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News & Events NI: New Street Food Hub, £61M Health Boost & Family Fun at Belfast Children’s Festival! 🎭🍽️
News & Events NI: New Street Food Hub, £61M Health Boost & Family Fun at Belfast Children’s Festival! 🎭🍽️
News & Events NI: New Street Food Hub, £61M Health Boost & Family Fun at Belfast Children’s Festival! 🎭🍽️
Discover Belfast’s newest street food market, major healthcare funding, and a fantastic festival for families this week!
News & Events NI
Mar 5, 2025
Trivia Question❓In 2019, which iconic place in Northern Ireland was named the most popular tourist destination in the UK by TripAdvisor? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
Exciting New Street Food Market & Community Hub Set to Open at Former Europa Bus Centre! 🍔🎶 |
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(Artist impression of new nvwnue concept) ✨ A *transformational project* is underway in Belfast, marking the beginning of one of the city's most significant regeneration developments. The focus is an innovative street food market and community hub set in the heart of Weavers Court. This project promises to transform a 1.5 million square foot area in south Belfast, surrounding the city's new integrated Grand Central Station. Spearheaded by development and investment firm MRP, in collaboration with key partners, this initiative aims to revitalise the former Europa Buscentre, breathing new life into the area. The venue, aptly named the 'Halt,' will function as an artisanal food market and bar, generating up to 40 jobs. It's set to be a bustling hive of activity, having already garnered significant interest from traders eager to participate. 🚉 The 'Platform'—a community hub operated by peace-building organisation Co-operation Ireland—will stand proudly alongside the Halt. Its mission is to bolster local community initiatives, offering a welcoming, supportive environment as the longer-term ambitions for the area are realised. These initial steps pave the way for an inclusive, vibrant neighborhood blending commercial, cultural, residential, and business amenities. Stay tuned for more updates as Belfast embarks on this exciting journey of regeneration and growth! 🌟 |
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Discover the Joy of Baking Homemade Bread 🍞 |
There's something incredibly satisfying about baking your own bread. Not only does it fill your home with a delightful aroma, but it also allows you to enjoy fresh, wholesome loaves without any additives. Start with a simple recipe like a classic white or wholemeal bread, and as you gain confidence, experiment with different flours, seeds, or herbs. Happy baking! |
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£61M Funding Package Announced to Boost Healthcare Services Almost £130 million is set to be unleashed for public service reform projects in Northern Ireland. This significant funding, achieved through a pact between the Stormont Executive and the UK government, is part of a greater financial package aimed at enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of our vital public services. This initiative aligns with the dedicated £235 million earmarked for projects designed to bolster financial sustainability and enhance efficiency. We're excited to share that the Treasury has approved the first portion of this amount, which will be distributed across six key areas: health, education, justice, and water infrastructure. Finance Minister John O'Dowd aptly noted that although the funding is a beginning rather than a comprehensive solution to the myriad challenges we face, it nonetheless represents a significant stride towards the "wider transformation of public services". 🏥 This marks a vital step in our ongoing journey toward meaningful transformation, one that prioritises efficiency and is poised to stimulate positive change. Let's continue to work together to build a brighter, more sustainable future for Northern Ireland! 🌍 |
Assembly Divided as Executive Unveils Programme for Government 📜⚖️ The Northern Ireland Assembly has been thrust into a blatant divide following the release of the Program for Government on Monday. This development has generated palpable tension within the political landscape, highlighting contrasting perspectives among the Assembly members. First Minister Michelle O'Neill hailed the plan as a "significant milestone", suggesting a positive step forward for governance and strategic planning. She emphasised the importance of this moment in shaping the region's political and socio-economic future. In stark contrast, Matthew O'Toole, the Leader of Stormont's opposition, critiqued the program, describing it as "a missed opportunity." O'Toole's comments reflect a sentiment of disappointment and a belief that the document fails to capture the essence of progressiveness that many had hoped for. It's important to note that the draft version of the plan, published in September of the previous year, had already sparked criticisms for the lack of clear tangible targets or milestones by which the administration's priorities could be effectively measured. The absence of these critical elements continues to be a point of contention. As the Assembly navigates these tumultuous waters, the conversation around the Program for Government underscores the critical need for transparent and achievable targets to foster trust and accountability within the governing framework. |
Revealed: The Northern Ireland Areas with the Most Parking Fines 🚗💰 The latest data reveal the top areas in Northern Ireland where the most parking fines were issued and, interestingly, successfully appealed in the last quarter of 2024. If you're curious about the locations and stats surrounding these traffic contraventions, we've got you covered! 🗺️
Successful Appeals: Despite the rise in parking tickets, there have been a notable number of successful appeals. This highlights the importance of verifying PCNs and understanding your rights when it comes to challenging unfair charges. Lend a thought to more strategic parking and transport solutions to alleviate these issues, and remember that knowing your avenues for appeal can make all the difference 💡. Stay tuned for more updates and remember, parking smart means less stress and more savings! 🚗💨 |
Hansen on Ireland’s Clash with France: ‘These Are the Games You Live For’ 🏉🇮🇪 Anticipation is building in Dublin as the Irish squad gears up to face off against France this Saturday at 14:15 GMT in what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the Six Nations. As the host team, Ireland is sitting confidently at the top of the championship table with 14 points, holding a three-point lead over their French rivals. 🏆 With their eyes set on a historic third consecutive outright title, there's a palpable excitement among the players. The rivalry between Ireland and France has grown intense over recent seasons, with both teams consistently finishing first and second in the past three Six Nations tournaments. This Saturday's clash is not just about rankings or points. For Ireland, it holds an added emotional edge as it will be the final home Test for retiring centurions Peter O'Mahony, Conor Murray, and Cian Healy. The hopes of a nation will be riding on the backs of these seasoned players as they aim to leave a lasting legacy in their final appearance at home. Let's support our team and celebrate the spirit of rugby as these giants of the game take the field! 🍀 "These are the sort of games that you live for, being able to send some guys off with their last home game and put a stamp on the Six Nations. "It's really exciting and I think we're ready for the challenge." |
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The Benefits of Indoor Plants 🌿 |
Introducing indoor plants into your living space can do wonders for your well-being. They improve air quality by filtering toxins, boost mood and productivity, and add a touch of nature to your decor. Even if you don't have a green thumb, there are plenty of low-maintenance options like snake plants or pothos that thrive indoors. |
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True Digital Edge – Revolutionising Local Marketing 🚀 |
In today’s fast-moving digital world, True Digital Edge (TDE) is redefining the way local businesses in Northern Ireland connect with their communities. Whether it’s driving customer engagement, growing email lists, or leveraging AI-powered chatbots, TDE offers cutting-edge marketing solutions designed to help businesses thrive — without wasting time or money on outdated strategies. What Does TDE Do?📢 Hyper-Targeted Marketing – Forget generic ads that don’t convert. TDE helps businesses reach the right people at the right time, using data-driven strategies that turn casual browsers into loyal customers. 💬 AI Chatbots & Automation – Customer engagement made easy! With advanced AI chatbots, businesses can provide instant responses, book appointments, and nurture leads—even while they sleep. 📩 Email & Newsletter Growth – TDE knows that a strong email list is gold for any business. They create engaging, high-converting email campaigns that keep customers informed and coming back for more. 🎯 Social Media & Facebook Growth – With TDE’s expertise in Facebook community building, businesses don’t just gain followers—they gain active, engaged customers who are ready to buy. Why Choose TDE?✅ Results-Driven Approach – Every strategy is built with one goal in mind: growth. Whether it’s boosting foot traffic, increasing online sales, or building brand awareness, TDE delivers. ✅ Local Expertise, Global Tools – TDE understands the unique challenges of local businesses and combines that knowledge with world-class digital marketing techniques. ✅ Done-for-You Solutions – No need to juggle multiple marketing tools—TDE handles it all, from chatbot setup to email list building, making digital success effortless. If you’re a business owner ready to scale up, attract more customers, and dominate your local market, it’s time to tap into the power of True Digital Edge. |
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Discover Ireland's Rich Biodiversity! 🌿🦉 Did you know that over the past half billion years, countless species of animals and plants have thrived on the enchanting land we today call Ireland? 🏞️ From the prehistoric era to now, these life forms have shaped our environment and enriched our ecosystems. We are thrilled to announce an extraordinary collaboration between the renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers, and Ulster Museum Natural Sciences curator, Dr. Mike Simms. They have brought together art and science in a stunning collection of over 50 remarkable paintings that beautifully depict Ireland's diverse flora and fauna, both past and present. 🎨🦢 These masterpieces offer a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of life that has existed on this vibrant island. You wouldn't want to miss this marvelous blend of art and natural history! 🖼️ Stay tuned for more updates on how you can experience this visual journey into Ireland's wondrous natural world! 🌍✨ |
Belfast Children’s Festival 2025: A Magical Week of Creativity & Fun for Families 🎭🎨 Belfast Children’s Festival is a magical time of the year that warmly invites not only the young but also the young at heart to an extraordinary celebration of creativity and joy. 🌟 With an eclectic mix of local, national, and international performances, there is something to entertain, surprise, and delight audiences of all ages. At Young at Art, we champion the belief that great arts experiences should be accessible to everyone. Whether you're as young as 8 weeks old or as wise as 108 years young, you're invited to dive into our festival fun! 🎉 Join us for an unforgettable experience where imagination knows no bounds, and every performance is a new adventure waiting to be explored. Let's create memories across generations by immersing ourselves in the arts! 💫 |
🍽️ Love Your Food Show: A Culinary Extravaganza! 🍽️ Hey there, *food lovers*! Prepare to tantalise your taste buds at the Love Your Food Show, featuring over 100 incredible food exhibitors and stalls. From freshly baked goods to artisanal cheeses and handcrafted preserves, there's something to satisfy every palate. 🌟 Event Highlights:
And guess what? 🎉 Your ticket to the Love Your Food Show will also gain you entrance to the Love Your Home Show. Perfect for those who have a passion for both *food and home* inspiration! 🏡❤️ Don't miss out on this celebration of gastronomy and culinary expertise. We can't wait to see you there! 🍴🎈 |
🐾 Embark on a Thrilling Adventure: Belfast's Scavenger Hunt Walk 🐾 Get ready to uncover the secrets of Northern Ireland's capital with a twist! Our Belfast scavenger hunt offers a unique way to explore this vibrant city, combining the thrill of a game with the joy of sightseeing. 🚶♂️🔍 Why Choose This Scavenger Hunt?
Unravel the Mystery: Perfect for groups, this scavenger hunt is not just a tour, but a memorable adventure. Gather your team, put on your detective hats, and get ready to see Belfast in a whole new light. 🕵️♀️✨ ✨ Book your Belfast scavenger hunt today and let the adventure begin! ✨ |
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Ink & Watercolour Workshop with Butterfly Conservation NI 🎨🦋 Get ready to unleash your creativity at our upcoming Ink & Watercolour Workshop! Join us for a day filled with vibrant colors and artistic inspiration as we partner with Butterfly Conservation NI to blend art with nature. This workshop is a unique opportunity to enhance your artistic skills while learning about the beautiful species of butterflies native to Northern Ireland. Our expert instructors will guide you through techniques of ink and watercolour painting, helping you capture the delicate beauty of these fascinating creatures. Spaces are limited, so be sure to keep an eye out for our next newsletter with more details on how to register! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a curious beginner, this workshop promises a day of fun, learning |
🌞 Summer is calling, and it's time to bask in the sun! As the days get longer, we know that thoughts of sandy beaches and sunlit getaways are dancing in our minds. Whether you're scrolling through dreamy destinations online or getting inspired by stunning travel photos on social media, the search for the perfect summer retreat is on. ✈️ For those jetting off from Northern Ireland, there's some exciting news on the horizon. The world's best beach has just been crowned, and it’s closer than you think! This idyllic spot is already a favorite among Belfast holiday goers, offering a slice of paradise that’s only a flight away. 🏖️ Pack your bags and grab your sunglasses; this is a summer escape you won't want to miss! |
World’s Best Beach Announced – A Favourite Destination for NI Holidaymakers! 🏖️ |
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: The Giant's Causeway in County Antrim. |