East Side Advertiser

22/09/2026

Volunteer with Samaritans, Belfast.

01/09/2026

PAINT THE TOWN PINK!

Stormont sets the stage for an unforgettable night of music and song to launch Action Cancer campaign

Action Cancer’s Paint the Town Pink fundraising campaign will officially launch this year with an unforgettable evening of music and song in the magnificent surroundings of Stormont’s Great Hall on Friday 25 September.

For one night only, Comber Silver Band and Fortwilliam Musical Society will join forces in a special musical collaboration to mark the beginning of Action Cancer’s annual Paint the Town Pink campaign, supported by Action Renewables. . Order your free fundraising kit today at www.actioncancer.org or by calling 028 9080 3371 / 07580 133752 and Paint the Town Pink this October.

Taking place annually during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Paint the Town Pink raises vital funds for Action Cancer’s unique, free breast screening service – the only one of its kind available in the UK and Ireland. Every £120 raised funds one potentially life-saving breast screening appointment for well women aged 40–49 and 70+, groups not covered by the NHS screening programme.

Businesses across Northern Ireland are encouraged to ‘go pink’ and host fundraising events throughout October, from coffee mornings and bake sales to dress-down days and pink-themed pub quizzes. Action Cancer will provide participating businesses with a fundraising pack including pink bunting, balloons, collection boxes and creative fundraising ideas.

As the charity receives no government funding for its breast screening programme, it relies heavily on support from the local community and business sector to continue delivering this vital service.

Action Renewables, a leading provider of renewable energy expertise in Northern Ireland and a returning partner of Paint the Town Pink, is once again supporting the campaign in 2026.

Lana Moore, Head of Charity Delivery with Action Renewables, said:

“We’re proud to support Paint the Town Pink again in 2026. Last year’s campaign raised an amazing £63,000 – a testament to the generosity and spirit of businesses and communities across Northern Ireland.

“Action Cancer’s team continues to deliver life-changing work, and we’re committed to helping amplify their message throughout October and beyond. The outstanding service delivered by the Action Cancer team deserves our continued support, and we encourage businesses across Northern Ireland to get involved, embrace the pink, and help make a lasting difference to the lives of women in our community.”

Backing the campaign is Donna Kelly, Action Cancer’s Lead Advanced Practice Radiographer. Donna added:

“Action Cancer aims to provide up to 8,000 breast screenings in Northern Ireland each year for asymptomatic women aged 40–49 and 70+, who are not currently captured by routine NHS breast screening. On average, we detect one cancer each week.

“We are the only charity in the UK or Ireland to offer such a service. When it comes to breast cancer, early detection saves lives. At Action Cancer, we use state-of-the-art 3D technology for women aged 40–49. This can detect cancers as small as a grain of rice, which is especially helpful for women with dense breast tissue.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Northern Ireland, accounting for 30% of all female cancer diagnoses. On average, 1,516 women are diagnosed each year and 310 die from the disease.

Action Cancer has been at the heart of cancer prevention, detection and support in Northern Ireland for more than 50 years. Its services are free to the user but cost the charity £4 million annually to deliver. These include an early detection breast screening clinic, therapeutic support for people living with a cancer diagnosis and those supporting a loved one, and a range of health improvement programmes.

Services are available at Action Cancer House in Belfast, at 13 regional locations and onboard the Big Bus, supported by SuperValu and Centra, which visits 175 locations each year.

If you or your workplace would like to take part in Paint the Town Pink, please contact Mark Irwin-Watson in the fundraising team on 07580 133752 or email [email protected]

Action Cancer is dedicated to saving lives and supporting people across Northern Ireland through cancer prevention, early detection, and therapeutic support. Whether you’re looking for support, screening, or ways to get involved, […]

03/07/2026

Keep your coool all summer long

28/05/2026

Why Game Locker is Northern Ireland’s Ultimate Event Destination
Game Locker isn’t just a gaming centre; it’s a high-tech arena designed to "Unlock the Player Inside." Located on Carrowreagh Road, this gaming hub is redefining what it means to have a night out, offering an immersive experience that caters to everyone from seven-year-old upwards birthday stars to corporate teams looking for their next big win.
Every parent knows the struggle of finding a birthday party idea that is actually "cool." Game Locker takes the stress out of planning by providing an environment that is every child’s dream. Forget the standard soft-play areas; Game Locker offers high-spec PC setups, state-of-the-art VR (Virtual Reality), and professional-grade racing simulators that make you feel like you’re actually on the track.
Birthday Parties & Playdates: There is nothing quite like the atmosphere of a group of friends competing in a custom tournament. It’s social, it’s safe, and most importantly, it’s incredibly fun.
Gaming isn't just for the kids. In fact, some of the most intense competitions at Game Locker happen among the adults. If you’re tired of the same old pub crawls or awkward ice-breakers, Game Locker provides a high-octane alternative.
Stags, Hens, and Weddings: Want to see who the fastest driver in the wedding party really is? The racing sims are a massive hit for stag and hen groups, offering a competitive edge to the festivities. It’s a fantastic way to kick off a celebration or even a unique addition to a wedding weekend to keep guests entertained between events.
Corporate Events & Team Bonding: Communication and strategy are the keys to victory in gaming, making it the perfect tool for team building. Game Locker offers a professional environment for corporate events where colleagues can swap the boardroom for the headset. It’s an unbeatable way to boost morale, encourage teamwork, and blow off some steam after a busy quarter.
One of the standout features of Game Locker is that the fun isn't limited to their Belfast headquarters. Understanding that every event is unique, Game Locker offers a premier call-out service. "We come to you!" is the motto. Whether you are hosting a private garden party, a community festival, a school event, or a massive corporate gala, Game Locker can bring the gaming rigs, the VR, and the excitement directly to your doorstep. They take care of the setup and the tech, leaving you free to enjoy the hosting. It’s the ultimate "wow factor" for any private function.
With their slogan "Experience gaming like never before," Game Locker is ready to host your next milestone. Between their cutting-edge Belfast facility and their mobile event services, the possibilities are endless.
Carrowreagh Rd, Belfast, BT16 1QT, Tel: 07519 312338, Email: [email protected] Website: www.gamelocker.online Socials: Follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see the latest setups and events!

26/05/2026

MARGEY EXHIBITION & SALE AT TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST
Artist Adrian Margey will be returning to Titanic Hotel Belfast with his latest exhibition and sale of work from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June. Margey shot to notoriety as a result of his bold and colourful contemporary depictions of Irish landscapes and landmarks, and is now also receiving widespread praise for his more subtle, impressionistic pieces that embrace a naturalistic palette. Visitors can expect an eclectic exhibition filled with vibrant landscapes, dramatic cityscapes, and dreamy beach scenes. From large-scale canvases to smaller works, collectors and art lovers will enjoy depictions of Belfast City, Donegal, the North Coast, the Glens of Antrim and the Mournes, alongside representations of traditional Irish musicians and dancers.
Margey’s evolving style combines expressive brushwork with a keen sense of atmosphere, capturing both the energy and tranquillity of his subjects. Whether through bold colour or softer tonal shifts, his work reflects a deep connection to place, light, and the changing moods of the Irish landscape.
The light-filled setting of Drawing Office One at the Titanic Hotel will provide a spectacular backdrop for this impressive new body of work. With original pieces and limited edition prints on show, there will be artwork to suit a range of budgets.
Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Opening times are as follows: Friday 5th June, 6pm–9pm; Saturday 6th June, 11am–9pm; and Sunday 7th June, 11am–6pm. For more information, telephone Margey’s Portrush studio on 07841593762 or visit

Adrian Margey's studio is based in Portrush in Northern Ireland but his paintings range across Ireland. Purchase a Print or Original piece Online.

05/05/2026

Wow….. Celebrity ⭐️ Callum Best calls into W.J.Desano for not one, not two but 🍦🍦🍦pokes 👏 what a treat that was 😋….

Look who called in for a poke🍦

I was asked could the One Show film in the shop, how could I say no! Calum Best was just lovely & he devoured 3 ice creams, that's a firm seal of approval!