Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

Down

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced that its first Hillsborough Christmas Market will take place in the idyllic setting of the Dark Walk at Hillsborough Fort, for one evening only this December. Visitors can expect to feel festive as they will be greeted with the sights and sounds of Christmas as soon as they walk through the gates.  A host of local artisan food producers and crafts people will be ready and waiting to proudly present their products as dusk descends from 3.00pm – 9.00pm on Friday 14th December.

Armagh

Grainne Duffy is a blues and roots artist hailing from Castleblayney. She is a pioneer of her own style while also paying sincere homage to her roots, soul, blues, country and rock traditions. She is a seasoned artist and has been spending the last number of years touring in Europe, Scandinavia, Asia and Canada.  With a voice that is as passionate as it is raw and honest, accompanied by simple, melodic and well-phrased guitar lines, this is what you have in Grainne Duffy. See her perform live at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 15th December evening in the Studio Theatre with an unreserved, cabaret-style seating layout.

Fermanagh

This Saturday 15th December, Enniskillen Castle will showcase a wide range of bespoke craft items created by craft designer-makers and artists from the Fermanagh & Omagh District at their festive Christmas Craft Fair.

Tyrone

Join the Silverbirch Hotel s this Christmas for a festive celebration for the whole family, with their Santa Sunday Lunch.  Children will be thoroughly entertained with the kids Christmas party, disco and entertainment by the fabulous Mr Majestic from  2.00pm to 4.00pm. Includes 4 Course Sunday Lunch.  Adults – £18.95pp | Kids – £9.80pp | Under 3 – £5.00pp.

Derry

George Hutton will play a special hometown concert in the city of Derry this Friday 14th with support from Paul Casey at the Guildhall.  George encompasses that of an extremely versatile performer. Having received classical training under the tutelage of tenors Ciáran Kelly, Eoin O’Callaghan and Benito Rodriguez he has developed a depth of control that allows him to sing across a great range of musical genres. Tickets £13.00.

Antrim

Carrickfergus Christmas Market takes place this Saturday 15th December.  Enjoy the seasonal atmosphere and find your Christmas in Carrickfergus, where there will be carefully selected, delicious artisan food and unique, locally produced Arts and Crafts. The markets are managed by Mid and East Antrim Borough council in partnership with award-winning Naturally North Coast and Glens Touring Artisan Markets. Admission is free.

Belfast

This Christmas will see J.M. Barrie’s magical story of Peter Pan brought to life in gigantic proportions at the SSE Arena.  Reprising his role as the ultimate baddie Captain Hook is acclaimed actor and Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp, and playing Hook’s simple-minded right-hand man Mr Smee, is the pun-tastic hilarious comedian and star of BBC Two’s Mock The Week, Milton Jones, who will be swashbuckling his way across the seven seas for the very first time. Matt Knight, who is once again playing the role of Peter Pan was in the band Iron Sun, who were semi-finalists in the BBC entertainment series Let It Shine. 15th and 16th December.

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.

Jacqueline McGonigle