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15/08/2016
Fun Things To Do In NI This Summer
Summer in Northern Ireland can be a funny time of year. It can either be as sunny as Spain, or (most of the time) a complete washout. And when it rains, any plans you had of going outdoors are quickly forgotten about.
So if you're stuck inside because the weather is getting you down, don't worry. Here is a list of some fun events heading Northern Ireland's way to keep you entertained this summer.
Kick off your summer fun by watching the international MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix in Co Antrim this August.
Held on the 7.4 mile Dundrod circuit, watch as bikers climb to over 190mph in what is officially the World's Fastest Roads Race.
You might recognise a few famous faces competing as well, with big names such as the Dunlops, Lee Johnston, Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison, Ian Hutchinson and Conor Cummins.
For this year, organisers have also confirmed a new Superpole session, making the battle for pole position on the day all the more exciting.
The 12 quickest riders in the Superbike practice session on Thursday, 11 August will return to the grid later that day to fight it out for their final positions in the Grand Prix on Saturday, 13 August.
There is a number of places for spectators to watch the races. Some of the best include 'The Flying Kilo', which is a long speed straight, or the 'Deer's Leap', where you can watch riders accelerate up Leathemstown and go over the brow, pulling wheelies down the hill towards Chochranstown.
Other vantage points are the 'Lindsay Hairpin', where races have been won or lost in the past, or 'The Quarries,' a great high spot to soak in the events atmosphere.
Running alongside the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix is Bike Week, a festival of events and entertainment for all fans. Enjoy the show and relax with hospitality, official merchandise, competitions and live music.
ulstergrandprix.net
Want to have fun and raise some cash for charity at the same time? Then register for the Colour Dash 5k in Lisburn on Sunday, 21 August.
Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, participants can walk, jog, run or dance to help raise funds for the Children's Hospice. Overall, the most important thing is to have fun.
Those who register will receive an official event race t-shirt, a goodie bag, a race number, a finishers medal and the chance to take part in a paint party at the finish line.
Registration is available here.
Get ready to see the human body pushed to its limits at the XIII World Ultimate Strongman competition in Belfast.
Now in its 13th year, the three-day competition will see 16 participants from around the UK battling it out to be crowned the true king of strength.
Competitor's are split into two groups of eight, with two men eliminated each day until eight contestants are left on the final day to see who will lift the CNP trophy.
Watch as the contenders flip 400kg tyres along a 20-metre course or lift stones weighing from 115kg up to an eye-watering 175kg.
You could even get the chance to watch Eddie Hall, a five-time winner of the event, complete a double hat-trick of wins.
So if you want to witness some truly incredible feats of strength, this is definitely a date to put in your diary.
The event runs over three days and three locations: Thursday 25 August - City Hall - FREE Admission Friday 26 August - Titanic Quarter - FREE Admission Saturday 27 August - Crumlin Road Gaol - On line deal - Admission £8.00 in advance (online), £10 on the gate, kids under 12 free.
ultimatestrongestman.com
If you're the kind of person who's got a need for speed, then this year's Northern Ireland Speed Weekend is definitely worth checking out.
Taking place on 28 and 29 August at the Eikon Complex in Lisburn, watch as classic cars, rally cars, sports cars and more race around the Live Sprint Circuit to claim the fastest time as the Speed Weekend Sprint Champion.
For those who are more into technique, the NI Drift AMA Series will not disappoint as participants burn rubber around the dedicated Drift Arena. Visitors will also get the chance to experience the thrill of auto-testing by jumping in the passenger seat.
Other events include the Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show, Drag Racing and 4x4 vehicle off-road demonstrations. Kids can also stay entertained with dedicated play zones and Zorb Football.
In addition, the Supercar Dream Rides event will also take place this year in the grounds of Maze Long Kesh, giving petrol-heads the chance to go for a spin in some of the most exclusive cars available.
speedweekendni.com
Encompassing 135 miles over 14 stages, this years John Mulholland Ulster Rally is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
Taking place on 19 and 20 August in Co Londonderry, join thousands of spectators as they descend on the City of Culture to witness competitors race over bumps, jumps, sharp turns and smooth tarmac.
Supported by the British Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship, the event is now in its 40th year and includes 300 drivers in 150 cars competing over two days.
A new addition this year includes Rally Radio, which will keep a global audience up to date with the action as its happens.
Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course, said: "Its only with the support of John Mulholland Motors, British Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship that we are able to offer this new and exciting service this year.
"Having moved to the new venue in Derry/Londonderry for this year, Rally Radio will really add to the experience for everyone, those competing, service crews, spectators and especially those rally fans that can't make it to the event."
Spectators areas are available along the rally route so visitors can view the action in designated areas.
This years Ulster Rally has a huge package of entertainment and is definitely not to be missed.
ulsterrally.com
(Image credits: ulstergrandprix.net, www.nihospice.org/colourdash5k, www.ultimatestrongestman.com, www.speedweekendni.com, www.ulsterrally.com)
So if you're stuck inside because the weather is getting you down, don't worry. Here is a list of some fun events heading Northern Ireland's way to keep you entertained this summer.
MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix
Kick off your summer fun by watching the international MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix in Co Antrim this August.
Held on the 7.4 mile Dundrod circuit, watch as bikers climb to over 190mph in what is officially the World's Fastest Roads Race.
You might recognise a few famous faces competing as well, with big names such as the Dunlops, Lee Johnston, Peter Hickman, Dean Harrison, Ian Hutchinson and Conor Cummins.
For this year, organisers have also confirmed a new Superpole session, making the battle for pole position on the day all the more exciting.
The 12 quickest riders in the Superbike practice session on Thursday, 11 August will return to the grid later that day to fight it out for their final positions in the Grand Prix on Saturday, 13 August.
There is a number of places for spectators to watch the races. Some of the best include 'The Flying Kilo', which is a long speed straight, or the 'Deer's Leap', where you can watch riders accelerate up Leathemstown and go over the brow, pulling wheelies down the hill towards Chochranstown.
Other vantage points are the 'Lindsay Hairpin', where races have been won or lost in the past, or 'The Quarries,' a great high spot to soak in the events atmosphere.
Running alongside the MCE Insurance Ulster Grand Prix is Bike Week, a festival of events and entertainment for all fans. Enjoy the show and relax with hospitality, official merchandise, competitions and live music.
ulstergrandprix.net
Colour Dash 5k
Want to have fun and raise some cash for charity at the same time? Then register for the Colour Dash 5k in Lisburn on Sunday, 21 August.
Taking place at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, participants can walk, jog, run or dance to help raise funds for the Children's Hospice. Overall, the most important thing is to have fun.
Those who register will receive an official event race t-shirt, a goodie bag, a race number, a finishers medal and the chance to take part in a paint party at the finish line.
Registration is available here.
XIII UK's Strongest Man - Belfast
Get ready to see the human body pushed to its limits at the XIII World Ultimate Strongman competition in Belfast.
Now in its 13th year, the three-day competition will see 16 participants from around the UK battling it out to be crowned the true king of strength.
Competitor's are split into two groups of eight, with two men eliminated each day until eight contestants are left on the final day to see who will lift the CNP trophy.
Watch as the contenders flip 400kg tyres along a 20-metre course or lift stones weighing from 115kg up to an eye-watering 175kg.
You could even get the chance to watch Eddie Hall, a five-time winner of the event, complete a double hat-trick of wins.
So if you want to witness some truly incredible feats of strength, this is definitely a date to put in your diary.
The event runs over three days and three locations: Thursday 25 August - City Hall - FREE Admission Friday 26 August - Titanic Quarter - FREE Admission Saturday 27 August - Crumlin Road Gaol - On line deal - Admission £8.00 in advance (online), £10 on the gate, kids under 12 free.
ultimatestrongestman.com
Northern Ireland Speed Weekend 2016
If you're the kind of person who's got a need for speed, then this year's Northern Ireland Speed Weekend is definitely worth checking out.
Taking place on 28 and 29 August at the Eikon Complex in Lisburn, watch as classic cars, rally cars, sports cars and more race around the Live Sprint Circuit to claim the fastest time as the Speed Weekend Sprint Champion.
For those who are more into technique, the NI Drift AMA Series will not disappoint as participants burn rubber around the dedicated Drift Arena. Visitors will also get the chance to experience the thrill of auto-testing by jumping in the passenger seat.
Other events include the Flyin Ryan Motorcycle Stunt Show, Drag Racing and 4x4 vehicle off-road demonstrations. Kids can also stay entertained with dedicated play zones and Zorb Football.
In addition, the Supercar Dream Rides event will also take place this year in the grounds of Maze Long Kesh, giving petrol-heads the chance to go for a spin in some of the most exclusive cars available.
speedweekendni.com
Ulster Rally 2016
Encompassing 135 miles over 14 stages, this years John Mulholland Ulster Rally is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.
Taking place on 19 and 20 August in Co Londonderry, join thousands of spectators as they descend on the City of Culture to witness competitors race over bumps, jumps, sharp turns and smooth tarmac.
Supported by the British Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship, the event is now in its 40th year and includes 300 drivers in 150 cars competing over two days.
A new addition this year includes Rally Radio, which will keep a global audience up to date with the action as its happens.
Gary Milligan, Clerk of the Course, said: "Its only with the support of John Mulholland Motors, British Rally Championship and the Clonakilty Black Pudding Irish Tarmac Championship that we are able to offer this new and exciting service this year.
"Having moved to the new venue in Derry/Londonderry for this year, Rally Radio will really add to the experience for everyone, those competing, service crews, spectators and especially those rally fans that can't make it to the event."
Spectators areas are available along the rally route so visitors can view the action in designated areas.
This years Ulster Rally has a huge package of entertainment and is definitely not to be missed.
ulsterrally.com
(Image credits: ulstergrandprix.net, www.nihospice.org/colourdash5k, www.ultimatestrongestman.com, www.speedweekendni.com, www.ulsterrally.com)
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Showers will gradually die out during the evening. A cold night with long clear spells leading to a touch of frost in places. Light winds. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
