Month: August 2023

Belfast Mind Coach Says “Parents Should Look After Their Mental Health During The Summer Holidays”

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While the summer holidays are intended as a relieving respite for your young ones, it might not feel quite the same for you. 

Gone are the scheduled six to seven hours of childcare each day, homework to occupy your children in the evenings, and after-school clubs to keep them stimulated. 

Now you need to think about summer schemes, day camps, or child minders, which can be an added financial burden and requires extra coordination when it comes to lifts, daily routines and much more.

According to Sam Barr of Healthy Mind Coaching and Training many parents have the added pressure of having to “plan out a fun summer holiday with the family and dealing with the added financial costs, not to mention new summer clothing to beat the heat (or the rain) in addition to all of the transport and accommodation costs”.

Sam explained that, for many parents, even if their children are older and in their teens usually the childcare stress is replaced by other stressors.

He said: “Many teenagers are in transitional periods from getting used to ‘big school’ to getting ready to study for GCSE or A-Levels, or waiting for results for important exams.

“Not just that moving from primary to secondary school and secondary to further education can cause a wealth of anxiety and stress in both parents and children.”

One thing Sam said is important for parents is to take a step back off the hamster wheel and put into place some coping strategies to help your family have a less-stressful summer.

Here are Sam’s top tips:

  1. Accept that you can’t be a ‘perfect’ parent

Sam said: “Often, parents feel guilty that they are failing their kids in some way or worry that the decisions they make are the wrong ones. However, in trying to be a perfect parent, you may be harming your own mental health and the mental health of your children.” 

According to Psychology Today, an intensive parenting style and child-centrism is associated with increased stress and depression in parents.

Sam added: “Don’t feel guilty about having to work when your children are off – space and independence is great for your child’s development, especially if that time is spent socialising with other children at summer schemes, or even their own siblings.”

  1. Get in touch with your problem-solving side

Following on from accepting you don’t have to be a perfect parent, Sam said your sense of empathy could be the thing that is stressing you out. 

“If your child is going through a difficult or stressful transition period, you may be experiencing ‘affective empathy’, feeling your child’s pain and spiking your cortisol levels as a result,” he said.

While empathising with your children is a positive thing, another type of empathy known as ‘cognitive empathy’ involves taking another person’s perspective and imagining what would make them feel better. 

In one study, mothers who emphasised the cognitive empathy route showed the least stress reactivity during decision making. We don’t have to live our children’s feelings to be sensitive to them. And this is important to bear in mind for our next tip.

  1. Consider other perspectives

Sam said that: “ultimately stressful things happen and there is no way to totally avoid them.” However, he explained that you can manage your stress better by reconsidering the situation from a new angle or perspective. 

“If your child is acting out, it is often a product of their developmental stage and lack of skills or knowledge rather than intentional misbehaviour” said Sam.

Psychological research finds that parents who are able to view their child’s behaviour like this experience less stress. Getting them into a new hobby could help this behaviour and allow them to channel their energy into something productive. 

  1. Seek out social connections

Support from family members, friends, and other parents can have a big impact on the mental and emotional wellbeing of parents. 

Social support allows you to build a web of connections to help you when you’re in need – maybe your sibling can pick the kids up while you’re at an appointment, or another parent can schedule a playdate to give you a Saturday off, which you can later return the favour for. 

Sam said: “It’s important to try to make connections with people that understand you, and you’ll be less afraid to reach out for help. You may be surprised by just how much other parents or friends are happy to help out.

“You can reach out to other parents at your child’s school or summer scheme, find local parenting groups, or try out a new hobby that involves other people, such as a night class or sporting club.”

  1. Seek professional support

If you’ve become totally overwhelmed by the stress of parenting, you should consider seeking a consultation with a mental health professional. Similarly, if you think your teen is feeling overwhelmed it could be worth considering coaching for them.

Therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), is very effective at reducing stress and anxiety symptoms, as a therapist can teach you effective methods for managing your negative emotions.

For many struggling parents getting time to themselves and time to step away from the chaotic and busy life can be hard. Taking a little time out each week to focus on yourself and your own mental health can have a huge impact when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Sam explained: “For many people it’s hard to see things objectively when they’re immersed in a crisis or a stressful situation. Sometimes ‘getting through it’ is all we can think about.

“When clients come to me for mindset coaching I work with them to create coping strategies and to recognise important triggers of stress and anxiety. Sometimes all they need is that time away to be able to focus on their own mental and emotional health and resilience.”

  1. Budget for more time

Time pressure affects everyone, but it can particularly affect parents. Young children take longer to react and longer to learn, so understand that your little one is not intentionally going slow.

“Many families would benefit from adjusted expectations for time-frames,” said Sam, adding: “If you’re planning on taking your kids out to an activity or on holiday, start preparations as early as you can, sometimes a lot of stress is created from unrealistic expectations of other people. Try to be realistic about what your family can achieve in comparison to your expectations.”

  1. Get comfortable in nature

If you can’t afford a summer holiday this year, there are other avenues you can go down, said Sam. 

“Nature is great for stress-busting, and some much needed outdoor time away from all-consuming screens can boost family bonding while lowering your stress levels,” he added.

“Spending time outdoors can reduce tension, anger, confusion, and depression, in addition to cortisol levels, multiple studies have found.”

Through Healthy Mind Coaching, Sam offers services to help you improve your wellbeing, particularly during times of stress or difficulty. Healthy Mind Coaching offers one-to-one sessions designed to help you overcome your current challenges or frustrations, and enable you to live a more positive lifestyle by providing strategies designed to challenge and overcome negative thoughts and unhelpful feelings. 

It starts by working on the present in order to empower you for the future, prioritising your mental and emotional wellbeing. 

Healthy Mind Coaching offers a free 20 minute consultation for you to see how they can work with you to achieve your goals and aspirations.

Learn more about Healthy Mind Coaching and Training by calling Sam today on 07906 869616 or go to healthymindcoaching.co.uk

 

Join Antrim & Newtownabbey BC this August Bank Holiday for some Family Fun!

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If you are looking for something to do over the August Bank Holiday, then look no further! Whiteabbey Village and Jordanstown Loughshore Park is the place to be from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August as the ever popular Whiteabbey Village Fair returns.

Whiteabbey Village will be full of hustle and bustle from 12pm to 8pm on Saturday 26 August and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday 27 August, where there will be family fun activities, stalls to meander through and tasty treats to take your fancy! Be dazzled by the street and stage entertainment and let the kids have some fun, from crazy golf to Punch and Judy as well as the fabulous fun fair, you won’t want to miss out.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park will have an array of entertainment from 12 to 5pm on Monday 28 August. Pack up your picnic and have a great day out with the ‘Inspire Me Frozen Show, Meet & Greet’, The Dynamos, Mama Mia Tribute and ‘The Coves.’ Children will be in their element with the many activities planned including the bubble bike, sensory play, amusements and bouncy castles. Please note, this is a ticketed event and we recommend you get your tickets early. Tickets are free with a £1.25 booking fee. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s Charities.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented, “Enjoy a great day out with all of the family and soak up the atmosphere at this year’s Whiteabbey Village Fair. I am delighted to see this weekend of events return again and would encourage everyone to come along – this is a weekend of entertainment not to be missed!”

For more information including a full list of planned activities or to book your tickets for Monday, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

The Saw Doctors, Waterfront Hall, November 2023

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THE SAW DOCTORS

Waterfront Hall, Belfast

Friday 3 November

*Tickets go on sale this Friday, 18 August at 10am*

 

 

The Saw Doctors will play their first Belfast live show in six years at the Waterfront Hall this November.

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am from: www.waterfront.co.uk & www.Ticketmaster.ie

 

Following their mighty summer of comeback shows, acclaimed live band The Saw Doctors have today confirmed a return to Belfast on Friday 3 November – where they will take to the stage at the Waterfront Hall.

Discovered by Mike Scott of The Waterboys on a stormy Tuesday night in Galway City in the late 1980s, The Saw Doctors grew quickly, touring around Ireland and Great Britain, including a six-week stint with The Waterboys on the Fisherman’s Blues tour in 1989.

The Saw Doctors second single, ‘I Useta Lover’ was a surprise Number One hit in Ireland in 1990, remaining top of the charts for nine weeks, going on to become the biggest selling Irish single ever. The band built on this momentum, making their first trip to the US in 1991, and racking up well-received appearances at numerous prestigious festivals, earning a reputation for being a powerful and exciting live band.

The Saw Doctors have so far had a massively busy summer. They travelled to the US for sold-out gigs at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York and appeared at festivals across the UK and Ireland including headlining the acoustic stage at Glastonbury.

Loved and revered by their loyal fans over the past thirty years, The Saw Doctors continue with resilience and an effervescent energy and look forward to playing live at the Waterfront Hall this November following three sold out shows at 3Olympia Dublin.

 

“If The Saw Doctors could bottle the sort of bonhomie that can make an entire concert hall feel better, they would have the medicine show to end them all” – The Times

 

*Tickets for the Waterfront Hall go on sale Friday 18 August at 10am*
www.waterfront.co.uk & www.ticketmaster.ie

 

www.sawdoctors.com

Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down

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Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, –  come along to .…

Tide and Turf Food Festival Portavogie

Saturday 2 September

Portavogie Harbour

12noon – 5pm

Free event

A free family-fun event showcasing local food and drink featuring celebrity chef Paula McIntyre.

Enjoy this celebration of land and sea and savour the season with delicious local tide and turf produce.

Artisan market and bar

Chef demos

Children’s entertainment: puppet shows, pedal boats and sand craft.

Live music from The Florentinas and the String Ninjas.

FREE buses available to and from the event.

 

Find out more about the event https://bit.ly/3R33JLl

 

And make sure you don’t miss Stargazing at Burr Point, Ballyhalbert on Thursday 31 August and Dine at the Dock, Portavogie on Friday 1 September (tickets must be booked in advance).

You can find out more about the Taste Autumn programme of free and ticketed events, here https://bit.ly/TasteAutumnAND

 

This event has received funding from DAERA’s Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

 

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | Paula McIntyre Cooks

Food NI | SERC Hospitality and Culinary Arts

#VisitAND #TasteANDEnjoy #TasteAutumn #BelfastPlus #DiscoverNI #OurFoodPowerOfGood

“Small Businesses Across NI Must Learn To Protect Themselves Online” Says Digital Expert

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While the digital landscape offers a wealth of opportunities for small businesses, it equally presents a bounty for cybercriminals. 

In the UK, a small business falls victim to a successful hack every 19 seconds. By the time you reach the end of this article, at least six more will have been compromised. 

Senior developer Adam McBride at Excalibur Press, a Belfast based multidisciplinary media and marketing company, 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.

He said that more often than not businesses who become susceptible to cyber attacks could easily have prevented it: “Navigating the complexities of online security can feel overwhelming, especially when your primary focus is running your business. 

“Small businesses across Northern Ireland must learn to protect themselves online and there are some simple things they can do that they can do themselves or prompt their website developer or social media manager to implement.”

Here are Adam’s nine top tips to stay safe online:

  1. Power Up Your Passwords

Your password often stands as the first line of defence against intruders. Yet, many of us underestimate its importance, resorting to easily guessed phrases like ‘password123’ or ‘letmein’. Such weak passwords are akin to leaving your front door not only unlocked but wide open.

Adam explained: “A strong password is a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and is unique to each platform you use. If you find it difficult to remember a number of different passwords, consider using a password manager such as 1Password.com. You can also use tools such as dinopass.com to generate more secure passwords that are still easy to remember.”

  1. Use Two Factor Authentication

Adam says that while a strong password is a good start, on its own, it often isn’t enough to keep your accounts safe. Enter Two-Factor Authentication (2FA), which adds that much-needed additional layer of security. 

He added: “What exactly is two factor authentication? Beyond the usual password input, 2FA asks for a second verification step. This might come as a text to your mobile, a unique link sent to your email, or a code generated by an authentication app.

“If a hacker somehow snags your password, they’re still out of luck without access to your second means of verification. It considerably amplifies your security, putting up stronger barriers against prying eyes. And it’s not just for your own website, implement 2FA on your social media, email accounts, and any platform where it’s available.”

  1. Be Savvy On Social Media

That fun graphic on Facebook that promises to reveal your Star Wars name might seem like harmless fun, but strip away the engaging visuals and playful premise, and it’s a different story warned Adam.

“If an online stranger asked you for personal details such as your full date of birth directly, would you still be so keen to share them? Most likely not” he said. 

“Yet, when this information is cloaked in a shareable graphic, many of us inadvertently reveal personal details that could be exploited. Always be careful about what information you share online, and ask yourself whether you would be happy for that information to fall into the wrong hands before sharing it.”

  1. Use Professional Email Services

Using the free email service included with your web hosting may seem like a good way to save some money, but it’s essential to consider the broader implications. 

Adam said: “At Excalibur Press we see clients all the time who have relied on the free email services available or substandard systems set up by people trying to keep their costs down.

“The problem here is that they often lack the advanced security features offered by dedicated managed platforms like Google Workspace. Without these defences, your email becomes a vulnerable target, susceptible to breaches. 

“Not just that, these free services typically have less effective spam filters, meaning your inbox may get cluttered with unsolicited messages. Investing in a professional email service might seem like an additional cost, but the enhanced security and peace of mind it provides are invaluable.”

  1. Protect Your Website With A Firewall

“Every website is a potential target for cyberattacks, from malicious bots to more intricate threats” said Adam, adding: “Think of a firewall as your site’s personal security guard, diligently monitoring and filtering the traffic that comes its way. 

“It’s a barrier designed to keep out unwanted guests while letting genuine users in smoothly. For top-tier protection, consider using services like Cloudflare. Not only does it offer a robust web application firewall, but it can also enhance your site’s performance and speed.”

  1. Keep Your Website Up To Date

Adam said: “Maintaining a website is much like looking after a car; you wouldn’t drive year after year without a service, right? Websites need similar attention. 

“Regularly updating your website’s software, plugins, and themes is crucial. Outdated components can have vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit.” 

By staying updated, you’re not just enhancing your site’s features and performance; you’re also fortifying its defences against potential threats. Just as you’d keep your vehicle serviced, ensure your website gets its regular ‘tune-ups’ too.

  1. Use A Good Web Host

“When it comes to web hosting, you often get what you pay for. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. That’s why at Excalibur Press we use my hosting company Belfast Web where we can confidently ensure that our client’s websites are hosted on a superior system that helps their website run faster, as well as making setting up features like SSL certificates and backups easier” explained Adam.

A good web hosting service will also keep their software more up to date without needing your intervention, set up security features that may not be available on a cheaper host, and if the unexpected happens and your site is compromised, they’re better equipped to offer swift and effective support.

  1. Set Screen Time-Outs in Shared Office Spaces

In a shared office space, screens can easily become windows into sensitive data. By setting automatic time-outs or screen locks on computers, you ensure that any unattended device isn’t an open invitation for prying eyes.

“It’s a simple yet effective step, guaranteeing that only the authorised individual, with the right credentials, can access the system. In the hustle and bustle of a busy workspace, these time-outs serve as essential digital checkpoints” advised Adam.

  1. Educate Your Team

Your cybersecurity is only as strong as its weakest link, which can often be an uninformed team member. Educating your team about the basics of online safety is a proactive measure. 

“At Excalibur Press, keeping our team educated about how they work online not just for Excalibur Press but also for our clients ensures they’re aware of how to spot phishing emails, the importance of strong, unique passwords, and the protocols to follow if they suspect a security breach” said Adam.

“Regular training sessions and reminders can keep cybersecurity at the forefront of their minds, transforming them from potential vulnerabilities into vigilant defenders.

“In today’s digital age, protecting your business online isn’t just a best practice. It’s a necessity. By implementing these steps, you’ll be better poised to safeguard your brand’s online presence and stay safe online.”

When it comes to staying safe online for most businesses the key is to be vigilant about how you behave online and ensure you are educating anyone who has access to your digital and online channels.

If you would like to find out more about Excalibur Press’ digital services which includes website design and development as well as app building, digital transformation and more contact Adam McBride on adam@excaliburpress.co.uk or go to excaliburpress.co.uk

Data Collection And Analysis Is The Key To An Effective Climate Strategy

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By Stuart Lunn
Sales Manager, getizon.com

We’re on the brink of a climate catastrophe. It’s not really news, so I’ll spare you the frightening details of how warm our planet’s set to become, or how quickly time is running out. But I will say this: we all need to act.

It’s easier said than done, though. It can be difficult to know where to begin, or what behaviour to change. There’s the obvious things, like cutting out single-use plastics, or driving less and cycling more. We’ve been told what we, as individuals, can do to make a change. But it’s not always as simple to make large-scale changes as a business or organisation. 

Of course, the underlying cause of climate change is greenhouse gas emissions. And when we burn fossil fuels to generate energy, these harmful gases are emitted. It follows, then, that energy wastage and over-consumption play a starring role in the climate crisis. If we over-consume energy, more needs to be generated. But if we limit energy usage to only that which is necessary, the amount of energy produced is reduced in consequence.

Energy consumption is something businesses and organisations should be mindful of. In fact, any business that seriously wants to achieve a reduction in their carbon footprint needs to dedicate themselves to an energy management plan. 

But it can be difficult to know where to start. It’s not always clear where and how energy usage can be limited, and this fact can complicate a business’s implementation of its climate strategy. A company can vow to reduce its carbon footprint, but if it doesn’t know where it’s wasting electricity or fuel, how can meaningful changes be made? It’s as the saying goes: you cannot improve what you do not measure. 

I believe that data collection and analysis is the key to an effective climate strategy. But merely collecting data isn’t enough — nor is it necessarily helpful for some businesses. A bunch of meaningless numbers and uninterpretable factoids won’t bring organisations any closer to their environmental goals. You don’t have the time to be sifting through metre readings, unable to make heads or tails of the numbers you’ve been given.

You need helpful, actionable data. 

This is something Izon recognised a while back. We’ve built an energy management platform that does all the hard work for businesses. We turn live data into information that actually helps you make quick decisions.

The Izon asset management platform provides users with useful, real-time data at a glance. Data from all assets is localised on one platform – in fact, on a single screen – making asset monitoring and energy management easier than it’s ever been. And the Izon asset management platform doesn’t discriminate. No matter how big or small the assets, whether it’s an office’s HVAC system or an entire farm of wind turbines, Izon gathers all the data in one place.                                                                                                                                                    

The beauty of the Izon platform is that it’s completely customisable — making it a tool that can be used by any business, no matter the industry or sector. Izon users can build a dashboard that works for them, a centralised location that showcases data tailored to business needs. 

For businesses or organisations with various remote assets, the streamlined approach of Izon is particularly appealing. We’ve helped clients like Granville Energy and Sea Source meet regulatory and sustainability requirements, building these two wildly different organisations an asset management solution that caters to their specific business needs. Izon works to understand its clients. We learn what businesses do and how they operate in order to build them a platform that shows them the information they actually need. 

We’re also driven by results, and that fact is reflected in our software. The Izon platform makes immediate action possible, enabling businesses to be at the forefront of the battle against climate change, leading the pack. Insight provides the foundations for action, helping businesses and organisations to drive change in their respective industries. 

You can’t change what you don’t know. It’s time to take that first step towards knowing where your business is unsustainable, limiting energy waste, and reducing your organisation’s carbon footprint. 

Realistically the first step is to have a demonstration. We know the sustainability journey can seem daunting, and how you traverse this is far from clear. We are always open to help advise, and show the possibilities that are open to you, which extend far beyond simple regulatory compliance.

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

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Antrim

Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market is delighted to be back at the Heart of the Glens Festival 2023.  You’ll find the market located at the Boat Club Carpark Cushendall.  Sunday13th August 11am – 4pm.  Featuring 30 artisan makers selling a range of gifts, art, craft, and food.
Find out more HERE

Armagh

Create a quirky colourful beach scene diorama using totally mess-free, 100% non-toxic clay at the Market Place Theatre!
Find out more HERE

Belfast

The mega EAST BLOCK FOOD market is back on Sunday 13 August with an exciting range of local makers and producers together under one fancy roof at Banana Block in East Belfast.
Find out more HERE

Down

Enjoy an Afternoon of Music, Style and Live Horse Racing at Irelands Oldest Racecourse, Downpatrick Racecourse. Featuring the SHORTCROSS Most Stylish Hat and Accessories Competition.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Crom is looking forward to two music nights this year at Music by the Lake. Saturday 29th July with The Hand me Downs. Saturday 12th August with The Sentrals.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

COMIC BOOK MASTERCLASS FOR 7 – 14 YRS with Kev F Sutherland (Bean, Dr. Who, Marvel Comics). Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Rugby Tots Summer Classes, Dungannon Rugby Club and Orritor PS Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 14 – 20 August

  1. ISPS HANDA World Invitational, Ballymena, County Antrim, 17-20 August. Northern Ireland’s biggest annual golf tournament gets underway at the Galgorm where men and women will compete will go head-to-head for the same prize money at the same event. Take the train to see the professionals train at the new co-host course of Castlerock.
  2. Wake The Giant, Warrenpoint, County Down, 19-20 August. The return of the Wake the Giant Festival is the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint. This vibrant festival celebrates the town’s unique heritage and legends, offering visitors a weekend full of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances to Giants food feast and children’s activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  3. The Lake Kilrea, Kilrea, County Londonderry, throughout August. Make a giant splash in this fresh water aqua park a few minutes’ walk from the historic town of Kilrea and the mighty river Bann. There’s a great range of family friendly activities from canoeing and kayaking to paddleboards, not to mention the “Beast Slide”. There are more thrills on dry land with high ropes, a zip line and a 24 ft climbing wall.
  4. CHSq 2023, Belfast, County Antrim, 14-20 August. Custom House Square has another tremendous line-up of international acts in this year’s music festival including Kodaline, the Proclaimers and homegrown punk talent, Stiff Little Fingers. All set against the historic backdrop of Charles Lanyon’s designed Custom House.
  5. Finnebrogue Feasts, Downpatrick, County Down, 19 August. Celebrate this summer’s bounty with a five-course feast crafted by wild chef Rory Gorman. With a focus on local and seasonal produce, this bespoke culinary experience is created using ingredients foraged from the surrounding woodland. Enjoy the cosy ambience of the Scandinavian Tipi whilst observing the chefs at work over the fire, before tucking into the resulting deliciousness. This is truly a unique woodland dining experience!
  6. Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry, County Down, 15 August. Explore the story of Strangford Lough with the unveiling of a new tank, double the size of the old one, complete with an underground tunnel. You can now watch magnificent marine life float overhead. Whilst at Exploris don’t forget to explore the kid’s playroom, a two tier aquatic themed indoor soft play area with distinct zones for babies, toddlers and juniors up to eight years old.
  7. Family Fun at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 15-17 August. Join Scientific Sue on this historical and creative journey of discovery at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Experience the new live science show, based on the book written by Cressida Cowell: How to Train Your Dragon. Find out if Cressida is a scientific genius or just a fantastic storyteller. Scientific Sue will need lots of brave volunteers to help her investigate and explore the science of how dragons fly.
  8. Open Park Days, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 16 August. Open Park Days return at Todds Leap with over 15 amazing activities to choose from. Explore the sites archery, zip lines, climbing walls and drop zone, all set in the beautiful Clogher Valley. You can also explore the Granda Bens Ethical Zoo Trail with life sized zoo models, outdoor play trails and a rope bridge.
  9. Creels In The Cave, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh 18 August. Learn more about the ancient art of how Irish fish baskets, creels, were made. Dessie, owner of the Linnet Inn, will share stories and explain the extensive man-made cave network that lies beneath the pub. You will get the chance to try your hand at weaving with soft instruction from master weaver Tommy O’Brien. Enjoy a locally made bowl of broth and locally made fadge, all as you are regaled by the stories and history of this magical landscape.
  10. Lumarina, Ballyronan, County Londonderry ,19 August. Lumarina, the fun filled, free event held at Ballyronan Marina makes a welcome return on Saturday. Enjoy a unique firework display with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough reflecting the onshore illuminations. Don’t miss the evenings firework display, with a finale to amaze. There is something for everyone from fire performers, a fun fair, magic shows and illuminations on the riverside trail behind the play park that will catch the eye of the little ones.

 

 

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

August Craft Month provides ‘Pathways’ to Belfast’s world class makers

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Enjoy a variety of eclectic events in Belfast this month

A month-long celebration of local craft makers across Ireland is well underway and this August Craft Month a host of exciting events are taking place in Belfast.

Celebrating the vibrant local craft scene, people will have the chance to experience exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops across a variety of crafts right on their doorstep as well as supporting local makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Local makers such as Jodi Coyne, Anna Donovan, Cara Murphy and Helen Noble will all be involved in the celebrations and events this year.

The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector and, with 168 events on offer across Northern Ireland, provides the perfect excuse to hit the road for a craft inspired adventure or staycation.

Here are some of the many exciting events taking place in Belfast:

  • August craft month exhibition: Pathways

Location: Craft NI, 115-119 Royal Avenue, Belfast

Date: Thursday 3rd of August to Friday 15th September, (Craft NI is closed on Sundays).

Price: Free

This exhibition aims to celebrate and profile excellence in Northern Irish Craft with makers asked to respond to the theme of Pathways, a nod to the journeys audiences make to visit August Craft Month from across the island and beyond.

When creating pieces for this exhibit, makers were free to interpret the theme of pathways how they wished, whether as a series of connections, reflections of travels or environment, experiences or actions, a personal journey or a journey in the making.

Exhibiting makers include: Adam Frew, Adele Pound, Karen Hamilton, Pennie Metcalfe, Red Earth Designs, Sarah Cathers, Tamzen Lundy Designs and Tracey Johnston.

  • Fibre to Fabric: Ulster University Seminar

Location: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast

Date: Wednesday, 16th of August, 10am to 12pm

Price: Free

Join researchers Alison Gault and Anna Duffy and guest speaker, Mourne Textile’s creative director, Mario Sierra, for an interactive seminar on the innovative project aiming to restore Northern Ireland’s textile heritage.

The project’s mission is to restore vintage flax processing and spinning equipment to create a sustainable circular supply chain in Ireland.

A unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with the speakers and learn about the project’s heritage restoration and sustainability efforts firsthand.

  • Wall Head Planter

Location: Top Floor, Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast

Date: Saturday, 19th of August, 10am to 4pm

Price: £70

Join ceramicist Anna Donovan at Conway Mill to spend a day making a stoneware clay wall mounted head into which a plant can be homed.

Using a press mould of a generic form of a human face each piece is added to and manipulated by the participant to create a unique character.

Participants are advised to bring a packed lunch.

  • ‘The Craft of Learning’ with Cara Murphy

Location: Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Garden, Belfast

Date: Thursday, 17th of August 1pm-2pm

Price: Free

As part of August Craft Month an award winning Northern Irish contemporary silversmith, Cara Murphy is talking about her work, skills and approach to experimentation in this not to be missed event at the Ulster museum.

Cara’s work is held by both private and public collectors across the world and include commissions from 10 Downing Street and the design of several Randox Grand National Trophies.

The talk will focus on Cara’s career and explore how crafts people continuously strive to learn more to better their own skills and share their knowledge with others.

This important initiative is delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Craft NI in partnership with Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

For more information, and to see the list of events taking place across the island visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own adventures by tagging @craft.ni, @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023 and #makeseekbuy

 

Fab Foodie Line-up for Ards and North Down’s Taste Autumn

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An exciting programme of activity starts on 31 August with Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, giving you the chance to savour some of the Borough’s finest food and drink, including in the popular Tide and Turf Food Festival in Portavogie on Saturday 2 September.

The very best of our local seafood, beef and harvest foods will be celebrated with free and ticketed events including, exclusive foodie experiences in unique locations, chef demonstrations, with a focus on our delicious local produce, and the chance to enjoy a hot chocolate at the most easterly point on the island while exploring our starry skies.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, with Arthur and Isla. Image: Simon Graham

Stargazing, the first event of Taste Autumn, takes place at Ballyhalbert’s Burr Point (31 August). Join the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society and use their telescopes to learn about the planets and galaxies above. This was a hugely popular event when it was organised for the first time last year so tickets are expected to sell out fast!

On Friday 1 September, celebrity chef Paula McIntyre will host a unique evening dining experience at Dine at the Dock in Portavogie, where diners will enjoy a four-course tasting menu curated by Paula and the team at South Eastern Regional College. This is a rare fine dining opportunity in an unusual pop-up restaurant setting and will be an evening to remember. Tickets cost £75 per person.

Dine at the Dock provides the perfect way to kick-off a memorable weekend of foodie events with the popular Tide and Turf Food Festival taking place the following day. Thousands of people are expected to attend the annual event on Saturday 2 September, when Portavogie Harbour will come to life with a range of activities and foodie attractions for all the family.

The Festival takes place from 12noon until 5pm and will feature cookery demonstrations, lots of family fun with pedal boats, sand crafts and Punch and Judy shows, plus the opportunity to grab a deck chair and enjoy live music from the String Ninjas and the Florentinas. More details about this free-to-attend event will be released in the coming weeks.

A free return bus service will run from Bangor, Donaghadee and Ballyhalbert to Dine at the Dock, while free buses will also be in operation to and from the Tide and Turf Food Festival.

Back in Bangor, the Chilli Festival returns on 9 and 10 September. Bangor Castle Walled Garden will be heating up with many different varieties of chilli plants on display, together with local producers, an evening barbeque on Saturday 9 September (tickets cost £20), live music and more!

For a full list of Taste Autumn events, to book tickets and plan your journey with parking information and bus timetables, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/tasteautumn.

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