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10 Year Reunion Celebration of 2013 WPFG – the ‘Best Games Ever’

Posted on August 2, 2023 by admin

We are delighted to announce the eagerly awaited 10-Year Reunion Event of the 2013 World Police and Fire Games which is still regarded by the Games Federation as their ‘Best Games Ever,’ an extraordinary gathering of sporting legends, volunteers and supporters taking place from 5.30 pm at Newforge Sports Association on Thursday, 10^th August 2023. This momentous occasion not only celebrates the spirit of athleticism and friendship that defined the games in 2013 but also seeks to raise awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND), a cause close to our hearts.

The 2013 World Police and Fire Games was truly a spectacle to behold, captivating not only Northern Ireland but the world with unforgettable moments of triumph, sportsmanship, and unity. As we commemorate a decade since that remarkable event, we invite all those who were involved in making it an extraordinary success to join us in revisiting great memories and creating new ones.

In a fitting tribute to the spirit of the Games, the evening will feature a barbecue and entertainment by the talented PSNI Pipe Band, who will perform a song specially written for the 2013 Games. Their captivating melodies will transport us back to those cherished moments when Belfast watched as athletes pushed their boundaries and nations united in celebration.

The event promises to be a day of joyous reunions and meaningful contributions, as we come together to support the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. By leveraging the platform of the ‘Best Games Ever’ reunion, we aim to raise awareness for MND and extend our unwavering support to those affected by this condition.

Let’s come together once again to celebrate a decade of sporting excellence and make a difference in the fight against Motor Neurone Disease. We look forward to welcoming you on this momentous occasion.

To confirm attendance, we kindly request all former athletes, volunteers, and staff to phone Newforge on 028 9068 1027 by (RSVP Deadline), to secure their place at this exceptional gathering.

Lady Mary Peters with Mike McNeice and Alistair McGowan.

The Vikings have Landed

Posted on August 2, 2023August 2, 2023 by admin

The 17th annual Viking Boat Race took place on Sunday 28th May.

The event was held in Cutters Wharf, Stranmillis in association with Ardglass Vikings Association.

DJ Billy was MC for the day as the teams of vikings and valkyries took to the water to compete for Aware NI.

Full coverage in July issue, now on sale!

New Columnist – Victoria Quinn

Posted on July 3, 2023July 6, 2023 by admin

Ulster Tatler are delighted to announce we have teamed up with Downtown Country and Cool FM presenter Victoria Quinn to bring you a brand new online column.

Victoria’s column will be online at the beginning of each month and we just can’t wait to hear all about what she is getting up to. From planning a wedding, radio, holidays and much more it is sure to be a hit!

Her first column goes live today so make sure to keep an eye on both our socials for the link.

Victoria’s Instagram: _victoriaquinn

Ulster Tatler Instagram: ulstertatler

Joe Kennedy III opens new building at Queen’s University Belfast

Posted on June 23, 2023 by admin

Queen’s University Belfast hosted U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph Kennedy III, to open a new building at Queen’s Management School.

The new state-of-the-art building will become home to the student and staff community at Queen’s Management School, one of the top business schools in the UK and Ireland.

During the visit Mr Kennedy also took part in an ‘In-Conversation’ session with Queen’s Students’ Union President, Emma Murphy.

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s commented: “We were delighted to welcome back Joe Kennedy III to Queen’s today to open this new state-of-the-art, purpose-built building on the Riddel Hall campus, which will be used by our staff and students at Queen’s Management School in the new academic year. As the U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Mr Kennedy brings an important focus on business opportunities for Northern Ireland, recognising the talent we have here and how we can grow and harness that talent for the benefit of our community.

“We would like to thank the Department for the Economy for their significant contribution to this new building at Queen’s which will drive economic growth, with new and better jobs and a more prosperous society.”

Permanent Secretary of the Department for the Economy, Mike Brennan; Pro Vice-Chancellor for AHSS, Professor Nola Hewitt-Dundas; Provost Professor Stuart Elborn; President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s, Professor Sir Ian Greer; U.S. Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs, Joseph Kennedy III; Head of Queen’s Management School, Professor M. N. Ravishankar; US Consul General Paul Narain; President of Queen’s Students’ Union, Emma Murphy; Head of the NI Civil Service, Jayne Brady and Dr Stephen Kingon Pro-Chancellor and Chair of Senate.

Secretary of State Honours Civic Society’s Contribution to Northern Ireland’s Transformation

Posted on June 21, 2023 by admin

The Secretary of State honoured the crucial work by civic society to support the peace process over the past 25 years at a reception in the iconic Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

The reception, part of Northern Ireland Office’s programme to mark 25th anniversary of the Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement, was held three days after the 25th anniversary of the two referenda in Northern Ireland and Ireland which 71% of people in Northern Ireland voted ‘yes’ to the Agreement. Representatives from community organisations, charities, and public servants who have supported Northern Ireland’s transformation, came together to reflect upon the peace, prosperity and other benefits delivered by the Agreement, while looking towards the next 25 years. It also offered the opportunity to acknowledge civic society’s ongoing contribution to the peace settlement.

Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris paid tribute to the incredible work of community organisations and charities in supporting reconciliation between communities, which created the conditions for prosperity which allowed Northern Ireland’s film industry to flourish and to attract world-leading productions such as Game of Thrones. According to the latest figures, screen tourism played a part in attracting one in six out-of-state visitors, accounting for 350,000 visitors and over £50m for the local economy.

Let them shine onstage this summer

Posted on June 19, 2023 by admin

Summer School at The Courtyard Theatre and Theatre at the Mill

Their two brilliant summer school experiences are now on sale at the box office.

Participants aged 5-18 years will have the chance to hone their performance skills, meet likeminded others and have fun!

Snow White Summer School

with Mr Hullabaloo

The Courtyard Theatre, Ballylearl | Monday 3- Saturday 8 July 2023

Join the Mr Hullabaloo team for a week long summer theatre school at The Courtyard Theatre in Ballyearl as they proudly present their colourful production of Snow White.

Based on the children’s classic fairytale, young children will be invited to discover a world of enchantment where anything is possible with a little bit og imagination combined with the magic of theatre!

Children will be treated to classes in acting, singing and dancing before performing live on stage for their family and friends at the end of the week.

For young people aged 5-12 years.

Moana Jnr Summer School

with Cre8 Theatre

Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey | Monday 24 – Saturday 29 July 2023

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Theatre at The Mill and Cre8 Theatre have joined forces in presenting this exciting all singing, all dancing summer workshop production for young people in the borough.

The cast of young people will spend one week rehearsing the show working towards a final presentation at the end of the week for family, friends and public.

There will be a full professional creative team on board to guide the young people through the process, which will feature choreography, singing, acting, puppetry and projection.

Places are limited, so we advise those who are interested to register their place on the course ASAP.

For young people ages 10 – 18 years.

For more information visit: antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Unveiling history

Posted on June 13, 2023June 12, 2023 by admin

The Ulster History Circle and Ards and North Down Borough Council recently unveiled a blue plaque commemorationg Robert Stewart, Viscount Castlereagh and 2nd Marquess of Londonderry.

The unveiling took place at Ards Art Centre in Newtownards.

Full coverage in our June issue, now on sale!

“The Titanic Vet Show” a Huge Success from The Vet Service Raising £3433.82 for Vet Support

Posted on June 13, 2023 by admin

The Vet Service, a worldwide veterinary job platform, has successfully concluded their mental health charity fundraiser and non-clinical CPD event, “The Titanic Vet Show,” held on May 5th and 6th at the Titanic Belfast in Northern Ireland. The event was a resounding success, with both exhibitors and delegates expressing their delight with the venue, talks, and overall running of the event. Interestingly, the proceeds from the launch tickets of the Titanic, which took place on May 31st, 1911, also went to local charitable causes, echoing the philanthropic spirit of The Titanic Vet Show.

The Vet Service launched their donation campaign, “What if we all gave £1 for mental health,” at the start of April, leading up to The Titanic Vet Show. The four-week campaign was an opportunity for those who couldn’t attend the event to show their support for the cause. All proceeds from the event, including the donations raised, will be given to VetSupport, a voluntary mental health support service for vets across the UK and Ireland. The campaign was a huge success, with a total of £3433.82raised for Vet Support.

The conference featured six expert speakers over the two days, covering topics related to Mental Health & Wellbeing, as well as Communications with Vets and Clients. The sessions were worth six hours of CPD and six VCI CVE Points. There were also fourteen veterinary industry exhibitors, providing great networking opportunities for delegates. The black-tie gala dinner on Friday night was a great success, with attendees enjoying a fantastic evening in the company of their peers.

Ed Taylor, Director of The Vet Service, said of the event, “We are thrilled with the success of The Titanic Vet Show and our donation campaign. It’s heartening to see the veterinary community come together to support mental health in the industry. The mental strain on veterinarians has grown in recent years, and it’s vital that we’re aware of the risks of burnout and other mental health issues. We hope this event will be the first of many, providing practical solutions to both the mental wellbeing and Client-Vet communication challenges we all face working in the industry. Thank you to everyone who pledged their support, whether by attending the event or donating £1.”

The Vet Service is committed to supporting mental health in the Veterinary Industry, so watch out for updates on the Titanic Vet Show 2024, with early bird tickets available from the start of January 2024. For more information, visit their website: https://thevetservice.com

Fashion Icons Past and Present: Portraits Including Maisie Wiliams, Stormzy and Audrey Hepburn on Display at Ulster Museum

Posted on May 17, 2023May 17, 2023 by admin

A Century of Style: Fashion Photography from the National Portrait Gallery is a new exhibition, created in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery in London.

15 May 2023: 39 fashion photography portraits are now on display at Ulster Museum in A Century of Style: Fashion Photography from the National Portrait Gallery, an exhibition curated in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery in London. Designed to showcase the role that fashion plays in defining culture, the portraits included have been captured by some of the world’s most celebrated fashion photographers such as Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn, Norman Parkinson and Miles Aldridge, with their subjects style icons from the last century including David Bowie, Loretta Young and Twiggy.

Kim Mawhinney, Senior Curator of Art at National Museums NI said the exhibition is a significant opportunity for people to redefine their understanding of art. She explained: “Fashion photography emerged as a profession in the early 20^th century with its primary purpose to showcase and promote clothing designs. However, in more recent times, fashion photography has grown to be appreciated as an art form, often contributing to contemporary culture. Together with the National Portrait Gallery we have created a captivating exhibition that will challenge some people’s perception of art, whilst also allowing people to be inspired by the essence and beauty of the fashion featured.

“Interestingly, the portraits show how fashion styles continually evolve and change, something the Ulster Museum’s wider fashion collection captures really well through designers such as Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Alexander McQueen, Philip Treacy, Burberry and Vivienne Westwood; showcasing an array of traditional and contemporary design.”

The exhibition of photographs has made its way to Northern Ireland as part of the National Portrait Gallery’s Inspiring People project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Art Fund and aims to bring the Gallery closer to communities across the UK.

Dr Nicholas Cullinan, Director, National Portrait Gallery, London said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Ulster Museum on the National Skills Sharing Partnership as part of our transformational Inspiring People project. By working collaboratively with museums and galleries in this way we hope to encourage the exchange of skills and knowledge which will benefit both museum professionals and our audiences, and to develop collaborative displays which will make our portraits accessible to many more people across the UK.”

Kathryn Thomson, Chief Executive of National Museums NI echoed Dr Cullinan’s thoughts and said: “A Century of Style: Fashion Photography from the National Portrait Gallery is a stunning exhibition which will have a huge appeal to our visitors. The partnership with National Portrait Gallery is very important to ensure people here in Northern Ireland also have the opportunity to access a wide range of art. In addition, the exhibition means we can continue to offer diverse programming at the Ulster Museum which attracts wide varied audiences.”

A Century of Style: Fashion Photography from the National Portrait Gallery will be open until 30^th September 2023 and is free to visit as part of general admission to Ulster Museum. For more information visit ulstermuseum.org

Fashion and Fizz at The Merchant

Posted on May 16, 2023 by admin

Cool FM breakfast show presenter, stylist and fashion show producer, Rebecca McKinney, had fashion fans all in a tizz with a stylish round-up of this season’s hottest trends at the Merchant Hotel.

On a sunny Sunday last month, the super sell-out Spring Style Edit event, hosted by Rebecca, had 200 guests treated to an afternoon of fizz, fabulous fashion and a front row seat for all.

The very best of this season’s trends from our high street favourites including Mango and Reiss came down the runway with beautiful spring summer collections from local independent boutiques, Rio Brazil, Cameo Boutique, Ros Oir Boutique and The Walk in Wardrobe, Banbridge.

Chilled prosecco courtesy of VALDO was served throughout the afternoon with some lucky style queens picking up spot prizes for Best Dressed.

Now that’s what I call style!

Full coverage in our May issue, now on sale!

Caribbean festival to celebrate Northern Ireland writers this weekend

Posted on April 28, 2023April 28, 2023 by admin

BOCAS Literature Festival in Trinidad and Tobago will celebrate some of Northern Ireland’s most exciting writers through a series of events this weekend (until Sunday, 30 April).

The festival, supported by the British Council, will host Northern Ireland writers Jan Carson, Padraig Regan and Michael Magee, who are joined by Belfast’s Lifeboat Press publisher Stephen Connolly and Director of Fighting Words NI, a creative writing charity for children in Northern Ireland, Hilary Copeland.

East Belfast-based writer, Jan Carson, who is best known for her books including The Fire Starters and The Raptures, will host talks and workshops, including the basics of writing imaginative and engaging short fiction; meanwhile poet Padraig Regan, will join a panel discussion examining the body, mind and soul in poetry and queer writing; and west Belfast native Michael Magee, will bring his much anticipated debut, Close to Home, to Bocas.

Bocas Lit Fest is one of the Caribbean’s premier literature festivals, with this series of events a result of a partnership between Bocas and Belfast International Arts Festival which formed in 2021. Most recently, Belfast International Arts Festival showcased Caribbean writers at Belfast’s No Alibis Bookshop including Ayanna Lloyd Banwo with her captivating debut novel, When We Were Birds and Irish Trinidadian writer, Amanda Smyth, and her historical novel Fortune.

This partnership is supported by the British Council and aims to widen appreciation of contemporary writing from Northern Ireland and the Caribbean, alongside developing new commissions with Lifeboat Press and youth focused projects with Fighting Words NI.

Speaking about the collaboration was Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland. He said: “We’re delighted to have Northern Ireland writers showcased in the Caribbean, and this is testament to the exciting literary, press and publishing scenes here. Over the years, Northern Ireland has produced world-famous poets, playwrights and novelists, and there is a wealth of talent. We hope this weekend will help bring Northern Ireland writers to new international audiences, while building and strengthening connections between Northern Ireland and the Caribbean.”

Bocas Lit Fest runs from today (Friday, 28 April) until Sunday, 30 April. For more information visit: https://www.bocaslitfest.com/

This collaboration continues the British Council’s work, building connection, understanding and trust between people in the UK and overseas through arts, education and English language teaching. To find out more about their work in Northern Ireland visit nireland.britishcouncil.org or follow on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram.

From left and clockwise: Michael Magee, Stephen Connolly, Jan Carson, Hilary Copeland and Padraig Regan

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