Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Break by the Lakes, Mahons Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £89pps. Situated in the heart of Irvinestown and only a short trip to Enniskillen and Omagh, the three-star Mahons Hotel is in the heart land of Fermanagh and the beautiful lake district. This means beautiful country walks, water sports and of course shopping in top high street stores. Enjoy a two-night bed and breakfast break plus evening meal and a bottle of wine. Your break also includes a visit to the Celtic Garden in Irvinestown and a guided walk around Necarane Estate or Castle Archdale Forest Park. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 6862 1656.
• Explore & Experience, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, from £185pps. Located in the heart of the city the five-star Merchant Hotel is the perfect base to explore Belfast. The uniqueness of the hotel allows you to relax in a roof top hot tub, feel revitalised in the Urban Spa or simply unwind beside the open fire in their award-winning Cocktail Bar. Check in and experience a two-night break in this luxurious city centre hotel.  Offer includes breakfast in The Great Room Restaurant, a three-course evening meal in Bert’s Jazz bar, Belfast’s only live Jazz venue. You can also discover the culture of the city with complimentary tickets for Belfast’s City Sightseeing Tour. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 90 234888
• Autumn Overnight, Dunadry Hotel, Co. Antrim, from £99 A grand and homely place is a true rarity, and Dunadry Hotel is unlike any other. A three-star hotel built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills. Enjoy an overnight break at the idyllic, rural Dunadry Hotel and discover the historic town of Antrim. Package includes overnight accommodation for two people sharing with breakfast. Explore Antrim Castle, the Castle Gardens and the Clotworthy Arts Centre then relax and unwind with dinner in our Bistro. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 94 434343.

Friday 21 October – Thursday 27 October

Saturday 22 October, Seapark Fireworks

Holywood

Fun, food and a fireworks finale

4pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Wednesday 26 October, Guided Walk: Halloween Walking Tour

Conway Square, Newtownards

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of Newtownards

Departs 7.30pm

Tickets £6 Ad, £4 Ch

Info and Booking: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Halloween Weekend

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Crafty Kids

North Down Museum, Bangor

10am-12noon.

Come along during half-term to make your very own Halloween craft and bring it home. The price includes all materials and children are welcome

to bring a drink or nibbles if they would like (no nuts please) Suitable for ages 5 to 11yrs.

£5, early booking is essential. This event is SOLD OUT.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Fun Day

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon-4pm.

A perfect afternoon for the little ones! Bricks4kidz Clay, meet creepy crawlies and find out all about them,

Magic shows and all day we will be showing child-friendly Halloween Films.

Little ones can come in fancy dress! Check website for timings of activities.

FREE

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Project 24: The Haunted Hub

Project24, Queen’s Parade, Bangor

1pm – 5pm

With eerie sounds, freaky fun, bubbling brews and so much more!

FREE

Info: project24ni.com, 0300 013 3333

Saturday 29 October, Ghostly Grey Abbey

The Abbey, Grey Abbey

Halloween themed food, drinks, tours and activities. Part of the Peninsula Food Showcase. This event is supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

5pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Sunday 30 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Creepy creatures, crafts and traditional music

1pm – 4pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Barbara Allen Art

Until Friday 28 October

The Community Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

This watercolour exhibition highlights the seafood’s harvested around our shores.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: Decorus Creatura (Beautiful Creatures)

Until Saturday 29 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

Free admission. EC Woodward was born in Cornwall and grew up in the depths of the countryside surrounded by a menagerie of animals.  Her work is inspired by her love of Victoriana and is directly influenced by the golden-age illustrators such as Arthur Rackham and Sir John Tennial.

Info: ardsarts.com, (028) 9181 0803

Exhibition:  Legends – a solo exhibition by Rachael McMaster

Until Saturday 29 October

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

Free admission. Inspired by special sporting moments, Rachael McMaster has tried to capture the vibrancy, movement and athleticism of local sporting legends, through an expressive use of watercolour.

Info: ardsarts.com, (028) 9181 0803

Exhibition: Meet the Maker ‘Nature’s Treasures’

Saturday Until Saturday 29 October

The Space Gallery, Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards

An exhibition of Jewellery design by Newtownards-based Gillian Downing.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exhibition: The Irene Sendler Window

Monday 31 October

The Nostalgia Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

David Esler worked with a group of ex service personnel, nurses and older people who experienced

the conflict in N Ireland to create the Irene Sendler Window in honour of the holocaust hero.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: 100 Years of the Cubs

Until Thursday 10 November

The Long Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

The adventurous world of Cub Scouts and how it has developed and grown locally throughout the years.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

This year’s Seapark Fireworks event will take place on Saturday 22 October at Seapark Recreational Grounds Holywood.

The event which is a staple on Ards and North Down Borough Council’s events programme is always a hugely popular event with lots on offer for the whole family.

The fun will kick off at 4pm with the children’s fun-fair and a fantastic food fair with everyone’s favourite foods from hot dogs to crepes, Holywood’s favourite cinnamon scones, pulled pork and lots more. There will be plenty of hot drinks on offer too to keep everyone warm!

At 6.15pm, popular local band The Jukes take to the stage to entertain the crowds with their fantastic repertoire of hits guaranteed to get the crowds dancing.

The event will draw to a close after the spectacular fireworks display at 7.45pm. Prepare to be thrilled as the sky above Belfast Lough will come alive with explosions of colour and sparkle.

Commenting on the event, Sharon Mahaffy, Tourism Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “We’re looking forward to another great night at Seapark this year – good food, good music and spectacular fireworks – perfect ingredients for a fun night for all the family. Everyone is welcome to come dressed up in your spookiest Halloween costumes but make sure you wrap up warm and bring a torch!”

So come along and join the fun on Saturday 22 October, from 4pm to 9pm at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood. Admission is FREE, making this an event not to be missed!

People are reminded that parking is limited onsite and that Seapark Road is closed to non-residential vehicular traffic from 5pm.

If you fancy more Halloween fun, on Saturday 29 October, come along to Ghostly Greyabbey where the historical site will be the backdrop for a fun Halloween event featuring food, drinks and ghostly re-enactments. The event runs from 5pm to 9pm.

Then on the following day, Sunday 30 October, bring your little monsters along to Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport for a day of free family fun.  Come and enjoy the ‘Tales of the Wild’ animal roadshow where you can meet lots of friendly creatures, enjoy some spooky crafts, archery and some traditional music with ‘Geordie’s Music Box.’ The entertainment runs from 1pm to 4pm and everyone is invited to wear their scariest Halloween costumes!

For information on all ghostly goings on throughout Ards and North Down in October see visitardsandnorthdown.com or contact one of our Visitor Information Centres:

Bangor’s Visitor Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or

Ards Visitor Information Centre on: 028 9182 6846

Written by Frances Kay, Directed by Muireann Ahern

A deliciously dark musical fable, for children and adults starring renowned Irish vocalist Lisa Lambe is taking place at the MAC from 29-30 October 2016.

Recently returned from a whirlwind tour of USA, Theatre Lovett, one of Ireland’s leading companies making work for all ages, bring their classic slapstick, song and theatricality to audiences young and old. Touring again after sell out shows at Dublin Theatre Festival in 2013, A Feast of Bones is a deliciously dark retelling of Henny Penny, a classic fable of survival. Featuring live music, an original score, and some dazzling musical talent; Lisa Lambe, Martin Brunsden (Hot House Flowers).

Under the twinkling lights of a charming French café a waitress sits polishing her knives. Set in the shadows of the First World War, one cunning customer is about to be served a meal he will never forget. Let Lisa Lambe’s stunning voice thrill you… Louis Lovett’s comical bluster amuse you… and let the joyous music of Nico Brown and Martin Brunsden (Hot House Flowers) set your hearts alight. A vastly entertaining musical fable filled with song, fun and fright. You’ll be humming along long after you leave the theatre.

Love LEGO then you’ll love Brick City!

This unique internationally acclaimed exhibition is coming to Antrim Castle Gardens from Saturday 22 October – Saturday 27 November 2016.  Brick City, created by Warren Elsmore, is a celebration of some of the world’s favourite buildings and urban icons, recreated solely using LEGO bricks. While to many, LEGO bricks are ‘just a toy’, to Warren they provide a challenging and enjoyable modelling medium.

Don’t miss this opportunity to join us at Antrim Castle Gardens to marvel at these stunning LEGO creations and celebrate everyone’s favourite toy! There you can marvel at some of the world’s most iconic buildings recreated in LEGO bricks and have the chance to set your imagination free by building your own creations. For children of all ages and the child in all of us, Brick City is a must do this autumn!

Be inspired, be amazed, be entertained by the wonder that is Brick City but most of all be there!  Tickets will sell out fast so for a full listing of available sessions visit our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk and find out how to join the fun that is Brick City at Antrim Castle Gardens from 22 October until 27 November.

There’s a packed programme of events at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh this weekend to kick your Halloween celebrations off with a bang.

You can’t see the Bee Gees anymore, but you can see ‘Nights On Broadway’ and still experience a concert of the incredible music written by the brothers Gibb. ‘Nights On Broadway’ presents a tribute to the Bee Gees through their catalogue of hits over four decades from the 60s to the 90s. The full live band blend the classic hits, acoustic medleys and dance floor fillers which define the show. This is a totally live concert experience which prides itself on musical, in particular vocal, authenticity, while the accompanying costume changes compliment the show to give audiences a truly original feeling. ‘Nights On Broadway’ will be staged on Thursday 27 October. Tickets are priced £16.

Isosceles Theatre Company returns for two nights of innovative drama with ‘Beckett’s Last Act’ on Friday 28^th and ‘Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde’ on Saturday 29^th. Tickets for each show are £13.50 and £11.50 (concession).

‘Beckett’s Last Act’ tells the true story of Mora Grey who worked alongside Samuel Beckett at the Royal Court Theatre in the 1970’s – what was he really like? We find out as we see Beckett in a theatre setting, deeply troubled by the latest production of his acclaimed play ‘Krapp’s Last Tape’ with Albert Finney in the title role. It is the day of the first performance. Beckett’s looming presence disturbs the Director, the Designer, the Wardrobe Mistress, the Flyman and the Actor, a disturbance which leads to unexpected and tragic events.

‘Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde’ is a classic dark tale just in time for Halloween. Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story has enthralled and fascinated the world for more than a hundred years. An experiment to separate virtue from wickedness in his own nature results in the respectable Dr. Jekyll releasing the demon within: a malevolent force which will eventually possess him body and soul.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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.

What a year it has been for lovers of food and drink so far in Northern Ireland.  Tourism Northern Ireland have been telling us about many lip-smackingly good events that have been taking place across the country all year as part of the Northern Ireland Year of Food and Drink 2016 celebrations but now there is news about another event that is sure to have foodies returning to Belfast over the next couple of years.

The highly anticipated BBC Good Food Show will launch this weekend (14 – 16 October) for the very first time at the Belfast Waterfront.  The show will showcase the nation’s favourite chefs, the regions very best producers of food, drink and artisan products as well as state of the art kitchenware and gadgets.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer is encouraging everyone to come along to the Belfast Waterfront for a weekend of fun and foodie delights:

“This weekend is set to be one to remember for lovers of food and drink as it is the first time the BBC Good Food Show has come to Northern Ireland. World renowned chefs such as John Torode, Paul Hollywood, Danny Millar, The Hairy Bikes and James Martin will be on hand to offer tips, demonstrations and even sign books so if there is a chef you would love to meet and interact with, then now is your chance!

“There will be an exciting pavilion area jam-packed with a vast range of delicious foods so that you can make some tasty purchases and bring them home to try for yourself,” added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together some show highlights so you don’t miss any of the action:

Supertheatre

The Supertheatre will be a delight for all visitors as they can watch renowned celebrity chefs such as Paul Hollywood, James Martin and Paul Rankin, cook delicious dishes live! You can also get tips for tasty seasonal foods and lots of inspiration to try out your own dishes.
Tasting Theatre
The Tasting Theatre will allow foodies to taste and learn from an amazing line up of food and drink producers who will showcase the best in regional produce. A whole host of local producers will be available with products to browse including, Ann’s Pantry, Broighter Gold, Cavanagh Eggs, Dale Farm, Hilltop Honey, Pheasants Hill Farm, Shortcross Gin and much more.

Interview Stage

Get up close and personal with your favourite chef as they take to the Interview Stage. This is the perfect opportunity to ask any burning culinary questions you may have. Plus, purchase a cookery book at the Show and you may be lucky enough to get it signed by your favourite famous chef afterwards.

Food NI Pavillion
The Food NI Pavilion is a great opportunity to discover more about regional producers as well as taste their wares and buy some to take home. This area of the show is a must-see for foodies who would like to improve their knowledge of Northern Ireland’s food scene and delve into the wealth of fantastic food produce that there is on offer here.

Producer’s Village
From brewers to bakers; deli owners to distillers, visitors to the Producers’ Village will play host to a wide range of artisan food stalls where they can stock up their larder with speciality produce from all over Ireland and the UK.

BBC Good Food Kitchen

The BBC Good Kitchen is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing lunch at the Show where visitors can dine on mouth-watering, seasonal dishes inspired by bbcgoodfood.com.

If you would like to extend your Belfast food experience this weekend then why not try one of the fantastic offers that are available during Eat and Drink Belfast Restaurant Week which runs from 8-16 October. Enjoy Belfast’s vibrant restaurant scene which offers everything from Michelin Star fine dining to exciting eateries, gastro pubs and quirky restaurants.

St George’s Market is another must-see destination for food lovers as it hosts a wide range of local produce. The market is one of Belfast’s oldest attractions and recognised as one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland.

If you are looking for a food adventure with something a little different, why not try the Belfast Bred Tour Mobile App which will allow you to discover Belfast’s fascinating food heritage and the high quality local produce available all around Belfast. Hear from local chefs, publicans and retailers and get a real taste for Belfast’s gastro history.

If you have time, why not squeeze in a cookery class at Belfast Cookery School on Saturday. The school is dedicated to helping those who want to share a passion for all things culinary and learn more about food and the way it should be prepared. Learn to cook a new dish in a creative atmosphere of fun and learning.

To buy tickets go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/bbcgoodfoodshow.

Why not make a weekend of it? To find out more about accommodation options in Belfast as well as other things to see and do, go to www.discovernothernireland.com

The perfect ingredients for the Pantomime 2017 season at the Burnavon, Cookstown have been brought together, as the cast has been chosen for Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society’s annual family pantomime, which this year will be ‘Willy Wonka: The Pantomime”.

There was great excitement at McNeece Hall in Stewartstown, as those who had auditioned, friends and family gathered to hear who had gained a coveted place in the cast. Pat Smith, Chairperson of the Society welcomed everyone, and spoke of the opportunities that arise from being involved in a cross community organisation that delivers such a tremendous event to the people of the Mid Ulster area. He went on to thank everyone who had attended the recent auditions and said that it had been a particularly hard choice this year as so many people had come forward.

Brian Morgan, Director, then broke the suspense by announcing the following successful actors and actresses for the cast: Willy Wonka: Michael Bradley from Magherafelt; Charlie Bucket: Jack Carberry from Brackaville; Augustus Gloopus : Oisin Quinn from Moneymore; Veruca Salty : Hannah Ferguson from Dungannon (who took the lead as Dorothy in last year’s ‘The Wizard of Oz); Violet Broomhandler : Emily Gribbin from Dungannon.  (who was Snow White in the 2014 panto), with another star turn from Grandma Josephine  (the panto dame), as always played by John Glendinning.

The parents of the children going into the chocolate factory include three newcomers Eileen Devlin, James Parks and Niall Herron alongside Andrea Morgan who joined the society in 2015.

Michael Bradley, who will play the principal male role as Willy Wonka, said ‘I’m delighted that I’ve got the part of Willy Wonka, one of the most recognisable characters in literature, film and on stage. We have great plans for this year’s show to make it bigger and better than last year, so it’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to getting started at rehearsals.’

Jack Carberry said ‘I’m apprehensive, excited and delighted all at the same time. Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society is a very special community organisation to be involved in and I feel it’s a fantastic experience for me and indeed all those involved.’

Rehearsals have now started in earnest with a full timetable in the run-up to January. Over the past 17 years, Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society have provided a cross-community project that each year has got bigger and better and this year’s show promises to have plenty of extra special effects to offer the audience. Friday shows are at 8pm, and Saturday shows are a matinee at 2.30pm, and an evening performance at 8pm.

There is a special preview night on Friday 6th January at 8pm, with tickets priced at £7. All other shows are priced £10 / £8 and a group booking offer – buy 8 tickets, get 2 free is also available.  To book your tickets, call into the Box Office at the Burnavon, telephone on 028 8676 9949, or book online at www.burnavon.com

Local business, CFC interiors is celebrating their fourth decade in business at the annual Furniture Show NI which takes place from 1^st – 23^rd October 2016.

The family-run company, which has stores in Cookstown, Campsie and Newtownabbey, is one of Northern Ireland’s longest established independent interiors businesses.

Founded in 1975 by Norman Wilson, and now employing 60 staff across the three stores, CFC Interiors has built a reputation for quality and excellence, showcasing some of the best in traditional and contemporary designer furniture.

The NI Furniture show is unique to Northern Ireland and offers customers extensive discounts on all new and exclusive stock across all departments.

Unlike other stores this is not a clearance sale; customers can look forward to this year or new season stock from over 50 brands including: Killymoon Bespoke Living, Parker Knoll, Tetrad, Stressless, Old Charm, Sealy, Alexander and James, Silentnight, Vi-Spring, Ulster Carpets, Cormar, Harlequin and Mulberry Home.

Top picks at The NI Furniture Show

1.    Silent Night limited edition Anniversary Collection – 5Ft Mirapocket Geltex from £999

2.    Killymoon Living – Imperial Suite Price from £2999 for a 3-1-1

3.    Carlton Solid Oak Tables from £399

4.    Ulster Carpets – All at never before prices – Huge discounts throughout entire range

5.    Killymoon Living – King-size Vivienne Bedframe from £675

6.    Kylie at Home Range – ALL ranges discounted

7.    Kmix Food Mixer Raspberry/Black RRP £399.99 FSNI £249.99

8.    Purple Bloom 12pc dinner set RRP £59.99, FSNI Price £29.99 Plus 4 free mugs

Furniture Show NI will run from Saturday 1^st October until 23^rd October 2016 with amazing reductions and offers on all stock across in the three stores. Last year customers saved more than £750,000 and the owners are promising even more savings.

Join the team at CFC interiors in store and hear from experts, including interior designers and national brand managers throughout the show. For further information visit www.furnitureshowni.com