giant’s Causeway where the conservation officer will highlight the more interesting and rare species that live at this popular tourist attraction.

• An Appointment with William Butler Yeats, Linen Hall Library, Belfast, August 29.  Northern Ireland harpist Marie O’Neill is joined by actress Roma Tomelty, poet and songwriter Eugene Dunphy and singer-songwriter Ursula Burns to pay homage to Nobel Prize winner, W.B. Yeats.
• Family Film Fridays: Up, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, August 31.  By tying thousands of balloons to his home, 78-year-old Carl sets out to fulfil his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South Africa.  Enjoy this uplifting adventure with your whole family.

• Ramble Gullion, Ring of Gullion, Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh, September 1.  Bring all the family along to enjoy the landscape and embrace breathtaking views of the Ring of Gullion, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

• Going Potty, Rowallane Garden, Ballynahinch, Co. Down, September 1.  Learn the art of smoke firing pottery and make your own pot in a hands-on workshop.  Pots can be collected to take home the next day.
• Saintfield Horse & Pony Show, Oughley Road, Saintfield, Co. Down, September 1.  Enjoy a day out with horse racing, horse riding classes and a celebrity donkey derby which is not to be missed.

• Spice: The Exhibition, The Tower Museum, Co. Londonderry, until September 1.  Do you remember Girl Power? Here’s your opportunity to relive the heady days of the Spice Girls with an exhibition of music awards, books, different types of promotional material and costumes.

For further information please contact Pauline Gormley from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 028 9044 1650 or Alana Taylor of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.

Ever wondered if the myths are really true? Are bats really blind? Will they get stuck in your hair? Do they drink blood? And why on earth do they sleep upside down?

Find out the answers to all of these questions and more at Springhill’s Batty Bonanza on Friday 24 August at 7.30pm.

Discover more about the exciting lives of these illusive little creatures. Venture out into the beautiful gardens and grounds of Springhill, Moneymore, as the sunlight begins to fade and watch the bats emerge from their roosts in the buildings. The whole family, especially the children will find tracking down the real live bats thrilling, using bat detecting equipment to identify the different species seen swooping around in the twilight.

What better place to catch a glimpse of these captivating creatures than at Springhill where many of the eight species found in Northern Ireland have been recorded living in the buildings and surrounding parkland. With species such as the surprisingly small pipistrelle to the unusual brown long eared bat in residence, it is sure to be a fascinating and fun evening for all ages.

As the evening draws to a close hot drinks and refreshments will be served, while children will have the opportunity to get creative and make something batty to take home.

For further information please contact Springhill on 028 8674 8210 or email sophie.atkinson@nationaltrust.org.uk

Batty Bonanza will take place at Springhill, Moneymore on Friday 24 August from 7.30pm-10pm. Admission for both members and non-members is £5 for adults and £3 for children. Family ticket £13. Refreshments are included.

Loughshore Park in Jordanstown will be buzzing with music and fun activities for all the family when the annual Shoreline Festival returns for the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th will see the arrival of Blackberry Farm for the first time at the Shoreline Festival.  Children will get the opportunity to hold and feed animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, chicks, ducklings, hens and Pygmy goats.

Returning for another year on Monday 27^th is the TACT Wildlife Centre bringing everything from creepy crawlies to owls.  Children will be able to get up close to these animals and learn more about them and the environments they live in.

A Family Fun Zone with bouncy castles, arts and crafts and a fun fair will run on each of the three days of the festival while a variety of live music concerts will feature each evening including Classics in the Park on the final night. Picnics and chairs are a must for this event which will close with a fireworks extravaganza.

With most of the activities and displays being free of charge, the event will be an affordable weekend of fun for families to get together before school starts back!

Check out the full programme at http://www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/shoreline or through the official Shoreline Festival Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/shorelinefestival

WITH some of Northern Ireland’s best food and drink events set to take place over the next few months, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is urging food lovers to prepare their taste buds and follow the scent of fine food.

Food has always been a key ingredient of Northern Ireland’s identity with its strong agricultural traditions, but in recent years local produce has been gaining international recognition for sensational seafood, delectable dairy products, indigenous breads, bumper vegetable crops and high quality meats.

NITB’s Culture & Heritage Officer, Julie McLaughlin commented that the array of events taking place over the next few months offers great opportunities to sample some of Northern Ireland’s culinary delights.

“Our food has gained a world-renowned reputation in recent years with a number of accolades being awarded to local producers, most recently the Great Taste Awards, putting us firmly on the culinary map. Comber Potatoes, Lough Neagh Eels and Armagh Bramley Apples have all been granted Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) status under European Law, joining the elite ranks of food products such as Parma Ham and Champagne.”

“As well as this, McCartney’s of Moira was named the UK Supreme Food Champion for its handmade corned beef, the first time the award has been won by a Northern Ireland company, while Strangford Lough’s Cuan Oysters were named the best in the world by The Observer’s Killian Fox,” she said.

“Food festivals provide great opportunities to taste some of the wonderful local produce on offer as well as experiencing the skills of our talented chefs, all while enjoying packed programmes of fun and entertainment,” she added.

With everything from an oyster eating contest to a Chocolate Festival taking place over the coming weeks in Northern Ireland, there’s bound to be something to suit everyone’s tastes from this list of tasty food and drink events;

The Kilkeel Fish Fest takes place August 24 – 27 and offers a carnival atmosphere for all the family while boasting a seafood buffet, numerous food and fresh fish stalls, cookery demonstrations, children’s entertainment and oyster eating competitions.

Ireland’s oldest traditional market fair, the Auld Lammas Fair, runs on August 27 and 28 in the traditional setting of Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, usually attracting thousands of visitors.  As well as street entertainment, horse trading and market stalls, revellers can sample local specialties such as dulse (dried edible seaweed) and the famous and deliciously sweet chewy indigenous confectionary known as Yellow Man.

Now in its 20^th year, the Hillsborough International Oyster Festival has put the historic village of Hillsborough firmly on the culinary map.  Taking place from September 6 – 9 the festival attracts crowds of approximately 14,000 people with visitors from across the world.  The event famously hosts the World Oyster Eating Championships, with other entertainment and competitions running throughout the weekend including a family fun day, the Miss Oyster Pearl beauty pageant, a live concert and BBQ and of course the famous Gourmet Food Market where fine locally-produced food and drink is available in the Festival Marquee.

The Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, the first of its kind, takes place on September 22 in the famous Co. Antrim town and boasts a full programme of events.  Included in the day’s line-up are culinary displays, stage performances, market stalls, history talks and tours, family entertainment, fancy dress, traditional games and community competitions as well as a stunning fireworks display.

For those with a sweet tooth the Hans Sloane Chocolate and Fine Food Festival makes the perfect day out.  The festival takes place in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle, Co. Down, on Sunday September 23 and will be jam-packed with fun and fine food including a marquee filled with a selection of the finest chocolatiers from across Ireland.  It’s not all about chocolate though as the event will include the NITB Signature Kitchen where local chefs will delight and entertain as they cook up various dishes with a focus on fine local produce allowing visitors to pick up tips and recipes from the experts.  Visitors can also browse the many stalls and taste, nibble and buy an array of goods.  Activities for children include a Circus Skills School and a chocolate themed W5 stage show.

On the Causeway Coast, Larne Loves Food will take place on Saturday September 24.  Visitors are invited to come along and enjoy food demonstrations by chefs from Taste of Ulster and the ‘Focus on Food’ stalls with samples from local food retailers and producers as well as family entertainment.

Set your taste buds alight at the fantastic two-day Taste of Tyrone Food Festival on September 29 and 30.  Forty local food producers will be laying out their wares with taste kitchens and cookery demonstrations.  Visitors will experience a range of food crafts including butter churning and apple pressing.  This Dungannon based food event will also boast kids fun activities and live music.

Meanwhile on the shores of Strangford Lough, Food Glorious Food will take place at the National Trust’s Mount Stewart property on September 29 where food lovers can taste, talk and buy a range of produce directly from producers.  There will also be live music and autumnal themed children’s craft sessions.

Back in Belfast, for those wishing to find out about the stories behind Northern Ireland food, the Belfast Bred Tour is ideal.   This theatrical walking tour is led by ‘Barney’, a chef from RMS Titanic, who has been restored to life following the melting of the iceberg in which he was frozen solid!  Barney takes the tour group on an ingredient hunt in contemporary Belfast in a bid to recreate the famous ship’s menu.   Along the way Barney will introduce the very best of local produce, meeting and talking with local chefs and weaving Belfast‘s history into the tour.  Skip breakfast and meet Barney at 10.15am outside Sawyers Deli to begin the tour which departs every Friday and Saturday until September 30.

In addition to the scheduled tours the new Belfast Bred iPhone App enables visitors to take a self guided tour outside of the scheduled times, however following along with Barney means visitors get the full experience with all the tastings along the way!

The first ever Belfast Restaurant Week runs from October 6 – 13 and will see the city’s top restaurants coming together to celebrate the richness and diversity of the city’s food, from the farm to the fork, with special menus, promotions and competitions throughout the week.  There will also be special events taking place in St George’s Market on Saturday October 6 and Saturday October 13.  Whether you are a discerning gourmet or wishing to try a new dining experience for the first time, there will be something for everyone.

For further information on local produce and events taking place in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.  You can also keep up-to-date with the latest news, images, videos and competitions by visiting http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

As part of the HAPPY DAYS Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Share Discovery Village, in partnership with Colebrooke Estate, are running the ‘Beckett Bike It: Pedal for Purgatory’ – a family cycling event for teams of 4 with great prizes!

The family challenge takes place on Saturday 25^th August with registration opening at 9am and the event starting at 10am. For only £25 per team of 4, families can enjoy a fun, competitive family cycling event around the beautiful Colebrooke Estate (featured on Country House Rescue – Ch 4) completing various physical, mental and skill based tasks and challenges en route which will be scored throughout.

Each team will be presented with a map, route and series of challenges that they must undertake which will be scored throughout. Team members must be 6 years old and over and children (under 16) must be accompanied by an adult. The team completing the route with the most points will be deemed the winner. Bring your own bike + helmet or hire one of ours (small extra cost). Entrants will be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes including: 1st Prize – Bicycle Voucher for £150, 2nd Prize – Family Membership to Share Fitness and Pool, 3rd Prize – Family Activity Day at SHARE.

To book, simply contact reception@sharevillage.org or call 02867722122.

Leading ferry company Stena Line aims to ease the financial burden on students and their families by offering FREE travel to Scotland and England in time for starting or returning to university!

With demand for university places in Northern Ireland extremely high, more and more students are likely to seek education across the Irish Sea in 2012 than in previous years.

“Reports this week have shown that up to 8000 students will miss out on places at universities in Northern Ireland due to a record number of applications,” said the ferry company’s Marketing Manager Ian Baillie. “Therefore, the need for places in Scotland and England is set to rise accordingly, so travelling across the Irish Sea is a very likely option for lots of our students.”

This is the eighth year Stena Line has run its Students Go Free campaign which has proven successful not only with students, but the parents who are able to accompany their son or daughter to ensure the university term gets off to a good start.

With University fees on the increase, Stena Line believes that this year, saving where you can is an extremely important factor for parents and students alike.

“Starting university has always been a costly business”, said Ian, “but with universities charging up to £9,000 in fees from 2012, the financial burden is that extra bit heavier.

“As well as saving money, we are also conscious that students leaving the nest can find the new situation very overwhelming and we hope that by parents travelling with them, it will help make settling in that little bit easier.”

One adult can travel on any of Stena Line’s five Irish Sea routes from as little as £79* single and bring a car full of students for free, as well as everything needed for university life including cases of clothes, textbooks, TVs – everything you need to make your new place home from home!

Students not travelling by car can also take advantage of Stena Line’s Sail & Rail offer from Belfast to Glasgow or Edinburgh from only £27** per person single. Student coach fares to Ayr, Glasgow and Edinburgh begin at only £26 single.* Student coach fares to Birmingham, Manchester and London are from only £30 Single.*

For further information or to book, click on www.stenaline.co.uk/student, call 08447 70 70 70 or visit your local travel agent.

* Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. **Valid for single ferry and rail travel from Belfast to Ayr, Glasgow or Edinburgh.