16/10/2026

BCC Unveils Solo Show For Botanic Gardens Artist-In-Residence Kerrie Hanna

Belfast City Council has announced a landmark solo exhibition by Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna.

Titled "The Earth is the First Body", the exhibition brings her residency to a close and celebrates her significant creative contribution to the city.

The display will present contemporary stained glass and mixed-media pieces, crafted using pigments, charcoals and inks made entirely from materials collected on-site in the gardens.

A free launch event will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026, from 1pm to 3pm, inside the historic Palm House at Botanic Gardens.
News Image
Chair of Belfast City Council's City Growth and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Joe Duffy, spoke about the upcoming exhibition: "Kerrie has been an incredible asset to our cultural offering at Botanic Gardens. Throughout her tenure, she held highly popular 'show and tell' days inside the Tropical Ravine and Palm House, where she invited the public to learn how to forge natural inks and charcoals using plant offcuts, fallen leaves, and flower petals gathered on-site.

"Kerrie's residency has been nothing short of fantastic, and I am delighted to support her upcoming exhibition. I would encourage everyone to come along and experience her incredible work at the Palm House, which runs until 6 December.

"This successful residency highlights Council's ongoing commitment to investing in the city's vibrant arts sector, ensuring that creative opportunities continue to thrive."

Keep up to date with Kerrie's work on Instagram @kerriehanna. For details on art projects, creative mentorships and forthcoming cultural events, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk and search 'culture'.

Latest Northern Ireland News

16 October 2026
PSNI Welcomes Sentencing Of Jeffrey Donaldson
At Newry Crown Court, 63-year-old Jeffrey Donaldson was sentenced to 15 years for 18 non-recent child sexual abuse offences, including the rape of a child under the age of 13. He will remain on the Sex Offenders Register indefinitely and is subject to a 10-year Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
16 October 2026
NI Parties Pay Tribute To Survivors Following Jeffrey Donaldson Sentencing
Political representatives from Sinn Féin, the Ulster Unionist Party and Alliance have paid tribute to the survivors of Jeffrey Donaldson's abuse following his sentencing to 15 years in prison. Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said his thoughts were with the victims and their loved ones following the sentencing.
16 October 2026
Burrows Seeks New Security Review Of Provisional IRA And Paramilitary Groups
Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has written to the Secretary of State calling for a renewed security assessment of the Provisional IRA and all other terrorist and paramilitary organisations in Northern Ireland. He is seeking a review informed by the PSNI and MI5, subject to independent scrutiny, and with its conclusions published.
16 October 2026
Archibald Hails New Support For Families Affected By Baby Loss
Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald has drawn attention to new rights and forms of recognition for people affected by pregnancy loss as Baby Loss Awareness Week comes to a close. The Minister attended a remembrance event hosted by the Little Forget Me Nots Trust, joining bereaved families, friends and the wider community.
16 October 2026
Council Approves West Belfast Housing Schemes And New Lidl In Dunmurry
Belfast City Council's Planning Committee has approved two new residential developments in west Belfast alongside permission for a new Lidl store in Dunmurry. One scheme, on lands near the Monagh By-pass, is a mixed-use project comprising two three-storey apartment blocks providing 36 social homes, plus seven business/light industrial units.
16 October 2026
Department Publishes 2026/27 Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan
The Department of Health has published its Mental Health Strategy Delivery Plan for 2026/27, setting out the work to be taken forward this financial year to strengthen services, improve outcomes for service users and ensure resources are used to best effect.
16 October 2026
Belfast Harbour Set To Become Testbed For Zero-Emission Transport And Energy
Belfast Harbour is set to become a live test environment for next-generation zero-emission technologies following a £15m investment confirmed by Economy Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald.
16 October 2026
Police Seek Witnesses After Violent Shop Robbery On Great Victoria Street
Detectives have issued an appeal for information after a robbery at a shop in south Belfast this morning, Thursday 15 October. At approximately 6am, two men entered premises on Great Victoria Street, knocked a staff member to the floor and repeatedly stamped on them before striking them with a brush shaft.
16 October 2026
BCC Unveils Solo Show For Botanic Gardens Artist-In-Residence Kerrie Hanna
Belfast City Council has announced a landmark solo exhibition by Botanic Gardens artist-in-residence, Kerrie Hanna. Titled "The Earth is the First Body", the exhibition brings her residency to a close and celebrates her significant creative contribution to the city.
16 October 2026
Households And Businesses Urged To Prepare For Analogue Phone Switch-Off
People and organisations across Northern Ireland are being asked to review their phone and broadband set-ups as the UK's old analogue telephone network nears retirement. With under 15 weeks to go until the 31 January 2027 deadline, around 35,000 customers in Northern Ireland still need to move off the legacy copper-based service.