Author: whatsonni

On March 17, Coleraine and District Motor Club announced the 2020 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils North West 200, scheduled for May 10-16, would be postponed following the government’s introduction of restrictions to deal with the Coronavirus pandemic.

Since March the organisers of the NW200 have been in consultation with all of the relevant agencies to explore the possibility of running the event at a later date during 2020. We have corresponded with officials from the N.I. Executive as well as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council plus all of the NW200’s stakeholders, considering every option available to us should there be a suitable window of opportunity.

Despite these efforts, it is now obvious the disruption and uncertainty the virus will continue to place on all of our lives and activities in the coming months will make it impossible to deliver the extensive planning required to run an event on the scale of the North West 200.  That being the case, Coleraine and District Motor Club have taken the unfortunate but responsible and necessary decision to cancel the 2020 races. We apologise for any inconvenience this will cause for our competitors, volunteers and race fans.

A provisional date for the 2021 fonaCAB and Nicholl Oils NW200 Race Week Festival has already been set for 9^th to 15^th May. We hope everyone stays safe and well so we can return to an even bigger and better North West 200 12 months from now.

Over the Easter period (Friday 10^th – Monday 13^th April), the iconic Titanic Belfast will be supporting the #chasetherainbow campaign and will be sporting a colourful rainbow illumination at night as a display of positivity. Other landmarks in Titanic Quarter including The Great Light are also joining this initiative.

Judith Owens, Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive “In 2012, we opened our doors with the aim of showing that the spirit that built RMS Titanic was still present today. Since then, the building has become symbol of Northern Ireland and its spirit. Therefore, it feels only right that we throw our weight behind the #chasetherainbow campaign. Now, more than ever, we need to support each other and this small daily gesture aims to raise peoples spirits over the coming weeks and months and remind everyone that there will be better days ahead.”

The iconic building will continue to light up blue on Thursdays, as part of the #clapforcarers campaign, to show its appreciation to the NHS and the vital work it is undertaking.  For more details follow #ChaseTheRainbow.

Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) in partnership with NSPCC, Western Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Heath and Social Care Trust and the Education Authority have developed a Digital Wellbeing and Safeguarding resource pack to help parents keep their children and themselves safer online.

Digital safety and wellbeing messages along with support services are more important than ever, as people are spending more time online at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and families are also accessing apps and sites which they may have never used before which makes them vulnerable to online abuse and scammers.

Speaking about the resource pack, PCSP Chairperson Alderman George Duddy said: “Along with our partners, the PCSP had planned to hold a series of digital safety and wellbeing events at the end March but these were postponed due to the current health crisis. As the pandemic continues we are witnessing the wonderful side of the online world, where grandparents can see and talk to grandchildren whilst in isolation, communities can connect and support one another through volunteering and providing practical help and our children have been able to keep up to date with their education and even take part in PE classes at the same time as their peers.

“However, we also know of the dangers and pitfalls of the online world and we must not forget or be complacent in taking measures to stay safe. This support pack provides practical advice for staying safe online, along with the importance of looking after your mental health and developing resilience skills.

“I appeal to everyone to take some time to read the advice in this pack, use internet privacy settings, never add people you don’t know to your social media network and report any unwanted attention to the police.”

The resource pack is available on the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website at www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/policing-and-community-safety-partnership  or if you would like to receive a copy via email please contact: orlaith.quinn@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or michael.mccafferty@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Our theatres, museums and attractions may be closed right now but that won’t stop us bringing you the best of Arts and Culture to enjoy online from the safety of your home.

Our Cultural Life programme transforms into Cultural Lounge by going online from Monday 6 April as we present a diverse digital programme of arts, heritage, craft and more, all of which can be enjoyed live and online from your home! Stay at home with us and enjoy the many qualities and benefits of culture, so vital for our wellbeing during this challenging time.

During this uncertain period we want to keep in touch with you and help you stay entertained.  Starting on Monday 6 April, we will deliver a weekly programme offering something for all ages to enjoy, all available from our Facebook pages and YouTube channels. Young and old can access a variety of activity, art forms and cultural offerings which will inform, entertain and educate bringing light relief into our lives.

As our programme develops we want to hear from you about what we can include in this offer. So watch this space as Cultural Lounge comes to you in the coming days.

To get in touch send us a message on our Facebook page @theatreatthemillandthecourtyardtheatre

Belfast Zoo is helping to spread some positivity and coming to you through the world of social media while it is temporarily closed to the public due to Covid19.

The dedicated zoo team are providing regular updates so you don’t miss out on the animal antics, and posting them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #BelfastZooComesToYou.

Home to more than 120 different species, Belfast Zoo hopes that by providing positive news during this challenging period, it will help to lift the community spirt and keep everyone informed.

Alyn Cairns, Zoo manager said: “Belfast Zoo is very popular with families, particularly at this time of year as we head towards the Easter holidays. But because we are closed at the moment, we thought it would be nice to capture some  footage behind the scenes and share it with all of our followers on social media.

“I also want to take this opportunity to personally thank all of our keepers and staff for everything they are doing to help us continue to provide the highest level of care at this difficult time.”

Alyn added: “We also want to remind everyone that Easter celebrations are still taking place and you can virtually check in on the animals as they get treated to brightly coloured paper mache eggs filled with their favourite delicacy of meal worms and crickets! A special Easter themed competition will be taking place on our Facebook page from Good Friday until Easter Sunday, so keep an eye out for the chance to win some prizes!”

Follow us @belfastzoo and visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk for more information.

In response to coronavirus (COVID-19), Belfast Zoo is temporarily closed to the public.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will close all leisure, sports and cultural facilities to the public from close of business today (18 March) until further notice in response to COVID-19.

All events, exhibitions and courses are also cancelled.

Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill remain open to the public as do all Community Centres and Pavilions. However, all classes, courses and bookings are cancelled at these venues.

The decision has been made following the latest expert advice from the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health regarding increasing efforts to curb the spread of the virus.

Statutory Services including Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages, Environmental Health, Planning, Building Control, Parks & Cemeteries and Waste Collection Services will continue.

The Council will monitor this ongoing situation and will make changes as deemed necessary by the relevant authorities to help with these measures.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, said:

“This is a challenging and fast-moving state of affairs that requires careful decision making to ensure the health, safety and well-being of our residents, colleagues and families are protected at all times.

“The public must heed the advice of the experts and ensure they take all the essential measures to guard their safety and that of others, especially those more vulnerable during these difficult times.

“Both Civic Centres remain open, Council’s statutory services will continue, our staff will be reporting for work and our parks and recycling centres remain open.

“I would like to thank the Council staff working to maintain essential services, and those at the frontline of our Health Service or caring for others.

“I would urge residents across the Borough to remain calm, and to pull together so we can meet these challenges as a united and resilient community.”

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is following expert government advice in response to the public health situation surrounding COVID-19.   The Council is pro-actively planning for a number of contingency measures that may be required. The Chief Executive met with the Leaders of the Political Parties represented on the Council today and it was agreed that they will meet on a daily basis to review the situation.   A Spokesperson said, “The Council is adhering to all advice and guidance issued by the Government, Public Health Agency and Department for Health and will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis, and will make any changes as deemed necessary by relevant authorities. We would urge all residents to follow the expert advice on stopping the spread of COVID-19 and take all necessary precautions particularly regarding self-isolation and vulnerable groups. “As part of Council efforts to contain the virus, additional hand sanitizers and hand washing guidance posters are in place in all public areas of Council buildings and facilities.   The Council is also offering all employees support and advice, and is providing them with regular updates and information via text, email and on-site and on-line notices.   “The Council is considering how we can support the community to help people who are vulnerable and isolated. “The Council’s Leisure centres are currently open, however due to the uncertainty around COVID-19, monthly MORE membership fees will not be charged until further notice. MORE members can continue to use the leisure centres and facilities. This is subject to ongoing Public Health Agency advice which can be accessed via https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/or via a link hosted on the Council website.   “All Council facilities remain open, and the Council’s core events programme is unchanged. We will of course endeavour to notify those attending third-party events at council facilities if these are not going ahead via social media platforms.”

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the rescheduling of the 20th Belfast Film Festival. 

To slow down the spread of COVID-19 and protect our guests, audiences, staff and volunteers, the festival, which was due to start on April 1^st, will now be postponed until the autumn.  

We considered the ‘social distancing’ and digital models but yesterday, at an emergency board meeting, we decided unanimously that halfway measures would not work. 

Just over a week ago we launched our 20^th anniversary programme to a room packed with hundreds of excited film lovers, and we have already sold 2,000 tickets.  

We want to respond imaginatively to this difficult time.  In order not to disappoint people too much, we will offer a few treats to our audience to thank them for their patience. A selection of online events will be available free for our audience, including legendary film producer Jeremy Thomas in Conversation with Mark Cousins; the Short Film Competition and Official Selection Shorts; and others to be confirmed. Key special events from the 2020 programme will be rescheduled as soon as it is possible. 

We are also delighted to announce a one-off collaboration with our colleagues at Foyle Film Festival in November. We are all in this together and we think that film culture will be stronger from such co-operations. This partnership shows the true spirit of collaboration and will lead to innovative film events in both Belfast and Derry this autumn.

When people self-isolate at home, what is one of the things they’ll do?  They’ll watch films.  Classic movies and new work. Film isn’t a fair-weather friend.

In the next few days, we will process refunds for all tickets and passes purchased. Keep an eye on our website www.belfastfilmfestival.org for further updates.

We thank our customers, our staff, volunteers, guests, funders, sponsors and venues for your support, and look forward to the clear weather once the storm has passed.

The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre in Armagh is hosting Desmond Kinney’s exhibition, BUILE SHUIBHNE ‘SWEENEY ASTRAY’.

Northern Ireland born international artist Desmond Kinney is best known for his revival of the technique of working with mosaics, through various large-scale murals and public art works mainly focused on Irish myths and legends. In the 1980’s he started illustrated calligraphy, working on Seamus Heaney’s translation Sweeney Astray, creating paintings in the medium of watercolour. The Home of Saint Patrick Festival 2020 and The Market Place Gallery are delighted to exhibit sixteen of Kinney’s stunning illustrations which have never been exhibited publically before.

Buile Shuibhne, in English ‘The Madness of Sweeney’ is an old Irish myth immortalised in verse composed during the 12th Century. The poem inspired many writers, including Seamus Heaney, who made his own translation of it, published in 1984. Heaney’s friend, artist Desmond Kinney, enamoured by the work, turned it into a series of watercolours featuring his personalised calligraphy.

Desmond Kinney also transformed the Buile Shuibhne into a large mosaic frieze which is situated at the University of Limerick. The mosaic made in Venetian vitrious glass features quotations from Seamus Heaney’s text. The poet and the painter remained lifelong friends.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.