BELFASTTIMES
SINCE 2011
A MAGAZINE WITH A BELFAST FOCUS
EDITOR FOLLOW US ON:
JEFF MEREDITH
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@BELFASTTIMES
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FROM THE EDITOR DIDYOUKNOW?
Thanks to everyone who read and enjoyed our first edition in July. It’s been an adventure.
This month we have a few new features including Foodie Photos. This feature is photos of where our food bloggers have been eating lately
We have more Totally Tourist travel pages this month with a Top Picks in Paris feature and a Malmo tips page
Big shout out to Caroline Curran for the interview, and we’ve already started planning next month’s magazine with interviews from Spencer Matthews and Leesa Harker.
I hope you enjoy this issue. Don’t forget to follow us on socials @belfasttimes for regular updates and behind the scenes.
Jeff
We started Belfast Times in February 2011 and began trading at our stall in St George’s Market in August 2011. 14 years ago!
OUT & ABOUT: JULY REWIND
In the month that celebrated the warmest day of the year in the city, we still managed to get rained on at the Rose Fair in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park and we rediscovered the Titanic Belfast exhibition
We squeezed in a day trip to Ayr thanks to Stenaline and discovered Robert Burns’ birthplace
Jeff met up with Spencer Matthew’s on an alcohol free pub crawl (interview with Spencer coming in our September magazine), and Sofia attended a candle making event in Bangor. And we attended a cocktail event to celebrate The Open at the Adelphi Hotel Portrush and we enjoyed a super meal at the Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel
cocktail event at
CleanCoCrawlaroundBelfast withSpencerMatthews
and a
Rose Fair
Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park.
Titanic Belfast tour
Day trip to Ayr with Stenaline
Makin’ Scents launch event in Bangor
Cocktails
meal at The Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel
AUGUST
WHAT’S ON IN AUGUST
The first couple of days in August are the end of Eastside Arts Festival and Tradfest.
Féile an Phobail 31 July -10 August Mela Festival starts with the Carnival on Saturday 16 August. Mela Day finale in Botanic Gardens is on Sunday 24 August.
Late Night Art Belfast 7 Aug 6-10pm
August Craft Month by Design & Crafts
Council Ireland and Craft NI. 600+ makers and over 300 events across the island of Ireland.
MUSIC IN THE PARKS
Bands will perform outdoors on:
Sunday 24 August in Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park from 2pm to 5pm
Sunday 14 September in Botanic Gardens
2pm to 5pm
SUNDAYS ON MARITIME MILE
Every Sunday until 31 August 2025
SUMMER THEATRE
AT THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE
FIDDLER ON THE ROOF
TUE 5 AUG - SAT 9 AUG
The 2025 Olivier Award Winner of BEST MUSICAL REVIVAL, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre’s completely sold-out electrifying Fiddler on the Roof is coming to the Grand Opera House for one week only in what is set to be the theatre event of 2025.
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN
TUE 12 AUG - SAT 16 AUG
Adapted from Paula Hawkins’ novel – an international phenomenon selling over twenty million copies worldwide – this gripping new play will keep you guessing until the final moment. Laura Whitmore will star in this brand-new production, following the play’s first sell-out UK tour
MOTHER OF ALL THE BEHANS
CIRQUE REIMAGINED
FRI 29 AUG - SAT 30 AUG
Get ready for a dazzling fusion of musical theatre and jaw-dropping circus acts, taking the original Circus meets Musical Theatre spectacle to thrilling new heights.
Experience iconic West End showstoppers paired with aweinspiring circus acts showcasing their breathtaking feats of agility.
FOLLIES
DID YOU KNOW?
CHARLIE CHAPLIN, LAUREL AND HARDY, JUDI DENCH HAVE PERFORMED HERE
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MON 18 AUG - SAT 23 AUG
Join Imelda May for an evening of songs & stories celebrating the life of Brendan's Mammy, Kathleen Behan.
SAT 13 SEP - SAT 20 SEP
Northern Ireland Opera presents a new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Goldman's legendary musical, Follies.
SUMMER THEATRE
AT THE LYRIC
THE TUNNEL
BRASSNECK THEATRE COMPANY & SEAMUS PRODUCTIONS
THU 31 JUL - SAT 16 AUG
Academy Award-Winning director Terry George joins forces with Brassneck Theatre Company to present the Irish premiere of his thrilling masterpiece
TĀLA ARTS EKTA
FRI 22 AUG
Step into a world of rhythm, grace, and artistic fusion at this exclusive creative showcase featuring renowned Indian Kathak dancer Shinjini Kumar and dynamic percussionist Rishiraj Kulkarni, live at The Lyric Theatre
COME FROM AWAY ST AGNES' CHORAL SOCIETY
THU 4 SAT 13 SEP
This smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community of Gander that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts
LIAM NEESON STARRED IN PHILADELPHIA, HERE I COME! AT THE LYRIC BACK IN 1976.
IN THE NAME OF THE SON GREEN SHOOT PRODUCTIONS
MON 19 AUG - SUN 31 AUG
If you thought the Oscar-nominated movie IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER about the wrongful imprisonment of the Guildford 4’s Gerry Conlon was a great story, you won’t believe how his life panned out AFTER he was released from prison!
THE ART EDIT
Works by artists including Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Julian Opie and Salvador Dali will be showcased in the grounds until Sunday 31 August
Wild Ireland | Past, Present, Future Ulster Museum, Belfast Until 31 August 2025
Renowned wildlife painter, Julian Friers, has collaborated with Ulster Museum to create over 50 remarkable paintings of our flora and fauna, past and present Ireland’s biggest art and sculpture event at Culloden Estate & Spa.
Lucian Freud's Etchings: A Creative Collaboration, Titanic Belfast 2 May – 30 September 2025
In collaboration with the V&A, Titanic Belfast is hosting a free exhibition of the work of one of the foremost British artists of the 20th-century, Lucian Freud
Nationhood: Memory and Hope Belfast Exposed
A photography exhibition celebrating the diversity of the UK today. It offers a wealth of insights on how we each try and shape both our identities and communities to make the world a better place.
The State of Belfast at The MAC, is an exhibition and discursive forum cocurated and designed by the MAC and associated partner Participation and Practice of Rights specifically their ongoing campaign Take Back the City. From 18 Jul 2025 until 21 Sep 2025
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ONTOUR NI CHSQ
CHSq returns to the historic surroundings of Belfast's iconic Custom House for 2025, bringing a series of headline shows by international musical artists throughout August.
THE INTERVIEW: CAROLINE CURRAN
Caroline Curran has been a bringer of joy to a lot of people in her roles playing Maggie Muff and Big Sally Ann. We always think she lights up the stage whether she’s performing in the Opera House, The Mac or The Lyric. We recently caught up with Caroline to have a chat about her life on stage.
I cannot thank you enough. I’m forevergrateful.
It’s always a pleasure to watch you on stage. What’s your favourite part about acting and being in front of an audience?
I think for me the best part of being in front of a live audience is hearing people laugh and cry. It might sound like a cliché but I really love to make people laugh, maybe cry and generally have a wonderful night out.
I’ve seen you on stage a lot over the years. Do you have a stand out moment or production? I think one of my standout moments (although there are many if I am honest) was during the first 50 Shades of Red, White and Blue it was my birthday on the last night of the run. And when I was taking my bow the music cut out and over the speakers played “Happy Birthday” and the whole of the Grand Opera House (1000) including my family sang Happy Birthday and Leesa Harker and my mum came on stage with a birthday cake. And a fella who was hired for photos lifted me up into the air. I thought the roof was going to lift off with the cheering Sheer Magic.
As an actor, writer and producer you have your hands full, and 2025 has been busy! What are your plans for the next 12 months?
So at the end of August I will be starring in Bright Umbrella’s production of “Ulster American” by David Ireland at the Sanctuary Theatre running from the 26th August until the 6th of September It’s a dark comedy and I think it will show people the darker side I can play.
Then I am writing, starring and producing the adult Christmas show at the Grand Opera House studio called “Deck The Hols! This my first time producing for the Grand Opera House and I’m very excited and nervous I’m running from the 4th-31st December. We are all off on holiday for a bit of Christmas craic.
I need to chat to Leesa Harker about Maggie’s Menopause, it’ll be great to see Maggie back on stage next year. How much has the iconic role impacted on your life?
Maggie is back at The Grand Opera House for Maggie’s Menopause and I can’t wait to bring a brand new Maggie out for Belfast. Leesa is so talented and Andrea is brilliant and I can’t wait to get started. Maggie has been such a massive part of my life and I love her with all my heart. Long may it continue.
Thanks for taking the time to chat and thanks for years of laughter and joy!
I just want to thank every single person who has come and supported me all of these years I cannot thank you enough I’m forever grateful
Caroline xo
The John Boyd Dunlop room
FOODIEPHOTOS
FOODIE PHOTOS
New to the Belfast Times this month is our first foodie feature. With the help of BelfastFoodBlogger, KeevaEats and our editor Jeff, here are some of our favourite recent foodie finds.
Thanks to Conor (@belfastfoodblogger), Keeva (@keevaeats) and Jeff (@belfasttimes) for this month’s foodie photos.
TheWolffGrill,TitanicHotel Burrata,SpringVegetables,Pine Nuts andSeeds£10
£11
The Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel Thai Vegetable Curry, Steamed Rice £15
The Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel Oregano Butter Roast Breast of Chicken, Valpolicella, Mushrooms and Parmesan Mash £20
The Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel Crème Brûlée, Lemon Curd, Homemade Cinnamon Shortbread £9
The Wolff Grill, Titanic Hotel Armagh Apple and Berry
Crumble, Custard £9
Smooth Sailings Mocktail
FOODIE PHOTOS
with Belfast Food Blogger
This month Conor enjoyed mrDeanes, the latest addition to the Deanes portfolio.
mrDeanes
Entrecôte au Poivre. French style sirloin steak, peppercorns, mushroom, onion ring & fries
£38
mrDeanes
Beer battered line-caught haddock, chips, crushed peas & tartare. £19 95
mrDeanes
Brie fritters & truffle honey
£6
mrDeanes
Salt & Chilli Squid, garlic aioli & Asian slaw £9.50
Berry Mocktail
FOODIE PHOTO
This month @keevaeats sent us foodie photos from a meal at Pica, Belmont Road, Belfast
Cochinita Pibil Tacos £12
Papas
Crab Tostada
BELFAST TIMES FASHION FILES
River Island, RI Navy Double Breasted Slim Fit Suit Jacket £75
Cavani Tokyo
Blazer £99, Suit £149
Available in: Street Life, Newtownards
Roman Double Breasted Collar & Revere Jacket, Longline
THE FASHION FILES: DOUBLE
BREASTED IS BACK
The Double Breasted suit/jacket is back and we think it looks smarter than ever. So far we’ve seen a whole host of celebrities wearing DB this summer previewing the latest Autumn 2025 trend. Will you?
M&S Suit jacket £129, Suit trousers £70, Shirt £40, T-shirt £20, Sunglasses £18
Button Waistcoat Jacket & Smart Twill Wide Leg Pocket Trouser £55
Cotton Traders
Double Breasted Boucle Jacket £69
Matalan Et Vous Pinstripe
Blue Blazer £32
River Island, RI Navy
Double Breasted Slim Fit Suit Jacket £75
THE FASHION FILES: GOING GREEN
£26
£18
£22 50
£18
TU
Green Velvet Blouse
TK Maxx Men green jacket with dragons
£29 99
TK Maxx Men green joggers £34 99
TU Green Satin Tailored Trouser
Matalan Et Vous Sage Green Co Ord Shirt
Matalan Et Vous Sage Green Co Ord Trousers
POSTCARDS FROM MALMO
M A L
OMTop things to do in Malmo, Sweden
1: Cross the Oresund Bridge between Copenhagen & Malmo. It’s a combined rail and road bridge and is the 2 longest bridge in Europe and includes the world’s longest underwater tunnel. nd
2: The Turning Torso is a unique twisted skyscraper.
3: Visit the Disgusting Food Museum. Think I’m A Celebrity challenges
TOTALLY TOURISTS: PARIS JE T’AIME
Paris, the City of Lights, je t’aime.
One of the great cities of the world, Paris is many things; it’s a romantic city, a city of enlightenment, a city of art & culture, the city of light
You could spend days exploring the city but our top picks are:
1 Notre Dame Book your FREE tickets in advance.
2.The Water Lilies by Claude Monet at Musée de l'Orangerie.
3 Admire the art at Musée d'Orsay.
4.Be dazzled at Sainte-Chapelle
5.Book in advance and go to the Eiffel Tower.
6.The Galleries Lafayette rooftop for spectacular views over the city It’s FREE
7.The Louvre is a must see, you could spend a lifetime discovering its collections.
8 Try the Batobus Hop-on Hop-off Seine boats with 9 stations, for 24 or 48 hours.
9.Book a tour of The Palais Garnier.
10.Go to Shakespeare & Company, The Most Famous Bookstore In Paris
TOP TIP
Buy The Paris Pass and plan your trip to explore the whole city
Two Irish Escapes
Killashee Hotel, Naas.
Killashee Hotel has a reputation for excellent hospitality. The latest addition to the hotel is The Manor House; a boutique hotel within a hotel. The house dates back to 1861 and retains many of its authentic features, including The Great Hall, and now 12 new suites.
More at www.killasheehotel.com
Castleknock Hotel, Dublin
The luxury 4 star hotel sits on the western edge of Phoenix Park, less than 30 minutes drive into Dublin, and 10 minutes to Blanchardstown shopping centre. Finish your day enjoying exceptional cuisine from their award winning Earth & Vine signature restaurant.
More at www.castleknockhotel.com
AYR
STENA DAY TRIP
Exploring Ayr on a Stenaline day trip. A charming town on the west coast of Scotland and close to the birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland’s national bard, poet and lyricist.
A day trip to Ayr on the Stena Superfast ferry with a bus transfer to the coastal town of Ayr is an easy and stress free way to visit the historic town.
The bus collects you at the exit to the terminal and a 70 minute coach journey later you arrive in Central Ayr at the Robert Burns statue The bus collects you for the return journey approximately 6 hours later. Plenty of time to discover the area.
5 THINGS TO DO IN AYR
Visit Ayr esplanade and the long sandy beach Perfect for a paddle at any time of the year.
Visit Alloway, 45 minutes walk south of Ayr to visit Robert Burns’ birthplace and museum. Join the Scottish National Trust when you’re there!
Ayr is full of little alleys with plaques telling interesting stories of the history of the area.
On the way to Alloway is Rozelle Estate and Galleries. The 37 hectare estate is a peaceful escape with beautiful walkways
Dander around the shops and cafes in Ayr and relax by the River Ayr
B E LFAST —1888—
1 8 8 8
In 1888 work started on this building 1-3 Arthur Square (top right). When it opened in 1889 it was The Grand Restaurant and Cafe.
Sitting opposite The Grand Restaurant and Cafe, where Starbucks is now, was the Theatre Royal. J F Warden, the owner of the Opera House, managed Theatre Royal from 1863. The theatre first opened in 1793 and after a series of fires and rebuilds it eventually closed in 1915.
Also in 1888 the Robinson & Cleaver building (left image) opened its doors. They were the largest exporters of linen at the time. The building is now home to Cafe Parisian and The Ivy.
The recent Open in Portrush was hosted by Royal Portrush.
In 1888 The County Club was founded in Portrush and in 1892 it was renamed Royal County Club. In 1895 it became Royal Portrush Golf Club. It has now hosted The Open 3 times, 1951, 2019 and 2025.
T CRUISES
ntly celebrated its e arrival into the e the first one 96. These ships t in almost 2.5 engers. Belfast
e 2 busiest cruise K after n and plans are in and the city's cruise to provide more full nd
The arrivals in Belfast range from small 100 passenger ships to larger 3000-4000 passenger floating cities. We’ve had visits from very popular Disney ships, ships with helipads on board, and ships with water slides and ships with millions of pounds worth of art. On 26th August we’ll see Virgin arrive in the city for the first time with Scarlet Lady.
The final cruise ship in Belfast this season will be on the 6th November as Ambassador Ambition disembarks after an 8 night cruise to the north of France.
The second most popular excursion for a cruise ship passenger is to the North Coast. They are in awe of the Antrim Coastline and the Causeway Coast It’s a long trip for passengers but they love the experience. Giant’s Causeway is looked after by the National Trust and passengers arrive back at the cruise terminal with their NT bags filled with souvenirs and memories of a fantastic day out They don’t even care what the weather is like.
