featured2 - 2/5 - Ulster Tatler

OCN Announced 2024 Awards Shortlist

Posted on May 20, 2024 by admin

Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN) has revealed the shortlist for its sixth Learning Endeavour Awards, which will take place at the iconic Titanic Belfast on Tuesday 25th June 2024.

OCN is an educational charity and awarding body that advances education by developing qualifications for adults and young people throughout NI.

The awards shortlist includes nominees from all over Northern Ireland and covers eight categories: Third Sector Learner of the Year, Further Education Learner of the Year, Health and Well-being Learner of the Year, Schools Learner of the Year, Advancing Learning Through Innovation, Essential Skills Learner of the Year, Provider of the Year, Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year and, new for 2024, is the Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year – to reflect the growing important of this segment of learning.

This year has seen OCN’s best ever entry response since the awards were introduced five years ago, explained Martin Flynn, Chief Executive of OCN: “Judging took a little longer this year due to the sheer volume of nominations, but we are very happy to reveal the shortlist for the 2024 Learning Endeavour Awards.

“These awards celebrate the dedication, hard work and outstanding achievements of our learners and the invaluable support provided by our centres. The shortlisted learners and organisations reflect educational excellence in Northern Ireland and their commitment to lifelong learning. Congratulations to all those who have been shortlisted – your passion and perseverance are truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating your accomplishments at the awards ceremony.”

The shortlists for the Learning Endeavour Awards 2024 are as follows:

Further Education Learner of the Year:
Aron Parke, Northern Regional College
Ben McCarroll, People 1st Ormeau
Daniel McCann, South Eastern Regional College
Matthew Brennan, South Eastern Regional College
Preston Gabraith-Kelly, South Eastern Regional College
Susan O’Neill, College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE)

Third Sector Learner of the Year
Charlene McArdle, Action Mental Health – New Horizons Newry
Nathan Hall, Bryson Energy
Darren O’Neill, Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Nicolle Smith, Orchardville
Luke Jennings, Start360
Jason McClean, Start360

Health and Well-being Learner of the Year
Christine Chambers, Action Mental Health
Darren O’Neill, Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Clare Bowman, Poleglass Community Association @ Sally Gardens
Jisani Dos Santos Da Costa, St John the Baptist’s College
Luke Jennings, Start360
Jason McClean, Start360

Schools Learner of the Year
Stephen Andrews, St. Malachy’s High School Castlewellan
Danielle Hegarty, St Louise’s College Belfast
Emma Higgins, St. Louise’s Comprehensive College
Hannah Kerr, Brownlow Integrated College
Fiona McAlinden, St Brigid’s College
David Newman, Lough Road Learning Centre (EOTAS)
Inspiring Tutor/Teacher of the Year
Caoimhe O’Connell, Oh Yeah Music Centre
Kerry Treanor, Clanrye Group
Matt Robinson, Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Paul Mercer, South Eastern Regional College
Samuel Mullan, Connected Health/Connected Academy
Siobhan McEldowney, Northern Regional College

Essential Skills Learner of the Year
Chloe Nielson, Network Personnel Ltd.
Daniel Fleming, People 1st
David White, People 1st Lisburn
Dylan Cressey, South Eastern Regional College
Mantvydas Kizauskas, People 1st Lisburn
Matthew Wiggins, Ashfield Boys High School

Traineeship/Apprenticeship Learner of the Year
Jack Evans, South West College
Jake Wilson, People 1st
James Curry, South Eastern Regional College
Megan Moore, North West Regional College
Ryan Phelan, North West Regional College
Tom Brett, South Eastern Regional College

Advancing Learning Through Innovation
Belfast Met
Marion Centre of Excellence CIC
Northern Regional College
South Eastern Regional College (Energy and Renewable Team)
South Eastern Regional College (Hospitality and Culinary Arts School)
W5 LIFE

Provider of the Year
Belfast Met Supported Learning
Bogside and Brandywell Health Forum
Habitat for Humanity Ireland
Hurt
Northern Regional College
W5 LIFE

QUB Students Union 1966 – 1975 Re-Union Dinner

Posted on May 14, 2024May 15, 2024 by admin

A reunion was held in the Great Hall, Queen’s University, Belfast, of those individuals who were prominent in the Students’ Union of the Queen’s University Belfast between 1966 and 1975. It was thought appropriate by Andrew Dougal and Brian Grzymek, organiser of the event that it was fitting to hold this reunion during the 150th Anniversary of Queen’s.

Marie Murphy, Paddy Murphy, Nuala Zahran, Andrew Dougal, Pippa Gray and Charlie Warming.

Maria Smith, Paul Smith, Anne Aubrey, Brian Grzymek, Nick Ross, Jean Campbell, Gerry Brown and Caroline Grzymek.

John D. Murphy, Dr. Ian Brick, Alan McKelvey, Katherine Brick and Hugh Bevan.

Gerry Lewis, Jonathan Stephenson, Ann Lewis, Gordon Talbot and Tim Quirk.

Dementia NI Releases Single and Music Video

Posted on May 13, 2024 by admin

This Dementia Action Week (13th – 19th May), local charity Dementia NI has released a unique single and music video, written by Dementia NI members and local singer-songwriter Cora Kelly, giving those newly diagnosed with dementia hope that they aren’t alone and there is support available to help them live as well as possible.

The single and music video will raise funds for Dementia NI, a member-led charity which empowers local people with dementia to live well and drive positive change in dementia services and in the community.

Dementia NI members, all of whom are living with dementia, created the lyrics to ‘The Journey’, with singer-songwriter Cora Kelly putting their words to music. The message of the song is clear: life goes on after a diagnosis and with support it is possible to live will with dementia.

Dementia NI member Allison Batchelor, 64, from Belfast, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease, said: “Traditionally, music performers have released songs in the charts that have focused on family members or carers’ experiences and feelings about their loved ones with dementia. We, the Dementia NI members, wanted to turn the tables and take a stand on the stigma around dementia. We wanted the public to hear OUR voices through song to give those recently diagnosed some hope and help everyone understand what it’s like living with dementia from our perspectives.”

The song shines a light on what it feels like to receive a diagnosis, with each verse representing a different stage in the dementia journey, moving from shock and fear through to acceptance and hope.

A heart-warming video accompanies the track, starring Dementia NI members and giving insight into their day-to-day lives, showing that you can be active and keep doing the things you enjoy following your diagnosis.

Dementia NI member Martin McHugh, 72, from Belfast, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease aged 63, explained how the piece was composed: “Cora Kelly came to our Empowerment Groups and really listened as we each told our diagnosis stories. Then she went away and put our words and perspectives to music. It moves me to tears when I listen to it. It’s very true to what those of us who have received a diagnosis are going through.

“We named the song ‘The Journey’ because it describes the journey you go through when you receive a dementia diagnosis. I was in a bad place initially when I got my diagnosis. It takes time and strength to come to terms with it but there is help out there – from family, friends and organisations like Dementia NI. Their Empowerment Groups changed my life and helped me connect with other people with a diagnosis at a time when I felt very low. It gave me hope and a will to carry on and made me realise I could have a good life.”

Dementia NI currently has around 14 Dementia Empowerment Groups across Northern Ireland. These groups provide a place for local people who have been diagnosed with dementia – and are in the early to middle stages of the condition – to come together to provide life-changing peer support to one another and to drive positive change in dementia services and in the community.

Singer-songwriter Cora Kelly, from Killough, County Down, added: “It’s been a pleasure working with Dementia NI members across Northern Ireland. My meetings with them have challenged my own assumptions about dementia. It’s fantastic that Dementia NI members are so positive and are living happy and fulfilled lives. They’re doing an amazing job in bringing awareness to this condition.”

Dementia NI Communications Lead, Jane Gillow, said: “We hope everyone loves ‘The Journey’ as much as we do! We couldn’t be prouder of our members for creating such inspiring lyrics and sharing the message that there is still life to live following a diagnosis. Research shows that one in three of us will develop dementia in our lifetime. We want to highlight that our Empowerment Groups are here for those with a diagnosis of dementia, in the early to middle stages of the condition, to access life-changing peer support, make new friends and be part of their community. This Dementia Action Week, we’re calling on everyone to get behind ‘The Journey’ and donate vital funds to Dementia NI.”

To watch the music video and donate to Dementia NI, visit: www.dementiani.org.

Alternatively, the single is available to download on iTunes: https://music.apple.com/gb/album/the-journey-feat-dementia-ni/1545849484?i=1545849485.

The official cover for Cora Kelly and Dementia NI’s single.

Oh Yeah Music Centre Wins Grassroots Venue: Spirit of the Scene Award

Posted on May 10, 2024 by admin

Oh Yeah Music Centre makes history by winning Grassroots Venue: Spirit of the Scene Award, supported by the Music Venue Trust.

The Oh Yeah Music Centre was celebrated as part of the annual Music Week Award in the JW Marriot Grosvenor House in London. The Belfast venue is the first in Northern Ireland to win this major award at last night’s prestigious event in London.

The winner from a shortlist of ten venues from all over the UK including The Windmill in London, The Green Door Store in Brighton and the Leadmill in Sheffield was decided by public vote.

Led by Music Venue Trust, the award signifies the importance of venues across the UK. Against the backdrop of two grassroots music venues closing per week due to chronic underfunding and crippling rising costs, this award is a positive step in recognising and supporting their important function as incubators of live music and talent development.

Since 2007, the Oh Yeah Music Centre, a registered charity, has provided ‘open doors to music’ from its base in the Cathedral Quarter area of Belfast. They dedicated the award to the music community in Northern Ireland, highlighting it as a collective win for the significant impact NI Music has on the community, as well as its contributions to events, tourism and the broader music industry.

Charlotte Drydon, CEO of Oh Yeah Music Centre, said: “To win this award means everything. Not only is it official recognition at a major industry awards event, but it’s also a public endorsement of our work. Live music makes a huge collective economic and social contribution to our lives, and we are so proud to bring this home to Northern Ireland. Thank you to everyone that voted for us and massive thanks to Music Venue Trust for making sure grassroots venues are recognised at this prestigious event.”

Mark David, CEO and Founder of Music Venue Trust, said: “This award is about recognising the incredible work delivered by hundreds of fantastic grassroots music venues in every part of the UK. The Oh Yeah Music Centre is the perfect winner of this award, encapsulating the very best that the grassroots sector offers; fantastic programming, community engagement, support for the very best new talent. The Oh Yeah team have done so much for music in Northern Ireland and beyond, and it’s great to see that work celebrated with the Spirit of the Scene Award.”

More information on the Oh Yeah Music Centre can be found at: www.ohyeahbelfast.com.

‘Sale di Mare’ Offers NI Drinkers A Taste Of Italian Coast

Posted on May 10, 2024 by admin

United Wines launches newest member of Birra Moretti ‘famiglia’ in Northern Ireland.

A refreshing new Italian beer with ‘a hint of sea salt’ has reached Northern Ireland’s shores, courtesy of leading lager brand Birra Moretti and Craigavon-based distributor United Wines.

Sale di Mare, which translates as ‘salt of the sea’, is the newest member of the Birra Moretti ‘famiglia’ and promises to refresh the local lager market with an authentic taste of the Italian coast.

Harvested from Sicily, Sale di Mare (pronounced ‘sah-lay dee Mahers-ray’) is a naturally unfiltered, medium-bodied premium lager (4.8% ABV), brewed with Italian passion and the finest quality ingredients.

Slightly hazy in colour, its extra hop aromas give a fuller taste than Birra Moretti L’Autentica, with herbal aromas of citrus and pine.

With sea salt commonly used in food to enrich flavours, Sale di Mare isn’t just great as a stand-alone beer, but also paired with food, its taste profile perfectly complementing some of Italy’s finest coast-inspired dishes.

United Wines Brand Manager, David Greenlees, believes the new lager will tempt ‘curious’ drinkers and encourage more people to discover beer this summer. He said, “We are absolutely thrilled to introduce Sale di Mare to the Northern Ireland market. With its crisp, refreshing taste and very cool Italian coast vibe, it’s a perfect beer for the summer, so let’s hope we get some well-deserved sunshine over the next few months! If not, just close your eyes, take a sip and imagine you’re basking in the Sicilian sun.

“Research shows that 37%** of consumers like trying new drinks brands, and we’re sure that the Northern Ireland public will be very curious to try this interesting new beer from the popular Birra Moretti brand.

“Lager is the second most traded-up category** with one-fifth of consumers likely to trade up, and over half of consumers willing to pay more for better quality.

“The launch of Sale di Mare in Northern Ireland gives local outlets a great opportunity to build on their premium continental lager offering with a huge market-leading brand.”

Italian beers account for almost two-thirds* of all lager sales in the UK, with Birra Moretti the biggest brand, having surpassed over £1 billion of retail sales in the last year.

The company has developed Sale di Mare in response to the rising demand for Continental-style lagers. With a strong 22% value growth* in the UK over the past year, Continental lager is the largest sub-category in packaged lager – worth over £330 million* and stocked in over 70% of all On-Trade outlets.

Sale di Mare is now available from United Wines in 330ml and 660ml bottles.

For more information, visit: https://unitedwines.co.uk/brand/birra-moretti-sale-di-mare/

Sources:

CGA MAT P9 2023, OPUS 2023 – **

OPUS 2023 – *

United Wines Brand Manager David Greenlees.

Belfast Fashion Week May 2002

Posted on May 8, 2024 by admin

From designer to high street, accessories and jewellery, Belfast Fashion Week featured collections from A-Wear, Rio, Brazil, Harper, Panache, Top Shop, Venus, Marks & Spencer, Pretty Woman, Thomas Goldsmiths, KoKo, Irish Linen, Alain Manoukian, Ltd Clothing and Morgan.

Hair design was by Peter Mark, make-up by Clarins and Anne Michael and shoes by Marks and Spencer. Collections were shown in various sophisticated Belfast venues, including La Lea and the Apartment.

The Irish Linen Guild shows featured one-off designs by John Rocha, Michelle O’Doherty and Geraldine Connon.

Fashion Week finished with the Smirnoff ® Style Awards in the Northern Whig, an event designed to honour the best in retail and individual style in the city. Specially commissioned awards, designed exclusively by John Rocha, were presented to individuals, companies and retailers that have made their mark on the fashion scene of Northern Ireland.

Style Award judge Lynne Stark with Noel and Susan.

Style Awards judge Paul Rankin with wife Jeanne, Belfast Fashion Week’s most stylish female.

Cré Collective – A State of Being

Posted on May 7, 2024May 9, 2024 by admin

From Belfast Metropolitan College’s HND ceramics course, we present the newly-formed Cré Collective, showing at Queen Street Studios from Thursday 9th May until Thursday 23rd May 2024.

A special preview is being held on Thursday 9th May, between 6pm and 8.30pm at Queen Street Studios.

Ranging from sculptural to functional ceramics, the work showcased in this thought-provoking exhibition investigates the therapeutic value of engaging in art and design practice.

Presenting the most recent works from the Cré Collective, the exhibition displays a wide range of individual outcomes responding to well-being within the arts. Also included is the collaborative work Vessel, which embodies myriad technical approaches, both sculptural and functional, housed within a shared colour palette.

Amy Mackle, course coordinator, said: “This exhibition is a culmination of two years of experimentation and development by a diverse group of artists, designers and makers. It has been a privilege to watch their progress.”

Gallery address: Queen Street Studios Gallery 2, 2nd Floor, The Arches Centre, 11-13 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast, BT5 5AA.

Opening hours: Monday – Thursday, 10am-5pm or by appointment.

For more information, visit: www.queenstreetstudios.net.

Alternatively, you can follow them on Instagram: @crecollectiveni

Cré Collective’s Crèation Opening Night.

W&G Baird Triple Win at Irish Print Awards

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 by admin

W&G Baird announced that they have been the recipients of three accolades at this year’s Irish Print Awards. This year’s ceremony marked an exceptional celebration of invention and outstanding quality within the Irish printing industry and constituted the 45th iteration of the Irish Print Awards.

This grand occasion took place at the splendid Clontarf Castle in Dublin on Friday 26th April 2024, assembling the best of the industry to recognise their accomplishments.

Judged across 30 diverse categories by a respected panel of independent experts from the industry, the awards highlighted the energetic creativity and tenacity that are a hallmark of the Irish printing community. This year’s competition, more than ever, displayed the exceptional range and depth of talent in the sector, with entries underscoring the dynamic status of the industry and its progressive direction.

Trish Murphy, Commercial Director of Irish Printer, encapsulated the spirit of the occasion, stating, “As we celebrate the winners and all participants, the Irish Print Awards continues to be a beacon for excellence, encouraging creative professionals to strive for recognition in this ever-evolving marketplace. Each entry narrates a story of innovation and resilience, reflecting the robust and opportunity-rich state of our industry.”

Winning in all three shortlisted categories, W&G Baird are delighted to have won:

GOLD: Magazine, Brochure and Supplement Printer of the Year
GOLD: Sheetfed Colour Offset Printer of the Year
SILVER: Book Printer of the Year

To learn more about W&G Baird and the awards they won, visit: www.wgbaird.com.

Photography by Paul Sherwood – paul@sherwood.ie.

Irish Print Awards 2023, held in Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin. April 2024.

Grand Opera House Trust Announces New Chair

Posted on May 1, 2024May 1, 2024 by admin

The Grand Opera House Trust has announced that Janette Jones has been appointed Chair of the organisation, assuming the role from Colin Loughran who had served for the last seven years. A former PwC tax partner in Belfast who also led the firm’s private business practice in the region, Janette has been a Board member of the Grand Opera House since 2015. She previously chaired both the Audit and Risk, and Planning and Finance Committees and was appointed Deputy Chair in 2023 before being elected Chair in 2024.

Welcoming Janette’s appointment, Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, said: “I am delighted that Janette has assumed the role of Chair and look forward to working with her as we continue to present an ambitious performance programme, supported by an efficient and sustainable organisation.

“As a former Deputy Chair and member of the Theatre’s Planning and Finance Committee, Janette’s thorough knowledge of the Grand Opera House will be of huge benefit as we build upon our position as Northern Ireland’s premier theatre as one of the most successful theatres in the UK and Ireland.”

Janette responded to her appointment: “I would like to thank Colin Loughran for his leadership of the Trust during the past seven years, and in particular for working with out Chief Executive, Ian Wilson, as they together realised the spectacular restoration of the Grand Opera House in 2020/2021.

“The Grand Opera House has been transformed in recent years because of the restoration and an ambitious and appealing performance programme, which is testament to the strong leadership of Ian and the Theatre’s entire management team.

“Like all Trustees, I am very proud to be associated with the iconic Theatre which not only enjoys a rich and colourful history, but which welcomes over 300,000 people each year and plays such an important role in promoting the best of Belfast and Northern Ireland.”

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, and Janette Jones, the new Chair of the Grand Opera House Trust.

Open College Network NI Strengthens Collaboration with The Open University

Posted on April 29, 2024 by admin

OPEN COLLEGE NETWORK NI (OCN NI) has announced details of the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Open University in Ireland (OU in Ireland).

The MoU aims to establish a partnership between OCN NI and OU in Ireland to promote widening access for learners and create suitable progression pathways between OCN qualifications and OU higher education programmes.

The MoU emphasises both parties’ dedication to promoting the value of lifelong learning and providing high-quality and industry-recognised qualifications to individuals in Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the signing, Martin Flynn, CEO of OCN NI, said: “We have worked successfully in collaboration with The Open University in Ireland over a number of years on a variety of initiatives. During this time, it became clear that we have a number of shared values, not least the commitment to promoting the value of lifelong learning, so developing out relationship under the provision of a MoU was the logical next step.

“The MoU commits both parties to entitling and encouraging people to gain recognition for their achievements in learning, raising their potential and progress whilst respecting and valuing equality, diversity and inclusion.”

John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said: “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with OCN NI through this Memorandum of Understanding. The Open University promotes life-changing learning that enriches society and we are committees to working with OCN NI to increase access to education for all learners, regardless of their background or circumstances.

“Together we will develop and promote progression pathways that will allow learners to advance from OCN qualifications to higher education programmes with The Open University, supporting students in Northern Ireland to realise their full potential.”

OCN NI’s comprehensive range of vocational qualifications spans various subjects, including Business and Administration, Hospitality and Tourism, Health and Social Care, Information Technology, Construction, Creative Industries, and many more. The diversity of offerings caters to learners of all ages and backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity and equal access to education.

CastleCourt Opens Refurbed BPerfect Cosmetics Store

Posted on April 26, 2024 by admin

On Thursday 25th April, CastleCourt Shopping Centre opened their newly refitted BPerfect Cosmetics megastore. Huge crowds attended the event, including Celebrity Big Brother Contestants Ekin-Su and music industry mogul Louis Walsh (see our May issue).

The revamped megastore offers an immersive beauty experience, featuring cutting-edge technology, state-of-the-art hair and scalp diagnostics cameras, ready to unveil your tailored haircare regimen. Pay a visit to BPerfect Cosmetics’ signature, state-of-the-art base bar, where a team of skilled makeup artists will guide you to discover your perfect colour match.

To see more of the event, check out our May issue of Ulster Tatler!

Selina Regazzoli, Grace McCann and Deirdre Richardson.

Annie O’Kane, Martyna Krutowski and Orlagh Lennon.

Caroline Jodie, Tailor Maid and Lynn Meehan.

Emma McVeigh, Ciara Decarteret and Aoife Lyttle.

Belfast 2024’s ‘Bank of Ideas’ Now Open for Submissions

Posted on April 25, 2024 by admin

Residents are being invited to put forward their own ideas for creative projects in their communities, as part of Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme.

The ‘Bank of Ideas’ is offering up to £2,000 to individuals, schools and community groups keen to do something special in their neighbourhoods during the city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration.

All ideas are welcome – from recycling and baking to skateboarding and gardening!

To submit an idea visit belfast2024.co.uk and fill in the short online form by the deadline of 5pm on Friday 17th May. Alternatively, you can download an application form and submit it by post or email.

‘Idea generating’ workshops will take place over the next few weeks to support individuals and groups to develop ideas and submit their applications. Sessions will take place on:

Tuesday 30th April, 6pm-8pm – Black Box, Hill Street
Wednesday 1st April, 6pm-8pm – Boundary Brewing Tap Room at Portview Trade Centre
Thursday 2nd May, 3pm-5pm – 2 Royal Avenue
Friday 3rd May, 3pm-5pm – Sandy Row Community Centre
Monday 13th May, 12.30pm-1.30pm – online
Monday 13th May, 7pm-8pm – online

Book your place at belfast2024.org.uk.

All participants who submit a suggestion to the ‘Bank of Ideas’ will be invited to chat about their ideas at a special voting day in City Hall on Sunday 2nd June.

Members of the public will vote for their favourite ideas and a minimum of 25 projects will receive support of up to £2,000 each to make their ideas a reality between June and October.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “The ‘Bank of Ideas’ is at the heart of our Belfast 2024 programme – inviting everyone to get involved in bringing creativity into their own community during this very special year for our city.

“Whatever your idea for getting your neighbours together, we want to hear it – it could be a movie night for teenagers, a storytelling session about the history of your street over the years, a community swap shop if you’re having a summer clear-out or even an old-fashioned sports day for local kids!

“Everyone will get the chance to come into City Hall on Sunday 2nd June and vote for the projects they want to see delivered, giving communities a direct say in how the £50,000 of funding available through the ‘Bank of Ideas’ should be spent. Getting involved is really easy and I’d urge as many people as possible to put forward an idea – let’s see what creative ideas you can come up with for your community and help make them happen this year.”

The ‘Bank of Ideas’ is among a wide range of events and initiatives now underway through the Belfast 2024 programme.

‘Here’s One I Made Earlier‘ is now open at CastleCourt Shopping Centre, where arts organisation PS²are inviting shoppers to swap their bags for boats in their new first-floor unit. Everyone can call in on Tuesdays, 11am-1pm, to try their hand at making a paper boat, colouring in a sail or sharing a message in a bottle, with the results used to create a huge flotilla of 10,000 boats on the River Lagan in early August.

Submissions for The Hearth – a film-making project co-created with the people of Belfast – are also open until Friday 31st May.

Wild Belfast has a number of events coming up where you can explore the city’s biodiversity and wildlife, including two BioBlitz sessions taking place on Saturday 27th April and Sunday 28th April at Lagan Meadows and Black Mountain. There is also an ‘Alley Safari‘ with 9ft in Common on Saturday 27th April, leaving from the front gates of Ormeau Park at 11am.

From Thursday 16th May to Sunday 19th May, Little Amal will be in Belfast for four days of free family events with The Walk Productions and ArtsEkta, with tickets available at artsekta.org.uk.

By the end of 2024, Belfast City Council estimates that almost 200 events and activities will have been delivered through the Belfast 2024 programme, in addition to what is already planned by festival organisers and arts organisations across the city, with over 400,000 people visiting Belfast to explore and enjoy arts and culture here.

Subscribe to our Newsletter