Beat the mid-term break boredom with fun activities for £1 in Antrim Forum, Crumlin, Sixmile and the Valley leisure centres from Monday 14 – Friday 18 February.
The fun-filled programme features swimming, soft play, racquet sports, football and a bouncy castle. MORE members can enjoy these activities as part of their membership. Parents/guardians are encouraged to book soft play sessions online via the Council website or citizen’s app.
Also this mid-term Theatre at The Mill is hosting a thrilling production of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ from 17-20 February and an exhibition of Roald Dahl’s classic, ‘The BFG in Pictures.’ which runs until 25 February.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb said, “There’s lots of activities to entertain the children across the borough this mid-term. It’s a great way for our young people to exercise, socialise and have fun together. Our leisure centres have programmed a variety of sports, giving children a chance to try something new.”
Vegetable Advocate volunteers in Northern Ireland are calling on you to join them this month in a Love NI Veg 7-Day Meal Challenge. Just ‘have a go’ and pledge to take the challenge to contribute to making a difference in your own life, as part of your local community and to the environment.
Portia Woods, Vegetable Advocate Support Officer NI expressed “I was delighted to meet with the Belfast Lord Mayor to discuss how the 7-Day Meal Challenge will help people look for, seek out and support the daily purchase of vegetables grown locally and in season in Northern Ireland. Increasing veg consumption is the overall aim, but it is more than that. It is about realising the high quality and availability of local vegetables, the value for money, the health benefits and the variety of meals that can be enjoyed. We discussed how easy and how difficult it might be, the fun that families can have, and how some surprises might be found such as locally grown pak choi.”
Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Kate Nicholl, said: “The Love NI Veg 7-Day Meal Challenge is a fantastic initiative from the Belfast Food Network and I’m looking forward to taking part. We have such wonderful produce right here on our doorsteps in Northern Ireland and supporting local producers and traders not only helps to boost the local economy, but also contributes more widely to helping the environment.
“During my term in office, I want to encourage residents across Belfast to do #OneWeeThing to combat climate change. Eating locally-grown vegetables is a great way to do your own one wee thing; it’s healthy, it’s delicious and eating locally grown veg doesn’t carry the same environmental impact as vegetables imported from other parts of the world. We need to look after our planet and taking small steps such as this can make a huge impact.”
The challenge can be taken at your own time and pace up until the 31st March 2022.
The challenge is to include a variety of veg ONLY grown in NI, in at least one meal per day for seven days. The public are encouraged to take part with the Vegetable Advocates and with those who have already signed up. To register and find out what exactly is involved fill in the easy registration form https://www.nienvironmentlink.org/you-cant-beet-locally-grown-veg/ (for print release purposes) Registration Form (for digital release purposes) or email portia@belfastfoodnetwork.org
The Culinary Arts Management Students at the University of Ulster have pledged the challenge! Under the guidance of course Director Michael Gillies they will be taking part in Love NI Veg workshops dedicated to the challenge. Anyone who wants to follow their lead can do so and get creative like the on-site The Academy Restaurant where students might surprise you with a delicious and innovative lunch menu during the challenge!
Throughout the year Vegetable Advocates have made a commitment to NI veg and it has already seen results. It is about increasing vegetable consumption. It is not a guilt trip or activity to make people feel worried about lifestyle choices, nor about reducing consumption of other foods. It’s about eating more veg for health and supporting local. The Vegetable Advocates are part of a UK wide Peas Please project launched in 2017 by the Food Foundation. They engage with local communities, farmers, retailers and manufactures to achieve a common goal of increasing vegetable consumption.
Reflecting on last year, Portia states “Like many others, I feel a responsibility to take one step or many small steps to satisfy my own climate anxiety. It is an increasing footprint on our society, especially for children who have gained the understanding since COP26.” The impact of the climate crisis demands collective action: it requires system and society behaviour transformation. As individuals we cannot stop climate change alone so working together particularly as household units we can increase our vegetable consumption, benefit our health, environment, and local farming economy: buy buying local! ‘Parful’ Veg is a message from local farmers at www.vegni.co.uk who can guide you in your choices with a NI calendar of seasonal veg grown by local farmers.
With February assigned the month of love, it’s perfect to really Love NI Veg – you can’t ‘beet’ it!
Maiden Voyage Dance is inviting 3–6-year-olds and their grown-ups to join them on a ‘suit safari’ in their new show ‘MORF’, which will premiere at The MAC as part of Belfast Children’s Festival on 5 – 6 March.
Production stills from Maiden Voyage Dance production of ‘Morf’
Exploring the magical in the everyday, ‘MORF’ sees two dancers use ordinary suit jackets to create familiar animals – including a jellyfish, an elephant, a bird, and a worm – as young audiences travel with them to a ‘fabric fantasy’ world of clouds, mountains, volcanos and castles. Nothing stays the same for long as what is there in one second is gone and transformed into something new the next.
Nicola Curry, Artistic Director ofMaiden Voyage Dance said:
“A key part of encouraging creativity in young children is to share how to make something magical out of nothing. ‘MORF’ is a playful new dance show which embraces change with gentle, ever-shifting movement and rhythm, celebrating the joy of play, transformation and imagination.”
‘MORF’ marks Maiden Voyage Dance’s welcome return to Belfast Children’s Festival after the company’s sell-out run with ‘Turnabout’ at last year’s event.
This year’s show has been created by choreographer David Ogle with performers Adam Ashford and Maeve McGreevy, lighting designer Ciaran Bagnall, costume and set designer Diana Ennis and composer Brian Irvine. ‘MORF’ is commissioned and produced by Maiden Voyage Dance.
Looking forward to ’MORF’, Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Acting Head of Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said:
“The Arts Council is very excited to welcome this new work from Maiden Voyage, who lead the field in innovative contemporary dance experiences for the whole family here in Northern Ireland. The inherent joyousness and playfulness of ‘MORF’ will be particularly impactful as we return to sharing live dance together.
I can think of nothing better than being whisked off on a journey of imagination and movement by this fantastic team of creatives, and to be given permission once again to dream and wonder and dare to look at things differently. I’d encourage people to get out and experience the exhilarating, transformative joy of live dance for themselves with ‘MORF’.”
Maiden Voyage Dance is principally funded by Arts Council of Northern Ireland and funded by Belfast City Council. ‘MORF’ is supported by Ulster Presents at Ulster University.
Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is pleased to launch its new combined experience ‘Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira’. This initiative is designed to boost the tourism and hospitality economy within these two rural villages involving 40 local businesses.
Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), Rural Tourism Collaborative Experience (RTCE) programme and the council this new programme has and will continue to integrate local authentic food and drink businesses with tourism providers in Royal Hillsborough and Moira. It will drive footfall, sales, awareness and dwell time in these areas through combined visitor experiences and itineraries.
Speaking about the programme, Vice Chair of the council’s Development Committee, Councillor Hazel Legge said: “We are delighted with the response to the programme and to have so many interested and engaged partners is a testament to the success of the tourism and hospitality sector in these rural areas. Moira and Royal Hillsborough are unique gems, and it is important that we support, encourage, and celebrate the wonderful offerings already in place, as well as drive future collaboration.
“I would like to thank our local businesses for their engagement with our council officers and for the feedback they provided to help shape this programme. Together we have formed new alliances and been educated on the business offering of both areas. A visitor no longer wants a run of the mill trip – it’s all about having experiences; something different, memorable and impressive.
“With the wealth of bars and restaurants, accommodation options and tourist attractions, there is so much on offer; whether you want a one-day trip or a three night stay. This tourism concept will bring to the masses the wonders of our council’s charming rural areas, its people and place.”
As part of the programme new bespoke itineraries have been created to showcase the best of what the areas have to offer. These suggested plans give top tips and ideas of new things to experience, adventure to new places, and sample some of the best cuisine these rural areas have to offer.
Speaking about the programme, Lynne McCabe who owns Ralph’s Moira and Lisnacurran in Royal Hillsborough said: “The COVID-19 pandemic created an explosion of growth and new tourism thanks to the support of the staycation market. We need to maximise on this as a springboard for when overseas tourism markets return. We are thankful to be placed in the hub of Northern Ireland, so close and accessible to everywhere being located right on the Belfast to Dublin corridor. I look forward to the programme bringing the best of the areas together and showcasing what we have on offer.”
The programme will be supported by the roll out of outdoor advertising, digital communications and storytelling that showcase some of the participating businesses, highlighting their business successes.
A new, easy to navigate webpage has been created to help visitors plan their next day trip, staycation, or adventure. Visit to www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/royal-hillsborough-and-historic-moira to learn more about the programme and see the raft of experience itineraries on offer.
Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is delighted to welcome you this mid-term and into Spring to experience an out of this world trip to remember. The planetarium is the ideal place to create long lasting memories and spark curiosity to learn more about space.
From immersive dome shows to exploring the cosmos at the interactive exhibition space, and sensory room, there is something to keep everyone captivated during their day out. The planetarium is equipped with a state-of-the-art Digistar 7 digital project system for an all-immersive theatre experience. Visitors of all ages will be immersed in a 360-degree dome experience where shows are played on the roof
The planetarium is showcasing many dome-shows during the mid-term holidays and spring, suitable for all ages. Shows include, “Astronaut George” best suited for pre-schoolers and little ones. “Perfect Little Planet” is the ideal show for families as you discover the Solar System, taking you on the ultimate space vacation! “We are Stars” is the perfect animated dome show for over 6’s and seeks to answer some of the biggest questions for all time; what are we made of and where did it all come from?
The shows are not just for the kids, adults have the chance to view some immersive dome shows too. “Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour” takes you on a tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland. Let a presenter guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. More shows are available.
The cleverly designed interactive exhibition area allows little ones to explore outer space and broaden their curiosity for the intergalactic phenomena. You can touch a real piece of ancient history; a real meteorite!
To get outdoors, explore the Astropark which has a scale model of the Universe, brought down to Earth in a beautiful natural setting. As you journey through the park you will get to interact with a scale model of the Solar System.
The recently refurbished modern sensory room provides an enjoyable and calming multisensory experience for all our visitors, with features including bubble tubes and interactive exhibits.
Leave some time in your day out to refuel at the café and explore the shop for treats, educational gifts and more.
For those with additional needs, a brand-new changing places facility is available to assist to ensure your day out is relaxing and you have everything you need.
Tickets for the dome shows and exhibitions are available to purchase online via www.armagh.space and pre booking is required. The Armagh Observatory & Planetarium is open to the public Tuesday – Sunday.
‘Callings’ is a poignant new political play from Kabosh, following the lives of five gay/lesbian people who sought sanctuary and community through Cara-Friend – a phoneline and befriending service set up in 1974 to support our hidden LGBTQ+ communities.
Created by local playwright Dominic Montague, and directed by Paula McFetridge, this compelling piece of theatre is grounded in research and conversations with Cara-Friend’s founders and early service users. ‘Callings’ tells their stories, of the countless isolated individuals who reached out and found support and strength, from a volunteer at the end of the phone.
Charged with the music of the day, ‘Callings’ examines the LGBTQ+ experience in the north during the late 70s and early 80s. Following the lives of Bridget, Helen, Martin, Jason, and Tommy, ‘Callings’ explores how these bright and resilient individuals found themselves, and each other, during oppressive times.
‘Callings’ looks at the historical challenges faced by local LGBTQ+ communities, and tells a series of powerful personal stories that will make you laugh, cry, and consider just how far we’ve come.
Paula McFetridge, Artistic Director of Kabosh said “Kabosh is privileged to commission and produce this beautiful new play by Dominic Montague as part of LGBTQ+ History Month, February 2022. The stories of our local LGBTQ+ communities are filled with fierce resilience, struggle, and political oppression, yet there is much humanity, kindness, and solidarity to be celebrated.”
Callings will be on stage at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on Saturday 19 February. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.
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.
The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is bringing classical music back where it belongs; live on stage, with a thrilling line-up of the best of our local musical talent.
Join Ulster Touring Opera on Wednesday 16 February for ‘A Night At The Opera’. BBC Radio Ulster Classical Connections presenter John Toal, hosts a stellar quartet of singers, including award-winning mezzo-soprano Carolyn Dobbin and rising star Amy Ní Fhearraigh, performing a programme of much-loved opera arias, duets and ensembles.
Renowned pianist Ruth McGinley will perform music by opera’s greatest composers including Mozart, Puccini, Rossini and Verdi.
The evening will also feature the world premiere of an exciting new piece by Brian Irvine, commissioned by Ulster Touring Opera. Don’t miss this opportunity to join us for a night of celebration and surprises though the magic of opera! Tickets are priced £17.50 and £15 (concession).
Belfast-born Michael McHale has established himself as one of Ireland’s leading pianists and has developed a busy international career as a solo recitalist, concerto soloist and chamber musician. He returns to The Market Place on Thursday 17 February, with a programme which will include Beethoven’s Sonata no.8 in C minor op.13 ‘Pathetique’ and Sonata no.14 in C# minor op.27 no.2 ‘Moonlight’, Linda Buckley’s Solas na Géalai, and a new commission from rising NI composer Áine Mallon: Raindrop Prelude.
A multi award-winning musician, Michael has performed as a soloist with the Minnesota, Hallé, Moscow Symphony and Bournemouth Symphony Orchestras, City of London Sinfonia, London Mozart Players and all five of the major Irish orchestras. Tickets for this performance are priced £15 and £12.50 (concession).
Festival of music and light comes to the Walled City
The historic Walled City of Derry will come to life in February with an immersive music and light festival called, ‘Illuminate’. Taking place over two weekends, 17th to the 20th and 24th to the 27th of February, visitors can expect a breath-taking display of music, drama and art installations telling the incredible stories of a legendary place. Illuminate is a free, evening event, wheelchair and pram friendly; the fully accessible route is the perfect activity for all the family. For more information on Illuminate, click on www.visitderry.com/illuminate or call Visit Derry on + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577. Pictured at the launch of Illuminate is one of the colourful characters that visitors can expect to see, ‘Viking’. For more information on Illuminate, click on www.visitderry.com/illuminate or call Visit Derry on + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577.
The historic Walled City of Derry will come to life in February with an immersive music and light festival called, ‘Illuminate’.
Illuminate will brighten up the dark winter nights with a trail of live projection shows across the city’s most iconic buildings, turning them into spectacular pieces of art.
Illuminate will run over two weekends, 17th to the 20th and 24th to the 27th of February, and visitors can expect a breath-taking display of music, drama and art installations telling the incredible stories of a legendary place, explained Odhran Dunne, Visit Derry.
Odhran said: “Illuminate is a new festival that’s going to be an atmospheric spectacular featuring state-of-the-art projections which tell the unique story of Derry along a 1.5km route. Adults and children will be transfixed by the live illumination experiences as the story unfolds on their walk around the 400-year-old walls. It’s an experience like no other this February and not to be missed.”
The magical trail of live projection shows will transform familiar buildings and fortifications into huge night-time audio-visual animations that play for a few minutes as visitors walk past.
“Attendees will be treated to captivating displays created by local lighting and visual production company, Visual Spectrum”, said Odhran. “Plus, a full programme of entertainment, performances, music and drama that will re-imagine public spaces across the city, showcasing our diverse arts and cultural offering.”
The trail charts five eras in the city’s history from early settlement on a wooded island in the River Foyle right up to the vibrant city of today, continued Odhran: “People will relive, in epic fashion, some of the dramatic scenes from the Siege of Derry 1689, learn of the city’s more recent history and how the city has been reimagined. There are six key locations to look out for, including the wonderful 400-year-old walls, the original Walled city gates, the iconic Guildhall and St. Columb’s Cathedral.”
The Illuminate programme also includes a series of energetic music gigs in intimate spaces, in partnership with Music Capital, showcasing established and emerging artists to bring audiences a truly memorable experience.
Odhran said: “Headline music performances include Neil Cowley, who returns following his stint as the Musician in Residence for Derry’s UK City of Culture, Irish contemporary folk music band, Kila and Donegal sisters, The Henry Girls.”
Ryan Vail, Visual Spectrum, said: “The festival will see the biggest projection show illuminating the Story of Derry to ever come to the City. Using the newest technologies such as lidar, Visual Spectrum will transform the most iconic buildings in the city. The various sites will animate the city’s history in a way that’s never been done before. Viewers will experience a range of different styles of projection and projection mapping at this festival.”
A trip to Derry~Londonderry wouldn’t be complete without sampling the delicious food and drink, warm hospitality, exciting things to do and places to explore.
Odhran added: “The City has more than its fair share of fantastic restaurants and cafes, craic filled bars and hotels, a bustling street food scene, and hidden gems, like the Derry Craft Village to explore. We have award-winning craft beers brewed at Walled City Brewery, Redgate Ciders and Northbound Brewery and some of the best local food and drink producers around.
“The Siege Museum and Museum of Free Derry tell visitors about our fascinating history as do the sociable walking and foodie tours. For active visitors there are pursuits like an exhilarating Foyle Venture Cruise and Far + Wild foodie cycle tour. Or get the most from your stay with a Visit Derry Pass that gives access to ten attractions and activities across the city”, concluded Odhran.
Illuminate is a free, evening event, wheelchair and pram friendly; this fully accessible route is the perfect activity for all the family. There is a schedule of ticketed concerts in the Guildhall, St Augustine’s Church and other venues. Hotel accommodation starts from £45per person sharing, so turn your February trip into a weekend escape.
For more information on Illuminate, click on www.visitderry.com/illuminate or call Visit Derry on + 44 (0) 28 7137 7577.
(L-R): Lord Mayor Glenn Barr, Garry Cairns from Henderson Group, Patricia McEvoy from People 1st, Chair of Economic Development & Regeneration Committee Councillor Declan McAlinden, and Enterprise Development Manager Sarah-Jane Macdonald launching the new ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy which will fully fund 45 HGV training positions and guarantee an interview with a local employer.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council announces the first Labour Market Partnership project with the launch of a brand new Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) HGV Training and Employment Academy, which will deliver fully-funded training for 45 applicants to qualify as HGV drivers and guarantee an interview with a local employer with HGV vacancies.
The ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy will fully fund 45 eligible individuals to gain a HGV licence (Class 1 or Class 2) and a guaranteed interview, on successful HGV licensing. Applications are open until 5pm Monday 31 January 2022.
The programme has been designed to respond to specific local needs by closing the gap between local employer needs and the chronic skilled labour shortage in the HGV sector. Funding has been provided by the Department for Communities through the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership.
Minister Hargey welcomed the announcement of the HGV Training Academy being launched by Armagh Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council in partnership with the Department for Communities.
“I am delighted that my Department has been able to fund this much-needed programme, providing critical support to an industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic. The Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership training programme will help people improve their employability skills and provide opportunities to fill significant vacancies during a difficult period for the North’s haulage industry.”
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Alderman Glenn Barr said:
“The ABC HGV Training Academy is an excellent opportunity to participate in a fully-funded training programme and an interview with a local employer with current HGV vacancies.
“Interest in this programme is expected to be very high so I’d encourage anyone who is thinking about it to check the eligibility criteria and apply early. I’d also encourage local businesses who have any HGV vacancies to get in touch as a key part of the programme is matching applicants to your specific needs.”
Applicants to the ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy must be resident in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough; aged over 21; willing to undertake a medical examination; hold a valid UK Driving Licence. They must also fulfil at least ONE of the following criteria: currently unemployed; under-employed; employed but at risk of redundancy; or employed and interested in upskilling or reskilling.
If you are interested in joining the ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy as a candidate, or if you represent a local employer in the ABC Borough and would like to tell us about your specific transport and logistics recruitment needs and offer an interview to a qualified candidate, get in touch by contacting: academy@people-1st.co.uk<mailto:academy@people-1st.co.uk> or calling 028 3834 7000. More information including full eligibility criteria can be found at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/hgvacademy<http://www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/hgvacademy>.
Various courses will be available commencing early February 2022 comprising: a one-day theory lesson; 25 hours online training; theory test; five-day practical lesson (including test) over one week. Following successful completion of the theory and practical tests, participants will attend a one-day employability session; one-to-one mentoring including help with updating your CV and preparing for interview, after which they will be invited to attend interview(s). Applicants must be available to attend all sessions. All training will be carried out in the Craigavon area.
The ABC HGV Training and Employment Academy is part of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Labour Market Partnership (LMP), a joint public/private sector initiative which aims to ensure that a quality skills provision is driven by demand for skills in the economy, leading to reduced unemployment. Other LMP programmes will be announced throughout the year across various employment sectors.
Comedian William Caulfield is back on The Market Place Theatre stage with the latest of his ‘Our Jimmy’ shows featuring the beloved Ulster characters first created by the late James Young.
Far from being dated, William has transported them right up to date and we meet them in newly written sketches and songs in the present day.
All the usual characters are there, Derek, Lily O’Condriac, Emily Beattie, Willie Simpson, Billy Hulk, the wee Schoolboy, the shipyard worker and Orange Lil. Wondering what they are up to in the present day? Come and find out!
As well as new sketches, some of the iconic and poignant monologues still feature. William will be joined by two of Northern Ireland’s talented actors, Orla Mullan and Keith Lynch.
Book now – sure it will be a quare geg!
‘Our Jimmy – Past & Present’ will be on stage on Friday 28 January at 8pm. Tickets are priced £21, and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre
