Author: whatsonni

Reserve your calendars for Armed Forces Day 2024 – a sterling line up of free family fun planned with military precision.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park will transform into a vibrant hub of activity for all on Saturday 22 June from 10am until 5pm, honouring the men and women of our Armed Forces.

To get the day off to a flying start, over 600 military personnel will take part in a Drumhead Service at Whiteabbey War Memorial before parading to Jordanstown Loughshore Park, this colourful spectacle will include the Bands of HM Royal Marines and the Royal Irish Regiment.

A gun salute will take place at 11.45am in respect of this special occasion, before the Red Arrows dazzle the skies with a new nine aircraft aerobatic display as part of their 60th diamond season. Air displays by the RAF Tutor and the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, will also form part of a mini-air show promising an exciting afternoon of aerial display.

Audiences will be transported back in time as they are entertained by music from the Victory Rollers and the Threemilewater Orchestra, whilst other highlights will include Military Demonstrations, Children’s Entertainment, STEM competitions, a Military Village and a number of market stalls. Tracked armoured vehicles the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) are also part of an impressive programme of events.

Throughout the day, additional family fun is also planned for Hazelbank Park to complement the event.

A Beating Retreat by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment’ will conclude Armed Forces Day 2024, a military musical spectacular to end a day of celebration of our Armed Forces.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM commented,

“We are just six weeks away from this show-stopping event which will honour the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. We have lots planned for this FREE family fun event with a mini air-show headlined by the spectacular Red Arrows, I would encourage everyone to join in the fun and make a day of it.”

For more information on Armed Forces Day, including Parking, Programme, Accessibility and FAQs, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/armedforcesday

Royal Hillsborough has an array of activities and attractions to be admired this Spring, from exploring the historic Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, to savouring treats in the many artisan cafés and bakeries before strolling around the lake of the picturesque Hillsborough Forest, every moment in this charming village is a treasure waiting to be discovered!

So why not experience the charm of Royal Hillsborough and create memories that will last a lifetime! 👑🌳

Explore more HERE

As spring arrives, beckoning us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to embark on new adventures with your family.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a tapestry of picturesque landscapes, charming trails, and exciting attractions waiting to be explored. From enchanting forests to captivating cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic region. Join us as we unravel the delights of Lisburn & Castlereagh and discover why it’s the ultimate destination for your family’s springtime escapades.

Embrace Nature and Views:

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to embrace its splendour than by immersing yourself in nature’s embrace? Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts an array of breath-taking parks, gardens, and green spaces where you can reconnect with the great outdoors. Explore the tranquil beauty of Hillsborough Forest, where towering trees and meandering trails invite you to wander and unwind. Marvel at the vibrant blooms of Wallace Park or lose yourself in the serenity of Moira Demesne. With its abundance of natural treasures, Lisburn & Castlereagh is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Discover Family-Friendly Attractions:

From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions sure to delight visitors of all ages. Embark on a journey back in time at the Ulster Aviation Society (pre-booking required), where vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts await discovery. Get up close and personal with majestic alpacas at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes or test your skills at Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic-sized ice rink at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. With so many exciting options to choose from, every day in Lisburn & Castlereagh promises new adventures and lasting memories.

Indulge in Culinary Delights:

No family adventure is complete without delicious dining experiences to savour along the way. Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering an array of eateries and establishments to satisfy every palate. Treat your taste buds to the finest local cuisine at charming cafes, traditional pubs, and award-winning restaurants scattered throughout the region. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, exotic flavours, or indulgent sweet treats, you’ll find no shortage of culinary delights to tempt your senses in Lisburn & Castlereagh.

Immerse Yourself in Culture:

Beyond its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, Lisburn & Castlereagh is a region steeped in rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Discover the fascinating heritage of iconic landmarks such as Hillsborough Castle, once home to royalty and political leaders. Explore the vibrant arts scene at local galleries and theatres or uncover hidden gems in quaint villages and market towns. Plus discover the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland’s heritage at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, where history comes alive through captivating exhibitions and interactive displays. With its diverse array of cultural offerings, Lisburn & Castlereagh invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

As spring unfolds its blossoms and the promise of warmer days ahead, there’s never been a better time to explore Lisburn & Castlereagh with your family. From captivating natural landscapes to exciting attractions and culinary delights, this charming region offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set out to discover the wonders of Lisburn & Castlereagh this spring. Your family’s next great adventure awaits!

Crescent Arts Centre is gearing up to host the 14^th edition of the Belfast Book Festival, which takes place from 6^th – 13^th June 2024.

In the iconic Victorian building on University Road, the festival promises an array of events and activities tailored for both adults and children. The festival will be a celebration of the finest in fiction, non-fiction, and spoken word.

Sophie Hayles, Chief Executive of Crescent Arts Centre and Belfast Book Festival expressed her excitement about bringing together enthusiasts of arts and literature once again. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the 14th edition of the Belfast Book Festival here at Crescent Arts Centre – come on in to our beautiful South Belfast home.

Highlights of the Festival

Highlights of the festival include an evening with Margaret Drabble, in conversation with Wendy Erskine reflecting on seven decades of writing; and Colm Tóibín discussing the highly anticipated sequel to Brooklyn, titled Long Island, with Festival Patron Lucy Caldwell.

Join a special live edition of RTÉ Sunday Miscellany with new writing from a line-up that includes Jan Carson and Glenn Patterson.

Other writers at the Festival include Sinéad Gleeson, Kevin Barry, Elaine Feeney, Martin Doyle, Paul Lynch, Louise Kennedy, Fergal Keane, Suzi Ronson, Nicola Tallant, AC Grayling, and Eimear Ryan.

Young Readers

There’s plenty for young people –  particularly on Saturday, June 8^th  – an audience with Jacqueline Wilson, readings with Martin Waddell accompanied by an exhibition celebrating his picture books, and launches of new works from Northern Ireland talents Ashling Lindsay and Colleen Larmour.

Poetry

The Festival’s poetry programme features celebrated US poet Marie Howe; Belfast’s Dawn Watson, Scott McKendry and Micheál McCann.

Other Activities

Alongside bookable events there’s a range of free/drop-in activities including film poem screenings, exhibitions, a ‘Little Library’, Room to Write, Storytellers Corner and a Poetry Jukebox.

To enhance accessibility to the Belfast Book Festival, organisers are adopting a “Pay What You Decide” model. Sophie Hayles elaborated on this initiative, stating, “For the third consecutive year, we’re implementing the ‘pay what you decide’ approach to foster broader engagement with the festival, especially among individuals who may not typically attend such events. Our aim is to inspire attendees to explore sessions outside their usual preferences, thus invigorating the arts sector and facilitating connections between writers, artists, and new audiences.”

Belfast Book Festival has pioneered panel-led curation in Ireland, with this year’s programming associates including Neil Hegarty and Mícheál McCann. Festival director Sophie Hayles commented, “Panel-led curation is now the norm in many countries: and at Belfast Book Festival we have witnessed how very well it works, providing access to a range of ideas, connections, and creative input”.

Belfast Book Festival runs at the Crescent Arts Centre from 6^th – 13^th June, and booking is now open at belfastbookfestival.com

Is there a better way to enjoy the long bank holiday weekend, as Market Place return to Belfast with the Continental Market as part of their Northern Ireland Spring Market Tour. Traders will be showcasing an array of tantalizing flavors from across the globe and unique handcrafted gifts, during the five-day event in the gardens of City Hall from 23 – 27 May. 

This year’s market brings together over 70 traders, offering food enthusiasts, families, and everyday explorers the very best international cuisine, artisanal products, and handmade goods.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall is always a big draw for residents and visitors to Belfast alike, so it’s great to see it back in the heart of the city centre for another year.

“Come along with your family and friends to make the most of the long bank holiday weekend and explore the wide variety of food, crafts and entertainment on offer, with something for all ages to enjoy.”

Visitors to the market can expect to embark on a culinary journey around the world, sampling mouthwatering dishes from countries spanning Europe, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. From traditional German bratwurst to authentic Italian pizzas, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In addition to the delicious food offerings, the market will also feature a range of artisanal products and handcrafted goods such as locally made vegan soaps, Ecuadorian jewellery, beautifully crafted pottery from Tunisia, and more.

Market Place Manager, Andy Pidgen is delighted to bring back the much-anticipated Belfast International Market: ‘‘We’re excited to showcase the incredible diversity of cuisines, cultures and traditions represented at the Belfast Spring Continental Market. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our traders to share their passion for food and craftmanship, as well as connecting with the local community.’’

The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall runs from Thursday 23 – Monday 27 May and will be open from:

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Monday 10am – 6pm

HASTINGS Hotels has partnered with SD Bell & Co in East Belfast to create a specially roasted 100% Arabica blend for the group’s six luxurious properties.

The launch of the brew comes as Hastings Hotels confirmed a new supply agreement with Henderson Foodservice to continue its long standing coffee relationship which spans eight years. As part of this, the group has invested in new top of the range equipment, including a bean to cup machine which enables breakfast guests across the six hotels to self-serve both specialty coffees and hot chocolates. 

The new coffee roast supplied by SD Bell & Co is served from all Barista machines across the six hotels and the Cultra Inn, together with especially creamy milk from Farmview Dairies in the Castlereagh Hills, to deliver a premium coffee product.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “At Hastings Hotels, we are passionate about good coffee and have carefully selected our own roasts for the last number of years. In keeping with our strong heritage of supporting local, we are delighted to have teamed up with Robert Bell, of SD Bell & Co, a well-known coffee roasters and a neighbour of our property Stormont Hotel, to introduce a delightful specially roasted 100% Arabica blend that is available for our guests to enjoy.”

Robert Bell, Managing Director of SD Bell said: “This is a highly prestigious account for SD Bell’s, and as Ireland’s oldest independent tea merchants and coffee roasters, the heritage and history of SD Bell & Co resonates well with the brand values and local credentials that are so important to Hastings Hotels so we are thrilled to be working with the group to create this unique coffee blend. I was pleased to be personally involved in the tasting and selection of this coffee, a quality Arabica bean, roasted exclusively for Hastings to give a full, rich taste, perfect for all espresso-based coffees.”