Category: Uncategorized

20 Brides Lose Dresses In Cathedral Buildings Fire As Tenants Set Up Crowdfunder To Start Again

By

Across Northern Ireland 20 brides’ lives have been plunged into chaos as their dresses were caught in the Cathedral Buildings fire in Belfast city centre last Monday.

They are among dozens of pieces of precious clothing belonging to the customers of Perfect Fit, a dressmaking company based on the ground floor.

Seamstress Hazel Alderdice, owner of Perfect Fit, is not just dealing with the stress of losing her business and the customers it has affected; she’s also eight months pregnant.

She said: “I’ve been growing this business for 15 years. I’ve lost everything that I’ve accumulated over that time – years of making patterns , buying technical pattern books, buying specialist machinery, mannequins, fabric, thread – every little tool in a dressmaker’s arsenal. 

“Yesterday I had to go out and buy myself a needle and thread. I was completely broken. 

“But the worst thing? 20 brides have lost their wedding dresses. Possibly the most significant piece of clothing they will own in their lifetime, chosen with the greatest of care, now gone. 

“Their weddings are fast approaching and their options are running out. My heart bleeds for all of them.”

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces watched on Monday October 3 as over 50 firefighters tried to bring the blaze under control.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Chiho Tang, lead creative at Oranga, a graphic design agency in the building said: “Waking up to the news on Monday was an absolute shock.

“Not only do I have the majority of nearly a decade of my portfolio in that building but all our tech equipment was very recently replaced with very high spec machines.

“My staff are devastated by this.

“I had hoped to attempt a recovery of our server as we have client work on it spanning the last 9/10 years.

“We have had to spend the last week redrawing artwork for clients.

“It’s all so surreal. We’ve been there five years and worked hard on creating a great space to work in and welcome clients to. Really difficult to take in to be honest.”

Media and marketing company Excalibur Press were also among the affected businesses. They employ eight staff and had four offices, one of which was a newly set up photography and videography studio.

Owner Tina Calder said: “I can’t even begin to articulate how I feel. Although it’s no comfort saying it, many of the tangible assets will be able to be replaced in time.

“However, what I cannot replace is 27 years of journalism and media history. I’ve hard copy clippings of every single story I’ve ever written, every publication I worked on and edited. Literally everything I have achieved in my career is evidenced in that building. 

“I have gone from crying inconsolably to trying to be practical and working on our rebuild all week. But it’s exhausting. Emotions are high, everyone has lost so much.

“I keep thinking of silly little things like our little mascot Sir Lancelot the purple dragon we would take to events and stuff. I went to replace him the other day as a sign of us rebuilding only to find out he’s a collectors item worth hundreds of pounds.

“My staff are devastated. We lost a huge amount of technical equipment. 14 MACs, camera and studio equipment, radio equipment and more.

“Our offices were also home to Merlin Arts CIC, NI Festival of Writing, BAM magazine and Belfast 247 radio station. Everything of theirs is gone too.

“Despite being able to see our things seemingly untouched by fire through windows we have been told we’re not going to be given access to the building to conduct a salvage operation. It is gut wrenching.”

Many people in the building watched on Monday as their studios and offices were completely eviscerated by the fire.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, was one of those people. He arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

Paul said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

One thing tenants will mourn is not just their possessions and life’s work. Many of them are heartbroken at the loss of their community.

Declan Murphy, accountant and musician who was based on the first floor said: “I have lost equipment and some sentimental items in the fire but the greatest loss is losing the presence in the Cathedral Quarter. 

“An exciting and vibrant part of the city and a building that contained a friendly and eclectic mix of people and businesses. 

“The strength of character of tenants is evident in our resolve to bounce back, hopefully finding space in the immediate area of the Cathedral Quarter.”

A crowdfunding campaign has now been set up to support each of the tenants in the building who all have differing needs but who are committed to  working together to develop a new hub of creativity within the heart of arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter.

For more information on how you can support the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire go to >> https://igg.me/at/cqcollective

 

Businesses and creatives impacted by the fire are:

 

Luke Godson & Tim Farrell (Landmark design)

Paul Kelly (Form Native) 

Chiho Tang (Oranga Creative)

Declan Murphy (Accountant & Musician)

Christine Boyles (Hair Friendly)

Gareth Young & Ritchie Stokes (Never Never)

Tina Calder (Excalibur Press)

Hazel Alderdice (Perfect Fit)

Ryan & Oisin (Neighbourhood Cafe)

Fimmaker Nicky Larkin

Black Mountain Zen 

Aidan Mulholland Violins 

343 Collective

Digital Arts Studios

Age Friendly Causeway unveils calendar of events for Positive Ageing Month

By

 Did you know that October is Positive Ageing Month?

To mark the occasion, Age Friendly Causeway has unveiled its inaugural Positive Ageing calendar packed with a fantastic variety of events which will take place throughout October.

The month-long campaign aims to celebrate the contribution of older people within our local communities while empowering them to lead full and active lives. It includes activities to suit all interests from guided walks, arts, sports and cultural activities to online training sessions and employment advice clinics.

Welcoming the initiative, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace said: “Through our Age-Friendly Programme we want to engrain the inclusion of older people in all aspects of community life, remove barriers to participation, ensure access to services and make sure this is an enjoyable place for older people to live.

“We want to achieve this by working with our partners, and it is thanks to this approach that we have been able to collate such a wide range of events which will be delivered throughout Positive Ageing Month.

“I would like to thank all those organisations and Council departments for collaborating on this calendar, and I hope it encourages our older residents to try something new and forge new friendships and connections throughout the month.”

Alan Sharp, Chairperson of Causeway Coast and Glens Age-Friendly Forum, said: “The pandemic has limited our participation in previous years but this programme has a wide-range of possibilities for you to enjoy including exercise opportunities, helpful information sessions, inter-generational exchanges and social occasions.

“Please let your friends know about what’s happening and bring them along to enjoy the fun as well. I hope that all of our older people will find Positive Ageing Month informative and helpful.”

You can browse the full calendar of events now by going to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/age-friendly or hard copies are available at Council offices and local libraries.

For more information, call the Age Friendly Causeway team on 028 777 60306 or email agefriendly@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Booking for some of the events is essential, so please check with the individual venue.

Please note that event details in the brochure were correct at the time of going to print, however each event organiser reserves the right to make changes to the published programme. Please check with the individual venue before attending.

Belfast International Arts Festival sparkles this Autumn

By

Celebrating its milestone 60th edition, Northern Ireland’s leading contemporary multi-artform festival returns with compelling drama and dance, experimental genre-busting works, topical talks, the latest literary releases, classical music, folk and soul, independent film, contemporary visual arts and outdoor events.

From October 5 to November 6, over 300 uplifting, joyous and thought-provoking events will be hosted across Belfast.

BIAF22 opens on Wednesday 5 October with the UK premiere of Dinner With Groucho, a new play by renowned Irish writer Frank McGuinness. The cast features Ian Bartholomew (Geoff Metcalfe, Coronation Street), Ingrid Craigie (Mary, Blood; Rita, You Are Not My Mother) and Greg Hicks (title roles in Coriolanus, Hamlet, and Macbeth for Royal Shakespeare Company).

At the heart of this year’s programme is a special focus on Canada and the Middle East and North Africa. Canadian events include Vivek Shraya’s How to Fail as a Popstar (6 & 8 Oct), a reflection on the power of pop culture, dreams, disappointment and self-determination; the European premiere of The Queen In Me (18-19 Oct) from Teiya Kasahara 笠原貞野 (they/them) exploring the many ways that race, gender, and sexuality are policed in the opera industry; and closing the festival, the critically acclaimed Kiinalik: These Sharp Tools (4-5 Nov) bringing together two extraordinary artists to examine their intertwined histories, colonial legacies and the changing climate we all face.

The Middle East and North Africa strand includes Another Lover’s Discourse (22-23 Oct), a BIAF commissioned work from Palestinian interdisciplinary artist, Riham Isaac, described by English film director Danny Boyle as ‘a wonderful work, funny and touching and with some real surprises.’ Also making their Irish premiere appearances are Egyptian choreographer, Shaymaa Shoukry (13 Oct), Moroccan live performance and visual artist, Youness Atbane (15 Oct), and a special free outdoor circus and acrobatic visual treat by Moroccan artists in CS Lewis Square (15 Oct) in Belfast’s East. In the Black Box, A Night of Musical Journeys concert (14 Oct) features recently arrived refugees from across the Middle East.

Dance aficionados are in for a treat. BIAF’s first Featured Artist is leading young French choreographer, Noé Soulier, a rising figure in modern choreography, who brings a tremendous double bill (21-22 Oct) of experimental and emotional solo works to the MAC. Leading NI choreographer and dancer Oona Doherty’s largest project to date, Navy Blue (25-26 Oct), makes its Irish premiere and homecoming stop amid its European tour. Festival favourite Jan Martens makes a welcome return with his new solo Elisabeth Gets Her Way (28-29 Oct), a danced portrait of the Polish-born harpsichordist Elisabeth Chojnacka.

The first in a double bill of headline concerts at the Grand Opera House is the legendary Martin Hayes and his latest project, The Common Ground Ensemble, on Tues 25 October. The following night is hit-maker Paul Carrack, already close to selling out.

Among the wealth of home-grown talent is double Ivor Novello-nominated composer Conor Mitchell’s Propaganda: A New Musical (8 Oct – 5 Nov), playing at the Lyric Theatre; a spooky walk-through theatre experience The Ghost House (14-31 Oct) by Cahoots; an adaptation of Owen Booth’s Frankenstein’s Monster Is Drunk And The Sheep Have All Jumped The Fences (14-22 Oct) by Big Telly Theatre; a new collection of Street Art Operas, The Scorched Earth Trilogy (14 Oct) by Dumbworld and, in the final week, the latest play from Jane Coyle, After Melissa (3-5 Nov).

Other notable music events at BIAF22 include Belfast Music Society’s Northern Lights Mini Festival (28-30 Oct); the popular free BBC Radio 3 concert series (19-21 Oct), this year featuring British cellist Natalie Clein and friends; Canadian blues singer songwriter Matt Andersen (9 Oct sold out), and a host of Irish acts such as MELTS (13 Oct), IMLÉ (14 Oct), Lisa O’Neill (2 Nov), and Wallis Bird (6 Nov).

The BIAF22 Talks & Ideas strand brings together international and local names to explore thought-provoking topics including state violence, freedom of speech and movement, culture, society, impermanence and the creative possibilities opened up by our digital world. Among the international line-up are Caribbean writers Celeste Mohammed and Jacob Ross, francophone writers GauZ’ and David Foenkinos, joined by a host of UK, Irish and Northern Irish writers including Jonathan Coe, Tish Delaney, Donal Ryan and Charlotte Mendelson. Annual favourites include two new editions of Poetry Jukebox, and the John Hewitt Society’s Birthday Poetry Reading. Look out for special events Conversations on Impermanence, and Larkin in Belfast, marking the poet’s centenary.

If it has been a while since you visited Belfast, get reacquainted with the city courtesy of the popular Cultural Walking Tours led by highly knowledgeable Blue Badge guides. And make sure to visit a few of the amazing visual art exhibitions taking place across the city including punk artist Jamie Reid at Ulster University’s new art gallery.

Stay, relax and soak up the atmosphere with luxury hotel group Hastings Hotels, who are BIAF’s official accommodation partner. Check out the special BIAF rate (subject to availability), from £65 pps B&B at The Grand Central and from £50 pps B&B at The Europa Hotel. Use promo code BIAF. Also check out Ramada by Wyndham in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, who are offering 15% off their Best Available rate. Quote BIAF Corporate Club when booking directly with the hotel.

So take a trip to Belfast Festival this Autumn! Book online 24/7 at www.BelfastInternationalArtsFestival.com or call Box Office at Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609.

BIAF’s principal funder is the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and is also supported by Belfast City Council, British Council, the Government of Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs, Tourism Northern Ireland and a range of project funders and sponsors.

County Antrim Cottages Awarded Four-Stars by Tourism NI

By

Pictured at Limepark, Armoy cottages in County Antrim (L-r) are Hannah Reid, Estate Manager, Suzi McIlhatton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI and Angela Biesty, owners of Limepark, Armoy cottages.

Limepark Cottages in Armoy, County Antrim, have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI. 

Situated near Ballymoney the cottages are ideal for exploring the picturesque views of the north coast and beautiful Glens of Antrim. Each of the self-catering cottages has been refurbished in an individual style while retaining their original historic features.

The cottages are based near some of Northern Ireland’s top tourist attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dark Hedges and the Bushmills Distillery which make it the ideal place to stay for families or for weekend trips away. 

Suzi McIlhatton, Tourism NI’s Accommodation Certification Manager, commented: 

“Now under new ownership, Angela and her family have taken the time and care to beautifully restore The Manor House at Limepark which is a wonderful addition to the six self-catering cottages already on the site. They thoroughly deserve the 4-star grading and I wish them every success for what sounds to be a very busy year ahead.”

Angela Biesty, one of the owners of Limepark cottages added: “We are delighted to have received the four-star grading from Tourism NI. It is wonderful to have Limepark featured by the organisation promoting all that is great about Northern Ireland.

“Limepark is a beautiful estate created from what was once a busy farm built in the 1720’s. The outbuildings have been transformed into six unique cottages each with their own charm and warmth. The buildings themselves have been renovated to retain their original features and yet have all the facilities needed for the modern traveller. The grounds are a mixture of manicured lawns and wildflower gardens with a communal fire pit for all guests to enjoy. We are also excited to announce that from 1st October, guests will be able to book the newly decorated Manor House, where they can relax in one of the four poster beds while planning their adventures for the day”.

Angela added: “We are hoping our four-star grading will give guests the confidence and assurance that they will have a lovely stay with us.”

Cara Dillon Live At The Market Place

By

Cara Dillon occupies an enviable position at the very top of her genre. This extraordinary Irish singer has been captivating audiences and achieving exceptional acclaim for over 20 years. She has [according to Mojo magazine] ‘Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice’.

Alongside a selection of favourites from her previous releases, Cara will be performing material from her new album ‘Wanderer’, which is a collection of beautiful and moving songs recorded in an intimate setting with her husband and musical partner Sam Lakeman.

Every note and word sung with a passion and confidence earned through a life of experience singing traditional songs.

Legions of fans will attest to their impassioned performances with Cara’s warm and natural stage presence something to savour.

Cara Dillon will perform for one night only at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Thursday 13 October.

Tickets are priced £24, and can be booked through the Box Office on 03300 561 025, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Film Hub NI brings Irish Language Collective film tour to Limavady and Portstewart

By

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Arts Services is delighted to be part of Film Hub NI’s first ever Irish Language Collective film tour as it brings screenings of ‘Róise & Frank’ to Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.

An up-lifting tale of a shaggy dog, a grieving widow, a young hurling star and finding hope in the darkest of places, Róise & Frank has been a massive success on the festival circuit, winning numerous awards including Best Ensemble at Dublin International Film Festival and the Audience Award winner at both the Santa Barbara and Sonoma International Film Festivals.

The heart-warming film tells the story of recently widowed Róise (Bríd Ní Neachtain) who is struggling after the death of her husband Frank.  Grief-stricken and lonely, Róise’s son Alan worries that she is distancing herself from those who care for her, but when a stray dog starts to follow her every move, a rejuvenated Róise starts to believe in the reincarnation of her husband, and that he has come back to be with her again as well as coach the local sports team.

Róise & Frank will screen at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Thursday 6th October and Flowerfield Arts Centre on Thursday 20th October, both starting at 7pm.

Tickets are priced at £5 per person and can be booked online via www.flowerfield.org and www.roevalleyarts.com. Alternatively, ring Flowerfield Arts Centre on 028 7083 1400 or Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on 028 7776 0650.

Please note, this is an Irish language film, with English subtitles.

 

Carrick Manufacturer Ryobi Raise Vital Funds For NI Hospice

By

After hosting a hugely successful family fun day recently, Carrick-based engineering firm Ryobi are celebrating raising over £10,000 to support the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

A variety of activities were available on the day for both children and adults, including a bouncy castle, face painting, a raffle and many more fun-filled options.

The event raised a grand total of £7,938 for the charity, an amount that is sure to go a long way and be greatly appreciated.

This huge amount is less than half of what Ryobi have donated to the NI Children’s Hospice, having already donated £7,000 to sponsor one of the elephants included in the Big Elmer Trail that took place across Belfast this summer.  

Speaking on the fundraiser, Rachel Beattie, from the CSR team at Ryobi, expressed her joy at the opportunity to be involved with both the Elmer Trail and the family fun day.

She said: “Ryobi sponsored one of the elephants at a cost of £7,000.

“A couple of us within the CSR team then created a small subdivision team to try and fundraise more money on top of that for the hospice.

“I organised this fun day because we wanted to reach out to the local community and help other businesses in the process.”

As well as the fun day and Big Elmer Trail Ryobi staff also organised a charity at Carrickfergus Golf Club recently where they raised £2,500 for the Hospice.

Ciarán Maxwell, who organised the golf day said: “The typical NI September downpour didn’t dampen the spirits on the Charity Golf day – a fantastic effort from all the players to brave the conditions and finish the round, and a massive thank you to all hole sponsors and players who helped raise £2,500 for Northern Ireland Hospice.”

All the proceeds raised will provide crucial funding towards the NI Children’s Hospice, enabling them to continue their services within the community helping young children in need.

The Hospice is currently self-funded, making fundraisers such as these even more critical as it ensures further care can be given.

Rachel said: “We know that the Hospice is completely self-funded, they don’t get any government funding. 

“It costs £700 for one day of palliative care for a child in their home. None of us know when we will need that. That’s why it’s so important.”

Marco Emig, managing director of Ryobi, was at the fundraising event, and was delighted by the outcome and support it received.

He said: “I’m actually amazed by the turnout of how many people actually came to support us here today. 

“Around a year ago we set up the corporate social responsibility team, and the idea for the family fun day and the charity golf day events came from that team.”

Marco also addressed how the community rallied around the cause, with individuals from across Carrick and beyond attending and donating to the Children’s Hospice.

He said: “We’ve been in Carrickfergus for more than 30 years, and it’s time to start giving back to the community. 

“It’s really good to see Ryobi employees and their families here, as well as a lot of people here who are not our employees, which I think is really important.”

Gwyneth Evans, HR Manager, also expressed her delight at the sense of community seen on the day.

She said: “We have been supporting the Northern Ireland Hospice throughout the year with various fundraising activities. 

“We wanted to take this opportunity to bring all of our employees and their families together so that they could spend time in a social setting. 

“And also, we wanted to outreach to the local community, so we made the family fun day open to the public too.”

Ryobi did a fantastic job at raising vital funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and hopefully this will be an annual staple within Carrick for years to come.

For more information on how you can join the Ryobi team go to https://ryobi.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

10 things to do in Northern Ireland Next Week

By

Here are ten exciting things taking place October 3-9, 2022   

 

  1. Belfast International Arts Festival, Various locations across Belfast, October5 – November 6. Established in 1962, Belfast’s longest-running international arts festival, reimagined and reborn as Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF) in 2015, has announced a new extended season of contemporary arts and cultural events as it marks its milestone 60th year. Over 320 imaginative, inspiring and intriguing events spanning the artistic disciplines of music, theatre, dance, film, visual arts and discussion will be hosted throughout the city for all to engage with and enjoy.  
  2. GrandaBen’s Spooktacular Ethical Zoo Trail, Ballygawley, Co. Tyrone, October 1-31. This October, come see Granda Ben’s Ethical Zoo, at Todds Leap Activity Centre, be transformed into an Autumnal Pumpkin Paradise with lots of activities, crafts and photo opportunities! Booking is required.  
  3. Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience, Mullaghbawn, Co.Armagh, October 8. Using locally sourced native trees, learn how to use the lathe, sharpen tools, sand and finish under the expert guidance of Padraig. Stroll through the beautiful private woodland and learn how these trees have been used in woodturning for centuries throughout Ireland while enjoying the fresh country air and surrounding beauty of Slieve Gullion.  
  4. The Big Brent Weekend,Comber,  Down, October 8-9. Castle Espie Wetland Centre will celebrate the return of the light-bellied brent geese to Strangford Lough by hosting The Big Brent Weekend, which promises family fun, wildlife experts and free workshops. During the two days visitors can experience the incredible journey of the light-bellied brent through fun family activities, photography workshops, guide in the hide talks, and arts and craft workshops. 
  5. The Emigrant’s Walk, Maghera, Co. Londonderry, October8. Walk in the footsteps of an emigrant leaving famine-stricken Ireland. Local famine expert Cathy O’Neill will guide you up Carntogher Mountain, where the famine-struck emigrants once walked their final footsteps on Irish soil. You will place your own stone on the ‘Carn’ and feel what the emigrants felt as they departed their beloved homeland. At the site of an original soup kitchen, Friel’s Bar & Restaurant, you will see an authentic Famine Pot, taste the nettle soup they would have been served and learn more about local emigrants. This is a moderately challenging hike, which will require suitable clothing for walking, such as light layers and a raincoat, along with suitable walking shoes/boots. 
  6. Adventure Caving,Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, October 8. Your group of ten guided by your cave leader will explore cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour of the Marble Arch Caves before navigating your way out, muddy and ecstatic. There are two sessions – a morning and afternoon time slot.  
  7. ElmfieldMarket, Gilford, Co. Armagh, October 8. The Elmfield Market brings together local food producers, artisans and wellness experts, to create an experience that realises the ethos of Elmfield Estate as a place of natural wellbeing through the power of whole foods. Gathered in the newly renovated courtyards, the market features passionate food producers, natural self-care products, plants and flowers, and art & artisan crafts. You can also participate in taster wellbeing experiences, take a tour of the gardens or listen to live music with a coffee and street food treat. 
  8. LakelanderGravel Grinder, Belcoo, Co. Fermanagh, October 8. The Lakelander Gravel Grinder returns to County Fermanagh. This ultimate off-road cycle challenge that’s open to gravel, cyclocross, MTB and even e-MTB riders will see riders traverse through relatively unexplored areas of forest wilderness. Distance options – Big Dog 100km or Little Dog 50km. Both events have been expertly designed by their experienced event team in order to challenge participants physically and mentally over a demanding route with stunning views across County Fermanagh and beyond.  
  9. Rock In TheMournes, Annalong, Co. Down, October 8. Immerse yourself in the majestic Mourne Mountains for a full day of exhilarating activities you’ll always remember. This exciting mountain day combines some easy yet beautiful hiking into the heart of the Mourne Mountains, followed by some new and exciting adventure activities you may not have tried before, guaranteed to leave you buzzing to be in the great outdoors. 
  10. Autumnal Garden Highlight Tour,Ballynahinch, C Down, October 9. Located at the beautiful Montalto Estate, this tour is ideal for those who have an interest in gardens and want to gain an insight into what it takes to be shortlisted for the UK Garden of the Year. Your tour will start with a short talk about the history of the estate by their Head Gardener. Following this, you will be inspired by this location, soaking in the sights and scents of one of the most beautiful gardens in Northern Ireland. 

 

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 www.discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Show your support for Macmillan Coffee Morning in Portballintrae on Friday 30th September

By

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-Ordinator wants to invite you to a fundraising coffee morning on Friday 30th September 2022.

Catherine King is hosting the annual event in Portballintrae Village Hall between 11am-1pm to coincide with the charity’s popular ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ initiative.

All money raised on the day will help to provide vital support services for people living with cancer, including the innovative Move More project.

Encouraging the public to support the event, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace, said: “The Move More project was first introduced in the Causeway Coast and Glens area in June 2019, and since then it has made a hugely positive impact on participants.

“Council is proud to have developed a strong partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, which is helping to improve the health and well-being of people living with cancer in the Borough, both physically and emotionally.

“Please come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30th – enjoy a coffee with some friends and know that you are helping to make a positive difference to those people who are supported by the charity here every day.”

Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator, Catherine King, added: “I feel very privileged to help those affected by, or living with cancer, so that they become aware of the benefits of physical activity and are enabled to stay active at a level that’s right for them.

“Move More receives referrals from the point of diagnosis, through surgery, active treatment, palliative care and beyond, and so far 241 people living in Causeway Coast and Glens have availed of its services.

“We have held annual fundraising initiatives since 2019, and in that time we have raised an amazing £7114 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

“Every coffee that we pour and every coin we collect really does make a difference so make a date in your diary with friends and family and come along to Portballintrae Village Hall on September 30th.”

People living with cancer can be referred onto Move More NI by a healthcare professional or can also self-refer onto the project. To get involved with Move More in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area, contact Move More Coordinator Catherine King at move.more@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or call 0759 7399 765.

‘Come Sing’ with music legend Phil Coulter ahead of the 10th City of Derry International Choir Festival

By

With less than a month to go, there are some huge highlights to look forward to – with Phil Coulter kicking things off on October 8

The countdown is on for the return of the City of Derry International Choir Festival – and with less than a month to go, we’re inviting YOU to take part.

Kicking things off, musical icon Phil Coulter will be at Derry’s Ebrington Square at 2pm on Saturday October 8 for a one-off ‘Come and Sing’ event which will be filmed for broadcast at the festival later in the month.

But it’s not just Phil who will feature in the historic broadcast, because members of the public are invited to come along and join an epic sing-along with the star, performing iconic hit ‘The Town I Love So Well’.

The event, a celebration of Phil’s 80th birthday year and the City of Derry International Choir Festival’s 10th edition, is sponsored by Allstate NI and is set to get the people of Derry in the mood for a fabulous festival of music.

The five-day festival programme, which runs from October 19 – 23, will comprise of gala concerts, live performances, both competitive and non-competitive, as well as world-class choral events.

In addition to events taking place in the main festival venue, Millennium Forum, there will be a comprehensive Community Programme involving more than 1,000 singers aged eight to 80 across 40 fabulous choirs.

As well as pop-up performances across the north west, there will be community concerts featuring local, national and international choirs and a Sacred Trail where visiting choirs will join churches across the region to perform at Sunday Services.

The community programme, sponsored by Alchemy, will see 60 performances across the five days and will extend throughout Derry, Strabane and Donegal.

For the festival’s many competitive events, the City of Derry International Choir Festival will be joined by competitors and adjudicators from nations across the world including Estonia, Germany, Norway, Slovenia, Sweden, the USA, UK and of course, Ireland.

Other highlights to look forward to include the Opening Gala Concert with Carmina Burana at Derry’s Millennium Forum on Wednesday October 19, a concert by the Polish Radio Choir on Thursday October 20 and an evening concert by Finnish a cappella ensemble Rajaton, who will perform on Friday October 21.

The final day of the festival will see a new National Choir of the Festival Competition on Sunday October 23, before the Closing Gala Concert and Awards Ceremony at the Millennium.

 

To find out more and book tickets, visit www.derrychoirfest.com

 

 

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.