Belfast Artists, Meet Ink Monkey

Ink Monkey is an art supply store with character. Just three minutes walk from the Art College in Belfast, the North Street store is a quirky one stop shop for all your art materials. Owners Jenn & Tommy invited us to pop in on Saturday and meet the giant TRex that resides in their shop window.  

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Students get 10% discount all year round, and as well as every art supply you'd need, they also stock handmade gifts such as vintage tea cup candles and vinyl record clocks. So why not pay them a visit, or catch up with them on social media 

Facebook.com/inkmonkeybelfast  Twitter.com/inkmonkeyholla Instagram @inkmonkeybelfast


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Jenn & Tommy

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Dame May McFettridge Celebrates 25 Years in Pantomime

If you're from Northern Ireland you knew the comedy character May McFettridge years before Mrs Brown's Boys ever appeared. She's a national treasure and this year marks 25 years of her appearance as the dame in the yearly Grand Opera House, Belfast, Pantomime. 

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In celebration the BBCNI website has tracked down the posters from each year, but are missing some of them from the early 90s. Could you help? Click through to see the whole gallery, and to contact them if you have the old programs by any chance. 

I went to this one, the year means I must have been 14. I remember May throwing packets of Cadbury's buttons into the audience.

I went to this one, the year means I must have been 14. I remember May throwing packets of Cadbury's buttons into the audience.

A very fresh-faced Julian Simmons

A very fresh-faced Julian Simmons

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Europe's Largest Trampoline Park Bounces Open on the 19th December, in Belfast

Tonight Michael & I giddily attended the launch of Europe's biggest trampoline park, in South Belfast. The We Are Vertigo adventure park already boasts indoor skiing, a Swiss chalet themed soft play area and lots of clip & climb, as well as a huge indoor zip wire.

Their newest addition is their massive trampoline adventure centre, and we went along to try it out this evening. 

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My son bounced for about 90 minutes solidly. There are jousting areas, dodgeball courts, stunt areas and square feet of just good old trampolines. I even popped on the special trampoline socklets & gave it a go, although my M.E. is going to make me regret that in the morning!

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The park opens to the public tomorrow, 19th December, and if bouncing isn't for you, there is a spacious cafe both on the ground floor, and overlooking the bouncing area so you can keep an eye on little ones. I would imagine Vertigo will be quite busy over the Christmas period, but you can book your session online to ensure entrance and avoid disappointment.

The MAC Gets Arty with Food

Saturday 4 October  will see the multi award-winning 'Canteen' restaurant, located in the heart of the MAC, Belfast, kick-off a bountiful weeklong series of food and drink events to rival any in the city.

Sean McCann, Head Chef at Canteen at the MAC is pictured alongside award-winning guest chef, Joery Castel who will  be holding a  special Art of Food & Wine night, on Thursday 9th October. 

Sean McCann, Head Chef at Canteen at the MAC is pictured alongside award-winning guest chef, Joery Castel who will  be holding a  special Art of Food & Wine night, on Thursday 9th October

Sharon Wright, director JRS Catering, explains: 

“Saturday will kick start the week with our Craft Beer & Cider Tasting event which allows guests to sample the very best of these brews alongside some well matched food bites.

“On Saturday 11 October, we will be holding our ever-popular Coffee Brew Bar Masterclass which allows extensive coffee tasting allowing guests to discover brewing methods from the experts.

“And the absolute pinnacle of our Belfast Restaurant Week celebrations will be our extra special Art of Food & Wine night, held on Thursday 9th October where Sean McCann, Head Chef at Canteen alongside award-winning guest chef, Joery Castel will cook up a culinary storm.

For further information on Canteen at the MAC, including menus and photo gallery please visit themaclive.com/foodanddrink or call 028 9023 5053 to make a booking or enquiry.

Stand For Something: Belfast Doc Marten's Store Opening Night

The Belfast Doc Marten's Store had it's official launch last night, with music by The Groundlings and a DJ set from Terri Hooley. The iconic building has two storeys of shop floor and features huge artwork by local artist Visual Waste on the winding staircase. 

I've never seen so many DMs in one place, both on sale and on feet, as everyone at the opening party had styled their boots or shoes to their own personal taste. I wore my cherry red Mayen Docs, which are incredibly comfy for a high boot. I've been wearing Docs since I was eleven (in 1991!), they are a brand very close to my heart, so it was a great pleasure to be part of the launch of the store.

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Drinks were sourced from local brewers Farmageddon, and the food from Love & Death Inc. The fish and chips in cups were amazing.

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The store is definitely worth popping into if you're in Belfast this weekend, as there will be discounts and offers running to celebrate the opening. The range includes women's boots and shoes, men's and also children's and even babies' Docs which are terribly cute. The clothing range also tempted me, lots of vintage vibe punk wear and smart mod styles. Make sure you call in and check it out.

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Is Your Little One the Next Tiger or Rory?

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Jessica Martin aged 16 from Greenisland launches the Irish Golf Expo’s ‘Cash back to Clubs’ initiative. Organisers of the Expo, which takes place on 20th and 21September st at the Kings Hall Complex, will donate £1 from every ticket purchased by a golf club member in Northern Ireland to the corresponding club’s Juvenile section.

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Ireland’s only interactive golf experience, Irish Golf Expo will feature a variety of exhibitors showcasing the latest in golf equipment, fashion and gadgets from the leading global brands in the game including Taylormade and Bridgestone Golf. The family-friendly event will also have demonstrations and free golf lessons from PGA professionals as well as an indoor driving range with custom fitting and club testing, on-site golf superstore and much more.

For tickets visit www.irishgolfexpo.com and follow the Irish Golf Expo on Facebook at facebook.com/IrishGolfExpo or twitter @IrishGolfExpo #loveirishgolf.

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Dr. Martens Want YOU To Busk At Their New Belfast Store

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Iconic footwear and clothing brand Dr. Martens is calling for local musicians to ‘Busk for Belfast’ to celebrate the launch of its first standalone store in Northern Ireland.

Belfast in the 1970s and 80s saw Ulster punks adopt the Dr. Martens boot and its association with various subcultures from all generations continues today, showcased in the current #STANDFORSOMETHING campaign that champions real Docs wearers.

The newly opened Corn Market store is playing host to a week of celebrations of Belfast punk and alternative music, and buskers are being invited to perform outside of Dr. Martens from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 September.

Boot prints will mark the spot on Corn Market for musicians and artists to take it turns to play to the passing public, and a window display will encourage the audience to share photos and clips of their favourite busker using the hashtag #STANDFORSOMETHINGBELFAST.

People of Belfast are encouraged to stop and listen to the buskers outside the store, and share their favourite using #STANDFORSOMETHINGBELFAST on social media, to be in with a chance to WIN a pair of Docs.

Musicians can busk outside the store all day every day from Monday 22 to Saturday 27 September.