Author: whatsonni

The Merchant Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

Embrace a bit of luxury this autumn and enjoy an overnight stay with a bottle of prosecco in your room on arrival! Located in the heart of the buzzing Cathedral Quarter there’s plenty of culture on offer with The Belfast International Arts Festival in full swing. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the opulence of your surroundings. B&B From £239 per room based on two people sharing. Visit https://www.themerchanthotel.com/  for more information.

Brooke-Lodge Guesthouse, Magherafelt, County Londonderry

This lovely four-star guest house in the charming Mid Ulster town, is the perfect spot to explore the nearby charms of Antrim Castle Gardens, the Seamus Heaney Homeplace or the splendid Sperrins. The newly renovated bedrooms come fully equipped with tea and coffee making facilities. B&B starts from £85 per room per night based on two people sharing. From £160 based on two people sharing including a £30 dinner voucher. Visit https://brooke-lodge.co.uk/  for more information.

The Valley Hotel, Fivemiletown, County Tyrone

This small, contemporary family run hotel is the gateway to the famous Fermanagh Lakelands, a perfect base to explore many of the tourist attractions such as Cuilcagh, The Stairway to Heaven, Marble Arch Caves, Belleek Pottery, and the award-winning Ulster American Folk Park. You can also embrace the outdoors with golfing, fishing, cycling and pony trekking, all available locally. £160 B&B based on two people sharing, includes a £30 dinner voucher. Visit https://thevalleyhotel.com for more information.

Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

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

Your wish is our command this Christmas at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, as we whisk you away on a high-flying adventure with the magical and breath-taking pantomime, ‘Aladdin’.

Join a fabulous cast of madcap characters for a thrilling carpet ride with plenty of twists and turns, cheers and boos in a tale of love against the odds. Will the evil Abanazar destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry Princess Jasmine? Or will the Genie of the Lamp grant Aladdin three wishes and save the day? And will Widow Twanky ever find a man? Find out on this globe-trotting, action-packed escapade for the whole family.

Jam-packed with dazzling costumes, stunning sets, mischievous fun and thrilling musical numbers all wrapped up in an adventure unlike any you will have ever witnessed before… oh, yes it is!!

‘Aladdin’ promises an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are up there with the best.

‘Aladdin’ will run from Saturday 2 to Sunday 24 December, with a range of times to suit all busy schedules! Prices range from £14 to £18.50. Tickets are flying out the door, so hurry to book yours now!

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on 03300 561 025, or book online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre.. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this festive hit! There will be BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Musicon Entertainment presents Ireland’s favourite, now Internationally acclaimed ABBA tribute show, coming to Strule Arts Centre, Omagh for the very first time.

The Bjorn Identity has risen to become one of the most in-demand touring ABBA tribute bands in UK & Ireland.

Having just returned from successful tours of Europe, they are delighted to be bringing their show to Omagh. This dynamic all-live theatre show is packed full of ABBA’s greatest hits & lesser-known songs to satisfy the ‘Hole in Your Soul’: giving that something extra for the most dedicated fans of ABBA

Their impressive attention to detail in both staging and musicianship makes, this act, at its heart, THE most exciting ‘ABBA in Concert’ tribute act experienced, this side of Sweden. No doubt you will go home, feeling you’ve just experienced ABBA in the flesh! With uncanny vocals, undeniable stage presence through to Benny’s famous spinning white piano and even boasting ‘real life’ couples means; it just can’t get any closer!

Re-live the magic of ABBA and its musical legacy that continues its ‘Voyage’ rocking On and On and On – early booking is advised!

The Bjorn Identity – Feeling Like a No.1 Tour

Tickets £22.50

Box Office: 0288 224 7831

Online: struleartscentre.co.uk

Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre is delighted to announce the return of the acclaimed Irish band, Hothouse Flowers, for a special acoustic performance on Friday, 20 October at 8pm.

With a legacy spanning four decades, Hothouse Flowers have earned recognition for their exceptional blend of rock ‘n’ roll, traditional, and soul music. This event holds special significance as it marks a decade since the band last graced the stage in the Danny Boy Auditorium.

Their recent UK tour showcased contemporary tracks from their new album, “Let’s Do This Thing,” alongside timeless classics. Notably, this year also commemorates 30 years since the release of their debut album, “People,” which remains the most successful debut album in Ireland’s history.

This acoustic evening promises an intimate musical experience. Given the band’s reputation, advance booking is highly recommended to secure your spot. Please note that the event will feature tiered seating and a limited bar facility.

Tickets are priced at £29.50. For further details and ticket bookings, please visit www.roevalleyarts.com or contact our box office.

Extra special spooky goings-on are taking place throughout Mid and East Antrim this Halloween.

There will be plenty of tricks and treats for families in Larne, Ballymena and Carrickfergus, with a number of ghoulishly great events offering residents the chance to eat, drink and be scary.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “We have a packed Halloween programme for all our citizens to enjoy and I am really looking forward to what promises to be a brilliant few days of fun and entertainment.

“Events are taking place in all three towns and I trust all those who attend will have a great time, soak up the atmosphere and support our local businesses in Larne, Ballymena and Carrickfergus.”

The eerie-sistible action gets under way with Hallowena at the People’s Park in Ballymena on Friday 27 October from 6pm until 8.30pm.

The free event will thrill and chill with a packed programme of spooktacular activities for all your little monsters to enjoy.

With a fire juggling display, a fancy dress competition, spooky walkabout characters, a kiddies’ funfair and live music, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Follow the extended spooky illumination trail throughout the park and bump into some familiar characters along the way.

You can sink your fangs into some sweet treats or tasty hot food to beat those Halloween hunger pangs. The fun and festivities will finish with a fabulous fireworks finale at 8.15pm.

On Monday 30 October, dust off the broomsticks and fly into the Halloween Hooley at Town Park in Larne.

Meet some of your favorite Halloween characters as you make your way around the event. Watch in awe as the sky lights up with mesmerising fire performances that’ll send shivers down your spine – as well as a fireworks display!

Join the ‘broomstick jiggle’ dance workshops and learn moves that’ll make the ghosts and ghouls groove. Keep an eye out for a roarsome dino-mite guest, during what promises to be a Jurassic Halloween adventure.

The Halloween DJ will be hosting a monster mash on stage, including a live performance from the Swingtime Starlets. Get your creative cauldrons bubbling at the arts and crafts stations, and don’t be afraid to get a little messy in the play areas. Dressing up is encouraged for all of you little and big pumpkins.

Show off your style by arriving in your most BOO-tiful costumes and you take part in the costume catwalk.

CarrickFEARgus, which has already sold out, returns for its second year, with Shaftesbury Park hosting a fang-tastic trail!

The three town centres will also be staging daytime Halloween events, with Starlight Entertainment providing music at the Harmony Hub Bandstand in Ballymena on Saturday 28 October between 1pm and 4pm. Face painters and balloon modellers will be in the Tower Centre from 2pm and 4pm. Two Halloween walkabout performers will be patrolling the streets at the same time.

On Friday 13 October the Paranormal Pumpkin Patch will go live in Larne town centre. Running for four weeks, this virtual game will have you tracking down 10 spooky characters who have taken up residence at the following locations. It’s your job to find and release them, but they won’t go easy!

On Monday 30 October, a Children’s Halloween Craft Workshop takes place in the Town Hall in Larne. Tickets available through Eventbrite.  Keep an eye on social media for booking details.

Sounds Good Music will be at Broadway between 1pm and 4pm, with two Halloween walkabout performers present from 2pm until 4pm.

On Tuesday 31 October, a Children’s Halloween Craft Workshop takes place in Carrickfergus Town Hall, with bookings again through Eventbirte.  Keep an eye on social media for booking details. Entertainment will be providing music outside the Town Hall between 1pm and 4pm, with walkabout characters in the area between 2pm and 4pm.

For the very latest information and updates, keep an eye on Council’s social media channels or visit midandeastantrim.gov.uk/Halloween

 

Belfast Film Festival has launched its 2023 programme with a prodigious line-up including the biggest films of both the Cannes and Venice film festivals and seven Best International Feature Oscar selections.

The festival will run from the 2-11 November at a variety of locations across the city.

Opening and Closing

Belfast Film Festival’s Opening and Closing films are two of the most hotly anticipated films of 2023. The festival will open with Andrew Haigh’s All of Us Strangers, starring Irish actors Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal, while Yorgos Lanthimos’ Golden Lion-winning Poor Things, jointly produced by Ireland’s Element Pictures and starring Emma Stone, Willem Dafoe and Mark Ruffalo will close the programme.

International Competition

In its second year, the International Competition sponsored by Yellowmoon, has reached new heights with six audacious debut features and two accomplished second features. These include the winner of Cannes’ coveted Un Certain Regard Award, Molly Manning Walker’s How To Have Sex and the winner of the Camera D’Or, Pham Thien An’s Inside The Yellow Cocoon Shell.

New Cinema

Showcasing the best of new cinema both in Ireland and internationally, the New Cinema strand has some of the most anticipated, bold and exciting films on the festival circuit such as William Oldroyd’s scabrous Eileen starring Anne Hathaway and Thomasin McKenzie and Christos Nikou’s dystopian romance Fingernails starring Jessie Buckley and Riz Ahmed. Continuing the theme of Cannes award winners, this programme includes Justine Triet’s Palme D’Or awardee Anatomy Of A Fall and Jonathan Glazer’s Grand Prix champion The Zone of Interest. The strand also includes the Northern Ireland Screen funded thriller Lie Of The Land and Scottish feature Silent Roar with a sterling debut feature performance from Belfast actor Louis McCartney.

John Sayles and Maggie Renzi

The festival is delighted to host world-renowned writer-director John Sayles and producer Maggie Renzi in Belfast for a stimulating chat about their lives and work, hosted by Donald Clarke from The Irish Times. They will also be jointly presented with the festival’s prestigious Réalta award for Outstanding Contribution to Film. Accompanying the talk will be a retrospective showcasing some of their finest films, including the Donegal-set The Secret Of Roan Inish.

Work in Progress – Kneecap and Fréamhaca

Belfast Film Festival is known for thinking outside of the box and this year is no different with a host of unique special events. They include a look back at the history of 16mm with The 16mm Century featuring a live DJ afterparty plus two work-in-progress screenings: Aislinn Clarke’s newest Irish language horror Fréamhaca and the eagerly awaited Belfast-set movie, Kneecap.

Shorts

This year BFF has pioneered the Long Short Weekend which brings together shorts, filmmakers, and audiences for a weekend of short film screenings including the Shorts Competition sponsored by Screenskills, and the Northern Ireland Screen Showcase.

Solidarity with the Workers

Extending solidarity to those striking in the entertainment industry and elsewhere, there is a section dedicated to the related themes of industrial action and work practices including a showcase of some of the year’s most provocative, mischievous and subversive movies titled Kill Your Job Before It Kills You.

For the Werk! event in the imposingly atmospheric industrial setting of Riddel’s Warehouse, built heritage and on-screen social history are brought together, with a live soundtrack from Marion Hawkes (Ponyhawke/Sound Advice). Prepare to join the workers’ party!

Belfast Film Festival is funded by Northern Ireland Screen, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities, Film Hub NI, and Arts and Business NI, and is proudly sponsored by Yellowmoon, Birra Moretti and Hastings Hotels.

Jess Kiang, International Programmer for the festival said:

“After the roaring success of our inaugural International Competition last year I am excited to return with another showcase of eight stunning films made by emerging filmmakers from around the world. I’m also hugely excited about the Kill Your Job Before It Kills You section, which exemplifies our spirit of resistance to inequality and injustice in the workplace. This could not be more in keeping with our pleasure in honouring pioneering US filmmakers John Sayles and Maggie Renzi, who have forged together a truly independent, varied and fearlessly political career.”

Rose Baker, UK and Ireland Programmer added:

“This programme is so packed that it is difficult to pick just a few highlights. The 16mm Century celebrates the centenary year of the 16mm format. We are also very proud to have two amazing work-in-progress events which showcase some of the best and most original work happening in film in Northern Ireland, with Aislinn Clarke’s Fréamhaca and Fine Point’s Kneecap. We’re also working on archive film events which will be very special, thanks to amazing support from Northern Ireland Screen’s Digital Film Archive and BBC NI. It is an exceptional programme and we can’t wait for people to experience it.”

Spooky season is officially here and residents in Causeway Coast and Glens can expect some frightfully fun activities as ‘Halloween Happenings’ arrives in towns across the Borough – including a brand-new venue in Coleraine.

From fancy dress parades and Halloween parties, to live music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this Halloween in Coleraine, Limavady, Ballycastle and Ballymoney.

The festivities will be kicking off on Friday, October 27 in Coleraine and Council is excited to reveal that, for the first time, the Halloween Happenings will be taking place at the Ulster University campus.

Featuring live music from The Dandy Lyons starting at 6.30pm, visitors can enjoy an array of entertainment and activities including fire poi, balloon modelling, Binevenagh Adventures bushcraft, amusements, and even a spooky trail. The evening will culminate with fantastic fireworks display at 8.30pm.

There will be free parking at Ulster University and a free park and ride bus service will also operate from The Mall car park, starting from 6pm. Please note normal town centre car parking charges will apply up until 6.30pm.

Next stop will be Limavady on Saturday, October 28. Starting with a Halloween party at Limavady Community Development Initiative from 4pm to 5.30pm, followed by a community parade to Roemill Recreation Grounds. Enjoy live music with CJ Entertainments from 6.30pm and don’t miss the fancy dress competition at 7.30pm. Visitors can also get crafty with Binevenagh Adventures bushcraft and North Coast Circus Skills. Make sure to watch out for creepy stilt walkers, flaming fire poi and the segway vampire, before the fireworks get underway at 8.30pm.

On round the coast to Ballycastle we go on Monday, October 30. The ever-popular Halloween parade sets off at 6.30pm from Dalriada Hospital Lower car park, making its way through the town to the seafront. A fancy-dress competition will be held at 6.15pm prior to the parade leaving. Once at the seafront, visitors should be on the lookout for stilt walkers, fire poi, a slime workshop and balloon modelers. Live Music by the All Stars will get the crowds amped up from 7pm, ahead of the spectacular fireworks at 8.30pm.

The finale of the Halloween Happenings will be in Ballymoney on Tuesday, October 31. The fancy dress parade will assemble at Castlecroft Square from 6pm, with the Halloween costume competition taking place at 6.15pm prior to parade leaving at 6.30pm. From here, the parade will make its way to Ballymoney Showgrounds, where magician Rodd Hogg will be on hand to amaze with his mystical abilities.

Be entertained by CJ Entertainments followed by live music from The Grooverobbers and take in the wide array of entertainment including glow hula hoops, glow juggling unicyclist, Binevenagh Adventure bushcraft, the segway vampire, stilt walkers and more, ahead of the fireworks finale at 8.30pm.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan said: “Halloween Happenings is one of the highlights of Council’s events calendar and I look forward to welcoming all our residents and visitors to the activities across the Borough. These family-friendly events provide a spooktacular evening of free entertainment for all, capped off with not-to-be-missed fireworks displays which will light up the skies in Coleraine, Limavady, Ballycastle and Ballymoney.

“I am delighted that Council has come together with Ulster University to provide the 2023 Halloween entertainment and fireworks display in Coleraine. The site provides a fantastic venue for this event, offering ample car parking with over 1,500 parking spaces, as well as facilities for accommodating a free park and ride service from the town centre to the campus. On behalf of Council, I wish to thank the University for allowing us to hold this hugely popular event at their Coleraine campus.”

Professor Malachy O’Neill, Director of Regional Engagement, Ulster University added: “We are thrilled to be hosting the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Halloween Happenings this year, for the first time ever at our Ulster University Coleraine campus.

“Ulster University has been part of the community here since 1968 and we’re looking forward to welcoming more people onto the Coleraine campus to enjoy an evening of family fun with entertainment, amusements and a spectacular fireworks display to celebrate Halloween.”

Ahead of each of the main events, quiet time for children with additional needs will take place from 5.30pm – 6.30pm.

A limited number of disabled parking is pre-bookable and you can reserve a space by contacting the Ballymoney Visitor Information Centre on 028 2766 0230.

Council’s new Mobile Accessible Changing Units will also be available at each of these events. Designed to ‘Changing Places’ standards, these vehicles help to make events more accessible, welcoming and inclusive for people with additional needs.

For the latest updates, make sure to follow Causeway Coast and Glens Events on Facebook or go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

Killyhevlin Hotel in Enniskillen has launched a frightfully good October sale with overnight breaks from just £60pps*.

Enjoy a Spooktacular Sleepover with full cooked breakfast the following morning from just £60pps.

Kick start your weekend with a FANGtastic Friday Dine & Stay from £89pps with a four-course dinner overlooking Lough Erne and full cooked breakfast.

Or enjoy the best of both worlds with a luxurious self-catering break with family or friends. Book a two-night break in a Lakeside Lodge from £280 per night or a Woodland Lodge with private hot tub from £315 per night and enjoy a bonus £40 dining credit.

All packages include full use of Killyhevlin Health Club with an indoor swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, gym and outdoor hot tub with beautiful views overlooking Lough Erne. Guests can also treat themselves to a spot of pampering with a luxury Elemis spa treatment at KALM Spa.

Killyhevlin is located in the heart of The Fermanagh Lakelands in a breathtakingly picturesque setting and guests can take a stroll around the lakeside grounds, get active with a match on the Padel Tennis Court and younger members of the family can have lots of fun in the Killy Kids Outdoor Playpark.

Guests can also enjoy a ‘taste of Killyhevlin’ with breakfast, light bites, lunch and evening menus, all served with a lakeview.

To take advantage of these Spooktacular offers go to www.killyhevlin.com or call reservations on 028 6632 3481.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.

Living in County Armagh, which is of course famous for its orchards, you could easily take apples for granted…

 

However, at the end of October each year, the people of Richhill, itself surrounded by orchards, celebrate the locally grown Bramley Apple.  This year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre will take place over six days from Tuesday 24th October to Sunday 29th October.

 

The main event, as always, is Saturday’s Apple Fayre Day. It sees the historical centre of Richhill transformed into an open air market with live music and entertainment throughout the day.

“We pride ourselves on a warm, welcoming atmosphere on Apple Fayre Day and this year we would love to see lots of people who haven’t been before in Richhill on Saturday 28th October,” said Ruth Briggs, one of the organisers of the Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre.

 

“We obviously want everyone to have a great time, but we also want to keep highlighting the importance and value that apple growing brings to our local community. 

“So you’ll see apples everywhere and many of the traders will have an apple twist to tie in with our overall theme.”  There is also once again a very healthy crop of musical talent at Apple Fayre Day this year.  “On our music stage we have local favourites Catch 22, the super talented Qua Family and The Swingtime Starlets, who have also become firm favourites among fayre regulars,” said Ruth Briggs.

 

“And then all the way from Virginia, we’ll be joined by the American bluegrass band Level Best. They’ll be performing in the marquee at the castle on Wednesday night and then coming back to join us on Saturday again.”

 

The festival takes place at the end of October to coincide with the end of the apple harvest.  “This year we’ve been following the progress of one local Bramley Apple tree in particular,” said Ruth Briggs. “We’ve had regular updates on our Facebook page as it grew and then started producing apples of course.  “And on Apple Fayre Day, we’ll be asking people to guess how many apples have been picked from the tree. There’ll be a prize for the person with the closest answer, but more importantly we just want to re-emphasise that apples are at the very core of the fayre.”

 

A new event for the 2023 Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre is ‘Richhill Memories’, a night of storytelling on Thursday 26th October.  “We’ve a great group of people lined up to tell a true story about Richhill or one that is linked to the village in some way,” said Ruth Briggs. “Expect nostalgia, a few good laughs and hopefully a few surprises as we will no doubt hear about some of the many wonderful characters associated with the village. “This is the first year of this event and we’re hoping that it’s going to go from strength to strength.”  On Friday night, Orchard County residents can look forward to fireworks over Richhill thanks to the fayre’s ‘Alternative Hallowe’en’ celebrations. 

 

This event, supported by the local Methodist church, is aimed at younger generations with games and activities planned in the Square (Richhill).  Follow the ‘Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre’ Facebook page for regular updates on all this year’s events.