Industry names in culture, music and the environment will discuss the vital role of art and creativity in Belfast at the Our Stories Festival, coming up on 21-24 November at venues across the city centre.
The new festival is part of Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme, delivered in partnership with Belfast Stories and produced by Nerve Centre and NI Science Festival.
It offers hands-on workshops and exciting exhibitions, hosted by artists, thinkers, designers, musicians, activists and storytellers. Together, they will look back at a year of citywide creative events and activities and discuss its legacy for people, place and planet – the key themes of Belfast 2024 – as well as its role in shaping other emerging projects, including the groundbreaking Belfast Stories visitor attraction.
So far, 35,000 people have taken part in over 500 events, workshops and activities, from major events like Little Amal back in May, to community projects supported by the Bank of Ideas funding scheme. Over 800 contracts have been signed with artists, production staff, facilitators and designers, supporting jobs, engaging local communities and encouraging creativity.
Opening the festival on Thursday 21 November (7pm-9pm) will be acclaimed naturalist and environmental campaigner Chris Packham. He will join local ecologist Conor McKinney and youth activist Anna Kernahan from Fridays for Future Northern Ireland at the Assembly Rooms to talk about youth participation in tackling climate change.
Other events include Story Soup at Brink!, a space for visitors to write their own stories, Power Plants workshops where families can create mini tray gardens with natural and recycled materials, and Eclectic, an exhibition by graduates from Belfast School of Art at 2 Royal Avenue.
(L-R) Sarah Jones (Nerve Centre), Conor McKinney (Wild Belfast) and Kwame Daniels (Solab) join with Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, to launch the Our Stories Festival, taking place 21-24 November at venues across Belfast city centre.
The festival’s closing event, on Sunday 24 November (3pm-4pm, University of Ulster) will see world-renowned illustrator Oliver Jeffers returning to his native Belfast to discuss how improving access to creativity can create positive environmental change.
Emmy-nominated musician Hannah Peel will talk about her experience of working on North Star – a original production for Belfast 2024 – and her work as a composer for various TV and film commissions for Netflix and Sky, while Martin Green, Chief Creative Officer of Unboxed, Commonwealth Games and Hull City of Culture will share how Hull used investment into its creative sector to unlock new opportunities for local artists and build enduring partnerships beyond their UK City of Culture experience in 2017.
Co-founder of the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit, will also join the ‘Stories to Change the Future’ event, highlighting how his organisation has been working with Belfast 2024 to encourage communities to embrace the environment on their doorstep, through innovative projects like 9ft in Common, which has focused on embracing and using the city’s 202km of alleyways as spaces for growing and coming together.
“Throughout 2024, we’ve celebrated our city’s creativity through events, big and small, and used the arts to bring people together, inspire conversations and enable visitors and residents to see Belfast in new ways,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray.
“The Our Stories Festival will bring all those elements together, delving deeper into the role of cultural organisations and artists to encourage dialogue, ask questions and provoke discussion around key themes like the environment.
“With a great line-up of speakers, it promises to be a very special weekend of events, an opportunity to look back over this year and its legacy, while also looking forward the future and what’s next for our city.”
“Culture is an ecological transformative force, vital to how we relate to our planet. Belfast’s cultural and creative interventions and programmes make a powerful statement of the city’s confidence in the future,” said Sir Tim Smit.
“We, the Eden project team, have so enjoyed working with Belfast 2024 on their nature inspired projects, such as the wonderful alleyways project by 9ft in Common and ROOTS, the community garden at Black Mountain Shared Space, projects inspiring passion and curiosity for biodiversity and care for our planet through creativity and community connection – creating a long -lasting legacy for this city, putting people and planet at its heart.”
Full listings and ticket details for the Our Stories Festival are available at belfast2024.co.uk
(L-R) Creative practitioners Sarah Jones (Nerve Centre), Conor McKinney (Wild Belfast) and Kwame Daniels (Solab) launch the Our Stories Festival at Brink! in Belfast city centre.
His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales has today visited Ulster University’s new state-of-the-art Belfast campus in a showcase centred around the creative industries in Northern Ireland.
Prince William’s visit took place in the Belfast city centre campus, which opened its doors in 2022 and was crowned 2024 RSUA Building of the Year by RIBA, leading the celebrations for the 175thAnniversary of the Belfast School of Art at Ulster University, one of the oldest creative art schools in the UK.
Shortlisted for Times Higher Education’s University of the Year award, The Prince heard from staff, students, President of Ulster University Student’s Union Ethan Davies and Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholomew about Ulster University’s transformative impact on teaching, research, and the local community of North Belfast, becoming an anchor institution for city centre development.
Just three years since his last visit to Ulster University, His Royal Highness spent time in the University’s creative industry spaces and heard about the thriving screen industry in Northern Ireland, bolstered by the University’s research and teaching excellence and with its roots in the Belfast School of Art.
The Prince visited the Virtual Production Studio, a £1m facility supporting cutting-edge teaching and research in the screen industries, and going behind the camera in a Nevada Desert scene, curated and produced by students, and then getting in front of the camera and taking to a 1950s motorbike to virtually ride through the desert scene.
As well as visiting some of the student spaces designed for study, group work and recreation, The Prince joined a training session for the SURF group, a programme delivered in partnership with grassroots community organisations to enable virtual production students to train other young people, who have not otherwise had access to many opportunities, to learn their craft, develop employability skills and raise aspirations.
Prince William also met with acclaimed actor and the first person with Down’s Syndrome to win an Oscar, Dr James Martin MBE, who commented:
“It was a great pleasure to meet Prince William, The Prince of Wales, again. He presented me with my MBE at Windsor Castle in May. The creative arts are very important to us all providing opportunities to have fun and explore important topics. It is so good to see this industry doing so well in Northern Ireland and Ulster University playing a big part in that.”
Today’s royal visit was an opportunity for The Prince to take part in the celebrations of 175 years of the Belfast School of Art and included an introduction to Dr Colin Davidson, world-renowned artist and Ulster University Chancellor, as a series of events and exhibitions to celebrate the past, present, and future of the School take place: The 175 Programme – Belfast School of Art.
His Royal Highness is no stranger to the University, having last visited the new School of Medicine in Derry~Londonderry in 2021, enjoying a taste of Guinness in the Students’ Union, and memorably visiting a mobile petting zoo that comes to campus to support student mental health, with The Princess of Wales holding a tarantula called Charlotte in a memorable moment for all.
Professor Paul Bartholomew, Vice-Chancellor of Ulster University said: “It was wonderful to welcome The Prince of Wales back to Ulster University and showcase our transformative new campus in Belfast, the home of the Belfast School of Art, in what is a very special year of celebrations.
“With the help of our staff and students, we demonstrated our leadership in supporting the evolution of the creative industries in Northern Ireland, introducing The Prince to our work in virtual production and providing a glimpse of University life. Across all of our campuses we are feeding the creative industries – not only developing the skilled workforce that powers the sector, we are also undertaking the research and innovation projects to drive opportunity, we are connecting industry leaders to grassroots organisations to raise aspirations and we are ensuring that our communities are benefiting from the economic, social, cultural and education benefits that arise.
“2024 has been a momentous year for Ulster University as we celebrate the 175th Anniversary of the Belfast School of Art with the help of our artistic alumni and our nomination for Times Higher Education’s University of the Year, so it was an honour to welcome Prince William to mark the special occasion.”
A successful scheme to transform vacant properties in Belfast city centre into new homes for businesses and other organisations is to be extended citywide.
Belfast City Council’s Vacant to Vibrant funding programme has already transformed 26 properties in the city’s core, with work starting soon on another six premises, along Royal Avenue, Fountain Lane and Warehouse Lane.
The previously disused locations are now home to bakeries, gyms, charities, art galleries, hairdressers, tattoo parlours and more, with business start-ups, independent retailers, social enterprises and cultural and voluntary organisations bringing new diversity and vibrancy to the city centre.
The council has now secured funding of up to £500,000 from the Department for Communities and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to extend the scheme further across the wider council boundary, including arterial routes into the city. Grants are also still available for those located within the city centre.
Applications for capital grants of between £2,500 and £25,000 are welcome from interested property owners with vacant premises to let, and businesses looking for new locations in local neighbourhoods who are keen to establish or expand their offering in Belfast.
The grants can be used to support the external and internal works needed to reactivate a space or to help with fitout costs, with full details available frombelfastcity.gov.uk/vacanttovibrant
Picture: Michael Cooper
Information sessions will also take place on:
Tuesday 26 November – 9.30am-12.30pm – Spectrum Centre
Tuesday 26 November – 2pm-4.30pm – Andersonstown Community Forum, Tullymore Community Centre
Wednesday 27 November – 9.30am-12.30pm – North City Business Centre, Duncairn Gardens
Wednesday 27 November – 2pm-5pm – Ashton Centre
Thursday 28 November – 9am-12pm – LORAG
Thursday 28 November – 5.30pm-7.30pm – Eastside Partnership offices
Council staff will be on hand to talk through the application process and eligibility criteria – email vacanttovibrant@belfastcity.gov.uk to register.
Subject to demand, further sessions may be organised in the future.
To apply for the citywide scheme, businesses, organisations and property owners must be located within the Belfast City Council boundary, be an independent retailer, small-medium business, social enterprise, charity, cultural or voluntary organisation and be able to contribute a minimum of 10% match funding, if successful.
“This is a really positive step forward for local communities and a great endorsement of the impact Vacant to Vibrant has already had in breathing new life into vacant premises in Belfast city centre and providing a boost for businesses, charities and other ventures,” said Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray.
“The scheme successfully combines capital grant support to businesses and property owners, with a matchmaking service to help pair vacant properties with suitable tenants. Those taking part also receive wraparound advice from our dedicated business support officers to ensure they have all the tools they need to make their new home a success.
Picture: Michael Cooper
“Every £1 invested in Vacant to Vibrant so far will generate £4 in rates income by bringing unused properties back into use. The businesses we’ve helped so far have also created 110 employment opportunities and, together, they’re making Belfast a more attractive place to invest and visit.
“By extending the scheme outside the city centre, we hope to see similar results along our main arterial routes where we know there are unused buildings and plenty of business potential. Whether you’re a property owner looking for a new tenant or a business or organisation searching for a new set-up, I would encourage you to contact our team and find out if you could be eligible for this support.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am delighted that my department has been able to work in partnership with Belfast City Council to co-fund this worthwhile citywide project.
“This is a great example of collaborative working to achieve our shared goals of regenerating neighbourhoods and making a positive and lasting impact within local communities.”
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The much-loved, responsible footwear brand ESSĒN The Label has expanded its product offering by launching the Evening Bag.
The new silhouette within ESSEN’s leather goods edit, the Evening Bag is a year-round staple. Brought to life in classic black, the enduring design has been thoughtfully crafted in Italy from smooth, LWG-gold certified calf leather. Drawing on ESSEN’s signature motif, this luxurious leather handbag is finished with a chic yet subtle gold monogram closure.
Designed for both function and elegance, the Evening Bag features multiple compartments and a zipped pocket to keep your essentials secure. Complete with a removable ‘smart strap’ with a snap closure, its timeless shape lends itself to every day and evening alike, allowing you to style it as a shoulder bag, crossbody, or clutch. In essence, it’s a perennial wardrobe investment.
The NI Music Prize took the roof off the Ulster Hall last night with an outstanding evening of Music from Northern Ireland. Featuring legends, contenders and show stoppers, the event did not fail to deliver what was possibly the best display of our world class talent to date.
It was an eclectic showcase of the diversity of sounds that now fill our Northern Ireland venues. From the fusion of Traditional Irish music with electronica via Live act winners Huartan, to the pop brilliance of Reevah who pulled out all the stops with pyro sparks and glitter. Jordan Adetunji picked up the YouTube Music Video of the year for the global smash hit Kehlani, now also a Grammy nominated track.
YOUTUBE MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR – JORDAN ADETUNJI.
Dana Masters delivered beautiful soulful and mesmerising vocals, while Derry band Tramp showed us exactly why they took the BBC Radio Ulster ATL Introducing Artist of The Year award last year. Cara Dillon delivered with a poetic class and JC Stewart who won the Single of The Year award is back on top form. Esmeralda Road picked up the public vote for BBC ATL Introducing Artist of Year.
SINGLE OF THE YEAR – JC STEWART.BBC ATL INTRODUCING ARTIST OF THE YEAR – ESMERALDA ROAD.
Eric Bell was presented the Oh Yeah Legend award by PRS for Music and Ralph McLean. Then he proceeded to give us a brilliant live set that included Whiskey In The Jar where we was joined by Tim Wheelerof ASH.
OH YEAH LEGEND AWARD – ERIC BELL.
IMRO presented an award to the family of the late Gerry Anderson. A beautiful moment with his son David Anderson and it was a beautiful tribute.
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC AWARD – GERRY ANDERSON (Presented to his son, David Anderson).
The PPL album of the year was awarded to Problem Patterns and was announced by Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR – PROBLEM PATTERNS.
The atmosphere in the room was incredible and the support from Belfast City Council, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Shine Promotions, YouTube Music, IMRO, Dead Rabbit, PPL, PRS for Music, Runway Artists, Noreast Beers and BBC Radio Ulster was energetically received.
Charlotte Dryden from Oh Yeah said;
“Every year we think there’s no way we can top that one, and we do. A very proud night for NI Music. Massive. Congratulations to all the winners, performers and to everyone involved. The Ulster Hall rocked, raged, sparked, fizzed and filled out hearts tonight.”
The Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Edwin Poots MLA, has hosted a joint ceremony at Parliament Buildings during which Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University conferred honorary doctorates on Joseph Kennedy III, President Biden’s Special Envoy for Economic Affairs.
The Speaker spoke during the ceremony held in the Great Hall on Wednesday.
He said:“As Speaker, I have the privilege of welcoming a wide range of diplomatic, parliamentary and economic visitors and delegations to Parliament Buildings. I very much see this role as an opportunity to promote and celebrate the best of Northern Ireland, our people and our potential.
“I am therefore pleased to have been able to come together today with both of our great universities to honour someone who from the outset has been a great advocate for Northern Ireland and its economic and wider benefits.
“When Joe Kennedy was first appointed as Special Envoy by President Biden, it was rightly recognised as a significant appointment. It is fair to say that he was appointed at a challenging time in local politics. However, the energy and positivity Joe Kennedy brought to the role was entirely fitting for the resumption of business in this Assembly and the appointment of a new Executive.
Speaker Edwin Poots MLA and Joseph Kennedy III in the Senate Chamber.
“Regardless of their individual political views, I know that Members of this Assembly are united in recognising Northern Ireland as a special place which can have a great future if we fulfil our responsibilities to encourage and unleash it. In all of the discussions I have had with him, I know Joe Kennedy needs no convincing of that.
“He has made a point of being out on the ground, meeting people and organisations from across our economy and society. I know how impressed Joe Kennedy has been and that he shares my passion for how much Northern Ireland and our people have to offer.
“Just over a year ago, this Great Hall was the location of a Speaker’s dinner to welcome the largest US investment delegation to visit here, spearheaded by the US Envoy. This is therefore a fitting place to come together with Queens University and Ulster University to express appreciation to Joe for his time as the US Special Envoy for Economic Affairs in Northern Ireland.”
The event, which included a reception, was the first time both universities had come together to jointly bestow honorary doctorates.
Joseph Kennedy III has been the US Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs since December 2022.
Tourism Northern Ireland has supported an event in Dublin to showcase the North as a world class travel and business destination.
Hosted in partnership with Belfast City Council, the gathering was attended by Economy Minister Conor Murphy, as well as media and tour operators in the Republic.
The showcase, which included a dinner reception at the James Joyce Centre followed by a showing of `Agreement’ at the Gate Theatre, aimed to strengthen all-island relationships and forge new partnerships between the tourism industry in the North and the travel trade in the Republic, as well as potential investors and the media.
During the month of October, the Lyric Theatre in Belfast has been presenting `Agreement’ at the Gate Theatre Dublin.
Written by Belfast playwright Owen McCafferty, the play is based around the negotiations leading up to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
Following the play, a special Q&A session – `The Gate Conversations’ – took place.
Hosted by Dearbhail McDonald, the session, which featured Linda Ervine, a well-known Irish Language rights activist and Sinn Féin MLA Deirdre Hargey, explored the legacy of the Good Friday Agreement and the current political and social landscape of Northern Ireland.
(L-R) Lesley-Ann O’Donnell; Belfast City Council, Rachel Leitch; Lyric Theatre, Ellvena Graham; Board Chair Tourism NI, Economy Minister Conor Murphy, Charlie Westenra; Director of Agreement.
Speaking at the showcase, Minister Murphy said: “Tourism is truly a success story of the peace process. While peace has itself brought new visitors to the north, our political history also forms part of our unique offering.
“Since the Good Friday Agreement, the number of overnight visitors to the North of Ireland has more than quadrupled. Spending by visitors has increased more than six-fold. Many tourism experiences are outside of the main urban centres so the growth of the industry has helped to spread the peace dividend throughout the region. The rise of tourism also opened up what was a very closed society to new people and new cultures.”
The Minister added: “Twenty-six years after the signing of the Agreement, this award-winning play continues to bring to life its historic significance to audiences and new generations.”
Ellvena Graham, Tourism NI Board Chair, said: “Relationships between the North and the Republic of Ireland have never been stronger and events such as this provide the perfect opportunity to strengthen those partnerships, network with potential investors and grow programmes with tour operators.
“We are committed to supporting businesses in the south who want to grow their operations in the North and as business and trade tourism is a major driver of growth in visitor spend, reinforcing all-island relationships will only strengthen that offering.”
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray said: “It’s so good to see Belfast’s Lyric Theatre and Owen McCafferty’s award winning play ‘Agreement’ showcased at the Gate Theatre during the Dublin Theatre Festival, thanks to a partnership between Belfast City Council and Tourism NI.
“I look forward to further opportunities for cultural exchange between our two great cities. There’s significant opportunity for Dublin and Belfast to build on our cultural destination reputation and profile together.”
(L-R) Lesley-Ann O’Donnell; Belfast City Council, Ellvena Graham; Board Chair Tourism NI, Economy Minister Conor Murphy, Rachel Leitch; Lyric Theatre, Charlie Westenra; Director of Agreement.
The Salvation Army has launched its Family Appeal at Christmas 2024 with support from internationally acclaimed Northern Ireland actor Ian McElhinney. Well known for his many high-profile roles including Granda Joe in Derry Girls, Ian has been a long term supporter of the work of The Salvation Army. Running for over 44 years, the Family Appeal hopes to help many families struggling to provide gifts for children at Christmas.
The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas has grown rapidly over the years with support from a range of partners including Tesco, Bridge Commercials, Phoenix Gas and many more. It aims to support those who need it most, and with the ever-increasing cost of living, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.
Last year The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas, along with other donors, helped over 2000 families (more than 5000 children) across Northern Ireland.
From left, Major Jacquie Wright and Annie Cook, Family Appeal co-ordinators, with Ian McElhinney.
The campaign mainly relies on the general public to ‘Be A Star’ and donate gifts, as well as the support of volunteers who work at The Salvation Army churches on arranged days. New and unwrapped gifts can be dropped off at all Salvation Army churches and centres across Northern Ireland, as well as some Tesco stores until December 16. Look out for The Salvation Army ‘Be A Star’ donation banks located at the stores.
Members of the public and businesses are also encouraged to make a donation online through the JustGiving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/familyappeal2024 . Whether you wish to donate towards craft items, books, family board games or gifts for teenagers, all donations are gratefully received.
Applications for support are primarily made to The Salvation Army through social workers, health visitors, schoolteachers and other professionals. Then the process begins, enabling The Salvation Army to provide help where needed.
Captain Marion Rouffet, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Northern Ireland, said: “Every year our aim is to reach the people who are suffering the most. We want to bring joy and hope into their lives this Christmas. We rely mainly on gifts donated by the general public as well as our partners and donors. We really could not do this without their help.
We have every confidence that this year’s appeal will be a success because the people of Northern Ireland have generous and loving hearts.”
Supporting The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas, actor Ian McElhinney commented: “My family and I have supported The Salvation Army for many years and especially at Christmas time. They do incredibly important work throughout the year but it’s needed more than ever for those families struggling at Christmas. I am proud to support them as they help to bring comfort and joy to those who need it most. Please, if you can, support The Salvation Army Family Appeal at Christmas – thank you.”
NI drinks company rewards drivers with a FREE ‘no alcohol’ beer over festive season
CRAIGAVON-based United Wines, one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland, has launched details of its annual Designated Driver campaign to encourage safer driving in Northern Ireland during the imminent Christmas party season.
As demand for no- and low-alcohol beers continues to increase year on year, United Wines will be rewarding anyone who puts themselves in the driving seat with a complimentary Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero throughout the festive period, starting on Monday November 18.
To avail of the offer, designed to help drivers enjoy their night out whilst getting friends and family home safely, partygoers who volunteer themselves as a designated driver will receive their free drink when they make themselves known to staff at participating venues and show their car keys at the bar.
“We are delighted once again to launch this important safety campaign to help ‘drive home’ the important message of getting home safely and keeping our roads alcohol free during the busy upcoming festive party season,”said United Wines Brand Manager Gemma Herdman.
“Recent research* shows that one in every two consumers in Northern Ireland can now take or leave alcohol, which has seen sales of no and low alcohol beers soar in recent years – so there are a lot more people out there who are now willing to drive on a night out, especially with taxi shortages making it more and more difficult for party goers to get home safely,”she added.
“At United Wines, we salute all those who volunteer to drive and think they deserve a little reward to help them enjoy their sober night out, so we are sure that a complimentary Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero will help bring some extra festive cheer for all.”
Statistics* show that more than half (54%) of Northern Ireland consumers choose a zero-alcohol solution when they’ve been nominated as a designated driver, with 46% of consumers wanting to see more no-alcohol options in bars and restaurants.
DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: (l-r) Gemma Herdman and Maura Bradshaw of Craigavon-based drinks distributor United Wines launch the company’s festive Designated Driver campaign to help Northern Ireland revellers enjoy the Christmas party season and get home safe. Starting from November 18, the initiative will see partygoers who volunteer themselves as a designated driver rewarded with a free Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero when they make themselves known to bar staff by showing their car keys at participating venues.
“The most popular occasion for Northern Ireland consumers to drink non-alcoholic beverages is when visiting a pub or bar to socialise,” continued Gemma, “with approximately one third* opting for the flexibility and convenience that zero alcohol allows, so they can hop in the car and drive if they need to.
“The majority of no/low alcohol drinkers stay within the beer category which is why we have selected two of our most popular brands, Heineken®0.0 and Birra Moretti Zero, to give customers the opportunity to enjoy great tasting beers in a festive atmosphere whilst keeping safe on the roads,”concluded Gemma.
United Wine’s Designated Driver campaign forms part of Dutch drinks giant Heineken’s global drive to promote responsible drinking.
Heineken has been a leading player in the non-alcoholic beer market since first launchingHeineken®0.0in 2017 in the Netherlands and Germany. Today, it is sold in more than 110 markets across Europe, North America, Africa and Asia-Pacific. Heineken also manufacturesBirra Moretto Zero– the non-alcoholic variant of the UK’s biggest selling Italian beer brand.
Founded in 1985, United Wines, a subsidiary of Heineken Ireland, is now one of the biggest drinks distributors on the island of Ireland. Operating from an 80,000 square foot warehouse in Craigavon, with 55 staff on its books, United Wines distributes an extensive portfolio of beers, wines, spirits and soft drinks to more than 1,000 bars, restaurants, hotels, off licenses, cash & carries, regional wholesalers and national multiples throughout the country.
DRIVING HOME FOR CHRISTMAS: With the Christmas party season fast approaching, Craigavon-based drinks distributor United Wines has launched details of its festive Designated Driver campaign to help Northern Ireland revellers enjoy the party season and get home safe. Starting from November 18, the initiative will see partygoers who volunteer themselves as a designated driver rewarded with a free Heineken®0.0 or Birra Moretti Zero when they make themselves known to bar staff by showing their car keys at participating venues. Launching the safe driving campaign are Gemma Herdman (left) and Maura Bradshaw of United Wines, with Willy Erwin of The Lansdowne on Antrim Road, Belfast.
Starting in October of this year, the vibrant community at Limavady High School gathered for an announcement from Mr. Mornin during the school assembly: Air Ambulance NI was chosen as their official charity! This decision resonated deeply within the hearts of many, particularly current students Harry and Ellie Smyth and their mother, Caroline. Following the tragic loss of their father in a road traffic accident in 2019, the Smyth family has passionately advocated for this vital service, honouring the support they received during an incredibly tough time.
The charity Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, provides the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service for Northern Ireland. The service brings urgent medical assistance attending to patients who are seriously ill or injured, bringing emergency pre-hospital care direct to the casualty with the aim of saving lives, brains and limbs. Air Ambulance operates seven days a week for 12 hours per day. The aircraft can reach anywhere in Northern Ireland in approximately twenty-five minutes. On average, the doctor and paramedic team are tasked twice a day whether that is as a result of a serious road traffic collision, farm or workplace accident, sport and leisure incident or a serious medical emergency, to name a few.
In light of this heartfelt connection, Mr. Mornin enthusiastically set an ambitious fundraising target of £35000, aiming to cover the cost of the Air Ambulance for a whole school week. The school community, including every form class and staff member, united with spirit and determination to embark on this challenging fundraising adventure.
Mr Mornin, principal, stated “It was amazing to see how the LHS family rallied behind this very worthwhile cause. I am so proud of everyone who contributed to our fundraising efforts”
By Christmas, the efforts had resulted in an astounding £10,000, demonstrating the power of teamwork and creativity! Among the many uplifting highlights were the incredible £843 raised by Mr. Caskey’s class, 9F, through their handcrafted Christmas Craft hamper, and the excitement of Charley Smithson winning a PS5 in the much-anticipated Christmas draw.
Staff and students from Limavady High School pictured with members of the Air Ambulance NI HEMS crew at their base.
As the New Year dawned, the fundraising continued with even more enthusiasm! After a brief January break to recharge, they jumped back in with a £10 draw in February, which brought in over £3,000—what an amazing start to the year! Teacher Mrs. McDonald ended up winning the top cash prize of £500, adding to the celebratory spirit.
The local community rallied around the cause with incredible generosity. Roy Nutt raised a jaw-dropping £3,400 at the National Tyre Distributions Association dinner, and Karen Brown, the grandmother of student Abbi Brown, made a splendid £1,000 donation instead of birthday presents for her 60th—what a fabulous way to celebrate a milestone!
In-school fundraisers kept the momentum going, featuring standout events like an exhilarating charity netball tournament led by Mrs. Bingham, a delightful Easter hamper created by Mrs. Quigg, Ms. McCloskey, and 8R, and Mr. O’Doherty’s energetic participation in the Walled City 10K, supported by Form Class 8T. Ice Pop Fridays, organized by Mrs. Patton and her amazing helpers, brought sweet treats to the mix, while Mrs. Maguire and Mrs. Watkin hosted an exciting darts competition, searching for the next Luke Littler!
Not to be overlooked, the brilliant PTA played a pivotal role by orchestrating a lively Blue Lamp Disco and an unforgettable school color run, with memorable moments like the slip and slide and David Ujuanbi’s epic belly flop!
Throughout the year, individual pupils shone brightly in their efforts. Year 10’s Harry Caskey orchestrated his own “guess the sweets in the jar” competition, raising an impressive £1,250, while Year 12’s Lily Thompson tackled a grueling 24-hour challenge that included a 22-mile cycle, an overnight hike, and another 28-mile cycle, all with her mother Amanda and family friend Heather Nicholl! Together, they completed this incredible feat in just 18 hours, raising a jaw-dropping £2,950 for Air Ambulance NI.
The fundraising extravaganza culminated in the spectacular “LHS May Ball” held at the Roe Park Resort, where nearly 200 guests were welcomed, including inspiring speakers Harry Smyth, a current Year 11 pupil, and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Mr. Steven Callaghan. The evening was filled with excitement, featuring a raffle and auction with fantastic prizes donated by local businesses and generous friends of the school.
(L-R): Kevin O’Neill, Ellie Smyth, Mr Ian Crowe MBE, Mr. Mornin, Briege Mulholland.
Mr. Mornin took the stage to share an inspiring overview of the fundraising year and extend heartfelt gratitude to everyone—pupils, staff, parents, and the entire local community—who came together to surpass their fundraising goal. The grand total donated to Air Ambulance NI was an incredible £60,000! (including Gift Aid). What a remarkable achievement for a truly worthy cause.
Katrina Hughes, Area Fundraising Manager for Air Ambulance NI, highlighted the year-long dedication and efforts of Limavady High School. “What the students, staff, and wider community have accomplished in the past year is truly remarkable. They raised enough funds to support almost nine days of this lifesaving service, which is truly special. There was an array of activities throughout the year, including netball and hyrox events, bake sales, and color runs, allowing everyone to get involved. This incredible achievement really demonstrates the power of teamwork and community spirit. We are absolutely blown away by the support from the school and were delighted to welcome several students and staff to our base on October 25th to witness firsthand how their fundraising will make a difference. On behalf of everyone at Air Ambulance NI, thank you so much for helping to save lives.”
The charity aspires to raise £2.5m per year through continued public support, to ensure that the service continues to be there for everyone. There are many ways to support Air Ambulance NI which will truly be making a difference to someone’s life. One of the most impactful ways you can support is by joining Club AANI.
Members of Club AANI help to keep the service operational 365 days a year, by making a small donation each month. Regular donations create sustainability for this crucial lifesaving service and allow the charity to predict regular income levels to keep the helicopter flying while looking towards the future. In return, members receive a limited-edition gold pin badge, monthly updates on the work of Air Ambulance NI and an invitation to an annual members get-together.
