Author: whatsonni

August Craft Month returns with packed all-island programme of over 400 events

The highly anticipated month-long celebration of Irish craft has officially launched. This year’s August Craft Month brings together an array of talented makers hosting over 400 events with representation in all 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

Festivities last week at Marina Market, Cork, kicked off a series of unique events that will take place throughout the month of August.

Featuring live demonstrations, craft markets, great music and food, the launch truly shone a spotlight on local makers and showcased the variety of talented craft-makers involved in August Craft Month across the country.

An excited atmosphere was in the air, as the public got a taster of the month of craft celebrations ahead.

August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage, the artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.

With events taking place across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, August Craft Month provides unique opportunities for people to get involved as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Supported by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme.

There is a packed itinerary of over 400 eclectic events in all corners of the island, with an almost equal split on both sides of the border.

Widely acknowledged as among the finest in the world, Ireland’s linen heritage will take centre stage during August Craft Month.

The Linen Biennale Northern Ireland, an initiative of R-Space Gallery, returns for a second year in 2023 with events across Northern Ireland running across August, September and October.

The Biennale will showcase Ireland’s linen heritage and examine the future of linen and flax on the island.

Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said, “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are thrilled to once again work with Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design to extend the August Craft Month programme of events across the whole island of Ireland.

“Now in our second year of celebrating the all-island August Craft Month, a real momentum has been generated. There is an incredible 57% increase in the number of events being held this year, with over 400 listed in the programme. Many well-known names are taking part as well as emerging makers.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to take the plunge into the crafts world, see and experience the amazing work that is going on all around us. People are looking ahead, going onto the augustcraftmonth.org website to browse, select and book the events they want to go to and building their plans around them.

“It all combines to create a real energy around the Irish craft scene, and I know people are excited to find out more during August Craft Month.”

Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI, said, “August Craft Month is a fantastic platform to honour and acknowledge the skilled makers we have right across the island of Ireland.

“This year’s programme has shaped up to be one of our best, with a really diverse range of craft disciplines including ceramists, textile makers, glassblowers, designer-makers and many more. It’s a great opportunity to try a craft for yourself.

“Handmade pieces are often one-of-a-kind and make the most thoughtful and considered gift or an excellent way to show some self-care.”

Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Director at Cork Craft & Design, said, “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with August Craft Month again to truly bring the island of Ireland to life with locally curated art and design throughout the month of August.

“As Ireland’s largest social enterprise for craft-makers, we look forward to seeing all communities immerse themselves in the nationwide campaign, and to celebrate their local crafters by visiting exhibitions and supporting in any way they can.”

At the official August Craft Month launch in Cork, Rosemary Steen, CEO of DCCI announced the launch of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award. The award, which holds a prize of €5,000, is available for master crafts people over the age of 50 to apply for.

It was inspired in large part by Joe Hogan, traditional basket maker and fine artist, when he said in his keynote speech at the DCCI AGM last year, that a bursary for established makers in craft would be “a public way of showing we value things; it also gives a message to craftspeople that what we’re doing is important”.

The award recognises these incredibly important craft skills and the imperative of passing them down to get the future generation of crafters involved.

For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023, #makeseebuy

Faughan Valley Woodlands opening to the public August 1^st 2023

Faughan Valley Woodlands is home to a significant proportion of ancient woodland which is so rare it covers just 0.04% of our landscape in Northern Ireland. Since 2000 the Woodland Trust have bought small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo wood, all fragmented along the Faughan Valley, ASSI, a site of special scientific interest. And it has been the vision of the Woodland Trust for over a decade to connect these fragments for people, nature and climate.

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and has been managing woodlands within the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. Thanks to funding and partnership support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA’s Rural Development Programme and support from Derry City and Strabane City Council; the conservation charity has been able to realise their vision connecting small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan, and underneath the newly constructed A6.

Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new paths created to extend a trail network of more than 35km in the Faughan Valley Woodlands. This project means connectivity for people and nature and the Woodland Trust wants the valley’s woodlands to become the destination for the local community, visitors from across Northern Ireland and tourists from further afield.

Visitors to Faughan Valley Woodlands will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature. New walking trails have been carefully designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna that call this woodland home, providing an opportunity for both leisurely strolls and invigorating rambles. A beautiful sculpture trail weaves throughout the woodlands where hidden wonders are just waiting to be explored.

The Woodland Trust Project Manager Denise Murphy said: “The Faughan Valley is incredibly special due to the volume of precious ancient woodland in the area, it is vital that we protect and restore what little we have remaining by tree planting, buffering with blocks of new woodland and removal of invasive species building its resilience for the future.

“To be able to connect these previously fragmented woods, protect this ancient woodland and create better access for people and havens for wildlife is a dream come true. We can’t wait to show you our new walking trails seamlessly connected by winding paths and beautiful bridges with a few surprises waiting to be explored along your journey!”

The Faughan Valley Woodlands are located 10 minutes from Derry~Londonderry and 1 hour drive from Belfast. For more information on visiting the Faughan Valley Woodlands, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/faughan-valley/

Tales of the Past

Navan Fort & Centre, Friday 4th August , 7:30pm

Enjoy an evening of myth, music & exceptional home cooked food on Friday 4th August at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh, to celebrate the Celtic festival of Lughnasa.

With storytelling from Gráinne Holland, music from Bog Bodies & An Fuaim and food provided by Safari Banbridge, this is sure to be a fantastic evening of entertainment. Taking inspiration from some of Ireland’s great mythological tales, Gráinne combines storytelling and song in her performance specifically tailored for this evening.

Bog Bodies are an alternative folk band with their songs charged with energy from the ancient megalithic sites and are often ethereal and Celtic in theme. Their genre-bending, high-energy folk sound is somewhere between Christy Moore, Kíla and Rage Against The Machine with a dash of psychedelia for good measure.

An Fuaim is the support act for this evening; an amazing local collective of young musicians and dancers.

Tickets also include barbecue style home-cooked food from Safari Banbridge, with vegetarian & vegan options available.

For more information or to book, please visit: https://visitarmagh.com/whatson/2023-08-04t1915000100/

Games of the Past

Navan Fort & Centre, Saturday 5^th August , 1:00pm

As part of our Lughnasa celebrations, enjoy a packed afternoon of family fun on 5th August at Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh as we explore the Games of the Past! Discover how the Celtic clan would have used games as a fun way to train their young warriors in the art of battle and meet some of our greatest warriors and hunters.

Hone your warrior skills in the assault course, crawling under hessian sheets, dribbling a ball around a series of posts, balancing the ball, and striking at a target. Learn how hurling would have been a training method to strengthen the arms before moving on to wielding a sword. Discover how to hunt for your own food in Celtic times by using a spear & throwing a javelin! Our special hobby horses can lead you to victory in the Tailteann Derby and you can even experience the local sport of road bowling!

Meet some of the most skilled hunters we know, in the form of the amazing birds of prey from the award-winning World of Owls, such as owls, eagles, falcons, hawks and vultures.

The afternoon will conclude with a special hand-fasting ceremony as we gather around the Sacred Stone and witness trial marriages.

For more information or to book, please visit: https://visitarmagh.com/whatson/2023-08-05t1250000100/

Creative Peninsula – Northern Ireland’s premier celebration of Art and Craft, will showcase the Borough’s most talented artists and makers at the Twilight Market and Arts Night event next Friday, 4 August. Formerly known as ‘Craft in the Square’, this year’s event has been renamed and moved to the later time of 4pm – 9pm.

For one evening only, Conway Square and Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards will be transformed into a creative hub with 28 artists and makers displaying and selling their work. 

With a selection of ceramics, textiles, print, paintings and mixed media on offer and a drop-in area for children’s arts and crafts. Meanwhile, Ards Arts Centre will be alive with creative activity, so make sure to drop in and try your hand at printing, painting or drawing and watch artists at work, demonstrating their techniques.

Taking place throughout August, Creative Peninsula, which is now in its 22^nd year, offers a range of free and bookable opportunities for people of all ages and levels of experience to see, learn about and even ‘try their hand’ at some of the many art and craft forms that are practiced in the local area.

Other highlights include;

Alfresco Demonstrations at North Down Museum: be inspired as you watch the Artists and Makers at work in the Courtyard of North Down Museum. There will be free demonstrations on offer throughout the afternoon and some hands-on activity to try yourself. Sunday 6 August. Free admission.

Bangor Art Tour and Tipple: join this walking tour of Bangor to visit three creative spaces where you can meet the makers and try your hand at making a print, enjoying a tipple along the way. Wednesday 2 August, £12. Booking essential.

Open Studios: some of the Creative Peninsula Artists have opened their studios to deliver workshops. For full details of participating artists and how to book, visit the Creative Peninsula website.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said:

“Ards and North Down boasts one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant creative communities, with a remarkable concentration of talented artists and crafts people. The Creative Peninsula offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to witness the very best of local arts and crafts and interact with the talented creators behind the artwork.”

View the full Creative Peninsula 2023 programme at: https://creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk/

You can also pick up a programme and find out more information on all the events on offer from Ards Arts Centre or North Down Museum.

Belfast’s rich maritime history and spirit of innovation will take centre stage with a host of free family activities on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September.

The Belfast Maritime Festival will take place along the city’s Maritime Mile, with activities stretching across Queen’s Quay to HMS Caroline in the Titanic Quarter.

Visitors can enjoy nautical-themed fun from 11am each day, including live music and pop-up performances, street entertainers and the colourful Belfast Bazaar, featuring the very best local produce and crafts.

The first ever ‘Science Street’ on Titanic Slipways will host an array of fun interactive activities, demonstrations and live shows exploring topics such as navigation, marine biology, climate change and biodiversity. Whether you’re a seasoned science enthusiast or a curious learner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The youngest crew members will love the hands-on activities delivered by Wee Critters and Mini Explorers over at the Kids’ Zone at Queen’s Quay, while a flotilla of vessels and ships will dock at Queen’s Quay and Belfast Harbour Marina, where visitors can hop on board to meet the crew and experience life at sea.

The visiting ships will include Granuaile (Irish Lights), Leader, Brian Boru and La Malouine.

A diverse music programme, featuring over 40 leading musicians from across NI, will take place in outdoor venues across the Maritime Mile, celebrating homegrown talent and marking Belfast’s status as a UNESCO City of Music.

Featuring Americana, trad, jazz, opera, bluegrass, classical, indie and folk artists, highlights will include the Maritime Festival Showcase on Saturday 9 September, with four leading singer-songwriters and NI Music Prize winners, premieres especially commissioned for the festival, new collaborations and a 30-piece brass band. Then, on Sunday 10 September, come and experience the power of 25 opera voices performing much-loved classic works together, presented by the award-winning Northern Ireland Opera.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “I’m really excited by what’s on offer at this year’s Belfast Maritime Festival – always a very popular event with local families, as well as visitors travelling into Belfast to enjoy the festival.

“The diverse line-up of free events and activities really brings our maritime and industrial heritage to life, while the sight of ships docking along the spectacular Maritime Mile is always something to be enjoyed.

“The addition of ‘Science Street’ offers visitors the chance to celebrate Belfast’s spirit of innovation and will inspire future generations to explore more, while there’s so many opportunities to enjoy the very best of our local talent, through live music and street theatre performances, great food and handcrafted products at the Belfast Bazaar.

“I’d encourage everyone to put Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 September in their diaries and get on board for a weekend of fun!”

The Belfast Maritime Festival has been organised by Belfast City Council and is supported by Tourism NI, delivered in partnership with Maritime Belfast Trust, Belfast Harbour, Odyssey Trust, the Department for Communities and Titanic Quarter Ltd.

Aine Kearney, Director of Events at Tourism NI, said: “Tourism NI is delighted to support the return of the Belfast Maritime Festival, a much-needed post-pandemic boost to the wider tourism and hospitality industry with a projected economic benefit of circa £1.5 million.

“The event is a great opportunity to showcase this key Titanic and Maritime Belfast heritage destination and its wealth of visitor experiences. This immersive event will further awaken the giant spirit in our visitors, igniting their sense of discovery and demonstrating the warm welcome Northern Ireland offers to all.”

Visitors attending the Belfast Maritime Festival are encouraged to walk, cycle or take public transport to reach the event activities.

Walk or cycle along the quaysides all the way to HMS Caroline. Cycle parking is available outside Titanic Belfast and there are also Belfast Bike docks at the SSE Arena and SS Nomadic.

You can also hop on the Glider from Belfast city centre directly to the Titanic Quarter or travel by train to Titanic Quarter Halt.

For more event information, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh has plenty lined up to keep the youngsters entertained this summer.

On Saturday 5 August, Banyan Puppet Theatre returns with their production of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’. A playful and imaginative re-telling of the timeless Brother Grimm’s story, this is the tale of a curious young girl who weaves her way through the wintery woods to her grandma’s house in a journey full of surprises. A blend of live performance, puppet operation and visual invention, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ is suitable for 3-11 year olds, with tickets only £26 for a family of 4.

For those kids who are a little more hands-on, there will be plenty of workshop fun to be had. On Saturday 12 August, 5-12 year olds can join the ‘Oh We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside’ workshop which will allow youngsters to create a quirky colourful beach scene featuring cute summer-ready characters, using air drying clay.

Then on Saturday 19 August, children aged 7-12 can make a splash creating your own Merpeople. Let’s start by making them a magical underwater world to live in. It will be a mixed media extravaganza, using a wide variety of materials to create a three-dimensional nautical artwork. There will be painting and designing, with lots of decorations available to add that extra touch to your piece [sequins anyone?]. Perfect opportunities to free their imaginations!

Tickets for all performances and workshops can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

And 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.

ALTHOUGH most road racing fans love to watch the big Superbike and Supersport Races at the Armoy Road Races there are also a fair number of fans who love the sound and smell of a Classic bike.

This year at the Armoy Road Race there is another good entry of modern and pre 73 classic bikes. None more so than the exotic MV3 350cc ridden by English rider Andy Hornby. The last one raced in Ireland was likely to be by multiple world champion, Giacomo Agostini, in the late 60s.

There are also the modern classics like the Davis Motorsport Yamahas ridden by Dominic Herbertson and Paul Jordan, plus Dave Suddes on the Harris Yamaha to name but a few.

There has also been a lot of interest for the Steadplan Sales Classic Superbike race with some memorable bikes from the 80s and 90s where Phillip Crowe from Market Rasen is on a Suzuki XR69 and Whitby’s John Cliffe is on a Harris Suzuki F1.

This year Fay Stewart is sponsoring the Senior Classics and will see many riders including Ian Lougher on the Chapman Racing MV Augusta and local Ballymena man Barry Davidson who recently celebrated the milestone of his 100th Irish national road racing success riding Team Gimbert Honda 500.

Barry will also be riding a Team Gimbert Honda 350 in the MJF Builders Junior Classics and Ballymoney man Darryl Tweed on a Neil Vickers 350.

William Munnis Clerk of the Course and Club Chairman, said, “The grid at Armoy Road Races has bikes and competitors to cater for all ages and enthusiast of the sport. The sound will be something else particularly for the younger generation who may never have had the opportunity to hear and see such great racing bikes of the past. Both Friday and Saturday will see a great spectacle indeed. I’m looking forward to seeing the races begin and a safe two days of racing.”

This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 23rd July until Saturday 29th July with the races taking place on Friday 28th July and Saturday 29th July 2023. The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and culminates in the Bayview Hotel Races of Legends.

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

Please support the Armoy Road Races by buying a programme or a package. They are available from the Armoy office or on the website but need to be collected from the office in Armoy.