The New Year is upon us and it’s the perfect time to visit somewhere new, try something different and attend one of the many events that is happening in Northern Ireland this year.

Rachel Quigg, Destination PR Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland said: “From Titanic Belfast, the world’s leading tourist attraction to award-winning golf courses and renowned international events such as the Irish Open and Women’s Rugby World Cup, Northern Ireland is packed with exciting things to see, do and experience in 2017.”

“There are also some great value deals to be had, so why not extend the adventure and book a short staycation in Northern Ireland in 2017.”  added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of things for you and the family to do in 2017:

Have a Titanic Experience in Belfast
Voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast is a ‘must see’ on any visit to Belfast.  The attraction takes you through nine galleries, telling the story of RMS Titanic, from her conception in the 1990s, through her construction and launch, to her tragic maiden voyage and end.

Travel along the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the most beautiful road journeys in the world. From the Giant’s Causeway to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and hidden gems such as Dunseverick Harbour and Roe Valley Country Park, the Causeway Coastal Route will truly take your breath away.

Tee off on a world-class course
With luscious parklands and spectacular links courses, Northern Ireland is made for golf. Catch some of the world’s top professionals at the Northern Ireland Open and Irish Open this summer. If you’d like to get involved in a bit of the action, check out Northern Ireland’s new amateur golf competition, Belfast Parkland International, and register now to take part!

Step back in time
Discover the rich heritage and history of Northern Ireland at one of our award-winning museums, monuments and heritage sites scattered across the Provence.

Banish those winter blues
Take some time out from the stress of everyday life and take a chance to relax, unwind and indulge in some well-deserved pampering at one of Northern Ireland’s luxury spas.

All aboard HMS Caroline
Climb aboard Belfast’s newest visitor experience and discover what life was like at sea for over 300 crew members who served on board.  Visitors can explore historic places such as the Cabin’s Cabin, Engine Room and Kitchen through state-of-the art special effects and hand-on interactive exhibits. (Reopening in April)

Discover a Literary Great
Step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace and discover the life and work of Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, through the faces and places that inspired his most famous work.

Catch an International Sporting Event
Cheer for the home team this summer at the Women’s Rugby World Cup and UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship at the finals of both events taking place in Belfast. Alternatively, get on your bike and take on some of the most historic and iconic climbs with the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland 2017.

Whet your appetite on a Tasty Tour
The NI Year of Food and Drink may be over, but Northern Ireland’s food and drink scene is ever-growing. Tantalise your taste buds on a food and drink experience including Belfast Food Tour, Lough Erne Food Tours and Causeway Foodie Tours and more!

Explore the Maiden City of Derry~Londonderry
A city  of cultural delights, historical significance and artistic flair, Derry~Londonderry is teeming with award-winning attractions, lively pubs and fine dining restaurants to enjoy.

Explore Game of Thrones® Terrority
Immerse yourself in the world of Westeros on a Game of Thrones® inspired experience. Visit the locations of Winterfell Castle, the Kingsroad and the Iron Islands or enjoy a themed afternoon tea or medieval banquet.

Discover the magical world of Narnia
Discover the sights that inspired the world renowned C. S. Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ book series, from Dunluce Castle to the Mountains of Mourne and everywhere in between.  Don’t forget to check out the recently opened C.S. Lewis Square in Belfast where you can get up close with some of the series’ beloved characters.

Trust your way around Northern Ireland
From intriguing, former stately homes like Mount Stewart and the Argory to dramatic coastal attractions like Carrick-a-Rede and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway – the National Trust looks after many wonderful historic properties and scenic places in Northern Ireland.

Have a walk in the Garden
Whether you prefer grand ornamental gardens and charming walled gardens to majestic castle properties and woodland meadows, there are a wide range of magical open green spaces just waiting to be explored in Northern Ireland.

Relax on a Lakeside Retreat
With stunning scenery and lakeside luxury, discover Fermanagh’s breathtaking natural landscape and a treasure trove of hidden gems on a relaxing lakeside retreat. For something extra special, hop on a cruiser and enjoy the romance of a sunset cruise.

Unearth somewhere Outstandingly Beautiful
Northern Ireland is home to eight designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty consisting of sloping valleys, sensational coast lines and peaceful walkways waiting to be explored this year by you.

Soak up the Atmosphere at a Festival or Two
Experience Northern Ireland’s culture and art scene at one of the many local, national and international festivals taking place throughout the year that the entire family can enjoy.

For more information on literary places of interest in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

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

• Ultimate Golf Escape, Hilton Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, from £173pps. A luxurious hotel and country club, Hilton Templepatrick is situated in the private grounds of the Castle Upton Estate with stunning views overlooking the 18-hole championship golf course. Package includes two nights’ accommodation, unlimited golf pass, golf buggy, bucket of balls on driving range, access to the LivingWell Health Club, dinner on the 1^st evening and full buffet breakfast each morning.  Pre booking essential. Valid until February 28. To book call (028) 94 435500

• Perfect Winter Break, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone, from £45pps. Treat yourself or someone you love to a relaxing break at the four-star Corick House Hotel & Spa and enjoy a warm welcome, luxurious surroundings and open log fires. Offer includes one night in a deluxe room with full access to the thermal suite in the Spa, including the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower and thermal lounger before finishing your stay with a full Irish breakfast the next morning. Pre booking essential. Valid until February 1. To book call 028 (85) 548216

• Shop and Stay, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, from £70pp. Belfast is a great place to be and the perfect place to shop! Located in the fashionable Malone Road area, the three-star Wellington Park is an independent family owned hotel. Attractions such as renowned museums, Botanic gardens and historical sites are just steps away. Package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a cocktail of choice, shopping, free car park and complimentary taxi to the shops. Pre booking essential. Valid until February 9. To book call 028 (90) 381111

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the LEAN (Linking Entrepreneurs in Antrim and Newtownabbey) Network are inviting local businesses to an exciting event on Wednesday 8 February at 9am in Mossley Mill.

The workshop “The Business of Winning” is being delivered by Mark Gallagher who is a Formula 1 Leader, internationally-renowned business speaker and author.  Having worked at the forefront of the Formula One motor racing industry for 30 years, holding executive roles at Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth, Mark has worked with many of the sports leading figures and companies.

During the workshop, Mark will share transferable business and leadership lessons in areas such as performance and motivation. To finish off this unique event, a selection of local business leaders will join Mark on stage to participate in a panel discussion.

The event is open to all businesses in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area and includes breakfast refreshments.  The workshop is free to attend however places must be booked in advance by contacting T. 028 9034 0017 or

E. events@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Fancy learning new skills or developing your creativity this year?

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in Limavady has a wealth of fabulous creative courses for children and adults throughout January to March.

Starting this month, the popular Painting for Pleasure 12 week course for adults returns from Friday 13^th January and runs from 1.30pm -3.30pm weekly.

This informal course, tutored by Louie Winward, encourages complete beginners whilst providing support for those more experienced.

If painting isn’t your preference, local artist Gail Mahon hosts a two-part course in Expressive Drawing on January 21^st and January 28^th from 10am – 12.30pm. Using a range of materials and methods, this course will help you loosen up and express yourself creatively exploring the act of mark making.

Another local artist, Glenda Rolston tutors a four week course in Experimenting with Collage from Friday 27^th January, 7pm – 9pm weekly.

Participants will experiment with various collage techniques as well as illustration to create artworks.

Coming up in February are more great creative courses for adults including Connecting Creatively, a four week course introducing the therapeutic value of creative engagement and self-expression from February 2^nd, a four week course in Fused Glass from March 2^nd, Book Craft on March 4^th and 11^th and a Textile Felting course from March 30^th.

To book or find out more please contact the team at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on 028 777 60650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com

If you’re looking to try something new in 2017, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh may just have exactly what you’re looking for!

The Spring | Summer 2017 season has just been released and January alone is packed full of interactive, innovative and downright interesting workshops for both adults and children. Many workshops are already booking fast, so you’ll need to be quick to secure your place.

The massively popular ‘Simply Ballroom & Latin’ classes are back, this time for improvers. Professional Dance Teacher Helen Cadwallader will give you an excellent step by step guide on how to Dance Ballroom & Latin. So let’s take the floor with the beautiful flowing Waltz, the fast and furious Quickstep, even the Stacarto Tango. You will also be taken thorough some basic Latin starting with Swing Jive, Cheeky Cha Cha Cha, and Sexy Samba. Classes are suitable for dancers who have attended previous workshops or have some knowledge of the dance styles.

‘Introduction To Portraiture’ with artist Patrick Mohan will look at aspects such as composition, measurement of the face, tonal range and getting a likeness. Artists & students alike will benefit from this fun and informative session. As the model is clothed for portraiture participants can also look at the depiction of clothing and differing hairstyles to broaden learning outcomes.

Or if writing is more your thing, then you’ll love the opportunity to take part in the Writing Ourselves class on 21 January. You may have a great desire to write but don’t know how or where to start; or you may simply want to explore your creativity through writing. In this workshop, we play with our imagination and dreams. We challenge our fears – of the blank page, of feeling foolish, of failure. We charm our inner critic, giving ourselves permission to write with courage and trust so we can persist with creative enchantment into our so-called real lives.

Continuing the series of highly successful photography workshops, ‘Capturing The Moment’ is a four night photography course that will have you taking amazing pictures with any camera –  compact, SLR or Bridge. Learn the secrets of the Pros in an active and lively environment. Each week will look at a different aspect of photography, which participants then explore and experiment with in between classes. Subjects will include framing, proportion, lighting, photographing subjects including landscape, people and portraits, night shots.

Learn how to be creative with your winter and spring wardrobe and to use the same clothes in different ways to create different looks at the ‘Fashion Perfect For Winter & Spring’ workshop. Find out the colours and shapes that flatter you the most and learn how to wear the same scarf in many different ways. This is a fun, informal workshop that is a great girlie day out with lots of tips to really help you enhance your seasonal looks. Be bold and brave as you try new colours to enhance your wardrobe or perhaps tone down patterns and colours for a more natural look!

The list of workshops on offer is endless. Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and places 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 was a packed house last Saturday (7th) on the opening night of Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society’s annual family pantomime, this year ‘Willy Wonka: the Pantomime’, at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

The show is playing on Fridays and Saturdays in January and is supported by funding from Mid Ulster District Council, the Department of Social Development and the Association of Independent Volunteer Centres.

Starring Niall Heron from Cookstown (Willy Wonka); Jack Carberry from Brackaville (Charlie Bucket); Oisin Quinn from Moneymore (Augustus Gloopus); Hannah Ferguson from Dungannon (Veruca Salty, who took the lead as Dorothy in last year’s ‘The Wizard of Oz); Emily Gribbin from Dungannon (Violet Broomhandler, who was lead in the 2014 Snow White panto), and with another star turn from Grandma Josephine  (the panto dame), as always played by John Glendinning, it’s an exciting and thrilling new spectacle for the group that builds on the successful run of 2016.

This year’s production is directed with imagination and verve by Brian Morgan, who was delighted with the preview and opening night audiences’ reaction as they experienced this year’s chocolate box of panto delights, saying ‘We know that audiences are going to love our production right across the run. We have packed the show full of surprises and there really will be something for everyone this year, from stunning costumes and cast make-up, to laughs aplenty and a classic soundtrack.’

John Glendinning, playing Grandma Josephine said ‘I’m looking forward to the rest of the shows we have lined up. It’s all good old-fashioned family fun, and who doesn’t like a bit of a laugh to cheer us all up this side of Christmas and the New Year. Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society is a very special community organisation to be involved in and I feel a fantastic experience for me and indeed all those involved, young and old.’

Over the past 18 years, Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society have provided a cross-community project that each year has got bigger and better and this year’s show has plenty of effects to wow its audience.

‘Willy Wonka: the Pantomime’ runs until 28th January, with many performances sold out. Tickets are priced £10 / £8 and a group booking offer – buy 8 tickets, get 2 free is also available. To check availability and book your tickets, call into the Box Office at the Burnavon, telephone on 028 8676 9949, or book online at www.burnavon.com

Down

Join the ranger team at National Trust Mount Stewart on Saturday 14th January for a day of tree planting to save the native red squirrel. Bring a packed lunch and be prepared for some physical work! Suitable clothing and footwear essential.  Meet at The Lookout, Mount Stewart. Please note that booking is essential.

Armagh

Antique ,Vintage and collectables fair, St. Marks Parish Church Armagh, Saturday 14th January 2017. Doors are open for to the public from 10am through to 4pm.  There will be a large variety of items available from model vehicles to militaria, jewellery to china and crystal, silver, antique oil lamps, clocks and furniture. Admission £1.

Fermanagh

Join the RSPB NI Fermanagh team this Saturday at Drumgay Lough to watch the wildlife which calls Drumgay Lough home.  You’ll see swans, geese and ducks – some of which have undertaken enormous journeys from Iceland, Scandinavia and western Russia – enjoying the winter weather in Fermanagh.  You’ll learn how to separate the divers from the dabblers, female ducks of different species and maybe hear buzzards overhead. If luck is really on our side, a chance encounter with an otter is possible! Binoculars and telescopes will be provided. Suitable outdoor clothing and footwear are necessary.

Tyrone

Hold your breath, make a wish, count to three……let Stewartstown Amateur Dramatic Society take you to a land of pure imagination in Willy Wonka’s Pantomime this Friday and Saturday at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown.  Based on themes from Roald Dahl’s magical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, this year’s box of delights follows the story of Charlie Bucket and the search for the golden ticket that could give him the chance to finally see inside Willy Wonka’s amazing chocolate factory. Willy Wonka’s Pantomime is packed full of song, dance, hilarity and of course…chocolate!

Derry

For the first time ever the classic nursery Rhyme Humpty Dumpty is brought to the stage at the Roe Valley Arts Centre this Saturday afternoon in this wonderful live interactive all singing and dancing production.  Humpty is going on a big adventure to climb the highest wall in the Kingdom, but Humpty needs your help!  Sing along; solve puzzles, and meet lots of famous children’s charters along the way including, The Three Little Pigs, Little Bo Peep and all the animals on Old MacDonald’s Farm and many more! With amazing costumes, dazzling stage sets and a host of colourful characters to bring you on the journey of a lifetime.  When Humpty climbs the highest wall in the Kingdom, who knows what might happen next?

Antrim

Portrush Theatre Company are delighted to be returning to Portrush Town Hall in 2017 with Dick Whittington. There will be eight shows between 13th-14th and 18th-21st January which includes a sensory performance on the 18th.  This rags to riches story follows a young man as he travels to London to seek his fortune. Things are never easy though as the evil Queen Rat is determined to take over the city and tries to stop Dick on his road to success.  Packed with great songs and hilarious comedy this is a show for all the family to enjoy!  Tickets are priced at £10 and available from Jingles, Portrush.

Belfast

Is there something you have always wanted to try but haven’t found the time to do it? This New Year why not Try Something New at the Crescent Arts Centre?  Based in the heart of South Belfast, the Crescent Arts Centre offers a variety of classes and workshops in a variety of art forms and we are delighted to launch our latest jam-programme for the forthcoming term starting in January!  This term choose from 48 new classes and workshops to the programme along with all your firm favourites for adults and children alike!

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.

Have a creative start to 2017, check out Ards and North Down Borough Council’s brand new programme of art and creative classes starting up this January and taking place through to April.

Don’t miss the chance to learn a new skill and create your own artwork in the process.

Ards Arts Centre is offering an incredible range of longer courses (6-10 weeks) for the Winter/Spring season and it’s an ideal time to get to grips with an art or craft activity, to work with experienced artists, and to come away with your own creations.

As always it’s a wonderful programme offering something for every taste with many of the very popular courses back including Patchwork, Parchment, Illustration, Crochet, Drawing Skills, Calligraphy, Digital Photography, Jewellery-making, Floral Art and Guitar classes for adults and children.

Fancy trying something different? Ards Arts Centre are offering some exciting new classes this season. Try out weaving. Rosemary McCartney is inviting beginners and improvers and try a range of weaving techniques. Expand your visual art techniques with courses in both ‘Watercolour and Ink’ and ‘Acrylic and Oil Painting’ facilitated by Brigh Strawbridge-O’Hagan. Get to grips with printmaking in an exciting new course with Alice Burns.

Get a taste of creativity with Ards Arts Centre’s one day workshops. This season you can sample Sculptural Ceramics, explore your imagination with Drawing and Monotype Printing, make your own Stacking Rings, create beautiful Easter themed projects using the art of parchment!

Let the kids release their inner artist when Saturday Art Club returns on the 28 January, facilitated by Bernice Anderson, assisted by Judith Moore. Followed by a round the world ceramic tour on the programme for 6-12 year olds on Saturday afternoon, with Sandra Robinson as tour guide, assisted by Judith Moore. This ten-week adventure will help your children become skilled little potters and leave them fired up for more!

There’s so much on offer and the majority of classes suit beginners. With so much on offer, don’t miss enrolment day for all classes on Wednesday, 11^th January from 9pm-5pm at Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

To find out more, call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803 or visit ardsarts.com

The north coast based artist Louise McLean (of Atlantic Craft NI) recreates her interpretation of the rugged landscape and dramatic coastlines of Ireland through basketry this January at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

In this stunning exhibition, every basket hand-woven by Louise is unique, gathering its individual momentum and flow, resulting in dramatically sweeping organic shapes that echo bog-land, branches and beaches from the landscapes and coastlines that have inspired Louise.

Discussing her work, Louise says, “Every creation has evolved from traditional basket weaving techniques, the use of oxides, aged and dyed materials combined with various weaves, each unique in construction and form, each telling its own story. The materials I’ve used in each basket also reflect the uncertainty and passage of time as some materials have been connected to the earth growing for longer, while some elements within the baskets are found and gathered, these include pebbles, driftwood, kelp and rope, and who knows how long and far these have travelled.”

Visitors to the exhibition will see the bare branches of the Willow that Louise uses in her weaving, symbolising nature and the changing seasons, while bark, bogwood and beach combed baskets all evoking thoughts and memories of the diversity and rich heritage within our landscape.

The exhibition is on display from Tuesday 3rd – Tuesday 31st January, with free entry, and is open 9am – 5pm daily and 1 hour before scheduled performances. For more information contact the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949.