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248th Anniversary of US Independence

Posted on June 28, 2024July 4, 2024 by admin

The 248th anniversary of US Independence was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Ardnavally, Shaws Bridge, in Belfast on Thursday, June 27th. The event drew a distinguished crowd, including notable attendees Consul General Belfast James Applegate and his wife Sarah Boyke. Despite the unseasonable Belfast weather the gathering was a resounding success, marked by its vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Guests enjoyed a series of speeches that highlighted the enduring friendship between the United States and Northern Ireland.

The meticulously organised event provided an excellent platform for networking and celebrating shared values and history. The celebration was widely regarded as a worthy tribute to America’s enduring spirit of independence, leaving attendees with a sense of pride and camaraderie.

Lord Mayor Announces Four Charities For His Year In Office

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

Each year, the Lord Mayor of Belfast selects charities to support during their year in office. Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray, has announced his four official charities – DePaul, Inspire, Show Some Love Ltd and Oh Yeah Music Centre.

Meeting with representatives from each organisation at Belfast City Hall, Councillor Murray said his personal experience of supporting those coping with homelessness and addiction while working in the voluntary sector was a driving force behind his choices.

Representatives from Show Some Love Ltd, Inspire, Oh Yeah Music Centre and DePaul meet with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, outside City Hall as they were announced as his official charities for his year in office. Councillor Murray has selected the four organisations for their work to deliver aid to those experiencing hardship (Show Some Love Ltd), support those coping with homelessness and addiction (De Paul and Inspire) and projects to empower young people and develop their skills (Oh Yeah Music Centre).
From left to right – Becky Bellamy, Show Some Love Ltd, Jackie McBurney, Inspire, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, Connor Kerr, Show Some Love Ltd, Tim McQuade, DePaul and Paul Kane, Oh Yeah Music Centre

“Both DePaul and Inspire do fantastic work here in Belfast – most of which goes unseen,” he said. “Whether it’s counselling, family support or accommodation, without them, many individuals and their families would be struggling even more.”

Tim McQuade, DePaul stated, “We can’t wait to have the Lord Mayor get involved in some of the projects that we have coming up in the year ahead, not least our 20^th anniversary of operations in Northern Ireland.” http://depaulcharity.org/

Inspire representative, Jackie McBurney expressed the charity was “very much looking forward to welcoming the Lord Mayor to our premises in the coming year.” She also stated her charity has “been delivering a service for over 45 years to the people of Belfast and beyond.” http://inspirewellbeing.org/

“As Lord Mayor, I want to highlight the many valuable services they offer and give them the opportunity to put forward what they need to be able to do their job more effectively and continue to deliver this vital support.”

With inclusion and diversity also a key theme for the Lord Mayor’s term in office, Show Some Love Ltd was another natural choice for Councillor Murray.

The charity provides projects, events and spaces to bring people together and offer aid for those experiencing hardship. They work closely with refugees, asylum seekers, the LGBTQIA+ community and those in financial difficulty. Their projects include free packs of toiletries and underwear to those in need, a clothing bank and workshops focusing on textile recycling.

“This organisation has a real ethos of inclusion that runs through all their work, and are strongly focused on reducing loneliness and isolation and improving empathy and understanding of those who are marginalised,” said Councillor Murray.

“Their projects are so diverse and I love their resourcefulness and hustle to take unwanted items and use creativity to turn them into something current, useful and beautiful. By getting together to share skills, they’re also supporting better mental health and doing something good for the environment too.”

Becky Bellamy and Connor Kerr from Show Some Love Ltd stated their community “are over the moon that Councillor Murray is our first gay Lord Mayor of Belfast. The fact that he has chosen us, at this time, whenever we’re a growing organisation with loads of potential, it’s really going to make a huge difference to us and our work.” http://anotherworldbelfast.com/

The final charity chosen by the Lord Mayor, Oh Yeah Music Centre, also has a strong track record in bringing people together, this time through music.

The venue, based in the Cathedral Quarter, runs a wide range of outreach and education initiatives with young people, including work with schools and youth groups from across the city.

“I’ve always been impressed by the events and activities hosted by Oh Yeah and what they bring to our city,” said Councillor Murray. “They work hard to develop the next generation of talent, not just on the stage, but off it too – their programmes and workshops are focused on developing the skills young people need for the world of work and empowering them to be themselves, fulfil their potential, and follow their dreams.

Finally, Paul Kane from Oh Yeah Music Centre expressed how “it’s a real thrill to say thank you for the support the Lord Mayor is giving to us at Oh Yeah Music Centre, from our youth projects like Elevate and our talent development programmes to our live music venue.” http://ohyeahbelfast.com/

“I’m excited to work with all four of my charities this year and provide them with a platform to showcase their work and demonstrate their value within our city.”

From left to right (back) – Becky Bellamy, Show Some Love Ltd, Jackie McBurney, Inspire, Connor Kerr, Show Some Love Ltd
From left to right (front) – Tim McQuade, DePaul, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, and Paul Kane, Oh Yeah Music Centre

http://depaulcharity.org/

http://inspirewellbeing.org/

http://anotherworldbelfast.com/

http://ohyeahbelfast.com/

Ulster Tatler Summer Drinks at Stephen Whalley Gallery

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

Guests enjoyed wine and Four Star Pizza at the Ulster Tatler’s annual summer drinks party, which took place at the Stephen Whalley and Dawn Crothers Gallery & Studios in East Belfast. Guests enjoyed wine and beer courtesy of United Wines.

For Full Coverage See Our July Issue

Summer of Creativity Ahead as ‘Bank of Ideas’ Recipients are Announced

Posted on June 21, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

Twenty nine schemes will share £50,000 from the “Bank of Ideas” to fund local creative projects across Belfast this summer and into the autumn, thanks to funding from Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme.

Belfast City Council is investing £5.9 million into Belfast 2024, which builds upon the council’s existing support for culture and arts and invites citizens to get creative, through a mix of new commissions and community-led programmes, all reflecting the city’s diversity and vibrancy.

A further £250,000 has also been secured from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for ‘Our Future Heritage’ which will enable people to explore Belfast’s tangible and intangible heritage and its impact on our identity through ten Belfast 2024 projects.

The aim of the Belfast 2024 programme is to support jobs in the creative sector, create new opportunities for residents to enjoy and participate in the arts, and showcase the city as a global destination for culture, through its three key themes of People, Place and Planet.

The projects secured the highest number of votes at a special ‘creative market’ held at City Hall on Sunday 2 June, where they showcased their concepts to visitors who had the final say in which schemes received funding and will be rolled out across the city between June and October. See full list below of chosen projects.

“We’ve had a great response to our invitation for communities to bring forward their own ideas for what they’d like to see, and deliver, in their neighbourhoods as part of Belfast 2024,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray. “Their concepts are all unique, and show how creativity can bring people together, encourage them to try something different and provide opportunities for everyone to get involved, no matter what their ability or background. “It has also unearthed people and new groups who are passionate about where they live and the kind of place they want to create.”

Also coming up this summer as part of the Belfast 2024 programme is Midsummer at the Lyric, a new take on the Shakespeare classic from 4-7 July and the first open air production to be held in the Lyric Theatre’s outdoor amphitheatre space.
Tickets are now sold out, but a waiting list is currently open at lyrictheatre.co.uk

Wild Belfast are holding a number of outdoor workshops through their Safari in the City series, inviting residents to learn more about the butterflies, wildflowers, bats and other biodiversity on our doorstep, while Show Some Love Green House – located at 171-175 Victoria Street in Belfast city centre – is open daily 10am-6pm, with events and workshops.

Ahead of Water Works on Saturday 3 August, which will see thousands of boats of all shapes and sizes launched along the River Lagan, arts organisation are also inviting visitors to call into their pop-up shop in CastleCourt every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to get involved in making their own boat.

Keep updated on all upcoming Belfast 2024 events and projects – including ‘The Bank of Ideas’ – at belfast2024.co.uk or follow @belfast2024 on Instagram and Facebook.

Voting for The Bank of Ideas in the IOPD (International Observatory on Participatory Democracy) Awards is open until 12pm on 1 July at https://participate.oidp.net/

Antoinettte Campbell from Wonder Bubble Magic Show (left) and Hannah Goodall from Climate Craic Festival (right) – pictured with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray – are among those to receive funding from Belfast City Council’s Bank of Ideas for creative projects in local communities this summer. 29 projects will share £50,000 of funding as part of Belfast 2024, the city’s celebration of culture and creativity. The grants will be used to support everything from children’s arts clubs and community libraries to craft workshops and fun days for those with special educational needs, with events taking place between now and October.

Creative projects meet with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, to celebrate funding received through Belfast City Council’s Bank of Ideas for creative projects in local communities this summer. 29 projects will share £50,000 of funding as part of Belfast 2024, the city’s celebration of culture and creativity. The grants will be used to support everything from children’s arts clubs and community libraries to craft workshop and fun days for those with special educational needs, with events taking place between now and October.

The 29 ‘Bank of Ideas’ projects are:

ArtsFest – ArtsFest3: Engaging – June 2024
A festival bringing together Belfast creatives at Arts for All, with free inclusive workshops to co-create art and exhibitions for under-represented artists to showcase and sell their work.

Suicide Awareness and Support Group – Chill with Gill café and support for people with anxiety
A weekly support group for people with anxiety, run by a yoga teacher, with chats, deep relaxation, breathing techniques, and advice.

Antoinette Campbell – Wonder Bubble Magic Show – June-October
Experiential and immersive workshops in hostels and with assisted living residents, culminating in a wonder bubble magic show.

Tracey Tsang – Bee Wildflower workshops – July and August
Creative workshops for kids to make bee-shaped recycled paper and paper mache seed bombs, with a creative competition featuring an art exhibition and prizes.

Belfast Massage Project – July-September
Accredited aromatherapy health massage training for members of the asylum and refugee communities, promoting self-care, teamwork and mental health.

Sailortown Regeneration – A Brush with History – July-September
In collaboration with the local community, artists and the Belfast Archive Project, an initiative to re-animate areas of Sailortown with dynamic imagery of local heritage and culture from the area.

Chris Lowry – Community Garden Open Day – July-October
An alleyway garden open day for anyone near the Ormeau Road, with a barbecue, wildflower mural creation and a travelling bike-propelled art gallery!

Mark Cousins and Ross Anderson-Doherty – Disabled Cabaret performance – July
A disabled queer cabaret to raise awareness of the talent of disabled queer people in Belfast.

Meadow Ladies of Bog Meadows – The Meadow Heart Project – July-August
Creation of a large, heart-shaped public art mosaic in Bog Meadows’ new community Wilding Garden, with 15 small pieces to represent the elements of the nature reserve the ladies love the most.

Shannen McNeice – Between Galaxies (profound and multiple learning disabilities children’s show) – July
A multi-sensory theatre show for four young audience members with multiple and profound disabilities and three actors.

Janine Cousins – Community Craft – Give It a Go embroidery – July
Beginner workshops to teach embroidery stitches which can be used in mending or upcycling clothes/fabrics, empowering people and connecting them together.

Neurodiversity SPARK – Neurodiversity SPARK family fun day – August
A family fun day for neurodivergent parents and children, where parents and children can socialise with people like them, with arts stations, guitar lessons, creative writing sessions, quiet areas and food!

Shared Reading at the Duncairn – Stories from the Shadows – 9 August
A summer of pop-up flash fiction encounters on the theme of shadows, culminating in readings at a celebration of the Irish short story at the 10th annual Scribes at The Duncairn writers’ panel.

Black Moon DJ Collective – Mark Patty, Robert Whiteman, Steven Bradley & Deirdre McKenna – Pop-up Picnic Party – August
A music-filled, fun afternoon of creative community that is disabled-led, for all the family. Black Moon DJ will bring the music to get you dancing, with games and prizes. We invite you to join us and bring a picnic.

Corrina Askin for Grow Community Garden/Cave Hill Conservation Dreamer’s Space – expanding the trail – August
Training volunteers to expand on an inspiring art trail recently installed in Grow Community Garden and inspire creativity and wellness for children and young people.

SEN Reform Wellbeing Day for parents/Carers of children with special educational needs and/or disabilities – August
An initiative dedicated to amplifying the voices of neurodivergent youth. By showcasing personal stories through creative activities, it seeks to change attitudes and foster greater understanding of neurodivergence within society.

Spectrum Centre – Ausume Rascal’s Art Explosion – August-October
Art club for kids with an autism spectrum diagnosis to work with an artist to create colourful dinosaurs to be displayed in Shankill Road shop windows and public spaces.

Conway Education Centre – Threads of Empowerment: Transforming Lives through Sustainable Fashion – August-September
Sustainable fashion for refugee and asylum-seeking children, with a charity shop trip, upcycling training and guidance from a fashion designer and a professional photoshoot to showcase the outfits created.

Adele Huddleston – Lower Oldpark Community Association Children’s Community Library and Book Club – September- October
Children’s Community Library will allow children free access to borrow books, their own book club for discussing chosen books and take part in book-themed art and crafts.

Open Ormeau Community Collective – Ballynafest Community Fair – 7 September
Ballynafest will be a family-friendly event, showcasing local musical talent with circus performances, storytelling, community singing and family picnics where neighbours can meet and friendships can be forged at the heart of the community in Ormeau Park.

Climate Craic Festival – 14 September
An inclusive event in Belfast that uses creative arts to engage the community with climate action, promoting sustainability and fostering strong community connections through workshops, performances, and interactive activities.

Zara Birch – Belfast Women’s Circle – 21 September
A sharing circle for women and girls of all generations and cultures, coming together on World Gratitude Day to share stories, boost connections and mental health, with free yoga, meditation, mindfulness and writing workshops.

Roma Support Hub (Forward South Partnership) – Cosmopolitan Cooking Club – September
Bringing the local community together to prepare food and eat it together.

Meg Magill – The Wee Swap – September
A swap shop for children to swap and reuse clothing, toys and other items on the Newtownards Road with toy hospital, children makers’ space, embroidery station, rag mural and a clothes mender.

Community Together Belfast – Cregagh and Woodstock Diversity Carnival – September
A colourful, creative celebration of the many diverse cultures that exist on the Cregagh and Woodstock Roads, using dance, music, storytelling, visual art, food, and fun to bring people together.

Platform Arts – East Belfast Late Night Art – September
Creating a map of East Belfast arts locations for open gallery events on the first Thursday of the month, with a guided tour, talks and a shuttle bus.

Pitt Park Residents’ Association – Pitt Stop caravan – October
Turning a caravan into a creative community hub in Pitt Park as a drop-in for all ages for a cuppa and soup or for children’s games, crafts, and community fun days.

Ark Housing – Big Belfast Halal-o-ween Party – October
Inclusive celebration that re-imagines Halloween, making it more welcoming for Muslim families by blending cultural traditions, music and entertainment to create connections and showcase creativity and diversity.

Belfast Print Workshop – C’mon and print Belfast – October
Communal print-making on 10m rolls of paper with colourful ink, mark-marking with hands, wheels and flowers and more.

Queen’s Initiative Creating 4,000 New Jobs

Posted on June 20, 2024 by admin

This initiative comes as a direct result of Queen’s University’s £230 million programme across three innovation centres as part of the Belfast Region City Deal, with a funding commitment of £170m from the UK Government and NI Executive.

Queen’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Elborn told an audience of over 200 stakeholders that significant progress has been made and the £230m invested into programme of innovation will be “transformational.”

Conor Murphy stated he hoped the programme “will help translate innovation into tangible outcomes for the wider economy, and for wider society” which will build “a highly skilled workforce.” He added, projects like these “will see public investment of over £1.3 billion.”

The innovation centres are now live and have already been involved in a diverse range of impactful initiatives, from a Smart City-Zens project in the Belfast Market area providing digital technology to tackle common urban problems, to working with local schools to support students to learn skills for the jobs of the future. Other projects include iREACH Health. It is a £62m integrated clinical research centre helping NI become a global leader in life & health sciences in the next decade, delivered in partnership with Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency with construction starting on two sites on the Lisburn Road later this year. Momentum One Zero is a £70m global innovation centre spearheaded by Queen’s which is set to reshape Northern Ireland’s digital landscape. It has recently formed new major interdisciplinary partnerships and secured grants, including the signing of a memorandum of understanding earlier this year with Health and Social Care NI.

Dr Ryan Feeney, Queen’s Vice-President, Strategic Engagement and External Affairs, Professor Stuart Elborn, Queen’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Conor Murphy, Minister for the Economy, Kara Bailie, Deputy Director of Strategic Programmes at Queen’s, David Quinn, Executive Director

The Future of Shared Learning

Posted on June 20, 2024June 21, 2024 by admin

An exciting new initiative to encourage cross border education led by the Education Authority has been awarded €34.5m (£29m) of PEACEPLUS funding. This ASPIRE project will bring 111,000 students at every school level, from different cultural, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds together to learn over the next 5 years. The project will also provide joint training schemes to better equip 1,761 educators to facilitate shared learning.

The PEACEPLUS programme is co-funded by the EU, the UK and Irish Governments and the NI Executive, with total value of €1.14 billion. The initiative has gained a wealth of support, with Education Minister Paul Givan stating the programme will bring “educational, social and economic benefits”.

SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre hopes it will support children and young people to see that ‘difference’ is not a cause for division but an opportunity for learning and growth.”

Future of Shared Learning funding by the Education Authority.

A Truly Independent Whiskey

Posted on June 13, 2024 by admin

Dragon Claw Whiskey was founded in 2020 by world Re-owned Tattoo Artist Chris Crooks owner of White Dragon Tattoo Studio in Northern Ireland. Living much of his youth in America, travelling and specialising in Japanese Tattoos for almost two decades brought together a fusion of styles to Dragon Claw Whiskey. A truly independent Whiskey, where every aspect, design, cask selection, distillation and every creative element of the brand is done by Chris Crooks himself. Dragon Claw draws from that rich artisitic past. Chris’s passion for quality and necessity for detail brings together the history of Irish and Japanese artwork in Dragon Claws design.

Merged with his love of the rich history of the Scots Irish and their role in the history and essence of American bourbon makes Dragon Claw a unique Whiskey within. It started with a simple passion for whiskey. Using a number of old bourbon recipes or corn, Rye and Malt Barley. A very small batch of whiskey from an even smaller pot still, running hot in the hills of Holywood County Down , first moonshine, and pretty dam good even before it made its way into those virgin American Oak barrels. Ageing to a golden rich whiskey. Litre by Litre, year by year. That was the beginning that gave birth to Dragon Claw Whiskey

Dragon Claw is brought to you in a limited edition series of almost only 400 bottles with each special release. Each one bringing its own character to the collection before the release in 2025 of the Dragon Claws new permanent edition. This father’s Day you can join Dragon Claw with its 3rd release of 5, the PX-sherry cask release. Available to buy now at the Vineyard, Ormeau Rd. Belfast. This is truly a unique and fiercely independent Whiskey.

To Learn more about the brand follow Dragon Claw on Instagram.

Www.instagram.com/dragonclawwhiskey

Last minute gifting ideas? Celebrate Father’s Day with something unique: A Tour of McConnell’s Distillery

Posted on June 11, 2024June 12, 2024 by admin

This Father’s Day, give the special man in your life a gift that’s as distinguished and memorable as he is – a visit to McConnell’s Distillery, which recently opened at the iconic Crumlin Road Gaol. Offering a unique blend of rich history, exquisite craftsmanship, and exceptional whiskey, McConnell’s Distillery tour tickets are the ideal way to celebrate and honour father figures everywhere.

Nestled in the heart of Belfast, McConnell’s Distillery is renowned for its storied legacy that dates back to 1776, when McConnell’s Irish Whisky was founded. The distillery tour is a journey through time, showcasing the meticulous process of whiskey making that has been perfected over centuries. From the selection of the finest grains to the art of distillation, visitors will gain an in-depth understanding of what makes McConnell’s Irish Whisky truly exceptional, whilst spending time invaluable time with their loved one.

The tour includes a guided walkthrough of the distillery’s state-of-the-art facilities, where guests can witness the whiskey-making process up close. The experience culminates in a tasting session of McConnell’s finest whiskies, allowing visitors to savour the distinct flavours and aromas that set this whiskey apart.

At McConnell’s Distillery, visitors can enjoy a drink at McConnell’s bar, or a coffee and delicious baked goods in their charming cafe. For the perfect souvenir, visitors can explore McConnell’s extensive gift shop, complete with stylish clothing, captivating books on the history of Irish whiskey, an assortment of whiskey-related accessories and of course, McConnell’s Signature Blend and Sherry Cask whiskies.

Tickets for the McConnell’s Signature Tour can be purchased online here: https://intl.mcconnellsirishwhisky.com/mcconnells-distillery/

Celebrating Success! Over 200 NOW Group Participants Graduate

Posted on June 5, 2024 by admin

Participants from across Northern Ireland Graduate from NOW Group Training Academies

OVER 200 NOW Group participants from across Northern Ireland are celebrating this week after graduating from a range of training and employment academies.

Dedicated to supporting those with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment, this was the largest graduation ceremony in the NOW Group’s history with a total of 214 graduates receiving certificates for completing training in core industries including, warehousing, digital, retail, tourism, catering and hospitality and cyber security, to name but a few.

Participants received their certificates on Tuesday (June 4^th) during a special ceremony at Belfast City Hall, which was hosted by BBC’s Barra Best and attended by the High Sheriff of Belfast, Councillor Sammy Douglas, NOW Group Chair, John Gordon and NOW Group participants and their families.

Reflecting on the significance of the event, Maeve Monaghan, NOW Group CEO, expressed heartfelt congratulations to all the graduates. “Our training academies are designed to equip participants with tangible skills, experience and qualifications, paving the way for their integration into the workforce and helping them to make meaningful contributions to their communities,” comments Maeve.

“We are immensely proud of our graduates and remain committed to supporting more individuals with learning difficulties, autism and other neurodiverse conditions in their journey towards fulfilling careers.”

Maeve adds: “NOW Group is proactively partnering with businesses to address recruitment challenges and provide inclusive solutions for individuals facing employment barriers, and it is thanks to our current partners and organisations, across Ireland, whom we work closely with to run many of our academies and who are helping to lead the way in promoting accessibility, diversity and inclusion.”

In the past year, NOW Group has supported over 1,550 participants through its initiatives with 250 participants going on to gain paid employment. Along with the 12+ bespoke academies, the NOW Group offers soft skills programmes and in the past year, has run over 1,000 courses.

In 2024, NOW Group is aiming to support a further 200 people with learning difficulties into employment through various academies that are currently operating in the hospitality, tourism, ICT, horticulture, and cyber security industries.

For more information on the NOW Group, visit the website: www.nowgroup.org.

Pictured at the NOW Group graduation is Broadcaster, Barra Best, with Maeve Monaghan, CEO At NOW Group and NOW Group participants, Harry Murray (left), Claudia Beatty and Matthew Gray (right).

Pictured at the NOW Group graduation is Maeve Monaghan, CEO At NOW Group with Broadcaster, Barra Best, and NOW Group participant, Claudia Beatty.

Pic credit: Kelvin Boyes

Victoria Launches Best Dressed at Armagh Show

Posted on May 29, 2024 by admin

All roads lead to the picturesque Gosford Forest Park, Markethill on Saturday 8th June for the return of the popular Armagh County Show. Victoria McDowell (pictured) of Spoilt Rotten Boutique will be keeping her eye out for style as she is set to judge the ‘Best Dressed’ competition at the show this year. Established in 2011 and based in Markethill, Spoilt Rotten Boutique offers the finest range of dresses, footwear and casual wear. Victoria will have a number of ladies modelling her fashion at the show.

Whether you go in wellington boots or high heels, Armagh County Show promises to be a fantastic day out for all the family!

Visit www.armaghshow.com or @armaghcountyshow on Facebook for more information.

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