Category: Uncategorized

Follow in the footsteps of golfing legends across NI’s world-class courses

Northern Ireland is Made for Golf, and Tourism NI is ready to ‘putt’ on a show to roll out the red carpet for visitors to the 2024 Amgen Irish Open at Royal County Down Golf Club in Newcastle, County Down.

Taking place from September 12-15, the Amgen Irish Open will embrace Northern Ireland’s giant spirit as stars of the sport, Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry, Billy Horschel, Séamus Power and 21-year-old Tom McKibbin vie for Vincent Norrman’s crown. The Pro-Am will take place on September 11.

It is a giant year for golf in Northern Ireland and the perfect time to practice your championship swing at some of our world-class courses.

Northern Ireland has just been named Best Golf Destination in Western Europe and as the countdown gets underway for the highly anticipated return of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush in July 2025, your next golf staycation is right on your doorstep.

In addition, many of the top courses across Northern Ireland have adjoining luxury hotels or wonderful places to stay just a short drive away, so you can keep the fun and relaxation going.

Discover Northern Ireland has put together a list of stay and play offers that will get you in the swing for a giant year of golf.

The City Hotel Derry, County Londonderry

Check in at the City Hotel for your next golfer’s getaway from £52.00 B&B per person sharing. The City Hotel in Derry~Londonderry is an ideal base to explore some of the most breathtaking golf courses in Northern Ireland, whilst enjoying a buzzing cultural experience in the beautiful walled city. The offer includes an overnight stay with a full cooked Irish breakfast. Subject to availability (excludes Friday and Saturday, Bank holidays and Special events). To book your next golf break, contact the team on: 02871365800 or email: reservations@cityhotelderry.com or visit www.cityhotelderry.com/golf. Offer valid until Thursday, 6th March 2025.

Best Western Plus White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry

Another great offer is at the White Horse Hotel for your next golf getaway from £165.00 per person sharing. This includes two rounds of golf at Faughan Valley Golf Club and Foyle Golf Centre along with two nights’ B&B, plus a four-course dinner on one of the selected evenings. Subject to availability. Visit www.whitehorsehotel.biz to book. Offer valid until Monday, 31st March 2025.

Roe Park Resort, Limavady, County Londonderry

From £115 per person sharing, enjoy unlimited golf at Roe Park’s 18 Hole Parkland Golf Course during your overnight stay at Roe Park Resort. The offer also includes a full Irish breakfast. Please quote ‘Discover NI Stay & Play offer’ when redeeming. Subject to availability. Visit www.roeparkresort.com to book. Offer valid now.

Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh

Follow in the footsteps of golfing giants and enjoy a captivating round of golf on the championship Faldo Course and discover why Lough Erne Resort is a ‘Top 100 Golf Resort in the World’ and the ‘2nd Most Instagrammable Golf Course in the UK’. After a round on this all-weather course, you can relax with an overnight stay in a new luxury guest room and awaken to a lakeside breakfast the next morning with use of the infinity pool at the Thai Spa. Subject to availability.  From only £152.50 per person sharing (October-April) or £225.00 per person sharing (May-September).  Visit www.lougherneresort.com to book. Offer valid until 31 March 2025.

Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim

Plan an immersive golfing getaway at Galgorm from £215 per person sharing for one night or £295 per person for two nights. This spectacular offer includes two rounds of golf on their championship Castle Course and an overnight stay in a comfortable Cottage Suite, complete with a complimentary mini-bar and everything you need to ensure a relaxing stay. Succumb to the tranquility of the Thermal Spa Village with a range of indoor and outdoor spa facilities designed to offer a truly unique Irish spa experience. No stay would be complete without a full Irish breakfast. Subject to availability. To book email groups@galgorm.com. Visit www.galgorm.com for more information. Offer valid until 31st December 2024.

The Hedges Hotel and Gracehill Golf Club, Ballymoney, County Antrim

From £80 per person based on two people sharing, including breakfast, enjoy a combination of golf at Gracehill Golf Club and a stay at The Hedges Hotel. A getaway to remember with a relaxing day on the course followed by some exploration of the beautiful surroundings, including the iconic Dark Hedges. Subject to availability. To book email – ivor@gracehillgolfclub.com. Visit www.thehedgeshotel.co.uk for more information. Offer valid until 31st December 2024.

Hillyard House Hotel, Castlewellan, County Down

From £468.00 for two people sharing, experience the ultimate golfing getaway at Hillyard House Hotel with two nights of boutique hotel accommodation in a charming double room, complete with their legendary cooked breakfasts for two each morning. Enjoy three rounds of golf with the Heart of Down Golf Passes (for two people valued at £250), granting access to five of the very best local courses. Subject to availability (with tee times). To book – call +44 (0) 28 4377 1010 or email reception@hillyardhospitality.com. Visit www.hillyard-house.co.uk for more information. Offer valid until Tuesday, 31st December 2024.

The Orchard, Newcastle, County Down

Whether you’re perfecting your swing on world-class fairways, savoring ocean sunsets, or exploring mountain trails, this haven of elegance offers the perfect base for an unforgettable retreat. Offers include three nights mid-week stay (Mon-Thurs) accommodation for up to seven people for £1,000, or three nights weekend stay (Thurs – Mon) accommodation for up to seven people for £1,100, plus the Heart of Down Golf Pass for £120 per person. To book call +44 (0) 7803 203 650 or email pauline@staymourne.com. Visit www.staymourne.com for more information. Offer valid until 31^st March 2025. Subject to availability.

Denvir’s Coaching Inn, Downpatrick, County Down

From £100 per person based on two people sharing, in association with St. Patrick’s Golf Course, Denvir’s Downpatrick are pleased to offer guests an overnight stay with full Irish Breakfast, that includes one round of golf at St. Patrick’s Golf Course, using Promo Code: STPATRICK1. Subject to availability

Or from £240 per person sharing enjoy a two-night stay at Denvir’s Downpatrick with cooked breakfast each morning before exploring the picturesque golf courses of County Down with their golfing getaway package, featuring three rounds of golf as part of the ‘Heart of Down’ golf pass. Enjoy the opportunity to play three rounds of golf at your choice of the following clubs: Ardglass Golf Club, St. Patrick’s Golf Club, Kilkeel Golf Club, Spa Golf Club, Warrenpoint Golf Club, using Promo Code: HEARTOFDOWN. Subject to availability. Visit www.denvirs.com for more information.

Avoca Hotel, Newcastle, County Down

From £518 per room based on two people sharing, enjoy Avoca Hotel’s exclusive Play & Stay package, offering two or three nights of bed and breakfast along with three rounds of golf for two. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing getaway or an active holiday, this charming hotel and local pristine golf courses provide the perfect escape. To book call +44(0) 28 4372 2253 or email info@avocahotel.com. Subject to availability. Offer valid until Tuesday, 31st December 2024. Visit www.avocahotel.com for more information.

The Cuan, Strangford, County Down

Starting from £189 per person, stay at The Cuan and avail of the exclusive Golf pass which includes 5 clubs Ardglass, Warrenpoint, Kilkeel, Spa and St Patrick (Downpatrick).  With this offer you can choose to play three out of the five courses. Call the reservations team at +44 (0)28 4488 1222 to book your Golf Pass & Stay. Subject to availability. Offer valid until Monday 28th October 2024. Please contact info@thecuan.com for more information and visit www.thecuan.com.

Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Bangor, County Down

From £290 for two guests, enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge with The Perfect Round – Clandeboye GC Championship Dufferin offer. Situated on the grounds of Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Golf Club is perfect for more accomplished players. Play the Dufferin course, one of the highest rated championship courses on the island of Ireland, before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day. Offer includes one-night B&B, three-course dinner and one round on 18-hole Dufferin course.

Or from £245 for two guests, enjoy a golfing stay and play at Clandeboye Lodge with their Perfect Round – Blackwood GC Par 3 offer. With the stunning Blackwood Golf Centre only a decent 5-iron away, enjoy a hassle-free golfing break to suit you. Play the Par 3 course before returning to the luxury of the hotel and the Coq & Bull brasserie to discuss the finer shots of the day. Offer includes one-night B&B, three-course dinner, one round on 18-hole Par 3 course & 250 balls on driving range. Subject to availability. Visit www.clandeboyelodge.com for more information.

Canal Court Hotel and Spa, Newry, County Down

From £379 per person sharing, enjoy an overnight stay with breakfast included and a golf pass per person which includes three golf courses from the following: Ardglass Golf Course; Kilkeel Golf Course; Spa Golf Club; Warrenpoint Golf Club; St Patrick’s Golf Club. Valid Sunday to Thursday throughout year, subject to availability. Offer valid until Friday, 25th April 2025. Visit www.canalcourthotel.com for more information.

All offers are subject to availability, terms and conditions apply, and please book in advance to avoid disappointment.

For more information on golf courses and for more golf stay & play offers in Northern Ireland, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. Or follow Discover Northern Ireland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and use the hashtag #NIMadeforGolf.

Northern Ireland’s foremost physical theatre organisation, Bruiser Theatre Company, has announced that its production of Kat Woods’ engaging and relevant drama, Wasted, is set to visit The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, on 21^st September 2024 as part of an NI wide theatre tour.

Following its opening night at Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, this production visits The Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, and the Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, with a come-home final week run at The MAC, Belfast.

Wasted, by award-winning playwright Kat Woods, is a socio-political play that explores themes of binge drinking and sexual assault. Join Oli, Emma, and their mates on a night out; drinking, flirting, and clubbing. It’s the morning after the night before and Oli and Emma try to piece together the night’s events through the blurry haze of a dubious hangover. Wasted illuminates that grey area in the sexual relationship after a few too many drinks. The characters are not sure what has happened; both suffering from post-alcoholic amnesia. They are both secure in the fact that sex happened but, where alcohol puts the female in a state unable, legally, to consent to sex, our characters continually ask ‘what happened’ as they are marched through the legal system.

Enniskillen playwright, Kat Woods says:

“[Wasted] is a story focusing on a minority voice represented on the stage based on true events. A minority voice that seems to reflect the majority, when it comes to consent and drunken sex.”

Wasted is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Halifax Foundation and Belfast City Council.

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Bruiser thanks to game-changing funding from The National Lottery.  This new production demonstrates the power of the arts in giving people a voice, and in shining a light on important issues to create dialogue and positive social change.  We wish everyone involved great success with what promises to be a compelling and emotive performance and I would encourage everyone to go along.”

Bruiser Theatre Company is renowned for its fast-paced, energetic, and engaging performances. Featuring fantastic local actors, Sharon Duffy and Warren McCook, and under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Wasted promises to creatively explore the consequences of what can happen when lines, and memories, are blurred.

Lisa May, Bruiser’s Artistic Director said “Wasted is a raw and at times brutal piece that makes us feel uncomfortable. And we should. It is an extremely relevant and interventionist piece, which raises awareness of taboo subjects, sparking debate. Wasted has all the elements to attract new and diverse audiences; challenging, provoking, connecting and entertaining them in equal measure. It is brave, unapologetic storytelling at its best.”

To book tickets for the performance of Wasted at The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre visit www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or contact the Box Office on 03300 561 025

The Seaside town of Newcastle is getting ready to welcome golf enthusiasts and families alike, as it hosts the Amgen Irish Open from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 September 2024.

To coincide with the tournament Newry, Mourne and Down District Council will host a ‘Fringe Events’ programme, from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September 2024. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, our Fringe Events programme will offer something for everyone, making Newcastle the place to be this September.

Families, visitors, and the local community are in for a treat with a variety of engaging activities designed to entertain all ages. One of the main attractions of the ‘Fringe Events’ is the Pop-Up Food Village, located along Newcastle Promenade at the rear of the Newcastle Centre. This food haven will feature an eclectic mix of local cuisine, with stalls operated by local vendors and renowned chefs. Visitors can indulge in everything from gourmet street food to traditional local dishes, all while enjoying live music and breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains – it is the perfect spot to relax, savour delicious food, and soak in the atmosphere!

For those golf enthusiasts who are not attending Royal County Down, you can catch all the live action as it unfolds on the big screen in the Event Hub, located at the rear of the Newcastle Centre.

Mixing creativity with fun, our Golf Art activity offers a unique experience that blends contemporary art with minigolf. This family-friendly event is sure to be a hit, providing a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some light-hearted competition while appreciating the artistic elements that make this activity truly one-of-a-kind.

If you are a foodie, then why not explore Newcastle’s culinary landscape with the Newcastle Food and Drink Tour. Led by blue badge guide Mairead Sweeney this immersive walking tour takes place on Saturday 14 September and will take you on a journey through the heart of Newcastle. From award-winning restaurants to hidden gems, meet passionate chefs and mixologists along the way, each stop providing a unique taste of the region’s finest produce.

Food lovers will not want to miss the Newcastle Restaurant Weekend, taking place from Wednesday 11 to Sunday 15 September. This culinary celebration will showcase Newcastle’s thriving food and drink scene, with local restaurants, cafes and bars offering exclusive menus, special deals, and mouthwatering dishes crafted from the finest ingredients. Whether you are a passionate foodie or a cocktail enthusiast, this weekend promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “The Council is delighted to host the ‘Fringe Events’ in Newcastle during the Amgen Irish Open. With so much to see, taste, and do, the programme of ‘Fringe Events’ is set to be an unforgettable addition to this prestigious golf tournament. Whether you are here for the golf, the food, or simply to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, we warmly welcome you to be part of this fantastic weekend of events.”

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit https://www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/things-to-do/golf/fringe-events-in-newcastle

Industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland are set to arrive in Belfast for Northern Ireland’s most significant event of its kind. The 5th annual Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will take place at TEC Belfast on September 12.

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands as well as incorporating a comprehensive conference programme with free workshops and keynote speakers. Exhibitors will range from business services through to innovative companies displaying the latest technological solutions for the industry.

Colin Murphy, Managing Director of organisers Premier Publishing & Events said: “The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance. 

“The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts.”

Throughout the day, the event will cover topical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

The event 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.

Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be back to partner with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Conference and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition for 2024. It’s a fantastic event that showcases innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to talk to attendees about our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity. Through AMIC, we are supporting economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland by creating high-quality jobs and increasing inward investment through high-value manufacturing innovation clusters: driving industrial transformation, paving the way for future technologies, and competing globally with a more sustainable focus.”

 

Colin Murphy added that the event will serve as a forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Northern Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing their industry. 

He added: “Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland.

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales. The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors.”

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 

Health Minister and Ulster Unionist Party Leader Mike Nesbitt and councillors Pete Wray and Joe Boyle joined local community leaders in Portaferry on Saturday to launch a new festival celebrating Portaferry’s abundance of heritage – built, cultural and natural.

The Portaferry Heritage Fest takes place 13-15 September with over 30 events and activities across three days, all in, or close to, Portaferry.

Access to the stunning natural heritage of Strangford Lough is available through guided boat tours or get even closer to the lough (and maybe see the dolphins!) by having a go at coastal rowing. Or find out how it all began with the talk on Windmill Hill about How Strangford Lough Was Formed. Or literally taste our natural heritage with the Wild About Foraging event at Kearney where you can forage, cook and eat nature with Wildlife Expert David Thompson and Wild Chef Celia Spouncer.

Portaferry Men’s Shed will be demonstrating how to build bird boxes and True Harvest Seeds and Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership will have stalls to explore urban biodiversity.

The built heritage offer includes Drones, Stones and Ancient Bones, an investigation into the Neolithic cairn at Millin Bay, as well as tours of Templecranny ruins and graveyard plus living history interpretation at Portaferry Castle. Tour guide Seamus Dorrian is running tours entitled ‘Think You Know Portaferry?’ which finish with a ‘pour your own pint’ stop at Fiddlers Green. Several of Portaferry’s heritage buildings will be open as part of European Open Heritage Day too.

Cultural heritage abounds with art exhibitions and heritage displays at Portico, the Recreation Hub and the Ropewalk Maritime Heritage Centre. Artisan craft demonstrations feature at a special heritage themed Market On The Square on both Saturday and Sunday, and the RNLI is open to the public too.

Find out about the history of Echlinville Distillery with the ‘Tour & Tipple’ or enjoy getting creative with Seaweed and Cyantope at Queen’s Marine Lab.

Lough Legends at Portaferry Library will entertain the little ones, and Joseph Tomelty’s The McCooeys will engage the older folk. For those somewhere in between, there’s tours and tipples aplenty, not to mention folk music with Seán Donnelly, traditional music with The Kilkennys and  a celebration of 1980s pop heritage with Spring Break, all at Portico.

Speaking on behalf of Portaferry Community Collective’s Heritage Committee, Dr Verity Peet said, “The quantity and the diversity of the organisations involved in this festival shows us just how important heritage is for our wellbeing, our sense of identity and our ability to draw visitors and their business to Portaferry.”

“This festival is just the start. We want to work with local government and public bodies to find the balance between preserving our heritage for generations to come and encouraging access and sustainable tourism; the sweet spot between caring for and sharing our heritage. We want to make Portaferry known for being a heritage destination and a thriving Heritage Town.”

The Portaferry Heritage Fest runs from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 September. Find out more about the festival from the online programme at https://simplebooklet.com/portaferryheritagefest or check out porticoards.com

The Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC) has been announced as the main sponsor for the upcoming Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, the largest event of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

The 5th annual conference and exhibition will take place at the TEC Belfast in Belfast on September 12, bringing together industry leaders from across the UK and Ireland.

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, is the main sponsor for the 2024 event.

Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be back to partner with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing Conference and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition for 2024. It’s a fantastic event that showcases innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them.”

“This is a great opportunity for us to talk to attendees about our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity. Through AMIC, we are supporting economic growth and prosperity for Northern Ireland by creating high-quality jobs and increasing inward investment through high-value manufacturing innovation clusters: driving industrial transformation, paving the way for future technologies, and competing globally with a more sustainable focus.”

The event, which will feature over a hundred trade stands, a comprehensive conference programme with free workshops, and keynote speakers, is a significant platform for showcasing the latest technological solutions and innovations in the manufacturing sector. Exhibitors will range from business services to innovative companies across various sectors, reflecting the breadth of Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry.

Speaking of the AMIC sponsorship Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, which organises the event, said: “We are delighted to partner with AMIC for this year’s Belfast event.

“Due to open in 2026 AMIC’s new Factory of the Future is a key development in Northern Ireland’s manufacturing industry and will significantly accelerate levels of innovation and collaboration between industry and researchers.

“Generating annual sales of about £20 billion, manufacturing is crucial to Northern Ireland’s economic development. Manufacturers directly employ 80,000 people while supporting further employment throughout the wider supply chain in every region of Northern Ireland.

“The manufacturing sector accounts for 13.4% of Northern Ireland’s economic output, significantly higher than the UK figure of 9.8%. Northern Ireland’s manufacturers also generate almost half of the country’s external sales and more than half of export sales. The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will encompass the full manufacturing spectrum across the country, including the food and drink, biopharma, medtech, healthcare, engineering, transport, technology, building products, fabrics, polymers, packaging and renewables sectors.”

Throughout the day, the event will cover critical themes such as Manufacturing; Supply Chain & Logistics; Sustainability; Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement; Automation & Robotics; Procurement; 3D Printing; Hi-tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering; IoT & Industry 4.0; and Lean Productivity & Continuous Improvement.

Colin Murphy added, “The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will provide an ideal location for businesses to meet with Government agencies and supporting associations, and gain free advice from experts on how to improve operational performance. The Event will also provide networking zones to connect buyers and suppliers. Indeed, the layout of the Conference & Exhibition is intended to maximise the opportunity for visitors to network and make new contacts.”

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 

The upcoming Aspects Festival will spotlight poetry with a diverse lineup of poets and events.

On 25 September, award-winning Galician poet Isaac Xubín will read at Bangor’s Imperial Bar. Xubín is participating in the Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill Poetry Exchange during his residency at the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. Aspects Festival is delighted to be a host partner of the Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill Poetry Exchange for the third year.

On 27 September, poets Paula Meehan and Gail McConnell will present their latest works at Bangor Castle. Meehan, a former Ireland Professor of Poetry, will share from The Solace of Artemis, while McConnell, from Belfast, will read from her award-winning debut, The Sun is Open.

Theo Dorgan, an acclaimed poet and writer, will appear at Bangor Castle on 29 September, featuring his latest collection Once was a Boy, which delves into his Cork childhood. A former Director of Poetry Ireland, Dorgan is an award-winning poet, a non-fiction prose writer, novelist, editor, documentary screenwriter, essayist, librettist and translator.

Also appearing at Bangor Castle on 29 September is renowned poet Michael Longley where he will read from his latest work Ash Keys. Published to coincide with his 85th birthday, Ash Keys looks back on the extraordinary career of the last surviving member of the triumvirate of poets that rose out of 1960s Belfast.

The festival is also hosting two Poetry Slams this year – the Aspects North Down Heat on Saturday 21 September and the Ulster Final on Saturday 28 September at Studio 1A, Bangor. This dynamic competition pits poets against poet, working against the clock and their peers to showcase original work.

Speaking about the events, Aspects Festival Director, Patricia Hamilton said: “We are delighted to once again welcome poets from near and far to Aspects. It is wonderful to see the return of the Galician Exchange event and as always, it is an honour to welcome Michael Longley to read for us. I would encourage everyone to check out the programme and book their tickets.”

Aspects Festival runs from 25 September to 6 October at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com

Northern Ireland’s foremost physical theatre company, Bruiser, has announced that its production of Kat Woods’ engaging and relevant drama, Wasted, will embark on an NI-wide theatre tour in September 2024.

The production is set to visit The Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey; Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick; The Strule Arts Centre, Omagh; The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh and The MAC, Belfast.

Wasted, by award-winning playwright Kat Woods, is a socio-political play that explores themes of binge drinking and sexual assault. Join Oli, Emma, and their mates on a night out; drinking, flirting, and clubbing. It’s the morning after the night before and Oli and Emma try to piece together the night’s events through the blurry haze of a dubious hangover. Wasted illuminates that grey area in the sexual relationship after a few too many drinks. The characters are not sure what has happened; both suffering from post-alcoholic amnesia. They are both secure in the fact that sex happened but, where alcohol puts the female in a state unable, legally, to consent to sex, our characters continually ask ‘what happened’ as they are marched through the legal system.

Enniskillen playwright, Kat Woods says:

“[Wasted] is a story focusing on a minority voice represented on the stage based on true events. A minority voice that seems to reflect the majority, when it comes to consent and drunken sex.”

Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Bruiser thanks to game-changing funding from The National Lottery.  This new production demonstrates the power of the arts in giving people a voice, and in shining a light on important issues to create dialogue and positive social change.  We wish everyone involved great success with what promises to be a compelling and emotive performance and I would encourage everyone to go along.”

Lisa May, Bruiser’s Artistic Director said “Wasted is a raw and at times brutal piece that makes us feel uncomfortable. And we should. It is an extremely relevant and interventionist piece, which raises awareness of taboo subjects, sparking debate. Wasted has all the elements to attract new and diverse audiences; challenging, provoking, connecting and entertaining them in equal measure. It is brave, unapologetic storytelling at its best.”

Bruiser Theatre Company is renowned for its fast-paced, energetic, and engaging performances. Featuring fantastic local actors, Sharon Duffy and Warren McCook, and under the meticulous direction of Lisa May, Wasted promises to creatively explore the consequences of what can happen when lines, and memories, are blurred.

Wasted is supported by the National Lottery through The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Halifax Foundation and Belfast City Council.

To book tickets for a performance of Wasted visit:

www.bruisertheatrecompany.com/productions/wasted

The upcoming Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, set to take place on September 12 at TEC Belfast, will bring renewed attention to the often-overlooked aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) frameworks: social value. 

The event, which is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland, will feature a diverse range of speakers and exhibitors, with a particular focus on integrating social value into sustainable business practices.

Rachel Doherty, Director of Inspired Business Consultancy, will be leading a key session titled “Putting the S back into ESG,” where she will address the critical role of social value in today’s manufacturing industry. While ESG has become a major focus for businesses, the social component frequently takes a back seat to environmental concerns such as carbon emissions and sustainability. 

Rachel’s session will argue that this imbalance needs to be corrected to ensure that social value is delivered effectively, monitored appropriately, and integrated into broader business strategies.

“ESG is crucial for the long-term sustainability of any business, but too often, the ‘S’ in ESG is overshadowed by environmental issues,” said Rachel Doherty. 

“Social value is not just a box-ticking exercise; it has real implications for maintaining margins, avoiding non-compliance penalties, and fostering strong community and stakeholder relationships. 

“At the conference, I will be discussing how businesses can take a strategic approach to ensure that the social value they deliver is both cost-effective and genuinely impactful.”

Rachel will also explore the challenges businesses face in measuring social value, particularly through tools like Social Return on Investment (SROI). Her session aims to provide attendees with practical strategies to enhance their ESG frameworks by placing equal emphasis on social value alongside environmental and governance concerns.

Colin Murphy, Managing Director of Premier Publishing & Events, the organisers of the conference, emphasised the significance of this discussion in the current business climate. 

“The manufacturing sector is increasingly recognising the importance of ESG, but there is still a gap in how social value is addressed,” he said. 

“Rachel Doherty’s session on social value will be a key highlight of the conference, offering valuable insights for businesses looking to strengthen their ESG strategies. We’re pleased to have experts like Rachel contributing to this vital conversation.”

The Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is now in its fifth year and has established itself as a pivotal event for the manufacturing sector in the region. This year’s conference is expected to attract over 3,000 delegates from across the UK and Ireland, making it the largest gathering of its kind in Northern Ireland. 

The event will feature over a hundred trade stands showcasing the latest innovations, technologies, and services that are driving the future of manufacturing.

In addition to Rachel Doherty’s session on social value, the conference will host a comprehensive programme of workshops and keynote speeches covering a wide range of topics critical to the industry. 

These include sustainability, lean productivity, continuous improvement, automation, robotics, procurement, 3D printing, and precision engineering. The conference will also address emerging trends such as IoT and Industry 4.0, highlighting how these technologies are transforming manufacturing processes.

This year’s event will also place a strong emphasis on networking and collaboration. Special networking zones will be set up to facilitate connections between buyers, suppliers, and industry leaders. These zones are designed to maximise the opportunity for attendees to make new contacts, explore potential partnerships, and discuss pressing issues facing the industry.

The conference is supported by leading organisations and institutions, including the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), a £100 million innovation centre led by Queen’s University Belfast in partnership with industry, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Ulster University. AMIC’s involvement underscores the event’s importance as a platform for advancing manufacturing innovation in Northern Ireland.

Speaking of the event Sam Turner, CEO of AMIC, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition once again in 2024. 

“This event is a fantastic platform to showcase innovations in manufacturing and the cutting-edge research that underpins them. It also allows us to highlight our £100m Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC), which will turbocharge Northern Ireland’s manufacturing capabilities and embed a culture of innovation to drive increased productivity.”

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