~ Maritime Belfast Trust launches Go the EXTRA Mile, a public celebration of the Maritime Mile ~

Belfast’s Maritime Mile is set to host a year of events and activities as Go the EXTRA Mile officially launched on Saturday 18 May.

Delivered by Maritime Belfast Trust, the charity responsible for preserving and promoting Belfast’s maritime heritage, Go the EXTRA Mile is an invitation to local people and visitors to discover more of the city’s historic waterfront and enjoy an extra mile welcome from local attractions, venues, restaurants and cafes along the way.

With over 30 events over the next 10 months, Go the EXTRA Mile is an invitation to immerse yourself in history (stand in the bottom of the Thompson Dry Dock), get active (try some Irish dancing on the Titanic Slipways), be more sustainable (ditch the car and hire a Belfast Bike), meet new people (become a volunteer) or try something new (after hours at a museum).

People going the extra mile will also be able to take part in seasonal spectacles with events planned throughout the year. Aligned to the Belfast 2024 cultural programme free Boat Building workshops kick off the festivities in Titanic Hotel Belfast on Saturday 18 May, Sunday 26 and Monday 27 May from 11am – 2pm. These workshops are open to all, whatever your age or skill level. Delivered in partnership with PS2, the workshops are part of the Water Works project, Belfast largest Boat Building experiment.

Go the EXTRA Mile will include the return of the hugely successful Sundays on the Mile. Taking place on the last Sunday of the month between 12pm and 5pm, from May through to September, Sundays on the Mile will offer free musical performances across a mix of genres. Complementing their historic locations, artists will range from professional musicians to buskers, jazz musicians to string quartets, opera to traditional music. Stops include Hamilton Dock next to SS Nomadic, Sailortown, AC Hotel on City Quays and RiverBox at the Titanic Slipways. To kick off the programme, join us at 12 noon on Sunday (19 May) at SoundYard, located on Queen’s Quay close to the Odyssey and Abercorn Marina. To hear NI Opera’s lead soprano Mary McCabe and Roving Out a lively, foot-tapping, hand-clapping folk band.

Kerrie Sweeney, CEO of Maritime Belfast Trust said: “Developing and showcasing the Maritime Mile and all that it has to offer to both locals and visitors is important to help position Belfast as an attractive international destination.

“Our campaign will help attract an expected 1.5 million people to Belfast’s Maritime Mile between now and March 2025. With such a variety of events available, there will be something for everyone to help them go that extra mile and celebrate the fantastic location and talent we have on our doorstep and learn about the importance of preserving our rich heritage.”

For full details and to download your very own copy of the Go the Extra Mile guide visit maritime-mile.com. Make sure to tell us how you are going the Extra Mile and join the conversation on Maritime Mile Facebook and Instagram using #MaritimeMile.

Link to Guide – https://bit.ly/3K54fqA

Reserve your calendars for Armed Forces Day 2024 – a sterling line up of free family fun planned with military precision.

Jordanstown Loughshore Park will transform into a vibrant hub of activity for all on Saturday 22 June from 10am until 5pm, honouring the men and women of our Armed Forces.

To get the day off to a flying start, over 600 military personnel will take part in a Drumhead Service at Whiteabbey War Memorial before parading to Jordanstown Loughshore Park, this colourful spectacle will include the Bands of HM Royal Marines and the Royal Irish Regiment.

A gun salute will take place at 11.45am in respect of this special occasion, before the Red Arrows dazzle the skies with a new nine aircraft aerobatic display as part of their 60th diamond season. Air displays by the RAF Tutor and the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, will also form part of a mini-air show promising an exciting afternoon of aerial display.

Audiences will be transported back in time as they are entertained by music from the Victory Rollers and the Threemilewater Orchestra, whilst other highlights will include Military Demonstrations, Children’s Entertainment, STEM competitions, a Military Village and a number of market stalls. Tracked armoured vehicles the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) are also part of an impressive programme of events.

Throughout the day, additional family fun is also planned for Hazelbank Park to complement the event.

A Beating Retreat by the Band of HM Royal Marines (Scotland) and the Band of the Royal Irish Regiment’ will conclude Armed Forces Day 2024, a military musical spectacular to end a day of celebration of our Armed Forces.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM commented,

“We are just six weeks away from this show-stopping event which will honour the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans and cadets. We have lots planned for this FREE family fun event with a mini air-show headlined by the spectacular Red Arrows, I would encourage everyone to join in the fun and make a day of it.”

For more information on Armed Forces Day, including Parking, Programme, Accessibility and FAQs, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/armedforcesday

Royal Hillsborough has an array of activities and attractions to be admired this Spring, from exploring the historic Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, to savouring treats in the many artisan cafés and bakeries before strolling around the lake of the picturesque Hillsborough Forest, every moment in this charming village is a treasure waiting to be discovered!

So why not experience the charm of Royal Hillsborough and create memories that will last a lifetime! 👑🌳

 

Explore more HERE

12.05.24 – World ME Day – Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Joan McParland, founder, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI

 

Today, the Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI community stood at the historic gates of Stormont united by our shared challenges and hope for a better future. 

Ten years ago, in 2014, we rallied here with a silent demonstration, collecting thousands of signatures that demanded the attention of our leaders – a call for the urgent establishment of specialist M.E. services in Northern Ireland. 

Our gathering today renews and intensifies this demand, underlining the critical need for immediate action and robust support for those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

The outdated NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS, CG53, in place since 2007 and only revised in October 2021 to NG206, had recommended treatments like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) which subsequent research and patient experiences proved to be harmful to patients.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), was used as a way to diminish patient experiences rather than help support them to mentally and emotionally manage and cope with living with a very real and physical illness. These changes marked a significant shift in understanding but have yet to translate into improved care for our patients in Northern Ireland, who remain in desperate need of professional and compassionate medical support.

Our call at Stormont today is charged with urgency. The absence of commissioned M.E. services in Northern Ireland has left our patients without the specialist care they critically require. 

Intermittently for well over a decade, the community relied on being able to pay for a private consultant from London, but this service was disrupted by the pandemic and unfortunately had not been able to be resumed, leaving a void filled only by despair. With the impending retirement of our metabolic/endocrinology consultant who showed a keen interest in M.E., the prospect of having no medical professionals familiar with this complex condition becomes a harsh reality.

This situation has placed an undue burden on general practitioners, many of whom lack the necessary training to effectively manage M.E. and are disadvantaged due to being unable to refer patients to a secondary care specialist or consultant. The disparity in disbelief, stigma of and lack of understanding around the illness among healthcare providers has led to a postcode lottery of care, where the quality of treatment depends heavily on the knowledge and belief of individual practitioners. This is a grave injustice to those afflicted.

What we urgently need is for M.E. to be recognised in Northern Ireland as a legitimate, severe medical condition by all healthcare professionals, organisations, and political figures. 

We demand the immediate commissioning of specialist M.E. services and a dedicated medical lead in Northern Ireland, supported by recurrent financial resources. Furthermore, the newly revised NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS NG206 which were endorsed by the Department of Health and circulated to healthcare professionals by the deputy chief medical officer of Northern Ireland in January 2022 must be implemented across all health and social care services immediately.

Education is crucial. M.E. must be included in the curriculum for medical students and part of ongoing training for all healthcare professionals. This will ensure that future generations of healthcare providers are better equipped to understand and treat M.E. and related conditions. Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI have created a 2-part educational programme for professionals who can earn three hours of CPD points by registering for and completing through the charity.

In fact Minister for Health Robin Swann recently highlighted the need for M.E. to be highlighted in the medical curriculum.

Awareness programs must be extended to dispel the stigma associated with these illnesses, promoting a more empathetic and informed approach within the medical community and beyond.

We call on our politicians to take decisive action. We need the government to facilitate the negotiation and establishment of M.E. specialist services and to ensure that the revised NICE guidelines are applied throughout our healthcare system. Accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure these services are not only promised but delivered.

Our political advocates need to speak up in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster to champion the cause of those living with M.E.. By fostering greater awareness and pushing for the implementation of essential services, they can play a crucial role in transforming the lives of thousands.

The path to achieving these changes has been fraught with administrative and logistical setbacks, as evidenced by the repeated failures to secure a dedicated M.E. consultant. These challenges underscore the systemic issues within our healthcare recruitment and retention strategies, which must be addressed as part of broader reforms.

As part of our ongoing advocacy, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI has launched the DISCOVER ME campaign. This initiative includes a tour of our educational VR film, Discover ME, across 13 libraries across the country in partnership with Libraries NI, aiming to immerse viewers in the realities of living with M.E.. 

This powerful film, created by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, has already begun to change hearts and minds, providing a visceral, empathetic insight into the daily lives of those affected by these conditions.

It is time for acknowledgement, action, and advocacy. Our community cannot afford any more delays in receiving the care and recognition it deserves. We have united here today to demand immediate change and to assert that we will accept nothing less.

Join us, support us, and help us forge a future where M.E., Fibromyalgia and other related conditions such as Long Covid are not just recognised but adequately addressed within our healthcare system. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to fight alone.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org 

As spring arrives, beckoning us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to embark on new adventures with your family.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a tapestry of picturesque landscapes, charming trails, and exciting attractions waiting to be explored. From enchanting forests to captivating cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic region. Join us as we unravel the delights of Lisburn & Castlereagh and discover why it’s the ultimate destination for your family’s springtime escapades.

Embrace Nature and Views:

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to embrace its splendour than by immersing yourself in nature’s embrace? Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts an array of breath-taking parks, gardens, and green spaces where you can reconnect with the great outdoors. Explore the tranquil beauty of Hillsborough Forest, where towering trees and meandering trails invite you to wander and unwind. Marvel at the vibrant blooms of Wallace Park or lose yourself in the serenity of Moira Demesne. With its abundance of natural treasures, Lisburn & Castlereagh is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Discover Family-Friendly Attractions:

From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions sure to delight visitors of all ages. Embark on a journey back in time at the Ulster Aviation Society (pre-booking required), where vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts await discovery. Get up close and personal with majestic alpacas at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes or test your skills at Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic-sized ice rink at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. With so many exciting options to choose from, every day in Lisburn & Castlereagh promises new adventures and lasting memories.

Indulge in Culinary Delights:

No family adventure is complete without delicious dining experiences to savour along the way. Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering an array of eateries and establishments to satisfy every palate. Treat your taste buds to the finest local cuisine at charming cafes, traditional pubs, and award-winning restaurants scattered throughout the region. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, exotic flavours, or indulgent sweet treats, you’ll find no shortage of culinary delights to tempt your senses in Lisburn & Castlereagh.

Immerse Yourself in Culture:

Beyond its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, Lisburn & Castlereagh is a region steeped in rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Discover the fascinating heritage of iconic landmarks such as Hillsborough Castle, once home to royalty and political leaders. Explore the vibrant arts scene at local galleries and theatres or uncover hidden gems in quaint villages and market towns. Plus discover the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland’s heritage at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, where history comes alive through captivating exhibitions and interactive displays. With its diverse array of cultural offerings, Lisburn & Castlereagh invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

As spring unfolds its blossoms and the promise of warmer days ahead, there’s never been a better time to explore Lisburn & Castlereagh with your family. From captivating natural landscapes to exciting attractions and culinary delights, this charming region offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set out to discover the wonders of Lisburn & Castlereagh this spring. Your family’s next great adventure awaits!

Crescent Arts Centre is gearing up to host the 14^th edition of the Belfast Book Festival, which takes place from 6^th – 13^th June 2024.

In the iconic Victorian building on University Road, the festival promises an array of events and activities tailored for both adults and children. The festival will be a celebration of the finest in fiction, non-fiction, and spoken word.

Sophie Hayles, Chief Executive of Crescent Arts Centre and Belfast Book Festival expressed her excitement about bringing together enthusiasts of arts and literature once again. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the 14th edition of the Belfast Book Festival here at Crescent Arts Centre – come on in to our beautiful South Belfast home.

Highlights of the Festival

Highlights of the festival include an evening with Margaret Drabble, in conversation with Wendy Erskine reflecting on seven decades of writing; and Colm Tóibín discussing the highly anticipated sequel to Brooklyn, titled Long Island, with Festival Patron Lucy Caldwell.

Join a special live edition of RTÉ Sunday Miscellany with new writing from a line-up that includes Jan Carson and Glenn Patterson.

Other writers at the Festival include Sinéad Gleeson, Kevin Barry, Elaine Feeney, Martin Doyle, Paul Lynch, Louise Kennedy, Fergal Keane, Suzi Ronson, Nicola Tallant, AC Grayling, and Eimear Ryan.

Young Readers

There’s plenty for young people –  particularly on Saturday, June 8^th  – an audience with Jacqueline Wilson, readings with Martin Waddell accompanied by an exhibition celebrating his picture books, and launches of new works from Northern Ireland talents Ashling Lindsay and Colleen Larmour.

Poetry

The Festival’s poetry programme features celebrated US poet Marie Howe; Belfast’s Dawn Watson, Scott McKendry and Micheál McCann.

Other Activities

Alongside bookable events there’s a range of free/drop-in activities including film poem screenings, exhibitions, a ‘Little Library’, Room to Write, Storytellers Corner and a Poetry Jukebox.

To enhance accessibility to the Belfast Book Festival, organisers are adopting a “Pay What You Decide” model. Sophie Hayles elaborated on this initiative, stating, “For the third consecutive year, we’re implementing the ‘pay what you decide’ approach to foster broader engagement with the festival, especially among individuals who may not typically attend such events. Our aim is to inspire attendees to explore sessions outside their usual preferences, thus invigorating the arts sector and facilitating connections between writers, artists, and new audiences.”

Belfast Book Festival has pioneered panel-led curation in Ireland, with this year’s programming associates including Neil Hegarty and Mícheál McCann. Festival director Sophie Hayles commented, “Panel-led curation is now the norm in many countries: and at Belfast Book Festival we have witnessed how very well it works, providing access to a range of ideas, connections, and creative input”.

Belfast Book Festival runs at the Crescent Arts Centre from 6^th – 13^th June, and booking is now open at belfastbookfestival.com

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has launched the powerful Discover ME campaign which begins on World ME Day.

The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other Post Viral Syndromes (PVS) such conditions can demonstrate overlapping characteristics.

The campaign, designed to deepen public and professional understanding of chronic conditions like M.E., will begin on World ME Day where significant landmarks such as Parliament Buildings at Stormont and various council buildings are to be lit up in blue to symbolise solidarity and support for those affected by M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Having teamed up with Libraries NI, the campaign will then tour 13 libraries across Northern Ireland giving the public, politicians, educators and healthcare professionals the chance to experience the powerful Discover ME film in Virtual Reality (VR).

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was delighted to launch the campaign.

He added: “I’d like to commend Discover M.E.’s innovative approach, harnessing some of the best of our innovation talent in Professor Deepa Mann-Kler’s company Neon to create an immersive, hard-hitting campaign. It’s going to increase awareness and understanding of these chronic medical conditions which are unfortunately negatively impacting on so many people’s lives here. 

“Partnerships like these will help to drive medical progress and treatment forward and I encourage people to take the time to discover more about these conditions through the Discover M.E.VR experience at their local library.”

The 13-library tour across the country will start on May 14 at Lisburn and Falls Road libraries before moving on to Holywood Arches and Bangor Library on May 15, Portstewart and Grove Library on May 21, Omagh and Derry City Library on May 28, Antrim and Lisburn Road Library on May 29, Portadown and Newry Library on June 3 and finishing the tour at Belfast Central Library on June 4.

Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI said they were delighted to be supporting a powerful educational campaign like Discover ME across their network.

She added: “Libraries NI is pleased to support this initiative as it raises awareness of the significant impact that conditions like M.E. and Fibromyalgia can have on individuals’ lives.

“Our libraries serve as pillars of support and compassion for many members of the local community, offering valuable resources and information on a wide range of health-related topics. We hope that the upcoming events in libraries will provide a platform for people to gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of those managing the daily challenges of M.E., Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.”

At each library location, visitors will be able to have the opportunity to put on a VR headset and experience the six-minute Discover ME film themselves.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro founder Joan McParland MBE said developing the Discover ME film into a VR experience introduces M.E. and addresses the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

She explained: “We felt it was important to turn the film into a VR experience because it’s a unique way to view the message. Because it is in VR you are completely immersed in the patient experiences – they’re sharing the hard hitting reality of living with M.E. in their own words” 

Linda Campbell, chair of Hope 4 ME & Fibro added: “The film allows viewers to be immersed in the sight and sound. In the viewings we’ve already facilitated with healthcare professionals and the public we’ve seen an increased impact of the film because it is in VR. The individual is immersed in the experience, which proves to be both memorable and emotive. 

“Increased awareness and education of M.E. is achieved as a result, and this then becomes a learning and discussion point to share with others.”

The Discover ME film was directed and produced by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, chief executive of Neon and visiting professor of Immersive Futures at Ulster University.

“When Professor Mann-Kler first approached us with her previous VR technology used to help self-manage pain, we saw an opportunity not just to educate but to foster genuine empathy towards M.E., amplifying our message through the power of storytelling” said Joan.

“Our mission with the Discover ME campaign is to challenge the myths and misrepresentation surrounding M.E., and other related conditions like Fibromyalgia and Long Covid and to show the harsh realities faced by patients through a compelling VR experience. Professor Deepa Mann-Kler has brilliantly transformed this into an animated VR film that goes beyond conventional awareness efforts.”

Professor Mann Kler said using virtual reality allowed the charity to provide a visceral understanding of the lives disrupted by M.E. and similar conditions.

“How we made Discover ME was as equally important as the final piece, where the process of co-creation has lead to a truly authentic and compelling insight into the lives of people from all walks of life and their lived experiences. As a storyteller, it was an honour to be trusted in this way. 

“This campaign is so important in helping raise awareness. Discover ME also now forms part of the Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast respective Medical Schools course curriculum. That will help change people’s lives, by training future Doctors” she explained.

The Discover ME campaign also includes a series of awareness billboards, social media and a series of additional events for the medical profession and educators in the area of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Discover ME Film is a partnership between Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Silverink, Enter Yes and Neon and was funded by NI Screen.

Additional funding for virtual reality headset equipment was provided by The Hospital Saturday Fund and monies raised by patients and their family members.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org

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