Bigger, better and set to be burgeoning with the best of music is the promise of Belfast City Blues Festival as the 2021 dates are confirmed.
The iconic festival will return to have the streets, pubs and clubs alive with the blues from Friday, June 25 to Sunday June 27.
Festival Director, Seamus O’Neill, pledged to bring a “bit of light in people’s lives” after the lockdown killed off live music from mid-March.
“It’s been so tough this year, but I think the prospect of live music is what we need,” he said.
“We are planning to make our 13th festival the best yet, bringing the best local, national and international talent to Belfast.”
The 2020 festival took place online, with people checking in from across the world, and while the festival has contingency plans should restrictions remain in place Seamus and the festival team are ready to return Belfast City Blues Festival come back in style.
“We’ve been working hard behind the scenes during these very uncertain and trying times to create the best and biggest festival for our great city, its citizens and many friends around the world in 2021,” he said “Our mission is to bring back that smile once again that we see on people’s faces at our many gigs, and the connections and friendships that result and, of course, great music.”
And, his message to the musicians is “We haven’t forgotten you! We’re ready to welcome you back on stage to once again celebrate Belfast hosting one of the biggest blues festivals in the land.
“Our mission is to say, Belfast, we are back. Three days of great music with great people in a great city.”
You can play your part in making sure the festival continues to thrive.
“We created the 2020 online festival with no funding from sponsors or funders and so far we’re in the same position for 2021 as Belfast gets back on its feet.”
The festival is appealing for donations to keep the music alive.
You can register for the festival to be kept up to date with developments and artist announcements or make a donation at https://bit.ly/3oH8NY8.
NI Scrubs team (from left) Clara Maybin, Angeline Murphy, Chloe Dugan and Clare Caulfield. Pic: Kasia Rogowiec | Polka dot Photo
The mammoth effort of pulling together thousands of people to sew scrubs, scrub hats and gowns for hospitals, hospices, care homes and other caring professionals has drawn to a close with 106,000 items delivered to key workers throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The brainchild of Clara Maybin at the start of the first lockdown, when nursing and care staff were facing shortages, it grew from an appeal to become an army of 9,000 sewers, including Great British Sewing Bee contestant, Angeline Murphy.
In addition a total of £75,000 was raised to purchase the material to make the items.
Now hospitals have said they have sufficient stocks but Clara believes NI Scrubs has started something great.
“The sheer sense of community we have created will last for a long time,” she said. “We have built a real sewing community in Northern Ireland where people have made friends and ask for sewing advice every day. It is a truly invaluable group to a lot of people, in so many ways.”
Angeline also believes the legacy will live on: “It was a great campaign that helped more than just the front line staff. It helped thousands of stitchers rediscover their skills, meet new friends and give back to society.”
It all started when Clara began collecting unused scrubs from dentists that were closing in lockdown.
“When I said I was doing that people started to say they could sew,” she explained.
“Overnight we had far too many people for the WhatsApp group and I had to set up a Facebook group
“The next day we had 80, the next week we had 800 and now we have nearly 9000.”
It was a challenge that consumed every waking hour for Clara.
“When I sit and think about it, it is madness,” she said. When I think of how tough it was it is very overwhelming. Every day got harder and harder, as more messages came through it was very hard to manage. And getting fabric to people up and down the country was so hard during the lockdown.”
Angeline became involved initially to join the scrub sewing army, but then realised her TV appearance meant she could do more.
“I initially got involved to start sewing but realised that to make an impact I would be better suited to helping raise awareness of it from my profile on Sewing Bee and social media so I was able to get my followers on my pages to help,” she explained.
And, while NI Scrubs is winding down Angeline wants to continue supporting the sewing community.
“I feel I have a duty to keep the stitchers together and use their skills for the greater good,” she said “I have formed another group NI Big Community Sew in line with the UK wide campaign to make face coverings for the vulnerable in society.”
As for Clara she said she now plans to rest, and can reflect on the wider benefits of NI Scrubs.
“The sheer sense of community we have created will last for a long time,” she said. “Not only have we helped front line staff, I have had several messages from those helping saying we have helped their mental health through lockdown, which is amazing.”
Angeline believes that it has also made a difference beyond the scrubs.
“Together we have made a big difference and all though seen as a dying art sewing is making a comeback,” she explained. “It also proved that when people work together great things can be achieved.”
Northern Ireland-based children’s theatre company Cahoots NI’s latest show The University of Wonder & Imagination will end its successful run at the Belfast International Arts Festival this weekend.
Running until November 1 the immersive digital theatre experience will be delivered via Zoom direct to young audiences at home.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers. In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Cahoots NI will broadcast from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.
Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.
Starring actors Sean Kearns (Newry), Hugh Brown (Bangor), Philippa O’Hara (Belfast), Lata Sharma (Bangor) and magician Caolan McBride (Armagh) audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.
Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”
The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.
For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI
Christmas may look a lot different this year, however Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council still plans to share some festive cheer.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery with Santa Claus as they launch the Council’s virtual Christmas campaign ‘Log onto Christmas’
A ‘Virtual Christmas’ will be organised for each of the Christmas tree ‘switch ons’ across the seven District Electoral Areas (DEA’s): Antrim Town, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Glengormley, Mossley, Randalstown and Rathcoole. Plans for this festive programme ‘Log onto Christmas’ include an interactive children’s story with Mr Hullabaloo, radio presenter, live music, Santa, lots of prizes and many more sparkling surprises.
Reluctantly the Council has decided not to proceed with the annual flagship event, Enchanted Winter Garden. Given the nature of the event, the current circumstances relating to the NI Executive restrictions and the significant uncertainty about what might exist in November/December, a decision was made to bring the event back in 2021 bigger and better than before, circumstances permitting.
This award-winning event has grown annually to become one of Northern Ireland’s flagship Christmas experiences which attracted 85,000 visitors to Antrim Castle Gardens last year, with several thousand visitors attending each evening of the three week event run.
The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said “I am looking forward to the Council’s virtual Christmas programme and the Christmas spirit it will bring to the many households across the Borough.
“We have all became more digital savvy during the recent months, and this innovative virtual programme will bring us all together during this particularly special time of year.
“It is unfortunate that Enchanted Winter Garden has had to be put on hold until next year. Public safety is paramount and I look forward to a bigger and brighter Enchanted Winter Garden Experience in 2021.”
The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association today (October 21) warned that the sector is facing devastation unless current restrictions preventing deliveries after 11pm are ended immediately.
Under the recent legislative restrictions delivery services must end by 11pm, resulting in losses, redundancies and potentially businesses being forced to close permanently.
A survey of members revealed that thousands of pounds are being lost every week, yet no financial aid is available.
“Members of the Takeaway Association are struggling as a result of this new restriction,” said Director, Michael Henderson.
“We have been there throughout the current crisis, providing an essential service, especially to the hard working key workers who often work irregular hours.
“Yet our members are being told we have to close at 11pm, for the first time since this began.”
The 11pm closing means for takeaways to get all orders out on time to customers with a high standard of food quality they would be limited to taking last orders around 9:45pm.
Mr Henderson said that in England, Wales, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland no such restrictions are in place, even in the areas that are in the highest tier of lockdown.
“Previously the takeaway delivery trade were classed as essential workers which lead to the whole takeaway sector putting strict Covid-19 precautions in place spending hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of pounds to do so. By doing this the takeaway industry in Northern Ireland helped reduce the spread of Covid-19 with measures such as contactless deliveries and PPE equipment.”
Today the Takeaway Association has written to the Executive and MLAs to request that the 11pm delivery restrictions end in order to avoid damaging businesses. It has also sought urgent clarification to the financial package that may be offered that currently states ‘Cafe, pubs and restaurants that have been temporarily forced to close to limit their business to takeaway, delivery or outdoor service’.
Mr Henderson said that in response to a query from the Finance minister he was told that no financial aid was going to be made to the takeaway sector.
In an email to the NI Takeaway Association a colleague of Finance Minister Conor Murphy said: “I was speaking to the minister last night. He advised me that the legislation does not factor in takeaways firstly as they have not had to close, whereas restaurants and cafés do. In addition the legislation also deems them as not having lost as much custom through the legislation. The reduced delivery service is viewed as not being a hindrance to the businesses as there are no hospitality outlets (i.e bars and nightclubs) open and therefore the demand for takeaway food past 11pm is much lower than previously.”
Despite multiple attempts to meet with members of the Executive and several requests for clarification from the Executive press office Mr Henderson has said he no longer has a choice and must represent his members in the most public manner.
He added: “We were angered to learn that the attitude was that as takeaway and delivery services had been allowed to open previously they were not going to be included,” he said.
“Furthermore, it has been communicated to us that as hospitality outlets were not open the view was that takeaway and delivery services would not need to be available as there would not be any passing trade.
“This is preposterous, and the minister and the Executive should reconsider to allow the takeaway industry to continue to deliver past 11pm as a matter of priority.”
Mr Henderson also urged members to react quickly to the changing circumstances.
“We are advising everyone in the takeaway industry across Northern Ireland to spend valuable time assessing their offering and ensuring all their marketing materials are up to date and listings on online delivery platforms are current and showcase the best of your menu,” he said.
The association has created a consultation package for new and existing members can receive advice.
“From pivoting your business into takeaway, improving your current offering and human resources to legal, financial, marketing and advertising we have industry experts ready to help businesses overcome the challenges ahead,” he explained.
Calling all students! Join the University of Wonder & Imagination from the comfort of your own home for a magical experience this autumn.
This hour-long interactive digital theatre production delivered via Zoom allows families to direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.
The show, where magic and illusion have no boundaries, is part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1
Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.
Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours. For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI
Need something to do with your kids over the next 2 weeks?
CahootsNI’s new online Zoom show The University of Wonder and Imagination will be opening THIS THURSDAY as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1 🎭🎟️
This immersive digital theatre experience will be bringing the magic and joy of theatre to families and young audiences at home.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production delivered via Zoom that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers.
Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and magic and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.
Bangor born actor and performer, Hugh Brown, is set to star in Cahoots NI’s immersive digital theatre experience with the aim of bringing the magic and joy of theatre to young audiences at home.
The University of Wonder and Imagination is an hour-long interactive digital theatre production that allows audiences to effectively direct the performance, based on their interaction with the performers from the comfort of their own home.
In this ambitious and innovative undertaking, Hugh will be part of the Cahoots NI team broadcasting from an extensive, purpose-built set in Belfast, where magic and illusion have no boundaries.
Hugh said that he was excited to be taking part, and can’t wait until audiences get to experience it.
The whole vision behind the show is exciting and as usual with Cahoots there are high production values and a real commitment to good storytelling, character, magic, illusion, music and in this case online technology,” he said.
“As with all Cahoots shows all the ingredients are there to make world class theatre for young audiences, it’s just this time we are not on the traditional stage we are used to.”
The show will have it’s Northern Ireland premiere as part of this year’s Belfast International Arts Festival running from October 22nd – 25th and 29th – November 1.
The 49-year-old is no stranger to the ambitious productions of the theatre company.
“For many years now I’ve been involved with the development of many Cahoots shows, either as an actor or also as a writer or librettist,” Hugh explained.
“In this case the Artistic Director Paul Bosco McEneaney approached me to write some scenes and to develop a part for myself with him making it the best of both worlds.”
Limited to pre-booked audience numbers per performance, guests will assemble with their fellow University students and, led by the mysterious Professor Bamberg, will embark on a journey where nothing is quite what it seems.
Audiences will interact with lively lecturers, experience themed rooms filled with illusion and encounter problems and puzzles in an attempt to unlock magical powers and graduate with flying colours.
Hugh said: “A huge amount of effort is going into the development of this show on all levels. From writing and development, vision and production, technology and design there is a crack team of individuals working together to produce what I believe will be hugely entertaining and a theatrical revelation in these unusual and testing times.”
Hugh specialises in making theatre for young audiences, and his credits include a one-man show under the guise of Jitterbug Jackson, and has for more than 15 years been involved in the creation and performance of many shows by Cahoots NI.
His credits include writing, producing, directing andperforming in a feature film in Cambodia, Inside The Belly Of A Dragon, and has been almost constantly involved with extensive productions.
“Before lockdown we toured in China for two months with the Cahoots NI show, Shh We Have a Plan that was an amazing experience” said Hugh.
“Since lockdown I have been doing a lot of writing and I created a video series on YouTube called Jitterbug TV which was designed to provide some entertainment and interactive fun for families looking for a little distraction and alternative to the pressures of home schooling.”
Speaking about the new production, Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, Creator/Director of The University of Wonder and Imagination, and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI, said: “We are thrilled to be opening the doors of the University of Wonder and Imagination for enrolment.
“Now, more than ever, we want to capture the sheer joy and wonder that theatre and live performance brings young audiences, something we so desperately miss being able to provide at this time. We have worked hard to create an experience that would act as a first step to bridge the gap between young people and live theatre that can be enjoyed at home.
“Developing this production has allowed us to explore a completely new channel through which to bring magic and illusion to children and their families via digital technology. The choices our audiences make live, during the event, will shape their unique theatre experience – and that’s hugely exciting for us.
“The technology we are using for the production is intricate, but it will be seamlessly blended with physical sets and magical illusions. Our audiences haven’t seen anything like this from Cahoots NI before, and we believe it will be a fun-filled, thrilling experience for children, for their families and for our cast and crew to be a part of.”
The University of Wonder and Imagination is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Despite the enormous challenges presented to the Arts as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, Cahoots NI continues to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their latest show, The University of Wonder and Imagination, this Autumn.
“This latest show promises to be a wonder to behold! The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many online, helping to bring great art to everyone.”
Cahoots NI is at the forefront of Northern Irish theatre and is the leading professional theatre company producing work for children. Since beginning operations in 2001, Cahoots NI has produced original, critically acclaimed work for children including Under the Hawthorn Tree, Secrets of Space, Shh! We have a Plan and has toured its work internationally including in China and the USA.
For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media #UniversityofWonder #CahootsNI
Meta Auden Business Owner of Spectra Sensory Clothing.
Finding the right clothing for children with Sensory Processing Disorder SPD or Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can be a challenge for every parent, but weighted clothing can provide a solution that works in several ways.
Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing explained that weighted clothing is often recommended by occupational therapists as the wearable items can help to provide deep touch pressure for children with autism, who may experience SPD or difficulties with self-regulation.
“Not only does weighted clothing help to reduce anxiety, it can also help to create a feeling of calm; increases focus and concentration, decreases hyperactivity and enables a child to become more aware of their body,” said Meta.
“While weighted exercise clothing is designed to increase the intensity of physical activity, in children with autism, such items provide deep pressure, which sends signals to the brain, helping the child to feel calm and enabling them to focus better.”
A range of different weighted clothing is available including weighted vests, sensory weighted hats, weighted jackets, weighted backpacks, weighted blankets as well as weighted lap pads and shoulder weights.
“Weighted vests are perhaps the most popular weighted clothing item,” Meta explained.
“It is often described as similar to giving your child a ‘bear hug’. They are often recommended by occupational therapists.”
And their popularity has been backed up.
“An American study by Nancy L VandenBerg, which was carried out in 2001, actually found that on-task behaviour increased by up to 25% when children with autism wore weighted vests for fine motor tasks,” she said.
“With weighted vests, deep pressure is applied to your child’s body and shoulders, helping to reduce challenging and sensory seeking behaviour, and thereby encouraging the child to focus on tasks such as homework or simply resting.”
Meta set up Spectra Sensory Clothing after learning how much clothing affected her autistic daughter.
Since then she has been working to provide products that are suitable and help those with SPD or autism.
A range of the weighted products are available on the website, and Meta was keen to explain what weighted products can do.
“Weighed jackets, hoodies or fleeces, for example, have a calming and organising effect on the how the body is affected by the position and movement of the body),” she said.
“These clothing items are particularly popular since they provide sensory feedback for a child but look like ‘ordinary’ clothing and don’t stand out as a therapeutic aid.
“Most jackets, hoodies etc, possess pockets which, as with the hats, enable weights to be inserted and removed as required.
“Weighted jackets have proven to be particularly popular in the classroom, where they are used to reduce excessive fidgeting and to promote better concentration.”
Another weighted item are weighted blankets, that are often recommended by occupational therapists to encourage and promote calming and sleep.
“Weighted blankets can also have an organising effect on your child’s central nervous system,” said Meta.
“Many children with autism and SPD often crave pressure and, since many are often attached to one particular blanket as a source of comfort and calm, these blankets can bring double the benefits.
“As a general rule of thumb, weighted blankets are recommended for use at 10% of your child’s body weight plus one pound (2.2kg).”
Weighted hats are, perhaps the most discreet or weighted clothing for children.
“Sensory weighted hats have an inner liner, which contains weights that can be easily inserted and removed as required, and can enable the weight to be adapted to your child’s specific requirements,” she explained.
Weighted backpacks provide support while on the go and many designs also come with a headphone port, which enables comforting music to be played, and sensory strips for fidgeting.
Meta said that weighted lap pads and shoulder weights are useful in many situations.
“A weighted lap pad is ideal as part of a sensory diet for when your child is in the classroom or involved in tabletop activities at home,” she explained.
“The pads, which have been developed to help children calm and to enable them to sit comfortably, while simultaneously experiencing deep pressure sensory input, are perfect for helping to reduce your child’s fidgeting and to improve his or her memory.
“Items such as weighted shoulder wraps also help to apply deep pressure to your child’s shoulders, making them an ideal weighted solution for use anywhere.”
Meta added that these clothing solutions help children to feel more grounded and to reconnect with the world around them.
“Children with SPD and autism have enough to deal with on a daily basis without having to cope with the discomfort and distress caused by their clothing. By opting for sensory clothing, you can help to remove the aggravation caused by your child’s clothing and enable them to feel comfortable both in their clothing – and in their own skin” said Meta.
Chief Executive Michael Henderson of NI Takeaway Association.
The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association has warned of further financial impact for the sector following the NI Executive introducing new restrictions for the next four weeks. Chief Executive, Michael Henderson, also urged owners to seek advice from the association over potential support and how to adapt.
“Although most takeaway businesses have already put a wide range of Covid-19 measures in place and are operating as safely as they can these new restrictions will create further economic impact on the takeaway sector.”
Two factors would hit takeaway owners, he explained. The loss of passing trade and sit down restaurants opening a new takeaway service.
“Most of the takeaway sector here in Northern Ireland in main towns and cities are wholly dependent on the passing trade from local hospitality businesses, the closure of these will make it very difficult for those takeaways to match their weekly financial requirements,” he said.
“Of course there is also the situation where many of the existing takeaway businesses will become concerned as the market becomes more saturated with restaurants who are being forced to pivot in these uncertain times.
“Whilst we understand the difficulties these restrictions are causing, as an organisation dedicated to supporting the takeaway industry here in Northern Ireland we will be working closely with all our members both existing and new to help them navigate the challenges ahead.”
The announcement of new restrictions was made by the First Minister, Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill, following a late night meeting of the Executive.
“The new restrictions will allow takeaways to open as normal until 11pm each night with strict Covid-19 precautions being taken,” said Mr Henderson.
“After 11pm all shop fronts must be closed and the business will be required to operate on a delivery only basis. “We believe financial packages will be put in place and we hope these will be suffice to support the industry.
“If anyone is unsure as to how to avail of any packages being announced they can contact us for advice and support.”
Arlene Foster was criticised by Chair of the Executive Committee, SDLP MLA Colin McGrath, during today’s Assembly session, for not having details of financial aid. Ms Foster said that the Executive meeting on Thursday (October 15) will discuss support measures.
The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association will press for details of any measures and share with members.
Mr Henderson urged members to react quickly to the changing circumstances.
“We are advising everyone in the takeaway industry across Northern Ireland to spend valuable time assessing their offering and ensuring all their marketing materials are up to date and listings on online delivery platforms are current and showcase the best of your menu,” he said.
The association has created a consultation package for new and existing members can receive advice.
“From pivoting your business into takeaway, improving your current offering and human resources to legal, financial, marketing and advertising we have industry experts ready to help businesses overcome the challenges ahead,” he explained.
He also cautioned those seeking to enter the market to plan ahead.
“For those considering entering the takeaway market our advice is to carefully research the competition in your area and ensure that you’re offering something different and something unique in order to give consumers the best takeaway experience across the board.”
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is appealing to people to continue to do all they can to stop the spread of coronavirus.
With cases on the rise across Northern Ireland, Alderman Mark Fielding says adherence to public health advice has never been more important.
In a message to residents in the Borough, the Mayor said: “There can be no doubt that the past number of months have created unprecedented challenges which have affected all aspects of life across Causeway Coast and Glens.
“None of us have experienced anything like this before and the impact has been unimaginable in many ways.
“Levels of infection are increasing rapidly, and there’s a real need for renewed vigilance as we look towards the winter period in order to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“Wearing a face covering where required, maintaining an appropriate social distance and washing hands regularly must be the norm and we must all comply.
“The success of these measures depends on collective support. Please don’t let apathy creep in – if this happens we are putting everyone around us at risk.
“At this time of great uncertainty, I would like to express my thanks to our business community for its resilience in the face of this crisis. New practices and ways of working have been introduced as retailers and hospitality providers seek to create safe environments for staff and customers. Please show them your support and kindness, and remember that this is not an easy time for anyone.
“There’s no doubt that we are at a crucial stage of the pandemic and I want to reiterate my appeal to you all. Wear a mask, wash your hands and keep your distance and together we can make a difference.”
You can find out more by going to our website www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/COVID19 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements.
