Author: whatsonni

Belfast Zoo Comes To You

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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.

COVID-19 – Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council announces closures

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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.”

Council Following Expert Advice on COVID 19

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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.”

20th Belfast Film Festival Postponed

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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 1st, 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 20th 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.

Desmond Kinney Exhibition Opens at the Market Place Theatre

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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.

Offers of the Week!

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Northern Ireland boasts a wonderful collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Dream and dine offer at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast from £118 based on two people sharing

Put a spring in your step and enjoy a getaway break in the heart of Belfast city. The newly refurbished four star Clayton Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk to anywhere city centre with shops, bars and restaurants close by. This special offer includes accommodation in a deluxe room, a three course dinner in the Avenue22 restaurant and a full vitality breakfast (subject to availability). To book call 028 9032 8511. Offer available until 31st May.

·         Mourne Forest Parc Holidays at Spelga Mountain Lodge, Newry from £250 per lodge

Treat yourself to a break away at the Spelga Mountain Lodge, located on top of the Mourne Mountains.  Enjoy the forest parks with your family and try an activity at the Life Adventure Centre (pre-book separately). Stay for two nights in the high Mournes, only ten minutes from Newcastle, relaxing by the wooden stove in the modern two bedroom self-catering lodge (Sleeps 5), beside Spelga Dam Wall (subject to availability). To book call 07720432781. Offer available until 31st March.

·         ‘Free night’ spring into spring offer at Cavan View Farmhouse, Dungannon from £390 per cottage

Stay at Cavan View for three or more nights and enjoy a further night completely free. This is a charming, self-catering farmhouse which sleeps up to six, is set in delightful and secluded gardens. It is the ideal base whether sightseeing, visiting family and friends or on short or long-term business trips. It is as much about a relaxing ‘getaway’ for local activity breaks as it is about easy access to all parts of Northern Ireland. This offer includes a ‘Welcome Basket’ on arrival with all you need for that first cuppa and more (subject to availability). To book call 07989583556. Offer available until 2nd April.

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

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Down

Join Exploris  Aquarium  this Sunday 15th March for all the craic and banter  with underwater and reptilian friends.  Additional Snake demonstrations led by their team of Aquarists, daily animal demonstrations, themed arts and crafts and a mer-mazing face painter will be joining the craic this St Patrick’s weekend at Exploris Aquarium.

Antrim

It’s the first Steam of 2020 at Whitehead Railway Museum on Saturday 14th March!  The Museum will be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Weekend with steam train rides from Whitehead Excursion Station platform and a themed treasure hunt.  Experience a taste of steam travel with a mini steam train ride departing from the station platform.

Armagh

Prepare to be part of the gloriously mad ‘Worst Café in the World’ experience.  The Big Telly Theatre Company’s sell out show from the Belfast International Arts Festival will appear in a top secret location in Armagh… Make you book and you will be contacted with instructions. Tell no-one. 12th to 14th March.

Derry/Londonderry

Get your best green on and make your way to Carrowmena Activity Centre this St Patrick’s Weekend for activities that St Patrick himself wishes he could do!  Climb, Zip, Shoot & Hunt for Leprechauns to find the Pot of Gold!  Climbing Wall / Zip Line / Archery / Orienteering. 13th to 17th March.

Fermanagh

Dye tracing is a method used by hydrogeologists to track and trace the flow of underground streams and rivers. Join the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and Marble Arch Caves staff to hear about the hydrology of these fascinating caves while watching the Shruh Croppa River turn a luminous shade of green this Saturday.

Tyrone

Hazel Wand students always thrill Omagh audiences with exceptional performances and this all singing, all dancing and all acting showcase has something for everyone! From 12th to 14th March they will present extracts from theatre and Disney classics such as ‘The Aristocrats’, ‘Oliver,’ ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at the Strule Arts Centre in Omagh.

Belfast

LDN Wrestling, the bone crunching superstars of LDN Wrestling, bring a host of top American wrestling stars to the ring to face the very best of home-grown talent and fans favourites in a two hour rip roaring entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Belvoir Studio Theatre this Friday 13th.

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 9th – 15th March 2020.

1.       Belfast-Childrens-Festival Belfast Children’s Festival Belfast, 6 – 11 March. Belfast Children’s Festival has become one of the largest children’s arts festivals on the island of Ireland and the UK, attracting over 15000 people last year. This year’s festival will explore the concepts of home, place and belonging. There’s lots to choose from, so whether you have a toddler or a teen, it’s worth checking out the full programme.

2.       CultureLab CultureLab Belfast, 21 February – 30 November.CultureLab is a place to take a good, hard look at the cultural stereotypes that we all know surround us in Northern Ireland. This new exhibition poses questions about culture and offers a glimpse into how identities have been, and continue to be, shaped. The exhibition includes the famous ‘Differences’ blackboard from the hit TV series Derry Girls, which is on public display for the very first time

3.       Coast-and-Country Coast and Country Coleraine, 8 Feb – 12 December 2020. On this 6 hour tour by private bus sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area so unique. Get ready for a truly unique, memorable and heartfelt experience where you will have the chance to sample local food and drinks. Enjoy this time together to eat, discover and take home an authentic taste of our beautiful place.

4.       nationaltrust.org.uk An Object I Love – May Ward Downpatrick, 14 March. Celebrate the life of Mary Ward, accomplished author, artist and astronomer. Tour the rooms of Castle Ward where the team at Castle Ward has unearthed some of Mary’s own treasured belongings to tell the tale of her pioneering life including her famed microscope. Following the talk from their experts, retire to the theatre for tea and scones

5.       Home-of-St-Patrick-Festival Home of St Patrick Festival Armagh, 6 – 17 March. Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Patrick and the “Home of St. Patrick Festival” promises a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music and spirituality. The festival will provide an unrivalled mix of regional and international music, theatre, spoken word, art and comedy, highlighting the stunning locations where he walked and worked.

6.       Rademon-Estate-Distillery-Tour Rademon Estate Distillery Tour Downpatrick, 21 Feb – 2 May. Learn all about their foraged botanicals, unique gin and whiskey processes, stand next to their three beautiful copper pot stills and meet the founders Fiona and David. Just remember to take time to enjoy the views in their beautiful location with a pre/post tour cocktail at the bar.

7.       Dynamic-Dye-Tracing-Experiment-at-the-Marble-Arch-Caves Dynamic Dye Tracing Experiment at the Marble Arch Caves Enniskillen, 14 March. Join their friends from the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland and the Marble Arch Caves staff to hear about the hydrology of these fascinating caves while watching the Shruh Croppa River turn a luminous shade of green. Find out more about the tracing experiments that have been carried out in the wonderfully wet County of Fermanagh

8.       Give-My-Head-Peace Give My Head Peace Derry~Londonderry, 12 – 14 March. The comedy sensation, Give My Head Peace Live returns to the Millennium Forum in March with a brand new show promising a satirical look at everything happening in Northern Ireland today. Join Da, Ma, Cal, Dympna and the rest of the gang for a fun-filled night with plenty of laughter and a few surprises thrown in for good measure.

9.       Saint-Patricks-Day-Steam-Saturday Saint Patrick’s Day Steam Saturday Carrickfergus, 14 March. The Museum will be celebrating Saint Patrick’s Weekend with steam train rides from Whitehead Excursion Platform and a themed Treasure Hunt. Experience a taste of steam travel with a mini steam train ride departing from Whitehead Excursion Platform.

10.   Friday-13th-Special-Jail-of-Horror Friday 13th Special – Jail of Horror Belfast, 13 March. Visitors, if they dare, will enter the haunted prison site and face all their fears on an intense scare after scare journey at Crumlin Road Gaol which only has one way out. The one-of-a-kind Friday 13th Special – Jail of Horror is full of surprises and guaranteed to make even the bravest of visitors jump.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

St Patrick’s Weekend Events at the Market Place

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The Market Theatre in Armagh has a packed Bank Holiday weekend of events for all the family starting off with ‘The Hedgehog Prince’ on Saturday 14 March.

It tells the story of a couple who long for a child, be it as beautiful as a snowdrop or as prickly as a hedgehog! The storyteller spins a tale bursting with magic and enchantment; of a boy bewitched, a giant cockerel, a king lost in a forest and a promise never to be broken. The Hedgehog Prince is based on an old traditional folktale and uses puppetry, object theatre and original music, which will enchant young and old alike. Suitable for children aged 5+.

On Sunday 15 March, The John O’Connor Writing School presents a reading of ‘Come Day, Go Day’. John O’Connor’s novel ‘Come Day, Go Day’ is a loving evocation of Armagh’s Mill Row, of a people, a time, and a place long gone. From the poignancy of Teasie’s story, to the exhilaration of the Bullet Match, to the tragedy of Vincent Kelly and his dog Gyp. Come and celebrate this unique and wonderful work, adapted and read by Armagh-born actor and writer Karl O’Neill.

Then on Monday 16th March, we have a film screening of the documentary ‘The Peacemaker’. A New York Times Critics’ Pick and multi-award winning film, ‘The Peacemaker’ is an intimate portrait of international peacemaker Padraig O’Malley – who helps make peace for others but struggles to find it for himself. The film takes us from Padraig’s isolated life in Cambridge, Massachusetts to some of the most dangerous crisis zones on Earth, as he works a peacemaking model based on his recovery from addiction. We are delighted that Padraig O’Malley will be joining us for a short Q&A after the screening. This is a free event although tickets should be pre-booked.

Tickets for all events can be purchased by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com

Keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, 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.

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

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Down

Saffyre and Lore present: Take Me Home – A Night of Contemporary Irish & American Music this Saturday evening at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre in Newry.  Lore and Saffyre, both from Northern Ireland, have come together to create an unforgettable music.

Antrim

Be an everyday hero this Saturday by joining the  beach clean at Whitepark Bay Beach.  This is a great way to get active and meet others in the community, so you’ll feel good in more ways than one! Suitable clothing and footwear essential.

Armagh

Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Patrick and the “Home of Saint Patrick Festival” promises a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music and spirituality.  The festival takes place from 6th – 17th March 2020. See visitarmagh.com.

Derry

Gather your trainers and grab your head torch this Friday evening for a NEW night time adventure. The Firmus Energy Northern Lights Walk is the ultimate night-time challenge. Experience Portstewart’s magically lit coastal route and refreshments, cake, music, great banter and a medal that will greet you at the finish line! 5K or 10K.

Fermanagh

Join National Trust staff and volunteers on Sunday 8 March between 12.00pm and 4.00pm at Castle Coole and help them on their mission to plant over 100,000 snowdrops in Fermanagh in 2020!  Fun for all the family – outdoor clothing/footwear advised.

Tyrone

Veteran Irish songwriter Kieran Goss and singer Annie Kinsella released their debut duo album: ‘Oh, the Starlings’ on 1st March 2019. See them perform live at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown this Saturday evening. A show to make you laugh and cry… A show to move you with its honest beauty… A show not to be missed.

Belfast

In celebration of World Book Day, Belfast Zoo is bringing literary favourites to life with an interactive book reading session on Saturday 7 March from 11am – 12.30pm. Tickets from £6.50 (Child under 4 years free).

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

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