58 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
Banbridge Hits the High Notes as Buskfest 2023 Returns
www.nitravelnews.com
£1.6M INVESTMENT ANNOUNCED FOR KILLYHEVLIN HOTEL
Banging tunes, big songs and great live entertainment returns to the bustling streets of Banbridge this June when the well-established Busking Festival – BuskFest – returns to the County Down town.
A big festival highlight and showcase for Banbridge, the hugely popular competitive event attracts thousands of visitors, lifting spirits in a town famous for great local music, food, drink and a warm and friendly welcome. A cash prize of £1000 will be available for the Overall Winner and a further £2000 split between the Best Band, Individual and Junior Categories – including the Best Performance sponsored by Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and the Spirit of Buskfest sponsored by The Boulevard.
Entrants are urged to get their names in early to be in with a chance to take part. Budding entertainers and buskers alike are being encouraged to first register online at
buskfest.com and make themselves known at the Old Town Hall in Banbridge on the morning of the event when pitch locations will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am – 11am. Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Paul Greenfield, is counting down the days. “I’m delighted that Banbridge’s BuskFest is back to entertain and enthuse us all again this year, promising an amazing showcase of musical talent and on-street performance to a vibrant town well-known for its history, heritage and unrivalled retail and hospitality offer.
Supported by both the council and the local community, business and artistic groups, we aim to make this year’s BuskFest an entertaining day for the whole family.” The competition kicks off on Saturday 24th June from 1pm and runs until 4pm when the heart of Banbridge will be buzzing with musicians, singers, bands, solo artists and street performers. The prizegiving ceremony then moves to Solitude Park where the winners of each category get the chance to perform on stage.
BBC Radio Ulster presenter, BuskFest judge and compere Ralph McLean is also returning for this year’s event.
“The Banbridge Busking Festival has celebrated the best in on-street entertainment and acted as a catalyst for new and emerging talent who took on the challenge and made their presence felt. This year’s event promises a great day out for everyone.
If you haven’t yet visited BuskFest you are guaranteed a fantastic family day out. Enjoy the great atmosphere of the live music, dynamic street theatre and entertainment. As a music lover, I am delighted to be associated with BuskFest again this year,” Ralph said. To register for Buskfest go to www.buskfest. com and select “register.”
2 Royal Avenue Becomes a JAM Card Friendly Venue
Snap! Belfast Parks Photographic Competition Opens Up For Entries THE Belfast Parks Photographic
Competition Organised by is open once Belfast City again Council, for
entries from amateur photographers in the city.
the
competition is sponsored by John McQuillan (Contracts) Ltd.
There are four award categories to enter with three prizes in each category and you can enter the competition online or by post. The categories are:
• Active Living • Park Landscapes • Seasons in our Parks • Under 16 award category
Submitted photographs must be taken in one of our parks and open spaces from April 2023. The competition closes on Friday 29 December 2023.
For more information on the categories, prizes and entering online or by post, visit the council website
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
ONE of Northern Ireland’s leading hotels has announced plans for the addition of 12 new luxurious self-catering Lakeview Studios following a £1.6m investment and the creation of 10 new jobs. The new Studios at Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen, which currently comprises 71 guestrooms and 20 two bedroom self- catering lodges, are due to open in July. They have been designed specifically for couples looking for a luxury self- catering experience on the edge of Lough Erne with the added benefits of the adjacent hotel facilities.
Each one bedroom studio will boast
large, front-facing glazing to maximise the stunning views that Lough Erne has to offer, an open plan fully equipped kitchen, lounge area, bathroom and air-conditioning. There will be six units at lower ground floor and six units at upper ground level each with private outdoor furnished patio areas.
McKeever Hotels and Ulster Bank Partner for Growth via Renovation
MCKEEVER Hotels, which has hotels throughout Antrim and in Letterkenny, has announced a new banking partnership with Ulster Bank as the family-run hospitality group sets out fresh plans for growth. The new partnership sees the business refinance to the bank as it continues to expand
and upgrade its hotel portfolio, with major investments at two of the group’s flagship hotels already underway. Dillons, the 83-bed hotel based in Letterkenny, is currently undergoing a full renovation of
a third of its bed stock to create a range of deluxe rooms and suites that offer a luxury stay in the heart of the town’s cathedral quarter. Formerly the Court Hotel, Dillons was acquired by McKeever Hotels in 2014 and at that time underwent a multi-million euro investment to rejuvenate its public areas. At the four star Dunadry Hotel and Gardens, several new investment projects are also under
way, including a full refit of its welcome area as well as the development of a new cellar experience that will offer guests wine and whiskey tasting.
2 Royal Avenue, Belfast city centre’s cultural and civic space, is now a JAM card friendly venue. By signing up to the NOW Group’s ‘Just a Minute’ (JAM) initiative, staff at the facility, owned
by Belfast City Council, have received training to ensure they are equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers. Signage has also been installed throughout the building to reassure JAM card carriers of a positive and welcoming experience.
TRANSLINK has announced details of a newly enhanced X2 Dublin Airport Direct timetable which are now available. The service which provides an express route from the Europa Bus Centre, Belfast to Dublin airport will now see seven return trips every two hours from 6.45am until 6.45pm out of Belfast and between 8.55am and 8.55pm out of Dublin Airport.
Commenting on the latest timetable enhancements ahead of peak travel season,
David Cowan, Director of
Commercial Operations at Translink, said, “As a direct service the X2 provides a faster journey option, taking the hassle and cost out of driving and parking with an easy arrival location at terminal 2. And with optimal comfort on board, free wi-fi, online pre-booking to confirm your seat, and great value fares, it’s the perfect way to start your holiday or work trip stress-free.
“With more people taking advantage
of flights out of Dublin Airport, these newly increased frequency services are great news for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays and busy summer period by offering even more choice, and improved capacity at peak travel times.” The new timetable changes come shortly after Translink announced its bus stop at Dublin airport was being relocated to stop 11.
Further details of services and
timetable information can be found at
www.translink.co.uk.
Passengers can
also plan their journey online using the Journey Planner at
www.translink.co.uk, or on the Translink Journey Planner app, or by phoning the Translink Contact Centre on 028 90 666630.
The Lakeview Studios have been designed to create a modern and luxurious feel with a sense of space, warmth and comfort to enable couples to enjoy the stunning lake views. Every detail has been carefully considered including bespoke furniture,
sandy
porcelain tiles, mid accent timbers and soothing paint tones inspired by the surrounding lakeside and woodland environments.
The modular concrete-built units are well insulated and highly energy efficient reflecting the hotel’s ethos of providing sustainable, high-quality experiences. Jacqueline Wright, Finance Director of Killyhevlin Hotel said: “We are delighted to announce plans for the opening of 12 Lakeview Studios this July. These promise to offer a new luxury self- catering experience at Killyhevlin Hotel exclusive to couples wishing to enjoy a
addition to
May 2023
relaxing break and spend quality time together. In
the £1.6m
investment, we are excited to be adding to our award-winning team by creating 10 new roles across our housekeeping, reception and food and beverage departments.”
Northern Ireland Glamping Company Announces UK Expansion
NORTHERN Ireland based sustainable glamping company, Further Space, is making a significant investment in the UK this year. The first step in this expansion is the opening of a new site in the picturesque Isle of Mull, Scotland, set to launch this spring. The Port Nan Gael location will be Further Space’s eleventh site and its third in Scotland, with existing sites in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and Scottish locations including Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Highlands.
The investment made by Further Space
in Scotland has already exceeded £500,000, and with plans to open sites in Skye, Oban, Darvel and Fordie, investment figures will surpass £1.5 million by the end of 2023. Husband and wife, Chermaine and Calum Laurie operate the glamping site which is owned by Chermaine’s dad who runs the inn next door.
Translink Boosts Direct Dublin Airport Service Ahead of Peak Travel Season
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