Month: October 2023

Belfast Film Festival has launched its 2023 programme with a prodigious line-up including the biggest films of both the Cannes and Venice film festivals and seven Best International Feature Oscar selections.

The festival will run from the 2-11 November at a variety of locations across the city.

Opening and Closing

Belfast Film Festival’s Opening and Closing films are two of the most hotly anticipated films of 2023. The festival will open with Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers, starring Irish actors Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, while Yorgos Lanthimos’ Golden Lion-winning Poor Things, jointly produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures and starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo will close the programme.

International Competition

In its second year, the International Competition sponsored by Yellowmoon, has reached new heights with six audacious debut features and two accomplished second features. These include the winner of Cannes’ coveted Un Certain Regard Award, Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex and the winner of the Camera D’Or, Pham Thien An’s Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell.

New Cinema

Showcasing the best of new cinema both in Ireland and internationally, the New Cinema strand has some of the most anticipated, bold and exciting films on the festival circuit such as William Oldroyd’s scabrous Eileen starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie and Christos Nikou’s dystopian romance Fingernails starring Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed. Continuing the theme of Cannes award winners, this programme includes Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or awardee Anatomy Of A Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s Grand Prix champion The Zone of Interest. The strand also includes the Northern Ireland Screen funded thriller Lie Of The Land and Scottish feature Silent Roar with a sterling debut feature performance from Belfast actor Louis McCartney.

John Sayles and Maggie Renzi

The festival is delighted to host world-renowned writer-director John Sayles and producer Maggie Renzi in Belfast for a stimulating chat about their lives and work, hosted by Donald Clarke from The Irish Times. They will also be jointly presented with the festival’s prestigious Réalta award for Outstanding Contribution to Film. Accompanying the talk will be a retrospective showcasing some of their finest films, including the Donegal-set The Secret Of Roan Inish.

Work in Progress – Kneecap and Fréamhaca

Belfast Film Festival is known for thinking outside of the box and this year is no different with a host of unique special events. They include a look back at the history of 16mm with The 16mm Century featuring a live DJ afterparty plus two work-in-progress screenings: Aislinn Clarke’s newest Irish language horror Fréamhaca and the eagerly awaited Belfast-set movie, Kneecap.

Shorts

This year BFF has pioneered the Long Short Weekend which brings together shorts, filmmakers, and audiences for a weekend of short film screenings including the Shorts Competition sponsored by Screenskills, and the Northern Ireland Screen Showcase.

Solidarity with the Workers

Extending solidarity to those striking in the entertainment industry and elsewhere, there is a section dedicated to the related themes of industrial action and work practices including a showcase of some of the year’s most provocative, mischievous and subversive movies titled Kill Your Job Before It Kills You.

For the Werk! event in the imposingly atmospheric industrial setting of Riddel’s Warehouse, built heritage and on-screen social history are brought together, with a live soundtrack from Marion Hawkes (Ponyhawke/Sound Advice). Prepare to join the workers’ party!

Belfast Film Festival is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities, Film Hub NI, and Arts and Business NI, and is proudly sponsored by Yellowmoon, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

Jess Kiang, International Programmer for the festival said:

“After the roaring success of our inaugural International Competition last year I am excited to return with another showcase of eight stunning films made by emerging filmmakers from around the world. I’m also hugely excited about the Kill Your Job Before It Kills You section, which exemplifies our spirit of resistance to inequality and injustice in the workplace. This could not be more in keeping with our pleasure in honouring pioneering US filmmakers John Sayles and Maggie Renzi, who have forged together a truly independent, varied and fearlessly political career.”

Rose Baker, UK and Ireland Programmer added:

“This programme is so packed that it is difficult to pick just a few highlights. The 16mm Century celebrates the centenary year of the 16mm format. We are also very proud to have two amazing work-in-progress events which showcase some of the best and most original work happening in film in Northern Ireland, with Aislinn Clarke’s Fréamhaca and Fine Point’s Kneecap. We’re also working on archive film events which will be very special, thanks to amazing support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive and BBC NI. It is an exceptional programme and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”

Spooky season is officially here and residents in Causeway Coast and Glens can expect some frightfully fun activities as ‘Halloween Happenings’ arrives in towns across the Borough – including a brand-new venue in Coleraine.

From fancy dress parades and Halloween parties, to live music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween in Coleraine, Limavady, Ballycastle and Ballymoney.

The festivities will be kicking off on Friday, October 27 in Coleraine and Council is excited to reveal that, for the first time, the Halloween Happenings will be taking place at the Ulster University campus.

Featuring live music from The Dandy Lyons starting at 6.30pm, visitors can enjoy an array of entertainment and activities including fire poi, balloon modelling, Binevenagh Adventures bushcraft, amusements, and even a spooky trail. The evening will culminate with fantastic fireworks display at 8.30pm.

There will be free parking at Ulster University and a free park and ride bus service will also operate from The Mall car park, starting from 6pm. Please note normal town centre car parking charges will apply up until 6.30pm.

Next stop will be Limavady on Saturday, October 28. Starting with a Halloween party at Limavady Community Development Initiative from 4pm to 5.30pm, followed by a community parade to Roemill Recreation Grounds. Enjoy live music with CJ Entertainments from 6.30pm and don’t miss the fancy dress competition at 7.30pm. Visitors can also get crafty with Binevenagh Adventures bushcraft and North Coast Circus Skills. Make sure to watch out for creepy stilt walkers, flaming fire poi and the segway vampire, before the fireworks get underway at 8.30pm.

On round the coast to Ballycastle we go on Monday, October 30. The ever-popular Halloween parade sets off at 6.30pm from Dalriada Hospital Lower car park, making its way through the town to the seafront. A fancy-dress competition will be held at 6.15pm prior to the parade leaving. Once at the seafront, visitors should be on the lookout for stilt walkers, fire poi, a slime workshop and balloon modelers. Live Music by the All Stars will get the crowds amped up from 7pm, ahead of the spectacular fireworks at 8.30pm.

The finale of the Halloween Happenings will be in Ballymoney on Tuesday, October 31. The fancy dress parade will assemble at Castlecroft Square from 6pm, with the Halloween costume competition taking place at 6.15pm prior to parade leaving at 6.30pm. From here, the parade will make its way to Ballymoney Showgrounds, where magician Rodd Hogg will be on hand to amaze with his mystical abilities.

Be entertained by CJ Entertainments followed by live music from The Grooverobbers and take in the wide array of entertainment including glow hula hoops, glow juggling unicyclist, Binevenagh Adventure bushcraft, the segway vampire, stilt walkers and more, ahead of the fireworks finale at 8.30pm.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “Halloween Happenings is one of the highlights of Council’s events calendar and I look forward to welcoming all our residents and visitors to the activities across the Borough. These family-friendly events provide a spooktacular evening of free entertainment for all, capped off with not-to-be-missed fireworks displays which will light up the skies in Coleraine, Limavady, Ballycastle and Ballymoney.

“I am delighted that Council has come together with Ulster University to provide the 2023 Halloween entertainment and fireworks display in Coleraine. The site provides a fantastic venue for this event, offering ample car parking with over 1,500 parking spaces, as well as facilities for accommodating a free park and ride service from the town centre to the campus. On behalf of Council, I wish to thank the University for allowing us to hold this hugely popular event at their Coleraine campus.”

Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement, Ulster University added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Halloween Happenings this year, for the first time ever at our Ulster University Coleraine campus.

“Ulster University has been part of the community here since 1968 and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people onto the Coleraine campus to enjoy an evening of family fun with entertainment, amusements and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Halloween.”

Ahead of each of the main events, quiet time for children with additional needs will take place from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

A limited number of disabled parking is pre-bookable and you can reserve a space by contacting the Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre on 028 2766 0230.

Council’s new Mobile Accessible Changing Units will also be available at each of these events. Designed to ‘Changing Places’ standards, these vehicles help to make events more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for people with additional needs.

For the latest updates, make sure to follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook or go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen has launched a frightfully good October sale with overnight breaks from just £60pps*.

Enjoy a Spooktacular Sleepover with full cooked breakfast the following morning from just £60pps.

Kick start your weekend with a FANGtastic Friday Dine & Stay from £89pps with a four-course dinner overlooking Lough Erne and full cooked breakfast.

Or enjoy the best of both worlds with a luxurious self-catering break with family or friends. Book a two-night break in a Lakeside Lodge from £280 per night or a Woodland Lodge with private hot tub from £315 per night and enjoy a bonus £40 dining credit.

All packages include full use of Killyhevlin Health Club with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and outdoor hot tub with beautiful views overlooking Lough Erne. Guests can also treat themselves to a spot of pampering with a luxury Elemis spa treatment at KALM Spa.

Killyhevlin is located in the heart of The Fermanagh Lakelands in a breathtakingly picturesque setting and guests can take a stroll around the lakeside grounds, get active with a match on the Padel Tennis Court and younger members of the family can have lots of fun in the Killy Kids Outdoor Playpark.

Guests can also enjoy a ‘taste of Killyhevlin’ with breakfast, light bites, lunch and evening menus, all served with a lakeview.

To take advantage of these Spooktacular offers go to www.killyhevlin.com or call reservations on 028 6632 3481.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Living in County Armagh, which is of course famous for its orchards, you could easily take apples for granted…

However, at the end of October each year, the people of Richhill, itself surrounded by orchards, celebrate the locally grown Bramley Apple.  This year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will take place over six days from Tuesday 24th October to Sunday 29th October.

The main event, as always, is Saturday’s Apple Fayre Day. It sees the historical centre of Richhill transformed into an open air market with live music and entertainment throughout the day.

“We pride ourselves on a warm, welcoming atmosphere on Apple Fayre Day and this year we would love to see lots of people who haven’t been before in Richhill on Saturday 28th October,” said Ruth Briggs, one of the organisers of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre.

“We obviously want everyone to have a great time, but we also want to keep highlighting the importance and value that apple growing brings to our local community. 

“So you’ll see apples everywhere and many of the traders will have an apple twist to tie in with our overall theme.”  There is also once again a very healthy crop of musical talent at Apple Fayre Day this year.  “On our music stage we have local favourites Catch 22, the super talented Qua Family and The Swingtime Starlets, who have also become firm favourites among fayre regulars,” said Ruth Briggs.

“And then all the way from Virginia, we’ll be joined by the American bluegrass band Level Best. They’ll be performing in the marquee at the castle on Wednesday night and then coming back to join us on Saturday again.”

The festival takes place at the end of October to coincide with the end of the apple harvest.  “This year we’ve been following the progress of one local Bramley Apple tree in particular,” said Ruth Briggs. “We’ve had regular updates on our Facebook page as it grew and then started producing apples of course.  “And on Apple Fayre Day, we’ll be asking people to guess how many apples have been picked from the tree. There’ll be a prize for the person with the closest answer, but more importantly we just want to re-emphasise that apples are at the very core of the fayre.”

A new event for the 2023 Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is ‘Richhill Memories’, a night of storytelling on Thursday 26th October.  “We’ve a great group of people lined up to tell a true story about Richhill or one that is linked to the village in some way,” said Ruth Briggs. “Expect nostalgia, a few good laughs and hopefully a few surprises as we will no doubt hear about some of the many wonderful characters associated with the village. “This is the first year of this event and we’re hoping that it’s going to go from strength to strength.”  On Friday night, Orchard County residents can look forward to fireworks over Richhill thanks to the fayre’s ‘Alternative Hallowe’en’ celebrations. 

This event, supported by the local Methodist church, is aimed at younger generations with games and activities planned in the Square (Richhill).  Follow the ‘Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre’ Facebook page for regular updates on all this year’s events. 

A unique way to celebrate the festive season in the historic Cathedral City from 23 November

Armagh’s award-winning Georgian spectacular is back in the Cathedral City next month when Armagh Georgian Festival 2023 returns with a freshly packed programme of unique and charming events and activities designed to kick off the festive celebrations whilst showcasing the city’s iconic architecture, historic landmarks and its unrivalled beauty in an atmosphere charged with new thrills and excitement.

Celebrating its rich history and heritage, Armagh’s Georgian Festival offers one of the best festive weekends in Northern Ireland attracting national and international visitors. This year’s events run from Thursday 23 November through to Sunday 26 November encompassing the highlight of the weekend, Georgian Day on Saturday 25 November.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Margaret Tinsley, said:

“Armagh Georgian Festival is a series of unique experiences which celebrate the many different aspects of Georgian Armagh including buildings, history and heritage, through an exciting, varied and fun programme of festive events.

“Enjoy trotting along the tree-lined Georgian Mall in a horse and carriage ride or browse around the Georgian artisan market, enjoying crafts, food and gifts for all ages. Put on your hat and gloves and enjoy one of a selection of guided outdoor walking tours that recount the tales of this era. Be sure to enjoy the wondrous festival lights, street entertainment, music, living history characters, children’s entertainment and a special lightshow. Come and help us celebrate!”

From Georgian characters promenading the streets, music around every corner, carriage rides around the historic Mall, an array of food & craft stalls, a choice of Georgian-themed tours, a new menu of events for foodies in a city full of vibrant restaurants, cafés and pubs, this is an immersive experience you will not want to miss. For those travelling to the city, Armagh’s has many exceptional accommodation offerings with festive savings in place for Armagh’s Georgian Festival weekend.

This year’s family lightshow – A Fairytale of Armagh – takes to the stage at Market Square on Friday and Saturday evening transforming the city’s stunning Georgian Market House backdrop into a festive feast for the eyes with shimmering special effects and plenty of surprises. Advanced tickets for this year’s lightshow will be available from 10 am on 07 November and visitors are encouraged to book early for all ticketed events to avoid disappointment.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium will also be creating memories for the children this year when it blasts off with its ‘Mission Santa’ space pantomime in a new battle to save Santa. Visitors will also get a chance to enjoy ‘The Alien Who Stole Christmas’ – a full dome show that will keep everyone enthralled.

The Hill of Armagh will play its role in welcoming visitors over the weekend when the historic library, built in 1771, and No 5 Vicars’ Hill, the former Registry, open their doors to encourage visitors to unravel the riches of time. Both buildings were part of Archbishop Robinson’s plans for Georgian Armagh.

Popular amongst visitors and locals alike one of the best ways to experience the history, sounds and sights of Armagh is by taking one of the many walking tours on offer this year, showcasing the best – and the worst! – of its Georgian past, including a ‘Not So Gorgeous Walking Tour’ that lifts the lid on some of the Georgians’ unsavoury habits. There are also guided walking and ghost tours of the city as well as tours of the Archbishop’s Palace and Palace Demesne.

A special Georgian-themed play – Promiscuity and Prudence – takes place at The Market Place theatre on Friday, celebrating a one-night-only performance of a new Jane Austen inspired comedy play filled with scandal, seduction and raucous entertainment.

Guilty or not, witness the harshness of how the Georgian legal system dealt with criminals in Armagh Courthouse and play your part as a jury member in this interactive and entertaining ticketed event, taking place at 12pm and 2pm.

With Georgian Christmas Afternoon Tea events taking place at Armagh City Hotel and the Archbishop’s Palace, Georgian Ladies Who Lunch at Armagh County Club, Georgian Paint & Sip at Armagh County Museum and a Georgian Murder Mystery at Armagh County Club, there is plenty of food, drink and entertainment to mark the countdown to this year’s festive season. While many events require pre-booking, there will also be a wide range of free events taking place throughout the weekend.

For more information and to book tickets for any of the special events, visit www.visitarmagh.com/georgian.

North Down Museum is pleased to launch its Sensory Packs!

These SEND-friendly packs are available to borrow from museum reception and are filled with items to support a calm and enjoyable experience at the museum. Children and adults can make use of the ear defenders, fidget toys, journey boards, and more, to explore North Down Museum at their own pace. The bags are even colour-coded, and each coloured bag contains different objects and activities. Visitors can select a different coloured bag each time they visit and can have a completely different educational encounter each time.

Speaking about the Sensory Packs, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said: “I am delighted that the museum is now offering this sensory support to its visitors, making a trip to the museum accessible for all and providing those with sensory processing needs a fun and enjoyable learning experience.”

Arlene Matthews, Manager at North Down Museum said: “We are proud to launch our latest accessibility initiative and show our commitment to providing a high-quality inclusive service to our visitors, creating a safe and fun learning environment for all members of our community.”

North Down Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 4pm and Sundays 12noon – 4pm. Admission is free.

For more information on the museum visit:

https://andculture.org.uk/visit-us/north-down-museum

Lusty Beg, Boa Island, County Fermanagh

Watch the leaves change as you look over the beautiful waters of Lough Erne.  Get away from it all on your island escape and enjoy a two-night stay with complimentary use of a lakeside barrel tub. B&B with a three-course dinner on a night of your choosing, £199pps sharing. Visit https://www.lustybegisland.com/ for more information.

Crowne Plaza, Belfast, County Antrim

Fancy a family getaway for two adults and two children? Now’s your chance to kick back and relax, use the pool, and explore the nearby Barnett’s Demesnes or the Giant’s Ring. A two-night break with a three-course meal on an evening of your choice, kids eat free from £150 B&B per room per night. Visit https://cpbelfast.com/ for more information.

Shipquay Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry

Enjoy a stylish stopover with an overnight stay and a two-course meal at this lovely boutique hotel in the heart of the city.  The steep climb up historic Shipquay Street is more than rewarded with its views over the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall and Diamond. Great food and hospitality await, from £194 DB&B. Visit https://www.shipquayhotel.com/ for more information.

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/