Issue 212 - North Down BT18 •BT19 • BT20 • BT21
New communityled organisation RathMORE Together is born Alliance Bangor West Councillor Naomi McBurney has received backing for her motion to support a new community-led organisation RathMORE Together.
Talented 10-year-old Grace Smith was a finalist in last year’s competition and helped launch the campaign for 2025
The GRAND Pianist Competition returns to Bangor Bangor Train Station will feature on the roadshow schedule for the awardwinning GRAND Pianist Competition 2025. After capturing the imagination of people across Northern Ireland in its debut year, this year’s competition – which marks the first anniversary of Belfast Grand Central Station - promises to be even bigger, celebrating connection, championing local talent, creating
musical moments in stations across the region. Open to amateur players of all ages and abilities, The GRAND Pianist will once again take a concert piano on tour across Northern Ireland’s transport hubs for a series of live regional heats. The journey will
culminate in a spectacular Grand Final at Belfast Grand Central Station in November 2025. Since opening, the station has welcomed over 8 million people in just twelve months, achieving 96% user satisfaction and winning recognition including the UK CIHT
Infrastructure Award and Business Eye Sustainability Project of the Year. More than a transport hub, it has quickly established itself as a destination for people, experiences, and culture.
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Building on the success of LoveBallyholme, the motion proposes replicating the model in the Rathmore area of Bangor and instructed officers to develop a plan with associated funding. Cllr McBurney’s motion was supported at the latest meeting of the Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Community and Wellbeing Committee. “Rathmore is already a vibrant part of Bangor, and I know there is an appetite locally to build on the existing sense of community and pride in the area,” said Cllr McBurney, following the meeting. “We have seen from the success of LoveBallyholme,
the difference community initiatives can have when they are led by local people working alongside local schools, businesses, churches and other organisations. Whether it’s community fairs or installing flower planters, it’s about bringing people together and encouraging a well-connected community. “This is a model that Council can adopt to support Rathmore residents, who know their neighbourhood best and want to see it thrive. I’m looking forward to seeing the report that officers come back with and doing all I can to support RathMORE Together as it gets off the ground.”