Category: Uncategorized

12.05.24 – World ME Day – Belfast, Northern Ireland

By Joan McParland, founder, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI

Today, the Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI community stood at the historic gates of Stormont united by our shared challenges and hope for a better future. 

Ten years ago, in 2014, we rallied here with a silent demonstration, collecting thousands of signatures that demanded the attention of our leaders – a call for the urgent establishment of specialist M.E. services in Northern Ireland. 

Our gathering today renews and intensifies this demand, underlining the critical need for immediate action and robust support for those living with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.).

The outdated NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS, CG53, in place since 2007 and only revised in October 2021 to NG206, had recommended treatments like Graded Exercise Therapy (GET) which subsequent research and patient experiences proved to be harmful to patients.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), was used as a way to diminish patient experiences rather than help support them to mentally and emotionally manage and cope with living with a very real and physical illness. These changes marked a significant shift in understanding but have yet to translate into improved care for our patients in Northern Ireland, who remain in desperate need of professional and compassionate medical support.

Our call at Stormont today is charged with urgency. The absence of commissioned M.E. services in Northern Ireland has left our patients without the specialist care they critically require. 

Intermittently for well over a decade, the community relied on being able to pay for a private consultant from London, but this service was disrupted by the pandemic and unfortunately had not been able to be resumed, leaving a void filled only by despair. With the impending retirement of our metabolic/endocrinology consultant who showed a keen interest in M.E., the prospect of having no medical professionals familiar with this complex condition becomes a harsh reality.

This situation has placed an undue burden on general practitioners, many of whom lack the necessary training to effectively manage M.E. and are disadvantaged due to being unable to refer patients to a secondary care specialist or consultant. The disparity in disbelief, stigma of and lack of understanding around the illness among healthcare providers has led to a postcode lottery of care, where the quality of treatment depends heavily on the knowledge and belief of individual practitioners. This is a grave injustice to those afflicted.

What we urgently need is for M.E. to be recognised in Northern Ireland as a legitimate, severe medical condition by all healthcare professionals, organisations, and political figures. 

We demand the immediate commissioning of specialist M.E. services and a dedicated medical lead in Northern Ireland, supported by recurrent financial resources. Furthermore, the newly revised NICE Guidelines on ME/CFS NG206 which were endorsed by the Department of Health and circulated to healthcare professionals by the deputy chief medical officer of Northern Ireland in January 2022 must be implemented across all health and social care services immediately.

Education is crucial. M.E. must be included in the curriculum for medical students and part of ongoing training for all healthcare professionals. This will ensure that future generations of healthcare providers are better equipped to understand and treat M.E. and related conditions. Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI have created a 2-part educational programme for professionals who can earn three hours of CPD points by registering for and completing through the charity.

In fact Minister for Health Robin Swann recently highlighted the need for M.E. to be highlighted in the medical curriculum.

Awareness programs must be extended to dispel the stigma associated with these illnesses, promoting a more empathetic and informed approach within the medical community and beyond.

We call on our politicians to take decisive action. We need the government to facilitate the negotiation and establishment of M.E. specialist services and to ensure that the revised NICE guidelines are applied throughout our healthcare system. Accountability mechanisms should be put in place to ensure these services are not only promised but delivered.

Our political advocates need to speak up in the Northern Ireland Assembly and at Westminster to champion the cause of those living with M.E.. By fostering greater awareness and pushing for the implementation of essential services, they can play a crucial role in transforming the lives of thousands.

The path to achieving these changes has been fraught with administrative and logistical setbacks, as evidenced by the repeated failures to secure a dedicated M.E. consultant. These challenges underscore the systemic issues within our healthcare recruitment and retention strategies, which must be addressed as part of broader reforms.

As part of our ongoing advocacy, Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI has launched the DISCOVER ME campaign. This initiative includes a tour of our educational VR film, Discover ME, across 13 libraries across the country in partnership with Libraries NI, aiming to immerse viewers in the realities of living with M.E.. 

This powerful film, created by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, has already begun to change hearts and minds, providing a visceral, empathetic insight into the daily lives of those affected by these conditions.

It is time for acknowledgement, action, and advocacy. Our community cannot afford any more delays in receiving the care and recognition it deserves. We have united here today to demand immediate change and to assert that we will accept nothing less.

Join us, support us, and help us forge a future where M.E., Fibromyalgia and other related conditions such as Long Covid are not just recognised but adequately addressed within our healthcare system. Together, we can ensure that no one is left to fight alone.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org 

As spring arrives, beckoning us outdoors, it’s the perfect time to embark on new adventures with your family.

Nestled in the heart of Northern Ireland, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a tapestry of picturesque landscapes, charming trails, and exciting attractions waiting to be explored. From enchanting forests to captivating cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone in this idyllic region. Join us as we unravel the delights of Lisburn & Castlereagh and discover why it’s the ultimate destination for your family’s springtime escapades.

Embrace Nature and Views:

Spring is a time of renewal, and what better way to embrace its splendour than by immersing yourself in nature’s embrace? Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts an array of breath-taking parks, gardens, and green spaces where you can reconnect with the great outdoors. Explore the tranquil beauty of Hillsborough Forest, where towering trees and meandering trails invite you to wander and unwind. Marvel at the vibrant blooms of Wallace Park or lose yourself in the serenity of Moira Demesne. With its abundance of natural treasures, Lisburn & Castlereagh is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages.

Discover Family-Friendly Attractions:

From thrilling adventures to educational experiences, Lisburn & Castlereagh offers a wealth of family-friendly attractions sure to delight visitors of all ages. Embark on a journey back in time at the Ulster Aviation Society (pre-booking required), where vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts await discovery. Get up close and personal with majestic alpacas at Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes or test your skills at Northern Ireland’s only public Olympic-sized ice rink at Dundonald International Ice Bowl. With so many exciting options to choose from, every day in Lisburn & Castlereagh promises new adventures and lasting memories.

Indulge in Culinary Delights:

No family adventure is complete without delicious dining experiences to savour along the way. Lisburn & Castlereagh boasts a vibrant culinary scene, offering an array of eateries and establishments to satisfy every palate. Treat your taste buds to the finest local cuisine at charming cafes, traditional pubs, and award-winning restaurants scattered throughout the region. Whether you’re craving hearty comfort food, exotic flavours, or indulgent sweet treats, you’ll find no shortage of culinary delights to tempt your senses in Lisburn & Castlereagh.

Immerse Yourself in Culture:

Beyond its natural beauty and family-friendly attractions, Lisburn & Castlereagh is a region steeped in rich history and culture waiting to be explored. Discover the fascinating heritage of iconic landmarks such as Hillsborough Castle, once home to royalty and political leaders. Explore the vibrant arts scene at local galleries and theatres or uncover hidden gems in quaint villages and market towns. Plus discover the rich tapestry of Northern Ireland’s heritage at the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum, where history comes alive through captivating exhibitions and interactive displays. With its diverse array of cultural offerings, Lisburn & Castlereagh invites you to embark on a journey of discovery and enlightenment.

As spring unfolds its blossoms and the promise of warmer days ahead, there’s never been a better time to explore Lisburn & Castlereagh with your family. From captivating natural landscapes to exciting attractions and culinary delights, this charming region offers endless opportunities for adventure and relaxation. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and set out to discover the wonders of Lisburn & Castlereagh this spring. Your family’s next great adventure awaits!

Crescent Arts Centre is gearing up to host the 14^th edition of the Belfast Book Festival, which takes place from 6^th – 13^th June 2024.

In the iconic Victorian building on University Road, the festival promises an array of events and activities tailored for both adults and children. The festival will be a celebration of the finest in fiction, non-fiction, and spoken word.

Sophie Hayles, Chief Executive of Crescent Arts Centre and Belfast Book Festival expressed her excitement about bringing together enthusiasts of arts and literature once again. “We are thrilled to welcome visitors to the 14th edition of the Belfast Book Festival here at Crescent Arts Centre – come on in to our beautiful South Belfast home.

Highlights of the Festival

Highlights of the festival include an evening with Margaret Drabble, in conversation with Wendy Erskine reflecting on seven decades of writing; and Colm Tóibín discussing the highly anticipated sequel to Brooklyn, titled Long Island, with Festival Patron Lucy Caldwell.

Join a special live edition of RTÉ Sunday Miscellany with new writing from a line-up that includes Jan Carson and Glenn Patterson.

Other writers at the Festival include Sinéad Gleeson, Kevin Barry, Elaine Feeney, Martin Doyle, Paul Lynch, Louise Kennedy, Fergal Keane, Suzi Ronson, Nicola Tallant, AC Grayling, and Eimear Ryan.

Young Readers

There’s plenty for young people –  particularly on Saturday, June 8^th  – an audience with Jacqueline Wilson, readings with Martin Waddell accompanied by an exhibition celebrating his picture books, and launches of new works from Northern Ireland talents Ashling Lindsay and Colleen Larmour.

Poetry

The Festival’s poetry programme features celebrated US poet Marie Howe; Belfast’s Dawn Watson, Scott McKendry and Micheál McCann.

Other Activities

Alongside bookable events there’s a range of free/drop-in activities including film poem screenings, exhibitions, a ‘Little Library’, Room to Write, Storytellers Corner and a Poetry Jukebox.

To enhance accessibility to the Belfast Book Festival, organisers are adopting a “Pay What You Decide” model. Sophie Hayles elaborated on this initiative, stating, “For the third consecutive year, we’re implementing the ‘pay what you decide’ approach to foster broader engagement with the festival, especially among individuals who may not typically attend such events. Our aim is to inspire attendees to explore sessions outside their usual preferences, thus invigorating the arts sector and facilitating connections between writers, artists, and new audiences.”

Belfast Book Festival has pioneered panel-led curation in Ireland, with this year’s programming associates including Neil Hegarty and Mícheál McCann. Festival director Sophie Hayles commented, “Panel-led curation is now the norm in many countries: and at Belfast Book Festival we have witnessed how very well it works, providing access to a range of ideas, connections, and creative input”.

Belfast Book Festival runs at the Crescent Arts Centre from 6^th – 13^th June, and booking is now open at belfastbookfestival.com

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has launched the powerful Discover ME campaign which begins on World ME Day.

The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and other Post Viral Syndromes (PVS) such conditions can demonstrate overlapping characteristics.

The campaign, designed to deepen public and professional understanding of chronic conditions like M.E., will begin on World ME Day where significant landmarks such as Parliament Buildings at Stormont and various council buildings are to be lit up in blue to symbolise solidarity and support for those affected by M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Having teamed up with Libraries NI, the campaign will then tour 13 libraries across Northern Ireland giving the public, politicians, educators and healthcare professionals the chance to experience the powerful Discover ME film in Virtual Reality (VR).

Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy said he was delighted to launch the campaign.

He added: “I’d like to commend Discover M.E.’s innovative approach, harnessing some of the best of our innovation talent in Professor Deepa Mann-Kler’s company Neon to create an immersive, hard-hitting campaign. It’s going to increase awareness and understanding of these chronic medical conditions which are unfortunately negatively impacting on so many people’s lives here. 

“Partnerships like these will help to drive medical progress and treatment forward and I encourage people to take the time to discover more about these conditions through the Discover M.E.VR experience at their local library.”

The 13-library tour across the country will start on May 14 at Lisburn and Falls Road libraries before moving on to Holywood Arches and Bangor Library on May 15, Portstewart and Grove Library on May 21, Omagh and Derry City Library on May 28, Antrim and Lisburn Road Library on May 29, Portadown and Newry Library on June 3 and finishing the tour at Belfast Central Library on June 4.

Julie Reid, Deputy Head of Services for Libraries NI said they were delighted to be supporting a powerful educational campaign like Discover ME across their network.

She added: “Libraries NI is pleased to support this initiative as it raises awareness of the significant impact that conditions like M.E. and Fibromyalgia can have on individuals’ lives.

“Our libraries serve as pillars of support and compassion for many members of the local community, offering valuable resources and information on a wide range of health-related topics. We hope that the upcoming events in libraries will provide a platform for people to gain a deeper understanding of the personal experiences of those managing the daily challenges of M.E., Fibromyalgia, and other illnesses.”

At each library location, visitors will be able to have the opportunity to put on a VR headset and experience the six-minute Discover ME film themselves.

Hope 4 ME & Fibro founder Joan McParland MBE said developing the Discover ME film into a VR experience introduces M.E. and addresses the stigma and misinformation surrounding the disease.

She explained: “We felt it was important to turn the film into a VR experience because it’s a unique way to view the message. Because it is in VR you are completely immersed in the patient experiences – they’re sharing the hard hitting reality of living with M.E. in their own words” 

Linda Campbell, chair of Hope 4 ME & Fibro added: “The film allows viewers to be immersed in the sight and sound. In the viewings we’ve already facilitated with healthcare professionals and the public we’ve seen an increased impact of the film because it is in VR. The individual is immersed in the experience, which proves to be both memorable and emotive. 

“Increased awareness and education of M.E. is achieved as a result, and this then becomes a learning and discussion point to share with others.”

The Discover ME film was directed and produced by Professor Deepa Mann-Kler, chief executive of Neon and visiting professor of Immersive Futures at Ulster University.

“When Professor Mann-Kler first approached us with her previous VR technology used to help self-manage pain, we saw an opportunity not just to educate but to foster genuine empathy towards M.E., amplifying our message through the power of storytelling” said Joan.

“Our mission with the Discover ME campaign is to challenge the myths and misrepresentation surrounding M.E., and other related conditions like Fibromyalgia and Long Covid and to show the harsh realities faced by patients through a compelling VR experience. Professor Deepa Mann-Kler has brilliantly transformed this into an animated VR film that goes beyond conventional awareness efforts.”

Professor Mann Kler said using virtual reality allowed the charity to provide a visceral understanding of the lives disrupted by M.E. and similar conditions.

“How we made Discover ME was as equally important as the final piece, where the process of co-creation has lead to a truly authentic and compelling insight into the lives of people from all walks of life and their lived experiences. As a storyteller, it was an honour to be trusted in this way. 

“This campaign is so important in helping raise awareness. Discover ME also now forms part of the Ulster University and Queen’s University Belfast respective Medical Schools course curriculum. That will help change people’s lives, by training future Doctors” she explained.

The Discover ME campaign also includes a series of awareness billboards, social media and a series of additional events for the medical profession and educators in the area of M.E., Fibromyalgia and Long Covid.

Discover ME Film is a partnership between Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, Silverink, Enter Yes and Neon and was funded by NI Screen.

Additional funding for virtual reality headset equipment was provided by The Hospital Saturday Fund and monies raised by patients and their family members.

For more information about the campaign go to hope4mefibro.org

Is there a better way to enjoy the long bank holiday weekend, as Market Place return to Belfast with the Continental Market as part of their Northern Ireland Spring Market Tour. Traders will be showcasing an array of tantalizing flavors from across the globe and unique handcrafted gifts, during the five-day event in the gardens of City Hall from 23 – 27 May. 

This year’s market brings together over 70 traders, offering food enthusiasts, families, and everyday explorers the very best international cuisine, artisanal products, and handmade goods.

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, said: “The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall is always a big draw for residents and visitors to Belfast alike, so it’s great to see it back in the heart of the city centre for another year.

“Come along with your family and friends to make the most of the long bank holiday weekend and explore the wide variety of food, crafts and entertainment on offer, with something for all ages to enjoy.”

Visitors to the market can expect to embark on a culinary journey around the world, sampling mouthwatering dishes from countries spanning Europe, South America, the Middle East, and beyond. From traditional German bratwurst to authentic Italian pizzas, there’s something to satisfy every palate. In addition to the delicious food offerings, the market will also feature a range of artisanal products and handcrafted goods such as locally made vegan soaps, Ecuadorian jewellery, beautifully crafted pottery from Tunisia, and more.

Market Place Manager, Andy Pidgen is delighted to bring back the much-anticipated Belfast International Market: ‘‘We’re excited to showcase the incredible diversity of cuisines, cultures and traditions represented at the Belfast Spring Continental Market. It’s a fantastic opportunity for our traders to share their passion for food and craftmanship, as well as connecting with the local community.’’

The Spring Continental Market at Belfast City Hall runs from Thursday 23 – Monday 27 May and will be open from:

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

Monday 10am – 6pm

Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said Belfast must “support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future”.

She was speaking at the launch of the TechFoundHer AI Roadshow which will be taking place at The MAC, Cathedral Quarter, later this month.

The women in tech organisation, set up by Co Down entrepreneur Mairin Murray, has announced they will also launch their Northern Ireland community at the event.

The roadshow follows on from the success of the recent TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin, a one-day innovation summit for female founders.

Speaking of the city’s commitment to creating growth opportunities for local entrepreneurs, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Áine Groogan said: “As event co-sponsor, we’re really looking forward to welcoming TechFoundHer 2024 to Belfast, following the successful TechFoundHer Bootcamp in Dublin last month. 

“We’ve made a commitment in The Belfast Agenda to support inclusive growth and opportunities in businesses of the future, so it’s wonderful to see this event encouraging female entrepreneurship and greater participation in Belfast’s burgeoning tech sector. 

“As well as providing valuable learning and networking opportunities for women who want to learn more about emerging technology trends and the funding environment, TechFoundHer is also going to share international perspectives from female founders, with input from investors and entrepreneurs from the US, UK and Ireland. 

“I encourage women at any stage of their tech career or business to register for this event and come along to The MAC.”

The AI Roadshow on Wednesday May 22 will include the premiere screening of the Los Angeles produced award winning movie Show Her The Money, a powerful and uplifting film dedicated to shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women entrepreneurs in their quest for funding.

The film, produced by Catherine Gray and directed by Ky Dickens, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the lives of resilient and visionary women who have defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and overcome obstacles to build their businesses. Catherine Gray and investor Wendy Ryan, featured in the movie, will be attending the roadshow from the US and leading the post screening panel with a Q&A session. 

The TechFoundHer AI Roadshow has an inspirational lineup of speakers who will lead a series of motivational talks with practical takeaways about the power of tech and the AI revolution that is underway

TechFoundHer founder Mairin Murray said she is delighted to be bringing a prestigious lineup of speakers to Belfast and added that it’s been her goal to run Northern Ireland based events for a number of years.

She added: “TechFoundHer is on a mission to ensure women can fully contribute as tech entrepreneurs and innovators.

“Women are currently massively under-represented as the founders of tech companies. This must change. Tech has no gender, and it’s time we come up with bold solutions to address the underinvestment in women’s startups.

“AI is happening now, and women founders need to be embracing all the opportunities it presents as quickly as possible.”

TechFoundHer was set up by Mairin Murray earlier this year with the mission to “unlock the potential of women to start and lead tech companies for the benefit of our economy, society and world” she explained, adding: “We build tech competence. We advocate for entrepreneur equality and system change. We are data driven and ask questions and look for answers. We connect impact focused women tech founders in our network with peers, champions, supporters and allies.”

Speakers include producer, advocate and She Angels Founder Catherine Gray, diversity champion and CEO Kadabra, Wendy Ryan, innovator and entrepreneur, Dr Lollie Mancey, Belfast based media and marketing expert Tina Calder of Excalibur Press and Mairin herself with more to be announced.

TechFoundHer AI Roadshow is supported and sponsored by Belfast City Council, Queen’s University Belfast Business School, Ormeau Baths, DogPatch Labs, PorterShed, Republic of Work, RDI Hub and Excalibur Press.

For information and to book tickets go to techfoundher.com.

HASTINGS Hotels has partnered with SD Bell & Co in East Belfast to create a specially roasted 100% Arabica blend for the group’s six luxurious properties.

The launch of the brew comes as Hastings Hotels confirmed a new supply agreement with Henderson Foodservice to continue its long standing coffee relationship which spans eight years. As part of this, the group has invested in new top of the range equipment, including a bean to cup machine which enables breakfast guests across the six hotels to self-serve both specialty coffees and hot chocolates. 

The new coffee roast supplied by SD Bell & Co is served from all Barista machines across the six hotels and the Cultra Inn, together with especially creamy milk from Farmview Dairies in the Castlereagh Hills, to deliver a premium coffee product.

Howard Hastings, Managing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “At Hastings Hotels, we are passionate about good coffee and have carefully selected our own roasts for the last number of years. In keeping with our strong heritage of supporting local, we are delighted to have teamed up with Robert Bell, of SD Bell & Co, a well-known coffee roasters and a neighbour of our property Stormont Hotel, to introduce a delightful specially roasted 100% Arabica blend that is available for our guests to enjoy.”

Robert Bell, Managing Director of SD Bell said: “This is a highly prestigious account for SD Bell’s, and as Ireland’s oldest independent tea merchants and coffee roasters, the heritage and history of SD Bell & Co resonates well with the brand values and local credentials that are so important to Hastings Hotels so we are thrilled to be working with the group to create this unique coffee blend. I was pleased to be personally involved in the tasting and selection of this coffee, a quality Arabica bean, roasted exclusively for Hastings to give a full, rich taste, perfect for all espresso-based coffees.”

Open House has announced the initial programme for this year’s annual Bangor Festival. The focal venues for ticketed events will be Bangor Castle Walled Garden, and the award-winning Court House on Bangor seafront. And for the first time since the covid pandemic, there will be at least one event every day throughout the month of August.

Acts performing at the stunning Walled Garden under a stretch tent canopy include the eleven-man Whitehorse Guitar Club from Cork, comedian Jarlath Regan, known for his Irishman Abroad podcast, and English Indie soul band Skinny Living. Comedians Diona Doherty and Micky Bartlett are appearing under the same bill, and this year’s film will be last year’s big summer hit, Barbie.

The Court House, an independent music and arts venue that is owned and operated by Open House, will play a much bigger role in this year’s Festival. Since opening its doors eighteen months ago, it has been awarded two major accolades: The National Lottery Project of the Year Award, and the Heritage Angels Award, both of which were attained by public vote. During the festival the venue will host This is the Kit, aka English musician Kate Stables and her band, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Oisín Leech, comedy harpist Ursula Burns, and County Down singer, Wilfie, who has become something of a legend in his own lifetime. There’ll be a host of other music events, many of which are free, as well as comedy, poetry, book clubs, wine tastings, and cinema – including a Colin Bateman trilogy – plus a special celebration of Bangor’s famous 1980s nightclub, The Matinee Club.

While the core festival runs during August, other fringe events will be held throughout the summer. The popular Picnic in the Park free music events at Ward Park return every Sunday afternoon in July and August. This year’s line-up includes Belfast soul band The Gold Tips, Bangor’s own Wasted Talent, and bluegrass band Broken String Band, who will perform at the now legendary Bluegrass Picnic on Sunday 25^th August. And this year’s Seaside Revival Vintage Festival will take place on Bangor seafront on Saturday 29^th June.

“With around eighty events currently programmed and more to be announced, this is our biggest Festival since 2019,” said Open House Director, Kieran Gilmore. “Covid changed the trajectory of the August festival, but we’ve enjoyed a really great couple of years in the Walled Garden. And now we can celebrate the success of the Court House, and integrate it into the festival too – something we spent years dreaming about and planning. The venue has already proven to be enormously popular with the people of Bangor, and we’re hoping that others from further afield will visit and enjoy the building during August.”

Since the first Open House Festival Bangor in 2013, the city has become a go-to cultural destination for artists and audiences alike. To date there have been over 1,100 festival events (a third of which were free) to a combined audience of 362,000, with an estimated input of £13.6m to the city’s economy. This year’s festival is expected to attract around 52,000 people to Bangor, and will once again have a positive impact on the wider local economy.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said: “The packed programme of live events sounds exciting and I am really looking forward to this year’s Open House Festival. Combined with Picnic in the Park and the Seaside Revival, as well as a series of events held in our beautiful Bangor Castle Walled Garden and in Bangor’s historic and award-winning Court House venue, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. This will attract an influx of visitors to our Borough, helping to boost our local economy, and I wish all those participating a very successful Festival.”

Additional festival events and further details about Seaside Revival and Picnic in the Park will be announced in due course.

Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 26^th April.

To purchase tickets and view the full programme go to: www.openhousefestival.com