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A Northern Ireland disability rights campaigner has launched a new initiative that will allow wheelchair users to enjoy ‘all inclusive’ accessibility at local hospitality venues and hotels.

Shelley Cowan, from Enniskillen, was confined to bed, tube fed and unable to use her limbs for 12 years as a result of severe ME and spent a further decade as a wheelchair user.

She is now using her lived experience and research findings into the ‘purple pound’, the spending power of disabled people and their families, to help make all venues accessible with her campaign #accommodationforall.

She said: “When people think of ‘all-inclusive’, they think of ‘all you can eat’ food and drink. I want it to mean that hotels and venues are fully accessible for all.

“In 2024, it is shameful that there are not adequate facilities available for everyone. I know of people who have had to sleep on pool loungers at hotels because the hotel rooms aren’t accessible.

“Negative hospitality attitudes are commonplace, causing guests with severe disabilities to feel humiliated, ignored, unwanted and a nuisance. It isn’t good enough.”

Placing her passion into a project, Shelley founded Access Avenue, a business venture which she hopes will help people with disabilities to be included in society.

Speaking on her first-hand experience of the difficulties that disabled tourists are forced to accept, Shelley said: “I was a wheelchair user and it was following personal experience of ineffective hospitality venues that I researched the area to improve accessibility within hospitality and tourism.

“I want everyone to have the opportunity to fully participate and explore equal, effective, enjoyable experiences – the campaign follows these 5E’s.

“For me, as a wheelchair user, travelling was inaccessible, unaffordable and too cumbersome to gain any real benefit from the experience.”

Speaking on the shocking conditions that guests with disabilities are faced with due to hotels frequently exaggerating their accessibility status, Shelley said her research concluded that: “75% of tourists with severe physical disabilities perceive current hotel venue barriers as excessive, increasingly difficult or unreasonable to navigate.

“50% of tourists with severe disabilities bring, purchase or rent their own heavy, expensive hoisting devices to be able to stay in hotels.”

Shelley herself shared that she fit into this category: “I had to purchase and transport a portable hoist, blow-up pressure relieving mattresses for myself and a mattress for a carer.”

To combat this, Shelley created the ‘Hotel Accessibility Grading Classification’, a system which aims to help guests understand the level of accessibility within certain venues.

From today, her outlined plan to work with hospitality providers in an attempt to equip them with the knowledge and skills on how they can change their premises in a positive move towards being more accessible is underway.
Shelley has previously conducted research into the problems faced by those with disabilities as part of her MSc in International Business.

The findings highlight major failings for people with disabilities and vast access barriers within the hospitality sector in the country, including how, despite there being hundreds of pet-friendly accommodation options in the UK, there are only 17 fully accessible hotels for disabled guests to choose from, with zero of these being found in Northern Ireland.

Shelley believes that her personal experience as a wheelchair user for ten years, and throughout her illness has fitted into all three categories of the grading system, has offered a unique insight into the daily barriers faced by those who have disabilities, developing a fail-proof of adequate provision for the hotel industry.

Shelley said: “Overall, Northern Ireland hotel accessible offerings are limited, basic, impractical and inadequately designed, however this was found to also be a global issue.

“Hospitality, particularly hotels, lose millions of pounds due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

“To be able to stay away from home for even one night took weeks of rigorous planning and several phone calls to the hotel to ensure the venue and facilities were suitable for my needs.

“The majority of rooms were not spacious enough to manoeuvre and use the equipment safely.”

Having conducted numerous interviews with domestic and international wheelchair-using tourists, Shelley discovered they find accommodation providers in Northern Ireland inadequate, inaccessible and unavailable for the severely disabled.

Shelley said her findings show that this is a regional, national and global issue, impacting the tourism industry, and she believes that accommodation providers lose millions of pounds annually due to inaccessibility-related non-participation.

She said: “Hotel guests with disabilities want fair, equal service and prices comparable to other guests.
“Guests with disabilities want barrier-free travel with accommodation as stated. We want to enjoy hotels as much as anyone else.”

The purple pound is the spending power of disabled households, currently valued at £274 billion per year in the UK alone and $8 trillion globally; £12 billion of the former figure is in accessible tourism, signalling the potential that hospitality companies are excluding by ignoring this demographic.

Rounding off her remarks with advice for the sector, Shelley Cowan said: “I believe accommodation providers with full accessibility will benefit from an increase in trade from the ‘purple pound’.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone if we work together.”

Step into Autumn and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of our shoreline at the brand-new Shorelife Celebration! Join us on Saturday, 5 October at the stunning WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart. With free admission to both venues and complimentary pre-bookable bus travel, it’s the perfect day out for families and nature enthusiasts!

This exciting event, brought to you by Ards and North Down Borough Council in partnership with WWT Castle Espie and National Trust Mount Stewart, offers a rare chance to experience the wonders of our shoreline. Enjoy a day filled with fun activities, engaging talks and tours, live music, and delicious local food and drink. Plus, take advantage of the free ticketed bus service for easy access!

With 115 miles of stunning coastline, Ards and North Down is the perfect place to celebrate our shore. Kids and families will love the interactive games and activities, while guided tours and talks will provide fascinating insights into local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said:

 

“We are delighted to partner with Mount Stewart and Castle Espie for this fantastic event. The Shorelife Celebration is a wonderful opportunity for visitors to enjoy free access to both venues. It aims to foster community spirit and environmental stewardship, encouraging everyone to appreciate and protect our beautiful shoreline. The picturesque settings of Mount Stewart and Castle Espie are ideal for this event, offering a variety of activities for all ages to enjoy.”

 

Pre-bookable park and ride services will be available from Newtownards Bus Centre and Dundonald Park and Ride (Dunlady), with stops at both Mount Stewart and Castle Espie.

 

Mark your calendars for Saturday, 5 October, from 10am to 5pm. Admission is free for everyone, including National Trust and WWT Castle Espie members and non-members. Some activities require tickets, so be sure to pre-book in advance. Terms and conditions apply.

 

For more information, visit visitardsandnorthdown.com/Shorelife

 

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration of our shore.

The 2024 Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival makes its welcome return to the Borough this October, providing a not-to-be missed showcase that brings together local heritage and the best artisan produce the area has to offer.

The popular annual festival, which runs from Friday 4^th to Sunday 6^th October, embraces the Borough’s reputation as an outstanding food and drink destination, providing a platform for local producers to showcase their sumptuous goods to a wider audience. 

Foodies will be able to indulge in all things salmon & whiskey across the weekend, enjoying live cookery demonstrations and the warm hospitality of Bushmills – and maybe a wee dram or two!

With Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls lining Bushmills Main Street, alongside fantastic live music, ‘meet the maker’ sessions and activities throughout the village, it promises to be a long weekend of fun for all.

New for 2024 for all the whiskey lovers out there will be the ‘Whiskey Hub’, set up at Main Street Car Park. Distillers from across the island of Ireland will host sampling sessions on Sunday, October 6, inviting visitors to come and taste a wide variety of locally produced whiskeys.

With the fantastic regeneration of the old Bushmills Courthouse now complete, the beautifully restored building will offer a programme of events across the weekend, welcoming visitors to see its historic transformation into a shared space and creative hub for the community.

Friday, October 4

To launch the festival, the newly established Community Garden will host various activities throughout the day, in conjunction with Council’s biodiversity officer.

A bespoke Coast & Countryside tour will be available to those looking to explore the food and drink offering of Bushmills and other Causeway Coast businesses. Guided by the wonderful Wendy Gallagher. (Pre-booking required)

https://causewaycoastfoodietours.com/product/salmon-and-whiskey-festival/

A highlight of Friday evening, for those lucky enough to get a ticket, is the Bushmills ‘Supper Club’, brought to you by The Tartine and Slemish Market, a brand-new experience created to captivate the taste buds.

And for those who wish to be indulged, The Bushmills Inn, one of the most idyllic places to eat in Bushmills, is creating a unique dining experience. Working with the finest artisan producers, local farmers, and fishermen to source the very best ingredients, this menu will be a culinary delight. This is a limited capacity event. https://www.bushmillsinn.com/

Saturday, October 5

Ian Orr will cook up a storm in the Main Street cookery area, other local talented chefs will also be demonstrating how to use salmon or whiskey in delicious dishes at Sharvagh House Come along and get a tip or two!

The Courthouse will provide workshops and other great activities, while the Visitor Information Centre will host a taste sampling of products from local artisan producers.

The Bushmills Taste Trail highlights many great restaurants and cafes in the town, welcoming you to try a variety of fresh local dishes comprising of locally sourced ingredients, especially salmon and whiskey, tantalising any foodie. Get your tickets for the trail from the Visitor Information Centre or local Bushmills establishments (The Tartine & Maegden Cheese shop) and guide yourself through the Taste Trail businesses.

Bushmills Distillery will be open all weekend and hosting tours. Naturally North Coast & Glens will host a small market behind the Designerie and meet the maker sessions in the Visitor Information Centre.

Sunday, October 6

Main Street car park and Sharvagh House will host an afternoon of live cookery demonstrations, music and market stalls and activities for kids.

In a first for the festival, Main Street car park will also host a new experience for the whiskey enthusiast – the Bushmills ‘Whiskey Hub’. A select range of local distilleries will host a taste and information session across Sunday afternoon, allowing visitors to taste and experience some of the fine whiskeys on offer across the island of Ireland.

The Outdoor (STREAT) programme will consist of a few fantastic demos with our much-loved foodie ambassador, Paula McIntyre. Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market stalls will line Main Street, alongside Bushmills Distillery Whiskey tastings and tours, cookery demonstrations with various talented local chefs and throughout the weekend there will be musical acts and entertainers to add to the atmosphere.

There will also be a quiet time session for children with additional needs from 11am-12noon.  With many ways to enjoy unique food experiences, this festival is not one to miss!

Please note, DAERA has advised Council that, due to budget constraints, it is sadly unable to open the River Bush Salmon Station to the public as part of this year’s festival, as it had done in the past. In a statement, the DAERA explained: “We recognise this event’s importance to the local area, but the Department must prioritise its resources to meet statutory work business needs above non-statutory work.”

However, on Sunday, October 6, Millennium Park will have a host of fishy activities for young and old, experienced or novice, such as fly casting and fly tying. Come and have a go, see if you can hook something!

September is a key month in any parents’ calendars, with the start of the academic year meaning a whole new experience for three and four year olds: nursery. 

Starting nursery school or creche is a huge milestone for any child and whilst exciting, it can be a very daunting time for both children and parents alike.

North Belfast childcare expert and owner of Wee Chicks CIC, Kelly Molloy, is armed with almost two decades’ worth of experience caring for kids and has shared some of her top tips on aiding the process.

Well-versed in overcoming the struggles associated with sending your little ones off on their own for the first time, Kelly has outlined the best way to ease the transition and set the stage for a positive start.

Calling on her years of experience owning Wee Chicks, Kelly states that maintaining a positive attitude will help your child settle and enjoy the start of their journey with education.

Kelly explained: “A child can read your energy – so if you feel calm and prepared, they will too.”

Here’s Kelly’s top tips to help your little one love their new school:

1. Pay a visit

“Working out your little ones’ schedule means your mind will be put at ease and you will be prepared to guide them through their day” explained Kelly.

“Take a look at the facilities, check out the environment and put yourself in their shoes, noting anything that your child might be interested in to mention to them on days when they feel overwhelmed. 

“Don’t be scared to ask lots of questions and always trust your instincts.”

2. It’s good to talk

Kelly said: “Communicate with your child about what will happen. This is a big change that needs to be normalised, even after the switch over has occurred. 

“Bring nursery life into everyday conversation and try to remove any fears your child raises with you, including updating them on how you’ll be spending the day too. 

“Make sure they know what they will be doing each day and what you will be doing while they are there – even if it is just cleaning the house.”

3. Stay positive

“Your attitude towards nursery school will influence your child’s feelings” said Kelly, adding: “The majority of the time, it’s the parents who are feeling nervous about the shift, so it’s important to reassure your child that this is going to be a fun, new experience. 

“Tell them it’s going to be very exciting. Explain that they are going to meet new friends, and they’re going to be able to play with great new toys.”

4. Establish a routine

Start adjusting your child’s daily routine to match the schedule they will follow at nursery school. 

Kelly explained: “This means they will know what is happening and it should reduce anxiety. So, have a good bedtime routine, make sure your child knows what to do in the morning and stick to this trend. 

“If they know what is about to happen, it will reassure them. It will also help them understand that you will come back at the end of the day.”

5. Special affirmations

“If your child is feeling anxious, you can give them small affirmations that they can repeat to themselves” said Kelly.

“I recommend telling them to say things like: ‘I’m going to have fun,’ and ‘I am going to be safe.’ This can be really helpful.”

6. Comfort items

Kelly said: “Your child is still very young and may need a little reminder of home with them during the transition period. That could be a special toy (ask at the nursery about their policy on this) or a picture. 

““You can draw a little heart on their hand with a pen and tell them to touch it if they are feeling sad. Or send a ‘pocket hug’ with them. This can be a piece of paper with a heart drawn on it that they can look at for reassurance.”

For more information go to weechicks.com

Manufacturing firms in Northern Ireland must embrace resilience and innovation to thrive in today’s challenging economic landscape, according to Alan Lowry, Chair of the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) NI Policy Board. 

Speaking ahead of the upcoming Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12, Lowry emphasised the need for businesses to adapt to a changing environment.

Bringing learning, development and networking opportunities to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast this week, the forthcoming event will see sector leaders from across the UK, Ireland and wider world for the 5th annual instalment of the conference.

With only days to go before the TEC opens its doors to attendees at 9am, FSB Policy Chair Alan Lowry has offered business owners and industry professionals a rare glance at his tips on how companies can better themselves in the current climate.

Speaking on the difficulty that the manufacturing sector has faced recently, Alan said: “There’s no doubt about it that the last few years have been very challenging for manufacturing businesses in Northern Ireland, particularly small businesses. 

“All of the issues around Brexit, followed by Covid and a number of other issues about the cost of doing business have really made it very difficult. 

“Northern Ireland businesses are very resilient, so the good thing is that most of them have looked for workarounds to make them still be able to perform in the way they should be, but there’s definitely challenges for them all that we need to work through.”

Arguably one of the biggest challenges that has needed to be overcome in the last few years is that of the Windsor Framework, which caters largely to companies that are bringing up to £2 million worth of goods in, but the FSB are actively working to rectify the discrepancies so that the majority of businesses can benefit 

Alan said: “One of the biggest problems with the Windsor Framework and the Northern Ireland protocol is it has made it much easier for micro sized manufacturing businesses to do what they need to do to them and put them out again. 

“The problem is, most of our businesses are between two to 10 million in the manufacturing sector, and it’s been made more difficult for them. 

“All of our goods have to come through the railing, which means there’s additional paperwork, and it all gets held up. 

“What we’re doing at the FSB is really trying to lobby hard for these members of ours and other small and medium sized manufacturing businesses to make it easier for them to do this business.

“I think it’s really important that all the manufacturers make us aware of what the issues are. 

“We’ve been lobbying hard now for a number of years on the issues that have been brought to our attention, and we’ve had some really good success and without the rigorous implementation of the Windsor framework, yet we still have an opportunity to speak to the EU and see if we can change some of that mindset, some of that thinking, just to make it easier for non-manufacturers to thrive and many of them to survive as well in this current environment.”

September 12’s Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition programme boasts five stages, one of which centres on Sustainable and Renewable Energy plus ClimateTech.

One of Alan’s many passions, both related to and outside of work, is slowing down the effects of climate change, something he believes is possible despite the small scale that Northern Ireland has to work with.

Outlining how NI can be more climate conscious, he said: “There’s a real push to try and get people into more sustainable vehicles, electric vehicles, but we don’t have the infrastructure for it in Northern Ireland in the same way there would be in the Republic of Ireland or in mainland UK. 

“There’s also massive opportunities in wind technology, not just in wind farms, but even in smaller scale wind technology.

“We don’t get a lot of sunshine in Northern Ireland, but we do get a lot of wind, and that definitely needs to be something we need to be looking at to make sure we can work that alongside the action plan.”

As well as sharing his industry insights, Alan also expressed his delight at joining the prestige list of speakers for the Manufacturing Expo, saying: “I think one of the really good things about the show later this week is that it’s going to allow people to see how technology and working together in partnership can really unlock this.

“Bringing manufacturers along with technology and supply chain experts together is really going to unlock the opportunities for Northern manufacturers.

“I think this week’s going to be a great open forum where a lot of people are going to learn things that they didn’t even know existed.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at TEC Belfast is free and tickets are available from northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

Newcastle has all the ingredients you need for a fantastic weekend at the Eats and Beats free food and music festival on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September.

With two music stages, local and Northern Irish food producers, and an abundance of food vendors, it will be jam-packed with live music and a world of cuisine.

Festival goers can sample the finest local produce at the Food Pavilion (sponsored by Lexus Belfast) with over 40 local and Northern Irish artisan food producers to sample from and buy.

It’s here that you will find some of the finest food and drink on show from our Savour Visit Mourne’s producers. Killeavy Castle Estate, Crawford’s Rock and NearyNógs Chocolatiers will also be on hand to inspire you with their culinary experiences. For those who enjoy a tipple or two, local distilleries and craft breweries like Shortcross Gin, Two Stacks Irish Whiskey and Whitewater Brewery will whet your appetite with some local craft beers, gin, and whiskey.

There will be a wonderful line-up of cookery demonstrations with celebrity chefs dishing up a delicious serving of tasty treats over the festival weekend in the Mourne Flavours Pavilion. From Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador to Great British Menu chefs Paul Cunningham and Melissa McCabe.

Mrs. C’s Home Kitchen will also delight the crowds with her passion for crafting traditional breads and traybakes. Completing the cookery demo lineup will be the Slieve Donard Hotel, Burrendale Hotel and Harbour Inn who will be on hand to inspire us with their culinary creations.

Music lovers can then dance their way around two music stages, which will offer free live performances on the Homegrown and World Stages over the two days.

On the Homegrown stage in Donard Park its two day line-up will be hosted by QRadio presenter, comedian and DJ Ryan Hand.  The festival weekend will see incredible music from the likes of Claudia Buckley, Reevah, and Belfast’s very own Brian Kennedy who is joined by the Uplifted Gospel Choir who are sure to add to the festival atmosphere.

Anyone looking for something different will find it at the World Stage in Donard Park, hosted by Ripton Lindsey. Loose yourself in the vibes of Manukahunney, Wilson Magwere, Swar Ahmed, The Navigators of Sound and Havana Roots will also take to the World Stage over the two-day event.

Stay tuned to the Visit Mourne Social Media pages where the full festival line-up, carparking and other important festival information will be available throughout the weekend. www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/whats-on/giant-adventures/eats-and-beats.

 

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition has revealed seven speakers who are set to appear on one of five stages during the September 12 event.

Centring on logistics and sustainability, the day-long feat provides delegates with a fantastic opportunity to network with other industry professionals, as well as learning from experienced experts through insightful displays of their career knowledge.

The fourth stage inside of the TEC Belfast will feature talks on two topics split across the day, with the morning seeing speeches on Robotics and Automation, whereas the afternoon will focus on IoT, Industry 4.0 & Digital Transformation.

Seven excellent industry professionals have now been unveiled alongside the existing line-up, offering guests a plethora of opportunities to hear from highly skilled individuals who have successfully made a name for themselves in the industry.

Speaking on the event’s prominence in the community, Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, which organises the event, said: “The conference promises a dynamic program with free workshops, keynote speakers, and a diverse array of exhibitors showcasing the latest technological solutions and business services. 

“This event is a golden opportunity for anyone involved in the manufacturing industry to gain valuable insights, make meaningful connections, and discover cutting edge advancements that are shaping the future.”

Kicking off the day with her opening remarks, Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multidisciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, will deliver a brief five minute overview of what can be expected from the day’s programme.

The seasoned publicist and content strategist will also commence her own talk on Using AI To Supercharge Your Manufacturing Firm’s Marketing Efforts, delving into the transformative power of AI in construction marketing whilst unveiling cutting-edge strategies for leveraging AI to elevate marketing.

The first announced speaker of the day for the fourth stage following Tina’s introduction will be Al Parra, who is set to talk about Factories of the Future, honing in on the democratisation of resource and opportunity as well as other pressing issues.

The Founder and Director of Bloqs actively campaigns for manufacturing interests and regularly speaks on the environmental and socioeconomic benefits of open access resource distribution, including sitting on the MakeUK All-Party Advisory Board.

Andrew Gough, Managing Director of GCD Technologies, will then take over the microphone for his speech on Using Digital Transformation To Stand Out From The Crowd, before the first panel session of the day on the stage.

Moderator Tina Calder will also lead the stage’s first panel, speaking with panellist Rod O’Doherty on Business Digital Transformation, before the Salar IT Ltd Director, completes the Robotics & Automation line-up on his own, showcasing his Digital Business Solutions: Keys to Successful Selection and Implementation speech to audiences ahead of the lunch & networking break.

Boasting experience with computer technology in various forms, Rod has specialised in the sector for the majority of his career and now works as an independent business IT consultant.

Following the 40-minute long halt, during which attendees can grab a bite to eat and mingle with like-minded event goers, the fourth stage will become a hub for all things IoT, Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation.

Moderator Tina Calder will then return for the stage’s second and final panel on Beyond Boundaries: Igniting the Manufacturing Revolution – Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation Redefining Northern Ireland’s Future. 

Excalibur Press’ frontwoman will speak with panellists Mark Walmsley, Ian Gardner, Rhealyn Mugri and Eric Hewitson to provide audiences with an in-depth look at how business owners can push their business forward within the Northern Irish sector.

The first name announced for the afternoon’s programme is Lee Bristow, CEO of Risk Copilot Limited.

His talk Frameworks That Simplify AI Success (Human AI Alliance) will draw upon his more than two decades’ long experience in the field, explaining how organisations can leverage the artificial intelligence convergence to achieve sustainable success in the ever-evolving business landscapes.

In the afternoon Rhealyn Mugri, Digital Growth Strategist and Founder of The Digital Projects, will bring her insight on From Assembly Line to Search Engine: Leveraging SEO to Supercharge Your Manufacturing Brand to the fourth stage.

Rhealyn’s talk will share her top tips on helping businesses thrive online through data-driven strategies and customer-centric solutions.

Rounding off the seven announced speakers is Lagan Networks Ltd’s Commercial Director, Mark Walmsley, who champions his 25 years of commercial roles within engineering companies.

Mark’s speech, Establish Utilities Usage Baseline Data with Ease centres on case study examples of productive electrical cost reduction and net zero initiatives.

Bringing the event full circle, Tina Calder will be back on the fourth stage to close the event, reflecting on the beneficial talks provided by each guest speaker.

She said: “When it comes to standing out from the crowd in any industry, the adoption of new technologies is absolutely vital, especially in the fast-evolving manufacturing sector. It’s not just about keeping up; it’s about leading the way and embracing innovation to drive growth and success.

“I’m delighted to have been asked to moderate and speak on this stage. It’s a fantastic opportunity to not only share insights on how AI can revolutionise marketing strategies in manufacturing, but also to engage with some of the brightest minds who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sector. 

“Events like the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo help to foster the connections and spark the ideas that will shape the future of Northern Ireland’s industrial landscape.”

The NI Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Expo is sponsored by the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100m innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ulster University, and supported by the UK Government and NI Executive through the Belfast Region City Deal.

Registration for the 2024 Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on September 12 at Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast is free. Tickets are available from www.northernirelandmanufacturing.co.uk/register 

A new art installation on the River Lagan commissioned by Belfast 2024, ‘DRIFT’ was launched on Friday August 30.

A collaboration between OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, DRIFT is a temporary floating pavilion where people can come to enjoy the multisensory experience of being on the water. DRIFT will be open until Sunday September 15 at Stranmillis Weir, with the next location to be announced on Belfast 2024 and DRIFT social media channels.

The Belfast 2024 project aims to draw attention to the vital role that the river plays in the life of the city, and through drawing people onto the water, the team hopes to uncover ways that this better connection between people and their river might create opportunities for the people and wildlife who rely on it. Using a variety of recording techniques that pick up sounds usually out of hearing range, Meireles will reveal aspects of the River Lagan that usually go unnoticed.

Visitors to the DRIFT pavilion can experience Meireles’ work at any time on the structure using individual headsets, or by attending one of three Listening Sessions hosted on the DRIFT space. A series of activities are programmed for the pavilion, including talks about the river ecosystem, arts, writing and plant identification workshops, stargazing, a ‘floating cinema’, yoga, and music.

Speaking at Friday’s launch, Belfast Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Andrew McCormick said: “DRIFT is the perfect response to our Belfast 2024 themes of people, place, and planet during our biggest ever city-wide celebration of creativity. This brand-new outdoor spectacle and experience will help to make the River Lagan more accessible to people and give them an opportunity to reflect on the importance of this natural asset to
our city.

“Thanks to the creativity of OGU Architects, MMAS and sound artist Matilde Meireles, I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people enjoy the DRIFT space and the programme of events, whether that’s learning about the river ecosystem, trying a yoga workshop, watching a movie, listening to music, or simply stargazing and enjoying the natural beauty around us.” DRIFT aims to challenge Belfast’s relationship to its waterfront, presenting the River Lagan as a vital public space and habitat. It will also delve into the potential for more wildlife-friendly urban places to be made available along its edge. Engaging with the river’s historical significance and cultural identity, DRIFT will map and reveal significant parts of the Lagan, inviting people and communities to share what is important for them about the river. It is hoped that by sparking people’s curiosity and interest in the Lagan, the project can start a transformative public conversation about the potential of a more accessible river, and how the Lagan’s ecosystem can benefit from a better connection between the city and its waterway.

DRIFT is open to the general public 10am-6pm at Stranmillis Weir until 15th September excluding times when workshops are taking place; check the schedule on www.oguarchitects.com/work/drift.

Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards welcomes two new art exhibitions for the month of September: Unbound Horizons: Navigating Landscapes and Boundaries a group exhibition of sculpture and painting by and Cheryl Bleakley, Grainne Kielty, Sally Young, Lorna Noble and Sandra Robinson and Bated Breath, a solo exhibition by Claudia Rose

Unbound Horizons delves into the boundaries and the ever-shifting landscape of human experience. Through the exploration of mark making in ceramics and paint, the artists examine the interconnectedness of our surroundings and the subtle lines that define them.

Visitors are encouraged to explore how each artist navigates the intricate interplay between the seen and unseen and where the familiar dissolves into the unknown. The exhibition offers a journey that challenges the conventional notions of landscapes and will show in the Arts Centre’s Georgian Gallery.

The Bated Breath exhibition, by Claudia Rose, draws inspiration from the historical relationship of the Ards Peninsula to textile industries in Ireland and influence of Irish Lace. Claudia visualises a sculptural/print homage that connects the intrinsic and laborious nature with contemporary materiality upon the artefacts drawn from a period of socio-cultural poverty, social inequity, and yearning of autonomy.

 

Claudia Rose is a multi-disciplinary artist who observes the collective desire to place sentience upon objects and spaces. This exhibition will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery.

 

Both exhibitions open on Thursday 5 September and continue until Saturday 28 September Admission to Ards Arts Centre is free.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 5 September at 7pm.

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