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

You SHALL go to the Ball this Christmas… at the Grand Opera House Pantomime!

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Grab your glass slippers, your carriage awaits as the home of pantomime in Northern Ireland this year stages the much-loved classic Cinderella.

With an award-winning creative team at the helm, over 35,000 tickets have already been sold for the biggest show of Northern Ireland’s Christmas season.

Cinderella opens at the Grand Opera House on Saturday 3 December 2022 and runs until Sunday 15 January 2023. Children and adults alike can expect laugh-out-loud comedy, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and plenty of boos and hisses with Belfast’s favourite Fairy Godmother May McFettridge, who this year celebrates a record-breaking 32 Grand Opera House pantomime seasons.

May is joined on stage by Paddy Jenkins, who was last seen on the Theatre’s stage in March in Give My Head Peace, as Baron Hardup.

Returning to the Grand Opera House panto following their appearance in last year’s sell-out run of Goldilocks and the Three Bears, Adam C Booth plays Buttons opposite Kia-Paris Walcott in the title role.

Jo Donnelly, who played Mummy Bear last year, is joined by Jolene O’Hara as the vile Wicked Stepsisters, and Lisburn’s Gyasi Sheppy plays Dandini, who in 2021 landed his dream job as one of the presenters of CBeebies.

Completing the line-up, Conor Headley, originally from Lurgan, a graduate of Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and a former participant of the Grand Opera House’s summer youth production, takes on the role of Prince Charming.

“Northern Ireland’s biggest Christmas show warrants a top-drawer cast and the best creative team to bring alive from page to stage the most magical pantomime of them all,” said Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House.

“Since the Theatre opened in 1895, generations of families have made the Grand Opera House pantomime part of their Christmas festivities, and with over 75,000 expected to attend during the six-week run, book your seats now otherwise not even your Fairy Godmother will be able to magic you a ticket!”

The Grand Opera House pantomime is staged by Olivier award-winning producer Michael Harrison on behalf of Crossroads, the biggest pantomime producer in the world. As well as producing the recent production of Bedknobs and Broomsticks at the Grand Opera House, Michael has produced the current UK and Ireland tour of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which runs at the Theatre in October, and he is creating his seventh consecutive London Palladium pantomime this year.

Cinderella is directed and choreographed by Jonny Bowles, who won Best Choreography for Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the 2022 Pantomime Awards, and lighting design is by
Ben Cracknell, whose recent designs include the West End production of The Drifters Girl and the national tours of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Osmonds, The Cher Show, and the 2022 Olivier Awards at the Royal Albert Hall.

Michael Harrison, producer of Cinderella, said: “We’re delighted today to be announcing such a fabulous cast for the Grand Opera House’s pantomime. We’re currently working on a script packed full of laughter for all the family and know that Crossroads’ pantomime in Belfast will be something very special for young and old alike.”

Northern Ireland’s biggest pantomime will once again be sponsored by Dale Farm, who are delighted to share the joy of panto again this year.

For the Grand Opera House pantomime performance schedule and tickets, visit: goh.co.uk

ENJOY A FUN-FILLED FAMILY BREAK AT THE STORMONT HOTEL

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WITH the summer holidays drawing to an end, the Stormont Hotel has a fabulous selection of fun-filled family breaks on offer that won’t break the bank and give everyone something to look forward to!

 

Enjoy one last day out this weekend before school is back with the Teddy Bear Afternoon Tea on Saturday 27th August from 12pm – 3pm. This magical afternoon tea will have a host of fun activities including the chance for children to create their very own teddy bear with Bear Necessities. Afternoon Tea including a glass of Prosecco is £36 per adult and Mini Afternoon Tea & Teddy Bear is £26 per child.

 

The Titanic Package starts from £180 for a family of four and includes overnight accommodation with breakfast and entry to Titanic Belfast. Spend time exploring Belfast’s Titanic Quarter and visit one of the world’s leading tourist attractions, Titanic Belfast, which tells the story of Titanic from her conception, through her construction and launch, to her maiden voyage and subsequent place in history.

 

Or why not enjoy the Picnic in the Park package from £175 for two adults and two children which includes overnight accommodation and a special picnic to take with you to enjoy wherever you want with fresh sandwiches and scones, sweet treats and games to keep the children entertained as you spend some quality time in the great outdoors.

 

The Stormont Hotel has a fabulous selection of newly upgraded family rooms that now cater for two adults and up to three children with a selection of interconnecting rooms also available. There is a fantastic new kids menu with a great selection of dishes, made using the very best of local produce, that the younger family members will love ensuring everyone goes to bed with a full belly!

 

Family rooms can be booked by phoning the Stormont Hotel on 028 9065 1066 or for more information go to www.hastingshotels.com

 

Drama Packed September at The Market Place

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Armagh’s Market Place Theatre is gearing up for an action-packed September, with several renowned drama titles due to take to the stage, kicking off on 7 September with the renowned Prime Cut Productions with their critically-acclaimed drama, ‘The Border Game’, from award-winning writers Michael Patrick and Oisín Kearney [My Left Nut and The Alternative].

On a farm on the border, a fence needs repair after being destroyed by vandals. When Sinead finds Henry hungover in her field, she ropes him in to help. But re-building a fence is more complicated than it seems. What begins as a simple task soon turns to talk of their past, a reliving of old memories, and a relentless competition to come out on top. ‘The Border Game’ is a timely and powerful reflection on 100 years of the border and how it has impacted those who live along it.

Then on 9 September, the political and historical fantasy ‘The Trial Of The Gaelic Lords Of Ulster In The Court Of History’, will see Conn O’Neill, the last Gaelic Lord of east Belfast, called from the grave to answer the charge that he and his fellow chiefs betrayed Ulster and her people. As in Anthony Russell’s other trial plays there is no fourth wall, the audience is the jury, and all are expected to vote guilty or not guilty only on the evidence presented.

The exceptional Kabosh Productions return on 21 September with the award-winning ‘Green & Blue’ exploring the painful and humorous realities faced by the individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict. An officer from the Royal Ulster Constabulary in his green uniform, and Eddie from An Garda Síochána, resplendent in blue, communicate via crackly radios until an explosive incident forces them to meet across a field only farmers know the location of. Focusing on what it’s like to be hunted when you’re protecting a man-made line on the ground, the play looks at the societal and human cost of borders.

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025. ‘The Border Game’ and ‘Green & Blue’ are part of the Theatre’s Autumn 22 Drama multibuy offer.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

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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