Give the perfect Christmas gift to your loved ones and let them discover what Ards and North Down has to offer through a selection of fantastic walking tours and experiences!

Taking place between January and the end of March, the tours allow you and your loved ones to explore fascinating places while being immersed in the beauty of the Borough, on both dry land and water…

Walking Tours

The New Year’s Day Historic Ards Walk (1 Jan) will take you on a journey through time and let you explore the rich and varied history of Newtownards. You will discover many interesting and exciting stories, including John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell, in one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland.

If that’s too early in the year for you, then a number of walking tours will take place throughout February and March across different towns and villages. These include Love Comber (14 Feb) and the Historic Donaghadee Town Walk (27 Feb).

As the longer days begin to raise our spirits, the Hello Spring (20 Mar) guided walk will take you along the North Down Coastal Path on the first day of spring, providing a beautiful journey through coastline and parkland. Meanwhile, at the opposite end of the Peninsula, the Historic Portaferry Town Walk (27 Mar) offers another interesting and informative tour that reveals the fascinating maritime heritage of Portaferry.

Experiences

If you would rather rest those weary feet and enjoy the tranquil surroundings on water, March also features a feast of experiences that caters for all tastes.

Canoe and Cake (13 Mar) lets you enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe before relaxing at a traditional Irish thatched cottage with some delicious cake.

SUPNIC (20 Mar) offers three guided paddleboard experiences in the one day. You can choose between the breakfast (8-10am), lunch (12-2pm) or supper (4-6pm) sessions that will see you enjoy paddleboarding in Belfast Lough while hearing local tales before tucking into a gourmet picnic from a local deli in beautiful surroundings.

Perhaps an evening paddle in Donaghadee is more your thing, with SUP and Sip (21 Mar) letting you enjoy the view of the Copelands and see some of the resident wildlife while you glide along Belfast Lough, before returning to Pier 36 for a drink and a chat. The perfect way to enjoy a Sunday afternoon!

Finally, the SUP and Soda (28 Mar) paddleboarding tour closes off the month in the tranquillity of Strangford Lough. You will paddleboard from Whiterock to Ballymorran before enjoying a freshly griddled soda, egg and sausage (vegetarian option also available) in a traditional Irish thatched cottage.

All providers will operate the experiences with COVID-19 measures in line with current government guidance.

For more information, including ticket prices and booking, go to visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmasgifts and get your loved one an experience to remember this Christmas!

Government targets to have children to have an assessment and statement of special needs within 34 weeks could be at risk unless another £30m of funding is made available, according to evidence given to Department of Education officials.

Ricky Irwin was giving evidence to the Assembly Committee for Education in the wake of a scathing report from the Northern Ireland Audit Office (NIAO) which said that 85% of children wait more than the statutory 26 weeks for an assessment and statement.

Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing, said parents are being forced to pay out hundreds.

“One of my customers has private health care but it does not cover the autism spectrum, so she is going for a diagnosis to a private clinic where the cost is nearly £400.00,” she said.

“There are not many who can afford this and considering that 85% of young adults with autism are unlikely to be in work compared to the rest of the young adult population the private route is not feasible.”

The evidence to the Assembly committee comes two weeks after health minister Robin Swann revealed that 603 have been waiting for more than a year for assessment.

The NIAO report said that the wait for children to have the assessment completed is nearly as bad, with an average of 45 weeks on the list.

New rules and a code of practice states that the limit for an Education Authority to complete the assessment and statement of special needs will be cut from 26 to 22 weeks.

“This means that the children are struggling at school, as no help without diagnosis,” said Meta. “The problem for many of our customers and in support groups, is the length of time before a diagnosis.

“Most parents know before a diagnosis that their child is on the spectrum, but also some for whom a diagnosis brings relief and understanding of their child’s behaviour.”

In his evidence to the committee for education Mr Irwin said that there is some worry that the extra monies needed may not be available.

“The financial environment next year will be extremely challenging,” he said. “We haven’t got any confirmation at this stage around the £30m pressure.”

Funding for Special Educational Needs covers support in special schools, children in mainstream with SEN and statements, SEN transport and support services for SEN through the Education Authority.

Meta Auden said that often it is not always clear what support is needed even once a child receives an assessment.

“There is not a one size fits all, each child will have different needs and the longer they go undiagnosed the more their education will suffer,” she explained. “I also feel that many do not understand the pressure parents are facing on a daily basis just getting their child out to school, only for the child not to receive any help when there.

“With no help, these children are being let down and their full potential not being realised.

The waiting lists are not going away, they will grow as more children will be diagnosed this year with autism than with cancer or Downs.”

Chairman of the Education Committee, Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle, said that without funding there is no likelihood for change.

“The new regulations and code of practice can introduce new time limits and new deadlines but if the resources aren’t in place are they going to address the abject failure to assess and respond to special educational needs of children in a timely way?” he said.

The Northern Ireland Audit Office said that the Educational Authority procedures may not be “fit for purpose”. This came after an internal audit by the EA said that there were many failings. There is another internal investigation underway.

Meta Auden said that it has been an ongoing problem for so many years.

“I was lucky when my daughter was younger to have an assessment and a great classroom assistant,” she said. “However, too many parents are waiting too long and ultimately this causes problems and is, frankly, a disgrace.

“Of course we need the investigations to show the way to improve the situation, but we also need the funding and the will to make changes.”

At present one in five of Northern Ireland pupils has special educational needs, more than 67,000 pupils.

Find out more about Spectra Sensory’s range of sensory clothing and autism aids at spectrasensoryclothing.co.uk

When Northern Ireland YouTube sensation Adam B learned that a local teenager was being bullied at school he leapt into action with a birthday gift of £5,000 worth of tech equipment to help him make more and better videos.

Adam B, aka Adam Beales, reached out to 14-year-old Stewart O’Doherty after reading a tweet from Stewart’s sister Molly about what he was enduring in school.

The 21-year-old YouTube star who has amassed more than 3 million subscribers to his channel said he could relate to what the young man was going through.

“I went through a very similar position to Stewart,” Adam explained. 

“I know exactly what he’s going through. And the main message in making the video and giving the gifts will be to highlight bullying and the huge negative effects it has on kids.”

Stewart started his channel about a year ago but really began making regular YouTube content during lockdown, and when he returned to school the online bullying followed the Derry teen.

“When we went back to school in September, the physical bullying started,” said Stewart. 

“At first it started with sly comments, but then it grew to people physically throwing stuff at me.

“I didn’t give up on the idea of YouTubing, but I didn’t upload much because of what was happening.”

Stewart’s plight came out when he told his 18-year-old sister Molly.

“When Stewart told me I was absolutely livid,” she said. I was so annoyed with myself because I hadn’t been able to do anything to help but it was only because I didn’t know.

“Stewart just loved doing his YouTube channel – it was just silly wee things like challenges and that type of thing. He just enjoyed it. He wasn’t doing any harm and it certainly was no reason for him to be bullied.”

Molly tweeted about the bullying and caught the attention of Blue Peter presenter Adam B.

“The tweet has gone viral with huge support from other content creators like myself,” explained Adam. 

“However, what Stewart didn’t know is that I would be surprising him on his birthday with a video message.”

As Stewart chatted to his YouTube idol on FaceTime he was told to look outside where Adam was waiting with the tech package of gifts.

“I gave Stewart a laptop, cameras, mics, speakers, GoPros, tripods, a segway, airpods, smart watch, headphones, computer mouse, a camera gimbal plus a few other gadgets to help him on his YouTube journey,” said Adam. 

“I wanted to give him these gadgets so that he could have a kickstart on YouTube and something to show the bullies that he doesn’t need to listen to them.”

And, Stewart is now even more determined to keep making content.

“There are no words for me to say what I want to Adam. He’ll never know what he’s done for me,” he said. 

“He’s given me back my confidence and I know now that I can pursue – and fulfil – my dream.”

However, he also had a word for his bullies.

“I’d like to thank the people who bullied me,” said Stewart.

“I’d like to say to them, ‘Thank you’, because, without them, I would never have been able to meet my idol, Adam B.

“I’d also like to tell them that bullying someone for doing what they love to do doesn’t make you a better person.”

That same determination was what spurred Adam on when he was the victim of bullying at school.

“I started doing YouTube in 2012 periodically until 2015 when I devoted a lot of my time to it.

“Being in an all-boy school, back when there were no big Northern Irish YouTubers to look up to – it was very difficult to stay on that path.

“It was difficult to keep believing when everyone else was talking about you, making fun, calling you names as you walked past them in school corridors. It was horrible and I wish it on no one. Therefore, Stewart’s case hit a nerve. I know exactly what he is going through.”

It got so bad that Adam was close to quitting YouTube.

“I was very close to giving up so many times when I was at school,” he said.

“Being told by both pupils and even teachers to stop YouTube – it was a very stressful environment.

“It was an environment where I asked myself multiple times, ‘is it even worth it?’, ‘is it worth the hassle?’ 

“But I am very glad I didn’t give them the satisfaction because I wouldn’t be where I am today if I had listened to them.”

Since then Adam has been garnering more and more YouTube subscribers, as well as more than 500,000 followers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok with his witty pranks and sketches, yet he still remembers the acts of the bullies.

“Sometimes they text me,” he said. 

“I often got random texts from people who relentlessly ashamed me for doing YouTube – and now they’re the ones texting me, congratulating me.

“Anyone who made fun of me or made me feel insecure for doing something I loved, I would say to them ‘why”, ‘what did they get from it’, ‘Are you happy’.

“I would ask these questions because I am still baffled as to why people feel the need to mentally/physically/emotionally attack others for something that doesn’t even affect them. It boggles my brain and it’s a thing that needs stamped out. No one should ever tolerate bullying. No one.”

And, he has a message for the people bullying Stewart.

“Don’t underestimate anyone,” he said. “The people you bully could very well be the people you need a job from in the future.”

He went on with a message for everyone who has a dream.

“Believe in yourself. If I can do it, then you can do it. And don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
For those who have a dream of becoming a YouTube star he said support from friends and family can make a huge difference.

“Encourage them. Encourage, encourage, encourage! It massively helps when the only thing they’re used to is negativity.”

If you or someone you know is being bullied don’t be afraid to talk to an adult or contact Childline.org.uk on 0800 1111. For more information about how you can tackle bullying adults can go to endbullying.org.uk

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has visited Garvagh Forest where new walking and cycling trails are encouraging more people to get active outdoors.

Officially opened last summer, the trail network provides a welcoming environment for the public to experience the benefits of recreation opportunities within a forest environment.

Nestled on the edge of the town, walkers and joggers can explore up to 13kms of way marked routes, while cyclists can enjoy a range of purpose built trails.

Given the pandemic’s social restrictions, Alderman Mark Fielding said access to outdoor space is more crucial than ever.

“Garvagh Forest is a beautiful natural asset enhanced by appropriate infrastructure thanks to funding from DAERA, Sport NI and the Landfill Community Fund. The high quality trails make it a valuable space for recreation, and we have seen its popularity grow in recent times.

“If the trailhead car park is full, I would like to remind the public that they can also avail of further parking at Bridge Street which is only a short walk away. All forest users should park responsibly and be mindful of other drivers and pedestrians at all times.

“The forest is a fantastic shared space and we want to ensure that a visit to the area remains a positive experience for everyone as we promote positive health and wellbeing within local communities.”

As a two-week circuit breaker continues to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Mayor is also reminding people to adhere to the new regulations:

“During this time we should all try to stay at home as much as possible and only leave for essential purposes which includes outdoor exercise along with education, healthcare needs or to care for others.

“By reducing our contact with others and staying at home we will reduce the spread of the infection and ultimately help to save lives.

“Please do everything you can in the weeks ahead to protect yourself and your loved ones as we continue the fight against COVID-19.”

You can find out more about Garvagh Forest by going to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/garvagh-forest-trails/

Go to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/COVID19 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements about coronavirus.

The Northern Ireland Festival of Writing will be broadcasting over six hours of content throughout the day and night on NVTV this Friday, November 28.

Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2019 the festival has launched an online programme of content that will once again encourage and support writers who want to start or develop their skills.

Over the next 3 weeks the free online content will include interviews with local writers and content creators, panel events, workshops and masterclasses.

As well as that the festival will be broadcasting a series of interviews with local writers from a wide variety of writing genres on NVTV and across via a range of Facebook and YouTube channels.

Director of the festival, James Murphy, said that the festival intends to become even more successful in encouraging local talent.

“While we cannot repeat last year we have worked hard to make sure we have a rich programme that aims to help develop participant’s confidence,” he said. 

“We hope that what we have planned will educate, empower and improve literacy and communications skills.”

The 2020 programme will include in-depth interviews with local, national and international writers; a range of practical writing and creative writing workshops, online book club and reading recommendations; panel discussions; and, an online writing retreat.

Festival directors publicist and journalist Tina Calder and author James Murphy will be interviewing a range of well known Northern Ireland writers including comedians Tim McGarry and Nuala McKeever, musicians Janet Devlin and Ciaran McElhinney, performance poets Elizabeth McGeown and Michael Wilson, authors William Clegg and Bernie Allen, transformation coach Deborah King, journalist and author Malachi O’Doherty and journalist and blogger Alan Meban to name a few.

From Zoom to in-studio interviews Tina said they wanted to show the breadth of talent throughout Northern Ireland.

She added: “What we wanted to achieve with these interviews was to inspire other writers by hearing stories from those who have achieved a range of success in their chosen writing field. It was important to us that we were able to show that the writing industry was more than just writing novels and poetry.

“There are some really incredible stories of people’s journey to success and I love the fact that each person has a different one to tell.”

Local community television channel NVTV joined forces with the festival in order to make it more accessible to people across the country.

Simon Wood, Chairperson at NVTV said: “Northern Visions is excited to be a partner in the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing this year. One of the pleasures for many of us during these challenging times, especially during lockdown, has been being able to get lost in a book and become acquainted with books we have forgotten we actually own.

“What’s so interesting about the Festival of Writing is that it is writing in all its forms so this is a real voyage of discovery.” 

Fans of the festival can see the main NVTV broadcast on Friday November 27 broadcasting on Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland).

The festival will also be streaming sessions on Facebook and running a series of online workshop sessions as well as a range of other interactive events over the coming weeks.

“With the support of all including our festival partners NVTV, Oranga Creative, BAM magazine, The Secret Bookshelf and my own company Excalibur Press we will make this year’s festival a roaring success and look forward to having a further programme planned for the time when safer social gatherings can take place” said festival co-founder Tina Calder.

To help support the festival the Crowd Funder page can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-northern-ireland-festival-of-writing

To find out more at http://festivalofwriting.org 

The Health Minister, Robin Swann, has revealed that more than 603 adults are waiting for over a year for autism diagnosis.

Mr Swann was answering an Assembly Written Question from South Down SDLP MLA, Colin McGrath, who also revealed that in total 1,101 were currently waiting for assessment.

The Minister also said that a planned review of adult autism services planned to begin in April of this year had been delayed as a result of the Covid-19 crisis but will be asking the Executive to bring forward an interim review early in 2021.

In terms of the current totals the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust alone has 346 people waiting in excess of 52 weeks for assessment, with only the Northern Trust not having anyone waiting beyond a year.

The written answer detailed how long were people waiting across four week intervals, as counted as of August 2020. Almost 200 have been waiting between 26-39 weeks.

Of the other trusts South Eastern Trust had 83 waiting for assessment more than a year, the Southern Trust 124 and the Western Trust 50.

Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing reacted to the statistics: “The waiting times for an autism diagnosis are totally unacceptable and cause great distress for many.

“In the case of adults, they seem to be forgotten, and it has to be remembered that children with autism grow up to become adults with autism.”

Mr Swann was also asked for his plans to reduce the waiting times.

“People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder have access to a range of core HSC services,” he explained in his answer. “Support may be provided via GP and Primary Care in the first instance or referral onto services such as psychology or psychiatry, depending on assessed need.

“Access to other community services where relating to Mental Health or Learning Disability support are also available where appropriate, as are services provided through the community/voluntary sector.”

With regards to waiting times he said: “I am however fully aware of the rising demand for adult autism services within our health and social care sector and of the growing need for the standardisation of provision of services across the regional Trusts.

“This is why my Department has been liaising with the Health and Social Care Board and with the Public Health Agency to commence a review of adult autism services.

“Work on this review was due to commence in April of this year, but due to pressures on the system as a result of COVID-19, plans to commence this work had to be paused.”

He went on: “However, mindful of the challenges which COVID 19 has presented to families and people with autism, I have recently written to my Executive Colleagues to advise them of my intention to publish an interim autism strategy early in 2021 which will ultimately inform the development of a fully co-produced strategy later in 2021.

“It is intended that the work to review adult autism services will be undertaken as an action  within this strategy. Like its predecessor, this interim strategy contains cross-departmental actions recognising that adults with autism require a wide range of support across for example health, education, housing, and employment.”

Meta Auden said that lengthy waiting times for diagnosis are across all ages:

“One of the frequently asked questions on the forums here is ‘is there anywhere else, where I can get my child diagnosed’?” she said. Until diagnosis they cannot access many HSC services. 

“This means that the children are struggling at school, as no help without diagnosis.”

There has meant, according to the Spectra Sensory founder, many are having to pay.

“One customer has private health care but it does not cover the autism spectrum, so she is going for a diagnosis to a private clinic where the cost is nearly £400.00.

“There are not many who can afford this and considering that 85% of young adults with autism are unlikely to be in work compared to the rest of the young adult population the private route is not feasible.”

She added that, whilst her company caters for children, the range goes far beyond that.“We cater for all ages, our largest size maybe a 17/18, but they are large enough for many adults and indeed many adults also wear our t-shirts and shirts.”

The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association has warned that up to 2,000 jobs are at risk in the sector with the announcement of the latest raft of lockdown measures.

Director, Michael Henderson said that without immediate financial aid up to 25% of takeaways will close.

“With the latest restrictions now set to cut well into December the entire sector is at grave risk,” he said. 

“Without financial support for the takeaway sector we believe around a quarter of all takeaways in Northern Ireland will close resulting in a loss of over 2,000 jobs.

“Already we have seen a huge reduction in trade with the closure of hospitality with reduced numbers of walk-ins. This has resulted in a loss of 30% of the average trading.”

Mr Henderson said the restrictions in trading will also have a massive impact.

He added: “The arbitrary decision to not allow deliveries after 11pm has also had a devastating effect.

“This has produced an average loss of 40% with no explanation from the executive on why this was put in place even though the rest of UK and ROI currently have no restrictions on deliveries even at the highest level of lockdown.

“The 11pm restrictions means takeaways have to get all orders out on time to customers with a high standard of food quality; they would be limited to taking last orders around 9:45pm. s most takeaways within Northern Ireland do not open until 5pm this would only give businesses only 4hours and 45mins of trade time.”

Mr Henderson said that takeaways in Northern Ireland are having to deal with losing around 70% of average trade while being expected to pay all bills and staff wages with no financial support from the executive. 

“We believe our sector has been forgotten and left hung out to dry but our Executive.”

The NI Takeaway Association that the competition for trade has become more intense.

“Restaurants have now started, understandably, operating as takeaways which makes the market even more saturated.”

Restrictions on deliveries are to be reinstated on November 20 after the current easing from today. The NI Takeaway Association will be liaising with members to keep them up to date on the constantly changing situation.

Members looking for further information on this and other related subjects members can contact Michael Henderson direct on 07425846533 or michael@nitakeawayassociation.co.ukTo become a member go to >> https://www.nitakeawayassociation.co.uk/members-area

19 November – 12 December 2020

www.gallery545.com

Gallery 545 presents a group of emerging and more established artists based in Northern Ireland who have achieved recognition locally and internationally. This exhibition celebrates their originality and talent showcasing a curated selection of diverse artworks. The selection encompasses atmospheric pieces inspired by landscapes, vibrant abstract paintings, fascinating portraits and exquisite works on paper. Viewers will have the opportunity to appreciate and discover recent artworks by several accomplished artists living and working in the region.

All the exhibiting artists are represented by Gallery 545, an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland. They are: Lisa Ballard, Ronan Bowes, Alacoque Davey, Ray Duncan, Craig Donald, Wendy Ferguson, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Trina Hobson, Ashely B Holmes, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Aimee Melaugh, Rosie McGurran, Kevin Miller, Noel Murphy, Latisha Reihill, Katharine St Angelo, Charlie Scott and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Artworks can be viewed and purchased online at gallery545.com (free delivery in UK and Ireland, and also  free returns in Northern Ireland). They are also available for private viewings at Gallery 545’s office in 51 Malone Road, Belfast.  For more information and enquiries, contact the gallery at hello@gallery545.com or on +44 7960 130414.

Gallery 545 Group Exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545. She commented:

I am delighted to feature and promote several artists based in Northern Ireland with this exhibition. There are so many talented artists here who create great art. This year has been particularly difficult for them. I therefore believe that it is important, now more than ever, to support them.

Eden Project Communities ambassadors Jo Brand and Eddie Izzard will be headlining the popular visitor attraction’s first online festival, which is hoping to be the “perfect antidote to lockdown” says Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder of the Eden Project.

The Festival of Discovery on 20-21 November is funded by National Lottery and  offers a wealth of sessions FREE  aiming to help people connect from across the UK through lively discussions, fun demonstrations and inspiring stories.

Covering topics from climate change and food security to inclusive communities and wellbeing the virtual festival is hoping to bring together families and neighbours during the challenging next few weeks.

Festival-goers will be able to take  part in cooking, gardening, listen to health and well being expert advice, enjoy a virtual tour around the world-famous Eden Biomes and walk amongst the exotic plants whilst watching exclusive talks and workshops focusing on encouraging people to explore a better future, for themselves and their communities.

Guest speakers will include marathon man and comedian Eddie Izzard who will be talking about exploring identity and making humanity great again, and fellow comedian Jo Brand will be telling people about some of the things she’s personally discovered during her extraordinary life and career.

Speaking about the Festival of Discovery Eddie Izzard said: “We have to remember that this time will turn around and we need to be ready to head towards a more positive future. Eden’s Festival of Discovery is both an antidote to lockdown and a reminder to connect with others, share ideas, spread the positivity and focus on what we can do to make humanity great.”

Online performances will take place across a number of virtual stages including the Med Motivation Station where you can go from having a workout with Mr Motivator before listening to Guinness World Record holder and long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont in conversation with Peter Stewart, Eden Project’s Executive Director.

Another guest speaker is Greg Whyte OBE, a former Olympian who has helped train numerous celebrities to undertake tough physical challenges and extraordinary feats of endurance. He mentored David Walliams as he swam across the English Channel, took Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles and Gary Barlow up Mount Kilimanjaro and helped Radio 1’s Greg James on his five triathlons in five cities in five days. Greg explains how exercise and positivity can help anyone to achieve their goals.

On the Open Mic Stage you will be able to listen to the inspirational real-life stories of Esther Mujawayo who talks about her work helping to rebuild shattered lives and communities in Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide, and Derrick Errol Evans MBE, the man behind the iconic lycra-clad fitness instructor – Mr Motivator.

Young dinosaur fans will get a treat from BBC’s CBeebies Andy Day as he entertains the kids with Jurassic raps and wild adventure themed activities. Plus, anyone with creative interests can join in virtual lantern making classes, a poetry session or learn painting skills in workshops put together by artist Alison Critchlow.

The festival is part of the Eden Project’s Communities program, all made possible by the National Lottery, and follows the first virtual Big Lunch that took place in the summer.

Grainne Mc Closkey NI Manager, Eden project Communities said: “This winter is going to be tough for everyone and we know how important it is that people feel connected and stay positive. The Big Lunch – our flagship initiative bringing people together had to be done virtually and with social distance this year and there was such a response from people looking for ways to keep connected.  So when  Eden the wonderful destination in Cornwall temporarily closed  due to the pandemic we decided to open it up virtually to people who would not be able to travel and to share knowledge, ideas and experience to people in neighbourhoods across the UK. The Festival of Discovery as the perfect antidote to lockdown. We can still bring people together to have meaningful conversations online that help us work towards a better future for ourselves, our communities and the planet.”

The free Festival of Discovery will take place over the weekend of November 20-21 with all the events taking place via www.thefestivalofdiscovery.com.

Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2019 the NI Festival of Writing is launching an online programme of content to once again encourage and support writers who want to start or develop their skills.

Throughout November and December the free online content will include interviews with local writers and content creators, panel events, workshops and masterclasses.

Director of the festival, James Murphy, said that the festival intends to become even more successful in encouraging local talent.

“While we cannot repeat last year we have worked hard to make sure we have a rich programme that aims to help develop participant’s confidence,” he said. 

“We hope that what we have planned will educate, empower and improve literacy and communications skills.”

The 2020 NI Festival of Writing which has been developed in partnership with Belfast City Council, has launched a Crowdfunding campaign.

“Whilst the events will be free, in order to increase the number and variety of events held throughout the remainder of the year, Belfast City Council have kindly offered to match-fund us to a maximum of £5,000 if we undertake a crowdfunding campaign,” James explained. 

“We have designed a range of opportunities from donations from as little as £5 through to sponsorship opportunities from £100. We have currently raised just over £1,000 and we hope to double that by the end of the crowdfunder this week.

“We know that what we will be providing will make a real impact on participant’s lives through participation, learning and even the opportunity to showcase their work.”

The 2020 programme will include in-depth interviews with local, national and international writers; a range of practical writing and creative writing workshops, online book club and reading recommendations; panel discussions; and, a regular online writing retreat.

This year the festival has joined forces with local public service television channel NVTV to make the festival more accessible to people across the country.

Simon Wood, Chairperson at NVTV said: “Northern Visions is excited to be a partner in the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing this year. One of the pleasures for many of us during these challenging times, especially during lockdown, has been being able to get lost in a book and become acquainted with books we have forgotten we actually own.

“What’s so interesting about the Festival of Writing is that it is writing in all its forms so this is a real voyage of discovery.” 

Fans of the festival can see the main NVTV broadcast on Friday November 27 broadcasting on Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland).

The festival will also be streaming sessions on Facebook and running a series of online workshop sessions as well as a range of other interactive events throughout November and December.

“In addition we will launch NI Festival of Writing’s very own podcast as well as interactive advice sessions with writers, agents and publishers,” said Festival co-founder Tina Calder.

“With the support of all including our festival partners NVTV, Oranga Creative, BAM magazine, The Secret Bookshelf and my own company Excalibur Press we will make this a success and look forward to having a further programme planned for the time when safer social gatherings can take place.”

To help support the festival the Crowd Funder page can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-northern-ireland-festival-of-writingTo find out more at http://festivalofwriting.org