Author: whatsonni

This year’s countdown to Christmas will begin with the annual lights switch-on at Belfast City Hall on Saturday 16 November.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Micky Murray will be joined on stage by comperes Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show for a packed programme of entertainment for all the family.

Tickets will be available from visitbelfast.com on a first-come-first-served basis from 10am on Tuesday 5 November, with a second release of tickets available from 7pm on the same evening. There will be a limit of five tickets per booking.

Looking ahead to this year’s entertainment programme, Councillor Murray said: “This year’s Christmas lights switch-on promises to be a fantastic evening of family fun to get everyone into the Christmas spirt and officially kick-start the festive period.

“We are packing a variety of performances into an hour-long programme including music from talented local singer-songwriter Sasha Samara representing the Oh Yeah Music Centre, carols from Finaghy Primary School and Christmas songs from Ballyhackamore Rock Choir.

“We’ll also have acrobatic thrills and skills from Tumble Circus, a performance from The MAC’s Christmas pantomime ‘The Adventures of Red Riding Hood’, a routine from Belvoir Players Theatre Academy’s production of ‘Frosted’, plus bagpipes from the current Ireland under 13 bagpipe champion!

“The day also sees the opening of the popular Belfast Christmas Market at 12 noon and the start of a six-week festive entertainment programme in our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue. It will host activities and events for all ages including choir performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, art workshops, sensory activities, a doggie fashion show, silent discos and much more.”

Stuart Robinson, Content Director Bauer Media NI: “We’re absolutely delighted to partner with Belfast City Council for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch-On! Christmas is a particularly special time for our radio stations – Cool FM’s ‘Cash for Kids Mission Christmas’ campaign aims to ensure every child in Northern Ireland receives a gift on Christmas morning and over on Downtown Radio we flip our entire music format to Christmas songs for the month of December – so it’s fitting that our presenters will help officially kick off the festive season in our city!”

The switch-on event on Saturday 16 November will last around an hour, with gates opening at 6pm and the event starting at 6.30pm. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so those attending are encouraged to use public transport and allow extra time for their journeys.

Tickets for the wheelchair accessible viewing platform can be booked in person at the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or by calling 028 9024 6609 on Tuesday 5 November from 10am. These are limited to two per booking.

For full details of the switch-on event and other festive events in Belfast city centre and beyond, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

The Leid and Lairn Festival, happening in Ards and North Down throughout November, is a celebration of the rich language, culture, and history of the Ulster-Scots tradition. The festival provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Ulster-Scots, from its language and powerful folklore to its influential role in shaping local history.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, the programme offers a vibrant mix of events that showcase the depth and beauty of Ulster-Scots heritage through music, poetry, storytelling, and historical walks and an exhibition. Taking place across the Borough, the events offer something for everyone.

Highlights of the festival include Stories and Songs of the Seanchaí at Portico, Portaferry on Saturday 2 November. Join folksinger, songwriter and storyteller Colin Urwin for some beautiful ballads and rhyming monologues. Steeped in a lifetime of traditions of his beloved Glens of Antrim, Colin has long been exposed to traditional Irish and Scottish music, song and story. He is most inspired by the people, places, the history and legends and the sheer, rugged romance of the northeast coast of Ireland. From these conjure up many of his beautiful ballads, magical monologues and delicately woven tales of wonder. Tickets cost £10.

NI Opera will present From Old to New: Ulster Scots Songs at Ards Arts Centre on Wednesday 13 November. This lunchtime concert will explore how Ulster Scots song has changed over time, performed by mezzo soprano Carolyn Dobbin and pianist Tristan Russcher, who will lead you on a path through the evolutions of Ulster-Scots songs across an hour of beautiful song and fascinating musical insights. Tickets cost £6, including tea / coffee and shortbread.

Speaking about the programme, Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Manager, Emily Crawford said: “We are delighted to offer the first Leid and Lairn festival for the borough of Ards and North Down. There’s lots of exciting events on offer over the next month and in particular through stories and song we hope to engage, educate and entertain attendees on the importance and rich cultural heritage of the Ulster-Scots tradition.”

Tickets are on sale now and can be booked online at ANDCulture.org.uk, or in person at Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum, or any of the Ards and North Down Visitor Information Centres.

To view the full programme, visit; www.andculture.org.uk

Cancer Fund for Children provides vital support to children, young people and families impacted by cancer. On Thursday 21^st November, they are hosting a special Twilight Concert in the iconic St Anne’s Cathedral to raise money towards their vital services with the help of event sponsors, Power NI and Causeway Securities.

Nestled in the flickering glow of candlelight, attendees will be treated to a mesmerising evening of music and connection with performances by the wonderful ARCO String Quarter, Ireland’s premiere vocal band Ardú and the charity’s own Care Free Choir made up of families supported by the charity, staff and volunteers. This event will also be hosted by award-winning journalist, Holly Hamilton.

Speaking on this, William Steele, Managing Director of Power NI said:

“Power NI are delighted to be supporting Cancer Fund for Children’s Twilight Concert for a second year in a row. Cancer Fund for Children does tremendously valuable work across Northern Ireland for those young people diagnosed with cancer, their families and their communities. We look forward to November 21st and what promises to be a wonderful night for a great cause.”

After experiencing their own childhood cancer diagnosis, the McMillan family were supported by Cancer Fund for Children and will be performing at the event as part of the Care Free Choir.

Speaking on their involvement, they said:

“Choir gives us a chance to come together with other families that have been through similar situations. It allows us to support each other as a group through laughter and music and to celebrate our successes and process our tougher moments together as a choir family.”

Each week in Northern Ireland, approximately 3 children and young people (aged 0-24) are diagnosed with cancer. Purchasing tickets to this event will help fund Cancer Fund for Children’s vital services so they can be there for families when they need them most.

Tickets can be purchased on the charity’s website today where you can also find out more about this organisation and how you can support. Visit https://cancerfundforchildren.com/event/twilight-concert/.

Ahead of the release of their first studio album in eight years, Come Ahead, Glaswegian legends Primal Scream have announced details of their upcoming UK/EU tour, which includes a show in the Ulster Hall Belfast on 14 April 2025.

Tickets on sale Friday 1 November at 10am

The Come Ahead Tour marks Primal Scream’s anticipated live return after 2022’s Screamadelica Live and 2023 headline summer shows were rapturously received. The band’s headline performance at Crystal Palace’s South Facing Festival was described as “a powerful, emotionally charged performance” by The Telegraph in a five-star review.

Come Ahead finds Primal Scream’s principal songwriter, vocalist and frontman Bobby Gillespie preparing to release some of the most personal songwriting of his band’s career. The songwriting process for Come Ahead began in 2022, at which point Bobby Gillespie had no idea if he would make another Primal Scream album again. For the first time in a long time, the lyrics came before the music. The story came first. Bobby wrote alone, using an acoustic guitar. Ideas flowed fast, in long bursts of inspiration. This process, in tandem with encouragement from producer David Holmes, provided a new way in. Working with Holmes and Primal Scream guitarist Andrew Innes, the Come Ahead sessions were completed between Belfast, London and Los Angeles.

The time that’s elapsed since Primal Scream’s previous album has seen Bobby Gillespie at his most prolific. Shapeshifting between some of the most celebrated projects of his career whilst steadily stockpiling the songs that would become Come Ahead. His 2021 memoir Tenement Kid was selected as Rough Trade’s Book of the Year, and won the NME Award for Best Music Book. The band’s era-defining Screamadelica album celebrated its 30th anniversary with huge sold-out gigs across the UK, including London’s Alexandra Palace. Gillespie teamed with Paul Weller writing lyrics for ‘Soul Wandering’, the first single from his latest album 66, and collaborated with Jehnny Beth in Paris writing and recording an entire album of duets titled Utopian Ashes. Bobby also collaborated with acid house duo Paranoid London, singing on their new song ‘People (Ah Yeah)’, and composed his first movie soundtrack for the 2023 cinematic release Five Hectares with French filmmaker Émilie Deleuze. Bobby also sings on six new songs on the forthcoming Peter Perrett album, The Cleansing. This myriad of new creative projects provided the vital space for Come Ahead to take shape.

Connect with Primal Scream

Instagram / X / Website / Spotify

Christmas at the Cathedral returns to Armagh on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 December for the eighth year to celebrate the true essence of Christmas through the beauty of music and song.

The sacred surroundings of St Patrick’s Cathedral will come alive with the stirring melodies of renowned folk and spiritual artist Malachi Cush. Malachi will be joined by acclaimed baritone Karl McGuckin, Armagh’s own vocal gem Eilis Fox, and the talented choir from St Catherine’s College.

Accompanied by a full chamber orchestra, Christmas at the Cathedral promises to usher in the Christmas season with grandeur and grace in one of the most majestic of settings.

Speaking of Christmas at the Cathedral, Malachi said: “Of all the performances I’m blessed to take part in during the festive season, Christmas at the Cathedral is by far my favourite. The event holds such a special place in my heart as it provides the audience with the opportunity to get together with friends and family in a breathtaking venue to sit back and pause while soaking in the true spirit of Christmas. The heartwarming musical arrangements, whether they be familiar carols or moving solos, are designed to evoke cherished memories of Christmas past while creating new memories to take into the future.

“I am looking forward to sharing the stage again with my dear friend Karl McGuckin, who needs no introduction, and to welcome the enchanting Eilis Fox, whose distinctive voice is one of Armagh’s treasures. The vibrant voices of the choir from St Catherine’s College will add a youthful and uplifting energy to the evening and I have no doubt that the audience will leave the concert filled with the magic of Christmas.”

As Ambassador for St Vincent de Paul in the Northern Region, Malachi has chosen to support SVP with a donation from the event on Friday 13 December with St Patrick’s Cathedral benefiting on Thursday.

Tickets for Christmas at the Cathedral are priced at £22.50 and are available now online at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/christmasatthecathedral/

Come along to Ards Puppet Festival in Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 October, for lots of puppet family fun!  The Autumn-themed festival, organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, will welcome a packed programme celebrating animals of all shapes and sizes, through puppetry performances, workshops, and even a Puppet Petting Farm!

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of puppetry with Sea Legs Puppet Theatre’s gentle, musical retelling of The Ugly Duckling, where you’ll meet the Story Man and a host of other colourful characters. Join Henry Clutterback and The Musicians of Bremen on an exciting new journey filled with friendship and bravery. Keep an eye out for the wolf in Banyan Puppet Theatre’s classic rendition of Red Riding Hood and get ready for plenty of fun when Granny hosts a sleepover in the brand-new show Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite!

Over both days, festival-goers can enjoy Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre’s lively performance of Billy Goats Gruff and Professor Queen-Bee’s It’s Bee-Hind You, a Punch and Judy-style show with a ‘green’ twist. Handmade Theatre Company will charm audiences with their Puppet Petting Farm, where families can interact with handcrafted animal puppets. Children can also participate in puppet-making workshops to create their own characters.

Speaking about the festival, Arts Community Development Officer, Amy McKelvey said: “We are thrilled to be presenting a variety of puppet talent at this year’s festival and can’t wait to welcome families to Ards Arts Centre for a truly magical event which will appeal to young and old alike.” 

With a mix of bookable shows and free activities, Ards Puppet Festival promises two-days of fun for the whole family. The festival takes place from 27 – 28 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

– The award-winning festive event is a celebration of Armagh’s Georgian heritage –

Armagh’s annual Georgian Festival will kickstart Northern Ireland’s festive season, marking the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Returning for its 20th year this November, the award-winning event will run from November 28 to December 1, launching the Cathedral City’s Christmas celebrations. The city is set to bring its Georgian past to life through buildings, characters, customs and a jam-packed programme of events that will appeal to history buffs, curious families, culture vultures and foodies. Many of the events are free to attend, and so the destination is preparing to welcome thousands to the city across the four days.

Festival goers can choose from a range of guided tours, each offering a unique glimpse into Armagh’s rich history. From the scenic Palace Demesne Tour and exclusive Archbishops Palace tours to the informative Guided Georgian Walking Tour, there’s something for everyone. Food lovers can indulge in a sparkling three-course feast in the glorious surroundings of the Archbishop’s Palace at the Highwayman’s Banquet as they listen to tales and tunes dedicated to stories of the Notorious Highwaymen & Rapparees, creating a dining experience that seamlessly blends history, storytelling, and fine cuisine.

There’s also the chance to get a taste for the pitiless Georgian legal system as a member of the jury at Armagh Courthouse in a mock-trial – a spectacle of rough justice. Throughout the city, festivalgoers will encounter iconic Georgian figures—noble gentry, street urchins, and gin-soaked ladies—as they wander and explore. On The Mall, families can enjoy an array of festive activities, including traditional funfair rides like the Carousel and Swing Boats, along with classic games such as Hoopla, Hook a Duck, and Coconut Shy. Santa’s reindeer will even make an appearance, and as night falls, fire performers will light up the evening for all to enjoy.

Topping off the programme is the acclaimed Light Show. It will run Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November and is a dramatic Holly Jolly Christmas animation that will transform the Market House into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects, and other surprises. (Tickets essential)

Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr Kyle Savage, said, “Our Georgian Festival is an established cornerstone of Armagh’s cultural calendar – it’s recognised far and wide for its impressive selection of activities, and the unforgettable energy and atmosphere it brings to the city. Through the combined efforts of the local Council team, and our artists, performers, retailers and artisans, we’ve been able to build an event that brings the local community together, whilst also welcoming visitors to experience the rich heritage and history of Armagh City and its surrounding areas.”

The Georgian Festival originally launched in 2004 as a one-day market, thanks to the efforts of a team of remarkable local retailers. Since then, it has transformed into the four-day celebration known to most today and has soared in popularity with people from Ireland and the UK, as well as international visitors, as a result. The artisan market element of the festival has now grown to include more than 130 festive market stalls selling high-quality crafts, gifts, food and seasonal products, making it one of the largest on the island. Set to take place on Georgian Day, Saturday November 30, the Georgian market stalls will take place as the clip clop of horses and the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled spices fills the street.

Roberta Wright of Wrights Interiors on Scotch Street in the city was part of a team of retailers who were responsible for establishing Georgian Day in its early days.  It was created as an opportunity to showcase Armagh, to highlight the wealth of independent retailers in the city and add some Christmas sparkle for visitors. She said, “It’s incredible how far the festival has come since we first launched in 2004. Armagh has such a unique history, a fascinating story to tell, and a community of people who are passionate about the heritage of this place, and our Georgian Festival gives us the perfect platform to showcase everything that makes Armagh the wonderful place it is. Excitement is already building for our 2024 celebration, and I would highly recommend visitors pop by the wide range of independent stores in the city to do some Christmas shopping as they make their way around the exciting activities taking place across the city.”

The team behind the festival are continuing to embrace sustainability as Gill Robb, Events Manager at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, explains. She said, “Our famous, must-see light show, running on the evenings of Friday November 29 and Saturday November 30, will switch to a more sustainable power source this year, whilst park and ride facilities will also be available on Saturday. We’ve also tried to limit as many single use plastics as possible with stallholders switching to compostable plates, glasses and cutlery, and abiding by our complete ban on plastic bags.”

For more information and to book tickets for special events head to visitarmagh.com.