GETTING IN THE FESTIVL SPIRIT.

Far out on the North West fringe of Europe, the light of Northern Ireland’s summer evenings lingers long by its white sand beaches, its tiny resorts, its reed fringed lakes, its scattered villages. Making the most of these long evenings, there are always fairs and fleadhs (celebrations of traditional Irish music and dance — pronounced flahs), rose shows, vintage car rallies, fishing festivals, ploughing championships, regattas and golfing competitions. In preservation of the province’s two cultures the flute and silver bands of the Orangemen march on the 12th July and on August 15th, the Feast of the Assumption, those of the Ancient Order of Hibernians follow an outwardly similar pattern. Autumn and Winter are the seasons of arts festivals, the Belfast Festival at Queen’s University being the biggest of many. Spring welcomes ploughing matches and motorcycle races and the return of the fishermen.

JANUARY
Holidayworld, King's Hall, Belfast.
Gala Birthday Concert, Waterfront Hall, Belfast.

FEBRUARY
Antiques Fair, King's Hall, Belfast.
Brides Fair, King's Hall, Belfast.
Self Build, Extending & Renovating Homes, King's Hall, Belfast.
Ulster Motor Show, King’s Hall, Belfast.

MARCH
Belfast Film Festival, various locations in Belfast.
City of Derry Drama Festival, Millennium Forum, Foyle Street, Derry.
St Patrick's Day celebrations. Contact Belfast Welcome Centre for further details.
Guth an Erraigh - The Voice of Spring, An Gaelaras, Derry.

APRIL
Belfast Giants – regular matches until August Odyssey Arena, Queens Quay.
Circuit of Ireland Rally, Based in Co. Fermanagh.
Titanic Festival – Made in Belfast various locations, Belfast.
Vintage Car Day, Bangor.