Mums At Work Elevate Your Business Event to Inspire Businesswomen Across Northern Ireland

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Mums At Work CIC will be showcasing a full day of inspiring speakers at their flagship event Elevate Your Business, later this month.

Taking place from 10am-4pm on Monday March 25 at the Tullyglass Hotel in Ballymena, the event is designed for business women who want to take their business to the next level. 

Speakers at the event will provide inspirational stories of business growth, resilience, personal brand and transformation among other things.

The event is the brainchild of energetic and passionate businesswoman Sinead Norton who created the network and its events as a way to help support and nurture women in all types of roles and businesses across the country.

Sadly Sinead passed away last November following a battle with cancer, however, speaking about the network she previously said: “I’m a mum of seven and when I owned a large thriving and multi award winning wedding business, I quickly realised that survival is dependent on past brides and other suppliers referring you. 

“I wanted to create a space where businesswomen working on their own could come together to stay motivated and work towards their dreams as I know how lonely it is when you start out and how hard it can be to achieve a good work-life balance.” 

Elevate Your Business has become an annual Mums At Work event attracting hundreds of like-minded women who attend the event, speak at it and who exhibit their businesses in the trade area.

According to Director Danielle Norton, Sinead’s daughter, it’s an opportunity for women to “exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from one another”.

She added: “The purpose of the Elevate Your Business events is for women to have a chance to meet other women who are looking to grow their businesses. 

“It is a welcoming and supportive environment for women to feel comfortable and gain confidence. 

“We hope the attendees will make new connections, receive referrals and increase their brand visibility. We also hope they leave feeling inspired and motivated from our keynote speakers who will give valuable insight and tips on how to take your business to the next level.”

Before she passed Sinead was keen for the Mums At Work Network to continue supporting women across the country and put in place robust plans to ensure the network continued to thrive in 2024 and beyond.

Danielle explained: “Once my mum found out about her diagnosis of Pancreatic cancer, a new primary cancer, she knew she had to take a step back. 

“By doing this, she allowed others in the network to help run Mums at Work. The ambassadors were a great help in this.

“She also set up Mums at Work to be able to run itself, alongside a committee of her choosing. The committee is now up and running, and each committee member was hand selected by Sinead herself.

Sinead always wanted Mums at Work to go on even after her passing because it is a community for business women to come together for support, advice, knowledge and networking.

For more information, to book a ticket or a stand at the Elevate Your Business event on March 25 go to >> https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elevate-your-business-tickets-644795178737?aff=PressRelease or https://bit.ly/MAWelevatePress

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 4 – 10 March

  1. Belfast Children’s Festival, Belfast, County Antrim, 8 – 10 March. As part of this year’s circus themed festival, more than 100 events and performances are taking place in venues including The Lyric, The MAC and the Crescent Arts Centre. This is not just for the young but the young at heart. There will be local, national and international performances and events to entertain, surprise and delight all who attend.
  1. Kinbane Castle, Ballycastle, County Antrim. While there’s not much left of this historic monument, it offers spectacular views of Rathlin Island and Dunagregor Iron Age fort. Resting on headland between Ballycastle and Ballintoy, the path up to the castle is narrow and stepped. The name translates as white head and refers to the white limestone on which the ruins stand. A very atmospheric spot.
  1. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea, Ballynahinch, County Down, 9 March. Treat your mum to a delicious afternoon tea in the elegant Montalto House. Feel like a Georgian guest in the exquisite drawing room, as you enjoy a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, miniature pastries and sweet treats, all accompanied by loose leaf tea or freshly brewed coffee. There will also be some live music as a special backdrop to what promises to be a delightful experience.
  1. Spring Spectacular, Hillsborough Castle, County Down, 9 – 10 March. See the gardens of Northern Ireland’s royal residence turn to gold and be dazzled by over half a million daffodils in bloom. This really is a beautiful sight to behold and trumpets the arrival of spring. Wander with friends and enjoy some delicious homemade refreshments in the café afterwards.
  2. World Book Day Storytelling Sessions – Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 9 March. Celebrate World Book Day with interactive storytelling sessions and a story inspired trail around the lake. Embark on an unforgettable journey where parents and children alike become part of the story and are surrounded by the magic of sound, fun, and laughter. Author Tessa Ann invites you to dive into the heart of her whimsical world, meeting the incredible instrument characters that come to life in her brand-new book, Magical Sounds. This event is perfect for families with children aged 5-11, but younger children are welcome too.
  1. Home of St Patrick Festival, Armagh, County Armagh. 10 March. Armagh’s Home of St Patrick Festival returns with an exciting programme of music, art, theatre, film and dance. Reflect on the legacy of St Patrick and have fun celebrating his influence on history and culture. As the ‘Home of St Patrick’, Armagh is the place where St Patrick began his mission. Don’t miss the vigil walk which takes place between the city’s two St Patrick’s Cathedrals! The perfect day out for friends and family.
  2. Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone. Let the adventure begin! With over 20 action packed activities available including off road driving, a 500m zip line, a giant swing, a free fall drop zone, paintballing, splat master, woodland trails, archery and a climbing wall, there is no shortage of fun to be had. The perfect destination for any adventure seeker!
  1. Phil Coulter and Guests, St Columb’s Cathedral, County Londonderry, 9 March. St Columb’s School of Music welcomes the return of its very own musical talent, Phil Coulter. Returning  to the town he loves so well, this is a follow up to his ‘Phil Coulter at Eighty’ national tour of 2023. One of the city’s most famous sons, he will join some special guests to play and share his stories, and memories, from his 55 years at the top of the music game.
  2. Castle Caldwell Forest Park, County Fermanagh. Explore this lovely old broadleaved forest full of ash, beech, holy and oak on the northern shores of Lower Lough Erne. Castle Caldwell is an outstanding site, for not only its peninsular position on the rugged shoreline but also for the unrivalled views of the remnants of the castle estate itself. There’s plenty of car parking with three walking trails to choose from. The Beech Wood Walk takes you along the peninsula shore, with views towards Boa Island before the path drifts into forest.
  3. Lavery On Location, Belfast, County Antrim. Don’t miss the chance to see more than 70 pieces of art by Belfast born Sir John Lavery on display at the Ulster Museum. This homecoming follows a successful run at the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin. Born in North Queen Street, Lavery had a deep regard for his native city, gifting 34 of his paintings to what is now the Ulster Museum in 1929. Here, you can see highlights of the people and places he encountered during a life filled with travel. View landscapes from as far afield as Morocco and Palm Springs to Lough Derg in County Donegal.

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

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Stormont Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

  • Nestled on the east side of the city, just opposite the imposing parliament buildings with beautiful parkland. This is a perfect location for a quiet and relaxing overnight, and just bus ride or drive from all the best attractions Belfast has to offer. Along with the perfect night’s sleep, you’ll receive a bottle of Prosecco in your room, and awaken the following morning to a full breakfast. From £165 per room per night. Visit https://www.stormonthotelblefast.com for more information.

Corrigans Shore House, Bellanaleck, County Fermanagh

  • This four-star traditional country style B&B rests on the shores of Upper Lough Erne and has beautiful views. This is a comfortable quiet, spot which will leave you feeling rejuvenated. Enjoy tea and coffee along with home baked goods on your arrival. You are also conveniently located near National Trust Properties and the wonderful Marble Arch Caves. Stay three nights and get 15% off your stay. Visit https://www.corrigansshore.co.uk for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

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

New Exhibitions Open at Ards Arts Centre this March

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is delighted to open two new art exhibitions for the month of March: The Nature of Things, a joint exhibition by Eleanor Wheeler and Anushiya Sundaralingam and The Searchers, a solo exhibition by Paul van Reid.

The Nature of Things, by Eleanor Wheeler and Anushiya Sundaralingam, encompasses themes each artist has been exploring, together and separately, in their work and are constantly revisiting and refining in the continuing development of their arts practices.

The artists will present a selection of sculpture and works on paper that are inspired by the natural world; using form, pattern, texture, colour and metaphor. The works will be both contrasting and complementary; coming together as a whole and creating a visual conversation about the common themes that inspire them. The exhibition can be viewed in the Georgian Gallery.

Paul van Reid is a Belfast based artist who has work published with Tangerine Press, Dig with It magazine and shown in QSS and The Engine Room galleries. Reid’s paintings explore ideas around themes of power, desire, belief, mortality and consciousness.

The Searchers will feature a series of miniature oil paintings, measuring 5 inches by 5 inches, inspired by the work of Jakob van Ruisdael, the 16th century Dutch landscape painter. Despite oil painting being in some ways a traditional medium, the nature of the subject matter and the production of the source image supported by artificial intelligence ensures that the end product is radical and unusual. The body of work will explore ideas of the sublime and spirituality. This exhibition will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 29 February. The Nature of Things runs until Friday 29 March and The Searchers closes on Tuesday 26 March.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 29 February at 7pm.

 

For more information visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Belfast XR Festival Opens Tomorrow Bringing Top Extended Reality Experiences To The Black Box

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Belfast XR Festival is set to open tomorrow, Wednesday, February 28 at The Black Box merging technology and art to create a unique virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experience for attendees.

The two day festival, 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. 

Last week the full lineup was 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 

Make giant memories for free in Northern Ireland this spring with10 family activities that won’t break the bank!

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From navigating one of Europe’s largest mazes in Castlewellan, discovering waterfalls in Navar Forest to admiring the splendour of Ardress House in Annaghmore, Northern Ireland is full of amazing adventures for the whole family to enjoy.

Often, memories of fun-filled family day trips are a highlight of our childhood and something that we hope to create with our own children.

Thankfully, making giant memories needn’t cost the earth and, in Northern Ireland, you are never more than a small step away from a fantastic free family activity.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together the following guide to help you plan a delightful day out that won’t break the bank.

  1. Kilcreggan Urban Farm, County Antrim

This relaxed community farm invites individuals and families to visit, for free, and go face to face with farm animals including geese, goats, pigs, ponies, poultry and waterfowl. Pop into the garden centre or unwind in The Dancing Goat Café and enjoy any of its delicious soups, sandwiches or sweet treats. The farm is a registered charity while the café and garden centre are social enterprises. All three facilities are run by local people with autism, learning disabilities and acquired brain injuries.

  1. Headhunters Barber Shop and Railway Museum, County Fermanagh

Explore one of the largest collections of Irish railway memorabilia on display anywhere at this quirky barber shop and museum in Enniskillen. Start your Headhunters journey at the reconstructed booking office and experience what railway travel through Fermanagh and the border counties was like before the closure of the lines in 1957. The collection includes a range of memorabilia from three local railway companies and is perfect for railway enthusiasts.

  1. Castlewellan Peace Maze, County Down

One of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes, Castlewellan Peace Maze features 6,000 yew trees, many of which were planted by people from all over Northern Ireland. With a hedge length of over two miles, it’s a fun and free family adventure that should take around 40 minutes as you attempt to make your way to the peace bell in the centre. When you’ve made it safely through the maze, let the kids enjoy playing in the adjoining ‘Animal Wood’ playpark, take a stroll through Castlewellan Arboretum or around the park’s serene lake.

  1. The Guildhall, County Londonderry

One of Derry~Londonderry’s most iconic landmarks, the Guildhall has been at the heart of the city’s life since 1887. Everyone is free to enter the neo-gothic, sandstone building and gaze upon its stunning stained-glass windows that feature everything from fishmongers to musicians. New interpretative panels dotted throughout the building, bring to life its many special features. Don’t miss the John Hume Peace Prize Exhibition – a special collection of world-renowned peace accolades. John Hume is the only person to ever receive the Nobel Peace Prize, the Martin Luther King Jnr Non-Violent Prize and the Mahatma Gandhi Peace Prize and all three awards are now proudly displayed at The Guildhall.

  1. Ardress House, County Armagh

Immerse yourself in the apple orchards, charming woodland and riverside walks that surround Ardress House — a stunning 17th century farmhouse that was remodelled in the 18th century. Enjoy a short stroll through the forest along the Lady’s Mile walk. This National Trust property provides a glimpse of a bygone age and walks around the property can be accessed free of charge Monday to Friday. Admission charges apply to enter the house and traditional cobbled farmyard when they open on weekends.

  1. St Patrick’s Chair and Well, County Tyrone.

Hidden among the trees in Altadaven Glen is a beautiful place that is magical any time of year! It’s said that St Patrick’s Chair and Well used to be a meeting place for druids before it was Christianised by St Patrick. The large sandstone ‘chair’ is shaped like a throne and, according to local folklore, has healing properties. The ‘well’ which has associations with St Brigid is also thought to have healing properties and is said to never run dry.

  1. Blackslee Waterfall Walk, County Fermanagh

This 6km walk begins at Aghameelan Viewpoint and takes you on a trail through areas of mature planted aspen, conifers and willow. Along the way, see if you can spot the willow sculpture and an area of huge sandstone boulders left behind at the end of the last ice age over 13,000 years ago. As the journey nears its end, gaze in wonder at the sight and sounds of Blackslee Waterfall cascading over a 20-metre cliff before continuing its journey down an undercut rocky gorge.

  1. Drum Manor Forest Park, County Tyrone.

Drum Manor Forest Park has something to delight in every season and is a great place to enjoy a scenic walk. Explore the Japanese garden, arboretum, ponds, and mixed woodlands. There’s a variety of waymarked trails which follow a circular route, pick the one that suits you best! There’s a lovely play park, good car parking and public toilets, as well as a wheelchair accessible area.

  1. Kearney Village, County Down,

This traditional 19th century fishing village has been carefully restored by the National Trust. Just three miles from Portaferry, there is a great walk to the eight-acre sandy beach at Knockinelder and along the shore to Stinking Point. Once a flourishing fishing community, Kearney is now an idyllic place to unwind offering fantastic views of the Isle of Man, Mourne Mountains and Scotland. It’s also a great spot to bring a picnic – and your binoculars – and watch the birdlife.

  1. Stormont Estate, County Antrim

Having been awarded nine green flags in a row, Stormont Estate is widely regarded as one of the best green spaces in Northern Ireland. Its home to a variety of walks, beautiful gardens, fitness and adventure trails, barbecue areas, historic buildings, monuments and — most importantly for the little ones — Mo Mowlam Play Park. With over 40 pieces of play equipment, this inclusive play park has seven themed areas and hosts a quiet hour every Sunday from 9:30am to 10:30am.

For further information on fantastic free family activities in Northern Ireland visit https://discovernorthernireland.com

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Causeway Hotel, Giant’s Causeway, County Antrim

  • Located on Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, this hotel was built in 1836 to accommodate visitors to the famous stones. This beautiful hotel offers not only a unique setting, but a memorable experience for anyone who stays here. This offer includes a three-course meal for two, an audio guided tour experience of the Giant’s Causeway and Visitor Centre and overnight accommodation with a hearty breakfast the next morning. From £180 per room, per night, based on two people sharing. Visit https://thecausewayhotel.com/ for more information.

The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine, County Londonderry

  • Fancy a relaxing break for two exploring the delights of the Causeway Coast? The Lodge Hotel is a great spot to do just that. This comfortable and well-placed hotel is sure to give you a warm welcome and kickstart your relaxing getaway. The two-night Dine and Stay offer includes B&B and a £15 dining voucher, per person, for Elliot’s Bistro each evening of your stay. From £119 per person based on two sharing. Visit https://www.thelodgehotel.com for more information.

The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone

  • Located in the heart of the village of Fivemiletown just twenty minutes from Enniskillen, this is a great spot to explore the delights of Tyrone and the lovely Fermanagh Lakelands. You can explore the trails of the nearby Blessingbourne Estate, browse boutique shops or perfect your swing at the nearby choice of golf clubs. Escape and enjoy two nights B&B with a £30 dining credit to redeem on one night of your stay from £238 based on two people sharing. Visit https://www.valleyhotel.com for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

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

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 26 February – 3 March

  1. Bespoke Wedding Ring Jewellery Making Workshop, Holywood, County Down, 1 March. Come and spend some precious time with your betrothed ahead of the big day and make a handcrafted wearable wedding memory together. Just 10 minutes from Belfast city centre, this creative experience is one you won’t forget. During this three to four hour workshop, NI Silver’s goldsmith Ruth,  will take you through every stage of filing, soldering and hammering your bespoke creation. Price will be based on materials.
  2. Feel Good Festival, Portaferry, County Down, 1-3 March. This festival kicks off by bathing the Grade A listed architecture of the portico in the soft glow of candles as Ruth McGinley performs ‘Piano Peace’, a compilation of beautiful soothing sounds from composers Sakamoto and Einaudi. On Saturday, Christian Forshaw celebrates the 20-year anniversary of the Sanctuary album, an exquisite exploration of sacred music, blending saxophone, organ and choral voices with original composition. As well as the music and laser lit gigs, there are sound healing experiences and a print workshop all aimed at making you feel good!
  1. Game of Thrones Studio Tour®, Banbridge, County Down, 26, 29 February-3 March. Journey behind the cameras and discover the secrets that made HBO’s Game of Thrones® the world’s most successful TV series. This immersive tour takes you to the heart of Westeros, captivating families, fans and filmmaking enthusiasts of all ages. Don’t miss the chance to get up close and personal with iconic costumes, props and sets. A great day out.
  2. Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, County Antrim, 28 February-3 March. Explore Northern Ireland’s only Victorian-era prison seven days a week. Since opening its doors in 1846, ‘The Crum’, as it’s ’affectionately’ known, has housed more than a quarter of a million prisoners. As part of this self-guided tour you’ll learn about some famous inmates and experience first-hand what being locked up in a chilly 12-by-7-foot cell was really like. Guided tours are available on weekends. Book online.
  3. Clare Glen Woodland, Tandragee, County Armagh. This delightful woodland runs along the banks of the River Cusher. There are lots of native trees with hazel, oak and ash in abundance, and underfoot the bluebells and wild garlic are preparing to bloom. A lovely place to wander and escape in nature.
  4. Crindle Bespoke, Limavady, County Londonderry. Your horseback adventure begins with a warm welcome at this family run stable. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a first timer, the stable’s guides ensure a comfortable experience with friendly horses. You can ride along pristine beaches, through picturesque countryside, or within a private estate. Elevate your experience with bespoke additions such as romantic bohemian picnics, wild dining and afternoon tea. Check website for details.
  5. The Carleton Trail, Clogher, County Tyrone. This thirty-mile trail loops through the lush landscape of Clogher Valley. You will pass the childhood cottage of the largely forgotten Victorian novelist William Carleton, after whom the trail is named. In his day he was described by Yeats as “the greatest novelist of Ireland”. On your travels you will encounter rolling hills, quiet streams and panoramic vistas, as well as a marvellous glimpse into the region’s rich history and heritage.
  6. Coastal SUP and Snorkel Tour, Portrush, County Antrim, 28 February- 3 March. Join Freedive Northern Ireland for a wonderful and exhilarating experience which will give you a completely different perspective on the beauty of the Northern Ireland Coastline. You can go on a combined paddleboard and snorkelling tour or  opt  to do either. The choice is yours! Adventure along the limestone cliffs and caves of Whiterocks and learn the area’s  history, legends and stories as you pass above shipwrecks and around reefs. Weather dependent. Check website for details.
  7. Benaughlin, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh. Just to the east of Cuilagh Mountain lies Benaughlin or Bin Mountain, as it’s known to locals. While the terrain is tricky in parts, you will be more than rewarded by the views from the top. Take in the surrounding views of Upper Lough Erne and the low hill of Knockinny to the east, and the wind farm on Slieve Rushen to the southeast. To the west lies Cuilcagh Mountain and to the north is Lower Lough MacNean with Belmore Mountain beyond. A great way the blow away the cobwebs this spring.
  8. Sea Wrack, The Playhouse County Londonderry, 2 March. In partnership with Northern Ireland Opera, you will explore the work of composers and new arrangements of songs from across the island of Ireland including pieces by William Balfe, Hamilton Harty and William Wallace. Listen to spectacular  arrangements preformed by soprano Susie Gibbons, mezzo Jenny Bourke, tenor Michael Bell and baritone Seamus Brady, along with pianist Frasier Hickland.

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

Lead Sponsor Announced For Remarkable Marketing Awards 2024

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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

Full Lineup Revealed For Belfast XR Festival With Top Extended Reality Experiences On The Bill

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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 

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