Huge Motorcycle Event Gearing Up For 2023 Return

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February feast for motorsports fans at Lisburn’s Eikon Centre

Northern Ireland’s Motorcycle show returns for the first time in four years on February 4-5, 2023, at the Eikon Centre in Lisburn, hosted by 360 Events in what promises to be a packed weekend for fans of motorsport.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

360 Events, a new group of motorcycling and motorsport enthusiasts and volunteers with many years’ experience as competitors and officials in all branches of the sport, are pleased to be re-launching the Northern Ireland Motorcycle Plus Show, according to Kenny Gardner of the organisation.

“We believe that after four years’ absence the public are ready for a winter Motorcycle Show once again to ‘launch’ their year in the great pastimes of motorcycling & motorsport, whether racing, touring or just enjoying riding bikes,” he said.

“The Motorcycle Plus Show is a great meeting place in the winter to plan your summer months ahead.

“We are delighted to be working with the Eikon Centre on our first show.

“Whilst we want to spice things up a little with the format, layouts and more, the end goal and delivery will remain the same in bringing the motorcycle and sport public together, create further interest for our motorcycle dealers, sporting clubs and anyone with a like-minded interest to what is a fantastic family pastime in whatever capacity its enjoyed.

“That is why we are calling the weekend the Northern Ireland Motorcycle Plus Show.”

Theresa Morrissey, Commercial and Financial Director at the Eikon Exhibition Centre said she was pleased 360 Events chose the venue.

She added: “The venue is delighted to welcome the Motorcycle Plus Show to our calendar of premier events for 2023.

“The Eikon Exhibition Centre, as Northern Ireland’s largest venue, is purpose-built for expos of this calibre and will provide 360 Events with the perfect home to grow their show.”

Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Scott Carson, who attended the launch recently said:  “The presence of the Motorcycle Plus Show at the Eikon Centre in February 2023, is fantastic news for both the council area and my fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.  

“The Eikon Centre is accessible from Dublin, Belfast and further afield. In Northern Ireland we have plenty of skilled motorcyclists who compete in road races, championships or motocross. There are also groups from across the region and further afield who participate in regular ride outs.

“We are all looking forward to seeing what the show will offer from motorcycle and rider equipment and merchandise to guest speakers. The council is delighted to have supported this event through its tourism grants as it will bring many people to the city area.”

Kenny, one of the organisers from 360 Events, explained the organisers are planning a packed weekend.

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. 

“Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future.

“As an innovation there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines.

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path.

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line ups, both on and off road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do.

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.”

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019.

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. All online bookings will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

Northern Ireland’s first Enterprise Education conference set for Bangor

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From left Stephanie Campbell (SERC), Ken Webb (SERC), Aaron Furphy (GEN UK), Carol Fitzsimons (YENI), Aurla McLoughlin (SERC), Gordon Lyons (Department for the Economy), John Nugent (SERC) and Katie Matthews-Furphy (GEN UK).

Global Entrepreneurship Week UK to be celebrated with ground-breaking event

Northern Ireland’s first Enterprise Education conference will take place at the South Eastern Regional College (SERC) in Bangor on November 17 as part of the world-wide Global Entrepreneurship Week celebrations, bringing together entrepreneurs, enterprise educators, policy makers, and business supporters.

The Global Entrepreneurship Network UK, in partnership with Young Enterprise NI and the college, will host the free event designed to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs across the country, share best practice and explore what the future of Enterprise Education in Northern Ireland could look like. 

Katie Matthews-Furphy, Director of Global Entrepreneurship Week UK and Northern Ireland National Director for the Global Entrepreneurship Network, said the conference will also connect attendees to other parts of the country.

“We are very excited to be working with YENI and SERC to deliver Northern Ireland’s first, dedicated Enterprise Education Conference,” she said. 

“We have a fantastic line-up of speakers and panellists, with a packed schedule and interesting content.

“The afternoon session will take a hybrid format, seeing us connecting in with satellite mini-conferences, in other locations across the UK and Europe.”

Among speakers will be Sharon Davies, CEO of Young Enterprise UK, Dr Emily Beaumont, President of Enterprise Educators UK, Dave Linton, Founder of Madlug, Carol Fitzsimons, Director of Young Enterprise Northern Ireland and Colin Jess, Chief Executive of Social Enterprise NI.

Minister for the Economy, Gordon Lyons, said “Global Entrepreneurship Week is an excellent opportunity to celebrate Northern Ireland’s commitment to developing entrepreneurship and our reputation for innovation”.

“Well-known past examples include the world-class innovation shown in our shipbuilding and linen industries, while today, Northern Ireland continues to innovate in sectors including cyber security, advanced manufacturing and financial technology (“fintech”).

“In line with the Department’s 10X Economic Vision for the region to embrace a decade of innovation, entrepreneurship is a key priority for Northern Ireland.

“We want to increase the number and ambition of enterprises driven by innovation, to support economic growth for all our people. Global Entrepreneurship Week will play an important role in helping to focus on the important role entrepreneurship has to play as we seek to realise the 10X Vision.”

GEN UK is part of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, a global movement active in over 200 countries, and Ken Webb, Principal of SERC said “the college is delighted to host the Future of Enterprise Education Conference at the college’s SPACE theatre” in Bangor.

“By bringing together entrepreneurs, educators, ecosystem builders, policy makers, politicians, investors, and supporters, we can start to build a vibrant and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem for our local and global communities,” he explained. 

“We are looking forward to being part of the wider discussion on education and entrepreneurship, and how we can empower every individual to achieve their goals”.

Elaine Gold, Managing Director, GEN UK said the week of activities will mark a milestone for the initiative.

“2022 is the 15th Anniversary of Global Entrepreneurship Week, the world’s largest celebration of entrepreneurship.

“We look forward to meeting many entrepreneurs and supporters of the UK’s entrepreneurial ecosystem during the week.”

Tickets for the event are available here: https://www.worldlabs.org/opportunity/gew-uk-2022/event/gew-2022-the-future-of-entrepreneurship-education-in-ni 

To view all the events happening across the UK during GEW, visit www.gewuk.org

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 31 October – 6 November 2022   

   

  1. Photo Courtesy of Mid-Ulster District Council.

    Halloween Happenings in Ballycastle, CountyAntrim, 31 October. Join the fun in Ballycastle to celebrate Halloween 2022. Enjoy Quiet Time for Children with Additional Needs from 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm, featuring a balloon modeller, amusements and Halloween crafts. From 6 pm, the parade will gather at Dalriada Hospital, Leyland Road where the fancy dress judging will take place at 6.15 pm prior to the procession departing at 6.30 pm to make its way through the town to The Seafront. Beatz Entertainments begin at 6.30 pm at The Seafront whilst waiting on the parade. Fireworks will light up the sky at 8.30 pm and then the Harry McGarrity Band will play until 9pm. 

  2. Winter Wildlife Detective, Florencecourt, CountyFermanagh, 1 – 6 November. Meet your activity guide who will take you on an Animal Seek and Find Adventure. A fun opportunity for your children to discover what interesting native animals live in the landscape surrounding the Marble Arch Caves. Led by your guide you will then be taken on an adventure into the woodland where you will visit the Mini-Beast Camp. Enjoy a mini-beast scavenger hunt, finding creepy crawlies and learning more about the unique insects that live in these woods.  
  3. Autumn Discovery Morning, Belfast, 4 November.Join rangers on a seasonal walk enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. Meet at Lockview car park, Stranmillis at 11 am and book your spot by contacting the Park Office on 028 90491922 or email at admin@laganvalley.co.uk. This is a free event and booking is essential due to limited places. 
  4. Fidelio Trioat the Portico of Ards, Portaferry, County Down, 6 November. Shortlisted for the 2016 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, the Fidelio Trio are enthusiastic champions of the piano trio genre, performing the widest repertoire on concert stages across the world. They have an impressive list of commissions and first performances and have a large discography of highly acclaimed recordings. In this concert, the programme will include a new piece by Helen’s Bay-based composer, Simon Mawhinney entitled ‘In Three’.  
  5. The Illegals at the Portico of Ards, Portaferry, CountyDown, 5 November. If you were here last year for this fabulous gig you know where you want to be this year – enjoying the best of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Led by Niamh Kavanagh, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs. Songs like Take It Easy, Dreams, Life In The Fast Lane, Don’t Stop, One Of These Nights, Gold Dust Woman, Desperado, The Chain, Hotel California and many more – will be on the playlist to celebrate two of the greatest rock bands of all time. 
  6. Legendary Navan Fort (EmainMacha), Armagh, County Armagh, multiple dates and times available, check the website. Explore the archaeology and history associated with the great temple of 95BC, as well as learn about some of the significant discoveries at the nearby sites of Loughnashade, Haughey’s Fort and the King’s Stables. The experienced tour guides will explain how and why it is believed the impressive ritual temple at Emain Macha was built, as well as how this site may have been what attracted Saint Patrick to the area. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, including a guided tour to Navan Fort (weather permitting) and a visit to the Iron Age dwelling area. 
  7. Ghosts of Ulster – A Spooktacular Experience in Ghost Belief, Portrush, CountyAntrim, 1 November. Enjoy an evening of hair-raising tales of ghostly goings-on at Portrush Town Hall this Halloween. Ulster University lecturers in architecture, English, and social history will share their knowledge and stories of ghosts and hauntings. The first part will be a panel discussion on ghost belief over the centuries led by experts from social history, psychology and gothic literature from Ulster University. The second part of the evening will be an interactive discussion allowing the audience to share their oral histories and narratives of ghost stories from the local area. 
  8. Crindle Stables– Halloween Activities, Limavady, County Londonderry, 31 October – 4 November. Enjoy a thrilling horse riding experience in Northern Ireland at Crindle With a range of wonderful horses and ponies to suit all riders and abilities, there is an array of activities and experiences to explore. During the allotted dates, enjoy their Halloween week of activities, perfect for the family. Monday 31 Oct – Group Countryside Trek and Halloween Adventure Ride; Tuesday 1 Nov – Day at the Stables and Own A Pony Day; Wednesday 2 Nov – Group Countryside Trek; Thursday 3 Nov – Day at the Stables; and Friday 4 Nov – Halloween Adventure Ride.  
  9. Aurora Borealis with Martin McKennaat OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Omagh, County Tyrone, 6 November. Join astrophotographer Martin McKenna, best known as Night Sky Hunter, for a Northern Ireland specific guide on how to view one of the world’s most sought-after sights, the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular, colourful display of light commonly seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. During the evening, Martin will talk about the genesis of geomagnetic storms, aurora forecasting and online resources and observing t Booking is essential.  
  10. Bona Palooza, Holywood, CountyDown, 5 November. Welcome to Bona Palooza, a new micro festival exploring LGBTQ+ rural stories from Ulster’s past and present. Throughout the day there’ll be a number of talks, screenings, workshops and interventions from a number of participants from rural areas. To access this event, you will need a general admission ticket, which you can purchase through the link. Please note, some events require additional booking due to limited capacity. 

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this Halloween Weekend!

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Antrim

Fancy something different? Track down Dracula this Halloween with Whitehead Railway Museum – a family-focused ‘soft’ Dracula story-telling show, performed within the Museum premises.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Little Spooks returns to the Navan Centre & Fort this Halloween, with ghoulishly good fun for all the family! Our spooky stage show sees a world -amous vampire hunter arriving in Transylvania in search of Dracula’s castle! Can you help him find the courage to succeed in his quest? But beware, Count Dracula (and his mummy!) stand in the way!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Join the RSPB’s Window on Wildlife this Halloween as they lay on a host of activities at their Spooky Pumpkin Patch as part of the Big Wild Halloween celebrations

Find out more HERE

Down

Journey into the Seven Kingdoms this Halloween and explore the making of Game of Thrones, at the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Experience the scares and thrills as you venture through the chilling graveyard forest at the Share Discovery Village.  Can you make it through without getting lost…or worse?

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

The Walled City of Derry~Londonderry comes alive for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see around 40,000 revellers gather on Halloween night for the first time since the pandemic. 

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Will you survive the thrills and chills of our Torchlight Tour this Hallowe’en at the Haunting of Drowned Horse Creek, Omagh?

Find out more HERE

 

 

 

Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical Helping To Brighten Up Royal Avenue and parts of Cathedral Quarter

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This autumn Royal Avenue has been brightened up thanks to a joint project from Cathedral Quarter Trust and University of Atypical that features a combination of specially commissioned street art and a bespoke LED lighting scheme. 

Funded by Belfast City Council’s Community Cluster Grant Scheme, the theme for the project was ‘A year in the life of the Cathedral Quarter’ and the final works, by talented local artist James Ashe, feature a range of playful scenes and moments familiar from the Cathedral Quarter area.

Director of the Cathedral Quarter Trust, Susan Picken said: “We have been looking at ways of brightening up the area for some time and this project, with the support of Belfast City Council, will inject some much needed light and colour into the lower Royal Avenue area.

We hope that the fun and colourful mix of shutter art, lighting and window vinyls will brighten up the day of everyone who visits and works in the Cathedral Quarter”.  

In addition to bespoke LED light installations and shutter art, a series of specially designed window vinyls featuring iconic buildings from across Belfast have been installed in the windows of MACC Hair on Royal Avenue. 

Councillor Ryan Murphy, Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee said: “It’s great to see Royal Avenue and the Cathedral Quarter Area being enhanced through our Business Cluster and Community Grant Programme. We’re committed to stimulating footfall in city centre, boosting businesses and making the area more attractive and enjoyable to spend time in. 

“Cathedral Quarter Trust and the University of Atypical’s decision to commission Belfast based artist and illustrator James Ashe brings a real authenticity and energy to the project. 

“We’re looking forward to making city centre more accessible for those walking, wheeling and cycling, creating greener and more vibrant streets, making connections with surrounding communities and encouraging city centre living through A Bolder Vision for Belfast.”

Owner of MACC Hair, Ciaran Connolly, expressed his happiness with the project, explaining how he believes it to be a positive move for the area.

He said: “It’s always good to be updating the city centre. We’re in such a position that we would be missing out if not trying to utilise the area of the windows.

“When surroundings look good, it changes people’s attitudes. It changes their attitude and the way they look at things. That’s why we wanted to get involved.”

Ciaran, who was born in New Zealand, said the project has helped to instil a renewed sense of pride in the city.

He explained: “We’ve had a lot of people asking where we had it done, who the designer is. They’re a very proud city as well, like most cities and most people in cities, they’re very proud of where they’ve come from. It’s all to do with Belfast so they love it.

“I think it’s reminding people of Belfast and what’s around them.” 

Deirdre McKenna, Project Officer at the University of Atypical, who helped to bring this project to life, said: “The University of Atypical for arts and disability are delighted to have worked with Cathedral Quarter Trust and local businesses to enhance this colourful and historical area. We hope this project will animate our street and welcome our neighbours at Ulster University’s newly opened campus. 

“Following an open call for submissions of interest by artists, we were delighted to have co commissioned artist James Ashe to develop new artworks to enhance our neighbourhood alongside new programmable lighting to add a festive feeling year round.”

Lead artist James Ashe said he was delighted to have been selected for the project.

“I’m thrilled to have been chosen, it’s a big step up as I’ve never had my work utilised in a public domain setting before. There’s going to be lots of colour and buzz whenever the work is finished”

“The commission came at a time where my work was still very uncertain…so it’s been very positive to see University of Atypical and Cathedral Quarter Trust put the arts at the forefront for their vision for Royal Avenue.”

Also joining in the project is Lebanese restaurant Deerah. Saeb Shaath, the manager, said he is thrilled to be taking part and believes that the entire project has helped enliven and brighten the area.

He said: “I think the design on our shutter is amazing; it will attract customers to us and help in creating a positive image for this part of Royal Avenue.

Current participating venues in the project are:

  • 105-107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF
  • Deerah, 107 Royal Avenue, BT1 1FF (before 11am)
  • 109-113 Royal Avenue – Cathedral Quarter Managed Workspace
  • MACC Hair, 143 Royal Avenue, BT1 BT1 1FH
  • Plus more shutter art pieces will be popping up in various locations in Cathedral Quarter throughout the month of October 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland Next Week

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 24 – 30 October 2022   

   

  1. ’Awakening the Walled City.’ – Derry’s annual Halloween celebrations. The ever popular Spark passing through Castle Gate on Derry’s Historic Walls. Credit ©Lorcan Doherty Photography

    The Wicked Witch Trail, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, 29-31 October. Join the fun when the woodland above the Marble Arch Caves will be transformed into a spooky world of Halloween surprises.  A quest awaits those who dare to explore a trail of monsters and magic and for those brave enough to help save the cave from the grips of an evil witch’s spell. Keep your wits about you on your adventure as who knows what could be lurking behind the trees or creeping up behind you! 

  2. Hallowe’en Torchlight Tours: The Haunting of Drowned Horse Creek, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 28,29, 31 October. Celebrate Halloween at the Ulster American Folk Park. The tours explore the life of Amos Burns, who, along with his wife in 1865, travelled to an American town called Drowned Horse Creek. Legend has it that the only correspondence after his departure was a book sent home to his mother written in blood red ink and titled Torment at Drowned Horse Creek. Will you join the search for Amos and his wife, to discover if the terrifying tales of Drowned Horse Creek are true? 
  3. Samhain Yoga & Nature Retreat, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 29 October. Join the Blaney Spa & Yoga Centre for a full day retreat to celebrate Samhain and to begin to look inwards as you prepare for the coming winter. Across the day there will be three yoga sessions to awaken your muscles and your mind. You will learn about the ecology of the season, unearth the mythology behind the date and share customs and traditions around this most spooky time of the year.
  4. Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 29-30 October. Join a very special Tall Tales & Terror tour of the Observatory this Halloween. Meet your terrifying tour guide and listen to stories that will chill you to the bone. The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, and with hundreds of years of history, there are plenty of stories to tell. There will be stories which will include themes not suitable for young children. Also,join Scientific Sue for a special Halloween themed “Potions and Explosions” live science show at Armagh Planetarium.  
  5. Hallowe’eenGhost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 27-30 This one-hour walking trail will be a mix of gruesome tales of days gone by coupled with a few surprises along the way. Tread the narrow streets lightly – you don’t know who is waiting to get you. The tour concludes at Red Ned’s with a hot whisky/hot port or a drink of your choice or if U18 a voucher will be provided for an ice-cream treat or speciality coffee at Mackles Ice Cream. This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age. 
  6. Gruffalo Halloween Guided Walk, Belfast,22-31 Visit Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen to experience this Julia Donaldson-endorsed guided walk with a Halloween twist. Hear the story of The Gruffalo before heading outdoors for a guided walk through the deep dark wood to meet your favourite characters and even stop by the pumpkin patch, where you’ll pick out your very own pumpkin to carve and take home. 
  7. Ultimate SUP Halloween Party Paddle, Downpatrick, Co. Down, 29 October. This just might be the fancy dress event of the year. Paddle up the amazing QuoileRiver with this guided tour with Ultimate SUP NI. Time warp to Inch Abbey, keep an eye out for Viking invaders and paddle into the twilight on this three-hour trip. Fancy dress not compulsory but it’s recommended. This event is suitable for everyone over 14 years. 
  8. Awakening The Walled City Halloween 2022, Derry~Londonderry, 28-31 October. The Walled City of Derry~Londonderrycomes alive for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see around 40,000 revellers gather on Halloween night for the first time since the pandemic. 
  9. Halloween Family Chocolate Experience, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, 30-31 October.In this fabulous 90-minute experience, participants (suitable for ages 5+) will make a tantalising and tasty selection of Halloween themed chocolates – tailored to the ages of those attending. Every member of the family will go home with their creations, having learned the basics of tempering chocolate. They will be offered a hot chocolate while their creations set and then package them up to take home and enjoy. Kids (and adults) can choose to come in their Halloween costumes but please note this can be a messy experience. Also note, this is a private experience – when you book you will have the Chocolate Manor exclusively for your own family. 
  10. Halloween at BroughgammonFarm, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, 14-30 October. Halloween at the Farm is back again this year – bigger and better than ever! This year there will be pumpkin picking, a witchy scavenger hunt, a Halloween craft barn and scarecrow competition at Broughgammon The farm shop and cafe will be serving up spooky treats, hot chocolates and mulled apple juice.  

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Halloween fun for all the family at Flowerfield and Roe Valley Arts Centres

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Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady have a packed programme of horrifying Halloween activities on offer this October.

From frightening films to creepy craft workshops, spooky storytelling to live music, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for some suitably themed family fun.

Three-year-old Felicity is looking forward to the Halloween fun taking place at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady this October.

At Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Banyan Theatre Company return with its Spooky Shadow Puppet Workshop for 5-11 year olds on Saturday 22nd October while tiny tots can enjoy Slightly Spooky Tales with fantastic storyteller Kelly Quigley on Saturday 29th October. On Thursday 27th October, there will be a late-night screening of ‘The Shining’, a fantastic opportunity to see this Stanley Kubrick’s cult classic horror film on a big screen!

At Flowerfield Arts Centre, kids aged 5 -12 can get creative with Linda Mullholland at a Halloween themed Weekend Wonders Workshop, or those aged 10 – 16 can join local artist Eleanor-Jane McCartney to create a colourful hedgehog mobile at an Autumn Fused Glass Workshop on Saturday 29th October.

Tenx9 returns on Friday 28th October, presenting their successful ‘Ghosts’ performance.  Nine people will have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life about ghosts, from the spooky kind to laments about the ghosts of their past. We are on the lookout for storytellers, so get in touch with your true spine-chilling stories at http://www.tenx9.com/submissions.

As well as this, two very special Haunted House Open Days take place at Flowerfield on Saturday 29th October and Monday 31st October.

Saturday will kick off with a screening of the original Hocus Pocus movie and then families are encouraged to channel that witchy energy and get creative in a post-film craft workshop with Linda Mulholland.

Storyteller Karen Edwards will bring the spooky myths and legends of the Causeway Coast to life followed by a drop-in creepy craft workshop in the afternoon when you can also enjoy a visit to Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, serving local

artisan foods while outdoor music will be provided by electronic pop duo VOKXEN.

On Monday (October 31st), a screening of Disney’s Coco will be followed by a drop-in Sugar Skull craft workshop.  Kelly Quigley will share some ‘Not So Spooky Tales’ for tiny tots and in the afternoon there will be drop-in craft workshops with Linda Mulholland to create some monster masterpieces.

Bookings for workshops, films and events can be made at https://www.flowerfield.org/ and https://www.roevalleyarts.com/ or by calling Flowerfield on 028 7083 1400 or Roe Valley on 028 7776 0650. 

For the Halloween Haunted House Open Days, only the films require advanced booking. Tickets are priced at £3 per person or £10 for a family of four.  All other activities as part of the Halloween Haunted House Open Days are drop-in and free of charge.

The Haunted House Open Days at Flowerfield Arts Centre have received financial support from The Executive Office through the District Council Good Relations Programme.

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

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– Family Friendly Halloween Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium From 22 to 31 October 2022 –

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of family friendly Halloween events will take place on site from 22nd to 31 October 2022.

These will be:

The Spooky Star Tracker evening, which will take place on 27th October. This atmospheric event offers something for everyone, with a choice of either the family friendly 7pm Spooky Space Dome show, or the 8pm Look Up Dome Show and comet talk for adults, followed by spine-tingling stargazing.

The Spooky Space Dome Show, which will take place on 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th and 31st October will provide families with cosmic fun this Halloween Half-term. This PG rated Halloween Dome Show features monsters, zombies, ghosts, black holes, zombie stars, and spectacular ghostly nebulae! Show times are at 11am, 3pm and 4pm. Tickets include entry into the exhibition area.

The Potions and Explosion Science Show will run on 29th and 30th October. Located in the Copernicus Hall, this event will see visitors of all ages join Scientific Sue for a special Halloween themed live science show that includes explosions, mess, fun but more importantly learning!

Lots of audience participation will be needed and each show will last approximately 60 mins.

Armagh Observatory will play host to the Tall Tales and Terror tour on 29th and 30th October. Recommended for adults and children aged 10 or over, visitors on this special observatory tour will be led by a terrifying tour guide and regaled with stories that will chill them to the bone! The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790, and so there are plenty of tales to tell.

The tour includes general admission to the Planetarium exhibition. Some stories will include adult themes not suitable for young children.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

Belfast Media Agency Excalibur Press Welcomes New Senior Developer To Marketing & Content Team

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Despite losing their offices in the Cathedral Buildings fire earlier this month Belfast based multidisciplinary marketing and media agency Excalibur Press have expanded their operations to include a new in-house website and software development department.

In the last number of years the company has become a key partner for many businesses, helping clients develop and tell stories through multidisciplinary content and marketing services across a wide range of channels both online and offline.

Senior developer Adam McBride has over a decade of experience helping businesses plan, create and maintain an online presence whilst offering a range of additional creative technology services such as app development, CRM system development and online learning platforms.

Through his own company Belfast Web, Adam also provides companies with secure website hosting and associated services.

Excalibur Press director Tina Calder said: “It’s been a tough month for us but in September we made the decision to invest in the future of our company and our clients by adding a hugely experienced senior developer to our team.

“Although we’re now based in temporary offices thanks to the generosity of fellow media agency Mammoth in the city centre we haven’t let that stall our plans for expansion.

“Having worked with Excalibur Press since its inception it was an obvious choice to bring Adam into the business when we decided to make an investment into this area of our work.

“His extensive experience, creative thought processes and ability to offer clients a wide range of services means I am very confident he will be able to build our web development and digital transformation department whilst keeping our clients at the heart of everything we do.

“Adam will now work over the next three years to build a team of staff and freelancers including developers, designers and other specialists who will be able to offer an end to end service for all our clients from small businesses to large corporations supporting them across all elements of their digital journey.”

Currently Excalibur Press are a full service agency offering everything from publicity management, marketing, crisis comms and PR through to content creation, digital media, social media, website development, search engine optimisation and copywriting.

Speaking of his appointment Adam said: “I am delighted to join the team at Excalibur Press having worked with the business for many years.

“I share Tina’s vision to add services and capacity to an already growing multidisciplinary team and to build towards becoming the go to agency for ambitious small and medium-sized enterprises throughout Northern Ireland as well as delivering a high quality service to large private and public sector organisations.

“Digital transformation can sound scary to any organisation, however, working with a specialist can help businesses to create, streamline and improve their processes and operations allowing them to become more efficient and profitable.

“Digital transformation for a small business could be as simple as setting up a mailing list, developing a landing page website or setting up and managing their social media. For a medium organisation it could be improving online payment systems, developing a CRM for their sales team or creating an app for their customers. Larger organisations may require everything from a members portal and online learning platform to overhauling their entire digital system.”

With clients ranging from Tourism NI, PAC Group, Mid & East Antrim Council, National World and Taste Causeway to Ryobi, Cathedral Quarter Trust, 4C UR Future and Barbour Engineering & Fabrication, Excalibur Press’ unique multidisciplinary ethos means businesses and organisations can contract out part or all of their marketing and media needs reducing the need for communicating with various third party contractors.

Tina added: “Our reputation for no-nonsense honesty with our clients has led many customers to rely on us to help build their own communication channels, including everything from full development of their websites and marketing materials to managing digital media channels and corporate copywriting.

“With all of our core services now being represented in-house within our staff team we are now able to offer clients a faster, more efficient service as well as being able to meet an increasing demand for our unique multidisciplinary ethos.”

For more information go to excaliburpress.co.uk 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 

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 Here are ten exciting things taking place 17 – 23 October 2022   

   

  1. PGA EuroProTour – The Matchroom Tour Championship, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 19 – 21 October. The PGA EuroPro Tour is delighted to announce that the Tour Championship will be taking place at Northern Ireland’s majestic Lough Erne Golf Resort. Following the conclusion of the season-ending event, that will be played across the 19th – 21st October, five PGA EuroPro Tour members will progress to the next step and earn their Challenge Tour card after 15 gruelling competitions. Closing out the season is the intimidating and demanding Faldo Course, which was designed by the six-time major winner and Ryder Cup icon, Sir Nick Faldo, and opened in 2009. 
  2. City of Derry International Choir Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 19 – 23 October.The City of Derry International Choir Festival is now established as a major event in the musical life of Northern Ireland and as the only international choir festival of its kind in the UK. Conceived as a joyous celebration of all that choral singing has to offer, its activities include concerts by world-renowned vocal groups, competitions for choirs, workshops and educational events for singers and conductors, and community concerts and choral trails in landmark locations across Derry~Londonderry and the surrounding area. 
  3. ToddsLeap Horror Nights, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, 21 – 30 October. A spooktacular night to remember this October at Todds Face nightmarish walkways, scare zones, and narrow alleyways as you try to figure out exactly how you are going to get out! WARNING: Event may be too intense for young children and is recommended for older children PG 15. 
  4. Pickie Pumpkin Patch, Bangor, Co. Down, 21 – 31 October.Pickie’s Annual Halloween Pumpkin Picking event returns this October. Pumpkin tickets include 12 tokens to use on the Pickie Attractions. How it works: Arrive on your selected date & time, produce your online ticket to be scanned and redeemed for Pickie Tokens (check ticket outlet location stated on the front entrance signage), then present your Pickie Tokens at each attraction. A token for the Pumpkin Patch will be presented at this stage. You must collect your pumpkin at this time.  
  5. StreamvaleOpen Farm Halloween Pumpkin Patch, Belfast, 15 October – 1 November. Their pumpkin patch is back with thousands of pumpkins to choose from. Kids can grab a mini wheelbarrow and go and explore the pumpkin patch. They can then pick their own pumpkin and wheel it back up the field to the designated carving marquee where staff will be on hand to help design your spooky lantern and then you can scoop it out. They will carve it for you, leaving all smells and mess with Barrel and tractor rides are all included as well as lots of other animal shows and activities throughout the day. Get your dancing shoes on at the Broomtastic Disco or enjoy the Spooky Maze, an immersive experience where you can follow the trail and meet real life characters. 
  6. Halloween Extravaganza at Crumlin RoadGaol, Belfast, 21 – 31 October. This Halloween head over to Crumlin Road Gaol for the most spooktacular Halloween event for children of all ages and adults. What better setting for your annual Halloween experience than a spooky haunted prison. Their Halloween Extravaganza includes the Spooktacular Jail Tour, the Pumpkin Puffer Train Ride and the main attraction – The Pumpkin Patch! Your experience isn’t finished yet. You can visit their Petting Farm and meet Larry the llama, Lexi the miniature cow, Pappa the pig and all their farmyard friends before finishing your fun packed day at their Live Interactive Halloween Musicals where the West Ends come to North Belfast. 
  7. LoughanmorePoint-to-Point Races, Dunadry, Co. Antrim, 22 October. Loughanmore point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family in the countryside and where you will get to witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.  
  8. Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio, Newtownhamilton, Co. Armagh, 22 October (more dates available). Enjoy thefused glass lantern experience and reconnect with your inner creative at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey McVerry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, once the haunt of robbers and highwaymen, Tracey welcomes visitors to her safely nestled fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer Here you will feast your senses whilst creating your own bespoke piece of fused glass artwork inspired by OGHAM in a professional artists studio.  
  9. Hallowee’unsat the Jungle, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, 22 – 23 October (more dates available). As the spooky and haunting time of year creeps in, the Jungle would like to invite all of your little monsters along to experience a Halloween extravaganza, filled with wicked, weird and wonderful activities. During the event you will enjoy some pumpkin picking and carving, a haunting Haycart Ride with a rather wicked witch who will tell spooky stories along the way and a host of other adventure activities. Their team will also be giving out prizes for the best costumes, so all types of ghostly and fang-tastic costumes are encouraged. 
  10. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge, Co. Down, (check website for open times). The iconic dagger shared in Game of Thrones successor series House of The Dragon will be on display at Game of Thrones Studio Tour. HBO’s House of the Dragon has brought millions of Gameof Thrones fans back to TV screens around the world – and the successor series focusing on the Targaryen dynasty has shared one of the most iconic weapons from Game of Thrones – the Catspaw Dagger. The original dagger is on display alongside screen-used costumes, original sets, and props at the official Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Northern Ireland.  

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

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