Month: May 2025

This June, Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will once again be transformed into an open-air gallery as the much-loved ForM Sculpture Exhibition returns.

Featuring around 40 striking works by artists from across the island of Ireland, the exhibition offers visitors the chance to experience sculpture in a truly unique setting – surrounded by the garden’s vibrant blooms and greenery.

From large-scale installations to subtle, tucked-away creations, the artworks are thoughtfully placed throughout the garden, inviting exploration and discovery at every turn. Whether you’re a passionate follower of the arts or simply looking for an enjoyable family outing, ForM provides a memorable experience for all ages.

Patricia Hamilton, Arts Officer at Ards and North Down Borough Council, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome ForM back to the Walled Garden. It’s an event that continues to grow in scale and reputation, thanks to the incredible creativity of the artists involved. The garden is always beautiful, but the addition of sculpture elevates the space even further – it’s a wonderful way to engage with both art and nature.”

The ForM Sculpture Exhibition runs from Sunday 1 June to Monday 30 June 2025, with free admission. Opening hours for the Walled Garden (from 1 June) are 10am – 8pm, Monday to Thursday, and 10am – 6pm on weekends and Bank Holidays.

Exhibition maps are available at all entrances to help guide visitors through the exhibition, and many of the featured sculptures will also be available to purchase.

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

BALLYGALLY Castle has announced a vibrant programme of events and exclusive packages from May to December to commemorate its 400th anniversary, inviting both guests and the local community to immerse themselves in the castle’s rich history, culture, and stunning coastal setting.

It’s a double celebration for the stunning hotel as it has once again been recognised by Tripadvisor in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards Best of the Best, placing it among the top 1% of listings worldwide.

Based on authentic reviews from the Tripadvisor community over the past year, this award reflects genuine guest experiences and Tripadvisor’s trusted authority.

Built in 1625 by James Shaw and perched along Northern Ireland’s beautiful Antrim coastline, the historic castle has evolved through the centuries to become one of the region’s most treasured destinations.

Since joining the Hastings Hotels group in 1966 under the ownership of Sir William Hastings, the castle’s unique character has been lovingly preserved, earning it both local admiration and global recognition.

Exclusive 400-Year Anniversary Packages

Each package celebrates a chapter in Ballygally Castle’s legacy, offering bespoke experiences inspired by its historic spirit:

• Fortress of Beginnings (May- June): For £400 to celebrate 400 years, guests enjoy a two-night stay, two-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant with a bottle of prosecco, a locally sourced seaweed bath gift, and full Irish breakfast each morning.
• A Knight at the Castle (May-July): An overnight stay and breakfast and a bottle of Ballygally’s own branded beer, created in partnership with White Water Brewery, featuring a historic label telling the castle’s story. From £175 per room, per night.
• Echoes of the Past (July-September): A celebration of local flavours with an overnight stay, dinner and breakfast, featuring produce like whiskey, beef, and salmon, plus a Garden Tour.
• A New Dawn (September-October): Honouring the transformative 1960s, enjoy a glamorous fashion show with afternoon tea and an immersive murder mystery evening, all wrapped in a luxurious overnight package.
• Modern Era (October-December): Rounding off the year with another £400 special, guests will enjoy a two-night stay, two-course dinner with prosecco, and receive a signature Ballygally Castle candle.

Key Events

• August: As part of Hastings Hotels’ Live Well Work Well initiative, Ballygally Castle will host a community beach clean-up, inviting guests and locals to help preserve the beauty of its coastal surroundings.
• 13th September: A fashion show afternoon tea in the Kintyre Ballroom, spotlighting local designers and showcasing Ballygally’s signature hospitality.
• 18th October: A Castle of Secrets Murder Mystery Night – The castle transforms into a stage for a thrilling murder mystery event. Guests will enjoy an immersive evening of engaging characters, unexpected plot twists, and interactive clues, complete with a welcome drink, a 2-course dinner and an overnight stay in one of the castle’s historic rooms. Rates start at £300 for two sharing.

The hotel is also launching limited-edition merchandise for guests. Next month, the hotel will debut its own Ballygally-branded beer, created in partnership with White Water Brewery, with a historic label telling the castle’s story. Guests staying during the autumn will also receive a branded 400-year commemorative candle when they book the Fortress of Beginnings package.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the recent Tripadvisor recognition as we unveil a series of special events and packages to mark the hotel’s historic milestone,” said Scott Weatherup, General Manager of Ballygally Castle.

“Ballygally Castle has been part of the fabric of this community for centuries, and we’re incredibly grateful to our guests and local supporters who have been with us throughout the years.

“This anniversary is not only a proud moment for the hotel but also for the entire Hastings Hotels family. It promises to be a truly memorable year, filled with unique experiences that celebrate our rich heritage and the timeless charm of the castle.”

For further information or to book a 400th Anniversary package, visit: www.ballygallycastlehotel.com

THE countdown is well and truly underway for this year’s Armoy Road Races, which takes place in the County Antrim village on Friday 25^th July and Saturday 26^th July, with a strong lineup of sponsors supporting the event.

This year’s event welcomes the return of the Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae, as title sponsor of the hugely popular Race of Legends and joining them is a whole host of sponsors that have also been instrumental in supporting the event. With large crowds of local and visiting fans expected, the event consists of a busy programme of 14 races hosted across two days, and according to Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club Treasurer, George Huey, “the financial support of the sponsors is vital in enabling us to host and meet the rising costs of running the Road Races.”

Long-standings sponsors, Park Electrical Services, a leading supplier of specialist electrical products in Northern Ireland, and Brap Moto, a motorcycle dealership in Moira offering sales and breakdown recovery, will continue their commitment to the event by jointly sponsoring the Senior Support Race for the fifth year.

Davey Chambers owner of Brap Moto, said: “I am delighted to once again be involved with the Armoy Road Races. The event grows year on year with more riders and supporters coming along which is testament to the hard work of the AMRRC volunteers. I am a huge fan of the event and at Brap Moto, we trade in classic and collectable motorbikes, so it is a great opportunity for us to be involved in the races and to see some of the fantastic bikes being ridden by world-class riders around such an exciting course.”

Historically, the first race off the grid on Saturday 26^th July is the Junior Support Race which for the last few years has been jointly sponsored by local men, Ian Hickinson and James McKillop, who have both supported the race that recognises our future up and coming riders.

Two more returning long-time sponsors are the Diamond Bar in Ballymoney and the Mermaid Club in Kircubbin who will again sponsor this year’s Lightweight Supersport Race.

Ken Palmer, from the Mermaid Club, commented: “We have been sponsoring the Armoy Road Races for sixteen years now and we are excited to be involved again for 2025.  The Mermaid Club is largely made up of road racing fans from the Kircubbin area in County Down and we really enjoy getting along to Armoy, supporting the event and catching up with our friends from AMRRC.  We’re looking forward to seeing some great racing.”

Meanwhile, Stephen Hargan, manager of the Diamond Bar added: “We are pleased to sponsor the Lightweight Supersport race again this year.  To be able to watch some of the world’s top riders compete right on our doorstep is a privilege and everyone at the Diamond Bar is looking forward to a busy few days of racing and welcoming all the riders and fans to our bar.”

AMRRC Chairman, Gareth McAuley said: “The countdown to this year’s Armoy Road Races is well and truly on and once again we are indebted to our sponsors as without their support, we simply couldn’t host the event. I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Club, to thank all of our returning sponsors and welcome our new sponsors for 2025. 

“The Armoy Road Races has evolved from an idea and a small club meeting in 2007, to the much bigger two-day race event that it is now, which is largely due to the continued hard work and commitment of the AMRRC volunteers and the financial support we receive from our sponsors.  The races attract top-class riders and visitors from across the globe, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming them to Armoy for what we know will be another thrilling and exciting event this year.”

Supported in part by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Armoy Road Races will take place on Friday, July 25th, and Saturday, July 26th, culminating in the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

Programme packages are currently on sale via the website, that includes a full colour race programme, your vehicle parking pass and a limited-edition event lanyard which enables spectators to enter specific vantage points around the circuit. Visit: www.armoyroadraces.com for further details.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on X @ArmoyRoadRaces.

Docs Ireland returns to Belfast this June (23^rd-29^th) with its seventh programme, showcasing hard-hitting, eye-opening, and life-affirming documentaries from Ireland and around the world.

Dedicated to powerful non-fiction storytelling through premieres, screenings, and awards, it also features a robust industry programme, connecting filmmakers with leading commissioners and film financiers, drawing a host of influential industry representatives to the city.

Highlights include a screening of Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man with live commentary from editor Joe Bini, special screenings celebrating Irish documentary legend Bob Quinn, an exploration of David Lynch through documentary, IGNITE-Docs LASAIR a new Irish language Talent development programme, and a host of brand new documentaries from across the island of Ireland and around the world.

GALA SCREENINGS

Docs Ireland, in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast, is honoured to welcome former US senator George Mitchell for a Gala Screening and world premiere of The Negotiator directed by Trevor Birney (producer of Kneecap). The film explores Mitchell’s involvement in chairing the talks process that culminated in the Good Friday/Belfast agreement and will be followed by a Q&A with Senator George Mitchell and hosted by Miriam O’Callaghan.

Closing Docs Ireland this year will be the award-winning debut feature by Belfast-based artist Myrid Carten, A Want In Her. A deeply personal, beautifully conveyed film which explores the filmmaker’s relationship with her mother. Her search takes her into a feuding family, a contested house; and a history that threatens to take everyone down, including herself.

SPECIAL EVENTS 

This year Docs Ireland is excited to celebrate the work of three filmmakers whose impact on the world of film cannot be underestimated. World class editor Joe Bini (You Were Never Really Here, My Best Fiend, All the Beauty and the Bloodshed) will be live and in person at QFT for a live commentary on Werner Herzog’s classic Grizzly Man. 

The legendary Bob Quinn will be celebrated with an award for Outstanding Contribution to Irish Documentary alongside screenings of his films The Family and Atlantean and no festival would be complete without a weird and wonderful exploration of the work of David Lynch in the The Pink Room – A Night Of David Lynch Talking And Being Talked About.

This Docs Ireland moves outside of Belfast for one night only for a special world premiere screening of Music For Domes directed by Dawn Richardson from Hosta Projects and scored by RÓIS, at the Armagh Planetarium.

Live performances accompanying documentaries have become a staple of Docs Ireland. Docs Ireland’s Night for Palestine will bring together artists from throughout Ireland to raise money for Palestine with a night of live music, poetry readings and talks, ending in a DJ set by David Holmes. 

NEW IRISH DOCUMENTARY

Docs Ireland is dedicated to introducing the best in new Irish documentary and this is exemplified in the annual Pull Focus Irish Documentary Competition. From an investigation into the disappeared in Hunting Captain Nairac by Alison Millar, an exploration of folk horror in 1970s Northern Ireland in Operation Bogeyman by Simon Aeppli, Latina, Latina by Adrian Duncan and voiced by Wendy Erskine which follows an Irish geologist who discovers the diaries of her estranged father from fascist-era Italy and Born that Way by Éamon Little exploring disability, care and the life of Music journalist Patrick Lydon in the last years of his life.

This year’s Pull Focus competition also includes two documentaries in the Irish language; a career at a crossroads is explored in Paddy Hayes’ Irish language documentary David Keenan: Focla Ar Chanbhás/ Words on Canvas and Ag Taisteal Siar/Travelling Back takes a look at music in the Irish traveller community.

This year the festival will recognise acclaimed Irish cinematographer, stills photographer and documentary director Ross McDonnell, who tragically lost his life in 2023 with the Ross McDonnell Award for Best Cinematography in an Irish Feature, the winner of which will be selected from the films nominated for the Pull Focus Irish Documentary Competition by an independent jury.

Belfast Docs, a programme of short film created with The Hearth (commissioned by Belfast 2024), will see the world premiere of three short documentaries made in collaboration with Belfast community groups; Seeking Home directed by Gillian Callan, Stranded Dreams directed by Alison Millar and Ardoyne Youth Club directed by Seán Murray.

INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY

Docs Ireland’s Maysles Documentary Competition celebrates the best in international observational documentary. This year sees films from six different countries and four continents; Always: (A Letter to Childhood), a poetic coming of age exploration from China,Bogancloch, Ben Rivers’ follow up to the award-winning Two Years At Sea, is a subtle depiction of a quiet life in Scotland, from the same filmmakers as Oscar winning 20 Days in Mariupol, 2000 Meters to Andriivka is a devastating account of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Docs Ireland this year will focus on three countries Palestine, Poland and Kenya. Alongside How to Build a Library is Shadow Scholars which explores the hidden industry of essay writing, directed by Eloïse King and executive produced by Steve McQueen.

A collection of short films, From Ground Zero by Palestinian filmmakers document the devastation of the destruction of Gaza and also the resilience of the Palestinian people, and A State of Passion follows heroic doctor Ghassan Abu Sittah as he faces his sixth war in Gaza and fights to bring vital medical care to the people of Gaza during the ongoing genocide.

Finally, this year Docs Ireland’s spotlight on Poland, in partnership with Krakow Film Festival, alongside Silent Trees brings short film Talking Heads (1981) and Everything Needs to Live which follows the unusual life of athlete and animal rights activist Anna Kurkurina.

SHORTS 

Docs Ireland celebrates the contribution of short filmmakers to the Irish documentary landscape with two shorts competition programmes and 4 shorts selection programmes exploring everything from Belfast lamp lighters to queer nightlife in Dublin to the British Sumo wrestling championships, aemi (Artists and Experimental Image) return to Docs Ireland with a curated programme including shorts from Sarah Browne and Omar Chowdhury which engage in humour and performance, and both Ulster University and the Centre for Documentary Research at Queens University Belfast present a series of short showcases and talks.

INDUSTRY

Docs Ireland returns with a jam-packed industry programme of workshops, panels and networking opportunities. The BFI Doc Society’s Creative Documentary Making in Focus will present the first roundtable addressing issues in the documentary film industry across both the UK and Ireland.

The How to Fund Market and Sell a Documentary in a Post-Covid Landscape panel will provide vital industry insight into sustainable documentary filmmaking in our current landscape. This will be followed by a screening of Tom Burke’s documentary The Gap in Consent in which he spoke to Irish filmmakers about the complicated issue of consent and documentary participants.

The Anatomy of the Frame panel with world-class filmmakers such as Kate McCullough (An Cailín Ciúin/ The Quiet Girl, Normal People) and Magda Kowalczyk (Cow, High & Low – John Galliano), will be a fascinating deep dive into the work of cinematographers in documentary; the return of the Northern Ireland Screen Pitch in association with Yellowmoon and Docs Ireland’s Industry flagship Marketplace will bring decision makers from throughout the industry to Belfast to meet with filmmakers.

In collaboration with Cork International Film Festival, Docs Ireland has announced the first short documentary in the Irish language training/mentorship programme, supported by TG4, and the Irish Language Broadcast Fund. LASAIR New Talent Development scheme is an extension  of the IGNITE-Docs talent development programme which is currently in its fifth year.

Michele Devlin, Chief Executive at Docs Ireland said: “Among the international guests, Docs Marketplace and brilliant films, audiences will find stories about incredible music, film culture, social justice, current world conflicts and the people who strive to resolve them. Rare archive and modern tales sit alongside brand new exhibition concepts, with fusion events including documentary and theatre, a planetarium and a homage to the great David Lynch. This year’s programme is bursting with creativity and talent from across the island of Ireland and beyond.”

Richard Williams, Chief Executive at Northern Ireland Screen commented: “We are proud to support Docs Ireland as it enters its seventh year, a festival that continues to be an important platform for both emerging and established documentary talent. Docs Ireland plays a key role in fostering cross-border collaboration, attracting international co-productions, and advancing the global reach of Irish documentary through sales and distribution opportunities. We’re especially pleased to see the IGNITE-Docs initiative expand through LASAIR, a new strand for Irish language short documentaries, developed in partnership with the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and TG4. It’s great to see the festival close with A Want In Her, directed by Myrid Carten — a project that received its first development grant at Northern Ireland Screen’s inaugural pitch in 2019 and stands as a testament to the long-term impact of this festival and its partners.”

Docs Ireland is supported by Northern Ireland Screen through the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, BFI/Film Hub NI, and British Council and is proudly sponsored by TG4, BBC NI, Yellowmoon, FinePoint Films and Stellify Media.

The Priory Singers present “Eyes on the Prize” – Folksongs, Spirituals and Jazz for a Summer Evening.

Following the resounding success of last Summer’s “Madrigals and Jazz” fusion concerts, the Priory Singers will now take to the stage in the grandeur of Parliament Buildings Stormont for an evening of evocative story-telling through music.

“Eyes on the Prize” is more than a concert, it’s an immersive musical journey. Audiences will be guided through the rich tapestry of sound that weaves together the haunting beauty of rural English folksongs, the soul-stirring spirituals of America’s Deep South, and the electrifying rhythms of early jazz. It is a story of heritage, struggle, triumph, and joy, told through song.

Under the artistic direction of Mr Philip Bolton MBE, The Priory Singers will once again push the boundaries of choral performance with Vaughan Williams Delius, and blend classical technique with folk idioms and jazz influences to create a uniquely dynamic experience. The programme will explore the roots of American music, tracing its lineage back to European folk traditions, African American spirituals, and the birth of blues and jazz.

Joining the choir for this special performance are some of Ulster’s most celebrated instrumental soloists, whose artistry will add depth, colour, and flair to the evening. Expect piano improvisations, soulful strings, and captivating wind solos, all carefully woven into the musical fabric of the performance.

Set against the stunning backdrop of Parliament Buildings Stormont, “Eyes on the Prize” promises an evening of atmosphere and elegance. The historic surroundings offer a spectacular setting in which to experience the emotional power of music that speaks to both the past and the present.

“This concert is about connection,” says Philip Bolton. “It connects continents, cultures, and centuries. It’s also a reflection on how music can give voice to shared human experiences. We’re thrilled to bring this ambitious programme to Stormont.”

The Priory Singers has built a reputation for their adventurous programming, high-calibre performances, and ability to create concerts that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. With “Eyes on the Prize”, the ensemble continues to evolve, drawing in new audiences while staying true to their choral roots.

Whether you’re a lover of traditional music, a jazz enthusiast, or simply someone seeking an unforgettable cultural experience in a majestic venue, “Eyes on the Prize” offers something truly special. Expect soaring harmonies, unexpected musical twists, and a powerful message at the heart of it all.

Don’t miss this extraordinary celebration of music, culture and heritage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic locations. “Eyes on the Prize” – Folksongs, Spirituals and Jazz for a Summer Evening, on Saturday 7 June at 7.30pm in Parliament Buildings Stormont, Belfast (entrance via Massey Avenue). Tickets are priced at £20 each, £5 for students and under 16s.

To book tickets, email thepriorysingers@outlook.com and follow The Priory Singers on social media.

All welcome to the Fine Art Exhibition by Brian Farrell 

Friday 30th May 2025 – 7pm – 9pm

The Exhibition will continue until 19th June 2025

Opening times : Wednesday – Saturday 12- 5pm

About the Exhibition

In this, Farrell’s most recent body of work, he bares his soul on canvas, using bold strokes to reveal his innermost secrets and vulnerabilities through an uncompromising, frenetic brush that reflects a journey through his own mental health marked by anxiety, paranoia, and depression.

Unusually, his images are paired down to their essence; to emphasise the importance of the lines of his chosen vocation, where black and white ignite his internal emotions.

On display on the walls of this gallery are Farrell’s paintings, born from a dark place, lay bare the emotional state of a man struggling to keep a grip, echoing a frantic, doomed existence and moments of feeling utterly alone.

This body of work that is authentic to his own experience of life, often left unfinished like the final pieces of artists who died too soon, hinting at a dangerous proximity to death.

Drawing from the rawness of Käthe Kollwitz and the abstract expressionism of Franz Kline, these works transform terrible circumstances into something more positive and meaningful which offer the viewer a stark, authentic reflection of Farrell’s current emotional reality.

Each painting is very personal, a part of the artist, a constant observation of heads, eyes, and movement, capturing moods and meanings with endless possibilities, where the process itself reinforces the vitality.

About the Artist

Brian Farrell is a Derry painter whose work provokes imagination and interpretation while seeking to capture the aesthetic and the beautiful. He is interested in solitary figures and faces in close up which he captures in great detail, suggesting introspection and the state of being alone.

He often expresses autobiographical emotions in his work. Heavily influenced by the Expressionists and interested in glances and visage, Brian seeks to encapsulate specific moods and emotions with a modern style, a sometimes

dark visual content, and abstract colours.

Themes and ideas about surviving adversity and the everyday angst of being human and alive are evident in the work. Paintings that are a testament to resilience through the process of introspection are key to Brian’s output. His work invisages or masklike forms, sometimes painted with bright and vibrant colours, could be seen to contradict the much darker themes that inspire him. He engages with inner worlds rather than the external and his images express these ideas.

Brian is particularly interested in exhibiting in an artistic setting where his work can

invoke a reaction from viewers and peers on a level much deeper than the surface

image might suggest. He produces work that is crafted to encourage a trigger or a

thought process in someone else’s mind. His artistic goals are visual and constantly

tuned to ideas that will inform and expose his drawings and paintings.

“Brian Farrell is a painter who captures the aesthetic and beauty in images of solitary figures that penetrate surface detail to explore themes of introspection and resilience. Brian has a particular talent for capturing mood and emotion with a modern style, a direct engagement with inner worlds, and an often unexpected use of colour.”

About UV Arts – Garden of reflection Gallery takeover

The project is part of UV Arts community outreach program and continued takeover of the Garden of Reflection Gallery. The partnership between UV Arts and Inner City Trust continues with engaging and inspiring art opportunities and exhibitions for local artists.

“The Urban Art Gallery” hosts a series of workshops and demonstrations, and a School for Street Art, promoting and educating people and places via street art and contemporary mural arts, in addition to having an alternative art store stocking all the tools required to create colossal art and also a podcast studio that can be booked by local creatives and businesses.

UV Arts aims to educate, promote and change perceptions of public spaces via street art, graffiti and contemporary mural arts. Specialising in large scale outdoor murals, advertising and community-driven initiatives, Karl Porter and his team are involved in many creative and collaborative projects across the North West.