Month: August 2021

If you’re looking for new ink or just some inspiration for your next piece look no further than Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, with five premier tattoo studios all located within the heart of the city.

Whether you want simple line work, geometry, realism or blackwork, there are many talented artists to suit all styles. 

Here are 5 tattoo studios in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter:

1. Belfast City Skinworks 

Based in Belfast for the last 30 years Belfast City Skinworks is one of Belfast’s oldest and most established Tattoo and piercing specialists in the city. 

Located in the old building of St Malachy’s Christian Brothers School, the tattoo studio has gone from strength to strength, even tattooing boxing legend Carl Frampton. 

Providing a complimentary consultation service and a large portfolio of past work the company caters for first time tattooers or regulars who are ready to get a new piece. 

To find out more go to belfastcityskinworks.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

2. A Sailors Grave 

With a huge studio space on Royal Avenue and 11 resident artists, A Sailors Grave is certainly a popular choice for tattoo lovers in Belfast. 

The variety of artists available at the studio means you will be sure to find an artist that specialises in the style you like. Calia Dagger specialises in fine line and dot work whilst Sabra Carson specialises in neo-traditional. 

To find out more go to asailorsgrave.co.uk or follow them on Facebook or Instagram

3. Meraki Tattoo

Based in North Street Meraki Tattoo specialises in blackwork and geometry and cosmetic tattooing. 

As an appointment only based studio you will have to contact one of their artists; Mark, Brandon, Nathan or Liam directly to book an appointment. You can see a selection of the different artists work on their social media to find which style would suit you best. 

Follow them on Instagram or Facebook for more information.

4. Penthouse Ink

Based in Royal Avenue Penthouse Ink pride themselves on catering to all styles and offering custom designs. 

Clients of the studio have praised its friendly atmosphere and laidback staff. Resident artists Jan and Aaron both have their work displayed on social media for customers to check out their style. 

Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for more information

5. Addinktion 

Established in 2010, Addinktion Tattoo is based on Donegall Street in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.

Offering custom tattoos by resident artists Dre and Adam, the company has a wide variety of styles and designs featured on their social media, including tarot based designs and portraits. 

Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

Andy Dunlop from acclaimed band Travis is set to entertain music lovers later this month as Flowerfield Arts Centre continues its series of free outdoor concerts.

He’s just one of an amazing line-up of artists set to play at the popular Saturday Lunchtime Live in the Park events, held on the terrace each Saturday from 12noon to 1pm

This Saturday (August 14^th), enjoy the musical stylings of the String Ninjas, a Belfast-based instrumental duo consisting of guitarist Gavin Ferris and electronic violinist Mick Conlon.

Having recently performed at festivals across the UK, the Ninjas are renowned for wowing audiences with their energetic live performances ranging from 90s dance to classic rock and jazz.

Rising star and singer-songwriter Molly Hogg will grace the terrace on Saturday 21st August. One to watch, Molly has performed at festivals throughout Northern Ireland as well as on UTV.

To end the month, none other than Andy Dunlop, lead guitarist from the internationally renowned band Travis, will perform alongside singer/songwriter Peter McVeigh on Saturday 28^th August.

Don’t forget to bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy during the shows.  Limited seating will be provided with social distancing measures in place for your safety. 

The concerts are weather dependent so visit www.flowerfield.org or follow Flowerfield Arts Centre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates. 

Saturday 21 August will see the very best of Bangor come to life as we encourage you to join us to shop local, eat local and enjoy lots of seaside fun.

From 12noon to 6pm, the town will have an extra special buzz with fabulous shop window animations and pop-up performances throughout the day. Be captivated by the finest local singers, actors, dancers, mime artists and musicians who will entertain and delight!

From Main Street to High Street and Project 24 to Pickie Funpark you can experience and enjoy live performances, shop window animations, special offers, tasty food and much more.

Project 24 will host the ‘Taste Ards and North Down’ local food, drink and craft market from 12noon to 6pm where you will have the opportunity to meet our local producers and pick up some delicious treats and unique crafts.

The McKee Clock arena will play host to the UK’s Strongest Woman 2021 event where 12 athletes from all 4 corners of the UK will compete in grueling contests to become the first ever UK’s Strongest woman. A not to be missed event with 9 tests of strength to find one champion. (Pre-booking essential).

As part of the Back in Bangor celebrations we also have a variety of exciting and authentic foodie experiences on offer from Friday 20 to Sunday 22 August.

Highlights include:

Bangor Beer Club Special The Bangor Beer Club returns at the Salty Dog. This is the best place to meet some of the great local characters behind the ever-growing NI craft brewing scene.

The Great British Menus with Andy Scollick An opportunity to enjoy the Great British Menu as presented by our rising star, local chef Andy Scollick.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks said;

“While we are unable to run large scale events like we usually do, this new town animation approach designed for a COVID-safe environment where entertainers are spread out right across the town, allows shoppers to enjoy performances while remaining outside and socially distanced.

“I am looking forward to seeing a buzz back in Bangor and hope that it is a successful day for the town and its traders.”

So why not delight in some much-needed entertainment and relaxation with a special day Back in Bangor this August. 

For more information see www.visitardsandnorthdown.com/backinbangor 

· All providers will operate with COVID-19 measures in line with current government guidance.

· Help us to stop the spread of COVID-19. Regular rapid lateral flow testing is strongly recommended prior to attending this event. For more information see www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/lateralflowtests  

When it comes to gigs in Belfast, the city’s Cathedral Quarter is a hub of fantastic music. From festivals, venues, and theatre spaces to bars and clubs there’s no better place to relax to your favourite genre.

Northern Ireland is full of talented local musicians that deserve our ongoing love and support, and several of them are hosting headline gigs around The Cathedral Quarter this year. 

It’s time for you to check out our amazing local bands, learn their lyrics and practice your best hand horns. 
 

Here are 5 local gigs coming up this year that you should check out:1. Junk Drawer Album Launch
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street
Date/time: 16th September @ 7:30 pm
Price: £7 entry or £21 entry + Ready For The House LP
Junk Drawer will be launching their new album “Ready For The House” as part of Black Box Recorder.
The album was released through Art For Blinds Records back in 2020 and the album features their lead single “Year Of The Sofa”, the winner of the Best Single at The Northern Ireland Music Prize in 2019”.
The band describes itself as “four multi-instrumentalists drawing from post-punk, krautrock, psychedelia, experimentalism and art-rock”. 

To find out more information about the event, go to blackboxbelfast.com and check out Junk Drawer on Soundcloud

2. BICEP 
Venue: Telegraph Building, Library Street
Date/time: 2nd October
Price: £30 + BF
Bicep are a popular DJ Duo from Belfast made up of Andrew Ferguson and Matthew McBriar, the group are best known for their chart-topping single ‘Glue’. 
The electronic music stars are now strangers to The Telegraph Building stage having previously played the venue in 2018 and 2019. 

For more information and tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or check them out on Spotify

3. Brand New Friend 
Venue: Black Box, Hill Street 
Date/Time: 16th October @ 7pm
Price: £10 + booking fee
Brand New Friend, a five-piece indie-pop band from Castlerock, are back and headlining their own show at The Black Box this October.
Since the release of their debut album ‘Seatbelts For Aeroplanes’ back in 2018, Brand New Friend have been performing at venues and festivals across the UK and Ireland, supporting the likes of Snow Patrol, Lewis Capaldi, RAT BOY, and Ash. Brand New Friend brings energy to their shows like no other, promising an unforgettable night for their first headline gig post-COVID.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can stream all of Brand New Friend’s music on Spotify.

4. Joshua Burnside
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 12th & 13th November @ 7 pm
Price: £14 
Joshua Burnside is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter based in Belfast and was the artist in residence at The Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival. His new album “Higher Places“ incorporates elements of Irish Folk, rock, Americana, and electronica, and has featured on BBC Radio 6. 

For more information or to book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or you can listen to Joshua Burnside on Bandcamp

5. Amy Montgomery
Venue: Ulster Sports Club, High Street
Date/time: 26th November 
Price: 10+ booking fee 
Amy Montgomery is a singer-songwriter from County Antrim. At just 21 years old, she creates a fearless and confident persona in terms of singing and performing. 
Covered in war paint and performing barefooted helps to create a unique and memorable experience, as well as her strong and powerful voice.

To book tickets go to ticketmaster.co.uk or to listen to Amy Montgomery on Soundcloud

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter check out the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

This year’s theme for Playday, the national day of play on 4 August, is ‘Summer of Play’ and the National Trust NI has is encouraging families to experience a range of simple outdoor pleasures designed to keep families entertained right through the school holidays. 

It’s been a challenging year, but with restrictions easing and summer in full swing, the National Trust in Northern Ireland is encouraging people to boost their wellbeing by getting outdoors and enjoying simple pleasures.

Playing is essential for children’s mental health and well-being and recent research by the conservation charity showed that connecting with nature supports different types of wellbeing, from being happy and feeling good, to functioning well day to day [1]. 

Research also found that children were more likely to report feeling happy if they had a higher level of nature connectedness, engaged in meaningful activities linked to nature (such as writing songs or poetry about nature) and spent time relaxing in nature [2].

The good news is that nature connection can be simple, everyday and under our noses like walking barefoot, listening to birdsong and smelling flowers.

Annie Reilly, Experience Development Manager at the National Trust said: “Going barefoot is one of those simple pleasures that forces you to stop to be more aware of your surroundings and is a really great way of connecting with nature.

“We know other simple sensory pleasures such as smelling flowers, listening to birdsong and noticing butterflies and bees can also help with nature connection and encourage feelings of wellbeing.

“With people’s desire to reconnect with family and friends, and to enjoy time outdoors and the simple and sensory pleasures in life, we will be concentrating on ensuring families can do just that at many of our places this summer by providing safe spaces to enjoy and to have fun.”

This summer, National Trust places in Northern Ireland will be ready to ‘Get set, go!’ with a range of active, sensory and playful activities that encourage fun, laughter and taking time out in nature.

You’ll be able to pick up a ‘Get set, go’ activity card – or if you prefer, download them to take with you – to inspire your summer adventure. These activity cards have lots of ways to enjoy summer activities, such as ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘Feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature. Each activity is designed to have fun with what’s around you and explore the simple things this summer.

National Trust ‘Get set, go!’ activities near you

The Argory, County Armagh

Challenge friends and family at Blackwater Bootcamp. How high can you jump? How much can you lift? Enjoy schoolyard skipping and tennis on the lawn; compose a nature tune in the giant arbour sound boot; try your hand at some Argory Art or help the next generation of cyclists learn to ride on the new free-to-hire balance bikes.

Pre-booking not required. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-argory

Castle Coole, Florence Court and Crom, County Fermanagh

Grab a Get Set, Go card at Castle Coole, Crom or Florence Court and create your own adventure as you explore the activities at each place. You can make a splash at Crom, add some bounce at Castle Coole, or follow the path at Florence Court, all whilst noticing nature at each of these special places.  Don’t forget to collect your wooden medal for taking part.

Pre-booking not required visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/crom www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-coole   www.nationaltrust.org.uk/florence-court

Rowallane Garden, County Antrim

Venture into Explore & Play, a natural playground filled with fun, physical challenges. See if you can survive the swamp, find the tallest trees and get active in nature. Don’t forget to pick up a Get Set, Go card to inspire your summer adventure. ‘Find your way’ to explore new paths and discover different natural textures, or ‘feel the beat’ to tune in to the sounds and rhythms of nature.

Pre-booking recommended, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Mount Stewart, County Down

Pick up your Get Set, Go pack from the courtyard outside Visitor Reception and choose your own adventure. Take a dive into forest bathing, hunt for hidden digital treasures with geocaching or try your hand at archery. Make a bee line for the Magic Ink Pot, a natural play area themed around magical journeys and mythical creatures; or see what strange and exotic animals you can find in the ark in the Italian Garden.

Pre-booking recommended visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mount-stewart

Castle Ward, County Down

Choose to go barefoot in the wildflower meadow, hit the target while buzzing along with the bees, Get Set, Go in a potato sack race, catch your breath during a yoga pose, or find your way through the estate with a natural sensory trail.

Pre-booking not required, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/castle-ward

Are you a student looking for accommodation in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter? 

As demand for studying in Belfast continues to grow, more students are flocking into the city and moving closer towards the centre. 

With the opening of the new Ulster University campus this autumn and up to an additional 15,000 people in the Cathedral Quarter it’s no surprise student pads are highly sought after in the area,

There are a number of student accommodation developments across the city, with the newcomer being LIV, situated on York Street. The new accommodation is Ideal for those attending Ulster University’s Belfast campus, a 30-second walk away, or Queen’s University which is just a 15-minute cycle away.

Boasting affordable prices from £123 per week including wifi and bills, this brand new student accommodation offers a cinema room, karaoke lounge, fitness studio, and a games area. 

Not sure where you want to live this academic year? 

Here are 5 reasons why the new LIV student accommodation is ideal for you:

1. Central Location 

Be within the hustle and bustle of city life in the ideal location of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter. No need for taxis or buses, as everything you need will be right on your doorstep. There is plenty to do and see around the area, so when you aren’t studying and want to enjoy some much-needed TLC, you won’t have far to travel. 
The Cathedral Quarter hosts some of Belfast’s most popular bars and restaurants such as – The Duke of York, The Thirsty Goat, and The Dirty Onion. Check out our blog 7 Beer Gardens To Visit This Summer.

2. Unique Amenities 

The new accommodation has been developed with the student lifestyle in mind, as it includes a games room, cinema room, fitness centre, study room and even a karaoke room. These amenities will help to keep you fit and healthy, and is also a space to create new friendships and help you to unwind in the evenings. 

3. 24/7 Security 

Are you nervous about moving away from home for the first time? LIV accommodation offers 24/7 security helping to put your mind (and your parent’s minds) at ease as you flee the nest and move onto city life. Staff will also be on hand to help with any maintenance issues, as well as to deal with any queries you may have.

4. A Thriving Student Community 

Starting a new course and moving away from home can be a scary time. With apartments and studio rooms spread across 13 floors, LIV accommodates over 700 students. As you will all be in the same situation in this new build, it takes off a little piece of the pressure of starting something new alone. Learn from your peers and create friends for life. 

5. Affordable Pricing 

With no deposit required and no cancellation fees, prices start from just £123 per week for a Standard En-Suite, which includes all bills, including super-fast WiFi and content insurance. They have the option of shared apartments or studio flats, giving you the flexibility of living that you need. 
They also offer a refer a friend scheme, providing a £100 discount for both you and your referral, as well as an early bird discount of up to £250 off. 

LIV Student Belfast offers modern halls of residence for students based in Belfast City Centre. For more information check out livstudent.com/belfast or call them on 07847893860. 

To find out more about what’s happening in Belfast Cathedral Quarter head to the Destination CQ website at cathedralquarterbelfast.com

HASTINGS Hotels has a star-studded selection of experiences on offer this summer including Bridgerton Inspired and Derry Girls Afternoon Teas and the hugely in demand Line of Duty Tour.

Derry Girls Experience

The Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry is giving people the chance to dine like a Derry Girl and even visit some of the filming locations. Guests will also have the chance to get their picture taken with the hotel’s famous resident, Michelle the Derry Girls duck.

Enjoy the Derry Girls Afternoon Tea (£30pp) with sandwiches, freshly baked scones & breads and pastry assortment but with a Derry Girls twist – sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, cone of chips and cocktail.

The Be A Derry Girl package from only £75pps includes luxurious overnight accommodation and breakfast the following morning and themed Derry Girls Afternoon Tea with cocktail or why not upgrade to the Derry Girls Tour overnight package from only £95pps which also includes a guided Derry Girls Walking Tour. All packages include your very own Michelle, the Derry Girls duck to take home.

Line of Duty Experience

The Line of Duty Overnight Experience, available on selected dates from £220 per room (based on 2 people sharing), begins with lunch in the Grand Café in the Grand Central Hotel, before an action packed guided tour onboard a luxurious McCombs coach, taking in some of the most recognisable filming locations including the iconic Subway location, the favourite meeting point for Steve and Kate to have their secret rendezvous; ‘Pelbury House’ the headquarters of the Central Police force and ‘Hickey’s Bookmakers’ from the opening scene of series six that first made viewers suspect that DCI Davidson was a bent copper.

The afternoon finishes with an AC12 cocktail or Wee Donkey mocktail in the Observatory, Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar in the Grand Central Hotel. Then it’s time to check in for a luxurious overnight stay and full Irish breakfast the following morning.

Bridgerton Afternoon Tea

Who didn’t watch Netflix’s most-watched show of all time, Bridgerton? Guests are cordially invited to experience the splendour of high society with a scandalously decadent Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea (priced from £35pp) featuring a host of delightful treats in a stunning setting at the Culloden Estate & Slieve Donard Resort.

Stimulate your tastebuds starting with Lady Whistledown’s Starter, followed by Queen Charlotte’s Delectable Sandwiches, Lady Bridgerton’s Finest Scones and Lady Danbury’s Desserts and Dainty Cakes. This fabulous experience is complimented with your choice of tea or coffee or enhance your experience with Lady Whistledown’s Gossipy Gimlet cocktail or a glass or two of the finest champagne. The Bridgerton Inspired Afternoon Tea is ‘Flawless, my dear’.

The Bolly Bus

For the ultimate outdoor summer experience, the Bolly Bus, at the Culloden Estate & Spa has the star factor and a host of celebrities, including Christine and Frank Lampard, have already been spotted enjoying the 5-star luxury.

The leading five-star hotel has teamed up with Pattinson & Co Wine Merchants, distributors of Bollinger Champagne, to create the bespoke bus which has been designed specifically for the Culloden.  Where else in Belfast can you sit back, relax and enjoy incredible views and a fabulous selection of beverages. The Bolly Bus is open every Friday – Sunday from 12pm – 9pm.

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066.

After a long 16 months the curtains will finally open at Theatre at The Mill on Friday 6 & Saturday 7 August. 

Northern Ireland’s Greatest Showman, Peter Corry and a special cast of young performers who have all tread the boards at Theatre at The Mill, will bring you a Summer Musical Spectacular, featuring the music from Oklahoma, The Producers, Les Miserables and many more smash hit musicals.

A full programme of shows including; Carson and The Lady – A never before told story of the unusual friendship between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene by local playwright Michael Cameron, The Johnny Cash Story and our annual Christmas Comedy Jingle all the Hairspray will keep you entertained throughout the coming months.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said; “I am thrilled that the Arts are on the road to recovery and Theatre at The Mill is back in business. It is very fitting that Musical Maestro Peter Corry will open our indoor performances again as he did 11 years ago when he starred in the Theatres premier show Sweeney Todd. I look forward to many nights out again at the Theatre and I wish all our performers the best of luck.”

Whilst we are really excited about welcoming people back to the Theatre, we have made some changes to ensure the safety of our staff and customers. These changes include, temperature checks on arrival, regular use of hand sanitiser, wearing a face mask when moving around the theatre and maintaining social distancing whilst using the washroom facilities.

The Theatre will maintain social distancing at 2 metres for the duration of our autumn season of performances. This will reduce our usual seating capacity of 400 seats to 162.

A number of outdoor events at the Civic Square will take place throughout the summer including, Shane Todd, Flash Harry and The Elvis Spectacular Show.

Please note tickets must be booked in advance of all performances.

Details of all shows can be found online at theatreatthemill.com