The North –

Festivals & Events 2011

Many events in the North feature traditional music

Titanic Made in Belfast Festival

When: 31 March – 14 April

Where: Belfast

What: Celebration of the world’s famed Titanic ship, built at Belfast docks, in the run-up to the 100^th anniversary of the ship’s tragic sinking in 2012.

More Info: Tel. 44 (0) 28 9024 6609; web: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/titanic

Belfast Film Festival
When: 15 - 30 April
Where: Belfast City
What: A host of international cinema and world-class directors converge on Belfast for screenings, workshops and master classes.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9032 5913; Web: www.belfastfilmfestival.org

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival
When: 29 April - 9 May
Where: Belfast
What: An 11 day feast of music, theatre, literature, comedy, circus and the visual arts.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9023 2403; Web: www.cqaf.com

Annual Tulip Festival

When: First weekend of May

Where: Glenarm Castle, Co. Antrim

What: A walled garden display of more than 8,000 tulips of 122 varieties, with talks by garden experts, garden strolls, music and arts exhibitions.

More Info:  44 (0) 28 2884 1203; web: www.glenarmcastle.com

Armagh Apple Blossom Festival
When: First Week of May
Where: Armagh.
What: A celebration of the beautiful apple blossom season including guided tours of the apple orchard region, live music and specialty food market.
More Info: Tel: 028 3752 1800; Web: www.visitarmagh.com

Belfast City Marathon
When: 2 May.
Where: Belfast City.
What: An annual mid-city run, starting at Belfast City Hall and finishing at Ormeau Park.
More Info: Tel. (028) 9024 6609; www.belfastcitymarathon.com

Ulster Derby Festival
When: 17 - 18 June.
Where: Down Royal Racecourse, Lisburn, Co. Down.
What: Northern Ireland’s richest flat race, the Kentucky Derby of Ulster.
More Info: Tel. (028) 9262 1258; Web: www.downroyal.com

Mourne International Walking Festival

When: 24 – 26 June

Where: Newcastle, Co. Down

What: Walks in the scenic Mountains of Mourne area to suit all levels from 10 km to 40 km.

More Info: 44 (0) 28 4175 2256; web: www.mournewalking.co.uk

Maiden of the Mournes International Festival
When: 7 – 14 August.
Where: Warrenpoint.
What: A parade, musical entertainment in the square, sports events and children’s events.
More Info: Tel: 028 4177 2346; Web: www.maidenofthemournes.com

Oul' Lammas Fair
When: 29 & 30 August.
Where: Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
What: Ireland's oldest traditional market fair, with horse trading, street entertainment and market stalls.
More Info: Tel: (028) 2076 2024.

Annual Appalachian & Bluegrass Music Festival
When: 3 - 5 September
Where: Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, Co. Tyrone
What: Showcase of some of the finest exponents of bluegrass musicians.
More Info: Tel: (028) 8224 3292; Web: www.nmni.com/bluegrass.aspx

Hillsborough International Oyster Festival
When: First week of September
Where: Hillsborough, Co. Down.
What: A celebration of seafood and music in an historic setting.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9266 0038; Web: www.hillsboroughoysterfestival.com

Belfast Festival at Queen's
When: First two weeks of October.
Where: Belfast City.
What: The largest festival of its kind in Ireland, combining the best of Irish, UK and international culture each year.
More Info: Tel: (028) 9097 1034; Web: www.belfastfestival.com

Armagh Apple Harvest Festival
When: Last Weekend of October.
Where: Armagh.
What: Fireworks display, outdoor concert, fancy dress parade, childrens entertainment and lots more.
More Info: Tel: 028 3752 1800; Web: www.visitarmagh.com

Foyle Film Festival
When: Last week of November.
Where: Derry City.
What: Established in 1987, this festival combines an international film competition of features, shorts, animation and documentary screenings, with presentations by leading experts.
More Info: Tel: (028) 7126 7432; Web: www.foylefilmfestival.org