Down
Cable and Wake outdoor waterpark is opening this May Day holiday weekend. Looking for fun things to do with the kids? Then visit Knockbracken Reservoir from 2nd May for fun mid-week and weekend activities. The new waterpark at Knockbracken Reservoir in Carryduff is just 15 minutes drive from Belfast city centre. The site boasts a massive aqua park, cable wakeboard park and glamping village with a sauna for warming up on those cold days. The waterpark is a perfect place for birthday parties, community groups, school groups and the adventurous corporate group.
Armagh
Immerse yourself in life as an ancient Celt as Navan Fort prepares for the Beltaine Festival of Fire; a time of purification and transition. Help build a fire arch, marking the gateway between the earthly and spiritual realms? Try your hand at making a traditional Celtic crown and join in the preparation of hand fasting cakes. The Celts are sure to entertain you with stories, dancing and singing in anticipation of the final fire purification ceremony on Bank Holiday Monday. This highly engaging experience is suitable for all ages and will give you a unique insight into life long ago. Saturday May 5-7, 11am – 4pm daily.
Fermanagh
The water trampoline at Castle Archdale Boat Hire and Watersports is great fun for all the family. Situated within the marina, the trampoline with log and slide is a very popular activity. Jump in, slide in, roll in, flip in or try walking the log – it’s the best fun you could have and great for kids and adults of all ages. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets provided for all activities.
Tyrone
Ireland’s premier tribute to the super group Fleetwood Mac, brings you on a magical musical journey from the Peter Green blues era to the multi-platinum selling Anglo/American band that still tour today. See Mack Fleetwood deliver a spellbinding show this Friday at Ranfurly House Dungannon. Their love of the material and musical prowess shines through in each song. They will bewitch you with authentic renditions of all your favourite Fleetwood Mac hits.
Derry
The biggest and best Jazz Festival is returning to Derry from May 3-7. The City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival will be back for its 17th year, featuring artists from all over the world and attracting over 60,000 revellers over the bank holiday weekend. This year’s headliner is Sir Van Morrison, who will perform in the Millennium Forum on Sunday May 6 and Monday May 7. Some popular acts returning to the Festival will include the Red Stripe Band, The Roaring Forties, the Ska Beat, Velocity Brown and The Hot Rods, and Jaydee Brass band. New acts joining us in 2018 will include Mercury nominated Dinosaur – a vibrant new ensemble praised for their blend of styles, taking sounds from folk, rock, minimalism and contemporary art music. Dinosaur will be performing in the Playhouse on Sunday May 6 2018 at 8pm, admission £6. For the full line up see cityofderryjazzfestival.com.
Antrim
Antrim Castle Gardens will be in full bloom at this year’s Allianz Garden Show Ireland. A three-day festival with a bloomin’ great line-up of flowers, food, crafts, music and dedicated kids zone and so much more. The family-friendly event is worth visiting and will appeal to all ages. Sitting alongside the vast display of specialist plants, artisan food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, local crafts and feature gardens will be fun-filled activities appealing to all age groups – live music, dedicated kids adventure area, a doggie zone – complete with competitions – tree-climbing demos and much more; it’s truly a superb three-days that attracts everyone from garden enthusiasts to families, spanning three generations. Adults tickets cost £10 (concession £8), the event is FREE for children under 16 and there is a reduced rate for online booking, for more information on the Show or to book tickets online visit www.gardenshowireland.com.
Belfast
This Saturday HMS Caroline hosts Belfast Battleship. The year is 2018. Six years have passed from the events that saw the brave crew of the USS Missouri defend earth from an alien invasion, in what is now known as 'Incident 11'. Rumours of an imminent second global invasion are being downplayed in the media. Over 100 years ago, HMS Caroline was used to train sailors for life at sea, and as part of top secret global plan to ready all museum ships for a repeat of Incident 11, the crew have docked in Belfast to train a new generation. Aimed at children between 6 and 14, and an uncle, aunt, parent or older sibling accompanying them, Moving Pictures invite you to join them on the 5 May, on board the Belfast Battleship.
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