Tina Calder

Founder and managing editor of BAM, Business News NI and Causeway & Antrim News. Co-Director of Belfast 247 radio station. Founder and director of Excalibur Press multidisciplinary media and marketing agency. Based UK.

4 Corners Festival Returns To Belfast For 2026 With Latest Theme: Journey

The 4 Corners Festival is set to return to venues across Belfast from January 30 to February 8, 2026, with a programme built around its new theme, ‘Journey’. Now established as an annual festival in the city, 4 Corners was conceived as a way to inspire people from across Belfast to transform it for the

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Patrick McBrearty, Jo Donnelly, Adam Gillian, Eimear Bailie, Matthew O’Leary and Emma Little-Lawless starring in Belfast Actually 2

Christmas Comedy Belfast Actually 2 Returns to Theatre at The Mill

Theatre at The Mill is delighted to announce the return of award-winning writer and director duo Leesa Harker and Andrea Montgomery with their brand-new Christmas comedy, Belfast Actually 2, running from Thursday 27 November 2025 until Saturday 3 January 2026. Following the success of last year’s sell-out production, this heart-warming sequel introduces three new couples,

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Who’s ready for Robin Hood: The Panto? Oh yes we are!

Get your arrows ready! Yellow Jumper Productions is back at Theatre at The Mill with Robin Hood: The Panto running from Saturday 6 December 2025 to Saturday 3 January 2026! If you loved last year’s Cinderella, you won’t want to miss this brand-new festive adventure. Written and directed by Sarah Lyle, it’s packed with laughs,

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REVIEW: The Nutcracker at the Grand Opera House, Belfast

There are some productions that feel almost mythical, the sort of performances you grow up hearing about and quietly add to a personal bucket list. For me, The Nutcracker has always been one of those shows. Seeing the State Ballet of Georgia bring it to the Grand Opera House felt like finally stepping into a

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Northern Ireland’s £16 Billion Manufacturing Industry Unites for Flagship Event

Northern Ireland’s manufacturing sector, which generates an estimated £16 billion in economic value and supports nearly 100,000 jobs, will come together next month for its largest industry event of the year. Around 2,500 delegates are expected to attend the Northern Ireland Manufacturing & Supply Chain Conference & Exhibition on Thursday, 11 September 2025. The one-day

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REVIEW: The Rocky Horror Show at the Grand Opera House, Belfast

This wasn’t your average night at the theatre. From fishnets and feather boas to outrageous laughs and spontaneous audience heckles, The Rocky Horror Show returned to the Grand Opera House in Belfast in full throttle last night and we absolutely loved it. I took my 12-year-old son Logan along (yes, I know, probably not a

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Denouement Brings Apocalyptic Wit and Tender Humanity to Lyric Theatre This Autumn

The Lyric Theatre will stage the world premiere of Denouement, a bold new production by writer John Morton, running from Tuesday 21 October to Saturday 15 November 2025. Presented as part of the Belfast International Arts Festival, this darkly comic and emotionally resonant two-hander explores love, memory and final goodbyes in a world on the

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Mint Tea Linked to Seven Key Health Benefits, New Study Shows

A new scientific review by the Tea Advisory Panel (TAP) has highlighted seven potential health benefits of drinking peppermint or spearmint tea, reinforcing its reputation as a health-supporting beverage rooted in centuries of traditional use. The review, titled A Narrative Review on the Mechanistic Actions and Potential Health Benefits of Peppermint and Spearmint Teas, explores

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Catalyst Community Raises £26,200 Through Spinathon for Cancer Fund for Children

Catalyst and its wider community have raised £26,200 through a recent Spinathon event, supporting Cancer Fund for Children and marking significant progress towards a £50,000 fundraising target for 2025. The high-energy challenge saw more than 100 participants from Catalyst’s network of employees, partner companies, and supporters cycle a combined total of 1,244 miles over 10

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Heineken Launches Advanced Pint Glass in Northern Ireland

Heineken has introduced its most technologically advanced pint glass to date in Northern Ireland, marking a multi-million-pound investment aimed at enhancing the beer-drinking experience for consumers across the region. The new design is currently being rolled out in pubs and bars throughout Northern Ireland, with the innovative glass set to strengthen the brand’s presence through

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AI Skills Surge in Tech Sector While Entry-Level Roles Decline Across the UK

Job advertisements requiring AI skills have increased by 62 percent year-on-year, according to new data from global talent solutions provider Robert Walters, while entry-level positions in the tech sector have declined by as much as 35 percent over the same period. The research highlights rising demand for digital transformation expertise across UK professional services, with

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Crystal Ski Holidays Launches 2026/27 Winter Programme From Belfast

Crystal Ski Holidays has launched its new ski programme for the 2026/27 winter season, with flights departing directly from Belfast International Airport to Austria and Italy. The UK and Ireland-based ski holiday provider has confirmed that flights to Salzburg and Turin will begin operating from December, offering skiers and snowboarders a range of European resort

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Mid-Life Glow Up as Women Over 50 Embrace Adventure Creativity and Independence

A new study has revealed that seven in ten women over the age of 50 are embracing a ‘mid-life glow up’, with many setting out to fulfil long-held dreams including travel, creative pursuits and financial freedom. The research, conducted by Ford Money, surveyed 2,000 women aged over 50 to explore their aspirations for the future.

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The Great Tea Debate Settled: Milk Before Water Is Officially Out

The age-old question that has divided households, sparked office debates, and even prompted passive-aggressive sighs in kitchens across the UK has finally been answered: when making a proper cup of tea, milk before water is a firm no, according to 78 percent of the nation. New research commissioned by Aldi has revealed the nation’s tea

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Republic of Oud Opens Luxury Fragrance Boutique in Cork

A new luxury fragrance destination, Republic of Oud, has officially opened in the Winthrop Arcade, Cork. The boutique specialises in oud-based perfumes, introducing Irish customers to one of the world’s rarest and most prized scent ingredients. Founded by Cork native Alan Coakley, the perfumery showcases a curated selection of oud-based fragrances developed in collaboration with

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Destination Weddings Set to Shape 2025 Travel Plans for People in the UK

More than 6.7 million people in the UK are expected to attend a wedding abroad in 2025, according to new research from Booking.com. The trend is particularly pronounced among younger age groups, with 24 percent of Gen Z and 22 percent of Millennials planning to travel overseas for wedding celebrations. The study found that 42

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BPerfect Launches Skin Fusion Skin Tint With SPF 25 in 30 Inclusive Shades

BPerfect Cosmetics has announced the launch of Skin Fusion Skin Tint, the latest addition to its Skin Studio Collection. The new product offers buildable light coverage with added skincare benefits and SPF 25 protection, marking the first time a BPerfect base product includes sun protection. The Skin Fusion Skin Tint is formulated with active skincare

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New Book Explores Women’s Empowerment and the Power of Personal Choice

Author and philanthropist Alesia Shute has released her second book, Everything’s Still Okay, a follow-up to her earlier memoir Everything’s Okay. The new publication examines themes of self-belief, personal freedom, and the empowerment of women to make decisions that shape their own lives. The book continues the author’s personal narrative, shifting focus from her childhood

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New Children’s Book Explores Unlikely Animal Friendship Through True Stories

A new illustrated chapter book titled The Blue Dog and the White Horse: The Best of Friends, written by Haven Lindsey and illustrated by Emily Pritchett, will be released on 8 July 2025 by Brandylane Publishers. The book is intended for readers aged 7 to 10 and tells a true story of friendship between Gracie

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Women’s Health App Market Forecast to Grow Over 500 Percent to $18.25 Billion by 2031

The global women’s health app market is expected to experience significant expansion, with projections indicating growth from $2.88 billion in 2021 to $18.25 billion by 2031. This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.1 percent between 2022 and 2031. The increase in prevalence of menstrual disturbances and menopause-related conditions has been identified as

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What to pack for a multi-destination holiday?

If you’re visiting multiple countries during the same trip, you’ll need to pack a range of clothes and accessories to ensure you have suitable options for each of your destinations. If that sounds overwhelming and you don’t know where to start, our team has put together this guide to help. Research your destinations carefully Before

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Bellamianta Launches The Flawless Finish Body Makeup For Instant Skin-Loving Radiance And An Airbrushed Glow

Get ready to glow! Bellamianta is thrilled to announce the launch of its brand new Flawless Finish Body Makeup, and it’s everything your skin has been dreaming of. Designed to deliver instant, flawless coverage while nourishing and conditioning the skin, this innovative cream-to-gel body makeup is your newest beauty essential for achieving that radiant, airbrushed look

Bellamianta Launches The Flawless Finish Body Makeup For Instant Skin-Loving Radiance And An Airbrushed Glow Read More »

The Man Behind the Music: Ashley Fulton Celebrates 25 Years of Vocal Brilliance

Northern Ireland’s most renowned and successful vocal coach, Ashley Fulton MBE, is celebrating a significant career milestone – 25 years of shaping the region’s finest vocal talent. Throughout his distinguished career, Ashley has coached thousands of young performers toward their singing dreams, with 100 of his students earning themselves a place at the UK’s most prestigious drama schools, including ArtsEd,

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Belfast Welcomes Biggest Street Art Festival Yet This Bank Holiday Weekend

The city of Belfast will get a fresh coat of paint on the May bank holiday weekend as two significant events shine a light on the city’s extraordinary public visual arts culture. Backed by Belfast One Business Improvement District, the Hit the North Street Art Festival, organised by Seedhead Arts, was initially established over a decade

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Arts Care’s Christmas Show Brings Joy and Creativity to Knockbracken Healthcare Park

Arts in health charity Arts Care recently hosted its much-anticipated Christmas show at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, welcoming over 100 attendees, including service users and staff from day centres across the Belfast Trust.  The event marked a joyful return of the annual celebration after a four-year hiatus, with the pandemic putting the tradition on pause since

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4 Corners Festival Bringing Young People Together Through Sports 

The 2025 4 Corners Festival is set to bring young people from local communities across Belfast together through the medium of sport. Now in its 13th year, the 4 Corners Festival was conceived as a way to inspire people from across the city to transform it for the peace and wellbeing of all. The festival,

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TechFoundHer Successfully Pilots Programme To Empower Women Entrepreneurs To Build Tech Products

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has successfully piloted the Innovation Labs programme – an inaugural, first of its kind initiative to advance 35 women founders from across the island to innovate with tech.  Over the course of eight weeks, the programme has advanced women entrepreneurs to bring their tech ideas to life by developing tech

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TechFoundHer Launches Groundbreaking Innovation Labs Programme

Women in tech organisation TechFoundHer has opened applications for its highly anticipated Innovation Labs, a 8 week programme designed to equip women entrepreneurs with the tools and skills needed to innovate with technology. The forward-thinking initiative will empower women who have identified big problems they want to solve, applicants aren’t required to have a tech

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REVIEW: 101 Dalmatians at the Grand Opera House, Belfast

The Grand Opera House in Belfast is currently playing host to a lively and visually striking adaptation of the classic tale, 101 Dalmatians. Running until Saturday, 17th August, this production brings to life Dodie Smith’s beloved story with a mix of impressive puppetry, vibrant set design, and a performance from Kym Marsh that truly commands

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Time Capsule Unearthed in Belfast Hotel Development Provides Glimpse into City’s Past

In a remarkable discovery that has captivated the imagination of Belfast, developers behind the new Amelia Hall project on Howard Street unearthed a time capsule dating back to 1923. The find, made during the demolition phase for the £11.5 million development by the Ringland Group, offers an intriguing snapshot of life in the city 100

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Elton John’s Personal Chef To Head Up New Belfast Venue’s Food Offering

As Belfast’s newest luxury complex, Amelia Hall, nears completion, the city is set to welcome a taste of celebrity with its high-profile culinary recruit. Tony Liddel, who for decades was a personal chef to stars like Elton John and the Rolling Stones, will be at the helm of the food offering at this new prestigious

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Lord Mayor Launches Groundbreaking Discover ME Campaign With Virtual Reality Experience

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy has launched the powerful Discover ME campaign which begins on World ME Day. The Discover ME campaign has been organised by the Charity Hope 4 ME & Fibro NI, as part of an ongoing initiative to raise awareness for the medical conditions Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.), Fibromyalgia, Long Covid and

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Ulster Bank Helps School Children Make Sense Of Money

Education Minister, Paul Givan MLA, recently attended a financial literacy lesson at a local primary school. The Lagan Valley MLA met pupils and staff at Pond Park Primary School in Lisburn before observing a MoneySense workshop delivered to the primary seven class by Ulster Bank volunteers. Ulster Bank MoneySense provides free financial education programmes for

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Belfast Giants And Stena Line Commit To 13th Season in Partnership

The Stena Line Belfast Giants are proud to announce the return of Stena Line as the club’s title sponsor for the 2024/25 season. Stena Line is the largest ferry operator on the Irish Sea, with the biggest fleet providing up to 248 weekly sailings, offering the widest choice of routes, including combined passenger and freight

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Action Cancer Celebrates First Anniversary of Skin Cancer Detection Service

Action Cancer’s Skin Cancer Detection Service was launched a year ago and is delivered by a highly qualified and experienced nursing specialist team. The charity’s Skin Cancer Detection Service supplements the service available in most GP practices in Northern Ireland, increasing choice and accessibility. Action Cancer’s service is for people concerned about a new or

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McAleer & Rushe Launches Degree Apprenticeship Programme With Ulster University

Leading Design & Build Contractor McAleer & Rushe are partnering with Ulster University to launch their new 2024 Degree Apprenticeship Programme, in time for the new 2024/25 intake year. The new degree apprenticeship programme offers an alternative to the traditional degree route, providing students aged 18 and older the opportunity to gain fully paid employment

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NSPCC Northern Ireland Launches First Annual NI ‘Talk PANTS’ Fortnight

NSPCC Northern Ireland has announced the first annual NI Talk PANTS Fortnight, which will run from 6 – 17 May 2024. The Talk PANTS campaign aims to empower parents, carers and professionals to have simple age-appropriate conversations with children aged 3-11 years old, to help them recognise their rights to their own bodies and to say no

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