12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland

Belcoo Sports & Festival 2012, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, August 7 – 15. One of the oldest festivals with fun for all ages including a 10k run, bingo bonanza, car treasure and fishing competitions.

Clandeboye Festival, Hibernia House, Holywood, Co. Down, August 13 – 18. This classical music festival returns with international pianist Barry Douglas, Camerata Ireland, guest artists and young musicians performing a series of lunchtime and evening concerts.

Feile 2012, Foyle Street, Co. Londonderry, until August 15. A community based cultural event that explores the city’s vibrant talent and culture with music, drama, sports and carnival events.

Sunflowerfest 2012, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 17 – 19. This annual festival is back and will be bigger and better than ever with a line-up of the very best local talent as well as international guest artists from a broad range of genres.

Family Art Day, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 18. Watch quilt-making in progress with a variety of both hand and machine techniques on show and get up close to view a range of different fabric samples.

Funky Foto Collage, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, August 18. Create a visual poster of your face using your own photos and magazine cut outs, perfect for adorning your bedroom wall.

Fair Day, Markethill, Co. Armagh, August 18. Transport yourself back in time with a full day of activity for the past including stalls, parades, music and dancing.

Native and Traditional Breeds Weekend, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down, August 18 – 19. See traditional breeds of cattle, horses, pigs, poultry and sheep and enjoy lots of family activities including drama and music.

Music in the Park, Silent Valley, Annalong, Co. Down, August 19. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out at Silent Valley with jazz bands, children’s entertainment and the chance to walk on water in specially designed plastic spheres.

Titanic – The Springhill Story Children’s Special, Springhill, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, August 19. Discover Springhill’s unique and amazing link with the Titanic. Step back to 1912 as a family get ready to set sail, have afternoon tea, browse the costume museum and enjoy maritime games.

Augment by Catalyst Arts, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, until August 30. An exhibition of works by Catalyst Arts which supports young and emerging local talent.

Belfast Bred Tour, departs from Sawers Delicatessen, College Street, Belfast, every Friday and Saturday at 10.15am until September 22. A unique, theatrical walking tour exploring the food and drink of Belfast with Barney, a chef from RMS Titanic, who has been restored to life following the melting of the iceberg in which he had been frozen.