Author: whatsonni

THE JOLLY BIG BUSINESS BOOST COMPETITION IS BACK, GIVING YOUNG BUSINESSES A CHANCE TO TRADE FOR FREE AT BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET

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The lucky winners of the Jolly Big Business Boost will be given the opportunity to trade for FREE at the Belfast Christmas Market from 18 November until 22 December 2023. Operators of the Belfast Christmas Market, Market Place Europe, are looking for innovative, young entrepreneurs from across Northern Ireland who are ready to take their business to the next level. The Jolly Big Business competition focuses on providing recently established businesses, a platform to sell their products and to build awareness of their brand with over 1 million visitors expected in this year’s Belfast Christmas Market.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe said:

“The Jolly Big Business Boost is a great way for entrepreneurs to enhance their business and get their foot in the door and has proven to be very successful. Businesseve been running this competition for over ten years and each year without fail the winning business has traded brilliantly at the market, so much so that many previous winners have continued to trade each year.’’ 

This year’s judging panel will include media partner Q Radio presenter Jordan Arnold, Fiona Liversidge who looks after Tourism NI’s International Marketing and PR and Market Place Europe’s Managing Director Allan Hartwell. The judges are on the lookout for eye-catching, exciting and creative products.

Q Radio presenter Jordan Arnold said:

“I’m thrilled to join this year’s judging panel to help find the next big name in small business and uncover some of the region’s most exciting entrepreneurs. I would encourage every small business owner from right across Northern Ireland to apply and make their business dreams come true this Christmas. With local and international traders all under one roof, Belfast Christmas Market is a fantastic place to tick off that all-important shopping list, so I’ll be looking for a business that stands out with something really unique that I can give as a gift this year. As an advocate for inspirational women, I’ll also be looking out for the best submissions from female entrepreneurs. Who knows, they could soon be my guest on Q Radio’s Girl Talk!”

Previous winners of the competition, include OutsideIn, Belfast Beard Company and Wave The Animals, all of whom reported great sales and an increase in awareness of their products, vital to success in the early stages of growth.

If you think you have a jolly good product that visitors to the Belfast Christmas Market will enjoy, we want to hear from you, download the application pack now. Interested businesses should submit a short written application, supported by a  2-minute video telling the judges about themselves and their products. Full details of the competition can be found at www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk/news

Belfast Christmas Market will open at 12 noon on the 18th of November.

Opening hours are:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Make a Fairy House at the Family Pottery Class, Island Arts Centre! Interactive, creative fun for all the family. Enjoy getting stuck into wonderful tactile clay and experiment with shapes and forms in a sharing, welcoming environment.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Summer in the City!  Summer in the City hosts free pop-up events and activities for all ages in Armagh city centre every Saturday throughout Summer.  Starting on Saturday 22nd July until Saturday 9th September 2023 express yourself with cultural experiences, feed your curiosity or take some time out to refresh and rewind.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The 17th Belfast Mela Festival, sponsored by Sensata Technologies, celebrating Northern Ireland’s growing cultural diversity starts on Saturday 19 August with a spectacular FREE Mela Carnival through Belfast City Centre.

Find out more HERE

Down

The return of the Wake the Giant Festival, the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint!  Nestled on the picturesque shores of Carlingford Lough, Warrenpoint is a town steeped in history and culture, and the annual Wake the Giant Festival is the perfect opportunity to experience it all.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Join Geopark guide Andy for a two hour walk around the beautiful Benaughlin mountain to explore the early Christin Heritage of the area. See the stunning geology, flora and fauna of this historic site.  Suitable for those with reasonable fitness, (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) If you need to cancel, please contact us 24 hours in advance of the event time.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Echo Echo Dance Theatre Company will teach a fun and inclusive dance workshop inspired by the World Illustration Awards Exhibition allowing you to tell a story with movement at the Roe Valley Arts Centre. For children 7-12.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Ulster Orchestra “On Your Doorstep”.  It’s become a favourite summer performance of the Ulster Orchestra and this year’s concert has a flavour of the silver screen, as the Orchestra perform much-loved film music from the likes of Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Star Wars, The Incredibles and more. They will also take you on a whirl round Europe with some toe-tapping dance music, inspired by folk music from Hungary and Czechia.

Find out more HERE

 

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Killyhelvin Hotel, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Enjoy a restful two-night weekend break overlooking the beautiful waters of Lough Erne from £250pps. Wake up to a hearty breakfast, then take to the water and explore Devenish, the Marble Arch Caves or go for a wander around Castle Coole. Relax later in the hotel’s Health Club including Indoor Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Jacuzzi and Outdoor Hot Tub, overlooking Lough Erne. After a day full of activities, enjoy a four-course dinner on an evening of your choice. Visit https://www.killyhevlin.com/ for more information.

 

 

Hilton at Kingfisher Country Estate, Templepatrick, County Antrim

Enjoy a country escape in this 220-acre parkland, just twenty minutes from Belfast City centre.  Have a round of golf thrown in at the recently improved 18-hole Templepatrick Golf Club. If you don’t fancy golf, lift your racket, and have a game of tennis on the courts or just relax in the Halycon Health Club. An overnight stay in the refurbished comfort of Hilton hotel with complimentary use of the Halcyon Health Club from £140pps B&B. Please quote Discover NI Play and Stay when booking. Visit https://www.kingfishercountryestate.com/ for more information.

 

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 21 – 27 August

  1. Paws for Nature at Castle Ward, Strangford, County Down, 26-27 August. Get ready to unleash a weekend of tail-wagging fun celebrating all things canine. There’s a whole range of doggy activities with tasty treats from artisan dog bakers, doggy apparel to kit out your pooch in the latest fashion and expert advice from trainers. There will also be friendly dog charities on the day to provide information on supporting furry friends in the area.
  2. Ould Lammas Fair, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 26-27 August. The country’s oldest fair returns to the beautiful seaside resort of Ballycastle with another fabulous programme full of events. The Naturally North Coast and Glen’s Artisan Market features local fresh produce, quirky handmade crafts, and fine art. Sample the iconic classics of Yellow Man and Dulce while savouring the atmosphere of this horse-trading village which will be transformed with stalls and visitors as far as the eye can see.
  3. Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon, Larne, County Antrim, 27 August. The Clearer Water Antrim Coast Half Marathon is a 13.1-mile road race, held on the last Bank holiday in August. Starting at the beginning of the iconic Antrim Coast Road, the course sweeps into Larne Harbour offering not just one of the most beautiful but one of the fastest half marathons in the world. In addition to the main event there’s a one-mile street race for adults and children.
  4. Hilden Beer & Music Festival, Lambeg, County Antrim, 25-27 August. Set in the picturesque Georgian setting of Hilden House and its surrounding grounds, festival goers can choose for over 40 beers and ciders while enjoying a brilliant line-up of musicians offering rock, blues, folk, bluegrass, and traditional Irish talent. Explore the local artisan food stalls and sample the very best from Northern Ireland’s craft breweries whilst talking to the brewers who make them.
  5. The Stand-Up Session, Armagh, County Armagh, 26 August. The Market Place Theatre Stand-Up Sessions continue to have audiences rolling in the aisles with another evening of side-splitting comedy genius. Enjoy sets from hilarious local stand-up comedians Ian Thomson, Andrew Ryan, Luke McGibbon, and Bronagh Diamond for everything from politics to parenthood. This is one lineup not to miss!
  6. Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone,12 August. Journey back in time at the Ulster American Folk Park, from Ulster to America. Enjoy a fun family day out set amid 90 acres, with over forty buildings of exhibits dedicated to the story of Irish emigration. It details rural life here and in frontier America in the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries. Costumed guides help bring history to life with demonstrations like spinning, open fire cooking and candle dipping.
  7. Belfast Mela, Belfast, County Antrim, 21-27 August. This multi-cultural festival kicks off with a spectacular Carnival Parade through the streets of Belfast. Watch the city’s Botanic Gardens become a wonderland of colour, culture, and creativity. Embrace this lively festival of music, dance theatre, wellbeing, and food. There’s everything from tea walking tours to yoga.
  8. The 10th Anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 25-27 August. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of Seamus Heaney, a special weekend of events will take place at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, to celebrate his legacy. Whilst poetry aptly provides the focal point for the weekend, a wonderful blend of music and film will also be on offer, in what promises to be a reflective celebration of Seamus Heaney’s life and work. Paul Muldoon, Ireland Chair of Poetry, will open proceedings with a reading.
  9. Twilight Tour at Castle Coole, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 25 August. Step back in time at Castle Coole, one of Ireland’s finest Neo-classic houses, for an exclusive evening exploring the Mansion where the 2nd Earl and his family lived there. Experience the stately grandeur of this stunning 18th-century mansion set in a beautiful, wooded landscape park during twilight. The tour will kick off with a drink’s reception on arrival, finishing with wine and cheese in the historic kitchen.
  10. Emerge, Belfast, County Antrim,26-27 August. EMERGE Musical Festival is back this bank holiday weekend bringing some of the world’s biggest dance acts to Belfast. Following a sell-out inaugural year, it promises to be bigger, better, and bolder. Homegrown talent will be at the core of a line-up across 4 stages encompassing more than 50 acts, as they appear alongside the best breaking acts from the burgeoning international electronic music scene. This year’s headliners include Bicep and Charlotte De Whitte along with local acts like Rebuke.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

 

Join Antrim & Newtownabbey BC this August Bank Holiday for some Family Fun!

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If you are looking for something to do over the August Bank Holiday, then look no further! Whiteabbey Village and Jordanstown Loughshore Park is the place to be from Saturday 26 to Monday 28 August as the ever popular Whiteabbey Village Fair returns.

Whiteabbey Village will be full of hustle and bustle from 12pm to 8pm on Saturday 26 August and 12pm to 6pm on Sunday 27 August, where there will be family fun activities, stalls to meander through and tasty treats to take your fancy! Be dazzled by the street and stage entertainment and let the kids have some fun, from crazy golf to Punch and Judy as well as the fabulous fun fair, you won’t want to miss out.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park will have an array of entertainment from 12 to 5pm on Monday 28 August. Pack up your picnic and have a great day out with the ‘Inspire Me Frozen Show, Meet & Greet’, The Dynamos, Mama Mia Tribute and ‘The Coves.’ Children will be in their element with the many activities planned including the bubble bike, sensory play, amusements and bouncy castles. Please note, this is a ticketed event and we recommend you get your tickets early. Tickets are free with a £1.25 booking fee. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s Charities.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper commented, “Enjoy a great day out with all of the family and soak up the atmosphere at this year’s Whiteabbey Village Fair. I am delighted to see this weekend of events return again and would encourage everyone to come along – this is a weekend of entertainment not to be missed!”

For more information including a full list of planned activities or to book your tickets for Monday, visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

The Saw Doctors, Waterfront Hall, November 2023

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THE SAW DOCTORS

Waterfront Hall, Belfast

Friday 3 November

*Tickets go on sale this Friday, 18 August at 10am*

 

 

The Saw Doctors will play their first Belfast live show in six years at the Waterfront Hall this November.

 

Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10am from: www.waterfront.co.uk & www.Ticketmaster.ie

 

Following their mighty summer of comeback shows, acclaimed live band The Saw Doctors have today confirmed a return to Belfast on Friday 3 November – where they will take to the stage at the Waterfront Hall.

Discovered by Mike Scott of The Waterboys on a stormy Tuesday night in Galway City in the late 1980s, The Saw Doctors grew quickly, touring around Ireland and Great Britain, including a six-week stint with The Waterboys on the Fisherman’s Blues tour in 1989.

The Saw Doctors second single, ‘I Useta Lover’ was a surprise Number One hit in Ireland in 1990, remaining top of the charts for nine weeks, going on to become the biggest selling Irish single ever. The band built on this momentum, making their first trip to the US in 1991, and racking up well-received appearances at numerous prestigious festivals, earning a reputation for being a powerful and exciting live band.

The Saw Doctors have so far had a massively busy summer. They travelled to the US for sold-out gigs at the MGM Music Hall in Boston, the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York and appeared at festivals across the UK and Ireland including headlining the acoustic stage at Glastonbury.

Loved and revered by their loyal fans over the past thirty years, The Saw Doctors continue with resilience and an effervescent energy and look forward to playing live at the Waterfront Hall this November following three sold out shows at 3Olympia Dublin.

 

“If The Saw Doctors could bottle the sort of bonhomie that can make an entire concert hall feel better, they would have the medicine show to end them all” – The Times

 

*Tickets for the Waterfront Hall go on sale Friday 18 August at 10am*
www.waterfront.co.uk & www.ticketmaster.ie

 

www.sawdoctors.com

Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down

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Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down, –  come along to .…

Tide and Turf Food Festival Portavogie

Saturday 2 September

Portavogie Harbour

12noon – 5pm

Free event

A free family-fun event showcasing local food and drink featuring celebrity chef Paula McIntyre.

Enjoy this celebration of land and sea and savour the season with delicious local tide and turf produce.

Artisan market and bar

Chef demos

Children’s entertainment: puppet shows, pedal boats and sand craft.

Live music from The Florentinas and the String Ninjas.

FREE buses available to and from the event.

 

Find out more about the event https://bit.ly/3R33JLl

 

And make sure you don’t miss Stargazing at Burr Point, Ballyhalbert on Thursday 31 August and Dine at the Dock, Portavogie on Friday 1 September (tickets must be booked in advance).

You can find out more about the Taste Autumn programme of free and ticketed events, here https://bit.ly/TasteAutumnAND

 

This event has received funding from DAERA’s Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

 

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs | Paula McIntyre Cooks

Food NI | SERC Hospitality and Culinary Arts

#VisitAND #TasteANDEnjoy #TasteAutumn #BelfastPlus #DiscoverNI #OurFoodPowerOfGood

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market is delighted to be back at the Heart of the Glens Festival 2023.  You’ll find the market located at the Boat Club Carpark Cushendall.  Sunday13th August 11am – 4pm.  Featuring 30 artisan makers selling a range of gifts, art, craft, and food.
Find out more HERE

Armagh

Create a quirky colourful beach scene diorama using totally mess-free, 100% non-toxic clay at the Market Place Theatre!
Find out more HERE

Belfast

The mega EAST BLOCK FOOD market is back on Sunday 13 August with an exciting range of local makers and producers together under one fancy roof at Banana Block in East Belfast.
Find out more HERE

Down

Enjoy an Afternoon of Music, Style and Live Horse Racing at Irelands Oldest Racecourse, Downpatrick Racecourse. Featuring the SHORTCROSS Most Stylish Hat and Accessories Competition.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Crom is looking forward to two music nights this year at Music by the Lake. Saturday 29th July with The Hand me Downs. Saturday 12th August with The Sentrals.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

COMIC BOOK MASTERCLASS FOR 7 – 14 YRS with Kev F Sutherland (Bean, Dr. Who, Marvel Comics). Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Rugby Tots Summer Classes, Dungannon Rugby Club and Orritor PS Cookstown.

Find out more HERE

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 14 – 20 August

  1. ISPS HANDA World Invitational, Ballymena, County Antrim, 17-20 August. Northern Ireland’s biggest annual golf tournament gets underway at the Galgorm where men and women will compete will go head-to-head for the same prize money at the same event. Take the train to see the professionals train at the new co-host course of Castlerock.
  2. Wake The Giant, Warrenpoint, County Down, 19-20 August. The return of the Wake the Giant Festival is the perfect reason to visit the charming town of Warrenpoint. This vibrant festival celebrates the town’s unique heritage and legends, offering visitors a weekend full of exciting events and activities. From live music and performances to Giants food feast and children’s activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
  3. The Lake Kilrea, Kilrea, County Londonderry, throughout August. Make a giant splash in this fresh water aqua park a few minutes’ walk from the historic town of Kilrea and the mighty river Bann. There’s a great range of family friendly activities from canoeing and kayaking to paddleboards, not to mention the “Beast Slide”. There are more thrills on dry land with high ropes, a zip line and a 24 ft climbing wall.
  4. CHSq 2023, Belfast, County Antrim, 14-20 August. Custom House Square has another tremendous line-up of international acts in this year’s music festival including Kodaline, the Proclaimers and homegrown punk talent, Stiff Little Fingers. All set against the historic backdrop of Charles Lanyon’s designed Custom House.
  5. Finnebrogue Feasts, Downpatrick, County Down, 19 August. Celebrate this summer’s bounty with a five-course feast crafted by wild chef Rory Gorman. With a focus on local and seasonal produce, this bespoke culinary experience is created using ingredients foraged from the surrounding woodland. Enjoy the cosy ambience of the Scandinavian Tipi whilst observing the chefs at work over the fire, before tucking into the resulting deliciousness. This is truly a unique woodland dining experience!
  6. Exploris Aquarium & Seal Sanctuary, Portaferry, County Down, 15 August. Explore the story of Strangford Lough with the unveiling of a new tank, double the size of the old one, complete with an underground tunnel. You can now watch magnificent marine life float overhead. Whilst at Exploris don’t forget to explore the kid’s playroom, a two tier aquatic themed indoor soft play area with distinct zones for babies, toddlers and juniors up to eight years old.
  7. Family Fun at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, Armagh, County Armagh, 15-17 August. Join Scientific Sue on this historical and creative journey of discovery at the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. Experience the new live science show, based on the book written by Cressida Cowell: How to Train Your Dragon. Find out if Cressida is a scientific genius or just a fantastic storyteller. Scientific Sue will need lots of brave volunteers to help her investigate and explore the science of how dragons fly.
  8. Open Park Days, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 16 August. Open Park Days return at Todds Leap with over 15 amazing activities to choose from. Explore the sites archery, zip lines, climbing walls and drop zone, all set in the beautiful Clogher Valley. You can also explore the Granda Bens Ethical Zoo Trail with life sized zoo models, outdoor play trails and a rope bridge.
  9. Creels In The Cave, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh 18 August. Learn more about the ancient art of how Irish fish baskets, creels, were made. Dessie, owner of the Linnet Inn, will share stories and explain the extensive man-made cave network that lies beneath the pub. You will get the chance to try your hand at weaving with soft instruction from master weaver Tommy O’Brien. Enjoy a locally made bowl of broth and locally made fadge, all as you are regaled by the stories and history of this magical landscape.
  10. Lumarina, Ballyronan, County Londonderry ,19 August. Lumarina, the fun filled, free event held at Ballyronan Marina makes a welcome return on Saturday. Enjoy a unique firework display with the picturesque backdrop of the Lough reflecting the onshore illuminations. Don’t miss the evenings firework display, with a finale to amaze. There is something for everyone from fire performers, a fun fair, magic shows and illuminations on the riverside trail behind the play park that will catch the eye of the little ones.

 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

August Craft Month provides ‘Pathways’ to Belfast’s world class makers

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Enjoy a variety of eclectic events in Belfast this month

A month-long celebration of local craft makers across Ireland is well underway and this August Craft Month a host of exciting events are taking place in Belfast.

Celebrating the vibrant local craft scene, people will have the chance to experience exhibitions, demonstrations and workshops across a variety of crafts right on their doorstep as well as supporting local makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Local makers such as Jodi Coyne, Anna Donovan, Cara Murphy and Helen Noble will all be involved in the celebrations and events this year.

The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector and, with 168 events on offer across Northern Ireland, provides the perfect excuse to hit the road for a craft inspired adventure or staycation.

Here are some of the many exciting events taking place in Belfast:

  • August craft month exhibition: Pathways

Location: Craft NI, 115-119 Royal Avenue, Belfast

Date: Thursday 3rd of August to Friday 15th September, (Craft NI is closed on Sundays).

Price: Free

This exhibition aims to celebrate and profile excellence in Northern Irish Craft with makers asked to respond to the theme of Pathways, a nod to the journeys audiences make to visit August Craft Month from across the island and beyond.

When creating pieces for this exhibit, makers were free to interpret the theme of pathways how they wished, whether as a series of connections, reflections of travels or environment, experiences or actions, a personal journey or a journey in the making.

Exhibiting makers include: Adam Frew, Adele Pound, Karen Hamilton, Pennie Metcalfe, Red Earth Designs, Sarah Cathers, Tamzen Lundy Designs and Tracey Johnston.

  • Fibre to Fabric: Ulster University Seminar

Location: Ulster University, York Street, Belfast

Date: Wednesday, 16th of August, 10am to 12pm

Price: Free

Join researchers Alison Gault and Anna Duffy and guest speaker, Mourne Textile’s creative director, Mario Sierra, for an interactive seminar on the innovative project aiming to restore Northern Ireland’s textile heritage.

The project’s mission is to restore vintage flax processing and spinning equipment to create a sustainable circular supply chain in Ireland.

A unique opportunity to engage with industry experts, attendees will have the opportunity to talk with the speakers and learn about the project’s heritage restoration and sustainability efforts firsthand.

  • Wall Head Planter

Location: Top Floor, Conway Mill, 5-7 Conway Street, Belfast

Date: Saturday, 19th of August, 10am to 4pm

Price: £70

Join ceramicist Anna Donovan at Conway Mill to spend a day making a stoneware clay wall mounted head into which a plant can be homed.

Using a press mould of a generic form of a human face each piece is added to and manipulated by the participant to create a unique character.

Participants are advised to bring a packed lunch.

  • ‘The Craft of Learning’ with Cara Murphy

Location: Ulster Museum, Stranmillis Road, Botanic Garden, Belfast

Date: Thursday, 17th of August 1pm-2pm

Price: Free

As part of August Craft Month an award winning Northern Irish contemporary silversmith, Cara Murphy is talking about her work, skills and approach to experimentation in this not to be missed event at the Ulster museum.

Cara’s work is held by both private and public collectors across the world and include commissions from 10 Downing Street and the design of several Randox Grand National Trophies.

The talk will focus on Cara’s career and explore how crafts people continuously strive to learn more to better their own skills and share their knowledge with others.

This important initiative is delivered by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Craft NI in partnership with Design & Crafts Council Ireland.

For more information, and to see the list of events taking place across the island visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own adventures by tagging @craft.ni, @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023 and #makeseekbuy

 

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