FAMILY | FIVE FAVOURITE BOOKS FROM LIBRARIES NI #BIGSUMMEREAD

By Jillian Henning www.hennathome.com

 Edited by Cathy Martin

It goes without saying that children tend to switch off when the summer holidays begin. The lack of routine can be especially challenging and their concentration levels dip each week they’re out of school if not stimulated, but a great way to tackle that is through reading.

A primary school teacher I know told me before the summer break that a child who doesn’t read over the summer nearly goes back to square one and I was so conscious I didn’t want that to happen with my daughter before entering Primary Two after all the hard work in her first academic year.

Libraries NI has a great scheme over the summer called The Big Summer Read. Your child gets to set a target of how many books they are going to read over the summer. They get a card with their name on it and when they return their books they get a special stamp. Along with the card comes a book chart where they can document what books they got out, as well as stickers, colouring in pages and - the biggest hit in our house - wash off tattoos of book worms.

Some of our favourite books thus far in the big read are

1.       Don’t Call Me Choochie Pooh! By Sean Taylor

A book about a little dog with a big personality. He is totally fed up with his owner carrying him around in a handbag (so embarrassing!) and feeding him little heart treats (in front of others who laugh!) when all he wants to do is play with the other big dogs and earn some respect.  After finally feeling like he belongs when he meets some friends who enjoy jumping in muddy puddles and chasing sticks, he makes the shocking discovery that they also have embarrassing owners. Turns out he is not so different after all.

2.        Elmer by David Mckee

This book is so well known for the happy go lucky colourful patchwork elephant. After being ashamed that he constantly stood out all the time, Elmer decided to paint himself grey so he could blend in with the other elephants. Not only did they not recognise him, speak to him or even look in his direction as he was the same as everyone else, they all felt gloomy because Elmer, the one elephant who could make them laugh, had disappeared. Or so they thought. Once it started raining and the paint washed off Elmer realised it much more fun being himself and everyone appreciated him more. A good lesson in learning its ok to be yourself.

3.        Splish, Splash, Splat by Rob Scotton

This book is about a cat called Splat who is having the worst day imaginable. Then he finds out he has a play date with Spike, a cat he doesn’t like because they don’t have anything in common. Just when he thinks the day can’t get any worse he hears that his class is going for a swimming lesson and he hates the water! When all of his classmates jump into the pool and start splashing around, Spike and Splat are left standing at the edge looking nervous. It turns out they might have more in common than they think.  They decide to face their fear together and once they achieve that, the playdate is much more fun than expected.

4.       Never Use a Knife and Fork by Neil Goddard

This tongue in cheek book about the chaos of mealtime shows children what they shouldn’t be doing at the table. This had my little ones laughing aloud while shouting “you shouldn’t do that!”. It’s short and to the point, so we had to read it several times over a few times. Turns out you shouldn’t hide spaghetti in your hair or keep crisps in your underwear! A hilarious rhyming story about terrible table manners.

5.        Norman The Slug with The Silly Shell by Sue Hendra

This is an absolute favourite of ours and one of many in a series of different creatures. Norman is slug who just longs to have a shell so he can hang about with all the other snails. He will go to great lengths to try and find something that will closely resemble a shell to fit in. Finally he finds the perfect item, a sprinkle covered donut. He then discovers maybe his dream isn’t to have a shell after all and sets his sights on something more extravagant. This book teach young children through humour that yes you should chase those dreams but not to forget who you really are in the first instance.

Enjoy!

FACE | The DL and the WTH of SPF

“Nothing looks better in your 50’s than suncream in your 20’s”

Jennifer Garner

The DL and the WTH of SPF

We all know we’re supposed to use it, yet so many of us still skip sunscreen. If you’re young, count yourself lucky that we’re so much more clued up about UV damage these days and start using SPF today. We may not be able to turn back time, and of course it’s good to get a dose of Vitamin D when we can, but all of us can take a moment to protect our skin and help prevent further damage.

If you do like a tan, fake it with my favourite, He-Shi – so many products right across the range - and/or add a few drops of Tan Luxe or Clarins tanning drops to your regular moisturiser for a golden glow on the face. 

5 reasons to slather on sunscreen - rain, hail or shine ...

1. Depletion of the ozone layer has increased our risk of damage from ultra violet rays.

2. Not a single ray of sun is required for skin damage to occur; UV rays are out in force every day, every season (even here in the UK & Ireland!).

3. Sunscreen protects against skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the UK & Ireland, accounting for 31% of all cancers.

4. Sunscreen is the most powerful anti-ageing product. There is zero point in spending a fortune on the best skincare around if you don't add sun protection, end of. And if you only use one product on your skin, it should be sunscreen.

5. Products containing retinol, liquid exfoliants and some serums leave skin particularly vulnerable to UV damage and must be paired with SPF50+.

Sun Facts

• Most sun damage is done in our youth. (Count yourself lucky if you didn't grow up when SPF4 was the norm like me. I used actual olive oil on my skin in my teens, eek!).

• You can't layer SPFs. Makeup with SPF15 + sunscreen with SPF30 = protection of SPF30, not 45. Only the highest factor counts.

• Broad spectrum means you are covered for both UVA and UVB protection.

• SPF should be reapplied every 2 hours (more often if swimming, although please also think of the environment and the water pollution you can cause, so try not to jump straight in after applying, then reapplying and so on…)

• Sunscreen may be water resistant but not waterproof - and should always be replenished after swimming.

• Sunscreen has a shelf life and must be replaced every Summer to work optimally.

• SPF rarely causes breakouts; not removing it properly does. It's designed to stay around, so double cleansing is advisable for complete removal.

I like to use a separate SPF for my face as these are usually non-comedogenic (won’t block pores), have a lighter texture for under make-up and offer higher protection.  Always extend your facial sunscreen down your neck and décolleté - both of which are very delicate and equally prone to sun damage. I also apply any excess to the backs of my hands, one of the first areas to show signs of ageing.

My SPF tick list:

·                     high protection

·                     light, quickly absorbed formula

·                     no greasy feel

·                     no white cast

·                     won’t interfere with make-up application

·                     won’t cause breakouts

Which Sunscreen?

Choosing the best sun screen can be a bit of a minefield and with so many formulas available, it’s difficult to know where to start. Gone are the days of thick white creams that leave a white cast and greasy texture... facial SPFs are much more sophisticated now and as pleasurable to use as skincare. Speaking of which, SPF should be the last step in your skincare routine, directly before any makeup.

Note whether the active ingredients are chemical or physical sunscreens. Physical (often described as natural or mineral) sunscreens most commonly contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide a physical barrier on the skin that reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals, which protect the skin by interacting with and absorbing ultraviolet energy.

The Hawaii state legislature recently passed a bill to ban oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals found in most non-mineral sunscreen products. Studies show that these two chemicals have damaged Hawaii’s marine environment, causing coral bleaching and possible coral death. If the bill becomes law (in 2021), it will affect most chemical sunscreens sold in the United States and force manufacturers to reformulate or stop selling these products in Hawaii.

Suncare Favourites

While you’re probably used lashing on the SPF to help protect your skin over the summer, there’s more you can do to protect your skin against the sun: namely, antioxidants. Antioxidants are a great way to help neutralise the visible effects the sun may have on skin (such as dark spots and wrinkles), so picking products with antioxidants can go a long way.

 Just to give you a quick recap about just what exactly antioxidants do - free radicals (or as scientists call them, “reactive oxygen species”) form in our bodies from different causes, particularly UV rays. These molecules are missing an electron, so they scavenge around for one and in this process, they cause damage to other cells. This is where antioxidants come in to save the day. By “donating” an electron to free radicals, antioxidants manage to neutralize them and halt or minimize the damage.

One of my faves is Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract; it is often credited as the source behind the flawless complexions of the Japanese and green tea has long been known for its amazing health benefits. It’s also a potent antioxidant, making it a popular ingredient in skincare products like the IMAGE ORMEDIC Balancing Antioxidant Serum €70.50…

And two of my all-time favourite products, the IMAGE VITAL C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum €76.00, and VITAL C Hydrating Antioxidant ACE Serum €67.00 are also formulated with green tea extract for a burst of antioxidant power.

Face:

• La Roche Posay Anthelios XL SPF50+ Tinted BB Cream (available in different formulas for normal-dry or oily) (RRP £17.00)

• ·Sisley Sisley Super Soin Facial Sun Cream SPF50+, 40ml (RRP £114.75)

• Eucerin SPF50 CC crème - ideal for sensitive skin (RRP £12.00)

• Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF50 PA+++ (RRP £28.00)

• Tropic Tinted Skin Shade SPF50 (RRP £28.00)

Clarins Sun Care Body Cream UVA/UVB 30

• Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Lotion Extra Light SPF30 (RRP £18.00)

• Vichy Idéal Soleil Sun-Milk for Face and Body SPF 30 300ml (RRP £19.00)

•  · Green People Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30 (RRP £22.50)

For after sun I love LANCASTER After Sun Tan Maximizer (RRP £26.00) and then rich body oils, butter butters (my old faves The Body Shop butters are fab here and usually available in all airports) as well as Aloe products for anyone who has overdone it.  

 

FILM | GLORY BELL, IT’S GLORIA BELL

Gloria Bell is a remake of Sebastián Lelio's Spanish-language Gloria (2013). Here, the location switches from Santiago to Los Angeles, with Julianne Moore starring as a free-spirited fifty-something office worker, navigating life as a divorcee.

I wrongly assumed that her life would be depicted as a celebration of her freedom, enjoying a perfect relationship in the bosom of her now-grown family. Instead it is a candid depiction of awkward family scenarios and useless boyfriends, peppered with office life, car singing and everyday moments. She finds joy in her local singles nightclub, where she dances like no-one's watching in Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dresses.

Julianne Moore is both charming and mesmerising as Gloria; the heightened realism of her unfiltered life both disconcerting and refreshing. Gloria Bell is not a movie where much happens, but a character study of her life, from embarking on a new romance to the mundane, like handwashing her bras in the bathroom sink or having a bikini wax. Most of the action takes place around her, from her son's new baby girl and absent partner to her daughter falling in love and relocating with a Swedish big wave surfer. Everything that happens is underpinned by the unpredictability of life, happiness and dissatisfaction.

Gloria loves her grown-up kids and enjoys what seems to be a relatively content life, but her continual return to the dance floor (usually alone), relaxation classes and laughter therapy imply a hidden sadness.

She hooks up with a paintball instructor, Arnold (John Turturro) at the singles bar and the two begin a somewhat shaky relationship. Arnold’s ex-wife and daughters are needy and we soon realise that he hasn't moved on in the way that Gloria has. One moment he is all over her and the next he disappears, as if overwhelmed by his feelings.

One such instance is at a dinner party with Gloria's children and ex-husband, which leaves her hurt, angry and questioning everything. As the family look over old photos, Arnold becomes increasingly marginalised - even in the frame - where he is placed at the edge of shots and often in soft focus. His exasperation adds both tension and humour until he excuses himself and sneaks out of the building. Much as he and Gloria seem to adore one another, his unpredictability changes her life into something much more complicated.

Music plays a significant role in the film with a repertoire including Gloria Gaynor’s Never Can Say Goodbye, Anita Ward’s Ring My Bell and numbers from Olivia Newton-John, Bonnie Tyler, Earth, Wind and Fire and Air Supply.

Moore is in every scene of the movie and I love her all the more for how she played it.

The supporting cast includes John Turturro, Brad Garrett, Michael Cera and Caren Pistorius.

I saw Gloria Bell at QFT, Belfast and hope that it makes its way to more cinemas around the City.

FARAWAY PLACES | TITANIC ADVENTURE

I really hadn’t spent that much time in the Titanic Hotel until my recent overnight. A (great) opening night party, one or two meetings in the drawing offices and then a black tie dinner for my daughter’s school PTA would be a fair summary of my experience. None of these visits gave me the opportunity to have a proper look around, and so a recent invitation to stay was welcomed with open arms.

The two drawing rooms are bright and airy – one is an events space and the other, the main bar, was buzzing. The hotel features lots of artefacts from the original building owners – Harland and Wolff – the company that built the ship of the hotel’s name, as well as Titanic replicas and plenty of drawings and plans, plus ship signs and more.

I’ll get to the rooms and the overnight in a bit, but I’m going to kick start things with the food in the restaurant. It is outstanding. I mean, REALLY outstanding. I had no idea the quality of dishes (made from ingredients mostly of local provenance) was so epic, nor that the presentation could be so pretty outside of my usual fine dining choices of OX, James Street, Howard Street, Deanes et al.  So I stand well and truly enlightened.

I had scallops with a cauliflower and langoustine velouté to start, while my guest had hake with Jerusalem artichokes (a much underestimated vegetable which grows very successfully here).

For mains we chose together so that we could share both dishes, and I still got food envy when I had to pass the second half of the most delicious beef plate over to him. Our other main course was a halibut fillet with radishes and some very fine broccoli. A dish I would normally fawn over, but I fell so in love with the beef and the buttery carrot stack which came on the side, that it took second place for me – still deliciously light and flavoursome though. Massive shout out also to the roasted purple potatoes. Regular readers will know that I love my spuds – the world’s best carb – and these did not disappoint, with the chef’s perfect hint of oil and salt.

I imagine the puddings would have been wondrously delicate and arty affairs, but it was Sunday evening and a cheeseboard with a glass of port beckoned.

The selection of local cheeses was fab, and I made a special request for some honey to go with it. (My go-to accompaniment for cheese is truffle honey). They didn’t have truffle honey, but the chef sent out a big chunk of runny fresh honeycomb which felt like it had just been lifted straight out of the hive. Just wow.  I spilt the port but we’ll ignore that slight of hand as we were both happy gorging on the cheese and port.

And so back to our room. I always love a room with a bath (less hassle for the blow dry, you see) and this one was perfect. Thankfully the water wasn’t scalding – as some hotel bathwater can be if you leave it running - and the products were from Rituals, which is a great natural brand, with not too many chemical ingredients to dry out the skin. The bathrobes get 9/10 – just the perfect mix of soft and crisp for me; and the bed was a dream to sleep in. Perfectly roomy if you need some space but also great for comfy cuddle.

The hotel is located next to the world-renowned Titanic Belfast tourist attraction and a 15 minute walk from the city centre. We departed the next morning to City Airport and the journey took just 6 minutes in total from the car park – convenience at its best.

FACE | PRE HOLIDAY BEAUTY PREP FROM TOP TO TOE

FACE: HOLIDAY PREP LIKE A PRO, FROM HEAD TO TOE

 You've booked the holiday, sorted your outfits and now it's time for poolside prep. While I don't believe in arduous dieting to get bikini ready (pass the Tayto, please), some personal maintenance goes a long way to ensuring I'm good to go on arrival. For me, holidays = total relaxation, including a low maintenance beauty routine, though of course I want to look good while sipping my Cava sangria by the pool. Follow my pre holiday timeline on how to prep like a pro and arrive beach-ready at your destination. It goes without saying that not all of these are essential, but I've tried to include something for everyone!

TWO WEEKS TO GO

SMOOTH IT - Gently exfoliate your body every few days to slough off dead skin and prepare for tanning, whether real or faux. Your skin will feel softer, body lotion will absorb more easily and you'll avoid ingrown hairs. Try Sanctuary Salt Scrub for silky smooth limbs. I also have a great YONKA exfoliator shower crème if you prefer the creamier type.

READY STEADY TAN - If you're heading to hot climates, prep skin with a tan accelerating cream to boost melanin levels and help you tan more quickly with less chance of burning. I like Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion to help prepare for and prolong tanning in the sun.

HYDRATE - Apply a rich body lotion daily to nourish and hydrate those limbs that have been under wraps all Winter! Personally I love a Body Shop Body Butter – Pink Grapefruit, Mojito and Mango are my faves… But don’t forget drinking lots of water and eating a plant-rich diet hydrates your biggest organ from within too.

Hydrating hair should not be forgotten about either. Use a rich mask for a few hours before washing hair or an oil afterwards to deeply condition your locks before sun exposure. Personally I love the Bumble & Bumble overnight masque for damage repair and some good old coconut oil for afterwards.

ONE WEEK TO GO

CHOP CHOP - sun and seawater can lead to frazzled locks, so boost your hair with a trim before you go and use a rich conditioner while away.

BRAZILIAN (no, not that one) - Treat yourself to a Brazilian Blow dry - a deeply conditioning, smoothing blow dry that leaves hair looking extra silky for a couple of months post treatment. Worth every penny if you're frizz-prone and want to avoid blow drying in hot climates.

TRAVEL BEAUTY - Make sure you have all the beauty products you need to bring with you packed and ready, preferably in miniature form. Hopefully you'll need very little if you follow these tips!

48 HOURS TO GO

DE-FUZZ - Always remove hair before self-tanning to avoid patchiness, as the top layer of skin can be removed along with the hair. If waxing, be sure to leave at least 24-36 hours before tanning. Wear loose clothes on long haul flights to avoid redness and ingrown hairs, especially after a Brazillian!

THE BROWS HAVE IT - A brow tint adds definition and helps us look groomed even without makeup. Whether tinting and/or waxing, do this a couple of days before jetting off to allow skin time to settle before flying. Add in lashes if you're not going for extensions. I use Michelle in Holywood Brows near my home in Holywood. She is quite simply amazeballs.

GET GLOSSY - A gel mani & pedi means zero chips and waking up to immaculate nails every morning of your holiday, plus they look ultra glossy in the sunlight!

THE DAY BEFORE

Set aside a few hours the day before you jet off for beauty treatments with the shortest lasting power, to make the most of them while you're away.

LOVELY LASHES - The last thing you want is panda eyes after swimming and lash extensions offer the ultimate minimal maintenance. They instantly prettify and mean you wake up looking 'done' every darn day... and you can get away with no other eye makeup.  

LVL lashes are my second favourite option - a tint and lash perm that leaves lashes looking naturally long and curled, as if wearing mascara. They seem to work best if your lashes are already pretty good on their own; personally I prefer extensions for more of a wow factor, but Michelle from Holywood Brows does the best LVL Lashes if this is your choice.

GLOW ON - Don't DIY tan if you're not used to it... there's no hiding a streaky tan in a bikini. A spray tan ensures a seamless all over glow with no need to bake for hours in the scorching sun! I love a He-Shi spray tan for a perfectly even, skin-kind golden glow in a shade to suit your colouring. If you do decide to DIY, look out for our Tanning Tips feature coming soon.

 That's it... super smooth skin, a golden glow, freshly trimmed locks, fabulous lashes, glossy nails and gorgeous brows. Slip on your swimsuit and you're good to go... happy holidays!

FOLIO | The Girl on the Train

I'd read (and loved) the book, watched (and kinda liked) the movie, so waited with baited breath to find out if the stage play would make the cut. Adapting a novel for theatre is no easy task; even less so when it's already made it to cinema screens. The imaginary world we create mid novel rarely translates 100%, but in this case, the cast often came close. I saw the performance in the opulent setting of Belfast's Grand Opera House, as part of an ongoing UK wide tour.

 The Girl on the Train is based on Paula Hawkins' hugely successful psychological thriller, which sold 20 million copies worldwide. It follows the life of Rachel, who seeks escapism from her permanently pickled life through a train window, on her daily commute to an imaginary workplace. Following the breakdown of her marriage and loss of her job, she becomes obsessed with relationships between couples in the houses she passes on her journey, including that of her ex husband with his new wife and baby. Tensions heighten when one of the characters go missing and Rachel finds herself both a witness and suspect in the investigation.

The story dips through characters and times as each person's stories are interwoven seamlessly. Adrenalin rises in the second half of the play, as Rachel releases her grip on a vodka-filled water bottle and gradually begins to trust snippets of her drunken memories on the night that Megan vanished.

 Rachel is played by Samantha Womack, best known for her role as Ronnie Mitchell in Eastenders, who commands the stage in every scene and is relentless in her performance. Adam Jackson-Smith is Megan's husband - the patronising and creepy Tom, while volatile Scott is portrayed by Coronation Street's Oliver Farnworth.

I appreciated how the play remained more true to the novel than the movie, where multiple changes included switching locations from London to New York. The staging is simple yet incredibly atmospheric, in keeping with the relentless twists and turns in the story. Impressive levels of realism are created through the props, well set scenery and clever flickering lighting, including effective representation of the moving train.

The play most definitely surpassed the Dreamworks film in my opinion, but the book was a No1 bestseller for a reason and I'd encourage any thriller lovers to start there.

The Girl on the Train is adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel and is directed by Anthony Banks with set and costumes by James Cotterill, lighting by Jack Knowles, sound by Ben and Max Ringham, projection design by Andrzej Goulding and fights by Alison de Burgh.

The play ran in the Grand Opera House in Belfast this month, but continues to tour the UK. For information, click on: https://www.girlonthetrainplay.com/

FAMILY | TEN WAYS TO ENJOY A DAY IN BELFAST WITH KIDS

Bored in Belfast? NEVER! What better way to create some lasting memories than right in the heart of the city?  Below we give you ten great ideas to enjoy a fun-filled, family day out and about.

1.       Ulster Museum

I pretty much grew up here and spent many a day exploring various sections of the museum. The volcanic and effervescent rocks which lit up as the lights in the small viewing room switched off and UV lights were switched on being a personal favourite. I’ll never forget that lovely man’s voice as he told the story of geological wonders in simple language that my seven year old self understood! Today kids can roam from the dinosaur era, to the real Egyptian mummy right through to visiting Peter the polar bear as well as enjoying different events over the summer, like the storytelling and drawing classes. Best of all, admission to the museum remains free.

While you are at the museum, be sure to check out the gorgeous Botanical Gardens, home to the Palm House and Tropical Ravine. I used to love the maze of the rose garden and getting lost in the Monkey Puzzle ‘forest’ too. The beautiful blooms, trees and tropical plants here make for some excellent photo opportunities also.

FREE – https://www.nmni.com/our-museums/ulster-museum/Home.aspx

2.       CS Lewis Square

Based around the chronicles of Narnia, this square in east Belfast features seven bronze sculptures from 'The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe', including Aslan, The White Witch, Mr. Tumnus, The Beavers, The Robin and The Stone Table. An absolutely stunning display of public art honouring the author who lived nearby. The nearby Eastside Visitor Centre has a café but  we also love both FREIGHT or The Lamp Post Café which are also within metres of the square. And both equally delicious! The square itself is fully illuminated daily. If you want to use the square as a kickstarter to a walk, bring your bikes or scooters and slip up the Connswater Greenway for a walk.  

https://visitbelfast.com/partners/cs-lewis-square/

3.       W5 and the Odyssey Pavilion

You wouldn’t be short of things to do indoors at the Odyssey Pavilion. From ten pin bowling to the cinema to numerous eateries, it’s a day full of activities. Best of all for kids is the utterly amazing W5 – based on the five Ws (who, what, where, when and why); this modern day kids’ discovery and science centre should include another W in its name – for wonderful! There are numerous summer camps and science events throughout the year to keep children amused all while being educational. And parents, grandparents and uncles and aunts love it too!

https://www.ssearenabelfast.com/

www.w5online.co.uk

4.       Victoria Square

The majority of indoor shopping centres run programmes and events over the summer to cater for children. Victoria Square, in the heart of the city, has a wonderful “Let’s Play” exhibit running until 31 August that lets children (and adults!) explore optical illusions, such as an upside down room and a comic page - mind trickery galore, all while running a competition to win a generous Victoria Square voucher. You can also visit the Dome and see out over Belfast while you’re there if you haven’t been before.

FREE – https://victoriasquare.com/

5.       St George’s Market

This place is a must if you have kids and that’s simply because there is such a great positive vibe with voices and faces from all over the world – both buying and selling!  There are lots of food and craft stalls, as well as music and entertainment plus the general hustle and bustle; and that’s what kids love, all the variety!  There is a weekly Friday Variety Market, then a City Food and Craft Market on Saturdays and finally, the Sunday Market. There are plenty of stalls offering tasters to inquisitive customers so it’s a fab opportunity to encourage your kids to try new things and interesting flavours or textures in food. Otherwise, just grab some food from one of the stalls, find a table and sit back and soak up the atmosphere! We’ve often witnessed kids bopping along to the various music artists who play there – and sometimes it feels like a full mini disco is taking place! The Market is well known for holding special Twilight markets in spring and autumn as well as the Midsummer markets in summertime which sees traders open their stalls to the public in the evening.

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/stgeorgesmarket/stgeorgesmarket-index.aspx

6.       City Hall

This is a great building to visit inside. With its gorgeous black and white floor and all the history spread over the walls it’s a great way to learn about Belfast. Outside on the green there is plenty of room for little ones to run around or picnic. Enjoy some cinema classics on the big screen situated on the green outside City Hall. These include Matilda, Pitch Perfect, School of Rock, Bohemian Rhapsody, Mrs Doubtfire and Toy Story 3 that are all being shown but note that you have to get a ticket online to attend however these are free.

https://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tourism-venues/cityhall/cityhall-about.aspx

7.       Aunt Sandra Candy Factory

Based on the Castlereagh Road Aunt Sandra’s has been trading for years. Passed down through the generations and more popular than ever this factory has the best tour that allows the kids to get up close and personal with their favourite treats. Visitors can see how chocolates, sweets and fudge are made, most of which can be sampled as its being produced. A viewing window into the small quaint factory allows visitors to enjoy tastes and smells of old-time candy making. Even more special to know that everything is handmade right in Belfast itself.

https://auntsandras.com/

 8.       Lost City Golf at City side

The Lost City Adventure Golf, based in City side retail park (Yorkgate) in Belfast, houses two separate 18 hole, rainforest themed, indoor adventure golf courses known as Sunken Skull Ridge and Explorer Falls. There is also the opportunity to get food and drinks there to add to all the fun.

https://www.lostcityadventuregolf.com/belfast/

9.       Climb Cave Hill

Share stories of Gulliver’s Travels and the adventures of Liliput as you trek up through the leafy forest from Belfast Castle to the tip of Cave Hill at Napoleon’s Nose with the kids. This is a dog-friendly adventure and one guaranteed to get the heart rate up and the lungs filled with fresh air at any time of year.

10.   We Are Vertigo, Let’s Go Hydro and Cable & Wake

If you fancy some high adrenaline adventure with your kids, check out these three options for the active little ones in your life.

https://www.wearevertigo.com/

https://letsgohydro.com/

www.cableandwake.com

FASHION | Cannes 2019

Riviera glam reached new heights at Cannes Film Festival 2019 as A-listers strutted the red carpet in show stopping style, before a backdrop of sun, sea and palm trees.

Now in its 72nd year, the festival continues to deliver a spectacular showcase of fashion, with celebrity outfits attracting a significant slice of the spotlight in the week-long celebration of international film.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho took home top prize Palm d'Or, for his dark thriller, Parasite, while French-Senegalese filmmaker Mati Diop earned the Grand Prix for her debut feature Atlantics, making history as the first black female filmmaker in the competition.

Best actress went to British rising star Emily Beecham for Jessica Hausner’s sci-fi, Little Joe, where she plays a scientist who begins to suspect that the plant she has genetically modified may have adverse side effects.

Antonio Banderas won best actor for his leading turn in Pedro Almodóvar’s semi-autobiographical Pain and Glory.

2019 jury members included Tilda Swinton, Chloe Sevigny, Elle Fanning and Maimouna N’Diaye, who injected glamour in statement outfits from Mugler, Gucci and Haider Ackermann.

Elle Fanning was F-Words' Style Star to Watch, appearing on the red carpet in some serious show stoppers. The actress made a dramatic first entrance in a Gucci peach caped gown with floral appliqué, rocked a sweeping floral Valentino gown for the Les Miserables screening and turned retro Parisian chic in a Dior Haute Couture ivory silk organza shirt, tulle skirt and raffia hat for the premiere of Once Upon A Time In Hollywood.

Deepika Padukone's style created quite a stir with Vogue USA and Variety giving it the thumbs up. Her one-liner summed up the event for us: 

"You either come here with a film or you slay on the red carpet." 

Catch up on the outfits that slayed at the iconic festival...

FILM | Secret life of pets 2

by Ruben, 11

Every pet owner in the world wonders, 'what does my pet do when I'm not there?' and the answer in this movie is, 'go to your animal friends' houses,' 'protect their crush's busy bee', or even 'become a bunny superhero!'

If you're looking for more than a story of two dogs getting chased by a once evil (now the opposite) bunny and his gang, then ask and you shall receive.

Secret Life of Pets 2 is a great film with a pretty original storyline based on animals trying to save a white tiger from a Russian circus-running animal abuser.

The rabbit has a bigger role this time around, alongside Max and Duke (the two main characters from the first Secret Life of Pets film). I think it was quite nice to give the rabbit some fame but reckon they should've stuck to dogs and cats ....that's just my opinion and nevertheless it is a successful, funny film.

There are a number of morals to this story and the main one is Max the dog becoming brave. It all started when his owner Katie got married and had a baby called Liam. Max decided it was his priority to protect Liam and got so anxious about his safety that he started a nervous scratching habit. He scratched so often that he had to go to a behavioural specialist vet and get a protective cone on his head.

When the family went on holiday to a farmhouse in the countryside, Max met a big sheepdog called Rooster, who helped him overcome his fears. At first he was apprehensive, but when Rooster told Max to help him save Cotton the lamb, his courage started to grow. Cotton had escaped and ended up on an apple tree on the verge of a steep cliff. Rooster told Max that he would have to go down there and rescue him as the tree wouldn't support his weight - and in a literal cliff hanger moment, Max found the courage to save both Cotton and the day!

There are also many funny moments included in Secret Life of Pets 2. At the start, when the bunny Snowball's owner dressed him up in a superhero outfit, he took on the role of CAPTAIN SNOWBALL and went around doing flips and gymnastic moves. Later, he starts rapping in the style of the pop song, Panda.

This film has a direct audience: children, although adults will enjoy it too. It has a lot of child friendly scenes that are meant to make children laugh as well as cartoon characters and a heart warming storyline.

Although child friendly, it does include some mild violence. Being PG rated, there are a lot of moments that a child may try to recreate at home, so parents should be aware of that. I think it's suitable for ages 4+.

One of my favourite parts was the montage of real life animal clips at the end, so don't race out when the credits start!

FOLIO | The REAL Housewives of Norn Iron

You either love or loathe Leesa Harker. Like most people, I’m in the LOVE camp, but for those few who aren’t, you can’t help but feel her infectious and warm (but raw) humour come through in her hilarious writing (Fifty Shades of Red, White & Blue, Maggie Muff etc).

 I was excited to see her new (sold out) Real Housewives show last week for two reasons: one, I just love her balance of piss-taking and love for the ordinary folk of this part of the world; and two because I had secured a role for one of our models, Johnny Hamilton, as a buff ‘peeler’ in a scene which comes alive to the 1980s Bonnie Tyler hit ‘I Need a Hero’ (with ‘hero’ swapped out for ‘peeler’). L-to-the-O-to-the-L. His character is somewhat based on the Facebook phenomenon that is/was Bobby Singleton, a regular PSNI spokesperson who unwittingly became lust-fodder for the wimmen on ‘Bakebook after a couple of police statement videos in the last year or two.

 Speaking of Bonnie’s hit, there are a few more 80s classics reworked with lyrics from the Norn Iron vernacular. Think ‘buck’, ‘boke’, ‘scundered’ and so on. Geg. It’s the first time Leesa has beefed up her plays with musical theatre and it definitely works. The audience, which is mostly women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, remembers the 1980s first time around and so the ante is well and truly upped on the overall atmosphere in the theatre. The buzz and banter is real.

 Like Sex and the City, even if you don’t identify with one character completely, you can probably relate to at least parts of their personalities or life experiences. Or you know someone just like them.

 The cast, which includes Caroline Curran, Roisin Gallagher, Rosie McClelland, Diona Doherty sees them thrown together as housewives from every walk of life flung together for a ‘Real Housewives’ TV show with a sleazy producer (Patrick McBrearty). The comedy sees secrets revealed and filth come out in a playing field which becomes more and more levelled as the TV show (and the play) goes on.

 To tell you any more would be a spoiler, so if you haven’t got tickets for the next run at the Opera House later this summer, then try to grab tickets for the touring show across NI over the next month. I challenge you to not get a sore belly from hearty laughs.

You can purchase tickets by visiting the Grand Opera house here: https://www.goh.co.uk/whats-on/the-real-housewives-of-norn-iron/

FILM | ROCKETMAN

Rocketman opens with Elton John bursting through a doorway and striding towards us in a flaming orange devil costume, complete with horned headpiece and towering wings, as if about to take centre stage. Instead he enters dimly lit rehab, declaring himself an alcoholic, cocaine addict, sex addict, bulimic, shopaholic and more.

He sees his younger self in a corner of the room and starts singing. The boy sings too and the scene changes to 1950s England, with everyone on the street dancing to The Bitch Is Back.

And so our journey through the highs and lows of Elton's wild life begins - flitting back and forth between a dreary childhood and the rocky road to stardom.

Rocketman takes the form of an extravagant musical fantasy, with tunes selected to suit the mood rather than any kind of chronological order, some playing at points before they'd even been written. Candle in the Wind at Elton's first official audition a case in point.

The timeline was also creative at times for the sake of the story... the filmmakers have said this film is not a factually correct biography and that they took some liberties:

“What I care about is capturing moments cinematically and musically,” director Dexter Fletcher told Rolling Stone. “I have to take artistic license, which is what Elton said I should do. He’s a creative, artistic person and that’s the way we approached it.”

Visually, the film is rather charming, instilling a sense of nostalgia that immediately drew me in. The slightly washed out colour palette of the flashbacks is reminiscent of 70s style photographs; ditto the fashion... and the decor in  Elton's childhood home looks just like my grandmother's. This is of course interspersed with sequins, glamour and an absolute riot of colour, as vibrant as the music throughout.

Fletcher's film captures a great sense of creative intimacy between Elton John and lyricist friend and confidante, Bernie Taupin (Jamie Bell), in contrast to that with somewhat slimy manager and lover, John Reid (Richard Madden). Taron Egerton's performance as Elton was outstanding. Hand-picked by the man himself to play him in Rocketman, he threw himself into the role magnificently, even singing his own songs.

To be honest, I'd set the bar low for this movie after spotting some negative reviews, so was surprised to find it pleasantly enjoyable. It's been criticised as being overly glossy, without enough tantrums and tiaras, but I beg to differ.

"Maybe I should have been more ordinary."

Rocketman is an honest account of the depths that Elton sank to, the struggle to win his parents' approval and adapt to life in the limelight, feeling like a farce, unloved and unaccepted by his family and society. I would have liked to see more focus on his first marriage, subsequent coming out and meeting his husband, David Furnish (the film's producer). It does, however have its fair share of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll:

"Some studios wanted to tone down the sex and drugs so the film would get a PG-13 rating. But I just haven’t led a PG-13 rated life. I didn’t want a film packed with drugs and sex, but equally, everyone knows I had quite a lot of both during the 70s and 80s, so there didn’t seem to be much point in making a movie that implied that after every gig, I’d quietly gone back to my hotel room with only a glass of warm milk and the Gideon’s Bible for company." Elton John, The Guardian

The music in the film was fantastic and it's worth seeing for that alone, even if (like me) you're not Elton's biggest ever fan. The storyline was touching and I loved the reminder of some brilliant hits from Tiny Dancer to I'm Still Standing. Rocketman's riot of high emotion juxtaposed with an overdose of glamour is most definitely best enjoyed on the big screen.

FACE | SUMMER READY SKIN WITH IMAGE

Summer Ready Skin

With the lure of balmy days approaching, it's the perfect time of year to give post-Winter skin some much needed TLC. Months of skipping between bitterly cold elements and central heating had left my skin feeling dull and dehydrated, making me the perfect candidate for a facial.  

Step in IMAGE Skincare, who came to the rescue with a fantastic (complimentary) pro treatment. I'm a big fan of this cosmeceutical Irish brand, which I keep coming back to because their products work for me. Made with proven ingredients and botanicals, the salon-based professional line was created by an aesthetician and formulated by a plastic surgeon.

I always find it reassuring when any kind of beauty treatment begins with a thorough consultation and within minutes, I knew my face was safe in the hands of Kristina, National Trainer for Image Skincare and Aesthetic Therapist at Renaissance Clinic in Dublin. Passionate about helping people achieve optimally healthy skin, she is one of the most knowledgeable and skilled skincare specialists I've met.

Kristina began by assessing my skin needs and concerns, discussing my existing routine in detail and analysing my skin before deciding which treatment would be appropriate for me. Her analysis included photographing my face with a Skin Scanner for a deeper look at issues invisible to the naked eye. My scan revealed some areas of pigmentation as well as dehydration, particularly around the under eye area. Interestingly, I had rarely used an eye cream in the months prior to this treatment, which may have contributed to this. Upping my water intake would help too... (on my 3rd glass as I write!).

Kristina selected the best products to use on my skin for optimum results... and began the treatment with a deep cleanse to remove makeup and speed up cellular turnover, enabling the active ingredients that followed to penetrate deeper for maximum benefit.

The main act was the IMAGE Signature Facelift peel, suitable for all skin types, particularly those who are redness-prone, dry, dehydrated or sensitive... lucky me can tick all 4 boxes!

Peels are resurfacing treatments designed to improve and enhance the skin - and should always be selected according to your skin's needs, such as acne, sun damage or aging. With continued use they can improve skin clarity, even out skin tone and improve texture.

Enzymatic peels use gently exfoliating fruit-based enzymes to dissolve dead skin cells, support skin cell renewal and soften skin texture with minimal irritation.

The Signature Facelift quenches skin and brightens skin producing rapid results in a single treatment, as a 30% blend of Vitamin C, fruit enzymes and Hyaluronic Acid exfoliates, hydrates and provides antioxidants to the skin.

The peel solution was layered with resurfacing and enzyme masks, massaged into my skin and left for 5 minutes to work their magic. Once removed, hydrating serum and SPF were applied to soothe and protect. The entire process was painless, soothing and refreshing - and most importantly, my skin was absolutely glowing.

Kristina added a fine layer of IMAGE i-conceal foundation, similar to a tinted moisturiser, before I stepped back out into the world feeling so bloomin’ wonderful!  

 Home Care

I was sent home with a set of four products from the IMAGE MD line to treat the specific needs of my skin and continue the benefits of my new found glowy skin.

This prescription strength clinical skincare system was formulated by plastic surgeons to dramatically improve skin's appearance. Most products in the line can't be bought off the shelf and should be selected for each customer by a professional, which I find very reassuring.

In my home kit:

IMAGE MD® restoring facial cleanser  - AHA / BHA daily cleanser to exfoliate, gently remove makeup and speed up cellular turnover.

IMAGE MD® restoring youth serum  - hydrating serum with high levels of antioxidants to combat aging, brighten and tighten the skin.

IMAGE MD® restoring youth repair crème - nightly repair cream to leave skin feeling firmer and more radiant

IMAGE MD® restoring daily defense moisturiser SPF50 - physical broad spectrum moisturiser to protect against environmental exposure, extend longevity of skin cells and reduce free radical damage. I find this hydrating enough to skip moisturiser and save a few precious moments in my morning routine!

 With IMAGE, the focus is all about results rather than pampering, though the products are a pleasure to use. I must admit that while I noticed an improvement in the texture of my skin immediately after my peel, the benefits have increased since using the home care products for a couple of months. While I still avoid going bare-faced in public, I'm definitely happier with the smoothness and brightness of my skin and find that makeup applies much more evenly.

This treatment and most of the products mentioned are only available in salons. To find one near you, please visit https://www.imageskincare.ie/find-a-pro

FILM | ARABIAN ADVENTURE WITH DISNEY'S NEW ALADDIN MOVIE REVIEW BY ANGELIKA DZENITE - AGE 14, ASHFIELD GIRLS SCHOOL

The Adventures of Aladdin” hit cinemas last week bringing Disney's original 1992 story to life in a whole new way.  The storyline in this new version has not been adapted too much, just some extra unexpected thrills and a few scary moments thrown in for good measure. In my opinion, the transition from a well-known animated movie to a live action musical works extremely well for Disney and the director, Guy Ritchie who have seen the film take in a whopping £67.8 million at the box office in opening week - wow!

 The film follows the traditional story of street boy, Aladdin, (played by Mena Massoud) who meets and romances Princess Jasmine by chance in the city market and we are simultaneously introduced to the villain Jafar who plots to take over as Sultan.  On his adventures, Aladdin finds a lamp with a Genie, played brilliantly by (a very muscly) Will Smith, who pops out granting Aladdin three wishes.  Will Smith brings a very distinctive and quite camp humour to the film, creating laughs the entire way through, while Marwan Kenzari, who plays an excellent villain in Jafar, is fearsome and evil to a tee!

 In this era of female empowerment, a new scene which stands out for me is when Jasmine - played brilliantly by British teen actress Naomi Scott - brings a modern twist to this classic by ‘roasting’ one of her suitors – I laughed so hard (and proudly) at this point, although I wasn’t as keen on the kissing scenes!  In this film the character of Jasmine develops and she has a larger role than in the original film, which is unexpected but cool. [Note from editor Cathy - she also looks like a young Catherine Zeta-Jones but with the steely determination of Angelina Jolie in Maleficent or Gal Godot's Wonder Woman].

The movie is long enough - two hours and eight minutes long - so little ones might get restless, but I doubt it, as it takes you on the adventure of a lifetime and is worth every minute – so much so that I went to see it twice in two nights! 

 Overall, I really enjoyed the film and I would recommend it for all ages, from very young children to the elderly. It has a fantastic soundtrack and, like any great fairytale, good overcomes evil, but in this one the girl is as much the hero as the guy, which I love. 

 I would give Adventures of Aladdin a rating of 5 stars as it is one of the best live films Disney has ever made. So go ahead, get on your magic carpet and fly yourself down to your local cinema to catch this classic with a contemporary twist!

 By Angelika Dzenite
Aged 14
Year 10 at Ashfield Girls’ High School, Belfast

FACE| BLANK CANVAS SAYS A FOND FAREWELL TO THE PIPPA PALLETE

What was anticipated as a 6-12 month limited edition campaign back in 2015 grew into 4 years of continuous love and success for the Pippa For Blank Canvas Palette. This sensational launch was an instant sell out, and the palette quickly became a mainstay in in handbags for nights out as well as make up artists’ kits. 

The palette was trialled, tested, changed, scrapped and tested some more over 18 months and the secret sauce to creating a fab product was found.

But all good things must come to an end, and so to make room for what’s next from Blank Canvas, it’s time to bid a fond farewell to this fab product.

I have one of the final palettes available to giveaway over on my Instagram. To be in with a chance of winning, please like the post here (insert link) and tag two friends in the comments below, who you think should enter too. GO!

Blank Canvas can be bought online on https://www.blankcanvascosmetics.com/, Cloud10 Beauty and in national pharmacies

FILM | DUMBO – A DARKER TALE OF THE FLYING ELEPHANT FOR 2019

By Lola Harker-Quin and Leah Worbey, aged 11 years old and pupils at Seaview Primary School, Belfast

This week we watched the spectacular - and at times emotional - movie, Dumbo, which was directed by the magnificent Tim Burton. Tim also directed Alice in Wonderland, The Nightmare Before Christmas and Edward ScissorHands, so we knew this new version of the classic 1941 Disney movie would be quite different. We think Tim Burton has made Dumbo a little bit more scary and dark. Personally, we enjoyed this, but we wondered if smaller children might not enjoy this as much, so parents beware!

 The story begins with a family trying to come to terms with the effects of war. Holt (the father) is the trainer of Dumbo. The circus is failing until they realise Dumbo can fly. Suddenly, the circus is popular again. But Holt and his children realise there are dark secrets underneath all the fun and laughter. Our favourite part of this heart-warming movie was when Dumbo flew for the first time in front of the two young children, Milly and Joe Farrier. The saddest part of this magical tale was when Jumbo Jr. got his foolish name Dumbo, at the circus where he performed. We also realised that the little mouse character Timothy Q isn’t in this new movie as he was the original trainer of Dumbo. If it weren’t for this brilliant cast, Colin Farrell, Michael Keaton, Danny DeVito, Eva Green and Alan Arkin, this movie wouldn’t be half as good as it is, but we really highly recommend this overall happy tale!

FOLIO | ALL MOD CONS

You know the way only your siblings can trigger deep-rooted, at-times-uncomfortable and almost always childish emotions and reactions to things? Well, All Mod Cons is a compelling examination of just that. It’s a brand new comedy-drama and the professional debut of playwright  and the Lyric’s artist-in-residence Erica Murray which premiered at the theatre last week and runs until 09 June. 

 The play follows estranged siblings Jean and Gary who are suddenly thrown back together after the death of their mother. On the surface things look different, Jean’s return home after eight years reveals her gender transition and Gary has grown from teenage thug to ‘woke hipster,’  but little has changed.  When old friend and useless estate agent Ian offers to help them find a place together, long-buried family tensions threaten to derail their already strained relationship. But don’t think that because there is a trans character, that this is a ‘trans’ play (if there is such a thing!) – what is so great is that the trans character is a family member just like her brother, and is integral to the storyline, but isn’t the storyline in and of itself.

All Mod Cons is a play that explores our capacity to accept change - in others as well as ourselves. It is directed by Ronan Phelan and features a stellar cast of Mariah Louca (Jean), Michael Shea (Gary), Chris McCurry (Ian) and Sophie Robinson (Laura).  For playwright Erica Murray, it was essential that the role of Jean was authentically represented. With this in mind, the casting call required a trans actor to play the role. Following auditions earlier this year, the Lyric was delighted to cast Mariah Louca in what will be her professional debut role. She plays it really well too, although her accent doesn’t always match the rest of the cast - but that is a hypercritical (and probably unnecessary and unfair) observation, given that her character changed sex and lived abroad for almost a decade. I know my accent changed when I lived in Europe for a few years. In any case, Mariah gave us a super strong debut performance despite a difficult storyline, with two very uncomfortable twists in the tale as the play progresses. I felt sorry for her in one of the situations and I was so genuinely angry with her character in another – but won’t spoil the story for you here. And speaking of angry, I was uncomfortably pissed off with all the characters at various moments – and that is a great thing, because art is supposed to evoke emotion.  

 Michael Shea gives us a great Gary, annoying little swaggering shit that he still is, despite embracing change and giving us some tender moments too. Chris McCurry as Ian swings from pathetic to predator and back to pathetic again – and he is as brilliant as his character is desperate. Sophie Robinson was awesome as the bossy brat Laura, I saw so many people I know in her character – and I loved and loathed the character in equal measure. All in all this play was cast perfectly. I had absolutely no idea what I was coming to see and left feeling slightly drained and emotional at the depth of evocative writing and delivery on stage. It was fantastic.

 Erica Murray, who wrote All Mod Cons,  said:  “All Mod Cons is a relationship drama between siblings Gary and Jean. Gary is trying to show Jean that he’s changed just as much as she has in the 8 years they’ve been apart. It was important to me that the character of Jean was represented correctly therefore it was  important that we cast a trans actor in the role. The play isn’t a trans story, it’s not about Jean’s journey to becoming a trans woman, although that journey is an integral part of her character. I am delighted that Mariah is playing the role of Jean. She is an exceptional actor. Watching all of our talented cast bring the play from page to stage and working with Ronan Phelan has been a very special journey for me. I can’t wait for audiences to see it.”

 Executive Producer for Lyric, Jimmy Fay added: “We are delighted to debut Erica Murray’s All Mod Cons to Lyric audiences. Following on from the casting of Rebecca Root,  as the first trans actor in a professional role to take to the Irish stage in Rathmines Road  at The Abbey Theatre in Dublin,  this will be the  first time a trans actor has been cast in a professional role at the Lyric Theatre. This is yet another fantastic opportunity to celebrate and showcase the acting talent from our diverse communities  and on a Northern Ireland stage.”

Looking forward to her professional debut as Jean in All Mod Cons, Mariah Louca commented:  “When I first read All Mod Cons I was hooked from the outset. Erica has written a stunning piece of work that really looks at the notion of transformation by dissecting how we view ourselves vs how the world views us. I wanted to be a part of this story especially as it doesn’t rely on stereotypical tropes of the trans experience. Integrating a trans character into a wider more universal storyline helps further the trans narrative and I’m proud of the Lyric for being a part of that progression.”

 All Mod Cons  is supported by Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding.

Performances run from 18 May – 9 June, with preview performances from 18 - 21 May at 8.00pm (Tues – Sat) and 2.45pm (Sat & Sun Matinee). Tickets from £10.00 - £18.00 available now at www.lyrictheatre.co.uk or 028 9038 1081.

FILM | Avengers: Endgame (Spoiler: It's Epic)

                                                                                       by Ruben, 11

Avengers: Endgame is the epic conclusion to an 11 year old saga that started the year I was born! Marvel has been working on this movie ever since they released Iron Man... so it was amazing (or should I say marvellous) to see all of our favourite superheroes in one jaw-dropping film.

Endgame is a thrilling, action-packed film. It isn't one of those rubbish action movies that only has one exciting moment (no offense DC-Comics), but is fantastically entertaining from start to finish, with countless hair-raising scenes.

From my perspective, I loved this film. The suspense of it all really sets the scene for how good it actually is. One of my favourite bits was how they turned the Hulk into half human / half Hulk so that he had a mixture of his super strength and green-ness, but also the genius Bruce Banner version of him, making a perfect balance for a Superhero. (Btw this also meant he didn't have the same problem as in Infinity War, where he couldn't change from Banner to Hulk).

One of the biggest aspects of the film was that it contained so much emotion, with multiple heartbreaking scenes that brought tears to our eyes - for example when Iron Man snaps all villains out of existence, with major consequences.

There are lots of hilarious parts too, like when a rocket ship almost landed on Ant-man and the force exploded his taco, Nebula said to War Machine: 'careful on the landing there's an idiot nearby!'

Then at the end, when Star Lord tries to kiss Gamora as she helps him up off the ground, Nebula remarks: 'Really? You can do better than him' and Gamora responds: 'He's the only option apart from a racoon and a man who never wears a shirt!'

I think it's best to see Endgame on the big screen if you can because the visuals are amazing, better still in 3D, which really brought the characters to life for me.

The film is 3 hours long, which might be a bit much for some people, but I think it's fine because if you think about it, there is so much content to include after all the things that happened in the previous film. If you think this fantastic, memorable film sounds too long, you're missing out... don't say I didn't warn you.

I can't stress it enough that this film is for both adults and children, as is every Marvel film. I'd say it's suitable for anyone aged 10+ as there's a lot of sci-fi action, some blood, it's very emotional and they swear quite a lot, just in case that puts you off.

For all of the reasons above, I think it's a necessity to go and watch Endgame. 

It's so good, I went to see it twice.

WARD PARK 3

Snow Patrol's 25th Anniversary Gig: Ward Park 3

Claim to fame: Gary Lightbody ended up at my birthday party at my house in Helen’s Bay a few years ago, and sang happy birthday (as well as Light Up and a few other tracks) in my kitchen with Eamonn Holmes and my now deceased mum singing along. It was surreal. But so was Saturday night in Ward Park. More than 35,000 Snow Patrol fans descended on Bangor this weekend for Ward Park 3, the band's homecoming gig and Northern Ireland's biggest ever celebration of local musical talent. The gates opened at 2pm for a full day's entertainment featuring multiple home grown bands, everyone's favourite Snow Patrol hits and that moment when U2's Bono casually dandered on stage mid-song.

Celebrations had begun the night before at Ward Park Free, when crowds got into the spirit of things thanks to a line up of local bands and DJs in Bangor pubs, including Ryan McMullan and David C Clements.

Ward Park was buzzing on the balmy Saturday afternoon as it filled with people of all ages enjoying live music from picnic blankets, coats and (let's keep it real) ...the odd bin bag. There were loads of fresh food stalls (shout out to the delicious chocolate crepes) and two large bar areas. Bar queues were pretty painful, standard at this kind of event, though most people managed to fill their boots in the end!

Snow Patrol were supported by local favourites, Two Door Cinema Club, Foy Vance, Ash, SOAK, Jealous of the Birds and Brand New Friend, with some crowd members 'fessing they showed up more for the support than the main act. Gary dedicated 'Light Up' to all of the local acts who played on the day and "all the bands in our wee country.  In fact every band in the island of Ireland."

A second stage curated by Snow Patrol and Gary Lightbody’s NI artist development company, Third Bar, showcased up and coming artists such as JC Stewart, The Wood Burning Savages, Kitt Philippa and ROE.

Johnny McDaid's partner, Courtney Cox, shared this gorgeous selfie with Foy Vance - and shared a clip of his set at the gig saying "if you don't know this guy, you should!"

As the evening progressed, Gary said that although Ward Park 3 was a day to celebrate the best of Northern Irish music, they also wanted to “pay homage to the great music that comes from the Republic.... There's an awful lot of songs from the Republic of Ireland, but there was only one song that we could think of that said everything that needs to be said in these heady times. Just one song. Just one."

The crowd assumed U2 hit 'One' was a run of the mill cover and erupted as Bono walked on stage during the second verse.

Snow Patrol also paid tribute to recently murdered journalist, Lyra McKee, during their performance of Take Back the City, projecting a picture of campaigners at a same-sex marriage parade in Belfast carrying a giant cut-out of Lyra’s name in rainbow colours.

After the event Gary captioned his crowd pic on Instagram:

“I don’t really know what to say about that other than thank you all for giving us yet another extra special night in Ward Park, Bangor. To everyone that came thank you. Massive thanks to every band/artist that played today. It was an honour to play on the same bill as you all. An extra special thank you to the two great artists that joined us on stage: @ryanmcmullanmusic who has been touring with us all year and played ‘you’re all I have’ with us so beautifully. And to our secret special guest Bono, my goodness. To sing One with Bono was like a billion birthdays all rolled into, well, one. I’ll never forget it. And we’ll never forget today. All of it. Loads of love. Thank you  Bangor. gL.x “

Spot any of your faves among the set list?:

• Chocolate

• Take Back the City

• Crack the Shutters

• Empress

• Open Your Eyes

• Run

• Life on Earth

• Make This Go On Forever

• Shut Your Eyes

• Called Out in the Dark

• Heal Me

• The Lightning Strike (What If This Storm Ends?)

• One (U2 Cover with Bono)

• Chasing Cars

• You're All I Have (with Ryan McMullan)

Encore:

• What If This is All the Love You Ever Get?

• Just Say Yes

FOLIO | CALENDAR GIRLS - A DATE NOT TO BE MISSED

Sunflowers are blooming at the Grand Opera House Belfast this month, as the Calendar Girls are in town and the cast has brought the sunshine to the city!

Calendar Girls, The Musical is a new take on the well-known Calendar Girls’ story; a story of hope, friendship, bravery and love which began 20 years ago. This new musical by Gary Barlow and Tim Firth captures the essence of the original (and pretty sensational) news story but with a modern, musical feel. As well as beautiful, bright staging and costumes, the new production has risqué poses and big musical numbers, it is the perfect feel-good production for a night out - and I really enjoyed it.

If I’m honest though, it took me a little while to get into this production with the pace of first act being a teeny bit slow for me. I guess the producers were busy scene-setting, character building and establishing the quintessential Englishness of the large cast of characters (including Lisa Maxwell, Sue Devaney, Julia Hills and Rebecca Storm) which goes on to be shattered in the second act with their nudity.  

The story tells the tale of Annie (Sarah Jane Buckley) and her husband John (Phil Corbitt) who live and work in a closely-knit community in Yorkshire, but who unfortunately face tragedy when John is diagnosed with cancer and, [SPOILER ALERT!], subsequently passes away. What happens after is the stuff of legend. Or of many newspaper articles and now a show, anyway!

In the second act the story definitely moves up a notch in terms of pace, as the girls decide to throw caution (and all that stiff-upper-lip Englishness) to the wind to produce a fundraising calendar – a nude one – à la Pirelli – and it is here that the real humour of the show begins. The Grand Opera House audience lapped up every moment of the antics, with the cast seeming to grow in confidence at their reaction (although I imagine they get the same reaction everywhere they go, such is the warmth of the story). The talented and very brave actors shine, even Lesley Joseph (best known for her role as Doreen in Birds of a feather), who isn’t he strongest singer but delivers her solo numbers with gusto, singing from the heart and engaging many menopausal and post-menopausal women in the audience as she sings about the perils of growing old.

 As the show climaxes with the fantastically choreographed finale (which has to be seen to believed), you are left with a broad smile on your face,  (although I did shed a tear or two, truth be told) and feeling pride for the performers and for the original Calendar Girls who are still raising money for the Bloodwise charity to this day. And if that fact doesn’t uplift you, the emboldened and empowered flashes of fifty-something flesh certainly will!

Calendar Girls runs until Saturday 25 May tickets available at goh.co.uk.

FITNESS | HAYFEVER HELL - A DOCTOR HELPS

Thankfully I don’t suffer myself, but some of my friends do and they almost hate summer for it. Hay fever is a common allergy to pollens from grass, trees and flowers, and it generally starts at this time of year. The main features are an itchy watery nose (rhinitis), sneezing, and itchy red puffy eyes. It can also cause an itchy throat and cough, as well as aggravating asthma if you have it. Not. Nice. And just last week I realised that hay fever sufferers can’t get eyelash extensions because of the irritability – I think that would tip me over the edge, I live for longer lashes!

Here, Doctor Clare Morrison of Medexpress advises on the best ways to prevent the allergic reactions linked to Hayfever.

 In order to prevent the worst of the symptoms, avoid contact with pollens and grasses by keeping away from parks and gardens, particularly when levels are at their highest, in the early morning, evening, and at night. If you do go out, have a shower and change your clothes when you get inside. Keep your windows shut and avoid drying your washing outdoors.

Below are a few treatments to think about:

 1.       Antihistamines. There are a variety available. Some cause drowsiness, but many don’t, so do check if you are driving or working. One very effective, non-sedating antihistamine, is fexofenadine.

 2.       Anti-allergy eye drops. These will help treat eye symptoms, such as redness, itching, swelling and watering.

 3.       Steroid nasal sprays can help with an itchy, runny, or congested nose.

 4.       Cellulose nasal sprays act by coating the lining of the nose with a barrier film. This help prevents the pollen from coming into direct contact with the nasal surface, reducing the allergic response.

 5.       Injectable steroid. In severe cases, your GP may prescribe an injectable steroid, which will last for a few weeks, possibly the entire hay fever season. However, it tends to be given as a last resort, because steroids can cause side effects, including weight gain, dyspepsia, raised blood sugar, and osteoporosis (weak bones).

 6.       6. Honey. Some people claim that eating honey can help desensitise pollen allergies, because it contains pollen itself. There is some controversy about how effective this is, but if you want to try it, it’s best to eat honey that has been made locally.

 So there you have it. Keep safe and fever free.