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Another new post! Every Sunday I’ll be bringing you my pick of cultural, crafty and creative happenings in Northern Ireland during the week ahead. You can also check The Patchwork Quill’s What’s On calendar at any time for upcoming and recurring events in the days, weeks and months ahead.
Do get in touch if you know of anything I should be including here. I’m very conscious that most of the things that catch my eye are Lisburn- or Belfast-centric – I want to learn more about what’s happening in the rest of the country and include a wide variety of events from across NI, so please point me in the right direction!
Belfast Restaurant Week – Belfast, Sat 5 – Sat 12 October
Monday sees the city’s week long food-lovers’ festival entering its third day. Restaurants and eateries across the city are hosting events and putting on special dishes and offers, with the opening event, Taste and Dine at City Hall, launched on Saturday by Celebrity Masterchef finalist Hardeep Singh Kholi. A range of events have already taken place over the weekend, including a lunch and book reading in Ryan’s Bar, hosted by local author AGR Moore (subject of the most recent PQ Q&A).
Download the full programme and check the website for updates.
The Cinemagic Festival – Fri 4 October – Friday 18 October
The annual International Film and Television festival for young people kicked off in Belfast on Friday but there is still nearly a fortnight of screenings, workshops and events to be enjoyed. There is an educational element aimed at nursery, primary and post-primary children; a schedule for children and families and programmes for both young people between the ages of 12 and 16, and for those between 16 and 25.
Check out the website to see what events are on this week.
MADE festival at The MAC – 7 October – 13 October
For the second year in a row, the MAC has been handed over to 14 to 18 year olds to present Music, Art, Dance, Everything. There are free exhibitions on all week, such as the Craftivism: Craftivist Exhibition, and paid workshops including Stop Motion Animation workshops for the princely sum of £3.
See the website for the full programme.
Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts and Film Festival – Throughout NI, Thurs 10 – Sun 13 October
The first ever NIMHAFF will be a celebration of mental health, that also challenges stigma and encourages recovery and wellbeing. Northern Ireland is the last region of the UK to have an arts festival focused specifically on mental health, and it’s hoped it will become a popular annual fixture. Events range from the serious and thought-provoking to lighthearted and fun and everything is free of charge.
Visit the website and Facebook page for more information and the full programme.
Improve Your Home Show – Belfast, Sat 12 and Sun 13 October
This year’s two-day roadshow is split into five zones – Living Space; Energy & Technology; Kitchens & Bathrooms; Gardens & Outdoor Space and Interiors. This year, Habitat for Humanity will be at the show – the building charity will be accepting donations to their Habitat Restore shop, as well as showcasing what can be done with the furniture and home improvement materials they sell at knockdown prices.
Visit the website. Tickets are £6 and can be bought here, or sponsors Phoenix Gas are offering free tickets if you sign up for their mailing list.
ReFound Pop Up Home – Belfast, Sat 12 and Sun 13 October
Artistic upcycling collective, and Patchwork Quill favourite, ReFound is transforming its Wellington Place showroom into a pop-up house this weekend. There’s a cocktail reception on Saturday and everyone is invited to ‘pop in’ and view a host of new products and collections to inspire your own home décor.
Visit the Facebook events page to find out more.