Spoilt For Choice

Well, we're just being spoilt now... Summer has not just been four days this year. OK, there have been some interruptions but we do need some rain. So, it is time to capitalise and get in some top quality activities before June comes along and (possibly) ruins it all.
Below are some upcoming, and we think, slightly more unusual events worth checking out.

Titanic Taster Photography Tour

Anyone who has ever held a camera in Belfast knows there is one shot you must get – the iconic Harland & Wolff cranes.
The Titanic Taster Photographer Tour will offer top tips and techniques, while exploring Titanic Quarter's Maritime Heritage. On this interactive tour you will be transported around the quarter on the Wee Tram. Hop off stops will include the historic Slipways, Titanic's Dock and Pump-House and Samson & Goliath cranes.
Attendees are advised to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather as there will be short distances to walk. Pay and display parking is available opposite the Drawing Offices.
Titanic Belfast, Queen's Road, Belfast.
titanicbelfast.com

Otter Mayhem at Exploris Aquarium

At the end of May, Exploris Aquarium will combine the Spring Bank Holiday, the Ards and North Down Puppet Festival (more about later...) and World Otter Day for one big Otter Mayhem two-day event.
Visitors to Exploris will swim through Viking Shores to the Tropical Beaches, flowing into a pirate's cave for an underwater viewing experience on an exciting aquatic learning experience, where they will meet fin-tastic Exploris entertainer who will be roaming around the Aquarium.
On Sunday 29 May Little Gem Puppets Production of the Three Little Pigs will be showing at 12pm and 2pm. An interactive, fun show that engages all audiences!
You can then travel through to the outdoor seal sanctuary, where you'll learn about the successful seal rehabilitation program – although there is a chance there won't be any seals when you visit, as they aim to successfully return them to the wild.
After this you can float on down to meet the stars of the event; a Small-Clawed Asian otter family where you'll learn lots of interesting Otter facts. It will be an event like no Otter!
Exploris, Northern Ireland's only Aquarium and seal sanctuary re-opened in August 2016. To date it has welcomed an amazing 100,000+ visitors from home and abroad but it is continuing to develop and enhance visitor's experience with the opening of its new soft play area to an extensive Craken Café menu, for breakfast, lunch, coffees and treats with lots of goodies for the kids to eat!
explorisni.com

Stand Up Paddleboard River Trail, Limavady

Long Line Surf School want to know if you want to try something "unique, chilled out and super fun"? If so, they reckon that Stand Up Paddleboarding is for you.
Emerging as a popular and competitive global sport, stand up paddleboarding (SUP), is an ancient form of surfing (with a paddle) with a Hawaiian heritage.
Participants will meet a qualified instructor at Swanns Bridge picnic area where you will be given all the safety equipment you need. After a quick change and safety briefing you'll be off for 1.5 hours of exhilarating yet peaceful SUP meandering down the river alongside your instructor who will give you tips on techniques. The session is suitable for varying abilities. You'll need you're own swimming trunks/costume to wear under a wetsuit, a towel, and warm clothes for after the session.
longlinesurfschool.co.uk

Belfast Coffee Tour

Focusing on Belfast's growing coffee culture, the new Coffee Tour is a three hour walking tour combining the city's historical, cultural and architectural highlights alongside some of the best independent coffee establishments in the city.
Learn about the coffee process, how it's roasted, get a coffee demonstration and most importantly, taste some coffee (which is of course included in the cost of the tour).
The tour begins at Root and Branch Coffee Roasters is approximately six kilometres and tour ends in Established Coffee in the Cathedral Quarter.
facebook.com/BelfastCoffeeTours

Power of Video 2017

The Power of Video conference returns to Belfast for its second year, but this time at a new venue, Belfast Cathedral.
There will also be a new festival format and an exciting line-up of activities and speakers to celebrate the rising power of online video.
The festival format will offer something for guests of all ages and skill sets, from up-and-coming content creators to experienced filmmakers, businesses interested in harnessing the power of video for their own marketing and brand purposes, and local fans of the high-profile YouTube and social media stars and influencers scheduled to take to the stage this year.
Speed Motion Films have also announced the first batch of speakers, which include world-renowned director and filmmaker Philip Bloom, who has worked for Lucasfilm, CNN, Sky and the BBC, among other prestigious credits; a comedian, author and social media star Arron Crascall and Ireland's own Cian Twomey and Emily Rochford.
Conference favourites Zack Nelson from Jerry Rig Everything and Dan Markham from What's Inside will make a return for 2017 along with Denis Crushell of Tubular Labs and formerly Head of Sponsorship EMEA for YouTube will address guests keen implement video strategies for their businesses, organisations, and brands.
The Power of Video conference provides a unique opportunity for you to discover and learn from some of the best video content creators in the world! The conference will focus on the power of video in terms of how content creators on platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram have become a major influence.
powerofvideo.co.uk