Month: October 2022

Belfast Media Agency Excalibur Press Welcomes New Senior Developer To Marketing & Content Team

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Despite losing their offices in the Cathedral Buildings fire earlier this month Belfast based multidisciplinary marketing and media agency Excalibur Press have expanded their operations to include a new in-house website and software development department.

In the last number of years the company has become a key partner for many businesses, helping clients develop and tell stories through multidisciplinary content and marketing services across a wide range of channels both online and offline.

Senior developer Adam McBride has over a decade of experience helping businesses plan, create and maintain an online presence whilst offering a range of additional creative technology services such as app development, CRM system development and online learning platforms.

Through his own company Belfast Web, Adam also provides companies with secure website hosting and associated services.

Excalibur Press director Tina Calder said: “It’s been a tough month for us but in September we made the decision to invest in the future of our company and our clients by adding a hugely experienced senior developer to our team.

“Although we’re now based in temporary offices thanks to the generosity of fellow media agency Mammoth in the city centre we haven’t let that stall our plans for expansion.

“Having worked with Excalibur Press since its inception it was an obvious choice to bring Adam into the business when we decided to make an investment into this area of our work.

“His extensive experience, creative thought processes and ability to offer clients a wide range of services means I am very confident he will be able to build our web development and digital transformation department whilst keeping our clients at the heart of everything we do.

“Adam will now work over the next three years to build a team of staff and freelancers including developers, designers and other specialists who will be able to offer an end to end service for all our clients from small businesses to large corporations supporting them across all elements of their digital journey.”

Currently Excalibur Press are a full service agency offering everything from publicity management, marketing, crisis comms and PR through to content creation, digital media, social media, website development, search engine optimisation and copywriting.

Speaking of his appointment Adam said: “I am delighted to join the team at Excalibur Press having worked with the business for many years.

“I share Tina’s vision to add services and capacity to an already growing multidisciplinary team and to build towards becoming the go to agency for ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Northern Ireland as well as delivering a high quality service to large private and public sector organisations.

“Digital transformation can sound scary to any organisation, however, working with a specialist can help businesses to create, streamline and improve their processes and operations allowing them to become more efficient and profitable.

“Digital transformation for a small business could be as simple as setting up a mailing list, developing a landing page website or setting up and managing their social media. For a medium organisation it could be improving online payment systems, developing a CRM for their sales team or creating an app for their customers. Larger organisations may require everything from a members portal and online learning platform to overhauling their entire digital system.”

With clients ranging from Tourism NI, PAC Group, Mid & East Antrim Council, National World and Taste Causeway to Ryobi, Cathedral Quarter Trust, 4C UR Future and Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, Excalibur Press’ unique multidisciplinary ethos means businesses and organisations can contract out part or all of their marketing and media needs reducing the need for communicating with various third party contractors.

Tina added: “Our reputation for no-nonsense honesty with our clients has led many customers to rely on us to help build their own communication channels, including everything from full development of their websites and marketing materials to managing digital media channels and corporate copywriting.

“With all of our core services now being represented in-house within our staff team we are now able to offer clients a faster, more efficient service as well as being able to meet an increasing demand for our unique multidisciplinary ethos.”

For more information go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 

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 Here are ten exciting things taking place 17 – 23 October 2022   

   

  1. PGA EuroProTour – The Matchroom Tour Championship, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 19 – 21 October. The PGA EuroPro Tour is delighted to announce that the Tour Championship will be taking place at Northern Ireland’s majestic Lough Erne Golf Resort. Following the conclusion of the season-ending event, that will be played across the 19th – 21st October, five PGA EuroPro Tour members will progress to the next step and earn their Challenge Tour card after 15 gruelling competitions. Closing out the season is the intimidating and demanding Faldo Course, which was designed by the six-time major winner and Ryder Cup icon, Sir Nick Faldo, and opened in 2009. 
  2. City of Derry International Choir Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 19 – 23 October.The City of Derry International Choir Festival is now established as a major event in the musical life of Northern Ireland and as the only international choir festival of its kind in the UK. Conceived as a joyous celebration of all that choral singing has to offer, its activities include concerts by world-renowned vocal groups, competitions for choirs, workshops and educational events for singers and conductors, and community concerts and choral trails in landmark locations across Derry~Londonderry and the surrounding area. 
  3. ToddsLeap Horror Nights, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, 21 – 30 October. A spooktacular night to remember this October at Todds Face nightmarish walkways, scare zones, and narrow alleyways as you try to figure out exactly how you are going to get out! WARNING: Event may be too intense for young children and is recommended for older children PG 15. 
  4. Pickie Pumpkin Patch, Bangor, Co. Down, 21 – 31 October.Pickie’s Annual Halloween Pumpkin Picking event returns this October. Pumpkin tickets include 12 tokens to use on the Pickie Attractions. How it works: Arrive on your selected date & time, produce your online ticket to be scanned and redeemed for Pickie Tokens (check ticket outlet location stated on the front entrance signage), then present your Pickie Tokens at each attraction. A token for the Pumpkin Patch will be presented at this stage. You must collect your pumpkin at this time.  
  5. StreamvaleOpen Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch, Belfast, 15 October – 1 November. Their pumpkin patch is back with thousands of pumpkins to choose from. Kids can grab a mini wheelbarrow and go and explore the pumpkin patch. They can then pick their own pumpkin and wheel it back up the field to the designated carving marquee where staff will be on hand to help design your spooky lantern and then you can scoop it out. They will carve it for you, leaving all smells and mess with Barrel and tractor rides are all included as well as lots of other animal shows and activities throughout the day. Get your dancing shoes on at the Broomtastic Disco or enjoy the Spooky Maze, an immersive experience where you can follow the trail and meet real life characters. 
  6. Halloween Extravaganza at Crumlin RoadGaol, Belfast, 21 – 31 October. This Halloween head over to Crumlin Road Gaol for the most spooktacular Halloween event for children of all ages and adults. What better setting for your annual Halloween experience than a spooky haunted prison. Their Halloween Extravaganza includes the Spooktacular Jail Tour, the Pumpkin Puffer Train Ride and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch! Your experience isn’t finished yet. You can visit their Petting Farm and meet Larry the llama, Lexi the miniature cow, Pappa the pig and all their farmyard friends before finishing your fun packed day at their Live Interactive Halloween Musicals where the West Ends come to North Belfast. 
  7. LoughanmorePoint-to-Point Races, Dunadry, Co. Antrim, 22 October. Loughanmore point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family in the countryside and where you will get to witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.  
  8. Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio, Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh, 22 October (more dates available). Enjoy thefused glass lantern experience and reconnect with your inner creative at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey McVerry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, once the haunt of robbers and highwaymen, Tracey welcomes visitors to her safely nestled fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer Here you will feast your senses whilst creating your own bespoke piece of fused glass artwork inspired by OGHAM in a professional artists studio.  
  9. Hallowee’unsat the Jungle, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, 22 – 23 October (more dates available). As the spooky and haunting time of year creeps in, the Jungle would like to invite all of your little monsters along to experience a Halloween extravaganza, filled with wicked, weird and wonderful activities. During the event you will enjoy some pumpkin picking and carving, a haunting Haycart Ride with a rather wicked witch who will tell spooky stories along the way and a host of other adventure activities. Their team will also be giving out prizes for the best costumes, so all types of ghostly and fang-tastic costumes are encouraged. 
  10. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge, Co. Down, (check website for open times). The iconic dagger shared in Game of Thrones successor series House of The Dragon will be on display at Game of Thrones Studio Tour. HBO’s House of the Dragon has brought millions of Gameof Thrones fans back to TV screens around the world – and the successor series focusing on the Targaryen dynasty has shared one of the most iconic weapons from Game of Thrones – the Catspaw Dagger. The original dagger is on display alongside screen-used costumes, original sets, and props at the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland.  

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on near you this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Glens Storytelling Festival – Rathlin Stories.  Hear stories from Francis McCarron, Jane Dorfman, Masako Carey & others.  NOTE: those wishing to attend the events in Rathlin must book their own ferry tickets. 10.30am ferry – return ferry 4.30pm.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

The Gost of a Smile, Market Place Theatre. Two of Charles Dickens’ creepy tales – with a comic twist. Tales with a tingle, but also a giggle! Two yarns to chill and charm! Stories with a Fermanashiver and a smile!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Commissioned by Belfast International Arts Festival, Another Lover’s Discourse ليه خلتني احبك is a solo theatre show created and performed by Riham Isaac (Palestine) that encourages a more open conversation about how we understand romantic relationships.

Find out more HERE

Down

Ards Chamber of Trade need your help again this year at The Mightly Pumpkin Hunt! The pumpkins have escaped again and are taking over Newtownards!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

The Strangest Things Trail – Enniskillen Castle. Children’s trail to explore the strangest things throughout our museum galleries. Find all the pesky pumpkins to solve a hidden clue & win a Halloween sweet treat.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Two fabulous nights are in store with the Limavady Big Band and guest artists at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady.  Regulars to the Danny Boy Auditorium, the Big Band have been performing for 20 years throughout Northern Ireland. Prepare yourselves for a rip-roaring evening of music, with jazz, blues, soul, and swing.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Tricks and Laughs starring Steve Legg at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown to celebrate 50 years of the Boy’s Brigade across Mid Ulster.

Find out more HERE

 

More Than 100 Takeaways Close In Industry Crisis Says Industry Body

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In just three months Northern Ireland’s takeaway industry has seen more than 100 businesses close and hundreds lose jobs, according to the Takeaway Association.

Chief Executive of the trade body, Michael Henderson said the losses from July of this year were due to the tidal wave of increased costs ranging from Energy bills, food costs, VAT increase and reintroduction of the highest business rates in the UK.

“The latest unemployment raise is a stark reminder of the issues facing our small businesses during this cost of doing business crisis,” he explained. 

“We outlined in February that our industry was in crisis and support was needed to help save small businesses. 

“Unfortunately these warnings were ignored, and this has led us to the devastating amount of closures we see today.

“The loss of 100+ takeaways/cafes in recent months adds more pressure on the cost-of-living crisis for the employees recently made redundant.” 

Mr Henderson said his organisation is being contacted by distressed people.

“We are receiving heartbreaking calls every day from business owners across all backgrounds who are struggling and fighting to hold on to their business which they have worked tirelessly to create.”

The Takeaway Association believes that there is an urgent need for support as the industry stares into an abyss with more closures to come.

“As we enter probably the toughest winter in our lifetime, without urgent intervention from the government I fear the takeaway sector will be further decimated and we will be looking at additional 100 closures come January,” said Mr Henderson. 

“I’m calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to provide emergency support urgently.

“We need clarity on the energy support package for Northern Ireland Businesses, Reduction on VAT and Business rates relief “

Northern Ireland Takeaway Association alongside Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster & Chambers of Commerce have published a Cost of doing business action plan to the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government outlining what support is needed for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Henderson said that any business owner can get in touch with the organisation for support.

Takeaway/cafe owners who are struggling and wish to reach out to Northern Ireland Takeaway Association should call 07425846533 or email info@nitakeawayassociation.co.uk.

Local Artist Donates Painting To Cathedral Buildings Fire Fund After Husband Loses Studio

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A local artist has donated a large piece of artwork to be auctioned off for the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire last week.

Esther O’Kelly, whose husband Paul Kelly had his entire studio incinerated in the fire, said she was devastated to hear the news last Monday morning.

She said: “It was shocking to hear about Cathedral Buildings. I knew immediately that in losing his studio Paul, and all the other creative businesses, had lost so much more than hardware or materials but also the home that supports their creativity. 

“An artist’s studio is central to their practice and now another successful space in the city is gone.”

Last Monday (Oct 3) over 50 firefighters and eight fire trucks worked throughout the day to bring the blaze under control.

An 18 year old man has been charged with arson and remanded in custody.

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces have been plunged into turmoil as they attempt to rescue and rebuild their businesses.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

“The morning I called Esther, to tell her that Cathedral Buildings was burning down, she was finishing moving into a new studio –ironically to get some hard won long term stability” explained Paul. 

“Finding the right place in Belfast can be a challenge, Cathedral Buildings was an example of that working. 

“We both know that being in any part of the creative industry is more than just a job. You invest a lot of yourself and want to see this city benefit from that. 

“The small independent community of businesses that worked in Cathedral Buildings need help and support and for Esther to offer this painting in support of them feels right. 

“I hope it plays its part in keeping those creative people together in Cathedral Quarter, which really needs them.”

Esther has donated her 1x1m original painting on canvas Lost Sun to the campaign to get the tenants of Cathedral Buildings back on their feet.

It is one of a collection of vibrant and striking pieces representing the landscape around us.

She said: “The creative community in Belfast show up for each other. It feels natural for me to offer this painting in support. Lost Sun comes from that feeling of summer fading – losing something cherished and nourishing. 

“I hope it becomes a valued piece for someone and makes a small difference to the Cathedral Buildings tenants helping them move forward as a community.”

Paul was a tenant of Cathedral Buildings for eight years. The loss of his studio is more than just the physical space and items within it.

Much of what Paul lost in the fire will never be able to be replaced.

He said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

Bidding for Lost Sun ends at midnight on Friday 14th October. Currently sitting at £1400 to lodge your bid contact Esther via Instagram @estherokelly.

To support the crowdfunding campaign to help the tenants of Cathedral Buildings get back up and running go to https://igg.me/at/cqcollective 

Ards Puppet Festival Presents The Enchanted House of Puppetry!

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards will be transformed into a magical world of puppets this Halloween when the historical building becomes the home of The Enchanted House of Puppetry.

Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the two-day event will feature an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, free puppet shows and workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans, to inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike! Expect puppets in all shapes and sizes, from hand puppets to strings and socks!

Isla Mulgrew pictured at the launch of Ards Puppet Festival’s Enchanted House of Puppetry. Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the two-day event will feature an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, free puppet shows and workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans, to inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike! Taking place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

The festival is thrilled to welcome Hands Up! to the programme. All the way from the Netherlands, with nothing more than his bare hands and wooden eyes, Lejo creates a unique, fresh style of puppet theatre. Hands up! is a lively, wordless performance with lots of music. Simple but adorably mischievous, it’s sure to be a highlight!

Little Gem Puppets will make a welcome return to the festival with their adorable Three Little Pigs and Maggie shows and Cre8 Theatre will be performing their wonderful Sleeping Beauty: 80’s Throwback.  In this modern adaption of the well-known fairy tale, the heroine wakes to find herself in the most fantastical world full of 80’s inspired music!

As well as scheduled performances, visitors can expect drop-in shows and workshops, taking place at various times throughout both days. Stories, Just in Case by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre is a series of fun performances featuring a mermaid, a crocodile, Little Red Riding Hood and more! After each story, kids can have a go at puppet manipulation with guidance from puppet master Steve Smart.

The Puppet Labyrinth by Brothers Dimm invites you to take a magical meandering wander to find festival favourite Aloisious Ginderbalm the Troll! Only the bravest travellers dare to seek out the enchanted ramblings and gobbledegook from an ancient 700-year-old Swedish Troll called Aloisious Ginderbalm. He tells the tallest tales for being the shortest troll. Prepare to be amazed at The Flea Circus – involving feats of astonishing bravery and breath-taking beauty – acrobatics, trapeze, high wire and more!

There are also opportunities to get creative at the Puppet Making Workshops where everyone can have a go at making simple puppets to take away and create your very own puppet shows at home.

Speaking about The Enchanted House of Puppetry, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Development Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council said; “It is very exciting to be hosting this event for the first time at Ards Arts Centre, we hope it will be something a little different for families to enjoy over the half term break and we would encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun.”

The Enchanted House of Puppetry takes place from 30 – 31 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Printed copies of the programme are also available from Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum or any of the Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

Award-winning Documentary ‘LYRA’ to be released in Irish and UK cinemas on 4 November

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The award-winning Irish documentary LYRA will open in Irish and UK cinemas on Friday 4 November

Directed by BAFTA-winning Alison Millar and executively produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s HiddenLight Productions, LYRA is a beautiful and heartfelt film about the life and death of the internationally renowned Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee.

Raised in working-class, war-torn Belfast, Lyra went on to highlight the consequences of the Troubles, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten since the Good Friday Agreement. Her murder by dissident Republicans the day before Good Friday in 2019 sent shockwaves across the world.

Using hours of voice recordings from Lyra’s own mobile, computer and Dictaphone, the documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Cork Film Festival, seeks answers to her senseless killing through Lyra’s own work and words. The result is a complex picture of Northern Ireland’s political history, bringing into sharp focus the ways in which the 1998 Good Friday agreement – with its promised end to violence for future generations – has struggled to be fully realised.

Speaking ahead of the cinema release, Director Alison Millar said:

“Thanks to Wildcard Distribution, we are delighted to be able to share the incredible LYRA with the world.

“Alongside projecting Lyra McKee as a ‘fearless investigative journalist, determined and tenacious, honest in her approach’ I wanted this film to also capture the great warmth and infectious humour of the person I’d known for so many years.

“Through the use of her voice recordings (enabling us to have her narrate her own story), home footage and her remarkable writing, I hope LYRA will inspire and introduce a new generation to her work and the story of her homeland, the turbulently beautiful Northern Ireland, of which she wrote so much about.

“I’ve made many films about Northern Ireland – its people and its past – but with this film, with LYRA, it’s different – with her, this time, it’s personal.”

LYRA was produced by Jackie Doyle and Alison Millar for Erica Starling Productions and executively produced by Siobhan Sinnerton, Edward Watts, Greg Darby, Andrew Eaton, Louisa Compton and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton with funding from Northern Ireland Screen in association with TG4. Music for the film was scored by the Ivor Novello Award-winning David Holmes, Mark McCauley was cinematographer on the project and it was edited by the British Independent Film Award-winning Chloe Lambourne.

Lord Mayor opens book of condolence at City Hall for Creeslough tragedy

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The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, has expressed her heartfelt condolence to the families and community of Creeslough, Donegal, following the tragic events on Friday.

A book of condolence was opened in City Hall today by the Lord Mayor for the victims of the tragedy.

The Lord Mayor said: “The people of Belfast will join me in expressing our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolence to the families and community of Creeslough and all those affected by this terrible tragedy on Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with them all during this time of immense grief.

“I also want to thank all the emergency services from Donegal and here who worked under such traumatic circumstances in the search and recovery operation.”

The book of condolence will be open to sign in the reception area of City Hall during normal opening hours.

 

20 Brides Lose Dresses In Cathedral Buildings Fire As Tenants Set Up Crowdfunder To Start Again

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Across Northern Ireland 20 brides’ lives have been plunged into chaos as their dresses were caught in the Cathedral Buildings fire in Belfast city centre last Monday.

They are among dozens of pieces of precious clothing belonging to the customers of Perfect Fit, a dressmaking company based on the ground floor.

Seamstress Hazel Alderdice, owner of Perfect Fit, is not just dealing with the stress of losing her business and the customers it has affected; she’s also eight months pregnant.

She said: “I’ve been growing this business for 15 years. I’ve lost everything that I’ve accumulated over that time – years of making patterns , buying technical pattern books, buying specialist machinery, mannequins, fabric, thread – every little tool in a dressmaker’s arsenal. 

“Yesterday I had to go out and buy myself a needle and thread. I was completely broken. 

“But the worst thing? 20 brides have lost their wedding dresses. Possibly the most significant piece of clothing they will own in their lifetime, chosen with the greatest of care, now gone. 

“Their weddings are fast approaching and their options are running out. My heart bleeds for all of them.”

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces watched on Monday October 3 as over 50 firefighters tried to bring the blaze under control.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Chiho Tang, lead creative at Oranga, a graphic design agency in the building said: “Waking up to the news on Monday was an absolute shock.

“Not only do I have the majority of nearly a decade of my portfolio in that building but all our tech equipment was very recently replaced with very high spec machines.

“My staff are devastated by this.

“I had hoped to attempt a recovery of our server as we have client work on it spanning the last 9/10 years.

“We have had to spend the last week redrawing artwork for clients.

“It’s all so surreal. We’ve been there five years and worked hard on creating a great space to work in and welcome clients to. Really difficult to take in to be honest.”

Media and marketing company Excalibur Press were also among the affected businesses. They employ eight staff and had four offices, one of which was a newly set up photography and videography studio.

Owner Tina Calder said: “I can’t even begin to articulate how I feel. Although it’s no comfort saying it, many of the tangible assets will be able to be replaced in time.

“However, what I cannot replace is 27 years of journalism and media history. I’ve hard copy clippings of every single story I’ve ever written, every publication I worked on and edited. Literally everything I have achieved in my career is evidenced in that building. 

“I have gone from crying inconsolably to trying to be practical and working on our rebuild all week. But it’s exhausting. Emotions are high, everyone has lost so much.

“I keep thinking of silly little things like our little mascot Sir Lancelot the purple dragon we would take to events and stuff. I went to replace him the other day as a sign of us rebuilding only to find out he’s a collectors item worth hundreds of pounds.

“My staff are devastated. We lost a huge amount of technical equipment. 14 MACs, camera and studio equipment, radio equipment and more.

“Our offices were also home to Merlin Arts CIC, NI Festival of Writing, BAM magazine and Belfast 247 radio station. Everything of theirs is gone too.

“Despite being able to see our things seemingly untouched by fire through windows we have been told we’re not going to be given access to the building to conduct a salvage operation. It is gut wrenching.”

Many people in the building watched on Monday as their studios and offices were completely eviscerated by the fire.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, was one of those people. He arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

Paul said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

One thing tenants will mourn is not just their possessions and life’s work. Many of them are heartbroken at the loss of their community.

Declan Murphy, accountant and musician who was based on the first floor said: “I have lost equipment and some sentimental items in the fire but the greatest loss is losing the presence in the Cathedral Quarter. 

“An exciting and vibrant part of the city and a building that contained a friendly and eclectic mix of people and businesses. 

“The strength of character of tenants is evident in our resolve to bounce back, hopefully finding space in the immediate area of the Cathedral Quarter.”

A crowdfunding campaign has now been set up to support each of the tenants in the building who all have differing needs but who are committed to  working together to develop a new hub of creativity within the heart of arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter.

For more information on how you can support the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire go to >> https://igg.me/at/cqcollective

 

Businesses and creatives impacted by the fire are:

 

Luke Godson & Tim Farrell (Landmark design)

Paul Kelly (Form Native) 

Chiho Tang (Oranga Creative)

Declan Murphy (Accountant & Musician)

Christine Boyles (Hair Friendly)

Gareth Young & Ritchie Stokes (Never Never)

Tina Calder (Excalibur Press)

Hazel Alderdice (Perfect Fit)

Ryan & Oisin (Neighbourhood Cafe)

Fimmaker Nicky Larkin

Black Mountain Zen 

Aidan Mulholland Violins 

343 Collective

Digital Arts Studios

Jacqueline’s Pick of What’s On This Week Across NI

By

Antrim

The Baby Shark Show, Slemish College Ballymena. See us, bring to life, the story behind the song. Venture into the deep blue sea and join Baby on the adventure of a life-time. Come and help, Mummy & Daddy prepare Baby for the first day of school, with lots of exhilarating crowd interaction.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe. See this world class performance at the Market Place Theater this weekend.

Find out more HERE

Down

Moira Speciality Food Fair makes a return to Moira Demesne this month and introduces ‘Friday Fun in the Park’.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Join Fermanagh Fun Farm in Lisbellaw this Halloween for their popular Halloween Experience.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Twilight Sessions presents internationally acclaimed Cara Dillon at the Danny Boy Auditorium, Roe Valley Arts Centre this Friday.  “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”- Mojo Magazine

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Comedian David O’Doherty takes to the stage this weekend at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown. As seen on BBC’s ‘Live at The Apollo’ and Channel 4’s ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Kevin McAleer’s Uncle Colm persona in Derry Girls has brought a whole new wave of followers to his latest live show, Why Am I Here. Live at the Mandela Hall this weekend.

Find out more HERE

 

 

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