Creative Industries Week 2026
Creative Industries Week 2026 at a glance
Throughout the Week
Monday 16 February
- Get into Film Making with Cinemagic: SPFX workshop and SEN Animation
- Make Your Photos Stand Out: Phone Photography & Simple Editing
Tuesday 17 February
Wednesday 18 February
Thursday 19 February
Friday 20 February
- Lino Printing
- Primary 7 Competition Launch: The Big Imagination Challenge - The Ultimate Story Dome Competition
Saturday 21 February
- Cameraphone Photography
- Victorian Blooms and Felted Treasures - Floriography & Needle Felting Workshop
- Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell - Showcase Event
- Making Reels
- Getting into Photography
Tuesday 24 February
Thursday 26 February
Throughout the week
Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell
Dates: Monday 16 – Friday 20 February (5 day programme)
Time: 10am – 4pm
Location: Tuition Time, Whitehead
Cost: Free to participate
Unlock your creativity, build new skills, and turn your passion into profit!
Join our week-long programme for adults designed to inspire and empower you in the creative sector.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned maker, you'll:
- Learn from expert-led workshops in craft, design, and entrepreneurship
- Create your own handmade products using a variety of materials and techniques
- Discover how to brand, price, and market your work
- Showcase & Sell your creations at our vibrant end-of-week community event
Let your creativity shine — and take it to market!
Register now on Glistrr for Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell at Tuition Time
Monday 16 February
Get into Film Making with Cinemagic: SPFX workshop and SEN Animation
*School Event
Date: Monday 16 February
Time: 10am – 12noon
Location: Larne Town Hall
Dive into the world of movie magic with Cinemagic’s Special Effects Make‑Up Workshop.
Participants will learn how professional artists create realistic wounds, scars, and character transformations using industry‑standard SPFX techniques.
This hands‑on session offers a fascinating behind‑the‑scenes look at how practical effects bring film and television to life.
The inclusive and engaging SEN Animation workshop introduces participants to the fundamentals of animation in a supportive, SEN‑friendly environment.
Attendees will develop their own storyboards and explore accessible digital apps to animate their creations.
By the end of the session, their ideas will be transformed into short animated sequences, showcasing imagination and storytelling brought vividly to life.
Please note this is a private school event.
To get involved and learn about other school opportunities contact: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Make Your Photos Stand Out: Phone Photography & Simple Editing
Date: Monday 16 February
Time: 6pm - 7.30pm
Location: Ballymena Central Library
Learn how to take stronger photos using your phone and make simple edits to improve light, colour and clarity. Ideal for anyone sharing creative work online or promoting events and handmade products.
Beginner-friendly and no equipment needed, other than your phone.
Adults only and booking essential by contacting ballymena.library@librariesni.org.uk or calling T: 028 2563 3950
Tuesday 17 February
Baking Demonstration
Date: Tuesday 17 February
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: McGarel Hall, Larne Town Hall
Join us for a fun and interactive baking demonstration designed for beginners and food enthusiasts alike!
Over two hours, you’ll learn essential techniques, explore creative recipes, and watch step-by-step guidance from an experienced baker.
This hands-on session will inspire confidence in the kitchen and give you practical tips to recreate delicious treats at home.
Perfect for anyone looking to combine learning with a love of baking!
Book your place now by contacting lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Get into Theatre with Belfast School of Performing Arts
*School Event
Date: Tuesday 17 February
Time: 10am – 12.30pm
Location: The Braid, Ballymena
Students will go behind the scenes of a live working theatre with the renowned Belfast School of Performing Arts, founded by celebrated performer Peter Corry.
This immersive workshop offers a unique look at how a production comes to life, from backstage activity to on‑stage preparation.
Participants will also explore a range of drama styles and techniques, gaining hands‑on experience in performance skills and creative expression within a professional theatre environment.
Please note this is a private school event.
To get involved and learn about other school opportunities contact: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Wednesday 18 February
Lino Printing
Date: Wednesday 18 February
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: Education Room, Carrickfergus Civic Centre
Discover the art of lino printing in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop.
Over two hours, you’ll learn the basics of carving and inking techniques, experiment with textures and patterns, and create your own unique prints to take home.
Perfect for anyone looking to explore a new creative skill in a relaxed and supportive environment!
Book your place now by contacting lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
AI for Creatives: Ideas, Captions and Content Support
Date: Wednesday 18 February
Time: 6pm - 7.30pm
Location: Carrickfergus Library
Discover how AI can help generate ideas, write captions and plan creative content while keeping your own voice.
A practical, friendly introduction for makers, photographers and community creatives.
No technical experience required.
Adults only and booking essential by contacting carrickfergus.library@librariesni.org.uk or calling T: 028 9336 2261
Thursday 19 February
Working in a Studio
*School Event
Date: Thursday 19 February
Time: All day
Location: J14 Studio, Carrickfergus
Students will step inside J14 Productions’ fully functioning music studio for a hands on introduction to the world of music production as well as the wide range of roles involved in creating a professional track, from sound engineering to mixing and production, and gain practical experience using real studio equipment.
The workshop culminates in an exciting opportunity for students to create and record their own original piece, giving them a true taste of life inside a working music studio.
Please note this is a private school event.
To get involved and learn about other school opportunities contact amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Jewellery Making
Date: Thursday 19 February
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: Wilson Room, Larne Town Hall
Join us for a hands-on, beginner-friendly jewellery making workshop designed to spark creativity and introduce you to the art of crafting unique pieces.
Over two hours, you’ll explore essential techniques, experiment with materials, and create your own beautiful designs in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Perfect for those looking to learn a new skill and express their creativity!
Book your place now by contacting lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Friday 20 February
Lino Printing
Date: Friday 20 February
Time: 10am - 12noon
Location: Wet Art Room, The Braid, Ballymena
Discover the art of lino printing in this hands-on, beginner-friendly workshop.
Over two hours, you’ll learn the basics of carving and inking techniques, experiment with textures and patterns, and create your own unique prints to take home.
Perfect for anyone looking to explore a new creative skill in a relaxed and supportive environment!
Book your place now by contacting lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Primary 7 Schools Competition Launch
*School event
The Big Imagination Challenge - The Ultimate Story Dome Competition
We are thrilled to announce an unforgettable opportunity for schools as part of our Activate Your Curiosity programme!
Council has teamed up with acclaimed local storyteller Vicky McFarland from Tale Time to offer Primary 7 pupils the chance to win a fully funded, four‑week creative workshop programme that promises to bring imagination, innovation, and storytelling to life in the classroom inside an immersive story telling dome!
This is no ordinary workshop series.
Blending the magic of the arts with the excitement of technology, the programme shines a spotlight on the STEAM subjects in a way that is dynamic, hands-on, and deeply engaging for pupils.
Over four inspiring weeks, the winning class will work with Vicky to create an original piece of work.
Their creation will be brought to life in a grand finale showcase, where pupils will see their ideas transformed into something truly spectacular inside the dome.
This competition is designed to ignite curiosity, boost confidence, and encourage creative thinking—perfect for nurturing the next generation of storytellers, innovators, and problem‑solvers.
Download your competition entry form online from this website.
Saturday 21 February
Cameraphone Photography with Sophie Hamilton
Date: Saturday 21 February
Time 9am – 11am
Location: Carrickfergus YMCA
Unlock the full potential of your phone camera in this practical, hands-on session.
You’ll learn how to capture stunning images confidently by mastering essential techniques such as working with natural light, finding the best angles, and using your phone’s built-in editing tools.
We’ll also explore recommended apps that can elevate your photography to the next level.
This isn’t just theory; there will be plenty of time to practice, so bring a coat as we’ll head outdoors for some real-world shooting!
Event facilitator, Sophie, is a local content creator with extensive experience in building vibrant online communities and collaborating with brands on social media.
She brings practical insights into creating visually compelling content that resonates with audiences.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will give you the confidence and tools to make your photos stand out.
Book your place now on Glistrr for Cameraphone Photography with Sophie Hamilton.
Victorian Blooms and Felted Treasures - Floriography & Needle Felting Workshop
Date: Saturday 21 February
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Dobbs Room, Carrickfergus Town Hall
Join us for a three-hour workshop exploring Floriography - the “Language of Flowers” popularised in Victorian times.
The session will begin with an engaging overview of the history of Floriography, including the traditional meanings assigned to individual flowers and how floral combinations were once used to send hidden messages.
Following the overview, participants will take part in a hands-on needle felting session.
All materials will be provided to create a needle-felted floral keepsake, including a 100% wool base, variety of felting wools, needle and embroidery hoop, to use as a frame.
This adults-only workshop has a maximum capacity of 12 participants.
Each participant will receive a bag of materials and tuition to make their own floral themed needle-felted keepsake to take away with them.
Book your place now by contacting lmp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Crafted Futures: Make, Learn, Sell
Showcase Event
Date: Saturday 21 February
Time: 12noon - 2pm
Location: The Fuzzy Beak, Whitehead
Join us for a relaxed lunchtime of browsing and shopping, showcasing a wide range of original craft and art pieces made during our ‘Crafted Futures’ programmed delivered during the week.
Meet the makers, hear about their creative journeys, and discover the skills and ideas behind their work.
Whether you’re looking for something special or simply want to enjoy the creativity on display, you might just find that unique piece you’ve been searching for.
Making Reels with Sophie Hamilton
Date: Saturday 21 February
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Location: Carrickfergus YMCA
Learn how to harness the power of your phone to create engaging and professional-looking reels.
Whether you’re completely new to photography or looking to build confidence with the skills you already have, this session is designed to guide you through the fundamentals.
You’ll have the chance to explore how your camera works, understand the purpose of different settings, and learn when and how to use them.
The workshop focuses on helping you get comfortable with the equipment you already own, so you can start creating images with intention and clarity from day one.
Megan is a Belfast based photographer who has been crafting compelling imagery for the past four years.
Her work centres on portraiture, with a strong emphasis on editorial and commercial fashion photography.
Known for her ability to blend creativity with authenticity, Megan captures genuine moments while bringing her clients’ visions to life, relying solely on her camera and her keen artistic eye.
Her experience, passion, and approachable teaching style make her the perfect guide for anyone hoping to grow their photography skills.
Book your place now on Glistrr for Making Reels with Sophie Hamilton
Getting into Photography with Megan Hill
Date: Saturday 21 February
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Location: Carrickfergus YMCA
Whether you’re completely new to photography or looking to build confidence with the skills you already have, this session is designed to guide you through the fundamentals.
You’ll have the chance to explore how your camera works, understand the purpose of different settings, and learn when and how to use them.
The workshop focuses on helping you get comfortable with the equipment you already own, so you can start creating images with intention and clarity from day one.
Megan is a Belfast based photographer who has been crafting compelling imagery for the past four years.
Her work centres on portraiture, with a strong emphasis on editorial and commercial fashion photography.
Known for her ability to blend creativity with authenticity, Megan captures genuine moments while bringing her clients’ visions to life, relying solely on her camera and her keen artistic eye.
Her experience, passion, and approachable teaching style make her the perfect guide for anyone hoping to grow their photography skills.
Book your place now on Glistrr for Getting into Photography with Megan Hill
Tuesday 24 February
Storytelling - Crafting a Compelling Product Story
Date: Tuesday 24 February
Time: 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Location: Ballymena Business Centre, Ballymena
The Go Succeed Start team hosts this in-person ‘Storytelling - Crafting a Compelling Product Story’ masterclass.
Discover the power of product storytelling in this practical, hands-on workshop with Go Succeed mentor and customer experience expert Catherine Scott.
This session is designed for creatives who want to go beyond describing what they make - and start sharing why it matters.
Bring one of your products and, in a relaxed and supportive setting, explore how to tell its story in a way that adds value, deepens customer connection, and helps you stand out - whether you sell in-store, online, or at markets.
Topics covered:
- Why Storytelling Matters: An introduction to how storytelling adds value, builds customer connection, and supports pricing and positioning.
- Crafting Your Product Story: Use guided prompts and examples to shape your story - whether for signage, social media, online selling or markets.
- Tips, Tools & Next Steps: Explore good practice examples, simple AI tools for storytelling, and practical ideas to take away and use immediately.
Secure your place now on Glistrr for Storytelling - Crafting a Compelling Product Story
Thursday 26 February
Songwriting Together with Dee McQueen
Date: Thursday 26 February
Time: 7pm - 9pm
Location: The Open Door Centre, Carrickfergus
This interactive session is designed for everyone, whether you’ve never written a song, have a notebook full of unfinished lyrics, or already have a few completed pieces.
It’s a chance to spend time with like-minded creatives, share your ideas, and collaborate in a supportive environment.
Bring your material, no matter how polished or raw, and let the group help you shape and refine it.
Together, we’ll explore techniques to overcome creative blocks and get your songs over the finish line.
The event facilitator, Dee, is an accomplished musician whose songwriting draws deeply from personal experiences and raw emotion, creating music that resonates with authenticity.
As one half of East Belfast’s psychedelic folk-rock band Folkadelic, Dee brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for storytelling through music.
This workshop is an opportunity to learn from his expertise, gain fresh perspectives, and leave feeling inspired and confident in your craft.
Secure your place now on Glistrr for Songwriting Together with Dee McQueen