Month: December 2022

LASTING memories are the ultimate present and Hastings Hotels is encouraging people to spend quality time with their partner and gift an experience to remember this Christmas.

 

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels has a fabulous array of gift experiences for couples to enjoy and has put together some festive inspiration:

 

• Treat that special someone to a romantic overnight stay in one of the six luxurious  hotels – book a city break in Belfast to take in a theatre date night or the bustling nightlife and stay at Europa Hotel, Grand Central Hotel or Stormont Hotel; escape to enjoy the ultimate 5-star luxury at the  Culloden Estate & Spa;  spend the afternoon exploring the Walled City and stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry or get cosy and enjoy a break along the scenic Antrim coast at Ballygally Castle.
• After Christmas, there is no better time to relax and enjoy some quality time together than an afternoon being pampered. The Spa at Culloden is an oasis of tranquillity with relaxation rooms, swimming pool, heat experiences and an extensive selection of ESPA treatments including the Sequoia Couples Serenity package.
• Indulge your senses and enjoy a romantic meal for two with menus carefully designed by the chefs at Hastings Hotels using the very best of local, seasonal produce.
• Treating your loved one to Afternoon Tea is a decadent way to enjoy quality time together. Enjoy cups of the finest steaming tea or coffee, finger sandwiches and an array of delectable treats!  For the most exquisite Afternoon Tea, visit the Observatory on the 23^rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel where you can enjoy the best views of Belfast and beyond.
• And if that special person in your life likes to choose their own present – a Hastings Hotels Gift Card is ideal! It can be used in the six hotels, magnificent spa and any of the group’s restaurants or bars. It’s the ideal gift that lets people choose the perfect present – be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from £20 to much, much more!

 

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com/Christmasgifts or call 028 9047 1066.

Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre invite you to join them for a night of superb bluegrass music from talented 4-piece, Special Consensus, who will perform in the Danny Boy auditorium on Friday 27^th January 2023.

Hailing from Chicago, Special Consensus have released over 20 albums in their four decades together, receiving six IBMA awards and two Grammy-award nominations along the way. 

Whether it’s a jazzy instrumental or a Bluegrass classic delivered with four-part vocal harmony, these talented musicians manage to follow their creative desires without straying too far from their roots.

Band leader and founder Greg Cahill is a recipient of the prestigious Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) and was inducted into the Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America (SPBGMA) Hall of Greats. Alongside Greg’s unique banjo playing, Greg Blake (guitar), Dan Eubanks (double bass) and Michael Prewitt (mandolin) effortlessly support each other.

The success of Special Consensus is grounded in their deep appreciation and understanding of Bluegrass music and their ability to adapt and embrace innovation to create a contemporary sound, making their music a modern classic.

Special Consensus will perform at Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre on Friday 27^th January 2023. Tickets priced at £17 (full) and £15 (concession) are on sale now from www.roevalleyarts.com or ring the Box Office on 028 7776 0650

A city famous for its warm welcome, Belfast is the perfect place to soak up the magic of the most wonderful time of the year and enjoy an overdue catch up with friends and loved ones. Decked out in festive splendour, there’s something wondrous to discover on every street corner.

There’s magic in the streets, music in the air and the sound of laughter and delight as the city lights up for Christmas and gives visitors and locals alike all the festive feels. The perfect place to shop all your Christmas gifts, create special festive memories with the family or unwrap a new side to the city best seen in the glow of twinkling Christmas lights, Belfast is waiting to welcome you with a big ‘Merry Christmas’. So, what are you waiting for? Come on in and let your Christmas begin.

Belfast Christmas Market, City Hall

Making a welcome return to the grounds of the iconic Belfast City Hall is the traditional Belfast Christmas Market. Arguably the most spectacular Christmas market on the island of Ireland, this year the city welcomes market stall holders from 21 different countries, displaying the best festive fayre and serving up some of the best traditional and contemporary – not to mention unusual – food and drink to savour while you shop. From French crêpes to Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, Spanish paella and giant bratwurst from crowd favourite Schwenkegrill, marketgoers can take a culinary taste adventure whilst soaking up the illuminations of the famous carousel or perusing the colourful stalls to pick up unique Christmas gifts and memorable souvenirs of a great festive day out in the city. 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!

Get Crafty at 2 Royal Avenue

2 Royal Avenue, the city’s newest cultural space, has been transformed into a magical Winter’s Den this festive season. Grab the family and head in to enjoy a series of free events that are sure to get you in the Christmas spirit. Don your Christmas jumper and pop in to one of the many events taking place at the Winter’s Den this December – have a go at making your own Christmas crackers, shake your baubles whilst rocking around the Christmas tree at a festive silent disco or have a not so silent night at the adults only ‘We WISH You a Merry Christmas’ event, filled with comedy and carolling.

Winter Skate at SSE

Nothing is more festive than a trip to the ice rink so get your skates on and book a Winter Skate at the home of the Belfast Giants in the SSE Arena. Running until 3 January, wrap up warm and experience holiday magic with all the family or feel the romance after dark with a special Twilight Skating Session on selected dates.

Indulge in a Festive Afternoon Tea

‘Tis the season to indulge and there’s no better way to treat yourself than with a sophisticated festive afternoon tea in one of the city’s best restaurants. Step back in time to a period of luxury, elegance and 5-star service with a special Titanic Festive Afternoon Tea. Set in the opulent surroundings of the Titanic Suite featuring the stunning Grand Staircase and live jazz music, it’s an experience not to be missed. Or take a break from Christmas shopping and nip into the stunning Fitzwilliam Hotel in the heart of the city. With a delightful twist on the traditional festive tea, enjoy an elegant catch up with friends amongst the twinkling lights and decadent decorations.

Have all the fun of the fair at Winter Circus

Award winning circus company Tumble Circus returns to Belfast’s Writers’ Square with their spectacular Winter Circus show this Christmas for their sixth year of riotous family fun. From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters, Tumble Circus combines circus skills with comedy, theatre and social commentary. Audiences can expect big laughs and some mighty craic in the fully heated big top tent until 2 January.

Festive Films at Ulster Museum

Catch all your favourite festive films this Christmas in the unique surroundings of Ulster Museum. Screening every weekend in the run up to Christmas, the seasonal programme in partnership with Cinemagic includes family favourites and Christmas classics such as Miracle on 34^th Street, The Polar Express, Santa Claus: The Movie and heart-warming tearjerker It’s A Wonderful Life.

Come Up the Lagan… On a Hydrobike

See Belfast from a new perspective with a unique city tour – by waterbike. Explore the Belfast Waterways at night and take in the city illuminated for Christmas from the water with a Belfast Hydrobikes by Lights experience. Wrap up warm, saddle up on your colourfully lit hydrobike and enjoy a leisurely pedal past the historic Harland and Wolf Cranes, Waterfront and Obel Tower – the city’s tallest building. For a truly festive experience, book a spot on the Hydrobike Santa Experience and follow the magic trail to find Santa’s secret floating grotto. With a range of hydrobikes available for kids and families, equipped with full safety equipment, this is a Santa visit with a difference (and the best presents for the kids!).

Experience Festive Spirits on the Dark Belfast Dander Tour

If you ever stayed up late at Christmas to watch BBC’s M. R. James ghost story for Christmas when you were a kid or hid behind the pillows when the ghostly children of ‘Lost hearts’ appeared, then this is the Christmas 2022 event for you! A Ghost Story for Christmas and Dark Belfast Dander at Muriel’s Café in Church Lane, Belfast is where you’ll learn of the dark side of Christmas. BelfastLad’s Francis Higgins will be telling the dark history of Christmas’ past in a special guided tour. Beginning at Muriel’s Café in Church Lane, you’ll go on a one-hour dark Belfast dander around the haunted sites of Old Belfast’s entry’s and alleyways that sprang up from High Street in the 17th Century stopping at various points along the way to discover if those old streets are still haunted today. Revive your spirits after your tour with a festive cocktail prepared by expert mixologists back in the safety of Muriel’s Café.

Get Stuffed with a Traditional Christmas Lunch

Belfast is famous for it’s fantastic, locally produced food and there’s no better time to sample the best of the city’s food offering than at Christmas. For cosy pub grub with a festive feel, nip down Pottinger’s Entry and follow the trail to The Morning Star. Housed in an ornate Victorian Grade 2 listed building, it exudes a cosy Christmas pub experience with a first-class menu to boot. Top tip – check out the festive gourmet burgers accompanied with Christmas fries. For a fine dining experience check out the city’s newest restaurant and award-winning chef Niall McKenna’s latest offering Waterman within the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, or pay a visit to Michelin starred restaurants The Muddlers Club or Ox. For a less formal fine dining experience, settle into the snug of Ox Cave and enjoy a stunning sharing menu of winter canapes, chateaubriand and festive treats by candlelight.

Tick off your Christmas Shopping List

A city bursting with high-end luxury designer, high street and independent brands, Belfast is your one-stop place to tick off that all important Christmas shopping list. Victoria Square is a mecca for Christmas shopping with everything you need all under one dome. Pick up something special at Lunn’s Jewellers or tech heads can browse the latest must haves at Ireland’s only Apple store. Find comfy pyjamas in Boux Avenue or beauty treats from L’Occitane, Kiehl’s and Rituals.

For a family friendly shopping experience, head to CastleCourt. Visit the Yankee Candle shop for Christmas candles and Wrapped Up for local art. Sports fans can get their kicks at O’Neills, whilst The Entertainer has Santa presents sorted with a huge range of kids’ toys and games.

Donegall Place is home to host of popular brands, including Next, M&S, Zara and Skechers and the recently reopened flagship Primark store has everything you need, from homeware to fashion. Don’t forget Smithfield Market which is a shopper’s haven just around the corner with everything from antiques and collectibles to old-time sweets and even camping and boxing gear!

For something uniquely Belfast, visit the traders at St George’s Market, one of the best markets in the UK and Ireland and home to a burgeoning collection of curios, antiques and the finest fresh produce as well hot food from around the world to delight the senses.

Finally, a trip to visit Belfast’s last Victorian Arcade built in 1880, Queen’s Arcade is home to a variety of luxury Boutiques and local independent retailers and is the only Rolex, OMEGA, TAG Heuer and Montblanc Boutique in Ireland for a truly personal gift this year.

Getting home couldn’t be easier…

Make a full day and night of it with Translink’s late night bus and train services. This special Nightmovers service runs from Belfast City Centre every Friday and Saturday until 23rd December (plus Thursday 22nd December on Goldliner, Urby and Metro). For more information and to plan your route, visit translink.co.uk/nightmovers.

For more information or to plan your perfect festive day in Belfast, visit www.visitbelfast.com

Leading astronomical research and education facility, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is set to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of NASA’s Apollo 17 Moon landing with a Star Tracker Evening on December 14^th.

The event will include a talk, a Dome Show and stargazing. During the talk, visitors will learn about The Apollo Story by Paul Evans, IAA, IFAS.

This will be followed by a viewing of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dome Show, CapCom Go! The immersive, historical documentary will showcase the achievements of the Apollo programme and explain to visitors what it took to put the first human on the Moon.

The show will introduce a new generation to the immense challenges that were overcome to make lunar landings, previously the preserve of science fiction, a reality.

The event will conclude with an opportunity for stargazing through Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s telescopes.

Sinead Mackle, Education and Outreach Manager at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, says,” We are very much looking forward to welcoming visitors to our Star Tracker Evening.

“The wonder and awe of going back to the Moon is certainly still as strong as it was 50 years ago, and at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, we can see that through the many questions asked by school pupils about the Moon landings, along with their intrigue about the current Artemis mission.

“We hope that this next phase of space exploration will help to inspire future STEM leaders across Northern Ireland and ROI.”

Apollo 17, which took place from December 7th to 19th, 1972, was the final mission of NASA’s Apollo program. It was also the most recent time that humans have set foot on the Moon. During the mission, Commander Gene Cernan and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt physically walked on the Moon, while Command Module Pilot Ronald Evans orbited above.

NASA’s current Artemis mission may see humans set foot on the moon once again in years to come. Its Artemis I mission made a triumphant return to Earth last weekend after more than 25 days in space.

The Star Tracker Evening is suitable for adults and children aged over 8 years old.

To purchase tickets for the Star Tracker Evening, visit: Star Tracker Evening (ticketsolve.com)

The NI Country Music Awards 2023

Tuesday 7th February 2023 in the Tullyglass Hotel, Ballymena

Are you looking the perfect gift to give to your family or friends this Christmas? Or maybe you just want something to look forward to after the festive season.

Well why not secure your place at the biggest country music event of the year.

With over 35 of your favourite Stars including our current leading artists: Derek Ryan, Robert Mizzell, Lee Matthews, David James, Liam Kelly, Owen Mac, Patricia Maguire, Paul Kelly, John Rafferty & Shauna McStravock.

New and upcoming stars like our youngest performer, 14 year old Cailin Joe, direct from performing on RTE’s Late Late toy show. Country singer & Garth Brooks Tribute Neil Hobson (BBC There’s no place like Tyrone) and the beautiful, talented Sinead Heaney (granddaughter of Susan McCann).

Of course the event would not be complete without our Queen of Country for 60 years, Philomena Begley. And other legends including gentleman Billy McFarland who will be officially recognised for his unbelievable and huge contribution of 75 years in the industry.

Hosted by Industry Professional Professional Malcolm McDowell & Sky Tv’s Natasha Magee.

Also Special Co Hosts 1st Lady Susan McCann & the legendary Downtown presenter Big T who celebrates 50 years as our ambassador & leading radio presenter.

Tickets are only available online and are emailed directly to you after purchase.

Unreserved Cabaret Style Round Tables & Spacious Seating.

Doors open 7:30 Show Starts 8pm.

Tickets £25+ Booking Fee

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/445161519087

Voting Opens 1st January until 28th January 2023. All details including full list of performers on the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards Facebook Page.