Month: December 2021

Tumble Circus’ Winter Circus has been hailed a success by fans as the show enters its final week at Writers’ Square in the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast.

Performers Ken Fanning, Tina Segner, Angelique ‘Reckless’ Ross, Ali Stanger, Henrik Gard, Grant Goldie, Paul ‘Bucky’ Taylor and seven year old Kasper have been taking to the stage in the big top since the show opened on December 17.

Annette O’Hagan, who attended the show with her children, posted on Google Reviews: “Tumble circus, you are amazing, I had such a laugh from the moment I got there with Bucky keeping us entertained at the entrance, to then the whole show, all u guys kept us entertained with many laughs and amazement throughout. It will now be our Xmas tradition every year to go.”

Hannah Pat added: “Brilliant show, suitable for all the family, very relaxed atmosphere, the perfect mix of comedy, silliness, awe and wonder! Loved every minute of it.”

Meanwhile on Facebook, the reviews were pouring in on Facebook with one mum saying: “Best day and evening spent in Belfast at Tumble Circus with my little trio. My kids loved the interactive performance.”

Also on Facebook Wendy Afonso-Cole posted to the Winter Circus team: “We absolutely loved it, our first time and you were all fab.” 

Now in its fifth year, the organisers at Winter Circus said fans can expect this year’s show “to be 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.”

“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.”

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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines 

Remaining Shows

Monday 27th Dec        2pm  & 5pm           
Tuesday 28th Dec.      2pm & 5pm
Wednesday 29th Dec   2pm & 5pm 
Thursday 30th Dec       2pm & 5pm 
Friday 31st Dec            2pm & 5pm 
Saturday 1st Jan           2pm & 5pm 
Sunday 2nd Dec           2pm & 5pm 
Monday 3rd 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

Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District have announced their second year of sponsorship of the award winning circus company Tumble Circus returning to Belfast’s Writers’ Square this Christmas.

This year’s sponsorship of the ​​spectacular Winter Circus comes after 2020’s event cancellation due to the Covid-19 pandemic which undoubtedly had a detrimental effect on the Cathedral Quarter.

Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement manager, Damien Corr, described it as a very important part of the BID’s commitment to supporting the arts and culture sector within the Cathedral Quarter.

“The Cathedral Quarter has established itself as the Hospitality and Arts & Cultural heart of this City and the Cathedral Quarter BID wants to ensure that families can engage with the area.

“The Winter Circus is the ideal event to deliver this as performances are in the earlier part of the day including Saturdays and Sundays which enable families to explore the wider Cathedral Quarter when it’s not so crowded. All of the shows are Covid friendly and offer a family friendly and highly entertaining start to the festive season.”

Winter Circus kicked off on Friday last week and will run right through to January 3, Writers’ Square is hosting the infamous Jossers Big Top for 27 all human performances taking place with everything from death defying aerialists and mind bending jugglers, Winter Circus promises fun for all the family. 

The CQ BIDS’s new business plan has outlined its priority to connect with local businesses using their own website and social channels to champion the arts and culture sector which will help maximise footfall and promote the sector.

It also hopes to engage with local businesses and encourage cross-promotion to celebrate what the Cathedral Quarter area has to offer.

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl said: “Belfast City Council is delighted to support Tumble Circus to produce this family friendly event. Tina and Ken are such talented, brave artists – and their shows are magical, memorable mayhem!”

“Come on in to Belfast to enjoy Tumble Circus and the rest of our seasonal programme of events in the city – you can be sure of a warm welcome and plenty of festive fun.”

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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines

Slow Food Causeway and Taste Causeway Members scooped five out of 10 prestigious Slow Food Northern Ireland Awards last week.

The awards were held on Friday December 10 in a night of celebration as local businesses across Northern Ireland were recognised for their dedication to deliver quality and sustainable food products and fulfilling the movement’s vision of a good, clean and fair food society.

Created seven years ago in London, the acclaimed Slow Food awards are best known for being “truly democratic” due to no prior shortlisting and decision only by public vote except for the Person of the Year, which is chosen solely by the regional director for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. 

Out of the 10 regional awards, five Slow Food Causeway members (who are also members of Taste Causeway) were successful including Best Butcher which went to Corndale Farm in Limavady, Best Baker for Ursa Minor in Ballycastle, Best Fishmonger went to Native Seafood based in Portstewart, while Best Deli or Grocer was awarded to Warkes Deli, also in Portstewart and Veal Charcuterie at Broughgammon Farm was given the Champion Slow Food Product.

Speaking of the awards, Director for Slow Food Northern Ireland, Paula McIntyre said: “It’s a delight to see the public vote recognise the wonderful Slow Food producers and retailers in the region of Northern Ireland, and, in particular, the Causeway Coast and Glens.

“Coupled with the launch of Slow Food Causeway and the six month series of Slow Food launch events and experiences, these awards, across five of of the 10 categories, are further recognition of the commitment of everyone involved in Slow Food Causeway to the global Slow Food movement”.

Slow Food Causeway also celebrates Northern Ireland’s unique culinary heritage with indigenous breeds, fish from loughs, world class produce and progressive artisans contributing to the agri-food sector in the province.

Shane Holland, Executive Chairman of Slow Food in the UK said the awards were important for bringing increased trade to the area.

He added: “We know how important these awards are – both to the producers and businesses but also shoppers alike. 

“These awards matter to the winners, many of whom experience a large increase in business, and some previous winners have gained new retail opportunities on their wins”.

Charlie Cole from Broughgammon Farm near Ballycastle is a founding member of the Taste Causeway Collaborative Network picked up the Champion Slow Food Product award for his rose veal salami.

Charlie and his family have been advocates of forward thinking, regenerative farming techniques, utilising the waste of the dairy industry in the form of veal calves and kid goats. 

The farm runs an on-site nose to tail butchery, farm cafe and shop, online meat boxes, monthly supper clubs and artisan workshops.

Charlie said: “The rose veal salami was a product born out of necessity, as a result of consumers not being more conscientious about nose to tail eating.

“It embodies everything we believe in, nose to tail eating, collaborating with other similar minded, small, independent local family farmers and producers… and it’s delicious as a result”.

The Best Baker Award went to Ursa Minor Bakehouse in Ballycastle for the second year in a row.

Ciara O HArtghaile said she was “delighted” to be collecting the award: ““Since 2014 we have been pioneering a local, seasonal approach to food here on the Causeway Coast. We are committed to the suppliers on our doorstep and across this island and encourage the need to question food provenance and quality. 

“We promote the use of beautiful produce in innovative ways and work with farmers and growers locally to give our community the best quality, honest and most delicious food we can”

Best Fishmongers was awarded to Native Seafood. After receiving the accolade, owner Rebekah Mc Carry said the business has plans to expand their efforts in the new year,

“Our plan is to continue growing our supply network, expanding on the best of ethical producers that we already work with like Foyle Bia Mara and Carlingford oysters so once we have winter behind us, we will plan on installing a proper fish counter to add to the whole experience and we can’t wait to share it with our valued customers, both local and visitors.” 

All fish not sold through the fishmongers is used for Native’s restaurant menu which results in zero wastage, something Rebekah is extremely proud of.

She added: “We are over the moon to be recognised as Best Fishmongers in Northern Ireland. Our ethos has always been to provide sustainably sourced Irish seafood, filling the gap between local fishermen and the public.”

The award for Best Deli or Grocer went to Warkes Deli in Portrush. Owner Jacqui Warke said the ethos of the Slow Food Movement has “been integral” to what Warkes Deli have done since they opened in 2011.

Jacqui added that the business continually strives to “highlight the marvellous produce on our doorstep”.

“We are a family business combining deli, cafe, supper clubs, outside catering and hampers as well as producing our own products. Since opening we have constantly believed in cooking and baking fresh, nutritious, seasonal food using great local ingredients, showcasing our amazing local producers stocking great local cheeses, charcuterie, chutneys, oils and coffee to name but a few. 

“Key to our culture is to collaborate with other local like-minded food champions and this has proven to be both rewarding and great fun.”

To celebrate their accreditation as a Slow Food destination, Taste Causeway, the collaborative network of local food and drink businesses who was awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement following a rigorous assessment process is hosting a calendar of events right up to the end of March 2022.

The events programme will showcase the Slow Food ethos dedicated to supporting local artisan producers as well as spreading awareness of local food traditions and culture. 

Sharon Scott from Taste Causeway who are delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: 

“Taste Causeway is  one of only a handful of accredited Slow Food destinations in Ireland to be awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement. 

“Slow Food was initially founded by a group of activists in Italy during the 1980s with the aim of defending regional traditions, good food, gastronomic pleasure and a slow pace of life but has since grown into a global movement involving millions of people, in over 150 countries that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and the environment.  We at Taste Causeway are proud to become part of this global food movement.”

For further information on Slow Food Causeway go to tastecauseway.com/slow-food-causeway. 

The big top is up in Writers’ Square as the performers of Tumble Circus’ Winter Circus prepare for their opening show on Friday December 17.

Running from December 17 through to January 3, the award winning Tumble Circus is back in Writers’ Square hosting the infamous Jossers Big Top for 27 world-class human performances.

With just one day to go until showtime, the performers have been busy with dress rehearsals for what promises to be fun for all the family this winter with everything from death defying aerialists to mind bending jugglers.

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.”

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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines 

Belfast’s Writers’ Square will see the Big Top being raised aloft for Tumble Circus’ Winter Show, and co-founder, Tina Segner promises that audiences need to prepare to be surprised, and amazed.

Running from December 17 to January 3 the all-human performances combines acrobats, aerial artists and jugglers in an hour-long fun-filled show.

For Tina, a skilled acrobat, aerialist and juggler, the journey to co-found Tumble Circus began in her native Sweden.

“I was 17 or 18 and my friend had just come back from an Interrailing trip around Europe and she’d learnt to juggle and I thought it was really cool,” she explained. “She taught me how to juggle and after that I practised a bit and I thought it was great fun and I joined a little juggling school.”

From there a plan to see more of the world saw her “stuck in Ireland”.

“We were meant to stay for three months but that was 1995 and during that time I ended up meeting lots of people who could do circus skills and I was enthralled,” she said. “I loved what they were doing.”

As performers put the final touches to the extravaganza in Belfast’s Writers’ Square co-founder of the troupe, Tina explained that the skills the troop will showcase are very demanding and require extensive training, something which drew her into the circus.

“I think it was a bit of a challenge that made me see it as something that I could pursue,” she said. 

“It is using my brain as well as my body, especially with juggling and using patterns.

“You had to use your brains as well as your physical skills. It was challenging, and all the people who were doing it were really great. I loved the environment and I loved everything about it.”

With the planned stay in Ireland extended she met Tumble Circus co-founder Ken Fanning.

“I lived in Dublin for two years and by this time Ken and I had met and we were doing shows together,” Tina explained.

“Lots of people started contacting us and asking us to do shows and how much do you charge?

“We didn’t really know that much but we knew that we needed to do some proper training. I think that’s when I realised that’s what I wanted to do for a living. That meant I needed more training in it. Then both myself and Ken ended up going to a circus school in England and it lasted a year and it was great. It was the best time of my life.”

Now settled with Belfast as her home, her partner Grant is also a performer, as is her son, Kasper.

“It’s also lovely doing Winter Circus and having Grant and Kasper as part of it, something that has others inspired,” Tina explained. “All of a sudden, without us realising, Kasper can become a role model.

“He encourages other people to do things. Kids can associate themselves with him because he’s a child, he’s not an adult doing things. The kids can say ‘we want to do that’, ‘we want to be like this’. It’s really great.”

Despite a difficult 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic Winter Circus show is returning for its fifth year, and Tina promises it will be “louder and prouder than ever before”. All a far cry from when it was so demanding it nearly didn’t return after the second year.

“Before we opened in the second year, I said to Grant to remind me that I never want to do this again,” she explained. 

“He said we should probably wait until the end of the run and make that decision. But the third year was really good. Fourth year was great. Last year was cancelled but it’s really exciting taking it out now.”

Taking place in the Jossers’ Big Top Tina said it, “just about fits into” Writers’ Square.

Since starting Tumble Circus Tina and the team have developed an impressive set of credentials having headlined Glastonbury Festival’s Circus Big Top, played at Edinburgh Fringe, Perth Fringe World and Adelaide Fringe Festival. They have been seen in Norway, Iceland, Canada, Australia and many other countries and have toured our big top shows all over Ireland.

Tina’s success has also brought her shows back to Sweden.

A few years back I was able to perform in my hometown,” she said. 

“500 people came. We put the trapeze rig up in the middle of the square and the news had just spread that I was coming to do a show and there were people that I hadn’t seen since I’d left as a child.

“There were people from my time, people from school, my old school teachers, my mum and dad’s friends came. It was amazing.”

And despite her parent’s initial misgivings about her making her career as a circus performer Tina admits they are now supportive and “my biggest fans”.

Tina explained that Tumble Circus promises something far removed from what people expect.

“Start with traditional circus costumes and music – we don’t do that,” she explained. “We try to make it into a show. We have a ringmaster. We mix all the acts.

“They’re all crafted so that, even though they’re much unexpected, people don’t know what’s coming next – but there’s still a very coherent feel to the show and we mix modern things, we mix loads of different art forms into the circus.

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

With the heated Big Top going up in Writers’ Square Tumble Circus will be performing every day, except Christmas Day throughout the run with 11 of the days presenting two shows, with nine performers.

“Someone described it as the Irish Circus Soleil hit by a bus,” explained co-founder Ken. 

“It’s not like normal circus. But it is. It’s Belfast-inspired circus. It is circus made in Belfast for Belfast people. It’s a bit of craic. Noisy, skills, comedy, beautiful bits, bit of poetry.”

Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland, Arts & Business 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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines .

The staff at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) have designed and written a brand-new children’s science book just in time for Christmas.

The “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” was inspired by the success of the Planetarium’s ‘Science@Home’ online programme, which AOP introduced during the lockdown to keep the public informed about the world of science. Seeing so many budding young scientists and their families engaged in science experiments in their homes during lockdown, the team at AOP realised the potential that putting together easily accessible information into an enjoyable book would have in creating a useful resource to access science in a fun and practical way.

A copy of the “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” will be sent to every primary school across the province, that’s around 850 copies, including a copy to all P7 pupils in the local Armagh schools.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen joined some lucky Campbell College students who got a sneak preview of the new book at a special event at the Planetarium last week, ahead of the book’s official launch.

Within the brightly illustrated science book, it contains experiments with easy instructions to DIY, insightful walkthrough videos, “did you know” facts and much more, bringing out the scientist in you from the comfort of your classroom or home. There are dozens of fun tasks to try such as, making your own moon sand, to creating your own 3D planets, and producing your own intergalactic alien slime.

Education Officer, Ria Mee, from Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said, “Our mission at AOP is to carry out front-line astronomy research and to make science accessible and easy to understand for everyone through education. During the pandemic, we started out with a few experimental videos to keep people engaged and the ‘Science@Home’ series grew in popularity. It included online events with our research staff and other famous astronomers, virtual star-gazing sessions and the fun bit…science experiments to try at home! We are thrilled that this book has been made and that it is now accessible to all primary school children. Our hope is that kids will be inspired to embark on a future in science and maybe even give work experience with us a go.”

The “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” will be making their way to schools across the country over the next week in time for Christmas.

This science book has been funded by a Spark Award from the Science & Technology Facility Council (STFC) and supported by The Department for Communities. Copies will also be available to purchase at the Planetarium gift shop.

Come along and stay awhile after your Winter Circus show and explore the fantastic range of hotels, restaurants and bars nearby to our Big Top in Writer’s Square, Belfast.

We’ve gathered a list of places to check out while you’re visiting the Winter Circus this festive period.

Hotels

1. Ac Marriott  

Harbour, Donegall Quay, Belfast BT1 3FE

028 9531 3180

An urban retreat in an exceptional waterfront location, the AC Hotel Belfast by Marriott is a scenic haven in a colourful travel destination in the capital of Northern Ireland.

marriott.com/hotels/travel/bfsac-ac-hotel-belfast

2. Bullitt Hotel

40a Church Lane, Belfast BT1 4QN

028 9590 0600

A no-nonsense hotel with no extravagant extras, Bullitt Hotel guarantees a quality service with no hidden costs, smack bang in the middle of Belfast City Centre.

bullitthotel.com 

3. Malmaison Hotel

34-38 Victoria St, Belfast BT1 3GH

028 9600 1405

This stunning boutique hotel in Belfast city centre is located in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter. With the Italianate building housing 62 rooms and suites,you can relax in rooms with sleek, contemporary style. 

malmaison.com/locations/belfast 

4. Ramada By Wyndham Belfast

20 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD

028 9026 1800

Located in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter Belfast – the most popular part of the city, the Ramada combines comfort and style. Guests can also enjoy culinary excellence in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere at the hotel’s own SQ Bar and Grill.

ramadabelfasthotel.com

5. Premier Inn Belfast City Cathedral Quarter

2-6 Waring Street, Belfast BT1 2DX

0333 777 3901

The much-loved, award-winning hotel chain promises to give you both choice and flexibility.

premierinn.com/gb/en/hotels/north

6. Merchant Hotel

16 Skippe Street, Belfast BT1 2DZ

028 9023 4888

The Merchant Hotel situated in the heart of the historic Cathedral Quarter gives guests unparalleled five-star service. It’s grade A listed building is complemented by a wealth of modern, multi-award winning facilities and services that any modern traveller could wish for.

themerchanthotel.com

Restaurants And Cafes 

7. Neighbourhood Cafe

60 Donegall Street

Located just off Writer’s Square, Neighbourhood is the newest cafe in the Cathedral Quarter which focuses on specialty coffee, a quality brunch offering and warm customer service.

neighbourhood.cafe

8. Charlotte’s Cafe

4 Curtis Street, Belfast BT1 2ND 

028 9031 0300

Comfort food at an affordable price is guaranteed at Charlotte’s Cafe with a range of breakfast, lunch and dinner specials to feast your appetite.

facebook.com/charlottescafebelfast

9. Clements Café

127-132 Royal Avenue, Belfast, BT1 1FG

028 9031 5166

One of Northern Ireland’s largest chain of independently owned coffee shops, Clements is the perfect place for on-the-go refreshments and small bites.

clementscoffee.com

10. Established Coffee

54 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB

028 9031 9416

Offering stylish surroundings in a fantastic Cathedral Quarter location, the team at Established are passionate about high quality coffee and offer delicious brunch focused dishes.

established.coffee

11. Made In Belfast 

23 Talbot Street, Belfast BT1 2LD

028 9024 4107

The shabby chic decor and locally sourced hearty food is what makes the no-nonsense Made In Belfast approach well loved by many. Also caters for a variety of dietary needs such as gluten free, vegetarian and vegan.

mibni.co.uk

12. 44

44 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LB

028 9590 8444

A vibrant celebration of modern food and drink, 44 Hill Street offers seasonal menus that everyone can enjoy.

44hillstreet.com

13. Mumbai27

27 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD
028 9023 3926

Mumbai27 in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter offers a unique Indian cuisine inspired menu which uses only fresh, locally sourced ingredients where possible.

mumbai27.co.uk

14. The Great Room, The Merchant Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

028 9023 4888

Fine dining at its best. From the stunning original Victorian interior to a truly remarkable chandelier. The chefs have created innovative menus featuring the finest seasonal ingredients, which has resulted in the restaurant being awarded 2 AA Rosettes – one of the most prestigious honours granted for culinary excellence.

themerchanthotel.com/the-great-room 

15. Coppi

Saint Anne’s Square, Belfast, BT1 2LR

028 9031 1959

Tucked into the cultural hub in St Anne’s Square, Coppi is the unrivalled contemporary Italian restaurant showcasing the best local produce, an extensive wine list, creative and classic cocktails, and a selection of local craft beers.

coppi.co.uk

16. Hadski’s

33 Donegall Street, Belfast BT1

02890 325444

Tucked away at the end of the infamous cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter,  Hadski’s boasts an open kitchen where you can watch Chefs cook up the European inspired menu.

jamesstandco.com/hadskis

17. The Muddlers Club

Warehouse Lane, (Just off Waring St or Exchange Place), Belfast

028 9031 3199

Named after the secret society that met in the Cathedral Quarter location over 200 years ago, The Muddlers Club focuses on modern dining in a relaxed space and uses only the best local ingredients.

themuddlersclubbelfast.com

18. Dumpling Library

Unit 6, St Anne’s Square, BT1 2LR

02896 919222

A unique Asian adventure offering a variety of exquisite small dishes, influenced by traditional Chinese, Korean and Japanese.

dumplinglibrary.co.uk

19. House Of Zen

St Annes Square, Belfast, BT1 2LR

028 9027 8688

The award winning fine Asian restaurant offers an extensive selection of expertly crafted traditional cuisine in a stylish setting.

houseofzenbelfast.co.uk

20. Common Market

16-20 Dunbar St, Belfast, BT1 2LH

Located in the vacated Arnotts fruit and vegetable warehouse on Dunbar Link, this venue offers the very best of street food from a variety of small businesses and cuisines.

commonmarketbelfast.com 

21. Pizza Punks

20-22 Waring Street, BT1 2ES

028 9031 4110

Pizza Punks is a fast-growing independent company providing the city of Belfast unforgettable sourdough pizza which is handmade inhouse and double fermented for a minimum of 48hrs for maximum flavour. Diners can  also choose as many pizza toppings as they like.

pizzapunks.co.uk/pizza-punks-belfast    

22. 2 Taps

Cotton Court, 30-42 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2ED

028 9031 1414

Boasting one of the city’s largest outdoor terraces, 2Taps Wine Bar and Restaurant brings a taste of Spain to Belfast with their extensive tapas range including meats, seafood, salads and a large selection of vegetarian dishes. 

2taps-winebar.com

Bars

23. The Spaniard

3 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

028 9023 2448

Hidden in the depths of the Cathedral Quarter, the Spaniard Bar provides a cosy, intimate atmosphere.

spaniardbar.com 

24. Jazz Bar, The Merchant Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

028 9026 2713

Belfast’s only dedicated jazz bar, guests can enjoy a sophisticated atmosphere and cool jazz melodies washed down with something from the extensive drinks selection and expertly crafted cocktail list.

themerchanthotel.com/berts-jazz-bar 

25. Union Street

8-14 Union St, Belfast, BT1 2JF

028 9031 6060

The converted 19th century shoe factory laid out over three floors is ideal for lunchtime or evening dining with the ambient music and open fires creating the perfect setting for a unique dining and drink experience.

unionstreetbar.com

26. The Reporter

Union Street, Belfast, BT1 2JF

Inspired by the history of the newspaper business, this dog friendly pub owned by the McElhatton family, honours Belfast’s rich printing and publishing heritage.

27. The Cloth Ear, The Merchant Hotel

16 Skipper Street, Belfast, BT1 2DZ

028 9023 4888

Located in the oldest quarter of Belfast, The Cloth Ear has woven a rich seam of wonderful Victorian heritage and offers an exciting and inventive drinks list from punch bowls to hoptails and wine by the keg.

themerchanthotel.com/the-cloth-ear 

28. Ulster Sports Club

96-98 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BG

028 9023 0771

Ulster Sports Club is the ideal venue for the sports lover with regular screening of live sports combined with music and tasty food.

ulstersportsclub.com

29. The National

62 High Street, Belfast, BT1 2BE

028 9031 1130

Offering an airy and sophisticated space to relax and socialise with friends whilst serving up the best in local food and drink.

thenationalbelfast.com

30. The Northern Whig

2-10 Bridge Street, BT1 1LU

028 9050 9888

The Northern Whig bar & restaurant is situated right in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast’s social and cultural centre.

The Northern Whig

31. Duke Of York

7-11 Commercial Ct, Belfast BT1 2NB

028 9024 1062

Owned by Willie Jack, the Duke Of York is one of Belfast’s most iconic and well loved places for a pint due to it’s Belfast centric decor both inside and out.

dukeofyorkbelfast.com

32. The Harp Bar

35 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2NB

028 9032 9923

Furnished to represent a Victorian Belfast, this public house is the home of “Belfast craic” for the discerning drinker, selling crisps, dulse, coffees, independent draught beers and extensive whiskies.

dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/harp-bar

33. The Deer’s Head

1-3 Lower Garfield St, Belfast BT1 1FP

028 90 434655

A traditional bar in Belfast founded in 1885, The Deer’s Head is steeped in history. With its own craft beer brewery, it is Belfast’s first brew pub.

thedeersheadbelfast.com 

34. Mchughs

29-31 Queen’s Square, Belfast BT1 3FG

028 9050 9999

A proud tradition of great food, great drink and great craic, the McHugh’s bar is steeped in history as it dates back to 1711 making it the oldest surviving building in Belfast.

mchughsbar.com

35. The John Hewitt

51 Donegall St, Belfast BT1 2FH

028 9023 3768

With great live music, draught beer and gin, the John Hewitt also offers an Irish Craft Selection that rotates through some of Ireland’s finest Craft Beer Breweries.

thejohnhewitt.com 

36. The Dirty Onion

3 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA

028 9024 3712

The authentic Irish pub with a modern twist is home to two bars, one restaurant and one of the biggest beer gardens in Belfast, the Dirty Onion is Belfast’s one-stop-shop for great food, drink and entertainment.

thedirtyonion.com/about 

37. The Thirsty Goat

1 Hill St, Belfast BT1 2LA

028 9024 1415

Best known for its garden-esque smoking area that is filled with people dancing, the newest addition to the Cathedral Quarter bar list has an extensive range of Irish distilled spirits, beers and ales.

thethirstygoat.co.uk

38. The Dark Horse

30 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LB

Appreciate the superb décor and special atmosphere with beautiful antique mirrors as you sip on refreshment of your choice.

dukeofyorkbelfast.com/venues/the-dark-horse

39. The Second Fiddle

42 Waring St, Belfast BT1 2ED

028 9024 3712

Providing the finest of Irish music and craic, the Second Fiddle has all your favourite spirits, beers and craft ciders to enjoy alongside unbeatable live entertainment.

thesecondfiddlebelfast.co.uk

40. The Jailhouse

4-5 Joys Entry, Belfast BT1 4DR

028 9032 6711

The Jailhouse bar and restaurant prides itself on staying as close to the original character of the building as possible with its brick walls, inscribed beams and original windows. A great friendly pub with something for everyone.

thejailhousebelfast.com 

41. Muriel’s Café Bar

12-14 Church Ln, Belfast BT1 4QN

028 9033 2445

Belfast’s boutique bar, Muriel’s is a joy to visit. With seating inside and out, the bar staff are knowledgeable about their liquor and gin. 

facebook.com/muriels.cafebar 

42. Haymarket

84 Royal Ave, Belfast, BT1 1DJ

The indoor/outdoor bar & street food hangout serves up a range of delicious cocktails, draught beer & tasty street food in the historic Haymarket.

haymarketbelfast.com 

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.

Winter Circus performances are running until January 3rd. For more information go to tumblecircus.com. Family tickets are also available and group bookings (10+) can be booked by emailing bookings@tumblecircus.com.

The first lineup of performers has been announced ahead of the award winning Tumble Circus’ Winter Circus extravaganza which will open in Writer’s Square, Belfast this Friday.

Angelique Reckless Ross, Ali Stanger and Henrik Gard are the first three performers set to star in the 27 all human performances taking place across three weeks with everything from death defying aerialists and mind bending jugglers.

Angelique is a tight wire walker, trapeze artist and two-time Australian axe-throwing champion, Ali is an aerialist, acrobat and clown and Henrik is an acrobatic performer, whose focus is on weaving acrobatic movement with abstract everyday narratives.

Running from December 17 through to January 3, the infamous Jossers Big Top returns for its second year after last year’s show halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and fans can expect this year’s “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.”

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.

“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. 

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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines 

Cineworld Belfast opens its doors today – Friday 10th December- The 13-screen cinema is in Belfast’s Odyssey and is the first Cineworld in Northern Ireland

10^th December 2021 – Cineworld, the Nation’s leading cinema chain, is delighted that Cineworld Belfast will today open its doors to the public for the first time. The new cinema, located at the Odyssey will feature 13 state-of-the-art screens including an IMAX® Laser auditorium, a multi-sensory 4DX extreme cinema experience, and ScreenX – which is a 270-degree wrap-around screen.  This will be the first and only 4DX and ScreenX auditoriums to be open in Northern Ireland.

The cinema will also offer an in-cinema Café serving Lavazza coffee. The cinema will also serve Rollover hot dogs, Candyking Pick & Mix and ICEE frozen drinks for customers to enjoy. The cinema will open in time for the highly anticipated films West Side Story, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and The Matrix Resurrections – tickets are on sale now at www.cineworld.com

Shauna Royle, Cineworld Belfast’s General Manager, commented:“We are delighted to finally open our doors to movie fans! We have a great variety of screening formats, offering the most immersive cinema experience in Belfast. We look forward to sharing our love of film with Belfast soon”.

To celebrate the opening of the new cinema, Cineworld held an opening gala, where guests were treated to food, drinks, and a chance to try out all of the new experiences available at Cineworld Belfast including 4DX, ScreenX, and IMAX.

Only available at Cineworld, 4DX offers customers the opportunity to experience the latest movies with high-tech motion seats, engineered to work in perfect synchronicity with the action on screen. Movie fans will be surrounded by special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water, and scents. Available in both 2D and 3D formats, 4DX is one of the biggest innovations in cinematic technology. The new 4DX auditorium will house 172 specially designed seats.

The IMAX auditorium will feature the ground-breaking experience, IMAX® with Laser, which delivers stunning images and powerful, immersive audio to transport audiences into blockbuster films like never before. The experience is set apart by its next generation 4K laser projection system which features a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technologies that deliver increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colors ever available on-screen. The new experience also features IMAX’s 12-channel sound technology with new side and overhead channels that deliver greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

Giovanni Dolci, Chief Sales Officer, IMAX Corporation, comments: “Cineworld has been a longstanding partner of IMAX and shares our passion for delivering the best premium entertainment experiences. Through our new IMAX theatre, we look forward to delivering audiences at the new Cineworld Belfast, the most immersive blockbuster moviegoing experience in the world.”

Cineworld Belfast will also feature the multi-projection cinema technology, ScreenX, using extra footage to expand the traditional cinema screen out onto the side auditorium walls, creating a 270-degree viewing experience that will surround you in your seat. The innovative technology uses an array of projectors with proprietary ScreenX software, blending multiple images into one seamless picture. ScreenX walls are installed with a fabric to ensure brightness and colour closely match the content on the main screen and extend the length of the auditorium. Strategically placed audio systems and speakers ensure that sound does not compromise the immersive viewing experience.

Cinema fans can take advantage of a range of offers at Cineworld Belfast including discounted Movies for Juniors screenings for just £2.50 on Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays, as well as the Cineworld family ticket and Student NUS discount. The cinema will also be available for private venue hire.

Cineworld Unlimited Card holders can enjoy access to an unlimited number of films per month for only £15.99 – that’s less than the price of two new-release peak time tickets. The Unlimited Card also provides amazing cardholder benefits like discounts on cinema snacks, access to advance screenings of new movies, and no online booking fees. All Cineworld Unlimited members will also get access to a free tastecard as part of their membership which lets card holders tuck into 2-for-1 meals or 50% off food at thousands of restaurants and save 50% off attractions and at least 10% off takeaways.

When visiting the new Cineworld, Belfast, guests can park their cars in the car park at the front of the cinema in the Odyssey Car park. When visiting Cineworld, guests are able to have their parking ticket validated at concessions to receive four hours of free parking.

For more updates on Cineworld Belfast visit the Cineworld Belfast Facebook page and for information on Cineworld Cinemas, please visit: www.cineworld.com

Deep in the heart of Cathedral Quarter the big top is about to be hoisted aloft and a dazzling array of circus skills, comedy and theatre are in the final throes of preparations for Tumble Circus Christmas show.

As performers put the final touches to the extravaganza in Belfast’s Writers’ Square co-founder of the troupe, Ken Fanning delved into the history of Tumble Circus and what audiences can expect.

Running from December 17 to January 3 the all-human performances combines acrobats, aerial artists, jugglers in an hour-long fun-filled show.

“Someone described it as the Irish Circus Soleil hit by a bus,” explained Ken, adding: “It’s not like normal circus. But it is. It’s like Belfast-inspired circus. It is circus made in Belfast for Belfast people. It’s a bit of craic. Noisy with lots of skills, comedy, beautiful bits, and a bit of poetry.”

For anyone unsure if the circus is right for them Ken said one comment sticks in his mind.

“A father coming out of the show with his kids came up to me and said ‘I didn’t want to come but my wife made me buy tickets and take the kids. Thought I was going to hate it but it’s the best thing I’ve been at since Metallica’.”

Ken’s journey to become a skilled circus performer began on Spain’s back streets.

“I was kidnapped by a bunch of English circus performers in Spain and kept in an orange orchard near Valencia,” he joked. 

“When I was 19, I was travelling around Spain and happened to go down a side street and watched two guys juggling doing a show.

“They offered me and my friend somewhere to stay for the night and they were living in an orange orchard. There were a bunch of circus performers living in vans in this orchard and we just stayed and started learning circus tricks.”

Running low on money, Ken returned to Ireland and began busking in Dublin, where he met and worked with others doing circus. There he met Tumble Circus co-founder Tina Segner.

“I was in Grafton Street and noticed that Tina had three juggling clubs,” he explained.

“I had my clubs so I stopped her and asked her if she’d like to juggle. We went round the corner and we started passing juggling clubs to each other. That’s how we met. Within five minutes of meeting we were doing circus.”

From that initial meeting they travelled to Australia to join a circus before attending an adult circus school in Bristol. But their decision to set up in Belfast after working in Dublin was due to property prices.

“We were living in a garage in South Circular Road in Dublin with a mattress on the floor,” he said. 

“We came to Belfast for a show and realised we could actually rent a house with a garden for the price of the garage in Dublin. And, there was a whole circus community that was active and really fun, so we stayed.”

Ken believes that circus has a universal appeal with people doing skills or falling over on their faces. 

“People love it,” he explained. 

“It’s always interesting to go places where people don’t usually see that entertainment. They don’t know how to behave and they’re just wowed by it. Especially the Youtube generation. They’re numbed by the stuff they see. When it’s in their faces and live it’s a whole different experience and that’s great to give people. People feel like they’ve seen everything, but when you put it in front of them and they actually see stuff in front of them, they become alive and they experience the fun and joy of it all – the sensation of ‘they’re going to die’.

“They have a real experience. It’s great to watch people. It’s like they wake up.”

With the heated Big Top going up in Writers’ Square Tumble Circus will be performing every day, except Christmas Day throughout the run with 11 of the days presenting two shows, with nine performers.

For Ken the growth of audiences and the number of performers is a justification of what Tumble Circus is all about.

“It has moved away from just being a form of entertainment for kids in a field outside of town,” he said. “That’s still some of the perception in Ireland. But in France and other countries circus has been an art form for some time and is taken seriously.

“They have big productions that take eight months to stage. In Ireland it’s different although I think it has changed somewhat. I think there’s an emerging art form to become mainstream across the island.”

Established in the mid-90s Tumble Circus has an impressive set of credentials having headlined Glastonbury Festival’s Circus Big Top, played at Edinburgh Fringe, Perth Fringe World and Adelaide Fringe Festival. They have been seen in Norway, Iceland, Canada, Australia and many other countries. We have toured our big top shows all over Ireland.

Previous Winter Circus show in Belfast has become a yearly fixture and sell out. Their circus films are watched by thousands worldwide.

The genesis of the Winter Circus came about at a time when most performers were getting good work over the festive season.

“We were busy touring internationally and Christmas was always a busy time where we got booked for gigs and got paid well” said Ken.

“One year we just thought we had to try this at least once and just put it on.”

There’s a whole circus culture alive here and we wanted to celebrate that by putting on performances and giving performers the opportunity to perform here in front of Belfast audiences and do our unique kind of Belfast circus for people and hope it makes money.
“It worked the first year and we did it ourselves. That’s the kernel of it but we just wanted to perform in Belfast. It meant we could stop touring as much and be able to do circus in Belfast and make an income from it.”

And amidst the merry mayhem the soundtrack is very much themed around Northern Ireland.

“Music is very important,” Ken said. “I’m always trying to pick up music that goes with the acts with some local music to try and get some Belfast tunes in or bands from Ireland.  The likes of The Undertones and songs that kind of alternative scenes. You get a good soundtrack that people like to listen to with the performances with tunes that people recognise.”

For Ken, whilst settled in Belfast, he feels he now has responsibility and freedom, despite having had a rocky time as a youngster that forced him to leave Ireland.

“I feel very privileged that I get to do circus and I make a living out of it,” he said. 

“I feel a sense of responsibility about doing that which means I work at it. I find opportunities for the company and the people who work for us. I feel that responsibility which makes me less free in some ways but I feel creatively free. I can say the things I want to and the things I want to do.

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.

View the Winter Circus Covid-19 policy at https://www.tumblecircus.com/winter-circus-show/#covid-19-guidelines