Queen Elizabeth 2
Ships passing Groomsport
A record 34 ships will visit Belfast this year the highlight of which is the QE2 on the 4th October. This will the last opportunity to see this ship operating as a passenger vessel. The QE2 will be delivered to Dubai World in November 2008, where she will cease her role as an ocean-going passenger vessel and be refurbished and adapted for her new home. From 2009, the vessel will be berthed at a specially-constructed pier at The Palm Jumeirah, the world's largest man-made island, to create a luxury floating hotel, retail and entertainment destination.
The cruise season begins on the 29th April with the Celebrity vessel Constellation.
For a complete list of cruise ship arrivals Click Here
The Port of Belfast is fast establishing a reputation as a popular port of call for cruise ships and regularly plays host to some of the worlds finest liners. Where it started with 300 passenger vessels several years ago, most ships now calling have at least 2,500 passengers on board
Music and Entertainment
New Lyric Operatic Company presents Calamity Jane at the Grand Opera House from Monday 19th - Saturday 24th May 2008.
Experience the wild, lusty, warm and humorous Old West of Deadwood
City, Dakota Territory, 1876.
Mon 7.30pm* £5 - £17.75, Tues & Wed 7.30pm £8 - £21, Thurs - Sat 7.30pm £9.25 - £23.50, Sat 2.30pm £7 - £19.75,
Cost includes Development Donation.
The Ulster Orchestra brings its 2007/2008 season to a close with
the last in its Prokofiev mini-series, and who better for a rousing
finale than a couple of home-grown artists? Pianist Barry Douglas
and Principal Conductor Kenneth Montgomery highlight the wealth
of talent emanating from Northern Ireland as they perform Beethoven's
Fourth Piano Concerto, with a little touch of Latin American flair
from Copland and finally Prokofiev's epic Fifth Symphony providing
a fitting end to a fabulous season.
To listen to excerpts from Beethoven's Fourth Piano Concerto and
Prokofiev's Fifth Symphony,
click here.
Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Fri 23 May, 7.45pm (Pre-concert talk 7pm)
Tickets: £8 - £23.50 (student standby £3)
Box Office: 028 9066 8798
Click on Waterfront Hall for details of all upcoming performances
An Audience With SALLY MORGAN Star Psychic
Wednesday/Thursday 1st and 2nd October 2008
Book Tickets For SALLY MORGAN - STAR PSYCHIC Online Here:
Sally Morgan is one of Britain's most loved psychics and the star of her very own TV show Sally Morgan: Star Psychic on ITV
The Audience With Sally Morgan tour will be unlike anything seen before. Sally's style is that of reality TV - she does not work to scripts, and the show will be totally transparent, and therefore as entertaining as her TV shows.
With literally thousands of enquiries every day, Sally Morgan's fan base is growing by the hour, and the tour will provide an exceptional opportunity to see Sally's work at first hand.
Sally will be travelling the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland in her own 'Psychic Tour Bus' and lucky fans will have the chance to win personal readings with Sally prior to the show.
ALTERNATIVELY, TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 2nd MAY @ 9am FROM WATERFRONT
HALL & USUAL OUTLETS
Tickets £21.50 on sale from Waterfront Hall Box office &
usual outlets
Credit Card Bookings 028 90334455
SHOW NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 12
The Real Music Club is Northern Ireland's premier promoter of acoustic music. It has been running for seven years, with the Club's main home being The Errigle Inn, an historic Belfast venue, the first venue in the city to hold an entertainment's license.
Apparently used as a holding cell for prisoners prior to deportation to Australia, the Rotterdam has stuck to its old world feel. Small and very cosy, with heavy wooden doors, whitewashed walls and oceanic paraphernalia hanging from the walls, it\'s intimate and interesting.
This bar offers a wide variety of quality entertainment seven days a week and won PRS Music Pub of the Year!
The Rotterdam is situated on Pilot Street at Clarendon Dock, Belfast, and you can sit outside on summer evenings and enjoy the atmosphere of this old area of the city known as Sailorstow
Rotterdam Bar, 54 Pilot St, Belfast, Monday 3rd March 2008, 8.30pm, Over 18s only, Limited Seating Tickets
A home for live music, theatre, literature, comedy, film, visual
art, live art, circus, cabaret and all points in between. Quality,
affordable Fair Trade coffee and snacks in the cafe open 10am
-5pm Monday to Friday. New Exhibitions monthly. 18-22 Hill Street,
Cathedral Quarter, Belfast
For up to date information please check out our website www.blackboxbelfast.com
or call 02890244400
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For local tourist information please check the website www.northdowntourism.com
or contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on 028 9127 0069
Or contact Alison Stobie (028) 9185 7236, mobile: 07736 881571
or alison.stobie@northdown.gov.uk
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The first and still the best in alternative contemporary
cabaret. Our attention to detail and quality of acts is by far the
Best around.
Eccentric British Music Hall peppered with European Burlesque and
a sprig of American Vaudeville.
Contemporary Old Time Music Hall at its very best.
All patron's must dress in lavish and eccentric victorian dress.
Prize for best dressed. The Black Box in Belfast will be transported
back to Victorian London, into a seedy decadent Music Hall of Yesteryear.
SIRKUSONFOOT are pulling out all the stops for this the 7th in a line of legendary Shows unique to Belfast.
Your chairman for the evening will be Mr Peragrine
Ravenguard.
"I wish I had seen Pigeon and Plum's Vaudeville/ Circus when
I was a child. I would have packed up my gramophone and run away
from home to join them." DUKE SPECIAL aka Peter Wilson
Tickets £10 - Available from The
Belfast Welcome Centre 028 90 246609 or

Groomsport 4th July, with a fun filled evening of musical entertainment topped off in style with a fantastic fireworks finale.
Moved to 6th September 2008
Ship EAGLE WING- The first ever attempt at Emigration from Ireland to America, departed from Groomsport in September 1636.
The heroic journey is commemorated on the 6th September 2008. Links between North America and Groomsport are brought to life with an afternoon of living history events and family fun.
The Eagle Wing, a small wooden sailing ship of 150 tonnes was built for the move to America, ready for the risk of travelling the vast Atlantic Ocean.
She set set sail from Groomsport on September 9th 1636, with 140 passengers who prayed to God for safe carriage,
Dark clouds hovered as the ship headed in the direction of Newfoundland. The winds grew powerful and as a storm grew its force tore the sails and the seas created a leak. The fear grew with the storm and after much consultation and prayer the decision was made to turn the ship back in haste to the shores of Ireland, which were nearer than those of Newfoundland, concerned that it was God's will that they return home as He had spoken "by His winds and other dispensations".
The courageous attempt to start a new life in America had disappointingly been aborted, however on the return of Eagle Wing to Ulster there was a natural outpouring of relief and thanksgiving.

Cockle Row Cottages are open daily (June-August) 11.30am-5.30pm Information T: 0289127 0069 Email: tic@northdown.gov.uk During opening hours contact Cockle Row on 028 9145 888
The Triathalon is back in Groomsport in 2008.
Race day has been confirmed as Saturday 13th September.
Swim - 1.9k Two lap, anti-clockwise, triangular sea swim with athletes exiting the water for a short beach run between laps. Just five metres from beach to transition.
Bike - 93k (only slightly long) A fast three lap course with
no major climbs. Mainly rural, with excellent road surfaces for
the vast majority of the loop. Skirts Bangor and then takes in the
villages ofCarrowdore, Millisle and Donaghadee. Returns past transition
at the end of each lap.
Run - 20k (only slightly short) Figure of eight, two lap
run course beginning on road, then going off road, then coastal
path, then beach, then past transition, then coastal path, then
beach etc etc. then transition again to finish first lap.
A summer afternoon looking over the Trassey Valley
to Bearnagh & Meelmore.
(Photo - Marty
Johnston)
The mountains of Mourne are one of the most picturesque
mountain areas in Ireland. Uniquely for a mountain range, most of
the summits are grouped together in an area only seven miles broad.
There are a wide variety of walks for people of all abilities and
interests. If you enjoy a short stroll with the family, walks are
available at the Forest Parks, Silent Valley, Murlough Nature Reserve,
the coastal path at Bloody Bridge, or along the beach at Newcastle,
Cranfield or Warrenpoint:
Click for Details
If you are more adventurous there are a number of climbing and long distance walking routes available: Click for Details
Bangor & District Amateur Radio Society
Contact Mike GI4XSF tel: 028 4277 2383
website http://www.bdars.com
The Bangor & District Amateur Radio Society meet on the first
Thursday of the month in The Boathouse, Harbour Car Park, Groomsport,
BT19 6JP at 8pm. Visitors and new members are welcome.
MAY
Saturday 31 May
Charity Zip Line, Bangor
Take part in the 5th Annual charity event in aid of Tiny Life and
the RNLI's Bangor Lifeboat and enjoy an exhilarating flirtation
with height, speed and adrenalin. The Zip line is backed by Quay
Marinas Limited - Info contact Kevin at Bangor Marina 028 9145 3297
or kbaird@quaymarinas.com
or Samara at Tiny Life 028 9081 5050 or samara@tinylife.org.uk
Summer Entertainment
Throughout the summer months, Bangor will see the weekends packed
with entertainment, attractions and concerts. From street theatre,
kids attractions and live concerts there is something for everyone.
Info T: (028) 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
JUNE
Weekend Summer Entertainment - June to August
Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Each weekend from June through August between 2-4pm the traditional
Cockle Row Cottages come alive with fun for all the family. Relax
and listen to live music, get close to nature with animal road shows
or try your hand at craft making. This is just a taste of what's
on offer this summer. Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
Friday 6 - Sunday 8 June, Holywood International Jazz Festival,
Holywood.
The 18th annual Holywood International Jazz Festival will feature
leading jazz musicians and bands representing the U.K. and mainland
Europe in a varied programme including the traditional New Orleans
Brolly Parade, Pub Trail plus afternoon and evening concerts - Info
and tickets T: 028 9086 5613
Saturday 14 - Sunday 15 June
Sea Bangor Festival
Bangor Sea Front (Quay Street car park)
This popular maritime festival is bursting with family entertainment
and provides plenty of fun for all ages. You can step aboard a tall
ship, visit the maritime themed tented village with food stalls
and model boats, children can pass the time in the fun packed kid's
tent and you all can top off the day with good food whilst relaxing
to the sounds of live music.
Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
JULY
Sunday Summer Entertainment, street theatre and live music - July
& August
Take your pick of entertainment on Sunday afternoons in Bangor this
July. At Ward Park all musical tastes are catered for throughout
the season, so why not bring a picnic and relax away the afternoon
in the beautiful surroundings of Ward Park.
If music is not for you, then head for the seafront where madcap
lively street theatre and attractions are on offer with something
for all.
4th of July in Groomsport
Celebrate American Independence Day in Groomsport with a fun filled
evening of musical entertainment topped off in style with a fantastic
fireworks finale.
Weekend Entertainment
Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Each weekend in July Cockle Row Cottages come alive with fun for
all the family. Entertainment ranges from live music and animal
road shows to teddy bears picnics and craft making plus much more.
Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
AUGUST
Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 August
Concerts at the Castle, Castle Park, Bangor
Relax to a variety of FREE live music on Saturday evening and Sunday
afternoon in the beautiful setting of Castle Park, at Bangor Castle/Town
Hall.
Monday 25 August
Bank Holiday Monday, Bangor - Take a trip to Bangor where family
fun is on offer in the town centre with street entertainment thrilling
the crowds.
Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
Monday 25 August
Bank Holiday Monday, Bangor, Sunken Gardens, Bangor Sea Front
This Bank Holiday Monday take a trip to Bangor sea front where FREE
family fun is the order of the day at the McKee Clock. Weird and
wonderful lively street entertainment will have you in stitches
and you will be astonished by their skilful performances.
Weekend Entertainment
Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Each weekend in August Cockle Row Cottages come alive with fun for
all the family. Entertainment ranges from live music and animal
road shows to teddy bears picnics and craft making plus much more.
Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
SEPTEMBER
Saturday 6 September - Eagle Wing Celebration, Groomsport
Links between North America and Groomsport are brought to life with
an afternoon of living history events and family fun.
OCTOBER
Saturday 25 October
Seapark Fireworks
Holywood, Seapark
Holywood is the setting for North Down's Halloween celebrations
with children's funfair and stalls, food vendors and the annual
spectacular fireworks display.
Sunday 26 October
Spooktacular Family Fun Day
Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Celebrate this Halloween with an afternoon of frightful ghoulish
family fun in Groomsport.
There will be something to scare all the family with creepy crafts,
lucky dip, spooky baking and much more from 2-4pm.
Info T: 028 9127 0069 www.northdowntourism.com
NOVEMBER
Saturday 22 November
Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On
Bangor Castle/ Town Hall
Bangor's Christmas celebrations begin with a night of family entertainment
followed by the Christmas tree light switch on.
Saturday 29 November
Holywood Christmas Lights Switch On
Holywood, Redburn Square
The festivities in Holywood start with family fun for all and the
Christmas tree lights switch on.
DECEMBER
Sunday 7 December
Christmas Family Fun Day
Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Santa will make an appearance at Cockle Row Cottages to top off
an afternoon of family fun. Attractions will include traditional
music, Christmas baking, crafts and much more from 2-4pm.
For more information and accommodation bookings contact Bangor Tourist
Information on 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com.
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DAILY FEATURES
Help us to keep you, and all your neighbours informed, entertained,
and up to date with local information.
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can only work if YOU contribute, comment, criticise!
Do you have any photographs of the area before the houses were
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Want to publicise a local event?
If you are a Church, group, club, etc, please tell us (by email)
about your organisation, events, people, and contact details.
We are waiting to hear from YOU.
You can contact us at: editor@covebay.net
Competition:
Don't miss your chance to enjoy a gala evening out at this summer's
Castleward Opera. Approaching its 25th Anniversary, this year
there will be performances of 7 special Opera Galas as well as
the main production of Cosi fan tutte. Directed by Wilfie Pyper,
and conducted by Brian MacKay, the gala evenings will feature
a broad selection of music from Verdi and Donizetti to Rodgers
& Hammerstein and Leonard Bernstein.
For your chance to win a pair of tickets to the Opera Gala on
Sunday 8 June, just click on:
Enter Competition and answer this month's question.
For Tickets:
Studio Symphony welcomes the summer
The Studio Symphony Orchestra usher in the change of the season
as they perform their Summer Concert of Beethoven's Wind Octet
in E flat major, Suk's Serenade for Strings and Dvorák's
Symphony No 8 in G. Performing on Saturday 31 May at the Elmwood
Hall (opposite Queen's University, Belfast), tickets are available
in advance from Matchett's Music, Wellington Place, Belfast, or
on the door on the evening of the performance.
Elmwood Hall, Queen's University Belfast
Sat 31 May, 7.45 pm
Tickets: £10/£8 conc/£2 children
Box Office: 028 9032 6695
We're delighted to say that Culture Live!, a brand new online
events listings service, is now up and running. The service is
a partnership between Audiences NI and CultureNorthernIreland,
and allows you to search events across NI by category, keyword,
area and date. Covering gigs, films, plays, comedy, arts classes,
heritage attractions and much more, Culture Live! is perfect for
planning what to do this weekend or much further ahead! Click
on More
Information to try it out.

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Pleasure Cruises, and Fishing from Bangor Marina.
Their website www.bangorboat.com contains some wonderful photographs of Bangor
Tel: 075 1000 6000
Cockle Island Boat Club
Groomsport Community Hall
Pier Road, Groomsport
County Down, BT19 6JP
Tel: 02891 464632
Royal Ulster Yacht Club
Telephone 02891270568
e-mail: info@ruyc.co.uk
Website http://www.ruyc.co.uk/
Book Groomsport Boathouse for your Event
Bookings can be made by contacting:
Mrs Hilary McMullan
Leisure, Tourism & Community Services Department
North Down Borough Council
Town Hall, Castle Park Avenue,
Bangor, BT20 4BT
028 9127 8029
The "Jeannie Johnston"
The Tall Ships Race
The Belfast Maritime Festival July 2007 was a taster of what Belfast has to offer in 2009 when the Tall Ships Race comes to Belfast.
Seven of the worlds most spectacular ships sailed past Groomsport into Belfast for a weekend of fantastic family fun.
Among the visiting ships were the beautiful Square Sail vessels
including: Artemis, Grand Turk, Jeannie Johnston (picture above),
Kaskelot, Ruth, Thalassa Zebu.