Northern Ireland: Sea Bangor Festival - Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd June

There will be lots of nautical fun both on and off the water at the popular Sea Bangor Festival on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd June. This year’s free-to-attend Festival marks the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Landings and a 1940s themed programme is planned to commemorate the occasion. 

A great programme of music acts will bring a nostalgic feel to the city with a lively mix of ‘40s favourites, and Quay Street Car Park will have a holiday atmosphere with 1940s themed fun.

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: 1st June Vehicle tests Temporary Exemption Certificates

 

From 1 June 2024, vehicles that were first registered between 1 June 2019 and 31 May 2020 or between 1 June 2017 and 31 May 2018, 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: http://www.nidirect.gov.uk/.../guide-booking-your-mot...
Department for Infrastructure

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Employment Opportunity within Civil Service - Closing 11:55pm, Monday 27th May

 

Army - Northern Ireland Security Guard Service - Civilian Security Officer 5 - Ministry of Defence.

The primary purpose of the successful candidate is to be part of a team responsible for the armed security presence of Northern Ireland Security Guard Service (NISGS) at designated MOD establishments.

The Armed NISGS officers prevent infiltration or damage against property or personnel, site security and access control. This position provides an opportunity for a highly motivated and proactive individual to develop an outstanding range of skills in order to fulfil their role.

This position is advertised at 37 hours per week.

For more details please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Carrick to commemorate 80th anniversary of major battle - Friday 17th - Saturday 18th May

 

The 80th anniversary of the Battle for the Hitler Line will be commemorated in #Carrickfergus on 17 and 18 May 2024.

The Battle for the Hitler Line in Italy in 1944 was a pivotal event, which breached Nazi defences and paved the way for ultimate victory.

To remember this momentous anniversary, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has organised several key events.
Read more at: https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/.../carrick-to...

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: NIVSO Statement of Closure by September 2024

Northern Ireland Veterans’ Support Office

STATEMENT OF CLOSURE
Dear colleagues,

As you may know, the Independent Review of UK Government Welfare Services for Veterans, jointly commissioned by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) and conducted in July of last year, recommended that the role and activities of the NIVSO should move into the OVA in order to continue to operate in Northern Ireland as the OVA’s regional presence. The UK Government recognised the Review’s recommendations based on the knowledge and trust held by the NIVSO, and the OVA undertook to determine its future activities, funding and governance arrangements.

Over the past few months we have been working with the OVA to plan this transition as seamlessly as possible to ensure continuity of service provision. However, on deeper consideration, the OVA has determined that it is unable to assume responsibility for the NIVSO and regrettably the very difficult decision has been taken to close the NIVSO office from the end of September 2024, at which time responsibility for the further development of veteran support across Northern Ireland will pass to the OVA.

The NIVSO team has been at the heart of the coordination and development of veteran support in Northern Ireland since April 2018 and we want to express our gratitude for the unwavering support you have shown to us all over the years. We hold the deepest respect for the work that each of you do and we have been honoured to be part of the very committed and effective network of veteran support. The closure of NIVSO marks the end of a chapter which has seen major new initiatives, programmes and services for veterans conceived, developed and implemented here and we are extremely proud of the progress that has been achieved in collaboration with partners, both regional and national.

We thank you for being a vital part of the journey to this point and we wish the OVA and the entire Northern Ireland veteran support network every success in taking forward the important work of supporting veterans and their families across Northern Ireland.

It is likely that this statement of our closure will generate more detailed questions about how NIVSO’s current and future plans and programmes of veteran support will be delivered across Northern Ireland, so please do contact ni-vso@mod.co.uk with any comments or questions you may have and we will ensure they are directed appropriately.

Sincerely,

The NIVSO Team

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Ulster Branch Irish Guards Association, Charity Golf Day - Friday June 21st June

 

On Friday 21st June a Charity Golf Day at Edenmore House (Edenmore Golf & Country Club) will be held, raising funds for the Irish Guards Charity (run by Major Robbie Wilmont MBE) and Andy Allen Veterans Support (AAVS-NI). 
The event is open to anyone with or without an official handicap (max hcap for non GI golfers is 18) and this year there will be prizes for high and low handicap sections
In the evening time we will be entertained by the Frontier Pipes and Drums which is a Veterans Band, they will be performing the Beating of the Retreat. More information can be found on the poster.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Pipe and Drum Major Championships - Saturday 18th May

 

The Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch (RSPBANI) in conjunction with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association is delighted to present the United Kingdom Pipe and Drum Major Championships.

The event will take place at Ward Arras area of Ward Park in Bangor, Northern Ireland, on Saturday 18 May 2024, commencing at 10:00

For more information go to Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association Northern Ireland Branch or follow the Ards & North Down Facebook Page 

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Military Insights Day - Wednesday 22nd May

 

An Insight Into Professional Services by Deloitte - Belfast Event
Transitioning out of the armed forces is a challenging time. The amount of options you have can be rather daunting – let Deloitte make things a little clearer.

Join Deloitte for their next Military Insights Day event for an insight into professional services:

Date: Wednesday 22nd May 2024
Time : 12.30pm – 5pm

For more details, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Parentline NI - Parenting a neurodiverse child through change

 

Or visit Parentline - CiNI (ci-ni.org.uk) for more information.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Ballyclare May Fair Saturday 18th - Sunday 26th May

 

Come together with your families and friends and enjoy the Funfair, Family Fun Day, It’s a Knockout, Music and Fireworks.

Foodies will be in their element with An Ulster Scotch History of Whisk(e)y, Artisan Markets as well as Cooking and Craic with Paula McIntyre.
Culture lovers will appreciate the Ulster Scots Language Workshops and Cèilidh, Craft Demos and Historical Walking Tours.

With a Vintage Car Show, Soap Box Derby and Mayor’s Parade - this event truly has something for everyone!

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Armed Forces Day 2024 - Jordanstown, Loughshore Park - Saturday 22nd June

 

Northern Ireland's Armed Forces Day event will transform Jordanstown Loughshore Park into a lively venue for all. From active service personnel to service families, veterans and cadets, enjoy a day filled with entertainment, military displays, live demonstrations and more. 

Hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, this is an event you won't want to miss!

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekends - Friday 14th June - Sunday 16th June

 

From Friday 14 June-Sunday 16 June immerse yourself in this FREE to attend showcase of NI food and farming.
With 21 farms participating (in either the school or public days), there's something for everyone. Explore the beauty of rural life and get up close with farm animals, learn about sustainable practices, and indulge in delicious farm-fresh produce.
Here are the 16 farms opening their gates to the public either on Saturday/Sunday or both days ensuring you can connect with nature and the farming community!

Visit www.openfarmweekend.com to discover the opening times of a farm near you
Armagh Cider & Troughtons Premium, Ballylagan Organic Farm, Beattie Livestock Sales, Bessvale Farm, Brook Hall Estate & Gardens, Broughgammon Farm, Cafre Enniskillen Campus, Discover CAFRE, Churchview Farm, Castlescreen Farm, Donagh Cottage Farm, Jubilee Farm, Laurel View Equestrian Centre, CAN Can
Ulster Farmers' Union| Bank of Ireland | NFU Mutual| Asda| Livestock & Meat Commission NI| Beef and Lamb NI| Moy Park Chicken| Thompsons Feeding Innovation

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: CTP Employment Fair - Thursday 16th May

If you are transitioning out of the Forces in 2024 then you may want to consider attending a CTP (Career Transition Partnership) employment Fair.

Belfast is hosting a fair on Thursday 16th May, for more details please call the above number or scan the QR code.

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Gun Salute at Hillsborough Castle - Monday 6th May

 

Monday 06 May will give you the rare chance to see a gun salute, to mark one year since the coronation of HM The King Charles III. The gun salute takes place at 12:00 on the South Terrace so make sure to arrive early to make your way through the gardens.

After the gun salute, be enchanted by melodies from talented brass band Downshire Brass on the West Lawn at 14.30. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawn, or indulge in a moreish treat from our delicious café.

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Shanes Castle May Day Steam Rally - Sunday 5th & Monday 6th May

 

Is held in the beautiful picturesque grounds surrounding the ruins of the old castle in Shanes Castle Estate near Antrim. It is the biggest and best organised vintage event in N. Ireland and is one of the premier rallies on the all Ireland vintage scene.

For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: Rathlin Sound Festival - 24th May - 2nd June

 

New for 2024, Rathlin Sound Festival immerses in the people, culture & heritage of the area. Located around the famous Rathlin Sound body of water, it connects Rathlin Island to the shores of Ballycastle. The vibrant harbours are a hub of activity with many visiting vessels.

Enjoy the Arts, Music, Storytelling, Artisan Market, Food & Drink and learn about the heritage of the Coast.

The festival brings together people from all over the world who come and experience the friendly warm welcome that is synonymous to the Causeway Coast & Glens.
For more information please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: The Wessex Cinema Aldergrove, May Listing

May cinema Listing for The Wessex Cinema Aldergrove.

For all the latest showings and what's on, please click here

Coming this month we are celebrating the Star Wars phenomenon with a very special screening.
Join us to watch Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace on the big screen and celebrate its 25th anniversary! 

Northern Ireland: Balmoral Show - 15th - 18th May

 

The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank is Ireland's largest Agricultural and Food Show that entertains the whole family.

For more details and to book tickets, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: North West 200 Motorcycle Road Race - 6th - 11th May

The International North West 200 is a motorcycle road race first held in 1929 on a 8.970 mi (14.436 km) street circuit known as the Triangle between the towns of Portstewart, Coleraine and Portrush in Causeway Coast and Glens, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.

For more details and to book tickets, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI

Northern Ireland: NI4Kids Magazine - April/May Latest Edition

 

To read the latest edition on line, please click here

Information provided by HIVE NI