Author: whatsonni

Finally, back in-person and indoors, Commedia of Errors are once again bringing their Plays Aloud programme to vulnerable older people, sharing some Christmas craic with audiences across Northern Ireland.

A brand-new nostalgia filled Christmas show featuring classic tunes, comedy and more will be touring to care homes, nursing homes and dementia care units across NI this December.

Plays Aloud’s digital, and socially distanced ‘outdoors-in’ performances have been in high demand all through the pandemic, but residents are delighted to be getting back to normal and to be able to welcome performers back into their living rooms!

This ambitious Christmas programme is principally funded by Arts Council Northern Ireland’s Arts and Older People Programme and Halifax Foundation NI, with support from Public Health, The Baring Foundation, and is made with partners Radius Housing.

Plays Aloud has been bringing their dementia specialist variety show into nursing homes, care homes, dementia units and folds since 2017. Each performance is specially curated to invigorate and reenergise older audiences, improving mental health and slowing dementia related decline.

In 2020, the pandemic temporarily put a stop to the programme, but unperturbed, company founders Benjamin Gould and Clare McMahon (working with programme partners Radius Housing and Accidental Theatre) digitised, creating Plays Aloud At Home. Through a combination of live streaming and bespoke made DVD recordings, the company broadcast their hit variety show six times to the TV’s of over 1400 beneficiaries since June 2020. They received Highly Commended by Arts & Business ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing Award’ 2021. Finally, as they pandemic abates, they are returning to in-person performances for their cherished older audiences.

Audiences of the programme are always positive: One care worker said, “They loved every minute of it.”

An audience member commented, “Better than the BBC!” Another added, “Don’t underestimate the value of this resource you have given us – Keep it up!”

The project has even been endorsed by Daniel O’Donnell who observed, ‘‘Plays Aloud At Home is engaging with the most vulnerable in our communities. It really is inspiring…long may it continue!’’

This Christmas the programme will feature two pairs of performers touring to the lounges of care facilities in every county of Northern Ireland.

Lorraine Calderwood, Community Arts Development Officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, explained how the Arts and Older People’s Programme is making a difference to the lives of older people across the region: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support Commedia of Errors’ Plays Aloud programme. Research has proven that taking part in arts activities can raise self-esteem, confidence and motivation, as well as aid in relieving stress.

“The Arts and Older People Programme is committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our older people to take part in arts activities, enriching their lives for the better. As we emerge from the extra challenges faced by older people as a result of the pandemic, participating in the arts is now more important than ever.

“The arts have a vital role to play in helping older people find their voice thus promoting positive physical and mental health. Thanks to The National Lottery, Public Health Agency and Baring Foundation, the Arts Council is hugely proud to have supported 250 projects benefitting older people since the programme began.”

Plays Aloud At Home is the brainchild of local theatre makers Clare McMahon and Benjamin Gould in partnership with Radius Housing. McMahon and Gould also recently collaborated to bring McMahon’s play, ‘The Gap Year’, to sell-out audiences at the Lyric Theatre. They have previously worked together to bring smash hit ‘I Am Maura’, and the sell-out ‘Shakespeare’s Women’ to audiences across Northern Ireland.

To find out more about Commedia of Errors, go to: www.commediaoferrors.co.uk

 

Festivities to Take Place in Lisburn City Centre from 1^st to 22^nd December

 

29 November 2022 Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced that a series of exciting festive events for all the family will take place in Lisburn City Centre from 1^st to 22^nd December.

Alderman Allan Ewart MBE, Development Committee Chairman, says, “We’re delighted to welcome visitors to experience Christmas events in Lisburn City Centre this festive season.

“This city has everything. From seasonal fayre to unique gifts and sensational light shows, there’s magic to be discovered around every corner.  Our Christmas celebration events feature something for all the family.

“The exciting programme includes everything from sensory late-night shopping and a festive roller disco, to a Christmas tea dance, a ladies’ night, and rocking around the Christmas tree with DJ David Lamont. We invite adults and children alike to come celebrate with us in Lisburn & Castlereagh this Christmas.”

The first event is inclusive Sensory Late-Night Shopping, which will take place from 6pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 1st December. This will offer families the opportunity to view the light attractions with quieter music and fewer lights switched on. Visitors will welcome Sophie the Sensory Playbus and another Soft Area Playbus to Market Square between 6pm and 8pm.

The age limit for Sophie the Sensory Playbus is 6, however, parents are welcome to bring any child along who may enjoy the bus. The second Soft Area Playbus is suitable for children aged from 2 to 10 years.

Santa will be in Castle Gardens on the evenings of 1^st, 2^nd, 8^th and 9^th December if you would like to take the opportunity to visit him as part of the Christmas Garden Light Trail and take a family photo.

A festive Roller Disco will take place in Market Square from 4pm to 9pm on Friday 2nd December and Friday 9^th December. Adults and children alike are welcome to come skate the night away at the festive rink.

You can borrow skates on site or bring your own if preferred. To register for tickets, please visit Eventbrite:  https://bit.ly/LCCCEvents

A free Christmas Tea Dance with Housty will take place from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 3rd December. Visitors are invited to put their best foot forward and get involved in the festive fun. No registration is required for this event.

A Ladies’ Night will take place in the Marquee from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday 8th December, with live demos on stage from 7pm. Suitable for adults, this event will provide ladies with tips for applying make-up, updating their winter wardrobe and making the most of what they already have with the help of one or two sneaky additions!

Participating in the event will be Evolve by Samara, The Sanctuary, Lisburn, International Beauty, Jonzara, The Tan Brush, Specsavers, Green Angel Skin Care and Sew Ready. To register for Tickets, visit Eventbrite:  https://bit.ly/LCCCEvents

You never know who you’ll bump into when Christmas shopping in Lisburn City Centre! Visitors on Thursday 8th December might encounter Buddy the Elf and The Grinch as they roam Market Square and Bow Street from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

The classic Christmas movie, Elf, will be live on the Big Screen in Market Square from 4.30pm to 6pm on Thursday 16th December. Visitors are invited to bring blankets and cosy up for the viewing.

Visitors are also welcome to Rock Around the Christmas Tree from 4pm to 7pm on Thursday 22nd December, when Market Square will be transformed into a family friendly dance party with DJ David Lamont from Lisburn’s 98FM and a host of Christmas characters.

You’re also welcome to come along and enjoy the Lisburn Light Festival this festive season. You can take in the illuminating captivating light installations at various locations across the city until 22^nd December, and don’t forget to visit the spectacular Christmas Garden Light Trail in Castle Gardens, open from 4pm to 8pm daily from 28^th November until 22^nd December.

To find out more about the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and Lisburn Light Festival, visit: https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/christmas-programme-2022

A host of fun-filled festive events in the Walled City

 

November 28: Go to the top of the nice list this year by treating your loved ones to one of Derry~Londonderry’s Christmas events.

 

Ranging from pantos to artisan craft and food fairs, there is a wide range of great value family-friendly events taking place throughout the Walled City this festive season.

 

With amazing places to stay and a vibrant bar and restaurant scene, why not make it a short break and have yourself a Derry little Christmas.

 

Visit Derry has compiled a list of events to give you a flavour of what’s planned for this festive season.

 

December 1 – January 2
Cinderella, Millennium Forum

 

• Come and have a ball at the biggest panto in the North West! Enjoy this fun-filled panto, starring Conal Gallen as Buttons, and have a truly magical family experience this Christmas in the ultimate rags-to-riches tale of Cinderella. The signed performance will take place on Thursday December 8 at 7pm, whereas the relaxed performance/dementia friendly performance will be held on Saturday December 10 at 2pm and the captioned performance will be on Sunday December 18 at 2pm. Visit

www.visitderry.com/whats-on/cinderella-p805811

December 1 to 22

St Columb’s Magic Kingdom, St Columb’s Park

 

• Enjoy a magical light trail through the enchanting grounds of St Columb’s Park. A magical world awaits all the family in the heart of the city this festive season at St Columb’s Magic Kingdom. Take in the spectacle of illuminations, see Santa, Mrs. Claus, and The Grinch, toast your own marshmallows, and shop for gifts with local food and craft traders from across the Nort West. Visit www.visitderry.com/whats-on/st-columbs-magic-kingdom-p813531

 

December 4
Shirah of Bethlehem, Playhouse Theatre

• It’s Christmas Eve in Bethlehem. But of course, the people don’t know their little town will soon become a sacred place. Shirah of Bethlehem does what no other retelling of the Nativity has attempted: it stars a girl! Think of Amahl and the Night Visitors, The Little Drummer Boy, The Littlest Angel — even the animals in the stable and Joseph’s donkey have speaking parts. Mary is the only female. But what if the one who led the shepherds to the manger was a girl? Enter Shirah. Shirah’s story comes alive through the exuberant music of Motown hit-maker Elliott Willensky and the lyrics and narrative written by bestselling author Mary Pat Kelly. Visit www.visitderry.com/whats-on/the-playhouse-theatre-shirah-of-bethlehem-p812641

December 7
A Celebration of Saint Columba, St Columb’s Hall

• This special event is a home-coming for world-renowned Derry-born conductor, Darren Hargan who founded Le Foyer des Artistes orchestra. Handel’s Water Music was written in response to a request by King George I for a concert on the River Thames. In Derry, a city with an ancient maritime history, it’s the perfect choice to open the residency of Le Foyer des Artistes at St Columb’s Hall. This debut concert, features some of the world’s most outstanding musicians led by internationally renowned baroque violinist, Bojan Čičić. And for this special performance Le Foyer des Artistes will be joined by some of Ireland’s finest singers including internationally acclaimed soprano, Claudia Boyle. Visit A Celebration of Saint Columba – Le Foyer (lefoyerdesartistes.com)

 

December 16 to 19

Christmas Winterland Market, Guildhall Square

 

• A series of unique handmade crafts, mouth-watering local artisan foods, and tasty treats will be offered at this Christmas market nestled in Guildhall Square from Friday 16th to Sunday 18th December. The Christmas Winterland Market will feature artisan traders from the craft and food sectors offering a variety of Christmas gifts and foods, making it a great place to get into the festive spirit. Visit www.visitderry.com/whats-on/christmas-winterland-market-p812211

 

December 17
Allegri & Orchestra North West, The Snowman, The Guildhall

• Allegri Ladies Choir will join forces with Orchestra North West in the Guildhall, Derry to perform a beautiful programme of music. The show will include Howard Blake timeless orchestral work ‘The Snowman’ as well as popular pieces such as Troïka, Gaudete and some original takes on a few festive tunes which you will know and love. Come share in the excitement of the festive season and experience a sprinkle of Christmas musical magic. Visit www.visitderry.com/whats-on/the-snowman-and-other-christmas-classics-p813511

For great places to eat, drink and visit as well as great value international hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation to stay in Derry, visit www.visitderry.com.

Back by popular demand! Join Armagh Observatory and Planetarium for its popular Christmas show, ‘Mystery of the Christmas Star’ this December and explore the science behind the star of Bethlehem. 

 

Available Tuesday to Friday in December, come along and experience the 2pm show and then head off for a festive afternoon tea in the Armagh City Hotel.

 

This offer is available for individual and group bookings. Simply contact the Armagh City Hotel to make your booking and join in the festive fun. 

 

Offer available 1^st – 23^rd December. Mystery of the Christmas star starts promptly at 2pm. Bookings to be made through Armagh City hotel only. 

 

 

The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul are teaming up again to help ensure children experience the magic of Christmas.

The joint Family Appeal has been helping parents and young people enjoy a brighter Christmas for almost half a century (43 years).

But with the costs of living increasing and one in four children living in poverty, demand for support from this year’s appeal is expected to be at a record high.

The Family Appeal has benefited from the enormous generosity of the public who have donated thousands of toys in previous years. However, the usual toy collection has been replaced by the opportunity for people to make an online donation.

Colonel Neil Webb, the Salvation Army’s divisional leader, said: “Through our work in communities across Northern Ireland, we are seeing the devastating impact of rising living costs on the families we support. The Family Appeal aims to support those hit hardest.

“We know this year has been difficult for everyone but we ask that people continue to support the Family Appeal and help us make difference this Christmas.”

Mary Waide, Regional President for St Vincent de Paul North Region, said: “This year, requests for our help are unprecedented. The stark reality is that families in local communities up and down the country are making impossible choices of whether to put food on the table, heat their homes or put presents under the tree.

“We are grateful for the support the Family Appeal receives each year and we would appreciate your help again this year very much. Protecting the dignity of the most vulnerable is paramount and this virtual appeal will help us give families the gift of choice this Christmas by empowering parents to choose and prioritise how best to make use of your generous donation this winter.”

Your donation, whether it’s £1 to buy a stocking filler or £10 to buy a winter coat, pyjamas or a present for under the tree, will be turned into vouchers for our volunteers to distribute.

Please donate today by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/page/family-appeal2022

 

An indoor market of over 20 stalls is set to transform the local enterprise park at Mallusk with some yuletide cheer on Thursday 1 December, offering visitors the chance to pick up presents and festive fare and enjoy an evening out supporting the business community in the countdown to Christmas.

Hosted and supported by Local Enterprise Agency – Mallusk Enterprise Park, as part of their 30th birthday celebrations, the Christmas Market affords an opportunity for local enterprises to showcase their businesses and wares to the public.

The Market will see over 20 local independent businesses offering products ranging from crafts and novelties to Christmas gift ideas, with an outdoor food stall serving hot pizzas and the team at the enterprise park providing festive nibbles & drinks. There will also be live music by tenant of Mallusk Enterprise Park – Audio Level DJ store and folk band The Rogues.

A free Christmas Grotto experience is being delivered to 90 local kids on the night and 3 charities are being supported – from a raffle in aid of NI Children’s Hospice to the building of a festive food mountain of donations for Newtownabbey Food Bank and a mountain of toy donations for Cash for Kids NI – visitors and traders are being asked to play their part in helping the worthy causes by bringing donations on the night or sponsoring raffle prizes.

The Market will opens it’s doors at 5pm and kick off in artistic style with the announcement of the winners and runners up to a Children’s Art Competition for primary school kids in the local area – the original artworks of favourite local businesses and social enterprises will be on show, gallery style, in the brand new Enterprise Hub at the business park.

CEO of Mallusk Enterprise Park, Emma Garrett said:

“We are very much looking forward to holding the inaugural Mallusk Christmas Market in the Enterprise Park. This event will kick off a year of celebrations to mark our landmark 30^th Birthday.  Since 1992 we have strived to promote, support and develop enterprise and wealth creation within our local community through free advice, training and mentoring to individuals and small / micro businesses.  We look forward to welcoming members of the local community into the Park to show them the facilities we have on offer whilst they shop small and local with our wide range of market traders.”

Iain Patterson, Chairman Mallusk Enterprise Park added: “The team at Mallusk Enterprise Park have been working hard behind the scenes to make this event special in every way.  The Enterprise Park is very much part of the community in Newtownabbey; helping over 100 people every year to establish their own business and assisting many more to survive and even thrive during the last few challenging years of Covid.  We have been heartened by the kind and generous donations of local businesses to the raffle and the event itself.”

The Mallusk Enterprise Christmas Market takes place on Thursday 1 December from 5pm to 8pm, is free to attend and a list of traders and the entertainment line up can be found online at: at www.mallusk.org/events. The Santa’s Grotto experience is fully booked but a waiting list is in operation and can be joined via eventbrite.

An afternoon of musical nostalgia will take place in Coleraine Museum at Coleraine Town Hall on Saturday 3^rd December to mark the final day of the successful dance halls exhibition.

Music will be performed by Trevor Keys, one of the few remaining showband members of the 1960s in Ireland, and local singer Jimmy Stratten.

Trevor is a former member of the Flingels and played alongside country singer Brendan Quinn and the Bluebirds. Come along between 2pm-4pm to hear the sounds of the 60s and reminisce about those dance halls days.

‘Let Me Introduce You, A History of Dance Halls in the Causeway Area’ will move to Ballymoney Museum from January 2023.

For more information call 028 2766 0230 or email cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

 

With over 1 million people expected to visit the Belfast Christmas Market this year, the Market Place Europe team (operators of the market) are already preparing for the opening on Saturday 19th November at 12noon.

The Belfast Christmas Market attracts visitors from across Europe and the UK and has become a significant contributor to the local economy, regularly attracting over one million visitors and contributing an economic impact to the city in and around £75.m, demonstrating the citywide benefit of such a large and well organised event.

Allan Hartwell, Managing Director of Market Place Europe Ltd said: “We’re delighted that once again the sights and sounds of the Belfast Christmas Market will form a focal point for the city centre during the festive season, having just been awarded the contract for a further three years we have made a renewed investment in the market to make sure it feels as special as ever.”

As well as even more local flavour, the Market still offers something a little bit different with 21 nationalities from all over the world bringing all sorts of unusual foods and gift ideas: crêpes from France, Dutch pancakes, Belgian chocolates, an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers, giant bratwurst from the iconic Schwenkgrill, Spanish paella and sweets from Italy. Visitors can also treat themselves to the well known Hug in a Mug of Gluhwein from the prize winning Kochem vineyard located in the Mosel Valley, Germany, or end the day in one of the bars serving local and continental drinks to get even more into the Christmas spirit.

This year the food court at the Market with bench style seating makes a welcome return, as does the much-loved carousel and vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market.

Support for local food and craft has increased with a number of St George’s Market traders joining in the festive fun. Some local favorites will also be returning including Pappas Minerals and Tapitas, Rossi’s Ice Cream and the Toasted Marshmallow stall

Belfast Christmas Market is proud to be supporting one of the Lord Mayor’s charities, Pretty n Pink. The breast cancer charity works tirelessly to support people affected by breast cancer across Northern Ireland, providing financial support and services to patients with breast cancer and their families. They also work to advance education of breast cancer awareness and breast care, and to improve the lives of breast cancer patients and their families. Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Tina Black said: “I’m very proud to announce Pretty n Pink as one of my charities for the year, and I’m so pleased that it will be supported by visitors to Santa’s Grotto at the Christmas Market, at City Hall. The charity does such amazing work, and over the years has supported so many families who are going through a cancer diagnosis and treatment; so this is a great way for people to give something back and people can be assured their donations are going to a fantastic cause.”

Councillor Black added: “The market is hugely popular and its arrival always heralds the start of the festive season for the city. It’s lovely to take a stroll through the stalls, soaking up the atmosphere and taking in all those delicious smells. And every weekend in the run-up to Christmas, we’ll have lots of free festive fun for families so, young or old, if you’re coming in to visit the market, shopping, having a bite to eat or just to see the Christmas lights, there’ll be plenty to see and do.”

This year the winners of the Jolly Big Business Boost competition (previously Pitch Perfect), judged by the charismatic Gourmet Boys, are The Little Salty Seahorse, offering hand crafted pictures and trinkets made from seaglass and pebbles

There is so much on offer throughout the city this year and the Christmas Market is just one of several events launching as part of the Christmas festivities. To keep track of Christmas Market news, and the ever-important weather updates, follow the official Facebook page at Belfast Continental Christmas Market and keep an eye out for our fabulous social media activity in conjunction with our media partners Q radio who will be offering spot prizes and lots of opportunities to engage.

Belfast Christmas Market will be at the City Hall from 12noon on Saturday 19 November until 6pm on 22 December.

Opening hours are:

Monday – Wednesday 10am – 8pm

Thursday – Saturday 10am – 10pm

Sunday 12noon – 6pm