Ulster Tatler Interiors recently hosted their Spring Soirée in Bodel Distributors, Lisburn. The official caterer for the event was Jane’s Kitchen, proud sister company of the new and exclusive private venue, Magheramorne Estate, and United Wines was the drinks sponsor. It was a great evening of excellent food, good company and networking opportunities.
To see more of the event, check out the March Ulster Tatler.
Emma Miller, Graeme Kelly and Jacqueline Hamilton.Mark Wilson and Alistair Fullerton from Jane’s Kitchen.Drinks from United Wines.Gemma Johnston and George Elliot.Darren McCrellis and John Leckey.Dermot Smyth and Sarah McNulty.Emma Miller and Adrian Bailie.
Arts Night at the Museum will take place at North Down Museum, Bangor on Friday 22nd March, from 6pm to 8pm. The museum will thrown open its doors to artists and art lovers, giving everyone the opportunity to have a go at art!
The unique event will give visitors the chance to experience a whole range of art activities – expect everything from screen printing to clay work, sketching to jewellery-making, digital art and more.
Whether you want to explore the museum and its galleries, watch the artists at work or have a go yourself, this free event is an excellent opportunity for people of all ages to get their creativity flowing.
Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton, said: “We love arts night! This event gives everyone the opportunity to have a go at art in a relaxed atmosphere, in a beautiful building.”
Coffee Cure, the museum’s café, will be open, serving light meals, snacks and beverages. There will also be live music performances throughout the evening.
Arts Night at the Museum, North Down Museum, Friday 31st March 2023.Arts Night at the Museum, North Down Museum, Friday 31st March 2023.Arts Night at the Museum, North Down Museum, Friday 31st March 2023.
Actor James Nesbitt showed his support for Marie Curie as he launched the leading end of life charity’s 38th Great Daffodil Appeal in Belfast.
Marie Curie cares for people in their homes and at its hospices, whatever their illness, bringing clinical care, comfort and emotional support to individuals facing end of life or those close to them.
Throughout March, volunteer collectors will be out and about on high streets and at stores in every village, town and city across Northern Ireland collecting donations with their iconic daffodil pin.
Depending on fundraising and legacy donations to fund its work, Marie Curie provided at home and in-patient hospice care to nearly 5,000 people last year which costs around £11.1m per year.
Known for his latest television work in crime drama Bloodlands, as well as his role as Adam in the long-running romantic comedy series, Cold Feet, Actor, James Nesbitt commended the charity, stating: “I greatly admire the Marie Curie nurses, healthcare assistants, doctors and the wide range of healthcare professionals who provide expert end of life care to people when care and support becomes more important than cure.
“Marie Curie could not operate without the help of its loyal and devoted band of volunteers. They are giving back to help others, often due to their own personal experiences from having their loved ones cared for by Marie Curie.”
One of these volunteers was Edwina Tester from Belfast, whose late husband Victor was cared for at the Belfast hospice before he died in 2004. Edwina said: “It was lovely to meet Jimmy Nesbitt and for him to take the time to support our Great Daffodil Appeal. I’ve been collecting and volunteering for Marie Curie for 20 years as I wanted to do my bit as a thank you for the care that my husband received.”
Ciara Gallagher, Head of Funding for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland, added: “Every £23 raised helps Marie Curie provide an hour of nursing care for someone at home. Everything we do, everything we fund, is so that everyone can have the best quality of life to the end.”
Superdrug are proud to be headline partner for Marie Curie, inviting customers to purchase a daffodil pin from any of their stores. People can also pick up a daffodil pin at their local Spar store where customers may also buy a bunch of fresh cut daffodils, with 10p per bunch being donated to Marie Curie.
For more information and to donate, visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil or contact Marie Curie Support Line on 0800 090 2309.
Jimmy Nesbitt with Marie Curie volunteers (from left) Edwina Tester, Gary Stevenson and Lesley BarkleyJimmy Nesbitt with Marie Curie community nurse Joan Wilson (left) and hospice nurse Emily JacksonJimmy Nesbitt with Edwina Tester who has been a Marie Curie volunteer for 20 years since her husband died.Jimmy Nesbitt with nurse Emily Jackson who works at Marie Curie’s Belfast Hospice.
The Royal Television Society Northern Ireland (RTS NI) is delighted to announce the nominations for this year’s Student Television Awards, supported by Northern Ireland Screen and the Department for the Communities.
This will be the 11th year of the RTS NI Student Awards and the event will be hosted by UTV reporter Nathan Hanna on Thursday 28th March at 6.30pm, in the Black Box, Belfast with the Joe McKinney memorial keynote speech delivered by Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.
Sarah McCaffrey, Chair of the RTS NI said: “As an educational charity, the RTS NI Student Awards encourage, nurture, support and reward the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students in colleges and universities across Northern Ireland creating film and video content.
Aidan Browne, Chair of the RTS NI Students Awardssaid: “We received more than 30 entries for this year’s awards and I know the judges had a very difficult task selecting the shortlist we are announcing today.”
Bernard McCloskey, Head of Exhibition at Northern Ireland Screen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to be able to support these awards in partnership with RTS NI, which provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on and reward local emerging creative talent who will drive the industry forward.”
UTV Reporter Nathan Hanna, host of the RTS NI Student Awards 2024 says: “The RTS NI plays a huge role in supporting the next generation of content creators and winning one of these awards provides students with a prestigious accolade to help them with their future careers.”
The nominees for this year’s Awards are:
Animation Category
Pure: Michael Doherty, Matthew Kerr and Christopher McCann from Ulster University, Belfast.
Unseen – Alone In Space: Patrick Faulkner from Ulster University, Belfast.
Drama Category
Spring is Sure to Follow: Andrew McAllister, Lucy Johnston, Lucy Maxwell, Jon-Marc Maguire, William Penneyand Dominic Small from Queen’s University Belfast.
Saoirse: Jessica Banks, Aisling Carroll, Karl Castles and David Johnston from Queen’s University Belfast.
When It Rains: Luke O’Grady and Marty Carlin from Ulster University, Belfast.
Entertainment and Comedy Drama Category
Mantis Shrimp: Stella Skiadopoulou, Jiale Rui, Amy Lonergan, Harry Thompson and Dai Qingyongcuofrom Queen’s University Belfast.
Soap N’Pie: Catherine Osborne, Luke Galbraith, Matthew Ardies, Danny de Vecchis, Aaron Connolly, Jamie Edgar, Rab McPhee, Dean Wilson, James Ardis, Jamie Powell, Nathan Toland and Joel Rafferty from Belfast Metropolitan College.
Factual – Short Form Category
Being Punk: Haoyue Hu, Shanshan Qiu and Jean Watt from Queens University Belfast.
On The Edge: Nathan Edgar from Ulster University, Coleraine Campus.
Above Par: Harry Thompson, Olivia Peden, Luke Darby, Owen Hogg and Emma Harrisson from Queens University Belfast.
Baltic:Stella Skiadopoulou, Padraigin Meighan, Stephen Linkens, Jiale Rui and Dai Qingyongcuo from Queen’s University Belfast.
The winners of these Awards will go forward to the national RTS Student Media Awards in London in June and will also be invited to this year’s RTS NI Programme Awards in November 2024.
Pictured at the launch of the RTS NI Student Awards 2024 are (l to r) UTV’s Nathan Hanna, Awards Host with RTS NI’s Student Awards Chair Aidan Browne, Chair of RTS NI Sarah McCaffrey and RTS NI’s Vice Chair Georgia Parkinson with Northern Ireland Screen’s Bernard McCloskey, sponsor of the RTS NI Student Awards.RTS NI’s Aidan Browne, Sarah McCaffrey (Chair) and Georgia Parkinson are pictured launching the 2024 RTS NI Student Awards which take place in the Black Box Belfast on Thursday 28 March 2024.Pictured announcing this year’s RTS NI Student Awards finalists are: RTS NI Student Awards Chair Aidan Browne and RTS NI Chair Sarah McCaffrey with Awards partner Northern Ireland Screen’s Bernard McCloskey.
Internationally renowned street artist, Dan Kitchener, ‘DANK’ has just completed his latest mural at 135 Ormeau Road, depicting the Ormeau Bridge at night.
Dan Kitchener, whose epic scale wall murals, canvas shows and live painting events have been seen by millions over the years, has collaborated with artists including Paul McCartney, Kylie Minogue, Lenny Kravitz, and The Prodigy.
Thanks to a “Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations” grant, led by Belfast City Council and funded through the Department for Communities Revitalisation programme, Lower Ormeau Traders Association commissioned Dan to create the mural.
Áine Groogan, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor said: “It’s fantastic to see the spotlight being shone on the Lower Ormeau. Recently, retailers have been hit hard by the pandemic and a much more challenging economic climate.”
“It’s particularly good to see this addition to our street art during Belfast 2024, our city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration – we’re starting to see even more beautiful artworks bringing vibrancy to Belfast neighbourhoods’ north, south, east and west.
Gordon Lyons, Communities Minister said: “My Department is committed to the regeneration of cities and towns across Northern Ireland through initiatives which promote urban renewal and development of public spaces. With this in mind, the Supporting Vibrant Business Destinations scheme is designed to enhance Belfast’s arterial routes, help local traders drive forward the regeneration and economic competitiveness of their area, and to enrich communities.”
Dan Kitchener, Artist, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating that, “street art has the power to transform public spaces, spark conversations, and hopefully bring a bit of joy to people’s everyday lives.”
The mural will officially be unveiled on Saturday 16th March as part of the Lower Ormeau Spring Festival, from 12 noon – 3pm. For more information on Belfast City Council’s support for business, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityforbusiness
Two Ulster Tatler Media Group publications, Perspective and Ambition, have been shortlisted in the 2024 Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Northern Ireland Media Awards in the category Magazine or Supplement of the Year.
These awards are the main press awards in Northern Ireland and the chair of the judging panel is the well-known journalist, Michael Crick. The awards ceremony takes place on Friday 15th March at The MAC in Belfast.
The 6th Cinemagic On The Pulse Festival is set to dazzle screens this March, celebrating the vibrant world of short films. With funding from the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, the festival promises an exciting line-up of films, jury programs, and masterclasses aimed at nurturing aspiring film, television, and media creators.
Presented in partnership with Film Hub NI through the BFI FAN Film Exhibition Fund, the festival’s world cinema program and young critic panels offer a diverse range of storytelling, highlighting universal youth perspectives. The On the Pulse Young Filmmaker Competition showcases emerging talents, supported by the Department for the Economy, providing a platform for budding filmmakers to shine.
Irish Film Director Paddy Breathnach
Masterclass sessions led by industry experts such as Paddy Breathnach, Daniel Gordon, and Jeroen Jaspaert offer invaluable insights into directing, documentary filmmaking and animation, inspiring the next generation of creatives.
The On The Pulse Festival will present the very best world cinema for young people where short film compilations from around the world will be shown in Northern Ireland for the first time, with a chance for discussion and debate to decide the 2024 winning films.
The festival also celebrates local talent, with showcases for filmmakers from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, alongside premieres of films produced through Cinemagic’s partnerships, emphasising cross-border and cross-community collaboration.
Families and young audiences can enjoy a range of screenings, including episodes from the animated series “Quentin Blake’s Box of Treasures,” early years favourites like “Little Princess” and “Sarah and Duck,” and a tribute to silent comedy master Buster Keaton.
The festival also offers a rich selection of international short films, including enchanting and thought-provoking titles like “A Bear Named Wojtek” and “Margot and the Space Robot.” Over St Patrick’s Day weekend, Irish-made films take centre stage, accompanied by storytelling sessions and screenings of Irish-inspired tales.
With a line-up featuring both new releases and beloved classics, the On the Pulse Festival promises to be a celebration of creativity and storytelling for audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of short films on the big screen this March!Booking at www.wegottickets.com/cinemagic & www.queensfilmtheatre.com
Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI are marking their 60th anniversary by holding a raffle on Friday 27th September, giving ticket holders the chance to win an extravagant diamond pendant with an estimated worth of £20,000.
The charity’s Gala ‘Black Tie & Diamonds’ Ball, is set to be held at Titanic Belfast with tickets available to purchase online via the LLNI website. To be in with a chance to win, tickets for the raffle are also available on the website for £10, with the winner being announced on the night.
The pendant necklace features a 1.52 carat D class natural Diamond set in platinum. The jewellery was donated by Belfast antiques dealer Eleanor Wolfendon-Orr to help benefit the blood cancer charity’s fund-raising efforts.
Eleanor holds the charity close to her heart, as she is currently fighting against myeloma – an incurable but treatable blood cancer. Eleanor has already managed to raise a massive £67,000 for LLNI whilst simultaneously running her shop Kennedy Wolfenden Antiques and Jewellery with husband Sam for over 40 years.
The Gala will mark a massive milestone for the charity whilst also being a celebration for the ways in which the vital research it funds, continuously helps change patient outcomes in Northern Ireland and across the globe.
Chair of LLNI, Richard Buchanan said “Every day three people in Northern Ireland are diagnosed with Blood Cancer. So, we are asking the public to please buy a raffle ticket, join us at our gala ball or make a donation and help us to continue this vital work.”
Model and Social Columnist, Nuala Meenahan, showcases a beautiful diamond pendant donated by Belfast antiques dealer Eleanor Wolfendon-Orr. The winner of the necklace will be unveiled at a gala ball in aid of blood cancer charity, Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI in September 2024. Raffles tickets available for £10 at llni.co.uk.
Bushmills Irish Whiskey, the pioneers of single malt Irish whiskey, proudly introduce their latest masterpiece: Bushmills Hill Street Edition. Created exclusively for famous Belfast whiskey shop, The Friend at Hand, this exquisite release reflects the shared heritage of two icons of Irish whiskey. A homage to Hill Street – once home to the Bushmills headquarters, and where The Friend at Hand today stands – this exclusive bottling celebrates the rich history of one of Belfast’s most iconic streets.
Long lauded for its shipbuilding and linen-weaving past, the lesser-told story of Belfast’s whiskey history is a spirited tale, brought to life in this new release. Bonded warehouses once lined Hill Street, and Bushmills barrels would have rolled down its now iconic cobbles to ships docked on the Farset River, to be transported to destinations around the globe.
Over 135 years on, the Bushmills Hill Street Edition will make history as the oldest ever Bushmills expression to be released in Europe.
Epitomising Bushmills’ passion for ‘unrushed perfection’, this is an exceptional prestige single malt. Distilled in 1986 and recasked in a sherry hogshead cask in March 2001, this rare bottling honours a captivating story of time-honoured craft and collaboration.
The exclusive 36-Year-Old Bushmills Hill Street Edition is the oldest and rarest expression ever to be released from The Old Bushmills Distillery in Europe. Released in celebration of the shared history of Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Belfast’s famous whiskey shop and museum, The Friend at Hand,just 208 bottles will be available. This extraordinarily rare expression, exclusively matured in sherry wood, was drawn from a single hogshead cask; the last available stock of Bushmills Single Malt distilled in 1986.
Bushmills Master Blender, Alex Thomas said: “In every bottle of Bushmills, we honour our past and the immense passion and patience required to craft the world’s most exclusive single malts. It is my privilege to bring this exceptional whiskey back to Belfast, to the site of Bushmills’ former HQ on Hill Street, in what is a milestone moment for the brand.”
On the nose, delicate aromas of warm honey and ripe red berries are peppered with a subtle spiciness and gentle antique wood undertones. Luxurious notes of apricot, plum, raisins and figs followed by toasted oak and dark chocolate mingle with toasted almonds and hints of cinnamon and clove.
“Its exceptionally smooth caramelised fruit and honey finish and rich golden chestnut colour is a testament to the time it has spent in cask. This is a once-in-a-lifetime whiskey,” explains Alex Thomas.
Presented in a bespoke hexagonal box, handcrafted in black American walnut, and adorned with an intricate map of Belfast etched in gold, the Bushmills Hill Street Edition will take pride of place in The Friend at Hand, in a fitting tribute to the brand’s former HQ. Home to one of the world’s greatest collections of rare Irish whiskeys and artefacts, The Friend at Hand boasts an exceptional collection of Bushmills single malts and memorabilia, including date-stamped hand-written correspondence from the former Bushmills Belfast headquarters, amongst the highlights.
A passionate advocate for Irish whiskey, Willie Jack of The Friend at Hand holds the legacy of Bushmills and Hill Street close to heart. Willie Jack said:
“Belfast’s proud industrial past and rich whiskey heritage paved the way for a craft that, centuries later, continues to stand the test of time. We are proud to partner with Bushmills on this exceptional, 36-year-old whiskey, which pays homage to the hard-working people of Hill Street. It’s fitting that our shared heritage and spirit of collaboration are commemorated in this special release, which, with just 208 bottles available, is sure to be in high demand.”
Bushmills Hill Street Edition 36-Year-Old single malt is bottled at 48% ABV and is priced at £5,000 for 700ml (RSP). The limited-edition release of just 208 bottles is available exclusively for purchase from The Friend at Hand in Belfast.
Newtownabbey-based Qualcom, a leading provider of strategic IT services and security solutions, has announced an unprecedented 10 per cent Year-on-Year revenue increase for 2022/23, along with the creation of 8 jobs in Northern Ireland and 25 in the Republic of Ireland.
The news comes as the organisation unveils a refreshed brand identity and a new website.
Specialising in tailored, strategic IT solutions, Qualcom offers a comprehensive suite of security services, including Managed IT Services, Professional IT Services, IT Security, Field IT Services, IT Resourcing, and Enterprise Class products.
Established in 1995, the organisation has since grown substantially and currently employs a team of over 75 professionals that partner with more than 500 clients situated across NI, ROI, the rest of the UK, and the Channel Islands.
A strategic technology partner to every type of business, Qualcom delivers round-the-clock, tailored support. The provider seamlessly integrates technology into its customers’ operations, fostering growth, efficiency, and sustained success.
Speaking at the unveiling of Qualcom’s new brand identity on February 15th, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, said, “It is a pleasure to witness Qualcom’s next evolution and I would like to congratulate the organisation on its exceptional revenue growth over the past year.
“Qualcom has been a trusted IT partner to businesses throughout Northern Ireland since 2013, including the many SMEs that form the backbone of our economy. It is also a significant local employer and I wish the organisation every success as it continues to grow.”
Qualcom remains at the forefront of advancement and innovation in Cyber Security and Artificial Intelligence technologies by partnering with leading global providers. This ensures that the organisation delivers advanced, reliable, and securely managed IT services.
As Cyber threats continue to evolve, Qualcom remains dedicated to developing best-in-class services to combat these challenges. The organisation also harnesses the power of Microsoft technologies, including Azure Cloud Services and Microsoft 365, to ensure that its clients’ businesses operate efficiently and securely.
Leeann Saunders, Managing Director at Qualcom, comments, “Qualcom is delighted to announce a 10 per cent Year-on-Year revenue increase along with the creation of 33 jobs across the island of Ireland. This demonstrates our commitment to fostering economic growth in NI and ROI.
“At the core of our vision is a commitment to redefining the IT experience and to ensuring that businesses can navigate and excel in the ever-evolving digital world with confidence and ease.
“As we embark on a new era, we remain steadfast in our commitment to delivering cutting-edge IT services and solutions to our clients throughout ROI, the UK, and the Channel Islands.”
To learn more about Qualcom’s transformative IT solutions and services, visit: www.qualcom.co.uk
Pictured l to r are Ken Ryan Managing Director at Qualcom Steven Norris, Deputy Director of Regeneration and Infrastructure at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Councillor Mark Cooper BEM, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Leeann Saunders Managing Director NI at Qualcom
Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is delighted to open two new art exhibitions for the month of March:
The Nature of Things, a joint exhibition by Eleanor Wheeler and Anushiya Sundaralingam and The Searchers, a solo exhibition by Paul van Reid.
Eleanor Wheelerand and Anushiya Sundaralingam encompasses themes each artist has been exploring, together and separately, in their work and are constantly revisiting and refining in the continuing development of their arts practices.
The artists will present a selection of sculpture and works on paper that are inspired by the natural world; using form, pattern, texture, colour and metaphor. The works will be both contrasting and complementary; coming together as a whole and creating a visual conversation about the common themes that inspire them. The exhibition can be viewed in the Georgian Gallery.
Paul van Reidis a Belfast based artist who has work published with Tangerine Press, Dig with It magazine and shown in QSS and The Engine Room galleries. Reid’s paintings explore ideas around themes of power, desire, belief, mortality and consciousness.
The Searchers will feature a series of miniature oil paintings, measuring 5×5 inches, inspired by the work of Jakob van Ruisdael, the 16th century Dutch landscape painter. Despite oil painting being in some ways a traditional medium, the nature of the subject matter and the production of the source image supported by artificial intelligence ensures that the end product is radical and unusual. The body of work will explore ideas of the sublime and spirituality. This exhibition will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.
Both exhibitions open on Thursday 29 February.The Nature of Thingsruns until Friday 29 March andThe Searcherscloses on Tuesday 26 March. All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 29 February at 7pm.
With awards season in full flow, the RENDR festival will roll out the red carpet at Portview Trade Centre in east Belfast later this week for an all-star line-up of Oscar, BAFTA and Emmy-winners who will unite for the city’s second annual creativity and technology showcase.
A unique nocturnal event, RENDR, which is supported by Northern Ireland Screen, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Studio Ulster, Ulster University, Ulster Screen Academy and Belfast City Council, takes place across two evenings on Thursday 29th February and Friday 1st March.
Over 30 speakers will deliver keynote talks across the two nights alongside live and interactive demonstrations of new technology, showcases of digital art and fun gaming experiences.
RENDR director Michael Weir said: “We’re very proud of the legacy created by last year’s inaugural festival and are privileged to welcome such brilliant minds to Belfast for our second edition of RENDR. The programme curated for this year’s event is truly world-class, which we believe echoes the remarkable levels of innovation taking place here and really underscores our creative spirit.”
Speakers include:
Pav Grochola – From Sony Pictures Imageworks an FX and Look of Picture Supervisor, whose latest feature, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, was nominated for Animated Film in the recent EE BAFTA Film Awards. The box office hit is shortlisted for Animated Feature Film in the upcoming 96th Academy Awards, which will be held on Sunday 10th March.
Dylan Sisson – With over 25 years of expertise in animation and visual effects, Dylan has contributed significantly to the evolution and promotion of RenderMan, Pixar’s proprietary 3D rendering software that is the basis for the studio’s blockbuster productions, including The Incredibles, Up, Brave, Inside Out, Soul, and many more.
Suzy Fagan Parr – From Aardman, the world-famous Bristol-based animation studio with seven Oscar nods and four wins, Suzy Fagan Parr served as a director and lead character animator on the recent Netflix exclusive Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget.
Jany Temime – Costume designer who is best known for her work on the Harry Potter film franchise, also joins the line-up for RENDR. In 2023, as part of the 75th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, her work on HBO’s House of the Dragon was awarded the Emmy for Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes.
Hal Hickel – From Industrial Light & Magic, who’s work includes Toy Story, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Iron Man, and more. Currently, he is Animation Supervisor on The Mandalorian series for Disney+, which, in 2021, won the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Special Visual Effects in a Season or a Movie. His work on Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest secured him both Oscar and BAFTA awards for visual effects.
Ross White – Academy Award and BAFTA-winning filmmaker who co-wrote and co-directed the acclaimed short film An Irish Goodbye, will share insights into making an Oscar-winning short.
For the full list of speakers and to book tickets, visit RENDRfestival.com and stay up to date with the latest developments and speaker announcements on the festival’s Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
