Category: Uncategorized

Award winning Chicago bluegrass band to play Limavady in 2023

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Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre invite you to join them for a night of superb bluegrass music from talented 4-piece, Special Consensus, who will perform in the Danny Boy auditorium on Friday 27th January 2023.

Hailing from Chicago, Special Consensus have released over 20 albums in their four decades together, receiving six IBMA awards and two Grammy-award nominations along the way. 

Whether it’s a jazzy instrumental or a Bluegrass classic delivered with four-part vocal harmony, these talented musicians manage to follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.

Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and was inducted into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Hall of Greats. Alongside Greg’s unique banjo playing, Greg Blake (guitar), Dan Eubanks (double bass) and Michael Prewitt (mandolin) effortlessly support each other.

The success of Special Consensus is grounded in their deep appreciation and understanding of Bluegrass music and their ability to adapt and embrace innovation to create a contemporary sound, making their music a modern classic.

Special Consensus will perform at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Friday 27th January 2023. Tickets priced at £17 (full) and £15 (concession) are on sale now from www.roevalleyarts.com or ring the Box Office on 028 7776 0650

Soak Up the Magic of the Season with a Festive Day in Belfast

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A city famous for its warm welcome, Belfast is the perfect place to soak up the magic of the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy an overdue catch up with friends and loved ones. Decked out in festive splendour, there’s something wondrous to discover on every street corner.

There’s magic in the streets, music in the air and the sound of laughter and delight as the city lights up for Christmas and gives visitors and locals alike all the festive feels. The perfect place to shop all your Christmas gifts, create special festive memories with the family or unwrap a new side to the city best seen in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights, Belfast is waiting to welcome you with a big ‘Merry Christmas’. So, what are you waiting for? Come on in and let your Christmas begin.

Belfast Christmas Market, City Hall

Making a welcome return to the grounds of the iconic Belfast City Hall is the traditional Belfast Christmas Market. Arguably the most spectacular Christmas market on the island of Ireland, this year the city welcomes market stall holders from 21 different countries, displaying the best festive fayre and serving up some of the best traditional and contemporary – not to mention unusual – food and drink to savour while you shop. From French crêpes to Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, Spanish paella and giant bratwurst from crowd favourite Schwenkegrill, marketgoers can take a culinary taste adventure whilst soaking up the illuminations of the famous carousel or perusing the colourful stalls to pick up unique Christmas gifts and memorable souvenirs of a great festive day out in the city. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well-known Hug in a Mug of Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit!

Get Crafty at 2 Royal Avenue

2 Royal Avenue, the city’s newest cultural space, has been transformed into a magical Winter’s Den this festive season. Grab the family and head in to enjoy a series of free events that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Don your Christmas jumper and pop in to one of the many events taking place at the Winter’s Den this December – have a go at making your own Christmas crackers, shake your baubles whilst rocking around the Christmas tree at a festive silent disco or have a not so silent night at the adults only ‘We WISH You a Merry Christmas’ event, filled with comedy and carolling.

Winter Skate at SSE

Nothing is more festive than a trip to the ice rink so get your skates on and book a Winter Skate at the home of the Belfast Giants in the SSE Arena. Running until 3 January, wrap up warm and experience holiday magic with all the family or feel the romance after dark with a special Twilight Skating Session on selected dates.

Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea

‘Tis the season to indulge and there’s no better way to treat yourself than with a sophisticated festive afternoon tea in one of the city’s best restaurants. Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with a special Titanic Festive Afternoon Tea. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning Grand Staircase and live jazz music, it’s an experience not to be missed. Or take a break from Christmas shopping and nip into the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel in the heart of the city. With a delightful twist on the traditional festive tea, enjoy an elegant catch up with friends amongst the twinkling lights and decadent decorations.

Have all the fun of the fair at Winter Circus

Award winning circus company Tumble Circus returns to Belfast’s Writers’ Square with their spectacular Winter Circus show this Christmas for their sixth year of riotous family fun. From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters, Tumble Circus combines circus skills with comedy, theatre and social commentary. Audiences can expect big laughs and some mighty craic in the fully heated big top tent until 2 January.

Festive Films at Ulster Museum

Catch all your favourite festive films this Christmas in the unique surroundings of Ulster Museum. Screening every weekend in the run up to Christmas, the seasonal programme in partnership with Cinemagic includes family favourites and Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34th Street, The Polar Express, Santa Claus: The Movie and heart-warming tearjerker It’s A Wonderful Life.

Come Up the Lagan… On a Hydrobike

See Belfast from a new perspective with a unique city tour – by waterbike. Explore the Belfast Waterways at night and take in the city illuminated for Christmas from the water with a Belfast Hydrobikes by Lights experience. Wrap up warm, saddle up on your colourfully lit hydrobike and enjoy a leisurely pedal past the historic Harland and Wolf Cranes, Waterfront and Obel Tower – the city’s tallest building. For a truly festive experience, book a spot on the Hydrobike Santa Experience and follow the magic trail to find Santa’s secret floating grotto. With a range of hydrobikes available for kids and families, equipped with full safety equipment, this is a Santa visit with a difference (and the best presents for the kids!).

Experience Festive Spirits on the Dark Belfast Dander Tour

If you ever stayed up late at Christmas to watch BBC’s M. R. James ghost story for Christmas when you were a kid or hid behind the pillows when the ghostly children of ‘Lost hearts’ appeared, then this is the Christmas 2022 event for you! A Ghost Story for Christmas and Dark Belfast Dander at Muriel’s Café in Church Lane, Belfast is where you’ll learn of the dark side of Christmas. BelfastLad’s Francis Higgins will be telling the dark history of Christmas’ past in a special guided tour. Beginning at Muriel’s Café in Church Lane, you’ll go on a one-hour dark Belfast dander around the haunted sites of Old Belfast’s entry’s and alleyways that sprang up from High Street in the 17th Century stopping at various points along the way to discover if those old streets are still haunted today. Revive your spirits after your tour with a festive cocktail prepared by expert mixologists back in the safety of Muriel’s Café.

Get Stuffed with a Traditional Christmas Lunch

Belfast is famous for it’s fantastic, locally produced food and there’s no better time to sample the best of the city’s food offering than at Christmas. For cosy pub grub with a festive feel, nip down Pottinger’s Entry and follow the trail to The Morning Star. Housed in an ornate Victorian Grade 2 listed building, it exudes a cosy Christmas pub experience with a first-class menu to boot. Top tip – check out the festive gourmet burgers accompanied with Christmas fries. For a fine dining experience check out the city’s newest restaurant and award-winning chef Niall McKenna’s latest offering Waterman within the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, or pay a visit to Michelin starred restaurants The Muddlers Club or Ox. For a less formal fine dining experience, settle into the snug of Ox Cave and enjoy a stunning sharing menu of winter canapes, chateaubriand and festive treats by candlelight.

Tick off your Christmas Shopping List

A city bursting with high-end luxury designer, high street and independent brands, Belfast is your one-stop place to tick off that all important Christmas shopping list. Victoria Square is a mecca for Christmas shopping with everything you need all under one dome. Pick up something special at Lunn’s Jewellers or tech heads can browse the latest must haves at Ireland’s only Apple store. Find comfy pyjamas in Boux Avenue or beauty treats from L’Occitane, Kiehl’s and Rituals.

For a family friendly shopping experience, head to CastleCourt. Visit the Yankee Candle shop for Christmas candles and Wrapped Up for local art. Sports fans can get their kicks at O’Neills, whilst The Entertainer has Santa presents sorted with a huge range of kids’ toys and games.

Donegall Place is home to host of popular brands, including Next, M&S, Zara and Skechers and the recently reopened flagship Primark store has everything you need, from homeware to fashion. Don’t forget Smithfield Market which is a shopper’s haven just around the corner with everything from antiques and collectibles to old-time sweets and even camping and boxing gear!

For something uniquely Belfast, visit the traders at St George’s Market, one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland and home to a burgeoning collection of curios, antiques and the finest fresh produce as well hot food from around the world to delight the senses.

Finally, a trip to visit Belfast’s last Victorian Arcade built in 1880, Queen’s Arcade is home to a variety of luxury Boutiques and local independent retailers and is the only Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer and Montblanc Boutique in Ireland for a truly personal gift this year.

Getting home couldn’t be easier…

Make a full day and night of it with Translink’s late night bus and train services. This special Nightmovers service runs from Belfast City Centre every Friday and Saturday until 23rd December (plus Thursday 22nd December on Goldliner, Urby and Metro). For more information and to plan your route, visit translink.co.uk/nightmovers.

For more information or to plan your perfect festive day in Belfast, visit www.visitbelfast.com

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM TO MARK APOLLO 17 ANNIVERSARY WITH STAR TRACKER EVENING

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Leading astronomical research and education facility, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 17 Moon landing with a Star Tracker Evening on December 14th.

The event will include a talk, a Dome Show and stargazing. During the talk, visitors will learn about The Apollo Story by Paul Evans, IAA, IFAS.

Astronaut Gene Cernan at the Rover on the Surface of the Moon Credit NASA

This will be followed by a viewing of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dome Show, CapCom Go! The immersive, historical documentary will showcase the achievements of the Apollo programme and explain to visitors what it took to put the first human on the Moon.

The show will introduce a new generation to the immense challenges that were overcome to make lunar landings, previously the preserve of science fiction, a reality.

The event will conclude with an opportunity for stargazing through Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s telescopes.

Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says,” We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to our Star Tracker Evening.

“The wonder and awe of going back to the Moon is certainly still as strong as it was 50 years ago, and at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, we can see that through the many questions asked by school pupils about the Moon landings, along with their intrigue about the current Artemis mission.

“We hope that this next phase of space exploration will help to inspire future STEM leaders across Northern Ireland and ROI.”

Apollo 17, which took place from December 7th to 19th, 1972, was the final mission of NASA’s Apollo program. It was also the most recent time that humans have set foot on the Moon. During the mission, Commander Gene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt physically walked on the Moon, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above.

NASA’s current Artemis mission may see humans set foot on the moon once again in years to come. Its Artemis I mission made a triumphant return to Earth last weekend after more than 25 days in space.

The Star Tracker Evening is suitable for adults and children aged over 8 years old.

To purchase tickets for the Star Tracker Evening, visit: Star Tracker Evening (ticketsolve.com)

Star-Studded Fundraiser For Those Hit By Cathedral Buildings Blaze

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‘Arson Around’ cabaret evening in Black Box to support fire victims

A massive festive fundraiser is set to help businesses destroyed in October’s fire in the Cathedral Buildings, on Belfast’s Donegall Street.

The Arson Around FUNdRazer will be hosted in the Black Box on Hill Street by Smashing Buttons and will feature more than 11 acts and a ‘Raised for the Razed’ Raffle. It takes place on December 12, from 7-11pm.

Organiser Tina Kelly of Smashing Buttons explained that this was about backing those who were a creative hub in the heart of the city.

“Lifetimes’ worth of work were destroyed, which can never be replaced,” she said, ‘but with the kindness and generosity of the people of Belfast we will breathe life back into the creative community who were so badly devastated. Times are tough but we are tougher.

“All the artists performing are either victims of the fire themselves, or friends and supporters. All funds raised will be put towards re-building the community of those affected.”

Magician and comedian, George Firehorse, will be MC for the evening, with the Monkey of Truth set to make an appearance.

Comedy Harpist Ursula Burns will be performing live, and there’s a special screening of her hit movie ‘Portrait of a Watcher’ in the Green Room after her set.

Belfast’s trad Irish/Spanish supergroup will be laying on a spectacular set.

“Viva Eire! are a collective of local Spanish and Irish artists and performers, who are coming together to showcase the talents of our Latin and Trad communities here in Belfast,” said Tina. 

“Los Dramaticos will be dazzling the audience with songs and instrumental pieces from around Latin America and Spain.

“Their sound is a fusion of the flamenco and Andean traditions. This reflects their heritage. Victor Enriquez is a master charango player from Valparaíso in Chile.

“Paddy Anderson is one of the most accomplished flamenco guitarists in the UK and Ireland.”

Included in the line-up is fiddle player Aidan Mulholland, the violin restorer who lost everything in the fire, including irreplaceable antique instruments that were over 100 years old.

They will be joined by Myles McCormack, whose music is influenced by everything from historical ballads to space prog-rockers, Hawkwind. His songs are lyrically nuanced and deftly describe the tumultuous nature of life.

Every show ticket purchased will receive a free entry to the ‘Raise for the Razed’ Raffle,” said Tina. 

“Lucky winners will walk away with prizes such as two tickets to see Elton John, two tickets for Lionel Richie, a four-person party-pass to Paolo Nutini or two tickets for Paul Heaton & Jacqui Abbott (The Beautiful South)’s shows in Belfast next year.”

Others include a tree planting session with The Phantom Planter, A couple’s kickboxing session, (handy to settle those post-Christmas arguments), and a £500 Press & PR campaign from Excalibur Press and many more still to be announced.

All the Trad & Spanish artists will be rounding off the performances to close the live show with a massive set-closer number.

They’ll be joined on stage at various times throughout the night by Mexican Dance Belfast, the flamboyant Flamenco dance troupe, who will ensure that we all have a Feliz Navidad!
Miss Onya Becks is hosting a special festive edition of ‘Lip Synch for your DRINK!’, as well as performing a couple of Christmas Classics herself.

Onya has been doing drag for over 10 years, and is based in The Maverick bar every Thursday and Saturday. She’s toured Ireland and the UK and worked with such luminaries as Alan Carr and Kylie Minogue.

Antwan Ruiz will be performing his unique Latin flavoured hip-hop and rap set, including the premiere of his new Christmas single ‘Rudolph’. Less Glock, more Glockenspiel. Antwan is only 20 years old and is already setting the world on fire with his mind-blowing blend of rap and melody. 

Tina hints at the unexpected: “Like one of Marley’s ghosts, attendees will be visited by a mystery comedy guest whose presence will be felt by everyone in the room. But he’ll be yanking your chains, not jangling them! All will be revealed on the night.

“The evening will be rounded off by the ‘All Request Christmas Disco’, with no songs barred. All requests will be played. No DJ snobbery here. Okay, maybe not Mariah Carey.”

To book your tickets go to https://bit.ly/3WfzXph

The Northern Ireland Country Music Awards 2023 Voted by the Public!

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The NI Country Music Awards 2023

Tuesday 7th February 2023 in the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena

Are you looking the perfect gift to give to your family or friends this Christmas? Or maybe you just want something to look forward to after the festive season.

Well why not secure your place at the biggest country music event of the year.

With over 35 of your favourite Stars including our current leading artists: Derek Ryan, Robert Mizzell, Lee Matthews, David James, Liam Kelly, Owen Mac, Patricia Maguire, Paul Kelly, John Rafferty & Shauna McStravock.

New and upcoming stars like our youngest performer, 14 year old Cailin Joe, direct from performing on RTE’s Late Late toy show. Country singer & Garth Brooks Tribute Neil Hobson (BBC There’s no place like Tyrone) and the beautiful, talented Sinead Heaney (granddaughter of Susan McCann).

Of course the event would not be complete without our Queen of Country for 60 years, Philomena Begley. And other legends including gentleman Billy McFarland who will be officially recognised for his unbelievable and huge contribution of 75 years in the industry.

Hosted by Industry Professional Professional Malcolm McDowell & Sky Tv’s Natasha Magee.

Also Special Co Hosts 1st Lady Susan McCann & the legendary Downtown presenter Big T who celebrates 50 years as our ambassador & leading radio presenter.

Tickets are only available online and are emailed directly to you after purchase.

Unreserved Cabaret Style Round Tables & Spacious Seating.

Doors open 7:30 Show Starts 8pm.

Tickets £25+ Booking Fee

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/445161519087

Voting Opens 1st January until 28th January 2023. All details including full list of performers on the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards Facebook Page.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Big Telly’s Elf Factory – Pop up Shop, Tower Centre Ballymena.  Come along to the Elf Factory interactive experience on Friday 9 December from 3pm – 7.30pm, and Saturday 10 December from 11am – 3.30pm.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Music Experience at Armagh Planetarium.  Inspired by the music of Pink Floyd, this dome spectacular features the 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon in explosive surround sound. With spellbinding abstract projections on the dome, audiences will be surrounded to create a truly astonishing experience.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Santa Special Steam Train. Ho, ho, ho! It’s that time of year again when we deck the halls and work out who has been naughty and who has been nice. What better way to welcome in the festive period by booking one of our festive Santa Special steam trains?

Find out more HERE

Down

The Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns with festive food & fun for a second year.  As the shops begin to fill with festive goodies and the season’s favourite songs are starting to be heard, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to announce the return of the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market this December on Friday 9th December.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Cancer Connect NI is delighted to announce the return of their Magical Winter Wonderland to the Island town of Enniskillen.  Families will begin their experience at the railway station located at Eden Street (behind B&M). Once checked in at the ticket booth, you will be greeted by Mrs Claus and her elves. You will be invited to board our AMAZING Polar Express which is the only road TRAIN in Ireland.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Back by popular demand the “Christmas Country with the Stars Show” returns for another super night of toe-tapping Country magic with a festive feel at the Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Santa and a very helpful elf will be tucked away in Strule Arts Centre Omagh, ready to welcome children and families and provide a magical Christmas experience this weekend.

Find out more HERE

 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland 

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 5 – 11 December 2022

 

  1. Christmas Shopping Evening at the Gobbins Visitor Centre, Islandmagee, County Antrim, 6 December. Enjoy a festive evening on Tuesday 6th December from 5pm-8pm and shop till you drop with 10% discount off selected items and local craft maker demonstrations.
  2. Cinderella – The Midnight Princess, Belfast, 30 November – 8 January. You shall go to the ball and have a truly magical family experience at the MAC Belfast with the ultimate rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes, sumptuous sets and magical special effects, Cinderella in the MAC is fun for all the family. Cinderella also comes to the Grand Opera House from 3rd December – 15th January. Visit www.goh.co.uk for more details. From drama to ballet to blockbuster West End musicals, there’s something for everyone.
  3. Weekends with Santa in Galgorm, Ballymena, County Antrim, 26 November – 18 December. Santa touches down in Galgorm, so be sure to bring the little ones to deliver their Christmas letter! Enjoy a delicious four-course lunch in either Gillies Grill or Fratelli Ristorante, along with a visit from Santa himself. Delicious four-course lunch from £38.95 per person, kids £25 per person, including a gift from Santa.
  4. Santa Cruise with Strangford Lough Activity Centre, Killinchy, County Down, 3 – 17 December. Join their merry old elf for a hair-raising sleigh ride around the islands onboard their fast speed boat – Black Jacket. Hold onto your Santa hats as you fly through the waters of Strangford Lough. You will be carol singing all the way, listening to some Christmas tunes whilst riding the waves back to Santa’s Grotto. Warm up by the fireside in their cosy cabin with mince/apple pies, mulled wine or hot chocolate. Then visit Santa and the elves and find out if you’ve been naughty or nice! Public trips available on Saturdays and Sundays throughout December. Group trips (10+ people) available on other dates.
  5. Christmas Wonderland in The Jungle, Magherafelt, County Londonderry, 2 – 23 December. From old fashioned board games and a ride on the Jungle Express for little ones to meeting Santa himself. There is something for everyone in the family including a host of adventure activities to keep the older kids entertained too.
  6. Winter Wonderland at Todds Leap Activity Centre, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 1 – 22 December. Santa’s mischievous little elves are wreaking havoc throughout Todds Leap. Come along and tour their amazing Winter Wonderland. Experience one of the best Santa Grottos in Northern Ireland, where you can write your letter to Santa, visit the elves in the Post Office to post your letter, get your ticket for Santa’s sleigh, board Santa’s off-road sleigh, help the elves in Santa’s workshop, and much more.
  7. A Christmas night with The Mummers at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 8 December. Join the Ulster American Folk Park at Mountjoy Meeting House on Thursday 8th December for a Christmas night with the Mummers. Let them transport you back in time to the 19th Century where you can enjoy the flavours and smells from Christmas past. There will be refreshments on arrival from costumed guides, before Captain Mummer interrupts the evening with his troop to entertain you. This is a unique and wonderful way to kick start the Christmas season.
  8. Cancer Connect NI Winter Wonderland 2022, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 2 – 10 December. Cancer Connect NI is delighted to announce the return of their Magical Winter Wonderland to the Island town of Enniskillen. Once checked in at the ticket booth at the railway station, located at Eden Street, you will be greeted by Mrs Claus and her elves, before being invited to board their amazing Polar Express. The Polar Express will travel through the beautiful town of Enniskillen, discovering the festive windows along the route and taking excited parents and children to a secret castle location!
  9. Christmas Cupcake Decorating at The Argory, Dungannon, County Armagh, 10 – 11 December. Make some Christmas family memories as you decorate tasty treats. A great day out with the little ones to kick-start a wonderful month of Christmas fun. This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
  10. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, County Down, 9 December. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market returns to The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort for one day only on Friday 9th December. The market starts as twilight sets in at 3pm and remains open until 9pm. The gates of The Dark Walk will be open for an evening of sparkling festivities. Hillsborough’s independent shops will be staying open for late night shopping too, making it a perfect location for the idyllic Christmas shopping experience.

 

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/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks

Mammoth Support For Cathedral Buildings Fire Hit Businesses

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Branding and Digital Creative Agency lends office space to ‘homeless’ firms

Branding and Digital Creative Agency, Mammoth, stepped up to help businesses who lost office space when Cathedral Buildings, on Belfast’s Donegall Street was devastated in a fire in October this year.

Within a short space of time the businesses were offered space by Mammoth to enable them to get their companies back up and trading with chairs, desks and WiFi connections on the first floor of their building.

Managing Partner of Mammoth, Jeremy Poots, explained that they were delighted to offer a ray of hope for the people by donating a large section of their offices to create a working space and centre for all the companies affected.

“One of our staff members, Malachy McCrudden asked if we might show support and offer some direct and tangible help to the people that had been affected,” he explained. 

“We agreed and gave them use of a large space that would hold 20 plus people, completely free of charge to get them back at their desks and operational as quickly as possible.

“Some of those affected were in tears (of joy this time) from this gesture by Mammoth, such had been the trauma of being upended by the fire.

“Hopefully there is light at the end of the tunnel as the group has been exploring options in a similar nearby building which might work for all those affected to move into in the longer term”.

Paul Kelly, of Form Native, was one of those who saw their business premises affected.
When our studio was lost in the Cathedral Buildings fire it was gutting in every sense,” he said. 

“The response from the wider creative community was a great support and raised our spirits at a critical time.

“Mammoth were quick to offer help to their neighbours in need, they gave us space that allowed us to be in the city, catch a breath, and find our feet again.

“We are very grateful for their generosity and while we get ready to move forward again it is with a great appreciation for a creative community that looks out for each other.”

Tina Calder, director and strategist, Excalibur Press, said her business had been building their space in Cathedral Buildings over a number of years to support their work and that of others.

“The fire was absolutely devastating to myself and my staff,” she explained. 

“To have lost the space we built up over four years was heartbreaking for the team and the uncertainty of where we would be settling was very worrying.

“Our four offices were also home to Merlin Arts CIC, NI Festival of Writing, BAM magazine and Belfast 247 radio station so the aftermath of the fire didn’t just impact Excalibur Press.

“When Mammoth stepped in and offered us a temporary space until the end of the year I don’t think they really understood the serious impact of their kindness. They gave us something most people struggle to find in life – time. They gave us the space to stop and think and re-evaluate everything whilst continuing to service our clients.

“The team at Mammoth have been incredibly supportive and for that I will be eternally grateful for their kindness and compassion.

“We have been incredibly lucky to have been supported widely by organisations such as the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District who we are working with to secure a new place for 2023.

“Whilst the impact and effects of the fire have not gone away it has been made much easier to deal with mentally, emotionally and physically by the wonderful support of our friends, family, clients and peers.”

Mammoth, which started in Belfast over 21 years ago in a small two-desk office space by its two founders, now has 80 staff across offices in Belfast & London. Mammoth had just relocated to their offices in Royal Avenue, overlooking the Cathedral in 2020 after purchasing and renovating the iconic art deco Sinclair House – previously a landmark department store in the city.

“Naturally, coming from the same creative industry sector as many of the businesses in Cathedral Buildings, there was an added empathy to reach out and try to help ease some of the difficult positions these companies and individuals had found themselves in due to the fire,” explained Mr Poots. 

“Many staff members in Mammoth had been shocked and dismayed at the devastation caused to Cathedral Buildings – especially as this is only 150m from the Mammoth offices.

“And several of their staff members knew those that had been affected – some were artisans, designers with irreplaceable elements of their work – plus their livelihoods had either gone up in smoke or been put in limbo due to no access being given to the building.

“As the extremely damaged building started the assessment and recovery process it became evident that the local people affected would not be able to get back into the building for months, maybe indefinitely.

“When Malachy McCrudden, a project manager at Mammoth, made the request to the Senior Management that perhaps they could offer some unused office space on an immediate basis. It was instantly agreed, and Mammoth offered a 2,500sqft office space to be used, which included supply of all tables, chairs, lighting and heating for the duration of their stay there.”

To find out how you can support the creatives and businesses impacted by the fire at Cathedral Buildings check out their IndieGoGo fundraiser at https://igg.me/at/cqcollective 

There will also be a fundraiser for those affected by the fire at the Black Box on Monday December 12. 

Joining the bill will be artists such as Ursula Burns, George Firehouse, Aidan Mulholland (who lost his studio in the fire) and Myles McCormack among others. Tickets are available from https://bit.ly/3umykd7 

West Belfast park to become a Winter Wonderland

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Newly opened Páirc Nua Chollann in west Belfast will be transformed into a ‘Winter Wonderland’ on Thursday 8 December.

 

A free festive event is taking place at the park from 6pm to 9pm organised by Colin Neighbourhood Partnership with support from Belfast City Council.

Councillor Ross McMullan, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee and daughter Heidi join John Paul Russell, Arts and Cultural Officer with the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, Santa Claus and the Winter Fairy at Páirc Nua Chollann ahead of the Winter Wonderland event at the park on Thursday 8 December. The free festive event is taking place from 6pm to 9pm, organised by Colin Neighbourhood Partnership and supported by Council. Families can enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto and there will be fairground attractions, musical performances and a Christmas Variety Market with stalls from local traders.

Families can enjoy a visit to Santa’s Grotto and there will be fairground attractions, musical performances and a Christmas Variety Market with stalls from local traders.

Councillor Ross McMullan, Chair of the council’s People and Communities Committee, said: “We’re delighted to support this fantastic festive event with Colin Neighbourhood Partnership in one of our newly opened parks and community events spaces in the city.

“We hope it will bring along local residents as well as attract visitors from across Belfast to see and enjoy the park for the first time – making the most of the early festivities too.

“It’s also good to see parks’ events and activities like this taking place in our parks and open spaces again, following the last few years.”

John Paul Russell, Arts and Cultural Officer with the Colin Neighbourhood Partnership, added: “It’s fantastic to see this new park with its state-of-the-art facilities open in Colin. This is such an exciting new development for the Colin area. It will allow us to host our biggest Christmas event to date and we look forward to using it for future events.”

Páirc Nua Chollann, opened in October and is located on the Stewartstown Road between Poleglass and Twinbrook. Among its attractions are a 13-metre ‘Leap of Faith’ sculpture, a new play park with range of accessible and sensory equipment, a cycle ‘pump track’, marked routes for walking, running and cycling and an outdoor gym.

The project was funded by The Executive Office’s Urban Villages Initiative and the Department for Communities. It was delivered and will be operated by Council.

Find out more about Páirc Nua Chollann and all of the city’s parks and open spaces, at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks

For more information on festive events taking place in the city, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

Jacqueline’s pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Antrim

Mallusk Enterprise Park Christmas Market takes place this weekend.  Find local businesses and social enterprises to shop and support, enjoy our entertainment line up including live music from Audio Level DJ, indulge in festive drinks and nibbles and browse the entries to the Children’s Art Competition. There will also be a free Santa’s Grotto experience and a festive food mountain built in aid of the Newtownabbey Food Bank and a Children’s Gift mountain in aid of Cash for Kids.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

It’s been the godmother of all waits, but this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre, you shall go to the ball!  Pantomime is back with all the traditional festive ingredients; an amazing cast, glittering set, laugh-out-loud humour, plenty of boos and hisses, all topped off with a sprinkling of fairy magic! So dust off your ball gowns and join us for the classic rags-to-riches tale with a modern twist – ‘Cinderella’.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Children’s Craft Christmas at Clifton House. Why not let the kids experience something different this Festive season? Step back in time to Christmas 250 years ago and see how children once celebrated in the Poorhouse. Learn about their traditions, gifts, food and entertainment. It’s not the ‘Scrooge’ you’d imagine it to be.

Find out more HERE

Down

Santa Cruise, Strangford Activity Centre. Join the merry old elf for a hair-raising sleigh ride around the islands aboard a fast speed boat – Black Jacket. Hold onto your santa hats asyou fly through the waters of Strangford Lough!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Share on Ice! SHARE Discovery Village is kicking off an exciting festive period with SHARE Village on Ice: a fantastic indoor synthetic rink, which is almost identical to a frozen surface but much more eco-friendly for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a budding skater or a confident glider, our wheelchair-friendly ice rink is open to all ages and abilities!

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Roe Valley Speciality Christmas Market.  Join Roe Valley on Saturday 3rd December for their Limabady Christmas Market, offering shoppers a warm welcome, with friendly traders and the choice of a range of unique local produce, Craft, Art, Treats, Street Food and speciality handcrafted items, this a perfect opportunity to pick up some unique Christmas Gifts and treats for all the family!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Carol and Jimmy’s Cracker is back at the Burnavon Cookstown this weekend after two long years!

Find out more HERE

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