10 Awesome Things to do in Northern Ireland This Week (1-7 August)

It’s the list you need to start your week! Every week across Northern Ireland there are many fun and interesting events that take place and Tourism Northern Ireland has made a list of just some of them.

• GI Jive Festival, Various locations, Co. Down, until 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!
• August Féile, Various locations, Belfast, until August 14. Féile explodes into colourful 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
• Open House Festival Bangor, Various locations, Co. Down, until 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.
• Maiden City Festival, Various locations, Co. Derry~Londonderry, until August 13. The Maiden City Festival will bring the old city to life through music, dance, theatre and pageant. Now in its 18^th year, the festival will once again bring an exciting mix of entertainment throughout the week and some new highlights for 2016.
• Festival of Flight, Central Promenade, Co. Down, August 6 – 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.
• The Wickerman Gathering, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, August 6. Enjoy a celebration of the ancient Celtic sun god Iugh with a programme packed with live bands, art workshops, fire dancers, ceili dancing, craft demonstrations and not forgetting the burning of a 30ft wickerman.  Booking essential. To book call (028) 3752 9644
• Belfast Pride Festival, Various locations, Belfast, until 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.
• SunflowerFest, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 5 -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.
• Anthony Toner and Frank Ormsby, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, 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.
• Celebrating Ulster Meats, Suitor Craft Gallery, Co. Tyrone, until 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.