Northern Ireland: Key Dates for Applying for Post Primary Year 8 School Places for September 2026

 

Key Dates for Year 8 Admissions

- Admission Criteria Published: 10 December 2025

- Post-Primary Applications Open: 27 January 2026

- Application Deadline: 19 February 2026

For full guidance and details, visit: https://ow.ly/oLcs50XA0Kn

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland - Winter Circus Belfast - Friday 12th - Sunday 4th January 2026

 

Belfast’s favourite alternative Christmas show returns to Writers’ Square, Cathedral Quarter for its ninth year.
Bigger, louder and cheekier than ever, Winter Circus 2025 lands with 31 shows in the fully heated Big Top.
Expect new acts and new performers, plus a riot of returning favourites: sky-high aerialists, razor-sharp juggling, acrobatic mischief and Belfast-brewed hammer-smashing circus craic for all ages.

For more details please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Veteran's Hub Christmas Lunch Portavogie - 12 December

 

You're invited to our Veteran's Hub Christmas Lunch, to book for you or your group, just call the Rendezvous Café Portavogie on 02891244040 leave your name and contact number and how many guests and we'll be in contact with you.

Book early, as spaces are limited!

This is funded through our VPPP2 project Thrive Together Schomberg Mourne UlsterScots Mourne Veterans Hub @MAPS in Tyrone @Veterans Hub Londonderry Regenerate Veterans Group Brooke House Health & Wellbeing Centre The Antrim Coast Veterans Network Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust Veterans Voice NI Veterans News Hub NI @followers

#ThriveTogether #ThriveTogetherNI #veteranssupportingveterans #veteranshelpingveterans #veteransupport #VeteransCommunity

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Belfast Christmas Market - 25th November - 22nd December

Date: Saturday 15 November 12 noon to Monday 22 December 2025 6pm

Venue: Belfast City Hall grounds

Visit Belfast Christmas Market in the gardens at City Hall.

With over 100 international and local traders, this outdoor market offers a delightful array of quality Christmas fayre, handcrafted goods, and bespoke artisan products.

Set against the magnificent backdrop of Belfast City Hall, the market is an ideal destination for coach parties, day-trippers, and city shoppers, offering the perfect place to tick off your holiday shopping list. Entry is free.

You can visit the market on:

Monday to Wednesday from 10am to 8pm
Thursday to Saturday from 10am to 10pm
Sunday from 12 noon to 6pm.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Help For Heroes Upcoming Cafe Dates throughout December

 

Join us for a cuppa and chat and hear about the wonderful opportunities for the Armed Forces community in your own area.

If you know another veteran friend/family member who could use a bit of the same, bring them along too!

Bangor: Wednesday 3rd December, 10.30–12.00
Pit Stop Café, 39 Balloo Road, Bangor, BT19 7PG

Belfast: Thursday 4th December, 13.30–15.00
Tim Hortons, Connswater Retail Park, Belfast, BT5 5DL

Antrim: Wednesday 10th December, 10.30–12.00
Manns Garden Kitchen, Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4HL

Lisburn: Thursday 11th December, 10.15–11.45
Café Vic Ryn, House of Vic-Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn, BT28 2RF

Banbridge (New Location): Tuesday 16th December, 14.30–16.00 Tesco Café at The Boulevard, Bridgewater Retail Park, Banbridge, BT32 4LF

Tea and coffee are provided by Help for Heroes, and tables are booked under ‘Community Development’.

As winter sets in, please be mindful of others in the group and consider your attendance if you are feeling unwell.

Please confirm your attendance to support accessibility needs and table bookings.

Contact: Alex - 07580 901317 or Glenn 07484 026991

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Brownlee Primary School, Lisburn Open Day - Thursday 4th December

 

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Southern Eastern Regional College (SERC) Higher Education Applications now open

 

Ready to level up after your A-Levels or BTECs?
Get a higher-level qualification – without the big city price tag or moving away from home.

Choose from:
Full Degrees
Foundation Degrees
Higher National Diplomas & Certificates
Higher Level Apprenticeships (earn while you learn!)

Apply now for September 2026:
https://ow.ly/PPta50XwOBt

#BetterOffAtSERC #HigherEducation #ApplyNow

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: The Wessex Cinema Aldergrove, December Showings

Please keep an eye on the BFBS Cinemas website for the latest listings and updates to all missing BBFC ratings and running times.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Latest Edition of NI4 Kids is out now

To read the latest edition on line, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Crumlin Integrated College Open Night - Tuesday 9th December

 

Click here to visit school website

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Statement from Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner re the Passing of the Armed Forces Covenant Motion

 

Statement From the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner, Mr David Johnstone
On the Passing of the Armed Forces Covenant Motion at Stormont this Evening.
4 November 2025

I warmly welcome the passing of today’s motion at Stormont in support of service leavers, veterans, and their families through the Armed Forces Covenant.
This is a significant step that reaffirms the principle at the heart of the Covenant, that those who serve, or have served, and their families should not face disadvantage as a result of their service. It is about fairness, understanding, and ensuring that members of the Armed Forces community are treated with the respect and consideration they deserve.
It is also important that the narrative surrounding the Armed Forces within our community in Northern Ireland is not misrepresented.
I would like to express my appreciation to all who have signed this motion. Veterans, Paul Frew - DUP, Andy Allen - UUP, alongside Paula Bradshaw - Alliance and Timothy Gaston - TUV. Also a thank you to MLA Johnny Buckley who was instrumental in starting the process that has led to today’s vote.
This is a positive and encouraging development for our Armed Forces community and a step towards ensuring that veterans, service leavers, and their families receive the support and recognition they deserve.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Northern Irish Veterans Awards Highlights

 

Check out the links below for some of the highlights from the unforgettable night at the Crowne Plaza Belfast, where over 350 guests came together to celebrate the achievements of our veteran community.

#VeteransAwardsNI #VeteransAwards #NorthernIreland #Veterans #Inspiration #Service #Community #Thales #G4S #ConnectThroughService #WalkingWithTheWounded #ForcesEmploymentCharity #SupportOurVeterans #PrideInService #NIVeterans

Information provide by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Press Statement from the Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner

 

THE CONCLUSION OF THE TRIAL OF SOLDIER F

23 October 2025

The conclusion of the trial today, with the acquittal of Soldier F, has once again brought into sharp focus the deep pain and division that events from over 50 years ago continue to cause. At the outset of this trial, I made clear that we should be mindful of the families who lost loved ones on 30th January 1972. These families, just like many others, who had relatives killed because of terrorist actions that same year, and indeed throughout the period of the Northern Ireland Troubles, continue to experience pain at the loss of a loved one.

Northern Ireland: Volunteering Opportunities with Blind Veterans UK based in Belfast area

Blind veterans in the Belfast area need support to travel to and from a weekly gardening group and a helping hand to participate in the garden activities. The group is specifically for veterans and is highly valued by them. You do not need to be an experienced gardener to apply - for this role, Blind Veterans UK are looking for volunteers who aren’t afraid to get stuck in, and even learn new skills themselves.

Volunteers terms and conditions are available in the link below, as well as further information on the role.

volunteering opportunity

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: RFCA NI - Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities

 

Cadet Force Adult Volunteer Opportunities

As you work with and develop young people, you will find that your abilities will grow as well. As a CFAV, you’ll find yourself improving your leadership and mentorship skills as you guide your cadets through their development. Your ability to communicate effectively and connect with diverse groups could set you apart from your peers and you could develop organisational skills that you never knew you had! 

SEA CADETS: https://bit.ly/46Sl17n
ARMY CADETS: https://bit.ly/4gWAgRf
RAF AIR CADETS: https://bit.ly/46DVhwH

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Carnmoney Detachment Army Cadets

 

Carnmoney detachment, Forthill Drive, Newtownabbey every Thursday evening 7-9 pm.

Interested in gaining new friends, Qualifications, or learning new skills in the 1st (Northern Ireland) Battalion, Army Cadets, check out the details below.

Find out more; https://armycadets.com/.../1st-northern-ireland.../

Ready to Join: https://armycadets.com/find-a-detachment/

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Storming The Castle - Motorbike Meet Every Wednesday at Carrickfergus Castle

 

Veteran Motorcycle Meet – Carrickfergus
A weekly motorcycle meet at Carrickfergus Castle, running every Wednesday night from 7 pm to 8 pm.

There’s coffee and a food cart on site
Open to everyone — but especially veteran-friendly
A great chance to chat, laugh, and share stories
Motorbikes are proven to help with mental health — and this meet is all about bringing people together and making new connections

So if you’ve got a bike (or just love them!), come down, meet some fellow veterans, enjoy the craic, and take in the view of the castle.

#Veterans #MotorcycleMeet #CarrickFergus #RoyalIrishRangers #MentalHealthMatters #RideTogether

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: 152 North Irish RLC Reserves are Recruiting

 

Where are we based?

227 (Headquarters) Squadron - Palace Barracks, Holywood
211 (Tanker) Squadron - Caw Camp, Londonderry and Coleraine Army Reserve Centre
220 (Tanker) Squadron - Palace Barracks, Holywood
400 (Petroleum) Squadron - Palace Barracks, Holywood

We are based in
#Belfast
#Coleraine
#Londonderry

Want to join us?

Get in touch via
152RLC-Recruitment@mod.gov.uk
02890 420 642

Follow us on Facebook and X 

@38xengagement @royallogisticcorps @104bde @rfcani @armyinnorthernireland @armycareersni

#northernireland #armyinni #royallogisticcorps #rlc #britisharmyreserves #britisharmyrecruitment #britisharmylogistics #reservists #armyreserves #joinnow #britisharmyrecruitment

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Latest Edition of Veterans Newsletter NI is Out Now.

 

The latest edition of the Northern Ireland Veterans Newsletter is now live. You can read it here:
https://www.nivco.co.uk/.../Veterans-Newsletter-NI-Issue...

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: NI Direct. GOV.UK Vehicle Tests: Temporary Exemption Certificates

 

Vehicles that were first registered between 1 June 2020 and 31 May 2021 or between 1 June 2018 and 31 May 2019, and have a valid Northern Ireland MOT will be given a Temporary Exemption Certificate (TEC ).
This means they will not need a vehicle test (MOT) for 12 months from the date their current certificate expires.
Find out more at: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../guide-booking-your-mot...
Department for Infrastructure

Information provided by HIVE NI