750 miles, 32 counties, 12 cyclists and 6 days to raise thousands for charity

Earlier this year, the close-knit community of Poyntzpass lost one of its most beloved members. Brian Magennis – devoted husband, loving father, cherished son and brother, loyal friend, and respected businessman – passed away on January 16th after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Diagnosed in 2020, Brian faced his illness with the strength, grace, and grit that defined every part of his life. He initially overcame the disease, but when it returned, he met it once more with quiet determination. In his final weeks, he was cared for by Evora Hospice (formerly known as the Southern Area Hospice), whose compassion brought comfort not only to Brian, but to everyone who loved him.

Now, his family and friends are preparing to honour his memory in a way that is as bold and heartfelt as the man himself.

“Dad was the definition of a fighter,” said Daniel Magennis (20), who will be among the 12 cyclists taking part. “He faced everything with bravery and dignity. When the illness came back, he fought to stay with us for as long as he could. When he passed, we knew we wanted to do something in his name – something that would carry his spirit forward.”

In tribute to Brian, Daniel, his uncle’s Ciaran and Marty, and a close group of family members and friends will embark on the Bike for Brian challenge: a 750-mile journey through all 32 counties of Ireland, completed in just 6 days, starting August 17th. Over the course of the ride, the team will climb a combined elevation of more than 30,000 feet – higher than Mount Everest – making the challenge not just a test of endurance, but a true tribute to Brian’s strength and spirit.

While Daniel takes to the road, his younger brother Ben (18) is playing a crucial role behind the scenes, travelling in the logistics van and supporting the team every step of the way. Alongside his cousin Isabel, Ben is also leading the fundraiser’s social media efforts, keeping supporters updated and engaged.

“We miss him every day,” Ben said. “But we carry him with us. This is our way of saying thank you – to the hospice that looked after him with such care, and to Dad, for the life and love he gave us.”

Brian’s family were by his side when he passed, just weeks after sharing one final Christmas and New Year together.

“We all held his hand that morning,” Ben recalls. “It was one of the hardest moments of our lives – but also a privilege. He gave us everything. The least we can do now is give something back in his name.”

Daniel added: “I still expect to see him sometimes – his head just visible through the window from his favourite chair as I drive up to the house. The loss is deep. But through this challenge, we are channelling our grief into something positive. We hope to raise vital funds for the hospice and honour one of the best men we’ve ever known.”

Brian’s wife, Margaret, will be there every step of the way, cheering on her family throughout their journey across the country in Brian’s memory.

“Brian was more than a brother-in-law – he was a great friend,” said Marty Johnston, one of the main organisers of Bike for Brian. “He had a quiet wisdom and a great sense of humour that we all leaned on. This cycle isn’t just about covering miles – it’s about honouring a man who meant the world to us and giving something back to the hospice that gave us so much when we needed it most.”

You can support their journey and help raise funds for Evora Hospice by donating here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/bikeforbrian.

Armagh’s much-anticipated Food and Cider Weekend – which celebrates the region’s PGI-status Armagh Bramley Apples, world-class craft cider, and award-winning hospitality – is returning from September 4 to 7. Known as the Orchard County, Armagh’s produce, people and places will take centre stage once again, with a line-up of new experiences and returning favourites.

With a varied programme of events, the weekend has established itself as one of the most anticipated food and drink festivals in Northern Ireland. Last year’s festival attracted over 9,000 visitors from across Ireland, Great Britain, and beyond, drawing a broad mix of food lovers and cider aficionados – from couples and groups of friends to families seeking a great day out.

This year’s highlights include an intimate supper club at Crannagael House featuring a locally sourced menu from 4 Vicars, paired with MacIvors cider and guided by renowned cider expert Gabe Cook. Over at Long Meadow Cider, the ‘Sip Off at The Bramley Barn’ adds a playful twist with each course paired with both a craft cider and a premium spirit where guests are invited to vote for their favourite. Meanwhile, the Culinary Crawl, adds a sense of discovery as guests explore Armagh’s historic streets, tasting their way from stop to stop through food, cider, and local storytelling.

Gill Robb, Tourism Events and Animation Manager at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, said, “We are proud to bring our Food and Cider Weekend back this year – a weekend that has quickly evolved into a cornerstone of our region’s cultural and culinary calendar. This year’s programme is one of our most exciting yet. We’ve curated over forty events – from woodland suppers under the stars and expert-led tastings to apple-picking tours and innovative sustainable dining experiences.

“With craft cider-making that’s second to none, the festival celebrates Armagh’s growing reputation as one of Ireland’s most exciting food and drink destinations, driven by the exceptional local talent, passion, and produce that define this food heartland.”

Other experiences include a variety of family-friendly activities such as the Sushi Cookery Class, Apple Donut Making Workshop, The Big Apple Family Fun Day, and the ever-popular Tayto Tours. The programme also features a diverse mix of events for those looking for something different, including the Apple & Oak Spirits Masterclass, Tipsy Tapas, a DJ & Pizza Party, and an authentic Mexican Banquet.

Home to generations of cider-making families, the region continues to lead the way in craft cider production on the island of Ireland.

Catherine McKeever from Long Meadow Cider said, “Armagh’s reputation as the “Orchard County” is deeply rooted in family tradition and sustainable practices. For our family, this weekend is a celebration of our great produce, our land, and the generations that came before us. We’ve been growing apples here since 1968, and we’re proud to share that story with visitors. As part of Armagh Food and Cider weekend, events like our Apple Picking Tour and Orchard Lunch give people a chance to see how we work and where the apples are grown.”

The weekend also highlights Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon’s Food Heartland – a model for regional food development, connecting businesses from field to fork and shaping the future of food in the borough.

As part of the weekend, Mervyn Steenson, Head Chef at Groucho’s on the Square and a long-standing champion for food and drink in the Food Heartland, will host “Small Plate Tasting with Craft Ciders & Beers” – a five-course tasting menu paired with award-winning brews from McCracken’s Brewery & Distillery and handcrafted ciders from Armagh Cider Company.

He said, “As a chef, there’s nothing more rewarding than cooking with ingredients grown just a few miles away. Armagh is fast becoming a leading ‘farm-to-fork’ destination, thanks to the strength of our artisan networks and independent producers. Armagh Food and Cider Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to bring all of that together – to connect with food lovers and showcase the creativity, collaboration and craftsmanship that define the Food Heartland.”

Alongside the ticketed events, Saturday 6 September will also feature a range of free, family-friendly experiences. In Armagh City Centre, the Artisan Street Market will showcase top local producers, live music, and entertainment. Banbridge’s Sundown Food Market at Solitude Park is set to offer street food, homegrown drinks, and live music in a relaxed, festival-style setting while Cider in the City returns to Shambles Yard, inviting visitors to meet the makers, sample local ciders, and enjoy artisan food and a full bar.

For more information visit visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.

Enjoy eclectic events in Northern Ireland across the month-long programme from Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council

 

August Craft Month, a month-long celebration of local craft across the island of Ireland, launches with a host of exciting events taking place throughout Northern Ireland.

This year August Craft Month returns with a packed programme of over 300 events from more than 800 makers across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland including workshops, exhibitions, open studios and festivals to allow audiences to immerse themselves in local craft.

With 26 craft disciplines represented there is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise to experience, support, make, see and buy stand-out local craft.

August Craft Month celebrates craft traditions that are hundreds of years old, and the fresh, modern ways people across the island still use and share them today.

The packed programme of events allows everyone to immerse themselves in creative craft celebrations on their doorstep and hit the road on a craft inspired adventure or staycation. Led by Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI), August Craft Month is also continuing its long-term collaboration with Cork Craft & Design.

Local makers such as Eleanor Wheeler, Steven Ryan and Joel M Smyth will all be involved in the celebrations and events, to name a few.

The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector. Below you will find just a few of the exciting events on offer in NI:

Belfast

Friday Night Pottery

Location: Unit 10E Owen O’Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DX

Price: £45 per person (includes welcome drink, snack, and all materials)

Date & Time: 29^th August 6pm-9pm

Whether you’ve always wanted to try ceramics, have some experience and want to dive back in, or simply fancy a different kind of night out, this is for you! It’s all about having fun in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. No experience needed – just bring your imagination! You’ll create and paint your piece, and we’ll handle the firing and glazing. Your pottery will be ready to collect a few weeks later.

Event Strictly 16+. Advanced booking required at https://www.belfastceramicsstudio.com/service-page/friday-night-pottery-august?referral=service_list_widget

 

Belfast Potters Market

Location: 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast

Price: Free

Date & Time: Saturday 9^th August 10am-5pm

The summer Belfast Potter’s Market will take place on Saturday 9th August from 10am – 5pm.

Up to 40 of Ireland’s top potters and sculptors will be gathered together to exhibit and of course sell their beautiful pottery!

On the day there will also be FREE pottery classes for visitors to enjoy and get their hands dirty!

 

Antrim

‘Singing Threads: Songs and Stories of Ulster’s Mill Life’

Location: R SPACE GALLERY, 32 Castle Street, Lisburn BT27 4XE

Price: Free

Date & Time: 11am Saturday 16^th August – 5pm Friday 19^th September

Eimear Magee – ‘Singing Threads: Songs and Stories of Ulster’s Mill Life’

‘Singing Threads: Songs and Stories of Ulster’s Mill Life’ features textile artist and  musician Eimear Magee. This exhibition presents a new iteration of her graduate collection, an innovative body of work that combines contemporary textile art, traditional music and storytelling to honour the resilience of mill workers, transforming their lived experiences into rich, emotive art. Through this work, the artist creates a “living archive” that not only revisits and revives tradition,  but invites reflection on community strength and cultural continuity. All Ages welcomed!

Exhibition opening – Sat 16 August, 2-4pm

Open – Tue-Sat 11am-5pm

Making It on Rathlin: Crafting an Island Experience

Location: Richard Branson Activity Centre, Rathlin Island, Ballycastle, Co Antrim, BT54 6RT

Price:

Per person sharing a double room at The Manor House: £190.00

Per person booking a single room at The Manor House: £206.00

Please note that participants must book their own ferry ticket

Date & Time: 7^th August 11:30am-1:30pm

Join us for a unique Rathin overnight experience including a night at the Manor House and a wool workshop with Belfast School of Art Researchers Alison Gault and Anna Duffy. Also included is a photography workshop with Johnny Mithell and a chance to visit the West Lighthouse, the Boathouse Museum, the Breakwater Studio and Rathlin Cooperative with the opportunity for a boat tour of the cliffs on the island. The arts and crafts on Rathlin have long formed part of our traditional island culture, building upon the necessity of self-sufficiency it makes the connection with our native flora and fauna found across the rugged landscape.

Armagh

Kids Clay and Play Workshop

Location: Ciera Campbell Ceramics, 5-7 William Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3NX

Price: £15

Date & Time: Saturday 16th August 2-3:30pm

Come join us for an afternoon of creative fun with clay. With an array of stamps, cutters and rolling pins, your little ones can let their imaginations run wild. All pieces can be taken away on the same day and dried and painted at home.

 

Meadows Flowers Feltmaking Workshop

Location: 5-7 William Street, Portadown, Co. Armagh, BT62 3NX

Price: £30

Date & Time: Saturday 23rd August 10am -1pm

Working with an array of Merino wools and specialist fibres, Textile Artist, Andrea Hayes will guide you through creating a Meadow flower themed artwork using wet felting and needle felting techniques.

The Workshop is suitable for participants aged 16+

 

Tyrone

Humans, Being

Location:  Strule Arts Centre, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT781BL

Price: Free

Date & Time: 29^th August at 6pm

An exhibition of figurative sculpture, focusing on the joys, the sorrows the challenges and the triumphs we meet during our life cycle. The exhibition will be open to all and will run for the month of August. For all ages.

 

Make Your Own Sculpture with Anna McGurn

Location: 1 Townhall Square, Townhall Square, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 1B

Price: £40

Date & Time: 23^rd August 10am-1pm

In this workshop you will learn the basics of how to sculpt with clay with Fermanagh native Anna McGurn. You will be guided through the different stages of the making process to create your own sculptural piece. No experience necessary. All materials provided. 18+ event.

 

Derry-Londonderry

Meet the Maker Day

Location: Derry Designer Makers shop. 16 Shipquay Street, Derry~Londonderry

Price: Free

Date & Time: 17th August 10am-5pm

Valerie Taylor creates a range of hand-woven and hand-crafted bags and purses. She uses the finest Donegal yarns in her hand-woven ranges and pre-woven collections. Valerie’s beautifully crafted pieces are a sustainable product – with everyday practicality. All products are designed, sourced, and handmade by Valerie in the Northwest of Ireland.

We will have various members of the collective demonstrating their craft throughout the day also. These will include, Batik fabric painting, hand embroidery, Oil on Canvas painting, card making, paper quilling, and jewellery making.

 

Adam Frew Ceramics: Open Studio with guest maker, blacksmith Ian Moran

Location: 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, Derry~Londonderry, BT51 4AS

Price: Free

Date & Time: Saturday 2nd August from 11am – 3pm

Aghadowey based potter Adam Frew will be hosting his annual Summer Open Studio with a twist this year!  Alongside Adam’s wide range of painterly porcelain pots for sale (firsts and plenty of seconds) will be master blacksmith Ian Moran’s finely crafted metal works. Suitable for Adults +16.

 

Down

Silversmithing Beginners class / Stacking rings

Location: Holywood

Price: £100 plus materials

Date & Time: 8^th August – 29^th August

Discover the timeless art of silversmithing in our exclusive small-group class, limited to just 4 students per class. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this hands-on experience offers personalized guidance in a relaxed, creative studio environment.

You’ll learn essential techniques such as sawing, shaping, soldering, and polishing silver to create your own unique jewellery pieces. With expert instruction and plenty of individual attention, you’ll leave with both new skills and beautiful handcrafted items to cherish.

Join Angela in this 4-week course, in her Holywood studio, to learn a range of techniques and make some beautiful jewellery to take home in a relaxing and fun environment.

All tools for workshops are provided in the course fee. Materials are extra. The minimum age for a workshop participant is 18 years.

 

Liza’s Studio Open Day

Location: Portaferry

Price: Free

Date & Time: August 29th, 30th, 31st 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Elizabeth has been working as an artist and sculptor for several decades. Her figurative work is often inspired by ancient myths and explores what it means to be human.

The importance of form and line to Elizabeth Jorn is evident in her bronze sculptures and in her ceramic pieces; curvaceous pots, vases and vessels that reflect the hues and textures of County Down landscapes.

Ceramics, bronzes, paper pulp sculptures and other 2D works on display and for sale.

 

For the full island-wide programme and to get involved and show your support for your local craft sector visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.

Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth25 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2025 #makeseebuy

Creative Peninsula’s Twilight Market and Arts Night will return to Conway Square and Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, on Friday 1 August, running from 3pm to 8pm.

Conway Square will come alive with creativity as a pop-up art and craft market takes over the heart of the town. With 25 talented local artists and makers showcasing ceramics, textiles, jewellery, prints, and mixed media, there’s plenty to discover and take home. Young visitors can get creative too, with a drop-in arts and crafts zone hosted by Boom Studios.

Ards Arts Centre will also be a hive of artistic energy. Visitors are encouraged to explore hands-on art experiences – from painting and drawing to printing and enjoy live demonstrations by professional artists.

Adding to the lively atmosphere, live music will fill the square courtesy of The String Ninjas and Cool Hand String Band. Hungry or thirsty? Tuck into delicious offerings from local food producers and sample craft beers and spirits from McBride’s Bar.

Now in its 24th year, Creative Peninsula continues throughout August, offering an exciting mix of free and ticketed events that let people of all ages explore and engage with local art and craft.

Programme Highlights Include:

• Creative Peninsula at Ulster Folk Museum

Woven in Time – A talk by Linen Curator Valerie Wilson, demonstration by Roisin Aiston and printing on linen with Lucy Turner

Sat 2 Aug, 2pm – 4.30pm, £35 (pre-booking required)

• Heritage Craft Afternoon at North Down Museum
  Be inspired as makers demonstrate traditional skills like mosaic, stained glass, willow weaving, green woodworking, and printmaking.
  Sunday 3 August, 1 – 4pm (free admission)

• Open Studios Weekend
  Meet artists in their creative spaces and take part in special workshops.
  Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 August – full details online.

• Creative Peninsula at WWT Castle Espie
  Exhibition: At the Water’s Edge, 2 – 31 Aug, a Creative Peninsula exhibition featuring exclusive works by selected artists and makers from the borough of Ards and North Down inspired by the stunning surroundings and wildlife of WWT Castle Espie.

Speaking about the events, the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum, said:

“The Creative Peninsula is a wonderful way to celebrate the talented artists and makers who live in our Borough. This is a fantastic line-up of creative events, and I would encourage everyone to come along and get involved.”

Explore the full Creative Peninsula 2025 programme at:
https://creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk/