CARD Group Research & Insight is encouraging marketers across Northern Ireland to enter the inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards (RMAs) 2024. 

The awards are Northern Ireland’s first dedicated awards ceremony celebrating individual marketers.

Taking place on Friday 31st May at the Europa Hotel in Belfast the RMA’s are the brainchild of marketer Treena Clarke, founder of the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up.

This year’s theme is about encouraging marketers to blow their own trumpets and celebrating the people in Northern Ireland behind some of the most impactful campaigns promoting brands, helping clients hit targets and turning remarkable ideas into reality. 

Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s are calling on all marketers and their teams to blow their own trumpets and nominate themselves or their colleagues to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.

Nominations are open until March 8. It’s completely free to enter and there are just three questions to answer, which will be judged by a panel of industry experts from outside of Northern Ireland. 

CARD Group Research & Insight have secured the headline partner slot for the inaugural RMAs and with 20 awards, there’s a category for every marketer – from independent consultants to in-house teams, and in sectors from education and training to hospitality and retail.

Along with being headline partner CARD Group Research & Insight are also sponsoring the category for ‘Best Use of Market Research in a Campaign’. 

Consumer insight is key to crafting a campaign that shapes behaviour and delivers real impact. Winners of this category will  understand deeply what makes people tick – and use this to deliver a truly remarkable campaign.

Albert Hamilton, CEO of CARD Group Research & Insight said: “When I heard the driving force behind the fantastic Big Marketing Meet Up Belfast events of 2023 was planning these Awards I knew we wanted to be involved! These dynamic events put a real focus on the wealth of marketing genius we have in Northern Ireland, and I came away feeling energised and inspired. 

“So it’s great that we can take this to the next level now with Awards to formally recognise those remarkable marketers and marketing teams, and have a big night out to shout about their success. 

“Thank you to Treena Clarke, the ‘maestro’ behind this opportunity to blow your own trumpet, for launching these Awards, and I look forward to what promises to be a fabulous night of real celebration on 31 May 2024.”

Leading the judging panel is Walter Campbell, one of the most award-winning creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising. Best known for his TV work, his film “Surfer” for Guinness was voted Best Commercial of All Time by the UK public. 

Walter is joined by judges from across Europe including Sara Riis-Carstensen, who has worked with iconic brands including Lego, DeBeers and Lufthansa and Steve Brown who led the comms strategy for Absolut Vodka as well as previously judging the Drum Marketing Awards.

Speaking of the awards, Treena Clarke, founder, said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about you – the visionary marketer.” 

Other sponsors of the event also include category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible and Mrktsearch. 

To enter, buy tickets or find out more go to remarkableawards.com

An innovative arts festival is set to once again merge technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees.

Belfast XR, now in its third year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.

Extended Reality or ‘XR’ is the collective name for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR is a computer-generated artificial environment with scenes that appear to be real, while AR is a digital overlay onto the real world, which is viewed through your phone or an iPad. 

This year’s lineup has been confirmed to include three unique paid for experiences along with an additional three free bonus experiences available for visitors to the festival.

Appearing at the festival will be the magical VR journey through the work of Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí in Gaudí, The Atelier of the Divine.

Attendees will take part in a 20 minute experience designed for small groups of six.

The story will take festival goers back to 1926 when, weakened by age and feeling his death approaching, Gaudí invites his new assistants to discover his studio, to understand his vision and complete his work. 

The heart-wrenching voyage of survival Stay Alive My Son is also one of the key events, based on the internationally acclaimed memoirs of Pin Yathay, this immersive 60 minute story thrusts audiences into the shoes of a pained father forced to make the gut-wrenching decision to abandon his six-year-old son to survive during the Cambodian genocide.

The final headline experience will be Eternal, the profound exploration of eternal life, where during this 20 minute experience attendees will step into the realm of eternity with a mesmerising audio journey designed exclusively for one person, in the comfort of their own bed. 

As intimate audiences of just two people per time slot climb into a bed they will delve into a profound exploration of eternal life and contemplate the sacrifices one might make for immortality. 

Deepa Mann-Kler, director and curator for Belfast XR Festival which is an annual gathering for the XR arts – storytelling, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literature and theatre, said bringing virtual and augmented reality content to new audiences locally is something the team at Belfast XR are passionate about.

She said: “Our ambition is to create an unmissable annual gathering for XR that inspires storytelling and our passion is to bring the best global virtual and augmented reality content to new local audiences. You don’t need to have used a virtual reality headset before, as our team will guide you through the whole process.”  

For attendees who purchase tickets for any of the headline events this year they will have exclusive access to three additional free experiences.

Emperor is a 40 minute long captivating virtual reality experience that delves into the mind of a father grappling with aphasia. Attendees will witness the poignant journey of a daughter striving to connect with her speechless father, uncovering the depths of his memories along the way. 

Flow is a 15 minute experience where users will be swept away by the winds through what appears to be an ordinary day filled with turbulence. Encounter the sensations of smells, heat and breath, as the air currents unveil hidden presences and reveal captivating events in the life of a woman. 

SEN is also a 15 minute experience where attendees will enter the mystical realm of the traditional Japanese tea room, where they’ll meet SEN, the tea spirit. As disaster strikes and SEN dissolves into the universe, it discovers unity with all beings, bringing calm to the tea room. 

Running on Wednesday February 28 and Thursday 29 this year’s festival theme is Legacy which will offer attendees the chance to experience world history in captivating ways allowing audiences to step into the past, interact with historical figures, and explore significant events firsthand. 

Belfast XR Festival is both for XR enthusiasts and those who haven’t experienced any form of XR in the past.

Deepa explained: “The Festival is aimed at 16+ years of age and is open to everyone. You don’t need to have experienced AR, VR or any of these types of experiences before. We  have an amazing team who will guide you through the whole process from the  minute you step into The Black Box.  

“I want people to have memorable experiences. I want them to be altered, in a good way. I want them to talk about how it made them feel. I want to increase their appetite to experience more. 

The Belfast XR Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It is also supported by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, Digital Catapult NI, Future Screens NI and Ulster Screen Academy.

For more information follow Belfast XR Festival on social media or go to belfastxrfestival.com 

Tourism NI’s ultimate guide to help you embrace nature this spring

From watching Red Kites soar over the Dromara Hills, catching trout as you look down on the Walled City to watching red squirrels leap through the trees in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland is bursting with giant experiences to spark a lifelong love for nature in both the young and young at heart.

World Wildlife Day (Mar 3) is the annual celebration of wild animals and plants and the unique contribution they make to people and planet. This year’s theme is Connecting People and Planet: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled the following list of places and experiences perfect for connecting people and planet.

Red Kites Tours NI, County Down

• Marvel at the amazing wildlife, flora and fauna in raptor heaven along South Down’s countryside and coastline with Red Kite Tours NI. Led by founder Shelagh Henry from her base in Rathfriland, these unforgettable tours are perfect for experienced bird watchers and budding ornithologists alike. Spot the majestic Red Kites soaring against the backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, discover otters and seals along the Irish Sea’s coastline and keep your eyes peeled for rare wildlife and wildflowers among the dunes and heathlands.

Creggan Country Park, County Londonderry

• Enjoy a fun day out at Creggan Country Park, a 100-acre site hosting three freshwater lakes, woodland, hedgerow and an activity centre. Just a five-minute drive from the centre of Derry~Londonderry, watch spring unfurl as you catch fish at its put and take rainbow trout fishery, explore natural habitats and get up close to wildlife at its Forest Academy.

Gosford Forest Park, County Armagh

• Keep your eyes peeled as you trek the trails of Northern Ireland’s first designated conservation forest on the outskirts of Markethill — you never know when you might encounter any of the red deer, red squirrels and other rare breeds that call it home. Admire the wide variety of conifer and broadleaf tree species in Gosford Arboretum and take a stroll along walkways adorned with flowering shrubs and plants. There are also a number of kids’ play zones with zip-lines and ropes courses and for Game of Thrones fans, Gosford Castle is a must-visit as it was a filming location in season three.

Belfast Window on Wildlife (WOW), County Antrim

• Offering panoramic views of Belfast Lough, as well as the birds and wildlife that call this RSPB nature reserve home, Belfast WOW certainly lives up to its name. Situated in the heart of the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate, there are hundreds of species to be observed. You’ll find Lapwings and Terns and even Konik Ponies that graze the land. Two hides, which have been specially constructed from shipping containers to blend in with the harbour’s industrial landscape, offer different perspectives on the reserve which is also set to welcome the returning Sand Martins from the start of March.

Crom Estate, County Fermanagh

• An important conservation site on the shores of Upper Loch Erne, at Crom Estate you can explore the 2,000-acre 19^th century demesne and try to spot the wild deer, pine martens, red squirrels and other rare species that live there. Gaze in wonder at the almost 400-year-old yew trees near the old castle ruins, enjoy unrivalled views of Derrymacrow Lough from the bird hide and, keep your eyes peeled for Fermanagh’s unique blue-eyed grass – while it’s the national flower of Bermuda, it’s found locally in only a few sites around Lough Erne.

OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, County Tyrone

• Northern Ireland’s only international Dark Sky Park, OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, is found in Davagh Forest. Its Stars and Stones experience offers a unique glimpse at the night sky and a fascinating exploration of the seven mystical circles, 10 rows of stones and 12 cairns that make up the Beaghmore Stone Circles. Enjoy a new 3.4km ‘Solar Walk’ and gain a better understanding of the link between what can be seen in the skies and the arrangements on the ground at Beaghmore. While exploring Davagh Forest’s many wonderful walks, keep your eyes peeled for the impressive Sika deer that call the forest home.

Faughan Valley, County Londonderry

• Just ten minutes from Derry~Londonderry and one hour from Belfast, Faughan Valley is home to a collection of enchanting oak trees, so rare these habitats cover less than 0.1% of Northern Ireland. The city of Derry~Londonderry’s Irish name, Doire, means Oak-Grove. The Woodland Trust has bought up small clusters of native woodlands in this valley including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo with the aim of connecting them. New walking trails have been developed to help showcase the unique flora and fauna of this breathtaking landscape.

Murlough National Nature Reserve, County Down

• Owned by the National Trust, the 6,000 year old sand dune system that makes up Murlough National Nature Reserve near Newcastle is one of the most extensive examples of dune heath within Northern Ireland and is an excellent spot for birdwatching. Managed as Ireland’s first nature reserve since 1967, the site is also of international importance for wintering wildfowl and waders as well as a haul-out for common and grey seals. As you walk the Dundrum Coastal Path see if you can spot herons, egrets and oystercatchers who enjoy the rich abundance of foodstuffs on the mudflats or even the foxes or stoats that reside on the reserve.

Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, County Antrim

• Just six miles off the Causeway Coast lies Rathlin Island. Before arriving by ferry from Ballycastle, be on the lookout for gannets, gulls and dolphins and brace yourself for a welcome from the thousands of birds that raise their chicks and cling to the island’s dramatic cliff edges. If you’ve always talked about seeing the puffins, now’s your chance as Rathlin West Light Seabird Centre, which is located at Rathlin’s famous ‘upside down’ lighthouse reopens on Easter Sunday (Mar 31) — just in time for the highly anticipated return of these adorable seabirds.

To find out more visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

A magical VR journey through the work of Catalan architect and designer Antoni Gaudí has been confirmed as one of the unique experiences at this year’s Belfast XR festival.

Barcelona-based Gaudí was famed for his free-flowing works greatly influenced by nature.

As part of the festival attendees will experience 20 minutes of the awe-inspiring wonder of Gaudi’s visionary creations.

Designed for small groups of six, audiences will have the freedom to explore a shared space like never before. 

The story will take festival goers back to 1926 when, weakened by age and feeling his death approaching, Gaudí invites his new assistants to discover his studio, to understand his vision and complete his work. 

Deepa Mann-Kler, director and curator for Belfast XR Festival said the experience of Gaudí, The Atelier of the Divine takes audiences into the mind of the famous architect.

She added: “Through the exceptional reconstruction of the atelier, which burned down in 1936, visitors can embark on a narrative journey into the unique psyche of the Catalan master.

“What is so very special about this story, and unusual for VR, is that this is a shared experience where you can see each other’s avatars. It truly is one of the most breath-taking installations around today, and one you will never forget.”

The Gaudí experience was created by Stéphane Landowski & Gaël Cabouat who have been working together for over a decade.

Together they have created more than 60 short films, four feature films, and three documentaries.

Stéphane specialises in the writing and supporting projects during the writing phase.

Stéphane said: “We wanted to design an experience aimed at discovering Gaudí’s brilliant universe through a reconstruction of his workshop, which has now disappeared. 

“Overcome by an all consuming mysticism, the architect ended up moving into this hybrid, modular space where as a passionate hermit, he became a tireless worker for God. 

“More than a place of work, the studio, made in his image and moulded to his obsessions, had thus gradually become an extension of the artist and, even more, a materialisation of his psyche.”

Gaël then steps in to take over at the production level.

“From the outset of the project, it was clear that we wanted to use the studio’s rendition to tell the story of the man, and to ensure that each wall, each ceiling, as delirious as his thoughts, would tell the story of his dreamlike and tortured universe, like a deforming and dynamic mirror,” Gaël added.

Belfast XR, now in its third year, specialises in curating worldclass immersive technology content that takes the art of storytelling to a new level.

The innovative arts festival which will once again merge technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees 

Extended Reality or ‘XR’ is the collective name for virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). VR is a computer-generated artificial environment with scenes that appear to be real, while AR is a digital overlay onto the real world, which is viewed through your phone or an iPad. 

Speaking of the annual Belfast XR Festival, which is an annual gathering for the XR arts – storytelling, visual arts, music, drama, dance, literature and theatre, Deepa said bringing virtual and augmented reality content to new audiences locally is something the team at Belfast XR are passionate about: “I realised that  there are so many incredible stories being told in this medium that audiences in Northern Ireland never get the opportunity to experience. This was my key motivation. 

“Our ambition is to create an unmissable annual gathering for XR that inspires storytelling and our passion is to bring the best global virtual and augmented reality content to new local audiences. You don’t need to have used a virtual reality headset before, as our team will guide you through the whole process.”  

Running on Wednesday February 28 and Thursday 29 at the Black Box in Belfast, this year’s festival theme is Legacy which will offer attendees the chance to experience world history in captivating ways allowing audiences to step into the past, interact with historical figures, and explore significant events firsthand. 

Belfast XR Festival is both for XR enthusiasts aged 16+ and those who haven’t experienced any form of XR in the past.

The Belfast XR Festival is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. It is also supported by the Department for Communities through Northern Ireland Screen, Digital Catapult NI, Future Screens NI and Ulster Screen Academy.

For more information follow Belfast XR Festival on social media or go to belfastxrfestival.com 

Here are ten exciting things to do 12 – 18 February

1. The Big Hide Out, Comber, County Down, 12-16 February. All birdwatching enthusiasts are invited to grab a pair of binoculars and head on down to the wonderfully varied wetlands of Castle Espie on the shores of Strangford Lough. This is a wonderful opportunity to get the chicks in your brood outside and imaginations will soar as budding ornithologists learn the difference between a Shelduck and an Eider! There is a delightful shop and fantastic café, stocked with delicious homemade savoury snacks and traybakes on site. Castle Espie makes for a great half-term day out.

 

2. Family Chocolate Experience, Castlerock, County Antrim 13-16 February. It’s chocs away for fantastic family fun at The Chocolate Manor. The Family Chocolate Experience is perfect for both adults and kids to get stuck in and craft a selection of chocolate creations. You can even design your own bar if you submit your design/photo before you arrive! These 90-minute sessions also allow participants to enjoy a hot chocolate as they learn about the origin of the sweet treat and see, smell and touch real cocoa beans and a cocoa pod from Africa.

 

3. Valentine’s Murder Mystery, Navan Centre & Fort, County Armagh, 16 February. Immerse yourself in an evening of spine-tingling murder mystery at Navan Centre & Fort this Valentine’s weekend. A murder has just been committed at the home of King Conor and as you sip on a welcome drink of wine or mead, brace yourself for an evening of excitement and intrigue. Enjoy a hearty two-course meal and decipher the enigmatic hints that could lead you to uncover who is responsible for the demise of this brave warrior.

 

4. Oyster and Stout Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 16–17 February. Enjoy a totally unique festival celebrating the wonderful Lough Foyle Native Oyster and the Walled City Brewery’s unique Foyster Stout. Local seafood company Foyle Bia Mara will be shucking fresh oysters, the brewery’s Head Chef, Chris Moran, will be rustling up some seafood delights and brewers will be creating Ireland’s most diverse local stout with a range of intriguing flavours including Tabasco and Chocolate Chipotle.

 

5. Kids Forest School, Ballynahinch, County Down, 17 February. Two hours of wonderful wild play awaits young intrepid adventurers as they explore dense beech tree woodland with a trained forest leader. There are two areas to explore. One has a large canopy, so its suitable for all weathers, while the other has a campfire and a water area, suitable for pond dipping. At the end of each session, you will be taken along the scenic trail for hot chocolate and refreshments. Suitable for toddlers up to age 12.

 

6. Foraging Afloat, Killinchy, County Down, 17 February. Join Rory Martin and improve your paddling skills as you embark on a kayaking tour of Strangford Lough. Along the way you’ll learn some local history and have the chance to spot some wildlife. Rory grew up on the shores of Strangford Lough and has a real affinity for the area. After the tour you will be joined by two ecologists (David Thompson and Celia Spouncer) who have thirty years’ experience in conservation on the lough. Enjoy a foraging workshop, shoreside picnic and cooking on an open fire before the day is done.

 

7. Lough Fea, Cookstown, County Tyrone. Nestled between wild mountain scenery, this lovely natural beauty spot is one of many lakes dotted around the Sperrins. It’s an anglers dream and also supplies the entire area and beyond with fresh water. A 4.1km walkway around the lough offers up fantastic panoramic views and makes for a gentle and idyllic stroll. The toilets and children’s play area on site help make it a great spot for a family outing.

 

8. Half-Term Treasure Hunt at Carrick-a-Rede, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 15 February. If you’re on the lookout for a giant adventure this half-term, look no further than the treasure hunt at Carrick-a-Rede. Solve riddles and decipher clues to uncover the secrets hidden around Carrick-a-Rede. If you get the most answers right, you are in with the chance of getting your hands on a year’s free National Trust Membership. Online booking is strongly recommended.

 

9. Monea Castle, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Built for Malcolm Hamilton and completed in 1618, this dramatic ruin has a Scottish look about it, with its corner turrets and two huge round towers. The castle was burned in the 18th century and abandoned. Located on private land, the public can visit but, as it is on an active farm, dogs are not permitted.

 

10. Legenderry Couple’s Cooking Class, Derry~Londonderry, 17-18 February. An interactive dining experience perfect for the loved ones in your life. Make and eat five courses of delicious, locally sourced food, full of Legenderry flavours. Chef, Fairley Ramraj will take you through a simple but delicious menu featuring samosas and a choice of main. Participants will also get the chance to try locally made cheeses, chocolates and sauces. There are three sessions per day. Tickets are sold in pairs and each session is capped at a maximum of eight guests (four couples).

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Lead on!

Calling all dogs in Belfast and beyond!

Pet superstore Jollyes is inviting you to take part in one of the biggest inclusive dog walks Northern Ireland has ever seen.

Starting in Victoria Park at 10:30am on Saturday, 2nd March, proud paw-rents and their loyal companions will make history as they join Cool FM’s Paolo Ross – and his best furry friend Olly the Poodle – at the inaugural Jollyes’ Doggie Dander.

This ‘walkies’ will be the perfect opportunity for you — and your loyal companion — to meet others, get active and enjoy a guided stroll through the famous C.S. Lewis Trail to Jollyes’ brand new Connswater store.

With fun games, signposted hydration stations and tasty treats dotted along the gentle route, the well-walked pups will be met at the store by Jollyes’ mascot Jolly Joe – who will present each finisher with a thoroughly deserved medal.

A caricature artist will also be on hand to capture your proud pooch’s finest moment, and everyone will be invited inside to enjoy some refreshments and Lifestage goodies.

Ahead of the doggy dander, Jolly Joe will be visiting its brand new Connswater store and Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Saturday, 24^th February, where they will be handing out free dental treats for all canines to enjoy.

To find out more about the Jollyes Doggie Dander and the dental event, visit www.jollyes.co.uk or check out Jollyes’ social media on Twitter and Instagram.