Author: Sophie Hayles

Back to books 0

Back to books!

I’m back to devouring fiction.  Below are a few notes on the why and the what. Until 2 weeks ago I hadn’t read any fiction for nearly two years. The reasons are easy to...

Zeynep Bulut © Jonathan Brennan 0

A Belfast Blog meets: Zeynep Bulut

A Belfast Blog was thrilled to meet Dr. Zeynep Bulut. Zeynep moved to Belfast from London earlier this year to take up post as Lecturer in Music at the Department of Music and Sonic Arts...

C.S. Lewis: icon of East Belfast 0

C.S. Lewis: icon of East Belfast

East Belfast has a number of cultural heroes. George Best and Van Morrison are perhaps the biggest household names. And as with any area pushing a culture and tourism agenda, there’s no shortage of...

This Christmas Buy NI. Image features fabric by © Mourne Textiles 0

This Christmas – Buy NI !

I’ve got a new Christmas Present Strategy. In short – all of the gifts I buy this year have to be made in Northern Ireland. Or at least designed in Northern Ireland. On Christmas...

Stephen Snoddy 0

A Belfast Blog meets: Stephen Snoddy

A Belfast Blog recently spoke to Stephen Snoddy. Currently the Director of The New Art Gallery Walsall, Stephen has been at the helm of a number of leading contemporary arts institutions, and the organiser of...

© Peggy Hughes 0

A Belfast Blog meets: Peggy Hughes

A Belfast Blog recently asked to speak to Peggy Hughes. Peggy is currently Manager of Literary Dundee, an initiative that celebrates the creative talent within the University of Dundee and brings together writers and readers...

Hillsborough Castle. Photo: Sophie Hayles 0

A visit to Hillsborough Castle

I didn’t expect the Northern Irish residence of the British Royal Family and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to be a family-friendly attraction. But two adults (one pretty sceptical about my fascination...

Ulster Bank, Ballyhackamore, Belfast (demolished) © Aptalops 0

What does Ulster mean to you?

At a friend’s house recently we caught the end of an Ulster Rugby match. The friend is a big Ulster fan. Not entirely absorbed by the game, I started reflecting on the term ‘Ulster’...

Annilese Miskimmon. Photo: Robert Workman 0

A Belfast Blog meets: Annilese Miskimmon

A Belfast Blog recently  spoke to Annilese Miskimmon. Belfast-born (and raised in Bangor, Co.Down) Annilese is a critically-acclaimed opera director whose career has taken her all over the world. Currently General Manager and Artistic Director of...

I am Belfast by Mark Cousins © Aptalops 1

‘I am Belfast’ by Mark Cousins

The latest work from director and film citric Mark Cousins (“I am Belfast“) is a genre-defying cinematic journey, a poetic and passionate tribute to his home city. I have huge respect for the commitment...