Belfast News Captions

On 29 July 2024 the Chancellor of the Exchequer announced that entitlement to Winter Fuel Payments in England and Wales would be restricted to those people receiving Pension Credit or other means-tested benefits only. With Northern Ireland once again at the mercy of Westminster, NI Communities Minister Gordon Lyons confirmed on the 30th August that the same policy will apply here. With the UK braced for a severe winter, will the United Kingdom hold Labour to account for the pain they are to inflict on pensioners while they live in comfort? Watch This Space!

Updated: 2024-10-05

Why not visit Old MacDonald’s Farm when it visits the Alley Theatre later this month with a show guaranteed to put a smile on the faces of the littlest members of the family. Adventures on Old MacDonald’s Farm tells the tale of Sammy Scarecrow as he is enjoying his first day on the farm. The popular show is returning to the Strabane venue after selling out last year. With an original script and some new songs written for this production, along with many singalong favourites, this professionally produced show brought to you by DreamWorld Promotions is suitable for children aged 1-9 years old. The date: Saturday, 26 October at 3pm - Tickets are £10 (family of four £35) visit alley-theatre.com or call the box office on 028 71 384444

Updated: 2024-10-04

The Autumn Fair returned to Belfast's Botanic Gardens on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. Organised by Belfast City Council, this seasonal event featured the popular Autumn Flower Show with prize-winning blooms, floral art, and seasonal vegetables. Visitors enjoyed local produce and crafts from various stalls, including a "Sustainable Living Emporium" offering eco-friendly tips, and a range of free activities, including food demonstrations, dancing, arts and crafts, and carnival rides.

Updated: 2024-09-15

Enjoy a symphony of food, live music and speciality market stalls in Crescent Gardens this month with ‘Symphony Sunday’ organised by Belfast City Council. Lord Mayor, Councillor Micky Murray, said: “We have had a number of top events in our parks this year including Spring Fest and Summer Rose Fair, and, Symphony Sunday at Crescent Gardens will be another one. It will have a retro feel and relaxed picnic-style celebrating our local artisans and market traders who will be selling tasty food and unique, handmade products. So come along on Sunday 25 August (1pm to 5pm), browse the different stalls, listen to some live music and enjoy a great afternoon with family and friends!” Photo Caption: Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray is joined by Seán Smyth and Susie Kerr from council’s park events team to launch Symphony Sunday taking place at Crescent Gardens on Sunday 25 August (1pm – 5pm).

Updated: 2024-08-16

Despite the challenging conditions, one team secured the bragging rights amongst players and celebrities after today’s ISPS Handa World Invitational Pro-am at Galgorm Castle and Massereene Golf Club. It was perfectly scripted for the celebrity pro-am was won by actor James Nesbitt and his playing partners AP McCoy, Pat Jennings and their professional Cormac Sharvin from Ardglass. The ISPS Handa Celebrity team won with an impressive 29-under par score. They denied the Abbey Bond Lovis team of Germany’s Laura Fuenfstueck (pro), Gary Crabbe, Maurice Boyd and Shaun Fleck by one shot. The $500,000 ISPS Handa World Invitational Men | Women, presented by Modest! Golf gets underway tomorrow at Galgorm Castle and Massereene Golf Club.

Updated: 2019-08-15

The NSPCC Northern Ireland extend their gratitude to Belfast during their second Childhood Day. Every day across Northern Ireland, the NSPCC is helping children and urgently seek your help. Thinking about volunteering email northernirelandappeals@nspcc.org.uk or call 028 9035 1135

Updated: 2019-08-11

Alastair Hamilton was welcomed to Mossley Mill by Mayor, Alderman Smyth for a farewell lunch where he was presented with a gift as he leaves his post at Invest NI. (L-R) Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Chief Executive, Mrs Jacqui Dixon; Alastair Hamilton, Invest NI; Alderman Philip Brett; Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth and Director of Economic Development and Planning, Ms Majella McAlister.

Updated: 2019-08-10

NI Water has picked up the award for ‘Best Health and Well-being Initiatives’ at the CIPD business awards held on Thursday 16th May at Titanic Belfast. This win has illustrated NI Water’s comprehensive programme of health & wellbeing initiatives which are designed to be innovative, to attract and retain talent, reduce sick absence, improve wellness, health awareness and support the workforce. Photo Caption (left to right) Cate Conway, Q Radio, John Conaghan, Inspire Wellbeing – Award Sponsor, Alison Sweeney, Health & Wellbeing Manager and Kathleen Simpson, Head of Customer Support.

Updated: 2019-05-22

The annual Ballyclare May Fair runs until Saturday 25 May. Don’t forget to bring your furry friends to Ballyclare Town Hall on Wednesday 22 May for the annual pet show at 6pm. Then from 7pm, everyone will get to enjoy half price amusements as well as enjoy the Taste of the Borough with local musicians in the Town Hall. If you fancy your chances in this year’s Soap Box Derby, then join us on Thursday 22 May at 6.30pm when Ballyeaston Road will become a mini race track as competitors race against each other to be crowned champion.

Updated: 2019-05-22

Earlier today, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth attended Northern Ireland’s Largest Agricultural Event, The Balmoral Show. Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will be hosting a number of businesses at the Council’s stand over the next few days to promote their products and services, including Bee Keeping. The Balmoral Show will be taking place from Wednesday 15th May to Saturday 18th May. For more information visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk

Updated: 2019-05-16

Councillor Jim Rodgers, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and Mr John Davidson, H&W Welders FC Treasurer, kick off the first phase of a £2.3 million development at the Blanchflower Playing Fields. The 15-month project, supported by the council’s Belfast Investment Fund, will develop an Irish Football Association standard pitch, pavilion and associated facilities for the Welders club. In addition, council is also investing £1.1million to develop a 3G pitch for the local community on the site as part of their £325 million capital investment programme for the city. Find out more at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investment

Updated: 2018-11-22

Excitement builds ahead of 4th annual Friendship Four Ice Hockey tournament, returning to the SSE Arena Belfast 23-24 November. Belfast Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey joined (Picture L-R) Josh Hagwell, representing the Eastern College Athletic Conference; MaryJo McCanny, Director of Visitor Services at Visit Belfast and Shane Johnston, Project Manager of the Friendship Four to officially unveil the new Visit Belfast window dressing to promote the event. The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) tournament will see teams from Yale University, Union College, Boston University and University of Connecticut take to the ice to battle it out for the coveted Belpot trophy. The tournament is a working outcome of the Sister Cities Agreement between Belfast and Boston signed in 2014, which aims to develop economic, trade and investment, tourism, youth, cultural, faith based exchange and educational linkages between the two cities. Visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/friendshipfour

Updated: 2018-11-13

It’s a tough few weeks ahead for thousands of children as they sit the transfer test and NI Water want to wish all of them the best of luck! Pictured Primary school children from St Malachy’s, Bangor support NI Water’s commitment to reducing plastic waste and refilling from the tap!

Updated: 2018-11-12

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael was joined by Chief Executive, Mrs Jacqui Dixon in welcoming HMLL Mrs Joan Christie CVO OBE for a reception at Antrim Civic Centre for Air Vice-Marshal David Niven and Mrs Lynn Niven. During the reception, Air Vice-Marshal David Niven was presented a small gift, in appreciation of his service with the Royal Air Force and to mark his forthcoming retirement. The Air Vice-Marshall is the most senior RAF officer in Northern Ireland and lives locally.

Updated: 2018-11-09

Mid Ulster District Council Chair, Councillor Sean McPeake has opened Books of Condolence in memory of Ballymoney rider William Dunlop, who was tragically killed during a practice session at the Skerries 100 in County Dublin on Saturday 7th July 2018. Councillor McPeake expressed his deepest condolences and deepest sympathies to the Dunlop family. Photo Caption: Councillor Sean McPeake signs the Book of Condolence in memory of William Dunlop in the Burnavon, Cookstown

Updated: 2018-07-11

Congratulations to KFC on going meat free! Thanks to a new supplier its reported that the chicken food chain can't get its chicken to its stores throughout the UK, although its reported the news for Northern Ireland isn't as bad. The Question for many, is are KFC paying their staff for the hours on this weeks rota or have they failed to pay them because they are on zero hour contracts? Is there a new PR nightmare ahead for this chicken free Corp?

Updated: 2018-02-21

Chris Cole, Technical Learning and Development Advisor (right) shows Jack Reynolds (far left) and Toby Wright (left) how to search for leaks. You're Hired! NI Water apprentices complete their training.

Updated: 2018-01-30

Fifteen Survitec employees recently completed an Institute of Leadership and Management accredited Train the Trainer qualification at South Eastern Regional College. The training was delivered in-house at the company’s Dunmurry Office. The course was designed to ultimately enable delegates to build their skills and confidence in training session planning, design, delivery and evaluation. Train The Trainer provides delegates with the skills to design, train, assess and track effective training programmes. Delegates learnt how to design training for groups of varying sizes, learning styles and experience. For more information or to enrol onto the course please contact SERCs Business Services team on 0345 600 7555.

Updated: 2018-01-24

The SSE Arena, Belfast has today launched a partnership with Belfast’s newest hotel destination: the iconic Titanic Hotel Belfast. With over 600,000 visitors every year to The SSE Arena, Belfast the business partnership will create opportunities for customers to avail of many exclusive offers. Situated in the heart of the Titanic Quarter and just minutes from the venue, Titanic Hotel Belfast is a transformation of the legendary Harland & Wolff headquarters and spectacular Drawing Offices. The close proximity to The SSE Arena, Belfast offers customers the chance to experience a live show and then relax in the comfort of the world’s most authentic Titanic themed hotel.

Updated: 2018-01-12

Over a 100 members from Better Gym Connswater took part in a series of activiries aimed at raising money for Cash for Kids Christmas appeal. Classes included Spin, Bootcamp, Booty Beats Dance and Boxfit. Food and treats were donated by local business Sweet Robyn’s Healthy Bakery, with even Santa marking a appearance, couresy of the East Belfast Fire Brigade. Congratulations to event organiser Charlotte Rice and all the staff who supported the event.

Updated: 2017-12-19

Down Royal Racecourse in Co. Down has been named ‘Racecourse of the Year’ at a prestigious award ceremony celebrating the best of Irish horse racing. The winners in the annual Horse Racing Ireland Awards were announced at a reception at Leopardstown Racecourse. Picking up the award for the first time in the awards 15-year history judges said Down Royal was ‘one of the most popular and progressive racecourses in the country. The racecourse has undergone a huge amount of development and improvement over the past decade, and hosts the first Grade 1 race of the jumps season every year’. Pictured with Down Royal manager Mike Todd are the racecourse management and ground staff team. Photo by William Cherry / Press Eye

Updated: 2017-12-15