December 2024
Mackle Petfoods becomes the first large food manufacturer to sign up to the Real Living Wage.
Armagh pet food manufacturer, Mackle Petfoods, has become the first large food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to commit to paying the real Living Wage for employees. The company, which employs 275 staff across three sites in Moy and Dungannon, will now ensure all staff are paid the real Living Wage which is the only wage based on the cost of living, and is a voluntary commitment by businesses who believe their staff deserve a wage to meet their everyday needs. As a result, Mackle Petfoods will now pay all hourly-paid staff a minimum of £12.00 per hour increasing annually in line with wage rates set by the Living Wage Foundation.
Last month Mackle Petfoods gained accreditation as a company committed to paying the Real Living Wage, following a commitment to ensure all staff are paid a wage that reflects their work. It now joins 15,000 employers across the UK, and 121 in Northern Ireland signed up to paying the real Living Wage.
Commenting on the real Living Wage accreditation for Mackle Petfoods, Francesca Murray, HR Manager, said; “Mackle Petfoods are delighted to become the largest food manufacturer in Northern Ireland to make a commitment to pay the real Living Wage. All our staff are already paid above the National Minimum Wage as we recognise their importance within the company. Now by signing up to the real Living Wage, we will now pay all hourly salaried staff a minimum rate above the current Government Minimum Wage. *
This new rate indicates our company commitment to ensuring all staff are paid a fair wage for a fair days work and is an investment in our people as reflected in the salaries of all hourly paid staff. In addition to hourly paid staff, Mackle Petfoods will also ensure that any contractors we work with are paid the real Living Wage too.”
The company is currently recruiting for new staff in various areas, including production operatives. To learn more about Mackle Petfoods commitment to ensuring hourly paid staff earn a real Living Wage visit www.macklepetfoods.com.
The real Living Wage initiative was launched in Northern Ireland in June 2024, with 121 employers already signed up to participate. Across England, Scotland, and Wales. For more information about the Living Wage, visit www.livingwage.org.uk.
*The current National Minimum Wage is set at £10.24 for 2024.
December 2024
Killeen Castle wins Top Customer Excellence Award at Golfers’ Guide to Ireland Awards
Killeen Castle Golf Resort has been recognised nationally for its outstanding commitment to customer service, taking home the Customer Excellence Award at the esteemed Golfers’ Guide to Ireland 2024 Awards. The 31st edition of the coveted awards ceremony was held at the elegant Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort in Dundalk, where industry leaders, enthusiasts and guests gathered to celebrate the very best in Irish golf. The Golfers’ Guide to Ireland is the ultimate all-island directory for golf lovers.
Attendees included notable representatives from the Irish golf community- RTÉ’s golf correspondent, Greg Allen, and Guest of Honour, Des Smyth with Cormac Devlin TD (TBC) present for the prize giving.
Accepting the award on behalf of Killeen Castle, Philip Rock, General Manager, said: -
Killeen Castle’s team embarked on Fáilte Ireland Program Great Places to Work Program using the Global standard Best Workplaces methodology as its basis and their ambition is to build a great workplace culture, employee & customer service experience.
Receiving the Golfers Guide To Ireland Customer excellence award on behalf of the entire team at Killeen Castle is a true indication that the programme is proving a success and is bearing fruit
Having recently been awarded a Great Place to Work certification, he recognised the importance of their committed team members, “Our team members are trained in the delivery of excellence in customer service along with providing outstanding facilities. We are fortunate to retain the team that have successfully delivered a “world class Golf Resort”
Speaking on behalf of the Golfers’ Guide to Ireland, Paddy McCarthy noted that “The increase of online reviews and customer feedback has proven Killeen Castle worthy of this award for golf, F&B and their newly opened lodge accommodation.
Building on its reputation, Killeen Castle is set to embark on an exciting new chapter with plans to transform its 800-year-old castle into County Meath’s first five-star property, located just 30 minutes from Dublin Airport. This strategic investment will enhance its ability to offer unique guest experiences, further cementing its place as a leader in Irish hospitality and golf tourism.
The Customer Excellence Award serves as a testament to the quality that guests can expect at Killeen Castle. Whether it’s a round on the world-class Jack Nicklaus golf course, savouring locally-sourced produce under the guidance of Chef Declan Cronin, or an overnight stay in the luxurious new lodge accommodations, Killeen Castle promises an unforgettable experience.
Killeen Castle gift vouchers are the perfect gift for a loved one. Discover www.killeencastle.com.
November 2024
Armagh apple company Natural Umber launches in Marks & Spencer Stores across Ireland.
Local Armagh company, Natural Umber, who manufacture premium organic apple cider vinegar, have found their magic and sparkle early this year as the business is now being stocked by Marks & Spencer for the first time across 15 stores in Ireland. This exciting development will see Natural Umber available in the following M&S stores including the major Lisburn, Belfast, Dublin and Cork stores. The Natural Umber range will be available to purchase from the following stores from early November including:
- Boucher Rd, Belfast
- Lisburn
- Newtownbreda
- Malone Lisburn Rd
- Banbridge
- Newry The Quays
- Ballymena
- Belfast
- Bangor
- Abbey Centre, Belfast
- Omni Park, Dublin
- Liffey Valley, Dublin
- Cork
- Dundrum
- Blackrock
Luke Mackle, Director with Natural Umber, has welcomed this opportunity with Marks & Spencer, saying: "We are thrilled to be stocked by Marks & Spencer across Ireland. This is a significant milestone for Natural Umber, as it allows us to reach more customers who are seeking high-quality, organic products. Marks & Spencer's commitment to excellence and sustainability aligns perfectly with our own values, making this collaboration a natural healthy fit.
We are delighted to secure this partnership, which will also see Natural Umber added to the shelves across the UK in early 2025 as part of this opportunity with Marks & Spencer."
Natural Umber which has been awarded Gold in the Northern Ireland Great Taste Awards and Gold in the Blas na hÉireann Awards is renowned for its distinctive taste and superior quality. Produced from carefully selected organic apples, the apple cider vinegar is raw, unfiltered, and contains the 'mother' – a complex structure of beneficial acids that occur naturally as part of the fermentation process. The name "Natural Umber" reflects the rich, deep colour of the vinegar, distinguishing it from other products on the market.
This product not only enhances the flavour of dishes but also offers numerous healthy benefits, making it a versatile addition to any kitchen and healthy lifestyle. From salad dressings to marinades, Natural Umber is the go-to choice for those who value both taste and wellness.
For more information about Natural Umber and its many benefits, visit www.naturalumber.com.
November 2024
Relax and unwind this Winter at Killeen Castle
As the days and weeks draw closer to winter, and the twinkling lights and joys of Christmas beckon, Killeen Castle is the perfect spot for families and couples to enjoy the festive season and unwind in our glorious rural setting. Our new luxury Lodge Style guest accommodation offers the ideal getaway both before and after the Christmas rush.
It's the perfect winter escape for loved ones to gather and celebrate the season, superb base for Christmas Shopping or simply relax and unwind after all the festive cooking. Killeen Castle is also the perfect place to party as you celebrate the season of sparkle with a choice of two restaurants. We have your party season covered- gather your friends or colleagues for a festive celebration with delicious food and unforgettable live Christmas tunes from local bands. Dance, sing along, and soak in the holiday cheer.
For those wishing for a quieter holiday season, our new Lodge accommodation makes for the perfect place to relax and take in the gorgeous Winter landscape as you enjoy the serenity and surroundings of Killeen Castle and our 600-acre estate. Killeen Castle now holds a Failte Ireland Accreditation as a quality assured location for our gorgeous accommodation and recently all members of the management team completed the Failte Ireland Employer Excellence Programme and has been accredited as a Great Place to Work.
Our beautifully decorated bespoke guest lodges sleep up to 12 people and are suitable for romantic seasonal escapes or family holidays in December and the New Year, with cosy furnishings and accessories to create a ‘home away from home’ atmosphere and all the Christmas trimmings, we will even have the perfect tree up for you to capture that special moment.
Onsite there are many places to explore and enjoy including the new Killeen Castle Woodland Walks, now open to the public. Pop on your winter clothes, grab a map from reception and you're good to go out and explore our beautiful surroundings. Take a stroll around the estate and treat yourself to a tasty hot chocolate or tuck into a sumptuous lunch.
Our onsite restaurant Sixteen offers a range of culinary delights for you to indulge in, with exclusive festive menus during the Winter months. Savor a culinary adventure with dishes crafted by our Executive Head Chef, Declan Cronin, and his team—each plate bursting with unique seasonal flavors locally sourced from within the Boyne Valley.
Killeen Castle has a range of seasonal offers for winter and New Year breaks. Our popular 'Winter Warmer' package for two, starting from €200, includes:
● Overnight stay in luxury lodge accommodation
● Traditional Irish breakfast each morning
● Evening meal in Sixteen or The Kiln
● Access to 6km of ancient woodland walks
● Complimentary Wi-Fi and car parking
If you're looking for the perfect getaway gift, our gift vouchers make an ideal Christmas present and are available for purchase on our website. Learn More
Wrap up warm and grab your clubs to enjoy a world-class golfing experience at our Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. Our Residential Stay and Play Golf packages offer exceptional value this Winter too – so all the more reason to perfect your swing. Book Now
Located just 30 minutes from Dublin, Killeen Castle is the perfect spot to explore the Hill of Tara, Newgrange, or enjoy a family day out at Emerald Park’s Christmas ‘Jingle Fest’.
November 2024
Ballet legend Joanna Banks brings her Ballet Story back to Belfast
Creative Company darach9 will next weekend present’ A Day with Joanna’ as the legendary Joanna Banks ballet master joins the company on a visit to Belfast on Sunday 1 December 2024. Dublin based Joanna who has trained and performed at the highest levels in ballet and danced the world over, will bring attendees on a journey of her dance career and life travelling the world to perform from her personal perspective. A renowned dancer, Joanna will spend the afternoon in the MAC in Belfast sharing stories of her experiences creating artistry in Ireland and dancing and curating around the globe. During the afternoon Joanna will undertake a Ballet Masterclass which has already sold out.
In conversation with Joanna, attendees will be taken on a journey from a dancer’s perspective hosted by with Professor Aoife McGrath. London-born Joanna trained at The Royal Ballet School and subsequently joined The Royal Ballet upon graduation. From here Joanna went on to perform with Rambert, Bavarian State Ballet and The National Ballet of Canada, Bayerisches Staatsballett Munich and Irish National Ballet performing both soloist and principal roles. Joanna was also Artistic Director and Senior Ballet teacher at the College of Dance for 25 years.
Speaking to Aoife, Joanna will share her experiences of the dynamic dance history of our island, right up to where she founded Dance Ireland, and has continued to perform with Irish Modern Dance Theatre, United Fall, Dead Centre Theatre Company and most recently Company Phillip Connaughton in "Trojans". Only last month Joanna was performing Lippy, the award-winning story of an aunt and three sisters from Dublin who enter into a suicide pact lasting 40 days, in Caragiale National Theatre in Bucharest. Joanna will focus on the amazing longevity of her dance profession, which included dancing in the Grand Opera House in Belfast with the Royal Ballet in 1956 and again in 1958, in a career which has spanned over 8 decades.
Commenting ahead of Joanna’s visit to Belfast, Clare Novaes, Founder of darach9 Creative Company, says; "We are honoured to have Joanna Banks here, to speak with Professor Aoife McGrath, and it's thrilling and not surprising that our earlier Dance Masterclass with Joanna is sold out. Joanna's extensive experience connects us with a lineage of ballet masters like Marie Rambert, Eileen Ward, and Alicia Markova. Living in Ireland, she continues to be integral to the progress of dance here. She is a founding member of Dance Ireland and set up The College of Dance which she ran for 25 years. In this pivotal role, Joanna inspires the next generations of dancers, dance leaders and educators.
In her chat with Aoife, Joanna will share her extensive experience discussing how the ballet taught today has been shaped. We are thrilled to have her visit and know it will be a really insightful and enriching day for everyone who has ever danced, or who simply loves ballet to attend and join the company of this fabulous woman. We are really honoured to welcome Joanna to Belfast and are grateful to Creative Catalyst and Innovate UK for their support,” Clare added.
This event launches Darach9, a new creative company based in Northern Ireland providing masterclasses for dancers and actors and is supported by Creative Catalyst and Innovate UK.
October 2024
Award winning Tyrone probiotic drinks company Moocha Kombucha secures Tesco Northern Ireland partnership.
Local County Tyrone business, Moocha Kombucha has ‘mooch’ to celebrate this week as it announces a major deal with UK retailer Tesco to stock its Moocha Kombucha range across 14 Tesco stores in Northern Ireland from this week. The multi award winning probiotic drink which is made using the highest quality organic ingredients is packed with probiotics and antioxidants, supporting good digestive health and wellbeing, and comes in a range of flavours launched in Tesco as part of its healthy food and drinks selection last Friday. Tesco NI stores will now offer three flavours of Moocha Kombucha for sale, as part of its lunch and food to go ‘meal deals’, including Elderflower and Lemon, Cola and Mixed Berry in 250ml cans, all containing over 3 billion live cultures per can!
Founded in 2020 by Benburb native Bronagh Quail, Moocha Kombucha, an organic certified kombucha using only certified organic ingredients, was created after Bronagh saw an opening for a healthy tea-based drink which was good for gut and overall health and wellbeing. On her travels to Australia in 2009, Bronagh became unwell, mainly as a result of travelling on a shoestring, and not eating well enough (in her own words) resulting in illness. A visit to a natural herbalist introduced Bronagh to her first kombucha and herbal drinks, and on returning to Ireland and working for nearly a decade in design, Bronagh revisited the moment her life changed and decided to try her hand in drinks and create her first SCOBY (symbiotic Culture of bacteria and yeast) to create her new Kombucha drinks.
It is fair to say its been a really healthy decision for her and her business ever since. Since starting the kombucha at her kitchen table in Benburb and attending farmers markets across the province, Bronagh has now grown Moocha Kombucha into over 140 retail, cafes, delis and local health shops, and now retailing in 14 Tesco stores here in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the partnership with Tesco Northern Ireland, Bronagh said; “I am so excited by this partnership with Tesco and Moocha Kombucha. As a small family run company, it is a real moment of pride to see my drinks range on the shelves in Tesco as part of everyday ‘food to go’ meal deals and drinks for sale.
This is the first time Tesco NI have incorporated a kombucha into food to go, which makes me even more thrilled to be part of this with Moocha Kombucha. It fits in perfectly with Tesco’s focus on healthy food and drinks, and I am sure the three flavours of organic Elderflower and Lemon, Cola and Mixed Berry will be big hit with customers. Each can is bursting with flavour and over 3 billion live cultures, making it the perfect drink to incorporate into daily routines for people on the go.”
Welcoming Moocha Kombucha to its stores as part of its ‘food to go range’, David Thompson, Buyer from Tesco Northern Ireland added; “I am delighted to help launch Moocha Kombucha into Tesco NI. Bronagh and the team have worked tirelessly to perfect a delicious, award-winning, NI Based drink. It’s a pleasure to be able to work with them and be part of their journey.”
Last month, Moocha Kombucha won the Gold Award for drinks presse at this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards hot on the heels of having received the Micro Business of the Year at the Northern Ireland Food & Drink Awards in spring 2024.
September 2024
Louise McDonnell opens 24,000 square foot LMD Beauty Superstore in Ballymena.
Local Magherafelt businesswoman and social media powerhouse Louise McDonnell will this week open the first ever LMD Beauty Superstore in Northern Ireland bringing together her own LMD Cosmetics brand alongside other major international beauty brands she has worked with since launching her career. The new Superstore located at the Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena, will employ 12 staff.
Mum of one Louise, who first began undertaking makeup classes in her utility room in 2008, has forged her career as a professional make-up artist and has made up thousands of faces in that time. Louise is renowned for her expertise and makeup artistry, having worked on many famous faces, including Lauren Goodger, Chloe Ferry, Katie Price, and SoSu Cosmetics/Dripping Gold CEO and social media sensation Suzanne Jackson, as well as working to create the perfect look for thousands of brides and bridal parties, and people who just love makeup.
Already Louise owns 3 companies, Louise McDonnell (content creator brand), LMD Cosmetics (beauty products and accessories) and now the opening of LMD Beauty in Ballymena will see the merging of two previous store sites from Magherafelt and Ballymena into one large Superstore.
Commenting ahead of the launch of LMD Beauty Superstore, Louise said;
“This is beyond my wildest dreams, from starting out in my dad’s house, to now owning the largest independent beauty store in Northern Ireland, I am really excited and grateful in equal measure! Our new 24,000 square foot LMD Beauty Superstore will provide free 15-minute match up consultations in the main store, house our offices and have a content room where any business can come and use the space to create content for their channels – complete with movement for backdrops,
professional photos and props. I have worked with so many excellent brands so alongside my own, I am delighted to bring them all to Ballymena, and to also have some very exclusive brands in store too.
I fully understand how important the store will be as a business, and I want to use it to support businesses too, especially those wanting to create content for social media. I am really excited about the future and looking forward to working with our brilliant talented team on developing the next chapter of LMD here from Ballymena.” Louise added.
Within her business Louise currently works with major brands including BPerfect, Bellamianta, Azio Beauty and Polished London, among others and bases her partnerships on brands she believes in. Louise created her own brand LMD Cosmetics which has over 20 lines, reflecting Louise’ loves of the opportunity to create, and share makeup and beauty products that she knows customers love and will use every day. Keen to ensure she is creating products for the everyday girl to get their make-up done and teach them how to do it - Louise has created a brand that is relevant, affordable, and fun.
With the opening of her Superstore in Ballymena, akin to the likes of Sephora, Louise will now become the only independently owned beauty Superstore curated by a make-up artist selling key brands. Louise will exclusively stock a number of brands in Northern Ireland only, as well as teaching through classes and courses tips on make-up, and classes on becoming a MUA, how to undertake bridal makeup and learning how to take the professional makeup look home.
Louise who is preparing for her own big event her wedding to her partner Neil in 2025 and has one daughter Alara age 3 employs 8 staff alongside herself in the business, and as a result of the new store opening has added a further 3 employees, bringing her staff team to 12. The expansion in the business by Louise has seen her staff from Magherafelt joining with the team in Ballymena and growing, bringing the two businesses into one large retail space.
The new LMD Beauty Superstore will officially open at 6pm on Thursday 12 September 2024 in Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena with hundreds of beauty lovers and an array of social media stars and business owners expected to attend.
The beauty Superstore will open daily from 9am to 6pm Monday to Wednesday, and Saturday, and on Sundays from 1 pm to 6 pm with late night opening on Thursdays and Friday to 9pm. For information on LMD or the store visit www.lmdbeauty.com.
September 2024
Gold for Moocha Kombucha at Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards in Dublin.
Tyrone company Moocha Kombucha is celebrating this week after the drinks company won the Gold Award for drinks presse at this year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards.
The healthy drinks business owned by Bronagh Quail was the only Northern Ireland independent drinks company to win in its category at this year‘s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards which was held in Dublin. Now in its 11th year, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards is well-recognised badge of excellence amongst customers and the food and drink community across the island of Ireland.
An awards ceremony was held on Tuesday 7 September 2024 at The Mansion House, Dublin where Moocha Kombucha was awarded Gold in the Soft Drinks - Carbonates, Cordial & Presse category for its Cola Kombucha.
Made from a delicious hand-crafted blend of Organic green tea infused with warming spices such as Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Orange Peel, and an additional 3 billion live probiotic cultures in every can, the new sparkling cola flavour kombucha pays homage to the retro cola we all know and love. It is vegan, gluten free and brewed the traditional way on the farm in Tyrone.
Commenting on the Gold Awards Bronagh Quail, owner of Moocha Kombucha, said; “This is an amazing award for us to win for our small family run business. We are absolutely thrilled as we were in such prestigious company on the shortlist. The award is a reflection of the focus and quality behind Moocha Kombucha - and my ambition for it. Everything we create and make is focused on helping people, with health and well-being. The Cola Kombucha which contains so many lovely healthy ingredients has many benefits for gut and health. It is currently stocked across many health shops and food shops in Ireland and Northern Ireland and in a few weeks' time we will be stocking it alongside other Moocha Kombucha products in Tesco stores across Northern Ireland which is something else to shout about and celebrate!”
Moocha Kombucha was established by Bronagh in 2020 and is available across health and retail as well as online.
August 2024
Live Music Now delivers series of concerts for older people living with dementia with Belfast Health & Social Care Trust.
Northern Ireland based charity Live Music Now is tapping its toes as a series of concerts commences across Greater Belfast in partnership with the local Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The project aims to tackle loneliness as well as promote positive mental health and well-being among older people through engagement with the arts, and is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s, National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme, a pioneering initiative, funded by The National Lottery and the Public Health Agency. Being held during August and September in day centres in the Trust area, the concerts aim to support older people living with dementia to access music and help provide social interaction and wellbeing support through music.
Since September 2023 the charity has delivered 24 participatory concerts and 6 ambient music sessions to over 80 people living with dementia across three-day centres within the Trust and another 72 short music sessions for individuals who couldn’t take part in a group activity, instead receiving 1-2-1 music sessions.
Eight concerts are planned through August and September facilitated by musicians who have recently joined the Live Music Now charity. The scheme is focused on providing access to live music to older people living with dementia, facilitating social interaction and stimulating creativity among older people, and alongside building capacity and skill within musicians through specialist training.
Commenting on the series of concerts, Margaret Kelly, Project Manager for Live Music Now in Northern Ireland says; “We are delighted to be bringing music and new musicians to older people living with dementia through this pilot project with the Belfast Trust. In the weeks ahead, we will bring 8 concerts to day centres across the Greater Belfast area, using new and existing musicians from Live Music Now.
We know already from interim evaluation that music for people living with dementia helps improve mood and encourages participation and engagement during and post the music workshops. Staff have told us how participants are happier, with many singing and taking part in the concerts, as well as how the music helps create conversation and reminiscence for many participants during and after. Alongside the many benefits for those participating, we also know the importance of such pilots as ways to make day centre environments happier and healthier places for all staff and users.” Margaret added.
The series of 8 concerts being delivered throughout August will be facilitated by some of our 16 new musicians who joined Live Music Now in April 2024. They will be mentored by Live Music Now musician and mentor Hannah Murray who has been with the charity for several years. The concerts will be undertaken across day centres across Belfast and Saintfield and are supported by the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency.
Welcoming the concerts, Paula McHugh, Arts in Health Manager with Belfast Health & Social Care Trust said; “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Live Music Now, their musicians consistently deliver high quality uplifting music within our older people’s settings, responding to the needs of the people in our care, our staff and services. Engagement in music is a particularly powerful way to support the wellbeing of those living with dementia.”
Lorraine Calderwood, Arts Development Officer, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, added, “Thanks to The National Lottery players and the Public Health Agency, we’re delighted to support Live Music Now with this project. Research has proven that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well as aid in relieving stress. The National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for older people to take part in arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. The arts have a vital role to play in helping our older people find their voice, bring people together and promote positive physical and mental health - funding from The National Lottery has been a game changer in helping us achieve that.”
The project has been supported by the National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme.
August 2024
New commission by Belfast composer at Clandeboye Festival to celebrate 25 years of Camerata Ireland, as 12 young musicians join Camerata Academy.
Camerata Ireland, the leading all-island orchestra is this year celebrating its 25th anniversary with an 8-day festival planned in August. Founded by world-renowned pianist Barry Douglas in response to the Good Friday Agreement, the orchestra has already embarked on a celebratory season, undertaking performances in venues from New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall to the National Concert Hall, Dublin. A major tour of China is planned for later in the year. To add to the celebration year, Camerata Ireland was honoured to hear that His Majesty King Charles would take forward joint patronage of the orchestra with President Michael D Higgins, carrying on the tradition started by his mother, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and President of Ireland Mary McAleese since 2004.
Camerata Ireland’s celebrations will continue in August when they return to perform at the Clandeboye Festival which takes place in the historical Clandeboye Estate on the outskirts of Bangor. Founded by Douglas in 2001 to showcase the very best international guest artists along with homegrown musical talent, the 2024 Clandeboye Festival, themed “Colourful Connections”, takes place this year from 17-24 August with a rich programme planned. As well as 2 performances by Camerata Ireland featuring Barry Douglas as soloist, the festival will showcase a stellar line up of internationally renowned guest soloists and homegrown talent, with 13 lunchtime, afternoon and evening concerts taking place in the unique and intimate setting of the Banqueting Hall and Chapel at Clandeboye.
Commenting on the 25th anniversary year and the upcoming festival, Founder and Artistic Director Barry Douglas said; “I founded Camerata Ireland to celebrate the Good Friday Agreement by bringing together the most talented musicians from Ireland and Northern Ireland, so this joint support from the King and President of Ireland is hugely important, especially in this our silver jubilee year. The last 25 years have been incredible - we have performed all over the world, showcasing the amazing talent on this island as well as supporting the careers of so many young musicians, and we are delighted to bring all of this together to the Clandeboye Festival next month, to perform ‘Colourful Connections’ which will see world-class performers coming together to work with students at the Academy, and undertake a series of concerts over the festival.”
Special guests joining this year’s festival include the amazing talents of Michael McHale, (piano), TianXu An (piano), Mihaela Martin (violin), Michael d'Arcy (violin), Ed Creedon (viola), Arto Noras (cello), Michel Lethiec (clarinet), Ailish Tynan (soprano), Richard Watkins (French horn), Eimear McGeown (Irish flute), Richard Allen (harp), Aisling Agnew (flute) and many more!
The festival will cater to all musical tastes, with concerts featuring much-loved music by Brahms, Schubert, Mahler and Mozart, a Family Concert, an Irish Flute recital and a concert celebrating the connection between music and poetry, featuring Belfast harpist Richard Allen and County Down actor Jake Douglas. Camerata Ireland will perform the world premiere of a new work by Belfast composer Greg Caffrey featuring Belfast flautist Aisling Agnew. The commission has been supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery Funding in honour of the orchestra’s 25th anniversary.
"We are very excited to be back in Clandeboye and to welcome our wonderful audiences to the 2024 Clandeboye Festival. The theme of the festival this year “Colourful Connections” reflects the amazing fact that we are all connected, humanly and culturally. This year we are privileged to welcome a brand-new commission of great music from Greg Caffrey, supported by the Arts Council. Greg is a giant presence in Northern Ireland who has so much to say through the language of music, and we are excited to bring this piece to our audiences.” Barry added.
Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music and Opera at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented, “A warm congratulations to Barry Douglas and the team at Camerata Ireland as they mark their 25th anniversary. During this period, Camerata Ireland has been instrumental in bringing the highest quality chamber and orchestral music to audiences across the island of Ireland, creating work for some of our finest young local musicians performing in prestigious venues to diverse audiences and showcasing the best of musical talent from these shores on the international stage. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is hugely proud to support Camerata Ireland and the 2024 Clandeboye Festival which features an array of internationally renowned musicians for audiences to enjoy in the beautiful surroundings of Clandeboye Estate. This important festival not only brings world-class performers from NI and beyond together, but it also offers a vital teaching and performance platform for young, exceptional musicians, helping to develop the next generation and secure a future for classical music to be celebrated and showcased. The Arts Council is also delighted this year to support a new work by our Major Individual Artist awardee, Greg Caffrey, with game-changing funding from our National Lottery Commissioning Programme, sure to be a festival highlight. I would encourage all music lovers to go along and support this wonderful organisation and celebration of classical music this August.”
Greg Caffrey composer added, "I’m delighted to have been commissioned for Camerata Ireland’s 25th celebratory season. As we all know this is a very special orchestra, set up as a response to the Good Friday Agreement. Consequently, Camerata’s music does what all the best music of the world should do; it brings us together in a spirit of hope and positivity, whether playing Mozart, Beethoven or a brand-new work such as my Environments IV.”
Central to the ethos of the Clandeboye Festival is its young artist programme, the Camerata Ireland Academy, and this year, 12 promising young musicians from across Ireland will have the unique opportunity to stay at Clandeboye for the week. participating in masterclasses led by the renowned guest soloists, among them Anna Gregg, a young soprano from Holywood. The festival will showcase many of the Academy’s alumni, including flautist Eimear McGeown from Armagh and Belfast pianist Michael McHale.
“Our young Clandeboye students are at that beautiful threshold in their artistic journey as they build a future which will inspire us all for years to come. Our audiences love to see these talented young musicians return later as soloists, or orchestral players, knowing they witnessed the start of their journey right here at Clandeboye.” Barry concluded.
The festival is supported by Camerata Ireland’s principal sponsors, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Ards and North Down Borough Council, Randox, the Dufferin Foundation and RTÉ Supporting the Arts. This year, the Clandeboye Festival is also supported by a generous legacy from long-term festival attendee Louise Cooke, and the Young Musicians’ Showcase will be dedicated in her honour. Lady Dufferin, instrumental in the festival’s founding, is also remembered in the title of the opening concert and the continued support of the Dufferin Foundation.
The Clandeboye Festival takes place from 17-24 August in the historic surroundings of the Clandeboye Estate Co. Down. Over 8 days, there will be the opportunity to enjoy incredible music making in the intimate settings of the Banqueting Hall and Chapel at Clandeboye with 13 lunchtime and evening concerts planned.
A closing concert and banquet of the Clandeboye Festival will take place on Saturday 24 August, with audiences enjoying a concert featuring Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland, as well as a drinks reception and dinner in the Banqueting Hall at Clandeboye.
Booking for all concerts is available online via camerata-ireland.com/clandeboye2024 and from the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre.