Author: whatsonni

Christmas events to spread festive cheer across Causeway Coast and Glens

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce its Christmas activities coming to a town near you.

Santa has a busy time ahead, as he will make his way around the Borough to mark the beginning of Christmas celebrations. Festivities will commence in Ballymoney on Thursday 16th November, followed by Saturday 18th November in Limavady, Thursday 23rd November in Ballycastle and finishing on Friday 24th November in Coleraine.

To get everyone in the spirit, the festive programme will be a treat for all ages, with seasonal parades, family fun, Christmas light switch ons, and of course visiting Santa in his Grotto.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “I am very much looking forward to welcoming families to our traditional Christmas programme of events, helping to spread festive cheer throughout the Borough.

“There will be something for people of all ages to enjoy, with parades, Santa’s Grotto and of course our Christmas light switch ons, creating a wonderful atmosphere in our town centres. These events are a fantastic opportunity to bring people together for some festive family fun, as well as supporting our local traders.”

In addition to the four main events, there will be community festive events taking place in November and December in local towns and villages, supported by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

Children with additional needs can enjoy a pre-booked ‘Quiet Time’ in the four towns.

To book your quiet time visit, email events@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

 

DATE TOWN LOCATION TIME
16th November Ballymoney Town Hall 3pm – 5pm
18th November Limavady Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre RVACC 10.30am – 12.30pm
23rd November Ballycastle Sheskburn House 3pm – 5pm
24th November Coleraine Town Hall 3pm – 5pm

 

 

Santa’s Grotto Opening Times

 

DATE TOWN LOCATION TIME
16th November Ballymoney Church Street From 7pm
18th November Limavady Drumceatt Square, RVACC From 2pm
23rd November Ballycastle Co-op Carpark (Diamond) From 7pm
24th November Coleraine New Row, opposite Moores From 7pm

 

All parade routes are detailed below, and we would encourage people to choose a safe spot to view the procession.

Christmas Parade Departure Times & Route details

DATE TOWN ROUTE DEPARTURE TIME
16th November Ballymoney Coleraine Road – High Street – Main Street – Meeting House Street – Queen Street – Victoria Street – Charles Street –
Coleraine Road		 6:45pm
18th November Limavady Irish Green Street – Rathbrady Road – Roemill Road – Catherine Street – Linenhall Street – Main Street – Connell Street – Irish Green Street 4:45pm
23rd November Ballycastle Quay Road – Ann Street – Market Street – Clare Street – Castle Street  – Diamond – Ann Street – Quay Road 6:45pm
24th November Coleraine Depart Coleraine Leisure Centre – Railway Road – Kingsgate Street – Church Street – The Diamond- Church Street – Kingsgate Street- Railway Road –  Coleraine Leisure Centre 6:45pm

 

For more information visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or follow the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Facebook & Instagram pages for the latest updates.

Belfast prepares to switch on for festive season on Saturday 18 November

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Belfast City Hall will once again be the focus for the city’s Christmas lights switch-on, which will take place on Saturday 18 November

The event is returning to its pre-Covid format for the first time since 2019, with the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, joining residents and local artists and performers to illuminate the city and begin the countdown to the festive season.

Tickets for the switch-on, entitled Let’s Glow Belfast, will be released at 10am next Wednesday 8 November from visitbelfast.com, on a first-come, first-served basis (limited to six per booking).

This year’s event will focus primarily on local music and arts performances, with a line-up that includes leading NI soul band Manukahunney, characters from the Lyric Theatre’s Christmas pantomime Hansel and Gretel, emerging electro pop queen FYA Fox, an upbeat routine from Belfast Boys, DU Dance NI’s youth dance group, and a singalong medley of popular Christmas songs from Fortwilliam Musical Society.

Pete Snodden, Rebecca McKinney and Paulo Ross from Cool FM’s breakfast show will also act as comperes on the evening.

“I’m really looking forward to welcoming families back to our traditional lights switch-on at City Hall and officially marking the countdown to Christmas,” said the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy.

“Our beautiful tree at City Hall, the colourful illuminations and the opening of the Belfast Christmas Market are all key elements of the festive season here in Belfast, so it will be great to get everyone together again for what promises to be a really fun evening.

“This time around, we’re putting our city’s own amazing talent front and centre, with a great line-up of music and live performance planned, sure to get everyone into the Christmas spirit.

“Our Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue will also open its doors on Saturday 18 November, with activities and events for all ages in the run-up to Christmas, including festive markets, family performances, Santa’s post office, tea dances, upcycling workshops and lots more.”

David Tighe, Managing Director with Bauer Media Audio NI, said: “We are really excited to see the return of the traditional Christmas lights switch-on to Belfast, with a real focus this year on local acts and family entertainment.

“Cool FM’s Pete, Paulo and Rebecca will bring that magic Christmas touch to the festivities on stage, with Downtown’s Neal McClelland starting the countdown earlier in the day with the music you’d expect from the station that’s the Home of Christmas.”

Tickets for the Let’s Glow Belfast switch-on, limited to six per booking, will be released at 10am on Wednesday 8 November from visitbelfast.com, on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must click through to download the ticket as the email confirmation will not suffice.

Wheelchair accessible platform viewing for the event can be booked by calling 028 9024 6609 on Wednesday 8 November – these are limited to two per booking due to restricted capacity. Terms and conditions apply.

The Let’s Glow Belfast event on Saturday 18 November will start at 6.30pm, and last for around an hour. There will be road closures in effect in the city centre from earlier in the afternoon, so please allow extra time for your journey, with gates opening at 6pm.

The annual Belfast Christmas Market will also open in the City Hall grounds on Saturday 18 November, starting at 12 noon. The market will continue until 6pm on Friday 22 December.

The Winter’s Den at 2 Royal Avenue begins on Saturday 18 November and continues until Sunday 7 January with events for all the family. It includes Santa’s post office, operated by Belfast One, which runs from Saturday 18 November to Sunday 17 December, and is free to visit.

For full details of the Let’s Glow Belfast switch-on event, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/christmas

For details of other festive events in Belfast city centre, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/events

Ards Arts Centre Opens New Exhibitions for November

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards is delighted to welcome two new art exhibitions this November: In Search for the Past, a joint exhibition by Maria and Anna Horvathova and Curious Carnival, a solo exhibition by Anna Donovan.

Having graduated with an MFA from Belfast School of Art in 2023, Maria and Anna Horvathova have been developing their practices in painting, installation and lens based experimental discipline. 

In their current practices, both explore ideas of home, identity, and memory. They are interested in creating landscapes that tell stories and remind the viewer of old feelings and moments. Their connection and perception of the landscape has developed into an appreciation of the natural world around us.

In this exhibition, Maria and Anna will curate a body of work to include oil paintings, and a selection of polaroid photographs in an installation approach. The aim of the work is to indicate and evoke feelings of appreciation towards nature and the landscapes. Being present in nature and illustrating their unique ways of responses.

Curious Carnival is a solo exhibition of ceramics by Anna Donovan. This curious exhibition will feature ceramic and mixed media sculptures playing with imagery inspired by a variety of mythological creatures combined with familiar carnival and circus tropes. Characters will have evolved from clowns, mermen, acrobats, strong men, and bearded ladies, to create a side show of curiosities!

 

Curious Carnival is the result of Donovan’s imagination, playing with, and nourished by childhood memories of funfairs, fairy tales, and legends.

Speaking about the exhibitions, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said:

We are delighted to welcome back Maria and Anna Horvathova to Ards Arts Centre. Maria and Anna’s exhibition will feature artworks and a collaborative installation that they commenced during their month-long studio residency with us in August as part of the Creative Peninsula festival. Meanwhile Anna Donovan brings a playful and other worldly collection of figures with her Curious Carnival that will be on display in the Sunburst Gallery throughout November.

Both exhibitions open on Friday 3 November and run until Tuesday 28 November.  Admission is free during gallery opening hours.

 

All are welcome to attend a preview event in Ards Arts Centre on Thursday 9 November at 7pm.

For more information telephone 028 9181 0803 or email arts@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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Further. Space at Carrickreagh Bay, County Fermanagh

Escape to the waterways of Fermanagh and cosy up in a unique glamping pod, fully furnished with all the comforts of home, including a shower, coffee dock, mini fridge, heating, and Wi-Fi. Add to that the bonus of a stunning view of Lough Erne! You also have access to the nearby Ely Lodge Forest, in all its autumn splendour. BBQ and campfire packs are recommended!  Pods sleep 4 (two adults, two children) from £120 per pod per night, midweek. Visit https://further.space/ for more information.

Maldron Hotel, Belfast, County Antrim

Enjoy an overnight stay in this well-placed, comfortable hotel, including tickets for one of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, Titanic Belfast! Right in the heart of the buzz of Belfast with great shopping, restaurants, historic landmarks, and public transport options right on the doorstep. B&B with tickets to Titanic Experience based on two people sharing from £157 per room. Visit https://www.maldronhotelbelfastcity.com/  for more information.

Elephant Rock, Portrush, County Antrim

Blow the Halloween cobwebs away on the Causeway Coast in this glamorous boutique hotel. This two-night B&B deal includes an evening meal on a night of your choosing. This renovated Victorian terrace has luxurious, funky, art deco styled guestrooms with great views out to sea. From £280 per room based on two people sharing. Visit https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk/ 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/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 30 October- 5 November

  1. Halloween Light show, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 31 October. The first of its kind in Northern Ireland! The sky over St Columb’s Park on Halloween night, will be lit with 100 drones projecting a variety of spooky Halloween themed images. Following the Halloween Carnival Parade, this new addition to the Walled City’s Halloween Festival promises to be spectacular!
  1. Kinturk Pumpkin Patch, Moortown, County Tyrone, 30-31 October. This pumpkin patch on the shores of Lough Neagh offers not just the perfect pumpkin, but plenty of fun-filled outdoor family activity! There’s a haunted maze and children’s amusements with plenty of fabulous food and drink options on site.
  2. Finn’s Frightful Fun Fest, Bushmills, County Antrim, 31 October. There’s a spooky schedule ahead at the Giant’s Causeway. It kicks off with a treasure hunt with the chance to solve the riddles and decipher creepy clues to discover the gruesome, hidden secrets that lie within this World Heritage Site. There is also the chance to hear spooky tales of the lost spirits of the Causeway Coast or some creepy crafts to get stuck into.
  3. Fermanagh Freaky Farm, Lisbellaw, County Fermanagh, 30-31 October. Grab a trolley and off you go, over the pumpkin patch field. Pick a pumpkin of your choice and take it to the carving shed, to become your very own creative designer. Have fun and get the chance to win some spooky prizes or join the local witch at her creepy cinema.
  4. Trick or treat Hazel Wand Halloween Day, Omagh, County Tyrone, 30 October. Come along to the Strule Arts Centre and make your own wand to keep the ghouls at bay! Feel free to come in fancy dress, there’ll be singing, a ghost hunt, and crafts. Super, spooky fun, suitable from 4–11-year-olds.
  1. Hallowe’een Ghost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, County Armagh, 30 October. This one-hour walking tour will be a mix of gruesome tales from long ago coupled with a few surprises along the way. Tread these narrow streets lightly, you have no idea who is waiting for you! This is suitable for over 13 + but they must be accompanied by an adult. Ticket price includes refreshments at Red Ned’s pub.
  1. Pickie Pumpkin Patch, Bangor, County Down, 30 October. The chance to pick a pumpkin but also enjoy some great family fun for the little ones. The Pumpkin ticket includes 12 tokens to use on the Pickie attractions which include, Disco Ducks, Pickie Swans, and Circus Cars.
  2. Gruffalo & Stickman Guided Walk, Belfast, County Antrim, 30-31 October. This is Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail, endorsed by Julia Donaldson. Experience the deep dark woods of Colin Glen Forest, with a Halloween twist. Meet your favourite characters and even stop by the pumpkin patch, where you’ll pick out your very own pumpkin to carve and take home! This 90-minute event is guaranteed to enthral!
  3. Halloween Half Term at Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 30 October-5 November. There’s lots to do this midterm, covering Halloween and beyond. Head into the house if you dare and discover tales of witches and dragons. Don’t forget to count the pumpkins hidden and on your way out stop by the craft area and make your very own Halloween decoration! Explore spooky and seasonal stories or join Up to High Doh for some mythical themed drama sessions to capture the imagination. If that isn’t enough, you can rustle through the leaves on the outside trails.
  1. Hallowe’en Torchlight Tours: In the Shadow of the Bog, Omagh, County Tyrone, 30-31 October. The soil beneath your feet holds many secrets! Come along to the American Folk Park in Omagh if you are brave enough as it brings Old Halloween to life! Something long buried has been disturbed, and a dark, dreadful energy has been awakened by Patrick McSorley after a day of cutting turf at the bog! Find out more during this torchlit tour. Book tickets online.

Booking is essential for most activities. 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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast

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Enjoy A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast!

24th November – 23rd December 2023

Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year in Titanic Belfast’s A Magical Christmas Experience from 24th November – 23rd December!

Journey 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. Visit Mrs Claus in her cosy kitchen to hear Christmas tales, stop by the bustling post office to write and post your Christmas letter and peek into the toy shop where the Elves have been hard at work, before letting your creative juices flow with some arts and crafts! Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by the Chief Elf – those on the ‘Nice’ list will get to meet Father Christmas and receive an exclusive Titanic Belfast Bear!

Child £25 | Adult £12.50

Make Christmas memories to last a lifetime – book your tickets today at titanicbelfast.com/magicalchristmas ‘

 

MAGIC & CLASSICAL MUSIC ON STAGE AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE

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Prepare to have your mind blown as acclaimed magician and mentalist Joel M brings his highly anticipated new show, ‘Impossible’ to Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

The multi-talented Joel M has amassed an online following of 20+ million across TikTok, YouTube and Instagram and an impressive 4 billion views, making him a household name around the globe.

Having also showcased his talents as the current presenter on the beloved children’s programme, Blue Peter, Joel M is now set to add some magic this November to leave audiences spellbound.

‘Jole M: Impossible’ will be staged on Thursday 2 November with tickets priced at £15 each.

Then, on Saturday 4th November, the producers of ‘A Viennese Strauss Gala‘ bring ‘Magical Mozart by Candlelight’ to The Market Place Theatre for a sumptuous, fully-costumed show which will immerse you in the wonderful music and the classical baroque world of one of the greatest romantic composers of all time – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

With beautiful settings, costumes, lighting and of course candles, the European Baroque Ensemble and world-class opera singers will perform a packed programme of classical music and song; including excerpts from the most memorable of Mozart’s operas, such as ‘The Magic Flute’, ‘The Marriage Of Figaro’, ‘Cosi Fan Tutte’ and many more.

 ‘Magical Mozart by Candlelight’ will be staged on Saturday 4 November. Tickets are priced £22 each. Tickets for both performances can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Spooktacular Halloween Events at Galgorm Collection

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It may be renowned as the night of the dead, but across Galgorm Collection, things truly come to life with a chilling line up of spooktacular events and dining experiences taking place from 23rd October – 4th November at Galgorm and The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

 Galgorm

136 Fenaghy Rd, Ballymena BT42 1EA

Halloween at The Barn

(The Barn at Castle Kitchen, Saturday 28th October, 7pm – late)

If you dare to be scared this Halloween, make your way to The Barn at Castle Kitchen on Saturday 28th October for the annual Halloween Event.

Celebrate this spooky season in style, with devilish drinks promotions and live acoustic entertainment from 7pm -10pm, before sweeping the floor with your witch’s broom when the resident DJ takes to the decks from 10pm – late. This Halloween at The Barn, fancy dress is optional, but with x2 £1000 cash prize for The Best Fancy Dress, it would be a horror to miss out.

Tickets not required.

 

For further information or to book, please visit: https://www.galgorm.com/halloween-at-the-barn.html

Offers of the week from Discover Northern Ireland

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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/

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 23-29 October

  1. Derry Halloween Festival, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry 28-29 October. Be part of Europe’s largest Halloween Festival. The Walled city welcomes the spirits for this four-day spectacular like no other. Arguably the official home of Halloween, there are ghastly offerings galore for big and small! The little horrors can be spellbound with stories in the Witch’s Lair and a junior disco, there really is fantastic fun for everyone.
  1. Hallowe’een Ghost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, County Armagh, 27-29 October. This one-hour walking trail will be a mix of gruesome tales from bygones days with a few up-to-date surprises! This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age but those up to age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  2. Electric Escape, Belcoo, County Fermanagh, throughout October. Saddle-up at Corralea Adventure Centre and get off the beaten track on a top your top-of-the range electric mountain bike. This guided exploration of the unspoilt wilderness of West Fermanagh will include crossing old bog roads and forest tracks, discovering hidden megalithic tombs as you go. Stop for some traditional boxty before the trip home. Check website for availability.
  3. Legends from Lecale’s Spectacular Coast, Ardglass, County Down, 28 October. Explore this landscape rich in folklore and its connections with Saint Patrick in a guided cliff top walk. Listen to tales of Vikings, shipwrecks, and smuggling. Visit a holy well and enjoy a homemade picnic lunch from Margaret’s Cottage. Check website for availability.
  4. Castlederg Apple Fair, Castlederg, County Tyrone, 27 October. This event has been running on the last Friday of October in County Tyrone’s town for the past 100 years. Traditional apple sellers will be in town from early morning along with a range of stalls full of scrumptious Halloween delights. A nice day out for all the family!
  1. Ballyburren Halloween Spook & Pumpkin Pick Event, Ballynahinch, County Down, 28-29 October. Prepare to be mesmerised by a journey through this sinister woodland trail, cloaked in the darkness of the night. But beware! Amidst the eerie mist and haunting shadows, there’ll be surprises! Delve into the art of potion making, unleash your inner sorcerer as you craft your very own magical wand. Then it’s time to find your perfect pumpkin, as goblins and ghosts will play their tricks, trying to distract you from your mission.
  1. Death, Tragedy & Betrayal: The Darker Side of Clifton Street Cemetery, Belfast, County Antrim, 28-29 October. Opened in 1797 Death, Tragedy & Betrayal focuses on the ‘darker side’ of the cemetery’s history. Hear all about everything from the infamous body snatchers which plagued the cemetery in its opening decades and the drastic actions taken to curb this lucrative trade, to the burial of murder victims, hangings, and other tragic deaths!
  2. Harvest Festival of Colour, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 28-29 October. Come along to the historic Florence Court Estate and be part of this fun filled festival of food and folklore. There’ll be traditional crafts, storytelling sessions, cooking demonstrations and a new Food Fair. Enjoy live music from the Fermanagh Concert Band and local traditional group, Blue Orchard.
  3. All Hallows’ Eve at Castle Ward, Downpatrick, County Down, 28 October. There is a spook-tacular array of treats on offer for the whole family. Add an extra touch of magic to your All Hallows Eve experience with a horse and carriage ride along the mystical shore. Head into the theatre for a creative session of Halloween crafts and dress up, where you can fashion your own witch’s wand. For an extra dose of Halloween wonder, make your way to Hawks NI, where an enthralling live hawk handling demonstration awaits, adding a feathered flair to this unforgettable day of ancient Irish mythology and festive family fun.
  4. Stargazing Evening, Armagh, County Armagh, 27 October. Come join a team of experts who will help you navigate the night sky using the Planetarium’s telescopes (weather depending) along with a dome show in the digital theatre and an astronomer talk running from 6pm – 9pm.

 

Booking is essential for most activities. 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/blog/read/2023/04/bank-holiday-ideas-for-families-b262

 

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