Ards and North Down is getting ready to light up for Christmas with switch on events taking place in the borough’s five towns – Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Comber and Donaghadee – over the next few weeks.

Just five in a line-up of over 34 festive AND fun events, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, taking place across the borough throughout the Christmas season, the switch ons are sure to get you in the celebratory mood.

For the first time in 10 years, Bangor’s seafront will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display when the switch on event moves venue to the McKee Clock Arena at Queen’s Parade. The event, which is taking place on Saturday 21 November, will include a magical Christmas market from 11am – 7pm, featuring all of Bangor’s best-loved stores.  The official switch on by the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, will follow the fireworks finale at 5.30pm. Spectators are invited to enjoy the fireworks from viewing points along the promenade.

On Friday 27 November the Christmas lights will be switched on in Conway Square, Newtownards. Local traders will be showcasing the range of fabulous festive gifts available in local shops from 12 noon at a special outdoor Christmas market.  At 7pm Ards Arts Centre will be transformed into an illuminated Advent Calendar, with a display in each window.  Festive street theatre and a special joint performance by Bangor Ladies Choir and Donaghadee Male Voice Choir will precede the lights being switched on by the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Carl McClean.

Then on Saturday 28 November, there will be more family festive fun in Holywood with their annual Christmas lights switch on event.  Featuring a Christmas Market, Open House choir, an ice-rink, a visit from Santa, a giant snowman, activities in the library and street theatre, the event promises to be a great day out for the whole family.  The market will trade from 11am – 6pm and the lights will be switched on by the Mayor at 4.30pm.

The Mayor will also be switching on the lights in Comber Square on Thursday 26 November at 4pm where a special Christmas Fair will feature a range of tasty gifts and treats from local traders.  Families are invited to bring the kid’s to Santa’s grotto and get into the festive spirit.

On Sunday 6 December, the Deputy Mayor will be switching on the lights in Donaghadee following a community carol service at First Presbyterian Church at 7pm. This will conclude a weekend of festive activities in the town that will include fireworks, a Santa parade, an outdoor ice rink and a 5K Santa fun run.

The Christmas fun doesn’t end there!  Project 24 is also hosting a fantastic Christmas event on Friday 4 December. A land of Christmas fairy tale with twinkling lights, festive foods and a special appearance from Santa and his reindeer will accompany the grand switch on at 7pm.

Looking forward to the festive AND fun switch on events, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“The switching on of the Christmas tree lights in towns across the borough are perfect events to make everyone in the family feel the festive season has arrived. Wrap up warmly and come along and enjoy what each of these special events has to offer.”

These are primarily outdoor events; please dress appropriately. All events are subject to change. Admission and activities are all free.  Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook. 

Antrim Town is the place to be on Friday 20 November from 5.45 pm as the Christmas lights switch on ceremony, organised in conjunction with Castle Mall, promises to start the yuletide season with festive fun and entertainment!

The action kicks off in Market Square with musical entertainment hosted by Pete Snodden from Cool FM who will entertain with hits both old and new. Ballyduff Silver Band will also add some musical accompaniment for the main event. Of course the evening wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa who will make his grand entrance with his Minion companions and stilt walking friends at 7pm.

One of the highlights is sure to be the special Children’s Prize Draw with great prizes to be won, including a Mini iPad. If you haven’t already got your prize draw slip, they are available from the Old Courthouse and can also be picked up at the event on the evening.  Make sure you don’t miss your chance to grab yourself an early Christmas present! A spectacular fireworks display at 7.30pm will round off what will undoubtedly be a perfect festive evening.

Further details of the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas

“From Russia with Spuds” to “The King of the Culchies”, from “Shades of Fifty”  to “Hay-shed romancing”, the 21^st Bard of Armagh Competition presents a  special feast of fresh, humorous and uproarious verse to celebrate its special birthday.

With 1000 patrons expected at the Armagh City Hotel on Friday 20 November for another night of hilarity and waves of laughter, this unique event has activated the ancient art of humorous versification like no other in modern times.
Since the first event held in Keady in 1995 before a small audience, the festival gained such immediate popularity that it was forced to go from venue to venue seeing ever larger premises until it became established in the City Hotel with its huge capacity.

Since its inception, over three hundred bards from every county in Ireland without exception, and ever growing participants from across these islands male and female of all ages and religions have graced the lectern at the finals, setting ever fresh standards of creative humorous writing and  recitation and outstanding presentation.
The annual Bard night is an occasion when people switch off the relentless in-your-face TV world of Soaps and Talent Shows and go for a refreshing, uplifting experience of genuine home-made entertainment in keeping with the great traditions of the past.

The themes usually relate to ongoing controversies and topical issues of the day. For example, at the coming event Peter Casey from Co Clare will  deliver his GAA related  poem ‘Hey Mr Chairman!’ depicting the annual scene where committee members and players who complain all year still go with flow at the AGM and vote the same chairman in again.  “Mr Chairman” will promise, but of course won’t deliver!

“And the players will train six nights a week and they’ll all give up the drink,

And we’ll bring in a sports psychologist to teach them how to think-

But you and me we both agree that the players won’t leave the pub

And the outside man with his 5 year plan will break our little club”

It also highlights tales of how well laid plans can go pear- shaped as Kerry Bard Sonia Elston tells of her meticulous preparation for a job interview then loses the car keys which triggers a monumental series of blunders. Keady’s seasoned campaigner Donal McKenna has dug into the lore of his local town and conjured up a much overdue poem about the celebrated art-form of lying.

“He had lied all over Ireland wherever liars could be found

Now I know he’s happy for he’s lying underground”

Then there is the art of the spell binding tongue twister, and Brookeborough’s Damien McGirr will be doing his utmost to keep the Bard title in County Fermanagh after the exploits of Seamus Carolan last year with his poem ‘Second Hand Handles’

Love poems have been one of the major themes of the Bard Festival of the festival and Sligo bard John McDonagh tells how “it’s never too late to look for love’

“It’s useful to mention, if you’ve got the pension, before your hormones started freaking,

You’ve gone past your prime and you haven’t much time until the radiator starts leaking,

Don’t be dejected, you can still get connected, someone may soon come along,

Perhaps a toy- boy all the way from Hanoi, or a thing in a thong from Hong Kong”

Another newcomer, Jennifer Herron from Larne puts forward a very convincing argument as to how and why dogs are more reliable than boyfriends and Dominic Bennett has to be among the favourites with ‘Now I’m in the doghouse’  This is a take on ‘Fifty Shades’  and the exasperated husband finds himself intoxicated and reminiscing about exploits of days gone by.

“Now the whiskey bottle is empty, I’m telling tales of yore,

Of how I marked Joe Kernan and he didn’t get a score”

In keeping with the non-conventional off the wall views of the world, Joan Rooney argues that a lot of what is dressed up and presented as ‘breaking news’ is nothing more than mere trivia and of no significance-

“Come on Tyrone! says Fr McKeown

Up Armagh! says Paul McGrath

Is it ten pin bowlin’? says Steven Nolan?

I think it’s rugger, says Alan Sugar

Kick her low, says Tommy Bowe

He’s not fit, says Joe Schmidt

Your man is trippin’, says Angela Rippon

Must be a free! says Opra Winfrey

Give him a yella! says Nelson Mandella

Send him off! says Bob Geldoff

Put him in the sin-bin! says Jeremy Corbyn

The ref’s a looper! says Henry Cooper”

And four times Bard winner Jimmy Rafferty from Loughgall has pulled the rabbit out of the hat once more with a gripping tale of espionage in the true James Bond style.  ‘From Russia with Spuds’ is one of his greatest creations.

Great favourite Rob Barratt from Cornwall always gets a tremendous ovation and this year’s ode is another utterly clever spellbinder.  ‘The troofa bout the Garra Rufa’ is a rare gem and Rob’s presentation is always impeccable.

“Garra Rufa, Garra Rufa

You’ve no need to use a loofah

They’ll nibble on your new veruca

And gorge on ageing hardened corns

And other growths your body spawns

A cooly callous callus feeder

A bold bloodthirsty little bleeder

A manky festering puss-filled bunion

Is to him like cheese and onion“

With folk band ‘Puzzle Find Pat’ performing uplifting reels, jigs and song, Master of ceremonies Pearse McBride with his exuberance, elegance and charm, there is no better place to be on Friday 20 November than in The Armagh City Hotel for the ultimate night’s crack of the year when sixteen accomplished poets will compete for the mantle ‘Bard of Armagh 2015’ and a share of the £3000 in prize money.

The finalists in this year’s Bard of Armagh are as follows:

The finalists in this year’s competition are as follows:

Paul Gallagher, Omagh, Co Tyrone.  ‘The futility of gambling’

Rob Barratt, Launceston, Cornwall. ‘The troofa bout the Garra Rufa’

Jennifer Herron, Larne, Co Antrim. ‘Dogs are better than boyfriends’

John McDonagh, Ballymote, Co Sligo.’ Every dog has its day’

Donal McKenna, Keady, Co Armagh. ‘The special presentation’

Joan Rooney, Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan. ‘Any news’

Dominic Bennett, Glengormley, Co Antrim. ‘Now I’m in the doghouse’

Padraig McGinn, Carrick on Shannon. Co Leitrim ‘King of the Culchies’

Damien McGirr, Brookeborough Co Fermanagh. ‘Second hand handles’

Phyllis Murphy, Castleblayney, Co Monaghan. ‘Marry in haste’

Jimmy Rafferty, Loughall, Co Armagh.  ‘From Russia with spuds’

Patrick Gormley, Draperstown, Co Derry.  ‘Nick Evans’

Peter Casey Fanore, Co Clare. ‘Hey Mr Chairman’

Sonia Elston, Ardfert, Co Kerry.  ‘Lost and found’

Patsy McDermott, Virginia, Co Cavan. ‘Learning to recite’

Tickets for the event are currently on sale in the following venues:

Armagh City Hotel

Mona McEntee Crossmaglen

House of Gold Monaghan

Gene Stewarts Dungannon

Tommy Makem Arts and Community Centre Keady

Or through the website www.bardofarmagh.com

For many, the festive season doesn’t begin until the Coca-Cola ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert airs across TV screens; and this year, the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck will pay a special visit to Northern Ireland with a stop planned for the Belfast SSE Arena on Wednesday 16 December 2015.

The famously festive Coca-Cola Christmas Truck will stop off in Belfast from 12 – 8pm and in addition to seeing it up close, crowds will be entertained throughout the experience with a variety of games including giant ‘ice-block jenga’ and festive ‘pass the parcel’. Families will also have the opportunity to capture a photo souvenir with the truck as it lights up in a winter wonderland setting while enjoying a choice of Coca-Cola or Diet Coke.

Georgina Kendrick, Christmas Brand Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland said: “We’re delighted to celebrate the Christmas season this year with a visit of the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck to Belfast.  With games, music, photography and more, we hope to offer a really special Christmas experience that you won’t want to miss.”

Ever since the Coca-Cola Christmas truck first appeared on screens in November 1995, it has become a regular feature of festive TV schedules in more than 100 different countries. It is universally recognised as a personal countdown to Christmas. In addition to the much-loved advert featuring the Christmas Truck, Coca-Cola will also air its ‘Give a Little Happiness’ TV advert, encouraging people to spread festive cheer throughout the holiday season.

Coca-Cola is also offering limited edition Christmas ‘bow bottles’ on 1.75l bottles, with a clever label that can transform into a beautiful Christmas bow – available in all major supermarkets.

THE city of Derry is simply bursting with fun things to see and do and following recent openings there are now even more experiences to enjoy on a day trip or short break.

The bustling city is known for its historic walls which dominate the centre of town and for the striking Peace Bridge which spans the River Foyle.  The varied night life, wide selection of shops and restaurants and the warm welcome of the locals are also a huge draw for visitors. But now this vibrant city has even more to offer with the much anticipated opening of the new Siege Museum and the Walled City Brewery.

Ruth Burns, Tourism Northern Ireland’s PR Marketing & Destination Manager explains why a trip to Derry~Londonderry should be on everyone’s agenda:

“County Londonderry has a wide range of things to see and do and following appearances in Lonely Planet’s ‘Best in Travel Guide’ as well as being the recipient of the prestigious ‘UK City of Culture’ in 2013, the City of Derry continues to surprise and entertain all who visit.  This year there are even more reasons to visit as the brand new Siege Museum opens as well as the Walled City Brewery which offers a really different day out for everyone”, concluded Ruth.

The new Siege Museum and Exhibition officially opens on December 4 and chronicles the colourful history of Derry~Londonderry with the use of interesting artefacts, mesmerising videos and interactive media. Visitors can explore rooms designated for each of the orders including the Apprentice Boys of Derry, the Orange Order, the Women’s Orange and the Royal Black Institution.

The Walled City Brewery, which is Derry~Londonderry’s first craft brewery for a century, is the brainchild of James Huey who spent 12 years brewing with the largest beer company in Ireland.  The Walled City Brewery has local, authentic, premium quality and flavoursome craft beers inspired by ancient recipes and new-world brewing techniques.  As well as enjoying drinks, visitors can also sample some tasty cuisine served in the restaurant which specialises in local, slow-cooked food.

Whilst in Derry~Londonderry other must-visit places are:

The Craft Village is located between Shipquay St and Magazine St and combines quirky craft shops, balconied apartments, a restaurant and coffee shop, perfect for a day shopping with friends or family.

Those with a love of history will appreciate the two permanent exhibitions at The Tower Museum. ‘The Story of Derry’ tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city whilst ‘An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera’ tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588.

Visitors looking for somewhere to take the kids for the day should try the Riverwatch Aquarium and Visitor Centre and as the admission is free, this excursion won’t break the bank. Families can learn about local wildlife whilst watching fish swim as well as lobster, crabs, starfish, coalfish and blenneys.

The Museum of Free Derry focuses on the civil rights campaign which emerged in the 1960’s and 1970’s. It tells the people’s story and has an archive of over 25,000 individual items relating to this period, most of which were donated by local residents.

For an afternoon of history and culture, visit Saint Columb’s Cathedral which is the city’s most historic building. The Cathedral was originally built in 1633 by William Parrot and the current tower and main building are that of the original cathedral with the spire added on in 1821.

The Peace Bridge was launched in 2011 and since then has become an iconic structure for the city connecting two sides of the River Foyle. With over three million crossings to date, the Peace Bridge has become a focal point in city activities and events including the New Year celebrations and launch of City of Culture as well as providing a backdrop to Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

Day and night life highlights include:

The city is a shopper’s paradise with something to suit everyone. Shopping options include Foyleside Shopping Centre, the Richmond Shopping Centre, Quayside Centre and of course the unique Craft Village and Austin’s Department Store.

Fashionistas can enjoy browsing the many designer boutiques dotted throughout the city centre and visitors can have their pick from a range of traditional Irish gifts, stone crafts and handmade jewellery.

A short break to Derry~Londonderry should include a visit to the Millennium Forum which is the first purpose built theatre in the city and has the largest theatre stage in Ireland. The Forum offers a challenging and vibrant programme of events from drama to dance, comedy to musicals and light entertainment to children’s shows.

The Gweedore pub has long enjoyed a reputation as a mecca for pop and rock music and is the ideal place to spend an afternoon with friends whilst Peadar O’Donnell’s is famous for its live traditional music, friendly atmosphere and fun pub décor.

The Ritz gives visitors a unique hospitality experience where the authentic character of a traditional pub blends with the relaxed atmosphere of a modern bistro.

Visitors will find a cosy atmosphere and fabulous local food at the The Grand Central Bar and at night becomes a fantastic place to listen to local live music.

Located within the city walls, Masons Bar is a great spot for tourists and offers food and live weekend entertainment. Visitors are also given the chance to pull their own pint of Guinness.

Enjoy a short break by staying at one of the many hotels available in the city:

The Everglades Hotel is offering overnight accommodation with full Irish breakfast including two course evening meal with a bottle of house wine from only £55 per person sharing. Available until December 13.

The Maldron Hotel is offering two night’s bed and breakfast midweek from only £89 per person sharing until December 13.

Visitors should try the City Hotel where they can enjoy two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £99 per person sharing. Available until December 13.

When it’s time to relax after a fun day of sightseeing then try The Drummond Hotel in Limavady where a two night dinner inclusive package can be enjoyed from £50 per person sharing until November 30.

For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Celebrate the start of the festive period with a visit to the beautiful Craftswirl, based at Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

The gift shop has crafts and gifts to suit all tastes and budgets and for the Christmas period you are invited enjoy some festive fayre as we savour the tastes of Christmas through the ages.

We begin with demonstrations of Gift Wrapping on Saturday 21^st November, 12.00noon – 3.00pm.  All gifts purchased, during this time, will be treated to a special complimentary wrapping.  Perfect for all those Christmas presents.  There is no cost to attend this event.

Our festive celebrations will continue with a flick back through the Armagh of yesteryear with a photographic exhibition provided by Armagh County Museum.

Craftswirl is open April to September… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.30pm | Sun 1.00pm – 5.30pm and October to March… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm.

For further information contact Craftswirl / Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Armagh  BT61 7BA Tel 028 3752 1800 www.armagh.co.uk/craftswirl

Celebrate the rich diversity of small independent businesses in Northern Ireland this Christmas and shop local during the festive season to keep vitality in the economic heart of our community.

The creative folks from Frock Fairs NI have made this easy to do with three fabulous lifestyle shopping events which showcase unique designer makers, artists and vintage sellers from all over the province. Taking place in and around Belfast, from late November to mid December, each event will feature an extravaganza of unique artisan & handcrafted gifts, vintage treasures & collectables, delicious edible goodies and a whole lot of nostalgia and fun.
Now in their 8^th year of delighting customers from all over the country, and having just passed the milestone of their 72^nd event, Frock Fairs NI know a thing or two about selecting inspirational creative talent and blending it with interesting vintage finds to create Ireland’s longest-running alternative shopping experience, so you can expect great things from this year end finale of Christmas fairs.

The Wonderful Winter Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 12 to 5pm on Sunday 29^th November 2015 at Malone House, Barnett Demesne, Belfast.  Admission costs only £3 for adults, and children go free.

The Very Christmassy Vintage & Handmade Fair will take place from 11am to 5pm on Saturday 5^th December at St Patrick’s Pastoral Centre, Chapel Hill, Lisburn and thanks to the kind sponsorship of Lisburn City Centre Management this event will be free admission.

The grand festive climax is The Magical Christmas Vintage & Handmade Fair which will take place at Belfast Castle on Sunday 13^th December from 12 to 5pm. Admission costs only £3 for adults and children go free.

More information on the events and the exhibitor lists can be found at frockfairsni.com and on facebook.com/frockaroundtheclockvintagefairs.

WINTER can be a costly time for families especially with Christmas fast approaching and thoughts turn to presents and excursions.

Don’t worry though if you need to save your pennies for gifts and the yuletide season as Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of really interesting things that you can see and do in NI over the winter months that are completely free.

“You may be saving up for Christmas and all the expenses that it can bring but luckily Northern Ireland has a massive variety of pocket-friendly activities and places of interest to see that means you can have a fun day out without worrying about your bank balance,” said Tourism Northern Ireland’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley.

To help get you started, Tourism Northern Ireland has highlighted a range of free things to see and do over the coming weeks:

Belfast

Bookworms will love the Linen Hall Library where they can browse through thousands of books as well as check out their exciting exhibitions or events. This much loved library is the oldest in Belfast at over 225 years old and has one of the largest Robert Burns collections outside of Scotland.

Enjoy a fun day out at the Ulster Museum where you can come face to face with dinosaurs, meet an ancient Egyptian mummy and see modern masterpieces. Admission is free and you can explore the museums rich collection of art, history and natural sciences.

Take a stroll around Botanic Gardens where you can explore the Palm House and Tropical Ravine as well as the children’s playground, bowling green, walking routes, rose garden and lots of assorted tropical plants, mature trees and flower beds. Entrance to the gardens is completely free.

Browse the stalls at St George’s Market where you will get a unique glimpse of one of Belfast’s oldest attractions, recognised as one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland, for free.  You can experience the colour, sounds and smells of a busy trading day including lots of banter from the stall holders who sell everything from collectibles to fish.

Co. Antrim

Keen photographers will enjoy Ireland’s Eye Photographic Exhibition at the Braid Arts Centre in Ballymena. Selected photographs by Robert John Welch, a leading photographer in Ulster during the late nineteenth and early twentieth century will be on show alongside the Answer the Call exhibition.

The Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers Centre in Carrickfergus is located less than a mile from the town centre and is a traditional thatched Ulster – Scots farmhouse which was built in the 1750’s.

Entry to the centre is free where you can view an impressive exhibition on the life and career of Andrew Jackson, 7^th President of the United States of America whose parents emigrated from Northern Ireland in 1765.

Antrim Castle Gardens are a real hidden gem and you will find nothing else like these 400 year old gardens anywhere else in Northern Ireland. Stroll around the magnificent location and visit some of the beautiful settings such as the Large Parterre, Her Ladyship’s Pleasure Garden and Yew Tree Pond.

Delve into 9,000 years of history at the Ballymoney Museum. Entry is completely free and you can browse through the array of rare finds from the Bronze and Medieval periods as well as exhibits associated with the political history of the region.

Co. Armagh

Bookworms are sure to appreciate Armagh Public Library which is one of the oldest libraries in Ireland, established in 1771 by Archbishop Robinson.  The library contains 17^th and 18^th century books on a wide range of subjects and includes rare and valuable books, first editions and illuminated manuscripts.  The Library is also an accredited museum and holds prints, ancient Irish artefacts, gems, coins, as well as other objects. Entrance to the library is free.

If music is your thing, then the Armagh Public Library is also hosting a New Music Collection exhibition which is available until December 30. The exhibition highlights examples from the Cathedral’s collection and shows how it complements the library’s own collection of hymns, psalms and secondary works on church music.

Oxford Island centre boasts four miles of footpaths, bird watching hides, woodland, ponds, wildflower meadows, picnic and play areas. The centre is fully accessible and houses an exhibition where visitors can learn all about the history, the culture and wildlife in and around Lough Neagh. Families and friends can enjoy a fun, free day out against a backdrop of panoramic views of the Lough.

Co. Down

Those with an interest in jewellery will be pleased to hear about the Mi – NI (My Northern Ireland) Exhibition by jewellery designer Ruth McEwan – Lyon. The exhibition takes place from November 7 to 28 in the Ards Craft and Design Centre in Newtownards and visitors can explore the special collection of pieces with a focus on Belfast.

Spend an afternoon exploring the historical ruins and lawns of the magical Cistercian Abbey Church in Co Down which was founded in 1193. Entry to the grounds is completely free.

Cranfield West Beach near to Carlingford Lough is a gently sloping sandy beach and is an area of Special Scientific Interest. Enjoy an exhilarating walk along the beach, perfect for those with a pet pooch and soak up the stunning scenery of the majestic Mourne Mountains.

Delve into the past at the Down County Museum where you can look through the exhibitions hosting artefacts relating to the history of County Down from the earliest times to the present day.
The Museum is located in the historic buildings of the eighteenth century County Gaol of Down and housed thousands of prisoners from 1796 and until its closure in 1830.

Co. Fermanagh

Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum in Enniskillen is the perfect way to spend an afternoon with family or friends and best of all, entry is completely free! Take a remarkable journey into the past bringing the golden age of the railway vividly to life. Combine your visit with a unique opportunity to have your hair professionally styled in the wonderfully nostalgic surroundings!

Lough Navar Forest rises to the top of Magho cliffs and comprises of over 2,600 hectares of coniferous forest.  Take in the spectacular views over Lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, the Blue Stack and Sperrin Mountains.

Bring your family for a walk up Cuilcagh Mountain which is a well-established location for hillwalkers with a network of trails that lead in and around the Mountain Park. If you are not an experienced hill walker then don’t worry as there are also less challenging walking routes available which give a real taste of the beauty in the area.

Co. Londonderry

The Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre is hosting Your Story: Archiving Open Day, Big Houses of the Causeway Coast on November 7. Visitors can help Limavady Museum develop their collection further and be part of a future exhibition by bringing along their own photographs and stories relating to the Big Houses of Limavady. Attendees can peruse the photos and learn more about the history of Limavady.

Entertain your little ones at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre with screenings of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom on Wednesday November 4.  The Gruffalo film is adapted from the bestselling book which centres on a crafty mouse protected from harm by his own vibrant imagination whilst Room on the Broom is a story about a kind witch adapted from Julia Donaldson’s much loved story.

Stock up on Christmas gifts at the 9^th Annual Garvagh Craft Fair at the Garvagh Community Building on November 27. Visitors can browse the wonderful unique handmade gifts with over 25 stalls exhibiting eye catching and creative gifts.

The spectacular riverside views and woodland walks in Roe Valley Country Park mean that you and your family will be entertained for hours. You can learn all about the industrial and natural heritage of the area in the museum and countryside centre as well as keep an eye out for the local wildlife which includes foxes, badgers, otters and over 60 species of birds.

Co. Tyrone

De-stress with friends or family on a leisurely walk around An Creagan Forest and River Trail. The tranquil, picturesque environment and steady trails are suitable for people of all ages and abilities and are a fun way to relax and enjoy nature.

The Alley Gallery in Strabane is home to an eclectic range of interesting exhibitions.  Entry to the gallery is free and you can browse through the exciting exhibitions which normally last between 4 – 6 weeks.

Discover the interesting history behind the Beaghmore Stone Circles near Cookstown by taking time out to wander around these ancient ceremonial circles and alignments. Have fun with your family coming up with ideas on stories on what they could mean.

For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh continues its programme of diverse and wide-ranging music with a classical performance by Hugh Tinney and superb jazz with The Gerry Rice Quartet.

Since winning first prize at both the 1983 Pozzoli and 1984 Paloma O’Shea piano competitions in Italy and Spain, Hugh Tinney has performed in more than thirty-five countries throughout Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Far East. A prize in the 1987 Leeds Piano Competition earned him a busy career in Great Britain performing with many major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool, Royal Scottish and BBC National of Wales. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by the National University of Ireland in 2007.

The programme for the evening will include two of Beethoven’s most loved sonatas, the ‘Moonlight’ and the ‘Waldstein’, as well as a group of Chopin works that includes the great Ballade in F minor. The Beethoven and Chopin frame four pieces from Irish composer Raymond Deane’s 2011 cycle ‘Noctuary’. Hugh Tinney will perform for one evening only on Friday 20^th November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and £13 (concession).

You can start the Christmas Jazz celebrations early on Saturday 21^st November! Taking centre stage at the Christmas Jazz Supper Evening will be the hugely popular Gerry Rice Quartet who will provide the smooth, laid-back and accessible jazz sounds for the evening.

The menu for the evening will include Maryland southern fried chicken filet with chilli butter, New York style BBQ sticky ribs, Braised beef with wild mushrooms and ‘Jack Daniels’ sauce, all served with a selection of fresh breads, Cajun and garlic potato wedges and assorted salads and dressings. Tickets for the evening are priced £11 for the performance only or £21 including supper.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

It’s time to catch up on the latest seasonal trends as the hotly anticipated event of Fashion Fest 2015, the Gala Fashion Show takes place this Saturday, in St Columbs Hall, Derry, showcasing the latest in cutting edge design and local trends.

The city’s own first lady of fashion, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: “I am delighted to see the return of Fashion Fest, which has already established itself as one of the city’s top cultural events. Last year’s programme was a real success attracting talent from across the country who found the perfect platform to showcase their work, and forging new links between creative talents from both sides of the border.

“Derry is really beginning to establish a name for itself in the fashion world, and with centres such as the Fashion and Textile Design Hub providing support for emerging new designers we really have the potential to make the city the fashion capital of the North.”

Business Opportunities Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Louise Breslin, has been working with local designers and retailers to put the final touches to the event.  “This is our second year of Fashion Fest and I’m delighted that we have established such a fantastic network of designers and retailers dedicated to supporting and promoting the local fashion industry through the programme.

For those who enjoy the glamour of the catwalk there will be a stunning Gala Fashion Show in St Columb’s Hall on Saturday night, featuring a glittering array of style from a host of designers the High Street and independent retailers, including the Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection from top International Designer, Helen Cody, which we are really excited about!”

Local retailers in the city are celebrating Fashion Fest with plenty of in store promo opportunities for savvy local shoppers hoping to bag a bargain.

To find out more about the programme and to book tickets for the Gala Catwalk event on Saturday 14^th November go to www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest