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Crusaders FC Disappointed As North Belfast Loses Out Again On Vital Regeneration Money

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No levelling up for North Belfast community plans

Crusaders Football Club has expressed disappointment after losing out on funding as part of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, branding the Northern Ireland process as ‘flawed’.

The North Belfast club entered a bid for the most recent round two of the government’s Levelling Up Fund with plans that would have benefited the area desperate for regeneration. 

The club’s plans included the building of the Shore Road Skills Centre, which would have provided the local community with a hub of wellness, sport, community outreach and education.

The new centre was set to see organisations such as Belfast Met use the space as well as being able to expand the offerings of the Crusaders Full Time Football Academy.

Already Crusaders Football Academy have partnerships with schools all across North Belfast offering young people the opportunity to pursue sport and wellbeing as part of their curriculum.

Speaking of the news Crusaders Football Club treasurer Tommy Whiteside said:  “Crusaders Football Club are disappointed that our Shore Road Skills Centre Levelling Up Round 2 bid has been unsuccessful. 

“The Levelling-Up Fund was highly competitive and, whilst oversubscribed, our club was very proud to be associated with such a strong bid. 

“We are saddened too, that North Belfast, an area of multiple disadvantage, has lost the opportunity to build a much needed and vital piece of educational infrastructure.

“We are, however, concerned that the Ministerial decision-making process in Northern Ireland for Round 2 was not in line with that in Great Britain, despite the fact that ‘Funding Guidance Notes’ were uniform across the United Kingdom.

“In Great Britain project bids had to have a minimum score of 75% to be considered by Ministers for funding; however in Northern Ireland the minimum score to be considered for funding was lowered to 56.67%. 

“The Quality scoring threshold should be uniform across the UK to ensure equality and fairness.

“In England, Scotland and Wales multiple project bids in each Local Authority Area were funded, with the funding award based on the merits of the bid through the scoring matrix of the individual application. 

“However, in Northern Ireland alone, only one project bid per Local Authority would be awarded funding. This new and unpublished criteria was applied retrospectively without the advance knowledge of any bidder. 

“Criteria introduced ‘after the fact’ in Northern Ireland, we say, renders the competitive process in round two fatally flawed.  This is patently unfair to bidders in Northern Ireland.

“Project bids in Northern Ireland may (and are likely to) have been disadvantaged by this local ‘bastardisation’ of the Ministerial decision-making process.

“Further, had bidders been aware of the “one project per Council” criteria in advance, effectively giving the local authority a veto,  it is unlikely that many would have expended many thousands of pounds in speculative bid-preparation.

“Having spent considerable sums of our members’ money in bid preparation we will be raising our concerns now, directly with the Minister, Michael Gove, MP.”

BBC’s The One Show comes to Another World Belfast

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The Another World Belfast duo with a mission to SHOW SOME LOVE received a surprise ‘One Big Thank You’ from 80’s icon Sonia and BBC’s ‘The One Show’ in their city centre Swap Shop.

The BBC crew set up in their Swap Shop space on Winetavern Street Belfast with a hidden camera ruse from Eurovision pop sensation Sonia helped along by a host of their supporters and a few more celebrity guests. 

The surprise continued around the corner with their big screen playing a range of messages from well-wishers from Emma Bunton (Baby Spice) to local politician Kate Nicholl, thanking them on behalf of the NI Executive Office, local change maker Marcus Hunter- Neill Aka Lady Portia and human rights trailblazer Ciara Moynagh. 

The local charitable organisation was set up by creative activists Connor Kerr and Becky Bellamy. Founded in 2017 Another World Belfat celebrated their 5th Birthday on 10th November and had been preparing to host a party in their Swap Shop that evening.

Connor said: “We’re still recovering from the shock, and as this all happened for our 5th birthday back in November, we have had to keep it quiet since then, so it’s definitely a relief to have it all out in the open now.

 “We have worked so hard, and sacrificed an unimaginable amount to bring these projects together, so this very poignant reflection has allowed us to stop, be grateful and proud of what we, and our incredible volunteers have achieved since we first started way back in 2017.”

The pair has worked for years to collect and supply essential need items like clothing, underwear and toiletries to local people experiencing hardship. 

Becky said: “We’re all biz to have been visited by BBC’s ‘The One show’, and for me, being a child of the 80’s, meeting the absolute icon Sonia and having her in store chatting to her about our work was very special indeed. 

“We’re touched beyond words at the efforts made by all the contributors, and our board for conspiring to bring us this surprise, but we’ve made them all promise never to keep a secret from us ever again. 

“For so many reasons, both personal and professional, openness and truth are some of our most key values so we were a bit uncomfortable with that element. That said, it was a great piece, and they told the story of our work, which can at times seems complicated, beautifully. We’re very grateful to everyone involved.”

 

Another World Belfast’s partner charities include The Rainbow project, Cara friend, Here NI, Women’s Aid, Flourish NI and Anaka Collective.

If you want to help, you can donate clothing, accessories, brand new toiletries & underwear plus ‘like new’ make up and shoes, you can apply to volunteer your time, or you can donate money to help them pay their growing bills via their current ‘Just Giving’ fundraising link. 

Every £30 spent in store or donated, pays for a person to visit the FreeStore,

For more information on how to shop, swap or lend a hand yourself visit anotherworldbelfast.com or search @anotherworldbelfast on social.

Fans Set To Flock To Motorcycle Plus Show For A Glimpse Of F1 Car

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This year’s Motorcycle Plus Show is set to welcome F1 star Grand Prix driver Heikki Kovalainan’s famous Dallara Nissan World Formula car, one of Ireland’s fastest racing cars.

The car which became best known for propelling Kovalainan’s racing career is set to be a fan favourite at the biggest motorsport event to take place this year in Northern Ireland. 

The motorcycle show returns for the first time in four years on February 4-5, 2023, at the Eikon Centre in Lisburn, hosted by 360 Events in what promises to be a packed weekend for fans of motorsport.

According to one of the show’s organisers and director of 360 Events, Malcolm Beattie, the car is likely to be a firm favourite with petrolheads, motorsport fans and racecar enthusiasts.

He explained: “We had the opportunity to view this machine close up in the garages and the engineering and attention to detail around the engine and chassis is a work of art.

“The sheer speed and acceleration of the machine are phenomenal, and the noise for a motorsport fan like me just made the day, even the commentators raved about the sound.”

The Dallara Nissan World Formula car which will be displayed on the Global Oils stand was driven by Grand Prix Driver Heikki Kovalainan to win the Nissan World Series before he took the Renault F1 seat and later drove for McLaren and Manor Motorsport amongst others before moving to Japan to race in Super Formula and GT racing. 

Champions in this series included drivers such as Marc Gene, Fernando Alonso, Robert Kubica, Robert Wickens and Pietro Fittipaldi. 

Built by the racing car manufacturer based in Faenza in Italy, the company that builds not only the current HAAS F1 cars but also every car on the IndyCar grid in the USA, the car itself is a Dallara T08 Chassis powered by a 3.0 litre V6 Nissan race engine which puts out 480 bhp, with 300 lb ft of torque weighs a mere 600kgs and runs with a 6-speed sequential gear box. 

Directors of 360 Events, Malcolm Beattie and David Nelson had the opportunity to witness the car in action at the 2022 Leinster Trophy meeting at Kirkistown. Driven by Portadown man Noel Robinson in his first competitive outing, the car was timed at 176mph entering Debtors Dip corner.

David said: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome this car to the Motorcycle Plus Show. It will be an excellent opportunity for people like me who have never witnessed the power and magnitude of this machine to see just a small glimpse of its capacity. 

“When I witnessed it in action I was blown away by not only its speed in a straight line which is comparable to bikes but how smoothly it can take corners.”

Malcolm explained that the opportunity to showcase the vehicle was an exciting addition to the already event packed weekend.

He said: “As one of two cars run by Magic Bullet Racing in the BOSS (Big Open Single Seaters) series, 360 Events Ltd would like to thank Stanley Watson of Global Oils Ltd and Magic Bullet Racing for allowing this exciting car to be displayed.”

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk.

All online bookings will be entered into a raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF EVENTS TO KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR

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– Family Friendly Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium From 26 to 28 January 2023 –

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of family friendly events will take place on site from 26 to 28 January 2023.

The Legendary Telescope Tours at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium

These will be:

A Star Tracker evening, which will take place on 26th January. Suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this two-hour event will include a talk on ‘Big Telescopes’ by Armagh Observatory and planetarium PhD student, Christopher Duffy. The talk will be followed by a Dome Show and live stargazing (weather permitting.)

The Legendary Telescope Tours, which will take place on Saturday 28th January. These 90-minute tours will run at 1pm and 3pm. Suitable for adults and children over ten, they will take visitors on a journey through the Armagh Observatory to see its historic telescopes.

An expert guide will tell visitors about the telescopes and how they were used for pioneering science in the past.

Visitors will be able to have their picture taken with the Grubb 10-inch telescope that was used to create a fundamental star catalogue still used by astronomers today. They will also have a chance to view the century-old Calver telescope and hear unique stories, discovering why Armagh is a truly celestial city.

A Grade A listed heritage building and a global centre for astronomical research, Armagh Observatory opened in 1790. It is the oldest observatory in the UK and Ireland continuously in use for its original purpose. There are four generations of historic telescopes inside the Observatory that remain in their original settings, as well as one modern telescope that is still in use.

Ria Mee, Senior Education Officer at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says, “We are excited to kick off the new year with some great events for all the family here at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium.

“As a globally recognised centre for research into astronomy, we hope that by providing compelling, age-appropriate content, we can both entertain and inspire the STEM leaders of the future.”

The Legendary Telescope Tours include general admission to the Planetarium exhibition.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

Get inspired with an exciting range of events, exhibitions and workshops from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts team.

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts Service is pleased to unveil its latest Arts Guides packed with creative opportunities and cultural highlights.

From January until March 2023, there’s an exciting array of events, exhibitions, and workshops to look forward to.

At Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady, highlights include the Hayward Gallery touring exhibition, ‘Arts Forms in Nature’ by Karl Blossfeldt which runs from January 20th – February 17th. This is an incredible opportunity to see an exemplary collection of the internationally acclaimed artist’s close-up images of plants and flora.

In the Danny Boy Auditorium, there’s a great line up of live entertainment including Chicago Bluegrass band Special Consensus and a night of comedy from Colin Murphy.

As part of The Steinbeck Festival, there’ll be a performance from American Blues singer Mirenda Rosenberg, Mark Carruthers will be in conversation with Martin O’Neill OBE and Tenx9 will return with an evening of the best true-life stories about journeys. The galleries will host the Dustbowl Photo Exhibition and the Steinbeck Connection Primary School’s Competition exhibition. Visitors will have the chance to explore a selection of Steinbeck’s work through talks and book club discussions.

Over the next three months the programme also includes various film screenings, workshops in quilling, wool painting, ceramics, creative writing, and some fantastic activities for kids alongside community activities such as Sound Connections and Into Film Festival.

In Portstewart, Flowerfield Arts Centre will showcase some fantastic exhibitions including ‘Creative Voices: What Autism Means to Me in association with the Education Authority AASI, ‘Disruptive Women’ by Conflict Textiles, and ‘Uncertain Landscapes’ by contemporary artists Alex Dewart and Heather McAteer.

The auditorium will host live music, dance and film, including a performance in collaboration with Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement by Fiddler Ultan O’Brien (Slow Moving Clouds) and percussive dancer Nic Gareiss (This is How we Fly).

Alongside this, the Replay Theatre Company will stage PRISM, its new inclusive and accessible family theatre and there will be screenings of My Year Living Mindfully and Lyra (2022) and a performance from experimental folk musician, Joshua Burnside, taking place in March.

As well as community activities including Space to Write, Into Film Festival and Friday Art Club, Flowerfield will also host several workshops and events in association with the NI Science Festival.

You won’t want to miss how to learn to swing dance in a day or sign up for creative workshops in photography, ceramics, glassmaking, and painting; along with activities for children and families including a series of workshops for autistic children and a parent/carer.

Creative options for adults also extend to Ballymoney Town Hall and Sheskburn House Ballycastle, where there will be workshops in painting and patchwork.

The new Arts Guide is available to download from www.flowerfield.org or www.roevalleyarts.com or drop into Flowerfield Arts Centre or Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre to pick up a copy.

£500k Investment In New Enterprise Hub At Mallusk

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Mallusk Enterprise Park creates new jobs and invests in space for new and existing businesses

Mallusk Enterprise Park is expanding its business offering with a £500k investment in new facilities at their site in Mallusk Drive. They have recently launched a new enterprise hub, offering collaborative space and conference facilities, creating new jobs in the burgeoning industrial area.

Included in the new development is a standalone social enterprise coffee shop, catering for the continuing growth in the area, as well as a break-out space for people using the new hub, due to open later in 2023.

Emma Garrett, Chief Executive of Mallusk Enterprise, explained that this was part of the ongoing commitment to making sure businesses in the Newtownabbey and Antrim areas had the space and support to develop and grow.

“The Enterprise Hub comprises five individual huddle rooms and offices, a collaborative-working area, breakout space and conference facilities which accommodate up to 40 delegates,” she said.

“Users can book the facilities for an hour, a half day a day or even a month to make sure there is flexibility based on need. Each element can be booked individually, or can be hired as the entire venue with full catering options available.”

Ms Garrett said this was part of the ongoing aim to provide additional facilities for the burgeoning area in their five year and ten year planning.

“The Mallusk Enterprise Hub idea was conceived pre-Covid,” she explained. “We found there was a demand for affordable managed workspace from individuals we supported through our business support programmes, and existing tenants alike. Mallusk is a very industrial area.

“Our new high-tech conference and meeting facilities provide a welcoming and professional space for interviews, training and strategy sessions away from their usual place of work. We transformed three industrial units, totalling 3,000 sq ft into what is now known as The Enterprise Hub.”

It represented a £300k investment on top of a further £200k in other services, as well as the devotion of Mallusk Enterprise staff to make it a reality during and after lockdown, and is part of its overall growth plans.

“The Mallusk Enterprise Hub will also provide a collaborative break-out space for the 300+ people employed within the 60 businesses who call Mallusk Enterprise Park home,” said Ms Garrett, adding: “Further to this we are currently evaluating a number of local sites as we have over 50 businesses on our waiting list for business accommodation in Mallusk.”

In the last 12 months alone the Mallusk Enterprise Park team dealt with 169 enquiries from individuals wanting to start a business. 100 of these enquiries progressed to the completion of a Business Plan. Additionally, it has supported over 240 growth stage businesses, coming at a time when it celebrated an anniversary.

“Mallusk Enterprise Park celebrated turning 30 this December,” said the Chief Executive.

“The organisation was established in 1992 as a social enterprise whose primary objectives were to reduce unemployment levels and reduce levels of poverty through the promotion of self-employment. This remains very much true to this day.

The team is dedicated to supporting individuals and small businesses at each and every stage of their entrepreneurial journey.”

Ms Garrett said the new Enterprise Hub was already proving its worth.

“The Enterprise Hub is being utilised by our Business Advisers to meet with clients on a one-to-one basis and deliver training sessions such as ‘Marketing on a Shoe String’, ‘Business Ideas Generation’, ‘Financing Your Business’, and ‘Establishing a Social Enterprise’,” she explained. “We have the benefit of charitable status which allows us to do more pro-bono work for tenants and people living locally. We are very much a part of the local community.”

The Enterprise Hub can also be used by individuals, tenants and local businesses at a below market rate.

“As it is reasonably priced, with no long term commitment, the co-working space and office pods allow people to work within a professional environment, away from their kitchen table,” she said.

“And there is wrap-around business support on-site, free parking, EV charging points and professional administration support which provide the ideal environment to run a business.”

The hub has created one full-time position of a front of house administrator and a number of part-time self-employed and casual positions such as marketing angels and administration roles.

The ongoing demand for business space means that the enterprise park has further plans to support the area as they seek to expand on its portfolio of commercial property that has 300 people employed across 60 businesses, occupying 50,000 square feet of property.

It represents the purpose of Mallusk Enterprise to reduce poverty levels and create jobs through self employment and business growth.

“We are much more than simply a Business Park,” concluded Ms Garrett. “We are integral to Mallusk. We give back to and integrate with the local community through events such as Mallusk Market we recently held in December supporting 25 traders and three charities. Santa even made an appearance and presented free gifts to over 90 local children.”

Chairman Iain Patterson said: “Along with the other Trustees, we are proud to support Emma and the team as the Organisation continues to go from strength to strength. The Mallusk Enterprise Hub and Coffee shop are just two of many exciting developments in the pipeline.“

For more information about Mallusk Enterprise Park and The Enterprise Hub go to mallusk.org

Derry Choir Festival is Celebrating its 10th Anniversary this Year

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Preparations are underway at the City of Derry International Choir Festival for an extra special edition to mark its tenth anniversary, taking place on 18-22 October 2023.

The Festival is now accepting entries for its full selection of events, so get your applications in as soon as possible in order to avoid any disappointment – you won’t want to miss this year’s very exciting programme.

Mandatory Credit ©Lorcan Doherty

In 2023, Derry Choir Festival will bring together singing groups of all sorts, from across the UK and Ireland, including local community singers from the region’s thriving choral scene, as well as a new crop of international choirs who will compete for the Oak Tree of Derry trophy.

School, local, national and international choirs are invited to join us for a 5-day feast of singing, which will include concerts, pop-up performances and educational workshops, all taking place in the Millenium Forum, the Guildhall and in a varied selection of venues across Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

Participating groups and local audiences will also be treated to a programme of concerts by world class guest artists. The long list of outstanding groups who have appeared at previous festivals includes The Sixteen, Tenebrae, Voces8, The King’s Singers and The Real Group, as well as a series of truly memorable gala concerts from the Festival Chorus and the Ulster Orchestra. Full details of the programme will be announced over the course of the coming months, so keep an eye on the Festival’s website and the usual social media channels.

Artistic Director, Dónal Doherty, commented, “I am already very excited about the plans we are putting in place for our 10th anniversary festival. 2013 was a transformative cultural experience for everyone in the city and region and our aim is to relive that excitement and to recapture that energy in our most ambitious programme to date.”

For information on how to take part visit www.derrychoirfest.com, or to connect with us on social media, visit facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG: @derrychoirfest or Twitter: @derrychoirfest

 

Investment at Crumlin Glen gets more People Active Outdoors  

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A £30,000 investment at Crumlin Glen is a welcome boost for local walkers and joggers to enjoy a safer route around the Glen.

This recent upgrade was part funded by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, along with DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) through its “Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation” (TRPSI) programme.  

The three-week project included trail resurfacing and laying of bitmac which connects the upper and lower trails near the river bridge, as well as new fencing and handrails for safer, easier access. This will help encourage a wider range of locals and visitors alike, to be physically and mentally healthy by being active outdoors.

Further improvements to the town include the restoration of the Clock Tower, along with the installation of decorative railings, planting, and surrounding groundworks. Crumlin Glen, one of the Council’s Green Flag sites also recently received a new bright blue ‘buddy bench’ as part of the Loneliness Network initiative.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross, said, “Crumlin Glen is a beautiful place to visit in the Borough and this recent upgrade will greatly enhance people’s visit.

“The Council is committed to making our parks and open spaces more accessible and safer for everyone. Crumlin Glen is one of many of our outdoor spaces to have received a recent investment. Last year, path improvements and associated works were also made across the Borough, including Muckamore, Rea’s Wood and Burney’s Lane to name a few.”

Teresa O’Neill, DAERA’s Rural Affairs Director added, “This project is another example of how DAERA develops partnerships and funds initiatives which benefit rural communities. These upgraded trails, which received £22,500 from DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme, will open up a host of opportunities for locals and visitors alike.  

Teresa continued, “The TRPSI programme aims to tackle poverty and social isolation in rural areas through organisations working in partnership and I want to congratulate Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council on working closely with DAERA to develop these enhanced facilities at Crumlin Glen. Projects like this are really important in sustaining and improving the health and wellbeing of local rural residents, both young and old.”

Serving up a month-long celebration of Derry’s food and drink scene

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Love LegenDerry Food Month has a mouth-watering programme to tempt foodies

Derry ~ Londonderry’s status as an international foodie destination will be in focus in February as the city hosts a month-long campaign to celebrate the North West’s outstanding food and drink, and the people who produce it.

The Love LegenDerry Food Month will create a platform for the city’s chefs and producers to showcase just why Derry and the wider region features on the bucket lists of those planning food themed breaks in 2023.

The campaign has been launched by the LegenDerry Food Network in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council and Visit Derry and will feature a series of special events and a mouth-watering food experiences. In addition, an immersive new food trail will launch as over 40 businesses from across the city and wider area come to showcase how they are using local food to offer a unique and authentic visitor experience.

Visit Derry Chief Executive, Odhran Dunne said the city has become a real melting pot of different flavours with chefs celebrating the very best of local produce by serving up both traditional dishes and international cuisine.

He said: “This city has always been known for its warm and welcoming hospitality but now it is really making a name for itself around the world as a foodie destination.

“From food trucks serving exciting dishes to fine dining restaurants, we have such a wide selection of wonderful food and drink on offer in Derry.

“Our local produce is second to none and it is fantastic to see such an exciting and dedicated group of outstanding chefs determined to serve the very best seasonal ingredients in their businesses.

“From growers, producers, chefs, brewers and restauranteurs there is something really fantastic happening in Derry at the minute, and the Love LegenDerry Food Month will create the perfect platform to showcase this to visitors.”

Odhran also highlighted some of the amazing food stories taking place in Derry including the Lough Foyle Native Oyster.

“Our oyster is perhaps symbolic of the food scene here in Derry. A once abundant resource was in real danger of dying out before a major effort was made to help it flourish once again.

“Today the oyster sustains a buoyant local fishing fleet, with local chefs embracing this wonderful product and making it the star of some of their dishes. It doesn’t stop there either as the Walled City Brewery have used the oyster to brew their famous Foyster Stout.

“The food and drink scene in Derry is thriving and certainly worth raising a glass to.”

James Huey, owner of Walled City Brewery said: “When my wife and I opened Walled City Brewery in May 2015, we had no idea of the success that would follow, although it hasn’t come without lots of hard work and dedication.

“Having recently launched our new taproom which showcases the best of local produce, we truly understand the value of collaborating with our business neighbours and the endless advantages it brings.

“Ourselves and Sippy Fest dreamt up the concept of Foyster during late-night, beer-fuelled chats about how to celebrate the Lough Foyle Flat Oyster which is native to our shores and a true pearl of the Foyle.

“In addition, we work with the fantastic team at Foyle Bia Marra, a family-run business with decades of experience and expertise in the Irish seafood industry, to ensure all of our oysters are of the highest quality and sustainably sourced. Every part of the oyster is utilised to create a unique, decadent, yet subtle stout, available for visitors to try and much loved by the locals.

“The launch of Love LegenDerry Food Month is an extremely exciting opportunity for everyone involved in the food and drink business in Derry and the wider region. We are delighted to have the chance to join forces with local producers and chefs alike to really showcase the amazing array of food and drink experiences on offer here.”

Some of the stand-out events taking place at Love LegenDerry Food Month include:

Beer & Cheese Longtable: Feb 17th

Hosted by Soda & Starch and Artis, this will be a series of long table events which will showcase a selection of local suppliers. It will also involve talks by the producers followed by a sharing banquette based around their produce.

Soda & Starch are a staple in Derry. An independent family run and chef (Raymond Moran) owned Bistro, Soda & Starch, who are renowned for cooking and serving great food, work with local suppliers, families and producers to give the best seasonal ingredients for their changing menus.

Following the success of the outside dining concept at Soda & Starch recently, Ray Moran in collaboration with Phelim O’Hagan, decided it was time to introduce something new and revamp the existing interior space. This is when Artis was born, offering a new high end dining experience in the Craft Village. Celebrating local produce is at the core of the new eatery, perfect for family gatherings and much-needed reunions.

Urban Foraging: Feb 11

This unique foraging tour and cookery experience, organised by local food business Lo & Slo, will take guests on a tour through the historic St. Columb’s Park. Guests will be encouraged to clean and chop the produce to make wild garlic and nettle pesto with dandelion petals.

The bespoke meal will be a sharing charcuterie board (including kid friendly options) showcasing the fresh pesto, local food from local producers and preserved foods (with recipe cards of how-to). This will truly be a food experience not to be missed.

Couples Cooking Experience: Feb 17 – 18th

This is an exciting immersive and interactive dining experience specifically created for couples who want to learn new skills in the kitchen.

Hosted by Fairley’s Flavours, Chef Fairley will take you through a simple but delicious menu, step by step.

Growing up in Johannesburg, South Africa, chef Fairley Ramraj’s Indian heritage meant his family loved cooking bold, flavour-packed dishes with the freshest ingredients. When he moved to Northern Ireland, Fairley missed the flavours of his home country, and decided to introduce them here in LegenDerry.

You and your partner will have the amazing opportunity to learn some of Chef Fairley’s fantastic recipes first hand as you cook alongside him to make a delicious six-course meal to remember.

Sperrin Goat Experience: Feb 17-18

Hosted by Dart Mountain Cheese and Craigbane Farm, the Sperrin Goat Experience will involve an enthralling visit to the goat farm to meet the baby goats followed by a special goats’ cheese sampling tour. These handmade, artisan cheeses are bursting with local history and heritage, and firmly rooted in the Sperrins.

Open to parents and their children, this one-of-a-kind experience will offer you the delicious opportunity to sample the multi award-winning product and breathe in the fresh air whilst taking in the beautiful landscapes around you.

Oyster & Stout Festival: Feb 24-25

The Oyster & Stout Festival will take place at multi-award-winning restaurant and taproom, Walled City Brewery. Located at the heart of the city, Walled City Brewery pride themselves on providing a uniquely local experience to all their guests, from the ingredients in their delightful craft beer to their use of local produce in their enticing menu. With 15 different beer taps, the largest number in the city, Walled City Brewery is the perfect destination to experience the tastes from the local area. The festival will be a weekend celebration for locals and visitors from beyond, serving up the Lough Foyle Native Oyster with a variety of stouts including the brewery’s very own Foyster Stout.

If you are thinking of experiencing Love LegenDerry Food Month, why not book an overnight stay or two in one of the cities beautiful accommodation offerings? Whilst you are here, there is plenty of other experiences to explore, from the famous 400-year-old walls, the fascinating museums, murals and street art, and the beautiful wider region.

Full details are available at www.legenderryfood.com/events For information on great places to eat and drink as well as places to stay, log onto www.visitderry.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things happening 16 – 22 January 2023

 

  1. Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, 21 January (more dates available). Reconnect with your inner creative in this fully immersive, fused glass experience at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey Mc Verry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, Tracey welcomes visitors to her 5th generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer Woodland.
  2. Journey into Stillness: A New Year wellness retreat at Elmfield Estate, Gilford, County Armagh, 21 January (more dates available). Take time to “just be” on this mini journey of self-discovery. Immersed in the natural surroundings of Elmfield Estate’s magnificent trees and peaceful gardens, you will be guided to connect with your peace within. Held by the natural world, totally secluded from the outside and from everyday life, guests are taken through a series of simple practices, to reconnect with themselves, each other, and their natural environment.
  3. Sourdough in a Day, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 22 January (more dates available). Learn how to make sourdough at home with Ursa Minor Bakehouse. The class covers three different types of bread, using both sourdough culture and yeast. Starting from scratch, you will be guided through the process, learning tips and tricks along the way.
  4. Limitless, Limavady, County Londonderry. Check website for opening times. If you’re up for a challenge, then Limitless Adventure Centre is definitely for you. Adrenalin junkies and thrill seekers will love the array of experiences on offer. Both the vista and wide range of activities won’t disappoint. You will pilot a hovercraft over grass and water with the wind in your hair and the taste of salt on your lips. Expert tuition is on hand before your driving skills are put to the test.
  5. Movie Nights at The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills, County Antrim, 19 January (more dates available). Cold winter nights are the perfect excuse to enjoy the magic of one of The Bushmills Inn movie nights. Enjoy a great evening out with a two-course meal followed by a movie and popcorn in their boutique cinema at £32.50 per person. Dinner is served at 6pm and the movie begins at 8pm.
  6. Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Banbridge, County Down. Check website for opening times.Located at the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, County Down, Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to experience the world of Game of Thrones like never before. This is an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in an expansive collection of costumes, props, sets and weapons, and to discover the artistry that designed the Seven Kingdoms and brought the story of Game of Thrones to life on screen. Check the website for ticket offers throughout the year.
  7. Mother Goose at Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 12 – 21 January. Lakeland Players make their much-anticipated return to the Ardhowen. Filled with wonderful comedy scenes and all the usual traditional slapstick and audience participation, Mother Goose will be sure to get 2023 off to an EGGcellent start.
  8. Cookery demonstration by Ian Orr at Ardtara Country House, Maghera, County Londonderry, 18 January. Chef Ian Orr, Ardtara Country House, showcases winter dining with a range of comfort foods, one pot wonders and some lighter dishes to help the waistline. The demonstration commences at 7pm followed by a 5-course meal. Why not make a night of it with the B&B package which includes the cookery demonstration and a 5-course meal. See more details on their website.
  9. The Wizard of Oz at The Burnavon with the Stewartstown Dramatic Society, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 6 – 28 January. Enjoy a journey with Dorothy and her dog Toto, as she travels along the Yellow Brick Road through the land of OZ to the Emerald City to ask the wonderful Wizard of OZ to send her home to Kansas. Check for further details on evening and matinee shows on their website.
  10. Belfast Music Walking Tour, Belfast, starting 21 January (dates available throughout the year). Take this popular tour around Belfast city centre, delivered in association with the Oh Yeah Music Centre, to discover why Belfast deserves its prestigious UNESCO City of Music designation. On a leisurely, music-filled stroll, your guide Dolores will introduce you to many of the city’s music legends, past and present, accompanied by a soundtrack of their music. You will also hear about Belfast’s rich musical heritage, traditions and roots.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

 

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