Month: November 2022

Motorcycle Plus Show Announces Charity Partners

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Mayor’s charity, Helping Hand among three to benefit from bike show

The Motorcycle Plus Show has announced three charity partners that will benefit at its landmark event at Eikon Centre, Lisburn, on February 4-5, 2023.

360 Events, who are organising the packed weekend of motorsport, confirmed that Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s Mayoral charity, Helping Hand for the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children will be one of the beneficiaries of the biggest motorcycle event in four years.

Planned as a curtain raiser for the start of the motorcycling season for the year ahead the show will attract fans of both on and off-road competitions as well as bike enthusiasts across the country.

Kenny Gardner of 360 Events said they were delighted to be able to support local charities at the Motorcycle Plus event. 

“The local charities we will be supporting are the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Mayor designated charity, Helping Hand, the Atlas Women’s Centre in Lisburn and St John Ambulance service, Portadown Branch, which provides excellent medical cover at motorsport events throughout Northern Ireland.”

360 Events is a new group of motorcycling and motorsport enthusiasts and volunteers with many years of experience as competitors and officials in all branches of the sport.

The Motorcycle Plus Show has signed up the biggest motorcycle dealers in Northern Ireland to be there.

“Hurst Yamaha will have their 2023 range of road and off-road motorcycles on display and available to purchase,” explained Kenny. “Hurst BMW have also signed up and again will have the full range of new BMWs on display.

“As well as this, HTM will be there with the road and off-road Husquvarna and GasGas Machines. Along with other dealers, we have Crossan Motorcycles in attendance with their comprehensive range of Helmets and gear etc. including specialised bikes.”

As well as the dealers already signed up, some of the top teams from both the road and off-road sports will provide information on their activities for the 2023 season ahead.

Motorcycle sport governing bodies along with some of the clubs that promote some of the biggest motorcycle events in Ireland will be in attendance to promote their events.

Kenny, one of the organisers from 360 Events, explained The Motorcycle Plus Show has been specifically designed for motorsports enthusiasts.

“Primarily, we will be using the show to showcase all forms of motorsport and motorcycling, if it has an engine and wheels, we intend it to be there,” he said. 

“Attractions will also include rider appearances, interviews, Q&A sessions, and not just established stars, but also up and coming riders from on and off-road disciplines who will become household names in the future,” he said. “As an innovation, there will be advice from experts on securing and keeping sponsors, Social Media use and lifestyle advice which will be useful for young competitors from all disciplines.

“This is in line with our stated aim of helping to establish a Motorsport Academy for all forms of motorsport to make sure our rising stars get the best advice and guidance possible on their career path.

“Race Teams will be there with their 2023 line ups, both on and off-road, 2023 street bike models, accessories, gear, and lots more so plenty for everyone to see and do.

“Governing bodies will be in attendance with advice and guidance on their various Championships, how to start racing and competing, and of course officiating and marshalling, as well as various Clubs promoting their own events, alongside trade and dealer stands.” 

Previously the show was held for a number of years under different guises starting with the Enkalon Club in the Antrim Forum and finally with Nutt Promotions in the Eikon Centre in 2019. 

The Motorcycle Plus Show will take place at Eikon Centre in Lisburn on February 4-5, 2023. For tickets go to www.motorcycleplusshow.co.uk. 

All online bookings will be entered into a free raffle to win prizes such as a small motorbike, discounted ferry bookings and other prizes.

More details on the prizes will be confirmed but there are vouchers to the value of £1000, £300, £100, 4 ball golf voucher, and money off ferry travel vouchers to be had from Hursts, Crossan’s, Norman Watt Motorcycles, Edenmore Golf Club and Nutt Travel.

“These are exciting times and another great reason to purchase tickets as Christmas presents for your biking loved ones and be in with a chance of picking up some excellent prizes,” Kenny concluded.

Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul join forces to help spread Christmas joy

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The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are teaming up again to help ensure children experience the magic of Christmas.

The joint Family Appeal has been helping parents and young people enjoy a brighter Christmas for almost half a century (43 years).

Santa is joined by Colonel Neil Webb of The Salvation Army and Mary Waide, Regional President of St Vincent de Paul for the North Region, at the launch of this year’s Family Appeal. To donate, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/family-appeal2022

But with the costs of living increasing and one in four children living in poverty, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.

The Family Appeal has benefited from the enormous generosity of the public who have donated thousands of toys in previous years. However, the usual toy collection has been replaced by the opportunity for people to make an online donation.

Colonel Neil Webb, the Salvation Army’s divisional leader, said: “Through our work in communities across Northern Ireland, we are seeing the devastating impact of rising living costs on the families we support. The Family Appeal aims to support those hit hardest.

“We know this year has been difficult for everyone but we ask that people continue to support the Family Appeal and help us make difference this Christmas.”

Mary Waide, Regional President for St Vincent de Paul North Region, said: “This year, requests for our help are unprecedented. The stark reality is that families in local communities up and down the country are making impossible choices of whether to put food on the table, heat their homes or put presents under the tree.

“We are grateful for the support the Family Appeal receives each year and we would appreciate your help again this year very much. Protecting the dignity of the most vulnerable is paramount and this virtual appeal will help us give families the gift of choice this Christmas by empowering parents to choose and prioritise how best to make use of your generous donation this winter.”

Your donation, whether it’s £1 to buy a stocking filler or £10 to buy a winter coat, pyjamas or a present for under the tree, will be turned into vouchers for our volunteers to distribute.

Please donate today by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/family-appeal2022

 

Festive Christmas Market featuring over 20 local businesses set to take over Mallusk Enterprise Park

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An indoor market of over 20 stalls is set to transform the local enterprise park at Mallusk with some yuletide cheer on Thursday 1 December, offering visitors the chance to pick up presents and festive fare and enjoy an evening out supporting the business community in the countdown to Christmas.

Hosted and supported by Local Enterprise Agency – Mallusk Enterprise Park, as part of their 30th birthday celebrations, the Christmas Market affords an opportunity for local enterprises to showcase their businesses and wares to the public.

Peter McClean founder of The Salty Herb joins the Mallusk Enterprise Park team to launch the Mallusk Christmas Market. Designed to support over 20 local businesses and 3 charities the Market takes place on 1 December 2022 from 5pm to 8pm

The Market will see over 20 local independent businesses offering products ranging from crafts and novelties to Christmas gift ideas, with an outdoor food stall serving hot pizzas and the team at the enterprise park providing festive nibbles & drinks. There will also be live music by tenant of Mallusk Enterprise Park – Audio Level DJ store and folk band The Rogues.

A free Christmas Grotto experience is being delivered to 90 local kids on the night and 3 charities are being supported – from a raffle in aid of NI Children’s Hospice to the building of a festive food mountain of donations for Newtownabbey Food Bank and a mountain of toy donations for Cash for Kids NI – visitors and traders are being asked to play their part in helping the worthy causes by bringing donations on the night or sponsoring raffle prizes.

The Market will opens it’s doors at 5pm and kick off in artistic style with the announcement of the winners and runners up to a Children’s Art Competition for primary school kids in the local area – the original artworks of favourite local businesses and social enterprises will be on show, gallery style, in the brand new Enterprise Hub at the business park.

CEO of Mallusk Enterprise Park, Emma Garrett said:

“We are very much looking forward to holding the inaugural Mallusk Christmas Market in the Enterprise Park. This event will kick off a year of celebrations to mark our landmark 30th Birthday.  Since 1992 we have strived to promote, support and develop enterprise and wealth creation within our local community through free advice, training and mentoring to individuals and small / micro businesses.  We look forward to welcoming members of the local community into the Park to show them the facilities we have on offer whilst they shop small and local with our wide range of market traders.”

Iain Patterson, Chairman Mallusk Enterprise Park added: “The team at Mallusk Enterprise Park have been working hard behind the scenes to make this event special in every way.  The Enterprise Park is very much part of the community in Newtownabbey; helping over 100 people every year to establish their own business and assisting many more to survive and even thrive during the last few challenging years of Covid.  We have been heartened by the kind and generous donations of local businesses to the raffle and the event itself.”

The Mallusk Enterprise Christmas Market takes place on Thursday 1 December from 5pm to 8pm, is free to attend and a list of traders and the entertainment line up can be found online at: at www.mallusk.org/events. The Santa’s Grotto experience is fully booked but a waiting list is in operation and can be joined via eventbrite.

An afternoon of musical nostalgia at Coleraine Museum

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An afternoon of musical nostalgia will take place in Coleraine Museum at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 3rd December to mark the final day of the successful dance halls exhibition.

Music will be performed by Trevor Keys, one of the few remaining showband members of the 1960s in Ireland, and local singer Jimmy Stratten.

Trevor is a former member of the Flingels and played alongside country singer Brendan Quinn and the Bluebirds. Come along between 2pm-4pm to hear the sounds of the 60s and reminisce about those dance halls days.

‘Let Me Introduce You, A History of Dance Halls in the Causeway Area’ will move to Ballymoney Museum from January 2023.

The Flingels, managed by Bobby Platt, pictured outside the Strand Ballroom in Portstewart from the 1960s, featuring Jim Quigley (trumpet), Eamon McIntyre (trumpet), Ronnie (Coalman) Ramsey (tenor sax, flute, harmonica), Trevor Keys, band leader (guitar and lead vocals), Derick O’Brien (bass guitar) and Frankie Robinson (lead guitar). Image courtesy of Trevor Keys.

For more information call 028 2766 0230 or email cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

 

BELFAST CHRISTMAS MARKET RETURNS TO CITY HALL, WITH ALL THE FAVORITES AND SOME NEW TEMPTING TREATS

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With over 1 million people expected to visit the Belfast Christmas Market this year, the Market Place Europe team (operators of the market) are already preparing for the opening on Saturday 19th November at 12noon.

The Belfast Christmas Market attracts visitors from across Europe and the UK and has become a significant contributor to the local economy, regularly attracting over one million visitors and contributing an economic impact to the city in and around £75.m, demonstrating the citywide benefit of such a large and well organised event.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe Ltd said: “We’re delighted that once again the sights and sounds of the Belfast Christmas Market will form a focal point for the city centre during the festive season, having just been awarded the contract for a further three years we have made a renewed investment in the market to make sure it feels as special as ever.”

As well as even more local flavour, the Market still offers something a little bit different with 21 nationalities from all over the world bringing all sorts of unusual foods and gift ideas: crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrill, Spanish paella and sweets from Italy. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well known Hug in a Mug of Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit.

This year the food court at the Market with bench style seating makes a welcome return, as does the much-loved carousel and vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market.

Support for local food and craft has increased with a number of St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. Some local favorites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals and Tapitas, Rossi’s Ice Cream and the Toasted Marshmallow stall

Belfast Christmas Market is proud to be supporting one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, Pretty n Pink. The breast cancer charity works tirelessly to support people affected by breast cancer across Northern Ireland, providing financial support and services to patients with breast cancer and their families. They also work to advance education of breast cancer awareness and breast care, and to improve the lives of breast cancer patients and their families. Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black said: “I’m very proud to announce Pretty n Pink as one of my charities for the year, and I’m so pleased that it will be supported by visitors to Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Market, at City Hall. The charity does such amazing work, and over the years has supported so many families who are going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment; so this is a great way for people to give something back and people can be assured their donations are going to a fantastic cause.”

Councillor Black added: “The market is hugely popular and its arrival always heralds the start of the festive season for the city. It’s lovely to take a stroll through the stalls, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in all those delicious smells. And every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, we’ll have lots of free festive fun for families so, young or old, if you’re coming in to visit the market, shopping, having a bite to eat or just to see the Christmas lights, there’ll be plenty to see and do.”

This year the winners of the Jolly Big Business Boost competition (previously Pitch Perfect), judged by the charismatic Gourmet Boys, are The Little Salty Seahorse, offering hand crafted pictures and trinkets made from seaglass and pebbles

There is so much on offer throughout the city this year and the Christmas Market is just one of several events launching as part of the Christmas festivities. To keep track of Christmas Market news, and the ever-important weather updates, follow the official Facebook page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market and keep an eye out for our fabulous social media activity in conjunction with our media partners Q radio who will be offering spot prizes and lots of opportunities to engage.

Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall from 12noon on Saturday 19 November until 6pm on 22 December.

Opening hours are:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 21 – 27 November 2022   

   

  1. A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast,Belfast, 23 November – 23 December. Journey through the Enchanted Forest before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop into the Elves’ Workshop. Visit Mrs Claus, listen to some Christmas tales and stop by the post office to write your Christmas letter before enjoying some arts and crafts. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by Chief Elf – those on the ‘Nice’ list will get to meet Father Christmas.  
  2. Armagh Georgian Weekend,County Armagh, 24 – 27 November. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century. Many events require a ticket which must be booked in advance online. Please see website for full details, including tickets and pricing.  
  3. Harness Friendship Four, Belfast,25 – 26 November. The Friendship Four ice hockey tournament will return to Belfast in November. Taking place at The SSE Arena, Belfast, the high-profile tournament, organised by The Odyssey Trust, will bring four top U.S. college hockey teams together to compete for the coveted Belpot trophy over Thanksgiving weekend. 
  4. Santa’s Island Adventure, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 26 November – 20December. Set sail on the short crossing to Santa’s Island from Enniskillen Castle Jetty and travel to Santa’s magical Island Workshop where you will be greeted by your personal Elf or Nutcracker guide. Enjoy Christmas activities onboard Santa’s Sleigh boat, including designing Christmas baubles and decorating cookies with the elves. Take a short visit to the reindeer stables before they come inside for the night and finish the festive trip by visiting Mrs Claus’ kitchen.  
  5. Meet the Maker Dasalee artisan craftat Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 26 – 27 Meet some of Northern Ireland’s fabulous local designers and artisans. Dasalee are sisters Stephanie Hazelton and Sheila Oldcroft, two textile artists from County Tyrone. They collaborate, together with their individual skills in a unique way to produce textile art. Watch them in action as they create their beautiful pieces at National Trust’s Mount Stewart, which will also be available for purchase. Perfect for a special Christmas present!   
  6. Thanksgiving Celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 26 – 27 November.Discover Thanksgiving of the past at Ulster American Folk Park, with a traditional 19th century celebration. Join the Partridges of Slippery Rock in Butler County in their Western Pennsylvania Log House as they prepare their turkey and anxiously await the return of their only son Joseph, an infantryman in the Union Army. You’ll be able to witness these performances at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30. Taste traditional thanksgiving food like Succotash and apple pie in their Log Cabin and try your hand at Barn Dancing to the Virginia Reel.  
  7. Guildhall Craft & Artisan Food Fair, Derry~Londonderry, 25 –27 November. Join the fun as we welcome local craft design-makers and artisan food producers to the Guildhall Craft Fair 2022. The fair takes place in the historical Guildhall in Derry~Londonderry’s city centre and is renowned for attracting a large number of visitors looking for that special gift for Christmas. 
  8. Let’s Talk Trees,Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 27 November. Join Marble Arch Caves Ranger, Dr Kate Crane, on a walk in the Cladagh Glen National Nature Reserve looking at the species of trees that grow in this beautiful nature reserve as we celebrate National Tree Week. Kate will guide you through this ancient woodland, talking about the karst landscape and biodiversity of the area. You will gain a greater understanding of why the site is designated a National Nature Reserve and Area of Special Scientific Interest. 
  9. Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim, County Antrim, 26 November – 20 December. As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone. Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood, drop inand see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit.  
  10. The Snow Queen at Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 25 November – 31 December. This Christmas at the Lyric Theatre, Paul Boyd and the team that brought you the Lyric’s hit musicals Peter Pan, Alice TheMusical, and Pinocchio The Greatest Wonder of the Age, present an all-new version of The Snow Queen. Join Gerda on her quest in Paul Boyd’s new musical adventure, a glittering spectacular for all ages adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale of courage, adventure, and friendship. 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

 

Diversity presents Supernova

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Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity, have announced their brand-new UK and Ireland tour, Supernova.

The 66-date tour takes place across 40 towns and cities throughout 2023 and 2024.

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 18th November via ticketmaster.ie and www.waterfront.co.uk

Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity, have announced their brand-new UK and Ireland tour, Supernova. The 66-date tour takes place across 40 towns and cities throughout 2023 and 2024. Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 18th November* via gigsandtours.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. Tickets for Belfast and Dublin will be available via ticketmaster.ie.

Supernova follows Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour earlier this year, which combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless, and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK.

Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since sold out multiple UK and Irish tours, with countless television and live performances. Alongside preparing for their brand-new tour, and in keeping with their progressive, innovative nature, Diversity are currently preparing to launch Diversity Studios, which will offer in person and live streamed dance classes.

Last month, Ashley Banjo was awarded an MBE for his services to dance. Alongside choreographing and performing with Diversity, Ashley has been committed to educating people on dance, becoming a judge on Dancing on Ice, and offering his expertise as a host and creative in the BAFTA nominated The Real Full Monty and International Emmy Award, Broadcast Award, and Royal Television Society Award winning The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night. Ashley also had the honour of becoming a co-presenter at the Pride of Britain Awards last year, working alongside Carol Vorderman.

Jordan Banjo has also hosted a variety of TV shows, including two series of BBC 1’s Primetime and BAFTA-nominated show The Greatest Dancer. Jordan along with Perri Kiely are also part of breakfast radio royalty, presenting Kiss Breakfast every weekday.

Diversity’s illustrious career shows how they continue to innovate, grow, and achieve. Collectively Diversity recently won Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment of 2020 at the British Academy Television Awards for their incredible Britain’s Got Talent routine, watch here.

Diversity have also confirmed that they will be supporting anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust**, which provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty while campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. Right now, millions of people across the country are facing a cost of living crisis as food and energy prices soar and families are feeling the biggest squeeze on incomes in a generation. Attendees on the tour are being invited to bring along food donations to the shows, where there will be collection points across the venue each night. There will also be collection buckets for any cash donations. All donations will be distributed to people in crisis across the 1,300 food bank centres in the Trussell Trust network. For more information on the items that are requested: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-food/.

NI Company Everun To Build £50m In Renewable Assets Creating 25 New Specialised Jobs

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A renewable future is the only future for NI says local business

 

Northern Ireland renewables experts Everun are set to support investment in excess of £50m in wind and solar across the country over the next three years. The announcement comes as world leaders met at COP27 in Egypt last week.

Everun, which has been in operation since 2010, currently manages over £150m worth of renewable assets for clients across the Island of Ireland. 

In the last year the company has invested over £2m bringing their workforce to 45 staff as well as significantly investing in high value stock, expanding their premises and wider infrastructure. 

The company plans to invest a further £7.5m over the next three years to support the delivery of an additional £50m of renewable energy assets in Northern Ireland. That investment will also include creating a further 25 engineering and professional services jobs. 

Managing director Michael Thompson said: “As part of our continued investment in developing energy generating wind and solar projects we are delighted to be able to play our part in delivering the Northern Ireland target of 80% renewable energy use by 2030 and to be in the position to create a further 25 highly specialised jobs within the sector.

“As a renewable energy management company that manages wind and solar renewable energy sources, EV charging, smart motor systems, and renewable switchover we recognise that we have a responsibility in the private sector to invest heavily in supporting the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and Climate Change Bill.”

Mr Thompson says Northern Ireland as a whole has a long way to go to meet the 80% target. He added the potential to reach energy security is there but much work is still to be done by both government and the private sector.

“Northern Ireland has increased the amount of energy produced from renewables from near zero in 2010 to 45% this year,” he said.

“If Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and Ireland are to meet the targets set, the production of energy must be supported with the right assets and technology, as well as investment in wider infrastructure by the Government.

“We have large energy-hungry businesses in manufacturing with a need for reliable energy sources, and bespoke software enables us to provide that reliability and cost efficiency from renewables.”

Already managing more than 160 wind turbines, on single sites and wind farms, as well as multiple solar installations, Everun are also celebrating their expansion into the Republic of Ireland market this year.

Mr Thompson said that Northern Ireland is at least four years behind the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill includes a Climate Action Plan to be published at the end of the year following Royal Assent in June.

“The rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland has been expanding renewable generation with a range of support mechanisms – but Northern Ireland has lagged behind without a clear strategy from our Executive,” said Mr Thompson.

“That has consequences. Northern Ireland is being held back from an overall economic point of view due to the lack of investment in energy infrastructure and renewables.

“Our manufacturing sector is heavily reliant on huge energy usage, therefore the surging costs makes them less competitive leaving less profits for reinvestment.”

“We have to sort out issues such as planning and the electricity grid in order to achieve our targets which should include control of our own energy security. We should be ambitious enough to consider exporting power beyond NI, and then we can make our economy anything we want it to be.”

Mr Thompson added that with the right investment and determination the future can be exciting for the sector and the wider NI economy.

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF ATMOSPHERIC NOVEMBER EVENTS

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Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of entertaining and educational events for adults and families will take place on site from 25th to 27th November 2022.

‘Thus She Shall Go to the Stars – Jessie Kennedy with the Celestial Strings,’ which will take place on 25th November. Suitable for adults only, this 70-minute live music performance by Jessie Kennedy and the Celestial Strings will take place in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dome Theatre. The concert will also include short talks on Women in Astronomy by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dr. Erin Higgins and on pioneering Irish astronomer and scientist Agnes Clerke (1842-1907) by historian and West Cork History Festival founder Victoria Kingston.

The concert is inspired by the life and work of Agnes Clerke. It will combine specially composed pieces with music, including Bach and Beethoven, as well as traditional Irish melodies. All of the musicians set to perform live and work in West Cork. Jessie Kennedy (violin, vocals) is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and writer who is particularly inspired by historical figures and has had a long-standing collaboration with the West Cork History Festival. The Celestial Strings performers are Tess Leak (cello, autoharp and vocals), Diana Llewellyn (cello) and Susan McManamon (piano and vocals).

The Georgian Day Observatory Tours, which will take place on 26th and 27th November are suitable for adults and children aged ten and over. The tour will explore the Armagh Observatory, a stunning Georgian building, which was part of Archbishop Robinson’s grand vision for a university in Armagh and has a continuous history of astronomical research from its beginnings in 1790 to the present day.

Covering the period from 1790 and until the end of the Victorian era, the tour will allow visitors to embark on a historic journey through the Observatory’s Georgian beginnings and learn about its contribution both to Armagh and to the UK.

A guide will introduce visitors to the telescopes and other instruments that put Armagh Observatory on the global map for astronomy and will regale them with stories about its first Directors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the beautiful 10-inch Grubb telescope, which was installed in 1885, and was pivotal to the creation of a fundamental astronomical catalogue that is still used by scientists today.

The tour includes general admission to the Planetarium exhibition.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 14 – 20 November 2022   

   

  1. NI Music Prize, Belfast, 16 November. The NI Music Prize is an annual music awards event acknowledging the best of music from Northern Ireland over the last twelve months. It features performances from shortlisted artists and this year features a very special Oh Yeah Legend Award presentation to musician and singer from Horslips, Barry Devlin. 
  2. Atlantic Sessions, Various locations across Portrush and Portstewart, County Antrim and County Londonderry, 18 – 20 November.A three-day feast of musical talent, featuring over 30 original artists in various venues, including bars, coffee shops, hotels and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart. Most gigs are admission free, with some headline ticketed events. 
  3. S. Lewis Festival, Belfast, 18 – 20 November. Enjoy the 10th C.S. Lewis Festival with a family focus featuring lots of fun events and creative experiences to celebrate the creativity and imagination of the Belfast born author. C.S. Lewis Square will be the hub for this year’s festival activity and events taking place here will include an Outdoor Cinema screening of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and the annual Christmas at C.S. Lewis Square event, featuring Christmas Market, Christmas Tree Light Switch On, ‘Snow Globe’ Imagination Pods and lots of other fun activities for the family.
  4. Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast, 19 November – 22 December. Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from 19th November to the 22ndDecember for an award-winning taste of Christmas. With a host of international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gift ideas, there’s lots to choose from and enjoy. This year the food court at the Market, with bench style seating, makes a welcome return, as does the vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market, and the much-loved carousel.  
  5. Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio – Fused Glass Christmas Decorations, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, 19 November.Reconnect with your inner creative in this fully immersive, fused glass experience at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey Mc Verry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, Tracey welcomes visitors to her fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer  
  6. KirkistownPoint-to-Point Races, Portavogie, County Down, 19 November. The North County Down Hunt hosts three point-to-points during the season, an autumn fixture and two spring fixtures. Pack a picnic and enjoy this family fun activity in the countryside, where you will get to witness the future stars of the sport make their introduction into competitive horse racing. 
  7. Mince Pie Making at BroughgammonFarm, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 20 November. Grab your apron and come join the fun at Broughgammon Farm for a morning of hands-on mince pie making. Learn their fail proof recipes for the most delicious pastry and luxurious mincemeat. You’ll leave with pastry for your freezer, three pots of mincemeat and a tray of freshly baked mince pies to kick start the festive season. 
  8. Titanic Belfast Christmas Light Switch On, Belfast, 20 November.Titanic Belfast’s official Christmas Lights ceremony is taking place this month. Enjoy live music and family fun from 1pm and await the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer. His Chief Elf will be on hand to oversee proceedings before the spectacular chandelier and Christmas lights are turned on at 1.30pm. Make a day of it with the Family Edwardian Explorer Trail throughout the Titanic Experience and SS Nomadic or simply enjoy the family fun around the building including carol singing, funfair entertainers, Christmas crafts and lots more. 
  9. Share Village on Ice, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 18 November – 4 January. Share Discovery Village is kicking off an exciting festive period with Share Village on Ice – a fantastic indoor synthetic rink, which is almost identical to a frozen surface but much more eco-friendly for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a budding skater or a confident glider, the wheelchair-friendly ice rink is open to all ages and abilities.
  10. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft Markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 19 November. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hosts food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month, in the Tesco carpark in Dungannon, from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food, hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers. 

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

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