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The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland is hosting a public art exhibition by Rob Hilken in three of its sites in August and September.

Visual Artist Rob will install the ‘High Alert’ series in some of the conservation charity’s sites across Northern Ireland. The art exhibition will also be launched as part of the Golden Thread Gallery’s reopening in Belfast on Saturday 10 August.

‘High Alert!’ is raising awareness of the Woodland Trust’s core aims to create new native woodland, protect existing trees, and restore ancient woodland. And the sites chosen for Rob’s exhibition fittingly demonstrate how the Woodland Trust is doing just that across Northern Ireland. Additionally, the installation will highlight the health benefits of getting out into nature and Rob is combining his love of woodlands and art with this public exhibition.

Communications, Engagement and Volunteer Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Lynsey Nixon added: “We’re delighted that Rob has chosen to bring his public art into the Woodland Trust woods. We hope that the installation will bring something fresh to our regular visitors and attract new curious visitors to our woods, which are free for everyone to enjoy.”

Artist Rob Hilken commented: “I have been a member of the Woodland Trust for 18 years as I respect their core values, and I wanted to bring public awareness to their work across Northern Ireland. Trees and woods have so many benefits for people, nature and climate. I hope my installation will merge audiences of art and nature, bringing them from the gallery to the woods, and vice versa, and shine a light on the wonderful work of this conservation charity.”

Estate Manager for the Woodland Trust Northern Ireland Dave Scott said: “Northern Ireland is the least wooded region in the UK and Ireland and in Europe with less than 9% tree cover. Northern Ireland also ranks as the 12^th worst area for biodiversity loss in a survey of 240 countries. The urgency for the work of the Woodland Trust in Northern Ireland has never been greater so we must plant more trees, protect our existing trees and woods and restore our precious ancient woodland.”

You can visit Rob’s installation at the following woodland sites over three weekends in August and September:

Glas-na-Bradan Wood 16 – 18 August: Find ‘High Alert’ installation at the feature salmon ford, and along the trail to the top of the hill.

Glas-na-Bradan Wood is a perfect example of a new native 57hectare woodland, made up of almost 150,000 native trees planted by hand by the local community. The native trees are a mix of oak, scots pine, rowan, birch and alder.

The Faughan Valley Woodlands – 29 August – 2 September: Search for Rob’s ‘High Alert’ installation at Oaks Wood and at the amphitheatre at Brackfield Wood.

The Woodland Trust has been protecting pockets of ancient woodland in the Faughan Valley since for almost 25 years. In August 2023, the conservation charity realised its vision of reconnecting these fragile fragments into the Faughan Valley Woodlands creating corridors for wildlife and greater access to the public.

Mourne Park – 13 – 15 September: Look for Rob’s ‘High Alert’ installation along the Whitewater River.

The Woodland Trust Northern Ireland looks after 188 hectares of Mourne Park, including 73 hectares of precious ancient woodland. The conservation charity is in the process of restoring the ancient woodland by removing invasive species such as rhododendron, to allow the trees to naturally flourish and realised its vision of creating public access in August 2022.

Causeway Coast and Glens has once again been highlighted for its outstanding beaches in the 16th edition of the Times and Sunday Times Best UK Beaches guide.

The guide which only includes beaches where the water quality is rated excellent, awarded Ballycastle the winning spot for Northern Ireland, while White Park Bay and Benone were also shortlisted alongside Murlough in County Down.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Ciarán McQuillan said: “I am delighted that 3 of our beaches have featured on the Best UK beaches guide.

“Our Destination team has just launched their new summer guide and our beaches are just one of many draws for visitors to the Borough. The guide also covers the best places to picnic and for those who love the beach, seaside restaurants are also highlighted.

“With so many of us holidaying at home I’d encourage you to plan your next break by visiting Council’s dedicated site visit.causewaycoastandglens.com where there is a wealth of information to help you plan your next trip.”

Staying with the seaside theme, the summer guide also covers the many and varied water-based activities that visitors to the Borough can book, from surfing to sea safaris and coasteering.

Kerrie McGonigle Destination Manager said: “We know that here in the Borough our fantastic scenery and award-winning beaches are a real draw for visitors.

“For our summer campaign we’ve worked closely with local tourism providers to showcase what they offer, so whether it’s a wellness experience, horse riding on the beach or sunset cocktails – Causeway Coast and Glens has plenty to offer.”

For more information on how to plan your summer break in Causeway Coast and Glens visit: https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/summer

– The acclaimed celebration of Belfast’s food and drink venues is in its fifth year –

– The concept is expected to increase footfall and help consumers discover NI’s food heritage –

Belfast Restaurant Week, led by Belfast City’s three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) – Belfast One, Destination CQ, and Linen Quarter BID, has announced it will return for 2024 from the 7th to the 13th October. Food establishments across the city are being encouraged to register to participate in the acclaimed event, now in its fifth year. Whilst in previous years, the event’s format has focused on value, this year the celebration has evolved to allow hospitality venues to host creative experiences from food pairings to tasting menus to demonstrations and masterclasses.

In 2023 Belfast Restaurant Week had remarkable success with 49 restaurants taking part, leading to an estimated £190K additional spend across the city centre. As Damian Corr, Manager at Destination CQ BID, explains, this year’s fresh concept hopes to address the challenges faced by the hospitality industry by unlocking more opportunity for venues to get involved.

He said, “Belfast Restaurant Week is a highlight of our food and drink calendar, with thousands of foodies supporting the celebration year-on-year and taking a greater bite out of what they know to be the local food scene. The event is a celebration that is all about exploring and discovering Belfast’s rich culinary scene. This year, we’ve enhanced the programme to ensure participating venues can include unique and experience-driven events. Our hospitality industry has shown incredible resilience over the past few years – signalling the quality of our offering and highlighting how important the culinary experience is to Belfast as a destination. We look forward to collaborating with hospitality businesses once again this year to ensure this event continues to be a success.”

Over the coming months offers and experiences available will be listed on the Belfast Restaurant Week website.

Stephen Haller, Director and Owner of Home Restaurant Belfast said, “Moving beyond solely an offer-led experience to include unique events and experiences gives businesses the chance to really connect with our customers in new and exciting ways. Last year, the set menu we introduced for Restaurant Week was such a hit that we decided to keep it going even after the event had finished, and we’re eager to see what innovations we can bring this time around.

“The restaurant industry can be challenging, with rising costs and staffing shortages, so anything that brings a buzz and gets people excited to dine out is something we wholeheartedly support. We’re looking forward to contributing to a vibrant atmosphere in Belfast and making this year’s Restaurant Week the best one yet. We can’t wait to see everyone come out and enjoy what we’ve got planned!”

Last month Belfast’s three city BIDs appointed Michael Stewart as the city centre’s first Night Czar. A crucial element of the role is to support hospitality businesses to enhance the night-time economy.

Damien continues, “Belfast is an exceptional performer when it comes to food and drink. It’s home to some of the world’s best talent and Northern Ireland food produce is acclaimed for its quality. Restaurant Week is a platform that makes sense – it showcases the flair and creativity of our establishments and offers consumers a compelling reason to get out and enjoy the food scene. I commend the BIDs for their continued efforts in creating a landmark event that brings the industry together whilst also opening up opportunity to drive footfall.”

For more information on Belfast Restaurant Week and upcoming offers visit belfastrestaurantweek.org. Hospitality businesses interested in participating should contact Lesley@theeventor.com

 

Hastings Hotels is inviting guests to enjoy a summer staycation in August and visit some of the fabulous landmarks, attractions and tourism attractions on our doorstep.

Natural Wonders

Northern Ireland has lots of natural wonders that can make you gasp in sheer appreciation of their beauty and are an absolute must-see. The Giant’s Causeway is a true national icon, with the columns of rock reaching out into the wild Atlantic Ocean. The mystical atmosphere of Causeway stirred our ancestors to believe in a magical otherworld of giants and flying chunks of rock, and it is every bit as inspirational today.

Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, Ballygally Castle is the ideal base to explore this beautiful part of Northern Ireland. The stunning 17^th century castle offers a range of delightful dining options and is home to one of the famous Game of Thrones doors made from fallen trees of the iconic Dark Hedges. If you’re brave enough, take a trip to the Ghost Room to see if you can spot Ballygally Castle’s friendly ghost, Lady Isabella Shaw.

Ballygally Castle is giving guests the chance to discover Ireland’s historic beauty this summer with the new Glenarm Castle Package from only £180 per room, per night. Enjoy an overnight stay, Full Irish Breakfast and exclusive access to Glenarm Castle’s stunning grounds.

Culinary Experiences

Calling all foodies… From traditional tastes such as Ulster fry and the Comber Potato, to food from Northern Ireland’s waters, there’s a lot of heritage and delicious recipes ready to be shared. There are lots of tasty food tours to avail of including Toast The Coast – a celebration of local Northern Ireland food on the Antrim Coast Road & Glens. Enjoy local people, stories and the stunning coastal scenery.

Stay at the 5-star Grand Central Hotel, home to Ireland’s tallest cocktail bar, the Observatory and a delectable range of dining options including the Grand Café and the Seahorse Restaurant with a stunningly innovative eight-course Tasting Menu and a new 4-course table d’Hote menu of intricate delicacies.

Treat yourself to the ‘The Taste of Grand Central’ package and enjoy an overnight stay, eight-courses of intricate delicacy with the new seasonal Tasting Menu and breakfast the following morning from £380* based on two people sharing.  

Northern Ireland on Screen 

In recent years, Northern Ireland has become a popular location for smash-hit films and TV series. Home of Derry Girls, Derry-Londonderry plays a starring role in the show with the historic 400-year-old city walls, Bogside area and iconic landmarks such as The Guildhall and city’s churches all used as a backdrop.

The Everglades Hotel is perfectly located to visit the filming locations from the hit show and visitors can Be a Derry Girl from £180* per room (based on two people sharing) and enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation with breakfast and the hotel’s famous themed Derry Girls Afternoon Tea with cocktail and a selection of tasty treats including sandwiches, freshly baked scones & breads and pastry assortment with a Derry Girls twist – sausage roll baps, fresh cream horns, cone of chips.

Guests will also have the chance to get their picture taken with the hotel’s famous resident, Michelle the Derry Girls duck!

For further information or to book a summer staycation with Hastings Hotels go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Annual foodie weekend features over 50 free events designed to showcase the region’s exceptional quality and local produce.

This September, the award-winning Food and Cider Weekend returns to Armagh, promising a vibrant celebration of the region’s world-famous produce. From Thursday, 5th to Sunday, 8th, this year’s festival features over 50 free events, each crafted to delight the senses and celebrate the Armagh Bramley Apple and other local treasures.

Crannagael House is a highlight of this year’s programme – hosting four events throughout the festival – the historic venue provides a unique opportunity to savour culinary creations at the very birthplace of Armagh’s apple story. Among the standout events is the five-course Bramley Banquet, curated by Gareth Reid of 4 Vicars. Set in the charming home of Jane and John Nicholson, whose ancestors planted the first Bramley seedling in County Armagh, the often-sold-out event features locally sourced ingredients, including produce grown on the estate, and bespoke wine pairings for each course.

Visitors can kickstart their weekend with the Orchard Paint and Sip event. No experience is necessary but aspiring artists can gain inspiration from the beautiful apple trees at Long Meadow Farm to create their own masterpiece, while sipping on local ciders making for a relaxing and inspiring experience. Additionally, on Friday evening attendees can join local tour guide Donna Fox for a Culinary Crawl through Armagh city. This guided tour will weave through the city’s best hospitality venues, offering top-class food and drinks with a local twist.

Armagh is renowned for its outstanding food, quality ingredients, and world-class cider. The region was recognised as Northern Ireland’s Best Food and Drink Experience in 2019 by Tourism NI –  including the Bramley Apple, which as of 2012, joined a select group of food and drinks to have been awarded PGI status (Protected Geographical Indication). Due to their special taste and composition the status means the apple will be protected against imitation throughout the EU and joins a very select group including the Cornish pasty and the Melton Mowbray pork pie.

On Saturday morning the Food and Cider Fest brings the much-anticipated Brunch and Paws at the Park, a delightful event for dog owners and their furry friends. Following its sell-out success last year, this fun and relaxed brunch is the perfect way to kick off your weekend. As evening falls, the region will come alive with vibrant outdoor foodie markets in both Armagh and Banbridge. These bustling markets will showcase the finest local flavours, artisan ciders, and apple juices, all set to the backdrop of live music, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.

Backed by award-winning Food Heartland local chefs, producers, and food experts, Armagh’s Food and Cider Weekend has firmly established itself as a cornerstone event in Northern Ireland’s food and harvest calendar. It’s a celebration not to be missed, offering a unique blend of history, culture, and outstanding cuisine.

For a full list of activities happening, to book your tickets and overnight accommodation specials, visit visitarmagh.com/foodandcider.

 

A new organisation set up to support neurodivergent families and individuals has announced their first Creative Fun Day will take place in Belfast this weekend.

Saturday, 3 August will see SPARK, in partnership with Arts Care, open the doors of 2 Royal Avenue for an afternoon of fun, socialising with like-minded families and other activities.

The free event is open to all neurodivergent families from 10am to 1pm and will include a plethora of different activities for everyone to avail of.

Offering a safe space for parents and children to connect with similar families, attendees of all ages are welcome to take part in the event and explore the happenings inside.

Held inside 2 Royal Avenue, the vast community space is set to be transformed by stalls and tables dedicated to providing information on neurodivergence, workshops for children to enjoy, interactive sessions and more.

The extensive event listing reveals several highlights, including the highly-anticipated Interactive Drum Workshops, which help provide sensory stimulation to neurodiverse children.

The rhythmic patterns not only have calming benefits, but they also have physical pros including enhancing motor skills, providing a communication form for anyone non-verbal and more, making them a great addition to the day’s line-up.

The three-hour feat will also include storytelling sessions, where children are able to hear magnificent tales and express their subsequent emotions without fear of being judged.

Other activities include face painting, arts and crafts stalls, neurodivergent information tables and networking opportunities for adults, plus a vibrant sense of community.

Neurodivergence is an umbrella term used to refer to conditions such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, OCD, Tourette’s Syndrome and more, with SPARK providing a networking group for any Neurodivergent members of the Belfast community and beyond.

Gary Gates, co-creator of the SPARK group, was diagnosed as having ADHD in his forties and spoke of the importance of creating an open discourse and space for neurodiverse parents such as himself.

He said: “Being neurodivergent can be difficult enough, but being a neurodivergent parent raising neurodivergent children can be extremely hard. 

“And so, thanks to the Bank of Ideas fund, and in partnership with Arts Care, SPARK was able to create this free creative family fun day for neurodivergent families. 

“We just want people to come and have fun and, most importantly, be their authentic selves.” 

SPARK is both an online and in-person platform that enables members of the neurodivergent community to access resources and converse with other people who may have gone through similar life experiences, with feedback being taken on board from past event attendees.

Cara Marks, the other half of the brainbox duo behind SPARK, identified that Saturday’s event was created following discussions with Belfast locals on what can be implemented for neurodivergent individuals in the city.

She said: “SPARK actively engages with our members, seeking out topics of interest to share within the community. 

“Many of our members have neurodivergent children, and one topic that kept emerging is that we need more things for neurodivergent families to do, especially in neuro-inclusive environments. 

“We listened to what was said and as a result, we are proud to present SPARK’s first creative family fun day for neurodivergent families.” 

SPARK’s Creative Family Fun Day runs between 10am-1pm on Saturday August 3 and full details can be found at www.eventbrite.co.uk/creative-family-fun-day-for-neurodivergent-families

Ends

Get ready to embark on a journey through time and imagination as the Armagh Observatory & Planetarium proudly announces its upcoming “Robot Exhibition”, running from 2nd July to 31^st August 2024.

This summer, science-fiction enthusiasts and curious minds alike will have the unique opportunity to explore a mesmerising collection of robots, cyborgs, and androids. 

 

Science-fiction fans are sure to recognise their favourite metal movie stars in this comprehensive exhibit. The Robot Exhibition showcases memorable and iconic robots from science-fiction movies and TV shows, highlighting their role in storytelling and exploring how they represent our changing relationship with technology.  

Visitors are invited to delve into the past, present, and future of robots in science-fiction, considering how these machines might shape our world in the years to come. Robots have long been a staple of science-fiction storytelling, captivating audiences with their mechanical precision, superhuman strength, and human-like personalities.  

As technology advances and artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent in our world, the role of robots is evolving. No longer simply automated tools designed to serve humans, robots are now being developed to think, reason, and learn independently. This shift has the potential to revolutionise our lives, from how we work and communicate to how we think about what it means to be human. 

Speaking on the upcoming exhibition, Martina Glass, Operations Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium says: “We are thrilled to bring the Robot Touring Exhibition to Armagh. It is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to explore the fascinating intersection of technology, art, and storytelling. Robots have always captured our imagination, and this exhibition will inspire people of all ages to think about the future of technology and its impact on our lives.” 

The Robot Exhibition offers visitors the chance to get up close and personal with a cast of full-size heroic robots, vintage tin toys, and sculptures in all shapes and sizes from comics, books, and the silver screen over the past 40 years. Around every corner lurks another metallic star, each with its own story and significance. 

Join us for an unforgettable journey through the world of robots, where you can meet some of the most iconic and beloved metal stars from the realm of science-fiction. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or simply curious about the evolution of robotic technology, this exhibition promises to be a highlight of the summer. 

Along with the Robot Exhibit, a series of dome shows will be running throughout the summer. These are: Our Wee Planets, Our Night Sky, Tales of a Time Traveller, Perfect Little Planet, Accidental Astronauts, We Are Allens; and Our Solar System.  

 

Family tickets are £32 and include one dome show, workshop, access to exhibition area and entry into the Robot exhibit. Individual and group tickets are also available. To book tickets now, please visit www.armagh.space  

As part of the consultation process for the Lough Neagh Resilience Plan, the public is being invited to attend a consultation webinar on Tuesday 30 July at 7.00pm where they will have opportunity to hear from four experts who will speak on landscape acquisition and management; considering the development of a new Lough Neagh heritage resilience plan and the various environmental and conservation challenges surrounding Lough Neagh together with examples of innovative techniques and practices that could help address these current issues.

Speakers are Dr Liam Campbell, who was instrumental in delivering the Lough Neagh Landscape Partnership project; Dr Peter Doran, Senior Lecturer from the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast; Dr Alastair McIntosh, who is a pioneer of modern land reform in Scotland; and Dr Michael Meharg, a specialist in on-farm carbon auditing and providing conservation/wildlife advice.

The webinar will provide a platform for exploring responses to recent questionnaires which were completed by the public in relation to the project.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project is aimed at preserving and protecting the unique landscape of Lough Neagh, ensuring its vitality for generations to come.

The webinar follows almost 30 stakeholder meetings which have taken place since the consultation process began in January of this year, and the feedback and insights received by Lough Neagh Partnership from stakeholder meetings, the completion of the recent questionnaire and this webinar, will be vital to developing a robust 10 year plan for the area’s future.

Michael Browne, Lough Neagh Partnership Heritage Plan Coordinator, said: “Lough Neagh is a mirror reflecting both beauty and challenges and together we can protect it, so we are inviting anyone with an interest in Lough Neagh to attend this webinar and contribute to the sustainable stewardship of Lough Neagh.

“We are actively seeking engagement from the public in attending as it is anticipated that the information gathered from the webinar, responses received to the questionnaire and the insights gleaned at stakeholder meetings, will shape the heritage needs of Lough Neagh.”

The insights from the consultation process will form the basis for the creation of the 10 year resilience plan for the Lough and will also identify potential avenues for funding and establish new sustainable management structures to ensure the enduring vitality of Lough Neagh.

After the formulation of the draft 10 Year Heritage Resilience Plan, a forthcoming conference is scheduled to facilitate constructive discourse and gather valuable insights from stakeholders, governmental bodies, as well as representatives from the local and wider communities. It is anticipated that the conference will be scheduled for the spring of 2025. The project’s anticipated completion date is November 2025.

To register your attendance at the upcoming webinar on Tuesday 30 July, please visit: https://loughneaghpartnership.org/consultation-webinar

To keep up to date with the Lough Neagh Resilience Plan project, follow Lough Neagh Partnership on its social media channels – facebook, linkedin and X.

The positive impact that social care can deliver has been recognised at the launch of the ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign at Stormont today.

Attendees at the launch heard of the many benefits that a career in social care can bring including Melvin Gould who as one of Northern Ireland’s 40,000 social care practitioners shared his inspirational journey.

A former delivery driver, Melvin became a social care practitioner at 55 years of age. He knows, like other social care practitioners, that every day when he goes to work he makes a positive impact on people’s lives.

Melvin Gould, Social care practitioner with Harmony Community Care Services, told his story as part of the campaign and wants others to consider a career in social care too:

“I know people head into work and sometimes don’t want to be there. I just couldn’t do that. I can say hand on heart that for me that is not the case. I know that my job gives me the ability to make a difference in peoples’ lives, with no two days being the same. I came to social care later in life, but Iwish I had made that change sooner. If you are a good listener, are kind and want to help other people live a better life – join social care like me – you won’t regret it.”

The campaign invites people who want a career in care to learn more through stories from social care practitioners doing the job – about what it is like, why they do it, and showing the flexible, varied and diverse opportunities available.

At the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said ‘thank you’ to the social care workforce and to those who have shared their stories of the difference they make to the community, and how important it is that people consider a professional career in social care as one that is diverse, flexible and rewarding.

Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Nesbitt said:

“Social care work really matters and is truly valued. It is vital that the right care is available for adults and young people and that they are supported to live independently for as long as possible.

“My Department and I are committed to both supporting our social care workforce and promoting social care as a career choice.

“I want to thank all of our social care practitioners for their commitment, compassion and the valuable work they do every day in our communities.”

Patricia Higgins, CEO, Social Care Council added:

“In social care there are some great opportunities for caring, compassionate and committed individuals looking for a career where they can make a real difference in their local community.

“Importantly, our campaign not only highlights the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the social care sector to progress in their career, but also celebrates the brilliant social care practitioners, some of whom feature in our new campaign stories – this campaign is also for the social care work force – to know we value them.”

Agnes Lunny, CEO of Positive Futures, who helped develop this year’s campaign added:

“Social care services can only offer high quality support to the community because they have committed, compassionate staff who make a difference every day. Our ‘Social care – making a difference’ campaign highlights a key part of why we do what we do as providers of care – the warm and mutually beneficial relationships we have with the people we support. It shares the real stories of workers and the people they support, and shows the diversity, value and impact they have.

“There are lots of jobs available, with options to suit a range of lifestyles, skills and experience. Specific qualifications aren’t required for an entry-level role in social care – training is provided on the job. For those who want career progression, there are a range of qualification and training opportunities. No matter the role, in social care you can make a real difference to people’s lives. My advice to anyone thinking of a career in care is – reach out to your nearest social care provider and find out more.”

This campaign is run by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health partnership across the social care sector in Northern Ireland, which has been established to lead a programme of work to improve social care services for the community.

Make a difference to lives with a career in social care…Want to know more? Check out NISCC’s social care stories page on https://niscc.info/social-care-stories