Issue 217 - BT22 • BT23
2024 Columbanus Festival!
A unique festival returns to Bangor this November, celebrating the life and legacy of two important figures in Irish and European history – Columbanus and Gall.
Education Minister Paul Givan pictured with Education Authority Chief Executive Richard Pengelly and Principal of Tonagh Primary and Nursery School, Alison Stevenson.
Minister launches Pre-school Toolkit for Diversity
Education Minister Paul Givan has launched a new online toolkit to help preschool providers support newcomer children and their families living in Northern Ireland. The toolkit has been developed by the Education Authority’s Intercultural Education Service in partnership with pre-school settings. Welcoming the toolkit, the Minister said: “All children deserve an equal chance in life, irrespective of their
ethnic, cultural or religious background. Teaching and fostering respect for diversity between our children at an early stage, is vitally important to ensure that all children feel safe, included and supported within our schools and wider society and to
enable them to meet their full potential.” The Pre-school Toolkit provides guidance and resources to help pre-school providers, including Kilmood Playgroup, Newtownards, to meet the needs of Newcomer families and includes
good practice guidelines to equip and ensure settings promote and celebrate inclusion, cultural diversity, racial equality, and the benefits of two or more languages.
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The Columbanus Festival 2024, running from November 22nd to 24th, offers a range of events for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the rich cultural heritage of the region. This year’s theme focuses on Gall, an Irish monk who accompanied Columbanus on a pilgrimage to Europe in 590 AD. Through a series of talks, tours, and cultural events, attendees can delve into Gall’s remarkable story and the lasting impact he left behind in Switzerland. Highlights of the festival include: A Free lecture: “Gall: the man, the monk and the bear” by local historian Leanne Briggs at St Gall’s Church, Carnalea, November 22nd Lecture by Dr. Cornel Dora: Director of the Abbey Library in St Gallen, Switzerland, Dr. Dora will discuss the impressive collection of
Irish manuscripts linked to Bangor and Nendrum Monastic Site. (SPACE Theatre, November 23rd) Stained Glass Windows Talk at St Columbanus Church of Ireland. (November 23rd) Special Columbanus Mass at St Comgall’s Church on November 23rd. Columbanus Cultural Evening and Dinner: A traditional Irish dinner followed by music, song, and dance by award-winning Ards CCE performers. (Bangor Golf Club, November 23rd) Bangor Bell Walk: Embark on a guided walk along the Bangor Bell Trail, exploring the interpretive art pieces depicting Columbanus and Gall’s European journey. For more information and the full event schedule, visit the Friends of Columbanus website: www. friendsofcolumbanusbangor. co.uk.