Featured Event - 7/34 - Ulster Tatler

Sundance Film Festival among leading film industry reps set for Belfast

Posted on April 17, 2024April 17, 2024 by admin

Leading film industry decision makers from the UK, Ireland, Europe and the US are set to descend on Belfast this summer for a crucial networking opportunity at the Docs Ireland Marketplace.

On Friday 21^st and Saturday 22nd June, leading international documentary representatives will be in attendance at the event at 2 Royal Avenue.

Now in its sixth year, the Docs Ireland Marketplace is steadily growing and attracting some of the biggest names in the global documentary film industry to meet local filmmakers and hear their pitch.

A hub for funding, sales and distribution of documentaries in Ireland and globally, the market is springboard for domestic talent, as well as welcoming international submissions.

The deadline to submit projects is Friday 19th April at https://docsireland.ie/industry/marketplace/

Autlook Film Sales
CAT&Docs
Conic Films
Documentary Association of Europe
Dokufest Kosovo
DR Sales
e u ROPE Doconsultancy
Fifth Season
Film Harbour
Finnish Film Foundation
INDOX Films
Java Films
Lightdox
Met Film Sales
Nordisk Panorama
POV
S4C
Sarajevo International Film Festival
SBS
Screen Ireland
Sundance Film Festival
SVT
Swedish Film Institute
SWR
TG4
Thessaloniki Documentary Festival
True/False
Wildcard Distribution

And more to be confirmed.

Pictures from last year’s Docs Ireland Marketplace

The Docs Ireland marketplace is the only marketplace dedicated to documentary on the island of Ireland. Docs Ireland provides an outlet for filmmakers to pitch their project through carefully matched meetings organised by the festival’s industry team. Previous projects have gone on to screen and win awards at Sundance, Hot Docs, IDFA, LFF, Venice and Telluride, with Chloe Abrahams’ The Taste of Mango going on to win the British Independent Film Award (BIFA) for Best Debut Documentary.

Docs Ireland Head of Industry, Roisín Geraghty commented: “We are excited to welcome leading industry delegates from the Irish and international documentary industry players to Belfast this June to participate in the fifth Docs Ireland project marketplace. The marketplace continues to go from strength to strength each year, providing an opportunity for filmmakers to meet one-to-one in carefully curated meetings with decision makers and consultants from the world of non-fiction.”

Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Screen Ireland and BFI/Film Hub NI, and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBCNI and Yellowmoon.

Iconic Europa Hotel completes €17.5 million investment with nostalgic art commission

Posted on April 16, 2024 by admin

Hastings Hotels has completed a €17.5 million renovation at the iconic Europa Hotel in Belfast, marking a significant milestone in its history. The extensive five-year renewal project encompasses upgrades to all 272 guest bedrooms, the Lobby Bar, Piano Restaurant, meeting rooms, and the Penthouse.

To commemorate, Hastings Hotels commissioned celebrated artist Colin Davidson to create new artwork that pays homage to the hotel’s historical significance.

Titled “The ‘71”, the painting captures the essence of a nostalgic journey home with an abstract rendering of the red double-decker 71 bus both Davidson and Howard Hastings, Hastings Hotels’ chairman, used to take home from school.

It has added significance as The Europa first opened its doors in 1971 on the site of the former Great Northern Railway Station, when it inadvertently became a base for overseas journalists covering the Troubles – including Trevor McDonald, Kate Adie and John Sergeant.

“It is no mean feat to completely renovate a hotel, especially when it’s one of the busiest hotels in Northern Ireland,” said Howard Hastings.

“We are thrilled to unveil the culmination of our €17.5 million investment in the Europa Hotel. This project not only modernises the hotel’s facilities but also honours its rich heritage as a Belfast icon.”

“To mark the completion of this momentous project, we are honoured to showcase Colin Davidson’s remarkable painting in our lobby, serving as a poignant tribute to the enduring spirit of the Europa.”

“Close up, it is an abstract blaze of red and yellow brushstrokes and only by looking at it from a distance can the image of the double-decker bus be discerned. “The painting evokes fond nostalgic childhood memories of growing up in Belfast, for Colin, myself and I hope lots of our guests, and is a unique nod to the once in a generation renewal project of this special hotel.”

Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast. His work is held in many public and corporate collections worldwide, including Queen’s University, the Ulster Museum and the National Gallery of Ireland. As well as numerous commissions, Davidson’s portrait sitters have included Brad Pitt, a former guest at the Europa, as well as Seamus Heaney, Liam Neeson, Brian Friel, Sir Kenneth Branagh, Christy Moore and Ed Sheeran.

“It’s a real privilege for me, not just as an artist but also a native of Belfast who grew up during the dark days in this city, to have a painting hanging in this iconic hotel and to see it renewed once again and looking to the future,” said Davidson.

“This painting is personal to both me and Howard. The 71 is a red double-decker bus that we both took, to and from our different schools, albeit a bit further down the road and a few years apart.

“As my child-self moved into adulthood, this was my journey home. I captured every landmark on that route as I looked outward. It became my escape. This is a painting of a memory.

“The lovely synergy in this is that the Europa was also opened for the first time in 1971, so it makes me feel that this painting is meant to be here and that is a delight for me.”

Acquired by the Hastings Hotels Group in 1993, the Europa underwent a significant €9.3 million refurbishment, spearheaded by the late Sir William Hastings, before reopening in 1994. Throughout its illustrious history, the Europa Hotel has hosted a myriad of notable guests, including President Bill Clinton, musicians including Kurt Cobain, movie stars and fashion icons, solidifying its reputation as a premier destination in Belfast.

Colin Davidson (centre) is joined by Andy McNeill, General Manager of the Europa Hotel and Howard Hastings, Chairman of Hastings Hotels at the unveiling of new artwork to celebrate the completion of a five-year renewal project of the Europa Hotel following a €17.5 million investment.

Transport Through the Ages

Posted on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024 by admin

North Down Museum recently opened a new exhibition, ‘Trains, Boats and Planes’, exploring and celebrating modes of transport through objects from the museum’s collection. The museum’s collection possesses a wealth of paintings and artefacts relating to transport and the curated display is a celebration of the movement of people by rail, sea and sky.

Visitors can see an array of artistic interpretations of magnificent vehicles, from the Coronation Scot train to the de Havilland Rapide aircraft flying over Bangor, to tall ships and warships in Bangor Bay. Many of the items have been put on display especially for the exhibition, offering a unique opportunity to view them.

Highlights include paintings by Bangor-born artist Norman Whitla and original travel and tourism posters that were issued by British Railways to promote Bangor in the 1950s.

Speaking about the exhibition, North Down Museum’s Manager, Arlene Matthews, said: “This exhibition highlights the huge impact that transport has made in shaping the history of our borough. Transportation has facilitated the growth of industry and opportunity in our towns and villages and continues to play an essential part of our daily lives.”

‘Trains, Boats and Planes’ is open in North Down Museum’s Long Gallery until Sunday 16th June. Admission is free.

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk.

Jonathan Magee, Museum Assistant and curator of North Down Museum’s new ‘Trains, Boats and Planes’ exhibition, pictured with ‘Rapide’ over Bangor, a painting by Bangor-born artist Norman Whitla.

Sound Around Ards Celebrate 40th Anniversary

Posted on April 12, 2024April 15, 2024 by admin

On Thursday 4th April, Sound Around Ards (Talking Newspapers) volunteers joined with former volunteers, family, friends and guests to celebrate their belated 40th anniversary at Royal Belfast Golf Club. Sound Around Ards is a community-based charity who support people in the Ards Peninsula area who have visual impairment, which means they have difficulties reading the local papers.

Their guests of honour were the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, Lord Weir of Ballyholme and members of the committee of the Association of Talking Newspapers NI.

This celebration was made possible by the generosity of the Community Lottery Fund NI, which awards money raised by the National Lottery to communities across the whole of the UK, who work with local groups and UK charities, enabling people and charities to thrive. They provided the funding for the celebration, as well as the funding to replace all Sound Around Ards’ outdated equipment and furniture in their studio in the Old Laboratories at Ards Hospital and purchase materials to promote their work.

Sound Around Ards (Talking Newspapers) was started in 1980, so they should have been celebrating this anniversary in 2020, but because of the pandemic this was not possible. The company was started by Newtownards Lions Group and the charity were delighted that, even though the Lions Group is no longer in existence, four of their former members were able to join the Sound Around Ards volunteers at Royal Belfast to help them celebrate this milestone.

Sound Around Ards has three volunteers who have been with them right from the start, 44 years ago, with their longest-serving volunteer, Trevor Dillon, in attendance.

Alongside the Lions Group, attending the event was George Morris who was the pioneer of Ards Hospital who donated equipment to the charity over the years.

In his speech, the Chairman of Sound Around Ards, Phil Baron, thanked the Mayor especially for all her support throughout her year in office and paid tribute to the 34 current volunteers, as well as all the former volunteers present, for keeping the charity going for almost 44 years. He said: “Why would you become a volunteer? Why would you stop off at Ards Hospital on a Thursday night on your way home after a busy shift in a hospital or a busy day as a member of a farming family? Why would you leave the warmth of your own home on a dark, wet winter night to speak into a microphone? Why would you travel from Donaghadee, Bangor or Groomsport on those nights? Well, I can tell you because every volunteer, in whatever capacity, cares. They care for people whose lives are very different. They care and think of those less fortunate. They don’t know them personally, don’t know what they look like and, in most cases, don’t know their names, but listeners know their voices and that makes such a difference. They provide comfort, they let them know that they matter and, above all, they feel very much a part of the local community by being kept up-to-date with the local news. This is reflected in the messages we receive through card and notes put inside the CD covers when they are returned from the listeners.”

In replying to Mr Baron, the Mayor said: “Well done to all of the volunteers who have stepped forward over the years to give a voice to the local news stories, their recordings bringing that local news to a wider audience. At Christmas time, I enjoyed going along to the studio and recording my mayoral Christmas message to the readers. Volunteers make an invaluable contribution to making Ards and North Down the best place to live. This anniversary is a great opportunity to spread the word about this wonderful service that you provide, and I hope that, in another 44 years, Sound Around Ards is still going from strength to strength.”

The evening was rounded off by the Chair of the Association of Talking Newspapers NI, Patricia McGuinness, who congratulated Sound Around Ards on this wonderful milestone and brought greetings from the other Talking Newspaper Groups in NI.

The Members of Ballyblack Women’s Institute who make up over 50% of the Sound Around Ards volunteers.

Volunteers John Faros, Stuart White and Penny White.

Lord Weir, Patricia McGuinness (Chair of the Association of Talking Newspapers NI) and Julie Russell (Secretary of the Association of Talking Newspapers NI).

Phil Baron (Chair of Sound Around Ards) with volunteer Kay Johnston and Rebekah Trimble.

Council Developing a More Inclusive City Through Belfast Business Promise

Posted on April 12, 2024April 12, 2024 by admin

Over 40 organisations have now signed up to the Belfast Business Promise, embarking on their journey to become accredited and share good practice to help create a better, more inclusive city.

The initiative was launched yesterday, Thursday 11th April at Belfast City Hall, where participating organisations met to review progress made to date, and hear first-hand experience from Belfast Business Promise organisations including the Lighthouse charity; and Belfast Harbour and the Department for the Economy, who both celebrated achieving membership accreditation.

The Belfast Business Promise is designed to cultivate an ethos of responsible and inclusive business practices: fair pay, good jobs, and secure contracts. It also aims to create a community of businesses and organisations who want to hold themselves to high standards by adopting business practices which deliver added high value to society through employment, procurement and working in partnership with communities.

There are three membership tiers: Supporters, Members and Ambassadors.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, explained: “The Belfast Business Promise is a key part of Belfast City Council’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable economic growth which is at the core of the Belfast Agenda, the city’s community plan. Organisationally, we’re well on our journey to achieve Member status and Ambassador status by autumn 2024.

“We know that there’s undeniable potential to deliver lasting positive social impact through a procurement policy which supports social enterprises, co-operatives and suppliers who have sound ethical practices.

“Belfast City Council became the first Real Living Wage council employer in February 2023. Our Social Value Procurement Policy also requires our contractors to pay the Real Living Wage to employees working on council contracts. We work with multiple contractors delivering major investment projects across the city, so this initiative will have a meaningful impact on Belfast’s workforce while so many navigate the cost-of-living crisis.

“We’ve made substantial progress, but so much more remains to be done. The Business Promise provides a strong platform for us to continue to work together, to deliver the city’s ambitions of becoming a truly inclusive and sustainable city.”

Department for the Economy Permanent Secretary, Ian Snowden, said: “The Belfast Business Promise aligns extremely well with the Economy Minister’s Economic Vision, which includes the goal of delivering good jobs for everyone. By focusing on issues like the Real Living Wage, ending the use of zero-hour contracts, flexible working arrangements and reducing exploitative employment arrangements, the Promise can help achieve that goal.

“The Minister’s Economic Vision also includes decarbonising the economy. Encouraging organisations to think about low or zero emissions technology, supporting the circular economy and creating climate action plans are just some of the areas where the Belfast Business Promise delivers forward thinking alignment with the Economic Vision.

“I would encourage businesses and other public sector bodies within the Belfast region to strongly consider this initiative.”

Jenni Barkley, Communications and Community Engagement Manager, Belfast Harbour, added: “We’ve found the Belfast Business Promise accreditation process very beneficial in giving us a roadmap and advice on how we as employers can support a more inclusive and sustainable Belfast.

“We’re committed to playing our part – and now we look forward to seeing many other businesses joining us so that together, we can help make Belfast a better place to live and work for all our citizens.”

Belfast City Council engaged with over 130 individuals and 30 businesses to co-design the Belfast Business Promise, which consists of eight key pledges. The pilot programme launched last April, working with 228 organisations to test and refine the model.

Key city partners Diversity Mark, Equality Commission NI, Labour Relations Agency, Social Enterprise NI and NOW Group provided specialist technical support and refined the accreditation process. Translink NI has recently joined and will help shape the approach to the core pledge to ‘Protect our environment’.

For more information and to register your interest, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businesspromise

Councillor Paul Doherty, Belfast City Council, Chris McCracken, Linen Quarter BID, Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour and Ian Snowden, Permanent Secretary, Department for the Economy, launch the Belfast Business Promise at Belfast City Hall.

Four Star Pizza Calls on NI Public to Nominate Their 999 Heroes

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by admin

Four Star Pizza is calling on the Northern Ireland public to nominate members of the emergency services that they feel they have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

The ‘call to action’ comes on the back of the popular Irish-owned pizza chain’s sponsorship of the prestigious 999 Hero award at this year’s Spirit in Northern Ireland Awards, an annual awards ceremony that honours inspirational people from across Northern Ireland.

Four Star Pizza CEO, Colin Hughes, who hails from Lurgan in County Armagh, said: “We are very proud to sponsor this year’s 999 Hero award and would urge everyone in Northern Ireland to show their support for our amazing emergency services by nominating anyone they feel has gone that extra mile in carrying out their already vital work.”

“While there can only be one winner of this very special award, we at Four Star Pizza see it as a salute to all those individuals and teams who, on a daily basis, selflessly serve our communities and show such bravery in the face of adversity to help save lives.

“As a company deeply rooted in local communities, with franchises in towns across the island of Ireland, we offer our heartfelt gratitude, on behalf of all our customers and staff, for our emergency services’ extraordinary acts of courage and sacrifice, and we are honoured to help celebrate their resilience and unwavering dedication.”

‘They are the true embodiment of heroism and, as an honest company always striving to be better, their stories serve as beacons of hope and inspirations for us all.”

Last year’s 999 Hero award was won by all-volunteer canine search and rescue charity K9 Search and Rescue NI for the bravery shown by its handlers and rescue dogs in proving certified search and victim recovery canines for coastal, urban, rural and disaster response.

Other award categories at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards, in partnership with Ulster Bank, include Unsung Hero, Charity Champion, Caring Spirit, Community Hero, Eco Champion, Young Carer, Overcoming Adversity, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Spirit of Youth and Spirit of Sport.

A star-studded line up is expected to attend the ceremony which will be hosted by UTV’s Pamela Ballantine and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden at the Culloden Estate and Spa in Cultra on Friday 14th June.

Last year’s event was supported by a host of famous faces, including Snow Patrol’s Gary Lightbody, singer Tony Christie, Hollywood actor Ciaran Hinds, entertainers Christopher Biggins, Linda Robson, Debbie McGee, plus Oscar winner James Martin and Emmerdale stars Natalie Ann Jamieson and Dominic Brunt.

Anyone wishing to nominate a member of the emergency services for the 999 Hero award, sponsored by Four Star Pizza, should send an email to spiritofniawards@sundaylife.co.uk, proving some information on the person(s) they are nominating and why they deserve to win.

Closing date for nominations is Sunday 12th May.

Four Star Pizza CEO Colin Hughes, Director of Marketing Sean Scott and Director of Operations Ciara Kellett are calling on the Northern Ireland public to nominate members of the emergency services that they feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

Four Star Pizza CEO Colin Hughes is calling on the Northern Ireland public to nominate members of the emergency services that they feel have gone above and beyond the call of duty in their job.

Dr Sam’s Absolutely Flawless Roadshow

Posted on April 11, 2024April 11, 2024 by admin

Belfast was the very first location for the landmark national roadshow event, Dr Sam’s Flawless Skin Tour.

Widely considered to be a beauty insider’s best-kept secret, Dr Sam Bunting is known as being one of the country’s leading experts in skin. The highly acclaimed dermatologist, who’s originally from Donaghadee, is famed for combining her expert knowledge of traditional dermatology with mainstream beauty through her work on TV and media, as presenter on TLC’s Extreme Beauty Disasters and her own dedicated YouTube channel. Regularly posting tips and tricks on how to get your skin back to its best and sharing her passion for myth-busting with her no-nonsense approach to skincare, Dr Sam has amassed an ever-growing legion of fans. Over 100 glamorous guests gathered at the Merchant Hotel for an evening with Dr Sam, which I was honoured to host. Delighted fans heard Dr Sam share her expert tips on the key to achieving individual skincare goals, the four steps to building your dream routine, and how to get get signature #GrownUpGlow. The Dr Sam’s Skincare line is now a complete, but compact, product range based on four pillars: cleanse, activate, hydrate, and protect. It targets global skin health with the right ingredients in the right combination at the right concentration to combat the signs of ageing and problem skin issues such as blemished, pigmentation, and redness.

If you’re serious about great-looking skin, head to drsambunting.com.

Nuala Meenehan
Girl About Town

To see more of our Girl About Town, check out our April issue of Ulster Tatler.

Photography by Ian Campbell.

Dr Sam Bunting pictured with family: Imran, Liz, Shel, Eleanor, Helen, Barry, Michaela and Sabah.

Dr Sam Bunting with her team at the Merchant Hotel.

Belfast to Welcome Little Amal with Free Family Events This May

Posted on April 11, 2024 by admin

Free tickets are now available for a series of free family events in Belfast from Thursday 16^th May to Sunday 19^th May to welcome world-renowned creative project ‘Little Amal’ – a signature event in Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme.

‘Little Amal’ is a striking 12-foot-tall puppet of a 10-year-old Syrian refugee who represents all children fleeing war, violence and persecution.

Presented by The Walk Productions, in association with Handspring Puppet Company and local partner ArtsEkta, she will arrive in Belfast by boat on Thursday 16^th May – the first stop in a unique all-island collaboration.

Following her visit to Belfast, Little Amal will make her way to Newry, Mourne and Down where she will cross the border before finishing her journey in Dublin, with details of events to welcome her in these locations to be announced in due course.

The Belfast portion of her visit will be the first major event for Belfast 2024 – the city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration, which is now well underway with projects, activities and workshops encouraging residents to get creative over the next eight months.

Just like her previous visits to New York, London and other locations, Little Amal’s itinerary during her Belfast stay will be shaped by community input, led by Arts Ekta and Belfast-born creative director Des Kennedy, who are delivering the programme on behalf of the council.

Her spectacular arrival, via the River Lagan, will be followed by a free outdoor performance at Custom House Square (Thursday 16^th May, 7pm-8pm, doors closed 6.30pm) where Little Amal will be met by the Seahorse and the Wolf – two ancient heraldic symbols of Belfast. They will take her on a time-travelling journey through the city’s history in a unique show, co-created with local residents, brought to life by a cast of professional and community performers and featuring music from acclaimed composer Neil Martin.

On Friday 17^th May, after a busy day spent meeting with community, school and faith groups and exploring the city, including some of the city’s peace walls, Little Amal will seek sanctuary in St. Anne’s Cathedral. It will be the venue for an evening of original music and art as the cathedral is transformed into a celestial world, with community choirs, local musicians and performers delivering a united message of hope to help Little Amal feel at home (performance 8pm-10pm, doors closed 7.45pm).

Artists have worked with refugee women and community groups to create a handmade patchwork quilt, featuring over 100 individual designs, which will be gifted to Little Amal before she beds down for the night. Following a bedtime story, the cathedral will come alive for ‘Amal’s Dream’, an immersive projection show showcasing original music from leading artist Katie Richardson.

Tickets for both the Custom House Square and St. Anne’s Cathedral shows are available to book now at artsekta.org.uk (limited to four per person).

On Saturday 18^th May, Little Amal will travel to C.S. Lewis Square in east Belfast (7pm-8.30pm, doors closed 6.30pm), where she will step through the wardrobe to explore Narnia with Lucy and Mr Tumnus at a free outdoor show suitable for all ages.

Following ‘Do Not Disturb’ – a tree planting event on Sunday 19^th May at Colin Glen Forest Park in the west of the city (11am-12pm, doors 10.30am), inspired by Ciaran Carson’s poem ‘Belfast Confetti’ – Little Amal’s final stop will be the slopes of Cave Hill (Beann Mhadagáin).

There, she will explore the city’s mythological roots at the Four Treasures of Tuatha (7pm-9pm). Visitors will enjoy drumming, music, dance and a fire ceremony as Tuatha Dé Danann – the people of the goddess Danu – come to life to offer Little Amal gifts of earth, air, water and fire to ‘protect’ Amal on her onward journey to Newry and Dublin.

Tickets for the C.S. Lewis Square and Cave Hill shows are also available to book now at artsekta.org.uk (limited to four per person).

All other public events in Belfast during Little Amal’s visit do not require a ticket to attend.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “This is a really impressive line-up of events, which combines grassroots, community-led activities with the very best of our local arts scene, to create a packed weekend of events, with something for everyone to enjoy.

“ArtsEkta and The Walk Productions have put together a vibrant, colourful showcase of Belfast which speaks to our city’s past and our shared stories, as well as our bright future and our growing diversity. I would encourage everyone to check out what’s available to enjoy as we welcome this spectacular event. Come along with your friends and family and be part of what promises to be a very memorable experience in this special year for our city.”

“Over the last number of months, we been working with residents and artists across the city to co-create a spectacular programme of events to welcome Little Amal in May,” said Nisha Tandon OBE, Chief Executive of ArtsEkta. “We are inviting everyone to join us in the celebrations, which will see every corner of the city come alive with music, dance, theatre and art to help Little Amal learn about Belfast’s people, stories and heritage.”

David Lan, producer of The Walks Productions, said: “I’m thrilled Amal will be visiting Belfast, Newry, Dublin and places in between. Wherever she goes, crossing borders, making new friends, bringing strangers together, she adds a little to the well-being of the world, even in these especially dark times.”

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Valeria Harte, stated: “We look forward to giving Little Amal a warm welcome to Newry, Mourne and Down as part of her inspirational journey between Belfast and Dublin.

“Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to be involved in this all-island initiative and for our residents to have the opportunity to hear Little Amal’s message of hope and empathy. We can’t wait for Little Amal to learn about our diverse community as she shares her story and will be sharing details of how and where to join in with ‘Walk with Amal’ in our district in the coming weeks.”

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Daithí de Róiste, said: “Little Amal is a symbol of hope, goodwill and international human rights and we are delighted to show how warm an Irish welcome can be when she visits Dublin city this May.”

A wide range of free activities and workshops have been taking place across Belfast during March and April as part of the Belfast 2024 programme.

Among the other projects underway are The Hearth, a film-making project co-created with the people of Belfast; Wild Belfast, exploring the city’s unique and hidden biodiversity; 9ft in Common, looking at the potential of 202km of local alleyways and Roots, a cross-community production combining gardening and contemporary dance and centred on the city’s peace walls.

To learn more about Belfast 2024 opportunities coming up near you, visit: www.belfast2024.co.uk

Little Amal pictured in Staten Island, USA.

Little Amal pictured in Toronto, Canada.

Bangor RNLI Receive Donations from Campbell College Kindergarten and Rotary Club of North Down

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

Bangor RNLI was delighted to receive two donations totalling £400 following fundraising drives to celebrate the charity’s 200^th anniversary this year.

Young Henry Scott, presented RNLI volunteer John Montgomery with a cheque for £200 which were the proceeds of a collection by Campbell College Kindergarten.

The funds were raised and donated in memory of Henry’s late grandfather, Johnny Mullen. Johnny was a past crew member of Bangor RNLI and was a very popular and distinguished sailor, both internationally and on the water of Belfast Lough.

On the same day, Peter Bullock also presented a cheque donation for £200 to our volunteers John Montgomery, John Magowan and Chris Beale on behalf of the Rotary Club of North Down.

Peter Bullock said: “We take great pleasure in presenting Bangor RNLI this modest cheque to help with the running of Bangor RNLI. The volunteers here are a credit to the organisation and an integral part of our community.”

Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “We are extremely grateful for these very generous donations from Campbell College Kindergarten and the Rotary Club of North Down. These funds will power our lifesaving work and help our volunteers to continue to save lives at sea.”

For more information on the RNLI, visit: www.rnli.org

John Montgomery, John Magowan, Chris Beale and Henry.

John Montgomery, John Magowan, Peter Bullock and Chris Beale.

Call to Seize ‘OpportUNITY’ to Fight Against Sectarianism and Racism

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

Former world boxing champion Carl Frampton joined the First Minister and Deputy First Minister today to encourage local groups and organisations to get involved in Good Relations Week 2024.

Good Relations Week 2024, co-ordinated by the Community Relations Council, will run from Monday 16th September to Sunday 22nd September with an anticipated programme of over 200 cross-community and multi-cultural events across the region.

The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘OpportUNITY’ which will showcase the action, enthusiasm and commitment of local groups and organisations in their daily efforts to foster positive community relations and promote cultural diversity across the region.

The anticipated mix of workshops, theatre productions, exhibitions, debates, and musical performances will aim to demonstrate the strength of communities working together to break down barriers and seize opportunities to make a difference by promoting peace and understanding.

Carl Frampton MBE, the former two-weight world boxing champion, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the launch of Good Relations Week 2024. This year’s theme is a call to action for all of us to take the ‘OpportUNITY’ to continue working towards a brighter, more inclusive future where every voice is heard and valued.

“Throughout my boxing career, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness first-hand the unifying power of sport. I’ve seen communities come together, supporting one another regardless of background or belief, demonstrating that working together can indeed forge positive community relations.

“This experience has only reinforced my belief in the importance of celebrating the efforts of organisations and individuals that bring our communities closer together and help address important issues like sectarianism, racism, inequality, health and well-being, poverty and education.

“I encourage every individual, community group and organisation to seize this ‘OpportUNITY’ to make a difference by hosting an event during Good Relations Week 2024 and I look forward to seeing some of the amazing events and initiatives throughout the week-long celebration.”

The Community Relations Council is inviting registrations from local community groups, voluntary organisations, statutory bodies, businesses and local councils to host an event that aligns with the them of ‘OpportUNITY’ and showcase their outstanding good relations efforts.

Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council: “Good Relations Week 2024 is a call to action for all of us to work towards making a real and lasting difference by creating a future where inclusivity and diversity are not just celebrated but lived.

“This year’s theme emphasises the importance of co-operation and collaboration. It recognises the power of coming together, sharing our strengths and working as one to tackle the challenges that face us. It’s about creating spaces where dialogue flourishes diversity is celebrated and every individual can contribute to our collective progress in building a society where every voice matters.”

Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, added: “This year, with ‘OpportUNITY’ as our theme, Good Relations Week 2024 will showcase the creativity and dedication of local groups, organisations and individuals working together to break down barriers and deliver meaningful change in our society by fostering understanding and co-operation in every aspect of our lives – be it at home, in schools, in our workplaces, or in all the sports and recreation we enjoy here.

‘We will highlight the extraordinary achievements of the organisations dedicated to nurturing a shared future. It will be a chance for everyone to see and celebrate the impactful work and carried out daily across the region, and it will hopefully encourage wider participation and partnership in building a happier, safer society for all.”

For more information on Good Relations Week 2024, visit: www.goodrelationsweek.com

Pictured launching Good Relations Week 2024 is Carl Frampton MBE alongside Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, Jacqueline Irwin, Chief Executive of the Community Relations Council, Syrian Dancer, Mar Decena, and Chinese Dancer, Weihong Tu.

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

One of the island’s most beloved and long-running festivals is back for 11 days of live music, comedy, film, literature, visual art and more! This year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival takes place from Thursday 2nd May to Sunday 12th May, and features over 100 acts – big, small and everything in between – in dozens of venues across Belfast’s historic cultural quarter and beyond.

The festival marquee at Custom House Square will feature headlining performances from Nadine Shah, Hollie McNish, Ibibio Sound Machine, stone-cold soul legend P.P. Arnold (plus guest Bronagh Gallagher), teenage blues sensation Muireann Bradley, the definitive Neil Young tribute act Harvest, the main magical genius of a comedian Jerry Sadowitz, Baxter Dury, Ireland’s most popular author Marian Keyes, The Dodge Brothers (featuring one Mark Kermode on double bass), Mick Flannery and festival-favourite Janey Godley returns to Belfast after beating cancer, armed with a new documentary film (featuring CQAF) and a lacerating stand-up comedy set.

Nadine Shah, headliner at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024.

Ireland’s most popular author Marian Keyes.

Elsewhere, in one of the strongest music programmes this year, the line-up includes Robert Finley, Snapped Ankles, Conchúr White, TVAM, Jimmie Rhodes, Liu (unplugged), C Duncan, Oisin Leech, Tom Robinson, Lemoncello, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre, Kathering Priddy, Jane Weaver, The Handsome Family and DJ sets from Mr Scruff, Lack of Afro, Justin Robertson and DJ Format.

Robert Finley who will be in attendance at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024.

The festival is thrilled to present the remarkable Joel Harkin as this year’s Artist in Residence. Joel is a singer of songs and a spinner of yarns from County Donegal. His 2020 album Never Happy was shortlisted for the NI Music Prize and is one of the standout Irish releases in recent years.

Joel Harkin, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024’s Artist in Residence.

There’s books and talks aplenty from multiple-award-winning Irish author Sinéad Gleeson, Sara Pascoe will be talking about her new novel Weirdo and Annie McManus will hold a conversation about a life of music, books and broadcasting. CQAF is thrilled to welcome the very legendary Phil Manzanera (of Roxy Music amongst many others) with his acclaimed new memoir Revólución to Roxy. The auteur’s Auteur Luke Haines is back with a new tome – the thrillingly titled Freaks Out! Weirdos, Misfits, Deviants – The Rise and Fall of Righteous Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Daniel Rachel will be in conversation about his new book on the 2 Tone Records Story – Too Much Too Young.

The CQAF film programme includes a special 50^th anniversary screening of everyone’s favourite horror comedy – Young Frankenstein will take place in the gothic surrounds of St Patrick’s Church. The Northern Irish premiere of Birdsong – the incredible account of ornithologist Sean Ronayne’s attempt to record the song of every single bird in Ireland – that’s Ronayne’s attempt to record the song of every single bird in Ireland – almost 200 birds! CQAF will also be presenting the Irish premiere of Big Banana Feet – the great Billy Connolly documentary about his Irish tour in 1975 (which culminated in a performance in the old ABC cinema in Belfast) – long-thought lost but now lovingly restored in 4k.

The enigmatic genius that is Daniel Kitson will be making a live rare foray, performing a brand-new show Collaborator: A Work in Progress, where the audience are part of the script.

And there’s theatre from Big Telly with ‘The Worst Café in the World’ and Tinderbox Theatre Co’s production of ‘I’ve Always Liked the Name Marcus’. Jack Doherty will bring his intimate Edinburgh smash ‘David Bowie and Me’. Hildegard Ryan and Eva O’Connor – the people that brought the award-winning ‘Mustard’ to life at CQAF last year – return with the equally visceral ‘Chicken’, and ‘acclaimed clown’ and emerging idiot Frankie Thompson will be welcomed with CAttS – one of the Guardian’s top five shows of last year. Will Govan will also be performing his celebrated essay on the life of Oscar Wilde, titled ‘Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes’.

The CQAF visual arts programme includes “mother tongue” at The Mac, which is a who’s who of great local artists, new work from Éabha Campbell at Catalyst Arts, featuring a synthesis of traditional oil painting and sound and video installation, the two-site exhibition ‘Smoke’ from international artists and guerrilla practitioners Shiro Masayamas and Leopold Kessler, and ‘Bua an Chultúir/Victory of Culture’, an exhibition of sculpture from Farhad O’Neill.

Hit the North Street Art Festival returns to enliven the spaces and places between festival venues and, wile you’re on your feet, why not join one of our many walking tours – from Black Belfast to the Clifton St Cemetery Tour.

Festival director, Sean Kelly, said: “We always try and make increasingly little go a long way, and this year I hope we’ve achieved that in spades. I think there’s an abundance and diversity of local and international talent. I hate the old cliché ‘something for everyone’, but sometimes it just happens to be true! Come and join us in May and find out for yourself!”

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