I was honoured to be able to go to Cliftonville Integrated Primary School and learn all about the history of the school and the plans they have for the future. Integrated education is a core value of the @allianceparty.bsky.social and the @iefni.bsky.social is one of my charities for my year.

I got to spend the morning at my local Holywood Arches @librariesni.bsky.social with @petermcreynoldsmla.bsky.social to see some of the groups that use the space. The Engage with Age dementia friendly group and the Knit and Knatter group. It provides a safe, warm place to meet and connect.

I was speaking at the UK TVET policy seminar networking event last tonight hosted by @britishcouncil.bsky.social Policy makers and education leaders from 13 different countries joined by UK industry and stakeholders to explore how TVET systems can respond to challenges in today’s changing world

Down at the Hollow for the annual duck race and I got to release the ducks! A great event by Connswater Community Greenway, Bloomfield Community Association and Belfast City Council.

Full council tonight and spoke on the return of culture night. Culture night was a celebration of the arts and cultural sector in Belfast and it’s exciting to see the reboot to ensure it grows into a larger better and more sustainable event that is fully Inclusive of all backgrounds and families.

The Trash Fashion Gala 2025 today at City Hall as part of the Learning Festival.I had the pleasure of presenting the certificates to the participants. So much creativity and inclusivity, everyone who took part should be so proud of themselves.

This morning I had the pleasure of speaking at the MAC. Belfast is a city shaped by its past but not defined by it. It is a city of resilience and of healing. The healing through photography conference embodies these values. You can visit exhibitions @belfastexposed from 3-25th April

Today marks the start of Lunar New Year and the year of the snake 🐍. Last week I had the pleasure of attending the Chinese Spring Festival at the Chinese Consulate which was my first engagement as High Sheriff. Happy New Year to all those who celebrate 🧧

I am honoured and excited to be taking on the role of High Sheriff of Belfast. Over the next year I will be representing the people of Belfast and showing case the best of what Belfast has to offer. I also get to do it alongside my friend and party colleague Lord Mayor @micky-murray.bsky.social

Had a lovely morning with @ConnsGreenway on their big Boxing Day Walk 🚶🏻‍♀️.Didn’t take any pictures as I was too busy chatting and listening to Kevin talk to us about the Greenway.

I popped into the @StrandArtsCentr information morning to hear the exciting plans for the refurb. The vision the team have for the Strand will give the community an inclusive arts space and attract visitors to the local area. Can’t wait to see the progress.

I attended a really important discussion this morning about Violence Against Women and Girls in public spaces. Thank you @ConnsGreenway for facilitating the discussion. How safe do you feel in public spaces and what can be done to improve this?

Christmas tree 🎄 festival at Willowfield Church. A forest of 60 trees decorated by local businesses and community groups. If this doesn’t make you feel Christmasy I don’t know what will.

‼️Severe weather warning‼️

Due to Storm Darragh, there is currently a yellow warning for wind and rain in place, with an amber warning for wind tomorrow.
Please take careand only travel if necessary.
Below are some emergency numbers ⬇️

A great night at @Friendshipfour watching Harvard and Notre Dame.

At the RISE summit yesterday morning, hearing about how we need to address educational disadvantage in East Belfast. #risesummit2024