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A centuries old crofter’s cottage in Islandmagee has been given a new lease of life thanks to a loving restoration and sensitive modernisation, making it the perfect retreat and launching pad to explore the best of the Causeway Coastal Route.

Cloghfin Cottage dates back more than 250 years, steeped in maritime history and has been converted to feature a stunning double bedroom, with a sofa bed providing an option for two children.

Although completely renovating the existing building was not going to be the cheapest or easiest road to go down, it was an easy decision for owner Janice Bisp to make.

“The cheapest option would have been to flatten it,” she explained. “But I just couldn’t entertain that idea, as it had so much history. We know that almost 300 years ago the building would have been a two-room cottage with a barn at the side of it and a home to proud islanders.

“We did a lot of the work ourselves – it took all our energy for most of a year but my husband and I loved working on it together – we had such fun.”

Whilst bringing the cottage up to date Janice tried to always have the history of the building in mind and to incorporate it into the new build as much as she could. She loves to explain to guests about the original features of the building. 

Nestled on Muldersleigh Hill in scenic Islandmagee, Cloghfin Cottage overlooks Larne Lough and offers guests stunning views of the surrounding area. The name Cloghfin actually comes from the original name of the townland as identified in one of the oldest maps of the area. 

The restoration was undertaken to retain the building’s charm whilst installing modern features such as electric roof windows and underfloor heating, in order to retain as much space as possible.

Janice, who previously travelled the world as a nurse, pulled on her own experiences to bring guests a unique and memorable holiday.

“I travelled in New Zealand and stayed in batches – like little holiday homes on the coast. I loved it and it was the best experience. It’s that sense of fun and adventure that I want to create here for people to enjoy.”

The cottage is located on a smallholding with sheep and lambs (when in season) as well as free range hens and beehives and guests are encouraged to collect their own eggs for breakfast and cuddle the lambs.

Janice is always happy to share her knowledge on bee keeping and can provide extra suits if people want to get a little closer and learn more about the process. She is extremely passionate about sustainability and would welcome the opportunity to share this with guests. 

Guests also have access to a shared country flower garden complete with a hammock, BBQ facilities, picnic table and a large purpose-built fire pit. Janice and her husband have also found the perfect spot on higher ground to watch the sunset and have utilised this vantage point by placing a sun seat there. 

“We call it the beer seat; you can go up there with a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses and the sunsets are right opposite you and are just beautiful. They really are awesome, and you can see them reflect on Larne Lough. It’s worth taking a picture of.”

The cottage provides an excellent base from which to explore the local area. 

Cloghfin Cottage is within walking distance to the Gobbins Visitor Centre which takes tours to the famous Gobbins Cliff Path. Visitors can also enjoy an ice cream at the famous Rinkha Ice-cream Parlour and the cottage is about a 10 minute walk to Port Road Beach, a pebble beach perfect for kids to skim stones. 

Located within an easy drive of Browns Bay beach and Portmuck harbour, it is also about a five-minute drive to the Victorian town of Whitehead with a choice of places to eat and shop, Whitehead Railway Museum and the impressive Blackhead Coastal Path.

Janice’s love for the local area is clear and she hopes to pass on the knowledge and joy she experiences living in her special smallholding to her guests.

“I just want people to come and enjoy themselves.” says Janice, “It feels like it’s all still new to me as well. I didn’t grow up here, but I love it. It’s just great fun and I think everyone should experience it.” For more information visit www.facebook.com/cloghfincottage/.

Northern Ireland’s business community is coming together to support the delivery of industry-led careers inspiration events across the province, engaging almost 7,500 Year 9 pupils in June 2022. 

4C UR Future LIVE is an innovative and fast-paced event that uses skills games and work-based challenges, designed and delivered in collaboration with local employers, to help young people get an insight into the future world of work.

The initiative, which aims to help every participant make more informed education and career choices, is the brainchild of 4C UR Future’s Founder, Rose Mary Stalker. Following a successful pilot in June 2019, the social enterprise is taking the show on the road this year, delivering an at-scale pilot of one event in every council area in June.

Managing Director of 4C UR Future, Rachel Doherty, acknowledges the support of the local business community in enabling the events to scale: “Our work would not be possible without the support of our member companies, who recognise the significant opportunities that come from working together collaboratively, and at-scale, to tackle systemic problems; helping our young people discover their own attributes, strengths, and interests, and exploring how these might align with their future opportunities.

“The careers landscape has become increasingly complex for young people and parents to navigate, with new in-demand skills, new types of jobs, and entirely new sectors emerging, resulting in major bottlenecks in the skills pipeline; inhibiting our local businesses from growing.

“By working across all of the key employment sectors in Northern Ireland, 4C UR Future leverage and mobilise the skills and industry expertise available on our doorstep.”

The LIVE events are funded and resourced by the Northern Ireland business community and are hosted with support from ten councils. The events are free to schools, including free transport, which is being supported by Translink.

Charlotte Richardson, PR Manager at Translink, said: “We’re delighted to be able to support this fantastic series of events, which are taking place across Northern Ireland; investing in our young people and building confidence, skills, and knowledge to help them identify the many opportunities and the wide variety of career paths and industries open to them. Access to events like this is vital to the next generation and to the workforce of the future and we’re proud to be a member of 4C UR Future.”

‘Race To Net Zero’ is just one of the games featured at LIVE events, which is being co-designed and delivered by NI Water and NIE Networks. With sustainability high on the agenda, the game focuses on the importance of the production of green energy and clean water.  

Edel Creery, Head of Communications & Stakeholder Engagement at NIE Networks, said: “Energy is a huge part of our daily lives, and for the younger generation in particular, understanding how our everyday decisions and energy choices impact the world around us has become a priority.  NIE Networks’ vision is to deliver a sustainable energy system for all and we need young, creative thinkers and innovative problem-solvers to help us achieve that.”

“The Race To Net Zero game is a dynamic and fun way to demonstrate to young people how they can get involved, showing that by collaborating with each other on the future of our energy systems, we can tackle climate change in a meaningful way. We are looking forward to meeting the engineers, designers, and innovators of the future at the 4C UR Future LIVE events in June.”

Learning & Development Manager at NI Water, Alan Moore, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with NIE Networks to bring forward our important environmental messages and highlight the role that energy and water play in creating a healthy society for us all in Northern Ireland. As a key utility provider, we are in a unique and privileged position to help our ‘stars of tomorrow’ consciously create a better future for our community, economy, and environment as part of what is sure to be a fun and energetic event.” It’s not too late for local businesses to get involved. For more information on 4C UR Future, go to: www.4curfuture.com, or email info@4curfuture.com.

Entries for the 2022 Wastewater Solutions Circuit of Ireland International Rally have now closed and we are delighted to announce that the cream of the crop have decided to take the ‘Fast & Furious’ challenge at Easter.

A full house of 91 entries, marking the 91st running of the oldest Rally in Ireland will tackle the 11 superlative stages, covering over 120 stage miles during Good Friday and Easter Saturday. The service area in Ballymena will see competitors and spectators receive a very warm and traditional welcome from the local community. The support from people across the North East of the Province has been superb and we thank them all for their generosity and help to make this event happen said Nigel Hughes the Clerk of the Course.

It is clear from the top 10 entries that there will be seriously ‘fast and furious’ driving skills exhibited on the technically demanding stages to thrill those who come to enjoy this fantastic spectacle on some of the classic stages of the ‘Circuit’. Jonnie Greer the current leader of the McGrady
Insurance ANICC Stage Rally Championship believes that this event will challenge even the best. William Creighton, current Motorsport UK Junior British Rally Champion and one of the UAC Future Champions will be entertaining the crowds so keep up to ‘speed’ with our live streaming via youtube and facebook.

Top 10 entries:

1. Alastair Fisher & Gordon Noble Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
2. Josh Moffett & Andy Hayes Hyundai i20 R5
3. Callum Devine & Shane Byrne Ford Fiesta R5
4. Meirion Evans & Jonathan Jackson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
5. Cathan McCourt & Liam Moynihan Skoda Fabia R5
6. Derek McGarrity & Graham Henderson Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
7. Jonathan Greer & Darragh Mullen Citroen C3 Rally 2
8. Desi Henry & Paddy Robinson Ford Fiesta MK 2
9. Brendan Cumiskey & Martin Connolly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5
10. Declan Boyle & James O’Reilly Volkswagen Polo GTi R5

Stendhal Festival has announced that their comedy line-up for this summer’s cavalcade of creativity will be headlined by the one and only Reginald D. Hunter on Saturday, July 2nd.

The hilarious American will be joined by Stendhal’s largest ever offering of amazing homegrown comics including; Micky Bartlett, Dave Elliot, Paddy McDonnell, Mark McCarney, William Thompson, Ruairi Woods, Emer Maguire, Jordan Robinson, Luke McGibbon, Bronagh Diamond, Ciaran Bartlett, Céilí Rae Minogue and Ciaran Franco.

Since his first UK comedy gig twenty-one years ago, Georgia-born Reginald D. Hunter’s searingly honest observations both onstage and on TV and Radio have garnered him a cross-generational fan base.

During that time he has become one of the Comedy industry’s best-known performers for his distinctive take on the most diverse range of subjects. His work can be brutally honest and is often considered to be controversial but it is always meticulously thought out and he has never been afraid to face challenging issues head on even when the focus is on his own principles or beliefs.

He reached the final of So You Think You Are Funny in 1998 during his first visit to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was nominated for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards Best Newcomer in 2002 and then nominated for The Edinburgh Comedy Awards main prize in 2003 and 2004.

In 2006 he won the Writers’ Guild Award for Comedy for his show Pride and Prejudice and Niggas.

His TV appearances have included Never Mind The Buzzcocks, QI and Have I Got News For You? He also filmed two series of the BBC2’s hugely popular Reginald D Hunter’s Songs Of The South & Reginald D Hunter’s Songs of The Border, documenting Reginald’s epic road trip through 150 years of American popular song.

Reginald regularly tours the UK and Ireland and he has been seen by audiences around the world from America to Australia.

Festival Director Ross Parkhill said that he is excited to welcome Reginald to the event: “Reginald D. Hunter is without question one of the funniest stand-up comedians I have ever seen live. He is a regular visitor to Ireland and has a great understanding of what we find funny. We are all delighted that he will be joining us at Ballymully Cottage Farm in July.

Ross added: “The funny doesn’t stop there though, as always we have a stellar cast of indigenous standup comics, some really well known like Micky Bartlett, Emer Maguire, Paddy McDonnell and some brilliant up and comers like Céilí Rae Minogue. So, if you are looking your funny bone tickled this summer, Stendhal has you covered.”

For tickets and more information visit www.stendhalfestival.com 

Northern Ireland specialist recruitment company, Tyson Wilson Recruitment is the first recruitment agency to be awarded a gold level innovator award from Innovate NI, on behalf of the Department for the Economy.

The government backed scheme helps businesses across Northern Ireland bring their ideas to the market to help drive innovation in their industry by recognising each business who applies as either silver, gold or platinum standard.

Tyson Wilson’s 2022 award comes off the back of their success two years ago when they won the silver standard for innovation as they embarked on a journey to become the first paperless recruitment agency in Belfast in 2020.

CEO and founder, Michelle Tyson believes this is a step in the right direction for other recruitment agencies to take inspiration from.

“Over the last year, we commercially launched our 2020 silver innovation idea of implementing app and video interviewing technology into the business. After testing it out, we recognised its success and applied for the Innovate NI awards again and were awarded the gold standard.

“Becoming paperless brings so many benefits to the recruitment process from both the candidates and recruiter point of view. For example, a candidate coming for a role with Tyson Wilson has a quicker journey as they receive applications faster which in turn speeds up the recruitment process. 

“Investing in paperless technology also helps reduce harmful co2 emissions and helps us do our bit for the environment too” she said.

For those seeking employment, registering on the Tyson Wilson website has never been easier thanks to their new style which involves all interviews being conducted by telephone or video technology and if you’re a temporary worker then accessing payroll is done via an app.

Michelle says this virtual process is a result of how the pandemic has streamlined traditional processes and shaped how businesses recruit staff.

“The industry is changing, especially now that a lot of recruitment consultants are working remotely. So, you have to put these adaptations into place to be able to do that and it saves us a lot of time.”

If you’re a business looking for new staff, visit tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk/jobs to gain access to a wide range of candidates.
For more information on what Tyson Wilson can do for your business contact Michelle at info@tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk

Milliken Tours Ireland have taken the tour market to new heights with their bespoke experiences that take visitors to well known attractions, alongside lesser known sites and scenery. 

Husband and wife team, Seamus and Bridie Milliken, are both qualified tour guides, and as locals they have an intimate, deep knowledge of The Causeway Coastal Route and The Antrim Glens area having lived in the area all their life.

“We were volunteer walk leaders with Glenarm Tourism’s walking group for 20 years and it was always something my husband wanted to pursue full time.” explained Bridie. “We did a level two tour guiding course and established the business in 2016. We both enjoy what we do – showcasing this beautiful part of the world to visitors from further afield.”

With their own vehicle they can escort up to six people, but can also offer a hire service minibus for up to 16 but always with the customer’s needs and wishes in mind.

“When somebody books us, we won’t take anyone else – it’s their own private tour,” explained Seamus. “First thing I always say is ‘it’s your day’ – you tell me when you want to stop or if there’s anything you really want to see or do – then I do my best to make it happen.”

As well as visitors from across the island their reach goes much further.

“A lot of people from North America have connections, especially here in County Antrim,” said Seamus “I’ve had people from the east coast of America – whose ancestors’ families left east Antrim way back in the 1700s and they are now coming back to trace where their family came from. 

“They’re really wanting to discover their family’s story here as well as the tourist sights. A lot of people are definitely interested in their Irish and their Ulster-Scots roots.”

Milliken Tours Ireland can also accommodate lone walkers and groups on private guided walking tours.

“We have a great relationship with landowners and farmers with permission to walk on their land in The Antrim Glens, which isn’t normally accessible to the public so we can offer our guests special walks,” said Bridie.

“This adds to the current Ulster Way and Antrim Hills walks available for hikers. And we also follow ‘Leave no Trace’ principles”.

Seamus is a qualified Mountain leader and so is skilled to deal with all emergencies and is also first aid trained.

 “We’re proud of where we live and really want to show off the places and things that make it special,” said Bridie. We get so much out of what we do, and we love explaining what life here is really like, covering both the past and present. Seamus is very interested in history and geography and he would have been soaking up knowledge even before we started the tours. You will always find him reading books about the area.”

As the business name suggests, Seamus can pick up guests from across Ireland, whether it is from airports or hotels to make sure that customers get the most out of their experience. Milliken Tours Ireland can also whisk guests away for a few days across the island, whether it’s coasting along the Wild Atlantic Way, or tailoring the route to feel a deeper connection with their Irish heritage.

And, of course as a local he knows the best places to stop for something to eat, a coffee, or maybe even a pint of the black stuff.

Milliken Tours Ireland also carries out a calendar of monthly community guided walks on the third Sunday of each month, organised in association with Glenarm Tourism to various locations from coast to surrounding hills, of different length and duration. Monthly walks are always publicised on Facebook, or locals can pick up the annual leaflet with all guided walks advertised.

Find out more at millikentoursireland.com.

Following the smash hit success ‘Menopause The Musical’, audiences in Armagh can look forward to a new adventure as ‘Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause’ sails into The Market Place Theatre, Armagh on Tuesday 24 May, starring Crissy Rock [Benidorm | I’m a Celebrity | Celebrity MasterChef], Rebecca Wheatley [Casualty], Nicki French [Eurovision] and Susie Fenwick [West End Star].

The original Menopause the Musical®, was a gigantic smash hit, packing audiences in theatres across Ireland. Now in the hysterical sequel to Menopause The Musical®, we fast forward five years to catch up with the same four ladies and tales of their lives, loves and losses as they set off on the high seas.

Hot flushes, mood swings, memory lapses, weight gain – these are a few of our favourite menopausal things! Cruising Through Menopause is a hilarious, heartfelt, reassuring and unflinching look at the joys of menopause and friendship. When your life is a bumpy ride full of twists and turns, it’s hard to find true friends. But step on board and we’ll take you on a trip of self-discovery, love and friendship all backed by a soundtrack of brand-new toe-tapping parodied hits!

For these four ladies the menopause was not the beginning of the end, but the beginning of a beautiful friendship where love conquers, and friendships never fail.  So, all aboard and we’ll have you laughing, singing and feeling like you’ve just met 1000 new best friends, as you join us for ‘Menopause The Musical 2 – Cruising Through Menopause’. Recommended for age 16+.

Tickets can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre, or through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

It was a pack of cards and an encounter with a famous comedian and magician that turned the young Steve Wilson from curious teenager into budding child magician. Little did he know then that these experiences would lead to a 25 year relationship with Circusful, formerly Belfast Community Circus School. 

“My fondest memory was meeting Tommy Cooper at a magic convention in London. I was a wee nipper of 13 and he was a giant.”

“I bought some cards in Hamleys toy store in London in the 70s and this pack of cards got me into magic,” he explained.

After establishing his career as a professional magician, performing at the likes of the Royal Silver Jubilee Celebrations in London and at children’s parties, Steve moved to Ireland permanently in 2000.

His connections with the Belfast Circus School via fellow Circusful performer, Bucky The Clown, led to Steve creating the building blocks of his original character, “Wonderful World of Mr Wizzy”.

“I wasn’t very academically good so I was always going to be a performer. I did workshops, and some shadowing for the first month to get up to a certain skill level”

“It’s all Bucky’s fault but I’ve never looked back.”

Originally, Mr Wizzy performed as a double act around Ireland showcasing highly visual and entertaining mobile performances.

During his early career, Steve took part in the Special Olympics ceremony held in Dublin where he brushed shoulders with U2, The Corrs and Bon Jovi.

“Back in the day we did the Special Olympics at Croke Park. We were there for three days and Nelson Mandela was there but hadn’t arrived yet so someone was invited to get up on stage to be him for the camera angles. So I went up.

“We did a big finish for 30K people in 7 minutes.” he explained.

When he isn’t performing, Steve enjoys his role as a Circusful trainer where he teaches workshops to enthusiastic participants who have the opportunity to learn new skills, gain confidence, build resilience and make long lasting friendships. 

“We’ve got them all wired. It helps to build their self-esteem for school or a whole range of things. Circus breaks down all the barriers. It’s not like rugby at school where if you don’t fit in, you’ll be singled out. It’s not competitive at all”.

Over the years, Mr Wizzy has led classes for disabled people and people who are recovering from strokes, he finds this work the most fulfilling. 

“One of the things we have been doing over the years are workshops with disabled people which I love with a passion, I must say. When we come back from the workshops, we can’t believe that we’ve had the privilege to work in this way – it’s very rewarding.”

Steve worked with a woman who had had a stroke a few years ago. “This lady was blind and I used juggling balls with her and she held a juggling ball and burst into tears as her carers had all told her she couldn’t feel anything in her hand.”

Although his colourful career has meant he’s travelled far and wide and performed to a variety of people, Steve believes that Belfast is the perfect place to do what he loves.

“My favourite place to perform is undoubtedly Belfast because we know everybody from the school, so we don’t have to try too hard to get an audience.

“We already know the people in the audience and with the Festival of Fools, we have theatre on our doorsteps here – it’s brilliant.” he said.

Steve continues to move forward with the tight knit Circusful family to connect, empower and inspire the people of Northern Ireland and beyond through high-quality circus tuition and performance.

“It’s a family. It’s the circus family.”To find out how you can get involved with Circusful, visit https://circusful.org

The Ards International Guitar Festival rocks into Newtownards this weekend and promises to showcase a wealth of local and international guitar talent. With a fantastic programme featuring guitarists from every genre, there really is something to suit every musical taste at Ards and North Down Borough Council’s much-loved festival which runs from 7 – 10 April.

One of the highlights of this year’s programme is Jon Gomm, the Leeds- based guitarist and singer-songwriter with a revolutionary virtuoso guitar style. Jon will be taking to the stage in the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 9 April, supported by Carlow-born virtuoso Shane Hennessy. A night of live music not to be missed!

Blue’s fans will love the Mike Wilgar Blues Band who are performing in The Ivy Bar, Newtownards on Friday 8 April. Mike first picked up the harmonica at the age of nine and has been blasting out tunes for four decades since! Well known on both the local and international scene, Mike and his band have received great praise from blues critics and fans alike. The band’s 2006 album Swimming with Sharks remains a regular on the playlist for blues and roots radio DJs across the world.

On Thursday, 7 April the festival’s Film Screening will take place in The Ivy Bar, showing ‘Guy Clark – Without Getting Killed or Caught.’ This celebration of the life of American Folk and Country Legend Guy Clarke will include the film by Tamara Saviano which explores the intimate triangle of the subject his wife Susanna, and Townes Van Zandt and will be followed by a live set from two of Ireland’s foremost aficionados of Guy’s work – Barry Johnston (acoustic guitar) and David Neill (acoustic bass), from the band Illegal Smile.

For those who fancy honing their guitar skills by learning from the experts, the festival’s Guitar Clinics are the perfect opportunity! The Clinics hosted by Paddy Anderson, Shane Hennessy, Jon Gomm, Ronnie Greer and Anthony Toner will guide you through various styles of playing. The Clinics will take place in Ards Arts Centre on various dates. Pre-booking is essential.

Commenting on the Festival, Emily Crawford, Festival Director said: “After a 2-year hiatuswe are delighted to welcome audiences back, many shows have already sold out but there are still tickets available for some festival favourites including our annual brunch with Ralph McLean. We are anticipating a great festival of live guitar music this year and we’d love to see you there.”

Ards International Guitar Festival is a must for music fans everywhere. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or alternatively call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

The self-proclaimed Jack of all trades, Hillas Smith aka Mr H, is a popular circus and street performer for Circusful, formerly known as Belfast Community Circus School. As well as performing, Hillas plays an active role in leading outreach programmes that engage young people across the country. 

Joining the Circus wasn’t the obvious career path for Hillas. As a young boy he engaged in traditional sports like rugby until he had a chance encounter with someone at university who sparked his interest in all things circus and performing.

“At university, I met someone who taught me to juggle and then taught me to stilt walk. It all snowballed from there.” 

From here Hillas started performing in acrobatic shows which he took to ‘like a fish to water’. 

Following a brief stint in Europe, where Hillas joined forces with two Erasmus students from Germany, he returned to Ireland where he regularly juggled on street corners in Galway.

Dubliner Hillas, 49, believes there is a ‘special kind of character’ that likes to perform in the street. 

“I love the random nature of it. It can be something as small as what somebody says in reaction to what you’ve done, which just fires your imagination and takes you to a new place.” he said. 

As the arts and culture scene took off in Belfast in the early 2000’s, Hillas decided to leave his much-loved home in Copenhagen to ‘catch the wave’ of the upcoming Northern Irish scene.

“I came to Belfast to visit a friend in 2001 and fell into work very quickly after having a dry patch in Copenhagen.”

“I was very tied into the air of positivity in Belfast. There was a real feeling of change, like something had shifted from the late 90s as the Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival had begun and Festival of the Fools was taking shape.

“I actually deferred my return to Copenhagen a couple of times and then decided to relocate to Belfast, which took everyone in Copenhagen by surprise as they knew I had started to feel at home there.” he explained.

Hillas combines his various juggling disciplines with acrobatic skills, as well as dramatic fire performances under his clown character ‘Mr H’.

“The clown character was something that developed slowly as I got to know my own abilities, and I was heavily influenced by silent movie stars like Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Laurel and Hardy.

“There’s a kind of timelessness to it.” he said.

Watching the audience’s faces light up inspires Hilas to keep performing centre stage. 

“By doing the physical comedy you give the audience permission to laugh at another human being’s carelessness, stupidity, clumsiness, mishaps.

“It’s a really joyous thing to get a group of people to laugh together. There’s a gorgeous sense of community.”

When he’s not being laughed at, Hillas teaches circus skills to adults and families as well as children and young people, a role which he finds immensely rewarding.

“The ethos in the circus world is meeting people where they are, whatever age. My job as a trainer is to see what type of skill that person will enjoy, how they learn, and how I can help them to get the most out of what they’re doing. 

“Our teaching method is very much an open conversation and we don’t have a fixed endpoint as we believe the process of learning is far more important,” he explained.

Alongside this, he is an integral part of the Circusful’s outreach programmes in communities all over Northern Ireland.

These projects include the Prison Arts Foundation where Hillas worked with inmates of Hydebank Young Offenders’ Centre. 

“We brought a group of untrusting, suspicious young men on a journey of self-exploration and self-expression where they learned to trust us, the circus tutors, as well as each other, and to gain in confidence sufficiently to get up in front of their peers and perform slapstick and comedy in an environment where being laughed at is a big cultural taboo.”

Hillas believes the social circus mission is the most important element of Circusful’s work within the community,

 “We provide an environment where children and young people are free to be themselves, without judgement, and can learn through the process of ‘try, fail and grow’ in a supportive atmosphere where everyone’s successes are celebrated.”

To find out how you can get involved with Circusful, go to circusful.org