Dj and Producer Synyx. Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press.
County Down-based music producer James Mountstephens has released the stunning track Drop The Bomb under the performance name of Synyx.
Fans of EDM, and progressive melodic techno pop, will want to be ready for this release, which was produced in James’ Dromore studio.
Using the song as a mirror of how relationships can turn sour James captured the mood of the times.
“I feel it is quite an original track,” he explained. “It has a melodic progressive vibe, aggressive bass synths, a lot of feeling around the issue of negative relationships.”
Inspired by his friend and fellow producer Alex Holmes James developed the track from an initial concept by toplining melody to create a drive in the release.
Drop The Bomb is the latest creation under the name of Synyx.
Originally from Birmingham, the married father of two has been living in Northern Ireland for 12 years, after establishing his reputation in the Midlands.
“After learning how to mix vinyl a I was fortunate enough to establish DJ gigs at prestigious clubs such as Miss Moneypennys and Fuel as well as establishing residences at top Midlands clubs,” explained James.
The Synyx moniker, and associated Monkey branding, was developed by James to better reflect on the direction of his music.
“I wanted to create a strong brand character to coincide with my music that fans can engage with, something a bit more than just me as a producer,” he said. “A fictional character that can maybe bring good change to the world through music and my own beliefs and learnings, my own perception of truth.
“Synyx was really a twist on the word cynical at a time I found myself questioning more and more of the mainstream narrative.
“To further merge all this I needed a lead character so I had the idea of a chimp that was lost in space and then intercepted by an advanced god like alien race. He was genetically enhanced with the ability to travel the galaxy. His cause, to bring truth, peace and unity to the universe.”For more information go tosynyx.co.uk. Drop The Bomb is out now.
Cahoots Artistic Director Paul McEneaney with actor Hugh W Brown launching the new Cahoots show University of Wonder & Imagination.
Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Northern Ireland-based children’s theatre company Cahoots NI has launched an immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.
The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.
Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.
Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.
Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.
“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.
“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.
“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”
The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“With their trademark ingenuity and wizardry the Cahoots team are managing to bring the essence of stage magic and theatrical spectacle to life through new technologies. Cahoots’ work is not only multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed, but also a firm favourite with family audiences at home and abroad.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.”
Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI
Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Frank McCoubrey and Susan Picken, director of Cathedral Quarter Trust and Culture Night Belfast.
Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Culture Night’s 2020 core programme has been unveiled with a packed line-up of music, debates, art and thought-provoking films that will all happen online on Friday 18 September.
Like everyone else in Northern Ireland, artists and arts organisations are facing enormous challenges due to Covid-19 and so this year Culture Night Belfast is going totally online. The team at Culture Night Belfast is determined to keep the show on the road in some shape or form.
Streaming across a number of virtual platforms, Culture Night Online 2020 aims to be accessible to those who would attend in-person each year as well as those who have yet to experience the best of Northern Ireland’s arts and culture scene.
Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust (the charity behind Culture Night Belfast) said that the 2020 programme will be a spectacular online display of talent. Susan urged those logging on on Friday 18 September.
“Please take the opportunity to donate some of what you would have spent on a normal Culture Night,” she said. “You can either donate here and we will send what we raise on to one of our nominated charities, or you can follow the links on individual submissions and donate to the artist, organisation or venue of your choice.
“Please help our arts & culture community to survive this difficult time and ensure a vibrant cultural future for all of us.”
This year’s core programme of commissioned pieces will see venues such as Belfast Cathedral, the Black Box, the Oh Yeah Centre and The MAC act as the backdrop to what is set to be an exciting evening of entertainment.
Susan said: “This year’s programme is very different from what you may be used to but we hope it captures the varied and eclectic mix of arts and culture you have come to know and love in the real-world event,” she said. “There are three main strands for you to log on to, dip in to and enjoy.
“Our three strands are Core, Showcase, and Gallery. Core has a special programme of performances from iconic venues across the Cathedral Quarter which have been carefully chosen and commissioned by the team here at CNB.
“Showcase is an opportunity for our other artists and creators to get involved as it features online submissions from local artists, performers, creatives, venues, cultural organisations, businesses and more and demonstrates the wealth of homegrown talent at work across the city.
“Gallery is a special open submission visual arts strand introducing the work of a wide variety of artists encompassing painting, photography and much more.”
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Frank McCoubrey said: “We are delighted to be supporting Culture Night again this year – a year which has been enormously challenging for our cultural sector.
“I have been so encouraged to see how many of our culture and arts organisations have adapted their activities and programmes to continue to develop and showcase the city’s creative talent during the last few months. Culture Night will bring a spotlight to this and promises a wide range of virtual events to immerse yourself in on Friday 18 September.
“Belfast City Hall will also be lit up in pink and blue on the evening of 18 September to symbolise citywide support for cultural organisations and individual artists across the city.”
Among the performers taking part this year in the CNB Online Core Programme are Cherrie On Top, Susie Blue, Sinead O’Donnell, tenx9, Charles Hurts, Becha, Stephen Beggs, Paul Currie, George Quinn, Rachael McCabe, Bounce Culture, The Swing Gals and many more.
Anne McReynolds, Chair of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, said: “2020 has been incredibly challenging for the arts and culture sector and for all our audience and participants.
“The future of the arts in Northern Ireland remains very uncertain. Nevertheless, artists have never given up without a fight and so our programme for Culture Night Online demonstrates how talented and innovative our arts community here is.
“Hopefully on Friday 18 September everyone will be reminded just how vital arts and culture is to our city and our wellbeing. Please support our local arts and culture by logging on during Culture Night on 18 September.”
The core programme, which is supported this year by Belfast City Council and Arts Council NI, will also include a specially commissioned piece by filmmaker Will McConnell called We’re Still Here, two documentaries from Trocaire and the premiere of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission’s film It Seems along with a discussion chaired by NIHRC Chief Commissioner, Les Allamby.
Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, Culture Night Belfast is back with an impressive digital programme thoughtfully designed against a backdrop of iconic locations in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and featuring a wealth of Northern Irish talent from across the artistic spectrum.
“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support Culture Night through the Organisations Emergency Fund, supported by the Department for Communities, and I would encourage everyone to get online on 18th September and show your support for our tremendous arts community.”
For more information on this year’s programme go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20 #CNBonline on social media.
If you’re a creator and want to submit your event to Culture Night Belfast this year simply fill out the submissions form at culturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online
Cahoots Artistic Director Paul McEneaney launching the new Cahoots show University of Wonder & Imagination.Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur PressFor more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Theatre lovers in Northern Ireland will be treated to a new era in theatre thanks to innovative and forward thinking company Cahoots NI.
Following the closure of theatres across the UK, Ireland and abroad as a result of the Covid-19 global pandemic, creators at Cahoots NI knew the only way to survive was to bring the magic of their shows to life online.
However, for a theatre company who specialise in magical shows that excite young audiences, translating their unique style online wasn’t going to be easy.
Artistic Director, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, said pivoting their offering and being creative with their thinking was more important than ever before.
He added that adapting quickly to the new market was vital to maintain survival of the 19 year old organisation.
“When the pandemic hit we were in the middle of a few different projects. Penguins, our co production with Birmingham Rep, was mid-run in America and still had six weeks left to go but we made the decision in the second week of March that we would have to bring the full company home.
“We were also in the middle of development of new work and were about to start a tour in Northern Ireland of production Secrets of Space to local primary schools, which didn’t happen.
“Like the rest of the arts sector we were forced to close up shop, in terms of our revenue, we have lost in excess of £420,000 this year, which is a serious amount of money, and our business plan, whilst at the start of March was being applauded as being something unique and different within the arts sector has gone from being what an incredibly productive and forward-thinking model to ‘Oh my goodness, where does that fit in now?’.”
But rather than let the pandemic get the better of him Paul was determined not only to keep the magic of Cahoots NI alive but to ensure he created a business model that could help the organisation survive and thrive.
He explained: “Obviously there was that initial month of just firefighting projects that were no longer happening, dealing with venues, cleaning up a tour that got cancelled halfway through and cancelling a tour that was about to start. It took us about a month, maybe six weeks to really sort the logistics of that through.
“It was after this that I started to think less like a producer and more as an artist. I remember thinking ‘I’m looking at this too much from a business perspective’. I needed to go back and think as an artist.
“The amazing thing about artists is their adaptability – so often artists create their best work when they are out of their comfort zones and sometimes when the chips are down, actually that’s when nuggets of gold start appearing.
“It was really clear that we needed to be involved in projects during lockdown – we needed the creative output to continue because that’s our business model.”
As a result Paul and his team have created a new show which will see families be able to interact online with actors who will be situated in full theatrical settings.
“The University of Wonder and Imagination will be a full theatrical production, that will see six families enter different themed rooms and interact with actors,” said Paul, adding: “This isn’t performed at home in front of a computer screen, we’ve constructed a socially distanced theatre set, full of all the tricks, wonder and illusions.”
The University of Wonder and Imagination opening dates will be revealed soon but already the company have confirmation that it will show across Ireland and Northern Ireland and they’ve had interest globally from their international agent.
For Paul it’s important for people to understand whilst it’s an experimental production it will have all the professionalism and creative input of any Cahoots NI show.
“It’s somewhere in between a journey through Hogwarts and the Crystal Maze,” he said “It’s quest led. It’s magical. It’s full of theatrical adventure and it’s live.”
Working online, the challenge, and I think we’ve cracked it, is to still have that element of surprise and wonder that makes theatre special and memorable.
Another project that Cahoots NI has been developing is a book.
“One of our business models was to take a popular children’s book, turn it into a stage adaptation and produce that as a show.
“We have a huge production we’d planned for next year, it’s a show called ‘The Vanishing Elephant”, which doesn’t come from a book. It came from an idea that I had a few years back and that show was actually planned to start in January 2021 including a run on Broadway at the New Victory Theater from May 2021.
“We realised we had a brilliant story but it never came from a children’s book.”
Working with the original writer Charles Way and costume designer Sabine Dargent as the illustrator, the book is in its final stages.
And, as Cahoots is developing new ways to entertain and enthral young people, Paul said keeping the arts sector alive is more important than ever before.
He said: “The arts are there to respond, offering alternative ways to look at the world”.
“My job is to respond to what’s happening in society and to place people from society into uncomfortable, comfortable, interesting, remarkable, fascinating, different worlds so that they can compare their world to that.”
The world’s longest-running children’s TV show has today unveiled Derry-born Adam Beales as its newest Blue Peter presenter.
Adam is the 40th Blue Peter presenter and will co-host alongside Lindsey Russell, Richie Driss, Mwaka Mudenda and Henry the dog, in his first show this Thursday (September 3rd) on CBBC and BBC iPlayer at 5.30pm.
YouTuber Adam, 20, is already familiar with the CBBC audience as he is a regular face on The Dog Ate My Homework. He left school as Head Boy with 11 GSCE’s at A* and was considering Oxford or Cambridge before his YouTube channel took off, which now has nearly 3 million subscribers and often features his mum and dad and younger brother, 11-year-old Callum. He’s best known for posting pranks, challenges, DIY crafts and life hacks so should slot right in with the ‘here’s one I made earlier’ creations on the show as well as the formidable challenges the presenters have to undertake.
In his spare time he loves to spend time with his family while eating pizza and watching TV, as well as driving his beloved car. Despite his claim of leading a ‘boring life’ Adam loves pranking people (especially his younger brother), travelling, meeting new people around the world and living and experiencing their culture. He’s travelled from as far as the USA to Thailand.
Adam follows in the footsteps of fellow Northern Ireland presenters, the late Caron Keating and, more recently, presenter number 30, Zoe Salmon.
Adam says: “I’m super excited to become Blue Peter Presenter number 40. I am humbled and ecstatic to be part of such a legendary production. It’s kind of weird – in a super exciting way – that the show I once watched when I was younger, is now the show I will be presenting along with the talented Lindsey, Richie, Mwaksy and of course, Henry. I can’t wait to get stuck in, even with the challenges they throw at me, though I am hoping none of them involve cheese – I hate cheese!”
It might not involve cheese but Adam’s first challenge is a biggie. He has been thrown straight in with a mountain rescue challenge. He will be winched down a cliff face to complete a training exercise with the Buxton Mountain Rescue team and will share the results of his challenge live in the studio in the coming weeks.
Blue Peter Editor, Ellen Evans, said: “Adam really impressed us during his auditions, he’s a natural in front of the camera but he’s also very funny, incredibly warm, brilliant with kids and also perhaps a little bit mischievous which the Blue Peter audience will absolutely love.”
Head of BBC Children’s In House Productions, Helen Bullough, adds: “Throughout lockdown Blue Peter fans have been telling us how much they’ve enjoyed and appreciated the show’s unstinting commitment to engaging, inspiring and entertaining them and we can’t wait for Presenter Number 40 to join us and get stuck in! Adam is playful, thoughtful and already popular with our audience, who I’m sure will give him the biggest ever Blue Peter welcome.”
Blue Peter is live on CBBC every Thursday at 5.30pm and is available on BBC iPlayer.
With Culture Night Belfast going ahead for 2020 with a core online programme that includes a rich mix of music, film, performance and more on September 18, organisers are calling for submissions for events to be added to their online calendar.
While the popular celebration of arts and culture normally attracts tens of thousands into the streets of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast and beyond this year’s offering is going online and the team behind Culture Night have made a commitment to do all they can to help support the local arts and culture scene.
Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust, the charity behind Culture Night Belfast, said the arts sector across Northern Ireland has shown “great resilience in a time of adversity” and whilst the organisation doesn’t have the funding or ability to facilitate a large scale event on the streets this year she hopes this year’s online core and accompanying showcase programme will give creators from across the country the chance to showcase their work to a larger audience.
She added: “When we were putting the core programme together we wanted to ensure that we supported as many organisations and artists as we could within our means and I’m delighted that we’ll be supporting a diverse range of arts and culture across the sector in the main Culture Night TV broadcast.
“However, one thing we realise is that we have the ability to help further support the arts by opening up the programme to other events which we will help promote and highlight through our social media, press activity, website listings and more.
“Therefore, we’re calling on creators, artists, organisations and venues to submit something to be included in our supporting programme online.
“Of course the stipulation is that the event must have an online element to it. We’re happy to promote work that has already been created – so, for example, you may have a film available on YouTube or another platform that you wish to share with us. Or perhaps, you want to highlight some of the amazing work you did during lockdown.
“Regardless whether you are sharing a new piece of work, going live or sending us links to pre-recorded material we want to hear from you.”
Susan said this is a time for the arts sector to pull together in order to survive the challenges of 2020.
She added: “The arts sector has been really badly impacted by this pandemic, but I think on the whole it has shown how determined people are to keep going. Resilience is a bit of the theme this year, almost like defiance when we are up against it.
“People have plugged away for years, and they’re not going to let something they’ve built be destroyed. People are creative and will always find a way to make things happen.”
This year’s funding has been dramatically cut so Susan says the backing of Belfast City Council and the Arts Council NI has been vital to make sure that they can take Culture Night Belfast online.
The full programme is set to be announced shortly, but it promises to be a packed series of events pre-recorded at locations such as Belfast Cathedral, Oh Yeah Centre, Black Box and The Mac.
If you’re a creator and want to submit your event to Culture Night Belfast this year simply fill out the submissions form atculturenightbelfast.com/cnb-online and follow #CNB20 #CNBonline.
After reopening its doors following lockdown a Belfast gourmet burger bar has created an innovative menu.
Burger Burger Stranmillis have redesigned their menu to offer diners a larger menu with new takes on their classic favourites.
Here are 7 burger and cocktail combos to whet your appetite:
1. For the Spice Lovers
Too Hot to Handle + Dark and Stormy
If you are a lover of spice the ‘Too Hot To Handle’ burger is definitely the one for you, a sumptuous beef patty covered in a spicy cheese melt and crispy jalapenos is certain to curb your spice craving. Pair this with a Dark and Stormy cocktail of rum and ginger beer for the ultimate spice combo.
2. For the Instagram Queens
Apple Fennel + Purple Haze
If you love to get that perfect food selfie shot for the gram this is the combo for you. The apple fennell burger is the perfect photo worthy dish with heaps of apple fennel slaw added on top to give that drama. The purple haze cocktail is adorned with pretty petals sure to get you that great gram pic.
3. For the Thrill Seekers
Flaming Zombie + Roquito Pepper Burger
If you like to live life on the edge, how about trying the Flaming Zombie cocktail, with four different types of rum and a flame, this cocktail is sure to make sparks fly. Pair it with the fiery roquito pepper burger for a tasty combo.
4. For the Retro Lovers
Bacon and Cheese Tower Burger + Dirty Starburst
If you like a modern twist on classic favourites then you should try the Bacon and Cheese Tower Burger. A gourmet take on your classic Bacon and Cheese with extra helpings of streaky bacon, american cheese and special house sauce. This is perfect paired with the dirty starburst cocktail which will take you back to the fruity flavours of your childhood.
5. For the DareDevils
Beef and Octopus + Popcorn Espresso Martini
If you are a sucker for all things new and exciting, then the Beef and Octopus is the burger for you, an exclusive and innovative creation the burger takes surf and turf to a whole new level. Pair this with a Popcorn Espresso Martini for a new twist on a classic cocktail.
6. For the Avid Foodies
The Ram + Peach and Elderflower Sours
If you have a taste for the refined things in life, why not try the Ram burger? A beef burger topped with goats cheese, sun dried tomatoes and rocket and fig mayo. Perfectly paired with the peach and elderflower sours cocktail, an on trend and chic cocktail perfect for the avid restaurant goer.
7. For the ‘Can’t Deciders’
The Triple + Long Island
If you are the type of person who can’t decide and just wants a bit of everything the triple is the perfect burger for you. A beef burger, chicken fillet and brisket topper all packed into one bun is sure to solve your menu dilemmas. Not sure whether to have gin or vodka? The long island has it all with the perfect combination of spirits so you don’t have to decide.
Susan Picken, director of Cathedral Quarter Trust & Culture Night Belfast 2020
Culture Night Belfast returns for 2020 with an online programme broadcasting CNB TV on Friday 18th September from 4pm-10pm
Photo: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209
Culture Night Belfast is set to go ahead with an online celebration of the arts that will include a rich mix of music, film, performance and much more on September 18.
Following an announcement in May that there would be no return this year to having the city streets packed with performers and the public due to concerns around Covid 19, the team behind Culture Night Belfast is determined to show resilience in the sector, despite the trying times.
Susan Picken, Director of Cathedral Quarter Trust, the charity behind Culture Night Belfast, promised that the 2020 programme will see a spectacular online display with the launch of CNB TV.
“Although this year’s programme will not be happening live on Culture Night we will be broadcasting over six hours of core programming free across a number of channels online.
“As every year this year’s core programming will promote arts and culture, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility for all.
“CNB TV will broadcast cultural diversity across a range of art forms including music, film, visual arts and arts for young people.”
Susan said everyone involved is determined to show that they are ready to rise to the challenge.
“The arts sector has been really badly impacted by this pandemic, but I think on the whole it has shown how determined people are to keep going,” she explained. “Resilience is a bit of the theme this year, almost like defiance when we are up against it.
“People have plugged away for years, and they’re not going to let something they’ve built be destroyed. People are creative and will always find a way to make things happen.”
With funding dramatically cut Susan says the backing of Belfast City Council and the Arts Council NI has been vital to make sure that they can take Culture Night on to the internet.
The full programme is set to be announced shortly, but it promises to be a packed series of events. Both the Oh Yeah Centre and the Black Box will be curating their own online events, Stephen Beggs is set to provide some children’s cabaret and the Graduate Show, delivered virtually by The Mac will once again provide a platform for students from Ulster University.
Whilst it will be a massive shift this year, requiring a lot of effort, Susan is determined that the core principles will remain.
“To me Culture Night is about celebrating the city and celebrating creativity in the city,” she said. “I love when you walk round the corner and there’s some weird performance or there’s something projected on a wall. It’s those types of things that I’d love to continue to bring forward to the future, but the online event will retain that at its core.”
With uncertainty remaining over when performances can return to venues and the streets of Belfast Susan hopes that they can deliver something in 2021.
“We’re still hoping to do something next September but it depends on a lot of things.
“Ultimately I’d like it to be an event where the creativity all comes together and shows the city at its best.”
Artists can still apply to get involved to share their ideas.
“Although our core programme is now complete we’ll still be able to give other artists and creators a platform to promote their work in the run up and over the Culture Night weekend.
“We’ll be launching a call for submissions for our online listings and promotional activity in the coming week and we look forward to doing whatever we can to support the wider arts sector during this turbulent time.
“We want to use this as an opportunity for people to fundraise for arts and culture. Maybe people won’t be out buying pints but hopefully they’ll donate what they would have spent to Culture Night and the artists and creators entertaining them.”For more information go to culturenightbelfast.com or follow #CNB20.
Burger Burger is back with a bang as diners return for its unique laidback dining experience, and its renowned delicious food choices and premium retro cocktails.
The £20,000 post lockdown cash injection comes just months after an initial investment of £60,000 which saw the company create seven new jobs in February this year.
With a menu already packed with multiple choices of burgers Burger Burger now offers the option of American whiskey infused meat.
Newly appointed general manager, James McErlean, said that the company was quick to adapt to changing eating trends in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown, and have put in place government advice on social distancing.
“Our aim is to make our guests feel relaxed, safe and in a great environment where they can really enjoy themselves,” he said. “As a business we are taking this new world seriously and are approaching it with a positive attitude and staff that are there to make every single customer feel at ease.”
The menu on offer promises a feast of delicious options.
“We are delighted to be taking part in the Eat Out To Help Out,” James explained. From Monday to Wednesday get 50% off their food bill up to the value of £10 per person.”
“Our lunchtime deal now operates from 12-5pm with a £7.50 deal with a limited menu, but if you want something from the evening menu, we can make that happen.”
“After 5pm the burger boutique kicks in. The lights go down and the vibe of the restaurant really kicks in with candles and a fully set table.”
All Burger Burger meals are homemade and locally sourced, but James promises that every diner will have the best of choices.
“Customers can choose from one of our new burger meats, original or American whiskey infused,” he said “And let me tell you it really is a mouth-watering experience.”
Like so many others in the hospitality industry Burger Burger have shown great resilience coping with extended lockdown and new safety measures.
But James is confident their investment of £20,000 in the restaurant over the last eight weeks will see them back on top again.
“We have adapted, but so has the rest of Northern Ireland” said James, adding: “We love our customers and we were so eager to get them back in to feed them.”
Most people think about clothes in terms of style and design, but few really think about the actual fabrics that they wear and how it feels against the skin.
That, sadly, is not the case for children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and autism, however.
Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing explained: “While some children will appreciate the tactile stimulation that some clothing will offer them, others will find that their clothing creates an unpleasant tactile sensation.
“Many children will appreciate a sensory-preoccupying layer of clothing that acts as protection against the outside world, other children with SPD and autism will find clothing stiff, itchy and, at times, almost unbearable.
“It’s not just about the materials used in their clothing, either, children can also be affected by the way in which an item of clothing fits their body.”
According to Meta, who is currently working with her customers to provide a range of sensory clothing for school uniforms, an unpleasant, tactile sensation can also be made even worse by accessories attached to the clothing, such as metal attachments and seams, which can cause a child to itch and scratch.
She added: “The situation can be made even worse if a child is not very communicative and is unable to articulate their discomfort, so it goes without saying that finding the right type of sensory-friendly clothing can be an absolute lifesaver for a child.”
Sensory clothing
Sensory friendly clothing is clothing that is specifically designed for children with sensory issues. In general, it tends to be tagless, seamless and has accessories or fastenings that are much more pleasant against a child’s skin. A child, for example, who doesn’t like to feel the seam of their socks against their ankles will enjoy the benefits that seamless socks can provide.
Meta said: “The ‘bottom layer’ of clothing is obviously the most important aspect of sensory clothing since it is the layer that is in direct contact with the skin. The right underwear, for example, can make the difference between a day of fun and a day of discomfort and irritation for a child.
“When it comes to the ‘middle layer’ – items such as shirts and trousers – it’s vitally important for a child to avoid materials that will irritate their skin. If the weather is fine, then loose, baggy shorts are a great idea, while loose-necked T-shirts are preferable to buttoned-up or ‘tight-necked’ items, such as polo neck jumpers or fitted shirts.
“Lightweight compression materials such as cotton are the best option for these items, with stretchy cotton a particularly good choice, since it enables easy, irritation-free movement.
“The’ top layer’ is the one which can feature heavier compression materials since these can be easily put on and taken off as required, and providing easy access for a child.”
How it can improve your child’s quality of life
Meta, whose daughter Kirsty is Autistic said: “Parents of a child with SPD and autism, will be only too aware of the problems that their child may be experiencing with their clothing. From refusing to wear certain items of clothing, to being visibly and audibly distressed while wearing others, the wrong type of clothing can be upsetting for both parent and child.
“Sensory clothing is one vitally important way in which you can help to alleviate your child’s distress and discomfort. Research has shown that sensory-friendly clothing can decrease a child’s stress levels, primarily since it greatly reduces – or removes completely – the irritation that ‘ordinary’ clothing can cause to their skin.”
Meta added that compression clothing can act as a type of weighted blanket for your child since it helps to make them grounded and to reconnect with the world around them.
“Children with SPD and autism have enough to deal with on a daily basis without having to cope with the discomfort and distress caused by their clothing. By opting for sensory clothing, you can help to remove the aggravation caused by your child’s clothing and enable them to feel comfortable both in their clothing – and in their own skin” said Meta.
