Author: whatsonni

Christmas Craft Market at North Down Museum this Weekend

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North Down Museum’s Christmas Craft Market is taking place this weekend, Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 November.

A popular date on the local shopping calendar, the market will showcase a total of 22 artists and crafters providing an array of handmade goods, perfect for that unique Christmas gift.

Come along and browse the stalls which will be dotted around the historic museum building – start your Christmas shopping or even finish it!

Visitors can enjoy live music in the café from 1pm – 3pm on Saturday afternoon when local singer songwriter Riley Holland will perform.

Speaking about the Christmas Craft Market, North Down Museum Manager, Heather McGuicken said; ‘The Museum’s Christmas Market is a fun and festive way to purchase unique, local, hand crafted items for your loved ones.  Come and see something different while shopping this year’.

Coffee Cure, the museum café will be open throughout the event serving tea, coffee, lunch and snacks.

The market runs from 10am to 4.30pm on Saturday 23 and 12pm to 4.30pm on Sunday 24 November. Parking and admission is free at North Down Museum.

For more information on the Christmas Craft Market and other events and exhibitions, visit www.northdownmuseum.com

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (18-24 November)

1.       Belfast Christmas Market 2019, Belfast, 16 November- 22 December. Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds for an award-winning taste of Christmas with over 30 international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gift ideas.

2.       Christmas Cooking Demonstration, Dungannon, 23 November. Sit back, relax and learn how to get prepared for Christmas with this practical cookery demonstration at Wee Buns Cookery School. Learn how to get ahead for the day with lots of tips and delicious tried and tested recipes.

3.       Irish Whiskey Tasting at The Morning Star, Belfast, 21 November. Join The Morning Star for an Irish whiskey experience with their Irish whiskey ambassador Joe McGowan. Enjoy a number of very different whiskeys, tasting flight, cocktail demonstration, award winning tasty nibbles and learn some whiskey knowledge along the way.

4.       C.S. Lewis Festival, Belfast, 22-26 November. Be transported through the wardrobe into the incredible imaginative world of C.S. Lewis and his characters. The festival offers plenty of family-friendly events, a huge range of informative talks and discussions and lots of opportunities to explore your own imagination through bespoke workshops.

5.       Atlantic Sessions, Coleraine, 15-18 November. From traditional to contemporary, from electric to acoustic, Atlantic Sessions has emerged as a permanent music feature on the cultural calendar creating an energetic, vibrant atmosphere in the pubs, hotels, coffee shops and town halls across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae.

6.       The Polar Express at the Culloden Estate, Belfast, 19-23 November. Climb on board and explore Santa’s Polar Express at the Culloden Estate & Spa. Meet Santa and his elves, enjoy the train journey and get your Christmas gift.

7.       Kirkistown Point to Point, Portavogie, 23 November. This exciting horse race in County Down provides an exhilarating day out with the first race starting at 12pm.

8.       Guildhall Craft Fair 2019, Derry~Londonderry, 22-24 November. Celebrating its twenty-fifth anniversary, this annual event at the Guildhall showcases a wide range of bespoke craft items created by craft designer-makers and artists throughout Ireland.

9.       Tastes, Tales and Tunes, Ballygally, 20 November. Tastes, Tales and Tunes provides you with a great collaboration of food, tales and music from the surrounding Antrim Coast area. Enjoy tapas at Ballygally Castle, listen to tales with Liz Weir as traditional music accompanies these activities.

10.   Krazi Baker Baking Classes, Dromore, 24 November.  Enjoy this Christmas class which teaches how to bake an 8-inch Xmas cake, Stollen bread and sweet mince pies, the perfect homemade festive treats for the Christmas season. 

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

The Most Magical Library of the Best Stories Ever

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Don’t miss out on a very special Narnia-inspired Christmas experience – The Most Magical Library of the Best Stories Ever – which will take place 22-24 Nov at C.S. Lewis Square, east Belfast, as part of this year’s C.S. Lewis Festival, 22 – 26 Nov.


Getting ready for the Most Magical Library at C.S. Lewis Square, were The evil Snow Queen aka Mary Jordan pictured at the White Witch statue at C.S Lewis Square.

Join The Literary Fairy, her friend Finn Faun, and the Very Interesting Creatures to sort out the terrible mess created by the evil Snow Queen and foil her rotten plan to ruin Christmas! This brand new C.S. Lewis-inspired Christmas experience will take place in a specially designed magical space in C.S. Lewis Square, where children and families will go on a fun and imaginative journey, encountering some fantastical characters before finally meeting Santa himself once their quest is complete. For further information on tickets, booking and the festival  visit www.eastsidearts.net

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

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Down

The Into Film Festival is a free, annual, UK-wide celebration of film and education for 5-19 year olds. The Into Film Festival is running at Portico Ards until 22nd November 2019, bringing you three weeks of engaging film screenings, workshops and special events!

Armagh

Talon’s ‘Greatest Hits Tour 2019’ will once again feature the Eagles timeless back catalogue including Hotel California, Take It Easy, One Of These Nights, Take It To The Limit, Desperado, Lyin’ Eyes, Life In The Fast Lane and many more. See them perform live this Friday evening at the Market Place Theatre.

Fermanagh

This Saturday join Fiona Stewart for a very special evening of Spirit Communication and Psychic Insights at a very intimate and exclusive audience held at the Donn Carragh Hotel. This will be an extraordinary night of communication from beyond the grave illustrating in her very down to earth manner that the soul lives on.

Tyrone

Join Tutor Louise McEntee this Saturday 16th for Little Tokens Picture Frames Workshop at Ranfurly House.  Craft a bespoke and personalised picture frames which will make the perfect Christmas gift or a beautiful keepsake. Create and decorate a photo frame using crafts, paint and illustrations to show off treasured pictures.  10.30am – 1.00pm | £10.

Derry/Londonderry 

Get hands-on with the BBC Microbit at Coding for Kids this Saturday at the Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart.  Learn what it is, what it can do and how to create the code to make it do cool stuff. This beginner’s workshop will not only teach you the basics of creating scrolling text and animations, but will also provide ideas for more advanced uses. £12.

Antrim

Naturally North Coast and Glens will celebrate Christmas in Ballycastle with the first of their TWO seasonally sensational Christmas Markets in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle this Sunday.  A fabulous festive fanfare is in store for all, the market will be festooned with artisan treats galore, quirky gift  ideas, sumptuous hand crafted treats,  and  much more!

Belfast

Frock Around The Clock will be returning to Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and the stunning location of Belfast Cathedral on Saturday 16th November 2019 for The Wonderful Winter Fair.  This event will feature 90 sellers of beautiful and original handmade, vintage and holistic treasures.  Admission £3.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Weekend away at Spelga House, Newry from £375 total price

Spend a relaxing weekend away at Spelga House, overlooking the picturesque Mourne Mountains and the imposing Spelga Dam.  This luxurious mountain retreat sleeps ten with a Jacuzzi spa bath, games room and outdoor play area. This is the perfect location for a family or friends reunion with plenty of kitchen and living room space. Castlewellan, Tollymore and Kilbroney Forest Parks are also close by for visiting.  This special offer includes a complimentary log fire pack for your stay. To book call 07720 432781. Offer available until 16th November 2019.

·         Perfect Golf Break, Malone Lodge Hotel, Belfast from £219

Make the Malone Lodge Hotel your base for a round of golf at one of Northern Ireland’s best parkland courses – Malone Golf Club. After a round of golf, come back to the hotel to enjoy a three-course evening meal. A full Irish breakfast is also included for you in the morning to start off the day.  The Golf Breaks Package includes overnight accommodation in the newly refurbished Classic Room, green fees for two at Malone Golf Club, a three course evening meal, full Irish breakfast as well as free parking (offer excludes Tuesdays). To book call 028 9038 8000 Offer available until 30th November 2019.

·         Girls’ Getaway to the Lodge at Roe Park, Limavady from £59 per person sharing

Get away from it all with a girls’ night of luxury at the beautiful Lodge at Roe Park Resort. The offer includes sparkling wine and chocolate-dipped strawberries on arrival, an Elemis Spa Gift Bag each, a variety of popular chick flick DVDs, a three course dinner in either Greens Restaurant or the Coach House Brasserie, full use of the thermal areas and topped off with a locally sourced full Irish buffet breakfast. This girlie break is packed full of everything you need for a fantastic break with your friends from only £59.00 per adult (min of 5 adults, max of 11 adults). To book call 028 7772 2222. Offer available until 31st December 2019.

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including food experiences and events (11 – 17 November 2019)

  1. Twilight-Market Belfast, 12 – 13 November.  Featuring over 100 traders specialising in local and continental foods from around the world, handmade arts and crafts and chef demonstrations too, bring the whole family and enjoy the very best in live music or simply treat yourself to some delicious food.
  2. Shortcross-Distillery-Experience-and-Masterclass Downpatrick, 15 & 16 November. The Shortcross Distillery Experience and Masterclass is not to be missed. Unlock some of the exciting secrets and skills that go into creating Shortcross at Rademon Estate, and listen to David Boyd-Armstrong, the head distiller, walk through the fascinating process.
  3. Taste-of-our-Waters Craigavon, 15 November. This November celebrate Northern Ireland’s wonderful produce from our magnificent waterways, loughs and seas. They have created a wonderful six-course tasting menu that will showcase local freshwater fish, sea fish and seafood alongside homegrown and local vegetables.
  4. Murder-in-Narnia Newry, 15 November. A Narnia themed Murder Mystery banquet with the finest local food and drink produce from the Newry, Mourne and Down region. Throw on your best fur coat, paint your face and prepare yourself for an exciting Narnia themed Murder Mystery.
  5. Picnic-in-Narnia Newry, 17 November. This magical day features a sumptuous breakfast, before following the Narnia Trail in the company of Narnian characters up to a special picnic at the Cloughmore Stone, a possible inspiration for Aslan’s How. Celebrate Rostrevor’s unique connection to the Chronicles of Narnia and discover the wonderful local produce of the area.
  6. Dram-on-the-Bann Coleraine, 16 November.  A marvellous opportunity to appreciate the historic town from a different perspective, and a perfect afternoon spent with family and friends. Guests will be treated to a selection of delicious canapés celebrating their award-winning local produce.
  7. Pink-and-Blue Belfast, 17 November. Two clowns discover Pink and Blue and playfully explore all these questions. With silliness and fun, come along and join the Crescent Arts Centre for this show that aims to find out if we can all be who we want to be and accept others as they are too.
  8. Naturally-North-Coast-and-Glens-Artisan-Market Ballycastle, 17 November. Naturally North Coast and Glens Market provides the opportunity to experience a unique artisan market in and around the Causeway Coast and Glens region of Northern Ireland. Market visitors will have every sense enticed through the colourful art and crafts, the delicious aromas, taste of fresh food produce and the sound of musicians.  
  9. Whitehead-Sea-and-Food-Tour Carrickfergus, 15 November. Experience the famous Causeway Coast as you depart Whitehead and kayak around Blackhead Lighthouse to The Gobbins, with qualified instructor Anne from Causeway Coast Kayaking. This special two hour kayaking tour will take in the sights and sounds of local wildlife offering a different perspective of The Gobbins.
  10. Belfast-Christmas-Market-2019 Belfast, 16 November. Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from for an award-winning taste of Christmas. With over 30 international traders will be offering incredible foods and delightful gifts ideas, you’ll never be stuck for choice.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland 

If you can’t do the marathon – do the #tedathon!

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Maeve Curley from Lavey (and a member of Termoneeny Running Club) is busy training for next year’s London Marathon.

Ted Curley #tedathon

She is determined to raise as much as she can for Children’s Liver Disease Foundation (CLDF) the charity which has been close to her heart ever since her six year old son, Ted, was given a life-saving liver transplant when he was just 22 months. Now Maeve has come up with a novel idea to keep her on track with her training and boost her fundraising – it’s the Tedathon!

“I want people to pledge to walk, run or cycle for 5K or 30 minutes each day during December,” says Maeve. “It’s only £10 to join in so it’s a simple way both to raise money for a fantastic cause and to improve health and fitness during a month of over-indulgence. I’m lucky to have got a London Marathon place but I appreciate not everyone can do that. However, anyone can join in the Tedathon I’ve got friends and family both here and overseas who have signed up.  With a choice of a Tedathon medal (that doubles up as a Christmas tree bauble), or a pair of glow in the dark laces (as well as a ‘fit’ December) upon completion, I would love if as many people as possible could get on board and get Tedathon done!”

“To have a child suffer liver failure and go through transplant at such a young age is truly traumatic but Children’s Liver Disease Foundation have been there for us with information and emotional support all along. We want every family in our situation to have that kind of support and this is my way of giving something back.” 

“I would not have been able to launch Tedathon without the support of Declan and Emma Leung at Virtual Run NI.  They have provided guidance and ideas, and are designing the most amazing medals,” said Maeve.  Declan said, “At Virtual Run NI, we want to encourage people to get fit and active, we want to motivate and encourage runners (and in this case walkers, cyclists and swimmers too!) of all abilities and ages.  We always reward all finishers with the most fantastic medals and we are really excited about our Tedathon medal!”

Jacqueline Mc Gonigle, Chair of Termoneeny Running Club said, “We are proud to support Tedathon, and would encourage all runners, walkers, swimmers and cyclists to sign up for this very worthy challenge.  Termoneeny Running Club is only too happy to promote this fundraiser, and have enjoyed coming up with lots of ideas to support Maeve and Tedathon.  We wish Maeve all the best with her London marathon training.” 

L_R Jacqueline McGonigle, Chair of TRC, Bobby, Maeve Curley, Ted Curley and Declan Leung from Virtual Run NI

Alison Taylor, Chief Executive of Children’s Liver Disease Foundation commented: “CLDF is the only UK charity dedicated to fighting all childhood liver diseases, by providing information and emotional support, funds for research and a voice for all those affected. In order to do this however, we rely on voluntary donations, so we are delighted to hear about the Tedathon. What a fantastic and fun way to get people involved in raising awareness.” 

Click HERE to sign up to #tedathon19 and good luck!

You can join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter and use the hashtag #tedathon19

For more information on CLDF visit childliverdisease.org.

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

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Down

Come along to North Down Museum’s Mulicultural Festival this Saturday at Bangor Town Hall to experience a range of unique multicultural activities, entertainment, family-friendly activities and workshops at this creative, community festival.

Armagh

Join the Millennium Court  Arts Centre Newry this Saturdayfor their Family Open Art Day. At 11:30am there will be a projection style screening of ‘Pokemon Detective Pikachu”, then join the arts team afterwards rom 1:30pm – 3:00pm to use a selection of materials to design and make some fake souvenirs from a fake place! 

Fermanagh

This Saturday evening the Ardhowen Theatre Enniskillen will host the world premiere of The Beating Heart of Ulster which celebrates the rich musical heritage from both Irish and Ulster Scots traditions as well as the local landscape. This world premiere performance blends song, dance and storytelling, and will be performed by local young musicians and dancers from across the district, bringing the audience on a musical journey through the history and landscape of Fermanagh and Omagh.

Tyrone

From 7th to 10th November the Craic Theatre Coalisland presents The Little Shop of Horrors! The meek Seymour Krelborn, who works in a flower shop on Skid Row, stumbles across a new breed of plant.  He calls it Audrey II – after the woman he works with and with whom he is love.

Derry 

Los Dramáticos take you on an exciting voyage around Latin America and Spain this Friday night at the Playhouse in Derry.  Los Dramáticos bring together flamenco guitar, the charango lute and vocal harmonies to give new life to traditional songs from both sides of the Atlantic. For this special show they are joined by renowned jazz drummer Steve Davis.  

Antrim

The RPSI will be holding its first Model Railway Day at Whitehead Excursion Station this Saturday, 9th November, with a line-up of marvellous miniature models, steam train rides, refreshments, etc. All this, and the Museum exhibits too!

Belfast

Join TinyLife #Premvember celebrations as they host a special Afternoon Tea event in Stormont, Parliament Buildings on Saturday 9th November 2019 courtesy of Robbie Butler MLA.  TinyLife guests will have a guided tour of Parliament Buildings, relax to music by the McAuley Swing Duo and enjoy Afternoon Tea in the eloquent surroundings of the Great Hall.  

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (04 – 10 November 2019)

1.       The-Hillside-Game-Evening Hillsborough, 7 November. The Hillside are offering an experience like no other this November. Join them for a five-course gourmet meal focusing on local County Down game. The Hillside chefs work with Hillsborough’s local gamekeeper to source the best game produce from wild duck to rabbits and venison. A bespoke menu will be created and paired with fine wines, and a Copeland gin reception will welcome guests on the evening.

2.       Winter-Cookery-Demonstration-by-Ian-Orr Derry~Londonderry, 9 November. In celebration of Taste the Island, join the talented Chef Patron Ian Orr for a winter cookery demonstration. Ian will share tips for preparing amazing meals at home, and the demonstration will be followed by a delicious three-course meal.

3.       Fire-Feast-Ultimate-Game-of-Thrones-Tour Ballymena, 7 – 14 November. This Game of Thrones themed tour will include a full day fire and feast experience visiting several filming locations, with themed food and drink tastings, outdoor cooking, plus carving and spear throwing. The tour will also include a visit to the Game of Thrones® Doors carved from fallen trees of the Dark Hedges. This tour includes a two night stay at the four star Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, a full Irish breakfast and use of the thermal spa.

4.       RUA-Saturday-Tours-2019 Belfast, 9 November. Guided tours of this year’s Royal Ulster Academy exhibition led by experts in contemporary art and as well as exhibiting Academicians. These tours last approximately 40 minutes and offer audiences new insights into the 389 works in this year’s exhibition.

5.       An-Evening-of-Music-and-Dance Belfast, 8– 9 November. Enjoy an Evening of Music and Dance as Birmingham Royal Ballet’s world-class orchestra showcases the Royal Ballet Sinfonia, under the baton of Northern Ireland’s own Paul Murphy. Alongside the company’s internationally-acclaimed dancers will be Belfast-born Melissa Hamilton, the rising star of the sister company The Royal Ballet.

6.       World-Wars-Coach-Tour Bangor, 9 November. On this tour you will have the opportunity to visit three key sites: North Down Museum, Grey Point Fort and the Somme Museum, along with other sites that link to momentous events including the Battle of the Somme and D-Day. A knowledgeable guide will entertain you with some interesting facts that might surprise you.

7.       Loughbrickland-Poin-to-Point Banbridge, 9 November. Loughbrickland point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and get close to the winning post for a bird’s-eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.

8.       Boat-Fishing-Competition  Portrush, 2 November – 7 December. Portrush Yacht Club is proud to host the 2019 Boat Fishing Competition series in conjunction with Causeway Lass. In addition, a raffle will also take place on the day and all prizes will be awarded in Portrush Yacht Club after the event.

9.       Lurgan-and-the-1641-Rebellion Craigavon, 5November. In this lecture Dr. Naomi McAreavey of University College Dublin will examine the events of the 1641 Irish rebellion and the impact it had on the emerging town of Lurgan. Her talk will be based on an analysis of the witness statements taken during the 1641 depositions, which provide eyewitness accounts of the events in question.

10.   A-Conversation-with-NASA-Scientist-Dr-Sarah-Noble Belfast, 6 November. NASA scientist Dr Sarah Noble will present on lunar geology in the past, present and future. This is followed by a conversation moderated by journalist Sarah Travers, highlighting what we have learned about the Moon from the Apollo programme and more recent missions, what the future plans are for lunar exploration and what we want to learn when we do go back.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland 

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

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Down

Do things go bump in the night at the Exploris Aquarium? Well now is your chance to find out with the new alternative night out – Night at the Aquarium this Friday and Saturday Night.  Includes meal, guided tour and more!

Armagh

Join the Armagh Planetarium “Adult Only Takeover” when adults get the chance to take over the facility for the night this Friday.  Grab a glass of bubbles, experience the dome theatre, be entertained with the Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble live science show with Scientific Sue and take home an intergalactic space photo.

Fermanagh

Scary trail for Children at Lusty Beg Island until 3rd November. Includes food and a drink.   Are you brave enough to walk the woods, can you explain the noises and sightings, are you ready to experience Fermanagh’s scariest Halloween Event?

Tyrone

Phil Coulter’s long career as a songwriter, producer and recording artiste has been recognised over the years and you can see Phil perform live at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday night.  An original retrospective on the work of one of our finest, it’s a show for every lover of good music.  

Derry/Londonderry

The Walled City Market returns to Guildhall Square this Saturday from 11.00 to 4.00pm, welcoming the very best of artisan traders and offering visitors a family friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods and hand crafted products.  Tickle your taste buds with homemade jams, chutneys, sauces, artisan breads and cakes,  a range or organic meats and of course some sweet treats!

 Antrim

Join the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on Saturday November 2nd for their Spooktacular Witches and Wizards Afternoon Tea.  Devour delicious sand-witches, drink down a poisonous potion, and indulge in some devlish delights.  Halloween Movie | Face Painter | Small Gift | Fancy Dress Competition | Witch-craft corner | Room Décor. .£12.50 per child | £16 per adult 

Belfast

An Evening of Irish Horror is the perfect, cozy scare for when the air gets cold and the night grows dark, with two classic Irish spook stories reanimated in the dark, with live music – two original scores for violin, cello, and guitar. Wireless Mystery Theatre presents A Story of Irish Gothic at the Crescent Arts Centre this Saturday evening.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Jacqueline McGonigle

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