Ten things to do across the north from August 1 – 7

AS we move into August and the thought of returning to school begins to loom large again, it’s important to make the most of the rest of summer.

With vibrant events all across the north this week, now is the time to get out there and experience what’s on offer.

Co Antrim

August Féile

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Belfast

Until Sunday August 14

The Féile explodes into life across West Belfast and beyond.

Ireland’s biggest community festival and summer school will feature over 400 events from live music and comedy to sport, exhibitions, drama, discussions and debates in over 30 venues

Belfast Pride Festival

Belfast

Until Sunday August 7

Celebrating diversity over ten days, there’s an exciting programme of events as well as the Belfast Pride Parade which will bring a rainbow of colour to Belfast City Centre.

Co Armagh

The Wickerman Gathering

Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh

Saturday August 6

Enjoy a celebration of the ancient Celtic sun god Lugh with a programme packed with live bands, art workshops, fire dancers, ceili dancing, craft demonstrations and the burning of a 30ft wickerman.  

Co Derry

Maiden City Festival

Derry

Until Saturday August 13

The Maiden City Festival will bring the old city to life through music, dance, theatre and pageant.

Now in its 18th year, the festival will once again bring an exciting mix of entertainment throughout the week and some new highlights for 2016.

Co Down

GI Jive Festival

Co. Down

Until Friday August 5

Step back in time to the nostalgic sights, sounds, smells and music of the 1940s, including American GI re-enactments, planes, tanks, vintage cars and children’s entertainment.

There is something for everyone at GI Jive, even for those who simply want to relax on the grass and soak up the sun in the lovely family-friendly atmosphere!

Open House Festival Bangor

Co. Down

Until Wednesday August 31

This August more than 40 venues in Bangor will play host to over 130 unique events.

Open House Festival brings together the best international and local talent for a month of music, theatre, film, readings and one-off culinary experiences.

Festival of Flight

Central Promenade, Co. Down

Saturday August 6 – Saturday August 7

The world-famous Red Arrows will be making a welcome return to the 2016 Festival of Flight which promises attendees a feast of family fun and entertainment, in the sky and at ground level. 

Other aviation crafts to soar across the Mourne Mountains and swoop over Dundrum Bay include a Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

SunflowerFest

Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down

Friday August 5 – Sunday August 7

Alongside 60+ live music performances there will be live art & sculpture, a range of talks and workshops, media installations lots of family activities, a silent disco and the 'Bliss' well-being area at this year’s festival.

To coincide with the NI Year of Food & Drink, local chefs will be hosting cooking demos and workshops throughout the weekend.

Co Fermanagh

Anthony Toner and Frank Ormsby

Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh

Saturday August 6

A rare chance to enjoy a thought-provoking, moving and funny evening of words and music, as County Fermanagh-born poet Frank Ormsby and Belfast songwriter Anthony Toner read and perform, taking turns in the spotlight in the Gallery Bar.

Tyrone

Celebrating Ulster Meats

Suitor Craft Gallery, Co. Tyrone

Until Wednesday August 31

Celebrate Love NI Meat month in the NI Year of Food and Drink with local, quality meats in our snacks and lunches to keep you going on your busy day.

Panini, toasties, baked potatoes filled with high quality locally sourced Ulster ham, bacon and chicken. Spend a little time in our Designer Gift shop and enjoy seeing our Irish hand made products.