Author: whatsonni

Give the perfect Christmas gift to your loved ones and let them discover what Ards and North Down has to offer through a selection of fantastic walking tours and experiences!

Taking place between January and the end of March, the tours allow you and your loved ones to explore fascinating places while being immersed in the beauty of the Borough, on both dry land and water…

Walking Tours

The New Year’s Day Historic Ards Walk (1 Jan) will take you on a journey through time and let you explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards. You will discover many interesting and exciting stories, including John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell, in one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland.

If that’s too early in the year for you, then a number of walking tours will take place throughout February and March across different towns and villages. These include Love Comber (14 Feb) and the Historic Donaghadee Town Walk (27 Feb).

As the longer days begin to raise our spirits, the Hello Spring (20 Mar) guided walk will take you along the North Down Coastal Path on the first day of spring, providing a beautiful journey through coastline and parkland. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Peninsula, the Historic Portaferry Town Walk (27 Mar) offers another interesting and informative tour that reveals the fascinating maritime heritage of Portaferry.

Experiences

If you would rather rest those weary feet and enjoy the tranquil surroundings on water, March also features a feast of experiences that caters for all tastes.

Canoe and Cake (13 Mar) lets you enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe before relaxing at a traditional Irish thatched cottage with some delicious cake.

SUPNIC (20 Mar) offers three guided paddleboard experiences in the one day. You can choose between the breakfast (8-10am), lunch (12-2pm) or supper (4-6pm) sessions that will see you enjoy paddleboarding in Belfast Lough while hearing local tales before tucking into a gourmet picnic from a local deli in beautiful surroundings.

Perhaps an evening paddle in Donaghadee is more your thing, with SUP and Sip (21 Mar) letting you enjoy the view of the Copelands and see some of the resident wildlife while you glide along Belfast Lough, before returning to Pier 36 for a drink and a chat. The perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon!

Finally, the SUP and Soda (28 Mar) paddleboarding tour closes off the month in the tranquillity of Strangford Lough. You will paddleboard from Whiterock to Ballymorran before enjoying a freshly griddled soda, egg and sausage (vegetarian option also available) in a traditional Irish thatched cottage.

All providers will operate the experiences with COVID-19 measures in line with current government guidance.

For more information, including ticket prices and booking, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmasgifts and get your loved one an experience to remember this Christmas!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has visited Garvagh Forest where new walking and cycling trails are encouraging more people to get active outdoors.

Officially opened last summer, the trail network provides a welcoming environment for the public to experience the benefits of recreation opportunities within a forest environment.

Nestled on the edge of the town, walkers and joggers can explore up to 13kms of way marked routes, while cyclists can enjoy a range of purpose built trails.

Given the pandemic’s social restrictions, Alderman Mark Fielding said access to outdoor space is more crucial than ever.

“Garvagh Forest is a beautiful natural asset enhanced by appropriate infrastructure thanks to funding from DAERA, Sport NI and the Landfill Community Fund. The high quality trails make it a valuable space for recreation, and we have seen its popularity grow in recent times.

“If the trailhead car park is full, I would like to remind the public that they can also avail of further parking at Bridge Street which is only a short walk away. All forest users should park responsibly and be mindful of other drivers and pedestrians at all times.

“The forest is a fantastic shared space and we want to ensure that a visit to the area remains a positive experience for everyone as we promote positive health and wellbeing within local communities.”

As a two-week circuit breaker continues to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Mayor is also reminding people to adhere to the new regulations:

“During this time we should all try to stay at home as much as possible and only leave for essential purposes which includes outdoor exercise along with education, healthcare needs or to care for others.

“By reducing our contact with others and staying at home we will reduce the spread of the infection and ultimately help to save lives.

“Please do everything you can in the weeks ahead to protect yourself and your loved ones as we continue the fight against COVID-19.”

You can find out more about Garvagh Forest by going to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/garvagh-forest-trails/

Go to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/COVID19 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements about coronavirus.

19 November – 12 December 2020

www.gallery545.com

Gallery 545 presents a group of emerging and more established artists based in Northern Ireland who have achieved recognition locally and internationally. This exhibition celebrates their originality and talent showcasing a curated selection of diverse artworks. The selection encompasses atmospheric pieces inspired by landscapes, vibrant abstract paintings, fascinating portraits and exquisite works on paper. Viewers will have the opportunity to appreciate and discover recent artworks by several accomplished artists living and working in the region.

All the exhibiting artists are represented by Gallery 545, an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland. They are: Lisa Ballard, Ronan Bowes, Alacoque Davey, Ray Duncan, Craig Donald, Wendy Ferguson, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Trina Hobson, Ashely B Holmes, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Aimee Melaugh, Rosie McGurran, Kevin Miller, Noel Murphy, Latisha Reihill, Katharine St Angelo, Charlie Scott and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Artworks can be viewed and purchased online at gallery545.com (free delivery in UK and Ireland, and also  free returns in Northern Ireland). They are also available for private viewings at Gallery 545’s office in 51 Malone Road, Belfast.  For more information and enquiries, contact the gallery at hello@gallery545.com or on +44 7960 130414.

Gallery 545 Group Exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545. She commented:

I am delighted to feature and promote several artists based in Northern Ireland with this exhibition. There are so many talented artists here who create great art. This year has been particularly difficult for them. I therefore believe that it is important, now more than ever, to support them.

Eden Project Communities ambassadors Jo Brand and Eddie Izzard will be headlining the popular visitor attraction’s first online festival, which is hoping to be the “perfect antidote to lockdown” says Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder of the Eden Project.

The Festival of Discovery on 20-21 November is funded by National Lottery and  offers a wealth of sessions FREE  aiming to help people connect from across the UK through lively discussions, fun demonstrations and inspiring stories.

Covering topics from climate change and food security to inclusive communities and wellbeing the virtual festival is hoping to bring together families and neighbours during the challenging next few weeks.

Festival-goers will be able to take  part in cooking, gardening, listen to health and well being expert advice, enjoy a virtual tour around the world-famous Eden Biomes and walk amongst the exotic plants whilst watching exclusive talks and workshops focusing on encouraging people to explore a better future, for themselves and their communities.

Guest speakers will include marathon man and comedian Eddie Izzard who will be talking about exploring identity and making humanity great again, and fellow comedian Jo Brand will be telling people about some of the things she’s personally discovered during her extraordinary life and career.

Speaking about the Festival of Discovery Eddie Izzard said: “We have to remember that this time will turn around and we need to be ready to head towards a more positive future. Eden’s Festival of Discovery is both an antidote to lockdown and a reminder to connect with others, share ideas, spread the positivity and focus on what we can do to make humanity great.”

Online performances will take place across a number of virtual stages including the Med Motivation Station where you can go from having a workout with Mr Motivator before listening to Guinness World Record holder and long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont in conversation with Peter Stewart, Eden Project’s Executive Director.

Another guest speaker is Greg Whyte OBE, a former Olympian who has helped train numerous celebrities to undertake tough physical challenges and extraordinary feats of endurance. He mentored David Walliams as he swam across the English Channel, took Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles and Gary Barlow up Mount Kilimanjaro and helped Radio 1’s Greg James on his five triathlons in five cities in five days. Greg explains how exercise and positivity can help anyone to achieve their goals.

On the Open Mic Stage you will be able to listen to the inspirational real-life stories of Esther Mujawayo who talks about her work helping to rebuild shattered lives and communities in Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide, and Derrick Errol Evans MBE, the man behind the iconic lycra-clad fitness instructor – Mr Motivator.

Young dinosaur fans will get a treat from BBC’s CBeebies Andy Day as he entertains the kids with Jurassic raps and wild adventure themed activities. Plus, anyone with creative interests can join in virtual lantern making classes, a poetry session or learn painting skills in workshops put together by artist Alison Critchlow.

The festival is part of the Eden Project’s Communities program, all made possible by the National Lottery, and follows the first virtual Big Lunch that took place in the summer.

Grainne Mc Closkey NI Manager, Eden project Communities said: “This winter is going to be tough for everyone and we know how important it is that people feel connected and stay positive. The Big Lunch – our flagship initiative bringing people together had to be done virtually and with social distance this year and there was such a response from people looking for ways to keep connected.  So when  Eden the wonderful destination in Cornwall temporarily closed  due to the pandemic we decided to open it up virtually to people who would not be able to travel and to share knowledge, ideas and experience to people in neighbourhoods across the UK. The Festival of Discovery as the perfect antidote to lockdown. We can still bring people together to have meaningful conversations online that help us work towards a better future for ourselves, our communities and the planet.”

The free Festival of Discovery will take place over the weekend of November 20-21 with all the events taking place via www.thefestivalofdiscovery.com.

The coveted title of ‘Best Window Display’ is up for grabs as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s annual Christmas competition gets underway.

The standard of town centre window displays has soared year after year, with bright, colourful creativity helping to attract shoppers and spread Christmas cheer. Given the challenges of recent months, this has never been more important.

One winner will be selected for each location in Bushmills, Cushendall, Dungiven, Garvagh, Kilrea, Portrush and Portstewart as well as Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady.

A panel of independent judges will assess and score displays based on the following:

How attractive is the display?

How well designed and creative is the display?

How much does the display contribute to a positive town centre experience for local shoppers and visitors?

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Mark Fielding, said: “2020 has been a very difficult year for our town centres and local businesses. Every one of us is hoping that the Christmas season will mark a positive turning point in the fight against the pandemic, and that the New Year will see a steady recovery of our local economy.

“This Christmas season, more than ever, we are urging people to do their shopping locally by exploring the retail offering in towns and villages across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.

“Festive-themed windows have become a great attraction and I encourage all our town centre traders to make the most of this opportunity to embrace the season and enhance the shopping experience your business and town has to offer.”

Each town winner will receive a small trophy in recognition of their creative efforts. There is no need to formally enter the competition. Just make sure your window is beautifully dressed before 5pm on Friday 4th December. Winners will be announced on Monday 14th December 2020.

For further information please contact the Council’s Town Management team on 028 7034 7034 or email: town.management@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

If you are looking for that special gift this Christmas, that offers plenty of choice then why not try the Antrim Town Gift Card?

Launched this week by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in conjunction with Antrim Town Team, the gift card aims to encourage people to spend more locally and in turn, help businesses recover from the recent pandemic. The card works the same as other shop gift card schemes and can be pre-loaded with any amount from £5 up to £500.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said: “Together with the Council’s Back in Business campaign we want the card to encourage local spend and help our businesses recover from the Covid-19 crisis. People who use the card will be able to discover new shops and businesses which they may not have tried before, whilst also visiting some of their favorite places. The gift card can be redeemed through multiple transactions at over 30 participating businesses within Antrim Town, making the perfect gift for a colleague, friend or family member.”

If you are a business owner who has a till system that accepts Mastercard and would like to get involved please email karen.uprichard@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. For more information including a list of businesses that accept the gift card or to purchase one, visit www.antrimgiftcard.co.uk

Christmas may look a lot different this year, however Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council still plans to share some festive cheer. 

A ‘Virtual Christmas’ will be organised for each of the Christmas tree ‘switch ons’ across the seven District Electoral Areas (DEA’s): Antrim Town, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Glengormley, Mossley, Randalstown and Rathcoole. Plans for this festive programme ‘Log onto Christmas’ include an interactive children’s story with Mr Hullabaloo, radio presenter, live music, Santa, lots of prizes and many more sparkling surprises.

Reluctantly the Council has decided not to proceed with the annual flagship event, Enchanted Winter Garden. Given the nature of the event, the current circumstances relating to the NI Executive restrictions and the significant uncertainty about what might exist in November/December, a decision was made to bring the event back in 2021 bigger and better than before, circumstances permitting.

This award-winning event has grown annually to become one of Northern Ireland’s flagship Christmas experiences which attracted 85,000 visitors to Antrim Castle Gardens last year, with several thousand visitors attending each evening of the three week event run.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to the Council’s virtual Christmas programme and the Christmas spirit it will bring to the many households across the Borough.

“We have all became more digital savvy during the recent months, and this innovative virtual programme will bring us all together during this particularly special time of year.

“It is unfortunate that Enchanted Winter Garden has had to be put on hold until next year. Public safety is paramount and I look forward to a bigger and brighter Enchanted Winter Garden Experience in 2021.”

Full details of our ‘Log onto Christmas’ virtual programme are available on our website; www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Christmas

Calling all students! Join the University of Wonder & Imagination from the comfort of your own home for a magical experience this autumn.

This hour-long interactive digital theatre production delivered via Zoom allows families to direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. 

The show, where magic and illusion have no boundaries, is part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

To book your tickets go to bit.ly/CahootsUOWI

CALLING ALL PARENTS!

Need something to do with your kids over the next 2 weeks?

CahootsNI’s new online Zoom show The University of Wonder and Imagination will be opening THIS THURSDAY as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1 🎭🎟️

This immersive digital theatre experience will be bringing the magic and joy of theatre to families and young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production delivered via Zoom that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and magic and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

To book your tickets go to >> https://bit.ly/CahootsUOWI

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is appealing to people to continue to do all they can to stop the spread of coronavirus.

With cases on the rise across Northern Ireland, Alderman Mark Fielding says adherence to public health advice has never been more important.

In a message to residents in the Borough, the Mayor said: “There can be no doubt that the past number of months have created unprecedented challenges which have affected all aspects of life across Causeway Coast and Glens.

“None of us have experienced anything like this before and the impact has been unimaginable in many ways.

“Levels of infection are increasing rapidly, and there’s a real need for renewed vigilance as we look towards the winter period in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

“Wearing a face covering where required, maintaining an appropriate social distance and washing hands regularly must be the norm and we must all comply.

“The success of these measures depends on collective support. Please don’t let apathy creep in – if this happens we are putting everyone around us at risk.

“At this time of great uncertainty, I would like to express my thanks to our business community for its resilience in the face of this crisis. New practices and ways of working have been introduced as retailers and hospitality providers seek to create safe environments for staff and customers. Please show them your support and kindness, and remember that this is not an easy time for anyone.

“There’s no doubt that we are at a crucial stage of the pandemic and I want to reiterate my appeal to you all. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance and together we can make a difference.”

You can find out more by going to our website www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/COVID19 ​or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements.

Ground-breaking immersive digital show by children’s theatre company set to delight audiences

Northern Ireland-based children’s theatre company Cahoots NI has launched an immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.

The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.

The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.

Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems. 

Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.

Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.

“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.

“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.

“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.” 

The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.  

“With their trademark ingenuity and wizardry the Cahoots team are managing to bring the essence of stage magic and theatrical spectacle to life through new technologies. Cahoots’ work is not only multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed, but also a firm favourite with family audiences at home and abroad. 

“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI

Tickets can be found on belfastinternationalartsfestival.com