Month: July 2024

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.

 

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

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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 31^st 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  

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.

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.

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 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.