Author: whatsonni

East Belfast Sure Start Families Enjoy A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast

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Local Sure Start families had the chance to enjoy some festive cheer at the exclusive launch of Titanic Belfast’s A Magical Christmas Experience.

Evelyn Erhabor and her children Amy, Danielle and Isiah from Sure Start, are pictured with one of Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience’s elves.

15 families were invited by East Belfast’s Sure Start to see Father Christmas arrive and launch A Magical Christmas Experience. They were the first to step through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter into the Elves’ Workshop, join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen, hear Christmas tales, enjoy festive games, badge making, look up their names on the naughty or nice list and meet Father Christmas himself.

Sure Start is a programme that works with families with children under the age of four in the 25% most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.  It aims to improve health, social development and the ability to learn by promoting parents’ involvement.

Aware that Christmas can often be a difficult time, the event enabled these families to celebrate the joy of the festive season together, which the charity is passionate about. The charity is encouraging families to use Christmas as “anytime is chatting time” this year. By smiling, talking, laughing, singing and sharing stories parents can help their development.

Sure Start East Belfast coordinator, Tracey Wilson, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time and we are so grateful to Titanic Belfast for giving our Peer Support and Young Mums’ families a break from the stress of the festive season through this unique event. The festive season can be a wonderful time for families to be together and create some lovely memories, like this event did. It is also the perfect opportunity to talk to your child, sing songs and read stories, which will not only help them learn to talk and concentrate but also make friends, so this Christmas, we are encouraging everyone to make anytime chatting time.”

Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, Judith Owens, commented: “Christmas is a truly magical time of year and our Experience is all about embracing festive cheer and creating unique memories. We are really pleased to host local families from Sure Start together and hope we have added something special to the lives of these very deserving families!”


Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience runs until 23 December, to book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Enchanting Heart of Winter Show coming to Newtownards

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Lyngo Theatre’s magical family show Heart of Winter is coming to the Queens Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 30 November at 2pm and 7pm.

Lyngo Theatre’s Heart of Winter show is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Queens Hall, Newtownards, 30 November. 2pm & 7pm.

Ards and North Down Borough Council welcomes this festive show which is sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas! The musical production celebrates family, friendship and the good fortune of finding the winter we really need and want with the precious offering of fluffy snow.

Christmas is coming and Sally can’t sleep – it’s far too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No-one can remember the last time it snowed, or even rained, and her father can’t sell any of his umbrellas. To help her sleep Dad reads her a story about the last snowflake.

That night Sally has a dream that changes everything – a mysterious silver spark transforms her bedroom into a glistening, white field where she meets the glowing heart of Winter.

Speaking about the show, Community Arts Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council, Amy McKelvey said: “We are very excited about bringing this beautiful Christmas show to Newtownards. Lyngo performances are always so magical and utterly unique, it is the perfect way to kick off the festivities for all the family.”

Tickets cost £5. The show is suitable for ages 3 +. Duration 1 hour.

For further information and booking, please visit www.ardsarts.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 (25 Nov – 1 December)

1.       Childrens-Christmas-Baking-Workshop Dungannon, 30 November. Budding bakers can get stuck into Christmas baking in this fun hands-on class at Wee Buns Cookery School. Guests will learn about ingredients and baking techniques, pick up handy tips and have a go at piping. The children will be rolling out the cookies, baking and decorating them with royal icing. They will also each make and decorate a dozen chocolate fairy cakes.

2.       The-Great-Georgian-Banquet-An-Evening-in-Vienna Armagh, 29 November. Travel through the mists of time to join a Viennese banquet in the beautiful Georgian setting of the Archbishop’s Palace in Armagh. In the splendour of the Archbishops Palace, experience an evening in Vienna. Enjoy music, dancing and a sumptuous five-course meal with fine wines, evoking the tastes of the time, served with a modern twist.

3.       Sippy-Fest-Craft-Beer-Drinks-Extravaganza  Derry~Londonderry, 29 – 30 November. Sippy Fest started around a kitchen table in the City of Culture year which then grew to a festival with over 1200 people enjoying local brews, food and music in the Guildhall. Sippy Fest puts a strong focus on local produce, as well as allowing people to meet the brewers, discuss the products in a fun environment, with local live music and more.

4.       Friendship-Four-2019 Belfast, 29 – 30 November. The thrill and excitement of American college Hockey will return to Belfast at the SSE Arena this November. The Friendship Four tournament is a unique opportunity to watch the only NCAA college hockey tournament to be held outside of the United States. The tournament will feature elite hockey players from across the world providing hockey fans with an exclusive first chance to see up and coming stars of the future

5.       Christmas-Lights-Switch-On Ballycastle, 28 November. The Diamond, Ballycastle will be buzzing for the Christmas Lights Switch On. Come along and join in the carol singing and electric atmosphere as the countdown begins with live entertainment before the arrival of Santa Claus in his horse drawn carriage.

6.       Italian-Wine-Dinner Derry~Londonderry, 29 November. For an evening out with a difference, head over to Bonds Hill Restaurant for some fabulous Italian Wine Dinner. Enjoy Prosecco on arrival and a six course tasting menu with perfectly paired wines. A wonderful dining experience and a delight for foodies and wine lovers.

7.       Winter-Wonderland Enniskillen, 30 November – 14 December. Cancer Connect NI is delighted to announce the return of their Magical Winter Wonderland to Enniskillen. Once checked in at the ticket booth, families will be greeted by Mrs Claus and her elves upon arrival. Following some games and fun entertainment you will be invited to board their amazing Polar Express which will take you to a secret castle location

8.       A-Journey-Beyond-Prejudice Belfast, 25 November. This talk, which is part of the CS Lewis festival, will look into Lewis’s family background in early 20th century Belfast and the attitudes of that era, followed by Lewis expert Rev. Mercia Flannagan who will consider how Lewis’s later Christianity was broadened by his friendship with Tolkien.

9.       Observatory-Tours-Armagh Armagh, 30 November. Follow the Christmas star during a tour of the Armagh Observatory building. Learn about the Observatory’s history, current scientific research and its programmes of Science. As an option, you can journey back in time and learn about the star the Wise Men followed in their Planetarium seasonal ‘Mystery of the Christmas Star’ dome show.

10.   Adventure-Caving-at-the-Marble-Arch-Caves Enniskillen, 1 December. Delve off the beaten track with an experienced and qualified Cave Leader to explore the depths of the Marble Arch Caves system. Alongside a group you will have the opportunity to explore cave passages, negotiate boulder chambers and clamber through the well-known flyover to emerge into the public tour of the show cave before navigating your way out.

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

Santa Claus is coming to town, Banbridge town!  Meet him at the annual Christmas Lights Switch On and Twilight Market event this Friday evening.  Enjoy the festive atmosphere, street entertainment and visit the magical Twilight Market showcasing local artists, handmade crafts and Christmas delights. 

Antrim

The Victorian Street Fair/Steam Saturday in Whitehead takes the form of a street fair and train rides within the Whitehead Excursion Station premises, with the chance for visitors to enjoy the unique steam experience.  See at close hand how the magnificent steam locomotive works, talk to the Driver and Fireman and see the footplate.

Armagh

With seasonal crafts and workshops, real reindeer, a snow globe, light sculptures and a wide range of stalls selected to appeal especially to children, you will find the magical Children’s Market a must do for little visitors. The perfect event to make lasting family memories. This Saturday, The Shambles Yard, 1.00pm to 7.00pm.

Derry

Join Santa and his elves in Maghera Walled Garden for some festive fun, or why not try some arts and crafts in the Lurach Centre, before you follow his sleigh to the town centre for the Christmas lights switch on. This Saturday 30th November, 3.00pm to 6.00pm.

Fermanagh

Cancer Connect NI returns with their Magical Winter Wonderland to be held at a secret location in the heart of Enniskillen. After refreshments, games and entertainment, board the Polar Express through the town to Santa who has a special gift for you with an opportunity for photographs.

Tyrone

Na Fianna Christmas Fair and Christmas Tree Lights Switch in Coalisland takes place this Sunday 1st December.  1.00pm – 5.00pm at the Parochial Centre and from 4.30pm at the Cornmill Heritage Centre​ there will be free face painting, balloon modelling and the opportunity to meet Santa in his cosy corner.

Belfast

The Titanic magical Christmas Experience is now open until the 23rd December. Journey through the Enchanted Forest, the Old Curiosity Shop, the Elves’ Workshop, Mrs Claus’ cosy kitchen, the bustling post office and peek into the Elves toy shop! Have your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by the Chief Elf and get to meet Father Christmas!

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

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Down

This Saturday in Bangor, expect family fun, food and craft market and seasonal entertainment, all leading to the lights switch on at McKee Clock arena with extra special guests The Snowman™ and The Snowdog followed by a fireworks finale.

Antrim

This year’s Courtyard Theatre Newtownabbey’s pantomime will be the 10th Anniversary Production of the Courtyard Theatre and Mr Hullabaloo Productions bringing timeless magic to your Christmas treat!  Prepare to soar away on a magical carpet ride of non-stop laughs and thrills in one of the most spectacular pantomime adventures of all time – Aladdin. November 23rd to December 21st.

Armagh

Enjoy a magical evening of festive song, dance and merriment with performances for all the family, including carol singing from local primary schools at the Portadown Twilight Market and Christmas Lights Switch On this Friday evening 22nd November from 6.00pm.

Derry

Join in the fun in Magherafelt on Saturday 23rd November for live entertainment and the Christmas market, before the street party kicks off and countdown begins to this year’s Christmas lights switch on. The market is back again for a second day on Sunday 24th November.

Fermanagh

On Sunday 24th November, Share Slalom is back for the 16th year in a row at Ballyconnell Lock Gate. Waterways Ireland has developed this area with canoe steps and assisted flow boulders to provide a superb venue for this Paddle 4 Sport League event.

Tyrone

It’s time to get signed up for Dog Trails NI’s next race event in the magical and wild grounds of Lissan House in the heart of Mid Ulster this Sunday 24th November. Muddy Mutts comprises a 5K, 3K and kids race. This is a canicross race…….but one with a twist! As a location for equestrian events, Lissan House is going to be a muddy one, with jumps and swamps to challenge you and your dog!

Belfast

Every Sunday evening comedic improvisers at the Accidental Theatre, Shaftesbury Square put together scenes, songs, and stories from audience suggestions. All scenes are created in the moment, and no two shows are ever the same.

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.

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.

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