Author: Tina Calder

Top Blues Artists Return To Blues Cafe At Deers Head

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Local blues singer Tony Villiers is among the artists taking to the stage at The Deer’s Head in Belfast for the return of the Guinness Blues Cafe.

Tony Villiers and the Villains will perform on Saturday September 17 as the popular blues event returns after a summer break.

Also on the autumn bill are The Davy K Project, Chris Taplin Blues Band and Frank Carberry Blues Band & Guests.

Organised by the Belfast City Blues Festival the Blues Cafe has already welcomed thousands of people through its doors since its inception in August, 2021.

Promoter Seamus O’Neill said he was delighted to be bringing the Blues Cafe back to The Deer’s Head.

He added: “We started the Blues Cafe to get musicians back into work but also to create a magnificent Saturday afternoon vibe, which we have done with an outstanding team and venue. It’s been great for the city and for the people.

“Between now and Christmas we have a host of brilliant bands lined up; everyone is in for a brilliant Saturday afternoon you just won’t want to miss.”

Performing alongside the Villains, Tony Villiers hopes the power of everything blues and country music will put a smile on the faces of those in attendance.

Tony said: “The Deer’s Head is perfect for blues and country blues music. It’s an incredibly well organised venue with a great sound system and an amazing crowd. It’s always full of music lovers, which is the key to creating a good vibe. Performing at the Deer’s Head makes being a musician so much easier.

“The Guinness Blues Cafe has always been a great idea, and I think its success over the last year proves that. Afternoon shows are becoming much more popular now and there’s always a certain ambiance to the gig that a night time gig doesn’t always have.

“It’s such a solid concept and adds a new element to the culture surrounding blues music. It’s something out of the ordinary, which is always a good thing.

“We’ll have our talented band members joining – Aidan Migillian on drums, Damien Shields on bass guitar and Doc Doherty on electric guitar, and playing alongside these three is just heaven alone. 

“People can expect good, honest music played well. We just want to put a smile on people’s faces.”

Chris Taplin of the Chris Taplin Blues Band shared that he was excited to bring high energy, classic blues to his show on October 1.

He added: “It’s going to be great getting back to The Deer’s Head in October. It’s a great great venue with a great stage and sound; it’s just a really good setup. I would say it’s one of the best stages and one of the best sounds for music in Belfast.

“It’s going to be great having something on every week for blues fans again, the more the better. The calibre of musicians who play at the Blues Cafe is just second to none and it’s something you won’t get anywhere else on a Saturday afternoon.”

For more information and tickets go to eventbrite.co.uk/belfast-city-blues-festival

Agriculture Minister Wishes Competitors Good Luck For European Ploughing Championships This Weekend

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Minister of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs of Northern Ireland, Edwin Poots MLA has wished competitors headed to Ballykelly this weekend for the European Ploughing Championships good luck.

Speaking ahead of the event which also includes the European Vintage Ploughing Championships and Horse Ploughing competition at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly this Friday and Saturday the Minister said he was pleased to have offered sponsorship of the event from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA).

In praising the NI Ploughing Association (NIPA) for hosting the European Ploughing Championships, the agriculture Minister said: “I’m pleased that Northern Ireland is hosting the European Ploughing Championships and that my Department is helping to sponsor the event. It is encouraging to note that 100 competitors are expected to take part, with some visitors coming from as far away as Canada.

“This event provides a further opportunity to showcase our agri-food sector to a wide audience, in addition to boosting the local rural economy through large visitor numbers, hotel bookings and dining etc.

“Being an avid machinery enthusiast myself, I am acutely aware of the skills required in handling the tractors and equipment and I would like to take this opportunity to wish the NIPA a successful event and all competitors the very best of luck for the competition.”

Set to be a family friendly fun-packed event, trade stands, horse ploughing exhibitions, children’s entertainment, crafts stalls and a vintage display are among a range of attractions that will be available onsite throughout the two day competition.

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

Adrian Jamison, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said of the event: “We are delighted to be bringing the European Ploughing Championships back to Northern Ireland and to be able to welcome our fellow ploughmen from across Europe to Ballykelly.”

He also explained that hosting events like the European Ploughing Championships helps people within the farming community “to congregate and meet as well as people in the local areas who are just interested in finding out a bit more about the agricultural traditions here in Northern Ireland.”

This year over 100 competitors are set to compete in seven different categories: World Style Reversible, World Style Conventional, Vintage Class, Horse Class and Horse Style & Appearance Class. 

Competitors from Wales, England, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Scotland and Northern Ireland, are set to compete at Shackelton Barracks in Ballykelly this weekend.

The European Ploughing Championships take place at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry/Londonderry, on Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, 2022.

More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing 

Relive The Golden Age Of Steam At Whitehead Railway Museum

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Families that are exploring the land shaped by sea and stone this summer may want to plan a trip to Whitehead Railway Museum. Promising an immersive, family-friendly experience throughout its five impressive and interactive galleries, guests will be able to rub shoulders with the giants of the steam age.

Thanks to the development of Whitehead’s railway lines by Belfast and Northern Counties Railway Company, and offers of free first-class tickets to those who moved there, people flocked in their thousands to Whitehead in the 20th Century. Since opening Whitehead Railway Museum in 2017, the site is once again attracting tourists to the picturesque seaside town.

The location of the museum dates back to 1903 when the railway opened a second platform for day trippers to allow for a separate train to head directly to the boat at Larne harbour. Then, as now, Whitehead is the only place in Ireland with two train stations.

“The railway companies were impressive marketers before marketing was a thing. They built hotels such as the Slieve Donard in Newcastle, the Laharna in Larne and the Northern Counties in Portrush to entice travel, as well as developing The Gobbins Cliff Path,” said Robin. 

Robin Morton, one of more than 100 volunteers at the museum, explained that there is much more happening around the site to make it a living, breathing museum.

“The museum is wrapped around our foundry and heavy engineering workshop so you can actually see volunteers at work on the steam engines and undertaking carriage restoration work. 

“Visitors on our tours have a truly sensory experience, and with our locomotives being repaired or undergoing regular maintenance work we plan for them to be here for a very long time to come,” Robin explained.

The museum also serves as the headquarters of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI), which boasts 1,200 members on the island of Ireland, GB and across the world and began in Whitehead back in 1966.

“A range of historical stock was tucked away in sheds including an engine from 1879 and carriage from 1911 just waiting for the public to discover,” said Robin. 

“To be able to open them up to the public proved how much interest there is.”

Additionally there is a station building with a tea room, stables gallery with education centre, locomotive and carriage sheds, a carriage gallery where visitors can board locomotives and sit in the driver’s seat and the machine workshop. 

With five galleries, interactive exhibits and a 60ft working locomotive turntable the museum continues to develop from when it first opened in 2017, welcoming in a new generation of train-loving tourists.

“Among the exhibits is the actual carriage used by the Queen in 1953, to travel around Northern Ireland,” explained Robin.

“There was a nice follow-on to that in 2016 when the Queen visited here again; she expressed a lovely memory about Benone Strand.

“We were able to provide the same carriage and the Queen and the late Duke of Edinburgh were able to travel on that same stretch of line from Kilrea to Bellareena. She said it brought back happy memories to her.

“In addition we have the Irish state carriage that was used by the ex-President of Ireland, Mary McAleese, which Irish Rail gifted to us for the museum.”

As well as the museum the RPSI normally runs regular ‘Museum on the Move’ events with seasonal steam train excursions at Easter, Hallowe’en and Christmas.

“We also run the Steam & Jazz specials on Friday evenings in June and July, plus the Portrush Flyer to the north coast on Sundays in August and the Steam Enterprise to Dublin. Unfortunately, these were halted by the pandemic but we hope to be back on track soon,” said Robin. 

“We will however still be operating short trips aboard a steam train on Saturdays during July and August. Steam engine No. 3BG Guinness, named after the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, will be in action at the museum from 12noon to 4pm. The locomotive, which was built over 100 years ago, is the star of the show when it hauls train rides up and down the museum’s main line.

“As part of the ‘Steam Saturdays’ visitors can see at close hand how this magnificent machine works. You can chat with the driver and fireman and see the footplate, the structure where the driver and fireman stand to operate the steam train.” 

Visitors can indulge their nostalgia and experience a different era through the museum’s guided 75-minute tours, which is a chance to hear locally told stories of the town’s development into a popular railway town. For those keen to explore self-guided, the museum offers a downloadable audio guide for smartphones. 

As well as the tours of the museum they also host events throughout the year including a Teddy Bears Picnic, an Easter Egg Hunt, European Heritage Open Days and a themed train day for Whitehead’s annual Victorian Street Fair, held in November. 

As a major attraction on the Causeway Coastal Route, the museum is just 30 minutes from Belfast, and if you travel by train to Whitehead with Northern Ireland Railways, you will receive a 20% discount. 

Whitehead Railway Museum welcome those of all ages to come along and meet their new mascot, Harvey the Teddy Bear, nicknamed after RH Smith Locomotive. Miniature stuffed versions of Harvey are available to purchase, along with Harvey’s new children’s book which was published in December 2020. 

For those seeking a bit of nostalgia, or perhaps those wanting to imagine themselves boarding the Hogwarts Express, a visit to the Whitehead Railway Museum is a must for the ultimate family-friendly experience.

For opening hours or to learn more about the museum, or book tickets visit steamtrainsireland.com/museum-tickets

European Ploughing Championships & European Vintage Ploughing Championships Competitors Announced For This Weekend’s Competition

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Competitors from all over Europe have started to arrive in Northern Ireland for the European Ploughing Championships, European Vintage Ploughing Championships and Horse Ploughing competition.

Hailing from Wales, England, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man, Belgium, Denmark, Switzerland, Scotland and Northern Ireland, the competitors are set to compete at Shackelton Barracks in Ballykelly this Friday and Saturday (2-3 Sept).

Set to be a family friendly fun-packed event, trade stands, horse ploughing exhibitions, children’s entertainment, crafts stalls and a vintage display are among a range of attractions that will be available onsite throughout the two day competition.

Adrian Jamison, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said: “We are delighted to be bringing the European Ploughing Championships back to Northern Ireland and to be able to welcome our fellow ploughmen from across Europe to Ballykelly.

“We intend to have a great event and welcome back the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster Fencing and Soil Assessment competitions. There will be something for the whole family to enjoy with horse ploughing, a vintage display, children’s attractions and lots of trade stands and a craft area.”

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

Northern Ireland Ploughing Association president William King said: “The highlight of this weekend will be bringing the top ploughing talent together to compete to become European Champions both with modern day and yesteryear machinery.

“May I wish the spectators, exhibitors and all who have contributed to this event, a successful and enjoyable Championship.”

This year over 100 competitors are set to compete in seven different categories: World Style Reversible, World Style Conventional, Vintage Class, Horse Class and Horse Style & Appearance Class. 

The Northern Ireland Ploughing Association’s key mission is to bridge the gap between the older generation and the younger. 

Adrian explained that hosting events like the European Ploughing Championships helps people within the farming community “to congregate and meet as well as people in the local areas who are just interested in finding out a bit more about the agricultural traditions here in Northern Ireland.”

European Ploughing Federation, President John Hill said: “It is now over three years since the last European Reversible Ploughing Championships were held, after being forced to cancel in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

“We are now delighted to be able to go ahead with the event this weekend in Northern Ireland.

“The Championships could not be held without the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers behind the scenes, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association and their supporters for hosting the competition this year.

“I would like to wish all the competitors the very best of luck for this year.”

The European Ploughing Championships take place at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry/Londonderry, on Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, 2022.

More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing 

History’s Footprint At The Londonderry Arms

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From its connections to Winston Churchill through to its Georgian origins, the Londonderry Arms hotel in Carnlough offers an insight into the past in 21st Century comfort, featuring the best of fare and a warm welcome which has made sure locals and tourists keep coming back.

Owned by Denise O’Neill, the hotel has been in the family for more than 70 years. The buildings history and character are the key to the Londonderry Arms story but put together with the 35 individually designed, en-suite bedrooms, locally sourced food and drink offerings and a family run ethos, it creates a community feeling, whether you are a resident of Northern Ireland, or a traveller from the United States or Germany.

Part of the charm comes from the fact that the Londonderry Arms is not part of a large identikit chain so attracts locals alongside independent travellers and tour operators.

The long history goes back to it being constructed in 1848, and helps explain the name of a hotel 58 miles from Londonderry.

“It was built as a Coaching Inn by Frances Anne Vane Tempest, the Marchioness of Londonderry – hence the name,” explained Denise. “After Lady Londonderry passed away, the hotel was eventually inherited in 1921 by her great-grandson, Sir Winston Churchill who subsequently sold it two years later to help fund the purchase and development of his Chartwell estate.”

With the popularity of local whiskey, the hotel features the Arkle whiskey bar, which has a range of Northern Ireland and Scottish whiskeys, including some of the top rated in these isles. Named after the legendary steeplechaser, the bar is host to a unique collection of Arkle memorabilia, including one of Arkle’s horseshoes that can be rubbed for good luck. Here, Arkle offers a winning toast to the ‘water of life’.

“It is the actual horseshoe worn when Arkle won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 1965 in the second of his three consecutive Gold Cup wins,” explained Denise. 

The dining experience at The Londonderry Arms is so renowned that it is also a featured stop on the Toast the Coast food tour. Diners are encouraged to book ahead as demand is high.

“We are a founding member of Taste of Ulster. People come here for the food – locals and visitors alike,” said Denise. The Londonderry Arms strives to include local produce within each of their dishes, from lamb reared in The Glens to the world renowned Glenarm Salmon.

Hoping to keep tradition alive with their own local artisan twist, The Londonderry Arms also offer Afternoon Tea, a treat said to have been enjoyed by Lady Londonderry back in 1848. 

As well as the range of whiskeys their commitment to local includes a range of Hillstown and Glens of Antrim craft beers and a variety of gins.

As the heart of Carnlough, staff at The Londonderry Arms look forward to once again hosting events and holidaymakers for many generations to come.

To book a stay or obtain more information on dining experiences visit www.londonderryarmshotel.com.

Northern Ireland Competitors Get Ready To Take On Europe In European Vintage Ploughing Championships

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Four Northern Ireland ploughmen are set to compete against seven visiting countries at the forthcoming European Vintage Ploughing Championships this week.

Dai Kennedy, Mercer Ward, Mark Taggart and Ian Simms will test their skills against 29 other ploughmen from Wales, England, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man, Belgium, Denmark, and Scotland at Shakelton Barracks in Ballykelly on Friday September 2 and Saturday September 3.

Adrian Jamison, chair of hosts the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said he was delighted to see such a strong representation from Northern Ireland competing.

He added, “After competing in 18 European competitions myself, it is exciting to welcome everyone to Northern Ireland. This will be the first time everyone has been together after Covid and we are looking forward to welcoming our international guests to Ballykelly.”

Taking to the ploughs for Northern Ireland are Listooder farmer Dai Kennedy, 71, who will be competing on a MF135 tractor & Ransome TS86 plough.

Dai said: “Ploughing was always something I did with my Father, he was heavily involved in the Listooder & District Ploughing Society. He passed away when I was 13 but his interest and enjoyment of it has always stuck with me.

“I think I was about 10 years old in the first match I ploughed in, but even then I was only steering the tractor. It really is something you fall in love with and it really stays with you.

“I last took part in the championships in 2019, just before the world was put on hold. It meant I drifted away from it a little bit. It makes me very proud to represent Northern Ireland in any way I can. It gives me a lift, no matter how well it goes. I enjoy it immensely and I’m looking forward to getting back to it after a long three years.”

Competing on a Fordson Dexta Tractor & Ransome TS81 plough will be 69 year old Hillsborough building contractor Mercer Ward who said he was looking forward to representing Northern Ireland at the match.

He added: “Ploughing is a difficult task that needs a lot of practice, seeing as I’m not a farmer I try to better my skills by helping my three brothers on their farm with the silage and harvest. I’ll be trying to win, although it will be great to see everyone come to Northern Ireland.”

Cogry based mechanical engineer Mark Taggart, 56, is set to take to the ploughs on an International B250 tractor & Ransome RSLD N.12.

Mark said: “When I was younger, I would always join my uncle in ploughing matches, vintage ploughing matches in particular, and the atmosphere was always great fun. Experiencing that upclose from such a young age is really what got me interested in taking part myself.

“My uncle’s encouragement, coaching and passing on of his skills has had a big impact on my own ploughing experiences. I’m just looking forward to producing the best plot of the day, keeping the conditions in mind. It’s all about making the best of it.”

Also competing is Carrickfergus based farmer and agricultural contractor Ian Simms, 40, with an International B275 tractor & RansomeTS59 plough.

Set to be a family friendly fun-packed event, trade stands, horse ploughing exhibitions, children’s entertainment, crafts stalls and a vintage display are among a range of attractions that will be available onsite.

The Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster will also be in attendance as they compete in fencing and soil assessment competitions; alongside a range of entertainment traders, including bouncy castles, slides, and a rodeo bull.

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

Chair Adrian Jamison added: “We are indebted to this year’s sponsors and supporters of the event including Fane Valley, Ulster Farmers Union and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as well as McKelvey Bros in Ballynahinch. We are grateful for their support during these difficult times.”

With the key mission of bridging the gap between the older and younger generations, the affiliated societies run ploughing matches across the country each year for ploughmen to qualify for the opportunity to compete in the Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships. The ploughmen at this event have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at the World, European Reversible and European Vintage Ploughing Championships.

The European Ploughing Championships take place at Shakleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry/Londonderry, on Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, 2022.

More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing

Northern Ireland Competitors Get Ready To Take On Europe In European Vintage Ploughing Championships

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Four Northern Ireland ploughmen are set to compete against seven visiting countries at the forthcoming European Vintage Ploughing Championships this week.

Dai Kennedy, Mercer Ward, Mark Taggart and Ian Simms will test their skills against 29 other ploughmen from Wales, England, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, the Isle of Man, Belgium, Denmark, and Scotland at Shakelton Barracks in Ballykelly on Friday September 2 and Saturday September 3.

Adrian Jamison, chair of hosts the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said he was delighted to see such a strong representation from Northern Ireland competing.

He added, “After competing in 18 European competitions myself, it is exciting to welcome everyone to Northern Ireland. This will be the first time everyone has been together after Covid and we are looking forward to welcoming our international guests to Ballykelly.”

Taking to the ploughs for Northern Ireland are Listooder farmer Dai Kennedy, 71, who will be competing on a MF135 tractor & Ransome TS86 plough.

Dai said: “Ploughing was always something I did with my Father, he was heavily involved in the Listooder & District Ploughing Society. He passed away when I was 13 but his interest and enjoyment of it has always stuck with me.

“I think I was about 10 years old in the first match I ploughed in, but even then I was only steering the tractor. It really is something you fall in love with and it really stays with you.

“I last took part in the championships in 2019, just before the world was put on hold. It meant I drifted away from it a little bit. It makes me very proud to represent Northern Ireland in any way I can. It gives me a lift, no matter how well it goes. I enjoy it immensely and I’m looking forward to getting back to it after a long three years.”

Competing on a Fordson Dexta Tractor & Ransome TS81 plough will be 69 year old Hillsborough building contractor Mercer Ward who said he was looking forward to representing Northern Ireland at the match.

He added: “Ploughing is a difficult task that needs a lot of practice, seeing as I’m not a farmer I try to better my skills by helping my three brothers on their farm with the silage and harvest. I’ll be trying to win, although it will be great to see everyone come to Northern Ireland.”

Cogry based mechanical engineer Mark Taggart, 56, is set to take to the ploughs on an International B250 tractor & Ransome RSLD N.12.

Mark said: “When I was younger, I would always join my uncle in ploughing matches, vintage ploughing matches in particular, and the atmosphere was always great fun. Experiencing that upclose from such a young age is really what got me interested in taking part myself.

“My uncle’s encouragement, coaching and passing on of his skills has had a big impact on my own ploughing experiences. I’m just looking forward to producing the best plot of the day, keeping the conditions in mind. It’s all about making the best of it.”

Also competing is Carrickfergus based farmer and agricultural contractor Ian Simms, 40, with an International B275 tractor & RansomeTS59 plough.

Set to be a family friendly fun-packed event, trade stands, horse ploughing exhibitions, children’s entertainment, crafts stalls and a vintage display are among a range of attractions that will be available onsite.

The Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster will also be in attendance as they compete in fencing and soil assessment competitions; alongside a range of entertainment traders, including bouncy castles, slides, and a rodeo bull.

The event is hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

Chair Adrian Jamison added: “We are indebted to this year’s sponsors and supporters of the event including Fane Valley, Ulster Farmers Union and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs as well as McKelvey Bros in Ballynahinch. We are grateful for their support during these difficult times.”

With the key mission of bridging the gap between the older and younger generations, the affiliated societies run ploughing matches across the country each year for ploughmen to qualify for the opportunity to compete in the Northern Ireland International Ploughing Championships. The ploughmen at this event have the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland at the World, European Reversible and European Vintage Ploughing Championships.

The European Ploughing Championships take place at Shakleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry/Londonderry, on Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, 2022.More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing

European Ploughing Championships Set For Northern Ireland Return Next Month

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The leading ploughmen from across Europe will travel to the village of Ballykelly, in County Londonderry, next month to take part in the European Ploughing Championships.

Hosted by the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association, the event will see experienced contenders from France, Belgium, Netherlands, Denmark, Switzerland, England, Wales, Isle Of Man, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland demonstrating their skills in reversible ploughing and vintage ploughing, among others.

Taking place at Shakelton Barracks airfield in Ballykelly on September 2-3, the event is set to be a family friendly fun-packed event with trade stands, horse ploughing exhibitions, children’s entertainment, craft stalls and a vintage display among other attractions.

The Northern Ireland Ploughing Association is the governing body of competition ploughing across Northern Ireland uniting 21 affiliated ploughing societies across the country with approximately 500 members.

These affiliated societies run ploughing matches across the country each year for ploughmen to qualify for the opportunity to compete in the International Championships. The top ploughmen at this event qualify to represent Northern Ireland at the World, European Reversible and European Vintage Ploughing Championships.

Adrian Jamison, Chairman of the Northern Ireland Ploughing Association said: “We are delighted to be bringing the European Ploughing Championships back to Northern Ireland and to be able to welcome our fellow ploughmen from across Europe to Ballykelly.

“Competitions like these are the perfect place for people within the farming community to congregate and meet as well as people in the local areas who are just interested in finding out a bit more about the agricultural traditions here in Northern Ireland.”

This year over 100 competitors are set to compete in seven different categories: World Style Reversible, World Style Conventional, Vintage Class, Horse Class and Horse Style & Appearance Class.

Also attending the event will be the Young Farmers Clubs of Ulster with their fencing and soil assessment competitions as well as a range of entertainment traders from bouncy castles and slides to a rodeo bull.

The Northern Ireland Ploughing Association’s key mission is to bridge the gap between the older generation and the younger.

Adrian explained that hosting events like the European Ploughing Championships helps to “encourage the older generation to hand down vital skills, whilst on the other hand, giving stimulus to the younger generation to engage more with the older members of their communities.”

The European Ploughing Championships take place at Shakleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Co Derry/Londonderry, on Friday and Saturday, September 2-3, 2022.

More information can be found at niploughing.com or at facebook.com/niploughing 

Northern Ireland’s Popular Hackathon Event Sells Out

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Conor Graham (founder of #HackTheHub & director NIGMA). #HackTheHub will be taking place on May 28 at Slice in Belfast. Photo Arthur Allison / Pacemaker for Excalibur Press.

With just less than a week to go to the annual #HackTheHub 2022 Hackathon, all tickets to the UK and Ireland’s number one leading series have now sold out.

Taking place on Saturday May 28 from 9:00am to 22:00, the tech event hosted in McAuley House Belfast marks the return of the in-person innovative tech day that combines all things code, creativity and community.

#HackTheHub Director Conor Graham, revealed this year’s theme is Data and Artificial Intelligence, both increasingly popular developments in the tech industry: “This year we are bringing together the intersection of data and artificial intelligence.

“We chose this theme because that’s the way the economy is going. Everyone wants to be using data and analytics to learn more effectively and run their businesses better but many don’t know how to do that.”

At Hackathon, developers, data scientists, designers and product owners of all levels are encouraged to develop innovative solutions and tackle a range of challenges within 12 hours over the weekend.

The Hackathon will officially begin at 9:45am on Saturday morning after registration, breakfast and a welcome talk from the Hack The Hub team.

Conor added how the Hackathon gives those breaking into the tech space invaluable experience which will open doors professionally in the near future.

He added: “#Hack the Hub provides the perfect opportunity to try something different. Being in a team with people who have a wide array of skill sets ensures there’s a solid kind of proof concept there that they can then go to look to take further on down the line.

“In the past it has helped people secure jobs or companies have straight up offered multiple job offers. There’s also been people starting businesses, building products and starting businesses from it.”

With Slice as the headline partner, other partners include: Insider Inc, Confluent, Enthuse, Github, Nigma, Datactics, Analytics Engines, Barclays Eagle Labs and help from the community groups PyBelfast and Women Tech Makers, all tickets to the event are free.

John Byrne, manager, customer innovation engineering at Confluent said: “My  favourite part of working at Confluent is the people and the journey we’re all on together. Agility, innovation, collaboration and learning all contribute to the values I feel here. 

“By being a part of #HackTheHub here in Belfast we are looking forward to seeing all of this in a local community setting and being a part of that community moving forward. Being a part of this high energy and fun environment is a cherished value for the whole Confluent team.”

Previous attendee Stuart said his time at the Hackathon was ‘fun’ and ‘enjoyable’.

“If you’re new to Data and AI, it’s a great opportunity to acquire new skills. Learn from pros and surround yourself with a team. It was exceedingly fun, enjoyable and relaxing.”

Participants will be judged on their best application of Data and Artificial Intelligence in any sector will be scored based on the level of innovation, business value and quality of pitch.

For more information go to hackthehub.com 

Hack the Hub 2022 is sponsored by Slice, Confluent, Insider INC, Enthuse, GitHub, Datatics, Barclays Eagle Labs, Analytic Engines and Nigma.

Belfast City Council to Host Careers Inspiration Event for Year 9 Pupils

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4C UR Future chairperson Rose Mary Stalker and Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee

Belfast City Council has announced it is hosting a pilot careers inspiration event for over 700 Year 9 pupils called 4C UR Future LIVE in June 2022. 

Designed and delivered by local social enterprise, 4C UR Future, the industry-led Community Interest Company – founded by business leader Rose Mary Stalker – works collaboratively with a wide range of employers from the key sectors in Northern Ireland, with the aim of empowering young people to make more informed education and career choices.

4C UR Future LIVE is a fun, fast-paced, and action-packed day of interactive skills games and work-based challenges, with each game co-created and delivered by local employers, giving Year 9 students an insight into the future world of work, as well as their own strengths and talents. 

Announcing support for the event Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “We’re really looking forward to 4C UR Future Live at St George’s Market on 1 June.  

“We are committed to supporting each young person across Belfast to fulfil their potential as outlined in the Belfast Agenda.  This event is one of the many ways we support young people on their pathway towards employment. 

“We currently support young people through a wide range of programmes including our Youth Support Programme which helps young people who need help most, and our GCSE Maths and English Support Programme that helps young people get their grade C in both subjects therefore opening up as many opportunities as possible after leaving school and post compulsory education.”

The world of work is changing rapidly with new jobs, and even entirely new sectors, emerging. This has resulted in a complex careers landscape that can make choosing GCSE subjects, further education pathways, and future career options overwhelming, confusing, and stressful for our young people.

4C UR Future Managing Director, Rachel Doherty, added: “With the support of Belfast City Council, we’re delighted to be holding a pilot 4C UR Future LIVE event at St. George’s Market in June. 

“Over 50 employers are involved in 4C UR Future LIVE 2022 and we’re mobilising almost 300 ‘Career Heroes’ from our volunteer community to deliver and facilitate the LIVE events across the province. We welcome more local employers to reach out and get involved in these game-changing events.”

Through 4C UR Future LIVE events and our first-generation CAREERS PORTAL, which is launching in September, we aim to inform young people of the wide range of opportunities available to them, help them navigate the complex careers landscape, and inspire them to achieve their ambitions and become the best version of themselves.”

For more information on 4C UR Future, and how local employers can get involved, go to: www.4curfuture.com.

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