Statement from the Connswater Creatives & Community Organisations

The abrupt decision to close Connswater Shopping Centre with just two weeks’ notice has left multiple community, arts, and charitable organisations facing immediate displacement and severe operational and financial challenges. 

The closure, set for Friday 21 March 2025, was announced without prior consultation or consideration for the impact on local organisations and service users, who are often generally vulnerable and/or with high needs.

The organisations affected, including Arts Care, Open Arts, Fighting Words NI, Strand Arts Centre, Platform Arts, Home-Start and the Men’s Shed have been integral in revitalising the centre as a community and creative hub, providing vital arts, education, mental health, and disability services. The sudden closure will result in disruptions to essential programmes, financial losses exceeding £200,000, and the loss of a safe, accessible space for local residents.

Failure to Consult and Lack of Transparency

The closure has come as a shock to tenants who had long-term investment plans based on assurances from Connswater Shopping Centre’s management. 

Despite organisations collectively investing in their units, and despite previous expectations that the centre would continue operating for at least another year, the closure was announced on 7 March 2025 with a demand for all tenants to vacate by 21 March 2025.

There has been no meaningful engagement from the receivers BDO or managing agents CBRE, to explore alternative solutions or to provide support for the organisations affected. Many of the tenants are charities, non-profits, and grassroots community organisations that do not have the financial reserves to relocate at short notice. 

This lack of communication and engagement has led to widespread disruption and uncertainty for organisations, staff, volunteers, and service users.

Severe Impact on Community and Arts Programmes

The closure of Connswater Shopping Centre will have far-reaching consequences for the local community, particularly for the elderly, disabled people, young people, and vulnerable groups who regularly use the space.

• Arts and Disability Services – Open Arts, which provides creative opportunities for disabled people, will lose the home of the only full Javanese gamelan orchestra in Northern Ireland, a uniquely accessible music resource that has benefited thousands of participants over three decades.
• Arts and Community Wellbeing – Arts Care will lose its gallery, dance studio, music space, and ceramic kiln, disrupting creative wellbeing programmes that have benefited people of all ages, including older residents and those with mental health challenges. The space has been a key hub for exhibitions, arts therapy, and movement-based projects, providing a vital social and creative outlet for the community. With £30,000 invested in refurbishments, the closure presents significant financial and logistical challenges. The sudden eviction jeopardises the continuity of creative health initiatives in East Belfast, impacting service users, artists, and local community groups.
• Creative and Educational Programmes – Fighting Words NI has supported thousands of children and young people in developing their writing skills. The loss of a dedicated creative space will make it significantly harder to run workshops, especially for neurodiverse and disabled children who rely on tailored environments.
• Film and Performing Arts – Strand Arts Centre has been using Connswater as a temporary home while its main cinema undergoes refurbishment. The loss of this space will halt dementia-friendly screenings, youth film workshops, and historical talks that have engaged hundreds of people weekly.
• Studio and Exhibition Space – Platform Arts, a hub for contemporary artists, will lose its studio spaces, forcing artists out with no immediate relocation options. The loss of dedicated workspaces for artists could result in financial instability and lost income.
• Community Social Services – Home-Start, Men’s Shed and other community organisations have used Connswater as a safe, welcoming space for families, mental health support groups, and elderly residents. Without an alternative location, many of these essential services will be significantly disrupted or forced to close entirely.

Financial and Logistical Crisis

The financial repercussions of this closure are extensive. Many organisations invested heavily in refurbishments, including improvements to accessibility, heating, and lighting, with the expectation that they would be able to use the space for the foreseeable future. 

We believe there is likely to have been more than £200,000 spent collectively across organisations on improving their units, and now that investment is being wasted with no recourse for compensation.

The cost of relocation, moving equipment, finding new venues, and re-establishing programmes is beyond the financial capabilities of many tenants. The short timeframe has made it nearly impossible to secure new premises that meet the needs of the displaced organisations. 

This situation is particularly damaging for groups that work with disabled individuals, older people, and those with additional needs, as suitable spaces that meet accessibility standards are in short supply.

Signed:

Barry Macauley, CEO, Arts Care

Eileen Branagh, CEO, Open Arts

Mimi Turtle, CEO, Strand Arts Centre

Hilary Copeland, Director, Fighting Words NI

Platform Arts

Home Start

John Lavery, Secretary, Men’s Shed

Larne social enterprise Access Employment Limited (AEL) has announced the launch of their new website creategifts.co.uk to expand their range of personalised and customised gifts.

Since its establishment two years ago, Create Gifts has focused on supplying bulk merchandise, corporate gifts, and awards to businesses. 

The launch of its personalised gifts range marks a significant expansion, offering engraved and full-colour personalisation options across a variety of products.

Jackie Reid, Head of Business at Create Gifts, said: “Create Gifts is a Social Enterprise of AEL. For the last two years we have concentrated predominantly on bulk merchandise, corporate gifts and awards to businesses, but now we are delighted to announce that we have extended our product range and are launching our personalised gifts range.

“Here at Create Gifts, we believe that a personalised gift shows a deeper level of thoughtfulness and care, as it is specifically tailored to a person’s interests and memories. 

“This makes the gift more unique and meaningful, and demonstrates that the giver took the time to create something special for them. Our personalised gifts selection includes engraved and full-colour personalisation, perfect for everyone and for every occasion.”

The expanded product range includes personalised items such as pink sparkly thermal water bottles, Northern Ireland slang mugs, personalised photo slates, and a variety of Mother’s Day gifts, including customised egg boards, ‘10 Reasons Why I Love Mum’ hearts, and Mother’s Day mugs.

Beyond its product offering, Create Gifts is committed to making a positive social impact by providing work experience and training opportunities to individuals with additional needs, learning disabilities, health conditions, and social disadvantage.

Laura Steele, CEO of AEL, said the new website is just another way AEL is delivering on its mission to offer opportunities for vulnerable or disadvantaged individuals.

She explained: “This is a very exciting time for all of us, and especially for our trainees. But Create Gifts is more than just a gift store! Here at AEL, our businesses, like Create Gifts, provide work experience and training to individuals with additional needs, learning disabilities, health conditions and social disadvantage. 

“When you make a purchase at Create Gifts, you are gifting with a purpose, and helping us to help others.”

AEL, Northern Ireland’s first social enterprise, was founded in 1998 to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for individuals facing barriers to work. It operates a range of commercial ventures, reinvesting 100% of profits into sustaining and expanding these initiatives.

By purchasing from Create Gifts, customers are not only receiving high-quality, customised gifts but also directly supporting employment and training opportunities for individuals who may otherwise struggle to access the workforce.

For more information go to creategifts.co.uk

Mark your calendars – Arts Night at the Museum is back at North Down Museum in Bangor on Friday, 21 March! This much-loved annual event invites local artists, art enthusiasts, and visitors of all ages to explore their creativity in a welcoming environment.

Attendees can take part in a variety of artistic activities, from screen printing and clay work to sketching, drawing, and digital art – there’s something for everyone! Whether you prefer to watch skilled artists at work or try your hand at creating your own masterpiece under expert guidance, this free event offers an exciting chance to get involved.

The historic museum will come alive with art, offering visitors the opportunity to engage, observe, and participate in a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere. As you explore the museum and its galleries, unleash your inner artist and let your creativity flow!

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts Officer, Patricia Hamilton, said: ‘North Down Museum transforms into a creative hub with lots of different types of ‘have a go’ arts activities. Bring your friends and family and enjoy an evening of creativity in a relaxed atmosphere’.

Coffee Cure, the museum’s café will be open throughout the evening, serving light meals, snacks, and beverages.

The event runs from 6pm to 9pm, with free admission and no booking required for any activities. Don’t miss this fantastic night of art and creativity!

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

The achievements of motorcycling legend Joey Dunlop will be remembered at a special event in Ballymoney on Saturday, May 24th 2025.

The JOEY 25 celebration will be held in his hometown, a quarter of a century since his passing, and will be hosted by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Multiple World Superbike champions Carl Fogarty and Jonathan Rea will headline a star-studded line up of 25 riders who will be in attendance to celebrate the life of one of Northern Ireland’s greatest ever sporting ambassadors.

A host of British Superbike riders, Joey’s former teammates, rivals and friends will ride 25 of his original bikes in a closed road event around the town centre.

The event is being held in conjunction with Joey’s family, who are pleased his life will be remembered 25 years since he died, aged 48, in a racing accident in Estonia.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to remember Joey than an event in his hometown,” said Joey’s wife Linda.

This will be the biggest collection of Joey’s bikes that has ever been brought together, and to have so many of his friends and famous riders take part in this event is very special.

This landmark anniversary of Joeys passing is a really tough time for the family, and we would like to thank the local council for staging this event, which we hope thousands of people can enjoy.”

Jonathan Rea will ride a famous Joey Dunlop bike at the event.

“I am honoured to be on board one of Joey Dunlop’s machines at this celebration event in his home town,” said the 6 time World Superbike Champion.

“What a thrill to be able to ride his Isle of Man winning Yamaha TZ750 around the streets of Ballymoney.

Joey was a hero of mine growing up and he inspired so many riders from this country, including me, to achieve our dreams”

The Joey 25 event will take place 2 weeks after the North West 200 in what is a busy time for the Borough.

“We look forward to welcoming what is sure to be thousands of motorbike fans to this special Joey 25 event in May,” said Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, the youngest mayor in the history of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

“I am thrilled that the council has agreed to host an event in celebration of the achievements of the icon that was Joey Dunlop.

“Joey was a local hero and an incredible ambassador not just for Ballymoney, but for fans across our Council area and indeed the world. It is fitting that we celebrate his legacy.”

As part of the celebration there will be a Joey 25 exhibition of his memorabilia running from April in the museum, and another parade of race bikes at the Classic Bike Festival Ireland in August. The full line up of riders for May 24^th will be announced soon.

The Walled City Music Festival returns this March for its seventeenth edition, and this year’s festival will feature a number of events celebrating the sounds of the saxophone.

The festival is looking for stacks of saxophones to come and join in a sax celebration led by two of the world’s finest saxophone artists, Derry-born Gerard Mc Chrystal and Christopher Creviston (USA) in Foyleside Shopping Centre on Saturday 15 March at 1pm.

Players that are Grade 5 or above are invited to get involved, attend a short rehearsal on the morning of the performance and then join in a fun, showstopping staxophones performance right in the middle of Foyleside Shopping Centre, performing hits by James Brown, Abba, Coldplay and more.

Not only that, but the festival will welcome the Quay Quartet from Cork for a series of pop-up saxophone performances in venues and public spaces across the city centre on Friday 14 March, including The Sandwich Co. (12:00), Richmond Centre (13:00), The Ebrington Hotel (15:00) and Guildhall Square (16:00).

This will be followed by a dazzling display of brilliant saxophone music by Gerard McChrystal himself, alongside the Creviston Duo (saxophone/piano) and Co-Artistic Director of the Festival, Sabrina Hu (flute), in the Great Hall, Ulster University Magee on Friday evening.

Furthermore, continuing its tradition of supporting and encouraging new music, the Walled City Music Festival has invited six composers to create new works for saxophone and piano or electronics, which will be workshopped by one of Ireland’s leading composers, Linda Buckley, and given their first public performance in Ulster University on Saturday 15 March.

To get involved in any of the Walled City Music Festival’s saxophone celebrations, visit walledcitymusic.com

The much-loved Ards International Guitar Festival is thrilled to announce its exciting 2025 programme, rocking into Newtownards from 9 to 13 April.

This year’s lineup promises a dynamic mix of guitar-inspired gigs, free fringe events, insightful conversations, and a stunning photography exhibition by the acclaimed Scarlet Page. Celebrating its 29th anniversary, the festival—organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council—continues to honour the world’s most popular instrument, bringing together some of the finest guitarists from across the UK, Ireland and around the world.

One of this year’s festival highlights is Ricky Warwick Unplugged. Best known for his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders, and as Thin Lizzy’s frontman since 2011, Ricky Warwick will join award-winning broadcaster Ralph McLean for an exclusive evening of music and conversation. Fans can look forward to hearing selections from Ricky’s extensive repertoire, as he shares stories from his remarkable career.

With his music videos having Internet views exceeding 200 million and bookings in every corner of the globe, Luca Stricagnoli is considered to be one of the most unique guitarists in the world. Luca’s creative style, which led him to reinvent guitar playing with innovations like the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar and the Reversed Slide Neck, vastly contributed to expanding the boundaries of modern acoustic guitar. Luca will be appearing at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Friday 11 April with support from John Tracey.

Renowned guitarist Gary Lucas, hailed by Rolling Stone as “one of the best and most original guitarists in America”, is coming to Ards Arts Centre on Friday 11 April. Having collaborated with icons like Lou Reed, Captain Beefheart, and Jeff Buckley and known for his genre-spanning performances on acoustic and electric guitar, Gary will be joined by Irish singer Ellen Lyons to collaborate on some of his best-known music, including Jeff Buckley songs and more.

Acclaimed rock photographer Scarlet Page will present her iconic exhibition, Resonators, at Ards Arts Centre from 20 March to 13 April. This compelling collection of portraits captures some of the world’s most legendary guitarists, offering a rare glimpse into their artistry. Resonators represents the culmination of Scarlet’s two-year global journey, first launched in 2015. This marks her first-ever exhibition in Northern Ireland, making it a must-see for music and photography enthusiasts alike. Scarlet will also join Ralph McLean on Thursday 10 April for an intimate conversation exploring the stories behind her iconic images and her 30-year career photographing music legends.

With performances from Declan Zapala, Gary Lutton, Cormac Neeson, Megan O’Neill, Amanda Agnew, Craig Ogden and more, guitar fans are in for a treat with this year’s impressive line-up.

Speaking about the festival, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart,  said: “The guitar has always been celebrated in Newtownards, and I am delighted to welcome the return of the Ards International Guitar Festival. This year’s programme offers something truly special for music lovers of all ages, and we’re proud to host such a vibrant showcase of musical talent.”

Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented: “This year’s Ards International Guitar Festival presents a truly eclectic and very special line-up, there really is something to appeal to every taste from classical and contemporary to traditional Irish, Blues, folk and rock. We are privileged to be joined by some real legends of the instrument for five days of guitar celebration, chats and music.”

Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 9 – 13 April. For ticket details or to view the full programme, please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk