Exciting programme of half-term fun awaits at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

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 Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is gearing up to offer an action-packed half-term programme designed to inspire creativity, curiosity, and fun for children and families.

From imaginative workshops to interactive science shows and live performances, there is something to spark every young mind this February.
Children aged 6–12 can immerse themselves in creative adventures, designing characters and worlds inspired by K-pop and mythical demon hunters (Tuesday 10th February), or exploring the colourful and fizzy wonders of art-meets-science with Mini Professors in Colour Magic (Friday 13th February).
For budding scientists and thrill-seekers, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is hosting interactive shows vas part of Northern Ireland Science Festival, that bring learning to life. Families can join W5 on Tour: The Hunt – Extreme Existence for an action-packed exploration of survival and adventure (Friday 13th February), or enjoy the hilariously messy, hands-on science antics of Nick Arnold in Horrible Science, packed with experiments, quizzes, and outrageous facts (Saturday 14th February).
Younger children and families are invited to experience sensory-rich dance and music performances with Moonlight Dream (Tuesday 10th February).
Celebrate the return of spring at Awakening | A Celebration of Light, Together, a free family-friendly event open to all, packed with craft, storytelling, music, and spectacular fire performance (Thursday 12th February, 3–5pm). Inspired in part by Chinese New Year alongside the Celtic festival of Imbolc, this event celebrates how cultures around the world mark the awakening from winter into springtime. This event has received financial support from The Executive Office through Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre’s half-term programme brings families together through creativity, play, and unforgettable experiences, offering something for every child and young person to enjoy.
For more information or to book please visit: https://www.roevalleyarts.com.

Where We Bury the Bones Comes to the Lyric Theatre for One Night Only

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A unique, contemporary music theatre performance created by some of Ireland’s most acclaimed artists will come to Belfast, as ‘Where We Bury the Bones’ arrives at the Lyric Theatre for a one-night-only performance on Wednesday 11 March 2026.

Presented by Dumbworld, Where We Bury the Bones is an inventive live performance that blends music, movement, projection and storytelling – exploring how places accumulate history, memory and meaning over time.

On stage, the performance brings together some of the finest musicians from across Ireland, alongside dancers, performers and a soprano singer. A scale model of the site forms part of the visual world of the piece, combining with live movement and projection to create a richly layered and visually compelling experience.

Musically, the work is created by renowned Irish composer Brian Irvine – an Olivier Award nominee, four time Ivor Novello and British Composer Award Winner – whose score blends classical composition with traditional and folk influences, as well as song. The music moves fluidly between styles, creating a sound world that is contemporary, expressive and deeply rooted.

The piece was commissioned by Kilkenny Arts Festival and takes inspiration from a small stretch of land on the bend of a river; a place shaped and reshaped over thousands of years. Once home to ancient trees, later an abbey and a brewery, and now a public space, it carries the traces of the people who lived there, worked there, loved there and died there. From this starting point, Where We Bury the Bones explores how humans continually write themselves into the landscape, and how those layered histories shape the present.

Speaking about the work, composer Brian Irvine said:

“This piece grew out of a fascination with how places hold stories, whether we’re aware of them or not. The music draws on a wide range of influences – classical, folk, song – because the place itself contains so many layers. It’s about listening closely to what’s already there, and allowing those histories to speak in new ways.”

Directed by John McIlduff, Where We Bury the Bones avoids traditional theatrical form, instead offering audiences something playful, thoughtful and open-ended.

John McIlduff said:

“This isn’t a conventional play, and it’s not a traditional concert either. It’s something in between; a shared experience that invites the audience to look, listen and think differently about place and time. It’s designed to be welcoming and engaging, whether you’re deeply familiar with contemporary performance or completely new to it.”

Since its premiere at Kilkenny Arts Festival in August 2025, the work has received strong critical response and went on to play two nights at Project Arts Centre in Dublin. Reviewing the premiere, the Journal of Music praised Irvine’s score as “consistently excellent… full of colour and widely expressive, from sections of patient piano passagework or arresting pathos to the cataclysmic climax.”

The Belfast performance at the Lyric Theatre offers a rare opportunity to experience this acclaimed work for a single night only, bringing together an exceptional group of artists in one room to create something genuinely distinctive and alive.

Where We Bury the Bones will be performed at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast, on Wednesday 11 March 2026. Tickets are available via the Lyric Theatre website.

Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival 2026 showcases scenery, history, heritage and spectacular trails

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has launched the 2026 Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival, inviting walking enthusiasts to enjoy a range of inspiring guided walks, through dramatic landscapes from 13th – 15th March.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, pictured alongside Clare Quinn, Trade Engagement Officer; and Lorcan McBride, Far and Wild, to launch the 2026 Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival.

Participants can explore unique forest, mountain and coastal paths while learning more about the area’s rich history, heritage and outstanding natural beauty.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan said: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival is a great opportunity for our residents and visitors to get out and get active while exploring the beauty of our trails and paths.
“This year’s programme includes popular walking routes along with some lesser-known paths and showcases some very special sites.”
Destination Manager Kerrie McGonigle explained more: “The Causeway Coast and Glens Walking Festival is growing in popularity, cementing its place as a highlight in the annual walking calendar.
“Showcasing a stunning range of routes, the festival attracts visitors eager to explore the destination’s dramatic landscapes on foot. The event is a strong motivator for hiking enthusiasts to visit the area, delivering economic benefits to local communities while celebrating the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast and Glens.
“Working with local provider Far and Wild, expert guides will lead each walk to ensure a safe, memorable and immersive experience for all participants.”
The festival commences on Friday 13th March at 1pm with a moderate 6 – 8 km afternoon walk along a section of the Lough Foyle Trail.
‘Tarraingt an Taisce – The Lure of Treasure’ will focus on the fascinating tale of the Broighter Hoard and reflect on the maritime connections between the local community and the history of Lough Foyle.
The second day of the Festival on Saturday 14th March beginning at 9.30am is an 8km exploration of Banagher Glen on hilly trails and minor roads.
‘Lig na Péist – The Last Dragon in Ireland’ explores the relationship between early pre-Christian and Christian traditions as a basis for understanding Irish myths and legends and their meaning.
Beginning at Banagher Old Church, leading to Altnaheglish and back through the native woodlands of the Glen, the walk will investigate the importance of water in modern-day and traditional communities.
The Festival concludes with a challenging 12km multi-terrain walk in the Glenshane area on Sunday 15th March at 9am, encompassing Glenshane Forest, The Priest’s Chair and nearby waterfall before it loops back to Benedy across open mountain.
‘An Buachaill Bréige – The Lying Boy’ highlights the history of penal laws in Ireland in the 18th and 19th Centuries and the impact and legacy upon rural communities in Ulster through the story of the ‘Buachaill Bréige’ or Lying Boy.
For further information and to book, please see Causeway Coast & Glens Walking Festival | What’s On 2026.

Come Glide With Me Brings Music and Meaning On Board Belfast’s Glider

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Passengers aboard a Translink Glider travelling across Belfast became part of a moving cultural experience as the 4 Corners Festival staged Come Glide With Me, a live journey across the city that combined music, spoken word and conversation.

Beginning with a journey from west to east, and later repeated in the opposite direction from east to west, the event invited people to step out of their own corners of the city and share the journey with others.

Starting at St John’s Church on the Falls Road and travelling together to Stormont Presbyterian Church, the Glider itself became a performance space, with singer and poet Jim Deeds providing live music on board alongside contributions from festival participants, while readings and reflections were shared between stops.

Committee members Martin Magill and Maggie Matheson, who respectively live and work in the west and east of the city, offered commentary on the places and buildings passing outside the windows, linking the physical journey across the city with the wider theme of journey that underpins the 2026 4 Corners Festival programme.

Maggie Matheson said: It was such a great opportunity to share some stories of East Belfast with our enthusiastic passengers! There is such a deep and rich history there, sometimes well known, but often hidden. It was a privilege to be a part of the Glider event. 

On arrival at Stormont Presbyterian Church, participants received a warm welcome in the church hall, where refreshments and conversation helped carry forward the spirit of the shared journey.

David Robinson from Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Unit joined the west-to-east journey, outlining the council’s work to build good relations across the city. At Stormont Presbyterian Church hall he then led “Games with Aims”, an interactive session designed to help people connect across difference, before also joining the return journey from east to west back to St John’s Church.

Members of the public were joined by representatives from Translink as well as festival committee volunteers. Some participants were experiencing the Glider, or this part of the city, for the first time.

The event also highlighted the festival’s encouragement of public transport use, aligning with its commitment to environmental responsibility and accessibility.

Photographs from the day capture Jim Deeds performing between seated passengers, volunteers coordinating the journey in high visibility jackets, and festival members gathering at stops along the route, reflecting the sense of connection and shared experience that defines the festival.

Come Glide With Me formed part of a wider programme of events taking place across Belfast as the 4 Corners Festival continues its focus on encounter, understanding and bringing people together across communities.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com

Journey Through Belfast As 4 Corners Festival 2026 Begins This Weekend

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From Friday 30 January to Sunday 8 February 2026, the 4 Corners Festival returns to venues across Belfast with a rich and varied programme built around its latest theme, Journey. 

Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to invite people from across the city to step beyond familiar places and perspectives, offering opportunities for encounter, reflection, creativity and connection.

According to festival organisers, the 2026 theme reflects the many paths that shape individual and collective life, from outward journeys across places and cultures to inward journeys of change, resilience and growth. 

The programme brings together conversation, music, worship, exhibitions, workshops and shared experiences. While all events are free to attend, booking is advised through the 4 Corners Festival website.

Here are the 15 events taking place during the upcoming festival week:

1. Journeying To Resilience Exhibition Launch and Exhibition

30 January 2026 from 1.00 pm

Exhibition open 30 January to 8 February, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm daily, with a late opening on Thursday 5 February

2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1DA

The festival opens in the city centre with the launch of Journeying To Resilience, a powerful photographic exhibition by Westcourt Camera Club. The exhibition shines a light on stories of people across Belfast who have faced adversity, overcome personal challenges and broken destructive cycles on their journey toward recovery, hope and new beginnings. Developed following a series of creative writing workshops with individuals who have experienced personal transformation, the exhibition sets the tone for the week ahead and marks the official start of the 2026 festival.

2. A Youth Journey from Belfast to Katanga

31 January 2026 from 7.30 pm

Knock Methodist Centre, 17 Knock Road, Belfast, BT5 6HS

In November 2025, five young people from South Belfast Alternatives travelled to Kampala, Uganda, to witness how youth living in informal settlements are transforming their communities through vision, determination and resilience. Emmanuel Trinity, Founder and CEO of era92 Group, will share his own journey from street-connected childhood to award-winning social entrepreneur, while local author and peacebuilder Tony Macaulay will explore how the exchange came about and interview the young participants about their experiences.

3. Morning Service

1 February 2026 from 9.00 am, with attendees seated by 8.30 am
Agápê Centre, 238 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6GF

The broadcast service takes place on Sunday morning and will be transmitted live on BBC Radio Ulster. This year’s service explores the theme of Journey and will be led by Rev David Campton, the preacher will be Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin.  

4. The Journey So Far…

1 February 2026 from 7.00 pm
St Brigid’s Parish Church, Derryvolgie Avenue, Belfast, BT9 6FP

Later that evening, Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Bishop of Dover and Suffragan Bishop of Canterbury, reflects on her life journey from Montego Bay in the Caribbean to Kent, where she has found herself at the centre of conversations around migration and ecclesiastical leadership. Music will be provided by the Pro Bono Choir, a Belfast-based ensemble of lawyers known for performing sell-out concerts in support of charitable causes.

5. Winning Through Uncertainty

2 February 2026 from 7.30 pm
St Comgall’s Centre, Ionad Eileen Howell, Divis Street, Belfast, BT12 4AQ

American entrepreneur, bestselling author and international keynote speaker Sam Goodwin shares his extraordinary life story, shaped by travel to all 193 countries of the world and by a period of wrongful imprisonment in Syria. Drawing on themes from his book Saving Sam, Goodwin reflects on resilience, uncertainty and how challenging journeys can shape leadership, purpose and perspective.

6. The Good Journey

3 February 2026 from 7.30 pm
Jennymount Methodist Church, North Queen Street, Belfast, BT15 3DH

Few figures in Northern Ireland are as closely associated with peacebuilding as Rev Dr Harold Good. In this evening of conversation, Shannon Campbell joins Harold Good to explore the encounters, decisions and moments of grace that have marked his journey, from pastoral ministry to international peace work. The discussion reflects on faith, perseverance and what it means to continue journeying toward understanding in divided times.

7. Reimagining Masculinity: Insights for Those Working with Young Men

4 February 2026 from 1.15 pm
Youth Action, 14 College Square North, Belfast, BT1 6AS

This afternoon gathering brings together youth practitioners, educators and community leaders to reflect on what it means to support young men navigating masculinity in the 21st century. Informed by earlier workshops with young men aged 13 to 18, the session explores themes of empathy, non-violence, integrity and belonging, offering space to listen deeply to lived experience and consider how environments can be created where young men are supported on their journey toward confidence and emotional honesty.

8. All Aboard

5 February 2026 from 7.00 pm
Methodist College Whitla Hall, Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 6BY

Play it by Ear invites audiences of all ages on a joyful and imaginative journey, supported by children from local schools. Through music, performance and storytelling, All Aboard explores the many kinds of journeys people experience, from exciting adventures to quieter paths closer to home.

9. Getting To Iona

5 February 2026 from 7.30 pm
St Colmcille’s Church, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB

This theatrical storytelling event traces two journeys separated by centuries. In 563 AD, St Columba set sail from Ireland to Iona, founding a monastery that would become a centre of Christian life across Europe. In 1963, John Barry and fellow pilgrims re-enacted that journey by curragh, later publishing their account in Joyful Pilgrimage. In 2024, Barry’s grandson Tom transformed these stories into a stage production exploring pilgrimage, faith and what journey means in the modern world.

10. Whole and Holy: Disability, Dignity, and Belonging in Faith Communities

6 February 2026 from 1.30 pm
Grosvenor House, Belfast Central Mission, Glengall Street, Belfast, BT12 5AD

This interactive workshop challenges faith communities to think beyond physical access and consider what genuine inclusion looks like in practice. Led by Church of Ireland minister Rev Aaron McAlister, the session explores dignity, belonging and the spiritual gifts disabled people bring to church life, using storytelling, reflection and practical group exercises.

11. In Conversation With Andy White: 40 Years Since Rave On and a Journey in Life and Art

6 February 2026 from 7.30 pm
Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HL

Marking 40 years since the release of Rave On Andy White, this evening reflects on the life and work of the Belfast poet and musician whose career has taken him around the world. In conversation with Rev Steve Stockman, Andy White looks back on the album, the city that shaped it, and the creative journey that followed, with music woven throughout the evening.

12. 4 Corners Knitters

7 February 2026 from 2.30 pm
St Colmcille’s Church, Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3JB

A long-standing favourite within the festival programme, 4 Corners Knitters brings together people from across the city to knit, talk and connect. The items created during the afternoon are gifted to asylum seekers and organisations supporting people experiencing homelessness, combining creativity with practical solidarity.

13. Irish Pilgrim: When The Saints Go Marching

7 February 2026 from 7.30 pm
St John’s Church, Falls Road, Belfast, BT12 6EN

Barry Sloan shares humorous and thought-provoking stories from his travels following the trail of sixth-century monk Columbanus across Europe. Blending music, storytelling and reflection, the event explores faith, history, identity and the ways journeys can challenge assumptions and build unexpected connections.

14. Step Into a Shared Journey: Female 5K Fun Run

8 February 2026 from 9.00 am
Queen’s University Malone Dub Playing Fields, Upper Malone Road, Belfast, BT9 5LA

This uplifting 5K fun run brings women together to share a journey of movement and connection. Participants can run individually or as part of a relay team, with the event open to ages 18 or over and to all abilities.

15. The Journey Toward Reconciliation: Racial Justice Sunday

8 February 2026 from 7.00 pm
St Peter’s Cathedral, St Peter’s Square North, Belfast, BT12 4BU

The festival concludes on Racial Justice Sunday with Dr Jemar Tisby, author of The Color of Compromise, The Spirit of Justice and How to Fight Racism. 

Drawing on his scholarly work, Dr Tisby addresses the church’s role in confronting discrimination and offers tangible steps toward racial justice, reconciliation and peace, both locally and globally.

All events at the 4 Corners Festival are free to attend, but tickets must be booked in advance via www.4cornersfestival.com.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sit Out and Linen Quarter BID, as outlined in the official festival press materials.

Belfast Festival Representatives Meet Pope During Rome Visit

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Members of a Belfast based interfaith festival met Pope Leo XIV in Rome last week during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The 4 Corners Festival committee, board and wider community travelled to Italy ahead of the opening of their 2026 series of events later this week.

Each year the International Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is observed by churches across the world. The week focuses on prayer and action for unity rather than division among Christian traditions.

During their meeting with Pope Leo XIV, members of the delegation introduced him to the work of the 4 Corners Festival and its commitment to peace and reconciliation in Belfast. They presented him with the 4 Corners Festival 2026 programme along with artwork inspired by the city, and spoke about their efforts to encourage connection, understanding and hope across communities.

Pope Leo XIV offered the group a blessing and encouraged them in their work, saying: “Work all together for peace.”

The significance of the encounter and the wider Rome visit for the festival was reflected on by Father Martin Magill of St John’s Parish, Falls Road and Rev Steve Stockman of Fitzroy Presbyterian, University Street.

Father Martin said: “As well as meeting some inspirational speakers many of those who took part in our Rome visit spoke of the conversations they had with one another. Again and again I heard comments on the opportunity they had to build relationships and to get to know one another”.

Rev Steve Stockman explained the visit to Rome and meeting with Pope Leo XIV is a great example of the importance of the work of the 4 Corners Festival in bringing people from across the city and from a range of faith communities together.

He explained: “To be able to share with Pope Leo the work of the Festival with a group of 26 people who cross our Belfast corners in faith and geography was a powerful witness on a world stage of the importance of grassroots peace building. Even more powerful that we were living out the Week Of Prayer For Christian Unity as we did so.”   

The Rome visit comes as the 4 Corners Festival prepares to open in Belfast, running from 30 January to 8 February with the theme Journey.

The annual festival, which has been running for 14 years, was conceived as a way to inspire people from across Belfast to transform the city for the peace and wellbeing of all. The festival encourages people to step beyond the physical and psychological corners of the city through events that bring new places, new perspectives and new connections.

The delegation travelling to Rome reflected the diversity that underpins the festival. Participants came from a range of Christian denominations and backgrounds, with different spiritual journeys and experiences, united by a shared commitment to listening, learning and continuing the journey together. 

While in Rome, the delegation was welcomed at the Irish Embassy and met both the Irish and British Ambassadors to the Holy See. Discussions centred on unity, shared stories and working together across differences, including reflections on peacebuilding experiences in a global context, including time spent in South Sudan.

Another highlight of the visit was a meeting with Irish priest Fr Martin Browne OSB, from the Dicastery for the Promotion of Christian Unity. During the meeting, Fr Browne shared his experience of ecumenical work in Rome and his involvement in King Charles’ recent visit to the Vatican, where the King prayed with Pope Leo XIV.

Fr Browne also arranged for the delegation to attend ecumenical Vespers with Pope Leo XIV at St Paul’s Outside the Walls.

Speaking about how the experience in Rome connects to the festival’s ongoing work in Belfast and its focus on reconciliation, Shannon Goodwin, committee member of the festival, said: “Being in Rome during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity was a powerful reminder that the work we do in Belfast is part of a much bigger journey. Meeting Pope Leo and sharing the story of the 4 Corners Festival affirmed the importance of creating spaces where people can listen deeply to one another, cross boundaries and walk together with hope. What we experienced in Rome strengthens our commitment to continue this work of reconciliation at home, one conversation and one connection at a time.”

The 4 Corners Festival opens on 30 January with a full programme of public events across the city, concluding on Sunday 8 February.

All events are free to attend, though booking is required. Full programme details and tickets are available at 4cornersfestival.com

Young Artists’ Voices Take Centre Stage At Stormont To Mark 15 Years Of Twilight Zone Project

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Young people from across Northern Ireland were invited to the prestigious Stormont Long Gallery this week to showcase their art and creativity to mark 15 years of the Arts Care Twilight Zone Project.

The event saw eight young people between the ages of 12 and 18 gather at Parliament Buildings to present their artwork to a number of politicians and stakeholders, as part of the celebration of their work and the partnership between Arts Care and the Public Health Agency over the last 15 years. 38 young people engaged in the Festival and created artwork exhibited at both Long Gallery Stormont and at Ulster University in December 2025. 

The young people, who live in Health and Social Care facilities across the country, also had the chance to hear about plans for the future of youth-led creative health work in Northern Ireland as part of its wider focus on young people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Also celebrating the success of the 15th Twilight Zone Festival  “Flip the Script” were artists, health partners and policy makers as well as staff from Arts Care. The event was delivered by Arts Care in partnership with the Public Health Agency.

The showcase presented artistic responses developed through the Twilight Zone Festival, highlighting creativity as a vital tool for expression, connection and wellbeing. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the project over the past 15 years.

The Twilight Zone project is for young people living in residential care, aged 12 to 18, allowing them to explore several different art forms including visual art, filmmaking, digital art, music and photography. The project creates space for young people to explore who they are, express what matters to them and contribute to conversations about the services designed to support their wellbeing.

Arts Care Chief Executive Barry Macaulay said: “For fifteen years the Twilight Zone Festival has been about listening to young people and trusting them to express their experiences in ways that feel right for them. The work being shared inspired by  this year’s theme, “Flip the Script” shows the power of creativity to give young people confidence, connection and a sense that their voices matter.

“Bringing this showcase to Stormont is significant. It places young people’s creativity and lived experience in a setting that reflects the importance of their contribution, not just to arts and health, but to how we think about care, participation and wellbeing across Northern Ireland.”

Aidan Dawson, Chief Executive, Public Health Agency: “Creating environments where young people within the healthcare system feel supported, heard and able to thrive is central to improving long-term health and wellbeing. What the Twilight Programme has demonstrated over the past 15 years is the powerful and positive impact the arts can have in helping young people feel motivated, valued and more confident in themselves.

“The Programme has created a unique space where young people can explore their creativity, find their voice, and build important life skills – all within an environment that supports and listens to them. 

“Reaching this 15‑year milestone is a tremendous milestone, and it highlights both the success of the work to date and the need for continued support. The Public Health Agency is proud to support this partnership, and we look forward to the next chapter – one that brings even more opportunities for young people to shape their own stories and influence the future of care in Northern Ireland.”

The event was sponsored by John Blair MLA, who has supported the project and its focus on youth voice and creative approaches to wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, John Blair MLA said: “It’s incredibly impressive to see the work being done by Arts Care and the Public Health Agency. I commend all those involved in what they’re doing. The return on arts expenditure is absolutely massive in terms of social interaction, mental health, physical health, wellbeing, confidence building, the list goes on and on.

“It’s very important that we as MLAs lobby on your behalf to ensure that investment is sustained going forward, and hopefully increases as well. I am so grateful to see Arts Care working with the Public Health Agency to ensure that delivery is on the ground and benefitting young people.”

Arts Care is an arts in health and creative health charity founded in 1991. It works across health, social care and community settings to improve personal health and wellbeing through engagement with the creative arts. The organisation delivers participatory arts projects across Northern Ireland with people of all ages, supporting emotional wellbeing, connection and recovery through creative practice.

Further information is available at artscare.co.uk

TITANIC BELFAST LAUNCHES NEW INITIATIVES TO SUPPORT INCLUSIVE VISITOR EXPERIENCE

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TITANIC Belfast has announced the launch of a series of new accessibility initiatives as part of its continued commitment to ensuring an inclusive and welcoming visitor experience for every guest.

With accessibility and inclusion a key focus for the world-leading visitor attraction, it has announced the introduction of Sensory Backpacks and Quiet Sessions, expanding its range of accessibility supports designed to enhance comfort, independence and enjoyment for visitors with additional needs.

These new initiatives build on Titanic Belfast’s continued investment in inclusion infrastructure and visitor services in recent years – which has included Changing Places facilities, multimedia guides featuring British Sign Language and close working relationships with a range of charities and organisations including Mencap and Orchardville.

The new Sensory Backpacks are available to borrow free of charge and aim to support neurodiverse guests and individuals who may benefit from additional sensory resources during their visit.

They have been designed primarily for children aged five – 12, although they are available to support any visitor who requires and have been thoughtfully themed around animals associated with Titanic. Each backpack contains a variety of items including ear defenders, sunglasses for brighter areas, emotions and senses cards, a range of fidget and sensory toys, drawing materials, smelling cubes with aromas associated with Titanic, a visual contents list and a sensory trail.

In addition, Quiet Sessions have been launched to support visitors who may prefer reduced noise, softer lighting and a more relaxed atmosphere. The sessions will give guests the opportunity to discover the Titanic Experience in a calm and sensory-friendly environment in an inclusive way to explore the galleries at their own pace. Afternoon sessions will take place on Monday 26th January and Monday 23rd February and a morning session is scheduled for Sunday 22nd February.

Paula Bradley, Head of Operations at Titanic Belfast said: “We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy a visit to Titanic Belfast in a way that feels comfortable, welcoming and accessible to them.

The introduction of new Sensory Backpack and Quiet Sessions reflect our long-term commitment to accessibility and inclusion. With the support of teams from across the business as well as external stakeholders, we have been working to bring these new initiatives to fruition. As a leading visitor attraction, it’s important to us that people with additional needs are given the same opportunities as everyone else to allow them to enjoy their visit to Titanic Belfast.”

For more on Titanic Belfast’s accessibility information or to book a Quiet Session please go to www.titanicbelfast.com.

Stage Set for Bumper Spring Season at The Market Place

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The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has released their January to May 2026 programme and it’s packed to the rafters with spectacular entertainment featuring top local and international performers, so whether you’re someone who loves live music, comedy, crafts, or film, you will be sure to find something to enjoy at The Market Place! Here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect over the next few months.

The crème de la crème of the comedy circuit will be arriving in Armagh with stand-up performances from Jake O’Kane, Adam Kay, Bronagh Diamond, Jason Byrne, Emma Doran, Conal Gallen and many more. Get ready for many unforgettable nights of laugh-out-loud humour and antics.

There’ll be plenty of awe-inspiring and thought-provoking drama to choose from also. National Theatre Live will bring Shakespeare’s Hamlet to life with their contemporary take on the famous tragedy. Isosceles Theatre Company tell the engrossing tale of ‘The Man Who Left The Titanic’. ‘The Marian Hotel’ casts a light on the dark history of mother and baby homes in Ireland. Thomas Hardy’s ‘The Return Of The Native’ is a profound exploration of human desires.

As ever, music features high on the bill with thrilling performances by Sharon Shannon, Kimmie Rhodes, The Whistlin’ Donkeys, Philomena Begley, Cliona Hagan, Grainne Duffy and countless more. In addition, the best tribute acts around will be taking to the stage paying homage to some of the greatest names in music history, from Celtic Soul’s amazing rendition of Van Morrison’s timeless music to ‘Icons Of The 70’s’ an electrifying celebration of the legendary artists of the 70’s, and from ‘Proud Mary’ which captures the essence of Tina Turner, to ‘Beautiful Crazy’ an authentic celebration of one of the biggest country stars on the planet – Luke Combs.

Younger audiences aren’t forgotten with shows like ‘Flowers & Friendship Bracelets’, the ultimate pop concert celebrating five of the hottest artistes of the moment. Steven Lee’s ‘The Witch Who Couldn’t Sleep’ is a gentle, heartwarming story time musical for families to enjoy together.

Don’t forget The Market Place also offers a superb range of interactive workshops for adults and children, but be quick, because these are sure to be as popular as ever, and tickets won’t hang around for long.

Details of all events can be found online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Instagram (@marketplace.armagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Discover Northern Ireland’s Offers of the Week

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The Merchant Hotel, Belfast

 

Escape the icy winter chill at The Merchant Hotel in Belfast with a luxurious overnight stay with breakfast from just £144 per person sharing. Your five-star experience will begin with a complimentary bottle of Valdo prosecco after arrival, before you explore the city or simply relax and take advantage of the many wonderful facilities The Merchant Hotel has to offer. Offer valid until 26 February, 2026. Visit www.themerchanthotel.com for more information.

 

Bullitt Hotel, Belfast

 

Check in to Bullitt for a laid-back overnight stay and check out a signature cocktail in Rattlebag – their award-winning cocktail bar. Enjoy a comfy room, a full Bullitt breakfast, and a leisurely 12pm check-out. The breakfast menu is fully a lá carte and prepared to order each morning by their wonderful chefs. Offer is available Wednesday to Friday, and Sunday. From £86 per person sharing (based on two persons sharing). Visit www.bullitthotel.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. 

 

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