Author: Tina Calder

Dublin Coffee Chain FUEL Invests £100k In South Belfast Café

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FUEL Lisburn Road creates 8 jobs locally

Dublin’s renowned coffee chain FUEL has opened its first Belfast branch on the Lisburn Road, in a £100,000 investment that is set to create at least eight new hospitality jobs, to begin with.

Belfast born businessman David Beggs has two FUEL branches in Dublin in Rathmines and Clontarf but aims to further expand the offering in Northern Ireland in the future.

Based in Dublin, he said it was inevitable he would eventually open in his home city as he further developed FUEL from its initial roots.

“Having experienced some really good eateries in places like New York I wanted to bring the international love of and accessibility of healthy, tasty, and vibrant food home,” David said. 

“Trends are changing, and people want high-quality food that is good for their body and soul.”

With a background in professional healthcare, David has a heightened awareness of the need to bring healthy street food into the community. 

“We all know the phrase ‘you are what you eat’ but the thing is, it’s not what you eat on one day, it’s the consistency of what you eat and how it fits into your ecosystem. It needs to be accessible,” he explained, adding: “Whenever you’re eating the right food for a sustained period of time, you’re going to feel better, you’re going to sleep better and you would hope that everything else will fall into place.”

David admitted that his drive to lead a healthier lifestyle was not a trait he was born with, but rather something he learnt over time which is why he is keen on giving people easy access to quick and healthy food.

He explained: “We want to provide people with healthy, tasty, and vibrant food to eat in or on the go.The Dublin-based businessman knows the benefits of making healthy choices himself.

“I believe that diet is something you have to constantly work at making some tweaks here and there and then hopefully see the benefits. My current regime seems to be the one that is best for blood sugar levels, mental health, and general well being.”

This is not to say that David is waging a war on sugar. He believes that there is a time and place for everything, but while on weekdays people would opt for salads, healthy soups, and other healthy options, on the weekend’s many people break out into an all-day-brunch menu which can still serve you well.

With FUEL, his vision is one with a community vibe at heart. 

“The idea of the local pub being the epicentre of the community is gone,” he explained. “People are meeting at coffee shops and very much at the takeaway coffee shops because they may not have the time to sit for an hour and a half with each other, but they’ll have a catch up as they grab and go.”

Manager of FUEL in Belfast, Thom Moreland says the values of the brand and its healthy range of options will resonate well with customers visiting the Lisburn Road outlet.

“When customers arrive at FUEL they will be greeted with great coffee in a community focused setting where they can choose from a range of everything from your healthy options such as protein pancake stack, sweet potato fritters and chorizo eggs all the way to your beautifully indulgent fresh dishes like our decadent french toast, breakfast burrito and range of pastries and protein balls.

“One of the things we’ve found is that many groups of friends find it difficult to find something for everyone so we’ve curated a menu that gives you the option to choose the dish that suits you best, especially if you’re on a cheat day.

“All our produce is sourced locally, we have a wide range of gluten free and vegan options and our freshly squeezed, made on site juices, have become a firm favourite with our regulars.

“We’re delighted to be opened on Lisburn Road, the bustling heart of South Belfast. The community here has been incredibly welcoming and we’re looking forward to getting to know everyone.”

4 Corners Festival Announces This Year’s Programme

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The annual 4 Corners Festival programme has been unveiled featuring a range of art, music, discussion, sport and faith-based events from January 29 to February 5 in venues across the city and streamed online across various platforms.

The Festival, which announced its dates for 2023 earlier this month alongside this year’s theme, Dreams…Visions for Belfast is now in its 11th year inspiring people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

This year’s week-long festivities will give people the opportunity to listen to the dreams and visions for a better Belfast from Church leaders and women in leadership to children and young people from working-class PUL (Protestant, Unionist, Loyalist) communities, the homeless and artists.

2023 marks a number of significant anniversaries: 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and 60 years since Martin Luther King’s ‘I Had A Dream’ speech. The 2023 festival explores whether the dreams behind these historic events have been realised and if we still hold enough hope to dream big for Belfast. 

Included in this year’s busy programme will be a photographic exhibition and discussion of homelessness in the city, women in peace building, visions of Belfast, and will conclude with the theme of ‘the city where dreams become reality’.

In ‘Never In My Wildest Dreams’, a photographic exhibition will be installed at Artcetera Studio people will get the opportunity to explore the topic of homelessness in Belfast city and beyond. This eye-opening exhibit aims to increase awareness of and encourage discussion around the grim reality of homelessness in our city and speak the truth about the issues that force people into it.

Throughout the week, visitors will also be able to experience an immersive video and audio installation titled ‘Present Future’ at the Telegraph Buildings which explores themes of dreams, aspirations and leadership from the perspective of children and young people in PUL communities in Northern Ireland. 

Each night of the festival, Rev Kiran Young Wimberly and Jim Deeds will lead a night prayer with a mix of contemplation, music and scripture to help reflect on the day that’s been and on the events in the festival via Zoom.

The week-long festival will also feature a range of innovative events designed to entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas and hopefully meet new friends.

Discussions will take place around synodal conversations which inform the future of the Catholic Church as well as women’s role in peacebuilding via a panel including Inspector Róísín Brown from the PSNI, Dr Maria-Adriana Deiana from Queen’s University, Eileen Weir from the Shankill Women’s Centre and Emma De Sousa, campaigner and writer.

Speakers at the events will include Dana Masters, who will be talking about Civil Rights and its impact on America as well as the families of its leaders and Captain of the Belfast Giants ice hockey team David Goodwin who will speak about his own dreams as a sportsman and as a captain of the team in a specific place.

Another highlight of this year’s festival will be the screening ‘The Letter’, a documentary which starts with a personal letter and invitation from Pope Francis to 5 climate activists from different parts of the globe to enable their voices to be listened to as we face together the climate emergency we are all facing today.

Alongside all this, young people aged 11-14 are invited to an exciting evening of sports and team activities delivered in partnership with PeacePlayers – NI in ‘Game of Three Halves’, where participants will try their hand at playing games including GAA, soccer and rugby in integrated teams from across Belfast.

The festival will conclude with a vision from near the end of the Biblical scriptures led by Rev. Dr. Inderjit Bhogal OBE, the Founder and President of the City of Sanctuary movement, a former President of the British Methodist Conference and former Leader of the Corrymeela Community who will discuss what it means to live in a city with open gates.

The full programme of events is available on 4cornersfestival.com

AB&C Insurance Named As 2023 NI Motorcycle Plus Show Sponsor

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The 2023 NI Motorcycle Plus Show, hosted by 360 Events, is proud to announce AB&C Insurance as the new headline sponsor for the upcoming February extravaganza.

This is a first for the long established, family-owned, local company, as they put their support behind the return of the weekend show at the Eikon Centre on February 4 and 5.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

Attractions at this year’s show will include everything from trade stands with motorcycle and rider equipment and merchandise as well as talks with guest speakers, Q&As, meet and greets, vintage vehicles and much more.

Kenny Gardner of 360 Events said: “We’re delighted to be welcoming BSB Superstock Champion and North West 200 winner, Richard Cooper as well as multiple TT winner, and Ulster Grand Prix superstock lap record holder, Dean Harrison who will be over from England for the event, along with former World Grand Prix 250 winner, North West 200 and Daytona winner Jeremy McWilliams, and British Superbike Championship rider, Korie McGreavey who are also set to appear at the show.

“Former road racer turned commentator Gareth Keys has also been confirmed as the host and compere for the event who will be organising interviews, question and answer sessions and making sure all attendees know what is happening throughout the two days.”

Sponsor AB&C Insurance is a welcome addition to the show lineup with over 50 years of experience in the general insurance sector with decades serving insurance for motor and motorcycle customers.

AB&C Insurance associate director Amy Logan, believes the partnership with the NI Motorcycle show is highly complementary.

She said: “We are delighted to put our name to this remarkable event and look forward to being on site across the two days to speak to existing and hopefully new customers.

“We look forward to working closely with 360 Events to ensure the two days are maximised in every way possible and that those attending the Eikon Centre will have a fabulous day out.

“We have provided insurance products to the motor industry for years, but we very much want to concentrate on the motorcycle market and association with the show is a major part of our strategy in 2023.”

AB&C Insurance will also be on hand representing their five branches in Belfast, Lisburn, Banbridge, Lurgan and Dungannon throughout the weekend offering single and multi-bike policies, with breakdown, legal and key cover available. Staff will also be able to advise attendees on a range of other insurance services including home, commercial and travel insurance products, with quality insurers and highly competitive rates. 

For young drivers, AB&C Insurance is renowned for its innovative telematics product, Lollybox, that helps to drive down the cost of insurance.

Speaking of the sponsorship Kenny added: “On behalf of the 360 Events team we are absolutely delighted to have AB&C Insurance on board this year. Many of our team have personal experience with the guys at AB&C over many years and for us it is a perfect fit.”

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. 

All online bookings will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes. 

More details on the prizes will be confirmed but there are vouchers to the value of £1000, £300, £100, 4 ball golf voucher, and money off ferry travel vouchers to be had from Hursts, Crossan’s, Norman Watt Motorcycles, Edenmore Golf Club and Nutt Travel. 

For tickets go to motorcycleplusshow.co.uk

Crusaders FC Disappointed As North Belfast Loses Out Again On Vital Regeneration Money

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No levelling up for North Belfast community plans

Crusaders Football Club has expressed disappointment after losing out on funding as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, branding the Northern Ireland process as ‘flawed’.

The North Belfast club entered a bid for the most recent round two of the government’s Levelling Up Fund with plans that would have benefited the area desperate for regeneration. 

The club’s plans included the building of the Shore Road Skills Centre, which would have provided the local community with a hub of wellness, sport, community outreach and education.

The new centre was set to see organisations such as Belfast Met use the space as well as being able to expand the offerings of the Crusaders Full Time Football Academy.

Already Crusaders Football Academy have partnerships with schools all across North Belfast offering young people the opportunity to pursue sport and wellbeing as part of their curriculum.

Speaking of the news Crusaders Football Club treasurer Tommy Whiteside said:  “Crusaders Football Club are disappointed that our Shore Road Skills Centre Levelling Up Round 2 bid has been unsuccessful. 

“The Levelling-Up Fund was highly competitive and, whilst oversubscribed, our club was very proud to be associated with such a strong bid. 

“We are saddened too, that North Belfast, an area of multiple disadvantage, has lost the opportunity to build a much needed and vital piece of educational infrastructure.

“We are, however, concerned that the Ministerial decision-making process in Northern Ireland for Round 2 was not in line with that in Great Britain, despite the fact that ‘Funding Guidance Notes’ were uniform across the United Kingdom.

“In Great Britain project bids had to have a minimum score of 75% to be considered by Ministers for funding; however in Northern Ireland the minimum score to be considered for funding was lowered to 56.67%. 

“The Quality scoring threshold should be uniform across the UK to ensure equality and fairness.

“In England, Scotland and Wales multiple project bids in each Local Authority Area were funded, with the funding award based on the merits of the bid through the scoring matrix of the individual application. 

“However, in Northern Ireland alone, only one project bid per Local Authority would be awarded funding. This new and unpublished criteria was applied retrospectively without the advance knowledge of any bidder. 

“Criteria introduced ‘after the fact’ in Northern Ireland, we say, renders the competitive process in round two fatally flawed.  This is patently unfair to bidders in Northern Ireland.

“Project bids in Northern Ireland may (and are likely to) have been disadvantaged by this local ‘bastardisation’ of the Ministerial decision-making process.

“Further, had bidders been aware of the “one project per Council” criteria in advance, effectively giving the local authority a veto,  it is unlikely that many would have expended many thousands of pounds in speculative bid-preparation.

“Having spent considerable sums of our members’ money in bid preparation we will be raising our concerns now, directly with the Minister, Michael Gove, MP.”

BBC’s The One Show comes to Another World Belfast

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The Another World Belfast duo with a mission to SHOW SOME LOVE received a surprise ‘One Big Thank You’ from 80’s icon Sonia and BBC’s ‘The One Show’ in their city centre Swap Shop.

The BBC crew set up in their Swap Shop space on Winetavern Street Belfast with a hidden camera ruse from Eurovision pop sensation Sonia helped along by a host of their supporters and a few more celebrity guests. 

The surprise continued around the corner with their big screen playing a range of messages from well-wishers from Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) to local politician Kate Nicholl, thanking them on behalf of the NI Executive Office, local change maker Marcus Hunter- Neill Aka Lady Portia and human rights trailblazer Ciara Moynagh. 

The local charitable organisation was set up by creative activists Connor Kerr and Becky Bellamy. Founded in 2017 Another World Belfat celebrated their 5th Birthday on 10th November and had been preparing to host a party in their Swap Shop that evening.

Connor said: “We’re still recovering from the shock, and as this all happened for our 5th birthday back in November, we have had to keep it quiet since then, so it’s definitely a relief to have it all out in the open now.

 “We have worked so hard, and sacrificed an unimaginable amount to bring these projects together, so this very poignant reflection has allowed us to stop, be grateful and proud of what we, and our incredible volunteers have achieved since we first started way back in 2017.”

The pair has worked for years to collect and supply essential need items like clothing, underwear and toiletries to local people experiencing hardship. 

Becky said: “We’re all biz to have been visited by BBC’s ‘The One show’, and for me, being a child of the 80’s, meeting the absolute icon Sonia and having her in store chatting to her about our work was very special indeed. 

“We’re touched beyond words at the efforts made by all the contributors, and our board for conspiring to bring us this surprise, but we’ve made them all promise never to keep a secret from us ever again. 

“For so many reasons, both personal and professional, openness and truth are some of our most key values so we were a bit uncomfortable with that element. That said, it was a great piece, and they told the story of our work, which can at times seems complicated, beautifully. We’re very grateful to everyone involved.”

 

Another World Belfast’s partner charities include The Rainbow project, Cara friend, Here NI, Women’s Aid, Flourish NI and Anaka Collective.

If you want to help, you can donate clothing, accessories, brand new toiletries & underwear plus ‘like new’ make up and shoes, you can apply to volunteer your time, or you can donate money to help them pay their growing bills via their current ‘Just Giving’ fundraising link. 

Every £30 spent in store or donated, pays for a person to visit the FreeStore,

For more information on how to shop, swap or lend a hand yourself visit anotherworldbelfast.com or search @anotherworldbelfast on social.

Fans Set To Flock To Motorcycle Plus Show For A Glimpse Of F1 Car

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This year’s Motorcycle Plus Show is set to welcome F1 star Grand Prix driver Heikki Kovalainan’s famous Dallara Nissan World Formula car, one of Ireland’s fastest racing cars.

The car which became best known for propelling Kovalainan’s racing career is set to be a fan favourite at the biggest motorsport event to take place this year in Northern Ireland. 

The motorcycle show returns for the first time in four years on February 4-5, 2023, at the Eikon Centre in Lisburn, hosted by 360 Events in what promises to be a packed weekend for fans of motorsport.

According to one of the show’s organisers and director of 360 Events, Malcolm Beattie, the car is likely to be a firm favourite with petrolheads, motorsport fans and racecar enthusiasts.

He explained: “We had the opportunity to view this machine close up in the garages and the engineering and attention to detail around the engine and chassis is a work of art.

“The sheer speed and acceleration of the machine are phenomenal, and the noise for a motorsport fan like me just made the day, even the commentators raved about the sound.”

The Dallara Nissan World Formula car which will be displayed on the Global Oils stand was driven by Grand Prix Driver Heikki Kovalainan to win the Nissan World Series before he took the Renault F1 seat and later drove for McLaren and Manor Motorsport amongst others before moving to Japan to race in Super Formula and GT racing. 

Champions in this series included drivers such as Marc Gene, Fernando Alonso, Robert Kubica, Robert Wickens and Pietro Fittipaldi. 

Built by the racing car manufacturer based in Faenza in Italy, the company that builds not only the current HAAS F1 cars but also every car on the IndyCar grid in the USA, the car itself is a Dallara T08 Chassis powered by a 3.0 litre V6 Nissan race engine which puts out 480 bhp, with 300 lb ft of torque weighs a mere 600kgs and runs with a 6-speed sequential gear box. 

Directors of 360 Events, Malcolm Beattie and David Nelson had the opportunity to witness the car in action at the 2022 Leinster Trophy meeting at Kirkistown. Driven by Portadown man Noel Robinson in his first competitive outing, the car was timed at 176mph entering Debtors Dip corner.

David said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome this car to the Motorcycle Plus Show. It will be an excellent opportunity for people like me who have never witnessed the power and magnitude of this machine to see just a small glimpse of its capacity. 

“When I witnessed it in action I was blown away by not only its speed in a straight line which is comparable to bikes but how smoothly it can take corners.”

Malcolm explained that the opportunity to showcase the vehicle was an exciting addition to the already event packed weekend.

He said: “As one of two cars run by Magic Bullet Racing in the BOSS (Big Open Single Seaters) series, 360 Events Ltd would like to thank Stanley Watson of Global Oils Ltd and Magic Bullet Racing for allowing this exciting car to be displayed.”

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk.

All online bookings will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

£500k Investment In New Enterprise Hub At Mallusk

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Mallusk Enterprise Park creates new jobs and invests in space for new and existing businesses

Mallusk Enterprise Park is expanding its business offering with a £500k investment in new facilities at their site in Mallusk Drive. They have recently launched a new enterprise hub, offering collaborative space and conference facilities, creating new jobs in the burgeoning industrial area.

Included in the new development is a standalone social enterprise coffee shop, catering for the continuing growth in the area, as well as a break-out space for people using the new hub, due to open later in 2023.

Emma Garrett, Chief Executive of Mallusk Enterprise, explained that this was part of the ongoing commitment to making sure businesses in the Newtownabbey and Antrim areas had the space and support to develop and grow.

“The Enterprise Hub comprises five individual huddle rooms and offices, a collaborative-working area, breakout space and conference facilities which accommodate up to 40 delegates,” she said.

“Users can book the facilities for an hour, a half day a day or even a month to make sure there is flexibility based on need. Each element can be booked individually, or can be hired as the entire venue with full catering options available.”

Ms Garrett said this was part of the ongoing aim to provide additional facilities for the burgeoning area in their five year and ten year planning.

“The Mallusk Enterprise Hub idea was conceived pre-Covid,” she explained. “We found there was a demand for affordable managed workspace from individuals we supported through our business support programmes, and existing tenants alike. Mallusk is a very industrial area.

“Our new high-tech conference and meeting facilities provide a welcoming and professional space for interviews, training and strategy sessions away from their usual place of work. We transformed three industrial units, totalling 3,000 sq ft into what is now known as The Enterprise Hub.”

It represented a £300k investment on top of a further £200k in other services, as well as the devotion of Mallusk Enterprise staff to make it a reality during and after lockdown, and is part of its overall growth plans.

“The Mallusk Enterprise Hub will also provide a collaborative break-out space for the 300+ people employed within the 60 businesses who call Mallusk Enterprise Park home,” said Ms Garrett, adding: “Further to this we are currently evaluating a number of local sites as we have over 50 businesses on our waiting list for business accommodation in Mallusk.”

In the last 12 months alone the Mallusk Enterprise Park team dealt with 169 enquiries from individuals wanting to start a business. 100 of these enquiries progressed to the completion of a Business Plan. Additionally, it has supported over 240 growth stage businesses, coming at a time when it celebrated an anniversary.

“Mallusk Enterprise Park celebrated turning 30 this December,” said the Chief Executive.

“The organisation was established in 1992 as a social enterprise whose primary objectives were to reduce unemployment levels and reduce levels of poverty through the promotion of self-employment. This remains very much true to this day.

The team is dedicated to supporting individuals and small businesses at each and every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.”

Ms Garrett said the new Enterprise Hub was already proving its worth.

“The Enterprise Hub is being utilised by our Business Advisers to meet with clients on a one-to-one basis and deliver training sessions such as ‘Marketing on a Shoe String’, ‘Business Ideas Generation’, ‘Financing Your Business’, and ‘Establishing a Social Enterprise’,” she explained. “We have the benefit of charitable status which allows us to do more pro-bono work for tenants and people living locally. We are very much a part of the local community.”

The Enterprise Hub can also be used by individuals, tenants and local businesses at a below market rate.

“As it is reasonably priced, with no long term commitment, the co-working space and office pods allow people to work within a professional environment, away from their kitchen table,” she said.

“And there is wrap-around business support on-site, free parking, EV charging points and professional administration support which provide the ideal environment to run a business.”

The hub has created one full-time position of a front of house administrator and a number of part-time self-employed and casual positions such as marketing angels and administration roles.

The ongoing demand for business space means that the enterprise park has further plans to support the area as they seek to expand on its portfolio of commercial property that has 300 people employed across 60 businesses, occupying 50,000 square feet of property.

It represents the purpose of Mallusk Enterprise to reduce poverty levels and create jobs through self employment and business growth.

“We are much more than simply a Business Park,” concluded Ms Garrett. “We are integral to Mallusk. We give back to and integrate with the local community through events such as Mallusk Market we recently held in December supporting 25 traders and three charities. Santa even made an appearance and presented free gifts to over 90 local children.”

Chairman Iain Patterson said: “Along with the other Trustees, we are proud to support Emma and the team as the Organisation continues to go from strength to strength. The Mallusk Enterprise Hub and Coffee shop are just two of many exciting developments in the pipeline.“

For more information about Mallusk Enterprise Park and The Enterprise Hub go to mallusk.org

Gareth Keys Confirmed As Host Of Motorcycle Plus Show

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Photo by Adam Bustard, AB Photography

Commentator and former road racer to compere February event

Former road racer and voice of so many races, Gareth Keys, has been confirmed as host and compere of the Motorcycle Plus Show at Eikon Centre, Lisburn on February 4-5. 

The packed weekend of all things motorcycling will see Gareth organising interviews, question and answer sessions and making sure all attendees know what is happening throughout the two days. 

Kenny Gardner, from organisers, 360 Events, said they were delighted to welcome Gareth to the Motorcycle Plus Show. 

“Not only was Gareth a renowned racer in his own right, but he has also become a commentator that we can rely on for in-depth knowledge of racing,” he said. “To have him host is an honour, and we know that he will help make sure it will be an experience for everyone.” 

The Lisburn man said he was delighted to be part of the show that brings all aspects of biking up close and accessible. 

“I’m super excited for this year’s Motorcycle Plus Show at the Eikon Centre, even more excited to be a part of it,” Gareth explained. “I have been going to motorcycle shows like this since I was a child. 

“I was always amazed by the range of bikes and how easy it was to meet my heroes and motorbikes that I would only ever see on TV.” 

He said that he feels this will be an enjoyable weekend for everyone who will be at the Eikon Centre. 

“For the first year of 360 Events running the show, I have been tasked with scheduling riders for interviews, Q&A sessions and basically having as much fun as we can,” he explained. 

“Some of our sports celebrities have kindly agreed to be involved and are just as excited as we are. “I can’t wait to see you all to kick off the season just like we used to, and finally get some bikes back in February for 2023.” 

Kenny Gardner explained the Motorcycle Plus Show has been specifically designed for motorsports enthusiasts. 

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. “Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future.

“As an innovation, there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines. 

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path. 

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line-ups, both on and off road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do. 

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.” 

Gareth said that the return of the event with 360 Events helps make sure that the sport kicks off the season in style, and with massive benefits for all attending. 

“The motorcycle show that was always held at the beginning of every year really set the tone for all two wheeled championships,” he explained. “I never knew really how significant the show really was to the racers until I became one myself. 

“Everyone at the show from the big dealers to the smaller clubs would make a huge difference in my racing career, if it was with sponsorship or advice on even what the best helmet was to wear or tips like what the best line to take at what corner.” 

Gareth became a commentator after his racing career was cut short. 

“My road racing career was unfortunately brought to a premature end at a race in Armoy where I unfortunately had a nasty crash and broke my leg badly,” he explained. “I’ve had worse crashes, but this was just a deal breaker for me. 

“At this stage, I was already dabbling in commentary at some supermoto events, but I would quickly find myself commentating at most road race/short circuit events and love every minute of it. 

“It allows me to give something back to our sport, much like the Motorcycle Plus show will do.” 

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019. 

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. 

All online bookings will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes. 

More details on the prizes will be confirmed but there are vouchers to the value of £1000, £300, £100, 4 ball golf voucher, and money off ferry travel vouchers to be had from Hursts, Crossan’s, Norman Watt Motorcycles, Edenmore Golf Club and Nutt Travel. 

“These are exciting times and another great reason to purchase tickets for yourself and your biking friends and be in with a chance of picking up some excellent prizes,” Kenny concluded.

Star-studded Line-up For Motorcycle Plus Show

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Top riders set for Lisburn bike show in February

Four of the most talented racers will be joining the packed line-up for the Motorcycle Plus show at Eikon Centre, Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023.

Organisers, 360 Events, today announced that BSB Superstock Champion and North West 200 winner, Richard Cooper as well as multiple TT winner, and Ulster Grand Prix superstock lap record holder, Dean Harrison will be over from England for the event, along with former World Grand Prix 250 winner, North West 200 and Daytona winner Jeremy McWilliams, and British Superbike Championship rider, Korie McGreavey who are all set to appear.

Kenny Gardner, of 360 Events, said they were delighted to have so many top riders appear.

“Northern Ireland has produced so many talented competitors in all aspects of motorcycle racing,” he said. “To be able to welcome, Richard, Dean, Jeremy and Korie is another exciting bonus at an already packed weekend.”

Kenny explained the Motorcycle Plus Show has been specifically designed for motorsports enthusiasts.

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. “Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future.

“As an innovation, there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines.

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path.

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line-ups, both on and off road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do.

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.”

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. 

All online bookings will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

More details on the prizes will be confirmed but there are vouchers to the value of £1000, £300, £100, 4 ball golf voucher, and money off ferry travel vouchers to be had from Hursts, Crossan’s, Norman Watt Motorcycles, Edenmore Golf Club and Nutt Travel. 

“These are exciting times and another great reason to purchase tickets for yourself and your biking friends and be in with a chance of picking up some excellent prizes,” Kenny concluded. 

4 Corners Festival dream of bringing people together

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Dreams…Visions for Belfast theme for annual celebration

The annual 4 Corners Festival has announced its dates for 2023 and this year’s theme which will be Dreams…Visions for Belfast.

The festival will feature a range of art, music, discussion, sport, debates and faith-based events from January 27 to February 5 in venues across the city. 

Now in its 11th year, the festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

It features innovative events designed to entice people out of their own ‘corners’ of the city and into new places where they will encounter new perspectives, new ideas and hopefully meet new friends.

Co-founder, Father Martin Magill explained that while in the past there was a focus on peace-making, the festival was about the next step.

“I see the 4 Corners Festival as making a contribution towards peace building,” he said. 

“The idea of people getting to know one another, spending time with one another, building relationships and I see the festival really as a catalyst to help encourage that building of relationships.

Fellow co-founder, Reverend Steve Stockman said the traditional divides have changed much in recent years and that’s one of the things that keeps him involved.

“It is those moments where people come to a part of the city they’ve been in before and they meet somebody across whatever the divides are,” he explained. 

“Of course, we have the traditional Catholic/Protestant divide and that’s one of our major divides in Belfast, but there are other races in Belfast now too so there are all those kinds of divides, but there’s also class divides.”

Included in this year’s busy programme will be a photographic exhibition and discussion of homelessness in the city, women in peace building, visions of Belfast, and will conclude with the theme of ‘the city where dreams become reality’.

2023 marks a number of significant anniversaries: 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement and 60 years since Martin Luther King’s ‘I Had A Dream’ speech. The 2023 festival explores whether the dreams behind these historic events have been realised and if we still hold enough hope to dream big for Belfast. 

“Martin Luther King Jr didn’t have a complaint. He had a dream. Likewise, we want to ask, what are our dreams for our city, now?” said Reverend Stockman, adding: “Our hope is that as we hear the dreams of the homeless, young loyalists, women in leadership, sportsmen and musicians as well as church leaders that we be inspired to live out our dreams.” 

“I think just being asked what your dream is, what your vision is, is sometimes enough because I don’t think we walk around enough saying ‘what are our dreams for how we can change the city’,” he explained. 

“Once you start thinking about it and what you’d like to change or see differently, then perhaps it would provoke us and inspire us into imagining it and becoming part of the change itself.” 

Father Magill shares similar sentiments when it comes to his own vision for the city. He explained: “My vision is of a city at peace with itself. It is about tackling the issue of poverty and creating an integrated city where people can live in whatever part of the city they want to. 

“The festival’s theme has got a message this year for our world because we’re living in such a fragile, broken world at this moment.”

One of the many events of the upcoming festival will see 48 young people from four youth clubs become involved with social action and meeting one and other, as well as service providers from the police, ambulance, fire service and the council.

Although faith is an important component of the 4 Corners Festival, Father Magill explained it is not exclusively for ‘believers’.

“Every one of us who are part of the planning committee are coming from places of faith, however, we welcome those who don’t come from a place of faith,” he said. 

“We’re trying to be the gospel that some people don’t actually get to read.

“I suppose in many ways we would see it as the living out of the gospel, the loving of your enemy, the making of peace, of loving one another, and we try to put into practice those words.”

Reverend Stockman echoes the sentiment, saying, “There are events for everybody, not just for those who believe the same things that we believe. Each and every one of us living in Belfast have dreams for a better future. 

“We hope 4 Corners will help people listen to each other’s dreams, and keep working towards a more peaceful and just city.”

A full programme will be released over the coming weeks, for more information go to www.4cornersfestival.com/the-festival 

 

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