Tails will be wagging in Belfast next month as leading pet retailer Jollyes partners with Northern Ireland’s leading photography centre, Belfast Exposed to celebrate our canine companions.

 As part of the city’s Late Night Art initiative, the ‘We Love Dogs!’ exhibition will open on Thursday, November 7.

Running until December 21, this pawfect, pet-friendly exhibition will feature hundreds of portraits, action shots and images of candid moments of the region’s pets.

There will be special VIP (very important pup) events on opening night (Nov 7) and Thursday, December 5 as pups and their people will be granted access from 5-6pm before the doors open officially to the public.

The exhibition will also host a ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space where images from seven Northern Ireland dog rescue and rehoming centres will showcase current residents seeking their forever home.

And, on Saturday, 7 December and Saturday, 14 December, pet parents are invited to bring their furry best friend to meet Santa Paws himself at Belfast Exposed’s Christmas Grotto.

Jollyes’ Northern Ireland regional manager Laura Hadden said the event provides the pawfect platform from which to celebrate the region’s delightful dogs.

She said, “Over the years we’ve built up a solid bond with our customers and their pets and this opportunity to celebrate the joy dogs bring to the lives of their owners is something we are excited to be involved with.

“We are delighted to see Belfast Exposed partner with seven dog rescue centres from across Northern Ireland and hope that all the dogs featured in the ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space can find their forever home.

“And, of course, I know my colleagues and I are eager to see the exhibition in all its glory and we cannot wait to meet Santa Paws in December.”

Belfast Exposed CEO, Deirdre Robb, welcomed Jollyes’ support for the event.

She said, “Jollyes is a household name right across Northern Ireland and we are thrilled to have their support for our ‘We Love Dogs!’ exhibition in the Studio gallery this November and December.

“When we put out an open call for submissions, we expected a lot of responses but have been blown away by the hundreds of wonderful images we received from both amateur and professional photographers.

“The gallery has always been a dog-friendly space, and this exhibition will feature several special events for VIPs (Very Important Pups) including an early opening time of 5-6pm for dogs and their people at Late Night Art, and a Santa’s Grotto in December.

“And, of course, the ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space is a really important element of this exhibition and one we are all proud to feature. Who knows, a gallery visitor might just find their perfect pooch.”

To find out more about Belfast Exposed’s ‘We Love Dogs!’ Exhibition visit We Love Dogs! – Belfast Exposed. To book your free slot at the Christmas Grotto visit Santa Paws- Belfast Exposed.

For more information about Jollyes, visit www.jollyes.co.uk or check out Jollyes’ social media on Twitter and Instagram.

Finalists in The Knitting & Stitching Show’s competition revealed ahead of show’s debut at Titanic Exhibition Centre

With only a week to go until Northern Ireland’s crafters and knitters flock to Belfast’s inaugural The Knitting & Stitching Show, the finalists in this year’s dressmaking competition, sponsored by Janome, have been revealed.

14 finalists from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are competing for the chance to get their hands on a Janome sewing machine worth £850.

This year is the 175^th anniversary of the Belfast School of Art which is now housed in Ulster University and three of the designs destined for the catwalk on Sunday, 10^th November have come from UU graduates.

Ariane Sloan graduated from UU’s textile art design and fashion course where she specialised in knitwear design. Her entry – a crochet babydoll dress with a bonnet – is inspired by her research on how knitting and crocheting techniques have evolved in the fashion world.

Bringing sustainability to the forefront of her design, and inspired by the insects of Northern Ireland, is UU graduate, Kiya Parr, who has designed a reversible jumper and a hand dyed skirt.

Their fellow UU alum Olive Mulvenna has upcycled/repurposed a top and trousers that is inspired by the unnecessary waste generated by fast fashion and textile waste.

These designs will compete against 2nd year Belfast MET student, Lucy Kavanagh-Dick’s patchwork denim jorts and 17-year-old Charlie Wells’ extravagant puffer jacket and matching skirt.

Fatima Naqvi, Event Organiser of the Knitting & Stitching Show Belfast, said she cannot wait to see these inspiring designs take to the catwalk.

She said: “We know Belfast has a rich history of crafting and skills and I cannot wait to see these designs take to the catwalk on the final day of our show – it will make for a great finale to a great weekend.”

Featuring over 140 crafting workshops and 100 brands to shop from, the K&S show takes place at the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast from November 7-10.

Visit theknittingandstitchingshow.com to explore all the events taking place and get your tickets now.

The UK’s premier touring dance convention, Can You Dance? (CYD?), is set to attract thousands of dance enthusiasts from across Northern Ireland when it returns to the Eikon Centre in Lisburn next month.

Taking place on Sunday 24^th November, local dancers from age 5 and over, can look forward to over 30 workshops held by top industry professionals covering a range of dancing styles and catering for all abilities.

Local dancers will have the chance to meet Alisha Weir, known for her role in the critically acclaimed Matilda, who will also be judging the group dance competition, with the winners of that going through to the flagship event, CYD? Super Convention in Liverpool.

Tom Shilcock, Co-Founder of Can You Dance? (CYD?) said: “Northern Ireland has an amazing calibre of dancing talent and we can’t wait to bring CYD? back after the huge success of last year’s inaugural event, which was attended by thousands of dance enthusiasts including dance schools, dancers, parents and friends.

It’s a truly unique experience as there is nothing else like it for Northern Ireland’s dance community and this year is set to be even bigger with more faculty, more performances and lots of exciting opportunities and experiences.”

At the convention, dancers can take classes with top industry professionals, showcase a performance on the CYD? main stage and enjoy the dance related exhibition with featured areas including acro and circus zones as well as class awards, scholarships and prizes!

“The response from local dance schools has been incredible, with many organising a day of it for their students. We only have a limited number of tickets remaining so I would encourage people to buy theirs soon to avoid disappointment,” Tom added.

CYD? is a groundbreaking dance convention company founded in 2011 by industry professionals Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock. Matt is a creative director and choreographer for TV, film, and theatre, known for shows like Strictly Come Dancing and Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway. Tom, a professional dancer and choreographer, has worked with international artists like Rita Ora, Take That, and Jason Derulo. CYD? conventions are internationally recognised as the largest touring dance events, consistently providing new opportunities for aspiring dancers.

For more information and to secure your spot at the CYD? Northern Ireland Convention, please visit www.canyoudancelive.com/northernireland

The award-winning Atlantic Sessions music festival returns to Portstewart and Portrush next month and the full line up has just been released!

The much-loved event takes place from Thursday 14^th November to Sunday 17^th November with a packed programme of over 30 live gigs taking place in both seaside towns, most of them FREE! The full Gig Guide is now available to download at www.atlanticsessions.com.

Music fans can look forward to three days of unmissable performances in a wide variety of venues, as well as a special Opening Night Show on Thursday 14^th November at Portrush Playhouse featuring rising stars, pop-noir duo – Dark Tropics!

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, commented: “We are excited to launch the programme for Atlantic Sessions 2024 and delighted with the range of talent we have been able to secure for this year’s festival.

“Council is grateful for the support of our venue proprietors, and visitors can once again look forward to the warmest of welcomes in Portrush and Portstewart. As we have seen in previous years, the fantastic variety of free musical entertainment, in two of our most beautiful coastal locations, is a winning combination for everyone.

“We are very proud of Atlantic Session’s ongoing reputation as a place to celebrate emerging talent as well as established artists and, with a top-class programme of events on offer, we are looking forward to another very successful weekend on the Causeway Coast which I’d encourage you to come along to.”

Programmed by Get Shep on behalf of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, this year’s festival will feature some Atlantic Sessions favourites, such as The Bonnevilles,Tony Villiers (& the Villians), Ken Haddock and King Cedar.

Headliners include Mary Coughlan, Johnny Brady and two of Northern Ireland’s most promising young bands, Polar Bolero and the Tally Lally Band, who will play Flowerfield Arts Centre on Friday 15^th November.

Plus BBC’s Ralph McLean will host a special ‘In the Round’ with Ferna (winner of the NI Music Prize 2022), Reevah (nominated for NI Music Prize 2024) and Jordan O’Keefe in Portrush Town Hall on Saturday 16^th November.

A host of bands, brand new to the festival, will perform at the free music trail, including Telezura, the 2:19, The Renegade Kings and Revue. Also look out for free performances by the 2024 Music Prize nominated artists Reevah and Conchur White!

We will also see the return of Matt McGinn and Malojian performing together in a different guise with their new band ‘Dead Goat’ for a free Closing Party gig on Sunday 17^th November.

Tickets are now on sale for all of our headline events at www.atlanticsessions.com. All other gigs on the Music Trail are admission free and no booking is required.

Alongside the not-to-be-missed free gigs, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council are working with hospitality partners to ensure visitors can access a range of accommodation to enhance their stay. Check out all the Autumn special offers at www.Visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.

Make sure to follow Atlantic Sessions on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest announcements.

This year’s countdown to Christmas will begin with the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 16 November.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray will be joined on stage by comperes Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show for a packed programme of entertainment for all the family.

Tickets will be available from visitbelfast.com on a first-come-first-served basis from 10am on Tuesday 5 November, with a second release of tickets available from 7pm on the same evening. There will be a limit of five tickets per booking.

Looking ahead to this year’s entertainment programme, Councillor Murray said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a fantastic evening of family fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirt and officially kick-start the festive period.

“We are packing a variety of performances into an hour-long programme including music from talented local singer-songwriter Sasha Samara representing the Oh Yeah Music Centre, carols from Finaghy Primary School and Christmas songs from Ballyhackamore Rock Choir.

“We’ll also have acrobatic thrills and skills from Tumble Circus, a performance from The MAC’s Christmas pantomime ‘The Adventures of Red Riding Hood’, a routine from Belvoir Players Theatre Academy’s production of ‘Frosted’, plus bagpipes from the current Ireland under 13 bagpipe champion!

“The day also sees the opening of the popular Belfast Christmas Market at 12 noon and the start of a six-week festive entertainment programme in our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue. It will host activities and events for all ages including choir performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, art workshops, sensory activities, a doggie fashion show, silent discos and much more.”

Stuart Robinson, Content Director Bauer Media NI: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Belfast City Council for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On! Christmas is a particularly special time for our radio stations – Cool FM’s ‘Cash for Kids Mission Christmas’ campaign aims to ensure every child in Northern Ireland receives a gift on Christmas morning and over on Downtown Radio we flip our entire music format to Christmas songs for the month of December – so it’s fitting that our presenters will help officially kick off the festive season in our city!”

The switch-on event on Saturday 16 November will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the event starting at 6.30pm. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys.

Tickets for the wheelchair accessible viewing platform can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 on Tuesday 5 November from 10am. These are limited to two per booking.

For full details of the switch-on event and other festive events in Belfast city centre and beyond, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

The Leid and Lairn Festival, happening in Ards and North Down throughout November, is a celebration of the rich language, culture, and history of the Ulster-Scots tradition. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Ulster-Scots, from its language and powerful folklore to its influential role in shaping local history.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the programme offers a vibrant mix of events that showcase the depth and beauty of Ulster-Scots heritage through music, poetry, storytelling, and historical walks and an exhibition. Taking place across the Borough, the events offer something for everyone.

Highlights of the festival include Stories and Songs of the Seanchaí at Portico, Portaferry on Saturday 2 November. Join folksinger, songwriter and storyteller Colin Urwin for some beautiful ballads and rhyming monologues. Steeped in a lifetime of traditions of his beloved Glens of Antrim, Colin has long been exposed to traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and story. He is most inspired by the people, places, the history and legends and the sheer, rugged romance of the northeast coast of Ireland. From these conjure up many of his beautiful ballads, magical monologues and delicately woven tales of wonder. Tickets cost £10.

NI Opera will present From Old to New: Ulster Scots Songs at Ards Arts Centre on Wednesday 13 November. This lunchtime concert will explore how Ulster Scots song has changed over time, performed by mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Tristan Russcher, who will lead you on a path through the evolutions of Ulster-Scots songs across an hour of beautiful song and fascinating musical insights. Tickets cost £6, including tea / coffee and shortbread.

Speaking about the programme, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford said: “We are delighted to offer the first Leid and Lairn festival for the borough of Ards and North Down. There’s lots of exciting events on offer over the next month and in particular through stories and song we hope to engage, educate and entertain attendees on the importance and rich cultural heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at ANDCulture.org.uk, or in person at Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum, or any of the Ards and North Down Visitor Information Centres.

To view the full programme, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Cancer Fund for Children provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer. On Thursday 21^st November, they are hosting a special Twilight Concert in the iconic St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money towards their vital services with the help of event sponsors, Power NI and Causeway Securities.

Nestled in the flickering glow of candlelight, attendees will be treated to a mesmerising evening of music and connection with performances by the wonderful ARCO String Quarter, Ireland’s premiere vocal band Ardú and the charity’s own Care Free Choir made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers. This event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton.

Speaking on this, William Steele, Managing Director of Power NI said:

“Power NI are delighted to be supporting Cancer Fund for Children’s Twilight Concert for a second year in a row. Cancer Fund for Children does tremendously valuable work across Northern Ireland for those young people diagnosed with cancer, their families and their communities. We look forward to November 21st and what promises to be a wonderful night for a great cause.”

After experiencing their own childhood cancer diagnosis, the McMillan family were supported by Cancer Fund for Children and will be performing at the event as part of the Care Free Choir.

Speaking on their involvement, they said:

“Choir gives us a chance to come together with other families that have been through similar situations. It allows us to support each other as a group through laughter and music and to celebrate our successes and process our tougher moments together as a choir family.”

Each week in Northern Ireland, approximately 3 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Purchasing tickets to this event will help fund Cancer Fund for Children’s vital services so they can be there for families when they need them most.

Tickets can be purchased on the charity’s website today where you can also find out more about this organisation and how you can support. Visit https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/twilight-concert/.