Excalibur Press Announce Online Session Helping Organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Support Economically Inactive People Into Self-Employment

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Delivery man driving van with packages on the front seat. Happy mature courier in truck. Portrait of confident express courier driving his delivery van.

Excalibur Press is set to host an online session to help organisations in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council better support economically inactive people through self-employment opportunities.

Taking place on Tuesday, October 21 from 2pm to 3pm via Zoom, Empowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business will introduce the Go Succeed: Get Started In Business programme, which is being delivered by Excalibur Press on behalf of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Led by Excalibur Press Chief Vision Officer Tina Calder, the session is aimed at community groups, charities, voluntary organisations and other support services who work with individuals currently not in employment or unable to work, offering them an alternative route into economic activity through starting a business.

Tina said: “We’re passionate about helping those furthest from the labour market explore realistic and supported ways into self-employment. This session is a chance for organisations and groups across the Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council to learn how they can connect their service users with free support, mentoring and funding opportunities through the Go Succeed programme.”

The online event will cover key elements of the Get Started In Business programme, including access to service user drop-in clinics, dedicated workshops, and up to 10 hours of one-to-one mentoring tailored to the needs of those who are economically inactive.

Attendees will be given full details of the bespoke mentoring framework, how participants can apply for a £750 grant, and how Excalibur Press can collaborate with organisations to refer or support people into the programme.

There are 50 places available for the session, which is open to any organisation working with eligible individuals in the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

Tina added: “From helping you identify eligible participants to co-hosting events or simply giving you the tools to signpost people to us, this session will walk you through all the ways we can work together to help more people access this fully funded support.”

To sign up for Empowering Your Community: Explore Self Employment To Get Started In Business go to bit.ly/LCCC2110EPweb

To check if your service users or community members are eligible, go to bit.ly/EconomicallyInactive

If this date doesn’t suit you there is also an “all council” briefing session for the 6 council areas we are working with on this project (LCCC, NMDDC, ANDBC, MUDC, FODC, ABC) on Monday 13th October at 2pm. Email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk for registration link.

For more information about the event, programme or collaboration opportunities, email projects@excaliburpress.co.uk, contact Tina Calder at tina@excaliburpress.co.uk or call stakeholder liaison officer Carole King on 07841714056 or carole@excaliburpress.co.uk

To learn more about the Go Succeed programme, go to go-succeed.com

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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Corick House Hotel & Spa, Clogher, County Tyrone

 

Find the perfect place to unwind at Corick House Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of Clogher Valley. Starting from £198 per room make the most of your stay and indulge with sparkling wine on arrival, a delicious two course dinner, full Irish Breakfast, access to the thermal suite and £15 spa credit to be used against a chosen treatment. Offer valid until 23 November 2025. Visit www.corickcountryhouse.com for more information.

Killeavy Castle Estate, Killeavy, County Armagh

 

As the centrepiece of 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s stunning Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate is the ideal place to escape, retreat, relax and unwind this autumn. From £179 per room, stay midweek from Sunday to Thursday and enjoy a luxury overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, and access to the thermal spa facilities. Offer valid until 30 December. Visit www.killeavycastle.com for more information.

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 6 – 12 October

 

  1. Forage & Feast with Paul Cunningham in the Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay, County Down, 9 October. Join an unforgettable evening at Forage and Feast with Paul Cunningham in the Walled Garden, Helen’s Bay. This is a unique dining experience rooted in the land and inspired by nature’s wild pantry. Hosted in the Walled Garden, this exclusive event brings together the best of seasonal, locally sourced, and foraged ingredients in a truly immersive celebration of County Down’s culinary heritage.
  2. Titanic By The Glass, Belfast, 11 and 17 October. Celebrate Belfast’s ambition and achievement as you experience Titanic Belfast like never before. In collaboration with leading drinks experience, The Spirit Circle, Titanic by the Glass will take you on an immersive journey through part of the Titanic Experience with brand new incredible audiovisual installations telling stories of Belfast, its people, its past and its drinks.
  3. The Truffle Shuffle at The Chocolate Manor, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 11 October. The Truffle Shuffle Experience with Chief Chocolatier at The Chocolate Manor, Geri Martin, will guide you through making moulded and hand-rolled truffles. You will craft ganache, and flavour your own truffles, maybe even with a nip of your favourite tipple, if you wish.
  4. Textile Takeover at the Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood, County Down, 11 October. Explore the world of textiles and sustainability this autumn at the Textile Takeover. Try embroidery, watch weaving and rag work demonstrations and see a showcase of works by the Belfast School of Art Textile Students. Listen to talks from Rathlin Wool Project, Mallon Linen and Fibreshed Ireland, and learn about patchworking from the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.
  5. National Trust’s Florence Court, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for open dates and times. Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland with Benaughlin Mountain rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic countryside setting in West Fermanagh. There is something for everyone to enjoy at this extensive and welcoming place.
  6. Apple Sundays at Ardress, Annaghmore, County Armagh, 12 October. Set in the middle of the Orchard County, this is the ideal location to hear all about Armagh’s famous apples and have some family fun. Have a go on the apple press and taste some local cider. You will also have the chance to pick some apples from the local orchard (limited availability).
  7. Zombie Run at The Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 11 October. The ‘undead’ return to The Jungle NI for a terrifying 6K obstacle run. Your mission? Outrun the horde, keep your lives, and conquer the course. Armed with three lives tied at your waist, you’ll dodge, weave, and battle through infected zones swarming with zombies determined to steal them all.
  8. The Bjorn Identity – Thank ABBA for the Music Tour at the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 11 October. World-class, International Tribute to ABBA – The Bjorn Identity return to Burnavon Theatre, to thank ABBA for the music. As one of the most exciting and authentic ABBA tribute bands across UK and Europe, The Bjorn Identity are ready to bring their record-breaking, sell-out show back to Cookstown.
  9. Live Music Nights at the Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 10 – 11 October, and more dates. If you’re looking for somewhere to let your hair down and enjoy some live music, the Gas Bar at The Bushmills Inn is a perfect choice. Catch up with old friends by the open peat fire and relax in a comfortable chair as you listen to some great tunes over a drink.
  10. Ardglass Golf Club – Open Competitions, Ardglass, County Down, 9, 13 October and more dates. Experience the thrill of competitive golf in a stunning coastal setting at Ardglass Golf Club’s Open Competitions. Open to golfers of all skill levels, these events offer the perfect blend of challenge and camaraderie. With dramatic views of the Irish Sea, a historic 14th-century clubhouse, and immaculately maintained fairways, Ardglass promises a memorable day of golf and warm hospitality.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Limavady Museum launches ‘The Daintifyt Years’ Exhibition at Roe Valley Arts Centre

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Limavady Museum has proudly launched its new exhibition, ‘The Daintifyt Years’ at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre.

The event was officially opened by Councillor Steven Callaghan, who highlighted the vital role the factory played in Limavady’s economy and community, and paid tribute to all those who worked there.

The launch evening was warmly attended by former employees of the factory, making for a wonderful night of reminiscing, sharing stories, and enjoying refreshments together.

The Daintifyt Years exhibition pays tribute to one of Limavady’s most iconic factories, which opened its doors in October 1953. Within its first 10 months, the factory employed nearly 250 people and was known for producing the elegant English Rose line of bras and corselettes.

But beyond being a workplace, Daintifyt was a vibrant hub of social activity, fostering strong community spirit through football teams, darts clubs, beauty contests, and the Northgate Ladies Choir.

Although the factory closed in 2004, ending 185 jobs, its legacy lives on. This exhibition celebrates those memories through photographs, artefacts, and a complimentary publication, preserving the rich history of Daintifyt for future generations.

The Daintifyt Years exhibition will be on display until Saturday 28th February 2026. Admission is free and all are welcome to visit.

For further information or to RSVP to upcoming events, please contact: museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

Crafted on the Coastline – A Special Exhibition this November

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This autumn, step inside the Courthouse Bushmills for a very special exhibition – celebrating the craft and creativity of makers from across the Causeway Coast and Donegal.

On Saturday 22nd November, 11am–3pm, explore a vibrant exhibition featuring nine exceptional makers, each bringing a unique perspective and skill:

  • Lisa McGill – evocative seascapes capturing the drama and beauty of the Atlantic coast.
  • Siobhan Gillespie – colourful, joyful paintings inspired by Donegal’s landscapes.
  • Moira McHugh – sustainable art transforming everyday materials into striking creations.
  • Sandra Smith – family-run screen printing studio celebrating local heritage with hands-on workshops.
  • Amy Campbell – minimalist silver jewellery influenced by the North Coast.
  • Samantha Toussaint – sculptural work weaving natural materials with folklore and storytelling.
  • Patsy – Rathlin sustainable knitwear, decorative items, and community-inspired yarn art.
  • Yvonne Moore – bold abstract paintings exploring emotion and the human experience.
  • Simon Hogg – handcrafted gins celebrating local botanicals and heritage.

Families are especially welcome, with a Mini Makers section where children of all ages can take part in drop-in creative activities – no booking required, free to attend and in the same room as the makers.

Visitors can also enjoy tea, coffee and delicious treats on the day, available to purchase.

Beyond the exhibition, The Courthouse offers a host of treasures to make it a real day out! Enjoy The Bistro for a meal, The Designerie for Christmas gifts and artisan treats, and explore the Leap Spaces on the middle floor, showcasing even more creatives.

Dating back to 1834, The Courthouse combines history with a contemporary creative hub, making every visit an engaging and inspiring experience.

This family-friendly event promises a day of discovery, inspiration and hands-on fun!

Event Details

Saturday 22nd November

11am – 3pm

The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QB

Free Entry

 

This event has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland, through the cross-border Connecting Communities project.

For more information, visit: https://www.enterprisecauseway.co.uk/2025/10/06/crafted-on-the-coastline-a-celebration-of-craft-at-the-courthouse-bushmills/

Northern Ireland’s Big Marketing Meet Up Returns To ICC Belfast This November

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Marketers across Northern Ireland are preparing for a powerful day of inspiration as the Big Marketing Meet Up (BMMU) returns to ICC Belfast on Thursday, 6 November.

The one-day event promises to be the room every marketer needs to be in, offering a space designed for content, connections and community.

Returning for another year, BMMU has become a much-anticipated date in the professional calendar for marketers, creatives and communications specialists across Northern Ireland and beyond. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, insightful speakers and focus on collaboration over competition, the event gives attendees the chance to pause, recharge and invest in both personal and professional growth.

With more than 200 marketers and over 20 speakers taking part, BMMU Belfast 2025 is set to deliver a full day of ideas, insights and inspiration. It brings together professionals from every corner of the marketing world to learn, share and immerse themselves in a thriving, supportive community.

Event founder Treena Clarke said the event will help marketers stop spinning plates and take time to reconnect with their creativity and professional purpose. Treena said: “BMMU is about creating a space where marketers can learn, laugh and feel part of something bigger. It is the one day of the year where they can pause the chaos and recharge with the people who understand the challenges of this industry.”

Among the headline sessions this year is a presentation from comedian and content creator Fabu-D, also known as Black Paddy, who will bring humour and honesty to his talk The Dark Side of Social. Using his trademark wit, he will explore the pressures of visibility and vulnerability online and the importance of staying authentic in a world that never switches off.

Lynsey Woods, Global Brand Director at Carlsberg and originally from Moira, will join the stage to share her insights from global household names including Carlsberg and Adidas. Her session, Lessons from Carlsberg & Adidas – How Three Northern Irish Women Shape Global Brands, will showcase the creativity, leadership and brand excellence that have taken local talent to the international stage.

Paula Bloodworth, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer at Idris Elba’s creative company IE7, will discuss Secrets of Strategy from Artists Who Only Live Creatively. Drawing from her experience working with global artists such as Idris Elba and Miley Cyrus, Paula will explore how artistic thinking can inspire marketing innovation and help brands stay culturally relevant.

Also on the programme is former hostage negotiator Nigel Taberner with his powerful session Listening Like a Life Depends on It – What Marketers Can Learn from a Hostage Negotiator. Nigel will share lessons on the art of listening and persuasion, showing how the same skills used to defuse tense situations can help marketers connect, influence and build stronger relationships in business.

Treena said BMMU Belfast 2025 will once again be a day to inspire and energise professionals across the marketing sector. She added: “BMMU is built for marketers who want to connect and grow. This year’s event brings together some of the most interesting and inspiring voices in the industry. It is an opportunity to learn from those who challenge the way we think about creativity, communication and strategy.”

Attendees will enjoy a packed schedule from breakfast networking at 8am through to wrap-up drinks at 6pm, featuring keynote presentations, discussion sessions and the ever-popular after-hours activity Bullshit Marketing Bingo. 

New features for this year include a midday “Hit Pause” session for attendees to take a breather, as well as exclusive Off Stage Sessions that extend the learning beyond the main event through pre- and post-show online content.

Tickets are available now for general admission as well as virtual tickets. Both options include access to keynote sessions, panel discussions, exclusive online content and the private BMMUnity app for continued networking.

To find out more about the programme and to secure tickets, go to https://bmmubelfast.com or book directly via https://www.tickettailor.com/events/bmmubelfast/1474013

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

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Antrim

MAMMA MIA! World-class, International Tribute to ABBA – The Bjorn Identity, return to Theatre at The Mill to thank ABBA for the music.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

BAFTA and Perrier award-winning comedian Dylan Moran is bringing his brand new stand-up show ‘DOLLA HO’ to his homeland this autumn with choice servings of his thoughts on everything and anything – delivered with his trademark poetic panache.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Join Hastings Hotels at the Europa Hotel for a gourmet 3 course dinner paired with Jawbox Gin cocktails. An evening of bold flavours, botanical flair, and Belfast spirit.

Find out more HERE

Down

Shorelife Festival. Enjoy events celebrating the stunning nature and wildlife inhabiting the local shoreline and official Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough, with free entry to explore both locations, fascinating talks, and fun activities for all ages and everyone who loves nature.

Fermanagh

Back by popular demand, the Superstar Wrestling 2025 tour is back with a brand new show.  It promises to be an evening of non-stop action when all of your favourite heroes and villains of Superstar Wrestling! It’s every man for himself. Friend against friend and foe against foe. Anything goes as the wrestlers battle for supremacy. One thing is for sure, it will be sensational!   Expect to see all the action and drama as the top stars of wrestling fight it out to be the king of the ring.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Nature Boy: A Journey of Birdsong and Belonging, Seamus Heaney HomePlace. Expect laughter, expect tears and expect the unexpected – you will never look at the world around you in the same way again.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Food Festival Carrickmore – a fun filled day of flavours, music and family entertainment in the heart of Mid-Tyrone. Sample delicious local and international cuisine, enjoy live music and performances and visit our interactive petting zoo. A perfect day out for all ages.

Find out more HERE

Offers of the Week

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Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

 

Escape to the Everglades Hotel for a delightful two-night break in the heart of Derry~Londonderry. From £170 per room, indulge in a delicious three-course evening meal in the Grill restaurant on your first evening along with one drink per guest, followed by two nights of comfort in their exclusive Cloud Beds with a full Irish breakfast each morning. Offer valid until 31 December. Visit www.evergladeshotelderry.com/offers/ for more information.

 

Belmore Court & Motel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh        

 

Escape to luxury this autumn and winter with this exceptional Lakelands Getaway B&B package – your perfect retreat in the heart of Fermanagh’s countryside. For just £78 per person sharing a Superior Quad Room or £101.50 per person sharing a Superior Double Room, indulge in two blissful nights where you’ll wake each morning to locally sourced breakfast. Your package includes a complimentary bottle of prosecco, a £50 dining credit to explore local restaurants and a 1pm late checkout to extend your relaxation. Offer available until 28th February 2026. Visit www.motel.co.uk for more information.

 

 

For more inspiration or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Offers are correct at the time of publication and are subject to availability and change without notice. Terms and Conditions apply to each offer and can be viewed on the individual provider’s websites. Tourism NI acts as a promoter of third-party offers and accepts no responsibility for any changes, withdrawals, or inaccuracies made by providers. 

 

10 Things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 29 September – 5 October

 

  1. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, County Antrim, 3 – 5 October. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival will make a welcome return this autumn to celebrate the food, drink and local heritage of the area. The programme includes a wide variety of activities and events such as fantastic food and drink samplings and cookery demonstrations from local chefs and celebrity chefs – The Hungry Hooker and Suzie Lee. There will be hosted foodie experiences, heritage walking tours, live music throughout the town, street entertainment, a range of fun kid’s activities, artisan market, craft activities and workshops, fly casting/tying and much more.
  2. Shorelife Celebration – Mount Stewart and Castle Espie, Newtownards & Comber, County Down, 4 October. The Shorelife Celebration event offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of the Ards and North Down Shoreline. The day will be filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, and live music. Lots of extra entertainment, kids’ crafts, and activities for families and nature lovers alike.
  3. National Poetry Day at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 2 October. Let your imagination run free in Discover Art on Level 5. Read poems inspired by the natural world and explore the wonders that shaped them in Discover Nature on Level 3. Connect with the past through poetry and have fun with traditional toys and games in Discover History on Level 1.
  4. Curator Tour: Ulster Emigration and Black History at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 5 October. Join Liam Corry, Curator of Emigration, as he delves into the marginalised histories of enslaved people of African descent. You’ll finish the tour at the Rogan House, one of their most important exhibit buildings and home of the Rogan family who developed a Tennessee plantation after emigrating from Co. Tyrone.
  5. Fermanagh Live | FLive, various venues, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 30 September – 5 October. Enjoy Fermanagh Live Arts Festival, an annual gathering of music, literature and laughs by the lakes. Set across an array of local venues, the festival showcases both local talent and international acts.
  6. Portrush Beer Festival, County Antrim, 3 – 4 October. The festival will feature a number of local breweries showcasing some of their best ales and beers. Browse your way around the bar areas sampling through the beer list and selecting your favourites. The festival will also have food available featuring local traders who will serve a range of dishes to enjoy with your beer.
  7. Seamus Heaney Exhibition at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, visit website for open dates and times. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Seamus Heaney and explore through his words and imagination, the people and place that so inspired him.
  8. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft Markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 4 October. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hold food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month, in Tesco carpark in Dungannon, from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food and hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers.
  9. The Witches are BACK! at The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre, Armagh, County Armagh, 4 October. Join them this Halloween, light the cursed Black Flame Candle and breathe new life into the old. This Salem Trio is up to no good once again. Join them (with caution) as they use their most powerful magic to become young and beautiful forever. Can you stop them? Suitable for children aged 3+. This event will take place in the studio theatre with an unreserved, tiered seating layout.
  10. Wild about Poetry, Slieve Gullion Forest Park – Forest Activities, Killeavy, County Armagh, 4 October. Celebrate National Poetry Week and World Animal Day by joining in some exciting creative writing activities led by local poet, Arlene Pattison. Unleash your creativity and allow your imagination to run wild.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Subject to availabilities with select dates.

Call out for local makers and craft business owners to take part in Knit + Stitch Show

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UK’s largest textile craft event heading back to Northern Ireland for second year 

The organisers of the UK’s largest craft show have issued an invite to Irish makers and businesses to take part in this year’s event.

The Knit + Stitch Show will take place from November 13-16 at the The Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn, the epicentre of Northern Ireland’s once thriving linen heartland.

Responding to feedback from last year’s inaugural show, organisers are introducing bespoke platforms to enable artisan makers and textile craft businesses to take part and showcase their work.

New for this year will be the Knit Lounge, hosted by Inspiring Yarns, and a dedicated Yarn Village promoting independent yarn dyers and producers.  Organisers are keen for local yarn companies and wool providers to get in touch to secure their place in this dedicated feature.

There is also still time to enter the Christmas Jumper Competition, another new feature for 2025 in place of the dressmaking competition. Deadline for entries is 11.50pm (GMT) on October 6 with finalists displayed at the show and modelled on the catwalk

Organisers are asking knitters and crocheters to create a Christmas themed jumper bursting at the seams with festive cheer – the more creative, the better!

In addition to more than 100 craft exhibitors and over 150 workshops, there will be an enhanced focus on knitting and crocheting with 14 knitting exhibitors already signed up to attend. Other new exhibitors this year include Black Sheep, Fantastic Ribbons, Italian Buttons and What The Fabric.

Following the success of last year’s show, organisers are confident the 2025 event will be bigger and better. They’ve even installed a Prosecco Bar so visitors can raise a glass and enjoy a good ‘yarn’.

Visit https://www.knitandstitchshow.co.uk/northernireland/whats-on-pr/ to find out how you can take part in this year’s show and to enter the Christmas Jumper competition.

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