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Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival has announced its eclectic festival programme, as it returns from May 26^th – June 4^th with 10 days of exciting seafaring fun. This year the festival is pleased to announce ‘The Phoenix’ tall ship will be part of the celebrations.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is collaborating with Ballycastle Community Development Group and Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration, with a packed programme of activities on both dry-land and at sea, inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin Island to the mainland in Ballycastle.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme of live music performances, dance displays, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, walks, talks, cookery demonstrations and lots of artisan produce at the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market, all of which celebrate the area’s rich local history, culture, music, and food.

The Phoenix tall ship is well known for its appearances in many films and television shows including Hornblower, Chronicles of Narnia and Voyage of Discovery. Visitors can experience the unique ship, with one-hour tours as well as day trips.

This is the first year The Phoenix will be part of the festival, so it’s a brilliant opportunity for locals and visitors to experience it.

The 10-day festival offers something for everyone, whether you want to find out more about traditional boat making, enjoy some family fun on the beach or have a go at paddle boarding.

To add to the expanding festival, a new addition this year will be on the pier activities to include music, dance and entertainment. Corracle boat making will also be a unique experience to find out more about these tradition vessels.

In other programme highlights, look out for the blessing of the boats, traditional rope making, maritime themed children’s crafts, colourful kite display, sand sculpture demonstration and a children’s sandcastle competition on Ballycastle Beach.

Looking ahead to the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival is about inspiring a passion for the sea, as well as celebrating Ballycastle and Rathlin Island’s shared nautical heritage. It is a fantastic showcase of the area’s unrivalled tourism offering and it brings a unique vibrancy which has been enjoyed by thousands of visitors since the festival began 10 years ago.

“I know it is highly anticipated every year as a highlight of our Borough’s events calendar, and Council is very grateful to the local community volunteers who play a crucial role in its success.”

The full programme is available on the festival’s website so please visit www.rathlinsoundmaritimefestival.com for the latest updates or contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre by ringing 028 2076 2024. Trips on The Phoenix must be booked in advance. Details for bookings can be found via the festival’s website.

Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundMaritimeFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.

Bluegrass Omagh makes a welcome return to the Ulster American Folk Park this year, from Saturday 27th until Monday 29th May.

The annual festival will bring together the finest bluegrass bands from around the corner and across the seas, as well as wholesome food, and fun activities for the whole family. 

Over the last three decades, Bluegrass Omagh has become one of the largest bluegrass events outside of North America and has left an indelible mark on the Ulster American Folk Park, a museum which tells the story of Irish emigration to America. The festival is one of the major highlights of their annual events calendar, attracting musicians, enthusiasts, and visitors from all over the world.

This year’s line-up includes North American headliners Zoe & Cloyd, The Honeydew Drops, and Viper Central – groups that highlight the next generation of women in Bluegrass. They will be joined by local, homegrown talent including Eilidh Patterson, Woodbine and Knotty Pine String Band. Throughout the weekend, audiences can also watch talent from near and far pick ‘n bow ‘n strum ‘n sing at the Geordie McAdam Open Mic Sessions – in memory of one of the finest old-time fiddlers ever produced here at home. On Saturday 27th May Bluegrass enthusiasts will have the opportunity to hear from the best in the industry at The McConversations – an informal Q&A with one of the genre’s finest exponents, Niall Toner. Niall is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s leading experts on Bluegrass and American Country Music and will delve into his years of experience on the musical road, with a song or two thrown in for good measure.

Tickets for the festival are available to book at ulsteramericanfolkpark.org, with a range of options from day tickets and family tickets to weekend passes. Weekend tickets also include entry to the Bluegrass Family Day on Monday 29th May.

So, whether it’s a day out with the family or an easy-going long weekend, start your Summer off with Bluegrass Omagh 2023 and enjoy a toe-tappin’, knee-clappin’, finger-pickin’ bluegrass weekend to remember!

Visit ulsteramericanfolkpark.org to get your tickets.

An outstanding International entry has been confirmed for the tenth anniversary edition of City of Derry International Choir Festival. Between 18-22 October 2023, choirs from around the world will travel to the city to compete for the Festival’s International prize, and to bring their song to local communities throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

On Saturday 21 October choirs from Norway, Latvia, Poland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and Ireland will perform for an international panel of adjudicators in Derry’s Guildhall, as they compete for the Oak Tree of Derry trophy, the Festival’s top International prize. The competing choirs can also be heard at the Festival’s Closing Gala in the Millenium Forum on Sunday 22nd. Tickets will be on sale for both events in the summer.

Derry Choir Festival has only grown in stature since the International prize was first awarded in 2013, and is now a major attraction on the global circuit for the world’s top competitive choirs. The Festival offers a unique experience for singers, due to the prestige of the competition and the vibrant life and beauty of the city. Previous winners of the Oak Tree of Derry trophy have travelled from Estonia, Slovenia, Wales and Indonesia.

The visiting choirs will also be singing in a programme of free community events throughout Festival week, as they take their songs out into the city. The Festival’s busy schedule of community concerts and pop-up choral trail performances attract local audiences in their thousands each year, bringing visiting groups and local choirs together to perform throughout Derry City and the neighbouring towns of Strabane, Buncrana, Muff and Eglinton. In 2023 visiting non-competitive choirs from the Netherlands and students from the University of Monterrey and the Beckman Foundation in Mexico, will join the International competitors to take part in this community programme.

Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, said “There is already a sense of something special about this year’s 10th Anniversary celebrations of this great festival. It’s wonderful to look back on the fantastic programme of events in the City of Culture year of 2013, but it’s even more exciting to look forward to what we’ve planned for October 2023, to recognise how the city has developed over the past ten years and to celebrate that progress with thousands of singers from near and far. Keep an eye out for all the programme announcements over the coming months – you won’t want to miss a bar!”

For information on how to take part, or to sign up to the Festival’s newsletter for ticket announcements, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG: @derrychoirfest or Twitter: @derrychoirfest

JAZZY GIN EVENTS LAUNCHED

‘The events will bring music and distilling together in County Antrim’

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the Lough Neagh Partnership are hosting two special Jazzy Gin events in County Antrim in May.

These new events will offer gin and music lovers a unique opportunity to experience live music and sample gin varieties at The White House, Newtownabbey, on Saturday, May 13 and Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday, May 27.

The first Jazzy Gin event will take place on May 13 at The White House, Newtownabbey — a 400-year-old fortified house resting on the shore of Belfast Lough. It has witnessed many historical events from its position; from the sailing of the ships carrying King William’s armies to the Titanic sailing on her maiden voyage. Recently restored, the once-crumbling ruins of the White House are now a beautiful multipurpose space.

In fact, some sources claim it was King William of Orange who brought Gin to the United Kingdom upon his arrival from Holland!

Meanwhile, the 17th-century Antrim Castle Gardens, that tell of centuries of heritage, will be the backdrop to the second Jazzy Gin event on May 27.

Speaking about the events, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said: “We are excited to be hosting these first Jazzy Gin events in the Borough in May. Events like this play a unique role in attracting visitors to the area while unveiling some of its tourism treasures and the talent of local businesses.

“Gin has been an increasingly popular tipple for many people over the past two decades and we believe when you pair gin with jazz music and the backdrop of some of our most impressive historical landmarks, magical memories for those attending can certainly be made while creating a positive impact on the local economy.”

Tickets are on sale now from www.jazzygin.com with a special early bird rate of £40 available for a limited time.

Please drink responsibly. Over 18’s only.

The enchanting and iconic bluebell wood is a breath-taking sight.

The Woodland Trust cares for more than 50 native woods in Northern Ireland, making it one of the most important organisations for native bluebell colonies.

Bluebells bloom in April and May before the woodland canopy closes but are sensitive plants and take at least five years to establish and colonise. Bluebells hit their peak at different times across the UK and Ireland, and it can take until mid-May before woods in Northern Ireland are at their peak.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland wants to welcome visitors to the charity’s numerous sites throughout the region so everyone can have the chance to enjoy the spectacular spring-time sight of a bluebell-carpeted woodland. The conservation charity’s top picks to visit this year include: Mourne Park in Kilkeel, Drumnaph Wood in Maghera and Prehen Wood in Derry/ Londonderry.

Mourne Park

With 156 hectares of woodland and 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland, Mourne Park is flourishing with multitudes of vibrant bluebells. The Woodland Trust even named one of its new trails ‘The Bluebell Walk’, a 1.8km amble through ancient woodland past a dense carpet of bluebells.

www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/mournepark

Drumnaph Wood

One of the finest bluebell woods in Northern Ireland is Drumnaph Wood, Maghera, at the gateway to the Sperrins. This beautiful ancient woodland is one of the few remaining fragments of a great forest that once covered much of mid-Ulster. Enjoy an abundance of bluebells in the flower-rich woods and try spotting Irish hares in the rushy meadows.

Drumnaph Woods – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Prehen Wood

This rare and irreplaceable ancient woodland has a magical feel, with carpets of bluebell, celandine and wood anemone in the spring. It is home to the sparrowhawk, long-eared owl and offers terrific views overlooking the Maiden City, and the River Foyle.

Prehen Wood – Visiting Woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Estate and Project Manager Dave Scott said:

“Ancient woods carpeted with bluebells are without doubt a sensory delight for people to visit. Our native bluebells are vital both ecologically and culturally and they are often found in ancient woodlands because large colonies take so long to establish. The early blooms provide an important source of pollen and nectar for emerging insects.”

The Woodland Trust is asking visitors to its bluebell woods to enjoy the natural splendour this spring, while being careful not to destroy any flowers by sticking to proper paths and keeping dogs on leads.

Dave continued: “It can be very tempting to stray from the path for that perfect photo or to get away from the crowds sometimes. But it is vital we do all we can to look after bluebells for future generations because trampling by people and dogs can cause serious damage in seconds.”

The Woodland Trust’s Love Your Woods campaign encourages people to help protect woods and nature for the future. Visitors can play their part by following some simple guidelines, including staying on paths, taking dog mess and litter home, and protecting wildlife by keeping dogs close and staying fire free.

Notes to Editors

For more information, please contact the Woodland Trust press office on 01476 602993 or email media@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Love Your Woods Love your woods – Woodland Trust

Woodland Trust sites are free to enter and open all year round so come prepared for nature in its natural state. This means no toilets, cafés, bins, or cleaning staff – just unmissable views, clean air, birdsong, and woodland paths for you to wander along to your heart’s content. You can help protect woods and nature for the future by following these top tips for your visit:

• Stay on the paths

• Take dog mess and litter home with you
• Protect wildlife by keeping dogs close
• Stay fire free
• Leave sleepovers to the wildlife
• Be considerate with den building
• Park with consideration for others
• Swimming is for wildlife only
• Woods are not good for rock climbing which destroys precious habitats
• Check access rules before cycling

The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the largest woodland conservation charity in the UK with more than 500,000 supporters. It wants to see a UK rich in native woods and trees for people and wildlife.

The Trust has three key aims:

• protect ancient woodland, which is rare, unique, and irreplaceable

restoration of damaged ancient woodland, bringing precious pieces of our natural history back to life

• establish native trees and woods with the aim of creating resilient landscapes for people and wildlife

Established in 1972, the Woodland Trust now has over 1,000 sites in its care covering approximately 29,000 hectares. Access to its woods is free so everyone can benefit from woods and trees.

Communities the length and breadth of Northern Ireland will come together this weekend to celebrate the Coronation with a series of Big Lunch events.

From Carrickfergus to Bangor, Enniskillen to Bushmills, communities are gathering to share food, friendship and fun with the Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from Eden Project made possible by National Lottery.

Coronation Big Lunch events are taking place across Northern Ireland and include street parties, galas, public picnics, fancy dress parades and much more.

Grainne McCloskey, Scotland and Northern Ireland Regional Manager at Eden Project Communities, who are behind The Big Lunch, said: “Community spirit is at the heart of this historic occasion, and we hope organisers will go on to make The Big Lunch an annual celebration of neighbourhood.

“With so many digging out the bunting, rustling up their favourite dishes and rallying the neighbours for a bit of craic, we’re sure it’s going to be a weekend to remember.”

Established in 2009, The Big Lunch takes place every year and encourages neighbours and communities to share food as a huge act of community spirit and this year neighbours can celebrate community with the Coronation Big Lunch and throughout Month of Community in June.

Research after last year’s Big Lunch evidenced more than eleven million people say they felt less lonely, 92% of organisers reported it had a positive impact on their community, and almost two thirds of people who took part said it encouraged people to get more involved in voluntary work. Since 2015, Big Lunch organisers have raised £70 million for good causes and the hope is more will be raised in 2023.

The Coronation Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, forms part of the celebrations for His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort’s Coronation Weekend. The Queen Consort has been Patron of The Big Lunch initiative since 2013.

For more information, to find an event taking place near you on the Coronation Big Lunch interactive map, or to register your own plans and download the special letter from the King and Queen, visit www.CoronationBigLunch.com