The unmissable weekend featuring over 40 free gigs across 16 venues

The long running 7 Hills Blues Fest makes a welcome return to Armagh City this Summer.  The unmissable weekend featuring over 40 free gigs across 16 venues, is a musical celebration of blues and roots music. The festival takes place from Friday 2 – Sunday 4 August 2024.

The festival attracts a wide range of local and international blues artists and bands. This year’s lineup includes award winning Cork based Two Time Polka, along with the legendary Rob Strong, who is known as Ireland’s Godfather of Soul and is celebrating 60 years on the road, Fan’s Favourite the Pat McManus band and the critically acclaimed Ben Reel.

Welcoming the event Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Councillor , Councillor Sarah Duffy expressed her enthusiasm:

“Come celebrate music and culture with us! We look forward to welcoming you to Armagh for the 7 Hills Blues Fest. A packed weekend of world class blues, rhythm and roots music in a variety of unbeatable venues across the city. There is something to suit everyone, whether visiting the city to shop, eat, drink or to see the sights, those bluesy tones won’t be far away. Hosting such events is an opportunity to showcase what our city has to offer, attracting visitors from far and near, boosting footfall and benefiting our local traders.”   

Newcomers include 16-year-old Guitar Sensation Zac Mac, from Lurgan, who is a singer songwriter tipped to be a rockstar in the making.  Dublin Based Mr Castle’s Blues Band and the high energy Blues Confidential.  Local acts performing this year include Courtnay Giffin, The 4 Shuck Men and The Dirt.

The weekend is one the major annual events organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, and attracts hundreds of visitors, local and from further afield.

As well as over 40 free gigs, the packed weekend features some fantastic family friendly entertainment in Market Street. Kick starting the festival on Friday 2 August, at lunchtime a selection of musicians will take to the bandstand. The family fun continues on Saturday with MD Rafferty Music School Live Lounge, free street entertainment, face painting, balloon modelling, music entertainment and much more, it’s an afternoon not to be missed.

The 7 Hills Blues Fest programme is now available to view and download at visitarmagh.com/7hills

Event Brings ‘Significant Boost’ to Local Economy Says Hotel Owner

ATTRACTING some of the biggest names in road racing, over 10,000 fans from across the world are expected to descend upon Armoy during Race Week, which is culminating in the iconic Armoy Road Races and the Bayview Hotel Race of Legends, taking place in the County Antrim village from Friday 26^th – Saturday 27^th July.

Alongside drawing a huge number of visitors, this year’s event will see some of the most prestigious names in road racing taking on the circuit including Davey Todd, Jamie Coward, Derek Shiels, Michael Sweeney and Mike Browne. Competing at the Isle of Man TT a few weeks ago, Dominic Herbertson, Paul Jordan and Sam West will also be taking part in the Armoy Road Races this year.

According to William Munnis, Chairman of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club and Clerk of Course, the event has grown in popularity since its inception in 2009.

“We’re so proud that the Armoy Road Races has grown over the last 15 years to become one of the ‘must attend’ events in the Irish road racing calendar,” he said.

“The event commonly hosts thousands of fans from across Europe and the rest of the world including Australia and the United States of America and we hope that it will be the same this year, especially with the calibre of riders that will be taking part.”

Meanwhile, Trevor Kane, title sponsor of the Race of Legends and owner of the Bayview Hotel, in Portballintrae, says that the event provides a “significant boost” for businesses and local tourism in the area.

“Events like the Armoy Road Races are vital as they contribute a huge amount to the local economy,” he said.  

“The Races not only showcase Northern Ireland’s rich road racing history and its picturesque landscape, but it also provides an essential economic uplift for the area as it draws many thousands of visitors year on year.

“Our staff at the Bayview Hotel are busy preparing to welcome our global visitors in just a few weeks’ time and I have no doubt that they’ll enjoy an action-packed weekend of racing.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the Bayview over the years and continue to do so. It is vital that everyone continues to support the races in whatever way they can even by buying the programme package. The Club and its members who give of their time freely must be commended, so it’s only fair that we do our bit too and as local businesses and fans we must continue to support this fantastic sport and these exceptionally well run road races!”

Meanwhile, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council added: “Over the last 15 years, the Armoy Road Races has grown to become an event not to be missed and on behalf of Council, we’re very proud to continue to support this much-loved event.

“From hotels and restaurants to local retailers and transportation, this event helps boost the economy, while also attracting visitors to the Borough and showcasing what we have to offer. 

“The North Coast is synonymous with road racing and has produced some of the world’s greatest riders and we are delighted to see this continue.

“On behalf of the Borough, I hope that all those who travel from near and far to attend the Armoy Road Races, have a safe and enjoyable weekend, while also experiencing the world-class hospitality Causeway Coast and Glens is famous for.”

Part funded by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, the Armoy Road Races are set to take place on Friday 26^th and Saturday 27^th July, culminating with the prestigious Bayview Hotel Race of Legends.

Programme packages are currently on sale via the website, that includes a vehicle parking pass and a limited-edition event lanyard which enables spectators to enter specific vantage points around the circuit.

Race Week is also taking place from Sunday 21^st July until Saturday 27^th July with various events scheduled including a ride out and barbecue, a classic car display and a classic bike display.

For more information on Armoy Road Races and Race Week, visit: www.amrrc.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on X @ArmoyRoadRaces.

The well known SOMA Festival will be returning to Castlewellan, County Down later this month with a whole host of musical performances, exciting activities and holistic experiences.

Running from July 19-21, the ever-popular SOMA Festival will feature a variety of performances, offering audiences the chance to embrace the alternative festival vibe that can’t be found anywhere else.

The three-day event has been specially curated by the SOMA volunteer team to ensure that the best artists from across the island of Ireland and beyond will be in attendance.

Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said she was delighted to develop another fantastic line-up for this year’s event along with the wider team.

She said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. 

“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.”

With funding from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire, SOMA Festival 2024 tickets are already available and can be purchased for individual events or as a weekend access pass to all concerts.

With a full line-up set to be released in due course there will be a number of festival hubs scattered around the town with SOMA on the Square, Little Gems and Mind, Body & Soul also making a return.

Tíona added: “It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. 

“A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

SOMA Festival 2024 is set to offer a welcome space for everyone regardless of what they’re interested in, including everything from live music and family entertainment to nature walks and meditation sessions.

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival 

Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the towering figure of the Wake the Giant Festival will make a spectacular return to Warrenpoint this year with the theme, ‘The Land of Giants’. Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, this year’s festival promises even more excitement with the arrival of two new Giant Guardians, Wee Binnian and Carley.

These magnificent 14-foot marionettes have journeyed all the way from the legendary ‘Land of the Giants’ to join in the festivities for the first time. Having heard about the vibrant festival atmosphere and the legendary craic, the giants could not resist the opportunity to be part of the celebrations and to help wake Fionn from his sleep.

Wee Binnian and Carley are eager to explore Warrenpoint and meet festivalgoers, as they make their grand debut in The Giants Parade. Beginning on Church Street, Fionn, Wee Binnian and Carley will stroll along Queen Street, creating awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable photo opportunities before reaching Fionn’s resting place for the weekend on Warrenpoint Pier.

Join us as for an unforgettable weekend as Warrenpoint transforms into the ‘Land of the Giants.’ Packed with family-friendly activities, from magical encounters to engaging events featuring Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Wee Binnian and Carley. Our incredible giants will take part in various programmed activities throughout the weekend, giving you the chance to interact with them up close. Bring the whole family and help our new giants discover the wonders of their new world!

Wake the Giant is part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Giant Adventures series – a year-long programme of unforgettable visitor experiences which showcase the breathtaking landscapes and the captivating myths and legends of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.

Highlights of the festival include the spectacular Giants Parade through Warrenpoint and the Gathering to Wake The Giant Fionn from his slumber. Warrenpoint Municipal Park will once again be transformed into The Land of Giants, featuring Family Garden Games, Green Crafts Workshops, Bemusement Arcade and the Food Village.

Families and visitors can also enjoy a new Sensory Hub located in Warrenpoint Town Hall which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children and adults to enjoy over the weekend, with changing places located nearby on Great Georges Street (South).

Throughout the weekend, musicians will take to the stage of the Park’s beautiful bandstand. Kicking off Saturday’s lineup is Niamh Noade, finalist from The Voice Kids and Junior Eurovision, with soulful reggae sounds of The Vibes bringing things to a close. Visitors can also enjoy the likes of Sophie Lennon as well as NI Soul Troop and The New Leaves across the weekend.

Don’t miss this chance to watch the facade of the former Osborne Hotel be transformed into a vibrant canvas as nature street artist ‘Faunagraphic’ creates a Giant Art Mural depicting the unique aspects of Mourne Gullion and Strangford Global Geopark.

 

Warrenpoint’s Giant Food Trail through the town will return offering a Giant Feast of local and international cuisine to tantalise your tastebuds all weekend long and a Giant Funfair on Warrenpoint Promenade will entertain with thrilling rides and classic carnival games for all to enjoy.

 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Wake the Giant is one of the Council’s flagship events, and I am delighted that it is returning to Warrenpoint this year. Since 2016, we have been growing the Giant Adventure festivals, establishing the area as a premier tourism destination in Ireland.

 

Councillor Byrne continued, “This year’s festival promises to be spectacular, with giant-sized experiences and visual delights at every turn. The highlight will undoubtedly be Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s sensational return accompanied by his two new Giant Guardians, ‘Wee Binnian’ and ‘Carley’, who will entertain visitors all weekend long.

 

“Complementing our Giant Adventure series this year will be the return of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”

 

For the latest information on our Wake The Giant Festival visit www.visitmournemountains/co.uk/wakethegiant . For ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details please go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures Follow us on Social media @VisitMourne #VisitMourne #MourneMountains #RingOfGullion #StrangfordLough

Exhibition is a collaboration between National Museums NI and Conflict Textiles, and features 29 artworks from around the world

Ulster Museum has announced the opening of a new exhibition – Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey. The exhibition – which will feature in Belfast International Arts Festival – displays 29 textiles from individuals and communities across the world who have experienced violence and conflict, human rights violations, poverty, oppression and environmental issues. The artworks highlight how important a resource artistic expression can be as each piece is based on personal and poignant testimonies.

Roberta Bacic, curator of the Conflict Textiles collection, which includes over 400 artworks, explained how valuable textile art can be as a medium of expression and said, “When words are not enough to express lived experiences of violence, stitching and sewing emerge as a language. Since the exhibition The Art of Survival: International and Irish Quilts in Derry~Londonderry in 2008, the Conflict Textiles collection has been exhibited around the world, leaving a lasting impression on people, and crucially, empowering more people to share their stories and experiences.

“Our partnership with National Museums NI reflects our commitment to integrating these important works into broader collections in public spaces to foster deeper empathy and understanding of global issues related to conflict, violence, poverty, and human rights violations.”

The works included in the Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey exhibition span a broad range of locations including Chile, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Zimbabwe and Germany. Many are arpilleras – appliquéd picture textiles that are hand sewn from scraps of materials onto a hessian backing – a practice which originated in Chile during the Pinochet regime (1973-1990) when women came together to voice their experiences of the repressive dictatorship.

One such piece is entitled The Day We Will Never Forget and is an arpillera made by a group of girls in Killarney, Zimbabwe in 2012. It shows the destruction of their informal settlement in May 2005 during the government led ’Operation Murambatsvina’ (get rid of the filth) in which an estimated 500,000 people were evicted and displaced in the space of a month.

In 2022, National Museums NI acquired 14 pieces from the Conflict Textiles collection. Karen Logan, Senior Curator of History at National Museums NI, explains the significance of the exhibition, she said, “The presentation of these international testimonies relating to human rights is incredibly important in helping people to reflect on the world we live in and some of the issues still faced today. This broad collection of textile art will create conversations that inspire change, encourage empathy and promote community spirit.”

Ulster Museum has long been an important resource for exploring conflict and legacy in Northern Ireland. The Art of the Troubles exhibition in 2014 showcased artistic responses to the conflict and the current Troubles and Beyond exhibition draws upon an internationally significant collection reflecting diverse perspectives and experiences. It situates politics within a wider social, economic and cultural history, beginning with the pivotal year of 1968, and continues onto the present day.

William Blair, Director of Collections at National Museums NI, said, “We’re 25 years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, but building the social peace process remains a vital on-going process. Empathy is key to understanding conflict and its legacy, and fostering greater mutual understanding. The Ulster Museum provides a platform for diverse voices and experiences, ranging from local to international perspectives. Threads of Empowerment represents another important contribution to this work, and again highlights the importance of partnership and creative collaboration.”

Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey will run until April 2025 at the Ulster Museum. Entry is free and booking is not required. For more information visit ulstermuseum.org.

 

Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions and solo exhibition by North Coast based sculptor Sara Cunningham-Bell

 F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to present two new exhibitions focusing on the work of talented women artists. Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions and Congruent, a solo exhibition by North Coast based sculptor Sara Cunningham-Bell, will run at the Banbridge Gallery from the 8 June to 2 September and promise to provide a great day out for locals and visitors to the Borough.

Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions, brings together the work of over 40 artists. The exhibition highlights key women artists who have changed society’s view over the centuries of what women should and could do, and the significance of work by women artists in Scotland’s cultural history.

Scottish Women Artists, is the second collaboration between the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and The Fleming Collection. Dr Riann Coulter, curator of the F.E. McWilliam, said,

“We are thrilled to have another opportunity to collaborate with The Fleming Collection whose Scottish Colourist Exhibition in 2018 was so popular with our audiences. Scottish Women Artists will introduce the public to incredible artists who we rarely get the opportunity to see on the island of Ireland.”

James Knox, Director of Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation, commented,

“In the very first year of its existence in 1968, the Fleming Collection acquired two key paintings by Joan Eardley. It went on to increase its holdings of this important artist and to form in-depth collections of other mid-century greats, Anne Redpath and Elizabeth Blackadder, as well as acquire historical rarities by earlier artists. Today this strategy continues apace and collaborating with the F.E. McWilliam Gallery offers a superb opportunity to celebrate the achievement of Scottish women artists from the eighteenth century to the present day and to bring their work to new audiences.”

 

Running in conjunction with Scottish Women Artists is Congruent a fascinating new body of work exhibited in the F.E McWilliam sculpture garden, by Sara Cunningham-Bell. Based in her studio on the North Coast of Ireland, Cunningham-Bell works with storm-felled local timber including larch, maple, beach and oak, combined with upcycled lead and steel, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), concrete and bronze. Made through a variety of processes including carving, casting and sanding Cunningham-Bell’s sculptures often reveal the layered traces of their creation.

Speaking of this new body of sculpture Sara said,

“In the seventeenth century, philosopher Nicolas Malebranche called attention ‘the natural prayer of the soul’. In the twentieth century, novelist Iris Murdoch spoke of attentiveness as a way of deepening ‘experience to such a degree that a change of consciousness can be achieved’. Our indifference is exposed, interrupted, and challenged. To induce such a remembering, these sculptures are conceived to perpetually provoke attention. I am delighted to have this piece on display at F.E McWilliam Gallery sharing my work with others to enjoy.”

 

Both exhibitions are free entry and will run throughout the summer to 2^nd September 2024. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.