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The well known SOMA Festival will be returning to Castlewellan, County Down later this month with a whole host of musical performances, exciting activities and holistic experiences.

Running from July 19-21, the ever-popular SOMA Festival will feature a variety of performances, offering audiences the chance to embrace the alternative festival vibe that can’t be found anywhere else.

The three-day event has been specially curated by the SOMA volunteer team to ensure that the best artists from across the island of Ireland and beyond will be in attendance.

Tíona McSherry, SOMA Festival Director, said she was delighted to develop another fantastic line-up for this year’s event along with the wider team.

She said: “Our team has come up with another stellar programme for festival goers to enjoy this year. 

“We’re so excited for the incredible acts we have coming to perform. We hope Castlewellan is as buzzing for it as we are.”

With funding from Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Foras na Gaeilge, and sponsors and partners Whitewater Brewing Co., Glór Uachtar Tíre, Excalibur Press, Dolmes Climate Action Network, and Cumann Phobail Garbhdhoire, SOMA Festival 2024 tickets are already available and can be purchased for individual events or as a weekend access pass to all concerts.

With a full line-up set to be released in due course there will be a number of festival hubs scattered around the town with SOMA on the Square, Little Gems and Mind, Body & Soul also making a return.

Tíona added: “It takes a dedicated group of people to attempt to pull any festival off, not to mention doing it for the love alone. 

“A big thank you to all of our funders and sponsors, in particular Whitewater Brewing Co. and Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, and the wonderful volunteers who help make the SOMA Festival a reality.”

SOMA Festival 2024 is set to offer a welcome space for everyone regardless of what they’re interested in, including everything from live music and family entertainment to nature walks and meditation sessions.

The SOMA Festival runs between 19th-21st July and full details including tickets can be found at www.linktr.ee/thesomafestival 

Fionn Mac Cumhaill, the towering figure of the Wake the Giant Festival will make a spectacular return to Warrenpoint this year with the theme, ‘The Land of Giants’. Taking place on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August, this year’s festival promises even more excitement with the arrival of two new Giant Guardians, Wee Binnian and Carley.

These magnificent 14-foot marionettes have journeyed all the way from the legendary ‘Land of the Giants’ to join in the festivities for the first time. Having heard about the vibrant festival atmosphere and the legendary craic, the giants could not resist the opportunity to be part of the celebrations and to help wake Fionn from his sleep.

Wee Binnian and Carley are eager to explore Warrenpoint and meet festivalgoers, as they make their grand debut in The Giants Parade. Beginning on Church Street, Fionn, Wee Binnian and Carley will stroll along Queen Street, creating awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable photo opportunities before reaching Fionn’s resting place for the weekend on Warrenpoint Pier.

Join us as for an unforgettable weekend as Warrenpoint transforms into the ‘Land of the Giants.’ Packed with family-friendly activities, from magical encounters to engaging events featuring Fionn Mac Cumhaill, Wee Binnian and Carley. Our incredible giants will take part in various programmed activities throughout the weekend, giving you the chance to interact with them up close. Bring the whole family and help our new giants discover the wonders of their new world!

Wake the Giant is part of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Giant Adventures series – a year-long programme of unforgettable visitor experiences which showcase the breathtaking landscapes and the captivating myths and legends of the Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark.

Highlights of the festival include the spectacular Giants Parade through Warrenpoint and the Gathering to Wake The Giant Fionn from his slumber. Warrenpoint Municipal Park will once again be transformed into The Land of Giants, featuring Family Garden Games, Green Crafts Workshops, Bemusement Arcade and the Food Village.

Families and visitors can also enjoy a new Sensory Hub located in Warrenpoint Town Hall which will provide a safe and relaxing space for children and adults to enjoy over the weekend, with changing places located nearby on Great Georges Street (South).

Throughout the weekend, musicians will take to the stage of the Park’s beautiful bandstand. Kicking off Saturday’s lineup is Niamh Noade, finalist from The Voice Kids and Junior Eurovision, with soulful reggae sounds of The Vibes bringing things to a close. Visitors can also enjoy the likes of Sophie Lennon as well as NI Soul Troop and The New Leaves across the weekend.

Don’t miss this chance to watch the facade of the former Osborne Hotel be transformed into a vibrant canvas as nature street artist ‘Faunagraphic’ creates a Giant Art Mural depicting the unique aspects of Mourne Gullion and Strangford Global Geopark.

 

Warrenpoint’s Giant Food Trail through the town will return offering a Giant Feast of local and international cuisine to tantalise your tastebuds all weekend long and a Giant Funfair on Warrenpoint Promenade will entertain with thrilling rides and classic carnival games for all to enjoy.

 

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne said, “Wake the Giant is one of the Council’s flagship events, and I am delighted that it is returning to Warrenpoint this year. Since 2016, we have been growing the Giant Adventure festivals, establishing the area as a premier tourism destination in Ireland.

 

Councillor Byrne continued, “This year’s festival promises to be spectacular, with giant-sized experiences and visual delights at every turn. The highlight will undoubtedly be Fionn Mac Cumhaill’s sensational return accompanied by his two new Giant Guardians, ‘Wee Binnian’ and ‘Carley’, who will entertain visitors all weekend long.

 

“Complementing our Giant Adventure series this year will be the return of the 2024 Amgen Irish Open, which will take place from Wednesday 11 September to Sunday 15 September in Newcastle. We look forward to watching our favourite stars compete throughout the week at Royal County Down. Together, these events increase our tourism offering, providing unique opportunities to connect with our community, celebrate our heritage, and create lasting memories. Please join us this summer for another season of unforgettable adventures across Newry, Mourne and Down and south Armagh.”

 

For the latest information on our Wake The Giant Festival visit www.visitmournemountains/co.uk/wakethegiant . For ideas of where to stay, eat and for even more things to do during your time here in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details please go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures Follow us on Social media @VisitMourne #VisitMourne #MourneMountains #RingOfGullion #StrangfordLough

Exhibition is a collaboration between National Museums NI and Conflict Textiles, and features 29 artworks from around the world

Ulster Museum has announced the opening of a new exhibition – Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey. The exhibition – which will feature in Belfast International Arts Festival – displays 29 textiles from individuals and communities across the world who have experienced violence and conflict, human rights violations, poverty, oppression and environmental issues. The artworks highlight how important a resource artistic expression can be as each piece is based on personal and poignant testimonies.

Roberta Bacic, curator of the Conflict Textiles collection, which includes over 400 artworks, explained how valuable textile art can be as a medium of expression and said, “When words are not enough to express lived experiences of violence, stitching and sewing emerge as a language. Since the exhibition The Art of Survival: International and Irish Quilts in Derry~Londonderry in 2008, the Conflict Textiles collection has been exhibited around the world, leaving a lasting impression on people, and crucially, empowering more people to share their stories and experiences.

“Our partnership with National Museums NI reflects our commitment to integrating these important works into broader collections in public spaces to foster deeper empathy and understanding of global issues related to conflict, violence, poverty, and human rights violations.”

The works included in the Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey exhibition span a broad range of locations including Chile, Peru, Argentina, Mexico, Zimbabwe and Germany. Many are arpilleras – appliquéd picture textiles that are hand sewn from scraps of materials onto a hessian backing – a practice which originated in Chile during the Pinochet regime (1973-1990) when women came together to voice their experiences of the repressive dictatorship.

One such piece is entitled The Day We Will Never Forget and is an arpillera made by a group of girls in Killarney, Zimbabwe in 2012. It shows the destruction of their informal settlement in May 2005 during the government led ’Operation Murambatsvina’ (get rid of the filth) in which an estimated 500,000 people were evicted and displaced in the space of a month.

In 2022, National Museums NI acquired 14 pieces from the Conflict Textiles collection. Karen Logan, Senior Curator of History at National Museums NI, explains the significance of the exhibition, she said, “The presentation of these international testimonies relating to human rights is incredibly important in helping people to reflect on the world we live in and some of the issues still faced today. This broad collection of textile art will create conversations that inspire change, encourage empathy and promote community spirit.”

Ulster Museum has long been an important resource for exploring conflict and legacy in Northern Ireland. The Art of the Troubles exhibition in 2014 showcased artistic responses to the conflict and the current Troubles and Beyond exhibition draws upon an internationally significant collection reflecting diverse perspectives and experiences. It situates politics within a wider social, economic and cultural history, beginning with the pivotal year of 1968, and continues onto the present day.

William Blair, Director of Collections at National Museums NI, said, “We’re 25 years on from the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, but building the social peace process remains a vital on-going process. Empathy is key to understanding conflict and its legacy, and fostering greater mutual understanding. The Ulster Museum provides a platform for diverse voices and experiences, ranging from local to international perspectives. Threads of Empowerment represents another important contribution to this work, and again highlights the importance of partnership and creative collaboration.”

Threads of Empowerment: Conflict Textiles’ International Journey will run until April 2025 at the Ulster Museum. Entry is free and booking is not required. For more information visit ulstermuseum.org.

 

Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions and solo exhibition by North Coast based sculptor Sara Cunningham-Bell

 F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are delighted to present two new exhibitions focusing on the work of talented women artists. Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions and Congruent, a solo exhibition by North Coast based sculptor Sara Cunningham-Bell, will run at the Banbridge Gallery from the 8 June to 2 September and promise to provide a great day out for locals and visitors to the Borough.

Scottish Women Artists: 250 Years of Challenging Perceptions, brings together the work of over 40 artists. The exhibition highlights key women artists who have changed society’s view over the centuries of what women should and could do, and the significance of work by women artists in Scotland’s cultural history.

Scottish Women Artists, is the second collaboration between the F.E. McWilliam Gallery and The Fleming Collection. Dr Riann Coulter, curator of the F.E. McWilliam, said,

“We are thrilled to have another opportunity to collaborate with The Fleming Collection whose Scottish Colourist Exhibition in 2018 was so popular with our audiences. Scottish Women Artists will introduce the public to incredible artists who we rarely get the opportunity to see on the island of Ireland.”

James Knox, Director of Fleming-Wyfold Art Foundation, commented,

“In the very first year of its existence in 1968, the Fleming Collection acquired two key paintings by Joan Eardley. It went on to increase its holdings of this important artist and to form in-depth collections of other mid-century greats, Anne Redpath and Elizabeth Blackadder, as well as acquire historical rarities by earlier artists. Today this strategy continues apace and collaborating with the F.E. McWilliam Gallery offers a superb opportunity to celebrate the achievement of Scottish women artists from the eighteenth century to the present day and to bring their work to new audiences.”

 

Running in conjunction with Scottish Women Artists is Congruent a fascinating new body of work exhibited in the F.E McWilliam sculpture garden, by Sara Cunningham-Bell. Based in her studio on the North Coast of Ireland, Cunningham-Bell works with storm-felled local timber including larch, maple, beach and oak, combined with upcycled lead and steel, GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic), concrete and bronze. Made through a variety of processes including carving, casting and sanding Cunningham-Bell’s sculptures often reveal the layered traces of their creation.

Speaking of this new body of sculpture Sara said,

“In the seventeenth century, philosopher Nicolas Malebranche called attention ‘the natural prayer of the soul’. In the twentieth century, novelist Iris Murdoch spoke of attentiveness as a way of deepening ‘experience to such a degree that a change of consciousness can be achieved’. Our indifference is exposed, interrupted, and challenged. To induce such a remembering, these sculptures are conceived to perpetually provoke attention. I am delighted to have this piece on display at F.E McWilliam Gallery sharing my work with others to enjoy.”

 

Both exhibitions are free entry and will run throughout the summer to 2^nd September 2024. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 5pm.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is proud to present Creative Peninsula 2024, a highlight of the thriving annual arts programme and a celebration of the high-quality art and craft that is produced in the Borough.

Now in its 23rd year, this vibrant annual event unites local artists and makers to demonstrate their skills and showcase their exceptional work.

Ards and North Down is renowned for its lively artistic community, and Creative Peninsula provides visitors with a unique opportunity to view, purchase, or even commission artworks, as well as participate in workshops throughout the festival. Running throughout August, the festival offers a wide array of free and bookable activities suitable for all ages and experience levels. Attendees can engage with various art and craft forms through open studios, exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations, and more, fully immersing themselves in the local creative scene.

This year’s featured artist is Maria Horvathova, whose artwork graces the cover of the Creative Peninsula guide. Since moving to Northern Ireland from Slovakia, Maria has found a strong connection to home in nature. She will be leading a Freedom of Painting workshop in Ards Arts Centre, on Thursday 8 August, offering participants the chance to express their feelings about home through painting.

The festival kicks off with the Creative Peninsula Twilight Market and Arts Night at Conway Square in Newtownards on Friday, 2 August. For one night only, the space will transform into a bustling arts and crafts village with artists and makers displaying and selling their work. Free demonstrations, including potter’s wheel throwing, painting, printing, and wool spinning, will run throughout the evening, accompanied by live music from the String Ninjas and Los Dramaticos. Ards Arts Centre will also be open and filled with artists demonstration their work. Try your hand or just sit back and watch!

New to the programme this year are some special events at Castle Espie. Create your very own treasure tray with Ceramicist Tracey Johnston, make your own decorative bird with Wildlife Artist Adele Pound or try your hand at the En Plein Air Workshop with Pandora Butterfield. On Saturday 3 August, the Alfresco Art event in the garden and Kingfisher Café Courtyard at Castle Espie will feature artists and makers demonstrating their skills.

The popular Bangor Art Tour and Tipple returns on Wednesday, 7 August, where attendees can enjoy a walking tour of Bangor, visit three creative spaces, meet the makers, and enjoy a drink along the way! North Down Museum in Bangor will also play host to a Creative Peninsula exhibition and a Heritage Craft Afternoon taking place on Sunday 4 August.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Alistair Cathcart, said: “Creative Peninsula is a wonderful celebration of arts and crafts in our Borough. It is fantastic to have so many talented creatives living and working here, and Creative Peninsula provides a unique opportunity to showcase their work. We are excited to bring this event to you once again and would encourage everyone to explore the Creative Peninsula programme and see what’s on offer.”

Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council, added: “We are thrilled to offer a vibrant programme of art and craft activities this August as part of August Craft Month. With events at Castle Espie, a Creative Walking Tour of Bangor, a Twilight Market in Conway Square, exhibitions showcasing our local artists and makers, and a variety of creative workshops and Open Studios, there are plenty of opportunities to get creative.”

To view the full Creative Peninsula programme and to book tickets, visit: creativepeninsula.andculture.org.uk

Tickets go on sale on Thursday 27 June at 12noon.

TITANIC Belfast has announced the return of a free summer exhibition in partnership with Terry Bradley Art following the huge success of last year’s inaugural event.

Dockers & Dolls – The Art of Terry Bradley runs daily from Monday 1^st July until Saturday 31^st August from 9am – 7pm in The Andrews Gallery.

The new exhibition will showcase Bradley’s long tradition of painting the dockers – representing fair, strong Belfast workers who have dealt with a lot in life, while also incorporating some of the rich maritime history of the city, his iconic colourful female pieces and his work relating to mental health awareness.

As part of this year’s exhibition, Titanic Belfast has announced the launch of a new and exclusive immersive experience designed to delve into Bradley’s life and artistic journey. This unique feature is narrated by Terry and will allow people to find out more about the renowned artist and provide deeper insights into his art.

Judith Owens MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast said: “We are delighted to welcome Terry Bradley back to Titanic Belfast following the huge success of last year’s exhibition. As one of Northern Ireland’s best-known artists, we are so proud to be able to make his art more accessible and provide a platform to give people, both local and from around the world, the opportunity to view Terry’s incredible work and find out more about him as a person and the journey he has been on.

As part of the Dockers & Dolls – The Art of Terry Bradley exhibition, Titanic Belfast has created a new experience that gives people the chance to hear more about the meaning behind Terry’s pieces in his own words – something that has never been done before as part of his exhibitions. This interactive feature will give people a deeper insight into how his life’s experiences have shaped his art.”

Terry Bradley said: “It is an honour to return to Titanic Belfast, with a brand new exhibition to celebrate my work. For me, Dockers & Dolls – The Art of Terry Bradley, is a very personal and reflective exhibition, as it shows how introducing colour into artwork signifies a shift in my mental health.

The transformation from monochrome to a full spectrum of colour is not just aesthetic, it is deeply symbolic. It represents the gradual reawakening of senses, the rediscovery of joy, and the acceptance of the self in all its complexity. I can think of nowhere better than Titanic Belfast, the heart of Belfast’s rich maritime history where I have taken so much inspiration from, for me to share my own personal story.”

For further information on Dockers & Dolls – The Art of Terry Bradley visit www.titanicbelfast.com

WATERFRONT HALL:  Sunday 18 May 2025

Following standing ovations and sold out shows, Whitney: Queen of the Night returns to the Waterfront Hall, Belfast on Sunday 18 May 2025

*Tickets on sale Friday 28 June at 10am*

Waterfront Hall: www.waterfront.co.uk & Ticketmaster: www.ticketmaster.ie

Direct from the West End, The London Palladium, and the iconic Royal Albert Hall, Whitney – Queen of the Night is a celebration of the music and life of one of the greatest singers of all time: Whitney Houston.
Experience the ultimate tribute to the remarkable musical repertoire of Whitney Houston in an electrifying production that honours her timeless songs with sensational vocalists and a full live band.

Prepare to be blown away by an extraordinary journey through three decades of all-time hits such as:

I Wanna Dance With Somebody, One Moment In Time, I’m Every Woman, I Will Always Love You, My Love Is Your Love, So Emotional, Run To You, Saving All My Love, How Will I Know, Million Dollar Bill, The Greatest Love Of All, and many more.

Join us for an unmissable evening filled with live music, captivating choreography, and powerful vocals, as we pay homage to the one and only queen of the night.

Please note that Whitney – Queen of the Night is a tribute production and is not endorsed by or affiliated with the Whitney Houston Estate.

www.queenofthenight.co/

Popular Event Officially Launched at Bayview Hotel

BOASTING world-class riders from all corners of the globe and thousands of fans each year, the Armoy Road Races is set to return to the County Antrim village this summer, running from 26^th – 27^th July.

On Wednesday of this week, members of the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club (AMRRC) welcomed this year’s sponsors to the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae to officially launch the event.

Title sponsor of the Race of Legends, Trevor Kane, owner of the Bayview Hotel welcomed road racers and invited guests, which included the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ciaran McQuillan. Attendees heard from Chairman and Clerk of Course, William Munnis as he outlined this year’s racing schedule and paid tribute to all those who work to ensure the success of the Armoy Road Races.

Invited guests also had an opportunity to meet road racers Dominic Herbertson, Jeremy McWilliams, Ryan Whitehall and Neil Kernohan, who were in attendance.

Speaking about the event, Club Chairman and Clerk of Course, William Munnis commented: “The Armoy Road Races is currently in its 15^th year and what a decade and a half it has been.

“As a club we are honoured to see it grow to the hugely successful event that it is today, attracting riders and fans from all corners of the globe and we expect this year to be no different.

“Race entries are closing on Monday 24^th June and alongside the strong representation of home-grown talent, we’re also seeing riders from as far away as Germany and France, who will be vying for the top spot.”

Turning his attention to this year’s sponsors, William continued: “I’ve said it numerous times before, but we are truly indebted to each and every one of our sponsors who kindly support the event every year – without them, it simply wouldn’t be feasible. We are very lucky to have the support of a number of local businesses and individuals who clearly love the sport just as much as we do.

“Sincere thanks to our sponsors, Hilton Car Sales, Ian Hickinson, James McKillop, Raymond Hodges and TT Racing, BDS Motorcycles, the Diamond Bar, the Mermaid Club, MJF Builders, Causeway Geotech, Fay Stewart, Taggart’s Barn, Park Electrical Services, Brap Moto and the Bayview Hotel. We’re also welcoming new sponsors, AP Louden and John M Paterson Ltd on board this year.”

Meanwhile, road racer Dominic Herbertson, who has competed at Armoy for the last number of years, said after the launch: “The Armoy Road Races is something I look forward to year on year as it has become one of the most prestigious competitions in the Irish road racing calendar.

“This year, I will be riding for Burrows Engineering /RK Racing and competing in the Open, Superport and Race of Legends class. If the last few years are anything to go by, the competition will be incredibly tough but, I’m up for the challenge and will be doing all I can to be standing on a podium or two.”

Road racers confirmed for this year include TAS Racing’s Davey Todd on his TT wining bike, Jamie Coward with KTS supported by local man Stanley Stewart Racing. Derek Shiels, Mike Sweeney are also scheduled to race alongside Mike Browne on an Aprilia bike – the first time such a bike will be at Armoy.

Title Sponsor and Bayview Hotel owner, Trevor Kane, “I’m delighted to have been associated with the Armoy Road Races since its inception. The Bayview Hotel has a strong affinity with this tremendous sport, and I look forward to July, some good dry weather and safe and exciting road racing.”

This year, Bike Week runs from Sunday 21^st July with the races taking place on Friday 26^th July and Saturday 27^th July 2024 culminating in the Bayview Hotel ‘Race of Legends.’  The Armoy Road Races are part funded by the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

For more information on Armoy Road Races, visit armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on X @ArmoyRoadRaces.

The inaugural Remarkable Marketing Awards recognised 20 experts across the industry recently at a glittering awards ceremony at the Europa Hotel.

Sponsored by Card Group Research, the awards were created by the team behind the hugely popular annual Big Marketing Meet Up conference.

Hosted by communicator and presenter, Emer Maguire, the RMA’s gave marketers and their teams the chance to blow their own trumpets to be recognised for their creativity, innovation and marketing successes.

Winners on the night included Catherine McKernan from Galgorm Collective (Hospitality), Stephanie Watson from Lusso Tan (Market Research and Lifestyle & Wellness) and Leonie Bond from Trifecta Studios (independent consultant) plus many more.

Speaking of the awards, Treena Clarke, founder, said: “The Remarkable Marketing Awards are a celebration of the people behind groundbreaking initiatives. These awards are not about brands, channels or tactics, they’re about the people, the visionary marketers.” 

This year’s theme was about encouraging marketers to blow their own trumpets and celebrate the people in Northern Ireland behind some of the most impactful campaigns promoting brands, helping clients hit targets and turning remarkable ideas into reality. 

Winner Charlotte McAteer of Jack Murphy Jewellers said: “Winning the prestigious award for Most Remarkable Marketing in Retail and eCommerce is an immense honour and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the entire team at Jack Murphy Jewellers, and each and every customer that has and continues to support our Welded Forever Bracelets experience.”

The event also featured a special keynote address from lead judge Walter Campbell, one of the most awarded creative thinkers and inspirational ECD’s in advertising. 

When asked what stood out to him most during the judging of the awards, Walter Campbell highlighted his admiration for the dedication and resilience displayed in the submissions. 

He said: “I was highly impressed by the commitment to ideas and the physical tenacity evident in some of the work. The determination to extend or unlock aspects of the ideas over 

Melissa Devlin of GCD Technologies who won the Digital & ICT award said: “I’m really proud to have won! 

“Marketing isn’t always about the big shiny campaigns but also the hard work that goes on in the background, particularly in small and medium-sized companies, so it feels great to have been recognised amongst my peers.”

And Ellen White of the MarTech Laboratory at Ulster University who won Future Marketing Leader added: “I am incredibly encouraged by being awarded this accolade and it has empowered me as I hope to progress my career post-graduation within the Northern Ireland marketing sphere.”

The RMA’s are sponsored by headline sponsors Card Group Research and Insight, along with category sponsors Excalibur Press, Horrible Brands, Mrktsearch, Belfast Academy of Marketing, Thought Boxes, Creating Retail Magic and CO3.

For more information or to see a full winners list go to >> remarkableawards.com