news - 2/19 - Ulster Tatler

Lunn’s the Jewellers Have Partnered with TUDOR to Officially Open a Dedicated Monobrand Boutique

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

Northern Ireland’s leading luxury watch retailer, Lunn’s the Jewellers, is delighted to announce the opening of the first TUDOR Boutique in Ireland. Located in the prestigious Queen’s Arcade in the centre of Belfast, the newly opened showroom will offer customers a luxury shopping experience like no other.

The opening of the Belfast TUDOR Boutique marks an exciting milestone for the brand as it continues to expand its presence globally. With its elegant and contemporary design, the Boutique reflects the essence of TUDOR’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation and timeless style.

The TUDOR Boutique encompasses the TUDOR style with red, black and grey colour hues combined with a mixture of high-quality finishes. The boutique is a reflection of the brand’s commitment to quality and precision has earned the brand a reputation for excellence in the watchmaking industry.

Each TUDOR timepiece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring exceptional performance and durability. The TUDOR Boutique will offer an exceptional range of men’s and women’s timepieces, including a range of classic, sport, diving and heritage inspired watches, as well as the exclusive Black Bay 58 Bronze Boutique Edition, which is available only at TUDOR Boutiques. Visitors to the TUDOR Boutique will have the chance to discover the very latest launches from Watches and Wonders, Geneva from today. These timepieces combine traditional Swiss watchmaking techniques with modern aesthetics, making them a perfect choice for watch enthusiasts and connoisseur alike.

John Lunn stated: “We have developed a fantastic relationship with TUDOR over the years, and we are thrilled to officially open the Boutique; the first of its kind in Ireland. The city of Belfast has so much to offer and, as the popularity and demand for this global brand continues to grow, we are very proud that Belfast now offers a dedicated space for TUDOR fans across the island.

“The opening has taken place while the latest TUDOR timepieces have launched at Watches and Wonders in Geneva. We look forward to hosting the latest TUDOR offering in this space very soon, along with the dedicated Boutique Limited Edition Black Bay 58 Bronze which we are very excited about.”

A TUDOR spokesperson stated: “Lunn’s jewellers have always been a strong partner for TUDOR, performing brilliantly from its existing location in the main store. Lunn’s elevated restoration of the Queen’s Arcade timed perfectly with TUDOR’s desire to partner with them for our only boutique in Ireland.”

The TUDOR Boutique is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 5pm.

Bangor RNLI Receive Donations from Campbell College Kindergarten and Rotary Club of North Down

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

Bangor RNLI was delighted to receive two donations totalling £400 following fundraising drives to celebrate the charity’s 200^th anniversary this year.

Young Henry Scott, presented RNLI volunteer John Montgomery with a cheque for £200 which were the proceeds of a collection by Campbell College Kindergarten.

The funds were raised and donated in memory of Henry’s late grandfather, Johnny Mullen. Johnny was a past crew member of Bangor RNLI and was a very popular and distinguished sailor, both internationally and on the water of Belfast Lough.

On the same day, Peter Bullock also presented a cheque donation for £200 to our volunteers John Montgomery, John Magowan and Chris Beale on behalf of the Rotary Club of North Down.

Peter Bullock said: “We take great pleasure in presenting Bangor RNLI this modest cheque to help with the running of Bangor RNLI. The volunteers here are a credit to the organisation and an integral part of our community.”

Byron Griffiths, Bangor RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager, said: “We are extremely grateful for these very generous donations from Campbell College Kindergarten and the Rotary Club of North Down. These funds will power our lifesaving work and help our volunteers to continue to save lives at sea.”

For more information on the RNLI, visit: www.rnli.org

John Montgomery, John Magowan, Chris Beale and Henry.

John Montgomery, John Magowan, Peter Bullock and Chris Beale.

Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024

Posted on April 10, 2024 by admin

One of the island’s most beloved and long-running festivals is back for 11 days of live music, comedy, film, literature, visual art and more! This year’s Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival takes place from Thursday 2nd May to Sunday 12th May, and features over 100 acts – big, small and everything in between – in dozens of venues across Belfast’s historic cultural quarter and beyond.

The festival marquee at Custom House Square will feature headlining performances from Nadine Shah, Hollie McNish, Ibibio Sound Machine, stone-cold soul legend P.P. Arnold (plus guest Bronagh Gallagher), teenage blues sensation Muireann Bradley, the definitive Neil Young tribute act Harvest, the main magical genius of a comedian Jerry Sadowitz, Baxter Dury, Ireland’s most popular author Marian Keyes, The Dodge Brothers (featuring one Mark Kermode on double bass), Mick Flannery and festival-favourite Janey Godley returns to Belfast after beating cancer, armed with a new documentary film (featuring CQAF) and a lacerating stand-up comedy set.

Nadine Shah, headliner at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024.

Ireland’s most popular author Marian Keyes.

Elsewhere, in one of the strongest music programmes this year, the line-up includes Robert Finley, Snapped Ankles, Conchúr White, TVAM, Jimmie Rhodes, Liu (unplugged), C Duncan, Oisin Leech, Tom Robinson, Lemoncello, Zoe Conway and John McIntyre, Kathering Priddy, Jane Weaver, The Handsome Family and DJ sets from Mr Scruff, Lack of Afro, Justin Robertson and DJ Format.

Robert Finley who will be in attendance at Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024.

The festival is thrilled to present the remarkable Joel Harkin as this year’s Artist in Residence. Joel is a singer of songs and a spinner of yarns from County Donegal. His 2020 album Never Happy was shortlisted for the NI Music Prize and is one of the standout Irish releases in recent years.

Joel Harkin, Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival 2024’s Artist in Residence.

There’s books and talks aplenty from multiple-award-winning Irish author Sinéad Gleeson, Sara Pascoe will be talking about her new novel Weirdo and Annie McManus will hold a conversation about a life of music, books and broadcasting. CQAF is thrilled to welcome the very legendary Phil Manzanera (of Roxy Music amongst many others) with his acclaimed new memoir Revólución to Roxy. The auteur’s Auteur Luke Haines is back with a new tome – the thrillingly titled Freaks Out! Weirdos, Misfits, Deviants – The Rise and Fall of Righteous Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Daniel Rachel will be in conversation about his new book on the 2 Tone Records Story – Too Much Too Young.

The CQAF film programme includes a special 50^th anniversary screening of everyone’s favourite horror comedy – Young Frankenstein will take place in the gothic surrounds of St Patrick’s Church. The Northern Irish premiere of Birdsong – the incredible account of ornithologist Sean Ronayne’s attempt to record the song of every single bird in Ireland – that’s Ronayne’s attempt to record the song of every single bird in Ireland – almost 200 birds! CQAF will also be presenting the Irish premiere of Big Banana Feet – the great Billy Connolly documentary about his Irish tour in 1975 (which culminated in a performance in the old ABC cinema in Belfast) – long-thought lost but now lovingly restored in 4k.

The enigmatic genius that is Daniel Kitson will be making a live rare foray, performing a brand-new show Collaborator: A Work in Progress, where the audience are part of the script.

And there’s theatre from Big Telly with ‘The Worst Café in the World’ and Tinderbox Theatre Co’s production of ‘I’ve Always Liked the Name Marcus’. Jack Doherty will bring his intimate Edinburgh smash ‘David Bowie and Me’. Hildegard Ryan and Eva O’Connor – the people that brought the award-winning ‘Mustard’ to life at CQAF last year – return with the equally visceral ‘Chicken’, and ‘acclaimed clown’ and emerging idiot Frankie Thompson will be welcomed with CAttS – one of the Guardian’s top five shows of last year. Will Govan will also be performing his celebrated essay on the life of Oscar Wilde, titled ‘Work is the Curse of the Drinking Classes’.

The CQAF visual arts programme includes “mother tongue” at The Mac, which is a who’s who of great local artists, new work from Éabha Campbell at Catalyst Arts, featuring a synthesis of traditional oil painting and sound and video installation, the two-site exhibition ‘Smoke’ from international artists and guerrilla practitioners Shiro Masayamas and Leopold Kessler, and ‘Bua an Chultúir/Victory of Culture’, an exhibition of sculpture from Farhad O’Neill.

Hit the North Street Art Festival returns to enliven the spaces and places between festival venues and, wile you’re on your feet, why not join one of our many walking tours – from Black Belfast to the Clifton St Cemetery Tour.

Festival director, Sean Kelly, said: “We always try and make increasingly little go a long way, and this year I hope we’ve achieved that in spades. I think there’s an abundance and diversity of local and international talent. I hate the old cliché ‘something for everyone’, but sometimes it just happens to be true! Come and join us in May and find out for yourself!”

New Immersive Visitor Experiences Showcase Belfast Maritime Mile’s Heritage

Posted on April 10, 2024April 10, 2024 by admin

Visitors and locals can experience Belfast Maritime Mile’s heritage in brand-new ways for free this week as part of the Belfast HUB-IN project.

Six local creative and digital businesses, artists and innovators were awarded £120,000 from Belfast City Council to collaborate with heritage organisations and communities and develop innovation prototype visitor experiences to animate and enrich the city’s iconic Waterfront.

Three of these experimental projects will be showcased this week and people can try out a range of experiences powered by artificial intelligence, augmented reality and virtual reality.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Christina Black, said: “HUB-IN is helping to nurture exciting new relationships between Belfast’s heritage and creative industries sectors, communities and businesses along the Maritime Mile, and supporting people to develop valuable entrepreneurial and digital innovation skills. It’s fantastic to see these proposals come to life along the Maritime Mile.”

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Maritime Belfast Trust, added: “Maritime Belfast Trust is committed to delivering an iconic waterfront for Belfast. This project is where heritage and innovation collide – an outdoor Heritage Lab of unexpected surprises! It’s fantastic to see young creatives working with some of our oldest communities on innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, to provide new ways to explore our rich maritime heritage and stories along Belfast’s Maritime Mile. This is only the start of a pilot initiative and we are looking forward to building on its success in the future.”

Today, Wednesday 10th April between 12pm and 3pm at the Linen Lounge, Belfast Metropolitan College, Titanic Campus, visitors can try out ‘Maritime Echoes: An AI Voyage to the Past’ developed by local innovator Darin Smyth. Using the power of AI and Unreal Engine 3-D software, pivotal historical figures from Belfast’s rich maritime past, including Mary-Ann McCracken, Lord Pirrie and William Ritchie will be brought to life.

Between 1.30pm and 4pm at the Dock Café, Titanic Quarter, visitors will get an exclusive preview of interactive 3-D virtual reality rooms developed by Flax & Teal in partnership with the Public Records Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI). The virtual reality experience will give people a unique perspective on the Belfast waterfront area’s evolution by showcasing the stories of past generations through images, video, audio and historic maps.

And this weekend between 5.30pm and 8pm on Friday 12th April and 12noon and 4pm on Saturday 13th April, visitors can call into St. Joseph’s Church, 9 Princes Dock Street, Sailortown, to discover ‘Memory Anchors’ – a collaboration between digital artist Katya Solomatina and the Sailortown Regeneration Group which aims to preserve the heritage and local stories of sailor town through interactive digital sculpture and storytelling. Visitors can see virtual art pieces developed using augmented reality and listen to stories created by the Sailortown community.

A new Treasure Hunt Quest will also run from Saturday 13th April to Saturday 31st August. Starting on Donegall quay, visitors can use their mobile phone to follow the route towards Sailortown and sicker hides virtual objects created by the Sailortown community.

The projects are supported by the Belfast HUB-IN (Hub of Innovation) programme developed by Belfast City Council’s City Innovation Office in partnership with the Maritime Belfast Trust, to explore how digital innovation can help to sustain, enhance and preserve the Maritime Mile’s rich and unique heritage.

For more information, visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/XRbelfast and www.smartbelfast.city

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, Councillor Tina Black is pictured with local innovator Darin Smyth and Jenna Crymble, Marketing and Digital Content Officer, Maritime Belfast Trust.

The ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ Unveiled at Integrated College Glengormley

Posted on April 9, 2024 by admin

On Friday 22^nd March, Integrated College Glengormley hosted a very special event, where the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ sculpture by Ross Wilson was unveiled. This sculpture draws on the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’ legend depicting a leaping salmon on a plinth of Mourne granite. It was generously donated by the Leonard family in memory of their parents Rose and Philip. The siblings and their families gathered at this special event to honour the legacy of their parents.

When discussing a tribute to their beloved parents, ‘Ma and Da L’, the siblings decided that a permanent sculpture reflecting their love of education located in an integrated school would be a perfect lasting memorial.

Author and screen writer, Niall Leonard, explained that the family’s long-standing support for Integrated Education was the inspiration for the integrated school setting. Niall explained: “Ma and Da would have been huge supporters of the Integrated Education Fund (IEF). They knew how shallow, how superficial, how contrived, were the differences between our communities and, raising a family in Newry in the 1970s, they knew where ignorance and hate could lead. They knew how it cramped and crushed aspirations, how it squandered talent and goodwill, how it drove so much youth and potential and ambition out of Northern Ireland. Ma and Da would have loved Integrated Education and the hope it offers, and loved what Northern Ireland could be, will be, is becoming.”

Integrated College Glengormley were delighted to have been chosen as the location for such a special tribute. Ricky Massey, Principal of the College, said: “In September 2022, our school completed the transformation process and officially became Integrated College Glengormley. As an integrated school, we believe that the future of Northern Ireland lies in children from all backgrounds and cultures being educated together. A belief shared by the Leonard family, and in particular demonstrated by Philip’s support for Integrated Education as far back as attending meetings in Newry in the 1970s.

“Today our school community feel truly privileged to be the recipients of the ‘Salmon of Knowledge’. The inscription on the sculpture reads ‘Happy are those who find Wisdom’. Our school can agree with this sentiment and has truly thrived since becoming integrated, offering the very best education for all our pupils.

“We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Leonard family for their generosity and support, not only today, but also in their donations which will enable the refurbishment of our Sixth Form and the sports facilities. These projects will make a huge difference for our pupils; on their behalf, thank you.

“We are truly delighted to have so many of the family with us today for this very special occasion, when we finally unveil the sculpture.”

Paul Collins, Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy for the IEF, attended the unveiling and stated: “As one of Northern Ireland’s leading artists and sculptors, Ross Wilson has created a truly unique sculpture in ‘Salmon of Knowledge’. The IEF are delighted to have been involved in this project, in helping the Leonard family find a fitting location for a permanent memorial to their parents, Rose and Philip Leonard. The Leonard family have been friends of IEF for a long time and we want to thank them for their support and commitment to Integrated Education. Their generosity and support have enabled us to support the growth and the development of Integrated Education over many years.”

Niall’s final words were a tribute to his parents: “In other words, it’s not just about gaining knowledge, but finding wisdom. Rose Maguire and Philip Leonard did. They were wise, and they were compassionate, and they were funny, and we miss them, and we thank them, and here today, we commemorate them.”

IEF Head of Public Affairs and Advocacy Paul Collins, author and screen writer Niall Leonard, sculptor Ross Wilson and Principal Ricky Massey at Integrated College Glengormley.

Great-grandchildren of Rose and Philip Leonard with sculptor Ross Wilson.

Major Westminster Delegation Visits Forge Integrated Primary School

Posted on April 9, 2024 by admin

On Tuesday 26th March, Forge Integrated Primary School in Belfast welcomed a very special cross-party delegation of 20 MPs, including the Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn and the Shadow Minister Fleur Anderson, alongside South Belfast MP Claire Hanna and a number of local MLAs.

Forge is one of the longest established integrated schools in Northern Ireland, having opened in 1985 as a result of a determined effort by a group of parents. It now educates over 400 pupils in the primary and adjoining pre-school.

The special visitors were greeted by pupils and staff of the school, as well as former pupils now attending the nearby Lagan College. The young people we given the opportunity to engage with the delegation through a question-and-answer session.

Principal Neville Watson commented: “I was delighted to welcome this very special delegation to Forge Integrated Primary School today. Despite the school being closed for the Easter holidays, staff and pupils willingly gave up their time to come in and meet our special guests and I was delighted to have a few former Forge pupils join us too, many of whom have gone on to attend Lagan College for their post primary Integrated Education. A few pupils even travelled from as far away as Shimna Integrated College in Newcastle.

“Today’s visit was an opportunity to provide a glimpse into what Integrated Education is all about. There is no better way of doing that than engaging with the pupils directly. It never ceases to amaze me how comfortable and confident our pupils are when it comes to discussing what Integrated Education means to them.

“I am very conscious that Forge made the headlines recently as one of the ten Integrated schools that will no longer benefit through the Fresh Start capital programme. This was extremely disappointing news. However, Forge Integrated Primary School has proved its resilience when faced with setbacks over the years.

“Our focus has always been to provide an excellent shared learning environment where current pupils can thrive while maintaining a positive and forward-looking focus to delivering improvements, the new school project being one of many of these.

“While we deal with these setbacks, we will continue to work hard to make our school the best possible place for our children to learn and grow, so that they, in turn, can make Belfast a better place for us all, whether under an old roof or a new one.”

Paul Caskey OBE, Head of Campaign at the Integrated Education Fund (IEF), said: “The IEF was delighted to attend this morning’s event and to meet such a prestigious political delegation. It is important that representatives from across the political spectrum can have the opportunity to see and experience Integrated Education first-hand. Forge demonstrates how children and young people from all religious and cultural backgrounds can learn with and from each other. The IEF will continue to support this thriving Integrated school as it works to offer the best Integrated Education for all pupils and families in this community.”

Shadow Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Hilary Benn with pupils from Forge Integrated Primary School.

Alliance MLA Kate Nicholl, Sinn Fein MLA Deirdre Hargey, Shadow Secretary of State Hilary Benn, Forge Integrated Primary School teacher Denise Mahon, Forge Integrated Primary School teacher Julie Anne Foster and Alliance MLA Pauls Bradshaw.

Lagan College pupils with MP Yasmin Qureshi.

Westminster Delegation at Forge Integrated Primary School.

Street Art Brings Vibrancy “Up the Cregagh, Down the Woodstock”

Posted on April 8, 2024 by admin

A community-led street art project funded by Belfast City Council’s Business Cluster and Community Grant Scheme and Department for Communities’ Revitalisation Programme has been delivered by a small group of local artists and businesses on the Cregagh and Woodstock Road.

The project’s completion coincides with Belfast 2024 – the city’s biggest ever creative and cultural celebration.

Chair of Belfast City Council’s Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Clíodhna Nic Bhranair, said: “It’s wonderful to see these vibrant, engaging artworks adding colour and interest to the Cregagh and Woodstock Road. It’s such a busy arterial route, connecting the natural oasis of Loop River, The Cregagh Glen and Lisnabreeny with the urban landscape of the Albert Bridge junction heading into Belfast city centre – so it’s really special to see that energy and nature reflected in this new street art. As well as encouraging greater pride in this area, I think it’s also going to attract lots more footfall and spend.”

Ruth Bothwell, local artist and business owner, explained: “The theme ‘Up the Cregagh, Down the Woodstock’ draws on inspiration from a popular local phrase used to describe ‘The Road’.”

In June 2023, Ruth and fellow local artist Alison Pascoe (Astrl Fibres) ran a series of community engagement workshops with over 140 pupils from Harding Memorial Integrated Primary and Euston Street Primary.

Alison explained: “As many of these pupils live and play in the area, they were able to contribute a unique perspective of what it means to grow up in a diverse urban community and they created their own vibrant, joyful street art.”

The primary school pupils’ ideas informed the artistic brief which was shared as an open call to individual street artists and arts organisations, generating huge interest from some of the UK and Ireland’s top street artists.

Lead funding applicant and local business owner, Phill Coulter, added: “You can already feel the positivity these artworks have brought to ‘The Road’ – they’re getting such a welcome reaction from residents, local businesses, and visitors alike. It’s a credit to the strong community spirit of the Cregagh and Woodstock Road.

“The project has been community-led from start to finish and that’s something the project team are really proud of.”

The five artworks are:

Site: Harding Memorial Integrated School
Artist: Ali Parks
Concept: Nature, fantasy and diversity in a graphic, folk-art, child-friendly style.

Belfast artist Ali Parks (Ali P) the artwork she created for Harding Memorial Integrated School based on nature, fantasy, and diversity in a graphic, folk-art, child-friendly style.

Site: Haus of Hair
Artist: Peachzz
Concept: Inspired by native flora and fauna found in local green spaces of Loop River and the Cregagh Glen.

Mural at Haus of Hair, Cregagh Road by Peachzz, inspired by native flora and fauna found in local green spaces of Loop River and The Cregagh Glen.

Site: Gable Wall above Paragon
Artist: Zippy
Concept: Graphic font reading ‘Up the Cregagh’ located on a site marking the point where the Woodstock meets the Cregagh Road.

Mural above Paragon, Cregagh Road by Zippy, located on a site marking the point where the Woodstock meets the Cregagh Road.

Site: Gordons Chemist
Artist: FGB and Katriona Sweeney
Concept: A fun and colourful interpretation of some of the area’s social and musical heritage – combining themes of local breakdancers in the ’80s with popular tea dances enjoyed by our older generation.

Mural by FGB & Katriona Sweeney at Gordons Chemist – a fun and colourful interpretation of some of the area’s social and musical heritage – combining themes of local breakdancers in the 80s with popular tea dances enjoyed by our older generation.

Site: Loca Hair
Artist: Visual Waste
Concept: A depiction of a familiar local character Artie Spiers and his horse and trap, including text reading ‘Down the Woodstock’.

Mural by Visual Waste at Loca Hair, depicting familiar local character Artie Spiers and his horse and trap including text reading “Down The Woodstock.”

For more information on Belfast City Council’s support for businesses, go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business.

For more details of Belfast 2024, go to www.belfast2024.co.uk.

Ards Arts Centre’s New Exhibitions

Posted on April 8, 2024April 8, 2024 by admin

Part by Part, a solo exhibition by Louise French has opened in the Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards. Louise French is a recent graduate of Fine Art Painting from the National Art School, Australia, and is interested in the life-cycle of objects.

This exhibition presents a series of paintings and assemblages that engage the viewer in the material qualities of the pieces, while they consider present and future artefacts. By using waste materials for assemblages and as a source for painterly interpretations, the exhibition explores the tension between the aesthetic appeal of consumer objects which, at the same time, are a toxic token of the current environmental crisis.

By dissecting contemporary waste and considering its continued existence hundreds of years from now, Part by Part will act as a marker of time. The exhibition runs until Thursday 23rd May.

Pictures in Rock, an exhibition of photography by Keery Irvine, opens in Ards Arts Centre’s Georgian Gallery on Wednesday 17th April. The exhibition is part of Ards International Guitar Festival and will feature a curated selection of Keery Irvine’s career highlights. Expect images of local acts, including Guitar Festival headliner Dom Martin and Life-Time Achievement Award winners, Ronnie Greer and Pat McManus.

Keery specialises in photographing Blues and rock gigs and festivals and is the official photographer for the Rory Gallery tribute festivals in Ballyshannon, Dublin, Netherlands and Nantwich. Pictures in Rock runs until Saturday 27th April.

Ards Arts Centre is currently temporarily closed for maintenance work but will re-open on Tuesday 16th April. Everyone is welcome to attend a preview event for both exhibitions in the Arts Centre on Thursday 18th April, 7pm – 9pm.

For more information, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

Bangor RNLI launched 36 times in 2023 as lifesaving charity puts out its own Mayday call

Posted on April 8, 2024 by admin

Bangor RNLI is calling on members of the public to support the RNLI’s Mayday fundraising campaign, after revealing they launched on service 36 times last year.

With demand for its lifesaving services at a high, the charity is putting out its own ‘Mayday’ call, urging members of the local community to take part in the Mayday Mile – taking on the challenge of covering a mile a day for the month of May. All money raised will help to provide the charity’s vital lifesaving service, such as the training and equipment that is needed to keep its lifesavers safe, while they risk their own lives to save others.

Funds raised will help support the charity’s vital lifesaving work, including the provision of important training and kit for the volunteer lifeboat crews who readily risk their own lives to save others whenever the call for help comes in.

Bangor RNLI volunteer Glen McMahon says: ‘Summer is the busiest time of year for the RNLI, with thousands of people at risk of getting into danger by the water. Having recently marked the RNLI’s 200th anniversary, we’re putting out our call for help to raise the funds which will help keep our lifesaving service going today and into the future.

‘As a charity we rely on the generosity of the public to take part in events like the Mayday Mile and raise the funds that allow us to be there when we’re needed most.’

RTS NI Announces Winner of Student Awards 2024

Posted on March 29, 2024April 3, 2024 by admin

The Royal Television Society Northern Ireland (RTS NI) Student Television Award winners were announced last night (28^th March 2024) in the Black Box, Belfast at an awards ceremony hosted by UTV journalist Nathan Hanna with the Joe McKinney Memorial Keynote Speech delivered by Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.

In partnership with Northern Ireland Screen, these awards encourage, nurture and reward the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students in colleges and universities across Northern Ireland creating film and video content.

The Animation Award went to Ulster University Belfast student Patrick Faulkner for Unseen-Alone in Space, a great animation and intriguing story which the judges described as beautiful throughout and well executed.

The Entertainment and Comedy Award went to Mantis Shrimp, a production by Queen’s University Belfast students Stella Skiadopoulou, Jiale Rui, Amy Lonergan, Harry Thompson and Dai Qingyongcuo, which the judges found funny, whimsical and well-acted with creative visuals and a great actress who gave a star performance.

Winner of Entertainment and Comedy Award.

Queen’s University Belfast was also the winner in the Drama category for Spring is Sure to Follow, by Andrew McAllister, Lucy Johnston, Lucy Maxwell, Jon-Marc Maguire, William Penney and Dominic Small. The judges liked the gentle pensiveness of this film which had a beautiful story of acceptance with great casting and performances. Ulster University Belfast students Luke O’Grady and Marty Carlin were highly commended for their drama When it Rains.

On The Edge by Nathan Edgar from Ulster University Coleraine won the Factual Short Form Award for his very accomplished documentary which the judges felt was an incredibly talented solo effort with great drone work and access. Being Punk by Haoyue Hu, Shanshan Qiu and Jean Watt from Queen’s University Belfast was also highly commended in this category.

The Craft Award for excellence in camera work was awarded to Karl Castles from Queen’s University Belfast for his work on the drama Saoirse, which the judges thought was mesmerizing and stunningly shot with great locations.

The Craft Award for Production went to Queen’s University students Harry Thompson, Olivia Peden, Luke Darby, Owen Hogg and Emma Harrisson for their short documentary Above Par.

Sarah McCaffrey, Chair of RTS NI, said: “Congratulations to all our winners this year, it is wonderful to have this opportunity to celebrate and highlight the amazing work emerging from Northern Ireland’s third level institutions. I know the judges had a tough task selecting this year’s winners given the high quality of all this year’s entries. I look forward to seeing the impact all these students will have on our screen industries in the coming years and wish those winders going forward to the national awards in June every success.”

Bernard McCloskey, Head of Exhibition at Northern Ireland Screen, said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to be able to support these student awards in partnership with RTS NI which are a great way to nurture and encourage the emerging creative talent we here in Northern Ireland.”

Aidan Browne, Chair of the RTS NI Students Awards, said: “The RTS NI plays a huge role in supporting the next generation of content creators and winning one of these awards provides local students with a prestigious accolade to help them with their future careers.”

Keynote speaker Fiona Campbell, Controller Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three, said: “It is always a real privilege to meet with the next generation of content makers, as I get to experience first-hand their enthusiasm for this industry, which I still love as much today as when I first started out here in Belfast, many years ago. I have seen huge changes driven by technology during this time, but I believe it is our natural ability for storytelling that ensures, Northern Ireland always punches way above its’ weight on the global stage.”

The winners of these Awards go forward to the national RTS Student Media Awards in June and will also be invited to this year’s RTS NI Programme Awards in November, where their work will be showcased in front of top professionals from across the screen industries.

All winners at the RTS NI Student Awards 2024.

Easter Events 2024

Posted on March 29, 2024March 29, 2024 by admin

To help keep you entertained this Easter holiday, here is a list of events taking place throughout the country this weekend and, also, throughout next week.

Belfast One Easter Weekend – Hop along to 2 Royal Avenue on Saturday 30^th March between 12 noon and 4pm, Belfast city centre, for a fun-filled weekend, including an Easter Egg Hunt, a mobile pop-up petting farm, face-painting, a craft workshop, and more.

Belfast Zoo – To celebrate their 90^th birthday this year, Belfast Zoo have planned a spectacular Easter weekend for all the family. A range of free activities will be available between 10.30am and 4.30pm from Sunday 31^st March to Tuesday 2^nd April, with a special history hub open for families to learn about the history of the Zoo from the education team. For more information, visit: https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/zoo/news-and-events/news/put-a-spring-in-your-step-at-easter

Navan Centre and Fort – Join Navan Centre and Fort this Easter weekend (30^th March – 2^nd April) for the Great Dragon Egg Hunt, in which children will be enjoy a captivating stage show, featuring Drippy the Dragon’s quest to recover five stolen dragon eggs.

Rowallane Garden Easter Egg Hunt – Between Saturday 23^rd March and Thursday 7^th April, Rowallane Garden will open an Easter trail, with nature-inspired activities for the whole family. With the chance to solve some puzzles, have a go at some artistic activities and explore the areas around the house and Stableyard, this event is suitable for everyone, including those with milk, egg, gluten, peanut and tree nut allergies. For more information, visit: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/northern-ireland/rowallane-garden/events/1130b66e-b09f-4561-8455-fc9a60995e42

Let’s Go Hydro – From 23^rd March, Let’s Go Hydro Resort Water Park will be hosting their Easter Funday, which will include an Easter Egg Hunt, a chance to meet the Easter Bunny, a chance to walk the Forest Trail and, of course, chocolate! For more information, visit: https://letsgohydro.com/easter-egg-hunt-and-funday?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIh8Pxk8-ZhQMVD4FQBh0TCABlEAAYASAAEgKex_D_BwE

Hillsborough Castle’s Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt – As part of Hillsborough Castle’s Spring Spectacular, the Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt will take place from Good Friday until Sunday 7^th April. Giving you the opportunity to explore all 100 acres of the site, keep an eye out for several Lindt Golf Bunny Statues hidden throughout the grounds and search for the hidden letters that hold the answer to a secret question. Once you’ve figured the answer out, you’ll be rewarded with your own Lindt Gold Bunny (or non-chocolate alternative) to enjoy. For more information, visit: https://www.hrp.org.uk/hillsborough-castle/whats-on/easter-lindt-gold-bunny-hunt/?utm_medium=paid_search&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=easter_hcg&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIobevo8-ZhQMVlJ2DBx3fdAW-EAAYASAAEgIITvD_BwE#gs.74g6ix

Easter Steam at Whitehead Railway Museum – On Monday 1^st April, head on down to Whitehead Railway Museum to enjoy an Easter treasure hunt, as well as a steam train ride on the museum’s 105-year-old locomotive and a chance to explore the 5-gallery museum. Children’s activities will also be on-going throughout the day and on-site parking is available. For more information, visit: https://visitbelfast.com/event/easter-steam/

Aunt Sandra’s Sweet Shop – Located on the Holywood Road, Aunt Sandra’s Sweet Shop is running a range of workshops over Easter, most notably their slime workshop which will take place on Sunday 31^stMarch (tickets from £10). For more information, visit: https://www.auntsandras.com/events/easter-chocolate-workshop.php

Easter Kids Sip and Paint – The Fat Fox Café in Londonderry are hosting their Easter Kids Sip and Paint session on Saturday 30^th March between 12 noon and 3pm. Kids will be able to unleash their inner artistic abilities as they sip on milkshakes and hot chocolates, with instructors guiding you and your kids through the painting process. Afterwards, the staff will provide guests with a handcrafted afternoon tea. For more information, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/easter-kids-sip-paint-tickets-863304566197

Hillsborough Castle’s Lindt Gold Bunny Hunt.

Jet2.com Celebrate Inaugural Flight From Belfast International to Malta

Posted on March 28, 2024 by admin

This morning, (Thursday 28^th March), Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have waved off their first flight to Malta from Belfast International Airport, celebrating the launch of the brand-new route for Summer ’24 from the airport.

The busy flight marks the start of the leading leisure airline and UK’s largest tour operator operating flights and holidays to Malta from Belfast International Airport for Summer ‘24 until 31^st October 2024.

The launch of weekly Thursday services to the Mediterranean destination from the airport means customers and independent travel agents in the region will be able to access the popular destination for the first time, as well as the neighbouring island of Gozo.

There were celebrations in the air at the airport for the inaugural flight, as holidaymakers received branded cupcakes at check-in.

Members of the Jet2.com and Jet2holidays team who were on duty at Belfast International Airport this morning (Thursday 28th March).

Holidaymakers in Northern Ireland will be able to explore Malta’s history-packed towns and blissful marinas, and the addition of the new route comes in response to strong demand for local customers and independent travel agents for Summer ’24 flights and holidays.

As well as discovering the hidden treasures and Italian-inspired cuisine of Malta, holidaymakers heading over to Gozo will find centuries-old architecture, brilliant beaches and shimmering lagoons for a versatile itinerary.

Jet2.com and Jet2holidays are offering an unrivalled programme for Summer ’24 from Belfast International Airport, with 20 sun and city destinations on sale across the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and Europe. This offers customers and independent travel agents plenty of choice and flexibility when it comes to booking a much-needed getaway to their favourite summer destinations.

Aoife Kerr from Omagh, with children Rosa, Conan and Enda, were amongst the first passengers to depart on the inaugural Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flight to Malta from Belfast International Airport this morning (Thursday 28th March).

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: “We are delighted to see our first flight to Malta take off from Belfast International Airport today. Feedback from customers and independent travel agents in Northern Ireland has been telling us that flights and holidays to Malta and Gozo are very much in demand for Summer ’24, and we know that this is a destination that customers want to experience.

“Since putting services on sale to Malta from Belfast International Airport, local customers and independent travel agents have been booking getaways to the stunning hotspot in their numbers. As the UK’s largest tour operator, we are giving customers and independent travel agents in the region unrivalled choice when it comes to enjoying a holiday this summer.”

Alan Borg, Malta International Airport’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “It is immensely encouraging for us to see Jet2.com and Jet2holidays operate this new route, connecting our airport to Belfast, in addition to 9 other routes to airports across the United Kingdom which have been secured for this summer season. These developments will continue to bolster Malta International Airport’s connectivity with the United Kingdom, which remains one of the most popular markets for our airport.”

Nicola Mahood (left), Lesley Young (right) and young Teddy Holden from Portavogie, Co Down, were amongst the first passengers to depart on the inaugural Jet2.com and Jet2holidays flight to Malta from Belfast International Airport this morning (Thursday 28th March).

Tolene van der Merwe, Director of Visit Malta for the UK and Ireland, said: “We are really excited that visitors to Malta from Northern Ireland will now be able to fly direct from Belfast International Airport with Jet2.com and Jet2holidays.

“Malta is a very popular destination for visitors from the UK and Ireland and this new route from Belfast gives more people the opportunity to visit our wonderful Mediterranean islands.

“We look forward to welcoming visitors from Northern Ireland to experience the many attractions that Malta has to offer, including amazing historical sites, great food, beaches, water sports and most importantly, sunshine.”

For more information and to book, visit: www.jet2.com or www.jet2holidays.com