Our pick of the top events happening this week in Northern Ireland.
1. Belfast Mela
Belfast, August 26
Music, dance, arts and culture come together as the Mela transforms Belfast's beautiful Botanic Gardens into a magical global garden filled with the sights, sounds and aromas of nations from around the world.
2. Hilden Beer and Music Festival
Lisburn, August 24 - 26
Held in the grounds of Hilden Brewery and Hilden House, this ever-popular three-day ale-tasting event proudly boasts all that is great in terms of craft beers and ciders from the UK and Ireland, gourmet food and a huge range of live musical acts.
3. Jika Jika! Festival
Jika Jika Festival
Derry, August 25 - 26
Respected Irish promoters Jika Jika! promise to bring something new and exciting to Ebrington Square. Their first ever festival is set to feature stages curated by Denis Sulta and Green Velvet across two days, plus a cultured mix of talents including Octave One Live, Willow and Charlotte De Witte.
4. CHSq
Belfast, August 10 - 26
CHSq returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast's iconic Custom House, bringing a series of headline shows by international musical artists. This week's line-up includes Kasabian, Rag N Bone Man, Kodaline and more.
5. Shortcross Gin Blues Afternoon
Shortcross Gin Blues Afternoon
Downpatrick, August 26
A blistering summer afternoon of blues music and Shortcross Gin at Rademon Estate. The afternoon includes live entertainment, local food makers and a fully stocked Shortcross Gin bar.
6. Belfast Vital
Belfast, August 26
DJ Martin Garrix will take to the main stage at Boucher Road Playing Fields for what promises to be a phenomenal headline set. The Animals DJ will be joined by very special guests: dance music icon Steve Angello, Swedish singer and songwriter Zara Larsson, Tullamore group Chasing Abbey and explosive new popstar Call Me Loop on August 25th – the last Saturday of the summer!
7. The Auld Lammas Fair, Ballycastle
The Auld Lammas Fair
Ballycastle, August 26 - 28
Two days of trading, bartering, busking, amusements, street entertainment and competitions add to the atmosphere in the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle. The fair hosts over 400 stalls offering local crafts and locally sourced produce and is free to attend.
8. Maiden City Ink
Maiden City Ink
Derry, August 24 - 26
The biggest tattoo convention in Northern Ireland hosting award winning artists from all over the globe. Whether you’re looking to get inked, show off your body art or curb your curiosity, this is guaranteed to be a great weekend with a buzzing atmosphere.
9. Foyle Pride Festival
Foyle Pride Festival
Derry, August 18 - 26
The aim of Foyle Pride Festival is to acknowledge, empower and celebrate the LGBT+ community. The festival features a week of workshops held throughout the city and a parade on Saturday.
10. Flashdance the Musical
Flashdance the Musical
Belfast, August 21 - 25
Coming to the Grand Opera House, Flashdance – The Musical is the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex a determined welder who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. When a romance complicates her ambitions, she harnesses it to drive her dream of attending Shipley Dance Academy.
