AHEAD of the first announcements for this year’s Glasgowbury Music Festival, the team have released details of tickets which are due to go on sale from Monday 26th March.
Glasgowbury, recently awarded the accolade of Northern Ireland’s ‘Best Festival’ at the first ever NI Music Awards, is an annual celebration of all that’s great and good about homegrown Irish music talent.
Last year the Sperrins spectacular showcased 60 acts across five iconic stages at the stunning Eagles’ Rock location just outside of Draperstown, which saw headline performances from the likes of Cashier No. 9, The Answer and Phil Kieran.
This year’s festival will take place across the weekend of July 21st with some of the most exciting new and emerging acts lining up with icons of the Irish music scene.
In order to keep prices as low as possible, Glasgowbury are also proud to announce that tickets for this year’s event will be available via an early bird special until the end of May – at 2010 prices!
Until May 31st, tickets will stick at 2010 prices of £30/€36 (Festival Only) and £40/€48 (Festival & Camping).
From Monday you can get your hands on tickets from www.glasgowbury.com and they will also be available from HMV stores and independent retailers across Ireland.
A festival only ticket will provide access to the festival site on Saturday only while a festival and camping ticket also allows for two nights camping and entertainment (Friday and Saturday).
2012 looks set to be the most exciting year for the ‘Small But Massive’ festival yet with some exciting announcements due in the coming weeks.
Ghostpoet, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Errors and Factory Floor added to Festival line-up
Happy Mondays have been confirmed for Titanic Lockdown, taking place on June 1st and June 2nd 2012. The Manchester based band – who recently reformed their original line up – will be one of the headline acts at the brand new boutique festival set to take place under the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes. It will be the first time the original band has played in Belfast for over 20 years.
Other acts announced for the festival taking place on the double bank holiday Diamond Jubilee weekend include Ghostpoet, Factory Floor, Glasgow based Errors and the legendary reggae producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry – a founding father of reggae music and the man credited with producing many of Bob Marley’s seminal recordings. According to promoters Hydroponic Music further acts are set to be announced in the coming days promising music fans a line-up worthy of Belfast’s musical pedigree.
Hydroponic founder and resident DJ Michael McKeown stated: “Happy Mondays are the first of many bands lined up to play at Titanic Lockdown; we will be announcing other major headline acts in the coming days. Titanic Lockdown is unique to the music scene in Northern Ireland. The line-up will be fantastic, the venue is out of this world and the setting is simply world class. Our launch gig on 31st March will provide music fans with the opportunity to celebrate the official launch of Titanic Belfast, get a taste of what Titanic Lockdown will deliver and snap up advance tickets for what promises to be the biggest party weekend of the year in June.”
Festival tickets will first become exclusively available at the all-day Titanic Lockdown launch festival on 31st March – the opening day of Titanic Belfast – and will go on general release on Monday 2nd April at www.titanic-lockdown.com and all ticketmaster outlets.
On 31st March, The Titanic Lockdown launch festival will feature a free all day-long programme of activity including DJ sets, continental food markets, live street art, urban sports demo’s, fashion workshops and firebreathers. Leading local bands will also be performing throughout the day including Pocket Billiards, The Bonnevilles, Katie and the Carnival and Verse Chorus Verse. Activities culminate in a night time concert with cutting edge music performances from Roots Manuva, legendary DJ Gilles Peterson and London’s Soul Jazz Sound System.
Hydroponic Music promoter Andrew McFeeters added: “Momentum is building towards our June festival and the feedback from music fans has been phenomenal. Our launch festival will give Belfast’s music lovers a chance to see both leading local bands, world class talent and secure tickets to the June festival before they go on general release. A perfect excuse for music fans to take part in the launch of Titanic Belfast.”
Titanic Lockdown, dubbed a boutique music festival for Belfast’s music lovers, will take place at T13, home to Ireland’s leading Urban Sports Park & Shared Cultural Space. The venue will host both the indoor launch festival on 31st March and the outdoor boutique festival on June 1st and June 2nd 2012.
The daytime programme of activity at Titanic Lockdown on 31st March between 12pm and 6.30pm is free to all comers. Under 18’s are welcome to all daytime events if accompanied by an adult. The evening concert is for over 18’s and will run from 7pm to late with tickets priced at £23 (+ Booking Fee). Tickets for the launch festival on the 31st March are available from www.titanic-lockdown.com and all Ticketmaster outlets.
Early bird weekend passes for Titanic Lockdown in June will be exclusively available at the March 31st launch festival. Weekend passes will go on general release on Monday 2nd April at www.titanic-lockdown.com and all ticketmaster outlets.
To find out more log onto www.titanic-lockdown.com, follow us on twitter @TitanicLockdown (#titaniclockdown) or like us on facebook at Titanic Lockdown.
40 Coca-Cola Future Flames selected to run with Olympic Flame in Northern Ireland
Pictured are just some of the Torchbearers at Coca-Colaâs âWalk of Flameâ (front to back) Dempsey Andrews, Dundonald; Pete Snodden, Bangor; Lucy Camlin, Dunadry; Peter Brittain, Bangor; Holly Hamill, Glengormley; Eorann OâNeill, Nutt Corner; Rebecca Nixon, Newtownards; David Sharkey, Coleraine; Charlotte OâNeill, Belfast; Nicola McLarnon, Belfast
Coca-Cola has unveiled over 40 Future Flames from Northern Ireland – exceptional people who will be honoured as they carry the Olympic Flame during the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay this summer.
These inspiring individuals will join over 1,300 other amazing people from across the UK as official London 2012 Olympic Torchbearers, and will have the once in a lifetime experience of carrying the Olympic Flame as it embarks upon its journey throughout Northern Ireland, building excitement ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Coca-Cola, the longest continuous supporter of the Olympic Movement and a Presenting Partner of the Olympic Torch Relay, launched its Future Flames nomination campaign last summer, aiming to recognise and reward the positive contributions made by young people every day in the UK by giving them the opportunity to run with the Olympic Flame. The nationwide campaign called on the country to nominate people who use their passions in areas like sport and physical activity, music and dance, and community and the environment; to spread happiness in their local communities.
Cool FM DJ Pete Snodden who has been announced as one of the 40 flames said:
“Firstly what an honour it is to be involved with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – this is an opportunity that I will share with the grand children in years to come. I am very excited to be sharing my moment as a Coca-Cola Torchbearer with 39 inspirational people and can’t wait to get involved in the celebrations Coca-Cola is hosting as part of the relay.”
Dempsey Andrews from Dundonald who was originally selected as a Coca-Cola Future Flame said:
“I have been involved with Coca-Cola’s Future Flame campaign as an ambassador encouraging young people to nominate themselves to carry the torch – it is just amazing that my story has come full circle and I will actually be carrying the Olympic Torch this summer. There are a lot of inspirational people out there doing great things so it’s nice that their achievements are being recognised in the local community.”
Eorann O’Neill from Nutts Corner also said:
“I am overwhelmed by the fact that I will carry the Olympic Torch this summer. When I was first notified by Coca-Cola that my entry had made it through to the final stage I never imagined I would actually make it as a torchbearer. All my family and friends are very excited to cheer me on when I run my 300m with the torch.”
Coca-Cola is now calling on everyone to come out in force to celebrate their local Future Flames by cheering them on as they run along the UK’s roads or by attending one of the Evening Celebrations which will be held almost every evening along the route of the Olympic Torch Relay.
Coca-Cola also recently announced it is helping the London Organising Committee (LOCOG) and host Local Authorities to bring music and celebration to every corner of the UK through the Olympic Torch Relay’s 66 Evening Celebrations, showcasing up-and-coming British music talent and some of the country’s best loved stars. This focus on music builds on Coca-Cola’s Move to the Beat campaign, which fuses music and sport to bring teens closer to the Olympic Games through a unique collaboration with GRAMMY award-winning producer Mark Ronson and chart topping dub-step vocalist Katy B.
James Williams, Director, Olympic Torch Relay, Coca-Cola, said:
“With the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games only months away, I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to start the celebrations early by confirming the Olympic Torchbearers we have selected through our Future Flames campaign. They are all outstanding people who spread happiness in their local communities to make Britain burn brighter, and now they will be honoured with the amazing experience of carrying the Olympic Flame. I hope everyone joins us in cheering them on as they run along the route and at their closest evening event, so they can Move to the Beat in celebration of their local Future Flames.”
Details of the full line up of each Evening Celebration will be announced in due course.
It is time to pack away your winter woollies and spring into a new season with the launch of Newry Style City 2012. The runaway success story of the 2011 social calendar in Newry is back, bigger and better than ever.
Pale Pink Shorts £19.99 from H&M, Blouse £9.99 from H&M, Denim Biker Jacket £29.99 H&M, Tiara by Jon Richard £35 from Debenhams all at The Quays, Gold Clutch £15 from Dorothy Perkins at Buttercrane.
Dedicated followers of fashion and style sirens alike will have a field day with fashionable events right across the city from Sunday 25th March right through to Sunday 1st April. The photo-shoots are complete, the catwalk is ready and the shops are just bursting at the seams to hit the catwalk, now all we need is you. With a series of free and ticketed events catering for all tastes and styles there is something for everyone. There are still opportunities for local retailers, hairdressers, beauticians and other services to get involved by contacting Newry Chamber.
Orla Jackson, Chief Executive of Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade and Chair of the Newry Style City Committee said, “We are thrilled to once again bring Newry Style City to life to showcase the fabulous retail and service sectors in our city. This year we are working in partnership with Southern Regional College and members of the Neighbourhood Renewal Partnership Board to provide work experience placements as part of the festival and indeed working in conjunction with our platinum sponsors Buttercrane Shopping Centre, The Quays Shopping Centre, Newry & Mourne District Council, retailers and in kind sponsors from local suppliers including Louise Photography to bring a world class fashion week to this area. We would like to thank all of those who have supported us in making this happen and we look forward to welcoming people from right across the south eastern region to our many stylish events.”
Newry Style City is packed with events details of which can be found on the Facebook page or by logging onto www.newrystylecity.com. Buttercrane Shopping Centre will launch its series of fringe events on Saturday 24th March on Sat 24th with the return of the very popular ‘Models in the Mall’ fashion event. Models will showcase the best in Spring Summer 2012 fashion from a range of stores from 1100am- 4.00 pm. Also on 24th March Buttercrane hosts ‘Street Style’. The centre’s fashion gurus will be out and about in the mall spotting Newry’s most stylish shoppers, male and female. The pick of the most stylish will be posted on Buttercrane’s Facebook page for the public to like and select who they deem to have the best Street Style. The eventual winner will be confirmed at the Newry Style Awards, the closing event of NSC. Last year’s Street Style winner, Niamh Cunningham from Crossmaglen has gone on to enjoy a successful year’s modelling in Newry, Dublin and beyond and will be appearing at events throughout NSC.
The Quays Shopping Centre hosts the final of ‘The Quays Next Top Model’ on Saturday 24th of March which has been running from Autumn 2011 with the lucky winner guest modelling in the ‘Newry Style City Catwalk Show’ in Bellini’s on Wednesday 28th March and securing a contract with Style Academy Model Agency in Belfast.
The week will officially open in true style with a new addition- ‘Newry Speed Styling’ at The Canal Court Hotel on Sunday night 25th March. Here you will have an opportunity to get one-to-one advice speed networking style from beauty, fashion and lifestyle experts to set you up for the new season. This is an opportunity to ask questions about your own style, what to wear to a big event or even how to look good on holiday. There will be a host of local exhibitors waiting to help you look your best for the year ahead.
Throughout the week along with the stunning, professional catwalk show in Bellini’s on Wednesday 28th featuring stores such as Warehouse, Coast, DV8 and Topshop from Buttercrane and The Quays, independent retailers Berling, Jack Murphy Jewellers, GASP Boutique, SILK Emporium, Cahill Brothers, local designer Shauna Fay and Milliner Mariana O’Reilly there will be events right across the city. These include ‘Diamonds and Daiquiris’ at Jack Murphy Jewellers on Thursday night 29th, Southern Regional College Fashion Show on Friday 30th night, Model Spotting, Street Style, Models on the Mall in Buttercrane Shopping Centre throughout the week, Mr & Mrs at The Canal Court Hotel on Friday 30th March, stylish Flash Mobs in The Quays on Saturday 31st March, an on mall Wedding Fayre in Buttercrane and many others. The week will close with the fabulous Connor Philips from Cool FM hosting the annual Newry Style Awards in The Bank Bar on Sunday 1st April. The most stylish people in Newry will walk away with a host of amazing prizes.
Tickets are available for Newry Speed Styling and Newry Style City Show with numbers limited for both from the pop up ticket shop at Buttercrane Shopping Centre or at the Customer Service Desk at The Quays. Entry is now open for Newry Style Awards on Facebook and admission to this event will be pay at the door. For details of all events please check local press and online at www.newrystylecity.com .
Businesses across Belfast can once again benefit from making environmental cost savings in their workplace while boosting profits at the same time.
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile with previous participants of the BITES programme - Ivan Martin from the North Down Group and Louise Butler from McKinty and Wright Solicitors. The BITES (Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions) Programme, which is funded by Belfast City Council is a business development initiative designed to help companies reduce waste and energy, boost profits and help the environment. Running for the last two years in the city, the programme’s success has meant that it has now expanded to the district council areas of Carrickfergus, Lisburn and Newtownabbey. The next round of the programme is scheduled to take place in April and businesses who want to take part should contact Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9091 8771. Further information on the programme can also be found at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/businessprogrammes
They can now sign up to take part in the next round of the BITES (Business Improvements Through Environmental Solutions) Programme which is funded by Belfast City Council with support from the European Regional Development Fund.
BITES is a business development initiative designed to help companies reduce waste and energy, boost profits and help the environment. Running for the last two years in the city, the programme’s success has meant that it has now expanded to the district council areas of Carrickfergus, Lisburn and Newtownabbey.
The one-year programme helps businesses to identify opportunities to reduce their use of and better manage resources, namely materials, water, waste and energy which will lead to increasing profits and improved business competitiveness and sustainability. 22 local businesses have completed the programme over the last two years and collectively have identified in excess of £320,000 worth of collective savings through the support provided.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: “The council’s BITES programme is aimed at encouraging businesses improve their environmental performance with a view to enhancing profits through greater resource efficiency and business competitiveness.
“Sustainability is a key issue for industry and ensuring the participation of businesses in delivering a sustainable future is crucially important,” he added.
Adrian Quinn from Mascott Construction was a previous participant in the programme.
“For businesses in the current economic climate, BITES is a first class programme,” he said.
“It assisted Mascott with the development of our ISO 14001 audit and for the first time in 11 years, we demonstrated real improvements through our ISO system. The programme really got us on the ball.”
Ivan Martin from the North Down Group picked up an award for the most improved business at last September’s BITES Programme Awards ceremony.
He said: “The BITES Programme enabled our company to take a step back and re-assess our operational costs in key areas. As a result, we implemented resource saving measures such as improved insulation in our refrigeration plant, installing more energy efficient lighting and significantly increasing our recycling rates.”
The current BITES programme is open to 35 businesses within the four council areas and is targeted at non Invest NI client businesses who have a combined resource spend (water, waste and energy) of less than £60,000, with the majority of places being awarded to companies with a combined resource spend of £30,000 or less.
The next round of the programme is scheduled to take place in April and businesses who want to take part should contact Belfast City Council’s Economic Development Unit on 028 9091 8771 or email kellands@belfastcity.gov.uk.
BITES is funded by Belfast City Council, Carrickfergus Borough Council, Lisburn City Council, Newtownabbey Borough Council, Invest NI and the European Regional Development Fund through the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
After its recent deployment to Libya, HMS Bangor is returning to The Eisenhower Pier on Thursday April 5th for the start of a five day visit.
HMS Bangor which will be returning to Bangor on April 5th for a five day visit. The ship will be open to the public on Easter Sunday, 8th April and Easter Monday, 9th April.
The weekend’s main events will see HMS Bangor throw down her gangway to welcome the general public from 12 Noon – 5pm on Sunday 8th April and Easter Monday 9th April. Admission to the ship will be free so come along with family and friends to marvel at this wonderful vessel and see close-up, what life is really like onboard. The public will get the chance to see some of the ship’s sophisticated equipment and chat with the crew about their experiences onboard the ship – you might even get to sit in The Captain’s chair!
HMS Bangor is a 600 tonne Sandown Class Minehunter , commissioned by the Royal Navy and launched by Lady Lisa Spencer in 1999 at Southhampton Docks. She is named after our very own Bangor and is the second Royal Navy vessel to bear the name. She is 52.5m in length and has a max speed of 13 knots.
HMS Bangor is the first navy ship in over 15 years to be closely affiliated to Northern Ireland and has other official affiliations with the town of Bangor, Bangor Combined Cadet Force and Bangor Grammar School. Named after our very own Bangor, she is also closely affiliated with Clifton Special School, the ship’s adopted charity.
During the second half of 2011 HMS Bangor was deployed as part of Operation UNIFIED PROTECTOR, operating in the Mediterranean with the NATO task group formed to protect civilians during the civil war in Libya. During this period HMS Bangor located and Countermined 1 ground mine and 1 torpedo, both found on the seabed, left over from previous conflicts in the approaches to one of the civilian ports.
“We are all very pleased to be returning to Bangor following our live Operations off the coast of Libya. After operating as part of the NATO taskforce charged with protecting civilians we feel privileged to be invited back to Bangor where we are always made very welcome” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant Commander Matt Moore.
Speaking about HMS Bangor’s return to our shores, the Mayor of North Down, Councillor James McKerrow said: “We are always delighted to welcome HMS Bangor back to North Down waters. The ship has recently been deployed to Libya and we are particularly proud of all the brave men and women who served on that campaign. Our connection with HMS Bangor means a lot to local people and I know many will come along and visit the ship on its open days.”
For further information, please phone our Tourist Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or visit www.northdowntourism.com
It’s Mardi Gras season across the globe and the carnival atmosphere will descend on Café Vaudeville on Friday 23rd March 2012 in association with Coca-Cola.
The Friday night spectacle Viva Vaudeville will transform into a New Orleans festival with Miss Tina Leggs Tantrum and the Vaudeville Follies performing big pop anthems from Tina Turner to Lady Gaga in their own interpretation while the Streetwise stilt walking samba band will keep the carnival goers entertained both inside and outside the venue.
This will be a Friday night like no other to witness something you’ve never seen before, heard before, dreamt before – the most amazing show on earth as Viva Vaudeville also celebrates 100 shows.
The Mardi Gras event will be a night of celebration to forget your worries, embrace the music and dance under the Vaudeville dome before the clock strikes one.
IF the brighter weather has put a spring in your step then the Easter holidays are the perfect time to go outdoors and eggs-plore the jam packed calendar of events across the region according to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).
With everything from an Easter Eggspress steam train from Belfast to Whitehead, egg trails in a range of locations and an Easter Sea Safari Boat Trip around Strangford Lough, there is no better time of year to have fun with the family.
‘Easter Bunny’ Mischa Dale from Bangor is all set for this year’s Easter celebrations. The Easter holidays are the perfect time to go outdoors and eggs-plore the jam packed calendar of events across the region according to the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB). To find out more on things to do at Easter click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre. You can also keep up-to-date with the latest news, images, videos and competitions by visiting http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.
NITB’s Destination PR and Marketing Manager Ruth Burns says there will be events happening in every county this Easter.
“With the brighter weather and the children off school, Easter is the perfect time of year to plan a family day out and there is something for everyone to enjoy this year,” said Ruth.
“There are lots of events and many visitor attractions that families can spend the day exploring so we are hoping that everybody takes advantage of what’s on offer,” she added.
To help get you started, NITB has highlighted a range of events to keep all the family entertained over the Easter period.
Belfast
Belfast’s Titanic Quarter will be hosting the Easter Weekend Family Fun and International Markets with three days of street performance providing hilarious entertainment over the Easter Weekend. Celebrate Easter with the animals at Belfast Zoo from April 6 – 10 and watch them enjoy some special Easter treats during feeding time. Hop aboard the Easter Eggspress for a steam train adventure from Belfast Central Station to Whitehead with Chocolate eggs for all the children on April 9 and 10.
Co. Antrim
Theatre at the Mill is inviting kids to its High School Musical theatre school this Easter which starts on April 9. A highly skilled professional team will teach the children how to master dance routines, perfect harmonies and learn scripts which they will then perform live on stage for an audience. The Ballymena Egg Run on April 10 is a charity motorcycle in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care with all eggs collected being donated to children with special needs. Easter Eggstravaganza at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn will be full of fun things for the family including arty antics and movie madness galore from April 11 – 13.
Co. Armagh
The Lough Neagh Discovery Centre will be running its popular Easter fun craft sessions on April 7. Everyone can make some great Easter goodies to take home as presents and also take part in an Easter trail to find some chocolate treats. Join local florist James and be inspired to create the perfect Easter floral centre piece at his workshop in Saint Patrick’s Trian on March 31. From April 6 – 10, Saint Patrick’s Trian will also be hosting Eggs-press Yourself with lots of fun for everyone including Easter crafts, an egg hunt, a theatre show and the chance to pet real bunnies. Enjoy the Gruffalo’s Easter Trail at the Navan Centre and create your very own Gruffalo themed mask and a Gruffalo Trail where you can meet lots of characters including the mouse, the fox and the snake from April 7 – 10. Children aged 6 – 12 can enjoy the Easter school holidays at Palace Stables’ Easter Craft Club with crafts, egg rolling and games on April 12 and 13.
Co. Down
Enjoy some Easter fun and follow the clues over the sand dunes and the beach to discover some chocolate treasure at Murlough National Nature Reserve on April 8. The Down County Museum is hosting an Easter Monday Fun Day with the best entertainment for all the family including magic shows, craft workshops and much more. Head to Bangor on Easter Monday for a family fun day out with a falconry display, a modified cars display and the annual parade full of colourful displays, dancers and street entertainers. Hop over to the Easter Fair at Castle Ward for a jam packed time of children’s activities, horse and carriage rides, local crafts and food stalls and an Easter egg trail on April 7 – 9. Castle Ward will be holding an Easter Camp for children aged between 8 and 15 on April 11 – 13 with activities galore including archery, rock hopping, canoeing, climbing and much more. On April 8 – 10 you can explore the waters of Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea aboard the Easter Sea Safari Boat Trip and discover the Angus Rock Lighthouse and SeaGen, the first electricity generating tidal turbine in Europe. The whole family can enjoy the fun at Mount Stewart’s Easter Trail around its gardens on April 6 – 13 with a prize for every completed quiz sheet. Join the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust at Castle Espie for a Giant Easter Bunny Hunt with prizes and bunny crafts for all the children. Explore the nooks and crannies around the beautiful Rowallane Garden at its Easter Tuesday Chick Trail and follow the clues to get an Easter surprise.
Co. Fermanagh
Visit Corralea Activity Centre and test your mountain biking skills on Easter Saturday, enjoy canoeing on Lough MacNean on Easter Sunday or climb the purpose built wall on Easter Monday. Join the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and friends for a tea party from April 6 – 9 in the Basement at Castle Coole for a fun-filled afternoon and chocolate treats hunt. Follow the clues around Florencecourt to find the chocolate eggs at its Easter Trail event on April 6. The Orchard Acre Farm in Irvinestown will be hosting an Easter Chocolate Factory Festival with a chocolate treasure hunt and chocolate demonstrations on April 7 – 11. Take this unique opportunity to see Crom from a different perspective as you cruise around the Lough during the Easter Cot Cruise on April 9.
Co. Tyrone
Pay a visit to the Easter bunny and receive a gift at the Barrontop Fun Farm in Strabane from April 6 – 10. There will be two days of egg-cellent fun at The Argory with lots of activities for the whole family including an egg trail, face painting and lots of children’s entertainment on April 9 – 10. Go to An Creagán in Omagh for its Big Family Picnic on Easter Monday with lots of entertainment including outdoor play activities, a mobile farm, music and food stalls.
Co. Londonderry
There will be fun for all the family at Downhill Demesne and HezlettHouse as you follow the trail around the historic site to find clues to crack the code and unlock the chocolate Easter surprises on April 8. Springhill House will also be hosting an Easter trail around its gardens on April 8 and 9.
If you think you have it in you to design a unique mascot to celebrate Derry’s year as City of Culture, you could see your idea come to life in front of millions.
Culture Company 2013 has joined forces with Culture Northern Ireland to launch a competition to design the official City of Culture 2013 mascot, as part of DCAL’s Creativity Month.
Culture Company 2013 has joined forces with Culture Northern Ireland to launch a competition to design the official City of Culture 2013 mascot, as part of DCAL's Creativity Month. Pictured launching the competition are David Lewis Culture Northern Ireland and Grainne Devine Culture Company 2013.
The competition launched on Thursday past and will be run through the new online creative hub www.creativityni.org. The mascot will become a symbol of City of Culture 2013 and become recognisable by millions of people. It will be showcased at events, on promotional material and on merchandise products that will go on sale throughout 2013 and the winner of the competition will be given Apple products to the value of £3,000.
Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín welcomed the launch of the mascot competition. The Minister said: “City of Culture 2013 will be a catalyst for creativity and innovation across our region and beyond. It will inspire people to think differently, to think creatively and to look to the possibilities of the future. Chair of the judging panel Declan McGonagle said: “This is a great opportunity for someone to become part of the legacy of the first ever City of Culture by having their design go down in the history books as the official mascot.
David Lewis, Director at Culture Northern Ireland commented: “This is an exciting opportunity for designers and artists to get involved with the City of Culture in Derry~Londonderry. Mascots always play a significant role in engaging with audiences and inspiring them to participate in activity. I look forward to seeing some creative designs.”
