-Vice President of Europe for Stella & Dot to share insights on ‘achieving business success ’ at IBWC 2014, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Kathleen Mitchell, Vice President of Europe for social selling boutique business Stella & Dot, has been announced as one of the guest speakers at next month’s International Business Women’s Conference IBWC 2014: Creating a New Economy (Belfast, Northern Ireland, 13/14 May 2014).
Hosted by Women in Business NI, IBWC 2014 will bring delegates from across the globe to Belfast under the theme of ‘Creating a New Economy’ to inspire and empower entrepreneurs and create international working partnerships. Kathleen Mitchell will be hosting a masterclass centred around achieving success and balance as a working woman. Through her role with Stella & Dot, Kathleen helps businesswomen achieve success and a personal life by allowing them to run their own flexible fashion business.
Online jewellery boutique brand Stella & Dot has become a firm favourite among fashionistas with a celebrity fan base including Jennifer Aniston and Sheryl Crowe. The San Francisco-based social selling company gives women the means to run their own fashion business, selling a range of statement necklaces, charm bracelets and funky tech accessories, all designed in New York, to name just a few, all of which are exclusively available online or via Stella & Dot stylists.
The company has gone from strength to strength, with an expansion to the UK in 2012 and more recently to the Republic of Ireland in 2014, as well as being named as one of Inc. 500 Fastest Growing Companies. Kathleen’s role has seen her create marketing strategies and train over 1,200+ women in the UK.
American born, Trinity College Dublin graduate, Kathleen has a wealth of experience in launching global beauty brands and working with both men and women at all levels. Having led a division of L’Oréal, Kathleen was involved in launching Kerastase in the US & building Redken in the UK & Ireland.
Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI said, “We are delighted to welcome business expert Kathleen Mitchell to IBWC 2014 to host one of our master classes. Kathleen’s experience will no doubt prove insightful and engaging to all our delegates. Her positivity, enthusiasm and vision will be a welcome addition to our conference. Kathleen is a true inspiration for female entrepreneurs.”
IBWC 2014 will welcome keynote speakers such as: Carla Busazi, Editor in Chief, Huffington Post UK; Helena Morrissey, founder of the 30% Club targeting female leadership in FTSE 100 companies; Professor Lizbeth Goodman, SmartLab, NUI, Dublin; Ann Francke, MD of the Chartered Institute of Management; Dr Anita Sands, former Group Managing Director of UBS and Member of the Global Irish Network; Anna LiseKjaer, founder of trend forecasting agency Kjaer Global and Ingrid Vanderveldt, Entrepreneur-in-Residence (“EIR”) for Dell Inc – each of whom are exceptional and inspirational female leaders.
For information on and to register for the International Business Women’s Conference 2014 ‘Creating a New Economy’ visit www.ibwc2014.com and follow @IBWC2014 on Twitter.
IBWC 2014 is supported by Visit Belfast, Invest Northern Ireland, Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister, Department for Employment and Learning, Belfast City Council, Ulster Bank, NYSE Euronext, Queen’s University Belfast, Equality Commission NI, Enterprise Ireland.
This year, North Down Borough Council is excited to announce that the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at the Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5th May. All the usual favourites have been organised Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Cartoon Characters & As You Like It). Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.
Tyrone
Bringing a fresh approach to shopping for fashionable and unique items, you are cordially invited to the Oma Fair Lady Boutique Vintage Fashion & Homewares Fair Sunday 4th May at the Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh from 1.00pm – 5.30pm. You will find a vast selection of stunning and unique items for your summer wardrobe and home. We will be full to capacity with the most desirable vintage summer wear, jewellery and accessories as well as a majestic array of chic homewares, handcrafts, gifts, sweet treats and much more.
Fermanagh
The Islander Festival is a brand new four day festival from 2nd to 5th May in the tranquil setting of the Upper Lough Erne Region in County Fermanagh that brings together musicians, artists, gourmet food and traditional craft to celebrate the life of Upper Lough Erne. Islands, stunning castles and historic sites around the Lough will be the backdrop for the entertainment as well as ancient traditions and local produce that will tell the story of a place steeped in history.
Derry
Undoubtedly one of the key calendar events for 13 years now, the City of Derry Jazz and Big Band Festival is always legendary as it sweeps a frenzied fever for tantalising tunes across the city. Over 35,000 music lovers will take to the streets in pursuit of the perfect medley of music at this year’s festival, which will feature over 60 venues and 100’s of events from 1st to 5th May.
Armagh
The Brian Ború festival continues through until Sunday 4th May, marking the millennium anniversary since the death of Ireland’s High King who was killed during the Battle of Clontarf on Good Friday 1014. It is in the Ecclesiastical capital of Armagh that Brian Ború was laid to rest, as he wished, and his tomb is located in the Church of Ireland Cathedral. To commemorate the millennium anniversary a series of events, to suit all ages, will take place across Armagh City.
Antrim
The Cushendun Big Arts Weekend takes place from the 2nd to 5th May. This annual event has brought people from far and near to experience four days of events in one of the most beautiful villages in the Glens of Antrim. These include music, poetry, drama, arts and workshops.
Belfast
Northern Ireland’s biggest free festival, The Festival of Fools, brings some quite extraordinary sights to the streets and squares of Belfast City Centre from 2nd to 5th May. From slapstick supremos to the most agile acrobats. From terrifying trapeze artists through to jovial jugglers, this festival has something for everyone – and then some! As well as unicycling jugglers, silent clowns and a candy floss sculptor, the Festival of Fools will be presenting a motorised singing nun, a mindblowing magician and comedy painters.
For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (May 5 – 11).
Shane’s Castle May Day Steam Rally, Shane’s Castle, Randalstown, Co. Antrim, May 4-5. A great day out for the whole family will include steam and vintage tractors, working demonstrations as well as a craft marquee, auto jumble and live rural craft displays.
International Bread Festival, Castle Ward, Downpatrick, Co. Down May 5. Be prepared for your taste buds to be tantalised as the global bread tour returns with breads and foods from around the world bringing together bakers and bakeries, music, fun and games.
Apple Blossom Festival, Loughgall Country Park, Armagh, Co. Armagh, May 5. Enjoy a chance to sample different apple produce and the rural ambience with stunning pink and white blossom providing the backdrop with orchard tours, cookery demonstrations, children’s activities and much more.
Titanicdance, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, May 10. An all-new Irish dance sensation tells the story of the world’s most famous ship including 28 hugely talented performers with a cast of world class Irish dancers and musicians.
Garden Show Ireland, Antrim Castle Gardens, Co. Antrim, May 9-11. Northern Ireland’s premier gardening event has a packed programme of demonstrations, advice from gardening experts, inspirational show gardens, crafts and much more.
Giro d’Italia Big Start 2014, various locations, Belfast, Co. Antrim, Co. Armagh, May 8-11. Grab a piece of the action as Northern Ireland hosts the opening stages of the world famous Giro d’Italia as it takes place over three days making its way through Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coastal Route and the historic city of Armagh.
Mayor’s Carnival Parade & Family Fun Day, Wallace Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, May 10. Dance along to the carnival beat as the vibrant street party and procession of international carnival floats and acts ignite Lisburn street’s in bursts of energy and glittering colour as it makes its way to Wallace Park.
Sixth Annual Maguire History Weekend, Enniskillen Castle Museums, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, May 9-11. An exciting and varied programme, exploring aspects of the Maguire history of Fermanagh, from castles and chalices to important historic sites, food and family history information.
The Jungle Book, Riverside Theatre, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, May 7. Rudyard Kipling’s classic tale of Mowgli, the man cub brought up by wolves and befriended by a panther and bear is brought to life in a new adaptation by Riverbank Productions for young children and their families.
Strabane-Lifford Half Marathon and 5km Fun Run, The Alley Arts Centre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, May 11. Put your best foot forward for this fun charity event. There are categories for all ages, as well as a walking section, giving everyone an opportunity to participate and join in the fun.
Pubgoers in Portadown are set for a GREAT time this Friday as TV star, mentalist and illusionist, David Meade performs a special pop-up show at The Head O’The Road in Armagh.
The quaint country pub, located just outside Portadown, was chosen by Pubs of Ulster at random to win a night’s entertainment with the hit TV star as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week, which kicks off this week.
Hot on the heels of shooting his first USA based TV special, David Meade will perform at the intimate, free ticket-only event to an exclusive audience of 50 people at The Head O’The Road this Friday, 2nd May at 7.30pm.
With a live show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping, the enigmatic entertainer will reveal secret facts and thoughts of audience members; detecting lies and influencing those around him with seemingly inexplicable results. There’s no place for Meade to hide; no camera tricks or mirrors as the audience get up close and personal with him as he attempts to make them believe he can control their minds.
Commenting on the unique event, David Meade said:“I’m thrilled to join forces with Pubs of Ulster to put on this unique event as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week.
“Our pubs play such an important role in the cultural fabric of life in Northern Ireland and it’s exciting to be putting on a show to such an intimate audience in a Great Ulster pub.”
In addition to the special David Meade show, Pubs of Ulster are sending a touring magician and caricature artist around Northern Ireland during The Great Ulster Pub Week (1-9 May 2014) to provide further surprise pop-up entertainment to unsuspecting customers in participating pubs.
Caricature artist Brian John Spencer will be Live Drawing Pub Week Portraits in pubs right across Northern Ireland, whilst magician, Rodd Hogg will shock and awe pubgoers with his mind-boggling magic tricks.
Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said:“The Great Ulster Pub Week will showcase all that’s Great about Ulster’s Pubs between 1st – 9th May 2014.
“We’ve enlisted the help of three Great entertainers to help us bring some additional surprise entertainment to pubgoers across Northern Ireland, adding a little extra excitement to an already packed programme of events happening in pubs right across Northern Ireland.
“For nine days and nine nights, The Great Ulster Pub Week will create a real buzz, serving as an important reminder of how ‘Great’ Ulster’s pubs truly are.”
The pop-up entertainment represents just a handful of the Great events and surprises the public can expect to find in pubs during The Great Ulster Pub Week.
The Great Ulster Pub Week will be the biggest pub centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland and will showcase all that’s ‘Great’ about the Ulster pub. Over 160 pubs from right across Northern Ireland are signed up to be part of the exciting pub celebration, with hundreds of unique events showcasing great food, great entertainment and great craic set to take place.
From live music, magic, theatre productions, poetry readings and pub quizzes to arts & crafts workshops, film screenings and charity challenges, The Great Ulster Pub Week will offer a diverse array of events that’s sure to surprise and delight pubgoers across Northern Ireland. For foodies, there’ll be special Great Ulster Pub Week menus in participating pubs, as well as wine and craft beer tastings, new cocktail list launches and much more besides.
And as the build up for the Giro d’Italia begins, many pubs are dialling up the Pink Power, with special Giro themed promotions, competitions and events running as part of their Great Ulster Pub Week programmes of activity.
The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1st May 2014 with a World Record attempt to stage the world’s largest simultaneous multi-venue pub quiz in association with Downtown Radio, in aid of Cash For Kids. The attempt, which will see registered Great Ulster Pub Week pubs across NI take part in the live pub quiz, will be broadcast on Downtown at 10pm on Thursday 1st May, and aims to beat the current record of 2,679 participants in 39 venues. So far, over 30 pubs have signed up to take part. A full list of participating pubs is available at www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz for people wanting to take part in the historic World Record attempt.
The Great Ulster Pub Week kicks off on Thursday 1st May 2014 and is supported by Discover Northern Ireland, Coca Cola, Coors Light, Guinness, Harp, Heineken, Jameson and Tennent’s, with media partners, Downtown/Cool FM, Hospitality Review NI and The Sunday Life.
A special promo video, filmed by local filmmaker, Ben Price and sound tracked by local band, Pretty Child Backfire can be viewed at Youtube.com/greatulsterpubweek
For further information and for full event listings, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek
Tickets to the David Meade show at The Head O’The Road will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Contact the venue for further information on 028 3885 1322.
Autism Initiatives NI is encouraging people across the North Coast to get together and have a Big Lunch with their neighbours and friends this June
At their Easter Surf Programme at West Strand in Portrush, organised in partnership with the brilliant ‘Alive Surf School’, Autism Initiatives called for community spirited people to get together on June 1st and hold a Big Lunch in their own neighbourhoods.
The innovative Surfing Programme, which was the first autism specific programme in Northern Ireland, is now in its third year and has so far provided more than 70 surf class places, which run across six to eight week sessions.
Health and Activity Coordinator, Pauline Graham, said: “When we ran our pilot programme three years ago we were excited about the possibilities around a surfing programme. Surfing allows the participants to enjoy physical activity and social interactivity in the unique environment of the beautiful North Coast.
“The health benefits of taking part in such a wonderful sport are obvious but the friendships which many have developed have been just as rewarding. Many of our young people and adults have returned year after year and we hope to continue for many years to come.
“We thought it would be a wonderful idea to cement these friendships with a Big Lunch at the end of the surf season in September. We will invite past participants of the programme and their friends and family to get together for a day of friendship and fun.”
The next surf programme will run in July and Autism Initiatives NI will collaborate with Alive Surf School and ‘Liquid Therapy’, a charity that helps local young people facing a range of physical, mental, emotional and behavioural challenges through surfing.
Local Big Lunch representative, Grainne McCloskey said: “Programmes like these are immensely valuable to children with autism. It provides an opportunity for important social interaction and helps the children to develop and learn in a positive environment.
“The Big Lunch is all about strengthening community and building support networks. The main date this year is Sunday 1 June, but like Autism Initiatives NI you can organise a Big Lunch for whenever best suits your community or organisation.”
The Big Lunch – made possible by the Big Lottery Fund – is expecting millions of people to take part on Sunday 1 June 2014. For more information about holding a Big Lunch, request a free pack online at www.thebiglunch.com. Packs contain invitations and posters to adapt for your community, as well as seeds, a bunting template and an inspiration booklet with lots of ideas and info to help get you started.
Preparations are well underway for the return of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race with one of the most exciting events planned for the year, a weeklong LegenDerry Maritime Festival from 21-29th June 2014.
The Foyle Quay is set to transform into a summer promenade, complete with race village, marine marquees, award winning continental market and host of sea faring activities on and off shore. With a lineup of outdoor concerts planned citywide to welcome the Clipper fleet, including our very own Derry-Londonderry-Doire yacht on its penultimate stopover in the world’s longest ocean race.
Deputy Mayor Gary Middleton was with local businesses to deliver the programme which combined elements of the city’s rich maritime heritage and creative musical talent, encouraged everyone to get onboard for the world class event.
“I am delighted to launch the festival programme to once again welcome the Clipper Race crews to a world class series of events, activities and opportunities. The Maritime Festival is an excellent chance for us to build upon the superb success of our 2013 UK City of Culture year and to deliver our Legacy promise for Music City 2014.”
“As the Clipper Race yachts have journeyed around the world we have been busy promoting the city and region in international markets telling our new story. With our dedicated road show in which we are targeting the Diaspora, promoting trade, enterprise and investment links in the major stop over cities worldwide, and now look forward to continuing our partnership working to deliver not only an international festival but also delivery of a business opportunities programme, education and tourism campaign with a number of key stakeholders.”
A rich musical offering, the festival launches with Music City Day on 21st June where from dawn to dusk the city will become a giant performance space for both professional and amateur artists. The Beach Boys will bring Summer to Ebrington Square and Europe’s biggest dance music offering Celtronic showcases the best in electronic music. Incorporating the multi-cultural Ubuntu festival there will be a chance to bring people together to celebrate music of all cultures.
At the centre of the weeklong festival will be the welcome of the 12-strong fleet of Clipper Race yachts including Derry~Londonderry-Doire yacht which has once again been carrying the city’s story on its travels worldwide, a journey that has been both magnificent and dramatic in equal measures.
Linda Williams, Head of Economic Development and Marketing at Derry City Council said due to the phenomenal success of the Clipper Homecoming Festival in 2012, the Maritime Festival 2014 will again provide the opportunity to raise the profile of the city as a destination for World Class events as well as providing local businesses the chance to benefit from a unique opportunity to link with other cities and stakeholders.
She said: “The transformation of the City over the last few years has been amazing and the continuation of investment in the City’s One Plan sees the focus on the legacy of City of Culture year and past Clipper events.”
“The Derry-Londonderry-Doire Clipper Yacht has been travelling around the world cementing the city’s story to a global audience, both during and post City of Culture 2013. The world class event this summer is our chance to build on the confidence that 2013 has brought and positive world wide exposure, a chance to attract visitors and investment and to promote our vibrant and innovative city and for all in the city to realise benefits of this exposure and make 2014 successful and memorable for the city.”
Alan Clarke, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Chief Executive, said, “The city’s reputation for hosting this event has certainly gathered momentum. It is a great opportunity to build on the legacy of activity through the ni2012 our time, our place campaign and Derry~Londonderry’s mantle as the UK City of Culture in 2013. I believe it will not only help increase the international profile for the city but also support economic and tourism growth, continue with job creation, develop creative industries and create awareness of the city’s maritime and cultural heritage. NITB is please to provide financial support for this event through its International Tourism Events Fund.”
Clipper Race organizers are looking forward to bringing the event back to the city and showcasing their new fleet of twelve new identical 70-foot ocean racers. Jonathan Levy, Global Business and Communications Director for Clipper Ventures said: “We had an outstanding experience during our first visit in 2012 and are very excited to hear the news of the excellent programme for this summer’s festivities and race village.
“The warmth of your welcome and hospitality is indeed legendary within the Clipper Race and the whole fleet is looking forward to its visit here in June. In a more tangible sense, I am confident we will again make a big economic impact on the region through our presence and the spending power of the crew, race partners, fans and visitors. Add to this the global media we reach and this will once again showcase Derry~Londonderry on an international stage.”
Bill McCann, Foyle Port Harbour Master said: “The Port is delighted to be working in partnership with Derry City Council, Clipper Ventures and all the stakeholders involved in the LegenDerry Maritime Festival 2014. The return of the Clipper Race offers us the opportunity to utilise the £1.4m of infrastructure invested during 2012 and the chance to build on this legacy.”
“Foyle Port now has over 800m of pontoon space to offer including new pontoon facilities at Meadow Bank and Fort George to accommodate the 100+ visiting boats expected over the duration of the weeklong event. Our marine team has already demonstrated our capacity to stage and manage all the marine and technical aspects of the Clipper Race arrival and start. We look forward once again to offering the marine and berthing support that the Clipper Race crews will rely on when they are here and to playing our part in facilitating what is sure to be an amazing event for the City and North West Region.”
Whet your appetite aboard the LegenDerry Maritime Festival this June, whether you are a novice sailor, a lover of food or coming for the world class music, this event will enable families, visitors, and nautical enthusiasts enjoy a host of exciting and diverse maritime activities from visiting yachts and boats. Come meet the crews of the 70 Foot yachts as they dock on the Foyle and discover the fascinating stories of the city with a series of exhibitions and creative heritage areas along the way.
Start your summer in Derry-Londonderry Music City 2014 from Saturday 21st June until Sunday 29th June. You will find a city full of vibrancy and talent unlike any other, a city gearing up to provide a international welcome that promises to be Legenderry.
The LegenDerry Maritime Festival is being organised and lead by Derry City Council with support from NITB, Foyle Port, Ilex, Loughs Agency, DCC Legacy Fund, Diageo, Tourism Ireland, Donegal Co.Co and Limavady Borough Council.
For more information on the full programme of events or details on how to get involved, and special accommodation rates visit www.legenderrymaritimefestival.com. Keep up to date with the Clipper race on Facebook Derry-Londonderry-Doire Clipper.
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is welcoming the return of ‘The Art Of Craft’ exhibition.
This exhibition, showing in the Theatre Gallery, features the work of 23 artists and makers from across Ireland showcasing their unique talents through the creation of works featuring basketry, ceramics, jewellery, mixed media, textiles, bespoke furniture and metal. The exhibition runs from 2 May until 21 June. Visitors to the exhibition will be asked to vote for their favourite piece, and a cash prize of £300, ‘The People’s Prize’ will be awarded to the winning Artist/Designer/Maker.
The Art of Craft Exhibition is part of The Armagh Craft Fair, which itself will take place on Saturday 24th May. This high quality event offers something for everyone with even more beautiful and affordable craft, new craft makers, free craft demonstrations, great food, musical entertainment and much more. Armagh Craft Fair features many and varied Craft Stalls, displaying and selling high quality crafts from makers across Ireland. On show will be textiles, jewellery, wood, glass, soaps, ceramics and candles to name but a few.
Also on display will be the exhibition ‘Returned’ by the artist Maria Morgan. Maria comments “Returned looks at places connected with me and people in my life, and how these can evoke memories. Travelling has given a new perspective on local landscapes. I have revisited places that make me reminisce about my childhood and family. I have also gained a new appreciation for exploring new places within my own area. I initially take photographs or sketches and make notes about the memories or feeling these places generate. The work is then created using paint and mixed media.” ‘Returned’ will be on display in the Theatre Foyer from Friday 2nd May until Thursday 22nd May.
Admission to both exhibitions is free. For further enquiries, please contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.
Saturday 10th May will see the second day of the Grande Partenza or the ‘big start’ of the Giro d’Italia race, pass through Newtownabbey twice.
As part of the Causeway Coastal Route, the cyclists will race through Glengormley at approximately 10.50am and along the Shore road at approximately 4pm as they near the finish line in Belfast.
Speaking about the upcoming Giro d’Italia, the Mayor Alderman Fraser Agnew commented “The world famous race will pass through Newtownabbey twice bringing the festival atmosphere with it as it passes through. To welcome this fantastic event, parts of the borough have undergone somewhat of a makeover with various improvements to buildings and shop fronts through DSD and DOE funding.
All in all, Newtownabbey will be looking it’s best for the world’s media and I hope everyone gets out and welcomes the cyclists and enjoys this very unique occasion.”
To encourage everyone to mark and enjoy the spectacle, various family fun events will take place along the route:
Get into Glengormley for the Giro fun taking place throughout the town centre from 9am-1pm! The event will be jam-packed with activities for all the family including face-painting, arts and crafts, balloon modelling, street entertainment, bouncy castles and some children’s favourite characters on walkabout!
A spectacle in itself, the caravan of promotional vehicles will be giving out goodies and creating a buzz in Glengormley at 9.20am
At Loughshore Park from 1-5pm there will be amusements, inflatables and lots of family fun activities. Why not get in the ‘pink’ and try the sports on offer – pink cycling, pink football and pink aerobics? Cycling enthusiasts will love the cycling challenges and cycle checks. With the exception of the amusements, all activities are FREE!
Whiteabbey Village will host an event from 2-4pm which will see the Really Rubbish Orchestra perform with instruments made from bicycle parts in the Presbyterian Church car park. The Templemore Silver Band will also provide entertainment while children’s activities such as face painting and balloon modelling will be available.
Fun days will take place at Rathcoole (Shore Road entrance) and Merville Garden Village fun from 2-4pm with free inflatables, face painting and balloon modelling and performances by local bands.
Also look out for local food businesses offering Italian inspired menus and the Giro themed window displays in Glengormley.
Please also be reminded that in order to facilitate the race, the following road closures will be in place during the event:
Antrim Road 8am-11.30am and Shore Road 1pm-4.40pm.
Sandyknowes offslip at M2 will also have limited access during the times of 8am-11.30am.
For more information on the Giro d’Italia visiting Newtownabbey, please visit www.newtownabbey.gov.uk/giro or contact Lisa O’Kane on telephone 028 9034 0052 or email lokane@newtownabbey.gov.uk
This year the award-winning Demon Barbers will perform for one show only at the Merry May Day celebrations in Holywood on Monday, 5th May.
Previous winners of Best Live Act at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, they are renowned for their no holds barred approach to their live shows and will bring to the stage a modern twist to their multi-award winning Roadshow. Their XL Show is one of the most imaginative and inspirational dance shows this decade, bringing some of the UK’s most exciting young Folk, Hip Hop & Break dancers together to create this live folk music spectacular! This will be the first time that the XL Show will be in Northern Ireland making May Day an exciting opportunity to see this special act live. The show kicks off at 2pm.
Also, throughout the town, there will be balloon modellers, face painters, stilt walkers, a mime artist, magician and the lively Ski Band, “the best street band ever,” who will be entertaining the crowds with their own special blend of live music!
All the usual favourites have been organised by Holywood & District Community Council; Bonnie Baby Competition (10.30 am, Queen’s Leisure Complex) and Fancy Dress Competition (12.30 pm – the themes this year are Merry May Day, Cartoon Characters & As You Like It)
Over 60 stalls represented by local charities and traders will be in place throughout High Street and Church Road. Please note that Holywood Town Centre will be closed for most of the day.
The ever-popular Maypole Dancing will take place at 11am and 1pm. Young children can get their chance to dance around their own Maypole with Jump, Jiggle and Jive from 12 noon – 4.00 pm and if that just gets them going there will be 2 discos in Queen’s Leisure Complex – (p1-p3 1.00 – 2.00 pm) and (p4-P7 2.30 pm-3.30 pm).
For the older swingers in Town there will be a Tea Dance – also held at Queen’s Leisure Complex from 1.00 -3.00 pm.
At Holywood Library, Friends of Holywood Library will be holding a Book Sale from 10am – 2pm and everyone is welcome. There is also an art exhibition by The Monday Painters which will be opening on Monday 5th and running until May 10th.
And don’t forget if you fancy some shopping or a bite of lunch, most of Holywood’s shops and eateries will be open throughout the day.
So come on down to Holywood on Monday, 5th May from 10am – 4pm for a fun-filled day at this FREE EVENT!
For further information on this event please contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or email tic@northdown.gov.uk.
The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1st May 2014 with a World Record attempt to stage the World’s Largest Multi-Venue Pub Quiz.
: (l-r): Gareth Stewart, Cool FM presenter, Colin Neill, CEO of Pubs of Ulster, Miss Northern Ireland Meagan Green, Gary Myles, Downtown radio presenter and Mark Stewart, Pubs of Ulster chairman get in some practice for The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Pub Quiz. The Great Ulster Pub Week will kick off on Thursday 1st May 2014 with a World Record attempt to stage the world’s largest simultaneous multi-venue pub quiz in association with Downtown Radio, in aid of Cash For Kids. The attempt, which will see registered Great Ulster Pub Week pubs across NI take part in the live pub quiz, will be broadcast on Downtown at 10pm on Thursday 1st May, and aims to beat the current record of 2,679 participants in 39 venues. So far, over 30 pubs have signed up to take part, with more expected to join the roster in the next week. A full list of participating pubs will be available www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz shortly, for people wanting to take part in the historic World Record attempt. For further information, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek Picture by Stephen Hamilton, PressEye.
The daring attempt, which is being undertaken by Pubs of Ulster in association with Downtown Radio and children’s charity, Cash For Kids, aims to beat the current record for the World’s Largest Simultaneous Quiz of 2,679 participants in 39 venues.
Over 30 pubs across Northern Ireland have already signed up for the exciting multi-venue event, with more expected to join the roster in the run up to the event on Thursday. From Belfast to Bangor, Donaghadee to Draperstown, Irvinestown to Portrush and towns and cities across Northern Ireland, the public can play their part in this historic World Record attempt
The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz will be broadcast live on Downtown Radio from The Errigle Inn, Belfast at 10pm on Thursday 1st May 2014, with participating pubs tuning in to take part in the same quiz at the same time.
Commenting on the exciting event, Colin Neill, CEO, Pubs of Ulster said: “The Great Ulster Pub Week is all about celebrating what’s Great about Northern Ireland’s pubs – from great food and drinks to great entertainment and great craic. Quizzes are one of the things our pubs do best, so we’re delighted to join forces with Downtown Radio to host this ambitious World Record attempt, in aid of Cash for Kids.
“We’re offering a real opportunity for people right across Northern Ireland to come together and make a little piece of history – we hope the public will come out in force to join us as we go for this exciting World Record attempt.”
People wanting to take part in the Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Attempt Quiz should sign up at a participating pub of their choice. Entrance costs £18 per team, with a maximum of six people per team – all entrance fees will be donated to Cash For Kids to support the charity’s great work across Northern Ireland.
In addition to being crowned the overall victor live on air, the winning team will receive a VIP trip to The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin. Other prizes will be awarded to runners-up in each of the participating pubs.
Mark Mahaffy, regional managing director, Downtown Radio/ Cool FM said:
“Downtown Radio is delighted to add its weight and six county coverage to this exciting attempt at a world record.
“As the only local commercial radio station to cover all of Northern Ireland, we’re hoping that our listeners will get involved all over the country to support this effort, and, in doing so, help raise funds for our charity, Cash For Kids.”
Stuart Robinson, acting programming controller, Downtown Radio added:
“We are delighted to be involved in a world record breaking attempt and can’t wait to hear how it comes across live on air. Downtown remains the only commercial radio station to cover the entire province, so if we are successful this will be truly a Northern Ireland wide effort.”
Darren Fowler, regional charity manager, Cash for Kids Northern Ireland said: “Cash for Kids is always up for a challenge, and we are all about putting the ‘FUN’ in fundraising, so a World record Pub Quiz attempt is right up our street. We’re delighted to join forces with Pubs of Ulster to host this exciting event as part of The Great Ulster Pub Week.
“Cash for Kids works all year round raising funds for children in communities throughout Northern Ireland who rely on charitable support to overcome disadvantage. It’s our mission to eliminate disadvantage for all children and young people who live in Northern Ireland and coming up with amazing and Fun events like this one is how we are making sure that happens.”
People wanting to enter a team to be part of The Great Ulster Pub Week, should contact the official venue of their choice.
The Great Ulster Pub Week World Record Multi-Venue Pub Quiz attempt participating pubs:*
Bureau by the Lough, 637 Shore Road, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. Tel: 028 9086 6111
*This list iscorrect at the time of issue; check www.downtown.co.uk/pubquiz for a map of participating pubs, which will be updated as further venues come on board.
The Great Ulster Pub Week (1-9 May 2014) will be the biggest pub centric multi-venue event seen in Northern Ireland and will showcase all that’s ‘Great’ about the Ulster pub. Over 160 pubs from right across Northern Ireland are signed up to be part of the exciting pub celebration, with hundreds of unique events showcasing great food, great entertainment and great craic set to take place.
From live music, magic, theatre productions, poetry readings and pub quizzes to arts & crafts workshops, film screenings and charity challenges, The Great Ulster Pub Week will offer a diverse array of events that’s sure to surprise and delight pubgoers across Northern Ireland. The Great Ulster Pub Week is supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Coca Cola, Coors Light, Guinness, Harp, Heineken, Jameson and Tennent’s, with media partners, Downtown/Cool FM, Hospitality Review NI and The Sunday Life.
A special promo video, filmed by local filmmaker, Ben Price and sound tracked by local band, Pretty Child Backfire can be viewed at Youtube.com/greatulsterpubweek
For further information and for full event listings, visit www.greatulsterpubweek.com or find The Great Ulster Pub Week on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and Instagram using the hashtag, #UlsterPubWeek
Kathleen Mitchell, Vice President of Europe for social selling boutique business Stella & Dot, has been announced as one of the guest speakers at next month’s International Business Women’s Conference IBWC 2014: Creating a New Economy (Belfast, Northern Ireland, 13/14 May 2014).
