52 | THE LOCAL TOURIST


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NI Travel News’ Cara Hit the NW200 for a Day of High-speed Action


NI Travel News’ Cara Thompson along


headed


with partner Lewis, to


the North West


200 where fans from across Northern Ireland and beyond gathered at the North Coast for a day of racing. The North West 200 is held annually


in May in Portrush, and is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest sporting events, attracting


over 100,000


visitors to the Causeway Coast and contributing around £10 million to Northern Ireland’s economy. Throughout a


the enjoyed packed


event visitors programme of


racing including, Supertwin Race 1, Superbike Race 1, the Supersport and Superstock races, Supertwin Race 2, and Superbike Race 2. Peter Hickman won the first


Supertwin Race, Glenn Irwin won the first Superbike Race, the Supersport Race was won by Michael Dunlop, Superstock Race was won by new- comer Storm Stacey who also finished in first position in second Superbike Race and Jeremy McWilliams took the win for the second Supertwin Race of the day. A brilliant day was had, grandstands


were packed, crowds gathered around the circuit and the weather was great for one of the best days of the year!


NORTHERN Ireland's 1930's picture house marked its 90th anniversary with a special event hosted in the Long Gallery at Stormont. The event featured the launch of a


new book, 'Strands of Our Picture House Past' providing a nostalgic window into the history of the Strand and its recent redevelopment. The book focuses on personal stories, specially commissioned


essays and


reflections from a range of authors spanning across 80 pages, along with images


from museums, archives and


cherished family collections. The Strand also showcased a premiere


of 'The Strand at 90' created by East Belfast documentary filmmaker Ross McClean. The 15 minute film will launch later this


year and focus on the the venues iconic history and connection with the local community. The anniversary event marked an


important milestone for the Strand as it undergoes its £7million restoration project with funding


Levelling Up Funding UK, The National Lottery


Heritage


Action Cancer Announces New Partnership with Local Retailer for 2026


ACTION Cancer has announced a new partnership with Born and Bred. The partnership brings together two local organisations to supporting communities


committed Ireland


across Northern through creativity, compassion and meaningful


impact. Lucy McCusker, Senior Fundraising Manager at Action


Cancer, said: “Born and Bred’s commitment to celebrating and showcasing homegrown talent


aligns closely with


Action Cancer’s mission to support people across Northern Ireland through life-saving cancer services. Their passion for people and place is evident in everything they do, and it is a privilege to collaborate with an organisation that shares such a strong commitment to community. This partnership represents an exciting opportunity to further extend the reach and impact of Action Cancer’s work, while engaging local communities in a meaningful way.” Linzi Rooney, Owner of Born and Bred, added: “I lost my mum to breast cancer when she was just


40, a loss that changed my life forever. Because of her, I made the decision at 31 to have a double mastectomy and reconstruction—something no one takes lightly, but one that gave me a sense of control over my future. Her story is the reason I’m so passionate about supporting Action Cancer and helping get their Big Bus out into local communities, where early detection and support can save lives. The more money we can raise, the more Big Bus visits we can deliver to communities across Northern Ireland.


Fund, City


support from Belfast


Council and several private funders and donors. The Strand is scheduled to reopen in


late autumn offering screening facilities, enhanced accessibility, workshop spaces and expanded art spaces. Mimi Turtle, chief executive, the Strand


said: is


“Celebrating 90 years of the Strand an


everyone connected


incredibly proud moment for to


this special


place. The book and the film capture not only the building’s rich heritage but also the impact that it continues to have in Belfast, celebrating the stories and memories that have a real personal significance to so many people. As we gear up to our highly-anticipated


reopening later this year, we hope these stories


inspire future generations to “That’s why we’re incredibly proud to partner with Action


Cancer this year. Supporting local people is at the heart of everything we do and knowing that this collaboration will help fund life-saving and life-changing services means a great deal to both the team and our customers. We look forward to playing our part and shining a light on the important work Action Cancer delivers across Northern Ireland.” In 2026, the partnership will deliver a programme of joint


initiatives with the aim of raising an ambitious £20,000, while also increasing awareness of the charity’s services. Born and Bred will be pushing a match funding initiative in store and online where they will match all donations collected in store at the tills and also at the online checkout. They will also be launching a dedicated product in October where 100% of the sales will go to supporting Action Cancer.


make their own memories in the all-new Strand, and that our landmark building continues to play a vital


role to the


community for the next 90 years, and beyond.” Nikki


McVeigh, Northern Ireland


committee member at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “The Strand maintains its place in cinema history as the sole surviving picture house from the 113 picture houses operational here in the 1930s; the treasured 90-year-old art deco building and the activity within it is integral to east Belfast’s social history.


FAIRY Tree Lodges in Swatragh, have been awarded four stars by Tourism NI’s Quality Grading Scheme. The lodges are situated in the countryside with views


overlooking an ancient Fairy Hill in Co Derry and are the latest addition to the Friels hospitality & Heritage Venue, offering accommodation with a private garden space, hot tub and various amenities. Throughout Tourism NI’s assessment, the lodges


location, garden spaces, internal fit-out, facilities and personalisation including finishings and decor, was praised. Alison Leslie, Quality Assurance Manager at Tourism


NI, said: “We are delighted to award Fairy Tree Lodges a four-


star guest accommodation grading. “The three thoughtfully designed lodges offer an


overnight experience in a natural setting and are a great addition to Friels visitor complex. “This is a well-deserved award, testament to the


high-quality facilities and hospitality on offer to guests. We wish Dermot, Caitriona and the team every success.” Dermot Friel, owner of Fairy Tree Lodges, said:


“We are absolutely delighted to receive a four-star accommodation grading from Tourism NI. “The guidance and encouragement from the Tourism


NI team throughout the process has been greatly appreciated and has helped us continue to raise our standards. “This


recognition marks a proud milestone for


Friels Fairy Tree Lodges and reflects our commitment to providing exceptional quality, comfort and a truly memorable stay in Swatragh in beautiful Mid Ulster. “As a fifth generation family-run business, warm hospitality has always been at the core of what we do, and we look forward to welcoming both new and returning guests to experience the charm, tranquillity and unique character of our accommodation.”


June 2026


The Strand Marks 90th Anniversary with Book Launch and Film Ahead of Opening


County Derry/Londonderry Lodges Awarded Four Stars by Tourism NI


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