Author: whatsonni

It’s that chilling time of year again – when pumpkins grin, ghosts giggle, and creativity runs wild!

Both Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts Centre in Limavady are getting into the Halloween spirit, with a fang-tastic programme of films, workshops and frightfully good family fun.

At Flowerfield Arts Centre, little monsters can dive into creativity with a 2D Character Animation Masterclass (29th October) led by Joel Simon, where young artists can design and animate their own spooky creations.

On screen, the family favourite Hotel Transylvania (27th October) brings hilarious Halloween antics to life as part of Cinemagic’s ‘Young Audiences Supporting Foodbanks’ initiative. For grown-up film fans, things take a chilling turn with The Fog (30th October), John Carpenter’s 1980 cult ghost story that promises to send shivers down your spine.

Over in Limavady, Roe Valley Arts Centre has conjured up a week packed with Halloween magic and mayhem. Young creatives can enjoy a range of themed workshops including Jellycat Ceramics (25th October), Wizards & Witches Science (27th October), Magic Potions Bubble Art (28th October), Slime Lab (29th October), and even Creepy Crawlies & Repulsive Reptiles (30th October), where brave visitors can meet real-life creatures!

Families can settle in for a free screening of Disney Pixar’s Coco (28th October), a heartwarming celebration of family, love and remembrance, while younger audiences will adore the enchanting puppet show Tom Thumb (27th October) presented by Banyan Theatre.

As darkness falls, adults can enjoy a night of true-life ghost stories with Tenx9 Halloween (30th October), a storytelling event that’s equal parts eerie and entertaining – perfect for those who like their chills with a touch of cabaret atmosphere.

Both centres round off the festivities with a spooky spectacle of fun at their Haunted House open afternoons. Expect an afternoon of eerie decorations, Halloween crafts, and a monster disco where even the zombies can’t help but dance. Costumes are highly encouraged – whether you’re a witch, wizard or wobbly mummy, it’s time to get into the spirit!

Haunted House Open Afternoons (Free Admission.  Children must be accompanied at all times.)

• Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady: Thursday 30th October, 2–4pm
• Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart: Friday 31st October, 2–4pm

So, grab your broomsticks, dust off your capes, and get ready for a Halloween filled with creativity, community and plenty of spooky surprises.

Book workshops and event tickets at www.flowerfield.org or www.roevalleyarts.com, or call your local arts centre for more details.

Please note the Haunted House Open Days at both centres are free and no booking is required. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian throughout the Open Day events.

Limavady Museum has proudly launched its new exhibition, ‘The Daintifyt Years’ at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre.

The event was officially opened by Councillor Steven Callaghan, who highlighted the vital role the factory played in Limavady’s economy and community, and paid tribute to all those who worked there.

The launch evening was warmly attended by former employees of the factory, making for a wonderful night of reminiscing, sharing stories, and enjoying refreshments together.

The Daintifyt Years exhibition pays tribute to one of Limavady’s most iconic factories, which opened its doors in October 1953. Within its first 10 months, the factory employed nearly 250 people and was known for producing the elegant English Rose line of bras and corselettes.

But beyond being a workplace, Daintifyt was a vibrant hub of social activity, fostering strong community spirit through football teams, darts clubs, beauty contests, and the Northgate Ladies Choir.

Although the factory closed in 2004, ending 185 jobs, its legacy lives on. This exhibition celebrates those memories through photographs, artefacts, and a complimentary publication, preserving the rich history of Daintifyt for future generations.

The Daintifyt Years exhibition will be on display until Saturday 28th February 2026. Admission is free and all are welcome to visit.

For further information or to RSVP to upcoming events, please contact: museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

This autumn, step inside the Courthouse Bushmills for a very special exhibition – celebrating the craft and creativity of makers from across the Causeway Coast and Donegal.

On Saturday 22nd November, 11am–3pm, explore a vibrant exhibition featuring nine exceptional makers, each bringing a unique perspective and skill:

• Lisa McGill – evocative seascapes capturing the drama and beauty of the Atlantic coast.
• Siobhan Gillespie – colourful, joyful paintings inspired by Donegal’s landscapes.
• Moira McHugh – sustainable art transforming everyday materials into striking creations.
• Sandra Smith – family-run screen printing studio celebrating local heritage with hands-on workshops.
• Amy Campbell – minimalist silver jewellery influenced by the North Coast.
• Samantha Toussaint – sculptural work weaving natural materials with folklore and storytelling.
• Patsy – Rathlin sustainable knitwear, decorative items, and community-inspired yarn art.
• Yvonne Moore – bold abstract paintings exploring emotion and the human experience.
• Simon Hogg – handcrafted gins celebrating local botanicals and heritage.

Families are especially welcome, with a Mini Makers section where children of all ages can take part in drop-in creative activities – no booking required, free to attend and in the same room as the makers.

Visitors can also enjoy tea, coffee and delicious treats on the day, available to purchase.

Beyond the exhibition, The Courthouse offers a host of treasures to make it a real day out! Enjoy The Bistro for a meal, The Designerie for Christmas gifts and artisan treats, and explore the Leap Spaces on the middle floor, showcasing even more creatives.

Dating back to 1834, The Courthouse combines history with a contemporary creative hub, making every visit an engaging and inspiring experience.

This family-friendly event promises a day of discovery, inspiration and hands-on fun!

Event Details

Saturday 22^nd November

11am – 3pm

The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QB

Free Entry

This event has been supported by the International Fund for Ireland, through the cross-border Connecting Communities project.

For more information, visit: https://www.enterprisecauseway.co.uk/2025/10/06/crafted-on-the-coastline-a-celebration-of-craft-at-the-courthouse-bushmills/

UK’s largest textile craft event heading back to Northern Ireland for second year 

The organisers of the UK’s largest craft show have issued an invite to Irish makers and businesses to take part in this year’s event.

The Knit + Stitch Show will take place from November 13-16 at the The Eikon Exhibition Centre outside Lisburn, the epicentre of Northern Ireland’s once thriving linen heartland.

Responding to feedback from last year’s inaugural show, organisers are introducing bespoke platforms to enable artisan makers and textile craft businesses to take part and showcase their work.

New for this year will be the Knit Lounge, hosted by Inspiring Yarns, and a dedicated Yarn Village promoting independent yarn dyers and producers.  Organisers are keen for local yarn companies and wool providers to get in touch to secure their place in this dedicated feature.

There is also still time to enter the Christmas Jumper Competition, another new feature for 2025 in place of the dressmaking competition. Deadline for entries is 11.50pm (GMT) on October 6 with finalists displayed at the show and modelled on the catwalk

Organisers are asking knitters and crocheters to create a Christmas themed jumper bursting at the seams with festive cheer – the more creative, the better!

In addition to more than 100 craft exhibitors and over 150 workshops, there will be an enhanced focus on knitting and crocheting with 14 knitting exhibitors already signed up to attend. Other new exhibitors this year include Black Sheep, Fantastic Ribbons, Italian Buttons and What The Fabric.

Following the success of last year’s show, organisers are confident the 2025 event will be bigger and better. They’ve even installed a Prosecco Bar so visitors can raise a glass and enjoy a good ‘yarn’.

Visit https://www.knitandstitchshow.co.uk/northernireland/whats-on-pr/ to find out how you can take part in this year’s show and to enter the Christmas Jumper competition.

As World Tourism Day 2025 is celebrated around the globe under the banner of “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation”, Belfast Flavours members are celebrating serving sustainability and authenticity on World Tourism Day and every day by seizing the moment to showcase how its food, drink, and hospitality scene is leading the way in reimagining tourism for a more authentic future.

One example of how collaborative partnerships, and eco-conscious choices can redefine the visitor experience, is that of a new partnership between Pan and Pour and Boundary Brewery.

Andrew Dougan, Co-Chair of Belfast Flavours said: “I’m a firm believer in the circular economy and sustainability is in our DNA at Pan and Pour and Yellow Door. As a member of Belfast Flavours, our business has benefited from the connectivity of our membership with our new and exclusive creation for ICC Belfast between Pan and Pour and Boundary Brewery. This exciting opportunity underpins our relationship with the team at ICC Belfast and their belief in us as a local business to serve their international audiences on a global stage.”

Belfast Flavours facilitated a meeting which resulted in an IPA being exclusively produced for ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall which has subsequently been named by its team. The ‘Encore’ beer joins other products being served to visitors of the venues, made and produced locally on our doorstep. This partnership symbolises the kind of authentic and sustainable opportunities that Belfast Flavours exists to champion between producers, venues, and the people who bring the city’s culture to life.

Andrew added: “For me, sustainability isn’t a slogan. It’s a responsibility. I’m committed to buying the best locally and reinvesting locally. I don’t think business should be about sucking the profits out of Northern Ireland but about keeping the value here and making it sustainable for businesses, for the local economy and the local community.

“This ethos comes to life in Encore. Brewed less than a mile from the purpose-built International Convention Centre, the beer represents a break from globalised supply chains dominated by multinational food and drink manufacturers. Instead, it gives international delegates a taste of Belfast, made by Belfast and with a flavour shaped by local creativity and pride.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to trade in a building that was built by the people of Northern Ireland, for the people of Northern Ireland. The fact that the ICC Belfast team named the IPA themselves shows the strength of connection between the venue, the producers, and the community it serves.”

That sense of connection runs throughout Belfast Flavours members and their tourism offering. Whether through storytelling-led walking tours or farm-to-table dining, Belfast Flavours members ensure visitors leave with memories that go beyond the plate or glass.

Belfast Flavours is a celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary culture and a network that connects chefs, producers, venues, and guides. More than a showcase, Belfast Flavours is proving that collaboration and authenticity can transform how visitors experience the city.

To become a member of Belfast Flavours visit www.belfastflavours.com/membership.  Follow Belfast Flavours Food & Drink Collective on social media.

Belfast Flavours Food and Drink Collective is supported by DAERA via the NI Regional Food Programme.