FRIDAY 3rd JULY

SHOPPING: Every Friday and Saturday sees markets at the famous Belfast city centre St George’s market. The Friday Variety Market (6am – 2pm) and the Saturday Food Market (9am – 3.30pm) are well worth the visit for the amazing mix of wares on sale – particularly the wonderful fresh local produce - all housed in a lovely Victorian building. The Friday fish section alone has 23 stalls. Tel: 02890 320202.

LIVING HISTORY: Anyone with an interest in books or the publishing industry won’t fail to be impressed with Gray’s Printing Press in Strabane. This is where John Dunlap, printer of the American Declaration of Independence, learnt his trade. There’s an intriguing museum that includes guided tours and audio-visual displays, an historic house and a fine collection of printing presses. Tel: 02871 880055.

CONCERT: Eoghan Quigg’s big concert in the Ulster Hall Belfast is billed as the biggest and best end of term bash. New boy band Clozure, Rapture Dance Crew (of Britain`s Got Talent fame) and Cool FM`s Pete Snodden will also drop in to help get the party started. Time: 7pm-10pm. Tickets: £17.50-£27.25. Tel: 02890 323900.

SPORT: The George Best Community Cup, the cross-community competition in memory of the famous footballer, is being held on 3 – 5 July. Young teams from England (Man Utd and Liverpool juniors plan to attend), the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland will battle it out on pitches in east Belfast - and promote anti-sectarianism and anti-racism while they’re at it. Visit: www.georgebestcommunitycup.co.uk

FAMILY: Let the kids re-discover the fantastical tale of Alice Through the Looking-Glass as they following her adventures in the strange world. Her encounters with characters such as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, the Walrus and the Lion are sure to surprise and delight (suitable for 5 years & over). Newcastle Centre at 7pm. Admission: adult £6, child £4. Tel: 02844 610747.

SATURDAY 4th JULY

THEATRE: The tension will be mounting in the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen as the British Final Festival of One Act Plays draws to a close. A superb weekend of drama and comedy will be served up by the regional winners from NI, Scotland, England and Wales as they battle for the Howard De Walden trophy. Time: 7.30pm. Tickets: £10. Visit: www.fermanagh.gov.uk

LIVING HISTORY: The fabulous Ulster American Folk Park near Omagh is one of Northern Ireland’s leading tourism attractions. Traditional log cabins, a full scale replica emigrant ship and costumed demonstrators are only part of the fun. Visit this weekend to join in the American Independence Fourth of July celebrations (3 – 5 July). Visit: www.folkpark.com

FESTIVAL: There’s a whole programme of creative arts and music events for older teenagers (15+) provided by the team at Trans Belfast. The programme organised by the Waterfront Hall runs from 6 to 24 July and offers gigs, DJ-ing, fashion and dance courses, exhibitions, its own radio station and much more. Runs from 6 to 24 July, courses cost £35 and £60. Visit: www.transbelfast.com

SPORT: Killyleagh Fly Fair this weekend is one of the highlights in the angling year. Ireland’s only fly fair offers up demonstrations of fly tying and casting by world-renowned experts including Howard Croston, Steve Peterson and Tom Doc’ Sullivan. Workshops, river forums and discussions also feature in the two day fair. Opens: 10.30am both days. Visit: www.anglersnet.co.uk

THEATRE: Voodoo Theatre Company present the black comedy the Prefect Murder in the Riverside Theatre, Coleriane. Based around Carson a schoolboy the issue of revenge arises when his fierce ambitions to become prefect in his school are thwarted. Time: 8pm. Tickets: £8/£6. Tel: 02870 323232.

SUNDAY 5th JULY

KIDS: The Wiggles show at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast should get the wee ones in the mood for dancing when the fab four of fun - Anthony, Jeff, Murray and Sam perform songs from their latest album as well as favourites such as Rock A Bye Your Bear and Monkey Dance. Performances at 11am & 2pm. Tickets: £14.50, family £52. Tel: 02890 334455.

FAMILY: Craigavon’s Maghery Country Park is the place to take the family this Sunday. Big Lough Sunday will provide live music, a talent competition, Irish dancing display, funfair, stalls, an eel catching competition, helicopter rides and much more. Admission: Adults £5, children under 16 free. More info at www.discoverloughneagh.com/

ONGOING/UPCOMING EVENTS

Urban Arts Academy, Belfast Waterfront Hall, July 6 - 24. An urban festival featuring a multitude of events, embracing new trends, art forms, cultures and technologies.

A night of Ulster Scots Music and Dance, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, July 7. Ulster and European highland dance champions will perform to an eclectic mix of music and instruments including flutes, whistles, guitars, drums and a bodhran.

Féile Charn Tóchair, An Carn, Maghera, Derry, July 1 - 11. Annual community festival celebrating the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the area. Set to be the most successful festival with entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.

Limavady and Londonderry Agricultural Show, Aghanloo, Co. Londonderry, July 11. Rural agricultural show with livestock judging, horse and pony jumping and trade stands.

Pirates Picnic at Castle Ward, Strangford, Co. Down, July 12. Dress as a pirate and seek to find the buried treasure. Competitions, face painting, tug of war and much more.

Ulster Military Vehicle Club Summer Show, beside Mc Laughlins on Causeway Road, Co. Londonderry, July 10 - 12. Military vehicles and equipment dating back to World War II on display as well as re-enactments and stalls.

OrangeFest, various locations in Belfast, July 12. Part of this year’s 12 of July celebrations, a family friendly pageant open to all.

Belfast Music Tours and Exhibition, Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast, throughout July. A vast range of music memorabilia telling the story of glorious achievement and talent that has brought international acclaim to Belfast.

People and Places, Enniskillen Library, Co. Fermanagh, until July 11. Exhibition of paintings influenced by travels of Africa and North America.

Boley Fair, Hilltown, Newry, July 10 - 14. Something for the young and old including a sheep show, open air dancing and music, stone cutting, flower arranging and milk churning.

KIDS: An end of term treat for the kids could be a visit to the Wind, Wings and Waves show in W5 at the Odyssey arena, Belfast. Sending air rockets soaring, building, testing their own paper planes and designing their own surfboard are only a few of the over 30 interactive exhibits available. Exhibition runs until Sept 6. Open: Mon - Thurs 10am - 5pm, Fri & Sat 10am - 6pm and Sun 12pm - 6pm. Normal Admission applies: Adult £6.80/£5.40, kids £4.90, family £18.60-£32.80. Visit: www.w5online.co.uk .

LIVING HISTORY: C S Lewis has become a world wide name for his contribution to literature and as the creator of the famous Chronicles of Narnia .Find out more about the man and his Belfast roots on a C S Lewis coach tour every Sunday from 2pm - 4.30pm. Continues until 27 September.Departs from Linenhall Library, Donegall Square and costs £8/£3. Tel: 02890 246609.