When Claire Lomas was paralysed from the chest down when she fell from her horse during an eventing competition in 2007 she never could have believed that one day she would ride a lap of the North West 200 course on a motorcycle.

Claire’s life was turned upside down when she was just 27. Her accident saw the Englishwoman lose her sport and a career as a chiropractor. Her relationship also fell apart and Claire felt she was losing her identity before she began to focus on rebuilding her life by pushing the boundaries of what she could achieve to new and unforeseeable levels.

In the years since her life changing accident Claire has raised over £850,000 for charity through various challenges, including taking 17 days to complete the 2012 London Marathon in a special robotic suit. A mum, an author and a motivational speaker, she was awarded an MBE in 2017.

Alongside her charity endeavours, Claire has also qualified as a pilot and learned to ride motorbikes, eventually gaining her race licence. Having never ridden a motorcycle prior to her accident, getting to grips with two wheels was particularly challenging for Claire as she has no movement or sensation from the chest down. Taking on her charity lap of the North West 200 roads course on May 11 will present another new challenge as she has previously limited her outings to tracks like Donington Park.

“I am absolutely honoured to have the opportunity to take on this incredible challenge.” Claire says.

“It will be very different to being on a track, which is my only experience. I’m raising money for Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation so that one day paralysis can be reversible.”

Claire’s Suzuki has been adapted with straps to stop her knees from flapping in the wind and toe clips securing her feet to the foot plates. A special shifter allows her to change gears using only her hands. Her husband and father are part of the team, helping to launch her at the start of her lap and catching her when she returns.

“Straight after my accident I thought life was pretty much over.” Claire says.

“Then I started to explore what I was able to do and found new doors to open but I never thought I would be riding a motorbike around the roads in Northern Ireland. It’s both scary and exciting in equal measure!”

“What Claire has achieved is remarkable and we will be delighted to welcome her to the North West 200 as she takes on a new challenge in her journey for a very worthwhile cause.” Mervyn Whyte of the NW200 said.

“Her determination and courage are an inspiration to everyone and Claire will have the support of every North West 200 fan during her lap of the famous 8.9 mile Triangle circuit in May.”

Boutique Guest Accommodation, Arthur’s, Opened on January 26th

A new boutique guest house, Arthur’s officially opened its doors on Thursday January 26^th. Situated in an elegant Georgian building on Main Street, Arthur’s is the latest tourism offering to Royal Hillsborough and is set to attract visitors far and wide.

The accommodation features 12 individually curated rooms, each of which blends history, antiques and charm. Each room has been specifically themed in homage to famous local resident, the Marquess of Downshire.

The official launch event was attended by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council representatives and participants from across Northern Ireland’s tourism industry who are involved in the council’s ‘Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira’ programme. Launched in summer 2021, the programme has, to date, seen over 40 local businesses collaborate to boost the local tourism and hospitality economy within these areas.

Lynne McCabe, owner of Arthur’s, said, “We are delighted to welcome guests to our latest business venture, Arthur’s.

“This is very much a passion project for myself and my husband Jonathan, and each room has been carefully curated to reflect our local history and the rich tapestry of life here in Royal Hillsborough.

“It is also intended to pay homage to the Marquess of Downshire, who is very much synonymous with the area.”

Along with her husband, Jonathan McCabe, Lynne also runs two other guest accommodations in the Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira area, Ralph’s and Lisnacurran Country House.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Development Committee, says, “It has been a pleasure to welcome representatives from the tourism industry here in Northern Ireland to Royal Hillsborough’s newest tourism offering. Arthur’s is a great addition to the local area and I would like to congratulate Lynne and Jonathan McCabe on this new venture.

“I would also like to thank the many other stakeholders who have collaborated to make our Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme a success. These are beautiful locations, steeped in history, and they offer an unparalleled tourism experience, with endless options to stay, eat, and explore.

“Whether seeking an historic getaway, a unique dining experience, or a fun filled catch up with friends, our visitors are always spoilt for choice.”

“I was delighted to attend the opening of Royal Hillsborough’s latest tourism offering, Arthur’s and wish to congratulate its owners, Lynne and Jonathan McCabe.

“The Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme has been a resounding success and continues to showcase the wealth of experiences that these beautiful areas have to offer tourists. Many thanks to all the stakeholders involved.”

The Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira initiative is intended to integrate local businesses with tourism providers in Royal Hillsborough and Moira to create combined visitor experiences and itineraries to drive tourism in the areas.

To find out more about the Royal Hillsborough and Historic Moira programme, visit: www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com/royal-hillsborough-and-historic-moira

The programme is funded by the Department for Communities, through its Small Settlements Regeneration Programme under Destination Tourism Packages, and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Today, Two Door Cinema Club have announced a return to Belfast with a show at The Telegraph Building on Thursday 13^th April.

Mixing guitar-driven hooks with a dancey, electronic polish, Northern Ireland’s Two Door Cinema Club first gained attention with 2010’s Tourist History and singles like What You Know, Something Good Can Work and Undercover Martyn. The album saw the band cement a global following and they have since produced a hat trick of records of equal merit and success: Beacon (2012), Gameshow (2016) and False Alarm (2019); each scoring Top 10 positions in the official charts of the UK.

September 2022 saw Two Door Cinema Club release their critically acclaimed fifth studio album ‘Keep On Smiling’. Adopting a freer, more collaborative approach to the creative process it was written and produced by the band both during and coming out of lockdown, with additional production from Jacknife Lee and Dan Grech Marguerat. The record recaptures what originally propelled the group into the mainstream consciousness, and a legacy as one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved bands.

Performing to huge audiences and headlining festivals across the world, Two Door Cinema Club will head to The Telegraph Building in Belfast this April. Tickets go on sale Friday 3^rd February at 10am and will be available from www.ticketmaster.ie

A major immersive installation and exhibition showcasing the aspirations of children and young people from Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL) communities will take place at the iconic Telegraph Building from January 30 to February 2, as part of the range of events in the 4 Corners Festival.

Organised by Northern Ireland Alternatives and Wonder Arts it is entitled Present Future and features the voices and images of children and young people from East Belfast, Carrickfergus and Larne. The project was supported by the Executive Office through the Communities in Transition programme. 

Director of Wonder Arts, Jonathan Hodge, explained the idea for the project emerged organically from the B.A.N.D (Build, Advocate, Nurture, Develop) project group who discussed important issues affecting PUL communities.

“One of these was educational under-attainment and it was felt that this issue fitted well with the overall theme of the 4 Corners Festival – Dreams,” he said.

“Once the theme was agreed, the group participated in creative planning sessions where different ideas were explored.” 

A number of the group has attended the Dream Machine event at Carlisle Circus church, which was an immersive experience combining music and the use of light, resulting in the development of a ‘Cube’ installation.

“The Cube and exhibition feature the voices of children and young people from East Belfast, Carrickfergus and Larne who have been involved in the Raising Aspirations projects,” Jonathan explained. 

“The younger children talk about what they would like to do in the future, and what is really positive about this is the diversity of aspirations they all have in terms of careers.

“The young people talk more about their own experiences of education and making their way in life. The voices have been set to a specially commissioned score by producer Ryan Vail.”

Other elements of the exhibition include a set of specially commissioned images of children and young people who have been involved in outreach projects delivered by Northern Ireland Alternatives and Wonder Arts in Carrickfergus, exploring their experiences in their community. These images will be projected large-scale onto the wall in the Telegraph Building.

“The project has a number of important messages,” said the Director of Wonder Arts. 

“The first of which is about encouraging children and young people to have dreams and make positive choices about their futures. 

“Another key message is about challenging narratives and stereotypes about children and young people from working-class PUL communities and about encouraging young leaders to think about different ways of telling the story of their community, particularly through the creative arts.

“The project also demonstrates to children and young people that a career in the creative industries is a viable opportunity, particularly as this is a major area of growth within the local economy.”

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

Dreams…Visions for Belfast is the theme of this year’s festival, and as in its previous 10 years, it aims to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all.

Jonathan explained that the creative CUBE was a key way to engage audiences. 

“We went down the immersive route because we wanted to present an important issue in a way that was creative and that was engaging to different audiences,” he explained. 

“Digital technologies are also something that are particularly relevant to children and young people, so this was a medium that they felt comfortable with. We also wanted to create something that was visually striking, made the best use of the space in the Telegraph Building, and created a memorable experience for the audience and the 4 Corners Festival.”

The installation and exhibition is open from 2pm to 4pm and 7pm to 9pm each day in half hour sessions.

This project was supported by the Executive Office through the Communities in Transition programme.

Full details of all the events taking place during 4 Corners Festival can be found at 4cornersfestival.com

Dining out in Belfast’s best loved restaurants just got easier on the wallet as Belfast Restaurant Week returns next month

The much loved and hugely successful Belfast Restaurant Week will be returning next month. Dates have just been announced to entice diners into the city centre with a host of gastronomic treats at tastier-than-usual prices from 20 to 26 February.

The eagerly anticipated initiative is supported by three Belfast Business Improvement Districts (BID); Belfast One, Destination CQ and Linen Quarter. Collectively they have created a feast of activity during the week at some of the city centre’s biggest and best loved restaurants where chefs will be out to impress with special menus carefully curated for the week-long event.

Belfast Restaurant Week 2023 will feature a diverse range of participating venues, bringing an affordable choice of food offerings to encourage families, couples and friends into the city centre to enjoy our hospitality industry at its finest.

Kathleen McBride, Managing Director of Belfast One said the key diary date for food lovers will see main courses served up for as little as £20 in the evenings and lunches for just £10. “We are excited to host Belfast Restaurant Week next month, after what has been a challenging few months for most people. We are really looking forward to this event as it truly is a highlight in the food lover’s calendar.

“Belfast Restaurant Week is a well-earned treat for everyone and the perfect opportunity to sample restaurants they’ve maybe yet to experience in the city centre. Some very impressive participants took part in September and wowed with some spectacular dishes so February’s event will be even more exciting.”

Damien Corr, Business Improvement Manager, Destination CQ, said: “We are delighted to welcome Belfast Restaurant Week back as part of our jam packed calendar of Culture, Craic and Hospitality. We want to build on the success of the last Belfast Restaurant Week, to welcome back old friends and to attract new customers to sample the legendary eateries in the iconic Cathedral Quarter.

“From cool street food to Michelin Stars, the Cathedral Quarter has it all and there is no better time to be part of the buzz! Check out the menus and fantastic offers and get yourself into a Restaurant that you haven’t tried, go for a dish that you’ve always fancied, most importantly…enjoy the Cathedral Quarter Craic!”

Charlotte Irvine, Linen Quarter BID, said: “We’re excited to bring back Belfast Restaurant Week next month. Chefs and restaurants get the opportunity to showcase their talents while customers get to really see, taste and feel how vibrant and varied our hospitality industry is through snapshot menus with very accommodating prices.

“Our last event in September was a huge success with some of the participating restaurants telling us activity throughout the week was elevated as much as 70% and there were more than 500 dishes to choose from.”

One venue owner said that they witnessed a big uplift in business over the week compared to what would tend to be a quiet month while another found they had a significant rise in bookings during Belfast Restaurant Week for lunch and dinner. They had the busiest Saturday since pre-covid. Usually, they would have around 140 covers on a Saturday however during Belfast Restaurant Week, they had 210, so they said it was really worthwhile for them to participate.

Belfast Restaurant Week will culminate with weekend food demos by local chefs at St George’s Market, hosted by TV presenter Pamela Ballantine, where visitors will be offered the opportunity to taste dishes directly from the demo oven. And as well as dishes priced from as little as £10 for lunch and £20 for dinner, there will be special offers throughout the week.

Belfast Restaurant Week is organised and delivered by Belfast One, Destination CQ and Linen Quarter BIDs across BT1 and BT2 and runs from 20 to 26 February. For participating restaurants and menus, please visit www.belfastrestaurantweek.org.

Follow Belfast Restaurant Week on social media at www.facebook.com/belfastrestaurantweek2023; www.instagram.com/belfastrestaurantweek23; www.twitter.com/BelfastRW23.