Dear colleagues and friends,

This week the team are delighted to bring you an eclectic mix of music and techniques for the mind and soul, and for those needing an active challenge, information on how to take part in a virtual Belfast Marathon, with the added benefit of raising money for charity!

The Arts Council playlist is a great way to relive memories of some of the artists we have been lucky to host at Culture Night in Brussels in past years, such as Ciara O’Neill and Matt McGinn who performed in 2018.

We hope you enjoy this week’s selection and that you and your families are safe and well. As always, remember that all of our officials are still contactable and working remotely, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Best Wishes,
Lynsey Moore, Director

Stay at Home Playlist

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland have created a Spotify playlist featuring the talents of many local Northern Ireland performers. The playlist includes music from the excellent Ciara O’Neill and Matt McGinn, both of whom you may remember from their performances at ONIEB’s Culture Night 2018. Head on over to Spotify to enjoy some of the finest music Northern Ireland has to offer!

Virtual Marathon

The famous Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon has unfortunately been postponed until the 20th of September 2020. However, while you may not be able to run through the streets of Belfast right now, you can take part in a virtual marathon, launched to raise funds for the official nominated charity, Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Participants are encouraged to walk, jog or run the distance of 26.2 miles across a number of days/weeks. Grab your running shoes and find out more on Belfast City Marathon’s website.

Jazz Sessions from your sofa

This week you have the chance to get a taste of the unique musical reputation of the city of Derry/ Londonderry with the 19th edition of the famous yearly Jazz Festival returning for the first time online. Not wanting to disappoint fans of the Festival, 24 international and local Jazz artists perform sofa sessions for you to enjoy from your very own home. From Thursday to Sunday this week, you can enjoy multiple concerts each day from 3.30 pm CEST.

Beyond Skin Online Workshops

During this time, it is important to take care of one’s mental health whilst also looking out for others. Supported by the Northern Ireland Executive Office, Beyond Skin offer zoom classes that Decompress Stress and help mindfulness, brought to you by local artists. Now is also the time to register for the upcoming Mental Health Arts Festival. The Festival highlightes mental health and challenging stigma and inequality through different arts events across Northern Ireland.

A taste of NI for your BBQ in Brussels

Why not add a taste of Northern Ireland to your cooking this weekend with Erne Larder Preserves. The range which includes Irish Bacon Jam or Ketchup, Irish Whiskey Marmalade, Irish Stout and Onion Chutney and Fiery Jalapeno Relish is available to purchase from their website or at Wesley Butcher’s Shop, Brussels. The recipes for Erne Larder’s products were created by Fermanagh chef Declan O’Donoghue and all ingredients are sourced locally in Northern Ireland.

Visit brusselsni.com