Other News In Brief

Police Patrol Botanic Gardens After Man Reportedly Exposes Himself

Police are patrolling the Botanic Gardens in south Belfast after a man allegedly exposed himself to two females yesterday, 28 February.

The incident happened at around 4.30pm at the Stranmillis gate entrance.

The male is described as aged in his 40's or 50's, with dark hair and stubble, wearing a dark coloured hat and dark jacket.

Police are out and about in the surrounding areas and parks today.

Anyone who witnesses anything out of the ordinary, or saw the earlier incident, is asked to contact officers on non-emergency line 101.

Omagh And Sperrins Walking Festival To Commence This Month

The annual Omagh and Sperrins Walking Festival will take place this year on Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 March, offering locals and visitors alike the opportunity to explore the Sperrins and Drumquin areas, home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Northern Ireland.

Organised by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the festival will offer a series of walks which cater for all grades, from family orientated to challenging for the most ardent of walkers. They will be led by experienced guides with registration on the Saturday at An Creagan Visitor Centre and on Sunday at Drumquin Parish Hall, Dooish Road, Drumquin.

Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Howard Thornton said the district is committed to delivering quality programmes which improve the quality of life of the residents of the district.

He continued: "One of the key outcomes in the Fermanagh and Omagh 2030 Community Plan is to ensure that the people of the district are healthy and well, physically, mentally and emotionally. The Omagh and Sperrins Walking Festival is one such programme which will get people not only out exercising but also provide them with the opportunity to enjoy the stunning beauty of the Omagh and Sperrins area while doing so. I would encourage everyone to use this opportunity to get out and enjoy our wonderful countryside."

Participants should wear appropriate footwear and clothing and monitor the weather forecast beforehand.

With limited spaces, early booking is advisable and costs £3-£5.

North Coast Venues Encouraged To Register Interest For Live Music Gigs

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is calling on local venues to get involved in 'Open Live', a music festival to run through the 148th Northern Irish Open in Portrush from 15th-21st July.

It's anticipated the week-long event will feature a mix of cover bands and traditional artists in participating bars in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Limavady, Portrush and Portstewart, providing free evening entertainment across the destination during the sporting week.

Any licensed bars situated in the area with an interest in participating are invited to register interest now. All participating venues must be willing to pay 60% of the costs of the artists which they are hosting. The remaining 40% of artist fees will be subsidised by Council.

In the event of a surplus, participating venues will be chosen based on their status as a known music venue, capacity, location, availability of an in-house PA system, flexibility and availability.

The closing date for potential venues to register their interest is 12noon on Friday 15th March. Email engagement@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or ring 028 7034 7231 for further information.

(JG/MH)