The National Trust is delighted to announce that the new Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre will open on Tuesday 3rd July with public access from 1pm.

The £18.5 million investment to create this exciting new tourism offer has been made possible with support from £9.25 million from Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and £3 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, with £6.25 million from National Trust funds.

The visitor experience includes;

• · A new state of the art visitor centre featuring an illuminating exhibition showcasing the stories and the science behind the Giant’s Causeway
• · Innovative pocket size audio guide in a variety of languages
• · A grab and go style café
• · A new retail facility introducing new and exclusive local products
• · Tourist Information
• · Fully accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility for people with disabilities

The walks and trails around the site have been upgraded, with the addition of a new accessible cliff top walk for families and people with disabilities. It might even be possible to glimpse Northern Ireland’s favourite giant, Finn McCool whilst walking around these new trails!

The planning of this new visitor centre has been extraordinary, with local talent and expertise being integral in bringing the new building design to life.  Even the grass seed from the area was combed to produce a compatible grass variety for the planting of the grass roof on the new visitor centre. Visitors can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the North Coast landscape from the grass roof of the new Visitor Centre – it is truly unique.

Giant’s Causeway Project Director, Graham Thompson said;

“This is a significant milestone for the National Trust in Northern Ireland and is the culmination of years of working in partnership with stakeholders in the community, the business sector, and government and political arenas.  This reflects our commitment to the tourism industry and Northern Ireland confidently moving on.”

Visitors wishing to avail of the fantastic new visitor experience can buy tickets in the following ways; pre purchase on line at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

from the end of June, at the park and ride facility in Bushmills village,  or upon entry to the visitor centre.  Ticket prices are £8.50 (adults), £4.25 (child), £21.00 (family) with discounts available for green travel and pre purchasing online. Groups visits (15 people plus) can pre book now by contacting 028 2073 3419.  National Trust members will enjoy free entry.

As National Trust is predicting a significant rush of interest from local and international visitors, opening times to the Visitor Centre are extended from 9am to 9pm in the summer months, so there is a real opportunity to experience the Giant’s Causeway beyond the busiest hours of 11am – 3pm.

With over 100 staff and volunteers to greet and tell the stories of this geological phenomenon, the National Trust looks forward to welcoming all visitors to Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site.

For further information on the Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/giantscauseway

-Live recordings to showcase music at iconic sights-

THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has proven to be well in tune with the local music industry on an exciting new film series of acoustic recordings with leading local bands including Ash and Silhouette at some of the country’s most iconic sights.

The ni2012 Sessions in association with Bandwidth and the Oh Yeah Music Centre will showcase the music of upcoming bands as well as celebrating established artists at famous locations across Northern Ireland.

The video recordings are being posted on YouTube and are expected to be viewed by thousands of music fans across Northern Ireland and beyond.  Silhouette at The Ulster Hall and Robyn G. Shiels on the roof of the Oh Yeah Centre overlooking Belfast have already been filmed, with Kowalski and Wonder Villains set to perform before the camera soon.

Tim Wheeler, frontman of NI music heroes Ash, recently recorded a ni2012 session before the band’s 20^th anniversary gig at the Oh Yeah Music Centre. The session features Ash’s single “Shining Light” which topped BBC Radio Ulster’s Great Northern Songbook public vote.

Helen Carey, NITB Product Marketing Officer, said that music is a key element in attracting visitors to Northern Ireland due to the country’s strong musical heritage.

“NITB recognises that Northern Ireland has a rich musical heritage and a vibrant current scene which has created international impact with the staging of major music events here and the export of home grown talent including the likes of Ash, Snow Patrol, Van Morrison and many more. Merging landmarks with music is an ideal platform to showcase new and established artists in a very interesting environment.”

Filmed by Will McConnell of Bandwidth, the ni2012 Sessions have an intimate, unplugged feel and are recorded using a handheld camera which allows music fans to see artists perform in a new and unexpected light.

“Our musical legacy around the world is as obvious as the big yellow cranes of Samson & Goliath in Belfast and as indelible as the stones of the Giant’s Causeway” said Will. “We’re a musical nation through and through which is evident in the boundless creativity and liveliness of our population – it is even in our accents.

“Northern Ireland, in terms of its geographical size, has always punched above its weight on the world musical stage and the vistas the country offers are so stunning, so I’m delighted to be joining forces with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to punch that little bit higher and put some of my favourite musicians onto an even bigger backdrop for the world to see,” he added.

Stuart Bailie from Oh Yeah Music Centre said, “The Oh Yeah Music Centre has enjoyed working with NITB on a series of music projects and we’re so pleased to see them actively promoting music from the likes of Silhouette and Future Chaser, as well as the array of great music festivals. The ni2012 Sessions project is a step further and we’re happy to be involved in another chance to show an international audience how dynamic our music scene is.”

Subscribe to Discover Northern Ireland’s YouTube channel to be the first to see the new sessions www.youtube.com/discoverni or for further information visit www.ni2012.com

Stendhal Festival of Art is proud to be an affordable option which allows families to explore the arts and this summer we have a host of wonderful attractions for families of all ages.

This year at Stendhal we have an all new family marquee for our guests at Ballymully Cottage Farm to enjoy, which will add a new dimension to the family programme.

On August 18, Stendhal welcomes back the Wheelworks Art Cart, a fantastic mobile workshop where children can produce their own music on site at the festival.

Children’s music, singing and movement workshops will be provided by the wonderful Jo Jingles while local group Dramabugs will be showcasing poetry for kids, nursery rhymes, craft and painting workshops and storytelling.

Mr Scallywags puppet show will be bringing their unique puppetry antics to the event this year Cleverly designed to represent youth culture, the puppets tackle important issues such as Bullying, Drugs and Alcohol, Relationships and Cross-Community issues.

Our friends from the Maiden City, ‘In your space’, will be hosting music making workshops, while we also have music specifically made for children thanks to the Miles of Smiles Show.

Over The Moon NI will be available for all your face painting and balloon animal needs.

For any young bird lovers we will also have a stunning falconry display taking place around the site throughout the day.

Also on site will be circus and street performers, Magicians and of course our fun fair will return bigger and better along with plenty more bit and pieces for the family to enjoy.

Belfast based The Vent Collective will also be on hand to help kids create some brand new artwork with a special street art workshop.
Organiser Ross Parkhill said: “We are delighted that we have upped the ante with regards to our family programme this year. We have a lot more for youngsters to see and explore and plenty to keep them entertained should mum and dad wish to go check out any of the 45 plus bands which will be playing the festival over the weekend.

“At £35 for a family ticket which includes weekend camping for up to 2 adults and 4 kids under 18, we truly believe that Stendhal is the best value for money festival for families in Ireland so we hope to see plenty of families there come the 17th and 18th of August.”

CELEBRITY chef Kevin Woodford arrived in Belfast this week to take his partnership with leading ferry company Stena Line onto its next course.

Woodford, who has featured as one of the celebrity chefs on ITV’s This Morning with presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield, has been working with the ferry company since May across all five of its Irish Sea routes – Belfast to Cairnryan, Belfast to Liverpool, Dublin Port to Holyhead, Dun Laoghaire to Holyhead and Rosslare to Fishguard.

The Liverpudlian chef has now set up a dedicated offshore teaching kitchen at Belfast’s Metropolitan College to fine-tune the culinary skills of the Stena Line team and share his vast experience.

“I believe the chefs on Stena Line have a really good product and I want to find ways of tweaking and fine tuning it,” said Kevin.

“I see great passion in these guys which I want to ensure is reflected in the dishes they serve to their thousands of passengers who sail with Stena Line on a daily basis.

“Some of the team have never had experience of working outside the ship so I think I can bring certain skills to those individuals to enhance the great work they are already doing,” he added.

The culinary partnership with Woodford was set up as part of Stena Line’s plan to develop its onboard food offering for customers and comes on the back of company research which shows that quality food provision scores consistently in the ‘Top 5’ requirements of an enjoyable ferry travel experience as Jamie Christon, Stena Line’s route director for central corridor and head of onboard support services for the UK and Ireland, explains.

“Food is a very important part of our overall customer service experience.  In recent years we have invested hundreds of millions of pounds throughout the Irish Sea in our ships and ports and it’s important that our food proposition keeps pace with this development,” said Jamie.

“Kevin has been working with our chefs over the past month, travelling on each of our ships on the Irish Sea and has developed a great understanding of what we need to do to take our food offering to a higher level.

“Our chefs are really enjoying the experience, not just because of Kevin’s obvious talent as a chef but also his infectious enthusiasm and inspiration when it comes to food preparation and delivery,” he continued.

“We’re very excited to reveal the results of this culinary partnership in the coming weeks, onboard all of our ships on the Irish Sea,” Jamie added.

Stena Line’s target is to have a new standardised menu for the Irish Sea routes by early summer.

Saturday and Sunday sell out for first time in European Tour history

NEXT week’s Irish Open at Royal Portrush has officially sold out on Saturday June 30 and Sunday July 1, and time is running out to book tickets in advance for Thursday June 28 and Friday June 29.

The European Tour announced today that, for the first time in its history, it has had to close tickets sales for any day of a regular Tour event as the Irish Open became the bestselling tournament on the schedule this year.

Spectators were also urged to book tickets for Thursday and Friday in advance although the deadline to do that is 5pm tomorrow (Friday).  While it may be possible to purchase day tickets for those days on the gate, that definitely won’t be an option on the Saturday and Sunday which are completely sold out.

The European Tour is also urging spectators to plan their journeys in advance by booking Translink rail and bus services or, if travelling by car, to follow dedicated event car park signage in order to facilitate the ease of access and exit to the event.

“We are preparing for a crowd around the 100,000 mark for the week of the Championship, and with a particularly large spectator audience expected for the weekend, we felt it prudent to stop selling tickets for Saturday and Sunday,” said Irish Open Championship Director Antonia Beggs.

“For operational reasons we also have to close the sale of advance tickets for Thursday and Friday at 5pm this Friday.  Due to the close proximity to the event, it would be impossible to guarantee that tickets bought after this Friday would arrive in time for the start of the tournament.”

Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) Chief Executive Alan Clarke said that this year’s tournament will be a record-breaking success and reiterated that people cannot turn up at the weekend without a ticket.

“This year’s Irish Open is sure to be one of the biggest in the competition’s history with advance ticket sales reaching unprecedented levels and record crowds expected in Co. Antrim.” said Clarke.

“While in previous years, it may have been possible for spectators to turn up on the day and purchase tickets on the day, we would strongly urge people not to try this on Saturday and Sunday as the event is completely sold out at the weekend and there is absolutely no chance of being admitted without a ticket.

“This reflects the tremendous interest in the competition this year but really it comes as no surprise to us given the fact that it’s the first time the Irish Open has been held in Northern Ireland for 59 years, and of course the incredible success in recent years of our golfers, who are all taking part in the Championship alongside a host of other top players,” he added.

“The Irish Open is the latest in a packed programme of major events, celebrations and commemorations during 2012 which are changing the global perception of Northern Ireland as a destination and restoring a sense of pride to everyone who lives here.” he added.

Beggs added: “It is important that the spectators enjoy the experience of attending the event so we are reminding everyone to follow the official Automobile Association event signage to and from the tournament rather than rely on ‘SatNav technology’ as the signs will direct spectators to the best available car park at the time.”

Speaking about dedicated rail and bus services, Translink’s Arthur Hamilton encouraged anyone travelling to the Irish Open to book train or coach tickets now to guarantee their seats.

“In addition to normal scheduled services, extra trains will run from Belfast and Derry–Londonderry to Portrush with tickets available to book online or purchase in advance from main train stations,” said Arthur.

“Dedicated golf coach services will depart locations across Northern Ireland and are available to book online only.  Ulsterbus Tours is also offering both travel and Irish Open ticket packages.

“Golf rail service online ticket bookings will close at 2pm three days prior to travel. However, additional rail tickets will also be available to purchase from selected stations on day of travel.

“Golf coach ticket bookings will close at 5pm on day prior to travel and are only available to purchase online

“Golf coach and train return services are £15 per adult and £7.50 per child. Ulsterbus Tours packages are £40 per person,” he added.

For travel information including bus and rail ticket bookings click www.translink.co.uk/irishopen or call the Translink contact centre on 00 44 (0) 28 9066 6630.

NORTH DOWN – THIS WEEK & WEEKEND

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: A history of local Royal Visits

Tuesday 29 May to Sunday 1 July

North Down Museum, Bangor. For info & opening hours call (028) 9127 1200.

Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Friday 1 – Saturday 30 June

Open 10am-6pm. Free admission.

Summer Entertainment in Bangor

Saturday 23 June

FREE. 3-5pm. This Saturday at McKee Clock, beside Bangor Seafront, leading children’s art charity Young at Art presents ‘Once Upon a Time’, a unique and  fantastic interactive storytelling piece that the audience can help evolve. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Free children’s fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport

Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June

Free event. 2pm-4pm. This Saturday is the SpongeBob Party with games, prizes, a disco and bubble machine and on Sunday enjoy Airbrush tattoos & crafts. The cottages are open daily in June from 11am to 5pm. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com. Full Cockle Row Programme for June

Co. Down Fleadh Cheoil

Wednesday 20 to Saturday 23 June, Bangor, various locations

This event is held in Co Down each year and 2012 will be the first time that Bangor will act as host to this traditional music event.  A large number of participants,

of all ages, will attend and compete in both individual and group competitions and, as well as the main event on Saturday a series of other events, both formal and informal, will be held in the town in the preceding 3 days. Contact Colum McGinn, T: 07821 627 4554 or email cmcginn666@yahoo.co.uk.

NORTH DOWN – NEXT WEEK & WEEKEND

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee: A history of local Royal Visits

Tuesday 29 May to Sunday 1 July

North Down Museum, Bangor. For info & opening hours call (028) 9127 1200.

Sculpture Exhibition, Bangor Castle Walled Garden

Friday 1 – Saturday 30 June

Open 10am-6pm. Free admission.

Summer Entertainment in Bangor

Saturday 30 June

FREE. 3-5pm. This Saturday at McKee Clock, beside Bangor Seafront, Caolan McBride provides an enjoyable afternoon of magical illusions and theatrical storytelling. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Sunday 1 July

FREE. 3-5pm This Sunday at McKee Clock, beside Bangor Seafront, The Great Mefiesto presents its vaudeville style circus show. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Sunday 1 July

FREE. 3-5pm This Sunday at Ward Park, Bangor the Sinead Conway Band entertains with a mix of easy listening, swing & jazz – so bring your picnic and enjoy free live music in the park. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.

Free children’s fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport

Saturday 30 June & Sunday 1 July

Free event. 2pm-4pm. Bring the little ones along to enjoy crafts and circus skills at Cockle Row Cottages, whilst at Groomsport Boat House there will be a Craft Fair. On Sunday, make your own Dangly Dragonfly &Reptile Road show. The cottages are open daily in June from 11am to 5pm. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com. Full Cockle Row Programme for June

Kids Nature Trail, Castle Park Bangor

30 June 10.30am

Free Event – contact 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.gov.uk

Edinburgh Cup UK Dragon Yachting Championships

30 June – 7 July

RNIYC, Cultra – Contact Eileen Fulton 028 90 42 8041 or manager@rniyc.org

Late Night Art Tour

Wednesday 4 July, 6pm

Starting at North Down Museum, Bangor. Tickets £3 – For more information contact 028 9127 1200 or visit www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings

Other Summer Events…

OUTDOOR THEATRE EVENTS IN BANGOR

Groomsport Music & Fireworks

7 July

7pm – 11pm Live Music headlined by Glory Days The Bruce Springsteen Tribute Show.  11pm Fireworks Display.

Visit www.northdowntourism.com for more information

Theatre at the Walled Garden

Together with North Down Borough Council, Quantum Theatre presents two spectacular outdoor theatre events set in the beautiful surrounds of Bangor Castle Walled Garden. Tickets on sale now, £5 (subject to availability). To book, call (028) 9127 0069. Click the links for further info.

Wednesday 15 August – The Tales of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny

Thursday 16 August – A Midsummer Night’s Dream

A new website, BeachNI.com, packed full of information on the range of outdoor activities you can do at the seaside was launched by Environment Minister, Alex Attwood at Crawfordsburn Beach, Co. Down. Northern Ireland is well known for its array of clean, beautiful beaches and with this newly launched ‘one stop shop’ website, you can now easily find out which ones are perfect for surfing the waves, trekking on horse back or enjoying a stroll.

From left to right: Patricia Magee (Tidy NI), Environment Minister Alex Attwood, Stephen Finlay (NITB), Mark Strong (Coleraine Borough Council), Richard Gillen (Limavady Borough Council)

The websites’ launch fits neatly with the announcement that Northern Ireland’s beaches are cleaner than ever before with 11 beaches recently awarded Blue Flag status, including Crawfordsburn, for the first time.

Minister Attwood commented at the launch “A key action identified by the ‘Good Beach Summits’ was the need for better public information on beaches and it has been a key priority of mine to ensure the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) developed this website to showcase beaches in Northern Ireland which have been designated as EU Bathing Waters. BeachNI.com should be the first port of call for both visitors and locals who want to enjoy a day at the beach”.

BeachNI.com was developed by Outdoor Recreation NI (formerly CAAN) on behalf of NIEA offering detailed information which has been supplied by each beach manager, on each beach including the facilities available, outdoor activities and outdoor providers, travel information, nearby walks and cycle routes as well as containing beach related news, event and blogs.

“The new website has been developed in line with Outdoor Recreation NI’s suite of outdoor activity websites and therefore highlights the range of activities that can be undertaken at each beach. Visitors to the website will now be able to find out information on the beaches to go for a walk on, go out surfing on or just relax on” commented Angus McRoberts, NIEA Water Management Unit.

To plan your next visit to one of Northern Ireland’s beaches look no further than www.beachni.com

SIXTY people from across Northern Ireland have been given the chance to be involved in the Irish Open thanks to a partnership between the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Volunteer Now.

People of all ages and walks of life applied through NITB and Volunteer Now’s call for “Welcome Ambassador” volunteers. There was a large response and the lucky selected will have an important role in welcoming visitors to Northern Ireland’s biggest golfing tournament in 60 years which takes place at Royal Portrush from Wednesday 27^th June – Sunday 1^st July.

The Welcome Ambassadors will receive WorldHost ambassador training and volunteer to help welcome, orientate and signpost visitors attending the Irish Open, covering at least two days each.  They will also have a chance to watch the tournament, with the European Tour offering each volunteer a ticket for one of the competition days.

There was a fantastic response to the call for volunteers with applications from a cross-section of the community including students, unemployed, the business community and retirees as NITB Industry Development Manager Carolyn Boyd explains.

“We are delighted to have had such a great response to our recent call and we have identified a range of dedicated and motivated individuals with great people skills who are proud of Northern Ireland and who want to help us make our visitors feel warmly welcomed when they arrive in Portrush later this month,” said Carolyn.

“This call for Welcome Ambassadors forms part of NITB’s focus on helping to create the best possible experience for the 100,000 plus visitors who will attend the tournament,” she added.

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive with Volunteer Now said: “This volunteer initiative provides a unique opportunity for the community to become involved in what is a very exciting event for the North Coast and Northern Ireland. Volunteers will enhance the experience of every visitor to the Open through their welcome and in turn they will gain experience of the tourism and events, meet new people and know they have helped support the delivery of the Irish Open Championship.

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with NITB on this pilot initiative which links to our legacy objectives for 2012,” Wendy added.

In 2013 the Rainey Endowed School, Magherafelt will celebrate it’s 300th Birthday.

The Rainey 300 team have numerous exciting events and activities for everyone to get involved throughout 2013 and join in with pupils – old and new, to celebrate with a Gala Concert, a ‘Past & Present’ Sports Day and a Gala Dinner.  The team also intend to publish a permanent memento in the form of a Rainey Endowed Memoirs book and aspire to leave a lasting legacy with a comprehensive list of contacts and details of Former Pupils.

One of the main purposes of the events is to identify former pupils who have distinguished themselves Academically ,in Sports and the Arts; as well as those who have made Social and Civic contributions and achievements in Business over the years, record them and celebrate the achievements and excellence of the Rainey and its pupils  If you know of any former pupils who you feel should be recognised throughout any of these areas email us atRainey300@hotmail.com with further details.

Another objective of the celebrations is to forge much stronger links with past pupils by building a strong database of their details to keep them informed of the activities at the Rainey Endowed and update Rainey 300 about their achievements, or those of their contemporaries. Above all we would ask all Former Pupils to join the’ Former Pupils Association’ and provide full contact details and if possible those of their former classmates so that the Former Pupils Association can keep everyone informed of activities within the School.

During the Tercentenary year the Rainey will highlight the gratitude owed to the founder of the school – Hugh Rainey, a wealthy merchant in the Magherafelt district . In his Will, Hugh Rainey wrote “that what I have left may not only be for a generation or two, but that it may be for many not yet born “, and so ‘The Rainey’ was founded.  A service of Thanksgiving will be held in 2013 to allow the local community to give their thanks towards the legacy of Hugh Rainey.

So if you are a former or current pupil and would like to get involved in Rainey 300 here’s how –

The Rainey Endowed Book will be published as a permanent souvenir of the Tercentenary and made available for sale during the year from the School, the Former Pupils Association and at many of the planned events.

A gala night will be held in the Grand Opera House, Belfast, on the 18th October 2013. The show “50 Shillings and a New Suit of Clothes” will be directed by Mr Ashley Fulton and will involve former Rainey pupils and some of our current pupils. The performance will include a massed choir, soloists, instrumentalists and scenes from various productions and dramas. This promises to be a spectacular event, drawing on all the rich talent of the Rainey school, past and present. If you or someone you know may be interested in taking part, please complete the online application form available from the school website http://www.raineyendowed.com/ and click on the link ‘50 Shillings and a New Suit of Clothes’.

There will be numerous sporting events featured among the activities such as a Rugby and Hockey Match with pupils past and present held on Friday 12^th April 2013 with a Gala Dinner afterwards for invited guests involving pupils, members of School’s Cup teams throughout the years and those who have excelled in the field of sport.

An Open Day at the Rainey will also be held on Friday 29^th September 2013 to allow former pupils to take a step back in time and meet former class members from years gone by.

If there is anything that past pupils feel they would like to include in our Rainey 300 Memoirs we would appreciate it if you could get in touch!

The Rainey 300 Team would like to appeal for as much information as possible to allow Former Pupils to engage much more extensively with the School and for the School to have a record of the fantastic achievements of former pupils of the Rainey Endowed.

For further details

Contact Victoria / Valerie Lynn at Rainey300@hotmail.com

Follow us on Twitter – Rainey_300

Add us on Facebook –  Rainey 300

The best of Northern Ireland’s digital talent will be competing for awards success at the second annual DANI Awards this autumn.

The DANI Awards, organized by Tyrone based DANI, Digital Advertising Northern Ireland – a leading organisation helping companies do better business online, will recognise the excellence of companies and individuals in the digital media sector in the province.

There are a total of ten categories and a judge’s outstanding achievement accolade, given to an individual who has contributed to and advanced the growth of digital media.  2011’s recipient was Russell Moore of Think RLA.

Managing Director of DANI, Naomh McElhatton commented, “We have been responsive to the explosive growth in the UK online market, recognising the power of the Internet.  DANI helps businesses connect with their potential customers online and we will recognise the pivotal players at the awards.  Last year’s inaugural awards were the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and we are looking forward to seeing how the advancement of technology has been implemented to create business success”.

The awards are supported by Invest Northern Ireland and University of Ulster.

Brian Dolaghan, Head of Technology and Services, Invest Northern Ireland said ‘We are delighted to sponsor the DANI awards as Northern Ireland companies are already enjoying global success in the technology and digital sector. This is a business sector where there are increasing opportunities for local businesses to grow and develop in export markets.

Entries for the ten categories can be submitted online with the winners being announced at a black tie gala ball on September 13^th at Titanic, Belfast. A panel of industry experts will judge the DANI Awards.  The judges, drawn from various design, technology and marketing disciplines are Fiona McMahon, University of Ulster; Mike Fleming, Fleming Steele; Gareth Dunlop, Fathom; Nicola Bothwell, NB Chartered Marketing; Nick Sunderland, Why Projects and Farhad Koodoruth, Blowfish Digital.

The award categories are:

1. Best B2B Campaign
2. Best B2C Campaign
3. Best Viral Campaign
4. Best Visual Design (Webdesign)
5. Best E-commerce Site
6. Best Mobile Phone App
7. Best use of Social Media (Corporate)
8. Best use of Social Media (SME)
9. Best use of Search
10. Best Overall Online Strategy

Entries can be submitted online at www.thedaniawards.co.uk.  Closing date for entries is Friday 10^th August 2012.