10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 29 July – 4 August

 

  1. 30th Anniversary Celebrations at An Creagán, Omagh, County Tyrone, 28 July – 4 August. Join them in their 30th Anniversary celebrations with a week of fun including a 5K run, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, BBQ and live music and a range of breakfast taster sessions including yoga, art, crafts and mindfulness. Enjoy the ‘Wild Woods’, play garden and the many walks and cycle trails when there.
  2. EastSide Arts Festival, Belfast, 25 July – 4 August. Across 11 days, festival-goers can enjoy 60+ unique accessible and inclusive events spread across east Belfast. Packed with music, workshops, comedy, tours, theatre, literature and visual arts, the festival showcases the vibrant cultural scene and creative talent in this part of the city, as well as welcoming legendary international artists.
  3. Summer Evening Glass-Making Experience, Castlerock, County Londonderry, 3 August. Enjoy exclusive access to Mussenden Temple and a fused glass-making experience with Eleanor-Jane McCartney, renowned local glass artist. In this intimate setting, you will create a unique glass dish or coaster pair of the iconic 200 year old building or of your view of Benone beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Together with a delicious light evening meal you will be one of twelve who experience this memorable summer evening.
  4. Summer Fun at Crindle Stables, Limavady, County Londonderry, visit website for dates and times. Make memories on this fun horse-back riding experiences. The family run equestrian centre offers a wide range of horse-riding lessons, quirky horse-riding activities and bespoke memorable experiences including hands on grooming, getting to know your mount, scenic views, riding sessions, pony games as well as behind the scene activities.
  5. Island Sunset Experience at Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 2 August. Don’t let the ‘sun set’ on your summer without experiencing Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge at the most magical time of the day at this exclusive event. Join experts to explore the hidden myths and gems of the North Coast, cross the 20-metre chasm, and take a seat for nature’s show.
  6. Whitehead Crafters’ Market, Whitehead, County Antrim, 3 August. Join a vibrant day filled with artistic inspiration at the Whitehead Community Centre, nestled along the breathtaking Causeway Coastal route. As part of August Craft Month, they are excited to open their doors to a spectacular Crafters’ Market, where creativity takes centre stage.
  7. Summer Sips and Seasonal Stems at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 2 August. In the stunning surroundings of Montalto Estate, learn how to make your very own Floral Summer Bouquet. This workshop is perfect for all levels and a lovely way to spend a couple of hours with friends or on your own.
  8. Summer Music in the Gardens at Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, until 17 August. Spend a perfect afternoon relaxing on the lawns of Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, as a selection of artists play in picturesque royal surroundings every Saturday throughout the summer months. Indulge in a drink and sweet treat from the award-winning café as you settle back to listen. Or bring a picnic, kick off your shoes and enjoy with friends and all the family.
  9. Island Town Dinner & Cruise, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, Various. Enjoy a relaxed cruise around Ireland’s only Island Town on board MV Kestrel followed by dinner in a local restaurant. You will have the choice from three of Enniskillen’s favourite eateries including The Westville Hotel, The Firehouse and The Crowes Nest. Don’t miss the Cruise to Devenish Island onboard the MV Kestrel on Upper and Lower Lough Erne.
  10. Meet the Warriors at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, until 29 September. Immerse yourself in life as a Celt, as you meet Iron Age warriors. This family-oriented tour provides the opportunity to become a central part of the clan. Transform into a Celtic Warrior, as you have your face painted and wear one of our authentic costumes. Enjoy storytelling around the fire, as the bard tells the tales of the great heroes associated with the Navan Fort (Emain Macha), such as CuChulainn and the Red Branch Warriors, and so much more.

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Keep a look out for additional dates of the above events throughout the year.

 

ARMAGH FOOD AND CIDER WEEKEND RETURNS CELEBRATING UNIQUE FLAVOURS OF ORCHARD COUNTY

Annual foodie weekend features over 50 free events designed to showcase the region’s exceptional quality and local produce.

This September, the award-winning Food and Cider Weekend returns to Armagh, promising a vibrant celebration of the region’s world-famous produce. From Thursday, 5th to Sunday, 8th, this year’s festival features over 50 free events, each crafted to delight the senses and celebrate the Armagh Bramley Apple and other local treasures.

Crannagael House is a highlight of this year’s programme – hosting four events throughout the festival – the historic venue provides a unique opportunity to savour culinary creations at the very birthplace of Armagh’s apple story. Among the standout events is the five-course Bramley Banquet, curated by Gareth Reid of 4 Vicars. Set in the charming home of Jane and John Nicholson, whose ancestors planted the first Bramley seedling in County Armagh, the often-sold-out event features locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown on the estate, and bespoke wine pairings for each course.

Visitors can kickstart their weekend with the Orchard Paint and Sip event. No experience is necessary but aspiring artists can gain inspiration from the beautiful apple trees at Long Meadow Farm to create their own masterpiece, while sipping on local ciders making for a relaxing and inspiring experience. Additionally, on Friday evening attendees can join local tour guide Donna Fox for a Culinary Crawl through Armagh city. This guided tour will weave through the city’s best hospitality venues, offering top-class food and drinks with a local twist.

Armagh is renowned for its outstanding food, quality ingredients, and world-class cider. The region was recognised as Northern Ireland’s Best Food and Drink Experience in 2019 by Tourism NI –  including the Bramley Apple, which as of 2012, joined a select group of food and drinks to have been awarded PGI status (Protected Geographical Indication). Due to their special taste and composition the status means the apple will be protected against imitation throughout the EU and joins a very select group including the Cornish pasty and the Melton Mowbray pork pie.

On Saturday morning the Food and Cider Fest brings the much-anticipated Brunch and Paws at the Park, a delightful event for dog owners and their furry friends. Following its sell-out success last year, this fun and relaxed brunch is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. As evening falls, the region will come alive with vibrant outdoor foodie markets in both Armagh and Banbridge. These bustling markets will showcase the finest local flavours, artisan ciders, and apple juices, all set to the backdrop of live music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Backed by award-winning Food Heartland local chefs, producers, and food experts, Armagh’s Food and Cider Weekend has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event in Northern Ireland’s food and harvest calendar. It’s a celebration not to be missed, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and outstanding cuisine.

For a full list of activities happening, to book your tickets and overnight accommodation specials, visit visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.

 

SPARK Brings Free Neurodivergent Family Fun Day To Belfast This Weekend

A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend.

Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.

The free event is open to all neurodivergent families from 10am to 1pm and will include a plethora of different activities for everyone to avail of.

Offering a safe space for parents and children to connect with similar families, attendees of all ages are welcome to take part in the event and explore the happenings inside.

Held inside 2 Royal Avenue, the vast community space is set to be transformed by stalls and tables dedicated to providing information on neurodivergence, workshops for children to enjoy, interactive sessions and more.

The extensive event listing reveals several highlights, including the highly-anticipated Interactive Drum Workshops, which help provide sensory stimulation to neurodiverse children.

The rhythmic patterns not only have calming benefits, but they also have physical pros including enhancing motor skills, providing a communication form for anyone non-verbal and more, making them a great addition to the day’s line-up.

The three-hour feat will also include storytelling sessions, where children are able to hear magnificent tales and express their subsequent emotions without fear of being judged.

Other activities include face painting, arts and crafts stalls, neurodivergent information tables and networking opportunities for adults, plus a vibrant sense of community.

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to refer to conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome and more, with SPARK providing a networking group for any Neurodivergent members of the Belfast community and beyond.

Gary Gates, co-creator of the SPARK group, was diagnosed as having ADHD in his forties and spoke of the importance of creating an open discourse and space for neurodiverse parents such as himself.

He said: “Being neurodivergent can be difficult enough, but being a neurodivergent parent raising neurodivergent children can be extremely hard. 

“And so, thanks to the Bank of Ideas fund, and in partnership with Arts Care, SPARK was able to create this free creative family fun day for neurodivergent families. 

“We just want people to come and have fun and, most importantly, be their authentic selves.” 

SPARK is both an online and in-person platform that enables members of the neurodivergent community to access resources and converse with other people who may have gone through similar life experiences, with feedback being taken on board from past event attendees.

Cara Marks, the other half of the brainbox duo behind SPARK, identified that Saturday’s event was created following discussions with Belfast locals on what can be implemented for neurodivergent individuals in the city.

She said: “SPARK actively engages with our members, seeking out topics of interest to share within the community. 

“Many of our members have neurodivergent children, and one topic that kept emerging is that we need more things for neurodivergent families to do, especially in neuro-inclusive environments. 

“We listened to what was said and as a result, we are proud to present SPARK’s first creative family fun day for neurodivergent families.” 

SPARK’s Creative Family Fun Day runs between 10am-1pm on Saturday August 3 and full details can be found at www.eventbrite.co.uk/creative-family-fun-day-for-neurodivergent-families

Ends

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

Westville Hotel, County Fermanagh 

Ideally located just a five-minute walk from the vibrant heart of Enniskillen, 4* Westville Hotel is offering their two-night summer saver deal from £157.50 per person sharing. Valid until August 31, enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast, one two-course meal in WV Bar, cocktail on arrival and late check out at noon the next day. Visit www.westvillehotel.co.uk  for more information.

 

The Harrison Chambers of Distinction, Belfast

Live like the Bridgerton’s in an elegant historic property in the Queens Quarter of Belfast. This heritage townhouse is bedecked with four poster beds, lush, sweeping velvet curtains, crystal chandeliers and free-standing baths. Staff will welcome you with a glass of champagne and a mini afternoon tea for two. Breakfast is served to your room the next morning up to 11 am with a complimentary midday checkout. Prices per night start from £199 and offers run until February 2025. Visit www.chambersofdistinction.com  for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan your next adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com

Jacqueline from whatsonni shares her pick of what’s on this week across NI

Antrim

Join Ballance House Glenavy for a fun afternoon out with something for all the family  The craft fair will have a range of stalls from local producers.  Plenty of entertainment for kids with free crafting activities, bouncy castle and outdoor games.  Complimentary strawberry treat for everyone.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Armagh Summer in the City is BACK!  Get ready for a summer full of excitement with crafts, football, pom pom cheerleading, kiddie cooking, dance for the older kids, science, magic, and loads of music!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

W5’s adult-only evening returns on Friday 26 July for an enchanted evening of myths and magic that will leave you spellbound!  W5 Late is a strictly adults-only, after-hours evening of interactive fun at Northern Ireland’s award-winning science and discovery centre.

Find out more HERE

Down

Join Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre for their ever popular, annual Summer Open Day 2024. Bring the whole family along to enjoy the festivities, including live music, food & refreshments, local craft stalls, fundraising raffle, and CATS of course!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Strap on your skates and get ready for an unforgettable summer adventure at Fermanagh’s only roller-skating rink! This 70-person rink is the perfect destination for families, friends, and thrill-seekers of all ages. As you glide across Northern Ireland’s only purpose-built rink, our themed 80’s nights will whisk you away to a world of nostalgia.

Find out more HERE

Derry / L/Derry

Enjoy a Pottery Throw Down Experience! Have fun making a handle and attach it, followed by the opportunity to decorate it with underglazes or slips. All under the guidance of Fi.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Get ready for an extraordinary evening of psychic revelations and spiritual connections at The Glenavon Hotel in Cookstown. Get ready to have your mind blown as Psychic Medium Fiona Stewart Williams takes the stage.

Find out more HERE

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

Here are ten exciting things to do 22-28 July

 

  1. Armagh Summer in the City, Armagh, County Armagh, until 7 September. Don’t miss Summer in the City in Armagh with crafts, football, pom-pom cheerleading, cooking for kiddies, dance for older kiddies, science, magic, music and lots more. All activities are free and will take place around the Market Square, McCrum’s Court and outside the Market Place Theatre.
  2. Big Wild Pyjama Party at Belfast’s Window on Wildlife, Belfast, 26 July. Join RSPBNI at Belfast WoW as they bring a new take to their award-winning event The Big Wild Sleep Out with an eve of nocturnal activities. From bat walks and campfires to storytelling and toasting your own marshmallows, they guarantee an eve of fun and exploration. Taking place from 19:00-22:00, nature will come to life for you and your family. This event is guaranteed to sell out, with limited ticket availability so purchase your tickets well in advance. You can also check out their Zoology of Cartoons on 27 July, where you will join artist, illustrator and conservationist Dan Collin for a workshop like no other.
  3. Belfast Tradfest, various locations across Belfast, 21 – 28 July. Belfast TradFest, the pinnacle of world-class traditional music concerts and fiery pub sessions, is set to celebrate its 6th edition this July across Belfast UNESCO City of Music. The internationally renowned festival will mark this milestone with its most ambitious programme of music. Featuring concerts with the likes of Lúnasa, Lumiere, Cherish the Ladies, Moya Brennan, Pólca 4, Bow Brothers, JIGGY, Zoë Conway & John McIntyre, BIIRD, Mary Dillon, Dónal O’Connor & Neil Martin, Seamie O’Dowd, Seán Maguire Fiddle Concert, tutor concerts, céílís and the annual TITANIC CÉILÍ which attracted 6,000 last year.
  4. NI Open, Ballymena, County Antrim, 23 – 28 July. The Black Desert NI Open presented by Tom McKibbin relaunched for 2024 and is back on the European Challenge Tour as one of the elevated events on the Tour’s international schedule. The NI Open takes place at Galgorm from July 23-28, 2024 and is free entry for everyone.
  5. Literature, Lough and Local Flavours Tour with Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 24 and 27 July. Enjoy a day filled with literature, stunning landscapes, and delectable food. Begin your day at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace. Take a 45-minute journey from Toome Canal along the Lower River Bann to Lough Beg, turning at Church Island for the return. Conclude your day with a delicious three course dinner at The Taphouse. Drinks not included and supplement charges may apply to dishes outlined on the menu.
  6. SuperCupNI, Coleraine, County Londonderry, and venues across the Causeway Coast & Glens, Mid & East Antrim and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council’s, 21 – 26 July. SuperCupNI is a magnet for top football clubs from all over the world. The 2024 Tournament kicks off on Sunday 21st July with the Opening Parade and Welcoming Ceremony in Coleraine Town Centre and Coleraine Showgrounds football stadium. Finals Day is scheduled for Friday 26th July, when venues across the Causeway Coast & Glens, Mid & East Antrim and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council’s will play host to the tournament champions of the various categories which make up the event.
  7. Seal Painting at Murlough Nature Reserve, Dundrum, County Down, 24 July. Spend an unforgettable afternoon with your family at the Family Ceramics & Rock Painting event. They’ll provide all the supplies you need to paint your very own ceramic seal figurine and decorate colourful rocks. Adults accompanying those painting enter free and need not buy a ticket.
  8. Hats Off to the Forthill, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 26 July. It will be ‘Hats off to the Forthill’ on Friday 26 July 2024 when the historic Forthill Park in Enniskillen hosts an afternoon of free family fun and entertainment from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Everyone attending the event is encouraged to pack a picnic basket, wear their favourite hat and spend the afternoon in one of the Council’s most popular public parks.
  9. Ulster Fleadh, Dromore, County Tyrone, 21 – 28 July. Fleádh Uladh is a cultural festival for traditional music, song, dance and language in Ulster. Fleádh Cheoil, which means “feast of music”, is a magnificent mix of competitions and cultural events which showcase each element of Irish traditional culture.
  1. Boatyard Distillery Tour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, visit website for dates and times. Visit the distillery on the banks of Lough Erne to see how they produce the finest spirits using the highest quality botanicals and ingredients. Come and meet their team and discover the secret behind the famous ‘Érainn’ Copper still. Each tour lasts 90 minutes and includes: a gin and tonic reception, the history and origins of the Boatyard Distillery, a neat tasting of their full spirits range, two cocktails and a behind-the-scenes tour of the distillery from distilling to labelling, along with insight into future projects. Plus, sign and label your own personalised 70cl bottle of Boatyard to take home with you.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Keep a look out for additional dates of the above events throughout the year.

THE ROBOT EXHIBITION ARRIVES THIS SUMMER AT   ARMAGH OBSERVATORY & PLANETARIUM

Get ready to embark on a journey through time and imagination as the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium proudly announces its upcoming “Robot Exhibition”, running from 2nd July to 31st August 2024.

This summer, science-fiction enthusiasts and curious minds alike will have the unique opportunity to explore a mesmerising collection of robots, cyborgs, and androids. 

 

Science-fiction fans are sure to recognise their favourite metal movie stars in this comprehensive exhibit. The Robot Exhibition showcases memorable and iconic robots from science-fiction movies and TV shows, highlighting their role in storytelling and exploring how they represent our changing relationship with technology.  

Visitors are invited to delve into the past, present, and future of robots in science-fiction, considering how these machines might shape our world in the years to come. Robots have long been a staple of science-fiction storytelling, captivating audiences with their mechanical precision, superhuman strength, and human-like personalities.  

As technology advances and artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in our world, the role of robots is evolving. No longer simply automated tools designed to serve humans, robots are now being developed to think, reason, and learn independently. This shift has the potential to revolutionise our lives, from how we work and communicate to how we think about what it means to be human. 

Speaking on the upcoming exhibition, Martina Glass, Operations Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium says: “We are thrilled to bring the Robot Touring Exhibition to Armagh. It is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the fascinating intersection of technology, art, and storytelling. Robots have always captured our imagination, and this exhibition will inspire people of all ages to think about the future of technology and its impact on our lives.” 

The Robot Exhibition offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with a cast of full-size heroic robots, vintage tin toys, and sculptures in all shapes and sizes from comics, books, and the silver screen over the past 40 years. Around every corner lurks another metallic star, each with its own story and significance. 

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of robots, where you can meet some of the most iconic and beloved metal stars from the realm of science-fiction. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply curious about the evolution of robotic technology, this exhibition promises to be a highlight of the summer. 

Along with the Robot Exhibit, a series of dome shows will be running throughout the summer. These are: Our Wee Planets, Our Night Sky, Tales of a Time Traveller, Perfect Little Planet, Accidental Astronauts, We Are Allens; and Our Solar System.  

 

Family tickets are £32 and include one dome show, workshop, access to exhibition area and entry into the Robot exhibit. Individual and group tickets are also available. To book tickets now, please visit www.armagh.space  

Public Invited to Lough Neagh Consultation Webinar

As part of the consultation process for the Lough Neagh Resilience Plan, the public is being invited to attend a consultation webinar on Tuesday 30 July at 7.00pm where they will have opportunity to hear from four experts who will speak on landscape acquisition and management; considering the development of a new Lough Neagh heritage resilience plan and the various environmental and conservation challenges surrounding Lough Neagh together with examples of innovative techniques and practices that could help address these current issues.

Oxford Jetty at Lough Neagh

Speakers are Dr Liam Campbell, who was instrumental in delivering the Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership project; Dr Peter Doran, Senior Lecturer from the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast; Dr Alastair McIntosh, who is a pioneer of modern land reform in Scotland; and Dr Michael Meharg, a specialist in on-farm carbon auditing and providing conservation/wildlife advice.

The webinar will provide a platform for exploring responses to recent questionnaires which were completed by the public in relation to the project.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is aimed at preserving and protecting the unique landscape of Lough Neagh, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.

The webinar follows almost 30 stakeholder meetings which have taken place since the consultation process began in January of this year, and the feedback and insights received by Lough Neagh Partnership from stakeholder meetings, the completion of the recent questionnaire and this webinar, will be vital to developing a robust 10 year plan for the area’s future.

Michael Browne, Lough Neagh Partnership Heritage Plan Coordinator, said: “Lough Neagh is a mirror reflecting both beauty and challenges and together we can protect it, so we are inviting anyone with an interest in Lough Neagh to attend this webinar and contribute to the sustainable stewardship of Lough Neagh.

“We are actively seeking engagement from the public in attending as it is anticipated that the information gathered from the webinar, responses received to the questionnaire and the insights gleaned at stakeholder meetings, will shape the heritage needs of Lough Neagh.”

The insights from the consultation process will form the basis for the creation of the 10 year resilience plan for the Lough and will also identify potential avenues for funding and establish new sustainable management structures to ensure the enduring vitality of Lough Neagh.

After the formulation of the draft 10 Year Heritage Resilience Plan, a forthcoming conference is scheduled to facilitate constructive discourse and gather valuable insights from stakeholders, governmental bodies, as well as representatives from the local and wider communities. It is anticipated that the conference will be scheduled for the spring of 2025. The project’s anticipated completion date is November 2025.

To register your attendance at the upcoming webinar on Tuesday 30 July, please visit: https://loughneaghpartnership.org/consultation-webinar

To keep up to date with the Lough Neagh Resilience Plan project, follow Lough Neagh Partnership on its social media channels – facebook, linkedin and X.

From Delivery Driver To Care In The Community… Social Care Practitioners Recognised At Launch

The positive impact that social care can deliver has been recognised at the launch of the ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign at Stormont today.

Attendees at the launch heard of the many benefits that a career in social care can bring including Melvin Gould who as one of Northern Ireland’s 40,000 social care practitioners shared his inspirational journey.

A former delivery driver, Melvin became a social care practitioner at 55 years of age. He knows, like other social care practitioners, that every day when he goes to work he makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Melvin Gould, Social care practitioner with Harmony Community Care Services, told his story as part of the campaign and wants others to consider a career in social care too:

“I know people head into work and sometimes don’t want to be there. I just couldn’t do that. I can say hand on heart that for me that is not the case. I know that my job gives me the ability to make a difference in peoples’ lives, with no two days being the same. I came to social care later in life, but Iwish I had made that change sooner. If you are a good listener, are kind and want to help other people live a better life – join social care like me – you won’t regret it.”

The campaign invites people who want a career in care to learn more through stories from social care practitioners doing the job – about what it is like, why they do it, and showing the flexible, varied and diverse opportunities available.

At the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said ‘thank you’ to the social care workforce and to those who have shared their stories of the difference they make to the community, and how important it is that people consider a professional career in social care as one that is diverse, flexible and rewarding.

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Nesbitt said:

“Social care work really matters and is truly valued. It is vital that the right care is available for adults and young people and that they are supported to live independently for as long as possible.

“My Department and I are committed to both supporting our social care workforce and promoting social care as a career choice.

“I want to thank all of our social care practitioners for their commitment, compassion and the valuable work they do every day in our communities.”

Patricia Higgins, CEO, Social Care Council added:

“In social care there are some great opportunities for caring, compassionate and committed individuals looking for a career where they can make a real difference in their local community.

“Importantly, our campaign not only highlights the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the social care sector to progress in their career, but also celebrates the brilliant social care practitioners, some of whom feature in our new campaign stories – this campaign is also for the social care work force – to know we value them.”

Agnes Lunny, CEO of Positive Futures, who helped develop this year’s campaign added:

“Social care services can only offer high quality support to the community because they have committed, compassionate staff who make a difference every day. Our ‘Social care – making a difference’ campaign highlights a key part of why we do what we do as providers of care – the warm and mutually beneficial relationships we have with the people we support. It shares the real stories of workers and the people they support, and shows the diversity, value and impact they have.

“There are lots of jobs available, with options to suit a range of lifestyles, skills and experience. Specific qualifications aren’t required for an entry-level role in social care – training is provided on the job. For those who want career progression, there are a range of qualification and training opportunities. No matter the role, in social care you can make a real difference to people’s lives. My advice to anyone thinking of a career in care is – reach out to your nearest social care provider and find out more.”

This campaign is run by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health partnership across the social care sector in Northern Ireland, which has been established to lead a programme of work to improve social care services for the community.

Make a difference to lives with a career in social care…Want to know more? Check out NISCC’s social care stories page on https://niscc.info/social-care-stories

SOMA FEST 2024 Takes Over Castlewellan This Weekend with Exciting Music and Nature Events

SOMA Festival kicks off today in Castlewellan, County Down, for three days of excellent musical performances, holistic activities, and intriguing workshops as part of this year’s stellar lineup. Running from July 19-21, SOMA Festival’s 2024 instalment promises to bring a plethora of entertainment options that the whole family can enjoy, celebrating the rich heritage of Irish culture.

Part of the extensive line-up are the Little Gems events, combining the environment into workshops, walks, and more. Lorna Nic Cathmhaoil, SOMA Fest Programme & Events Co-ordinator, identified these activities, speeches, and screenings as vibrant events that add splashes of colour to the festival weekend.

The official opening day on Friday, 19 July, features several Little Gems events. The ‘Becoming Life’ Workshop at Turnip House starts at 10am, led by environmental scientist Laura Kehoe, exploring the human relationship with the planet. At 3pm, Castlewellan Library hosts the Language, Landscape & Memory session, delving into Irish place names and their significance. For children, the Ancient Whispers: Children’s Art Workshops will run from 12-3pm in the Stretch Tent in Castlewellan Upper Square, with stories and crafts inspired by the mythical Tuatha Dé Danann. At 4pm, Michael Magee will read from his award-winning novel Close to Home at Nana’s Kitchen.

Soma In The Square will be open from 10.30am-7pm on Saturday, 20 July, and 11am-7pm on Sunday, 21 July. The Castlewellan Upper Square base will include a pop-up bar run by Whitewater Brewing Co., offering their locally brewed ales and lagers as a delicious refreshment. There will also be a variety of food vendors on-site to ensure that festival-goers need not miss a second of the terrific offerings in the space.

On Saturday, SOMA Festival will run their eco-friendly Share Stall from 10.30am, creating a community space where anyone with unwanted plants and extra seeds can swap what they have brought along for another garden delight. For visitors who don’t have green thumbs, Kazoku Karate will host a hands-on workshop at 2pm where anyone can try their hand at the martial art.

Saturday’s line-up also includes the Historical Walking Tour of Dolly’s Brae starting at 2pm, led by historian Pól Ó Gribín and Stiofán Ó Nualláin, exploring local history. At 5.30pm, a short film screening of ‘The Eel Fisher’ will be held in Castlewellan Community Centre, followed by a Q&A.

Sunday, 21 July, brings the final Little Gems event, Drink & Draw, at Savages Bar, blending artistry with alcohol in an expressive workshop led by local environmental artist Tracy McCoey.

As for Soma In The Square, Sunday’s activities include Phil’s Farm, which will take place between 2.30-4.30pm, displaying plenty of exciting animals for everyone to interact with. Different tables under the Upper Square stretch tent will also have arts and crafts workshops available on Saturday and Sunday for the little ones to take part in, providing additional hours of fun.

Both days over the weekend will also give people the chance to visit Bucky’s Circus for free. The nationally-known travelling act promises to bring smiles to the faces of all family members, from kids to grandparents.

Speaking on the fantastic 2024 event lineup, Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July, and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival.