Victoria Square Says Thank You for the Memories with a Month-Long Celebration to Mark 10^th Birthday

Northern Ireland’s leading leisure and retail destination, Victoria Square turns 10 in March and is saying thank you for the memories with a host of exclusive events and over £10,000 worth of giveaways to celebrate its big birthday.

From the beginning of the month, the mall will be bedecked with an impressive floral installation and on Friday 3^rd and Saturday 4^th March, a big birthday shopping weekend will offer an array of exclusive offers across the centre.

Throughout March, shoppers will benefit from a fantastic range of promotions, offers, giveaways and events, as Victoria Square goes into full on celebration mode.

Live music on the mall will create a party atmosphere, as Victoria Square partners with the Oh Yeah Music Centre to host 10 live performances from up and coming local artists. To mark the official anniversary on Tuesday 6^th March, five children who share the same birthday will join in the celebrations with a private 10^th birthday party in the dome.

During the 10^th birthday month, customers will also have the chance to win an array of prizes and VSQ experiences. A massive £10,000 worth of Victoria Square prizes will dished out through giveaways on the mall and in partnership with Visit Belfast, Cool FM and Q Radio. A special arcade machine in the centre from 16^th-25^th March will offer visitors the chance to win fantastic gifts, ranging in value from £5 – £500, with proceeds going to Victoria Square’s chosen charities for 2018.

Victoria Square’s iconic dome will act as showcase area for a range of prize-winning artistic creations, submitted through a public art competition to mark its 10^th birthday. The 10 winning artworks, which draw their inspiration from Belfast over the last decade, were judged by local artist, Aly Harte following a public art competition that attracted a staggering 1000 entries.

A Mother’s Day Fayre on 10^th and 11^th March and Easter activities kicking off on 30^th March will bring further buzz and excitement to the centre during the 10^th anniversary month.

For further information, visit www.victoriasquare.com Share your Victoria Square memories on Facebook @victoriasquarebelfast Twitter @Victoria_Square and Instagram, @victoriasqbelfast using the hashtag #VSQ10

Ahead of World Book Day (Thursday 1^st March), The Merchant Hotel has announced a magical new charity partnership with the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, which will kick off with a Harry Potter themed fundraiser later this month.

The JK Rowling bestseller is the subject of the first in a series of bi-monthly pub quizzes, which will take place in The Cloth Ear to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Trivia lovers are being invited to delve into the wonderful world of Harry Potter and put their wizarding knowledge to the test at the special quiz on Wednesday 28^th March. There will be prizes for the best dressed witch or wizard and the team with the most creative name, as well as Harry Potter themed drinks on offer (over 18 only).

Throughout the yearlong partnership, The Merchant will host a range of fundraising events and initiatives, including an ambassador dinner event.

Gavin Carroll, general manager, The Merchant Hotel said: “We are proud to partner with NI Children’s Hospice and are looking forward to hosting a range of events over the course of the next year to raise funds for this fantastic local charity.”

Katie Pollock, Head of Fundraising at NI Hospice said: “Each year, we rely on partnerships and events to raise funds, which in turn enables us to offer specialist paediatric palliative care to children with life limiting and terminal conditions. For families caring for a sick child, Hospice support is invaluable. We are delighted that The Merchant has chosen to support our work this year and look forward to an exciting and action packed partnership.”

The Harry Potter Quiz is the first in a series of themed pub quizzes that will take place in The Cloth Ear throughout the year. Entry costs £5 per person and a maximum of 6 people are permitted per team. To register, visit https://merchant.glistrr.com/e/112 or call The Cloth Ear on 028 9026 2719. Entrance is strictly for over 18s. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to NI Children’s Hospice.

COMM/ON 18, an event exploring the issue of mental health amongst freelance workers, will take place on Wednesday 14 March from 2pm – 5pm at the Black Box in Belfast as part of Imagine, The Belfast Festival of Ideas and Politics.

Founded by Adam Turkington from Seedhead Arts, a freelancer himself, the first COMM/ON event took place in March 2017.  Adam explains:

“While there are numerous advantages to working as a freelancer such as greater flexibility and control over the work you do, there are obvious downsides too such as lack of security and isolation, which can have a negative impact on mental health. 

The aim of COMM/ON is to bring freelancers of all backgrounds – artists, bakers, tailors, brewers, designers, baristas, entertainers, etc. – together in one space to share their experiences, support each other, network and collaborate. Our hope for COMM/ON is that it will start a conversation which improves the working lives of freelancers and celebrates the contribution that they make to society.”

According to a recent report from the Office for National Statistics, “…the rapid growth of self-employment has been a pronounced feature of the UK labour market in recent years. The number of self-employed increased from 3.3 million people (12.0% of the labour force) in 2001 to 4.8 million (15.1% of the labour force) in 2017.”

COMM/ON 18 will feature a range of mental health professionals and researchers who will be looking at the mental health issues that affect freelancers in particular and what can be done to address them.

COMM/ON 18 is free and open to all freelance workers, but places are limited so please register in advance – click here for tickets or search “COMM/ON 18” on Facebook to find out more.

Have you ever dreamed of being a King, Queen or Khaleesi?  Do you love the worldwide Book & TV hit Game of Thrones, where you win or you die?

Unlike Ned Stark, there is no need to lose your head to achieve your dream of sitting on the iconic Iron Throne of the Kingdom of Westeros, as it will be exclusively in Bow Street Mall Lisburn in association with Q Radio, on weekends March 10^th and 11^th, and March 17^th and 18^th 2018. Open Saturday and Sunday 12pm to 6pm to the public to take their seat on the Iron Throne. Tickets available at the event and online, with no booking required.

The ‘Iron Throne Experience’ is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Calling it “impressive” is an understatement. On the epic Game of Thrones TV show, the Iron Throne was constructed by Aegon I Targaryen, the first king of the Seven Kingdoms. He made it from the swords surrendered by his enemies. Legend has it, it’s made of a thousand swords that took 59 days to hammer out into a throne. Spikes and jagged edges in every direction make this one very intimidating lounge. Iron Throne Experience’s HBO commissioned Game of Thrones life-size prop replica measures over 7’2” in height, 5’11” in depth and 5’5″ in width. Also on display and available for posing with are the Game of Thrones Crown of Joffrey Baratheon, and swords Ice, Longclaw, Needle, Oathkeeper and Jaime Lannister, and Dragon eggs prop replicas.

Tickets available at the event and priority tickets online (ironthrone.co.uk) from £10 (£5 Under 12’s) include seated professional photos. Why not dress up for the occasion, and take a photo with your henchmen or handmaidens? The only decision is what house colours will you wear?

“In Game of Thrones many people die in the battle to rule Westeros from the Iron Throne, but the people of Northern Ireland don’t need to lose their heads to sit the Iron Throne.  They can come along to the Iron Throne weekend events at Bow Street Mall Lisburn in association with Q Radio from March 10th to 18th” says Karen Marshall, Centre Manager at Bow Street Mall.

Be the envy of all your friends, take your seat on the Iron Throne exclusively at Bow Street Mall Lisburn in association with Q Radio. Open hours March 10th, 11th, 17th & 18th, Saturday & Sunday 12pm – 6pm. See IronThrone.co.uk for more information. Event produced and presented by Fancosmic.

Spring has sprung, and with it, comes the promise of two packed weekends of free cultural events in March, the Belfast Arts Weekender.

Thanks to funding and support from Belfast City Council, there’s a range of events to experience spanning music, film, visual arts, theatre and urban art from 2-4 and 10-11 March – all free of charge.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister said: “We decided to create this programme with our cultural partners to animate different corners of the city and to open up the arts to people who may not have considered

them before, or who might find ticket prices a barrier. Belfast Arts Weekender is an amazing way to find out more about our great city – and to take a step out of our normal routines to enjoy something completely different.

It’s free, so you really have nothing to lose.”

Creative Exchange Studios’ ‘Lightning Talks’ kicks off Belfast Arts Weekender at 6pm on Friday 2 March in The Engine Room Space, Portview Trade Centre, bringing together leading lights who are shaping east Belfast’s growing cultural landscape for an evening of inspirational discussion.

Across the city in the Duncairn Centre, north Belfast at 7:30pm, musician Conor Caldwell will début a specially commissioned piece of music ‘Our City, Our Home’, reflecting on growing up in the city and produced in collaboration with musicians from a range of cultures and musical backgrounds. An exhibition of photographs and video clips portraying life in Belfast, lectures, workshops and music sessions will also feature.

The next day, Saturday, 3 March, there’s an afternoon celebration of urban arts from 2-5pm at CS Lewis Square, entitled ‘Eastside Wardrobe Jam.’ Expect local and international street mural artists working live to transform ‘previously loved’ wardrobes and walls in the surrounding area, urban sports and dance displays by Thunder Action Sports, and music by Le Boom and Girl DJ Collective.

And on Sunday, 4 March at the Cultúrlann on Falls Road, west Belfast, Aisling Ghéar Theatre Company invites you to take an intimate glimpse into the fascinating world of the Fadgies – native Irish speakers from Omeath who settled and worked in Belfast’s famous markets.

The following weekend, the Ulster Orchestra presents U:O Interactive at the Indian Community Centre, north Belfast on Saturday, 10 March from 11am-3pm. For one unforgettable day, experience the orchestra as a living exhibition, try playing orchestral instruments under the expert guidance of professional musicians and you could even make music with your body.

Or pop over to Conway Mill’s Saturday market from 10am-3pm and immerse yourself in tales of the ‘Millies’ with Kabosh Theatre Company, actors including Gerard Jordan and Antoinette Morelli, historian Myrtle Hill and traditional musicians Jane Cassidy and Maurice Leyden – against a backdrop of amazing footage of the mill and its workers from the Northern Visions archive.

Over on south Belfast’s ‘Golden Mile’ on Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 March from 12-4pm, enjoy curious tales during Accidental Theatre’s ‘SPOKE’ mini mobile theatre festival. The hub at 12-13 Shaftesbury Square will also host music, screenings, talks, and a chance to explore the neighbourhood (past, present, and imagined) through sparkling new writing and gripping performances.

And finally, you’ll have an opportunity to ask ‘Where am I in the photo?’ as Golden Thread Gallery and Belfast Photo Festival exhibit iconic photographs from Belfast people’s personal collections over both weekends.

For more information, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/artsweekender or join in the conversation on social media #BelfastArtsWeekender

Sometimes we deny ourselves a short break for fear it’s too much hassle. Here’s how to escape to a haven that’s closer than you think.

Just a half hour drive from Belfast city, another world unfolds. Tranquil lapping loughs, picture perfect villages and atmospheric abbeys that are a tonic for city-sore eyes. This is the Ards and North Down area.

So close you can even cycle to it, this restful region offers 115 miles of scenic shoreline where you can sail, walk, soak up the sea air or feast on freshly caught seafood.

If you’ve had a busy week, here are five ways to revive your spirits without the hassle of a long journey to get there…

1. Take a tour of stunning seaside towns

Head east out of Belfast, and there are so many pretty towns and villages to explore.

Along the southern shores of Belfast Lough is Holywood, renowned for its many boutique shops and café scene, showcasing delicious coffees and cakes. En route on your way out of town is the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, which examines the life and lifestyles of the people of Northern Ireland across the years, as well as the means of transport they used.

From here it’s a short drive to explore the Castle gardens and Abbey in Bangor. Take a leisurely walk along the marina to acquaint yourself with the town, or stop for a spot of lunch. Afterwards, indulge in some culture by visiting North Down Museum.

If you head to the end of the Ards peninsula, you’ll reach Portaferry, a gorgeous fishing town situated by the Narrows, where the wild tidal torrent sweeps in and out between the Irish Sea and Strangford Lough.

2. Get up close to wild life

Wildlife thrives along the grassy banks of Strangford Lough, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and area of Special Scientific Interest, while 2000 marine species teem in its clear waters.

Twitchers, bring your binoculars – Strangford is home to 75 per cent of the world’s brent geese population, a small, dark, stubby-billed bird with an extraordinary migratory pattern.

Don’t miss Castle Espie Wetland Centre, home to Ireland’s largest collection of waders and migrant birds, including a noisy colony of Brent geese, or get a diver’s view of the marine life at Portaferry’s Exploris Aquarium.

Don’t forget to pack your walking boots. Ards and North Down’s network of coastal paths and lough sidewalks provides you with stunning views or even seals basking on the rocks!

3. Steep yourself in history

The history of this area stretches back as far as the Bronze Age, via the Vikings and the early Ulster Scots planters, to our World War: you can take in ruined castles, holy wells, Abbeys on Military forts.

Enjoy the Visitor Centre and herb garden at Grey Abbey, which was ruined during the invasion of Robert the Bruce, or learn about Ireland’s involvement in the Great War at the Somme Museum.

4. Sample the tastes of the countryside

Savour the region’s award winning restaurants. Local chefs have been inspired by the bountiful larder of this lush countryside to put together some wonderful flavours. Top of the menu is a daily catch of seafood. Don’t miss the Portavogie prawns, local lobsters or oysters. And the world- famous Comber potatoes: try a local speciality of buttery mash with spring onions. Wash it all down with a locally produced ale, gin or whiskey.

The best of the region’s flavours is on display at the monthly Comber Farmers Market, where you can also meet the growers and producers.

While there, take a foodie tour to sample food, learn how artisan dulse wheaten bread is made, and watch how whisky is produced at Echlinville Distillery.

5. Stay a while

Choose from a range of stunning places to stay: from rustic self-catering to cosy pubs and five star hotels.

For a list of the best places to eat and stay, pop in to Bangor Visitor Centre, which is located in a dramatic 17^th century tower on the seafront.

If you’re closer to Strangford Lough, the Ards Visitor Information Centre in Newtownards can help. You can also pick up a unique handcrafted gift from Ards Crafts, located inside the visitor centre.

For more information on this idyllic spot that’s close to home, visitardsandnorthdown.com or call our Visitor Information Centre team on 028 9127 0069/028 9182 6846.

Labelled as the World’s greatest tribute act, Bookends are returning to Northern Ireland with their World class Simon and Garfunkel concert this June

Described as “not your average tribute show”, they don’t dress up or try to impersonate Simon and Garfunkel but instead pay tribute to the iconic sound that the duo are famous for by recreating the perfect harmonies, timing and diction that mesmerised a generation.

Performing the songs in a truly captivating way, their delicate recreation of the unmistakable sound of the American folk-rock duo is something of a masterpiece. Bookends have been performing their unique

World-class concert to audiences in some of the finest theatres and concert halls across the UK, Europe and the United States.

Collectively known as Bookends, Dan and Pete who, like their idols met in high school and began singing together from an early age. They will make their forth visit to Northern Ireland this June where will be making stops at The Crescent in Belfast, Down Arts Centre in Downpatrick and The Courtyard Theatre in Antrim. Pete from the duo talks of his excitement of making a return to Norther Ireland. “Due to touring commitments abroad, we’ve not made a trip across to Ireland for a couple of years now. It’s a shame it’s been so long as the audiences in Northern Ireland are always amazing. Folk music is part of their culture and history so they are always really enthusiastic and are there for a good time. We can’t wait to make the trip across the water again”

Hear classics such as Homeward Bound, Mrs. Robinson and The Sound of Silence. Also featured in the show is Bookends’ very own beautiful version of the smash hit Bridge Over Troubled Water which they have released as a single.  The show is moving and captivating with Bookends being without doubt, the most authentic sounding tribute to the music of Simon and Garfunkel.

“One of the best tribute shows in existence anywhere in the world” Stuart Cameron

(Sky TV, BBC, ITV Broadcaster)

“Any Simon and Garfunkel fan should go and see this show” BBC Radio Devon

“Unique and slick! A must see show” BBC Radio Suffolk

 

Find out more at :

simonandgarfunkelbybookends.com

facebook.com/simonandgarfunkelbybookends

 

Performing at:

The Crescent, Belfast on Thursday 28th June 2018 at 8.30pm

Tickets: £16

Box Office: 028 9024 2338

Website: crescentarts.org

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick on Friday 29th June at 8pm

Tickets: £15 / £12

Box Office: 028 4461 0747

Website: downartscentre.com

The Courtyard Theatre, Antrim on Saturday 30th June at 8pm

Tickets: £16

Box Office: 028 9034 0202

Website: thecourtyardtheatre.com