The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 17-23).
Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall (Bangor Castle), Co Down, November 22. Watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are ceremoniously switched on at 5.30pm.
- Melodies and Musicals, The Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, November 18-22. Fortwilliam Musical Society returns with a showcase of songs from the world of musicals and beyond. This award-winning company has been entertaining sell-out audiences for over 35 years. With their unique blend of family favourites and the latest musical hits, there is something for everyone.
- Gay Byrne – Live On Stage, Canal Court Hotel, Newry, Co Down, November 20. Ireland’s king of broadcasting, Gay Byrne, will reminisce about his star-studded 50 year plus showbiz career in what will be an intimate and enthralling event filled with fun and laughter!
- Limavady Christmas Illuminations, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, Co Londonderry, November 21. The countdown is on for the Limavady Illuminations! Christmas entertainment, music, games and DJ Ned will help set the scene before Santa and the Mayor of Limavady, Alderman Alan Robinson press that all important magic button at 7pm.
- The Snow Queen, Alley Theatre, Railway Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone, November 22-24. Enjoy this ever popular Christmas favourite of a magical tale filled with spells and action that conjures up a captivating mix of fantasy, fable and love triumphing over evil.
- Giving Nature a Home in Fermanagh, Enniskillen Library, Co Fermanagh, November 26. County Fermanagh is home to a rich diversity of birds and wildlife which makes it the perfect setting for RSPB area manager Brad Robson to talk about the work the charity is doing to help give nature a home on up to 40 islands in Lower Lough Erne.
- Baskets for Beginners, Museum at the Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Mossley, Co Antrim, November 22. Experience basket weaving using locally sourced willow to make your own traditional Irish skib or potato strainer. Absorbing and incredibly satisfying, this activity will allow you to learn a new skill and leave you with a great sense of achievement.
- The Bard of Armagh, Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Co Armagh, November 21. Now celebrating its 20th year, the annual Bard of Armagh Festival of Humorous Verse has become an institution. The event, which began in humble circumstances in Keady, quickly spiralled into a national phenomenon with bards from all over Ireland coming to Armagh to take part in the ancient Irish art of satirical versification.
- C.S. Lewis Festival 2014, various locations, Belfast, November 20-23. Enjoy this family festival filled with art and craft workshops, film and documentary screenings plus theatre and talks to celebrate one of Belfast’s most famous sons. A variety of venues will be used to house the great events lined up this year including St Mark’s Church, Holywood Arches Library, Ulster Hall and many more!
- Mistletoe & Crime, Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, November 22 – January 11. “T’was the night before Christmas the city is heavin’, there’s shoppin’ and gurnin’ and drinkin’ and thievin’…” It would be a crime to miss this comedy drama written by Marie Jones and directed by Dan Gordon at the award winning Lyric Theatre. It’s a new time, a new place, a new police service and two WPC’s try to keep order amongst the mayhem that is a Belfast Christmas!
Please note some of the events require pre-booking.