Author: Tina Calder

Wonderful Wander Goes Station To Station During 4 Corners Festival 2026

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The 4 Corners Festival Wonderful Wander is back for this year’s festival and this time the guided city walk will explore how transport has shaped the city of Belfast.

Kicking off at Lanyon Station to the new Grand Central Station on Saturday February 7 storytellers Jim Deeds, David Campton and Mylie Brennan will take participants along the Lagan Tow Path and through Belfast’s historic centre.

Speaking of what people can expect this year David said: “With the theme of this year’s festival being ‘Journey’ it seemed obvious that the wander should explore some of the features of transport to, from and within Belfast, past and present, finishing at the iconic new transport hub that will potentially be a game-changer for our city.”

Celebrating the rich history of the city through stories, poems and songs the Wonderful Wander is just one of a number of events taking place across the city as part of the wider 4 Corners Festival from January 30 to February 8

The route this year is about 1 ½ miles long, on the level, and should take around 2 hours. If you stick with us to the end we hope that there will be a special surprise awaiting! 

This year’s theme ‘Journey’ reflects the idea that everyone is shaped by the paths they take through life, both outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth. 

Mylie said: “The Wander is a fantastic way to learn more about our beautiful city, whether you’re new to Belfast or if you’ve been here your whole life. 

“As a professional tour guide, I’m excited to wander around with my pals, David and Jim, talking about our history and the people who shaped it. We all love Belfast, telling stories, and having a laugh, so our guests can expect to learn something new and have a bit of fun along the way.”

The 4 Corners Festival is a faith-based initiative delivered across venues in all four corners of the city, with events designed to encourage people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of Belfast and encounter new perspectives, new ideas and new connections.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com

Young People Set To Take Centre Stage As 4 Corners Festival 2026 Events Announced

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Young people and youth-led conversations will take centre stage at the 4 Corners Festival 2026, which returns to Belfast from January 30 to February 8 with the theme Journey.

The festival is a faith-based initiative delivered across venues in all four corners of the city, with events designed to encourage people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of Belfast and encounter new perspectives, new ideas and new connections.

The 2026 youth programme includes schools-based activity, sports and friendship-building, student discussion, youth travel and peacebuilding, and space for honest conversation about masculinity and non-violence.

A key youth event, Passports Ready! takes place at QUB PEC, Botanic Park, Stranmillis at 10am on February 4, bringing primary school pupils from four Belfast schools together with Peace Players NI for a day focused on sports skills and building connections, celebrating friendship and support on the sports field and in life.

The programme also includes a Youth Action-led workshop, Exploring Masculinity With Young Men in Schools, which takes place at Youth Action, 14 College Square North, on the morning of February 4, creating space for honest conversation with young men aged 13 to 18 about how masculinity is shaped and expressed in everyday life, including pressures of proving oneself, gender roles, positive male influences, non-violence and empathy.

A second Youth Action session, Reimagining Masculinity, takes place at 1.15pm on February 4 and is aimed at youth practitioners, educators and community leaders, focusing on young men’s perspectives and how to support respect, non-violence and authentic masculinities.

Students are also specifically included in the 2026 schedule through Out To Lunch With Dr Jemar Tisby at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church, University Street, at 12.30pm on February 5, where students from Queen’s and Ulster Universities will gather for a lunchtime conversation with the activist, historian and author, challenging students to think critically about Christianity, race, faith and justice.

Youth travel and global connection is reflected in A Youth Journey From Belfast To Katanga at Knock Methodist Centre, 17 Knock Road, at 7.30pm on January 31. The event centres on a November 2025 journey by five young people from South Belfast Alternatives who travelled to Kampala, Uganda to explore how youth use vision and resilience to change their communities. Emmanuel Trinity, Founder and CEO of era92 Group, and peacebuilder Tony Macaulay will share how the idea developed and will interview the young participants.

The programme also includes All Aboard at Methodist College’s Whitla Hall, Malone Road, at 7pm on February 5, where Play it by Ear will take audiences on “the journey of a lifetime” with the help of children from some local schools.

The festival’s final day includes Our Corner of Creation at Forthspring Inter-Community Group, 373 to 375 Springfield Road, at 1.30pm on February 8, bringing young people from across Belfast together to explore environmental care and community stewardship of the earth’s resources, with discussion in mixed groups on both the beauty and brokenness of the city and realistic steps that can address the challenges it faces.

Speaking about the importance of youth participation within the festival’s wider ethos, Ed Petersen of Clonard Monastery, representing the 4 Corners Festival, said: “I love the overall ethos of the 4 Corners Festival to encourage all of us to get out of our corner of the city, not only just the geographical corner of the city to experience other parts of Belfast but also just around other ideas and opportunities. 

“Young people can meet new people and explore various different subject matters together with people from different areas of Belfast or even beyond.”

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund and Belfast City Council Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com

4 Corners Festival Returns To Belfast For 2026 With Latest Theme: Journey

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The 4 Corners Festival is set to return to venues across Belfast from January 30 to February 8, 2026, with a programme built around its new theme, ‘Journey’.

Now established as an annual festival in the city, 4 Corners was conceived as a way to inspire people from across Belfast to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all, encouraging people to step beyond the physical and psychological “corners” of the city through events that bring new places, new perspectives and new connections.

The 2026 programme includes events spanning conversation, music, comedy, drama, exhibitions, workshops, schools and sport, with all events free of charge. 

According to organisers this year’s theme ‘Journey’ reflects the idea that everyone is shaped by the paths they take through life, both outward journeys across places and inward journeys of change, reflection and growth. 

Speaking at the recent launch Rev Steve Stockman, 4 Corners Festival co-founder explained what makes the festival different in Belfast’s festival calendar, and how the team thinks about the festival’s reach beyond church walls. 

He said: “I think I’d like to think that the festival has this blend between the sacred and the secular that not many other festivals have. We’re very conscious that we’re all Christians, and we want to make that contribution, but we’re not frightened of going outside the walls of the church and having some really good connections and partnerships with those who don’t have a faith or have another faith. 

“I think in that sense, it probably crosses more boundaries than just the four corners. I like that idea, and I think that’s unique to the festival.”

Fellow festival co-founder Father Martin Magill, said one objective of the festival is to encourage people to explore Belfast and meet across divides, with a strong emphasis on welcome and friendship. 

He said: “The background to our city is shaped by the legacy of the Troubles, so part of what we do is encourage people to get to know the whole city and to meet one another, and build friendships across the various divides. Another key element is churches working together, using the arts to communicate an important message — and that message is about building friendships.”

Now in its 14th year, the forthcoming festival will explore how encounters with people, ideas, faith and community can challenge perspectives and deepen understanding. Through shared experiences across the city, ‘Journey’ will invite people to reflect on how change, personal and collective, can lead to renewal for individuals, communities and Belfast itself.

On the theme itself, Father Martin said: “For me, journey is on so many levels. It is really a journey towards a greater maturity in body, mind and spirit. Coming from a Christian Catholic faith perspective, the journey, for me, is also about becoming more like the one I follow, becoming more like Jesus. That, for me, is the primary  journey”.

While Father Martin spoke of the inner and spiritual dimensions of journey, Rev Stockman focused on how the theme connects individual experience with wider social and communal journeys.

He said: “For me, journey is something we are all on. We’re on spiritual journeys, whether we admit it or not. We’re on journeys of peacebuilding, journeys that take people to other countries, and journeys where lives take turns geographically, spiritually and socially. 

“It’s a very wide theme, but I hope that, at the end of the day, the festival helps us journey towards understanding, respect and tolerance and towards becoming a better society.”

The festival will open in late January with invitation-only events, followed by a city-centre exhibition and a full run of public events across Belfast through to the closing Sunday on February 8.

The programme includes Beyond Boundaries, an invitation-only event delivered in partnership with Ulster University for sixth form pupils from across Belfast, facilitated by playwright and broadcaster Nuala McKeever, focused on exploring how to face change and difference with openness rather than fear.

A public exhibition, Journeying To Resilience, will be launched at 2 Royal Avenue on January 30 and will run daily from January 31 to February 8, showcasing photography from Westcourt Camera Club following creative writing workshops with individuals on paths of personal transformation.

A cross-city Glider event, Come Glide With Me, will travel West to East from St John’s Church on the Falls Road to Stormont Presbyterian, and East to West on the return, featuring live music, spoken word, poetry, reflections from a tour guide and a community relations gathering while the opening weekend includes A Youth Journey From Belfast To Katanga, sharing a November 2025 journey by young people from South Belfast Alternatives to Kampala, Uganda, and exploring how youth use vision and resilience to change their communities.

The festival’s annual broadcast service will take place at the Agápê Centre on February 1, broadcast on BBC Radio Ulster, exploring Journey with Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin.

That evening, The Journey So Far will feature Bishop Rose Hudson-Wilkin speaking on her journey from Montego Bay to Kent, with music by the Pro Bono Choir, a Belfast ensemble of lawyers who perform for charitable causes.

Other programme highlights include Winning Through Uncertainty with Sam Goodwin at St Comgall’s Centre on February 2; The Good Journey, an evening of conversation about the life and ministry of Rev Dr Harold Good at Jennymount Methodist on February 3; and Stories from the Road, a night of music and comedy at the Oh Yeah Centre on February 4.

On February 4, Youth Action will host two workshops: Exploring Masculinity With Young Men In Schools for young men aged 13 to 18, and Reimagining Masculinity, an afternoon session for those working with young men in schools, youth work, community or faith settings.

It will be followed on February 5 with an Out To Lunch With Dr Jemar Tisby at Fitzroy Presbyterian Church where university students will have an opportunity to attend a closed event where the historian and author will be challenging students to think critically about Christianity, race, faith and justice. 

The festival’s closing event, The Journey Toward Reconciliation, takes place on Racial Justice Sunday at St Peter’s Cathedral on February 8, with Dr Jemar Tisby speaking on racial reconciliation within the Church and practical steps to fight discrimination and journey together toward peace.

The 4 Corners Festival is supported by The Executive Office’s Central Good Relations Fund, The Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliation Fund, Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Fund, St Anne’s Cathedral Sitout and Linen Quarter BID.

All events are free to attend. To find out the full lineup of the festival and to book your tickets go to 4cornersfestival.com

TechFoundHer Enters Growth Phase as Applications Open for New All-Island WeBuild Programme

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Women entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland are invited to apply for three new
programmes designed to help them grow, innovate and scale their businesses.
Launched by InterTradeIreland, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, the programmes will be delivered under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland.. Pictured (L-R) are Roisin McDermott, Women in Business NI; Denise McQuaid, AwakenHub; Mary Gormley, Invest Northern Ireland; Emma Early Murphy, Network Ireland; Elaine Patterson, InterTradeIreland; Máirín Murray,
TechFoundHer and Sarah Mallon, Enterprise Ireland.

Women in Tech organisation TechFoundHer is calling on women across the island to apply for WeBuild, a new all-island programme upskilling entrepreneurs to accelerate their tech-driven solutions and progress tech-enabled ventures.

TechFoundHer, which has built strong momentum since launching in 2024, marks a major milestone in its growth with the opening of applications for WeBuild.

The WeBuild programme, led by InterTradeIreland in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, is part of the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, funded by the Government of Ireland. The delivery partner for WeBuild is TechFoundHer.

WeBuild is a tech programme created to support women entrepreneurs in advancing tech-driven and tech-enabled business ideas, with a strong emphasis on innovation, AI capability development and building resilient, future-ready enterprises. 

The programme will provide hands-on, practical support for founders ready to move from early ideas to credible, investor ready technology products, offering expert mentorship, peer networks and guidance on designing, testing and building technology.

Speaking about the opportunity, CEO and Founder Máirín Murray said: “This is a break-through moment for TechFoundHer and also women tech founders across the island. The tools, the timing and the opportunity have aligned.

“You do not have to be a coder to build a credible tech product anymore. With GenAI and no-code tools, women can design, test and launch faster than ever, but WeBuild goes deeper. It is about building credibility with strong ideas, strong roadmaps and ventures that investors and customers take seriously.

“If you are ready to accelerate your product and turn insight into impact, this is where it happens. The old tech playbook is being torn up and WeBuild is where women are writing the new one.”

Entrepreneur and broadcaster Áine Kerr, who is a workshop facilitator, said the programme has the potential to reshape the landscape for women building tech.

“I am delighted to champion TechFoundHer as it enters this bold new phase with the WeBuild programme. This has the potential to be a real game changer for women tech innovators by creating the space, networks and industry insight needed to turn powerful ideas into scalable impact. When women come together to learn, build and back each other, extraordinary things happen.”

Running over a four month hybrid schedule, the programme includes a 12 week sprint, in person labs in Dublin and Belfast, and an intensive two day Build Lab where founders use GenAI and no-code tools to rapidly test and strengthen their products.

Support for WeBuild is further strengthened through collaboration with KPMG Ireland, which has a strong track record in advancing women in technology and innovation. Breda O’Callaghan, Managing Director and Lead for Technology Enablement at KPMG, commented:

“WeBuild is a valuable opportunity for women tech founders to gain practical, AI-focused skills that accelerate real progress. We’re pleased to contribute our expertise to this important work.”

WeBuild is one of three new programmes under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme. Together with WeGrow delivered by Women in Business NI and Network Ireland, and WeScale delivered by AwakenHub, these initiatives will support women entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey from early innovation to international expansion.

Additional support for participants will come from members of the WeBuild faculty, including experienced tech entrepreneur Áine Denn who will contribute practical product and strategy expertise throughout the programme.

“Being part of the WeBuild faculty is a chance to back founders with practical, high quality support. I am committed to sharing proven approaches that strengthen clarity, confidence and momentum for women driving ambitious companies forward.” she said.

To give women founders a taste of the WeBuild programme, TechFoundHer will also host two festive Build Club sessions. The Belfast session will take place at Catalyst on 3rd December, followed by a Dublin session at Huckletree on 8th December. Both community events will offer practical no-code and GenAI insights along with guidance on the WeBuild application process.

Applications for WeBuild are now open and will close on Tuesday 9th December at 12pm. Women founders can apply now and find the full programme information at: intertradeireland.com/entrepreneurship/womens-entrepreneurship

Mums at Work Elevate Your Business Event Returns to Belfast’s Merchant Hotel

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The Mums At Work Elevate Your Business event will return to Belfast this Thursday.

Following on from the success of their annual conference at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena in March the Belfast event will once again highlight and celebrate the incredible work of businesswomen across Northern Ireland.

The Elevate your Business showcase was designed with working women in mind to enable them to make valuable local connections in business, increasing their brand visibility and opening doors for growth and referrals.

The Belfast instalment will take place in the Rita Duffy Suite at the Merchant Hotel on Thursday November 20 from 6:30pm.

Mums at Work was founded by Sinead Norton, a mother of seven and a passionate entrepreneur who wanted to create a network of women in business to form a supportive and uplifting community across all industries.

Sinead tragically lost her battle to Pancreatic cancer in November 2023, but left a powerful legacy behind. This has been carried on by her daughter, Danielle Norton, who has taken the helm of Mums at Work to continue providing businesswomen across Northern Ireland the opportunity to connect with each other and strengthen their community.

This year, the event will host a range of inspiring speakers from across Northern Ireland, including Sarah Lacey, founder of Nourish and Nurture, and Claire Boyle, founder of Groom the Groom.

Sarah will be sharing practical tips to manage stress and wellbeing in her talk, The Entrepreneur’s Toolkit: Stress-Busting Strategies for Success.

With over 20 years of experience in mental health and recently awarded Highly Commended for Excellence in Female Healthcare at the Private Healthcare Excellence Awards, she brings both lived experience and expertise to the stage.

Claire is a multi award winning businesswoman who has years of experience in male grooming and is the winner of several awards such as Men’s Stylist of the Year, 5-Star Barbers status, Male Grooming Venue of the Year, and a Mighty Women NI Award.

In her talk, Claire will talk about her entrepreneurial journey and will delve into how she built two thriving businesses while also balancing motherhood. 

She will also speak about the support that the Mums at Work Network provides, and how it helped her through one of the toughest periods of her life.

Speaking of the significance of Mums At Work and its respective gatherings Danielle said: “The purpose of the Elevate Your Business events is for women to have a chance to meet other women who are looking to grow their businesses. 

“It is a welcoming and supportive environment for women to feel comfortable and gain confidence. We hope the attendees will make new connections, receive referrals and increase their brand visibility. 

“We also hope they leave feeling inspired and motivated by our speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

For more information, to book a ticket or a stand at the Elevate Your Business event on November 20 go to eventbrite.co.uk

Belfast Agency Excalibur Press Strengthens Commitment To Accessibility & Neuroinclusion With JAM Card Certification

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(L-R) From left Excalibur Press staff Tina Calder (chief vision officer), Carole King (client liaison and business development), Alex Feher (managing director), Adam McBride (senior developer and digital transformation specialist), Lyndsey Hodgkinson (social media and video coordinator), Carly Curley (office manager) and Niamh Cooper (publicity and publishing assistant).

Belfast based communications company Excalibur Press have cemented their commitment to inclusion, accessibility and neuroinclusion by completing a company wide JAM (Just A Minute) Card certification.

The training, as part of the Belfast Business Promise programme, reinforces the ongoing work by the company to embrace and promote inclusion in their daily operations.

For Excalibur Press founder and Chief Vision Officer, Tina Calder it was a personal mission.

“Accessibility and neuroinclusion is massively important here at Excalibur Press,” she said.  

“Inclusivity isn’t a tick box exercise that you do and forget, it must be ingrained in the very fabric of your culture and team.

“As someone with ADHD and chronic pain conditions and who has staff, family, clients and friends with disability and neurodiversity I think it’s important for us, as a business, to show people that we are an empathetic and caring team.”

The Excalibur Press team’s ongoing commitment and passion for inclusivity is what drove them to seek out the training.

“Doing business should never be at the expense of being a good human, I don’t care what anyone says and, ultimately, no doubt I’ll pay the price for being so staunchly rigid on this but our values of integrity, honesty, respect, teamwork, creativity, innovation, education and inclusivity aren’t just fancy words in our handbook; they are the very fabric of who we are, what we stand for and why we do what we do every day.

“Like any business we understand there are limitations to what we can do within our available finance, resources and capacity, however, the Belfast Business Promise programme at Belfast City Council has made this achievement possible for our team and we’re immensely proud to now be JAM Card certificate holders.

“All businesses should strive for inclusivity where they can. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Continual improvement is important and being mindful of the needs of those around you.

“Neurodivergent and disabled people should not be expected to always ‘fit’ into an able-bodied, neurotypical world. As citizens, entrepreneurs, colleagues, family and friends we have a responsibility to reach out and be better.”

Tina said she’s proud her team is as committed to the company’s values and ethos of the training as she is.

“They weren’t just willing to embrace the JAM Card and its philosophy, they were motivated by our values and mission and, because of that, I’m proud to call them my team.

“Embracing accessibility and neuroinclusion isn’t just about ticking the boxes here, for us it’s the right thing to do and I personally believe it should be non-negotiable in business.”

Set up in 2017, Excalibur Press has grown from a solopreneur led journalism and media services business to a full multidisciplinary media, marketing and consulting firm with seven departments and a six-figure turnover.

Recently the business conducted a full restructure promoting Alexandra Feher to the newly created managing director role. The company now offers clients a holistic service offering covering everything from generalised marketing such as social media, PR, website development, video production, copywriting, crisis comms, research, event management and digital transformation to training, mentoring and consulting services such as entrepreneurial programme delivery and design, community outreach, business mentoring and media production and publishing.

Speaking of the JAM Card participation Alexandra said: “I am delighted to have overseen this initiative as one of my first projects as managing director at Excalibur Press. I believe it shows our clients, colleagues and community exactly who we are and what we’re about.

“In a time-starved economic landscape it’s easy to deprioritise things like training, continual development, accessibility and working on improving your services. 

“Very often we get caught in the hamster wheel of delivery and when working at capacity it can be hard to set aside time for things like the Belfast Business Promise and JAM Card.

“However, as a business that is no stranger to challenges, my team embraced this with positivity and we’re all proud to be able to display the JAM Card sign at our events and training.

“Not only did the team learn from the process but the getting our photos with our certificates and taking time out to discuss the process was a welcome break and opportunity to discuss issues such as accessibility, disability, neurodiversity and more.” 

The Belfast Business Promise contains eight pledges, driven by a commitment to making a better Belfast and shaping a better city for everyone.

For more information about Excalibur Press go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

Ulster-Scots Leid Week To Feature Six Hours Of New Programming Across Ireland

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A major new season of Ulster-Scots programming, including six hours of brand-new content will air from Monday 24th to Sunday 30th November as part of Ulster-Scots Leid Week, celebrating the language, music, and culture of the Ulster-Scots community.

The programming will be broadcast on That’s TV (Freeview Channel 7 / Virgin 159) in Northern Ireland and for the first time, will also be shown on Dublin Community Television (DCTV Virgin 802) and Cork Community Television (CCTV Virgin 803), extending the reach of Ulster-Scots stories to two million households across the island of Ireland.

At the heart of the schedule is the flagship documentary The Man Who Fell into Muttonburn Stream, premiering on Sunday 30th November.

A partnership showcasing Ulster-Scots culture

This new series marks the continuing partnership between NVTV and That’s TV who are commited to sharing authentic local stories and celebrating the cultural diversity of our communities. Through their partnership, now joined by Dublin Community Television and Cork Community Television, Ulster-Scots language and creativity will be showcased to an all-Ireland audience, connecting communities across regions and traditions.

Together, these stations will broadcast a wide-ranging selection of programmes exploring Ulster-Scots language, heritage, poetry, dance, and storytelling, offering new perspectives on identity and belonging.

Supported by the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund

The Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund has played a central role in supporting this special schedule. The Fund champions high-quality productions that reflect Ulster-Scots life, ensuring that the voices, experiences and creativity of the community are shared with audiences both locally and internationally.

Its support has enabled the creation of new content that celebrates the shared cultural bonds between Ulster and Scotland, and between Ireland and America.

Six hours of new Ulster-Scots programming

As part of Leid Week, viewers will be able to watch six hours of new Ulster-Scots content, with a mix of documentary, discussion, music and storytelling. 

On Monday 24 November the schedule includes European Highland Dance 2025, in which dance teacher Georgina Kee-McCarter looks at how Highland dancing continues in Ulster-Scots communities, Gathering Together, where Helen Mark, Iona Fyfe and Anne McMaster focus on storytelling, song and poetry, and a short film on the Louise McIlroy blue plaque, marking Dame Louise McIlroy as the first woman Professor of Medicine. 

On Tuesday 25 November, the line-up features Charlotte Riddell, a portrait of the Ulster-Scots novelist on what would have been her 193rd birthday, Eva’s First Twelfth, which follows presenter Eva Jackson, who is sixteen and from England, as she experiences her first 12th of July and hears the stories behind the tradition, and The Hamely Tongue, filmed at the Linen Hall Library and centred on poetry, humour and the living Ulster-Scots language.

On Wednesday 26 November, Fragments of Scotch Language, curated by poet Maria McManus and featuring Pàdraig MacAoidh and Anne McMaster, looks at shared linguistic roots between Ulster and Scotland. On Thursday 27 and Friday 28 November, Ireland and America: 250th Anniversary (Parts 1 and 2) marks 250 years of links between Ireland and America from an Ulster-Scots perspective. The season concludes on Sunday 30 November with The Man Who Fell into Muttonburn Stream.

The Man Who Fell into Muttonburn Stream

A lyrical and reflective film, The Man Who Fell into Muttonburn Stream explores how memory, language and landscape intertwine within Ulster-Scots culture. Through rich imagery and poetic narration, the documentary traces connections between family, place and belonging with the stream itself serving as a metaphor for continuity and change. Blending local voices, music and archival material, the film invites viewers to rediscover the Ulster-Scots experience as something both deeply personal and universally human.

The Borough of Mid and East Antrim will host the premiere screening of The Man Who Fell into the Muttonburn Stream at Larne Museum & Arts Centre on Friday 28th November 2025 at 2.00pm, as part of the celebrations for Leid Week.

The premiere will include a post-screening discussion with the producer, Dean Hagan and presenter, David Hume, giving attendees a unique insight into the making of the film and the enduring influence of William Hume’s Ulster-Scots voice.

Dean Hagan of NVTV said: “Our ongoing partnership with That’s TV, now joined by Dublin and Cork Community Television, gives Ulster-Scots culture a new and exciting platform. With support from the Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund, we are proud to share six hours of new programmes that bring language, landscape and heritage together, with The Man Who Fell into Muttonburn Stream as a central highlight of the week.”

Ulster-Scots Leid Week runs from Monday 24 to Sunday 30 November 2025 on That’s TV, Dublin Community Television and Cork Community Television. Full details and timings are available in local TV listings.

Belfast Agency Excalibur Press Appoints Managing Director To Lead Ongoing Growth And Development

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Excalibur Press chief vision officer Tina Calder and managing director Alexandra Feher

Belfast based communications company Excalibur Press have appointed Alexandra Feher to the role of managing director to support the company with their growth.

In eight years the business, set up by comms strategist and business mentor Tina Calder in 2017, has grown from a solopreneur led journalism and media services business to a full multidisciplinary media, marketing and consulting firm with seven departments and a six-figure turnover.

According to chief vision officer Tina the new appointment signifies a new era for the business.

Alexandra, 30, who has been with the business for just under five years, started as a short-term contractor with general duties in marketing and communications. Having been promoted to head of content at the beginning of 2024 she has been instrumental in the restructure of the organisation over the last 10 months.

Speaking about the appointment Tina, who will now step away from the day to day running of the business, said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to offer Alex the position she deserves within the business. She has been a key part of our survival journey over the last few years and has proven time and time again that she’s the woman for the job.

“Following the decimation of the business during Covid Alex was part of the new team who worked hard to bring us back to life when many businesses were going through significant difficulties.

“In October 2022 we were victims of the Cathedral Buildings arson attack and lost four offices, significant revenue and equipment. This pushed the business back into survival for the second time since Covid.

“Since then Alex has led the team through a difficult, but successful, regrowth period and I am delighted to be able to work with her to build on that success.”

Following a full restructure of the business Excalibur Press now offers clients a holistic service offering covering everything from generalised marketing such as social media, PR, website development, video production, copywriting, crisis comms, research, event management and digital transformation to training, mentoring and consulting services such as entrepreneurial programme delivery and design, community outreach, business mentoring and media production and publishing.

Alexandra will now lead an internal team of eight and a contractors and mentors network of over 25 managing day to day projects and workflows whilst Tina will move into strategic work for clients including fractional roles and consulting as well as delivering training, entrepreneur support programmes and mentoring.

Alexandra said: “It’s no secret the journey with Excalibur Press has been a bumpy one with many challenges along the way but throughout my time here I’ve been given the opportunity to craft a unique role that allows me to showcase and develop both my leadership skills and career goals.

“Excalibur Press is a fast-moving, vibrant business with a varied client base that gives the team a chance to learn and develop in many sectors and skills. Being part of that journey of course can be stressful but it’s also rewarding and exciting when you see the plans and new ideas come together.

“The world of agency life is changing, being ready and able to pivot quickly, efficiently and effectively is key to survival and I am delighted to say we have a team that allows us to do that.

“In the last few months we’ve been through a significant restructure and I’m excited to work with Tina and the team to announce our new plans for 2026 later this year.”

Alongside the restructure and appointment of Alexandra the Excalibur Press leadership team have reinforced their commitment to nurturing new talent and providing the next generation with much needed skills and experience through their work experience, internship and training schemes.

This announcement comes on the back of the company recently being awarded the Go Succeed Get Started In Business programme aimed at economically inactive individuals for six councils across Northern Ireland (Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, Ards & North Down Borough Council, Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Mid Ulster District Council), the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council Go Succeed Digital Edge programme and being appointed to the Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council ASK mentoring programme.

The company are already working with a number of large organisations and local councils on projects such as PR and comms for the Digital Transformation Flexible Fund (DTFF), media and marketing training programme with Fermanagh & Omagh District Council and the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) as well as marketing and business development consultation for Arts Care and website development for Seaview Stadium.

“Business is hard all round let’s not pretend it isn’t, I’ve been very open that my journey with Excalibur Press has been a difficult one having had to build the company to where we are today three times since its inception” said Tina, adding: “But, when you have family, staff, contractors, friends and partners like I have it’s easy to weather the storm, stay focused and stay resilient.

“I am excited to see what the new chapter of Excalibur Press will bring and to watch my staff grow and develop their departments. Personally, I’m also very excited to be able to focus my attention on our strategic vision and to support our clients at a strategic level whilst delivering my training and mentoring day to day.”

For more information about Excalibur Press go to excaliburpress.co.uk or email alexandra@excaliburpress.co.uk 

Charities Champion Inclusion And Opportunity Ahead Of Belfast Careers And Volunteer Fair

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With just days to go before The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 5th November, organisations working across disability, autism and inclusion are encouraging people to explore the life-changing opportunities available within Northern Ireland’s charity and voluntary sector.

 

Among those leading the way are Positive Futures, National Autistic Society NI and Autism Initiatives, who are highlighting the importance of inclusion, accessibility and understanding in the workplace and beyond. The three organisations are featured together in a new photo with event organisers Richard Cherry and Chris Bunce, co-founders of Charity Jobs NI, ahead of the upcoming fair.

 

Positive Futures, a returning exhibitor, is a leading learning disability, acquired brain injury and autism charity that supports children and adults, and their families through innovative person-centred services, enabling them to achieve their dreams and transform their lives.

 

Chris Perry, Human Resources Director at Positive Futures, said the event provides an important platform for the sector to connect with people who want to make a difference.

 

“This event is your chance to meet the people behind the charities making a real difference to people’s lives and discover how you can be part of creating change.”

 

National Autistic Society NI, a new exhibitor this year, provides a range of support to Northern Ireland’s 35,000 autistic people and their families. The charity runs specialist services and programmes and campaigns to help create a society that works for autistic people. Paula McCann, Service Manager at National Autistic Society NI, said the fair is an opportunity for people to find a role that truly matters.

 

“If you’re looking for a role where you can truly make a difference – in others’ lives and your own – come and see what we have to offer. We have a range of rewarding opportunities available and we would love to chat with you about how you could be part of something meaningful.”

 

Autism Initiatives, a returning exhibitor, supports people with autism and their families across Northern Ireland, promoting inclusion, independence and understanding through tailored services, support and education. The organisation works to ensure that autistic people are heard, valued and supported in their communities.

 

They will be joined by Triangle Housing Association, which provides supported living opportunities that empower people to live more independently. Sharon McIlveen, Head of People and Learning at Triangle Housing Association, said their team is excited to meet attendees on the day.

 

“We have live opportunities and attendees are welcome to complete applications on the day with our team.”

 

Other organisations in the inclusion and care space taking part include Inspire Wellbeing, Caring Breaks, and Saint Vincent de Paul, highlighting how the third sector brings together charities across health, social care, and community support to improve lives across Northern Ireland.

 

They are among more than 25 organisations confirmed for the fair, representing a wide range of causes including youth and family services, environmental action, volunteering, animal welfare, and community development. The event provides a rare opportunity to meet directly with employers and charities offering both paid and volunteer roles in the third sector.

 

Chris Bunce, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the event celebrates the growing commitment to inclusion and equality across Northern Ireland’s charities.

 

“It is incredible to see so many organisations coming together to champion accessibility and opportunity. The commitment from charities across Northern Ireland to create inclusive workplaces is inspiring, and we cannot wait to see the connections and conversations that come out of this event.”

 

Free to attend and open to everyone, The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Wednesday 5th November from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

 

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair

Local Charities Highlight Health And Wellbeing Careers Ahead Of Belfast Fair

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With less than a week until The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair takes place at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre in Belfast on Wednesday 5th November, charities working across Northern Ireland’s health and care sectors are encouraging people to explore the rewarding opportunities available within the third sector.

Among those exhibiting are PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity and Inspire Wellbeing, who will join Towell House Residential Care Home and Cancer Fund for Children in representing organisations that provide vital health and wellbeing support to individuals, families and communities across Northern Ireland.

PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity, a new exhibitor this year, provides immediate, accessible and compassionate support to individuals, families and communities affected by suicide or mental unwellness. The charity offers free, confidential counselling, befriending, crisis and bereavement support across Northern Ireland, with an open-door, no-appointment-needed service at its Belfast location for anyone in need of help or hope.

Renee Quinn, Executive Director at PIPS Suicide Prevention Ireland Charity said attending the fair is an opportunity to inspire more people to get involved in life-changing work.

“If you want to make a genuine impact in people’s lives, come and meet us. Whether you have personal experience, professional skills, or simply a desire to help others, there’s a place for you at PIPS Charity. Together, we can bring light to those facing darkness and build a more compassionate, suicide-free society.”

Inspire Wellbeing, a returning exhibitor, is an all-island charity and social enterprise whose aim is wellbeing for all. The organisation works alongside people living with mental ill health, learning disabilities, autism and addictions, ensuring they live with dignity and realise their full potential.

Becca Leslie, Recruitment Business Partner at Inspire Wellbeing, said the fair is a chance to meet people whose values align with the charity’s mission.

“Come and see us at the stand, bring your questions, ask about what a day in the role really looks like. At Inspire Wellbeing you’ll find roles where you’ll make a real difference, not just clock hours. If you’re someone who cares about people’s dignity, wants to be part of a team, and is ready for meaningful work, then this could be your place. Even if you’re just curious and exploring, pop by, let’s chat about how you could fit in and grow with us.”

Towell House Residential Care Home, a returning exhibitor, is a warm and welcoming haven in East Belfast dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred care for older people and those with physical disabilities. With compassion, respect and a vibrant community spirit, the charity creates a true home from home where every individual is supported to live with dignity, choice and wellbeing.

Sarah Brooker, Senior Diversional Therapist at Towell House, said the fair is an opportunity for people to find a truly meaningful role in care.

“If you’re considering attending the Charity Careers & Volunteer Fair, go for it — it’s a brilliant chance to explore meaningful opportunities, meet inspiring organisations, and discover how your skills and passion can make a real impact. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, start a career in the charity sector, or simply learn more, this event is a gateway to purpose-driven work and community connection.”

They will be joined by Cancer Fund for Children, who represent the diverse range of organisations working to improve wellbeing across all stages of life, from elderly care to family support. Other health and care organisations signed up to the event include Caring Breaks, Saint Vincent de Paul, Triangle Housing Association and Extern, showcasing the range of opportunities available within this vital part of the third sector.

They are among more than 25 organisations taking part in the fair, representing every corner of the charity and voluntary landscape including animal welfare, disability support, community development, youth services, volunteering and environmental action. Together they highlight the variety of career and volunteering pathways open to anyone who wants to make a difference.

Richard Cherry, Co-founder of Charity Jobs NI, said the growing number of exhibitors is a testament to the strength and spirit of Northern Ireland’s third sector.

“We are absolutely delighted to see so many organisations coming together for this fair. Each one represents the compassion, skill and commitment that keep our communities strong. With more than 25 exhibitors confirmed, this year’s event will be our biggest yet and we cannot wait to welcome people who are ready to find purpose in their work or volunteering.”

Free to attend and open to everyone, The Winter Charity Careers & Volunteer Job Fair will take place on Wednesday 5th November from 10am to 2pm at the Assembly Buildings Conference Centre, Belfast.

To book your free ticket to attend or find out more about how your organisation can exhibit and take part go to charityjobsni.com/charity-careers-fair 

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