Author: whatsonni

Today, Titanic Belfast, which has been closed since the 18^th March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, has announced its new themed self-guided trail ahead of its grand re-opening on 1^st August 2020.

Over the past four months, the team behind the award-winning attraction have been introducing measures that are not only safe, welcoming and in-line with government guidance but that do justice to the world-famous story and five-star visitor experience.

A key highlight is a new self-guided themed trail which leads visitors on a journey through the Titanic Experience and on-board SS Nomadic. Visitors will be able to discover this world-famous story for themselves in the place where it all began through the eyes of those whose innovation, hard work and ambition-built what is now the most famous ship in the world.

Judith Owens, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, commented, “In 2012, to commemorate the centenary of the sinking of Titanic, we launched Titanic Belfast and put Northern Ireland on the map as home of RMS Titanic. Over the past 8 years, we have become one of the world’s leading visitor attractions and have attracted over 6 million local, national and international visitors. Not only have we been a key economic driver for Northern Ireland but we believe we are a symbol of Titanic’s strength and spirit.”

She continued, “Now more than ever, we need to show that the spirit and ambitionthat built RMS Titanic is still alive today. This year, we look forward to welcoming local visitors through our doors as they enjoy staycations. We want to give our home market something special so they can get closer, go deeper and discover more, without the crowds. To do this, our team have reimagined some of our products, including our new trail. Hopefully those who think they know the story of Titanic will be surprised to discover things they didn’t know.”

The self-guided tour through Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic can be combined with Titanic Belfast’s popular Family Explorer Trail through the galleries, making it the ultimate trip for families.

In addition to the above, locals are encouraged to create Titanic Memories and discover the secrets and symbolism ingrained in the surrounding area by participating in a range of paid for and free activities, including Titanic Belfast’s award-winning, guided outdoor Discovery Tour, or alternatively Titanic Foundation’s Maritime Mile Treasure Trail, which will launch in August.  External benches allow visitors to picnic with a view of the Slipways.

For history buffs, who want to delve deeper and learn more about the men who built the ship, Titanic Foundation are opening up their vast shipyard collection and hosting a free exhibition – Out of Stores –  in Titanic Belfast’s Andrews Gallery, showing how Belfast’s shipbuilding legacy was born.

Titanic Belfast is registered with the Visit Britain ‘We’re Good to Go’ industry standard and through their own “Confidence Charter” is committed to ensuring the health and safety of its visitors and crew. New measures including advanced booking only, prearranged time slots, reduced capacity, vulnerable time-slots, themed one-way tour, sanitisation stations and social distancing throughout, advanced cleaning regimes, fresh air-conditioning, contactless and cashless experiences and a grab and go food offering have been introduced to allow visitors to have a memorable and safe experience. Customers must book online in advance of their visit. To learn more or book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

A phased re-opening of Visitor Information Centres in Causeway Coast and Glens will begin from today (Friday 10th July 2020).  

Facilities located in Ballycastle, Bushmills and Portrush will open from 9.30am – 4.30pm, Monday – Saturday, with lunch closures from 1pm – 1.30pm.

New measures will be in place to ensure user-safety, including the provision of hand sanitiser and limited numbers allowed inside at any time.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Fielding said: “We are pleased to confirm that the re-opening of our Visitor Information Centres is getting underway, and staff are looking forward to assisting you during your time in Causeway Coast and Glens. They can provide up-to-date advice on your visit to the destination or help with tickets and tour bookings while a range of literature and maps is available to take away.

“Our Visitor Information Centres are an important part of our tourism offering and will help to ensure that those coming to the area are well informed at this time.”

Users are also reminded that the Centres have well-stocked retail areas selling quality items which showcase our local artisan makers, including arts, crafts and food produce.

Visitors can contact any of the centres to enquire about accommodation, tours, experiences and things to do by email using the address below or by phone: Ballycastle 028 2076 2024, Bushmills 028 2073 0390 or Portrush 028 7082 3333.

Trade are encouraged to email their accommodation availability and information on their tours and experiences to visitor.information@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

To find out more about the destination go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or follow Visit Causeway on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

This Friday, 10 July, Temple Golf Club in Carryduff will host their first ever drive in cinema and they’ve teamed up with Cinemagic as their charity beneficiaries.

The cinema listings are: 

2pm – The Lion King

4pm – Toy Story

6.15pm – Dirty Dancing

9pm – Grease 

Joan Burney Keatings (pictured), CEO of Cinemagic, is excited about this weekend’s screenings. She says; 

“Cinemagic is delighted to be working in association with The Big Drive Inn, to deliver family friendly films in a safe and fun way. This magical event will definitely be an opportunity to create special family memories and a chance for guests to learn all about Cinemagic via our promo videos which are shown on the big screens before each movie.”

To book tickets for The Big Drive Inn, in association with Cinemagic, check out www.thebigdriveinn.com/tickets

You can also pre-order food direct from Temple Golf Club, which you can enjoy in your car during the movies. Burgers and Hotdogs £7.00, popcorn and chips £2.00. 

Venders across Coleraine town known as the Capital of the Causeway Coast, are delighted to be able to raise the shutters, open their doors and welcome some new and familiar faces as they reopen for business.

Stores across Coleraine are boosting its impressive safety measures put in place to ensure the shopping experience is an enjoyable and socially distanced welcoming environment.

Adjusting to our new normal has inspired businesses to think innovatively on ensuring Coleraine is a safe shopping town to visit with remapping the flow of customers throughout shopping and dining spaces, training staff on sanitation, adapting their payment options and introducing new booking systems.

Historically Coleraine was the market town of the North Coast which allows ample space for the safe movement of visitors making use of the wide pedestrian areas, outdoor seating areas and the 2,000 car parking spaces within the vicinity.

The boost for Coleraine is being supported and promoted by the Coleraine Business Development Improvement District (BID) which exists to ensure the town achieves its full potential through working with local businesses to invest and reap opportunities for improvement.

Jamie Hamill, BID Development Manager commented on these developments: “It is wonderful to see the high street retailers and quality independent stores within Coleraine opening their doors once again, and many with fantastic promotions and offers on.

“Following a tough few months of lockdown, isolating and online shopping, the visitors I have been speaking to are very thankful for local businesses opening up again. It’s clear from chatting to the locals also that they have really missed the town as it provides some retail therapy and a sense of community as you always meet someone you haven’t seen in a while.

“Now that hospitality, hairdressers and beauty salons as well as retail are reopening, this will really add to a fuller visitor experience. We would really want to urge visitors travelling to the North Coast for a day out or a staycation that they pop for a visit and rediscover Coleraine as it is a beautiful, historic and vibrant place which is for everyone to enjoy.”

Local faces extended a kind thank you to the public for supporting and shopping local during the pandemic, through a social media video which was produced and shared by Coleraine BID on their social media channels. Visit ‘Our Coleraine’ on Facebook to watch.

Hastings Hotels is looking forward to welcoming guests back this summer with a fantastic selection of offers to enjoy a staycation in one of the group’s seven stunning properties including the 5-star Culloden Estate & Spa and the Grand Central Hotel in Belfast.

Grand Central Hotel

Why not book a break in Belfast City Centre and stay at the Grand Central Hotel, home to Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar, the Observatory. Overnight breaks from Friday 3^rd July start from just £75pps and include Full Irish Breakfast. Stay for 2+ nights and get £10 off per day or stay for 4+ nights and get £20 off per day.*

The Grand Central Hotel has a delightful range of dining options including the Grand Café which is perfect for casual meetings to catch-ups over coffee and long, lazy lunches and the Seahorse Bar & Restaurant offering sumptuous Afternoon Tea and an exquisite evening menu.  The Observatory on the hotel’s 23^rd floor, is the most luxurious cocktail lounge in Ireland, where guests can sit back, relax and sip on the finest cocktail and drinks selection and enjoy the breathtaking views of Belfast and beyond.

Culloden Estate & Spa

Enjoy a luxury overnight escape to the Culloden Estate & Spa from Friday 17^th July from only £105pps with Full Irish Breakfast the following morning. Stay for 2+ nights and get £15 off per day or stay for 3+ nights and get £20 off per day.*

This magnificent hotel is just six miles from Belfast and boasts stunning views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim. The Culloden stands in 12 acres of beautiful secluded gardens and woodland and offers a fabulous range of dining options including Vespers Restaurant serving modern cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients; The Lough Bar offering light snacks and the hotel’s famous decadent Afternoon Tea and the Cultra Inn, a cosy bar and bistro which nestles within the Estate and is perfect for a tasty lunch, evening meal or pint by the fireside. 

This summer, the Culloden will be home to the Jawbox Mobile Bar, which will be located on the lawn outside the Cultra Inn serving a delightful selection of Gin serves, wine and beer in the sunshine.

For further information or to book go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. Due to government restrictions the Culloden’s Spa & Health Club will remain closed until permitted to reopen by government guidance.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Sport and Well Being team is helping us to stay active with a new series of free virtual exercise and health classes.

The live classes, which will be delivered using the Zoom platform by Council’s qualified tutors, will allow you to take part in Yoga, Pilates, Tums and Bums, Fitness and Dance Fit.  The weekly timetable will also include classes on health and nutrition, chair based exercise and ageing well. 

Alderman Mark Fielding, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, said: “This fantastic initiative shows Council’s innovative approach to ensuring our residents stay active during the current pandemic. With an overall focus on health and wellbeing, there’s a great variety of activities and topics to choose from and I would encourage people to get involved. Staying active is so important at this time and this free programme will allow you to avail of expert guidance and instruction from the comfort of your own home.”

Classes will begin from week commencing Monday 22nd June 2020 and the timetable will be refreshed every two weeks. 

To register your place or to request additional information email sportsdevelopment@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk. 

You will be sent an application form to complete and return via email. Following this you will receive the link to your selected Zoom course. 

If you have any queries you can also ring 07719 745936.

The programme is supported by Sport Northern Ireland and the Public Health Agency.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has given a helping hand to local businesses as they prepare to reopen following Covid-19.

From Tuesday 16th June, hundreds of packs containing social distancing posters, masks, hand sanitisers, advice leaflets, visors and much more have been distributed to small independent retailers across the towns of Antrim, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Glengormley and Randalstown.

The packs help retailers introduce social distancing measures as well as providing advice and support from the Council on getting back to business. This initiative is part of Council’s Business Resilience and Revival Package which to date, has included a number of online business workshops and webinars. Topics include Innovation and Changing Work Practices, Re-Opening with the Greatest Impact and a Complete Guide to E-Commerce.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth said, “Businesses throughout our Borough have been hit hard by the current pandemic and it is important they reopen safely. The Council is assisting businesses to get back up and running and I would encourage business owners to avail of the support and help available. I would also take this opportunity to ask everyone to show their support for these businesses and Shop Local over the forthcoming weeks to revitalise our towns and commercial centres.”

If you are a business in Antrim and Newtownabbey and would like to access Council business support please text BUSINESS to 80039 or E. business@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. Information is also available on the Council’s website or alternatively visit www.publichealth.hscni.net for additional help and guidance.

The Bushmills Business Association has welcomed the news that non essential shops can re-open and in preparation have added a retail focused sub group to support businesses further.

This popular North Coast village has a wide variety of retail offerings including stylish boutiques, antiques, souvenirs, art galleries, a small museum and craft shops making it a must stop destination.

Ian Bickerstaff from Gallery 1608 joined the BBA retail group as he recognised the potential to collaborate more with other business owners in the village. His experience in strategic and financial management brings fresh new thinking to the group.  ‘As a group we are planning a positive campaign over the next couple of months to get the message out that Bushmills is back in Business’. Gallery 1608 houses one of Northern Irelands largest Fine Art Collection showcasing the talents of Irelands Top Artists. The Gallery also champions many local crafts including sculptures, ceramics and a stunning range of handmade jewellery. The Gallery moved quickly, on the closure of their shop in March, by investing in their website introducing a seamless online shopping option. Gallery owner Ian admits ‘Many of my customers like to view our collection in the space we have created, they enjoy talking to our experienced team about the artist so we have been working hard to allow that to happen and in addition we are now offering one to one appointments on selected evenings, by appointment ’.

Karen Yates founder and designer of Taylor Yates luxury soft leather handbags also joined the working group and brings her broad experience in business and marketing. Karen is currently the part time CEO of Coleraine Chamber and is working at the highest levels to engage with Stormont on economic recovery plans. Speaking about her own business Karen explains that her customers fall in love with her bags once they get the opportunity to touch and feel how soft the leather is so she is offering virtual appointments with the option of sending customers a sample of British leather to do just that while they are having a virtual one to one. Karen believes businesses need to think differently and become more flexible in the short term to survive.

Pam McAllister of Therapy Style, a popular fashion boutique, has been a successful business owner in Bushmills for 18 years and has been an active member of the BBA. Pam has welcomed the opportunity to chat to other retailers particularly during this difficult time. ‘It been very challenging but I have   focused on building my connection with my loyal customers and reach out to new customers, I spent lockdown rebranding, online sales, focusing more on social media and giving my shop a face lift. I am offering my customers the opportunity to book exclusive one to one appointments and as a virtual version offering Fashion FaceTime slots which I’m really excited about, I have really missed my customers’ and adds ‘Chatting to other retailers has been really helpful and  going forward we believe that working together will be a key part of getting back on track.

BBA Vice Chairman Gary Stewart congratulated all three businesses for coming together at this stage and commended all the essential businesses who delivered excellent levels of service to residents during the pandemic. He added ‘We have a lot of hospitality businesses in Bushmills but we must not forget about our wide ranging retail offering and we are optimistic for our economic recovery and  hopeful that other retailers will get involved as things settle down’

LIVE cheese tasting celebrating local produce at home

16^th June 2020: Discover NI is hosting a virtual cheese tasting and pairing workshop on Friday 19^th June, showcasing stand out artisanal produce to help you create the perfect Northern Ireland cheese board at home.

The educational session will be hosted by local food champion Johnny McDowell, founder and co-owner of Indie Füde, a delicious delicatessen nestled in the heart of Comber in County Down. Johnny is extremely passionate about local produce, with vast knowledge of the superb products available on our doorstep.

Named Best Food Destination last year, Northern Ireland is home to world renowned local produce, including delicious cheeses.

With Johnny sharing the stories behind many Northern Ireland’s cheese producers, Facebook Live viewers will also learn about local artisan beverages to pair with cheeses, such as gins, ciders or craft beers, to achieve the perfect flavours.

From Young Buck Cheese based in Newtownards, Dart Mountain Cheese from the Sperrin Mountains and Ballylisk Cheese in Armagh, session participants will learn more about the award-winning products from across Northern Ireland. 

As an opportunity to continue to support local artisan producers, particularly during this time, tune in and enjoy learning about the mouth-watering flavours via: 

Discover Northern Ireland Facebook Page

Friday 19^th June, 6.30pm

Follow the Discover Northern Ireland social channels for updates and where to purchase delicious local cheeses, embracing the spirit of Northern Ireland during the time.

Since the start of the lockdown in March the team at Lyric Theatre Belfast has been committed to adapt, innovate and provide audiences with access to great theatre via their online platform, Lyric Theatre Online. This is set to continue with the announcement that their huge 2018 hit Good Vibrations, starring Aaron McCusker, will be available for 24 hours on Wednesday 17^th June from 8pm.

“New York has the haircuts, London has the trousers, but Belfast has the reason!” The hit production Good Vibrations, adapted for stage from the popular film, starring Aaron McCusker (Bohemian Rhapsody, Shameless) and directed by Des Kennedy (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) follows the life of radical, rebel and music lover Terri Hooley (Aaron McCusker) on a mission to create an alternative Ulster,by uncovering some of the best punk bands of the 70’s. This is the feel good, rebellious, two-fingers-up production and must-see lockdown theatre.

Looking forward to Good Vibrations streaming from Lyric Theatre Online, Des Kennedy  commented:

“I’m really pleased the Lyric are streaming this production.  It feels like a good time to be showing this story about a city on lockdown.  Good Vibrations shows Terri challenging bigotry, police intimidation and white supremacy and it is about young people rising up and trying to smash a system that only offers violence, poverty and lack of opportunity. As the world goes through a period of radical transformation, Good Vibrations challenges its audience to “grab it, change it, it’s yours!”

Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer, Lyric Theatre said:

“This is an incredibly difficult and challenging time for everyone in the Arts sector. With many theatres forced to close for the foreseeable future,  it is so important that we look to ways to adapt, innovate and work together as we seek to navigate our way through the recovery plan for this new normal. We continue with our commitment to programming for Lyric Theatre Online with the hugely popular ‘Good Vibrations’. This vibrant, engaged, relevant production is something that’s very much needed during these times. We also continue with our commitment to support, as much as we possibly can, everyone connected to our magnificent theatre from our staff to freelancers.  The arts play a key part in our civic lives and much as it is a lifeline to us while we are in lockdown, it will be just as important to help us as a society heal from this crisis. I am convinced that it will continue to be as important in the future as it always has been.”

As a charity, the Lyric relies upon its audience for up to two-thirds of their income and is the largest employer of freelance actors and other theatre professionals in Northern Ireland. To help Lyric withstand this impact please consider making a small donation as you enjoy this production of Good Vibrations. All support is greatly appreciated.

Good Vibrations was supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.

Good Vibrations is available to view for free from 17^th June from 8pm for 24 hours only on www.lyrictheatre.co.uk and youtube.com/LyricTheatreNI.  Follow Lyric Theatre on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @LyricBelfast #LyricEntertain.