Author: whatsonni

Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Spring Programme has just been released! The exciting schedule of events, exhibitions, classes, workshops and talks, covers the January to April 2024 period and is now available online to view and for bookings.

With the New Year, comes plenty of opportunity to learn a new skill or try your hand at something new. The Creative Classes and One-Day Workshop series at Ards Arts Centre includes Drawings Skill, Ceramics, Observational Oil Painting and lots more!

Music lovers will be spoiled with events to suit all tastes. The Ards International Guitar Festival is taking place from 17 – 21 April in various venues around Newtownards. Highlights of this year’s festival include Classical Virtuoso Manus Noble and previous Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Sarah McQuaid. Kyle Riley is also returning to entertain little ones with his unique family-fun concert, Little Folk on the Road. The popular Friday Night Live events also return to Ards Arts Centre with Roving Out, The High Lonesome and a night celebrating Irish Rock with Paul McMordie and friends.

For literary fans, Aspects Festival is holding two special Festival Club events at Bangor’s Imperial Bar, inviting writers to come along and read some of their work in a welcoming environment. For young readers, Young Aspects offers a weekend of book-inspired children’s activities, taking place 1 – 3 March.

North Down Museum is delighted to launch a new series of Hidden History Talks on a range of fascinating topics, themed around its exhibition series. The museum will also open its doors for the popular family friendly Arts Night at the Museum on Friday 22 March. The historical museum building will be filled with local artists providing arts and crafts activities for you to participate in, experience or observe. This free event is fun for the whole family. Little Historians will enjoy the history-themed Easter scheme at the museum including dress-up, games and craft themed activity.

Looking for a last-minute Christmas gift? Online ticket pre-sales for all music events and enrolment for all classes and workshops are available from Thursday 14 December.

Speaking about the programme, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “We have plenty on offer on our Spring programme, from creative classes to live music and family events. I would encourage everyone to check out the programme online or pick up a copy of our brochure from Ards Arts Centre or North Down Museum and book your tickets early!”

To view the full programme, book tickets or enrol in a class or workshop, visit: www.andculture.org.uk

 – Festive Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium this December –

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced a number of family friendly Christmas themed events that will take place on site during December 2023.

These include:

Astronaut George, a 15 minute toddler Dome Show that will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023. During this show, George investigates the best planet to live on and the dangers lurking on the surface of other planets in our Solar System. But will he find any alien friends to play with? Join us and find out in this interplanetary adventure!

The show is suitable for pre-school children who must be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Perfect Little Planet, a 30-minute family Dome Show that will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023. The show allows you to discover our Solar System from the perspective of a family from another star system, who are seeking the perfect vacation spot. Fly over the surface of Pluto, our best-known Dwarf Planet. Dive down the ice cliffs of Miranda. Sail through the rings of Saturn. Feel the lightning storms at Jupiter and walk on the surface of Mars. Which destination would you choose?

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Our Solar System, a live, 35-minute family Dome Show suitable for all age groups, will run at various times from 16th December to 30th December 2023.

In this interactive show, produced by the Armagh Observatory and Planetarium, you can sit back, relax and enjoy an out of this world tour of the Solar System. See the planets up close, safely gaze at the Sun, and let your presenter guide you to where you want to go!

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Look Up! A Winter Night Sky Tour. Suitable for adults and those aged over eight, this seasonal tour around the night sky as seen from Ireland, will run at various times from 27th   December to 30th December 2023.

Let Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s presenters guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky.

We are Guardians, a 25-minute Dome Show suitable for adults and those aged over six, this will run at various times from 27th December to 30th December 2023. The show looks at how ecosystems are intrinsically connected and, with the increasing use of Satellite Monitoring, examines the links between human activities and climate change.

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Moonbase: The Next Step, a 30-minute Dome Show suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this will run at various times from 27th December to 28th December 2023.

It has been over 50 years since humankind last set foot on the Moon and now we are going back to stay. The show tells the story of this human endeavour, visualising the scientific and technological advances needed to safely travel 250,000 miles and survive hostile and alien conditions. How do we establish a foothold on the Moon? Can we explore the vast landscape and extract the resources needed to live there on a permanent basis?

Children under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. The ticket includes exhibition entry.

Stargazing evening, which will run from 7-9pm on 29th December. Suitable for adults and children aged over eight, this two-hour session at Armagh Planetarium will see a team of experts help you navigate the night sky using telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in the digital theatre and an astronomer talk.

This session will be a Telescope clinic with the Irish Astronomical Association.

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon (50^th Anniversary Special), a 45-minute music Dome Show suitable for those aged over 16, which will run at various times during 29^th December and 30^th December.

The new show, which celebrates the 50^th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s iconic album ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ sets the album to stunning 360° visuals of our Solar System and beyond.

Children Under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, as the show contains infrequent use of strong language. The show also has some flashing images and visuals, which may cause a sensation of movement.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

Here are ten exciting things to do 11- 17 December

 

1. Magic & Mistletoe at Magheramorne Estate, Larne, County Antrim, 11-17 December. Encounter all the fantastic live characters, explore Magheramorne Farmyard, discover The Polar Village, solve the clues, and meet the most magical of all, Father Christmas. Included in your ticket price is a selection of delicious festive treats from toasted marshmallows and hot chocolate to mince pies and mulled wine. Each child will also go home with a special festive gift. Allow two hours to complete the trail which can be tricky in places to navigate with a pram.

1. Christmas Movies at the Museum, Belfast, County Antrim, 11-17 December. Come along to the Ulster Museum and enjoy some family favourite festive films. Everything from Elf, Arthur Christmas to Frozen 2 will be on show in the lecture theatre. You can even bring your own popcorn!
2. Winter Circus by Tumble Circus, Belfast, County Antrim, 15 December- 2 January. This thrilling circus showcases some hardcore acrobats, eye-popping jugglers, and hilarious comedy acts. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the festive season with a unique take on festive fun for all the family! So, head along to the heated Big Top in the city’s Cathedral Quarter and prepare to be amazed by feats of jaw-dropping dexterity. The event includes a relaxed performance, specifically designed to welcome people of all ages with Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition, or sensory and communication disorders.
3. Headhunters Barber Shop & Railway Museum, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, throughout December. Fancy a trim and want to learn all about trains at the same time? Well, here’s your chance! The Johnston family’s decision to combine their traditional skills with their interest in local railway history has led to one of the most unique and fascinating attractions in Northern Ireland. So gets your locks looking lovely and take in the locomotives! This unique spot seamlessly blends a traditional barbershop with a railway museum boasting one of the largest collections of Irish Railway memorabilia.
4. Visit Father Christmas and his Elves at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 11-23 December. Stroll through the snowy streets of Ulster and America in Omagh! Elves will guide you to the magical home of Father Christmas and Mrs Claus, where you will get a gift and fill up on yummy shortbread and spiced apple juice. The chief elf will even read The Night Before Christmas as a special treat. The ticket price also covers admission to the Folk Park.

6. Shortcross Gin Discovery & Tour Experience, Crossgar, County Down, 15 December. Enjoy a tour in this scenic corner of Northern Ireland while soaking in the sights and aromas of a working distillery. Get a chance to try Northern Ireland’s award-winning craft gin and enjoy neat tastings, a lesson on how to pour the perfect G&T, as well as creating a bespoke label and wax dipping your own personalised bottle of gin to take home. This distillery provides a thoroughly modern experience in ancient settings which is perfect for any gin lover.

1. Christmas in the Poorhouse, Belfast, County Antrim, 15-16 December. This an interesting window into the stories of Belfast’s disadvantaged. This tour uses research from Clifton House archives to tell the story of the Christmases of the 18th and 19th century. The guided tour will be interwoven with augmented reality, allowing you to step back in time, and see how the building would have looked then. You will uncover what kind of food was available to the poor children of the city and what efforts were made to try an introduce some festive cheer. The modern-day visitor will be guaranteed refreshments on arrival!
2. Christmas Craft Fair, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 6 December. Celebrating its 29th anniversary this year, the event showcases an exquisite range of bespoke craft items created by design-makers and artisan food producers from across the island. So, if you need that perfect bespoke gift this is the perfect place to find it!

9. Crafty Christmas fun at Armagh Museum, Armagh, County Armagh, 16 December. Discover Christmas traditions from the past, have a go at making seasonal crafts and enjoy an afternoon of festive stories from renowned storyteller Janice Witherspoon. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
10. Santa in the Bramley Barn, Armagh, County Armagh, 11-17 December. Get into the festive spirit at Long Meadow Farm! Drive through the magical orchard to the enchanting Bramley Barn. You will be welcomed into Santa’s grotto where you can hear a Christmas story, sip on hot chocolate, and make some reindeer food. There’s the chance to write your all-important letter and take part in some arts and crafts including designing a plate or glass for Santa. You will also receive a Christmas book and have the chance to chat to the man himself and have a photo opportunity to cherish for years to come.

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit https://discovernorthernireland.com/

Do something different and swap the bath bombs for baking this festive season

 

Are you tired of gifting the standard issue scent, socks and skincare gift sets? Do you want to find that truly memorable present that won’t be forgotten before the turkey leftovers are finished?  Well, this is the year to embrace change so why not step into Christmas and a giant experience in Northern Ireland.

In this fast-paced modern world, it can feel as if the festive season is gone within the blink of an eye. But science says exposing yourself to new experiences, sights and sounds rewards and stimulates your brain in a way repeated experiences don’t.

So, to make this festive season more fun and help make this wonderful time of the year feel like it is lasting longer, gift an adventure they’ll remember.

From making to baking you can create great memories in Northern Ireland while maybe even learning a new skill and supporting local talent in the process.

So, to ensure you squeeze every last drop of joy out of the holidays, Discover Northern Ireland has put together a selection of unique gift ideas.

County Fermanagh

• Located on the banks of Lough Erne just outside Enniskillen lies a distillery focused on producing pure spirits with a sustainable and organic approach. With picturesque views of the lough on tap, The Boatyard Distillery is the first legal distillery in County Fermanagh in over 130 years and a tour of the premises could be the perfect gift for the gin lover in your life. Before the tour is finished, you’ll also get the chance to label and sign your own bottle of Boatyard Double Gin. This immersive experience offers the perfect chance to see, taste and embrace the spirit of Fermanagh.

County Antrim

• Enjoy an intimate Jewellery Making Workshop at Gobbins Crafts in Islandmagee. Led by experienced goldsmith and designer, Heather McFadden, you’ll discover the enjoyment and satisfaction of making your own piece of jewellery. With each session limited to four people, Helen’s guiding hand and the relaxed and peaceful surroundings at Gobbins Craft means everyone will get the most from their experience. Each guest will leave having created their own set of stacking rings, knot rings or pendant.

County Tyrone

• For the little chefs in your life, why not learn some new skills and take a cookery class together? At Wee Buns Cookery School near the Moy, the adult and child baking class provides the perfect shared experience as you and your little one learn how to make the most delicious sponge cakes, buttermilk scones and rocky roads. Over the course of this three-hour class that is suitable for children aged seven and up, each adult and child will make a Victoria Sponge Cake, Vanilla Buttercream to fill and decorate the cake and some buttermilk scones.

County Londonderry

• For the adventurer in your life why not introduce them to Dragon SUPs with Far and Wild in Derry~Londonderry. Half Stand Up Paddle Board and half Dragon Boat, this 22ft long and 34-inch-wide board is built for speed. The four-man crew required to pilot the board can be made up of family friends or random companions for the day. Depending on other bookings you will either be racing along the River Foyle against at least one other group of four or against the clock on a pre-made iconic route. Don’t worry if you’ve never been on a paddle board before as Far and Wild’s experienced guide will put you through your paces before the racing begins.

County Armagh

• For the budding photographer in your life, why not help them see Northern Ireland with a creative eye via Panoramic Ireland. These photography experiences and workshops are tailored to the participant’s skills and interests so whether you’re a beginner who wants to accelerate the learning process or a photographer who wants to find the best locations for that perfect shot, this is the tour for you. So, whether it’s learning to create a panorama at the coast, practicing long exposure photography with waterfalls or taking architectural images of some of Northern Ireland’s finest buildings, this tour could be the perfect gift.

County Down

• The craft maker in your family is sure to love a trip to Mount Ida Pottery on the outskirts of Dromore. On this truly rewarding and relaxing experience you will receive a warm welcome from owner Trevor Woods who will encourage you to get in touch with your creative self as he shares his passion for pottery. No matter your level of experience, with Trevor’s patience and expert guidance you’ll be amazed at what can be achieved in just a few hours and you’ll be encouraged to inscribe your piece with your own signature before its glazed and posted to you.

For more amazing Northern Ireland experiences you can gift this festive season visit http://www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Ends

For further media information, please contact:

• Tourism NI: Nuala Napier napier@tourismni.com
• Jago Communications: Grace White grace@jagocommunications.com

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to partner with both PSNI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership for this year’s ‘Polar Plunge’ in support of Special Olympics.

The annual event, being held in Portrush, will help raise much needed funds which will help sports, leadership, and health programmes to be delivered to Special Olympics Ireland athletes in clubs across Northern Ireland.

Special Olympics Ireland in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run officially launched the 21^st Annual Polar Plunge, proudly supported by Gala Retail and this exciting fundraising campaign will see people from across the island “take the plunge” to support Special Olympics Ireland’s athletes and programmes.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “As event partners alongside the PSNI and the Policing and Community Safety Partnership, Council is delighted to support this year’s Polar Plunge event and welcome it to Portrush.

“This annual event, now in its 21^st year, provides valuable support for Special Olympics Ireland athletes, many of whom are from the Borough.

“I’d encourage you to come along on the day to show your support all those participating, good luck to everyone who takes the plunge this December to help raise valuable funding for these key sporting programmes.”

Now in its 21^st year, Polar Plunge events will take place in five locations across the island throughout December 2023.

In Northern Ireland, people can take the icy dip at Portrush, Co. Antrim on Sunday December 3^rd. Participants can also complete their own Polar Plunge virtually from their own locations.

Special Olympics Ireland is delighted that its long-term charity partner, Gala Retail, have once again kindly sponsored this year’s Polar Plunge events, which are organised in collaboration with The Law Enforcement Torch Run.
For more information or to sign-up for a daring dip this December, visit https://www.specialolympics.ie/polar-plunge-2023.

Shaun Cassidy, Ulster Regional Director, Special Olympics Ireland said: 

“We are delighted to launch the 21st Polar Plunge in support of our athletes, clubs and programmes. The challenge of getting ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ is all the more apt this year as we prepare for the Ireland Winter Games in 2024.

“For all of us involved in Special Olympics, the grassroots and everyday activities at local club level are the most important. It is so important that people with an intellectual disability have an outlet through sport, an outlet to meet friends, train hard and compete, with support from the local community and club volunteers. We would be delighted if you would consider getting ‘Freezin’ for a Reason’ in Portrush on the 3^rd December for Special Olympics Ireland and help us raise the necessary funds that will help support athletes in the local area and beyond.”

CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond said: 

“We are so proud to partner with Special Olympics Ireland and support The Polar Plunge for the third year in a row.

“I was lucky enough to travel to the Special Olympics World Games this year and see first-hand how inspiring these athletes are and how much it means to their families. All their great achievements start in their local community clubs. We’re asking for as many people as possible to get involved in their local Polar Plunge and support Special Olympics clubs.”