Is there a better way to enjoy the long bank holiday weekend, as Market Place return to Belfast with the Continental Market as part of their Northern Ireland Spring Market Tour. Traders will be showcasing an array of tantalizing flavors from across the globe and unique handcrafted gifts, during the five-day event in the gardens of City Hall from 23 – 27 May. 

This year’s market brings together over 70 traders, offering food enthusiasts, families, and everyday explorers the very best international cuisine, artisanal products, and handmade goods.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall is always a big draw for residents and visitors to Belfast alike, so it’s great to see it back in the heart of the city centre for another year.

“Come along with your family and friends to make the most of the long bank holiday weekend and explore the wide variety of food, crafts and entertainment on offer, with something for all ages to enjoy.”

Visitors to the market can expect to embark on a culinary journey around the world, sampling mouthwatering dishes from countries spanning Europe, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. From traditional German bratwurst to authentic Italian pizzas, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In addition to the delicious food offerings, the market will also feature a range of artisanal products and handcrafted goods such as locally made vegan soaps, Ecuadorian jewellery, beautifully crafted pottery from Tunisia, and more.

Market Place Manager, Andy Pidgen is delighted to bring back the much-anticipated Belfast International Market: ‘‘We’re excited to showcase the incredible diversity of cuisines, cultures and traditions represented at the Belfast Spring Continental Market. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our traders to share their passion for food and craftmanship, as well as connecting with the local community.’’

The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall runs from Thursday 23 – Monday 27 May and will be open from:

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Monday 10am – 6pm

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said Belfast must “support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future”.

She was speaking at the launch of the TechFoundHer AI Roadshow which will be taking place at The MAC, Cathedral Quarter, later this month.

The women in tech organisation, set up by Co Down entrepreneur Mairin Murray, has announced they will also launch their Northern Ireland community at the event.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one-day innovation summit for female founders.

Speaking of the city’s commitment to creating growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said: “As event co-sponsor, we’re really looking forward to welcoming TechFoundHer 2024 to Belfast, following the successful TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin last month. 

“We’ve made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future, so it’s wonderful to see this event encouraging female entrepreneurship and greater participation in Belfast’s burgeoning tech sector. 

“As well as providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for women who want to learn more about emerging technology trends and the funding environment, TechFoundHer is also going to share international perspectives from female founders, with input from investors and entrepreneurs from the US, UK and Ireland. 

“I encourage women at any stage of their tech career or business to register for this event and come along to The MAC.”

The AI Roadshow on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Catherine Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US and leading the post screening panel with a Q&A session. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that is underway

TechFoundHer founder Mairin Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been her goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women can fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This must change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now, and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com.

HASTINGS Hotels has partnered with SD Bell & Co in East Belfast to create a specially roasted 100% Arabica blend for the group’s six luxurious properties.

The launch of the brew comes as Hastings Hotels confirmed a new supply agreement with Henderson Foodservice to continue its long standing coffee relationship which spans eight years. As part of this, the group has invested in new top of the range equipment, including a bean to cup machine which enables breakfast guests across the six hotels to self-serve both specialty coffees and hot chocolates. 

The new coffee roast supplied by SD Bell & Co is served from all Barista machines across the six hotels and the Cultra Inn, together with especially creamy milk from Farmview Dairies in the Castlereagh Hills, to deliver a premium coffee product.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “At Hastings Hotels, we are passionate about good coffee and have carefully selected our own roasts for the last number of years. In keeping with our strong heritage of supporting local, we are delighted to have teamed up with Robert Bell, of SD Bell & Co, a well-known coffee roasters and a neighbour of our property Stormont Hotel, to introduce a delightful specially roasted 100% Arabica blend that is available for our guests to enjoy.”

Robert Bell, Managing Director of SD Bell said: “This is a highly prestigious account for SD Bell’s, and as Ireland’s oldest independent tea merchants and coffee roasters, the heritage and history of SD Bell & Co resonates well with the brand values and local credentials that are so important to Hastings Hotels so we are thrilled to be working with the group to create this unique coffee blend. I was pleased to be personally involved in the tasting and selection of this coffee, a quality Arabica bean, roasted exclusively for Hastings to give a full, rich taste, perfect for all espresso-based coffees.”

Open House has announced the initial programme for this year’s annual Bangor Festival. The focal venues for ticketed events will be Bangor Castle Walled Garden, and the award-winning Court House on Bangor seafront. And for the first time since the covid pandemic, there will be at least one event every day throughout the month of August.

Acts performing at the stunning Walled Garden under a stretch tent canopy include the eleven-man Whitehorse Guitar Club from Cork, comedian Jarlath Regan, known for his Irishman Abroad podcast, and English Indie soul band Skinny Living. Comedians Diona Doherty and Micky Bartlett are appearing under the same bill, and this year’s film will be last year’s big summer hit, Barbie.

The Court House, an independent music and arts venue that is owned and operated by Open House, will play a much bigger role in this year’s Festival. Since opening its doors eighteen months ago, it has been awarded two major accolades: The National Lottery Project of the Year Award, and the Heritage Angels Award, both of which were attained by public vote. During the festival the venue will host This is the Kit, aka English musician Kate Stables and her band, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Oisín Leech, comedy harpist Ursula Burns, and County Down singer, Wilfie, who has become something of a legend in his own lifetime. There’ll be a host of other music events, many of which are free, as well as comedy, poetry, book clubs, wine tastings, and cinema – including a Colin Bateman trilogy – plus a special celebration of Bangor’s famous 1980s nightclub, The Matinee Club.

While the core festival runs during August, other fringe events will be held throughout the summer. The popular Picnic in the Park free music events at Ward Park return every Sunday afternoon in July and August. This year’s line-up includes Belfast soul band The Gold Tips, Bangor’s own Wasted Talent, and bluegrass band Broken String Band, who will perform at the now legendary Bluegrass Picnic on Sunday 25^th August. And this year’s Seaside Revival Vintage Festival will take place on Bangor seafront on Saturday 29^th June.

“With around eighty events currently programmed and more to be announced, this is our biggest Festival since 2019,” said Open House Director, Kieran Gilmore. “Covid changed the trajectory of the August festival, but we’ve enjoyed a really great couple of years in the Walled Garden. And now we can celebrate the success of the Court House, and integrate it into the festival too – something we spent years dreaming about and planning. The venue has already proven to be enormously popular with the people of Bangor, and we’re hoping that others from further afield will visit and enjoy the building during August.”

Since the first Open House Festival Bangor in 2013, the city has become a go-to cultural destination for artists and audiences alike. To date there have been over 1,100 festival events (a third of which were free) to a combined audience of 362,000, with an estimated input of £13.6m to the city’s economy. This year’s festival is expected to attract around 52,000 people to Bangor, and will once again have a positive impact on the wider local economy.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said: “The packed programme of live events sounds exciting and I am really looking forward to this year’s Open House Festival. Combined with Picnic in the Park and the Seaside Revival, as well as a series of events held in our beautiful Bangor Castle Walled Garden and in Bangor’s historic and award-winning Court House venue, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. This will attract an influx of visitors to our Borough, helping to boost our local economy, and I wish all those participating a very successful Festival.”

Additional festival events and further details about Seaside Revival and Picnic in the Park will be announced in due course.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 26^th April.

To purchase tickets and view the full programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com

Ards and North Down Borough Council proudly presents its Arts and Heritage Summer Programme, spanning the May to August period. Bursting with an array of events, exhibitions, and creative classes, alongside exciting events at Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum, the diverse programme offers cultural experiences for everyone.

Highlights from the Arts and Heritage Summer programme include the popular Friday Night Live series of events which will see musicians Brigid O’Neill and Wilfie Gilbert take to the stage at Ards Arts Centre. The Ulster Orchestra return to Bangor Abbey in June for another enchanting evening of classical music presented by a small ensemble.

The picturesque setting of Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden will host the acclaimed ForM Sculpture Exhibition in June, showcasing the works of artists from all around the island of Ireland. World-famous magician and household name, Joel M will appear at Space Theatre, SERC, Bangor in July where audiences can witness the impossible as he shows off his latest and greatest illusions!

The annual Creative Peninsula festival in August offers an abundance of opportunities to try your hand at arts and craft practices. Featuring workshops from talented local artists, studio visits and the fantastic Creative Peninsula in the Square event, there’s plenty to get involved with!

For anyone wishing to learn a new skill or perhaps develop existing skills, Ards Arts Centre has lots of creative classes on offer – from silversmithing to calligraphy, drawing to ceramics and lots more! Enrolment for classes opens for online booking from 12noon on Thursday 25 April.

North Down Museum also has a busy Summer ahead. Highlights of their programme include a series of Ulster Scots events for children, taking place in August. From the Children’s Ceilidh, where kids can learn traditional group dances, to the lively Wiggly Weans event where little ones will delight in singing rhymes and mastering ceilidh moves. The museum will also host the RNLI’s 200^th Anniversary exhibition, opening in June. The exhibition will explore the important role played by the RNLI and their volunteers since the first lifeboat station opened in the borough in 1858.

Speaking about the programme, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “We have a really exciting and varied programme of arts and heritage activity with music, exhibitions, hands-on classes and lots to entertain younger audiences. We hope you’ll visit us at Ards Arts Centre and North Down Museum this Spring/Summer.”

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 25 April at 12noon. To view the full programme and to book, visit: www.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Ships, Coaches, Opentop Busses and of course, a Deep Fried Mars Bar!

In the early hours of a Sunday morning we parked up at Stena Line Belfast for a 2.5 hr crossing to Cairnryan.

Check in at Belfast for foot passengers is a simple process and the departure lounge  is comfortable with a Barista Coffee House on site offering hot/cold drinks and snacks.The journey across the Irish Sea was extremely smooth and helped by the fact that we  had access to the Stena Plus Lounge at the front of the ship, where you can help yourself to complimentary drinks and snacks, or can purchase cooked breakfasts from the menu. There is plenty to keep the kids entertained with a cinema and games arcade on board. Take advantage of the special offers at the Onboard Shop or treat yourself to a treatment at the Nordic Spa!

As we disembarked we were greeted literally outside the door by George and we boarded our Ulsterbus coach for the approx 2 hr, scenic drive to Buchanan Street Station in Glasgow. Buchanan Street is ideally located to walk to the city centre, take a bus to Edinburgh or even the airport!  My husband and I opted to hop on the City Sightseeing Glasgow Open Top Bus which conveniently stops at Buchanan Street Station every 30 minutes. Our Ulsterbus coach dropped us off at around 12.30 pm and were due back at the station at 4.30pm, so decided this would be the best, quickest way to see as much of the City as possible within the timeframe, and we were not disappointed!  From the history, architecture, and stunning murals there is something for everyone.

The wind was bracing on the top deck but as it was dry so we toughed it out for the views. Tickets can be purchased as you board from the driver or online. Earphones free and tours are available in several languages. They are both informative and entertaining!

Once our tour was complete we decided to disembark at George Square in the City Centre and do something we have always wanted to do….. order a deep fried Mars Bar! No trip to Glasgow is complete without dining at one of the several Blue Lagoon fish and chip shops located throughout the city. They offer both sit in and take away options. We sat in and my husband swore it was the best fish he had ever had! Luckily there was a vegetarian option for me and we shared the famous deep fried mars bar with some ice cream – and it was absolutely delicious!!

We took in the Buchanan Galleries Shopping Centre for some souvenirs and the obligatory fridge magnet for our daughter on our way back to the coach.

If you are looking for a fun packed day out I can highly recommend the Stena Line service to Glasgow – they also offer Edinburgh and Ayr as destinations.  I met several people who had taken the trip to spend the day with their children who were studying in the city and others like us, who just wanted to so some sight seeing.

I cannot say enough good things about the service from the amazing staff both on board the Stena Line ship and our coach driver George on the day. The whole day was seamless and very worthwhile.

To find out more about this and other day trips available click HERE