We share our pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Culture Club – Island Arts Centre. Start the weekend with creativity. Activities to encourage children to express themselves in a supportive, nurturing environment and have fun and make new friends along the way!

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Poetry Writing Workshop, Market Place Theatre, Armagh. Growth, abundance, light, movement, life… as the wintry air heats up and the sun comes through the coldness, feel the warmth and beauty of new beginnings this Spring, through poetry!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Opera returns to the main stage this spring with the Barber of Seville!  Lyric Opera returns to Belfast with this iconic masterpiece in a production bright with colour, high in humour and full of action.

Find out more HERE

Down

The young musicians of Ards Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann invite you to a joyful celebration of Irish traditional music in the beautiful setting of Bangor Castle.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Information Lecture: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path through the teaching of Bruno Groening – medically documented.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

A story is always better if you have someone to share it with and what better spot to meet and share stories than HomePlace? HomePlace Book Club, Bellaghy.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

After standing ovations at its debut and rave reviews at the Millennium Forum, the outrageous new comedy NIP & TUCK is coming to the Burnavon Theatre, Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

 

Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair Aims To Support Third Sector Amid Recruitment Pressures

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair is back this spring, with third sector organisations invited to take part.

At a time when many charities and community organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment and workforce stability, the Fair provides a cost-effective platform to connect with values-led candidates and volunteers committed to supporting the sector.

With 50 percent of exhibitor tables already booked and the early bird rate closing on 20 February, organisations are encouraged to consider booking now to take advantage of the discounted rate.

Taking place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026 at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast, the Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair brings together third sector employers and people actively seeking meaningful paid and volunteer opportunities.

Organised by Charity Jobs NI, the Fair has quickly become a key date in the third sector calendar. Now entering its third year, it provides a focused platform for charities to promote live vacancies, attract volunteers, raise awareness of their work and connect face-to-face with motivated candidates.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 paid roles and 335 volunteer opportunities were showcased, generating over 465 application requests on the day. Exhibitors reported high-quality conversations with candidates from a wide range of professional backgrounds, many of whom went on to secure roles or volunteer positions as a direct result of the event.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the Fair offers more than just recruitment opportunities.

“While the primary focus is connecting charities with people who want to make a difference, the event has also become an important networking space for the sector. Organisations are able to build relationships with other charities, share ideas and strengthen their presence across Northern Ireland.

“At a time when many organisations are navigating funding uncertainty and increased pressure around recruitment, creating spaces where charities can meet passionate, values-led people is more important than ever. Each year we see the quality of conversations and connections grow, and that is what makes the Fair valuable for the organisations taking part.”

Returning exhibitors say the event provides a valuable platform for connection and visibility.

Joanna Malone, Digital Executive at MACS, Northern Ireland’s only youth-specific homelessness charity, said: “Exhibiting at the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair is a brilliant opportunity to connect with people who genuinely want to make a difference. For MACS, it’s a chance to share who we are, what we stand for, and how our work helps young people across Northern Ireland who are at risk of homelessness. 

“We love being able to speak directly with people who share our values of compassion, empowerment and togetherness, and who might want to join us in helping young people build brighter futures. It’s also a brilliant way to showcase your culture and values beyond a job description.”

The Fair is free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers and will once again bring together organisations from across health, social care, housing, education, environment and community development.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting can find out more online, with around 30 stands available and allocation managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 16 – 22 February

 

  1. NI Science Festival 2026, various locations across Northern Ireland, 11 – 22 February. Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
  2. Love LegenDerry Food Month, Derry~Londonderry, 1 – 28 February. This February, the historic city and its surrounding district will once again celebrate its exceptional culinary heritage with a month-long programme of unique events and experiences. With a backdrop of stunning landscapes, a rich heritage, and passionate producers, this food destination offers an immersive experience that celebrates authentic local flavours and the artistry of its chefs and artisans.
  3. Dome Shows at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, visit website for open dates and times. The main attraction at Armagh Planetarium is a 360-degree digital theatre, where they present immersive dome shows on a wide range of topics. With programmes designed for toddlers, families, and adults, there’s something for every visitor.
  4. Stargazing Evening at Armagh Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 20 February. Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependent). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers and whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed.
  5. Behind The Scenes: Natural Science Collections Talk at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 18 February. Explore the fascinating world of the Ulster Museum Natural Science collections. From plants, insects, and snails to birds, mammals, and fossils, these specimens tell the story of our natural world – past and present.
  6. W5 Late: CSI – Can You Dig It?, Belfast, 20 February. W5 Late returns for a strictly adults-only, after-hours adventure inside Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre. On the fateful night of Friday, 20 February 2026, 7pm–11pm, step into a world of intrigue, where a mysterious death demands fresh eyes and sharper minds. Your mission: investigate the crime scene, pick up real forensic techniques, follow the evidence, and expose what really happened to Dr. Algernon Everett.
  7. Foraging Afloat, Killinchy, County Down, 21 February. Spring is arriving on Strangford Lough and with it the arrival of an array of seasonal wild food emerges from the land and water. Join Rory Martin of Strangford Lough Activity Centre and David Thompson & Celia Spouncer from Wild About Tours for a unique guide to the sights and flavour of the area.
  8. Behind the Scenes: Nature Conservation Walk with Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 21 February. The Ulster Folk Museum and nearby Cultra Manor are home to an incredible range of natural wonders – from ancient woodlands to flourishing farmlands. For the first time, we’re inviting visitors to go behind the scenes and learn about the exciting conservation work taking place across the site.
  9. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, visit website for open dates and times. Wander the well-trodden pathways and traditional farmhouses, learning what life was like in rural Ulster. Step on-board the full-scale emigrant ship, experience what the cramped quarters were like on the dangerous journey to America, and find out how Ulster people’s emigration had a lasting impact through North America.
  10. Mini Explorers: Science in the Dark with Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 21 February. Join an engaging two-hour family event that delves into the fascinating science behind cave exploration and how it has developed over time. Perfect for children aged 7 and above, this experience offers a unique opportunity to learn about the tools, techniques, and discoveries that have shaped the study of caves. Through hands-on activities, families will get to explore the challenges and wonders of cave exploration on an interactive guided walk through Marble Arch Caves showcave.

 

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.

Drawn Together: A Tribute to Richard Croft at Ards Arts Centre

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is proud to present Drawn Together, an exhibition celebrating the life and work of acclaimed artist Richard Croft PPRUA (1935–2025). Curated before his passing last year, this mini-retrospective shines a spotlight on Croft’s lifelong passion for drawing – the foundation of his creative practice.

The exhibition brings together a selection of sketches alongside their corresponding paintings and prints, offering a rare insight into how Croft developed ideas from initial marks to finished works. Spanning over 70 years of sketchbooks, the collection explores themes of landscape and still life, often evolving into striking abstractions.

Born in London and based in Northern Ireland since 1959, Croft was a respected teacher and artist whose work captured the beauty of local and international landscapes. In 1967 he was elected as an Academician of the Royal Ulster Academy of Arts and was President of the Academy from 1997 – 2000.

As part of the programme, Amanda Croft, Richard’s daughter, will host a special gallery talk and tour, sharing personal reflections on his life and artistic journey.

Speaking about the exhibition, Amanda said: “My abiding memory of Richard was that he always had a pencil at the ready – drawings of people, places, ideas for paintings and prints all recorded in sketch books.  We are delighted that Ards Arts Centre is hosting this exhibition of my father’s work.”

The exhibition will run Thu 26 Feb – Sat 21 March 2026 in Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian and Sunburst Galleries. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend the exhibition’s Preview Event at Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 26 February, 7pm – 9pm.

For more information, visit: https://andculture.org.uk/whats-on/drawn-together

Lough in Spring with the Feel Good Festival at Portico of Ards This March

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This March, the Portico of Ards in Portaferry comes alive as the Feel Good Festival (1-31) returns, transforming the historic venue into a vibrant celebration of music, arts, and the senses. Against the beautiful coastal backdrop, audiences are invited to embrace the spring season with experiences that are intimate, joyful, and inspiring.

Highlighting this year’s festival are luminous performances that will take you on a musical journey that captures the magic of renewal, all carefully curated to create emotional resonance and connection.

Pic 2 Tessa Ann from Spring Equinox Sound Spa and internationally renowned singer Peter Corry MBE with his new concert One Singer Some Songs.

The festival opens on 1 March with the much-loved The Fureys in their farewell concert, already sold out, setting the tone for a month of unforgettable performances. Comedy fans will be delighted by Emer Maguire on 6 March and Terry McHugh on 13 March, while classical enthusiasts can revel in the soaring harmonies of The Gesualdo Six on 7 March and the cinematic elegance of the Piatti Quartet performing music from the movies on 15 March. Folk lovers will be enchanted by The Henry Girls and Lore on 14 March, and audiences can immerse themselves in the Spring Equinox Sound Spa with Tessa Ann on 22 March, dance the night away 80s style with Spring Break on 28 March, hear the enduring classics of Peter Corry: One Singer Some Songs on 21 March or attend his confidence building workshop that afternoon, and experience the vocal artistry of Niamh O’Sullivan and Gary Beecher on 29 March.

The Portico of Ards itself becomes part of the performance, its historic architecture and breathtaking coastal setting enhancing every note, every laugh, and every shared moment. Each event is designed with curation and intimacy in mind, offering audiences the rare opportunity to encounter artists up close in a space where the surroundings amplify the experience.

Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the festival celebrates artistic excellence and range, presenting Irish and international talent across multiple genres.

Feel Good Festival Director, Neil McClure, said:
“The Feel Good Festival at The Portico of Ards is about more than music – it is about joy, connection, and renewal. This March our carefully curated diverse programme of performances will invite audiences to engage deeply with sound, space, and each other, leaving everyone refreshed and inspired. With a huge thanks to Ards and North Down Borough Council and The National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland for their support.”

For tickets and further information visit www.porticoards.com. Follow Feel Good Festival via Portico of Ards on Instagram and Facebook @porticoportaferry and join the conversation with #FeelGoodFestival2026.

Discover NI’s Offers of the Week

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The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

Add value to your winter city stay with The Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast. Starting from £195, guests booking any two nights during February will receive the second night free when staying in one of the hotel’s individually themed luxury suites. Each suite is inspired by creatives, thinkers and cultural figures associated with Belfast. Located within walking distance to Belfast’s vibrant cultural scene, enjoy the Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens, Lyric Theatre, Grand Opera House, as well as Belfast’s buzzing nightlife. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

 

The Harrison is launching a St Patrick’s Day Long Weekend Break offer. Starting from £249 for two nights, guests staying two nights on Sunday 15 and Monday 16 or Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 over the St Patrick’s Day long weekend will receive 25% off room rates, a traditional Irish cocktail served in Napoleon’s Nose Bar, and live music in-house, creating an authentic celebratory atmosphere. Visit https://www.chambersofdistinction.com/offers for more details.

 

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. 

whatsonni’s Pick of the Week

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Antrim

Valentine’s Dinner at The Rabbit Hotel and Retreat. Begin with a cocktail on arrival before easing into a beautifully crafted five course menu. Starting with an amuse bouche, moving through thoughtful starters and a main designed to impress. And if sharing is your thing, the Chateaubriand is the perfect centrepiece.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

How to Train Your Dragon, Dog Friendly Screening, Market Place Theatre. On the isle of Berk, Vikings and dragons have battled for generations, but that won’t stop Hiccup, the son of Chief Stoick the Vast, from building an unlikely bond with the feared dragon, Toothless.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Experience Romance in Timeless Elegance with Valentine’s Day Afternoon Tea at the Titanic Belfast.  Step into a world of luxury and indulgence this Valentine’s Day with our Afternoon Tea, set against the opulent backdrop of the Titanic Suite. Admire the stunning Grand Staircase, soak up the ambiance, and enjoy live music as you celebrate love in style

Find out more HERE

Down

Celebrate friendship, laughter and lifelong friendships in the timeless setting of The Old Inn this Galentine’s Day.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Valentine’s Steak Night at Corrick House – make an evening of it with a relaxed yet indulgent dining experience. Available Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Saturday 14th from 5pm, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s with great food and even better company.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Step into the Creative Zone at Heaney Home Place Bellaghy this Valentine’s Day and make Love HeARTs to take home and share!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Straight off the back of 2025’s smash hit, ‘Maggie’ – all 4 plays in one hilarious show, the Muffsta’s story continues with ‘Maggie’s Menopause!’ at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair to Return to Belfast This Spring

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Northern Ireland’s only dedicated Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair is set to return to Belfast this spring, marking its third year since launching in 2024.

The Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Tuesday, 24 March 2026, from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, bringing charities, community organisations and social enterprises together with people interested in building a career or volunteering with purpose.

The Fair is organised by Charity Jobs NI, a sister company to Happy Jobs NI, and was created to provide a dedicated space for the charity and voluntary sector to connect directly with people who want to make a difference. Free to attend for jobseekers and volunteers, it is now firmly established as a key date in the third sector calendar and focuses on face-to-face conversations that help attendees explore opportunities and leave with clearer next steps.

At the most recent Fair, more than 270 employment opportunities and 335 volunteer roles were showcased, generating over 465 applications on the day and leading to real hires and volunteer placements across Northern Ireland.

Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, Chris Bunce, said the event continues to reflect growing interest in purpose-led work across the region.

“Now in its third year and heading into our fourth event, the Charity Careers and Volunteer Job Fair has really established itself as a key moment in the calendar for Northern Ireland’s third sector. Each fair shows just how much appetite there is for purpose-led work, whether that is people taking their first step into the sector, changing careers, or finding meaningful ways to volunteer.

“What makes this event special is the face-to-face connection. It gives people the chance to explore real opportunities, ask honest questions and leave with a clearer sense of where they can make a difference.”

Open to people at all stages of their journey, the Fair offers the opportunity to meet a wide range of charities and sector organisations in person, learn more about the work they do and explore different ways of getting involved across the charity and voluntary sector.

Previous events have sparked hundreds of meaningful conversations, with past exhibitors including Positive Futures, NOW Group, NI Hospice, NSPCC, Inspire, Barnardos, Simon Community, Autism Initiatives and Cancer Focus NI, alongside new organisations joining each year.

Charities and not-for-profits interested in exhibiting are now invited to sign up, with early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the Fair continues to deliver clear value for organisations taking part.

“We have seen first-hand how valuable this event is for charities and not-for-profits looking to reach the right people. Exhibitors consistently tell us the quality of conversations makes the day worthwhile, and many go on to recruit staff or volunteers directly as a result. With early bird exhibitor rates available until 20 February, this is a great opportunity for organisations to secure their place early and be part of an event that continues to grow in impact and reach each year.”

Bookings for exhibitors are now open, with space for around 30 stands available on the day. Allocation will be managed on a first come, first served basis.

To find out more about how your organisation can exhibit, or to register to attend, visit charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair. 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 9 – 16 February

 

  1. Ye Big Ride – Pedal & Picnic – Valentines Day, Killinchy, County Down, 14 February. Join us this Valentine’s Day for an electric bike tour and artisan picnic. Take a guided electric bike tour with Strangford Lough Activity Centre’s brand-new fleet of e-bikes. Leaving from their base on Sketrick Island, near Whiterock, explore the back roads with guided commentary throughout. Knowledgeable guides will put you at ease before setting off on a two-hour tour.
  2. Astrofest at Ulster Museum, Belfast, 15 February. Join the Ulster Museum science curator and experts from the Irish Astronomical Association for a full day of talks, demonstrations and interactive activities. Learn how to capture your own astrophotography, handle real meteorites from the Moon and Mars, and ask astronomers anything you’ve ever wondered about space.
  3. Mudfest 2026 at WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber, County Down, 7 – 15 February. Grab your wellies and head to WWT Castle Espie this February half term and get stuck in with Mudfest – where messy means fun. Get ready to dive into the muddy magic of our wetlands. Mud isn’t just messy – it’s marvellous. It’s the stuff our super-powered wetlands and great family adventures are made of.
  4. Behind the Scenes: Science of the Corn Mill at the Ulster Folk Museum, Cultra, County Down, 11 February. Discover the remarkable science and engineering behind this centuries-old mill and see first-hand how it transformed grain into flour. A mill is a marvel of early technology – a massive machine crafted from wood, iron, and stone. Powered by renewable energy, it uses cogwheels, pulleys, and massive millstones to grind grain with surprising efficiency. Come and see the inner workers of this amazing building and hear about its history.
  5. NI Science Festival 2026, various locations across Northern Ireland, 11 – 22 February. Over the years NISF has striven to bring the very best of science communication to Northern Ireland. The festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.
  6. Bogland: Past, Present, Future at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 13 February. Hidden behind the farmhouses and thatched houses, you’ll find the last remaining plot of raised bog at the Folk Park. Their curator will tell you about the social history of the bog in Ireland and how essential it was for livelihoods and home heating. Then, hear from Ulster Wildlife and The Conservation Volunteers about bog restoration and how this plot is slowly being transformed into a carbon sink to help fight climate change.
  7. Fall in love with Rathlin Island Slemish Market Supper Club, Rathlin Island, County Antrim, 14 February. Northern Ireland’s ‘island of love’ is calling on Valentine’s weekend. Escape the everyday and journey to Rathlin Island for a truly unforgettable romantic experience. Valentine’s Slemish Market Supper Club at the Manor House. Indulge in an intimate six-course island-inspired tasting menu by chef Rob Curley, celebrating Rathlin’s land, sea, and ancient traditions
  8. Stargazing Evening at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 13 February (more dates available). Join in a magical stargazing evening at Armagh Planetarium. Experience the wonders of the night sky with guided observations through telescopes and explore stars and the constellations (weather dependent). This event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the cosmos from expert astronomers and whether you’re a seasoned stargazer or new to astronomy, it’s a night not to be missed
  9. Dart Mountain Cheese Experience, Claudy, County Londonderry, until 27 February. A cheese tasting experience that captures the essence of a landscape set in the majestic Sperrin Mountains in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
  10. The Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, until 28 February. Enjoy the Saturday morning Doodle Den at Enniskillen Castle. Come along to draw, giggle, paint and create in a safe and fun space. Ticket includes admission to Enniskillen Castle Museums. Suitable for children aged 5-11 years.

 

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.

 

Children’s cancer charity launch fundraising initiative for schools

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Cancer Fund for Children have recently launched their ReadOn initiative which encourages primary and secondary school students to explore the joy of reading while raising vital funds in support of children and young people impacted by cancer.

ReadOn can take place anytime throughout the school year but the charity is encouraging schools to embrace this challenge in time for World Book Day on Thursday 5th March.

During ReadOn, children are sponsored to read more for fun, at home or in school. The money raised through their efforts fund emotional, social and therapeutic support services for children and families navigating childhood cancer across Northern Ireland.

Speaking on this, Schools and Youth Fundraising Officer with the charity, Rebecca Oates said:

“We are so excited to launch another year of ReadOn and can’t wait to work closely with schools to bring this challenge to life with their pupils. Every week, approximately three children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. By taking part in ReadOn, schools will be teaching their students to embrace reading while also helping other children of a similar age to them.”

ReadOn is being sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA in Northern Ireland, who have supported Cancer Fund for Children through a range of initiatives.

Speaking on their support, Bronagh Luke, Head of Corporate Marketing with Henderson Group said: “We are thrilled to help bring the ReadOn initiative to life for another year. Reading is a fantastic way of escapism and learning, vital for children to discover different worlds and cultures, while encouraging focus and mindfulness.

“We are very proud of our continued support of Cancer Fund for Children, fundraising throughout EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA stores has raised over £2.2 million since 2011, helping support children and their families impacted by cancer.

This year, schools that register for ReadOn can also enter a special competition with Cool FM for the chance to win a school visit from breakfast presenter Rebecca McKinney or Paulo Ross.

To find out more, visit www.cancerfundforchidlren.com/readon.

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