Author: whatsonni

Fur-iz Navidad!

With less than a week left of one of the year’s biggest celebrations of our furry friends, dog owners would be ‘mutts’ to miss out on this pawfect pre-Christmas event.  The We Love Dogs exhibition at Belfast Exposed in the city’s Cathedral Quarter, which runs until this Saturday, December 21, features hundreds of adorable portraits and action shots of dogs from right across Northern Ireland.

A joint venture between Jollyes The Pet People and leading photography centre, Belfast Exposed, the exhibition takes place in The Studio Gallery and is free to the public. The exhibition also hosts a ‘Give A Dog A Home’ space where images from seven local rescue and rehoming centres showcase dogs seeking their forever home.

Jollyes’ Northern Ireland regional manager Laura Hadden said the event has been a resounding success. She said, “Like us, our customers are ‘Pet People’ and the We Love Dogs exhibition has proven itself the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joy our four-legged friends bring to our lives. “With the rescue and rehoming centres highlighting those dogs needing a new family, it is also the perfect opportunity to give a dog a new home. But please remember a dog is for life not just Christmas and any decision to rehome a dog should not be taken lightly.”

Belfast Exposed CEO, Deirdre Robb, said the event has been truly heartwarming and she is encouraging those who haven’t attended to do so before the exhibition closes on Saturday. She said, “Jollyes is a household name right across Northern Ireland and we are thrilled to have had their
support for our ‘We Love Dogs!’ exhibition. “We were blown away by the number of submissions we received from right across Northern Ireland. We
are clearly a country of animal lovers.

“The pictures are just brilliant and you can’t help but have a smile on your face when you wander around the gallery looking at these images.” To find out more about Belfast Exposed’s ‘We Love Dogs!’ Exhibition visit We Love Dogs! – Belfast Exposed.

For more information about Jollyes, visit www.jollyes.co.uk or check out Jollyes’ social media on Twitter and Instagram.

Join Michael McHale, his friends and BBC R3 for a Winter Weekend at Portico, Portaferry

Winter weekends in January can be bleak but, for a stunning and heartwarming winter treat, Portico has the answer: Ulster pianist Michael McHale is returning to Portaferry but this time with his friends, oboist Juliana Koch and clarinettist Michael Collins, for three recitals over two days, for BBC Radio 3.

Come to all three, stay a night, enjoy all that Portaferry has to offer from picturesque shoreside accomodation to the freshest of seafood.

Michael McHale needs no introduction to Ulster audiences – in his stellar career he has given recitals in most of the major concert venues in Europe and much further afield but it is always a joy to welcome him back to Portico in his native Ulster. In his first recital on Friday 31 January, Michael will play Mozart, Barber, Brahms and, to finish, Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

On Saturday 1 February at 1pm he will be joined by Juliana Koch, Principal Oboe of the London Symphony Orchestra and Professor of Oboe at the Royal College of Music, London, for a lunchtime recital to include Britten and Prokofiev.

There’s time, then for a good walk along the shores of Strangford Lough and indulgent refreshment before returning in the evening when Michael will be joined by the international clarinettist Michael Collins, fresh from engagements with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra. His astounding career has included stints with the Philharmonia, Minnesota, Swedish Chamber, Rheinische Philharmonie, Kyoto Symphony, BBC Concert and Kuopio Symphony Orchestras as well as tours in South Africa, Australia, Japan and Mexico. The two Michaels will play works by Finzi, Ferguson, Brahms and Poulenc.

Tickets are £17 per show or, for all 3 recitals the special price of £34. Portico’s specialist music programme is supported by National Lottery Good Causes through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. For more details and to purchase tickets visit www.porticoards.com

Written by and Starring Caroline Curran The MAC Belfast, 5th-31st December 2024

 “It’s now or never” for best mates Marty and Frankie who are die hard Elvis fans and all they want this Christmas is to go to their idols (tribute) concert In Las Vegas before one of them leaves “The Ghetto”. But will getting delayed at the airport have these two “Caught in a Trap” for Christmas?

Come and join the gang that brought you last years hit Are Yule Being Served? for a rocking new Christmas comedy and let us have you “All Shook Up” this Christmas!

Cast featuring Rhodri Lewis (Torchwood) and Patrick Buchanan (Hope Street)

Following on from her successful run of last years Christmas Comedy  Are Yule Being Served? Caroline is hoping to have audiences “shaking their pelvis like Elvis” at the Mac this Christmas.

Having written & co-written the Christmas shows at Theatre at the Mill for the 7 years, including her most recent Jingle All the Hairspray, Caroline is delighted to be back in The MAC Belfast, producing her own work for the second time. Caroline is inspired to create employment for actors and stage managers over Christmas, and bring a brand new comedy to her loyal audiences who have supported her since her days of playing beloved character Maggie Muff. (Who is also coming back!!)

With shows quickly selling out again, The MAC are about to announce additional shows being put on to give everyone a chance to see this hilarious Christmas show!

Delight in the sparkle, cheer and magic of our top events this Christmas

 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a short break, day trip or new experience with extra sparkle. If you’re craving adventure or a relaxing retreat, Discover Northern Ireland has a ‘nice list’ of ideas for all your festive fun.

For the countdown to Christmas, Belfast becomes a magical place with twinkling lights and cosy pubs to escape into as the nights turn colder.

Tick off all your presents with a trip around Victoria Square shopping centre, before heading over to the famous Belfast Christmas Market or kick off the season of indulgence with a night of fine dining in one of the many restaurants, or cocktails in the plethora of bars and pubs.

Alternatively, make for the maiden city of Derry~Londonderry, and kick off your Christmas celebrations with a stroll along the Peace Bridge taking in the festive lights of the city or soak up some culture at The Playhouse or Millennium Forum.

From short break inspiration and activities to places to stay, amazing events, food and drink, this holiday season has everything you’d want and more. Check out our top events this Christmas season.

Belfast

• Belfast Christmas Market, 16 November – 22 December: Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the award-winning Belfast Christmas Market is back with a nostalgic Victorian twist. On the third weekend (November 30th to December 1st), step into a charming Dickensian world as you stroll through the market, surrounded by iconic characters from Charles Dickens’ novels. Enjoy enchanting storytelling, lively performances, and the festive atmosphere of a bygone era along with the usual festive grotto and vintage Helter Skelter. With over 100 international and local traders, the market offers a delightful selection of handcrafted goods, artisan products and festive treats.

 

• A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast, 27 November – 23 December: Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience with Titanic Belfast. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year on a guided tour of their Magical Christmas Experience. Meet your Elf guide and take a journey as a group through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter the Elves’ Workshop.

 

• Christmas at W5, 30 November – 23 December: Join Santa and his trusty elf-bot Bud-E at the Elf Academy and help save Christmas through fun games and challenges. Then, step into the magical world of With Every Christmas Card, where holiday scenes spring to life in an immersive walk-through experience. For some friendly competition, try Penguin Curling or join an epic indoor Snowball Fight—without the freezing fingers. Their massive Climbit structure is aglow with holiday cheer, and at the Jingle All the Way Café, you can warm up with seasonal treats and festive drinks.

 

County Armagh

• Mission Santa at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, 23 November – 23 December: Join the E.L.F. crew for Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure in Space. Your out-of-this-world adventure will include admission to a full show in the dome theatre, a chance to help save Santa inside mission control during a live theatrical show, a visit to see Santa, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.

 

• Santa at Long Meadow Farm, Portadown, 6 December – 21 December. Drive through this enchanting, star-lit orchard to the cosy Bramley Barn.  The elves will welcome you into Santa’s Grotto with a smile and festive cheer, and a Christmas story you will hearwhilst you sip on hot chocolate.

 

• Winter Solstice Mindfulness Morning at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, 20 December (21 Dec sold out).Embrace the forthcoming year and celebrate the Winter Solstice. Follow a lantern lit processional walk to the top of Navan Fort/Emain Macha, where you will watch the sunrise. On returning to Navan Centre, you will be served breakfast where you can relax and enjoy live music.

 

County Fermanagh

• Christmas Wonderland at Share Discovery Village, 6 – 23 December: Share Discovery Village has launched both an enchanting Christmas Wonderland and Fermanagh’s only festive roller-skating rink. The custom-built, 70-person roller skating rink transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with twinkling lights and festive decorations. Highlights of the immersive Christmas experience include a visit to Santa’s magical grotto, a winter roller rink session, meeting Santa’s donkeys, a dedicated teen games room, a bouncy castle and creative colouring station, interactive games and unique photo opportunities in Santa’s igloo.

 

• Christmas at Marble Arch Caves, 1 December – 5 January: Visit Marble Arch Caves this Christmas and embrace the festive spirit with a variety of exciting events and experiences for everyone. Elf Escape Heroes vs Villains (2-21 December) is an elf-tastic quest – they could be in the high trees or hidden among the landscape. The Sensory Space is designed for those with access and sensory needs, this calming space offers low-lit blue lighting and interactive sensory stations, perfect for relaxed enjoyment. Up to eight visitors can follow a self-guided mini-trail, engage with gentle Elf activities, and even hunt for hidden elves with a special activity sheet.

 

• Festive Fun Farm (Build a Bear) at Fermanagh Fun Farm, Lisbellaw, 30 November – 22 December. Don’t miss this family friendly experience that will bring a little bit of magic to your Christmas. Make sure to build your own bear with? the help of the elves in Santa’s workshop and join Mrs Claus for story time. Visit Santa and choose your very own gift and don’t forget to check out the 100+ resident animals on the farm.

 

County Tyrone

• Winter Wonderland at Todd’s Leap Activity Centre, 1 – 22 December: This Christmas, Santa, Mrs. Claus, and those elves will be taking over Todds Leap again Following an incident on their Zip Line in 2014, Santa and his Elves set up home at Todds Leap and this year they’re BACK! Hop aboard Santa’s off-road sleigh, visit his post office and workshop and play for prizes in an exciting family quiz.

 

• Christmas at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, 6 December – 3 January: Step into a Christmas past, full of nostalgia and traditions, as you wander the wintry streets of the Folk Park. Take in the Christmas décor, smells and festive flavours as you wander the cobbled streets of olde Ulster and America. On weekends, there’ll be Christmas crafts for kids, mince pies and warmed apple punch from Mrs Claus’ Bakery, plus festive tunes and Christmas storytelling sessions. Mummer characters will entertain you and there are also horse and carriage rides.

 

• The Argory Christmas Fair, Moy, 7-8 December: Christmas at The Argory is all about the excitement of reviving festive traditions and sharing precious moments with loved ones. The Christmas Fair will return to The Argory, bigger, better and more festive than ever before, with live music, food and craft stalls and plenty of opportunities to tick off that Christmas gift list with unique locally made finds. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for Christmas. Families will also have the chance to meet Santa and his elves in the grotto.

 

County Antrim

• Causeway Christmas, Bushmills, 7 and 14 December: See the award-winning Giant’s Causeway Visitor Centre beautifully transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Embark on a magical Christmas Trail to discover the secrets hidden around the Visitor Centre and get your face painted before enjoying some traditional family games or creating your very own decoration. The latest addition to the Causeway Christmas 2024 programme is the one and only ‘North Coast Circus’.

 

• Victorian Santa Experience at Whitehead Railway Museum, 1– 22 December: Enjoy a festive themed train ride in a heritage carriage adorned with Victorian style decorations and hauled by a steam engine at Whitehead Railway Museum. Enter the magical carriage shed where you will be greeted by Mrs Claus who will help you to find Santa. Don’t forget to post your letter to Santa in the chimney of one of the engines.

 

• Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens, County Antrim, 29 November – 21 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 in and see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit. There is a Big Wheel, rides and a Festive Fayre with local food and drink.

 

County Down

• Christmas Movie Screenings with Strand Cinema at Ulster Transport Museum, 20 and 21 December: The Ulster Transport Museum has partnered with Strand Arts Centre for special screenings of two festive classics — A Wonderful Life and The Polar Express. Tickets includes access to the Rail Gallery at time of entry and a warm drink (hot chocolate at The Polar Express or a mulled wine at It’s a Wonderful Life). Also, from November 30 until December 1 see the Folk Museum decorated for the festive season. Settle in for a festive story and listen out for carol singers, plus festive sounds from a brass band and harpist. Post your letter to Santa at the Post Office, and make sure to say hello to the donkeys at the Marketplace.

 

• Christmas at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, 23 November – 23 December: Explore the gardens adorned with dazzling decorations inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas and stay on the lookout for our polar bear in the pond and a giant Advent calendar! Families will love discovering hidden gems, from a secret grotto to a garden trail. Continue your journey inside the beautiful Castle, where twinkling lights and Christmas trees fill the grand State Rooms with festive cheer. On select December days, children can meet Santa himself and take home a special bag of reindeer food. Be sure to warm up with hot chocolate or mulled wine and with festive treats at the café, to round off a perfect day out for all the family.

 

• Cranfield Alpaca Christmasfest, 7, 14 & 21 December: Enjoy a magical Alpaca Christmasfest Experience and revel in the joy of the season with festive crafts, a special visit from Santa in the festive barn, and the chance to meet, walk, and feed adorable alpacas. Capture memorable moments with Santa, who brings gifts for everyone! Savour delicious refreshments, including hot chocolate with fresh cream and marshmallows, festive punch, and sweet treats like mince pies.

 

County Londonderry

• Walled City Brewery Carnival of Crafts, Derry~Londonderry, throughout December. Make your Christmas extra special with the Walled City Brewery’s Carnival of Crafts. This series of festive workshops will feature some of the finest craftspeople in the city. Each workshop has been tailored to create a truly immersive experience and includes a fabulous two-course dinner and drinks in multi award-winning restaurant.

 

• Castlerock Christmas Market at Bertha’s Bar, 7 – 8 December. The Castlerock Christmas Market returns to Bertha’s Bar. Visitors can stroll through a variety of stalls offering locally crafted gifts, treats, and seasonal décor, perfect for holiday shopping. Set against Castlerock’s scenic coastal backdrop, this market creates a magical opportunity to support local artisans and embrace the Christmas spirit on the Causeway Coast.

 

• Santa’s Grotto at the Bridewell, Magherafelt, select dates from 23 November – 21 December. Santa returns to the Bridewell this festive season. Experience the magic of Christmas at the Bridewell Grotto.  Post your letter to the North Pole and make your very own Christmas decoration. Visit Santa and his elf in his enchanting Christmas grotto, take your own family photos and receive a small gift.

 

Unmissable music and theatre across Northern Ireland

Enjoy extraordinary music, theatre and family entertainment this holiday season. To name a few, Peter Pan at Grand Opera House, Belfast; Ulster Orchestra at Christmas – The Snowman™ at Belfast Waterfront Hall; A Christmas Carol at the Lyric, Belfast; Beauty and The Beast at Waterfront Hall, Belfast; Aladdin at Millennium Forum, Derry; Rapunzel, at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh.

Whether you’re looking for enchanting light displays, heartwarming holiday markets, or special performances that capture the spirit of Christmas, you’ll find it in Northern Ireland. Check out our Christmas Supplement

https://discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks-ni

Book your next festive break or day out and start planning for next year at discovernorthernireland.com

Local charity Cancer Fund for Children are inviting the public to their Twilight Concert in St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast Thursday 21^st November.

 

It will not only feature the Cancer Fund for Children’s very own Carefree Choir ( made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers) but performances from the wonderful ARCO String Quarter and Ireland’s premiere a cappella vocal band Ardú.

 

Cancer Fund for Children provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer and the special concert set in candlelight in the beautiful cathedral will raise money towards their services.

 

The event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist and presenter, Holly Hamilton.

 

Tickets are available via the charity’s website –

cancerfundforchildren.com and cost between £10 & £25.

Riverdance 30 The New Generation is coming to Belfast!

Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide.

The Grammy award-winning music and the infectious energy of its mesmerising choreography and breathtaking performances has left audiences in awe and established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.

To celebrate this incredible 30^th year milestone, Riverdance will embark on a special anniversary tour, bringing its magic to audiences around the world. This will include dates at Belfast’s SSE Arena from 17^th – 20^th December 2025 with a matinee on Saturday 20^th December.

Tickets for these dates go on sale this Thursday 21^st November at 10am from ticketmaster.ie

This spectacular production rejuvenates the much-loved original show with new innovative choreography and costumes and state of the art lighting, projection and motion graphics. And for the first time Riverdance welcomes “The New Generation” of performers, all of whom were not born when show began 30 years ago.

John McColgan, Director of Riverdance said “It is both a privilege and a delight to celebrate 30 years of Riverdance and the unique journey it has taken us on. In those 30 years the show has transformed from a spectacle into a global cultural phenomenon – continuously evolving yet remaining true to its Irish roots. On this upcoming tour we look forward to welcoming ‘The New Generation’ of artists while paying tribute to the talented performers, creators, dedicated crew, and the millions of fans who have made Riverdance a worldwide celebration of music and dance.”

Audiences will enjoy a unique and memorable performance which blends the traditional and the contemporary, showcasing the skill and passion of the world-class of dancers, musicians and singers in the Riverdance ensemble.

Composed by Bill Whelan. Produced by Moya Doherty. Directed by John McColgan.

Riverdance 30, The Next Generation will play SSE Arena Belfast from 17^th -20^th December 2025

Show schedule

Wed 17^th Dec 8pm

Thurs 18^th Dec 8pm

Fri 19^th Dec      8pm

Sat 20^th Dec     2pm matinee and 8pm evening shows

Tickets on sale from Thursday 21^st November at 10am from ticketmaster.ie

For more information on Riverdance see Riverdance.com @Riverdance

For more concert / show information see aikenpromotions.com @aikenpromotions

 

TITANIC Belfast is partnering with ArtsEkta to launch ‘A Magical Christmas Experience’ at its annual Christmas Light Switch On event on Sunday 24^th November.

There will be lots of free festive fun for everyone to look forward to from 2pm, with the arrival of Father Christmas, carols from the Lisburn Community Choir, ArtsEkta Bollywood dancers, funfair entertainers, Santa’s Elves and Reindeers, balloon modelling, face-painting and a Festive Fayre as well as the official illuminating ceremony, all taking place on Titanic Belfast’s Plaza.

ArtsEkta, the multi-award-winning cultural organisation works to develop intercultural relationships at the heart of the community, have picked three children to join Father Christmas in adding festive sparkle to the world-famous building by switching on the Christmas lights while celebrating Belfast’s rich cultural diversity.

Eimear Kearney, Associate Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “Our annual Christmas launch is always one of the highlights of our event calendar, bringing a real community spirit to the building, helping us kick off the festive season at Titanic Belfast. This year, we are delighted to be partnering with ArtsEkta to help make this a truly inclusive event for all communities across Northern Ireland. It’s a free event, so we invite everyone to join us for lots of family fun and festive entertainment.”

Nisha Tandon, CEO of ArtsEkta said, “We are honoured to be the charity partner for this year’s ‘A Magical Christmas Experience’ at Titanic Belfast. This partnership embodies the spirit of community, allowing us to enrich the lives of those in need while celebrating the cultural diversity of our city. We look forward to bringing our participants, many of whom are new to the city, to experience joy and excitement at Titanic Belfast this Christmas”

As part of the festive fun at Titanic Belfast, the hugely popular ‘A Magical Christmas Experience’ will open on Wednesday 27^th November and run until Monday 23^rd December.  Visitors will enjoy a guided journey through the Enchanted Forest to make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree, see the Elves’ Workshop, visit Mrs Claus to hear Christmas tales, write and post their own Christmas letter, enjoy some festive arts and crafts before their names are checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list ahead of meeting Father Christmas individually with their families.

For further information on Christmas at Titanic Belfast go to www.titanicbelfast.com

It might be cold outside but it’s warm and welcoming inside Portico with its ever-friendly volunteers, gorgeous architecture and wide range of events from classical to contemporary music not to mention stand up comedy shows and even a Christmas panto for the kids.

This weekend brings The Björn Identity on (Sat 16 Nov) for dancing queens of all ages followed on Sunday (17 Nov) afternoon by The Fews Ensemble with special guest Tenor Aaron O’Hare. Their programme includes favourites from Schubert and Barber as well as the world premiere of Amy Rooney’s ‘Response’.

Three comedians are bringing stand up shows to Portaferry in the next few weeks: William Thompson (Fri 22 Nov), Neil Delamere (Fri 29 Nov) and Tim McGarry (Fri 13 Dec).

On Sat 23 November, The Illegals featuring Niamh Kavanagh will deliver the best of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac in one fabulous show. On Fri 6 December, another two for one special event pairs The Henry Girls with folk artists Lore to ensure a night of unforgettable harmonies.

Three festive events will get you in the mood for Christmas. First is a much-acclaimed production of Handel’s Messiah by Merry Opera (Sat 7 Dec). This dramatised version features 12 professional singers who each play characters searching for meaning in their everyday lives – a poignant, invigorating and fresh take on the seasonal classic.

Centre Stage Theatre returns with its annual family pantomime on Sunday 15 December at 3pm. This time it’s the turn of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Oh yes it is!

Just before the big day, the congregation of Portaferry Presbyterian Church and The Newquay Singers invite everyone to join them for their annual Nine Lessons and Carols on Sunday 22 December at 7pm.

Portico is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and by Ards and North Down Borough Council. To find out more about Portico or its programme please visit porticoards.com