Category: Uncategorized

MAKE memories by the Lakes at Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges in Enniskillen thanks to the launch of a fabulous selection of June offers starting from just £80pps*.

There will be no Monday blues if you treat yourself to the Sunday Sleepover from just £80pps – breakfast is included.

‘ReJUNEvate’ with a two night break including full cooked breakfast and FREE £25 dining credit from £150pps.

Looking ahead to summer, Killyhevlin’s choice of luxury Self-Catering accommodation is ideal for families with NEW 3 and 4 night offers available for Lakeland and Woodland Lodges, complete with outdoor Hot Tub from £250 per night.*  Lodge guests can save on upgrading their stay with exclusive Vouchers to avail of 10% off breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in Lakeside Grill and 50% off Padel. For families with a baby or Toddler, the new Lakeland Studios are an ideal choice!

All Summer Offers include full use of Killyhevlin Health Club with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, outdoor lakeview hot tub and Gym. Guests can also treat themselves to Summer pampering with a luxury Elemis treatment at KALM Spa.

Killyhevlin’s idyllic location in the heart of The Fermanagh Lakelands, less than 1km from historic Enniskillen, Ireland’s only island town means a ‘giant adventure’ awaits. Unique attractions include ‘Ireland’s Stairway To Heaven’ Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Marble Arch Caves, Enniskillen Castle as well as being a paradise for boating, kayaking, canoeing and wildlife.

 

For further information or to book, go to www.killyhevlin.com or call reservations on 028 6632 3481.

 

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

 

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper BEM was joined by local school children to officially open a new sensory garden in Ballyclare.

This unique sensory garden, located within Ballyclare War Memorial Park, is specifically designed to cater to the needs of individuals with autism, dementia, and other sensory requirements.

Delighted with the Council’s recent addition to Ballyclare, the Mayor comments, “This is our third sensory garden in the Borough. This unique style of playground has proven to be fun and enjoyable while catering for the diverse needs of our local community.

“The Council is committed to creating safe, welcoming and inclusive playgrounds as well as a place for our residents and visitors to spend quality time in nature. Our sensory gardens serve as valuable assets for the community, promoting mental health and physical wellbeing through learning and exploring.”

The garden’s layout has been carefully crafted to provide a stimulating yet calm environment, encouraging creativity and social interaction. Visitors can meander along winding paths, while enjoying a full sensory experience, including a melody of soothing sounds from wind chimes, brightly coloured drums, a mini-beast hotel and interactive touch panels, all designed to enhance nature-based learning activities.

In addition to Ballyclare Sensory Garden, similar facilities can be found at Hazelbank Park and Antrim Castle Gardens, all of which are free to access. The gardens are open from dawn to dusk.

For more information on our inclusive activities, please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/accessibility

 

 

Banbridge is gearing up for a musical spectacle and first-class live entertainment as it announces Ryan McMullan as the headline act at this year’s BuskFest.

The international busking competition – which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this year – attracts thousands of visitors from across the island of Ireland and offers participants the chance to compete for a £3000 prize pot, as well as the opportunity to perform at Northern Ireland’s largest camping festival, Stendhal Festival.

This year’s celebration promises to be nothing short of spectacular, with the spotlight fixed on Co Down’s own rising star, Ryan McMullan. The 33-year-old singer songwriter has toured worldwide with artists such as Ed Sheeran, Snow Patrol, Kodaline, and Foy Vance.

Open for registration until 21^st June, BuskFest will see musicians, singers, bands, solo artists, and street performers take to all corners of Banbridge. In addition to a performance spot at Stendhal Festival, the Overall Winner will claim £1000 with the remaining prize fund distributed among categories such as Best Band, Individual, and Junior whilst special awards like Best Performance, sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce, and Spirit of BuskFest, sponsored by The Boulevard, will also be contested.

BuskFest has become a cornerstone event for Armagh City, Banbridge, and Craigavon Borough Council, growing into a platform that not only showcases the wealth of musical talent in Northern Ireland and further afield but also celebrates the local heritage of Banbridge as Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Sorchá McGeown highlights.

She said: “Reflecting on two decades of BuskFest, we’re thrilled to witness its evolution into an esteemed international competition fostering emerging talent. With Banbridge’s rich musical heritage, it has always been the perfect setting for this event and what better way to mark twenty years than with headliner Ryan McMullan. We’re delighted to be welcoming Ryan and look forward to showing him everything the area has to offer.

“In addition to brilliant prizes, BuskFest offers a platform to showcase talent, meet other artists, and gain invaluable performance experience. Plus, it’s a fantastic day out for families and visitors with great shops, cafes, and entertainment to enjoy in beautiful Banbridge – which thanks to the public realm scheme has received major investment to improve its streetscape, increase footfall and support local businesses.”

This year’s BuskFest competition kicks off at 2pm; however, festivities will continue right into the evening with an award ceremony taking place on the stage in the town centre from 5.30pm, followed by Ryan’s headline performance to conclude the event.

Ross Parkhill, Stendhal Festival Director, said: “The winner of this year’s BuskFest will have the incredible chance to grace the stage of Stendhal Festival in July. This will be an exciting opportunity for the artist to reach new audiences with their musical talents and experience performing in a festival setting. This first-class prize highlights BuskFest‘s role in supporting and providing an accessible platform for up and coming performers, and I can’t wait to join the judging panel once again. I’d encourage anyone thinking about entering to do so as it will be a fantastic competition and experience.”

As an event that celebrates culture and inclusivity, BuskFest offers something for everyone and attracts hundreds of visitors each year to Banbridge.

BBC Radio Ulster presenter and BuskFest judge Ralph McLean said, “20 years down-the-line, BuskFest stands as a testament to the power of music to unite communities and celebrate creativity and it’s always an honour to be a part of an event that gives people a chance to express themselves through music. As a judge, I am always amazed by the talent and diversity of the performers and this year will be no different. Whether you’re a band or solo artist, there’s a category tailored for every talent, and you will have the chance to showcase your creativity and passion for music. This year, I have the difficult task of choosing the best among the best, but I also have the privilege of being inspired by these amazing performances that will turn the streets of Banbridge into a songfest.”

The event is organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and is supported by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and The Boulevard. Registration for BuskFest is now open and closes at 4 pm on 21^st June 2024.  To register visit www.buskfest.com.

 

Christine Tobin: A Thousand Kisses Deep – An Evening of Leonard Cohen

Celebrated singer-songwriter Christine Tobin is set to bring her critically acclaimed show A Thousand Kisses Deep to Portstewart’s Flowerfield Arts Centre on Saturday, 8^th June.

Christine will be accompanied by guitarist Phil Robson, the performance will captivate audiences for the way it reimagines eleven Leonard Cohen classics, ranging from early works in 1960 right through to selections from his 2001 album.

In addition to performing Cohen’s work, Christine is set to show off her own original compositions, showcasing her poetic storytelling and musical talent.

Her abilities to blend the profound and sensual lyrics of Cohen with her own evocative compositions has taken her to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she won the prestigious Herald Angel Award.

Christine’s musical interpretations of Irish poet W.B. Yeats and contemporary Irish poet Paul Muldoon show her versatility and abilities to connect poetry and musical traditions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience an evening of extraordinary music and storytelling. Tickets are priced at £15 and £13 for concessions, with unreserved tiered seating.

Find out more at flowerfield.org.  Tickets can be booked online at flowerfield.org, by calling 028 7083 1400, or call into the centre to purchase at reception.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christine-tobin-a-thousand-kisses-deep-tickets-861428093617?aff=oddtdtcreator

Kids go free to France this summer with Stena Line

Longing for an idyllic summer getaway but put off by the cost of travel for the whole family? Stena Line has sailed to the rescue with its Kids Go Free offer, just in time to book ahead of the school holidays.

The Swedish-owned ferry company is introducing its Kids Go Free offer on all Economy and Flexi motorist fares on the Irish sea until 5^th January 2025 if the trip is booked before 7^th June.

Family holidays start the second you set foot onboard any of Stena Line’s ships, with games zones, movie lounges and kids play areas for the young ones and facilities such as the Pure Nordic Spa, Taste Bars & Restaurants, and excellent shopping for the grown-ups.

Even your furry friend can relax in the pet lounge when travelling between Belfast and Cairnryan or a pet cabin on other Irish sea routes.

So, if you fancy a fantastic family adventure in France here are just some incredible low-cost activities for the whole family to enjoy in Normandy and further afield, this summer.

Find adventure in Honfleur

• Enjoy a great day out at Honfleur’s leisure park – Village Aventures. Located at the Honfleur Normandy Outlet, this 3,300m2 leisure park promises fun for all the family aged 3+. With inflatables, agility games, pedal go-karts, giant slides and airbag jumping, a visit to Village Adventures is sure to be a day to remember for the whole family.

 

Explore the lavender fields of Provence

• While this may be more for the adults than the children, the sight of rows and rows of lavender flowers in full bloom is sure to create a memory they will never forget. While here, don’t miss out on the fields of sunflowers in the region which bloom at the same time, providing the opportunity to capture the perfect family holiday picture.

 

Find fun at the fish farm

• Thomas LeFraçois welcomes you to his fish farm in Douvrend just 25 minutes from Dieppe. This Aquatic paradise has five sustainable fishing ponds of 200m2 to 500m2 and has been producing fish for more than 50 years. Everyone, from beginners to seasoned anglers can fish for rainbow trout, lake trout and even brown trout. Fishing equipment is available to rent at the entrance to the park and children under four can fish for free.

 

Visit Europe’s cleanest lake (Lake Annecy)

• Enjoy a trip to Lake Annecy, the cleanest lake in Europe. Formed when glaciers melted over 18,000 years ago, kids will enjoy the walking and cycling trails that meander around the lake or a hike up the surrounding hills. And, to help you cool off why not enjoy a dip in the cooling crystal clear waters of the lake before a peaceful stroll through the picturesque, cobblestone streets of Annecy.

Enjoy an afternoon at Parc de l’Aquilon

• Parc de l’Aquilon is where children reign. The playground at the park is divided into four facilities for children of different age groups ranging from 2 to 12 years old while a green amphitheatre regularly hosts botanical themed shows during the summer season. And, from April to November the ‘O’fil des branches’ tree climbing course is set up in the heart of the park with three courses for children and adults to enjoy.

 

Be inspired by Monet in Giverny

• Visiting Claude Monet’s home in Giverny between Normandy and Paris is a great activity for any budding artist or nature lover. Packed full of flowers and butterflies, this garden is the ideal spot to stop and let their imaginations run wild as they sketch their own interpretation of the waterlilies and colours in the garden.

 

Play in the Luxembourg Garden

• A quintessentially French experience the Luxembourg Garden is frequented by locals and tourists alike and is known for its lawns, tree-lined promenades, tennis courts, flowerbeds, its Medici Fountain and of course, the model sail boats that cruise along its octagonal Grand Bassin. Your young ones will love playing with the boats on the pond and for just a few euro, this is a perfect way to spend an afternoon in Paris.

 

With Stena Line’s Kids Go Free offer, prices start from just €165 per car with one adult & up to four children one way and the offer is subject to availability.

To get the best price for your family get away, secure your economy fare now or, if your best laid plans have a habit of changing, don’t worry – with Flexi fares customers can change the time and date of their sailing.

To ensure your kids travel for free between 1^st June and 5^th January 2025, book your Irish sea crossing by 7^th June. For more information visit https://www.stenaline.ie/special-offers/kids-go-free.

LQ BID is giving access to nearly 80 free events including fitness classes, health checks, CPR training and sound healing

Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) has introduced a summer walking tour to mark the return of its annual Health Week, now it its fifth year.

Nearly 80 free events will take place across the district to inspire and support improved health and well-being. Developed in partnership with Creative Tours Belfast, Spinning Yarns Walking Tour will dive into the history of the Linen Quarter weaving together stories of its people and bringing to life a legacy spanning over 250 years.

Kicking off June 10, new additions this year include sound healing, Bollyfit dancing, a group run, and new cycling exhibition Gears and Beers taking place at The Ewart which will highlight the transformation of the modern bicycle and showcase the latest in cycling technology. Health Week will also see employees across the Linen Quarter receive access to almost 50 classes at Pure Gym on Adelaide Street as well as the return of yoga classes, dog petting and personal health checks. All sessions are free to attend, but space is limited. To secure a spot at any of the events visit linenquarter.org/event/linen-quarter-health-week/

In a move to enhance emergency preparedness within the district, the BID is also encouraging its members to invest in life-saving equipment, covering up to 50 per cent of costs for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). The devices can deliver crucial shocks to restore normal heart rhythms during sudden cardiac arrest significantly increasing the chances of survival.

Lawrence Geoffrey Tingson, Linen Quarter BID Healthy and Sustainable Manager said, “Health Week is a crucially important initiative for the BID. Not only does it serve as reminder for us to prioritise our health and wellbeing, but it highlights the role of employers in ensuring their employees are both happy and healthy – which should be a priority for all businesses as a happy workforce is a productive one.

“This year we’re delighted to partner with Creative Tours Belfast to launch our summer Walking Tour which will share the fascinating journey from the heart of the linen industry in the 1800s to the vibrant and distinct district it is today. Our aspiration is to make Spinning Yarns a permanent attraction to drive local tourism and increase footfall in the area. It aligns perfectly with our broader mission to make the Linen Quarter an exceptional place to live, work, visit and enjoy.”

The first Spinning Yarns Walking Tour will take place on June 13 and will run for ten-weeks on a trial basis.  A limited number of free tickets for each tour will be available to employees of Linen Quarter-based organisations.

Dolores Vischer, Founder of Creative Tours Belfast said, “We’ve designed the ‘Spinning Yarns’ Walking Tour in a way that helps people learn about the area’s rich heritage, including the importance of the linen industry and how it earned us the title of ‘Linenopolis’ – as well as seeing how vibrant it is today. Along the way people can expect many entertaining ‘yarns’. They will discover where the largest bell in the city rang out from and why it was silenced for a time, visit historic venues such as the Grand Opera House where Luciano Pavarotti made his UK debut in 1963, and the Ulster Hall were Led Zeppelin first played ‘Stairway to Heaven’ live in 1971. As well as taking in the area’s impressive architecture and historic bars, they will see super street art and fantastic eateries.”

LQ BID is dedicated to sustaining the Linen Quarter’s health and wellbeing with the installation of outdoor parklets and planting, advocacy for active and sustainable travel, and a pioneering new project to monitor and improve air quality throughout the district.

To celebrate Health Week the BID has also partnered with Belfast based clinic ACCA to offer advanced technology and wellness treatments such as Cryotherapy, Oxygen Therapy, and IV Nutrient shots with £25 vouchers available to its members.

For more information on Linen Quarter Health Week, visit linenquarter.org/event/linen-quarter-health-week/or to reserve a ticket for the Spinning Yarns Walking Tour email stephen@linenquarter.org or visit Www.creativetoursbelfast.com

For non-members tickets are priced at £18 and can be booked directly via Visit Belfast.

Hundreds of manufacturing companies and supply chain experts from Northern Ireland are set to travel to Dublin this week for the 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition at RDS Simmonscourt, Dublin.

Following this major event, the same organisation will bring the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition to the Titanic Exhibition Centre in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in September 2024.

Incorporating a comprehensive conference programme and an extensive exhibition area displaying the latest technological solutions and business services available, the 2024 National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will be held over two days on May 28 and 29.

The largest event of its kind in Ireland, the National Manufacturing and Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition serves as a national forum for manufacturers and operators involved throughout the associated supply chains from across Ireland to gather to discuss pressing issues facing Irish industry. 

As such, the Event successfully connects key stakeholders across the full spectrum of Irish manufacturing, including the food, drink, pharmaceutical, medical, chemical, life sciences and electronics sectors.

Accounting for almost a third of Ireland’s GDP and employing over 270,000 people, the manufacturing industry is crucial to the Irish economy and also helps to redress regional imbalances as more than 80% of operations are based outside of Dublin.

However, Irish and international manufacturers are currently facing serious challenges due to disruption to supply chains and markets caused by Brexit, the war in Ukraine, the situation in Gaza and the Red Sea region, and soaring energy, transport and raw materials costs. 

The Irish manufacturing industry and its associated supply chain are also trying to adapt to the disruptive changes generated by the digital revolution and the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (Industry 4.0).

 A new wave of advanced technologies is transforming the manufacturing landscape. These technologies include AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Cloud Computing, Digital Fabrication (including 3D printing), Big Data Capture, Advanced Automated and Autonomous Systems and Collaborative Robotics.

The 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition will highlight the key trends and challenges facing the industry, while also offering practical solutions, as well as showcasing the latest innovations, developments in best practice and new technological advances.

The organiser of 2024 National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition, Dublin-based Premier Publishing & Events, is assembling an impressive line-up of manufacturing leaders, academics and government agencies who will engage in a stimulating blend of keynote addresses and debates. 

Visitors interested in improving the performance of their business can listen to case studies and technical presentations from leading global and local manufacturing experts, whilst also meeting with providers of cutting edge technology.

For instance, Professor Henrik Von Scheel, the originator of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0) will examine the future of manufacturing in his presentation titled ‘Factory 4.0: Megatrends that shape the next decade’. Carlos Garcia Santiago, Head of AI Strategy at Irish Manufacturing Research, will discuss the changing interaction between humans and AI in the field of manufacturing during his presentation titled ‘Beyond automation: Human Wisdom in the AI Revolution’. Dr. Yasmine Daher, Project Manager CE at Irish Manufacturing Research, will aim to aims to demystify AI adoption for Irish manufacturers during his talk titled ‘AI-Driven Circularity: Insights & Opportunities for Irish Enterprise’.

Tristan McCallum, Technologist for Engineering and the Green Economy at IDA Ireland, will look at ‘How the Digital Transformation is benefiting Irish Industry’. 

Anne Bannon, Head of Healthcare & Life Sciences at AIB, will provide an overview of the manufacturing sector and the changing landscape around sustainability while explaining how AIB can assist customers in this area in her presentation –‘Supporting the decarbonisation of the Irish Manufacturing Sector’. Diana Vaz, Renewable Research Technologist at Irish Manufacturing Research, will consider ‘The Role of Renewable Energy Systems (RES) in the decarbonisation of industry’.

Adam Fox, Ireland & UK Business Development Manager at Swisslog, and Brian Cooney, Managing Director of KUKA Ireland, will deliver a comprehensive insight into the future of robotics in the logistics and supply chain industries and wider manufacturing circles during their chat titled ‘What is possible in the realm of autonomous systems? The answer, anything’.

Brendan McAuley, Director at the International Trade Institute, will look at ‘Changes in international trade and what they will mean for your supply chain’.

Engineering Industries Ireland (EII), the Ibec group representing the engineering manufacturing and services sector in Ireland, is the headline Sponsor of the annual Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition. 

As the industry membership body for engineering and manufacturing, Engineering Industries Ireland connects its members to expert knowledge, advice, and supply chain opportunities, supporting a thriving and sustainable sector to compete effectively on both national and world stages.

The National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition incorporates several complementary events – all under one roof. The co-located events include: the Automation and Robotics Event; the IOT & Industry 4.0 Expo; the Sustainability Summit; the Supply Chain & Logistics Expo; the High Tech Manufacturing & Precision Engineering Expo; the Digital Transformation in Manufacturing Event; the Pharma and MedTech Expo; and the Lean Productivity and Continuous Improvement Summit. The co-located events within the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition are designed to show visitors how to harness new technology to improve their own business performance.

Free registration to attend the National Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition is now open at https://www.manufacturingevent.com/register/ 

After last year’s tour of ‘Sense and Sensibility’, Hotbuckle Theatre Company are back with their unique style of adaptation of classic novels.

The virtuoso troupe have been entertaining audiences for over 12 years with their inventive interpretations of familiar texts and this June they are bringing ‘Pride and Prejudice’ to The Market Place, Armagh.

In this fast-paced, multi-role adaptation, Hotbuckle invites us to enter the world of the Bennets. From the headstrong Elizabeth Bennet to the proud Mr. Darcy, Hotbuckle’s rich characterisations abound in this latest piece by skilled writer Adrian Preater.

Full of humour and invention, this is storytelling at its finest, as we meet 5 sisters who deal with marriage, morality and misconceptions in unique Hotbuckle style.

This is Jane Austen as you’ve never experienced her before, so, Hutbuckle up for the carriage ride of your life!

‘Pride and Prejudice’ will take place at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Thursday 6^th June. Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.