Former X Factor and Pop Star to Opera Star winner, Joe McElderry, will be top billing at next weekend’s Paralympic Flame Festival in Belfast.
The singer will perform as part of the celebrations at City Hall on Saturday, August 25. Also performing on the night will be Luminous Soul and the Open Arts Choir and there will be activities and displays by Disability Sport NI.
Tickets for the event are free and are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre, Donegall Place, on a first come, first served basis.
The special event – sponsored by Games partners BT and Sainsbury’s – will see the grounds of City Hall come alive with music and entertainment ahead of the lantern parade arriving and the showcasing of the Paralympic Agitos on the front of City Hall.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Gavin Robinson said: “We are all still on a high from the Olympics and celebrating the achievements of our local athletes. Now here we are, gearing up for another spectacular celebration of sport.
“The Flame Festival, along with the lantern parade, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for the city. There will be something for everyone with free entertainment and family fun in the grounds of City Hall and I hope people will come along and join us.”
Next Wednesday (August 22) the Northern Irish flame will be lit at the summit of Slieve Donard. A group of young disabled and able-bodied Scouts will go up the mountain to kindle a flame which will then be placed in a miner’s lantern and transferred to Belfast for the Paralympic celebrations.
On the morning of Saturday, August 25, the Northern Ireland flame will be brought to Stormont with seven district councils lighting their own lantern to take back to their respective areas.
The Belfast flame will visit communities across the city ahead of a lantern parade from the Belfast Waterfront to City Hall that evening. The Paralympic cauldron will then be lit at City Hall.
For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/olympics or to enquire about tickets contact the Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609.
THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has invested £200,000 in the expansion of the Downpatrick and County Down Railway tourist attraction to include a new Carriage Gallery and Museum.
Housed in a spectacular building, which harks back to the great Victorian termini, the Carriage Gallery and Museum is now Ireland’s only dedicated carriage gallery which tells the story of the development of railways in Northern Ireland from the 19th century to today.
The attraction contains vehicles from all over Ireland as well as artefacts and an exhibition of the old railway which used to run between Belfast and Downpatrick.
The museum is an expansion of the already popular Downpatrick and County Down Railway attraction which has been opened since 1987 and runs vintage trains through the drumlin countryside of County Down to Inch Abbey. The steam train rides operate every weekend of the summer and during special annual events throughout the year such as Halloween, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
Funding for the new gallery, which will open on August 17, was also provided by the National Lottery Scheme.
NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley said, “This investment is a major commitment by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board to develop and support tourism and attractions in the County Down area.
“The new gallery and museum will make a fantastic day out for families and train enthusiasts and visitors can not only hop onboard a steam train to experience railway travel as your grandparents would have but now they can also explore the history of train transport in the local area,” she continued.
“I’m positive this new attraction will encourage a number of visitors to the area which will in return benefit the local economy,” Pauline added.
There are also a number of other railway and transport attractions across Northern Ireland so why not take some time out to go exploring;
Steam Trains Ireland, Whitehead, Co. Antrim
Whitehead Excursion Station is where all the locomotives and carriages from the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s (RPSI) Northern Ireland collection is stored and maintenance and overhaul is carried out. The RPSI operates its steam-hauled excursions on the present day Irish railway network from here, for families and railway enthusiasts, with a number of short steam train rides running throughout the year.
Jump onboard and enjoy a truly heritage experience on a steam locomotive along a two mile coastal stretch between the historic town of Bushmills and the famous stone columns of the Giant’s Causeway. The railway has been built to the Irish narrow gauge of three feet and the carefully planned design of the railway’s station, workshops, carriage sheds and signs hark back to its golden era. The Giant’s Causeway station offers various facilities including a picnic area, cafe and cark park.
Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down
The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum is comprised of two separate museums, the Folk Museum which illustrates the way of life and traditions of people from Northern Ireland in the past and present and the Transport Museum which explores and exhibits methods of transport by land, sea and air in Ireland from its early history to the modern era. Climb on and off majestic steam locomotives, experience the sensation of flight or explore the museum’s fascinating collection of horse drawn carriages, electric trams, motorbikes, fire-engines and vintage cars.
Headhunters, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh
A trip to Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum is like taking a remarkable journey into the past and bringing the golden age of the railway vividly to life. Step onboard and enjoy the evocative nostalgia, social heritage and amazing artefacts associated with railways which operated throughout Fermanagh and the border counties until their closure in 1957. The museum’s fascinating historical exhibition looks at the impact which railways had on people’s lives at a time when it was the gateway to the wider world; stimulating exports, providing greater access to education, enabling honeymoons and encouraging seaside holidays. Why not combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled in the most nostalgic surroundings.
The Belfast Business Awards will recognise the various sectors of local business this year with awards for the Best Creative Business, Best Social Economy and Best Green Business.
In their 7th year, these awards are among 11 up for grabs to celebrate the fine work and achievements of the Belfast business community. Organised by the City Council in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management (BCCM), the BBAs will take place in the City Hall on Thursday 8 November, hosted by the BBC`s Sarah Travers.
The Best Creative Business Award is sponsored by Invest NI and will recognise the growing importance of the creative industries to the local economy. This category celebrates those businesses whose skill, creativity and innovation delivers world class products, services and designs for its customer base.
The award is open to businesses from the creative industries sector including film, TV, digital media, music and design who can demonstrate, in the last three years – skill, creativity and innovation in the development of a unique product, service or design
Oonagh Hinds, Invest Northern Ireland’s Eastern Regional Manager said: “Invest NI sees the creative industries as a sector with huge potential for generating both wealth and job creation. Belfast has become a hub for digital media, film and television production, music and design companies. Our sponsorship of the Best Creative Business Award will help demonstrate the strength of the sector in the city and show others how successful businesses can be developed through the exploitation of intellectual property.”
The Best Green Business Award, sponsored by Power NI, will celebrate those businesses that have identified opportunities to minimise their impact upon the environment. It is open to businesses that have developed a green product/service or have implemented environmental management policies or principles.
Alan Egner, Business Sales and Marketing Manager from Power NI, said the company was delighted to sponsor the Best Green Business Award this year.
“Sponsorship of the Best Green Business Award is the perfect match as Power NI pioneered ‘green’ energy in Northern Ireland and has been offering renewable energy options to local businesses since 1999,” he said.
“We continue to provide a full range of products and services including discounted fixed and variable contracts plus energy efficiency grants and special offers to help our customers cut their energy costs. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the category entrants the best of luck and we look forward to the prestigious awards evening on 8 November to celebrate business excellence in the city.”
The Best Social Economy Business Award – sponsored by DETI – is open to all social enterprises in the city that have been trading for social or environmental purposes. The award recognises and champions the outstanding work carried out by social entrepreneurs in Belfast and marks the contributions they have made in positively changing the future of their communities.
To enter for these awards or find out more about the Belfast Business Awards 2012, you can visit the awards official website www.belfastbusinessawards.com or telephone 028 9027 0482. The closing date for entries is Friday 14 September.
The Belfast Business Awards` categories this year are `Best International Trade`, `Best New Business`, `Best Green Business`, `Best Hospitality Business`, ‘Best Creative Business` and ‘Best Social Economy Business`.
There will also be awards for `Best Young Business Person of the Year`, `Best Business Innovation`, `Best Business Expansion`; `Customer Excellence in Retail` and the `Best Business Person of the Year`.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council`s Development Committee, said: “The Belfast Business Awards 2012 will give local businesses a chance to shine by showcasing the excellent contribution they make towards the development of our city.
“Winning an award will be a mark of quality that brings real prestige to any business. I would encourage companies and businessmen and women from across the city to sign up for the awards which are free to enter!”
The council would like to thank our sponsors this year – Victoria Square (Best Young Business Person of the Year); University of Ulster (Best Business Innovation); Profile (Best Business Expansion); DETI (Best Social Economy Business); Northern Ireland Tourist Board (Best Hospitality Business); Firmus Energy (Best New Business); Power NI (Best Green Business); Invest NI (Best Creative Business); Castle Court (Customer Excellence – Retail); DELL (Business Person of the Year) and Barclays Bank (Best International Trade).
Newry Film Festival, Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry, Co. Down, August 21 – 26. The Newry Film Festival hopes to nurture the next generation of young film makers with a programme of workshops, a number of screenings and a short film competition.
Roads of Renown, Ulster Grand Prix – 90th anniversary, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, until August 22. Race through 90 years of excitement and thrills with this exhibition of the history of ‘The Ulster’, an outstanding, local sporting spectacle
Literary Lunchtimes with Reggie Chamberlain-King, Ulster Hall, Belfast, August 22. Belfast-based writer and broadcaster reads from his metaphysical murder mystery series, Brittaine & Molly, singing gruesome murder ballads with his gruesome band and speaking softly about terrible topics.
Donaghadee Historical Walking Tour, Ards Tourist Information Centre, Co. Down, August 23. Learn about the influence of the Montgomery family in the establishment of Donaghadee Harbour, visit the Lighthouse and Grace Neil’s, reputedly the oldest pub in Ireland.
Happy Days, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, August 23 – 27. The world’s first annual festival to celebrate the work and influence of Nobel Prize writer Samuel Beckett with a number of events including the world and UK premieres of his major and lesser-known works, the influences on Beckett, from music to comedy, and those that influenced him including writers, directors and actors.
The Owl Man, Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, Comber, Co. Down, until August 24. Meet a menagerie of birds of prey from various parts of the world including owls and raptors, learn about their habitats and why conservation is so important to their future.
Blues on the Boat, Donegall Quay, Belfast, August 24 – 25. Jump onboard with the Titanic Boat Tours and enjoy Blues music as your sail upon Belfast Lough with Rev Doc and Beesting Braidner on Friday 24 and Rab McCullough & Co on Saturday 25.
City of Derry Guitar Festival, North West Regional College, Co. Londonderry, August 24 – 26. A weekend of classical, electric and acoustic guitar courses and concerts for everyone to enjoy and for the first time this year there will also be songwriting workshops.
Hillsborough Courthouse Market, Hillsborough Village, Co. Down, August 25. Browse an array of fresh, local produce, crafts and gifts at this warm and friendly market.
Guided Tour of Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, August 25. Learn about the history of the Castle from its origins as a Medieval Maguire Castle to its later history as a military barracks.
Edwardian Afternoon Tea, Milford House Museum, Co. Armagh, August 25 – 27. Celebrate the centenary of William Street with afternoon tea and birthday cake served in the gracious surroundings of the Dining room or Study before taking a tour of the house.
Summer Jazz Nights with Jazz Gazette, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, every Friday until August 31. Jazz Gazette is back for another summer of wonderful jazz music. Sit back and enjoy the summer nights with some exceptional music.
For further information please contact Pauline Gormley from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 028 9044 1650 or Alana Taylor of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster today encouraged women to pick up a pen and enter the second Women in Business NI Awards in association with Invest Northern Ireland.
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster joins Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI, to launch the second Women in Business Awards in association with Invest Northern Ireland. There are 10 categories open and the deadline for entries is 28 September with the awards ceremony to be held on 22 November.
The awards will take place on Thursday 22 November in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast.
Minister Foster said: “Northern Ireland’s women have a reputation for working hard and achieving success, both locally and in the global marketplace and the second Women in Business NI Awards are a fitting acknowledgement of the contribution women make to our economy.
“These awards recognise all that is good about being a woman in business in Northern Ireland. I would encourage entrepreneurs and those in senior management positions to consider the categories, enter and seek the recognition that their efforts deserve.”
Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI, said: “It is vitally important that we recognise the effort being made by business owners and business leaders across Northern Ireland, especially in such tough trading times.
“The interest in the first Women in Business NI awards surpassed all our expectations in terms of the number of entries received and the number of attendees at the glittering ceremony. The entries produced a shortlist of outstanding women from which the eventual remarkable winners were judged.
“This year we have therefore decided to offer all finalists the opportunity to attend the first ever Women in Business NI Finalists Retreat. An exclusive and intimate event which will stimulate networking and personal development, the retreat will be aimed at inspiring those women who will reach the shortlist for this year’s awards.”
There are 10 categories open for entry – best new start up, entrepreneurship / innovation, outstanding management / leadership, best marketing campaign, best small business, best customer service, best in professional services, best young business woman of the year, advancing gender / diversity in the work place, best exporter.
Closing date for entry is Friday 28 September 2012.
Women in Business NI is the largest and fastest growing business network for female entrepreneurs and business leaders in Northern Ireland. Established in 2002, the network has almost 700 members spread throughout all industry sectors.
Women in Business NI Awards winners and shortlisted 2011 were:
Outstanding Businesswoman of the Year – Orla Corr OBE, The McAvoy Group Best New Start Up – Barbara Hughes, Managing Director/Owner, Boozeberries Liqueurs
Tuesdays, until 28 August
Tickets £8 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Mary Feeney will be running art classes for all levels of ability, including beginners. Each class will combine drawing exercises using pencil and charcoal and painting exercises in oils and acrylics. You will need to bring your own materials. For info and booking contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Gardening Workshops for Beginnersat North Down Museum, Bangor Fridays, until 31 August Tickets £10 per class. 2pm – 4pm. Caroline is a previous employee of The Royal Botanical Gardens in Edinburgh and Pershore College Worcester. She’ll be giving you an overview of various gardening techniques and giving you some great planting ideas, designed to get green fingers twitching! Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Lunchtime Music in the Courtyard at North Down Museum, Bangor
Every Friday in August
FREE. 12.30pm. A series of performances by young local musicians and music teachers working in the North Down area. Pianist Robert Sinclair, saxophonist Dave Howell, violinist Lauren Gibb and flautist Susan Gibson will all be performing during Friday lunchtimes, easing you into your weekend in style. For info contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200. (Seating priority given to Restaurant customers).
North Down Museum, Bangor. Tickets £40. A brand new Arts Summer School activity for 12 to 16 year olds. Learn how to create games that use the streets and landscape around you as a board, with yourselves as players! You’ll be using creative writing, arts and crafts and performance skills to bring the public spaces of Bangor to life. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Kids Nature Trail in Castle Park, Bangor
Wednesday 15 August
Tickets £3. Departs North Down Museum at 2.30pm. Join this interactive nature trail led by Patrick Cregg from the Woodland Trust and well-known bird expert Dot Blakely, where you will learn all about the natural habitat and bird life that exist in the Castle Park grounds. Approximate tour length: 2 hours and covers around 2 miles of Castle Park, finishing at the North Down Museum. Pre-booking essential. For more info & tickets contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.
Bangor Abbey Graveyard Tour
Thursday 16 August
Tickets £3. Departs Bangor Abbey at 7pm. Discover some of the graveyard’s most famous graves and memorials, including a memorial to John Simpson, surgeon on the Titanic and the graves of Archibald Wilson, hanged after the 1798 rebellion and W.G. Lyttle, author of ‘Betsy Gray‘ the popular novel about the rebellion. Approximate tour length: 1 hour (tea / coffee served at tour end). Pre-booking essential. For more info & tickets contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.
Vocal Masterclass with Rebekah Coffey
Thursday 16 August
North Down Museum, Bangor. Tickets £10. If you are interested in singing solo, or have an audition to prepare for, Rebekah will help with pointers on breathing and vocal technique in a group session and through one to one tuition. Attendees will need to provide a copy of the piece you’d like to work on with Rebekah, a short description of the singing you have done to date and what this session is helping you work towards. Suitable for 15 – 18 year olds. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Contemporary Dance with Maiden Voyage
Thursday 16 August
North Down Museum, Bangor. Tickets £10. Belfast-based dance company Maiden Voyage Dance is running a one-day workshop in contemporary dance. Participants will take a contemporary technique class, followed by sessions on learning choreography, improving performance skills and unlocking your own creativity. Participants should be aged 15+. Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Summer Saturdays at North Down Museum, Bangor
Saturday 18 August
Tickets £1. Visit the Museum on Saturdays during August for special summer events for children of all ages. and children aged 7 and under must be accompanied by an adult. This Saturday bring the little one’s along at 1.30pm for the World of Owls workshop – get close up to creatures but stay safe! Pre-booking essential. For info and to book contact the Museum on (028) 9127 1200.
Free children’s fun at Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August
Free event. 2pm-4pm. The Circus Skills group will be showing off their amazing techniques on Saturday 18th August. Alongside the children’s entertainment there will be Ulster-Scots Traditional Music by ‘Family Folk’. On Sunday, 19th, there’ll be ‘Clowning Around’ and face painting. The cottages are open daily in August to 2 Sept from 11am to 5pm. For more info call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit northdowntourism.com. Full Cockle Row Programme for August
Street Theatre Summer Entertainment in Bangor
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 August
FREE. 3-5pm. The Butterfly and the Caterpillar will bring the Sunken Gardens to life atMcKee Clock, this Saturday, beside Bangor Seafront. A beautiful, entertaining, colourful and interactive storytelling musical show is not to be missed for a memorable Saturday afternoon with the kids. On Sunday, The Louie Comedy Magic Show will bring a different feel altogether to McKee Clock – be prepared for plenty of laughs! Don’t forget about music in Ward Park on Sunday too, 3-5pm. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.
Live Music Summer Entertainment in Bangor
Sunday 19 August
FREE. 3-5pm. Kyron and the Bookworms perform at the Ward Park Bandstand this Sunday, playing songs of Leonard Cohen, Tom Waite, Carol King and other greats. For info on the full programme of events visit northdowntourism.com or call Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069.
Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2012, 26 – 30 September 2012
Tickets on sale now
Renowned as the premier Irish Literature Festival in Northern Ireland, the Aspects Irish Literature Festival 2012 will take place from 26 – 30 September in various venues around Bangor.
2012 sees the Festival turn 21, the traditional age when people are given the key to the front door; however in Aspects’ case we’ve been given the key to Bangor Abbey! We’re delighted that this year we will be hosting Aspects at the Abbey and we look forward to welcoming you there for the eclectic mix of prose and poetry for which the festival is renowned.
You can find the programme and book tickets online at www.northdown.gov.uk/bookings or by contacting North Down Museum (028) 9127 1200 or Bangor Tourist Information Centre (028) 9127 0069.
Save 20% on motorist fares when booked by 15 August
Northern Ireland’s leading ferry company, Stena Line, is giving customers the opportunity to visit the Liverpool Food & Drink Festival and save 20%* on motorist fares from Belfast to Liverpool.
The festival, which is held at Sefton Park on 1st and 2nd September, boasts cooking demonstrations from The Fabulous Baker Brothers and Michelin star chefs Tom Kitchin and Aiden Byrne as well as live music and multiple themed dining areas.Not to be left out, there is an interactive children’s area where the kids can learn how to make their own culinary masterpiece.
For a relaxed afternoon, why not treat yourself to a glass of fizz in the Champagne marquee or a cocktail in the entertainment area while listening to some of the city’s most talented music acts perform. There is also a fabulous beer festival and Heavenly Chocolate Garden!
And if that is not enough to whet the appetite, there will be a Stena Line marquee where visitors can enjoy lively Irish music while they sample traditional Irish food and pints of Guinness.
To avail of this 20% discount*, book by 15 August for outward travel to be taken between 30 August and 1 September and return between 2 and 4 September.
To celebrate the Stendhal Festival of Art in Limavady we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets (click here to enter).
Simply enter your name and email address and you could be in with a chance of winning 2 tickets, or your money back if you’ve already purchased tickets to the Stendhal Festival – The Draw will be made on Wednesday 15th of August.
You’ll see great performances from the likes of:
Silhouette
The Inishowen Gospel Choir
Paddy Nash & The Happy Enchiladas
Wookalily
Furlo
Axis Of
The Gorgeous Colours
Plus they’ll be plenty of activities to see and take part in, such as – Dance, theatre, an augmented woodland, yoga plus much more. Click here for the full line-up!
So to enter this great competition either download our free Limavady Guide App (links are on the home page) and enter from your smartphone or click here!
The Draw will be made on Wednesday 15th of August.
Good Luck!
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Limavady Guide smartphone app is a fun and informative free guide to the area – Explore, see, do limavady with our northern irish tourist trail!
Like a guide book in your smartphone, Limavady Guide App provides you with useful tourist information and contact details, offers, QR coupons, Events Information and a fun family interactive Treasure trail too! For more info visit www.limavadyguide.com
Belcoo Sports & Festival 2012, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, August 7 – 15. One of the oldest festivals with fun for all ages including a 10k run, bingo bonanza, car treasure and fishing competitions.
Clandeboye Festival, Hibernia House, Holywood, Co. Down, August 13 – 18. This classical music festival returns with international pianist Barry Douglas, Camerata Ireland, guest artists and young musicians performing a series of lunchtime and evening concerts.
Feile 2012, Foyle Street, Co. Londonderry, until August 15. A community based cultural event that explores the city’s vibrant talent and culture with music, drama, sports and carnival events.
Sunflowerfest 2012, Tubby’s Farm, Hillsborough, Co. Down, August 17 – 19. This annual festival is back and will be bigger and better than ever with a line-up of the very best local talent as well as international guest artists from a broad range of genres.
Family Art Day, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, August 18. Watch quilt-making in progress with a variety of both hand and machine techniques on show and get up close to view a range of different fabric samples.
Funky Foto Collage, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, August 18. Create a visual poster of your face using your own photos and magazine cut outs, perfect for adorning your bedroom wall.
Fair Day, Markethill, Co. Armagh, August 18. Transport yourself back in time with a full day of activity for the past including stalls, parades, music and dancing.
Native and Traditional Breeds Weekend, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down, August 18 – 19. See traditional breeds of cattle, horses, pigs, poultry and sheep and enjoy lots of family activities including drama and music.
Music in the Park, Silent Valley, Annalong, Co. Down, August 19. Bring a picnic and enjoy a day out at Silent Valley with jazz bands, children’s entertainment and the chance to walk on water in specially designed plastic spheres.
Titanic – The Springhill Story Children’s Special, Springhill, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, August 19. Discover Springhill’s unique and amazing link with the Titanic. Step back to 1912 as a family get ready to set sail, have afternoon tea, browse the costume museum and enjoy maritime games.
Augment by Catalyst Arts, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, until August 30. An exhibition of works by Catalyst Arts which supports young and emerging local talent.
Belfast Bred Tour, departs from Sawers Delicatessen, College Street, Belfast, every Friday and Saturday at 10.15am until September 22. A unique, theatrical walking tour exploring the food and drink of Belfast with Barney, a chef from RMS Titanic, who has been restored to life following the melting of the iceberg in which he had been frozen.
For further information please contact Pauline Gormley from the Northern Ireland Tourist Board on 028 9044 1650 or Alana Taylor of Duffy Rafferty Communications on 028 9073 0880.
As the greatest athletes from across the globe take centre stage at the London 2012 Olympics, everyone involved in Belfast’s Continental Market have kept a keen eye on athlete Hannah Craig. Joining Team Ireland, golden girl and former Market trader Hannah, competed in the final of the women’s K1 kayaking event.
Always on top of her game, the multi-talented Olympian and entrepreneur holds a special place in our hearts as the first person to win the coveted business sponsorship offered each year by Market Place Europe (the company that brings the Belfast Christmas Market to Belfast City Hall), supported by Belfast City Council.
Hannah set up her environmentally friendly t-shirt business, I Am An Eskimo, to help fund her Olympic training. As she prepared for her Olympic challenge Hannah said:
‘Winning the opportunity to trade at the Belfast Christmas Market in 2010 helped me realise my Olympic dream of being part of the 2012 team. The publicity and the exposure I received boosted my training fund remarkably’.
The coveted prize, awarded annually, includes an all expenses paid residency worth thousands of pounds for the duration of the Christmas Market, an extensive marketing and PR campaign and business mentoring from industry professionals.
Last year’s winner, blacksmith Aaron Leech, impressed judges with his craftsmanship, combining traditional design with intricate Japanese influence. Now running his successful business from home and holding demonstration classes for the public, Aaron has revitalised a fading tradition thanks to his popularity at the Christmas Market, which also boosted his business.
Alderman Christopher Stalford, Chairman of Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, commented:
“Market Place Europe’s annual ‘Pitch Perfect’ competition is a wonderful initiative, which gives a local small business the opportunity to take their ideas and their products directly to the consumer. It is an initiative fully in line with the council’s whole ethos of supporting local entrepreneurs, especially in these difficult economic times. The fact that the programme also has helped Hannah Craig to fulfill her Olympic dream is a wonderful bonus.”
Market Place Europe are delighted to announce that for the third consecutive year, young business owners can apply once again for the chance to kick start their budding businesses. ‘Pitch Perfect’ is open for applications from Friday 3rd August
Allan Hartwell of Market Place Europe said:
‘With over 850, 000 people visiting each year, the Christmas Market has a huge economic impact for Belfast. In challenging times when funding is increasingly difficult for new companies to come by, we want to support those who are passionate about business. We are providing a unique opportunity for enthusiastic businessmen and women to boost their business potential. We believe in giving back to communities we visit and are looking forward to seeing some bright and inspiring examples of local entrepreneurship this year.’
Businesses at least six months but younger than a year, selling goods which are in keeping with the Christmas Market tradition, or that may be of interest to consumers visiting Belfast, are eligible to enter the competition. All applicants must be over the age of eighteen.
A shortlist of applicants will be invited to give a ‘Dragons Den’ style presentation, selling their business to a panel of expert judges before being grilled on the viability and sustainability of their business. The judges this year are Allan Hartwell, Chief Executive, Market Place Europe, Andrew Irvine, Chief Executive, Belfast City Centre Management, Shirley McCay, Head of Economic Initiatives at Belfast City Council, and Mark Mulholland, Director, Whitenoise Design Studios.
Don’t miss the opportunity to showcase your company to thousands of festive shoppers and enter this life changing competition. To apply and for details on entry rules, entrepreneurs are invited to visit www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk. Applications must be received no later than Friday 31 August at 5pm. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to present on Friday 14 September.
