Other News In Brief

Bangor Gears Up For Snow Patrol Open Air Concert

World-renowned rock band Snow Patrol is set to play for thousands of fans at Ward Park in Bangor on Saturday 25 May and the seaside town is preparing for visitors.

Fronted by Bangor man Gary Lightbody, Snow Patrol will be supported by a host of local musical talent that includes Two Door Cinema Club, who recently completed a worldwide tour, as well as other talented bands from across the country.

There will be plenty of buzz in Bangor throughout the weekend and local traders are getting ready to welcome the influx of visitors.

"The last time Snow Patrol played in Bangor, the total economic value to the town from the concert exceeded £1.6m," said Geoff Thompson, President of Bangor Chamber of Commerce. "Almost 10 years later and our town centre businesses, hospitality and retail sectors are looking forward to a much needed boost ahead of the summer season. It will be a great weekend for Bangor!"

The town will be open for business as normal and to help cater for the massive increase in footfall, Ards and North Down Borough Council, in conjunction with Bangor Chamber of Commerce and South Eastern Regional College (SERC), will ensure visitors are able to make the most of their visit to the Borough.

SERC's tourism ambassadors will be strategically located throughout the town to offer advice and information to visitors about the area while local businesses will feature some special Snow Patrol weekend offers.

Resurfacing Work Begins In Newtownards Town Centre

Resurfacing work has commenced in Newtownards town centre today, 13 May.

The £165,000 scheme will see work carried out on a 300-metre section on Regent Street from the junction with Gibsons Lane to the junction with Church Street.

Further work will also be included for small 50m sections into Church Street, Frederick Street and William Street.

A series of road closures will be implemented overnight during the scheme.

Diversionary routes will be clearly signposted.

The work is expected to be completed by 17 May.

History To Come To Life With Skills Of The Ancients Archaeology Festival

The Skills of the Ancients Archaeology Festival in the Antrim Castle Gardens will bring the archeology and history from the earliest times into the present this month.

The week will begin with a series of walks and talks on the history and archaeology of Antrim Castle Gardens and surrounding area led by a team of expert archaeologists and historians. These will be held each evening from the 28- 30 May from 7pm- 9pm. The walks and talks are free of charge but booking is essential.

Events will conclude with a Free Family Open Day on Saturday 01 June from 11am to 4pm, with the chance to try your hand at the art of flint knapping, as our ancestors did on the Loughshore, make baskets or ropes from natural materials, help in hollowing out a log boat or hear the stories of the Vikings on Lough Neagh. There will be a Bioblitz showcasing our native wildlife and looking at the connectedness of the built, natural and cultural heritage of the area. 

For more details and bookings call T: 028 9448 1338 or book online theoldcourthousetheatre.com.