GIANT ADVENTURES
:: Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has launched its eagerly awaited Giant Adventures series — a year-long programme of unforgettable visitor experiences featuring captivating folklore, breathtaking landscapes, and thrilling adventures.
The journey for 2023 begins on August 19 and 20 with ‘Wake the Giant’ in Warrenpoint, where visitors will witness the legendary giant Fionn mac Cumhaill rising from the depths of Carlingford Lough. Bringing to life the district's folklore and traditions, Fionn will overlook a weekend of music and storytelling amidst a bustling festival atmosphere.
Next on the itinerary is the highly anticipated ‘Eats and Beats Festival’ in Newcastle. Following its successful launch last year, it's a festival of gastronomic indulgence and entertainment not to be missed. On September 2 & 3 food enthusiasts and music lovers will converge to celebrate the district's culinary delights. Sample the finest local produce from an array of food stalls, while talented artists create an electric atmosphere with live music performances.
As the autumn leaves fall, the series takes a mystical turn with the ‘Footsteps in the Forest’ event in Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Step into the atmosphere of the ancient forest between October 25-30, where families and thrill-seekers will encounter enchanting characters, spine-tingling surprises, and immersive storytelling.
For the latest information and ideas of where to stay, eat and for more things to do in Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion and for Giant event details please go to www.visitmournemountains.co.uk/giant-adventures
MOTOR INDUSTRY AWARDS
:: The north’s first ever motor industry awards – Northern Ireland Motor Industry Awards – have been launched to help acknowledge and celebrate the industry’s leading motoring businesses and professionals.
Sponsored by Used Cars NI and hosted by Pamela Ballantine, the gala black-tie event will take place on Friday November 3 at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast and will be open to motor retailers and industry professionals across the region.
Event director Sasha Jeffrey said: “Based on the most recent figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, Northern Ireland’s new car market is maintaining its post Covid upward trajectory, reporting a 19.8 per cent increase in new cars registered against the same month last year.
“This is an exciting time for our local car industry, and we are thrilled to have created an event that will recognise the resilience, hard work and dedication of its professionals.”
The awards will give organisations, companies and individuals across the industry the opportunity to raise their profile and platform their contribution to sustained growth and success within the local automotive sector.
Sasha added: “Our panel of judges, all of whom bring a level of expertise and enthusiasm for the industry include Sue Robinson, executive director at the National Franchised Dealers Association; Jason Craig, award-winning motoring and motorsport journalist for Crash.net, Motorsport News, Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life; James Stinson, motoring journalist and contributor to Ambition, Business Eye and Ulster Tatler Magazine, and awards host and motorsport enthusiast Pamela Ballantine.”
There will be 18 award categories available to enter including Dealer Group of the Year, Used Vehicle Dealer of the Year, Best Customer Service Award, Sales Team of the Year, Inspirational Woman of the Year and Best Marketing Campaign.
Category sponsors include AbbeyAutoline, CarMoney, City Auction Group and Purple Rock, Close Brothers, Codeweavers, Connected Car Finance, GardX, Northridge Finance, PML Group, TradeBid and WEEV.
For further information or to enter the awards visit www.nimotorindustryawards.com.
SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
:: Applications have opened for the All-Ireland Sustainability Awards, which will take place at Belfast's Europa Hotel on October 5, hosted by Barra Best.
This year’s awards are organised by All-Ireland Sustainability in partnership with Everun, and sponsors include Visit Belfast, International Synergies NI, Danske, NIE Networks, Veri Connect and Ulster Bank.
There are 14 awards being presented on the evening with 13 categories open for nomination to represent the wider sustainability agenda, here is also the Overall Winner of the Year 2023, which will be the final award of the evening. This prestigious title will go to one business, selected from all the category winners of the evening, to be awarded the most Sustainable Business of the Year 2023.
Danielle McCormick, of Triterra and founder of All-Ireland Sustainability, said: “All-Ireland Sustainability began in November 2020 with our free online networking group, the goal of which was to drive the sustainability agenda, and positive change, across the region, share best practice and learnings and create collaboration opportunities. The network now has 400 members across Ireland, we have run two All-Ireland sustainability summits. and are now looking forward to delivering our first awards event in October.”
