Month: February 2023

GET READY TO SEE MORE, HEAR MORE, FEEL MORE AT THE REIMAGINED TITANIC EXPERIENCE

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TITANIC Belfast will reopen on Saturday 4th March with four exciting new themed galleries.

The reimagined Titanic Experience introduces The Pursuit of Dreams as a new theme and will use immersive technology combined with the authentic Titanic Story in its refreshed spaces called Never Again; Ballard’s Quest; The Ship of Dreams and The Lasting Legacy.

Making of Titanic
Foto en © Yvonne Witte

Guests will delve deeper into a reflective journey of the hopes and dreams of those impacted by the iconic ship, giving people the chance to find out more about the lives and stories of the passengers who had dreams of starting a new life in America, as well as those who built the ship in Belfast and those who discovered her wreck.

The world-leading visitor attraction has now revealed details of one of the centrepieces of the new experience – an illuminated 7.6m long scale model of RMS Titanic.

The new model will be illuminated, and suspended from the ceiling it will fully rotate, taking approximately 90 seconds to complete, promising to provide a true wow-factor for visitors.

It is replicated on a 1:35 scale and boasts some of the main features of the iconic ship including the lifeboats, propellers, engine, cranes, bridge, main staircase and chimneys. Fitted with 300 metres of LED lights that are programmed to highlight different areas of the ship in line with the stories being told, the ship is a must-see for visitors.

Designed by OPERA Amsterdam, the replica ship is the largest model the company has ever created. It took six months to build and will take a further three weeks to install and programme in Titanic Belfast.

Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: “We are delighted to announce that Titanic Belfast is reopening its doors on Saturday 4th March with four exciting new themed spaces shedding new light on Titanic’s story.

She is known as The Ship of Dreams and bringing this fabulous replica Titanic model to life through light and giving visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the dreams and stories of the passengers will be very powerful.

Facts and details are fascinating but personal stories connect emotionally and by combining both, the reimagined Titanic Experience focusing on The Pursuit of Dreams will add a whole new dimension to the ship that has captivated people from around the world for 111 years.”

The £4.5m investment has been fully funded from the Titanic Belfast Gallery Refreshment Fund which was established when the building opened as part of the commercial operator agreement and held by the charity owner, Maritime Belfast Trust.

For further information or to book tickets for the new Titanic Experience from Saturday 4th March visit titanicbelfast.com.

Belfast’s appetite for food tourism to go under the spotlight at city conference

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A conference looking at the region’s potential to drive food tourism and maximise its economic benefits is being held in Belfast next month.

Belfast City Council is organising the ‘Focus on Food’ conference at the ICC on 28 March, in partnership with Department of the Environment and Rural Affairs (DEARA) and Tourism NI.

It will bring together industry experts including food producers, restaurateurs, chefs and food educators to celebrate the economic contribution and creativity of the sector, as well as setting goals for Belfast and Northern Ireland to achieve further success as a culinary destination of choice.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tina Black said: “You just have to visit our award-winning St George’s Market on any given weekend to see the abundance of local food producers and outstanding homegrown products we have here on our doorstep. Belfast also boasts an amazing choice of local, independent restaurants.

“There is a huge opportunity to build on our food tourism potential and our tourism strategy for the city identifies the importance of making this one of Belfast’s key selling points. Celebrating the food we are known for and creating a unique offering means we can transform how we position Belfast on a global stage, where so many cities are competing to attract visitors; we want to become a destination of choice for foodies and make our name as a city famous for what’s on the menu.

“Getting everyone together at this major event is the start of that process as we look at how we can support our hospitality and local food businesses to achieve our tourism ambitions and the benefits that will have for not just Belfast, but the entire region.”

Belfast City Council is leading on an action plan around food tourism which includes setting up a new food and drink network and steering group. It’s hoped that by setting ambitious but achievable goals, Belfast can establish itself as a leading food and drink destination and eventually achieve international status.

The conference will bring together a stellar line up of guest speakers including restaurant critic Grace Dent, Chris McClurg (chef patron at Paul Ainsworth at No. 6 and Great British Menu winner), Anna Pollock (strategist on regenerative hospitality and tourism), Gemma Austin (chef patron at A Peculiar Tea and Great British Menu finalist), Skye Gyngell (chef patron at Spring and Heckfield Place), Giles Gibbons (co-founder of Sustainable Restaurant Association) and Conor Spacey (founder of Food Space, Dublin).

Albert Johnston, Head of DAERA’s Agri-Food & Corporate Support Branch, said: “DAERA is delighted to support Belfast City Council’s Focus on Food Conference 2023, as it is a key engagement platform for all involved in our food supply chain to showcase the strength of our local agri-food industry and to bring together the agri-food and hospitality sectors.

“Northern Ireland has a wealth of high quality, safe and wholesome foods available to the processing, food service and retail sectors and we continue to encourage processors and consumers to seek out local produce where possible.”

David Roberts, Director of Strategic Development at Tourism NI added: “Food and drink tourism plays a central role to the visitor economy. In recent years, it has become a motivation for visitors who are spending more time and more money on opportunities to connect with local food and drink.

“Tourism NI is delighted to be supporting The Focus on Food Conference which provides delegates with an opportunity to celebrate the creativity of our sector whilst learning from others to strengthen our reputation as a world class food and drink destination.

“The conference will stimulate opportunities for knowledge exchange where delegates can garner insights from panellists who are delivering exceptional food and drink experiences.  Tourism NI look forward to collaborating with those who have a shared interest in raising the quality of the experience that we offer to visitors.”

For more details of the conference including ticket info, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 

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Here are ten exciting things to do 20 – 26 February 2023

 

  1. Belfast Restaurant Week 2023, Belfast, 20 –26 February. Treat yourself this February and indulge in dining out during Belfast Restaurant Week. Hundreds of mouth-watering menus will cater for a variety of tastes and requirements, serving a diverse range of dishes to tickle your taste buds. Whether you’re seeking scrumptious steaks, vegan feasts and delicious dining experiences with Asian, Italian and Mediterranean influences, this is not a week to miss. Avail of lunch priced at £10 per person and dinner priced at £20 per person.
  2. Belfast TradFest Winter Weekend, Belfast, 24 – 26 February. Belfast TradFest returns for a weekend jam-packed full of traditional music, song and dance, with some of the best traditional musicians, singers & dancers from across the island. You can expect weekend workshops and a full programme of concerts, talks, lectures, sessions, céilís and festival club.
  3. History Tour of Castle Espie, Comber, County Down, 22 February. Join their expert tour guide and discover the remarkable history and stories behind one of Northern Ireland’s premier natural and industrial heritage sites.
  4. Our Place in Space, Holywood, County Down, 24 February – 26 March. Centred around an epic scale model of the solar system, Our Place in Space combines a 3D sculpture trail and an interactive AR app. The exhibition visited Derry~Londonderry, Belfast, Cambridge and Liverpool in 2022 and was experienced by over 300,000 people. It returns to Northern Ireland in February 2023. Free to visit and beginning in the grounds of the Ulster Transport Museum at Cultra, the trail will weave its way onto the North Down Coastal Path and stretch through Crawfordsburn Country Park before ending with Pluto at Bangor Pier.
  5. Oyster & Stout Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 24 – 25 February. The Walled City Brewery & Legenderry Food present Northern Ireland’s first ever Stout & Oyster Festival. A weekend of music and activities supporting the wonderful Lough Foyle Native Oyster and our totally unique Foyster Stout. Our award-winning chefs will be shucking fresh oysters, whilst also presenting other oyster delights -all accompanied by other local seafood dishes. Meanwhile our brewers have been brewing like crazy to present a diverse local stout collection from Tabasco Stout to Espresso Stout.
  6. Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, Open daily, and guided tours are running from 10:30am-3:00pm, Monday-Friday and 10:00-4:00pm, Saturday and Sunday. This natural environment of caves, rivers, mountains, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and gorges offer an opportunity for visitors to enjoy the incredible range of activities and experiences the Marble Arch Caves have to offer. Don’t forget to check out their new Cave Explore Virtual Reality experience. Book online.
  7. Farmacaffley Point-to-Point Races, Armagh, County Armagh, 25 February. Farmacaffley point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family and where you will get to witness the future stars of horse racing 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, County Armagh, 25 February. Reconnect with your inner creative in this fully immersive, fused glass experience at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey Mc Verry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, once the haunt of robbers and highwaymen, Tracey welcomes visitors to her fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer Woodland.
  9. Todds Leap, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, see website for opening times. Days at Todds Leap are all about getting outdoors, spending time with friends, doing something momentous and having more fun than you ever felt possible. That’s what makes Todds Leap Activity Centre a great option for families as well as friends looking for a fun day out or celebrating a special occasion.
  10. Sourdough in a Day, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 26 February. Learn how to make sourdough at home with Ursa Minor Bakehouse. The class covers three different types of bread, using both sourdough culture and yeast. You will be guided through the process from scratch, learning tips and tricks along the way.

 

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 https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Singer Janet Devlin Backs ASCERT’s ‘RETHINK YOUR DRINK’ Campaign

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Northern Ireland singer & social media influencer Janet Devlin has spoken about her battle with alcoholism and mental health struggles.

Speaking recently on behalf of the charity ASCERT Janet revealed one thing most people who are at the mercy of addiction need is a “safe space” to talk about their difficulties.

The singer emphasized how important it was in a person’s healing process for those around them to: “Be able to approach the alcoholic or addict with an open heart and mind; creating a safe, welcoming & non-judgemental environment, and to be there for them whenever they are ready to talk”

ASCERT is a charity providing support services across Northern Ireland, working with people who have alcohol and/or substance misuse issues. 

Gary McMichael, Chief Executive of ASCERT set up the charity in 1998 as a response to concerns around drug problems within the community. 

Over the past 25 years, the charity has grown to become one of the most prominent regional service providers in Northern Ireland, delivering a range of alcohol & drug prevention, intervention, training and awareness services to people of all ages.

“All of us experience some type of challenges or pressure with our own mental health at some point in our lives. In fact, one in five people will have a mental health problem of some description during their life,” said Gary. 

“When it comes to alcohol, that’s a different issue because around 80% of the population drink alcohol and a significant number of those drink at levels which are problematic for them.  Although alcohol is more socially acceptable, there is still a great deal of stigma around reaching out for help if it has become a problem for you personally”

Janet came home to Northern Ireland to support ASCERT’s latest campaign, RETHINK YOUR DRINK, which encourages people to think about their relationship with alcohol and consider whether it is time for a change. 

“Being able to talk about these things, before they become problematic is really important since alcohol issues and mental health issues often go hand in hand” said Gary.

“We need to encourage everyone within the community to be able to be more comfortable and open – to talk about what’s going on for them, and for them to know that there are support services available tohelp whenever they need it.”

The three pillars ASCERT’s campaign are AWARE, PREPARE, and ENGAGE, providing people with information about alcohol including its effects and risks; tools to encourage people to check their own alcohol intake by taking an Alcohol MOT or visiting the Virtual Bar and resources to help people make positive changes in their life, reducing the harm alcohol could cause.  If a person doesn’t feel able to make this change on their own, ASCERT can help them with free, confidential support.

In an interview with Gary, Janet explained her initial experience with alcohol was a positive one as it helped her overcome her shyness, a phenomenon many young people experience. 

However, it eventually took a destructive turn.

She explained: “I didn’t get drunk for the first time until I was almost at the end of 16. I wasn’t the biggest fan of alcohol but I was a very shy kid and it gave me this magical elixir that would allow me to talk to people, to dance and to socialise all of these things I couldn’t do sober. 

“I had a positive feeling towards this thing that could help me out in situations that I couldn’t do on my own.”

By her own admission, Janet’s drinking started to get more insidious when she was living on her own at 17 in a city [London] where she didn’t know anybody, had no friends or personal relationships. 

“I couldn’t fly home every weekend to see my friends and my family so my semblance of normality was to drink in this apartment on my own, stick on a playlist, have a sing-song have a dance and it made me feel a little bit normal, and nobody thought it was weird, because they were like ‘oh well she’s just doing what everyone her age is doing’.”

Janet’s relationship with alcohol “turned darker” as she turned 18 years old and had access to buying alcohol. Combined with several negative turns of events in her personal and professional life, she admitted to relying on alcohol to cope. 

“I just started relying on alcohol even more and I don’t know where it fully engulfed me but very quickly through not being able to sleep, because I had insomnia at the time, I was using alcohol to go to sleep and then I was using alcohol to be social” she said.

“I always had this thing in my head like ‘when it starts being a problem I’ll stop’ but of course it’s not that easy when you’re an addict.”

Gary said ASCERT are delighted to have Janet on board as her story can inspire other people to reach out if they feel they need support and to help empower them to ask for help when they need it. 

He said: “Janet has been very open, honest and inspirational about what she has gone through personally and the challenges she’s faced with her addiction and mental health issues. 

“Her experiences will relate to so many people because they demonstrate how quickly things can spiral out of control due to pressures going on in people’s lives, whatever the circumstances may be, and the message Janet expresses with such honesty is that no matter how dark and difficult things are, there is always hope and always help to deal with those problems and get your life back on track”

One aspect of ASCERT’s work Gary is keen to talk about is to encourage anyone impacted by alcohol or drug misuse or mental health to reach out to them.

“Whether it’s your parent, your partner or a sibling; if someone has a problem with their alcohol use, a problem with their mental health, or a problem with drug use, there are people out there who you can talk to” said Gary, adding: “These people can give you support, advice and help you work out how you can best deal with what is going on within your life.  They will never judge you and you can speak to them in confidence”

“We are encouraging people to rethink their drink, to look at their relationship with alcohol and consider that it might be time for a change. We provide a lot of advice and tools that people can use themselves in order to help put those changes into place.”

Speaking of the work ASCERT are doing Janet said encouraging people to speak out has to be a top priority.

She added: “The issue of alcoholism and the root cause of it transcends gender, race, wealth or where you are on the socio-economic platform. 

“It (alcohol) doesn’t discriminate, but it’s hard to be vulnerable and open up, especially from men. I get messages from men all the time telling me they can’t talk to their friends or others about their issues.

“Organisations like ASCERT are perfect because you can speak to someone confidentially and they will provide you with the support you need”

Janet’s visit comes on the back of statistics released by Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), revealing that there were almost 2000 more referrals to child and adolescent mental health services in Northern Ireland in the last financial year than the year before. CAMHS also said they have seen an 83% rise in referrals for eating disorders.

For Janet, her struggles started in her teens. She believes all the signs were there.

She said: “I should’ve seen the signs of my addiction earlier than when I perceived it. I had an addictive personality from a very young age, I was unfortunately self-harming by 11 years old, I had Anorexia by 15 and then I was addicted to alcohol and sober by 20 years old.”

If you would like support from ASCERT go to ascert.biz or call 0800 254 5123

Carnlough School Reaching Out To Families During Financial Crisis

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(L-R) Students of Carnlough Integrated Primary School Tomas, Scott, Principal Claire Mulholland, Elsa, Rose

Healthy Heroes Lunch Club among series of initiatives

Carnlough Integrated Primary School is reaching out to pupils and their families as the cost-of-living crisis bites, with a series of initiatives to provide support and healthy, curriculum-led options designed to offer practical options.

The school has launched its Healthy Heroes Lunch Club with P6 and P7 pupils leading this school nutrition programme.

Launched recently, the programme, from the Irish Bread Bakers Association, aims to engage pupils in peer learning to encourage healthy eating.

Principal, Claire Mulholland, explained that the ethos of inclusion of the school is very much part of being a supportive environment that includes helping parents and families at this time when so many are experiencing financial difficulties.

“The Healthy Heroes Lunch Club is part of our efforts to make sure that our pupils are aware of how they can make healthy choices,” she said. “That learning is very much being undertaken by the children themselves, and the scheme is designed so that these choices can feedback to other pupils and their families.

“The learning also showcases how the healthy options can be more affordable for families in addressing their nutrition needs.”

Designed by Dr Mary McCreery, Consultant Clinical Nutritionist and Dietitian at The Blackrock Clinic, Dublin, it has grown into one of the leading pupil-led healthy eating programmes for children.

During lunch, the club meet to eat together and nutrition is addressed informally through teacher led discussion.

The children then take over and run the activities, building on those suggested in the Healthy Heroes Lunch Club pack and developing their own club games.

“The fact that, with a little teacher input, this programme emphasises that children can lead, and innovate when given the opportunity. It also echoes perfectly our school motto, ‘Learning Together’.”

In conjunction with the scheme, the school is offering free breakfast club and free break time snack on the last Friday of every month for every child. This will run until the end of the school year.

The initiative comes at a time when further support was announced by the school.

“An anonymous supporter of integrated education has pledged to donate five school uniforms each year to be kept for emergencies or for new families starting in the school in the middle of an academic year,” explained Miss Mulholland. “As we already hold some stock in school, we have been able to donate uniforms to our new Ukrainian families who have joined us.”

That support of new pupils, from a very different background, is a further emphasis of Carnlough Integrated Primary School’s culture.

“We are so very proud of our integrated ethos, an ethos that is about more than just religious balance, but about all abilities, needs, race, culture, gender, economic background,” said the principal. “We are here to welcome everyone to our loving and nurturing school community.

“Our children know that each and every one of us is unique and different, but we are also special and important. Our job is to learn from one another and with one another in a safe and secure environment.

Motorcycle Enthusiasts Gear Up For Show This Weekend At Eikon Centre

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Tomorrow (Saturday, February 4) motorbike enthusiasts are set to descend on the Eikon Exhibition Centre in Lisburn for the inaugural Motorcycle Plus Show.

Organised by 360 Events, the motorbike extravaganza is set to welcome racing and road bike fans from across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

Thousands of people are expected to attend the return of the annual bike festival hosted by former rider and commentator Gareth Keys.

“I’m delighted to come on board with 360 Events to host this year’s Motorcycle Plus Show. I’m looking forward to welcoming all our riders and motorcycle professionals for the Q&A Sessions and Meet & Greets.

“The show is a fantastic way to kick off the new season and a great opportunity to catch up with fellow riders and enthusiasts.”

Among the exhibitors and teams attending the show is Grahame Hanna who will be showing off his North West 200 and Ulster Superbike winning IFS Yamahas, Team JMcC Roofing who will have a number of machines on display, Revival Racing MCC with a display of race machines, Irish Drag Racing with their specialist bikes and cars and much more.

Whilst on the rider front the show announced big names such as BSB Superstock Champion and North West 200 winner, Richard Cooper as well as multiple TT winner, and Ulster Grand Prix superstock lap record holder, Dean Harrison will be over from England for the event, along with former World Grand Prix 250 winner, North West 200 and Daytona winner Jeremy McWilliams, and British Superbike Championship rider, Korie McGreavey and Irish motorsport icon Ivor Greenwood who will be taking to the stage for the talks and available for meet and greets.

Throughout the weekend Mental Health Motorbike, the UK charity focused on creating meaningful opportunities to grow the well-being of the Motorbike community and reducing the number of bikers in the UK committing suicide will also be on site to speak to the community.

Other attractions at the show include Faye Ho from FHO, a true trailblazer in motorcycle racing and nine-year-old Irish Minibike 90cc Championship winner, Joel ‘The Rocket’ Haire and the world-renowned motorcycle film producer Colin James along with interviewer Toni Connor who will record interviews with riders, teams, personalities, traders, young budding racers and fans.

“I’m a bit nervous about going to the show because I’m going to be on stage but I’m excited to see my teammates and hopefully see Steve Leicster for the first time,” said Joel.

Filling in for the “Plus” element of the show will be displays such as F1 star Grand Prix driver Heikki Kovalainan’s famous Dallara Nissan World Formula car, one of Ireland’s fastest racing cars.

This year’s show is sponsored by AB&C Insurance and supported by Hurst Yamaha, Hurst BMW and Crossan Motorcycles.

Organisers have also pledged to support local charities such as Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Mayoral charity, Helping Hand for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children,   the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn and St John Ambulance service. 

Kenny Gardner from 360 Events said: “The Motorcycle Plus Show is a great meeting place in the winter to plan your summer months ahead.

“We believe that after four years’ absence the public are ready for a winter Motorcycle Show once again to ‘launch’ their year in the great pastimes of motorcycling & motorsport, whether racing, touring or just enjoying riding bikes.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone throughout the weekend. Having been on site for the last two days during setup, I’m excited to open the doors on Saturday.”

There will be a free Minibus service from Lisburn railway station to the Motorcycle Plus Show on both days of the weekend, leaving every hour on the hour and returning every half hour.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to motorcycleplusshow.co.uk

Tickets are also available to purchase at the doors on the days of the event.

4 Corners Festival Set To Make Belfast A City Where Dreams Become Reality

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Inderjit Bhogal Methodist Conference 2018

Reverend Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE to share his dream of a better world

This year’s 4 Corners Festival will conclude with a talk hosted by Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal OBE entitled The City Where Dreams Become Reality.

The festival that includes a eight day long programme of music, art, sport and religious-based discussions until February 5 will also be streamed online across Facebook, YouTube and Twitter.

The City Where Dreams Become Reality aims to bring forth a vision from near the end of the Biblical scriptures (Revelation 21-22), that of a new holy, beautiful city where God dwells among the people, all tears are wiped away and the reign of pain and death has passed away.

The founder and president of the City of Sanctuary movement, Rev Inderjit Bhogal will delve into the idea of this dream coming to fruition in reality, sharing his own hopes, dreams and experiences.

Having supported the 4 Corners Festival since it began in 2013, Rev Bhogal is very much looking forward to having a deeper involvement, expressing his joy at being approached to speak as part of the various events.

He said: “I have been a supporter of 4 Corners from the beginning, and did attend one of the earliest events in Fitzroy. I am honoured to be invited to participate as a speaker this year.”

The premise of 4 Corners Festival is to unite individuals from all communities seen both within Belfast and the wider world is a sentiment that resonates with Reverend Bhogal and is one of the main reasons he is taking part as a speaker.

He added: “I liked the idea of bringing people from all sides together to celebrate commonalities and share differences.”

This year’s residing theme for 4 Corners Festival is ‘Dreams…A Vision for Belfast’, one which perfectly encapsulates the topic of the Reverend’s talk and personal beliefs.

He expressed that his dream was for everyone to be respectful of each other and work in conjunction to achieve a tranquil, harmonious life for all.

“The best dreams don’t become a reality, they begin in reality. I dream of a world where all people, of all backgrounds, engage in respectful conversation and work together to build a better world where all belong and benefit equally, where people acknowledge and honour and celebrate differences without demeaning or denigrating anyone, where all are at the table and no one is excluded or neglected,” he explained.

The talk itself will cover a handful of different topics, with Reverend Inderjit explaining what people can expect from his talk, which will be available both in-person and online.

He said: “I will share a few thoughts on the theme of Dreams becoming a reality. I will share the story of City of Sanctuary within the context of migration, movement and refugees. I will acknowledge the good work of Belfast City of Sanctuary, and encourage wider support. I will share my dream of a better world.”

Accompanying the final event will be a Concentio directed by Jonny Ireland.

The City Where Dreams Become Reality featuring Rev. Dr. Inderjit Bhogal OBE will be held at St John’s Parish, 444 Falls Road, Belfast at 7pm on Sunday, February 5.

A full programme for the festival and booking information can be found at 4cornersfestival.com

Influential Mental Health Charity To Attend Motorcycle Plus Show

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Biking community flooded with support from wellbeing team

The Motorcycle Plus Show is returning in 2023 after a four year hiatus, bringing with it a diverse range of events, attractions and organisations to the Eikon Centre in Lisburn.

Hosted by 360 Events, the weekend extravaganza spans from February 4-5 and is sure to be filled with many different points of interest inside the arena relating to motorcycle racing and beyond.

One of the groups that are set to be present at the two-day event is Mental Health Motorbike, a charity focused on creating meaningful opportunities to grow the well-being of the Motorbike community and ultimately reduce the number of bikers in the UK committing suicide. 

They also actively try to improve the wellbeing of bikers and provide a network where individuals can support each other and connect through their shared hobbies, interests and passions.

Ashley Knowles, Mental Health Motorbike Ambassador, will be present at the event and can be found amongst the people walking the grounds of the site during both days.

He explained: “One in four adults in the UK have been diagnosed with mental health illnesses and 75% of these receive no treatment. Suicide is the most common cause of death of men aged 20-49 and 75% of all suicides are males.

“The biker community are a high risk group receiving very little or no formal support our charity aims to address this.”

He will be networking on behalf of the charity, providing an insight into what they do, how people can get involved and offering any help to individuals who might need it at the time.

“We offer free online support through a members only peer group on Facebook, attend 100+ activities across the UK throughout the year and we also train people associated with the bike community in Mental Health First Aid through an accredited course run by MHFA England.” said Ashley.

More information can be found on their website and social media channels, with contact information found online too.

For anyone who doesn’t get a chance to meet Ashley in-person at the event, their site features a handy form to get in touch with the team and discuss any topics you would like to.

The Motorcycle Plus Show is committed to engaging with the rider community and all members involved as well as wishing to provide a safe experience for everyone to openly discuss mental health.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. 

To find out more information about Mental Health Motorbikes go to mhmotorbike.com.

VIRGINIA WOOLF CLASSIC AT THE MARKET PLACE

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The award-winning creators of ‘Female Gothic’, ‘I, Elizabeth’, ‘Christmas Gothic’, and ‘Austen’s Women’, Dyad Productions return to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre with a twenty-first century take on Virginia Woolf’s celebrated pre-TED talk, ‘A Room Of One’s Own’.

Dalloway; Ben Guest Photographer; Dyad Productions

Take a wry, amusing, and incisive trip through the history of literature, feminism, and gender. Meet Charlotte Brontë, Jane Austen, Aphra Behn, and Shakespeare’s sister – Judith! Travel to the far-flung future of… 2028. But whatever you do, Keep Off the Grass.

Rebecca Vaughan performs Woolf’s 1928 exploration of the impact of poverty and sexual inequality on intellectual freedom and creativity.

Dyad Productions creates, produces and tours classic theatre with an innovative and contemporary emphasis. A regular fixture at the Edinburgh Fringe, their work has been a critical, 5-star, sell-out success since 2009. In 2018 Dyad Productions was awarded the prestigious Three Weeks Editors’ Award for Cumulative Body of Work.

‘A Room Of One’s Own’ will be staged for one night only on Thursday 23 February at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and £13 (concession), and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR AT HASTINGS HOTELS

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For a romantic, classy and relaxing getaway with your Valentine, Hastings Hotels has a stunning selection of packages available.

Ranging from £150 per room per night each of the six unique properties offer luxurious accommodation, delicious meals, fizz and a quirky touch of romance with their “Kiss me Quack” love duck.

In addition, some packages offer late checkout and a complimentary room upgrade.

In the heart of Belfast city, the 5-star Grand Central Hotel’s aptly named “Love is in the Air” package which includes luxurious accommodation with unrivalled panoramic views over Belfast, a romantic four-course evening meal and prosecco in the AA Rosette Seahorse Restaurant with live musical entertainment as well as breakfast the next morning. The package costs from £440 per room, per night.

For a truly romantic experience, the 5-star Culloden Estate and Spa, voted Best Hotel for Romance by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, offers the “Cherish & Adore” package which starts from £420 per room, per night and includes an overnight stay in the hotel’s famous bespoke cloud beds, rose petal turndown with truffles, a candlelit 5-course dinner in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant with Prosecco, and breakfast the next morning as well as full access to the spa amenities.

For an extra £80 per person, you can indulge in the ‘Spa with your Valentine’ treatment, which includes hot stone neck, back and shoulder massage and oriental scalp, and ground foot ritual.

Hastings Hotels’ Loved up packages include:

 

  • Love is in the Air at the Grand Central in Belfast from £440 per room per night
  • Cherish & Adore at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Belfast from £420 per room per night
  • Winter Indulgence at the Europa in Belfast from £220 per room per night
  • Romance by the Sea at Ballygally Castle in Co Antrim from £215 per room per night
  • Romance in the City at the Everglades Hotel in Derry from £180 per room per night
  • Laidback Love at the Stormont Hotel in Belfast from £160 per room per night

 

Additional luxury extras such as Champagne and chocolates can also be arranged upon request.

 

To book, contact 028 9047 1066 or visit Hastings Hotels’ dedicated Valentine’s page online at www.hastingshotels.com/valentinesoffers

 

*Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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