Month: October 2021

A familiar face in Belfast’s hospitality scene is set to a return to its Cathedral Quarter home next month.

The eclectic restaurant, Made In Belfast, will open its doors once again in the historic Cathedral Quarter on November 4, with owner Emma Bricknell keen to get back serving up fresh, hearty food for the people across the city.

“I’m excited about being open again. This venue was the busiest restaurant we had and it’s in the coolest of areas so yeah I’m really looking forward to it.” she said.

The Talbot Street location which opened in 2010 was one of three venues that the Made In Belfast chain had with venues at the iconic City Hall and Hill Street but due to ongoing structural issues and the impact of Covid-19, Emma had to make the decision to streamline her business and halt any expansions to the restaurant chain.

“That’s the nature of the game, nothing lasts forever. You work hard and do other things as the food movement moves on.” she explained.

Recently the Blondtreprenuer Ltd owner closed Prawnagraphic, a Californian inspired seafood restaurant in Hill Street which served locally sourced fish and cocktails closed its doors due to an ongoing sewage problem in the area. 

After a rocky 18 months, Emma believes now is the perfect time to focus her efforts on Made In Belfast and embark on a new journey with the restaurant chain.

“We’ve been closed for a long time so opening now feels like the right thing to do and I think being in one venue streamlines the staff and any issues that I’ve faced previously in other locations”. 

Made In Belfast has gone back to its roots and will serve up high quality gastro Modern European cuisine in a chilled environment, making it the perfect venue for after work drinks or a family get together. 

Opening from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to late, the latest menu will have tasty options for everyone from those who are gluten free to vegan. 

Emma reassured her customers that Made In Belfast has kept up their commitment to working with local suppliers to provide great food for the people that make Belfast. 

“We’ve got a great team in the kitchen involved with a similar kind of menu as before and we are working with locally sourced products. We were never about fancy food, just a good proper feed.”

For anyone who wants to book a table, Made In Belfast operates a strict online booking only system.

To keep up to date with the latest information, follow Made In Belfast on Facebook and Instagram or to book your table go to mibni.co.uk. 

A new platform for businesses in the property sector is set to launch at the end of this year. 

Northern Ireland’s first online resource of its kind, the NI Property Hub, will help bring business together under one roof to showcase the products and services they supply to the property sector.

Founders Heather Macartney and Natasha McGurk have merged their years of experience working within the property sector to fill a gap in the market that will provide local businesses with the tools they need to help secure their future and widen their audience all across Northern Ireland. 

“There is little help or financial support available to help grow your business and maximise its potential so we hope that the Hub will provide an affordable platform where business owners can do just that” Heather explained.

The property market has faced a lot of hurdles since the 2008 recession and with the most recent impact of Covid, Heather and Natasha are keen to reassure business owners that The Hub will be a robust source of help, information and advice that will become the go-to place in Northern Ireland.  

“It’s so important to us as business owners ourselves that we help the Northern Irish market to be a sustainable environment in this sector” said Heather.

The Hub is aimed at businesses all over Northern Ireland who provide excellent service and products to their customers and be more than just a business directory.

“Our comprehensive property platform will cover everything a property owner, landlord or business might need in just one stop.

“We are looking for anyone who has  innovative ideas and products coming on to the market to register and advertise their products and services on the Hub through video content, blogs and podcasts.”

Content will be targeted at a range of audiences such as first time buyers, home owners, landlords and investors who can visit the Hub for tips on a range of topics such as interior design, links to trades and services or advice on mortgages and insurance. 

By registering on the Hub, business owners can choose from a variety of listings depending on their budget. 

The Hub will be advertised widely across social media, press and radio advertising to help get businesses found by prospective clients and partners. 

For more information, visit the NI Property Hub on Facebook or contact 028 9600 9621

Big Top Show Runs From December 17, 2021 – January 3, 2022

Award winning circus company Tumble Circus will return to Belfast’s Writers’ Square this Christmas.

Despite a difficult 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic the team at Tumble Circus are back with their spectacular Winter Circus show.

Now in its fifth year, the organisers at Winter Circus said fans can expect this year’s show “to return louder and prouder than ever before”.

Tina Segner of Tumble Circus said: “We are delighted to be back and we’ve got an amazing show lined up this year in our fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent.

“Running from December 17 right the way through to January 3 this is a show that has something for everyone.

“Tumble Circus combines circus skills with comedy, theatre and social commentary to make people laugh, react, and act.”

The Tumble Circus Winter Circus show is an all human performance with everything from comedy, fun, hilarity and professional circus performance to amazing aerial skills.

“The Winter Circus shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack” said Ken Fanning of Tumble Circus, adding: “visitors to the big top can expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus. 

“From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters both young and old audiences will be able to enjoy the show whilst expecting big laughs and some mighty craic.”

Tickets are limited this year so it’s advised to book early to experience world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and the unique humour that has made Tumble Circus an international award-winning modern circus company.

Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “Tumble Circus never fails to delight and enchant all who experience their amazing, world-class circus skills.  

“It’s simply thrilling to see them return this December, back to doing what they do best, and presenting the captivating Winter Circus right in the heart of Belfast’s city centre.  

“Thanks to The National Lottery players, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Tumble Circus and I would encourage all to go along and enjoy everything this award-winning company has to offer.”   

Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and Destination CQ BID

Tickets are £9-£14 + booking fee and available from wegottickets.com/JossersBigTop, or for more information go to tumblecircus.com. Family tickets are also available and group bookings (10+) can be booked by emailing bookings@tumblecircus.com.

Tumble Circus presents the Winter Circus – dates

17 December 2021 to 03 January 2022

Friday 17^th Dec           6pm (preview)                  

Saturday 18^th Dec       2pm & 5pm        

Sunday 19^th Dec          2pm & 5pm       

Tuesday 21^st Dec         5pm (Relaxed show)

Wednesday 22^nd Dec    6pm                 

Thursday 23^rd Dec       3pm & 6pm      

Friday 24^th Dec           2pm                             

Sunday 26^th Dec          3pm 

Monday 27^th Dec        2pm  & 5pm           

Tuesday 28^th Dec.      2pm & 5pm

Wednesday 29^th Dec   2pm & 5pm 

Thursday 30^th Dec       2pm & 5pm 

Friday 31^st Dec            2pm & 5pm 

Saturday 1^st Jan           2pm & 5pm 

Sunday 2^nd Dec           2pm & 5pm 

Monday 3^rd Jan           2pm & 5pm     

Prices

Preview all tickets £9*

Full Price £14*

Children (12 and under): £9*

Family of four: £40*

Relaxed show: £9*

*excluding booking fee

Children 2 and under go free

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council is proud to announce an exciting range of inclusive activities over the next few months.

During Halloween and Christmas, events have been carefully tailored to suit children and adults with specific needs to ensure they can fully enjoy all the activities being offered.         

Screams and Tricks at V36 will have an Inclusive Sunday Session on  Sunday 24^th  October, 2-4pm, where lights and noise levels of the funfair are adapted for children and adults with specific needs. There will be the following inclusive aspects; accessible car parking, reduced capacity, sensory activities and play, quiet room and an AccessoLoo (Mobile changing places facility) will be in situ.

On Sunday 31^st October, Spooked Out will run from 6pm-8pm with fireworks taking place at 8pm. Accessible car parking will be available and there will be a viewing point at the stage for those who have a physical, sensory disability and those from the Deaf Community. There will be sign Language provision on stage to sign the show, a quiet room along with an AccessoLoo (Mobile changing places facility) will be in situ.

On Wednesday 1^st & 8^th December an Evening of Inclusive Enchantment returns to Antrim Castle Gardens from 4pm – 9:30pm. This is a relaxed event for children and adults with specific needs including those who are sensitive to noise, lights and crowds. Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered and strobe lighting not in use.

There will also be accessible car parking, reduced capacity, sensory and quiet rooms, AccessoLoo (mobile changing places facility) in situ, and an event layout map.

Theatre of The Mill is excited to be back!  Join the magical fun filled adventure with Mr Hullaballo’s Snow White. The show will host a relaxed performance on Sat 11^th December  which will be sensitive to audience members who may benefit from a more relaxed environment including those with autism or sensory and learning disabilities. Saturday 18^th December will host a signed performance which is adapted for those who are deaf or hearing impaired.

Caroline Curran returns this year writing and staring in the hilarious ‘Jingle All the Hairspray, a Christmas Hairytale’.  This show is for adults only, and will host a relaxed performance Thursday 23th December and signed performance Wednesday 22^nd December.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said “It is great to see so many upcoming events over the next few months that children and adults with specific needs can enjoy.  Ensuring that all events hosted by the Council are inclusive is important, and something that we will continually try to progress so that everyone can attend.”

For more information on our inclusive events contact:

Ellen Boyd, Accessibility and Customer Services Officer

Email ellen.boyd@antrimnewtownabbey.gov.uk or by telephone on 02894463113

or for how to book, please contact www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

Tourism Events Grant Scheme Open for Applications! 

Calling all event organisers – Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Events Grant Scheme is now open for applications with grants of up to £10,000 available! 

Applications are being invited from organisations wishing to run a tourism event in Ards and North Down between April 2022 and March 2023. The event must have the potential to deliver economic benefits to the Borough. 

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Mark Brooks, said: 

“The Tourism Events Grant Scheme has supported a range of fantastic events in the past such as the Portaferry Gala, Music in the Park and Ireland’s Strongest Man Competition. It is designed to boost tourism across Ards and North Down and will encourage organisers to bring more events to our beautiful Borough, helping to increase footfall while also providing a boost to our local economy.” 

Applications opened on Thursday 21 October 2021 and will close at midday on Friday 12 November 2021.

A virtual ‘How to Apply’ workshop will run on Wednesday 27 October via Zoom. To register interest, email TourismGrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

For more information about the Grant Scheme, including application forms and guidance notes, visit ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/tourism-grants.

Derry Halloween ready to Awaken the Walled City­ with the return of its Halloween festival

As a festival city, Derry~Londonderryis renowned for its buzzing atmosphere and hosts a plethora of international festivals and events, including Europe’s largest Halloween Festival. While COVID-19 may have rained on this year’s traditional Halloween parade Visit Derry is looking forward to welcoming visitors to enjoy Derry’s Spook’tacular Halloween extravaganza.  

Entitled ‘Awakening the Walled City’, the Halloween celebrations will see an array of unforgettable sights, characters, and digital wonders take place at key locations from Friday 29^th until Sunday 31^st of October, between 5pm and 10pm. 

Highlights of Derry Halloween will include several illuminated worlds spread across the city along with Ireland’s first ever digital LED installation. The bespoke 360-degree structure will use film, animation, special effects, and augmented reality to create a spectacular lightshow that will enchant audiences with its striking visual display. The show lasts approximately 8 minutes and will play continuously throughout the three evenings of the festival.  There will also be magical storytelling, bewitched, hidden spaces and dazzling displays popping up throughout the city. 

“Recognised as the best Halloween destination in the world, Derry Halloween is a shared celebration of wonder and folklore where the unbelievable seems believable for a few enchanted days and nights,” said Odhran Dunne from Visit Derry.

Travel the ghostly world 

To ensure no one misses any of the ghoulish goings on, the city will play host to several fantastical and adventurous illuminated worlds, each with its own programme of activity featuring a range of installations, large scale inflatables, aerial acrobatics, dancing flames, displays and animation.   

Worlds One, Two and Three are in Derry City itself, while World Four is in neighbouring Strabane town centre and World Five in Buncrana, Donegal. 

Fancy-dress to impress 

One thing the city residents, and visitors, do incredibly well every Halloween is dress to impress! Organisers are hoping that everyone gets into the spirit of Derry Halloween – mums, dads, the kids, friends and even the dog – and wears their funniest or scariest costumes.  To join the spooky fun online share your pics using #derryhalloween.

Odhran continued: “Derry~Londonderry is known for its love of Halloween and this year we look forward to safely welcoming visitors over three thrilling days. Derry Halloween encapsulates all that makes the city special and with a huge selection of experiences on offer across Derry~Londonderry visitors will be spoilt for choice.

“Not only are they guaranteed the famous Derry~Londonderry warm welcome, but they will also enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the tastes and smells of the LegenDerry food scene and the opportunity to immerse themselves in our rich cultural heritage. There’s something to do for the whole family.

“With lots of surprises lurking around every corner, it’s great to see Derry Halloween return”, concluded Odhran. 

/Contd.

Safety first 

Event organisers, Derry City and Strabane District Council have plans in place to ensure this year’s Halloween celebrations are Covid-safe. Lots of open spaces allow for social distancing, enabling visitors to enjoy experiences at their leisure. Signage will give advice on how to ensure visitors safety and event staff will be on hand to remind people of the guidelines. There will be various one-way systems across the city and hand sanitation stations available.  

For more information on Derry Halloween’s ‘Awakening the Walled City’ celebrations, click on www.derryhalloween.com or call Visit Derry on + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577. 

Halloween Happenings and fabulous firework displays are set to bring added sparkle to Causeway Coast and Glens later this month.

There’s four free events taking place in Ballymoney (Wednesday 27^th October), Limavady (Thursday 28^th October), Coleraine (Friday 29^th October) and Ballycastle, (Saturday 30^th October) with a range of measures to help keep people as safe as possible from COVID-19.

Gates will open at 7pm, with activity starting at 7.30pm, concluding with a fireworks display at 8.30pm.

Even though we’re not holding any parades this year please come along in your craziest costume or scariest style to add to the occasion. There’ll be DJ music at all sites, along with different performers and attractions for your entertainment. Check out our ‘big screens’ showing short films about Causeway Coast and Glens most haunted places and look out for our wonderful walkabout characters who’ll be ready to give you a fright.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Richard Holmes, said: “I am delighted to confirm that we will be celebrating Halloween this year with a number of fabulous events for the public to enjoy. It’s encouraging to be able to stage these festivities once again and we are looking forward to welcoming you all. It’s important to remember that coronavirus has not gone away, so we’ll be doing things in a slightly different way for your protection. We want you to play your part as well so that we can create a positive experience for everyone.”

Mitigations in place to protect public health include:

• Restricted numbers at each event to facilitate social distancing.
• A reduced event duration (one hour plus fireworks display).
• Enhanced cleansing and sanitisation.
• Covid-safe programming and entertainment.
• No food traders, concessions, or amusement providers.

Please take personal responsibility for keeping the event safe for everyone – use the hand sanitising stations, wear a mask and keep your distance from others. If you or anyone in your group is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, please stay at home.

Visitors are also reminded to adhere to on-site messaging and public address messaging. As numbers are limited we would ask people not to congregate outside if capacity is reached, and to be mindful and courteous at all times to the Council stewards.

Limited disabled parking at each location can be pre-booked through our Visitor Information Centre by calling 028 7082 3333. You will also need to display your blue badge on the night and arrive at the stipulated time. AccessoLoo facilities will also be available.

For those unable to attend, keep an eye on the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Facebook page where we’ll be sharing our series of ‘most haunted’ short films and we’ll also release a ‘highlights’ video capturing some of the best bits from all of the Halloween Happenings.

It is important to note that the events are subject to ongoing review in light of Coronavirus restrictions.

For the latest information on what’s happening visit the Causeway Coast & Glens Events Facebook page (@CausewayGlensEvents).

 ‘Music From The Heartland’ will light up the stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Friday 5 November.

The voice of Irish folk singer, Malachi Cush, can melt the coldest hearts with his warm and melodic voice breathing life into traditional Irish ballads, cherished folk songs and religious classics for which he’s known and loved. Malachi has enjoyed several top ten recordings both in Ireland and the UK. He has collaborated with Phil Coulter, Liam Lawton and Pam Cheyne to name but a few. He is currently working on his 7th studio album which comprises a collection of much-loved classic folk songs from across the isles and a number of new works which he will perform on the night.

Malachi will be joined on the evening by his two exceptionally talented friends Janet Dowd and Catherine Grimley-Hughes. Both Catherine and Janet have enjoyed great success in the folk music world and are no strangers to The Market Place stage.

Janet Dowd has been singing and performing for over twenty years with various bands both in Ireland and England with both her albums receiving acclaim at home and abroad. Janet’s own folk roots combined with a hint of bluegrass sway ensures she is always a hit with her audience.

Catherine Grimley-Hughes has established herself as one of the most sought-after voices on the folk scene here. Her empowered versions of classics like, ‘My Love Is In America’ and ‘The Banks Of The Callan’ have confirmed her place as one of the finest female voices on the scene today.

Malachi, Catherine and Janet will bring you on a journey through folk music which is sure to include something to please everyone in this, ‘Music From The heartland’.

Tickets are priced £18 each, and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

In May 2020 Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon announced a pilot scheme which restricted traffic in the historic cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter.

The temporary road closure of Hill Street and Gordon Street was extended until October 31 with local businesses still permitted access as required.

Businesses in the area have been divided on the subject.

Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement manager Damien Corr said the BID has been working with stakeholders and businesses in the area.

He added: “The Cathedral Quarter BID is committed to facilitating a solution to the vehicular traffic issue on Hill St and Gordon St. 

“We appreciate that this is by no means as easy as simply closing the streets to traffic. Hospitality & Arts venues need deliveries and office workers need access to their car parks.

“It is also the case, however, that all of the above, including their customers, have a right to cleaner air and a safer environment in which to explore this beautiful area which is, after all, set in a conservation area.”

Mr Corr added that he hoped a solution to the ongoing debate was imminent.

He said: “In recent weeks the BID has been working with DFI officials to finalise a survey which we are confident will identify a way forward which will take into consideration the many issues identified by stakeholders over the last year.

“The survey should be ready for distribution in the next few weeks and we believe that a new regime for the road will be agreed and implemented as soon as the process permits.”

Eric Gentet is famous in France as ‘Eric le Rossignol’ (Eric the nightingale) after first achieving fame on the French TV show Prodiges singing opera aged just 8 years old.

He wowed the judges with his handling of complex arias sung in several languages. A starring role with the Red Army Choir followed and by 11 he was the soloist for a choir of 10,000 children in a stadium in front of 40,000 spectators and a household name across France.

Now 15, Eric is still impressing audiences across Europe by defying expectations as he retains his soprano voice. Eric uses a classic but rarely used today vocal technique which has enabled boys to retain their angelic, controlled vibrato, singing voices long after the speaking voice has broken. This voice-technique has all but disappeared since the 1950’s : the last boys known were Derek Barsham, Michael Morely and Frank Bird. Today, Eric celebrates their legacy, returning to and giving new life to their wonderful repertoire.

Eric will perform a recital of English, Irish and French songs at Portico in Portaferry on Thursday 4 November at 7.30pm. Portico’s manager Dr Verity Peet said, “Eric has especially asked for children’s tickets to be free of charge because he is very keen to encourage young choristers and children who love to sing.”

Eric will be accompanied by Orly Watson on piano and organ. Orly is Organist and Director of Music at Dromore Cathedral and official accompanist at Queen´s University, Belfast.

To find out more about Eric’s programme or to buy tickets please visit porticoards.com.