UK City of Culture contender Armagh City reveals fresh nine-day festival bounce for 2022
Thursday 3rd March: St Patrick’s historical home, Armagh City, has launched a new and inspirational nine-day festival programme to celebrate the life and legacy of Ireland’s world-famous patron saint which kicks off on Thursday 10 March.
This year’s Home of St Patrick Festival combines exceptional live music, comedy art, poetry, theatre, film, dance and thought with great debate, adventure and lots of family fun.
The Home of St. Patrick Festival has established itself as one of the UK and Ireland’s best events to mark St Patrick’s enduring impact on the island of Ireland and on the world. Renowned for converting Ireland to Christianity centuries ago, it was in Armagh that Patrick began his Christian mission and his legacy lives on in this ancient, unique and beautiful place.
Armagh’s iconic Market Place Theatre plays a big part in this year’s festival, hosting performances from big name comedy acts including Jason Bryne and up-and-coming cult comedy hero Owen Colgan.
Acclaimed tribute band Celtic Soul and the showstopping, global award-winning Sitkovetsky Trio will also bring their unique classical power to Armagh for this year’s special series of events. The trio have played in world renowned venues such as Amsterdam Concertgebouw, Frankfurt Alte Oper, Palais des Beaux Arts, Musée du Louvre, l’Auditori Barcelona, Wigmore Hall and Lincoln Center New York.
In Ireland’s oldest city and famed for its history, heritage and stunning Georgian façades, storytelling and walking tours are another big feature of this year’s programme which reliably includes the annual St Patrick Lecture, St Patrick’s Vigil and community procession.
Art is as important as ever in 2022 as internationally-acclaimed artist Desmond Kinney brings his large-scale murals and public art works with a theme of myths and legends to a city which also celebrates Armagh Art Club’s 60-year milestone with special showcase of its work at Market Place Theatre.
There’s plenty for kids of all ages too, including art and craft workshops, ahead of two big family days out planned for Thursday 17 March in The Shambles Yard, Armagh. On Saturday 19 March, Banbridge’s gorgeous Solitude Park will be the place to be to enjoy live music, face-painters, fair rides and more.
Embrace the onset of spring with an unmissable feast for the senses as the Council, in partnership with Tourism NI, run two exciting initiatives; Taste the Borough and Experience the Borough.
Throughout the month of March, we have a great programme to tempt your taste buds and stimulate those adventure seekers amongst you.
We invite you to make this the month where you taste something new or try a completely different experience.
‘Taste the Borough’ is an appetising opportunity to entice locals and visitors to explore the array of high quality eateries/ food experiences on their doorstep and avail of great offers throughout the month of March. Numerous businesses from across the Borough will host a range of events celebrating local food and drink produce. Book your table now; please visit https://visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com/taste/.
‘Experience the Borough’ why not try out the exciting range of activities and attractions our Borough has to offer. Book your taster session today; please visit https://visitantrimandnewtownabbey.com/explore/
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said; “Taste the Borough and Experience the Borough is a great opportunity to sample some of the great local produce we serve up in the many eateries and dining experiences across the Borough. This is also the perfect time to try your hand at some of the exciting visitor experiences right on your doorstep. I would encourage you to support our local restaurants and visitor attractions throughout these initiatives and help them regenerate some much needed business.”
Don’t forget to share your experiences with family and friends and please tag us in your social posts @ANBorough .
As the industry begins to look forward after the impacts of the pandemic and Brexit before that, there are key roles that are waiting to be filled.
We as consumers mostly experience customer-facing roles, but there is so much more to the industry than just those roles. In addition to self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, there is a wealth of diverse roles back of house and in supporting roles such as finance, HR, marketing and the wider visitor experience.
The Hospitality and Tourism industry is teeming with opportunities and employers are looking for people with personality and passion.
Here are 4 Reasons To Choose A Career In Hospitality & Tourism And 14 Jobs You Can Apply For Right Now:
It’s creative
Hospitality and tourism are not only people-oriented but also very creative. From creating new products to dreaming up new experiences you can use your creativity to the fullest. No two days are the same in the industry, which means you can escape the monotony of 9-5 and become a flexible and open-minded thinker.
Great perks
Beautiful surroundings, meeting new (sometimes even famous) people, gourmet dishes, new places, amazing staff discounts, the perks of working in hospitality and tourism are endless.
Your ticket to see the world
Working in tourism is like an open ticket to see and experience new places. There are many career paths that enable travel, giving you an opportunity to work from a single location abroad or even travel regularly as part of your job.
Learn transferable skills
A career in hospitality is not just about serving guests just as a job in tourism is not just about travelling. Working in these industries will teach you invaluable skills from interpersonal and organisational skills to management skills and even cultural awareness. These are all transferable and can help you in the long run if you ever want to change career paths.
What will your role be in the industry?
As part of the Hospitality & Tourism Skills network (HATS) and Tourism NI partnership, you can now easily find opportunities that the industry has to offer on a central job portal.
One of the Causeway Coast’s top visitor attractions, Bushmills Distillery are looking for an enthusiastic and talented individual to join their Visitor experience Team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the planning, execution, supervision, hospitality, and customer service for all visitor experiences.
2. Travel Consultant | Trailfinders | Co. Antrim
Permanent
Belfast
Trailfinders are recruiting for Travel Consultant positions in Belfast, Dublin, Cork and Limerick. The ideal candidate needs to have experience of working in a target based sales role, have e a strong worldwide geographical awareness as well as extensive and recent first-hand travel experience.
3. Cleaning Operative | Mount Charles Group | Co. Antrim
£8.91 per hour
Permanent
Lisburn
Mount Charles are recruiting for a Cleaning Operative to join their team at Art Lagan Valley Island Lisburn City. The person will ensure all areas are cleaned efficiently, in a timely manner and in accordance with relevant guidelines.
4. Chef Manager | Compass Group | Co. Antrim
Permanent
Up to £25,000 per annum
Belfast
Compass Group is looking to recruit a Chef Manager to be in charge of overseeing the catering services, ensuring the best service and quality of food for all students and staff. The Chef Manager will be required to liaise with and support the Head Chef in the preparation of meals. To plan, prepare, cook all menu dishes, providing a high-quality offer for the customer and client. Carry out general cleaning of the kitchen, maintaining high standards of hygiene. Drive sales through menu plans and promotions suited to the location and ensure compliance with purchasing.
5. PR and Communications Manager |Staffline | Co. Antrim
Permanent
Belfast
Staffline Ireland are recruiting for a PR and Communications Manager for a company in the leisure and tourism industry. The successful candidate will be responsible for the development, implementation, management and evaluation of the PR and communications strategy and operational plans, leading to the achievement of set targets and KPI’s, promoting Belfast as a top European tourism destination for business, leisure and cruise.
6. Fitness and Leisure Manager | Employers For Childcare | Co. Antrim
£25,000 per annum
Lisburn
Employers for Childcare is recruiting for a Fitness and Leisure Manager to join High Rise, the 10,000 sq ft indoor adventure centre in Lisburn incorporating a Clip ‘n Climb climbing arena, soft play, corporate facilities, sensory rooms, and cafe.
The successful candidate will be an experienced climbing instructor who can take overall responsibility for all aspects of delivering safe, fun climbing activities for guests of all ages and leading an energetic team of Clip ‘n Climb instructors.
As a result of their ongoing expansion plans and increased business levels, Alchemy Recruitment Solutions are looking for a focused and driven individual who is willing to take on a key role within the organisation as a Staffing/Events Coordinator.
The successful candidate will be responsible for the co-ordination of temporary and casual staff in line with client requirements. In addition they will ensure that all timesheets and associated administration will be completed in an efficient and accurate manner within strict deadlines.
8. Kitchen Steward | Slieve Donard Resort and Spa | Co. Down
Permanent
Newcastle
The Slieve Donard is recruiting for a Kitchen Steward to join their team in offering a bespoke, hand-crafted hospitality experience to their guests. The successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient operation of the kitchen function and maintaining a clean and tidy work environment. Opportunities are available both within the Hotel and the Percy French.
9. Assistant General Manager | Nando’s | Co. Antrim
Up to £27000 per annum
Belfast
Nando’s is on the hunt for an Assistant Manager to join their team in their busy restaurant in Belfast. The candidate will work alongside the General Manager to support the team to be the best they can be and deliver an amazing Nando’s experience to all our customers.
10 – 11. Seafood Counter Manager And Assistant Counter Manager | Staffline | Co. Down
Permanent
£10.20 for Manager
£9.70 for Assistant Manager
Staffline are seeking a Seafood Counter Manager and a Seafood Counter Assistant Manager for a new project in a busy retail environment in County Down.
The third-generation family business sources the best quality fish every morning from the local ports of Kilkeel, Ardglass and Portavogie to supply some of the leading businesses in hospitality and catering across Northern Ireland.
12. Conference & Banqueting Co-ordinator | Armagh City Hotel | Co. Armagh
Permanent
Armagh
Armagh City Hotel is offering an exciting opportunity for someone to join their team as a Conference & Banqueting Co-Ordinator in their busy C&B Department.
First Choice Selection Services are recruiting for a full time, temporary catering assistant for s well-established Private client in a supported living environment, responsible for preparing and serving food to a high standard, carrying out cleaning duties and catering for a variety of dietary needs.
14. Guest Services |Killeavy Castle Estate | Co. Down
£9.60per hour
Newry
Killeavy Castle Estate is seeking a Guest Services Attendant to join their award-winning 4-star Hotel. The successful candidate will be responsible for being part of the front office operation within the Hotel and reporting to the Front Office Manager, with a primary focus on carrying out all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the Front of House function.
If you are interested in any of these positions make sure you apply NOW!
Join us for an unforgettable experience this spring, as the Strangford Lough Viking Festival sets up camp on the shores surrounding Portaferry and Strangford from Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 March.
Supported by Tourism NI, Ards and North Down Borough Council as well as Newry Mourne and Down District Council, the Festival welcomes you to discover the area’s rich Viking heritage.
Visit the Vikings and enjoy a packed programme of activities, as you step back in time and wander through the encampments in Portaferry and Strangford (Saturday 26 and Sunday 27, 10am – 4pm). Immerse yourself in Viking traditions and way of life – from blacksmithing, woodworking, pottery, and music.
There is lots for families to do too. Your little warriors can train for battle with the Vikings, enjoy a children’s treasure hunt and hear tales of adventure, that will have children and adults bursting with laughter. Why not have a go at axe throwing or archery and take a selfie by the impressive Long Boat!
Highlights of the Festival include the Viking Feast on the Friday evening, with a 9th century feast fit for a Viking King conjured up by The Cuan, served in the wonderful setting of the Old Court, Strangford. Be entertained by storytellers and musicians, and perhaps even dress for the occasion.
On the Saturday evening, the Vikings invade Portaferry with a torchlit procession from the shore followed by a concert in Portico by Sacred Knot who are inspired by the ancient cultures and artwork of Northern Europe.
That’s not all! For immersive experiences, there are talks, tours, activities and workshops on all things Viking, from pottery, jewellery and mead making to herbs for health plus much more.
Why not make a weekend of it and stay in some of the wonderful accommodation surrounding Strangford Lough, where you can sample the delicious local food and drink in the restaurants and eateries, and visit top-class attractions. It will be the perfect getaway this spring.
Check out the programme and get planning for an action-packed weekend! For full programme listing and to book, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com and visitmournemountains.co.uk.
Award-winning Director Cathy Brady’s debut film Wildfire is coming to Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Thursday 3rd March.
The screening, part of Film Hub NI’s Collective programme which brings local films to local places, begins at 7pm and tickets cost £5.
Wildfire is the story of Kelly and Lauren, two inseparable sisters whose lives are shattered by the mysterious death of their mother in the fractious border town where they grew up. When Kelly, who has been missing, returns home, the intense bond with her sister is re-ignited and together they unearth their mother’s past, but uncovered secrets and resentments which have been buried deep threaten to overwhelm them.
Nora-Jane Noone and the late Nika McGuigan co-star as the two sisters alongside Kate Dickie, Martin McCann and Helen Behan.
Newry-born Cathy Brady recently won the prestigious BIFA Debut Screenwriter Award for Wildfire and also the IFTA for Best Director. She says: “I am absolutely delighted that audiences throughout Northern Ireland are getting the chance to see Wildfire as part of this Film Hub NI Tour. It feels like it’s a homecoming as the story is set here and I can’t wait to see how local audiences connect to these characters and their stories. The lead performances of Nika and Nora are remarkable and made to be seen on the big screen. We were all deeply shocked and saddened when Nika tragically died while we were post producing Wildfire. To have known Nika and be known by her is one of the greatest gifts I’ve had in my life.”
Sara Gunn-Smith, Marketing and Audiences Officer for Film Hub NI says: “Wildfire is a spectacular film which has received critical acclaim since its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, with prestigious awards for both Cathy as screenwriter from the BIFA, and Nika from the IFTA posthumously for Best Actress. Given the impact Covid has had on cinemas in recent times it is wonderful that we can give Northern Ireland audiences the opportunity to view this amazing film now and celebrate our incredible local cast and crew.”
