If you’re looking for a festive night out in December then Portico in Portaferry is the place to be. It’s got a cracking line up of Country music celebrities coming plus not one but two carol concerts!

Country music stars Hugo Duncan, Dominic Kirwan, Owen Mac, Stephen Smyth and Country Harmony are all coming to Portico on Thursday 13 December. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will be full of festive favourites all delivered in fine Country style.

Tickets cost £17 or £5 for the Under 25s. Concerts at Portico always finish in good time for the last ferry. For further information or to buy tickets visit www.porticoards.com or buy in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.

On Tuesday 11 December ‘The Peninsula Choir Sings Christmas!’ Starting at 7.30pm, this all female choir are launching their new Christmas CD with a celebratory concert singing songs from the new album. The choir will be joined by special guests including Kirkistown Primary School choir. Tickets cost £6 or £3 for Under 18s and can be purchased online www.porticoards.com or at the door.

Begin the Christmas break, on Saturday 22 December at 7pm, with the NewQuay Singers at Portico’s beautifully atmospheric annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year the choir will sing works by Lauridsen, Rutter, Wilcocks and Shaw amongst others plus the usual favourites for the congregation to sing. No tickets but donations will be requested (suggested donation £10).