Author: Tina Calder

Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical Helping To Brighten Up Royal Avenue and parts of Cathedral Quarter

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This autumn Royal Avenue has been brightened up thanks to a joint project from Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical that features a combination of specially commissioned street art and a bespoke LED lighting scheme. 

Funded by Belfast City Council’s Community Cluster Grant Scheme, the theme for the project was ‘A year in the life of the Cathedral Quarter’ and the final works, by talented local artist James Ashe, feature a range of playful scenes and moments familiar from the Cathedral Quarter area.

Director of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, Susan Picken said: “We have been looking at ways of brightening up the area for some time and this project, with the support of Belfast City Council, will inject some much needed light and colour into the lower Royal Avenue area.

We hope that the fun and colourful mix of shutter art, lighting and window vinyls will brighten up the day of everyone who visits and works in the Cathedral Quarter”.  

In addition to bespoke LED light installations and shutter art, a series of specially designed window vinyls featuring iconic buildings from across Belfast have been installed in the windows of MACC Hair on Royal Avenue. 

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “It’s great to see Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter Area being enhanced through our Business Cluster and Community Grant Programme. We’re committed to stimulating footfall in city centre, boosting businesses and making the area more attractive and enjoyable to spend time in. 

“Cathedral Quarter Trust and the University of Atypical’s decision to commission Belfast based artist and illustrator James Ashe brings a real authenticity and energy to the project. 

“We’re looking forward to making city centre more accessible for those walking, wheeling and cycling, creating greener and more vibrant streets, making connections with surrounding communities and encouraging city centre living through A Bolder Vision for Belfast.”

Owner of MACC Hair, Ciaran Connolly, expressed his happiness with the project, explaining how he believes it to be a positive move for the area.

He said: “It’s always good to be updating the city centre. We’re in such a position that we would be missing out if not trying to utilise the area of the windows.

“When surroundings look good, it changes people’s attitudes. It changes their attitude and the way they look at things. That’s why we wanted to get involved.”

Ciaran, who was born in New Zealand, said the project has helped to instil a renewed sense of pride in the city.

He explained: “We’ve had a lot of people asking where we had it done, who the designer is. They’re a very proud city as well, like most cities and most people in cities, they’re very proud of where they’ve come from. It’s all to do with Belfast so they love it.

“I think it’s reminding people of Belfast and what’s around them.” 

Deirdre McKenna, Project Officer at the University of Atypical, who helped to bring this project to life, said: “The University of Atypical for arts and disability are delighted to have worked with Cathedral Quarter Trust and local businesses to enhance this colourful and historical area. We hope this project will animate our street and welcome our neighbours at Ulster University’s newly opened campus. 

“Following an open call for submissions of interest by artists, we were delighted to have co commissioned artist James Ashe to develop new artworks to enhance our neighbourhood alongside new programmable lighting to add a festive feeling year round.”

Lead artist James Ashe said he was delighted to have been selected for the project.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen, it’s a big step up as I’ve never had my work utilised in a public domain setting before. There’s going to be lots of colour and buzz whenever the work is finished”

“The commission came at a time where my work was still very uncertain…so it’s been very positive to see University of Atypical and Cathedral Quarter Trust put the arts at the forefront for their vision for Royal Avenue.”

Also joining in the project is Lebanese restaurant Deerah. Saeb Shaath, the manager, said he is thrilled to be taking part and believes that the entire project has helped enliven and brighten the area.

He said: “I think the design on our shutter is amazing; it will attract customers to us and help in creating a positive image for this part of Royal Avenue.

Current participating venues in the project are:

  • 105-107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF
  • Deerah, 107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF (before 11am)
  • 109-113 Royal Avenue – Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace
  • MACC Hair, 143 Royal Avenue, BT1 BT1 1FH
  • Plus more shutter art pieces will be popping up in various locations in Cathedral Quarter throughout the month of October 

Belfast Media Agency Excalibur Press Welcomes New Senior Developer To Marketing & Content Team

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Despite losing their offices in the Cathedral Buildings fire earlier this month Belfast based multidisciplinary marketing and media agency Excalibur Press have expanded their operations to include a new in-house website and software development department.

In the last number of years the company has become a key partner for many businesses, helping clients develop and tell stories through multidisciplinary content and marketing services across a wide range of channels both online and offline.

Senior developer Adam McBride has over a decade of experience helping businesses plan, create and maintain an online presence whilst offering a range of additional creative technology services such as app development, CRM system development and online learning platforms.

Through his own company Belfast Web, Adam also provides companies with secure website hosting and associated services.

Excalibur Press director Tina Calder said: “It’s been a tough month for us but in September we made the decision to invest in the future of our company and our clients by adding a hugely experienced senior developer to our team.

“Although we’re now based in temporary offices thanks to the generosity of fellow media agency Mammoth in the city centre we haven’t let that stall our plans for expansion.

“Having worked with Excalibur Press since its inception it was an obvious choice to bring Adam into the business when we decided to make an investment into this area of our work.

“His extensive experience, creative thought processes and ability to offer clients a wide range of services means I am very confident he will be able to build our web development and digital transformation department whilst keeping our clients at the heart of everything we do.

“Adam will now work over the next three years to build a team of staff and freelancers including developers, designers and other specialists who will be able to offer an end to end service for all our clients from small businesses to large corporations supporting them across all elements of their digital journey.”

Currently Excalibur Press are a full service agency offering everything from publicity management, marketing, crisis comms and PR through to content creation, digital media, social media, website development, search engine optimisation and copywriting.

Speaking of his appointment Adam said: “I am delighted to join the team at Excalibur Press having worked with the business for many years.

“I share Tina’s vision to add services and capacity to an already growing multidisciplinary team and to build towards becoming the go to agency for ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Northern Ireland as well as delivering a high quality service to large private and public sector organisations.

“Digital transformation can sound scary to any organisation, however, working with a specialist can help businesses to create, streamline and improve their processes and operations allowing them to become more efficient and profitable.

“Digital transformation for a small business could be as simple as setting up a mailing list, developing a landing page website or setting up and managing their social media. For a medium organisation it could be improving online payment systems, developing a CRM for their sales team or creating an app for their customers. Larger organisations may require everything from a members portal and online learning platform to overhauling their entire digital system.”

With clients ranging from Tourism NI, PAC Group, Mid & East Antrim Council, National World and Taste Causeway to Ryobi, Cathedral Quarter Trust, 4C UR Future and Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, Excalibur Press’ unique multidisciplinary ethos means businesses and organisations can contract out part or all of their marketing and media needs reducing the need for communicating with various third party contractors.

Tina added: “Our reputation for no-nonsense honesty with our clients has led many customers to rely on us to help build their own communication channels, including everything from full development of their websites and marketing materials to managing digital media channels and corporate copywriting.

“With all of our core services now being represented in-house within our staff team we are now able to offer clients a faster, more efficient service as well as being able to meet an increasing demand for our unique multidisciplinary ethos.”

For more information go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

More Than 100 Takeaways Close In Industry Crisis Says Industry Body

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In just three months Northern Ireland’s takeaway industry has seen more than 100 businesses close and hundreds lose jobs, according to the Takeaway Association.

Chief Executive of the trade body, Michael Henderson said the losses from July of this year were due to the tidal wave of increased costs ranging from Energy bills, food costs, VAT increase and reintroduction of the highest business rates in the UK.

“The latest unemployment raise is a stark reminder of the issues facing our small businesses during this cost of doing business crisis,” he explained. 

“We outlined in February that our industry was in crisis and support was needed to help save small businesses. 

“Unfortunately these warnings were ignored, and this has led us to the devastating amount of closures we see today.

“The loss of 100+ takeaways/cafes in recent months adds more pressure on the cost-of-living crisis for the employees recently made redundant.” 

Mr Henderson said his organisation is being contacted by distressed people.

“We are receiving heartbreaking calls every day from business owners across all backgrounds who are struggling and fighting to hold on to their business which they have worked tirelessly to create.”

The Takeaway Association believes that there is an urgent need for support as the industry stares into an abyss with more closures to come.

“As we enter probably the toughest winter in our lifetime, without urgent intervention from the government I fear the takeaway sector will be further decimated and we will be looking at additional 100 closures come January,” said Mr Henderson. 

“I’m calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to provide emergency support urgently.

“We need clarity on the energy support package for Northern Ireland Businesses, Reduction on VAT and Business rates relief “

Northern Ireland Takeaway Association alongside Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster & Chambers of Commerce have published a Cost of doing business action plan to the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government outlining what support is needed for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Henderson said that any business owner can get in touch with the organisation for support.

Takeaway/cafe owners who are struggling and wish to reach out to Northern Ireland Takeaway Association should call 07425846533 or email info@nitakeawayassociation.co.uk.

Local Artist Donates Painting To Cathedral Buildings Fire Fund After Husband Loses Studio

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A local artist has donated a large piece of artwork to be auctioned off for the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire last week.

Esther O’Kelly, whose husband Paul Kelly had his entire studio incinerated in the fire, said she was devastated to hear the news last Monday morning.

She said: “It was shocking to hear about Cathedral Buildings. I knew immediately that in losing his studio Paul, and all the other creative businesses, had lost so much more than hardware or materials but also the home that supports their creativity. 

“An artist’s studio is central to their practice and now another successful space in the city is gone.”

Last Monday (Oct 3) over 50 firefighters and eight fire trucks worked throughout the day to bring the blaze under control.

An 18 year old man has been charged with arson and remanded in custody.

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces have been plunged into turmoil as they attempt to rescue and rebuild their businesses.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

“The morning I called Esther, to tell her that Cathedral Buildings was burning down, she was finishing moving into a new studio –ironically to get some hard won long term stability” explained Paul. 

“Finding the right place in Belfast can be a challenge, Cathedral Buildings was an example of that working. 

“We both know that being in any part of the creative industry is more than just a job. You invest a lot of yourself and want to see this city benefit from that. 

“The small independent community of businesses that worked in Cathedral Buildings need help and support and for Esther to offer this painting in support of them feels right. 

“I hope it plays its part in keeping those creative people together in Cathedral Quarter, which really needs them.”

Esther has donated her 1x1m original painting on canvas Lost Sun to the campaign to get the tenants of Cathedral Buildings back on their feet.

It is one of a collection of vibrant and striking pieces representing the landscape around us.

She said: “The creative community in Belfast show up for each other. It feels natural for me to offer this painting in support. Lost Sun comes from that feeling of summer fading – losing something cherished and nourishing. 

“I hope it becomes a valued piece for someone and makes a small difference to the Cathedral Buildings tenants helping them move forward as a community.”

Paul was a tenant of Cathedral Buildings for eight years. The loss of his studio is more than just the physical space and items within it.

Much of what Paul lost in the fire will never be able to be replaced.

He said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

Bidding for Lost Sun ends at midnight on Friday 14th October. Currently sitting at £1400 to lodge your bid contact Esther via Instagram @estherokelly.

To support the crowdfunding campaign to help the tenants of Cathedral Buildings get back up and running go to https://igg.me/at/cqcollective 

20 Brides Lose Dresses In Cathedral Buildings Fire As Tenants Set Up Crowdfunder To Start Again

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Across Northern Ireland 20 brides’ lives have been plunged into chaos as their dresses were caught in the Cathedral Buildings fire in Belfast city centre last Monday.

They are among dozens of pieces of precious clothing belonging to the customers of Perfect Fit, a dressmaking company based on the ground floor.

Seamstress Hazel Alderdice, owner of Perfect Fit, is not just dealing with the stress of losing her business and the customers it has affected; she’s also eight months pregnant.

She said: “I’ve been growing this business for 15 years. I’ve lost everything that I’ve accumulated over that time – years of making patterns , buying technical pattern books, buying specialist machinery, mannequins, fabric, thread – every little tool in a dressmaker’s arsenal. 

“Yesterday I had to go out and buy myself a needle and thread. I was completely broken. 

“But the worst thing? 20 brides have lost their wedding dresses. Possibly the most significant piece of clothing they will own in their lifetime, chosen with the greatest of care, now gone. 

“Their weddings are fast approaching and their options are running out. My heart bleeds for all of them.”

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces watched on Monday October 3 as over 50 firefighters tried to bring the blaze under control.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Chiho Tang, lead creative at Oranga, a graphic design agency in the building said: “Waking up to the news on Monday was an absolute shock.

“Not only do I have the majority of nearly a decade of my portfolio in that building but all our tech equipment was very recently replaced with very high spec machines.

“My staff are devastated by this.

“I had hoped to attempt a recovery of our server as we have client work on it spanning the last 9/10 years.

“We have had to spend the last week redrawing artwork for clients.

“It’s all so surreal. We’ve been there five years and worked hard on creating a great space to work in and welcome clients to. Really difficult to take in to be honest.”

Media and marketing company Excalibur Press were also among the affected businesses. They employ eight staff and had four offices, one of which was a newly set up photography and videography studio.

Owner Tina Calder said: “I can’t even begin to articulate how I feel. Although it’s no comfort saying it, many of the tangible assets will be able to be replaced in time.

“However, what I cannot replace is 27 years of journalism and media history. I’ve hard copy clippings of every single story I’ve ever written, every publication I worked on and edited. Literally everything I have achieved in my career is evidenced in that building. 

“I have gone from crying inconsolably to trying to be practical and working on our rebuild all week. But it’s exhausting. Emotions are high, everyone has lost so much.

“I keep thinking of silly little things like our little mascot Sir Lancelot the purple dragon we would take to events and stuff. I went to replace him the other day as a sign of us rebuilding only to find out he’s a collectors item worth hundreds of pounds.

“My staff are devastated. We lost a huge amount of technical equipment. 14 MACs, camera and studio equipment, radio equipment and more.

“Our offices were also home to Merlin Arts CIC, NI Festival of Writing, BAM magazine and Belfast 247 radio station. Everything of theirs is gone too.

“Despite being able to see our things seemingly untouched by fire through windows we have been told we’re not going to be given access to the building to conduct a salvage operation. It is gut wrenching.”

Many people in the building watched on Monday as their studios and offices were completely eviscerated by the fire.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, was one of those people. He arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

Paul said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

One thing tenants will mourn is not just their possessions and life’s work. Many of them are heartbroken at the loss of their community.

Declan Murphy, accountant and musician who was based on the first floor said: “I have lost equipment and some sentimental items in the fire but the greatest loss is losing the presence in the Cathedral Quarter. 

“An exciting and vibrant part of the city and a building that contained a friendly and eclectic mix of people and businesses. 

“The strength of character of tenants is evident in our resolve to bounce back, hopefully finding space in the immediate area of the Cathedral Quarter.”

A crowdfunding campaign has now been set up to support each of the tenants in the building who all have differing needs but who are committed to  working together to develop a new hub of creativity within the heart of arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter.

For more information on how you can support the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire go to >> https://igg.me/at/cqcollective

 

Businesses and creatives impacted by the fire are:

 

Luke Godson & Tim Farrell (Landmark design)

Paul Kelly (Form Native) 

Chiho Tang (Oranga Creative)

Declan Murphy (Accountant & Musician)

Christine Boyles (Hair Friendly)

Gareth Young & Ritchie Stokes (Never Never)

Tina Calder (Excalibur Press)

Hazel Alderdice (Perfect Fit)

Ryan & Oisin (Neighbourhood Cafe)

Fimmaker Nicky Larkin

Black Mountain Zen 

Aidan Mulholland Violins 

343 Collective

Digital Arts Studios

County Antrim Cottages Awarded Four-Stars by Tourism NI

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Pictured at Limepark, Armoy cottages in County Antrim (L-r) are Hannah Reid, Estate Manager, Suzi McIlhatton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI and Angela Biesty, owners of Limepark, Armoy cottages.

Limepark Cottages in Armoy, County Antrim, have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI. 

Situated near Ballymoney the cottages are ideal for exploring the picturesque views of the north coast and beautiful Glens of Antrim. Each of the self-catering cottages has been refurbished in an individual style while retaining their original historic features.

The cottages are based near some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges and the Bushmills Distillery which make it the ideal place to stay for families or for weekend trips away. 

Suzi McIlhatton, Tourism NI’s Accommodation Certification Manager, commented: 

“Now under new ownership, Angela and her family have taken the time and care to beautifully restore The Manor House at Limepark which is a wonderful addition to the six self-catering cottages already on the site. They thoroughly deserve the 4-star grading and I wish them every success for what sounds to be a very busy year ahead.”

Angela Biesty, one of the owners of Limepark cottages added: “We are delighted to have received the four-star grading from Tourism NI. It is wonderful to have Limepark featured by the organisation promoting all that is great about Northern Ireland.

“Limepark is a beautiful estate created from what was once a busy farm built in the 1720’s. The outbuildings have been transformed into six unique cottages each with their own charm and warmth. The buildings themselves have been renovated to retain their original features and yet have all the facilities needed for the modern traveller. The grounds are a mixture of manicured lawns and wildflower gardens with a communal fire pit for all guests to enjoy. We are also excited to announce that from 1st October, guests will be able to book the newly decorated Manor House, where they can relax in one of the four poster beds while planning their adventures for the day”.

Angela added: “We are hoping our four-star grading will give guests the confidence and assurance that they will have a lovely stay with us.”

Carrick Manufacturer Ryobi Raise Vital Funds For NI Hospice

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After hosting a hugely successful family fun day recently, Carrick-based engineering firm Ryobi are celebrating raising over £10,000 to support the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

A variety of activities were available on the day for both children and adults, including a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and many more fun-filled options.

The event raised a grand total of £7,938 for the charity, an amount that is sure to go a long way and be greatly appreciated.

This huge amount is less than half of what Ryobi have donated to the NI Children’s Hospice, having already donated £7,000 to sponsor one of the elephants included in the Big Elmer Trail that took place across Belfast this summer.  

Speaking on the fundraiser, Rachel Beattie, from the CSR team at Ryobi, expressed her joy at the opportunity to be involved with both the Elmer Trail and the family fun day.

She said: “Ryobi sponsored one of the elephants at a cost of £7,000.

“A couple of us within the CSR team then created a small subdivision team to try and fundraise more money on top of that for the hospice.

“I organised this fun day because we wanted to reach out to the local community and help other businesses in the process.”

As well as the fun day and Big Elmer Trail Ryobi staff also organised a charity at Carrickfergus Golf Club recently where they raised £2,500 for the Hospice.

Ciarán Maxwell, who organised the golf day said: “The typical NI September downpour didn’t dampen the spirits on the Charity Golf day – a fantastic effort from all the players to brave the conditions and finish the round, and a massive thank you to all hole sponsors and players who helped raise £2,500 for Northern Ireland Hospice.”

All the proceeds raised will provide crucial funding towards the NI Children’s Hospice, enabling them to continue their services within the community helping young children in need.

The Hospice is currently self-funded, making fundraisers such as these even more critical as it ensures further care can be given.

Rachel said: “We know that the Hospice is completely self-funded, they don’t get any government funding. 

“It costs £700 for one day of palliative care for a child in their home. None of us know when we will need that. That’s why it’s so important.”

Marco Emig, managing director of Ryobi, was at the fundraising event, and was delighted by the outcome and support it received.

He said: “I’m actually amazed by the turnout of how many people actually came to support us here today. 

“Around a year ago we set up the corporate social responsibility team, and the idea for the family fun day and the charity golf day events came from that team.”

Marco also addressed how the community rallied around the cause, with individuals from across Carrick and beyond attending and donating to the Children’s Hospice.

He said: “We’ve been in Carrickfergus for more than 30 years, and it’s time to start giving back to the community. 

“It’s really good to see Ryobi employees and their families here, as well as a lot of people here who are not our employees, which I think is really important.”

Gwyneth Evans, HR Manager, also expressed her delight at the sense of community seen on the day.

She said: “We have been supporting the Northern Ireland Hospice throughout the year with various fundraising activities. 

“We wanted to take this opportunity to bring all of our employees and their families together so that they could spend time in a social setting. 

“And also, we wanted to outreach to the local community, so we made the family fun day open to the public too.”

Ryobi did a fantastic job at raising vital funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and hopefully this will be an annual staple within Carrick for years to come.

For more information on how you can join the Ryobi team go to https://ryobi.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

County Fermanagh Apartments Awarded Four-Stars by Tourism NI

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The Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments in County Fermanagh have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI. 

The Watersedge Apartments are an ideal place for a staycation to explore the Fermanagh Lakelands and the breath-taking local scenery. Located within walking distance of Enniskillen they are an ideal spot for families and weekend getaways with friends.

The self-catering apartments are also close to some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist spots including Enniskillen Castle Museum, Marble Arch Caves, Castle Coole, Belle Isle Estate and Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail. 

Alison Leslie, Tourism NI’s Quality Assurance Manager, commented:  

“The Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments are a fantastic addition to the tourism product in the County Fermanagh area. They are the perfect base for both local and international visitors to relax and unwind, with Enniskillen only a short distance from the apartments. This four-star rating now gives them a great springboard to draw even more visitors to the area.”

Alison added: “I commend Shane and the Cassidy Hospitality Group for all their efforts and wish them every success for their future.”

Shane Browne, Group Sales & Marketing Manager at Cassidy Hospitality Group, added: “We are delighted to be recognised as a four-star property by Tourism Northern Ireland, this recognition acknowledges the high standards and quality of the Enniskillen Watersedge Apartments. It allows us to position ourselves as a recognised self-catering offering in the Fermanagh Lakeland’s region, providing customers a four-star service and self-catering visit. We hope this recognition will drive business and tourism to the region and benefit growth for our business.”

North Belfast’s Tribute Fest Back This Weekend With Sounds Of Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Garth Brooks and ACDC Among Others

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A tribute festival which attracts thousands of music fans is returning to Seaview Football Stadium in North Belfast this weekend.

Tribute Fest, taking place in the grounds of Crusaders Football Club on the Shore Road, will see local and visiting performers bring to life a whole range of popular music acts.

From Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran and Garth Brooks to Robbie Williams, George Michael and Erasure organisers say they’re delighted to be “bringing an eclectic mix of music for all tastes on the day”.

Also taking to the stage on Sunday October 2 are tributes to Status Quo, Neil Diamond, AC/DC and Garth Brooks.

U105’s Drivetime star Johnny Hero will be compere for the event which runs from 4pm-11pm with gates opening at 2pm.

Promoter John Rogers said: “Seaview is the perfect spot to end the festival season with a great mix of local talent.

“Danny Lowry who has appeared on both ITV and MTV will be performing an array of Robbie Williams hits, both old and new with a touch of swing and maybe a little bit of a Take That medley too.

“While Norris Stephens, who has been dubbed Europe’s number 1 tribute to George Michael, will be wowing the audience with his uncanny resemblance to the global music icon.”

And it’s not just solo acts on the bill, co-promoter Mervyn Boyd said the audience will be able to enjoy the full live band experience.

He explained: “Northern Ireland five-piece band Q The Quo will have the audience rocking out to all the biggest Status Quo hits including Whatever You Want, Rockin’ All Over The World and Down Down among others.

“Another local five-piece band taking to the stage will be the fantastic AC?DC who of course will be performing a range of hits such as Highway To Hell, You Shook Me All Night Long and Thunderstruck.”

Downtown Country DJ and tribute performer to Garth Brooks Jason Hughes will be recreating some of the star’s recent Croke Park magic with his country show.

Having toured all over Europe, America, Ireland and Scotland Jason is no stranger to the stage.

And while he’s looking forward to the show he revealed he still gets surprised by the audience’s reaction.

Jason, who has performed as Garth Brooks for over 20 years, said: “I am actually quite a shy person when I am not on stage and the reaction from the audiences at times leaves me gobsmacked.”

Tickets for Tribute Fest are free with a £5 booking fee. VIP tickets are also available at £10 +booking fee.

To book tickets or for more information go to crusadersfootballclub.com/tickets

Tourism NI Hosts Coach and Group Workshop

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Tourism NI recently hosted a Coach and Group Workshop in Derry~Londonderry. Twenty five coach and group operators from Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland held face to face sales appointments across two days and toured the local area on a familiarisation visit. 

Northern Ireland industry included three and four star hotels, visitor experiences, tour guiding associations and activity providers offering group visits as well as local Councils and regional tourism organisations.

Pictured at Brooke Hall are, l-r, Caroline Mulligan, Tourism Ireland, Janine Cuff, Albatross Group, David Gilliland, Brooke Hall & Estate, Nathalie Brohan, Classic Britain Hotels and Nikki Paterson, Tourism NI.

Pictured at Brooke Hall are, l-r, David Carton, Grand Tours, Karen Henderson, Visit Derry, Colin Wynne, Abbey Ireland & UK, Gwen Beveridge Tourism NI and Nikki Paterson, Tourism NI.

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