What's On Spring-Summer 2019

As the evenings stretch out and temperatures begin to soar this spring, calendars are filling up with holidays, concert dates and day trips across Northern Ireland. Whether you're hoping to plan an exciting Bank Holiday weekend, a fun day out for the family or a culture-filled tour, there's plenty on offer right through the summer.

Here are six ideas that could fill your down time over the next few months and give you the opportunity to experience something new:

Snow Patrol Return To Ward Park, 25 May

World-renowned rock band Snow Patrol is set to return to Bangor's Ward Park later this month for what promises to be another amazing concert.
Showcasing the best of Northern Irish musical talent, the group fronted by Gary Lightbody will be joined by Two Door Cinema Club, ASH, Foy Vance, SOAK, Jealous Of The Birds, Brand New Friend, JC Stewart, The Wood Burning Savages, Kitt Philippa and ROE.
Ahead of the much-anticipated gig, Gary said: "Northern Irish music at the moment is in its rudest health. It's very exciting to be able to celebrate that at a time that when it's a good time to celebrate all the good things about Northern Ireland.
"Northern Irish acts all the way.
The average ticket price is £44 and can be purchased from ticketmaster.
Click here for more information about the venue.

Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, 25-27 May

The Tall Ships will return to Belfast later this month, kicking off the Titanic Maritime Festival on Saturday 25 May.
An ideal family day out, visitors can explore the vessels and absorb the fun with live music, nautical cuisine and family activities.
The free event in the Titanic Quarter will begin at 10am each day.

90 Years Of North West 200 Exhibition, 09 May- 31 August

With the roads of the North Coast returning to normality after another exciting year of racing, the 90th anniversary exhibition gives petrol heads the chance to explore the history of the event.
Held in Ballymoney Town Hall with no admission charges, absorbing the highlights of the last nine decades of races, riders, support staff and spectators through a rich display of bikes, helmets, photographs and memorabilia is sure to be a great way to pass an afternoon this summer.
A kids activity zone and trail are also featured to keep the little ones busy while adults explore, and the Dunlop Memorial Gardens are situated nearby, a celebration of the achievements of late racing legends Joey and Robert Dunlop.
Opening hours are as follows:
• Monday, 9-5
• Tuesday, 9-5
• Wednesday, 9-5
• Thursday, 9-5
• Friday, 9-4.30
• Saturday, 9-5

Shortcross Gin Distillery Tour, 08 June

Are you a gin lover and in need of a day out this summer? Maybe you're planning a girls day out or need a hen-party activity? Shortcross Gin Distillery in Crossgar is offering a tour of the crafted facility for visitors to learn about their unique gin and whiskey processes, meet the founders and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
As well as an insight into the origins of the popular spirit, you can sample different flavours on the terrace and enjoy music and a BBQ, and of course make use of the cocktail bar.
The experience will run on Saturday 08 June from 12-6pm. Tickets cost £40 and include:
• Return coach travel from Belfast to Crossgar (leaving at 12pm, returning at 6pm).
• Shortcross cocktail on arrival.
• A chance to learn more about the history of Ramadan Estate, one of Ireland's oldest estates.
• A distillery tour with head distiller and company founder David.
• A Neat Gin Tasting and botanical sensory.
• Gin and Tonic Masterclass.
• Your very own Shortcross Copa Glass to take home.
• £5 voucher towards a bottle of Original Shortcross Gin 70cl.

Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, February- December

All your foodie dreams will come true on this tour of the Causeway Coast as you sit back, relax, and savour the flavours that make the area so unique.
Each of the five stops along the breathtaking North Coast offer a delicious and surprising tasting experience, including sampling the world's oldest licensed whiskey, meeting the makers at a local farmer's market and hearing the unique stories behind their produce.
Starting in Coleraine, the tour by luxury midicoach lasts around six hours. Participants are urged to come hungry, as they will have the chance to sample food and drink at each location before returning to Coleraine. Many chose to take home some foodie goodies for others to sample.
The tours began in February and run on the following dates: 08 June, 13 July, 10 August, 14 September, 12 October, 14 December.
The day is priced at £65 per person which includes the transport, food and drink.

The Belfast Music Tour, April- November

Heading off from the Ulster Hall in Belfast City Centre, The Belfast Music Tour explores sites relating to some of the most memorable artists and performances from days gone past.
The Ulster Hall is home to the Ulster Orchestra and was the site of the world premiere of Led Zepplin's 'Stairway to Heaven' in 1971.
The sites of Van Morrison's debut with Them and the amazing career of Ruby Murray are up next, before heading West to the home of folk dynasty the McPeake family.
Also included on the tour are locations relating to the work of renowned flautist James Galway, blues talent Eric Bell and songwriter Gary Moore. Ormeau Road, the former haunt of David Holmes, who provided the soundtrack to Oceans Eleven is also featured, as well as the Waterfront Hall and the location where The Undertones recorded 'Teenage Kicks' in 1978.
The tour lasts two hours and finishes at the Oh Yeah Music Centre on Gordon Street, where you can browse the Belfast Music Exhibition.
Tickets are priced between £8-£10. The tour operates on the following Saturdays from 2-4.30pm: 29 June, 27 July, 24 August, 28 September, 26 October and 16 November.
Contact the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 for more information.

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