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Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann arrives in Belfast this August!

April 27, 2026

Belfast City Council and Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann have marked 100 days until Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann by unveiling seven new headline acts set to perform at the world’s biggest celebration of Irish music and culture.

As Belfast prepares to host the All-Ireland Fleadh for the first time from Sunday 2 to Sunday 9 August, the newly announced line-up reflects the event’s core traditional music programming, as well as the city’s contemporary creative energy.

Already revealed for the opening event on Sunday 2 August are the legendary Sharon Shannon and her Big Band, award-winning group Goitse and former All-Ireland winners, Blackwater Céilí Band. The seven new acts announced will also perform on the iconic Gig Rig stage which will be located outside Belfast City Hall.

On Wednesday (5 August), audiences can look forward to performances from two dynamic quartet groups, Tempest Ceol and NxNW. The following evening, Thursday (6 August), acclaimed uilleann piper Conor Mallon will take to the stage, captivating crowds with his extraordinary skill alongside band members.

The weekend will be ushered in on Friday (7 August) with Glasgow ensemble TRIP, before Saturday evening (8 August) kicks off with rising talents Peter Street and the electrifying Mec Lir.

The main stage will also host free live performances across all eight days of the event. Following a callout earlier this year, visitors can expect to enjoy a diverse mix of multi-cultural performances and cross-community collaborations throughout the week.

To mark the 100-day milestone, it was also announced today that the opening celebration will include over 100 children from primary and secondary schools across North Down and Belfast as part of a school choir project.

There will also be a special collaborative performance from host branch Ards CCÉ, South Asian Dance Academy and Belfast Bands Forum, as well as an array of champion Irish dancers, led by Riverdance lead, Lauren Smyth.

In celebration of the 75^th anniversary of Comhaltas and the 50^th anniversary of Ards CCÉ, Fleadh 2026 will also see the return of a series of long-standing flagship events which celebrate excellence, creativity, participation and inclusion across the traditional arts. This will include a special anniversary concert by Ards CCÉ in the Ulster Hall, a famous live music venue in Belfast with an equally impressive musical legacy.

‘Ceol na Cruinne’, the Comhaltas International Showcase Concert celebrating global connections and exceptional talent from Comhaltas branches worldwide will also take place in the Ulster Hall, alongside a performance from the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra, a 60-member ensemble of exceptional young musicians, singers, and dancers from across Ireland.

The Flanagan Award, taking place in the impressive Assembly Buildings, will pay tribute to the great banjo players across the traditional Irish music world, whose artistic talents, intellectual gifts, and creative passions represent the very best of Michael Flanagan’s music and spirit.

Comhaltas have announced that this year’s recipient will be Cathal Hayden. Cathal, who hails from County Tyrone, is an accomplished banjo and fiddle player with a distinguished career in traditional Irish music.

Events will also be held inside Belfast City Hall, including the Gradam Inclusion Awards, an uplifting event which celebrates traditional Irish musicians with additional needs, helping to ensure the Fleadh is a place where everyone can share their love of music.

The festival will come to a close on Sunday 9 August with an impressive closing set from the 2026 winners of the prestigious Senior Céilí Band competition – a famous highlight which will bring the eight-day celebration to a powerful finale.

More details on closing events and wider plans for the eight-day extravaganza will be shared in May, including details of a fringe programme that will help create a ‘Culture Night’ style feel to the festival.

Taking in both the city centre and local neighbourhoods, the fringe activity will help to showcase Belfast’s diversity and musical heritage and encourage visitors of all ages to take part, through instrument making workshops, talks and family activities.

Volunteering opportunities are also still open, with Volunteer Now reaching a milestone 1,500 registrations this week.

This interest reflects the scale of local enthusiasm for the event, with volunteers set to play a vital role in welcoming visitors from around the world and helping deliver a memorable Fleadh experience across the city for everyone.

Tickets for the Comhaltas events will go on sale from Friday 1 May from fleadhcheoil.ie, with further details on the wider programme to be shared later in May.

Jacqueline shares her pick of What’s On This Week across NI

April 27, 2026

By whatsonni

Antrim

Grave Stories: folklore and funerals, cemeteries and symbolism – A talk by Dr David Hume. Larne Museum.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Get inspired by the adorable puffins of Puffin Rock as you design and make two colourful fused glass puffin sun catchers to brighten up your room or garden! Market Place Theatre.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Step into the mind of the visionary eighteen-year-old Mary Shelley as she conceives a tale that will resonate for centuries. See Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein at the Lyric Theatre Belfast.

Find out more HERE

Down

Join Montalto Estate for their Magnificent May Weekend – the perfect family day out filled with exciting activities for all ages. Bask in the spring sunshine inside the stunning Walled Garden, relax with live entertainment, and indulge in a mouth-watering BBQ, delicious ice cream, and more.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Stand Up Paddleboarding, also known as SUP, is a great way to explore Upper Lough Erne. Shared Discovery Village. SUP is a relaxing, hybrid of surfing and is becoming increasingly popular. Not only is it a fantastic water-sport for exploring, but it is also great exercise as you get a great workout for your arms and core.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Termoneeny 5k and 10k Race is back!

Join us on Friday 8th May at 7pm, Termoneeny Centre, Lavey for an evening of fun!

Whether you are a seasoned runner, a casual runner or just fancy a sociable walk, there is something for everyone.

5k Walk
5k Run
10k Run

Find out more HERE

Young people to take centre stage at City Hall for Lord Mayor’s Day

April 27, 2026

By whatsonni

Children and teens from across Belfast are invited to enjoy a packed day of free activities and try-it events at City Hall on Saturday 9 May, 1pm-5pm, as the Lord Mayor’s term in office draws to a close.

First Citizen Councillor Tracy Kelly is inviting young people to come along and try their hand at arts, crafts, music, sports, theatre and more.

Children big and small can give sports a go as part of the city’s European City of Sport celebrations, with the chance to try boxing, fencing and table tennis.

Sports clubs Full Circle Martial Arts and Sandy Row Falcons will be showing off their kickboxing and cheerleading moves, while Fitness Freddy will host his high-energy sessions for kids and parents to join in with.

The Belfast Health Development Unit will run Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing workshops, highlighting the value of self-care, nutrition and good mental and physical health. Kids can hop on GLL’s smoothie bikes to make their own healthy treats, while Explore Wellbeing Kids will host relaxed family-friendly mindfulness sessions with fun games and calm music.

Tre-Eco – one of Lord Mayor’s chosen charities this year – will create a space for crafts and mindful colouring where visitors can let go of their worries, together with sunflower planting for green-fingered youngsters.

City Hall’s lawns will also host circus skills workshops, sensory play and creative activities made from recycled materials, while the Great Hall will have a ‘Good Vibes Only’ disco rave and a silent disco for music fans.

Children with additional needs can create their own theatre performance with Open Arts’ Take Away Theatre (pre-booking needed – email info@openartsni.org).

Visitors can also make crafts from around the world with ArtsEkta and step into the creative world of VR gaming, animation and DJing with Wheelworks Arts.

Stuart Robinson from Cool FM will also be on hand with music, interactive fun and prize giveaways and Little Heroes and NI Alternatives – two more of Lord Mayor’s charities – will highlight their work in the city.

There might even be some surprise characters to spot around City Hall grounds too!

Councillor Kelly said: “I’ve been meeting with young people throughout my term to make sure they feel engaged in our city, understand what it can offer them and hear their feedback on what works, and what matters, to them.

“I’m following that through with my Lord Mayor’s Day event, a really colourful and fun day which everyone can come along and enjoy.

“There’s a real focus on sports, creativity and music – all areas where our children and young people can excel, develop skills, build friendships and improve their resilience and wellbeing.

“I’m really looking forward to a jam-packed day and to celebrating our city’s amazing young people, with a great day out.”

Stuart Robinson, Content Director with Bauer Media Audio NI, said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be broadcasting live and taking part in the Lord Mayor’s Day celebrations at City Hall.

“It’s a fantastic occasion that really brings the whole city together, and it’s a privilege to be part of such a vibrant and proud community event.”

Entry to Lord Mayor’s Day is free, with more information available at belfastcity.gov.uk/lordmayorsday

Discover More – Ards and North Down Unveils 2026/27 Guided Walks and Tours Programme

April 27, 2026

By whatsonni

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the launch of its Guided Walks and Tours 2026/27 programme, running from May 2026 through January 2027. This year’s schedule brings together 14 immersive, story-rich tours, offering residents and visitors the chance to step behind the scenes of historic estates, uncover hidden heritage, and experience the region in new and inspiring ways.

Part of the wider Experience Ards and North Down offering, the Guided Walks and Tours programme celebrates local culture, landscape, traditions, and personalities—all brought to life by expert local guides and storytellers. and passionate local hosts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:
“We are incredibly proud to showcase the very best of our borough through this year’s Guided Walks and Tours programme. Each tour shines a light on the rich stories, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality that define Ards and North Down. Whether you live here or are visiting for the first time, these experiences offer a truly special way to connect with the heritage and spirit of our region.”

The 2026/27 Guided Walks and Tours offer something for everyone—from lovers of local history and horticulture to those drawn to folklore, coastal tales, live music and seasonal events, including:

New for 2026

Stories and Songs of the Sea – Bangor (23 May)
A unique heritage through music walking tour through Bangor’s historic coastal spaces.
Gifted Hearts of Bangor – Bangor (6 June)
A colourful journey into the stories, secrets and scandals that shaped Bangor’s character.

Much-loved highlights

Gardener’s Delight – Ballywalter Park (23 May)
Join Food Historian Lady Dunleath for an intimate tour of the estate’s private walled garden, followed by homemade cake and a Q&A.
Jenny Watts Boat Trip – Bangor (23 & 24 May)
Explore Bangor Bay by boat with Brian Meharg and hear the story of legendary smuggler Jenny Watt.
Trad and Tide – Bangor Bay & Strangford Lough (21 June)
Enjoy folklore, live traditional music, wildlife and sea air aboard locally operated vessels. Step aboard and discover rich folklore, vibrant traditional music, incredible wildlife and refreshing sea breezes on our unforgettable boat trips.
Greyabbey Estate Garden Tour – Greyabbey (26 July)
A rare opportunity to visit this private estate guided by owners William and Daphne Montgomery.
Paws for Gin – Donaghadee (23 August)
A dog friendly coastal tour including a locally crafted Copeland Gin cocktail and pup goody bag.

Find out more and book your tickets now, visitardsandnorthdown.com/experienceAND (Online booking fees apply).

Social Media Fest Confirms Final Speaker Line-Up For Belfast Debut

April 27, 2026

By Tina Calder

The full line-up of local expert speakers has been announced for the first Social Media Fest taking place in Belfast this week.

The conference, which has become one of the most talked-about events in Ireland, will see 11 speakers take to the stage at the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on Wednesday, April 29.

Social Media Fest, which has previously run in Wexford and Dublin, will run from 9am to 5pm and is built around the theme “Connect, Create, Conquer: Mastering the Social Media Landscape”.

Aimed at business owners, managers, marketers, freelancers, creators and entrepreneurs who want practical guidance on growing their presence online, the conference will tackle subjects from AI, email marketing and video creation to LinkedIn, Meta ads, websites, sales and marketing strategy.

Conference director Esther Ocampo, who took over the brand in 2025, said the final line-up reflects the practical, local and community-focused nature of the event.

She explained: “We’ve spent four events building something in Dublin and Wexford that people genuinely value, and the appetite from Northern Ireland has been impossible to ignore.

“Belfast is a city full of ambitious business owners who deserve access to the same quality of conversation and the same practical tools that our southern attendees have been benefiting from. Bringing Social Media Fest to Belfast felt like the natural next step.”

The final speaker line-up includes Danielle Serpico from Blackbelt Mastermind, who will deliver “The Hidden Psychology Behind Why People Buy”, Ruth Young from Ruthless Media, who will present “Are Your Meta Ads Working Against You?”, and Niamh Cushnahan from Purple Dot Media, who will deliver “From Pocket to Performance: Create Videos That Connect and Convert”.

Also joining the Belfast stage will be Niraj Kapur from Everybody Works In Sales with “How to write content on LinkedIn people connect with”, Turan Mirza from Feel Good Hypnosis with “Conquer Your Social Media Fears: Mindset Mastery for Creators”, and Tina Calder from Entrepreneurs Unleashed with “AI For Marketing” and Julia Bohnert from HighLevel with “The AI Flywheel.

Conference director Esther Ocampo herself will also take to the stage, delivering “Create Loyalty Through Email: The Small Business Advantage” on behalf of IPA Group.

The line-up also features Colleen O’Donnell from Marque Digital Marketing with “Connect & collaborate to grow your online presence”, Patricia Greene from The Web Crew with “From Social Media to Sales: Why Your Website Matters More Now Than Ever”, and Pádraig Fitzsimons from Done Different Media with “How Smart Automations Make Brands More Human”.

New for the Belfast event, organisers have also confirmed a round table element of the day, designed to encourage connection and conversation as much as learning from the stage.

Round table discussions will include Google Analytics with Amanda Webb from Spiderworking, Podcasting with Melanie Boylan from The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast and STOMP SM Training, and Marketing Strategy with Hanna McDonnell from Hanna McDonnell Marketing.

What organisers say sets this conference apart from others in the sector is its deliberate focus on speakers who understand the specific realities of hyperlocal markets, delivering advice that attendees can act on immediately to make a difference in their business.

“Not only do we want to showcase the expertise and talent available in the marketing field across Northern Ireland and Ireland, but we wanted speakers that could show people not only how to shoot for the moon and a global audience but speakers who knew the importance of hyperlocal campaigns and how these can translate into incredibly powerful strategies for standing out in a global market too.”

Rather than drawing in names from outside Ireland who present strategies built around budgets and technologies that most local businesses can’t access, Social Media Fest Belfast will feature speakers rooted in the Northern Ireland and Irish business landscape, offering guidance that translates directly to the challenges facing entrepreneurs here.

Esther added: “There’s a tendency at conferences to bring in people from major cities in England or the US who tell you what is working for brands with enormous budgets, and you sit there thinking, that is never going to apply to my business. That is not what Social Media Fest is about.

“Every speaker at this event understands the local market. They know what it takes to build a business here, to reach customers here, and to grow from here. The advice you will hear on the day is advice you can take out of the room and use immediately, whether that means connecting with the person beside you, posting something that afternoon, or finally tackling the platform you have been putting off for months.”

Topics across the day will span the full social media landscape, including artificial intelligence, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, email marketing, video content, SEO and AEO, branding, paid advertising, Google Analytics, podcasting, community building, automation and marketing strategy, with each subject approached through the lens of what is achievable for small and medium-sized businesses today.

Sponsors and partners for the event include IPA Group, The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast, Entrepreneurs Unleashed, Ruthless Media, The Blackbelt Mastermind, FSB and HighLevel. HighLevel’s Julia Bohnert will also take to the stage with “The AI Flywheel”, while attendees will have the chance to win a set of AirPods Max on the day.

The overarching theme of “Connect, Create, Conquer” was chosen deliberately to reflect the journey organisers want attendees to go on across the day: starting with building genuine connections at a local level, developing content and communications that resonate, and ultimately building the kind of online presence that supports business growth at home and beyond.

“The conference follows a clear arc,” said Esther.

“We want people to connect – with the person sitting next to them, with their local community, with the broader island.

“We want them to create – content that actually works, emails that people open, videos that reflect who they really are.

“And then we want them to conquer – starting with their own backyard and then thinking about how to expand beyond it.

“It sounds simple, but most conferences never give you the time or the space to think through all three.”

Previous editions of Social Media Fest have drawn more than 200 in-person attendees, with a further 65 joining virtually, and the event’s hashtag has trended consistently across social platforms.

Testimonials from past attendees point to the atmosphere as much as the content, with one describing the experience as “a day away from the office to surround yourself with like-minded, enthusiastic and empowering people in business.”

Tickets for Social Media Fest Belfast 2026 are on sale now with subsidised tickets available for students, those who are unemployed, economically inactive, disabled or on the Job Start programme as well as registered charities and social enterprises, with organisers encouraging anyone in those categories to get in touch directly for a reduced-price code.

Esther added: “We’re very aware that not everyone has the same budget, and we want Social Media Fest to be genuinely accessible.

“If cost is a barrier, we want to hear from you. There are options, and we don’t want anyone to miss out if we can make something work.

“We also have group tickets and further opportunities for sponsoring elements of the day.”

Social Media Fest 2026 takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast, on Wednesday April 29. Doors open at 8.30am for registration and the conference runs until 5pm. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/SMFestPress

For further information, visit socialmediafestglobal.com or email hello@socialmediafest.ie

Ards Arts Centre Welcomes a Solo Exhibition by Lisa Ballard and a Group Exhibition by Brain Injury Matters NI and Rachel Fitzpatrick

April 23, 2026

By whatsonni

Ards Arts Centre is pleased to announce the opening of two new exhibitions: There and Back, a solo exhibition by Lisa Ballard and REFRAMING & CONNECTING, a group exhibition by Brain Injury Matters NI and Rachel Fitzpatrick. Both exhibitions will run from Thursday 30 April to Saturday 23 May.

There and Back by Donaghadee based visual artist Lisa Ballard, is an exploration into the processes used in her landscape painting, processes that serve to represent the blurred memories we have of places and allows the creation of a new imagined landscape. These landscape paintings will look beyond the physical to draw on emotional experience and memory of place, pushing towards abstraction.

Travelling has been vital in Lisa’s personal exploration of painting as a medium. This exhibition will feature a selection of new work inspired by past locations she has visited, both near and far.

Led by artist, researcher and designer Rachel Fitzpatrick, REFRAMING & CONNECTING features a new site‑specific installation co‑created with Brain Injury Matters NI. Drawing on Fitzpatrick’s practice at the intersection of creative health, craft and museums, and her lived experience of acquired brain injury, the work builds on past collaborations exhibited at Roe Valley Arts Centre in Limavady, Trinity College Dublin and Penn State University, USA.

Audiences can expect an immersive installation made from intricate paper crafts, exploring journeys of rehabilitation, reconnection and identity, and revealing often‑unseen narratives of life after acquired brain injury through collaborative making and storytelling.

An opening reception will take place on Thursday 30 April from 7–9pm, where visitors can enjoy a complimentary drink, meet the artists, and explore the work.

For more information on the exhibitions, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Coleraine to Host Armed Forces Day 2026 Celebration

April 22, 2026

By whatsonni

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce that Armed Forces Day 2026 will take place in Coleraine on Saturday 20 June 2026, from 10am to 4pm.

Residents and visitors are invited to attend this major celebration recognising the service and dedication of the Armed Forces. Coleraine Town Centre will come alive with a vibrant programme of free entertainment, displays and activities, offering an enjoyable day out for families and visitors of all ages.

Delivered in partnership with representatives from the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force, the event will honour serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets who have contributed to protecting and supporting the United Kingdom at home and overseas.

A full day of activity will begin with a military parade through the town centre at 11am, bringing together service personnel, veterans’ organisations and cadet units. A Drumhead Service will follow, with the parade arriving at Christie Park at approximately 12 noon.

Christie Park will host a wide range of attractions throughout the afternoon, including interactive military displays, armoured vehicles and opportunities to meet serving personnel. Highlights will include a Royal Air Force flypast, currently expected to feature the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota, alongside a parachute display by the RAF Falcons.

Additional highlights will include live musical performances, a nine-round Feu de Joie fired across the River Bann by 206 (Ulster) Battery Royal Artillery, and a range of military exhibits. The event will culminate in a Beating

Retreat at 4pm by the Band, Bugles, Pipes and Drums of the Royal Irish Regiment.

Aircraft participation is subject to operational availability and will be confirmed closer to the event.

Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Richard Brown Stewart, welcomed the event to Coleraine, saying:

“We are delighted to host this year’s Northern Ireland Armed Forces Day. Our Borough has a strong and long-standing connection with the Armed Forces, so I know it will be a great source of pride for many residents to host Armed Forces Day in Coleraine.

“We look forward to welcoming thousands of visitors from across Northern Ireland to Coleraine on Saturday, June 20. A fantastic programme is planned, including a parade, drum head service, ground exhibits at Christie Park and a gun salute. It really will be a fantastic event for all of the family.”

Air Marshal Sean Reynolds CB CBE DFC RAF, Air Officer Northern Ireland, said:

“I am delighted to announce that the widely recognised UK’s premier military parachute Display Team, the ‘Falcons’ will showcase the excellence of the Royal Air Force at the Armed Forces Day 26 with their exciting free fall display, which includes advanced manoeuvres, falling at speeds up to 120 mph.

“The ‘Falcons’ will be accompanied by the iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C47 Dakota flypast at what is promising to be a fantastic day out at Coleraine with special thanks to our hosts at Causeway Coast and

Glens Borough Council. As ever it is a unique opportunity to engage with the people of Northern Ireland and demonstrate how the Armed Forces protects our people and endeavours to add value.”

Causeway Coast and Glens Veterans’ Champion, Councillor Dawn Huggins, added:

“Armed Forces Day is an important day in the military calendar. It is a day when we come together to honour the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve, and those who have served, in our Armed Forces. The events planned for June 20 in Coleraine will also help us pay tribute to our veterans, those men and women who have stepped out of uniform but have never stopped serving their communities.

“I am also pleased that the event in Coleraine will also be a chance to recognise the families who stand behind our service personnel, providing strength and support through long separations and uncertain times.”

Armed Forces Day provides an important opportunity for communities across the UK to show their support for the Armed Forces family, from those currently serving to veterans, reservists and cadets.

Coleraine’s hosting of Armed Forces Day 2026 is expected to attract large crowds and will be a key highlight of the Borough’s summer events programme.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date, Saturday 20 June 2026, with further details, including the full programme and parking information, to be announced in the coming months.

Holding space: Inside social work

April 15, 2026

By whatsonni

The first ever photography exhibition capturing a view inside social work across Northern Ireland has been launched this week by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council).

‘Holding space: Inside social work’ has been curated by the Social Care Council and supported by the Department of Health, with support from across sector social work organisations. The exhibition is part of the Social Care Council’s annual March ‘Thank you’ campaign celebrating the contribution of different roles within social work and encouraging people to consider social work as a valuable and fulfilling career choice.

Throughout the month (which coincides with World Social Work Day, 17 March 2026) the Social Care Council share stories and encourage others to do so, too, about the different aspects of social work for which we can be thankful for.

Tracy Reid, Chief Executive Social Care Council, said:

“Northern Ireland’s over 6,900 social workers are a vital part of the communities they serve. These powerful images are a brief snapshot of the contribution made by social workers and give real context to the work they do for us all., This photography project gives insight into a much-misunderstood profession. As the regulator of the profession, we support this campaign each year to recognise the contribution social workers make and show the true spirit of the social work profession. We encourage people to take time to go and see the difference social work is making to communities themselves.”

Independent photographer Rory Moore worked with the Social Care Council to capture real social workers as they work to support people of every age, in the places and moments when their support is needed most. It showcases just some of the work taking place across the health and social care, justice, education and community and voluntary sectors inviting attendees to pause, reflect and learn more about the role of social work in our communities.

Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health added:

“World Social Work Month is an important moment each year for us to pause and recognise the extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism shown by social workers across Northern Ireland. I am especially delighted that this year’s celebrations include the ‘Holding space: Inside social work ’exhibition. These images offer a rare and authentic window into the realities of practice – capturing social workers in the places and spaces where it matters most and highlighting the diversity of roles they undertake across health and social care, justice, education, and the community and voluntary sectors. I would encourage everyone to check it out when it comes a location near you.”

Kicking off at the North West Regional College this week for two weeks, it will then travel to the South West College Dungannon (18 March – 25 March) and then after Easter ending at Belfast Metropolitan College (13 April – 23 April).

Dr Catherine O’Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, North West Regional College welcomed the exhibition to its first location at the college, saying:

“We are proud to be the first host of the ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ here at the North West Regional College. This is a powerful exhibition that shines a light on the remarkable work social workers carry out every day across our communities. The images offer our students, staff and visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the what social work is and the vital role it plays in supporting people at every stage of life. We are delighted to partner in this initiative and to help open conversations, inspire future careers, and celebrate the professionalism and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland.”

Where you can view ‘Holding space: inside social work’

2-12 March – North West Regional College, Strand Road Campus, DIAL Centre

18-27 March – South West College, Front Reception, Dungannon Campus

13-24 April – Belfast Metropolitan College, Titanic Campus

Are you interested in a career as a social worker?

To train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland you need to complete the Honours Degree in Social Work. Check out our Interested in becoming a social worker? page for more information.

The social work month ‘Thank you’ campaign will continue throughout the month of March. As well as the photography exhibition it will feature first-person stories of social workers and their journey throughout their career. You can find out more about the campaign and digital resources by clicking here.

Contributing organisations:

Photo credit: All photographs in Holding space: Inside Social Work were taken by Rory Moore – www.rorymoore.com.

Action Ability Brings Soul to the Grand Opera House with a New Show Celebrating Talent, Heart and 15 Years of Theatre Magic

April 14, 2026

By whatsonni

Get your tickets fast before they are all Souled Out!

The stage of the Grand Opera House will once again come alive with energy as Action Ability Belfast, the Northern Ireland-based charity that champions social inclusion for people with disabilities, returns with its latest, one night only production, Souled Out!, a powerful celebration of creativity, inclusion and talent.

For more than 15 years, Action Ability and the Grand Opera House have shared a hugely successful partnership, bringing sell-out shows, standing ovations and “great craic” to audiences year after year. From their very first production, Oh Mummy Mia!, to today, these performances have become a much-anticipated highlight in the Theatre’s calendar, not just for audiences, but for the performers themselves, who relish the opportunity to take centre stage in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic venues.

Action Ability Belfast has been championing inclusion since 1998, working to ensure people with learning, physical or sensory disabilities are supported to live full lives within their own communities. What began as a small, social drama activity has evolved into a respected drama production with this annual performance reflecting the true heart of the cast.

Each show is the culmination of a year-long process of rehearsals and training. With some performers their journey spans more than a decade and they step onto the Grand Opera House stage each year as confident, seasoned performers and professionals in every sense.

At its core, this annual production is about dispelling outdated myths around disability. This is not about limitations; it is about talent and the power of performance.

Grand Opera House Chief Executive, Ian Wilson said: “Action Ability’s shows are always among the most uplifting and memorable performances to grace our stage. The quality of the work, the commitment of the performers and the sheer joy they bring to the Theatre is exceptional. This is not simply a feel-good night out, it is outstanding live performance brought to you by a charity that continues to challenge perceptions and open doors to opportunity.

“We are incredibly proud of our long-standing relationship with Action Ability and delighted to welcome them back to the Grand Opera House.”

For Action Ability, the show means far more than a night in the spotlight. Joe McNally, Project Co-ordinator at Action Ability Belfast, said: “These performances mean so much to our drama group and to everyone at Action Ability. What audiences see on stage is the result of a full year of rehearsals, training, teamwork and personal growth. For some of our performers, this journey began with our first Grand Opera House production over 15 years ago, and today they are confident, accomplished performers who know this stage inside out.

“Standing in the Grand Opera House, doing what they love, is incredibly powerful. It reinforces everything we believe in as a charity, that disability should never define what someone can achieve, and that talent deserves to be celebrated.”

Audiences can expect laughter, emotion and memories that will last long after the curtain falls. With previous productions consistently receiving glowing reviews and packed houses, demand is high.

Tickets are on sale now from the Grand Opera House box office or online https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/action-ability-souled-out. Early booking is strongly recommended.