East Side Advertiser

04/09/2024

22/08/2024

ALI FELL: ‘THIS DO’

Opening: Thurs 5 September (6:00–8:30pm) at Carlisle Memorial Church.

Continues 6, 7 September (11am–
5pm) & 8 September (11am–4pm).

Dementia friendly session Fri 6 September (11am–1pm).

‘This Do’ is a community craft installation in the incredible Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast. Created by Ali Fell (with the support of Anita Murphy) the piece features thousands of crocheted flowers from makers all across Northern Ireland. Aged between 10 and 86 the installation has been some five months and approximately 600,000 stitches in the making!

According to Ali:

‘While we’ve been making, I have been asking people to think about the special places that they make memories, and about what happens when those places don’t exist anymore, or aren’t available how they once were. Where do your memories live then?’

After the show, the Alzheimer’s Society are going to take flowers to dementia units in hospitals. During the show, people can make a flower, and a memory.

26/07/2024

https://issuu.com/edamedia/docs/esa_72_binder

Read Eastside Advertiser 72 by EDA Media on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!

22/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a free Padel 1hr lesson for 4 people together with an expert coach!
At Padel54
To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠
Competition Closes 31st July 2024. Terms & Conditions Apply. Winner will be notified after closing date via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!!

Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!

Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we're here to make it happen.

Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-68607780

It's perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it's great for socializing and networking.

Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather.

At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we're actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.

https://www.instagram.com/padel_54/
https://www.facebook.com/Padel54N/
www.padel54.com

04/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a family pass (2 adults and 2 children /concession) to attend Peter Pan: The Musical on Friday 2nd August 2024 at 7:30pm. The performance will take place at Belvoir Studio Theatre! This competition closes on Wednesday 24th July, winner will be notified Thursday 25th July via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!! Terms & Conditions Apply.

To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠

East Broadway Theatre Company brings Peter Pan to Stage this summer!
East Broadway Theatre Company is a local theatre group based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2016, they began their journey in a living room with a vision for performance. In their inaugural year, they staged a delightful “Night at The Musicals” and also performed a play they had written at Sunflowerfest. Their motto is simple yet powerful: “teach, inspire, perform.”
This cross-community, non-profit charitable organization aims to provide theatre opportunities for all and want to instil confidence in the young people who work with them through, singing, dancing and acting. Whether you’re passionate about theatre or simply want to learn more and make friends, East Broadway invites you to join them as they create together.
ALEX MCKELVEY is CO-OWNER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR of East Broadway Theatre Company. Alex studied at Bath Spa University and obtained a Certificate of Higher Education in Musical Theatre in 2018. He started his passion for performing at Belvoir Players Theatre Academy, where he has been a member for 15 years. Alex also musically directs for many theatre companies in Northern Ireland including, NISMAT, Rainbow Factory, New Lodge Arts and Queens Musical Theatre Society.
KATIE-ROSE SPENCE CO-OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie-Rose was trained in classical and theatre style singing by Leila Webster from age 9. She has performed with the Opera House Summer Youth Project and was a member of Belvoir Players for 5 years performing in both their academy musicals and pantomimes. Katie has most recently obtained a high distinction in her grade 6 musical theatre exam. She hopes that through East Broadway she can bring her passion for mental health awareness and the benefits of theatre to young performers.
Development officer Chloe Moreland has been in theatre for 10 years, playing roles from ensemble to leads. She achieved highest in her class for GCSE and A-Level drama which gave her the passion that she now has for theatre. Chloe was a member of The Rainbow Factory from the age of 13 and has been a dance captain for 5 shows. In Chloe's most recent show, she played Janis Ian in a miniature version of “Mean Girls the Musical”.
This Summer Eastbroadway Theatre will present three performances of Piers Chater Robinson’s Peter Pan on the weekend of 2nd/3rd August.
If you’re curious about their shows, you can explore more on their website www.eastbroadwaytheatre.co.uk. And remember, the magic of theatre knows no bounds—it’s a place where dreams take centre stage!

20/06/2024

26/05/2024

Young Belfast residents get help to Take The Next Step with JobStart
Young Belfast residents aged 16-24 had the chance to meet over 30 employers with JobStart opportunities in a wide range of roles today at 2 Royal Avenue.
Thanks to a partnership between Belfast City Council and the Department for Communities, the free event also provided useful information on Employment Academies, self-employment, the Gateway to Choices (G2C) service and Conditions Management Programme.
Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Ryan Murphy, who attended the event and chatted with young people and employers said: “Our JobStart event today is all about helping young people in Belfast who are at risk of long-term unemployment or struggling to get a job.
“That’s a key priority in our Belfast Agenda – and part of our employability and skills programme, . Today’s event also showcases our Gateway to Choices Service (G2C) – which is connecting people to jobs and training through a free app and trained team of advisors.
“We’ve been delighted with the response from employers, and I’d like to thank all the businesses and support organisations that have signed up to attend. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of young people get into employment thanks to today’s event.”
Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons said: “My Department is committed to improving employment opportunities for young people and today’s event shows how both young people and employers are benefiting from the JobStart scheme.
“It is positive to see so many opportunities for young people to choose from as a starting point in their career. It is especially pleasing that a number of NI Civil Service positions are on offer for those young people who face additional barriers to entering the workplace.
“Today’s event has been supported by front line colleagues from my Department’s Jobs and Benefits Offices whose advice and guidance to young people ensures they receive the proper support to move into employment.”
The diverse roles on offer spanned administration, childcare, customer service, distribution, health and social care, hospitality, logistics, marketing, sports coaching, transport, videography, youth work and warehousing.
For more information on Belfast City Council’s range of employability and skills support go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employability and www.belfastcity.gov.uk/employmentacademies

25/05/2024

The Barn Owl: Ireland’s Banshee?
Many folklorists agree that one of Ireland’s most iconic birds was the origin of the myth and legend of the Banshee, the terrifying female fairy believed to foretell death.
It’s easy to imagine how this might have happened centuries ago in rural areas, where nights would be very dark, and when you heard a loud shriek emanate from woodland or a ruined building, enough to make the hair on your head stand on end, followed by the image of a silent, white ghost-like creature fly past, perhaps near head-height, you just might think you’ve had an encounter with something other-worldly, something deadly.
Of course, Barn Owls are not other-worldly, and only deadly to mice and shrews, their favoured prey, which they hunt at dusk and night. Their eyesight is no better than ours, but their hearing is extraordinarily acute. Their face ‘mask’ acts as a kind of ‘sound receiver’ and their ears are located in different positions on either side of their head, all the better to pinpoint the source of a rustle or squeak in grass or undergrowth. And they fly silently because of the structure of their feathers and wings, so their prey can’t hear them.
Sadly, this animal with almost magical natural adaptations has been in severe decline, particularly in Northern Ireland, where there are almost certainly less than 30 breeding pairs. As with so many other wild creatures, their decline can be put down mainly to loss of habitat, particularly rough grassland and hedges, but with one important addition, the widespread agricultural use of rodenticides which kill off their staple diet.
Ulster Wildlife and partners are working year-round with farmers to not just protect birds but create the conditions for expansion of suitable territory. If you spot an owl anywhere, including our two other natives the long-eared and short-eared owls, or a potential nest site, please report it by contacting Ulster Wildlife’s Senior Conservation Officer, in confidence, on 07816 065736 or at [email protected]. That sort of information is so important to their efforts to locate and help this endangered Irish bird, particularly one with such a mythical history.
JVA

25/05/2024

NSPCC Childhood Day, the charity’s UK-wide flagship fundraising event.

On the day, NSPCC Northern Ireland is inviting organisations, schools, families, friends, and people of all ages from Belfast to participate in the Childhood Day Mile – a fun way to move a mile and raise vital funds to help keep children safe.

Whether you walk it, dribble it, wheel it, or space hopper it – the possibilities are endless. And if June 7 is inconvenient, you can move a mile on another day.
You can take part on your own, with friends, family, colleagues or furry friends.
The Childhood Day Mile is for everyone.

NSPCC Northern Ireland also needs volunteers to support us at our Belfast Childhood Day street collection on Friday 7 June 2024. If you could spare some time to help, even for a few hours, we would be so grateful.

To volunteer to help with the Belfast street collection on Friday June 7, or to sign up for the Childhood Day Mile, go to www.nspcc.org.uk and search ‘childhood day’.

There are also special Childhood Day resources for schools, nurseries, and childcare groups.

Once you have registered to move a mile, we will send you a fundraising pack with everything you need to get started. We'll also send you regular emails with resources, tips and advice to help you with your fundraising and planning your mile.

Volunteers who register to help with the street collection on Friday June 7 will be provided with everything they need on the day (including an NSPCC T-shirt) and our collection leads will be on hand to guide you. All you need to do is turn up.

Whether it’s by fundraising, donating, or volunteering at a collection, we’re appealing to people in Belfast to play their part to help keep children safe from abuse.

24/05/2024

Barnett Demesne mountain bike trail highlighted
Barnett Desmesne mountain bike trail in Belfast has been highlighted on the refreshed its MountainBikeNI.com website, which showcases over 150 miles of mountain biking trails situated across numerous NI trail centres as popularity in the sport surges.
The site serves as a hub which allows riders across NI to source information about trails which originate from several official trail centres, as well as every pump track and skills course in Northern Ireland.
The official trail centres include Barnett Demesne in Belfast, Davagh Forest in Mid Ulster, Gortin Glen Forest Park outside Omagh, Castlewellan and Rostrevor which are in Newry Mourne and Down, and Fivemiletown’s Blessingbourne Estate, amongst others.
MountainBikeNI.com also provides an interactive map which details all trail information, including length, difficulty, on site facilities and downloadable GPX files, which allow riders to open a live map of the trail on their navigation device when out and about.
The site also lists all accommodation and eateries that are situated close to the trails, which is set to drive footfall to local businesses.
Mountain biking has seen an increase in popularity across Northern Ireland since the development of the country’s first dedicated trails in 2013, with engagement in the sport surging during the pandemic.
Ethan Loughrey, Communications and Training Executive with Outscape, said, "We're delighted to be able to share the new MountainBikeNI.com website with the public. A huge amount of work has gone into ensuring it is as user friendly and durable as possible, allowing for integration with more modern Geographic Information System developed mapping.
“We have also added a number of trails, and all of the pump tracks and skills courses in Northern Ireland to the website. These sites provide an essential outlet for outdoor opportunities for local communities and their benefits - everything from increased physical and mental health to substantive reductions in antisocial behaviour - are widespread."
To discover more, visit: https://mountainbikeni.com

23/05/2024

NIHF Celebrates 25 Years and Honours Hotel Ambassadors
Fifteen Hotel Heroes Celebrated at Ceremony in Grand Central Hotel
The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) is proud to celebrate its 25th anniversary. As part of these celebrations, the NIHF is recognising outstanding individuals who serve as ambassadors in the hotel profession. This year's Hotel Hero Awards showcase the diverse roles and opportunities available within the sector.
People are the lifeblood of the hotel industry and to celebrate the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation (NIHF) recognised 15 hotel heroes at a special awards ceremony in the Observatory at Grand Central Hotel, Belfast, on Thursday 25th April. The Hotel Heroes were welcomed by host Pamela Ballantine.
Congratulating the recipients, Eddie McKeever, NIHF President, said:
"As an organisation, we felt it was fitting to celebrate our people. People are the pivotal focus of my presidency and the NIHF aims to celebrate the dedicated professionals who contribute to the success and vibrancy of Northern Ireland's hotel landscape. They are unique, and it is their individuality that gives our industry its personality. We know that the commitment of our staff and the passion that they have for the industry ensures that guests have a great stay. We were delighted with the response, and we had a diverse range of nominations.
"The industry has grown dramatically over the last two decades, and our staff remain central to our success. We asked members to nominate someone within their business who has really made a difference. The person may have been performing a valuable ‘back of house’ role or meeting customers each day. Either way, their contribution has been noted as enhancing the overall hotel experience.”
The recipients of the 2024 Hotel Hero Awards represent a spectrum of roles, showcasing the breadth of opportunities within the industry.
Each recipient embodies excellence in their respective roles, contributing to the exceptional guest experiences and operational excellence that define Northern Ireland's hospitality sector.

22/05/2024

EAST BELFAST’S CREATIVE CLASSROOMS: ULSTER MUSEUM AND EY LAUNCH ART PRIZE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS
Ulster Museum, in partnership with EY, has introduced the Creative Classroom Award, to inspire creativity and artistic expression among primary school students in East Belfast.
The new, free-to-enter art prize for primary school-age children across Northern Ireland, has been launched to coincide with a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition coming to Ulster Museum in May called ‘National Treasures: Caravaggio in Belfast’. Classrooms are invited to submit entries – under the theme of ‘Still Life’ - that could be selected to go on display at the museum as the prize. Entries are open until May 15 and winning classes will also win an expenses-paid trip to the Ulster Museum, to see their artwork on display and the exhibition that inspired it.
The Creative Classrooms competition is part of EY Northern Ireland’s sponsorship of the ‘Caravaggio in Belfast’ exhibition opening at the Ulster Museum on May 10 and will see two Caravaggio paintings - which have rarely been seen together since the 17th century – reunited and on display. The Supper at Emmaus is loaned to the Ulster Museum by the National Gallery in London as part of its National Treasures project celebrating its Bicentenary, whilst the Jesuit Community in Dublin, with the support of the National Gallery of Ireland, have loaned The Taking of Christ.
Louise Rice, Education Manager at National Museums NI, discussed the power of art education. She said, “The importance of making time for creative activity in the classroom cannot be understated. We hope to encourage teachers and their pupils to engage in drawing, making and painting together through the Creative Classroom Award, which is fundamentally about encouraging young children to explore their creativity and engage with art in meaningful ways. This exciting partnership with EY will help support the next generation of creatives, and we look forward to seeing the imaginative submissions from schools across Northern Ireland.”
Winners of the Creative Classroom Award will be announced on May 24 with winning artworks displayed in Discover Art at Ulster Museum from June 4 to September 1. For more information on how to participate in the Creative Classroom Award, including submission guidelines and eligibility criteria, please visit www.ulstermuseum.org/creative-classroom-award.

21/05/2024

Heritage skills brought back to life through Belfast 2024 programme
Boat building, gardening and sewing are among the traditional skills being brought back to life through Belfast’s City Council’s Belfast 2024 programme.
The celebration of culture and creativity is now well underway across the city, with projects, events and workshops encouraging people to get creative and try their hand at something new this year.

Among them are ten projects celebrating Belfast’s built, cultural, industrial, maritime, natural and intangible heritage, with additional funding of £250,000 provided from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

One of them – Water Works - will see 10,000 boats setting sail down the River Lagan on Saturday 3 August, most of which will be created by residents and school pupils through workshops and events led by arts organisation PS2.

The corso will celebrate the role of waterways in and around Belfast and feature several larger boats, including a St Ayles skiff – a wooden boat crewed by five people – which is currently under construction at Vault Artist Studios, located inside the old Shankill Mission building.

Led by writer and boatbuilder Niamh Scullion, almost 90 people have signed up so far to help build the skiff, which will be 22 foot long and almost 6 foot wide when completed.

Volunteers have been busy putting together the boat’s spruce frame and plywood moulds and shaping the stem, hog and rib skeleton of the skiff from larch – a complex process which follows traditional techniques.
Other heritage projects now underway through the Belfast 2024 programme include The Hearth, a film about Belfast made by the people of Belfast, with the deadline for submissions fast approaching on Friday 31 May.

Roots, a vibrant community garden which mixes planting with dance and storytelling, is hosting the Big Spring Dig on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 May, with volunteers from the Black Mountain area welcome to join forces to dig, plant and move.

Sound Links, a unique collaboration between the Ulster Orchestra, Townsend Enterprise Park and Zeppo Arts, will celebrate the history and stories of Townsend Street with a special event on International Day of Peace on 21 September, with their deadline for stories and memories tomorrow (Wednesday 8 May).

Show Some Love Green House, a collaborative space for learning, with a focus on creativity and sustainability, is now open at 171-175 Victoria Street in Belfast city centre, with a programme of inclusive community workshops and events planned for throughout the year, including repurposing and upcycling old clothes and other items.

Safari in the City – led by Wild Belfast – has been encouraging residents to engage with nature on their doorstep through events and workshops, while 9ft in Common are inviting people to explore the potential of over 200km of alleyways across the city.

Later this summer, Shadowdock will invite visitors to experience the iconic Thompson Dock where Titanic was launched, through an immersive display of light, colour, shadow and sound, led by Studio Sykes and Three’s Theatre Company.

In October, North Star will host a musical celebration of black culture in the city, developed with schools across the north of the city, while Are You on the Bus? will look at the development of the city’s LGBTQIA+ community, in partnership with Outburst Arts and Kabosh Theatre Company.

For more details of what’s on as part of Belfast 2024 and how to get involved in projects taking place, visit belfast2024.co.uk

You can also follow on Instagram and Facebook.

17/05/2024

Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!

Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we're here to make it happen.

Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-68607780

It's perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it's great for socializing and networking.

Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather.

At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we're actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.

https://www.instagram.com/padel_54/
https://www.facebook.com/Padel54N/
www.padel54.com

07/05/2024

New Blind Spot, Belfast Showroom opens today!!!

27/04/2024

Ulster Hospital Porter Retires

17/04/2024

Congratulations to Winner Tracy Davidson !!!!!!!!!!! 🥂 🍾

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes up to four free tickets to a performance of Les Misérables School Edition at Belvoir Studio Theatre!
From Belvoir Players Theatre Academy
To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠

In this competition, one lucky EDA Media follower, and up to three others can enjoy FREE tickets to Les Misérables School Edition presented by Belvoir Players Theatre Academy! The prize includes up to 4 free tickets for the performance of your choice!

Belvoir Players Theatre Academy bring you a fully staged production of the show that has been seen by 130 million people worldwide.

Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his desire for redemption.
Filled with showstopping songs such as ‘I Dreamed a Dream’, ‘Master of the House’, ‘Do You Hear the People Sing?’, ‘One Day More’ and ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ sung by some of the best young talent in Northern Ireland, this is a show not to be missed.

There is a wealth of entertainment presented all year around at Belvoir Studio Theatre!

Music, Theatre, Dance, Musicals and more!

Belvoir Studio Theatre is a unique 200 seat theatre nestled in Belvoir Forest on the outskirts of Belfast.

The theatre has performances most weekends with something to suit people of all ages (musicals, concerts, drama, comedy, kids shows). Affordable ticket prices and free onsite parking mean this can be a great destination for the whole family that won’t break the bank.

You can get to the theatre by car, bicycle or by bus on the 6c or 6d which drops you at Belvoir Primary School, right on our doorstep.

You are always guaranteed a warm friendly greeting and a great night’s entertainment.

Can’t wait until you find out if you are our winner?

Information on all available shows can be found at https://www.belvoirplayers.org/events/ where you will also find links to purchase tickets.

Call 028 9049 1210 (Mon – Fri) or visit https://www.belvoirplayers.org/events/

This fabulous competition closes at 12 noon on Friday 14th April 2024. For a chance to win this amazing prize, simply follow the instructions above! T&Cs apply.

***REMEMBER: If EDA Media is genuinely contacting you, we will never ask for your bank details! ***

09/03/2024

https://issuu.com/edamedia/docs/esa_69_binder

Read East Side Advertiser 69 by EDA Media on Issuu and browse thousands of other publications on our platform. Start here!