Author: whatsonni

Peter Kay Announces Return to Stand-up with First Live Tour in Twelve Years

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One of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay, is finally returning to stand-up comedy after twelve years.

 

Thursday 23 February: The SSE Arena, Belfast

Friday 24 February: The SSE Arena, Belfast

 

Tickets go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am at: www.ticketmaster.ie

“It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now”

 

“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010”

 

Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.

 

Playing to over 1.2 million people.

 

Tickets for go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am via www.ticketmaster.ie

Fri 02 December 2022            Manchester AO Arena

Sat 03 December 2022           Manchester AO Arena

Sat 17 December 2022           Birmingham Utilita Arena

Fri 06 January 2023                Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

Sat 07 January 2023               Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

Fri 20 January 2023                Leeds First Direct Arena

Fri 17 February 2023              Sheffield Utilita Arena

Thu 23 February 2023            Belfast SSE Arena

Fri 24 February 2023              Belfast SSE Arena

Thu 09 March 2023                Newcastle Utilita Arena

Fri 10 March 2023                  Newcastle Utilita Arena

Thu 23 March 2023                Birmingham Resorts World Arena

Thu 06 April 2023                   Dublin 3Arena

Fri 07 April 2023                     Dublin 3Arena

Fri 05 May 2023                      Glasgow OVO Hydro

Sat 06 May 2023                     Glasgow OVO Hydro

Fri 19 May 2023                      Leeds First Direct Arena

Fri 16 June 2023                     Cardiff International Arena

Sat 17 June 2023                    Cardiff International Arena

Fri 14 July 2023                       Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Sat 15 July 2023                      Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Fri 11 August 2023                 Sheffield Utilita Arena

 

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Award-winning Documentary ‘LYRA’ has emotional Derry screening

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Last night, award-winning Irish documentary LYRA had an emotional private screening in Derry ahead of its UK and Ireland release today (Friday 4 November).

At a full-capacity cinema in Derry’s Omniplex, LYRA was shown for the first time to guests including civic leaders, friends and family of the late journalist. The screening was then followed by a Q&A with director, Alison Millar and Lyra’s partner, Sara Canning.

Directed by Alison Millar, BAFTA-winning director and close friend of Lyra McKee, LYRA is a beautiful and heartfelt film about the life and death of the internationally renowned Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee.

Raised in working-class, war-torn Belfast, McKee went on to highlight the consequences of the Troubles, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten since the Good Friday Agreement. Her murder by dissident Republicans the day before Good Friday in 2019 sent shockwaves across the world.

Using hours of voice recordings from Lyra’s own mobile, computer and Dictaphone, the documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Cork Film Festival, seeks answers to her senseless killing through Lyra’s own work and words. The result is a complex picture of Northern Ireland’s political history, bringing into sharp focus the ways in which the 1998 Good Friday agreement – with its promised end to violence for future generations – has struggled to be fully realised.

Speaking following the screening, Director Alison Millar said:

“Thanks to Wildcard Distribution, we are delighted to be able to share the incredible LYRA with the world, and to a full-capacity audience in Derry.

“This evening was hugely emotional, bringing Lyra’s story back to the city she he cared about so much. The making of this film was incredibly personal for me as a friend of Lyra’s and throughout the entire process I wanted to make sure that the world knew who Lyra was and, to do it through Lyra’s own words, made it all the more special.

“Alongside projecting Lyra McKee as a ‘fearless investigative journalist, determined and tenacious, honest in her approach’ I wanted this film to also capture the great warmth and infectious humour of the person I’d known for so many years.

“Through the use of her voice recordings (enabling us to have her narrate her own story), home footage and her remarkable writing, I hope LYRA will inspire and introduce a new generation to her work and the story of her homeland, the turbulently beautiful Northern Ireland, of which she wrote so much about.

“I’ve made many films about Northern Ireland – its people and its past – but with this film, with LYRA, it’s different – with her, this time, it’s personal.”

LYRA is a Channel 4 commission, produced by Jackie Doyle and Alison Millar for Erica Starling Productions and executively produced by Siobhan Sinnerton, Edward Watts, Greg Darby, Andrew Eaton, Louisa Compton and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton with funding from Northern Ireland Screen in association with TG4 and HiddenLight Productions. Music for the film was scored by the Ivor Novello Award-winning David Holmes, Mark McCauley was cinematographer on the project and it was edited by the British Independent Film Award-winning Chloe Lambourne.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Antrim

The Baby Shark Show, Lisburn. See the story behind the song come to life!  Venture into the deep blue sea and join Baby on the adventure of a life-time. 

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Beginners Watercolour Painting Workshop. This class will be a great way to take time out and relax, and explore your creative side! Under the expert guidance of tutor George Gourley, who has extensive experience working with all levels of ability, you will be amazed at the brilliant work you can produce!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The Belfast International Arts Festival continues until the 6th November with a packed programme.

Find out more HERE

Down

The best of the Eagles AND Fleetwood Mac!Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

The Strangest Things Trail continues until the 5th November at Enniskillen Castle.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

One of Ireland’s most respected contemporary folk artists, Luka Bloom continues to push the boundaries of what his music can do. A master interpreter, he has continued to balance original songs with reinventions of tunes by a diverse range of songwriters. See him perform live at the Flowerfield Arts Centre this weekend!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Don’s miss your chance to catch Dundrum’s finest, Mr. Patrick Kielty, as he brings his critically acclaimed BORDERLINE stand up show to The Burnavon.

Find out more HERE

Creative force behind East Block Bazaar to launch Slow Fashion Market on 17 November 2022

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Little Fox Events has built an excellent reputation of delivering beautiful bespoke events here in Northern Ireland and are very excited to bring to East Belfast a night with a focus on slow fashion.

With a track record that includes the monthly uber cool East Block Bazaar, a buzzing new East Block Food market and the long standing eclectic Belfast Flea Market, plus bespoke markets in St Anne’s Cathedral, Hillsborough Castle, 2 Royal Avenue, The Black Box and Common Market, this special evening market will take place 7pm – 11pm on Thursday 17 November.

East Block Fashion will see Banana Block on the Newtownards Road transformed into an eclectic and colourful shopping extravaganza showcasing the best in Northern Ireland’s slow fashion designers and makers.  Featuring everything from high end, one off pieces, vintage fashion, street wear, new designers, stylish jewellery and more for both men and women.  This free event will also feature local DJs, craft beers, cocktails, cakes and hot food.

Alongside a swop shop from Another World Belfast there will be sustainable luxury handbags designed in Northern Ireland from Taylor Yates; great pieces for men from Belfast stalwart The Bureau; handpicked vintage clothing from Strawberry Fields and PastTense; preloved women’s clothing from The Wardrobe; stunning handmade jewellery by Tanya Ireland; forever pieces for children from a new range Wild Kind Ireland and health and beauty goodies from LUSH to name but a few.

Caroline Baker, founder of Little Fox Events, is no stranger to fashion having set up a clothes label FRANKIES herself. A mother of two small children and a creative career which has taken her from producing music, being a booking agent, tour manager and managing gigs to running her own varied events and designing event spaces.

The Little Fox portfolio of bespoke events has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months and it is the level of interest in the clothing and accessories vendors across her markets that has inspired Caroline to create one specialising in slow fashion.  “It is really important to change the way the consumer shops and to provide a platform in Belfast to do so. Fast fashion is a big weight on our planet and we all need to slow it down.

We hope to provide an evening to shop in a more conscious way.  An alternative to the high street, supporting local retailers and designers, wearing second hand and swapping what you already have. These are concepts that can bring about a change but we also have fun doing it!”

This free evening event is a relaxed chance to meet up with friends, shop for clothes and accessories whilst enjoying music, bar, hot food and treats. Get those Christmas outfits bagged early!

Details:

Thursday 17 November 2022

7pm – 11pm

Free entry

** First 50 through the door get rewards **

Banana Block, Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1GE

Disabled access

Dog friendly

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 7 – 13 November 2022   

   

  1. Sound of Belfast, Belfast, 10 –20 November. Sound of Belfast is an annual celebration of the music of the city. Established by the Oh Yeah Music Centre to showcase the talent that resides and moves through Belfast’s streets and studios, venues and homes, the Sound of Belfast mantra has always been ‘turning up the spotlight on our world-class talent’. The festival is a blend of collaborative, independent and partnership events. Belfast’s musicians, creatives, artists and venues curate it and a diverse combination of sounds and scenes are delivered by them, for you.  
  2. Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience,Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, 12 November. Padraig Carragher is a woodturner, storyteller, musician and owner of Bluebell Lane Glamping in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh. Adjacent to Padraig’s home on the site of a centuries old mill, once known as “The Big House” and a place where local farmers gathered in bygone days, is now his modern woodturning studio. Using locally sourced native trees, learn how to use the lathe, sharpen tools, sand and finish under the expert guidance of Padraig. Stroll through the beautiful private woodland and learn how these trees have been used in woodturning for centuries while enjoying the fresh country air and surrounding beauty of Slieve Gullion.  
  3. NecarnePoint-to-Point Races, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, 12 November. Necarne point-to-point is the perfect family day out in the countryside and where you will get to witness future stars make their introduction to competitive horse Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.  
  4. Model Railway Day at Ulster Transport Museum,Cultra, County Down, 12 November. This year, Model Railway Day will be taking place in the Rail Galleries at the Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra. The event is organised in association with the Friends of Cultra, with support from enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland with over 100 exhibitors involved. This year there will be over 30 layouts and associated exhibits for you to enjoy.
  5. Bronze Age for Kids, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 12 November. Join event guide Ianat Marble Arch Caves, who will show what life in Bronze Age Ireland would have looked and felt like through the eyes of a typical bronze age family. Ian will demonstrate first-hand how an incredible invention called a “furnace” developed by humans during the bronze age works. You will discover how Bronze Age man used the furnace to make a new metal called bronze, smelting both copper and tin to make this new alloy a much stronger material and therefore better for making farming tools and weapons.  
  6. Winter Wildlife Detective, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 13 November. Meet your activity guide who will take you on an Animal Seek and Find Adventure. A fun opportunity for your children to discover what interesting native animals live in the landscape surrounding the Marble Arch Caves. Led by your guide you will then be taken on an adventure into the woodland where you will visit the Mini-Beast Camp. Enjoy a mini-beast scavenger hunt, finding creepy crawlies and learning more about the unique insects that live in these woods.
  7. Nutcracker Sweeties, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 9 November. It’sa magical Christmas Eve. Ciara and her brother Fionn are on a shopping trip to a famous department store in Dublin. They wander off from their parents and the magic of Nutcracker and Christmas begins. At the Millennium Forum and choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, this exciting production of the festive classic performed by a cast of world-class dancers will appeal to audiences of all ages with its fairy-tale magic, beautiful costumes and a re-imagined Tchaikovsky score.  
  8. Jimmy Buckley Concert Tour, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 10 November. Jimmy Buckley possessesa very rare talent, not only as a phenomenal singer but also as a hilarious mimic of other major stars and will be bringing this on tour with him in 2022. Jimmy’s show contains a wide variety of material, including country, big ballads and tribute medleys to the greats of country music. Along with his magnificent band, Jimmy will entertain you superbly and looks forward to meeting friends, old and 
  9. Coast and Country – Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, Departingfrom Coleraine Town Hall, County Londonderry, 12 November. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast. In a tour that lasts six hours, you become familiar with the heritage and culinary culture, taste delicious local produce and meet the people behind this. Wendy will encourage you to sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area so unique. As you travel by luxury small coach through the area on a tour of five planned stops, you will experience the fresh outdoors and taste locally produced artisan foods, that have attracted many international awards.  
  10. ‘In Bursting Air’: Maureen Boyle, Victoria Kennefick& Jessica Traynor at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 12 November. Celebrating the female voice in contemporary Irish poetry, HomePlace is delighted to welcome Maureen Boyle, Victoria Kennefick and Jessica Traynor to read from their work, which is representative of a rich range of focus, interest and life experience. 

 

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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 31 October – 6 November 2022   

   

  1. Photo Courtesy of Mid-Ulster District Council.

    Halloween Happenings in Ballycastle, CountyAntrim, 31 October. Join the fun in Ballycastle to celebrate Halloween 2022. Enjoy Quiet Time for Children with Additional Needs from 5.30 pm – 6.30 pm, featuring a balloon modeller, amusements and Halloween crafts. From 6 pm, the parade will gather at Dalriada Hospital, Leyland Road where the fancy dress judging will take place at 6.15 pm prior to the procession departing at 6.30 pm to make its way through the town to The Seafront. Beatz Entertainments begin at 6.30 pm at The Seafront whilst waiting on the parade. Fireworks will light up the sky at 8.30 pm and then the Harry McGarrity Band will play until 9pm. 

  2. Winter Wildlife Detective, Florencecourt, CountyFermanagh, 1 – 6 November. Meet your activity guide who will take you on an Animal Seek and Find Adventure. A fun opportunity for your children to discover what interesting native animals live in the landscape surrounding the Marble Arch Caves. Led by your guide you will then be taken on an adventure into the woodland where you will visit the Mini-Beast Camp. Enjoy a mini-beast scavenger hunt, finding creepy crawlies and learning more about the unique insects that live in these woods.  
  3. Autumn Discovery Morning, Belfast, 4 November.Join rangers on a seasonal walk enjoying the splendour of the Regional Park. Meet at Lockview car park, Stranmillis at 11 am and book your spot by contacting the Park Office on 028 90491922 or email at admin@laganvalley.co.uk. This is a free event and booking is essential due to limited places. 
  4. Fidelio Trioat the Portico of Ards, Portaferry, County Down, 6 November. Shortlisted for the 2016 Royal Philharmonic Society Music Awards, the Fidelio Trio are enthusiastic champions of the piano trio genre, performing the widest repertoire on concert stages across the world. They have an impressive list of commissions and first performances and have a large discography of highly acclaimed recordings. In this concert, the programme will include a new piece by Helen’s Bay-based composer, Simon Mawhinney entitled ‘In Three’.  
  5. The Illegals at the Portico of Ards, Portaferry, CountyDown, 5 November. If you were here last year for this fabulous gig you know where you want to be this year – enjoying the best of The Eagles and Fleetwood Mac. Led by Niamh Kavanagh, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs. Songs like Take It Easy, Dreams, Life In The Fast Lane, Don’t Stop, One Of These Nights, Gold Dust Woman, Desperado, The Chain, Hotel California and many more – will be on the playlist to celebrate two of the greatest rock bands of all time. 
  6. Legendary Navan Fort (EmainMacha), Armagh, County Armagh, multiple dates and times available, check the website. Explore the archaeology and history associated with the great temple of 95BC, as well as learn about some of the significant discoveries at the nearby sites of Loughnashade, Haughey’s Fort and the King’s Stables. The experienced tour guides will explain how and why it is believed the impressive ritual temple at Emain Macha was built, as well as how this site may have been what attracted Saint Patrick to the area. This tour lasts approximately 1 hour 45 minutes, including a guided tour to Navan Fort (weather permitting) and a visit to the Iron Age dwelling area. 
  7. Ghosts of Ulster – A Spooktacular Experience in Ghost Belief, Portrush, CountyAntrim, 1 November. Enjoy an evening of hair-raising tales of ghostly goings-on at Portrush Town Hall this Halloween. Ulster University lecturers in architecture, English, and social history will share their knowledge and stories of ghosts and hauntings. The first part will be a panel discussion on ghost belief over the centuries led by experts from social history, psychology and gothic literature from Ulster University. The second part of the evening will be an interactive discussion allowing the audience to share their oral histories and narratives of ghost stories from the local area. 
  8. Crindle Stables– Halloween Activities, Limavady, County Londonderry, 31 October – 4 November. Enjoy a thrilling horse riding experience in Northern Ireland at Crindle With a range of wonderful horses and ponies to suit all riders and abilities, there is an array of activities and experiences to explore. During the allotted dates, enjoy their Halloween week of activities, perfect for the family. Monday 31 Oct – Group Countryside Trek and Halloween Adventure Ride; Tuesday 1 Nov – Day at the Stables and Own A Pony Day; Wednesday 2 Nov – Group Countryside Trek; Thursday 3 Nov – Day at the Stables; and Friday 4 Nov – Halloween Adventure Ride.  
  9. Aurora Borealis with Martin McKennaat OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, Omagh, County Tyrone, 6 November. Join astrophotographer Martin McKenna, best known as Night Sky Hunter, for a Northern Ireland specific guide on how to view one of the world’s most sought-after sights, the Aurora Borealis. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular, colourful display of light commonly seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere. During the evening, Martin will talk about the genesis of geomagnetic storms, aurora forecasting and online resources and observing t Booking is essential.  
  10. Bona Palooza, Holywood, CountyDown, 5 November. Welcome to Bona Palooza, a new micro festival exploring LGBTQ+ rural stories from Ulster’s past and present. Throughout the day there’ll be a number of talks, screenings, workshops and interventions from a number of participants from rural areas. To access this event, you will need a general admission ticket, which you can purchase through the link. Please note, some events require additional booking due to limited capacity. 

 

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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this Halloween Weekend!

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Antrim

Fancy something different? Track down Dracula this Halloween with Whitehead Railway Museum – a family-focused ‘soft’ Dracula story-telling show, performed within the Museum premises.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Little Spooks returns to the Navan Centre & Fort this Halloween, with ghoulishly good fun for all the family! Our spooky stage show sees a world -amous vampire hunter arriving in Transylvania in search of Dracula’s castle! Can you help him find the courage to succeed in his quest? But beware, Count Dracula (and his mummy!) stand in the way!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Join the RSPB’s Window on Wildlife this Halloween as they lay on a host of activities at their Spooky Pumpkin Patch as part of the Big Wild Halloween celebrations

Find out more HERE

Down

Journey into the Seven Kingdoms this Halloween and explore the making of Game of Thrones, at the world’s only official Game of Thrones Studio Tour at Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Experience the scares and thrills as you venture through the chilling graveyard forest at the Share Discovery Village.  Can you make it through without getting lost…or worse?

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

The Walled City of Derry~Londonderry comes alive for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see around 40,000 revellers gather on Halloween night for the first time since the pandemic. 

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Will you survive the thrills and chills of our Torchlight Tour this Hallowe’en at the Haunting of Drowned Horse Creek, Omagh?

Find out more HERE

 

 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland Next Week

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 24 – 30 October 2022   

   

  1. ’Awakening the Walled City.’ – Derry’s annual Halloween celebrations. The ever popular Spark passing through Castle Gate on Derry’s Historic Walls. Credit ©Lorcan Doherty Photography

    The Wicked Witch Trail, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, 29-31 October. Join the fun when the woodland above the Marble Arch Caves will be transformed into a spooky world of Halloween surprises.  A quest awaits those who dare to explore a trail of monsters and magic and for those brave enough to help save the cave from the grips of an evil witch’s spell. Keep your wits about you on your adventure as who knows what could be lurking behind the trees or creeping up behind you! 

  2. Hallowe’en Torchlight Tours: The Haunting of Drowned Horse Creek, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 28,29, 31 October. Celebrate Halloween at the Ulster American Folk Park. The tours explore the life of Amos Burns, who, along with his wife in 1865, travelled to an American town called Drowned Horse Creek. Legend has it that the only correspondence after his departure was a book sent home to his mother written in blood red ink and titled Torment at Drowned Horse Creek. Will you join the search for Amos and his wife, to discover if the terrifying tales of Drowned Horse Creek are true? 
  3. Samhain Yoga & Nature Retreat, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, 29 October. Join the Blaney Spa & Yoga Centre for a full day retreat to celebrate Samhain and to begin to look inwards as you prepare for the coming winter. Across the day there will be three yoga sessions to awaken your muscles and your mind. You will learn about the ecology of the season, unearth the mythology behind the date and share customs and traditions around this most spooky time of the year.
  4. Armagh Observatory & Planetarium, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 29-30 October. Join a very special Tall Tales & Terror tour of the Observatory this Halloween. Meet your terrifying tour guide and listen to stories that will chill you to the bone. The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790 by Archbishop Richard Robinson, and with hundreds of years of history, there are plenty of stories to tell. There will be stories which will include themes not suitable for young children. Also,join Scientific Sue for a special Halloween themed “Potions and Explosions” live science show at Armagh Planetarium.  
  5. Hallowe’eenGhost Tour of Armagh, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 27-30 This one-hour walking trail will be a mix of gruesome tales of days gone by coupled with a few surprises along the way. Tread the narrow streets lightly – you don’t know who is waiting to get you. The tour concludes at Red Ned’s with a hot whisky/hot port or a drink of your choice or if U18 a voucher will be provided for an ice-cream treat or speciality coffee at Mackles Ice Cream. This tour is suitable for 13+ years of age. 
  6. Gruffalo Halloween Guided Walk, Belfast,22-31 Visit Northern Ireland’s only official Gruffalo Trail at Colin Glen to experience this Julia Donaldson-endorsed guided walk with a Halloween twist. Hear the story of The Gruffalo before heading outdoors for a guided walk through the deep dark wood to 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. 
  7. Ultimate SUP Halloween Party Paddle, Downpatrick, Co. Down, 29 October. This just might be the fancy dress event of the year. Paddle up the amazing QuoileRiver with this guided tour with Ultimate SUP NI. Time warp to Inch Abbey, keep an eye out for Viking invaders and paddle into the twilight on this three-hour trip. Fancy dress not compulsory but it’s recommended. This event is suitable for everyone over 14 years. 
  8. Awakening The Walled City Halloween 2022, Derry~Londonderry, 28-31 October. The Walled City of Derry~Londonderrycomes alive for Europe’s biggest Halloween festival, full of folklore, feasting and family fun. Around 100,000 people are expected to attend this year’s festival which takes place at 14 key locations across the city. The festival comes together in one giant finale with the return of the magnificent carnival parade and epic fireworks display which will see around 40,000 revellers gather on Halloween night for the first time since the pandemic. 
  9. Halloween Family Chocolate Experience, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, 30-31 October.In this fabulous 90-minute experience, participants (suitable for ages 5+) will make a tantalising and tasty selection of Halloween themed chocolates – tailored to the ages of those attending. Every member of the family will go home with their creations, having learned the basics of tempering chocolate. They will be offered a hot chocolate while their creations set and then package them up to take home and enjoy. Kids (and adults) can choose to come in their Halloween costumes but please note this can be a messy experience. Also note, this is a private experience – when you book you will have the Chocolate Manor exclusively for your own family. 
  10. Halloween at BroughgammonFarm, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, 14-30 October. Halloween at the Farm is back again this year – bigger and better than ever! This year there will be pumpkin picking, a witchy scavenger hunt, a Halloween craft barn and scarecrow competition at Broughgammon The farm shop and cafe will be serving up spooky treats, hot chocolates and mulled apple juice.  

 

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 www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Halloween fun for all the family at Flowerfield and Roe Valley Arts Centres

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Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady have a packed programme of horrifying Halloween activities on offer this October.

From frightening films to creepy craft workshops, spooky storytelling to live music, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for some suitably themed family fun.

Three-year-old Felicity is looking forward to the Halloween fun taking place at Flowerfield Arts Centre in Portstewart and Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre in Limavady this October.

At Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Banyan Theatre Company return with its Spooky Shadow Puppet Workshop for 5-11 year olds on Saturday 22nd October while tiny tots can enjoy Slightly Spooky Tales with fantastic storyteller Kelly Quigley on Saturday 29th October. On Thursday 27th October, there will be a late-night screening of ‘The Shining’, a fantastic opportunity to see this Stanley Kubrick’s cult classic horror film on a big screen!

At Flowerfield Arts Centre, kids aged 5 -12 can get creative with Linda Mullholland at a Halloween themed Weekend Wonders Workshop, or those aged 10 – 16 can join local artist Eleanor-Jane McCartney to create a colourful hedgehog mobile at an Autumn Fused Glass Workshop on Saturday 29th October.

Tenx9 returns on Friday 28th October, presenting their successful ‘Ghosts’ performance.  Nine people will have up to ten minutes each to tell a true story from their own life about ghosts, from the spooky kind to laments about the ghosts of their past. We are on the lookout for storytellers, so get in touch with your true spine-chilling stories at http://www.tenx9.com/submissions.

As well as this, two very special Haunted House Open Days take place at Flowerfield on Saturday 29th October and Monday 31st October.

Saturday will kick off with a screening of the original Hocus Pocus movie and then families are encouraged to channel that witchy energy and get creative in a post-film craft workshop with Linda Mulholland.

Storyteller Karen Edwards will bring the spooky myths and legends of the Causeway Coast to life followed by a drop-in creepy craft workshop in the afternoon when you can also enjoy a visit to Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, serving local

artisan foods while outdoor music will be provided by electronic pop duo VOKXEN.

On Monday (October 31st), a screening of Disney’s Coco will be followed by a drop-in Sugar Skull craft workshop.  Kelly Quigley will share some ‘Not So Spooky Tales’ for tiny tots and in the afternoon there will be drop-in craft workshops with Linda Mulholland to create some monster masterpieces.

Bookings for workshops, films and events can be made at https://www.flowerfield.org/ and https://www.roevalleyarts.com/ or by calling Flowerfield on 028 7083 1400 or Roe Valley on 028 7776 0650. 

For the Halloween Haunted House Open Days, only the films require advanced booking. Tickets are priced at £3 per person or £10 for a family of four.  All other activities as part of the Halloween Haunted House Open Days are drop-in and free of charge.

The Haunted House Open Days at Flowerfield Arts Centre have received financial support from The Executive Office through the District Council Good Relations Programme.

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF SPOOKY HALLOWEEN EVENTS

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– Family Friendly Halloween Events to Take Place on Site at Armagh Observatory and Planetarium From 22 to 31 October 2022 –

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of family friendly Halloween events will take place on site from 22nd to 31 October 2022.

These will be:

The Spooky Star Tracker evening, which will take place on 27th October. This atmospheric event offers something for everyone, with a choice of either the family friendly 7pm Spooky Space Dome show, or the 8pm Look Up Dome Show and comet talk for adults, followed by spine-tingling stargazing.

The Spooky Space Dome Show, which will take place on 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th and 31st October will provide families with cosmic fun this Halloween Half-term. This PG rated Halloween Dome Show features monsters, zombies, ghosts, black holes, zombie stars, and spectacular ghostly nebulae! Show times are at 11am, 3pm and 4pm. Tickets include entry into the exhibition area.

The Potions and Explosion Science Show will run on 29th and 30th October. Located in the Copernicus Hall, this event will see visitors of all ages join Scientific Sue for a special Halloween themed live science show that includes explosions, mess, fun but more importantly learning!

Lots of audience participation will be needed and each show will last approximately 60 mins.

Armagh Observatory will play host to the Tall Tales and Terror tour on 29th and 30th October. Recommended for adults and children aged 10 or over, visitors on this special observatory tour will be led by a terrifying tour guide and regaled with stories that will chill them to the bone! The Armagh Observatory was founded in 1790, and so there are plenty of tales to tell.

The tour includes general admission to the Planetarium exhibition. Some stories will include adult themes not suitable for young children.

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

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