BarCamp Belfast has cemented its plans to bring an unconventional open-environment conference for collaborative business development and casual networking to Northern Ireland’s capital in two weeks.

The event on October 4 will move away from traditional conferences to bring an eclectic day-long feat that is uniquely different from what attendees will have experienced before.

Part of Belfast Tech Week, running from September 28 – October 4 this year, the user-generated unconference is open to individuals from all sectors, including founders, designers, developers, creatives, supporters and more.

Not a wholly new concept, unconferences feature a lack of overt structure, with the non hierarchical arrangement enabling attendees to deliver volunteered talks on a subject of their choosing, rather than specific speakers being selected.

Building on Andy McMillan’s 2009 success, organisers Marty Neill (of AirPOS Pay) and Martin Gilchrist (Gilchrist & Co Chartered Accountants) have brought the captivating day to fruition alongside the event’s headline sponsors Options Technologies, AirPOS Pay and media partner Excalibur Press.

Speaking on the need for events such as the one scheduled for October, Marty Neill stressed the importance of nurturing in-person learning and social communication.

Marty said: “With tech and entrepreneurial culture now very much shifting towards working from home we felt it was more important than ever to get the community together and Belfast Tech Week looked like the perfect time to do it.

“BarCamps and Biz Camps thrived back in the day as places to meet, spaces to learn and as environments where the sparks of starting something were lit. 

“We’re hoping that we’ll see some of the older heads from the original events rubbing shoulders with the new generation of makers and builders, transferring knowledge, making contacts and hopefully sharing some collective wisdom over a pint or two.”

“We’ll also be helping the Oh Yeah Music Centre in their campaign to buy their building with all proceeds on the day being donated to Oh Yeah.”

Featuring two stages, there will be a series of talks on everything from automation, menopause, networking, payments and private AI to net zero, social media, neurodiversity and a very exciting Metaverse launch.

Anyone registered for the event is granted the opportunity to freely discuss topics in front of an audience, granting exposure to otherwise unspoken subjects.

Registration is open and free of charge to individuals hoping to attend the October 4th spectacle.

For more information about #BelfastBarCamp2024 and to register interest for the October 4 event go to barcampbelfast.com

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of October: Earth-Made, a collaborative exhibition between ceramicist, Patricia Millar, and textile artist, Ruth Osborne and Humans of Covid-19, a solo exhibition by BJ Olsen (Quarembroidery).

In Earth-Made, Patricia Millar and Ruth Osborne explore commonalities through the use of natural materials in textile, ceramic, print, colour and texture. The exhibition brings together new collections of work through sharing practice, materials and research. Underpinning all work in the exhibition is the use of earth-made materials and methods such as wild clays, earth pigments, natural dyes and inks, which offer dialogues across disciplines and explores themes related to, place, sustainability, traditions, folklore and heritage.

This process of researching and experimenting with earth-made materials is showcased as a “Process Lab” – within the main exhibition, which shares the artists’ techniques, processes and experiments. Earth-Made will show in the Georgian Gallery.

Humans of Covid-19 explores the artist’s experience of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 as an artist, but also as a nurse. During the pandemic, BJ Olsen was not able to work, and thus turned to fibre art to work through the feelings of helplessness and fear. BJ began to share the artwork online which provided a small comfort to people across the world, creating textile art of the human condition, where digital culture and analogue humanity intersect.

BJ Olsen, Quarembroidery, is a textile artist based in Northern Ireland. Their work is inspired by cyber culture, expressed in a traditional format. This juxtaposition expands the work and creates a beautiful, palpable dimension to what most people have seen at least once on their mobiles in a social media app. Humans of Covid-19 will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 3 October and continue until Wednesday 23 October. Admission is free.

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 3 October at 7pm.

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

By Nicola Morgan 

In today’s world, we are fortunate to have access to remarkable medical advancements. From the discovery of penicillin to the development of X-rays and MRIs, these innovations have transformed healthcare, saving countless lives. 

Hospitals and doctors are invaluable when medical emergencies arise, but should childbirth be treated as a medical event?

Is Birth a Medical Event?

Childbirth is a natural, physiological process that occurs in women during their fertile years. (Birth is as natural as breathing or emptying your bowels, although it only happens a few times in a woman’s life.) While medical intervention is sometimes necessary, it is increasingly common for pregnancy care to be heavily risk-based, with numerous tests and scans that can instil fear and doubt in expectant mothers. When problems are sought out, they are often found, leading to even more interventions. Inductions in Northern Ireland are close to 60% in some areas with caesarean sections around 50%. The WHO recommends no more than 10-15% of births should be c-sections, so something is wrong! 

A recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) report identified that an overwhelmingly large majority (65%) of NHS maternity units are unsafe for women to give birth in. The inspections also uncovered that hospitals do not always consider women’s suffering after receiving poor care and, most shockingly, that some hospitals refrain from reporting incidents resulting in serious harm, whether that be to the mother or child.

Many pregnant women, trusting in the expertise of their doctors, may unknowingly hand over their autonomy. This compliance can result in experiences where mothers feel unheard and disempowered, leading to trauma and a lasting impact on their memory of birth and the way they transition into motherhood. The language used by healthcare providers, such as warnings about the risks of a large baby or the need for early induction or else the baby may die, can be coercive and is certainly unethical. 

Patient or Client?

The dictionary defines a patient as someone undergoing medical treatment, while a client engages the services of another. Pregnancy is not an illness; it does not automatically require medical management unless complications arise. Expectant mothers should view themselves as clients, making informed decisions about their care after considering all the options.

In a recent training session in Belfast, midwives and doulas discussed what hinders the natural birth process. A common observation was how women often adopt a ‘patient mentality’ upon entering the hospital, becoming passive and compliant. This mindset can strip them of their strength and agency, reducing them to mere recipients of medical care.

Take Control of Your Birth Experience

It is crucial for pregnant women to take control of their birth experience. By becoming informed and asking questions, they can make decisions that are right for them and their families. Maternity services are a service, not an authority. Women should feel empowered to accept or refuse treatment based on comprehensive information, without feeling pressured to conform to hospital policies. Having people who know her, her preferences and are willing to stand up and speak up for her when she is at her most vulnerable will only  benefit the woman and her birth experience, no matter how her birth unfolds. Research shows having a positive birth is about being heard and listened to more than the birth itself.

Midwives, too, are facing challenges. With overwhelming caseloads and limited resources, many are leaving the profession, unable to practise the true art of midwifery. This situation further emphasises the importance of women taking an active role in their care.

Becoming a Student of Your Birth

To change your birth outcome, it’s essential to educate yourself about the birthing process:

• Explore Your Options: Learn about different places to give birth and choose what suits your needs. If you have a low-risk pregnancy, consider midwifery-led care or a home birth.
• Ask Questions: Understanding the benefits, risks, and alternatives to any medical recommendation will help you make informed decisions.
• Hire a Doula: A doula provides guidance, emotional support, and advocacy throughout your pregnancy and birth. Research shows that having a doula improves birth outcomes and increases breastfeeding success rates.
• Childbirth Education: Enrol in an independent childbirth education class to understand the stages of labour, pain relief options, and how to start your breastfeeding journey.

Advocating for Yourself

Empowerment in childbirth comes from standing up for what you want. While it’s important to have support from a birth partner or doula, learning to advocate for yourself is crucial and empowering! It’s important to trust your body to grow and birth your baby alongside planning for different birth scenarios, including a caesarean, as this will help you feel prepared and in control.even if you are birthing outside of guidelines.

Knowledge is Power

The more you know about birth, the better prepared you will be. Seek out reliable resources from books, podcasts, positive birth stories, and knowledge from those who have had empowering experiences. By taking charge of your pregnancy and birth, you can create a positive and memorable experience for yourself and your baby.

For more information on how to take control of your birth experience and explore the support available to you go to doulaofbelfast.co.uk 

Some of the biggest names in Marketing are set to appear at ICC Belfast on November 14th for a remarkable day of learning and networking.

The Big Marketing Meet Up will return this Autumn to bring professionals together in one place and the 10-hour programme is filled with plenty of presentations from industry experts including best selling author and entrepreneur Seth Godin.

Following his surprise appearance at last year’s event, Seth  has announced his return to the event this year to speak on his upcoming book, This Is Strategy, which all attendees will receive a free digital copy of.

Appearing via video link from his NYC studio, Seth’s inspirational talk will delve into the importance of strategy and how a seemingly small action today can result in a monumental change tomorrow.

Emmy award winning former CNN White House correspondent, Gina London will also be presenting at the event. With the conference taking place 9 days after the much-anticipated 2024 US election, Gina’s topical speech “Trump vs Harris, who stands out as the master of persuasion will examine their real life communications styles with real life application beyond political podiums.

Rounding off the initial three speakers announced for the event is Joe Glover, founder of the Marketing MeetUp.

Joe has managed to create a community of over 10,000  members, and will be urging marketers not to sweat the small stuff and why the craft of marketing is just as important as the tactics you use.

Organiser Treena Clarke has specifically curated an awe-inspiring list of speakers to make sure that guests will get the most out of the event, embracing networking opportunities as well as facilitating learning.

She said: “The success of our last meet-up showed the demand for a programme that provides key insights and discussions in a fun environment. 

“Our speakers and attendees ensure that this will be an event created by marketing professionals, for marketing professionals. It’s time for marketers to take time out, learn, and energise.”

The Big Marketing Meet-Up is designed to stimulate marketers, leaving them passionate about upcoming projects or with a reignited fire for the industry to ensure they excel at their careers moving forward.

To find out more about the programme and to secure earlybird tickets, go to bmmubelfast.com

Aspects Festival, Bangor’s celebration of reading, writing, and words, is just around the corner, kicking off next week with an exciting lineup of events for literary enthusiasts. Running from 25 September to 6 October, this year’s festival promises an engaging programme featuring top authors, poetry, exhibitions, politics, and more.

Poetry fans can look forward to two exhilarating Poetry Slams, starting with the North Down Heat on Saturday, 21 September, followed by the Ulster Final on Saturday, 28 September, both at Studio 1A, Bangor. The festival is also delighted to welcome Galician poet Isaac Xubín for the Galicia Exchange at the Imperial Bar, Bangor on Wednesday, 25 September, followed by the lively Festival Club.

A special highlight of this year’s festival will be Owen O’Neill‘s performance at Bangor Castle on Friday, 27 September. In his show Hold Yer Tongue, the award-winning writer and performer will present a unique hybrid of poetry and storytelling. This is not a stand-up show but rather an intimate experience of wit and lyrical narrative. Owen has won two Fringe Firsts at the Edinburgh Festival, Best Actor at the Off-Broadway Irish Festival, and the New York Critics Award for Best Play.

On Saturday, 28 September, acclaimed Irish novelist, Mary Costello, will discuss her latest book Barcelona at Bangor Castle. A 2024 Irish Times Bestseller, the stories in Barcelona reflect on the complexities of modern life and the darker sides of human nature. Mary is renowned for her earlier works, including The China Factory and Academy Street, both critically lauded.

For crime fiction fans, Andrew Hughes will present his gripping new novel Emma Disappeared at Aspects’ Crime Night on Friday, 4 October at North Down Museum. He will be joined by crime writer Brian McGilloway to discuss the suspense-filled tale.

Finally, the much-loved Bangor’s Ghost show returns to the atmospheric Bangor Abbey on Friday 4 October. This intimate evening will feature live music, poetry, and stories inspired by Bangor’s past, performed by a talented collective of local writers and musicians.

Speaking about the festival, Patricia Hamilton, Festival Director said: “We are really excited that the festival is starting next week. We look forward to welcoming award-winning writers from all around the island of Ireland who will showcase their work alongside local talent.”

For the full programme and bookings, visit aspectsfestival.com.

Historic Royal Palaces is bringing autumnal magic to Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this Halloween with a full programme of activities to celebrate the cosy season.

From conker tournaments to apple bobbing, welly tossing and hay bale mazes, visitors can enjoy classic Halloween fun while enjoying the gardens in their most enchanting season.

Autumn Activities

Enjoy an array of autumn outdoor workshops throughout half term, all included with a gardens ticket. Family bushcraft sessions will test mum and dad’s nature skills, visitors can explore paths with leaves crunching under foot and listen out for bird calls while discovering the garden’s biodiversity. Visitors will be encouraged to use natural materials, leaves, twigs, acorns and feathers to create a piece of Autumnal Art that will be displayed within the Visitor Centre during half term.

Scarecrow Parade

As Halloween approaches, the scarecrows will rise, taking their watch of the Walled Garden from 5^th October – 17^th November. Myths and legends will be unearthed and celebrated through the designs of this year’s Scarecrow Parade, with local artists engaging with schools and community groups throughout Northern Ireland to design, create and decorate a gathering of 27 scarecrows for Halloween.

No spooky festivity is complete without pumpkin carving, and Hillsborough Castle will hold workshops on 27^th, 29^th and 30^th October to ensure everyone has a jack-o-lantern to light on Halloween night.

Mini Food Fair

Local artisans will be popping up in The Walled Garden on Saturday 2^nd and Sunday 3^rd November for a mini food fair, offering their locally sourced and made products throughout the weekend, soundtracked by talented local artists who will play live music in the gardens.

Stuart Campbell, Public Engagement Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens added; “Our family programming for the autumn season has been designed to connect families with the sensory beauty of the season, and with each other, through our beautiful grounds, nature, sights and sounds at Hillsborough Castle.

“Our Scarecrow Parade this year showcases the creativity of local schools and artists, who have been challenged with a Myths and Legends theme for 2024.

“There is plenty to get involved with at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens this autumn and the Halloween holidays, and of course all visitors can upgrade their garden tickets to include our specially designed family fun tour, which will run every day during half term.”

For more on Autumn at Hillsborough Castle and to book tickets, visit Halloween at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens | Hillsborough Castle | Historic Royal Palaces (hrp.org.uk)

The popular John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival returns to Donaghmore from 27 to 29 September. Bringing a blend of familiar faces and new talent to the Old Cross Arts Centre, the festival weekend is dedicated to honouring the life and legacy of legendary traditional Irish musician, John O’Neill.

Hosted by singer songwriter Malachi Cush, the festival is a highlight in Co Tyrone’s traditional music calendar, attracting top-tier international talent to perform, an enduring testament to the true spirit of Irish music in the area. Festival goers will be enthralled and uplifted by the unforgettable sounds of some of the island’s biggest names in folk and traditional music with the line up including Sean Keane, known for his unique and penetrating voice and captivating talent as a multi-instrumentalist.  

On Friday night Sean will be joined by Máirín Brown and Brendan Browne from the Galway band Backwest. The show will be opened by Brookeborough man, Brian McGrath, a gifted piano and banjo player who carries a stunning knowledge of the ‘old music’ with a distinctive sound that reflects the 1920s piano style, accompanied by accordion player Darren Breslin from Lisnaskea.

On Saturday morning, musicians of any musical prowess can attend a range of workshops for children and adults where they will be tutored by international performers who have a proven track record as teachers and educationalists. There will be workshops in singing, whistle, piano, flute, guitar, accordion, concertina, fiddle and banjo.

On Saturday evening, John O’Neill’s granddaughters, Niamh and Ciara McCrystal will open the evening for Lúnasa, one of the most influential bands in the history of traditional music.

Speaking about the festival which was created by John’s family through The John O’Neill Trust, John’s daughter Clare McCrystal said: “This year’s John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival programme includes a diverse range of musical talent which will appeal to all ages. From workshops to traditional music sessions and sets by some of the country’s most acclaimed performers, I am thrilled that the festival is firmly established in the traditional music calendar as a lasting legacy to my dad’s memory.

“As well as entertaining traditional music enthusiasts with our concerts, I am passionate about introducing traditional music to the next generation and our music workshops will be open to children from five years and older. This year we are also offering children a complimentary ticket to see the pioneers of Irish music at one of our concerts as I believe it is extremely important for children interested in Irish music to get the opportunity see these wonderful musicians perform.”

The John O’Neill Traditional Folk and Music Festival concerts take place in the Old Cross Arts Centre, St Joseph’s Grammar, Donaghmore, on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 September at 8.00pm (doors open from 7.00pm) and weekend tickets granting admission to both evening headline concerts can be purchased for £40.00.

On Saturday, Festival Workshops, priced at £25.00 each, take place from 11.00am to 2.00pm in St Joseph’s Grammar, Donaghmore.

On Sunday 29 September at 3.00pm the Festival will close with a session in Hayden’s Bar in Pomeroy.

Festival goers can also enjoy an exhibition featuring the latest artwork from local artist Jim McKee entitled ‘Keeper of the Flame’ at the Old Cross Arts Centre throughout the weekend where there is also a full bar.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/jonfest

Follow the John O’Neill Folk and Traditional Music Festival on facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/johnoneillmusicfestival and on instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/john_oneill_trad_fest/