Category: Featured Event

Derry Good Day For Rosie’s Trust

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LISA McGee, the creator of Derry Girls, has been appointed as an ambassador of Rosie’s Trust. The local charity has also announced that it has received a substantial financial donation from the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group. Aileen Martin, Chairperson of Rosie’s Trust said: “We are honoured to have Lisa McGee as an ambassador for Rosie’s Trust. As one of Northern Ireland’s leading writers and creators we are so excited to have her support in helping us to raise awareness of the difference our services make to some of the most vulnerable members of the community.

“In addition to this, we are thrilled to have received a most generous £20,000 donation from the Kingsbridge Charitable Foundation. This will make a huge contribution to keeping even more people and their pets together when they need each other the most. What makes this donation even more special is the fact that Kingsbridge staff voted for it.

We’re looking forward to working with Lisa and Kingsbridge in the months ahead and have lots of activity planned as part of these partnerships, including information days and volunteering opportunities.”

“Rosie’s Trust could not operate without the support of our volunteers, who visit our beneficiaries in their homes to care for their companion pets and also provide a vital ‘check-in’ service,” Aileen added.

Lisa McGee said: “Rosie’s Trust is a unique charity, which is dedicated to supporting people living with cancer, people receiving end of life care and older people with mobility issues who are unable to look after their companion pets independently and have no other support. I am excited to work with the Rosie’s Trust team, to find out more about the great work they are doing and use my own platform to support them and, together, help even more people across Northern Ireland.”

Dr Martin Shields, Chair of Kingsbridge Foundation and Medical Director at Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, said: “We are delighted to provide Rosie’s Trust with a £20,000 donation. Pets play such an important role in people’s lives and we sometimes find that patients might delay treatment as they worry over who will help take care of their beloved dog or cat. Rosie’s Trust is a great charity that removes this concern for beneficiaries, not only when they are faced with this situation, but in their daily lives.”

www.rosiestrust.org

Pictured with Molly the dog at the announcement are Mark Regan, Chief Executive of Kingsbridge Healthcare Group, Lisa McGee, Dr Martin Shields, Chair of Kingsbridge Foundation and Medical Director at Kingsbridge Healthcare Group and Aileen Martin, Chairperson of Rosie’s Trust.

Harp Gets Global Beer Recognition

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HARP lager, one of the leading and most-loved lagers in Northern Ireland, has struck gold at a prestigious global beer competition.
 
The Global Beer Masters is an internationally renowned blind-tasting competition welcoming beers from around the world to compete for recognition and the chance to benchmark their taste against competitors. The beers were judged by a panel of industry experts who evaluated each one based on appearance, smell, taste, and style characteristics, resulting in Harp Irish Lager proudly scooping a gold medal in the International Lager category.
 
Noting Harp Irish Lager was a lesson in how to achieve crispness and balance in a subtle brew, judges shared their tasting notes, “A pale gold lager with great clarity and a slightly sweet malt aroma, a little bitterness on the body, but very gentle. It has a grainy aroma alongside fresh herbal notes. Palate is well round, supported by good carbonation and herbal notes. Nice balanced finish.”
 
Harp is an authentic pilsner lager, brewed with pride for Northern Ireland. First produced in 1960 under the guidance of distinguished German brewer Dr Herman Muender, Harp fused German knowledge with Irish brewing heritage to create a delicious Irish Lager. Today Harp is still naturally brewed for a refreshing, crisp taste using only four ingredients: pure water, malted barley, barley, and hops of which are all locally sourced.
 

Look North! The return of the North Belfast Festival…

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Look North – The third North Belfast Festival takes place over the weekend of the 23 to 25 February 2024 celebrating the heritage and creative talents of North Belfast.

The festival programme is jam-packed with a wide range of activities and interests showcasing and celebrating North Belfast’s rich heritage, cultural, creative and literary talents, with appearances from local authors, artists and young people, though it is not limited to the area.  It includes talks, walks, poetry readings, panel discussions, music, tours of historic buildings and three beginners creative writing classes in Poetry, Short Story and Memoir.

Planned and delivered by the NBF network, it is led by The John Hewitt Society and includes The North Belfast Heritage Cluster, Beat Carnival, Imagine Belfast, Ulster University, and other interested individuals who reside in or are associated with North Belfast.

Welcoming the Festival, Roisín McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said, ‘It’s a great pleasure to welcome the third annual Look North! multi-arts and heritage festival. This is the part of Belfast where the great poet and polymath, John Hewitt, was born and grew up. It shaped his early views on life and the influential poetry he would go on to write, just as its rich cultural and artistic heritage continues to shape the lives of its current residents and inspire whole new generations of writers and artists today.’

Speaking at the launch yesterday in Sailortown’s St. Joseph’s Church, Dr Frank Ferguson Chair of The John Hewitt Society said “It is a great pleasure to bring a festival to such a vibrant part of Belfast today. The Festival is open to all and is important in recognising the rich heritage and cultural contributions of North Belfast. I would like to thank my fellow committee members on the NBF network for all their support in planning and producing this exciting programme.”

 Rt. Hon. the Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, who launched the festival said: “Look North! Is all about collaboration.  This multi-arts festival aims to celebrate not only the uniqueness of north Belfast but tells of the hidden histories behind some of its landmark buildings. I wish this fantastic, cross-community festival every success!

Tony Kennedy Chair of the Look North NBF network, commented that the festival reflected the vibrant and diverse community which is today North Belfast. “Look North is not just for the people of North Belfast. It demonstrates the rich cultural heritage of the area and should attract visitors from throughout Belfast and beyond.” He thanked all the partners who had helped with the event and the sponsors for their generous support.

 

To view the full schedule and to book for events or workshops, please visit northbelfastfestival.com.

Do join in the fun by following us on our socials and look out for the festival brochure and flyers in your local area.

Creative Events to Inspire Children at Young Aspects

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Aspects Festival has unveiled its exciting Young Aspects programme, offering a range of creative children’s events suitable for all ages. Taking place from 1 – 3 March, at various locations around Bangor, the diverse programme of reading, writing and art events promises to inspire young imaginations.

The festival is delighted to welcome Big Wave Surfer, writer and athlete Al Mennie who will be giving a special talk in Studio 1A, Bangor on Friday 1 March. Author of children’s books Confident Kris and Billy the Basking Shark, Al will share insights into his writing journey and what inspires him.

The renowned Book Clinics presented by Children’s Books Ireland, will be held at Bangor Carnegie Library on Saturday 2 March. Come and see the Doctor with a difference! The Doctors will give each patient a unique ‘consultation’ and a personal prescription, recommending books based on the patient’s particular interests!

Young Aspects also features the ever-popular Woodland Chew and Yarn, Book Inspired Yoga, a Digital Art Workshop, Book Binding, Writing Workshops, a Bedtime Story event and more! All perfect for your little readers, writers and artists!

Speaking about the programme, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said: “Young Aspects provides excellent opportunities for children to enjoy literature and get creative. The programme of events is both educational and fun and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Aspects Festival Director, Patricia Hamilton said: “‘We are delighted to offer this collection of workshops and events which have stories at their core but presented in lots of different ways and for all ages.”

Young Aspects is presented by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will run from 1 – 3 March at various locations around Bangor. Tickets are on sale now.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

 

Hothouse Flowers to headline Beamish Sessions at Court House

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LIVE music lovers are in for a real treat over the coming months as The Court House in Bangor hosts The Beamish Sessions, a series of intimate gigs with a stellar line-up that includes Hothouse Flowers, David Holmes, Duke Special and punk legend Jah Wobble.
Supported by leading stout brand Beamish in partnership with Arts & Business NI, the sessions get under way at the award-winning Court House on Sunday February 11 when punk legend and former PiL bassist Jah Wobble and his band The Invaders Of The Heart perform ‘Rebuilt in Dub’ a reinterpretation of PiL’s seminal 1979 album ‘Metal Box’ with ‘heavy yet sophisticated dub interpretations and mind-expanding production’.
When it comes to local artists and pioneers within the music industry, names don’t come much bigger than Belfast-born David Holmes who brings ‘God’s Waiting Room’ to the Court House on Saturday February 17. Expect a selection of cinematic, library music, rock’n’roll, psych, experimental, electronic, techno, unclassifiable and independent tunes as the world-renowned DJ, producer and soundtrack composer takes over all three rooms of The Court House.
March will see one of Northern Ireland’s finest songwriters Duke Special take the Court House stage with three back-to-back shows from Thursday March 7 to Saturday March 9. With 15 albums under his belt, inspired by his love of music, theatre, books, poetry, art, love, life, redemption, and death, and 78RPM records, fans are in for an extraordinary evening of original music.
The Beamish Sessions conclude on Saturday March 30 with a headline show from legendary Irish band Hothouse Flowers, returning to Bangor for the first time since their sell-out Open House Festival appearance at Bangor Castle Walled Garden in 2022. Formed in 1985, Liam Ó Maonlaí and Fiachna Ó Braonáin’s first album was the most successful Irish debut record in history. Since reforming in the late ‘90s, the band has continued to write, perform and tour.
Only last month, The Court House become the first Northern Irish venture to win National Lottery Project of the Year. Located on the seafront in the heart of Bangor, County Down, the venue provides the perfect backdrop for an intimate and memorable live music experience.
“Through the Beamish Sessions at The Court House, our aim is to curate an unforgettable live experience for local music lovers in Northern Ireland and take them on an extraordinary musical journey with a series of captivating and diverse original gigs,” said Kieran Gilmore, Director of The Court House and co-founder of local music and arts charity Open House which owns and operates the venue.
“We hope The Court House will become the beating heart of Bangor’s burgeoning music and arts scene, and we appreciate the support of companies like Beamish and Arts & Business NI in our efforts to achieve this goal.”  
Maeve McKervey, Head of Business at Arts & Business NI, said:  “At Arts & Business NI, partnership is at the heart of everything we do and connecting our members is an important focus for us.
 
“ We are delighted to support this new creative partnership between Open House Festival and United Wines, which has enabled the programming of The Beamish Sessions, a series of live music performances in The Court House, featuring international artists alongside respected local artists.
“By working together on this exciting new project, United Wines and Open House are forging new connections, reaching new audiences and bringing benefits to the local cultural scene, positioning Bangor as a vibrant creative city.”   
Andrew Hollywood of United Wines, the company that distributes Beamish in Northern Ireland, said:  “We are delighted to support The Beamish Sessions at The Court House which is gaining a reputation as one of Northern Ireland’s finest live music venues. 
 
“With its historic charm, The Court House offers a unique and intimate setting that allows for a more personal and immersive musical experience, giving music lovers an opportunity to be up close and personal with their favourite artists.
 
“We see this as a perfect fit for Beamish which, although celebrating its 232nd birthday this year, is one of the fastest-growing stout brands in Northern Ireland. Through our partnerships with music venues such as The Court House in Bangor and The Sunflower in Belfast, Beamish is becoming more and more popular with a younger customer demographic, appealing to those who reject the mass marketing of bigger brands – in favour of a traditional stout brand that is understated and doesn’t try too hard.”
 

For more information on The Beamish Sessions at The Court House, Bangor, visit www.courthousebangor.com/event-category/beamish-sessions/ .

GREAT NIGHT STOUT: Live music lovers are in for a treat over the coming months as The Court House in Bangor hosts The Beamish Sessions, a series of intimate gigs in February and March featuring a stellar line-up that includes Hothouse Flowers, David Holmes, Duke Special and punk legend Jah Wobble. Supported by leading stout brand Beamish in partnership with Arts & Business NI, the sessions get under way on Sunday February 11 with punk legend and former PiL bassist Jah Wobble, and conclude on Saturday March 30 with a headline show from legendary Irish band Hothouse Flowers. Launching the Sessions at The Court House are (l-r) Maeve McKervey from Arts & Business NI, Matthew Fitzpatrick of United Wines, the company that distributes Beamish in Northern Ireland, and Kieran Gilmore, Director of The Court House and co-founder of local music and arts charity Open House which owns and operates the venue. For more information on The Beamish Sessions at The Court House, Bangor, visit www.courthousebangor.com/event-category/beamish-sessions/.

Down Royal and Friends of the Cancer Centre announce winning charity partnership

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Down Royal has announced Friends of the Cancer Centre as its official charity partner for 2024. The partnership will see Friends of the Cancer Centre hold collections at thirteen of Down Royal’s scheduled race meetings in 2024 in aid of its work supporting people with cancer across Northern Ireland. Pictured (L-R) are Ciara Bainbridge, Corporate & Events Fundraising Officer at Friends of the Cancer Centre and Susan McCartney Racing and Event Operations Manager at Down Royal.
The racecourse will continue its longstanding tradition of supporting local causes this year by partnering with the leading cancer charity, dedicated to supporting local patients and their families.
The partnership will see Friends of the Cancer Centre hold collections at thirteen of Down Royal’s scheduled race meetings in 2024 in aid of its work supporting people with cancer across Northern Ireland.  
Ciara Bainbridge, Corporate & Events Fundraising Officer for Friends of the Cancer Centre commented: “Without support from local businesses like Down Royal we would be unable to continue our vital work which is making a real difference to thousands of patients and their families. This includes our funding of additional members of staff across cancer services and providing practical support, like financial grants, which can help make a difficult time a little easier.
“In addition, the funds raised will allow us to continue our investment in locally led cancer research through our partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Trials Network and the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s University, which is helping find new and improved ways to treat many different types of cancer and giving hope to many.
“We are extremely grateful to the team at Down Royal and its racegoers for their vote of support. We’re asking the public when they see a Friends of the Cancer Centre volunteer at the fabulous race days to think of those across NI who are facing the most difficult of circumstances and give all they can. Thank you to everyone for the opportunity to become Down Royal’s official charity partner for 2024.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Emma Meehan, Chief Executive of Down Royal said “Friends of the Cancer Centre is well-known for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of cancer patients across Northern Ireland and we are delighted to be able to support a cause which is so close to the heart of both our team and our valued customers. We look forward to a great year partnering with the charity’s team to raise as much as we can for this incredibly important cause.”
To learn more about Friends of the Cancer Centre, visit friendsofthecancercentre.com.
 
For full details on Down Royal’s fixtures for 2024 visit downroyal.com.
 

AbbeyAutoline’s 50th anniversary celebrations help over 40 local community and voluntary organisations

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AbbeyAutoline, Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker, has successfully concluded its ambitious 50th Anniversary programme by supporting more than 40 charity and voluntary organisations across the region.

More than 400 staff from AbbeyAutoline’s 15-branch network and head-office helped raise over £9,000 for local community organisations as part of the insurance broker’s half century celebrations.

AbbeyAutoline committed to the ambitious programme as part of its 50th Anniversary with a focus on giving back to communities that have played a crucial role in the company’s success over the past 50 years.

The ambitious calendar of activity included the hugely successful ’50k in May’ challenge with over 120 staff members embarking on a gruelling challenge to each walk, run, bike or hike 50km in May.

Staff laced up their running shoes, fastened their cycling helmets and put their hiking boots to the test to collectively cover an astonishing 6,000km to raise over £4k for AWARE NI.

‘50 Ways of Giving Back’ supported numerous local charities and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland with staff offering support and practical assistance to make a meaningful difference to their communities.

Staff got involved in a variety of projects including volunteering at food banks, donating in demand items to a variety of community organisations, tidying up community gardens, and fundraising for local charities.

The hugely successful 50th Anniversary programme of activities included staff pledging 50 hours of volunteer support to the Northern Ireland Hospice, a long-standing charity partner of AbbeyAutoline, aimed at benefiting the important work the charity does in caring for adults, children, and young people with life-limiting and life-threatening illnesses.

Staff took on a variety of voluntary roles across some of the 24 Hospice shops and supported a series of bucket collections in towns and villages. Staff also tended to the gardens at the charity’s Adult In-Patient Unit at Somerton House and the Children’s In-Patient Unit at Horizon House.

Coinciding with this ambitious programme of community activities, staff also reached the impressive milestone of raising a staggering £150,000 for Northern Ireland Hospice as part of parent company Prestige Insurance Holdings’ wider support of the local charity.

Julie Gibbons, Managing Director of AbbeyAutoline, said: “Customers, and the communities we operate in are the focal point of our business, therefore we wanted to mark our 50th year in business by giving back to the communities which have enabled the growth of the company over the past five decades.

“Our ambitious calendar of community activity would not have been possible without the generosity and support of our staff members. It is their dedication, passion, and tireless efforts that has allowed us to support more than 40 charity and voluntary organisations across the region.”

AbbeyAutoline also celebrated significant milestones in its 50th year, including being named the Commercial Lines Broker of the Year at The British Insurance Awards and Best Professional Services Business at the Greater Newry Business Awards.

The business also expanded its presence on the high street, relocating its Newtownards and Portadown branches to vibrant new town-centre premises, as well as launching an innovative new apprenticeship programme with Belfast Met.

Julie added: “As we sign-off on our 50th Anniversary, AbbeyAutoline proudly stands as Northern Ireland’s largest insurance broker — a testament to five decades of remarkable growth, unwavering resilience, and an enduringcommitment to our valued customers.

“We stand tall as the trusted name in the local insurance sector, providing a diverse range of insurance offerings that are meticulously tailored to meet the diverse needs of our loyal customers.”

For more information on AbbeyAutoline visit: www.abbeyautoline.com

AbbeyAutoline has successfully concluded its ambitious 50th Anniversary programme by supporting more than 40 charity and voluntary organisations across the region. More than 400 staff helped raise over £9,000 for local community organisations as part of the insurance broker’s half century celebrations. Pictured (L-R) are Jackie Elliott (Commercial Director) Julie Gibbons (Managing Director) Jeni McKelvey (Personal Lines Director) and Wendy Close (People Director).
AbbeyAutoline has successfully concluded its ambitious 50th Anniversary programme by supporting more than 40 charity and voluntary organisations across the region. More than 400 staff helped raise over £9,000 for local community organisations as part of the insurance broker’s half century celebrations. Pictured (L-R) are Trevor Shaw (CEO), Julie Gibbons (Managing Director) and Paul Hanna (Finance Director).

Portrait of Stena Line owner unveiled at Belfast Harbour as ferry operator hits record freight volumes on NI routes

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Belfast Harbour has unveiled a specially commissioned portrait of Stena Line owner and Chairman, Dan Sten Olsson, at their Harbour Office in Corporation Square to celebrate the significant contribution the Swedish ferry operator has made to the Port and Region over the last three decades.

The unveiling comes as Stena Line marks a record year for freight volumes on its Belfast routes with approximately 587,000 units being transported in 2023.

Painted by local artist, Ken Hamilton, the portrait was commissioned by Belfast Harbour to acknowledge the impact that Dan Sten Olsson and the investment of Stena Line has made to the development of Belfast Harbour in recent years.

Stena Line moved to Belfast Harbour in 1995 and since then, the Company has invested significantly in developing and improving its Irish Sea operations. The Irish Sea’s leading ferry company operates three routes from Belfast Harbour with combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Belfast to Liverpool, as well as a dedicated freight only route from Belfast to Heysham. A total of seven Stena Line ships move in and out of Victoria Terminals 1/2 and 4 in Belfast Harbour on a daily basis with the port also serving as Stena Line’s Irish Sea headquarters.

Dan Sten Olsson, Owner and Chairman of Stena Line, said:
“I am honoured to be presented with a portrait by Belfast Harbour Commissioners. Over the years, Stena Line has developed a strong relationship and affinity with Belfast and the local community. Personally, I did my first business in Belfast over 50 years ago and have been committed to Northern Ireland ever since. Northern Ireland is a strategically important region for Stena Line and our solid partnership with Belfast Harbour has been instrumental in our construction of one of our largest passenger and freight hubs in our European network. We look forward to what the future brings for the routes and to working with the harbour to continuously improve our services for our customers.”

Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour Commissioners said:
“Stena Line is one of Belfast Harbour’s most important strategic partners and plays an integral role in the life of Belfast Harbour and our local economy. We considered it would be a fitting tribute to recognise the contribution and commitment that Dan has made personally to the Company’s growth in Belfast with a portrait of him to be displayed in the Harbour Office. Dan has been a great friend to Belfast Harbour and the City and Region over the last 30 years. We look forward to the continued success of our partnership as Stena Line expands and develops its freight and passenger services in the future.”

In 2023, Stena Line announced that it is making a multi-million pound investment in two hybrid ‘NewMax’ RoRo vessels for the Belfast – Heysham service which will boost capacity by 80%. Construction on these ships commenced in China earlier this month, with the first scheduled to join the route in Autumn 2025.

Paul Grant, Trade Director, Irish Sea, Stena Line said,
“Our Belfast routes have broken freight records in 2023 and we’re proud to keep delivering market leading freight and travel solutions. We’re constantly trying to improve and give customers the service levels they want and deserve. The strong relationship with Belfast Harbour has helped us facilitate growth and looking forward to 2025, we’re making preparations for our new ships on the Belfast-Heysham service, which will provide a significant boost in capacity.”

Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet providing up to 238 weekly sailings offering the widest choice of routes including: combined passenger and freight services from Belfast to Cairnryan and Liverpool, Dublin to Holyhead, Rosslare to Fishguard, Rosslare to Cherbourg, in addition to the dedicated freight only route from Belfast to Heysham and the new Dublin – Birkenhead service which is due to start in February.

Stena Line is one of Europe’s leading ferry companies transporting 6.5 million passengers with 39 vessels across 17 routes in Northern Europe operating 27,000 sailings each year.

PICTURE OF SUCCESS: Belfast Harbour has unveiled a specially commissioned portrait of Stena Line owner and Chairman, Dan Sten Olsson, to celebrate the significant contribution the Swedish ferry operator has made to the Port and Region over the last three decades. The unveiling comes as Stena Line marks a record year for freight volumes on its Belfast routes with approximately 587,000 units being transported in 2023. Painted by local artist, Ken Hamilton, the portrait was commissioned by Belfast Harbour to acknowledge the impact that Dan Sten Olsson and the investment of Stena Line has made to the development of Belfast Harbour in recent years. Pictured at the unveiling of the portrait at the Belfast Harbour Office in Corporation Square are (l-r) Cpt Kevin Allen (Harbour Master), Belfast Harbour, Joe O’Neil (CEO), Belfast Harbour, Andy Kane (Regional Ports Operation Manager-Irish Sea North), Stena Line, Dan Sten Olsson, Dr Theresa Donaldson (Chair), Belfast Harbour Commissioners, Michael Robinson (Port Director), Belfast Harbour, Paul Grant (Trade Director), Stena Line, Niclas Martensson (CEO), Stena Line, and Maurice Bullick (Finance Director), Belfast Harbour.
PICTURE OF SUCCESS: Stena Line owner and Chairman, Dan Sten Olsson, stands alongside a specially commissioned portrait that Belfast Harbour has unveiled a at their Harbour Office in Corporation Square to celebrate the significant contribution the Swedish ferry operator has made to the Port and Region over the last three decades. The unveiling comes as Stena Line marks a record year for freight volumes on its Belfast routes with approximately 587,000 units being transported in 2023. Painted by local artist, Ken Hamilton, the portrait was commissioned by Belfast Harbour to acknowledge the impact that Dan Sten Olsson and the investment of Stena Line has made to the development of Belfast Harbour in recent years.

Ulster Orchestra Take the Stage at The Market Place, Armagh

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Join the Ulster Orchestra for a concert to warm the severest of winter chills!

Elgar’s Serenade for Strings is a gentle, charming work, full of lilting rhythms that suggest folk dances and with a little hint of wistfulness to temper the serenity.

Arthur Benjamin’s name may not be overly familiar, though film buffs will recognise his work from the Hitchcock film, ‘The Man who Knew Too Much’. His Romantic Fantasy for Violin, Viola and Orchestra is a dramatic, virtuosic showcase for the two solo instruments and the Orchestra is pleased to showcase the talents of its leader, Ioana Petcu-Colan and Viola String Leader Wenham Jiang, in the solo roles.

The performance closes with another Ulster Orchestra favourite, Schubert’s Eigth Symphony, known as ‘Unfinished’. It’s a masterful piece of writing, with two movements so complete it’s hard to imagine how there might have been room for two more. By turns tragic and tender, it resolves in a mood of uplift and peacefulness that will send you into the January air with a contented smile.

‘The Ulster Orchestra on your Doorstep’ will be on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 31 January at 8pm. Tickets are priced at £18 (general sale), £16 (concession) and £5 (under 18s).

Tickets for all shows can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Sport Inspires Event Celebrates Our Sporting Champions

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Mary Peters Trust supporters, their guests, and athletes past and present came together in the spirit of sport for the Trust’s annual festive fundraising get together. Hosted by BBC NI’s Stephen Watson, the 2023 Sport Inspires Christmas Lunch was a look forward to the Paris 2024 Olympics as well as a look back at the incredible achievements of our local athletes at Olympics and Paralympics across the decades. On stage and joining Lady Mary Peters were guests of honour; rower Philip Doyle and athletes Ciara Mageean and Michael McKillop. Lady Mary was presented with the first bottle produced of the Goldengirl Gin by Peter Lavery of Titanic Distillers who will donate proceeds to the Mary Peters Trust. Taking place at Belfast’s Hilton Hotel, the convivial gathering celebrated Northern Ireland’s sporting excellence whilst raising funds for talented athletes both disabled and able-bodied to go forward and progress to the highest level possible.

For full coverage check out the January Ulster Tatler.

Translink extends deadline for public to capture life’s connections through a lens!

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Translink has extended the entry deadline for its ‘Connections’ photography exhibition until 2nd February 2024.

The competition has already attracted interest from local students in universities and colleges across Northern Ireland as well as amateur photography groups and members of the general public with an interest in photography. Translink is now encouraging more people across NI to enter by capturing moments of people making real and meaningful connections made possible by Translink services.

Translink by the nature of its work brings people and communities together every day and enables connections with family and friends, connections to work, connections to events or key life moments. Translink’s Connections photography competition aims to celebrate and promote the importance of human connections across society.

Encouraging photographers to enter, Translink’s David Cowan, said:

“We know our passengers have their own stories, adventures and moments of connection using public transport. This competition aims to capture these stories that illustrate the value and importance of public transport.

“As well as having the potential to win prizes, the selected images will feature in a Life Better.Connected photo exhibition, which will travel across Northern Ireland giving a significant platform for local photography enthusiasts to show off their work.”

To find out more including details on prizes, a creative brief and key entry criteria visit Connections Photo Competition (translink.co.uk)

Integrated Education Celebrated at the House of Lords

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Lord Dubs, former Northern Ireland Minister and a long-standing supporter of integrated education, welcomed almost 100 guests to the House of Lords recently to celebrate the crucial role played by the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) in Northern Ireland. The dinner was attended by major donors and supporters, as well as leading political figures and former students of integrated schools. Supporters travelled from far and wide to enjoy the celebration. The IEF works to support the growth and development of integrated education in Northern Ireland. The exclusive London event was a chance to celebrate the successes and achievements of the integrated education movement over the past year. It also offered an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of the work yet to be done.

Full coverage featured in the January Ulster Tatler!

Kelly Morris and Tim McGarry.

Brian Small and Kathryn Wilson.

John Clare, Ian Paisley MP and IEF Chair Peter Osborne.