If you’ve an event you’d like to include, email c.doherty@belfasttelegraph.co.uk
Did you know? Belfast is the 10th best place to stargaze in NI, according to a study by Millets
Art sale
Izzy Uprichard (16) from Belfast will be showcasing her work at the upcoming art exhibition and sale at Newtownbreda Presbyterian on the Ormeau Road from June 20-22. There will be 350 individual works of art on display, all available for purchase, by over 100 local artists from across Northern Ireland. Prices will range from £50-£5,000, with work by professional and amateur artists alike. Entry to the public is from 10.30am until 8.30pm on the Thursday and Friday, and until 3pm on the Saturday.
Grand times
Belfast’s Grand Opera House has launched its Grand Family Festival which will run from August 19 to 24.
Tickets are now on sale for the fun-filled festival, which will see the theatre open its doors for a week-long celebration of theatre and the arts with 25 unmissable workshops, activities and events suitable for children and families.
The full line-up of Grand Family Festival events can be found on the Grand Opera House website.
www.goh.co.uk/grand-family-festival
King of the Castle
Looking for something fun to do with Dad this Father’s Day? Look no further than Hillsborough Castle and Gardens where dads will gain free entry to the gardens where you can explore the whole estate, and maybe even enjoy some lunch and refreshments at the café to round off the day. The free gardens ticket offer is available for all dads throughout Father’s Day weekend, today and tomorrow. Just arrive at the ticket desk and declare your fatherhood!
www.hrp.org.uk/Hillsborough-castle
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Raise a glass
If you are looking for the perfect gift for Father’s Day, then look no further than McConnell’s Distillery at Crumlin Road Gaol. Spend an afternoon together exploring the magnificent A-Wing, following its restoration and transformation into a state-of-the art Irish whiskey distillery and visitor experience. Experience the historic site like never before and enjoy a guided tour. McConnell’s Distillery is the newest visitor attraction to launch in Belfast and is a must-see this summer. Tickets and gift vouchers are available from the website.
Happy together
HappyFest is back for a third year. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this has evolved into a pivotal wellness movement. Taking place on July 7 at Crawfordsburn Activity Centre in Crawfordsburn Country Park, the day-long, fun-filled, family-friendly event aims to help improve your mind, body, and soul. Organised by wellness advocate Ciara Daly and her dedicated team, HappyFest 2024 plans to connect the Northern Ireland community with a diverse and varied selection of alternative therapies and healing practices. Tickets are priced at £18 for adults, £15 for children, and a family ticket is £39.
A string thing
Belfast Ukulele Festival is back for its third year, taking over Belfast city centre for a weekend of music, laughter and good vibes from August 16-18.
The festival kicks off with the Big Jam on Friday night, giving players the chance to get together and perform their favourite tunes.
On Saturday, music fans can enjoy an afternoon of local music at the Deer's Head, with Sasha Samara, Lauren Bird and Fiona Rose & The High Lonesome taking to the stage. That evening, performers including Jess Tuthill, Christopher Davis-Shannon, Ukulele Simon and The Lava Birds will be rocking the Black Box for the festival's Big Gig.
An outdoor open mic session on the Sunday rounds off proceedings, giving attendees the chance to show off their skills.
On your bike
There’s still time to embrace Bike Week, which encourages active travel, and take in the sights and sounds of the natural world around you. Whether you’re exploring one of Northern Ireland’s historic cities or venturing off the beaten path, you’re only a short cycle away from a giant adventure bursting with fantastic vistas, challenging climbs and peaceful traffic-free paths. Experience Belfast by bike with an intimate guided tour from Belfast Bike Tours and learn about the city’s rich history, or cruise along old bog roads and forest tracks and enjoy sweeping views over Fermanagh’s stunning Lakelands as you make your electric escape thanks to Corralea Activity Centre’s E-Bike Tours. Bike Week ends tomorrow.
www.discovernorthernireland.com
00… Heaven
Experience the music of the world’s most fictional spy during the James Bond by Candlelight experience at the Ulster Hall on June 20. This unmissable live concert features some of the most celebrated songs of all time including Goldeneye, Tomorrow Never Dies, A View to a Kill, Diamonds are Forever, Skyfall and more. Featuring a cast of West End singers, accompanied by a stunning live band, experience the iconic music of James Bond as you have never heard it before.
Book your tickets
Sarah Keyworth is back with a brand new, joyous show about family, acceptance and a pair of big (well, not super big) losses. This show has recently become the Winner of the Most Outstanding Show at the 2024 Melbourne Comedy Festival. Sarah, who has appeared on Mock the Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, will be performing at the Limelight on February 8, 2025.
