A packed programme of more than 30 festive, family events, plus a choice of high street favourites, speciality shops and unique local craft fairs where you can purchase the perfect gift, are just a few of the reasons why Ards and North Down is the perfect place to ‘Make Someone’s Christmas’ in 2016.

Ards and North Down Borough Council officially launched its Christmas campaign with a seasonal online video that features two Christmas baubles – Beau and Belle – who accidentally become separated amidst the Christmas shopping frenzy.  Beau travels to the Christmas light switch on event in Newtownards to find Belle and be reunited in time for the festivities.

The video’s seasonal message – Make Someone’s Christmas – reminds everyone that the festive period, while often busy, is also a time to enjoy, a time to connect with family and friends and there is no better place to do that than in Ards and North Down.

The video can be viewed on the Council’s Facebook page, where you can also access information about upcoming events and promotions.  And the fun doesn’t end there.  Throughout the Christmas period there will be competitions, opportunities to participate in more videos and lots of other festive Facebook joviality.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, said:

“Ards and North Down is the best place to visit and shop this Christmas. The Council will be delivering a superb programme of over 30 events across the borough to help residents and visitors ‘Make Someone’s Christmas’.  This includes Christmas light switch ons, craft fayres, musical performances, Christmas movies and more.   Our Christmas baubles – Beau and Belle – may feature at some of these.  View our full events programme on-line.  We also believe we offer some of the best retail experiences in the towns across our Borough, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the build up to Christmas in the shops and markets in Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood and Newtownards.”

The first event of the season is the ever-popular Bangor Christmas switch on at the McKee Clock, Queen’s Parade, Bangor on Saturday 19 November (5.30pm).  A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the switch on.  Plus, a special Christmas market, providing a sneak peak of the festive gifts and goodies on offer in Bangor shops, will also run from 12noon – 7pm.

Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ANDborough.

The countdown to a magical Christmas in Cookstown gets officially underway this year with the Switch On of the town’s Christmas lights at 7.30pm on Thursday 24^th November.

With street stalls, free face painting and balloon modelling as well as a host of Christmas and Cartoon characters, including the Paw Patrol, there will be loads to keep the kids amused as they wait for Santa to arrive.

This year we welcome The Whistlin’ Donkeys to liven up the evening for us, ahead of their spring performance in the Burnavon, with a very special Christmas performance just for Cookstown! Hailing from County Tyrone, The Whistlin’ Donkeys are described as Ireland’s favourite Irish traditional folk/rock band. They have recently been busy headlining the Saint Patrick Days celebrations in Times Square New York, Memorial Day events in East Durham and the Catskills New York and Boston Irish Festival. The band has also shared the stage with icons such as The Beach Boys, Smokie, Hot Chocolate, Kian Egan and Shane Filan.

Other entertainment comes from some of the cast of this year’s panto ‘Willy Wonka: The Pantomime’ which will be in the Burnavon from 6^th – 28^th January.

Hot on the heels of the evenings’ entertainment will be the arrival of Santa himself on board his special sleigh! Santa will join the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Cllr Trevor Wilson on stage just after 7.30pm and together they will press the magic red button to light up the streets of Cookstown.

Mid Ulster District Council would like to remind motorists that road diversions will be in place and William Street will be closed to through traffic from 5.30pm – 9pm on Thursday 24^th.

For further information on the Big Switch On 2016 contact The Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949 option 1.

To find out about Christmas events across Mid Ulster, including light switch on events in Coalisland, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Maghera, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

Join W5 for Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries – a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding maths can be fun!

Meet Danny Carmo – it’s not so long ago that he thought school and, in particular, maths wasn’t for him. He was more interested in dreaming about a future on the stage and perhaps the big screen – all he ever wanted to be was a famous magician!!

But when he knuckled down to learn all the tricks of the trade he realised that Maths was not only essential…it was the SECRET to a whole load of magic!!!

Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries is a multimedia and educational production featuring the magical world of Danny Carmo! Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries is FREE with admission to W5. For full information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Event Dates & Times:
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November Shows at 2.00 & 4.00pm

Local amateur dramatic company, Armagh Theatre Group, celebrates its fiftieth year with the production of ‘Our Town’ at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh, which they first performed in 1966.

Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ‘Our Town’, by American playwright Thornton Wilder, tells the story of the fictional small town of ‘Grover’s Corners’ between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. The audience is introduced to the Gibbs and Webb families who symbolize ordinary people and the play traces ‘how we were in our growing up and in our marrying and in our living and in our dying’. It is a humorous and poignant exploration of what life in Our Town means to all of us. ‘Our Town’ will be staged from Thursday 17^th until Saturday 19^th November at 8pm.

The ‘Mozart Of Guitar’ is coming to The Market Place on 17 November. Over the past forty-three years, acoustic guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan has taken his unique sound to all corners of the globe. Winner of the 2014 Independent Music Award in the Live Performance Album category for his triple live album ‘Encore’, Pierre is recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of the 21st century. Described as a ‘genius’ by Melody Maker, he is a one-of-a-kind artist whose music transcends genre and time. His playing defies classification – crossing world, classical, jazz, traditional, folk, pop and more. Not to be missed!

Violinist Jennifer Murphy is quickly gaining recognition as a creative and charismatic young performer. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout Europe and North America, including London’s Wigmore Hall and Barbican Centre. Recent solo engagements include a performance of Schnittke Concerto Grosso No.1 under the direction of Joel Sachs at the Banff Centre, Canada. The programme for Jennifer’s concert on 18 November includes Franz Schubert – ‘Duo’ Sonata in A major for violin & piano D.574, Francis Poulenc – Sonata for Violin & Piano FP119 and Edward Elgar – Sonata for Violin & Piano in E minor Op.82.

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. For information on Christmas In Armagh visit www.ourstoryofchristmas.com | #ourstoryofchristmas

Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill and Ballyclare Town Hall Clock Tower will join hundreds of workplaces, schools and iconic landmarks as they light up purple in support of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Thursday 17 November.

Approximately 224 new cases of Pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year with only two people surviving. Pancreatic cancer is the ‘Cinderella’ of all cancers having being constantly underfunded for decades resulting in no improvement in survival rates in 40 years.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “The survival statistics of Pancreatic cancer makes shocking reading and I would urge people to take ownership of their own health and help raise awareness of this deadly disease”.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of this disease and give hope to those diagnosed with the illness.

If you would like to find out more information please contact Pancreatic Cancer Action and Support N.I on 07548222179.

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.

• Shop in the City, Clayton Hotel, Belfast, from £122 per room. The four-star Clayton Hotel is ideally situated at Ormeau Avenue in the historic Linen Quarter of Belfast City Centre, once home to many of the world’s great Linen manufacturers. Discover Belfast and shop until you drop in Victoria Square or one of our many high street stores or designer boutiques on an overnight break. Offer includes one night’s bed and breakfast, a champagne cocktail on arrival, £10.00 gift voucher for Victoria Square and use of the hotel’s leisure facilities. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 90 328511

• Walled Wonder of Londonderry, Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £95 per room. Overlooking the River Foyle and located only a five-minute drive from the bustling, historic and dynamic City Centre, the four-star Everglades Hotel is ideally located for exploring and experiencing everything the city has to offer. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay, full Irish breakfast in the morning and a complimentary tour around the City Walls – the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 71 321066.

• Autumn Dreams, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Co. Fermanagh, from £99pps. Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the four-star Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets is without doubt a luxurious retreat in the Fermanagh Lakelands. Surrounded by lakeside gardens, this family run hotel is located only 1km from the historic island town of Enniskillen. Check in for a two-night midweek break and enjoy a fully cooked breakfast each morning, four-course dinner on an evening of your choice and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. Valid until 30 November. To book call (028) 66 323481.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 14 – November 20).

• Belfast Christmas Light Switch On, City Hall, Belfast, November 19. Join the Lord Mayor of Belfast alongside the Cool FM Breakfast crew, Lily of Lily’s Driftwood Bay, The Clangers’ Tiny and Small and Springfield Primary School choir as the city’s festive season starts with the annual Christmas lights switch-on from 18:30 to 19:15pm.  Tickets are free and available from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or www.visitbelfast.com.

• Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, various locations, Co. Londonderry and Co. Antrim, until November 20. With themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, this 9 day culinary event will showcase local produce and the expanding vibrant restaurant scene in the stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.

• Our House, Strule Arts Centre, Co. Tyrone, November 17 – 18. Featuring the music of the ska/pop band Madness – including the songs Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love & Driving in my Car – you will be singing along and maybe even dancing in the aisles!  Presented by Omagh Academy School ‘Our House’ has all the ingredients for a great night out, comedy, romance and heartbreak! Tickets £7/£10.

• Super Saturday at Share, Share Centre, Co. Fermanagh, November 19. Looking for a fun day out with the family? Look no further than Super Saturday. The Share Centre is offering loads of great indoor and outdoor activities for low prices. Enjoy one hour sessions for £6 when prepaid and £8 on the day. Suitable for ages 4+.

• Atlantic Sessions, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, November 17 – 20. A free music festival, featuring over 40 live original music gigs at various venues across Portstewart and Portrush, providing a platform for up and coming talent as well as established artists from across Northern Ireland and beyond. The majority of gigs in bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels are all free.
• Festive Market, Bangor, Co. Down, November 19 – 20. Bangor’s seafront will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display when the Christmas switch on event takes place at the McKee Clock Arena at Queen’s Parade in Bangor town centre. The Christmas markets will take place on Saturday 19 (12:00 – 19:00) and Sunday 20 (14:00 – 18:00) showcasing local businesses.

• Britannic 100^th Anniversary, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, throughout November. To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of Britannic, and to shine a light on its remarkable story, Titanic Belfast in partnership with the Belfast Titanic Society are hosting a series of special events this November. For more information on individual events visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

• 23^rd William Kennedy Piping Festival, Various locations, Co. Armagh, November 17 – 20. Comprising presentations on piping traditions, concerts, workshops, sessions, lectures and family events, the annual William Kennedy Piping Festival takes place once again in Armagh City Centre.

• Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, until November 26. Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement returns for an expanded fourth edition with an outstanding programme of dance, movement and physical theatre performances. Highlights of the festival include a participatory performance by Mary Nunan, an award-winning video triptych by Rosemary Lee and new works by Leilani Weis, Zoe Ramsey and Tonya Sheina.

• Annie, IMC Theatre, Co. Down, November 16 – 20. The annual production from Banbridge Musical Society is set to get everyone singing in their seats as they present the much loved family musical Annie. Unforgettable songs include “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Book your seat now for this all-time favourite show.

Down

Step up and Stride this Saturday at Tollymore Forest for NICHS.  The Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke Tollymore Challenge Walk will be a fully way–marked event and will be based solely within the confines of Tollymore Forest Park. The 5k, 10k 13 and 26 mile routes will follow a series of forest trails throughout the forest whilst all the time taking in the spectacular scenery in this location showcasing the beauty of Tollymore and the Mournes.

Armagh

See Ghostbusters as it was intended to be seen!  Thirty-two years after the original release of the film, the award-winning Wireless Mystery Theatre presents Ghostbusters… Retro, this Saturday 12^th November at the Market Place Theatre.  Imagining how it might have been originally transmitted if it were a 30’s radio play, with live sound-effects, music, and period commercials.

Fermanagh

From the Scottish Folk Scene of the 1960s to her performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London; Barbara Dickson has captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of material from the traditional songs of her native Scotland to her outstanding musical theatre roles. ‘It’s not about technique’ she says, ‘but what is in your heart. That is the secret.’  Barbara’s special guest is Anthony Toner, this Thursday 10th November at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Ballet Ireland is delighted to return with The Nutcracker, one of the world’s favourite ballets, to the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown on Friday 11th November. This timeless classic, complete with glittering costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved & sumptuous score, takes audiences on a wondrous adventure full of quintessential Christmas magic.

Derry

After enjoying huge success in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2013 and Clipper 2014, The Whistlin Donkeys will take to the stage at the Millennium Forum on Friday 11th November.  They have  shared the stage alongside The Beach Boys, Smokie, Bagatelle, The Dubliners, Shane Filan and many more and played at many festivals throughout Ireland this summer. Joining the Whistlin Donkeys will be Samoisa Irish Dancers and local singer/songwriter, Brian Hassan.

Antrim

The Galgorm Resort and Spa are delighted to announce their Official Autism NI Affiliation with a screening of Disney Pixar’s Inside Out in The Great Hall on Sunday 13th November 2016 at 2pm.

Belfast

Prepare to be amazed, dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s mind-blowing production Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries – a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding maths can be fun! Every Saturday and Sunday until 20th November at W5.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

The Ultimate Family Day Out Taking in a Winter Skate on the Arena Ice, a Belfast Giants Game and a Visit to W5

What: Winter Skate – public ice skating is returning to The SSE Arena, Belfast this Christmas.

When: 22^nd December 2016 – 2^nd January 2017

Info: Come along to The SSE Arena, Belfast for the ultimate family day out this Christmas. Take in a 2 hour skating session plus a Belfast Giants Game* and a visit to W5 for just £59 this festive season.

This Christmas, The SSE Arena, Belfast is also offering flexibility, if all three activities on one day is just too much excitement for the little ones in your family, you can choose to use skating and W5 tickets on another day – 28th December, 30th December & 2nd January (1 use only).

Those not availing of the fabulous family ticket can enjoy a 90 minute ice skating session on any of the days the ice rink is open.

Kiddies can enjoy Bobby Seal hire to get them off to a flying start on the ice.

*Choose from the following Belfast Giants Games: 29^th Dec, 30^th December and 2^nd January 2016.

Price: A Family of 4 Site Pass is available for £59.00

A standard skating session including skate hire will cost £8.00 per person for an adult, to bring your own skates you can get on the ice for £7.50. Under 5s entry is £4.00 and group discount will be applied for groups of 10 or more, priced at £5.50 each.

A family skating ticket can be purchased for £25.50 (to include 2 adults and 2 children* or 1 adult and 3 children). This is discounted for those on the SSE Reward programme, where a family ticket will be priced at £15.50.

*Children considered under 12 years of age

Where: The SSE Arena, Belfast, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ

How to book: Tickets are now on sale through the Arena Box Office, Call 028 9073 9074 and through ticketmaster.ie

Telephone: 028 9073 9074

For further information and session times visit: http://www.ssearenabelfast.com/

How do Portstewart lobster, Bushmills whiskey steaks and Causeway Martinis sound?

In celebration of the Year of Food and Drink Northern Ireland, the very first Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week will run from 12-20 November 2016.  There will be themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by fine wines, artisan ales and of course, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey from Bushmills.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “Anyone who has visited recently will have noticed our burgeoning food scene with new restaurants, food trails and markets popping up throughout the area.  From Ballykelly to Bushmills, from Cushendall to Cloughmills, and from Portstewart to Portballintrae, this new event is for both locals and visitors to enjoy and it offers a very different short break experience away from the traditional holiday season.”

Kerrie McGonigle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Destination Manager added: “The tourism team has linked up with food trade partners and the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network to create a nine-day culinary event that will showcase local produce and the expanding, vibrant restaurant scene in the stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.”

Chefs are planning and prepping menus to provide memorable, dining experiences.  Featuring on the bill of fare will be many of the award winning food producers from the area, including Broughgammon Farm (goat) and Ballinteer Farm (quail), who have partnered with the restaurants to serve up some unique tastes.  As well as offering modern twists on Irish food heritage, restaurants will be offering French, Spanish, Australian and Turkish themed nights to transport the diner to other worlds. There are even menus to let you eat like a king from Game of Thrones!

Not sure where to start? Why not embark on a food tour, a wine and cheese appreciation evening or a gin pairing night! Accommodation offers and a full programme of Restaurant Week events can be found on www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

For further information contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre 028 2076 2024

E: ballycastlevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk