Author: whatsonni

The staff at Armagh Observatory & Planetarium (AOP) have designed and written a brand-new children’s science book just in time for Christmas.

The “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” was inspired by the success of the Planetarium’s ‘Science@Home’ online programme, which AOP introduced during the lockdown to keep the public informed about the world of science. Seeing so many budding young scientists and their families engaged in science experiments in their homes during lockdown, the team at AOP realised the potential that putting together easily accessible information into an enjoyable book would have in creating a useful resource to access science in a fun and practical way.

A copy of the “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” will be sent to every primary school across the province, that’s around 850 copies, including a copy to all P7 pupils in the local Armagh schools.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen joined some lucky Campbell College students who got a sneak preview of the new book at a special event at the Planetarium last week, ahead of the book’s official launch.

Within the brightly illustrated science book, it contains experiments with easy instructions to DIY, insightful walkthrough videos, “did you know” facts and much more, bringing out the scientist in you from the comfort of your classroom or home. There are dozens of fun tasks to try such as, making your own moon sand, to creating your own 3D planets, and producing your own intergalactic alien slime.

Education Officer, Ria Mee, from Armagh Observatory & Planetarium said, “Our mission at AOP is to carry out front-line astronomy research and to make science accessible and easy to understand for everyone through education. During the pandemic, we started out with a few experimental videos to keep people engaged and the ‘Science@Home’ series grew in popularity. It included online events with our research staff and other famous astronomers, virtual star-gazing sessions and the fun bit…science experiments to try at home! We are thrilled that this book has been made and that it is now accessible to all primary school children. Our hope is that kids will be inspired to embark on a future in science and maybe even give work experience with us a go.”

The “Big Book of Experiments and Bright Ideas” will be making their way to schools across the country over the next week in time for Christmas.

This science book has been funded by a Spark Award from the Science & Technology Facility Council (STFC) and supported by The Department for Communities. Copies will also be available to purchase at the Planetarium gift shop.

Cineworld Belfast opens its doors today – Friday 10th December- The 13-screen cinema is in Belfast’s Odyssey and is the first Cineworld in Northern Ireland

10^th December 2021 – Cineworld, the Nation’s leading cinema chain, is delighted that Cineworld Belfast will today open its doors to the public for the first time. The new cinema, located at the Odyssey will feature 13 state-of-the-art screens including an IMAX® Laser auditorium, a multi-sensory 4DX extreme cinema experience, and ScreenX – which is a 270-degree wrap-around screen.  This will be the first and only 4DX and ScreenX auditoriums to be open in Northern Ireland.

The cinema will also offer an in-cinema Café serving Lavazza coffee. The cinema will also serve Rollover hot dogs, Candyking Pick & Mix and ICEE frozen drinks for customers to enjoy. The cinema will open in time for the highly anticipated films West Side Story, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and The Matrix Resurrections – tickets are on sale now at www.cineworld.com

Shauna Royle, Cineworld Belfast’s General Manager, commented:“We are delighted to finally open our doors to movie fans! We have a great variety of screening formats, offering the most immersive cinema experience in Belfast. We look forward to sharing our love of film with Belfast soon”.

To celebrate the opening of the new cinema, Cineworld held an opening gala, where guests were treated to food, drinks, and a chance to try out all of the new experiences available at Cineworld Belfast including 4DX, ScreenX, and IMAX.

Only available at Cineworld, 4DX offers customers the opportunity to experience the latest movies with high-tech motion seats, engineered to work in perfect synchronicity with the action on screen. Movie fans will be surrounded by special effects such as wind, fog, lightning, snow, bubbles, water, and scents. Available in both 2D and 3D formats, 4DX is one of the biggest innovations in cinematic technology. The new 4DX auditorium will house 172 specially designed seats.

The IMAX auditorium will feature the ground-breaking experience, IMAX® with Laser, which delivers stunning images and powerful, immersive audio to transport audiences into blockbuster films like never before. The experience is set apart by its next generation 4K laser projection system which features a new optical engine and a suite of proprietary IMAX technologies that deliver increased resolution, sharper and brighter images, deeper contrast as well as the most distinct, exotic colors ever available on-screen. The new experience also features IMAX’s 12-channel sound technology with new side and overhead channels that deliver greater dynamic range and precision for the ultimate in audio immersion.

Giovanni Dolci, Chief Sales Officer, IMAX Corporation, comments: “Cineworld has been a longstanding partner of IMAX and shares our passion for delivering the best premium entertainment experiences. Through our new IMAX theatre, we look forward to delivering audiences at the new Cineworld Belfast, the most immersive blockbuster moviegoing experience in the world.”

Cineworld Belfast will also feature the multi-projection cinema technology, ScreenX, using extra footage to expand the traditional cinema screen out onto the side auditorium walls, creating a 270-degree viewing experience that will surround you in your seat. The innovative technology uses an array of projectors with proprietary ScreenX software, blending multiple images into one seamless picture. ScreenX walls are installed with a fabric to ensure brightness and colour closely match the content on the main screen and extend the length of the auditorium. Strategically placed audio systems and speakers ensure that sound does not compromise the immersive viewing experience.

Cinema fans can take advantage of a range of offers at Cineworld Belfast including discounted Movies for Juniors screenings for just £2.50 on Saturdays, Sundays, and school holidays, as well as the Cineworld family ticket and Student NUS discount. The cinema will also be available for private venue hire.

Cineworld Unlimited Card holders can enjoy access to an unlimited number of films per month for only £15.99 – that’s less than the price of two new-release peak time tickets. The Unlimited Card also provides amazing cardholder benefits like discounts on cinema snacks, access to advance screenings of new movies, and no online booking fees. All Cineworld Unlimited members will also get access to a free tastecard as part of their membership which lets card holders tuck into 2-for-1 meals or 50% off food at thousands of restaurants and save 50% off attractions and at least 10% off takeaways.

When visiting the new Cineworld, Belfast, guests can park their cars in the car park at the front of the cinema in the Odyssey Car park. When visiting Cineworld, guests are able to have their parking ticket validated at concessions to receive four hours of free parking.

For more updates on Cineworld Belfast visit the Cineworld Belfast Facebook page and for information on Cineworld Cinemas, please visit: www.cineworld.com

THE CURE

2022 EUROPEAN TOUR

44 SHOWS / 22 COUNTRIES

= NEW 67’ ALBUM = NEW 135’ SHOW =

SPECIAL GUESTS 

THE TWILIGHT SAD

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Friday 2 December 2022

TICKETS ON SALE THIS FRIDAY 10 DECEMBER at 9am

www.ticketmaster.ie

The Cure have just announced details for their upcoming 2022 European Tour with 44 shows across 22 countries – including shows in Dublin’s 3Arena on 1 December and The SSE Arena, Belfast on 2 December 2022. The Cure have also announced a new 67′ album and new 135′ show.

The Cure will be joined by special guests The Twilight Sad on their 2022 European Tour.

Tickets go on sale this Friday 10 December at 9am from www.Ticketmaster.ie

The Cure make their highly anticipated return to Ireland following their sold out headline concert at Malahide Castle in June 2019 where they performed all their hits and fan favourites including ‘Pictures Of You’, ‘Lovesong’, ‘Inbetween Days, ‘Just Like Heaven’, ‘A Forest’, ‘Lullaby’, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and more.

Formed in Crawley, Sussex, England. Played its first show in 1978. Has performed around 1500 concerts to date. Has released 13 studio albums. Several concert films. A few live albums. Some soundtrack songs. More than 40 singles. A couple of box sets. A couple of books. A greatest Hits thing. A handful of covers. And various other stuff. 2019 Rock ‘N’ Roll hall of famer has had 13 members in 42 years. 2021 features 5 of them: ROBERT SMITH (VOICE & GUITARS) / SIMON GALLUP (BASS) / JASON COOPER (DRUMS) / ROGER O’DONNELL (KEYBOARDS) / REEVES GABRELS (GUITARS). 

Please see the biography for a longer story: http://www.thecure.com/bio/

WWW.THECURE.COM

With the festive season just around the corner, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to announce its first Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market, which will be set up along The Dark Walk and Hillsborough Fort.

Due to popular demand, the market will take place over two days, Friday 10^th December from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 11th December from 10am-3pm.

Visitors can expect a host of festive foods, gift ideas, activities and entertainment guaranteed to awaken the Christmas spirit in all adults, children and ‘Bah Humbugs’ alike! The Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market will provide over 50 local artisan food producers and craftspeople a platform to showcase their unique produce and festive gifts.

Self-proclaimed ‘foodies’ are in for a treat with the wide range of artisan producers taking part including local favourites Spontaneous Deuce, Ispini Charcuterie, Rosie McNeill Cakes and Jack’s Fudge. Other offerings include seasonal chutneys and preserves, speciality cheeses and rare breed meats, organic teas, juices and much more to fill your festive larder. There will also be an impressive line-up of artists and designer craftspeople along The Dark Walk, with local makers including Ellie MacCandles, Wendy Ward Design, Plumpy Balms, LG Jewellery, Ruth Osborne Art and Lauren Fowler Handcrafted Company all taking part.

In addition to the local artisan offering, marketgoers will also get the opportunity to explore the ever-popular local street-food scene in the grounds of Hillsborough Fort. Delicious aromas will be floating through the winter air from a range of gourmet street-food and drink vendors including Dough Heads, The Hatch and Tribal Burger, with warming coffees and hot chocolates from Percy’s Coffee and Steady Neddy’s to name just a few, each with their own distinctively seasonal menus developed using the best of Northern Ireland produce.

To ensure a festive atmosphere like none other, Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has made every effort to impress by calling upon the local community to provide the seasonal entertainment. The sweet sounds of the Downshire Primary School Choir and Friends’ School Brass Ensemble will be on hand to open proceedings and welcome visitors to the picturesque setting. Children can partake in seasonal craft activities and there will even be a visit from the big man, Santa himself, so if you are not already, you need to make you have made the ‘nice list’, in time for the market!

Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market is free to attend and will take place Friday 10^th December from 3pm-9pm and Saturday 11th of December from 10am-3pm. The market will be managed with COVID-19 mitigation measures in place. The advice is to wrap up warm and join the festive fun.

For more information and updates visit  www.visitlisburncastlereagh.com or @VisitLisburnCastlereagh on Instagram.

TO CELEBRATE THEIR 20^TH ANNIVERSARY, BLUE ANNOUNCE THE HEART & SOUL TOUR

TICKETS ON SALE FROM FRIDAY 9AM

One of the UK’s most exciting and successful boy bands are back! To celebrate their 20^th anniversary, Blue have announced today their Heart & Soul Tour. Blue will play 14 arena shows around the UK and tickets go on sale this Friday at 9am – tickets can be purchased from:

www.waterfront.co.uk

www.ticketmaster.ie

www.officialblue.com

The announcement for the Heart & Soul Tour comes 20 years to the week that Blue released their smash hit #1 debut album, All Rise. The album which was released 20 years ago this week, went on to sell over 1.4 million copies in the UK alone and was certified 4x Platinum. The tour sees all four original members – Antony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan and Simon Webbe – reunite for a fun-filled epic show. The concert will feature all the band’s hits from their 5 albums as well as some incredible surprises.

Speaking of the tour, Blue added: “We can’t believe it’s been 20 years since All Rise, our debut album, was released. It’s been quite the ride since then and now we have so much to look forward to as we go into our third decade! We had a lot of time in lock down to reconnect as friends and we started thinking how we could celebrate the anniversary. The four of us started working on new music and it felt so good to be back doing what we love again. This time off during the pandemic also made us realise how much we missed performing live. We can’t wait to get back on the road and see all of you at our Heart & Soul Tour. We have been planning this tour for a while and we promise you, we’ll be putting on the best show and making it a celebratory night you won’t forget! We have some surprises up our sleeve for the 20^th anniversary so stay tuned, 2022 is going to be a big one!”

Blue are one of the most successful British bands and have sold over 16 million albums worldwide including 3.6 million albums and 1.4 million singles in the UK. Their first 3 albums all topped the Official Album Chart and the group have worked with a variety of legends including Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Lil’ Kim. The British four-piece have recently begun work on new music, with announcements to come.

Tour dates:

11^th September – Belfast, Waterfront Hall

12^th September – Dublin, 3Olympia Theatre

17^th September – Liverpool, M&S Bank Arena

18^th September – Leeds, First Direct Arena

19^th September – Glasgow, OVO Hydro

21^st September – Aberdeen, P&J Live

22^nd September – Newcastle, Utilita Arena

24^th September – Manchester, AO Arena

25^th September – Birmingham, Resorts World Arena

26^th September – Brighton, Brighton Centre

28^th September – Nottingham, Motorpoint Arena

29^th September – London, The O2

1^st October – Cardiff, Motorpoint Arena

2^nd October – Bournemouth, International Centre

Tickets on sale at www.officialblue.com.

Follow Blue at:

Facebook / Instagram / Twitter / Spotify / YouTube / Wikipedia

To make Christmas memorable this festive season, enjoy a trip to Armagh Observatory and Planetarium to experience one of its out-of-this-world Dome Shows.

Experience the festive and captivating Dome Show, “Mystery of the Christmas Star”, which takes you on a journey back over 2000 years to Bethlehem, in a bid to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find baby Jesus. This modern retelling of the Christmas story is a truly magical show to be enjoyed by all ages. It is shown week days and weekends from 20^th November – 23^rd December.

For the music lovers, enjoy the hits of one of the greatest bands, U2 -The full Dome Music Experience. This is the first ever full dome production featuring U2’s timeless classics and modern hits. Songs including, “Where the Streets Have No Name”, “With or Without You”, “Beautiful Day”, “Mysterious Ways” and many more, will be played alongside full graphics dome sequences. You have heard the band, now you can see the music like never before! The show is 2^nd , 9^th & 16^th December. Tickets are £12 per person.

If U2 isn’t your thing, why not go for the Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Music Experience. Inspired by the music of Pink Floyd, this dome spectacular features the 1973 album The Dark Side of the Moon in explosive surround sound. With spellbinding abstract projections on the dome, audiences will be surrounded to create a truly astonishing experience. The show is 2^nd , 9^th, 16^th  & 30^th December. Tickets are £12 per person.

All Dome Shows are showcased in the Planetarium, utilising state of the art Digistar 7 projection technology, in an immersive 360-degree screening.

GIFT CARDS.

Do you want to show someone you love them to the moon and back!? Armagh Observatory & Planetarium offer gift vouchers for as hassle-free gift experience this festive season.

Choose a monetary voucher that can be used for any experience, Dome Show or to buy a treat in the gift shop. Alternatively, you can opt for a ‘family’ gift voucher that can be redeemed by your recipient to enjoy an out of this world family trip to the Planetarium.

Gift vouchers and tickets to all shows can be purchased online at www.armagh.space. Alternatively, you can call the box office on 02837 523689.

Lidl Elf Factory pops up at Newtownards Store, Castlebawn Roundabout, on Saturday 11 December to raise funds for charity partner NSPCC Northern Ireland

Thursday 25^th November: The most wonderful time of the year is upon us and Lidl Northern Ireland is inviting parents and children to join Santa’s Lidl Helpers at the Lidl Newtownards Store at Castlebawn Roundabout to Build an Elf on Saturday, 11^th December.

The Christmas cheer filled Lidl Elf Factory will be popping up instore for one day only, with 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales donated to Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, NSPCC Northern Ireland. Tickets cost £10 per child and must be purchased in advance on Eventbrite.ie.

The tour of the Lidl Elf factory lasts for approximately 45 minutes and each child will get to: build and name their own elf, create a tree decoration and most importantly, write and post their letters to Santa Claus. Finally, children and their families can indulge in some hot chocolate and festive bites before taking their creations and some additional treats home.

Tickets are limited, please book early to avoid disappointment, and ensure you get your preferred time slot. All proceeds from the ticket sales will go straight to Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partner, NSPCC Northern Ireland.

The elves are doing everything they can to keep the experience safe for visitors, so booking is essential. Tickets to the Elf Factory are available to book via the online booking system only, tickets are not for sale in store. Visitors are asked to adhere to Government guidelines in the Elf Factory.

In a partnership spanning four years, Lidl Northern Ireland has raised over £500,000 for NSPCC Northern Ireland, whose mission is to fight for every childhood, delivering services for children and operating Childline bases in Belfast and Foyle. NSPCC Northern Ireland supports children across the region and works to prevent abuse, help rebuild children’s lives and support families.

For more information on Lidl Northern Ireland’s charity partnerships visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk or to book tickets for the Lidl Elf Factory please visit eventbrite.ie/e/build-an-elf-belfast-tickets-211891030777

Vallely at 80’ is a major retrospective by international and award-winning artist JB Vallely. The artist will revisit drawings and oil paintings spanning almost 63 years as well as showcase new work completed during his 80th year.

This is Vallely’s most extensive solo exhibition since his major retrospective at the Market Place Gallery, in his birth city of Armagh in 2000. This exhibition includes his collection on display in the Archbishop’s Palace, Armagh that covers most of Vallely’s life as a painter, along with his collection of religious pieces on permanent display at Benburb Priory, dating from the early to mid-1960’s.

Valley’s subject matter depicts rural Irish themes, including its strong traditions of which he is passionate about on a personal level. Music, sport, mythology, history and culture feature predominantly in his paintings. He has produced a vast number of pieces over his career, exhibiting regularly at galleries in Belfast, Dublin, Derry and Armagh with additional exhibitions in Italy, Wexford, London, Scotland and Galway.

‘Vallely at 80’ can be viewed at the three locations across Armagh, with new works and the artist’s private collection on display at the Market Place Gallery.

Entry to the exhibition is free, and the works will be on display from 20 November 2021 until 15 January 2022. Further information is available from the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

The trees are going up, lights are being switched on and presents are being wrapped, all signs that Christmas isn’t far away. It’s time to get into the festive spirit – and there’s no better way than visiting National Trust places all decked out for the season.

Christmas at The Argory

See historic houses decorated in the style of Christmases gone by, stroll through frosty winter gardens, discover festive crafts to try at home, and tuck into delicious seasonal treats.

For little ones there will also be a special Percy the Park Keeper winter trail at five National Trust places, so they can enjoy the great outdoors inspired by some of Nick Butterworth’s most beloved characters.

After all that, warm yourself with the knowledge that each festive day out supports the National Trust’s work as a charity looking after special places for future generations to enjoy.

Historic houses dressed for Christmas

Step inside Castle Ward and experience the Mansion house dressed for an evocative eighteenth-century Christmas. Experience the rooms dressed for Christmas just as the Georgians did with atmospheric lighting, halls wreathed in traditional colourful garlands, and the dining table filled with festive fayre. Then descend the servants’ stairs to the basement where you will find the preparations for Christmas well under way.

Unwrap a classic Christmas with festive experiences at The Argory as you step back in time to a Christmas of yesteryear. See the house dressed for a traditional Christmas. Trees, trinkets and garlands will decorate the rooms and the dining room table will be set for a celebratory festive feast. Experience what life was like for the MacGeough Bond family and their servants as they prepare for the festive period in the 1800’s.

At Mount Stewart, the fire will be lit as the house prepares for the festive season. Step back in time and bask in the gentle glow of the twinkling lights on the traditional Christmas tree as you walk around the house accompanied by the gentle sound of carols. Afterwards, enjoy a festive mince pie in the tea-room and be sure to stop off at the shop for some sustainable Christmas gifts and décor.

Percy the Park Keeper winter trail

Running from 4 December at Florence Court, The Argory, Mount Stewart, Castle Ward and Rowallane Garden, the self-led trail will invite families to join Percy’s team as he races to get the gardens and the animals that call it home ready for winter.

© Nick Butterworth 2021

After reading Percy’s handwritten note and donning his famous hat families will follow clues, find Percy’s missing equipment, and enjoy activities and games as they complete the trail.

Highlights of the winter wander include helping to keep things tidy for when the springtime shoots appear, building dens, weather watching and surveying to find out which animals call the grounds their home.

At the end of the trail families can celebrate with a photo-op with Percy and they’ll get a special prize too. £2 per trail, normal admission applies.

Please check opening times before visiting at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ni 

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Kate Nicholl joined guests today (23 November) at an event to showcase the city’s newest visitor attractions at Colin Glen Forest Park.

In its first four months, over 6,200 people have zoomed through the forest at speeds up to 40km per hour on the Black Bull Run, Ireland’s first and only Alpine coaster, while 2,600 thrill seekers have skimmed the treetops at speeds up to 50km per hour on The Forest Flyover, a 250m zipline.

Perhaps the most exciting of all the new attractions is River Rapid, Ireland’s longest zipline. The 700m zipline with its 100ft high take-off point has just been completed and will allow brave visitors to enjoy spectacular views of the city while zipping across the Colin River at speeds up to 80km per hour.

The attractions are part of a multi-million-pound investment by Belfast City Council, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Department for Communities. The new facilities are central to Colin Glen Trust’s wider plans for the 200-acre outdoor adventure park. Other elements include the recent introduction of ‘Landy Train’ to transport visitors around the park, plus future plans to open a new visitor centre, new accommodation facilities and an outdoor café.

The Lord Mayor said: “It is fantastic to visit the stunning Colin Glen Forest Park to get a proper sense of the scale and ambition of this transformative project. From the outset, Belfast City Council got behind Colin Glen Trust’s vision to transform the forest park into a thriving, world class visitor destination. As well as overseeing the delivery of the project, Council’s £2.5 million investment was crucial in getting it off the ground and in helping to secure the additional funding needed from our partners in DAERA and the Department for Communities to make it happen.

“The new attractions represent a major boost for the area. There have already been 13.25 equivalent full-time jobs created since they opened, while the adventure park will significantly expand the local tourism offering and grow the economy in this part of the city. The attractions will also contribute to the city’s wider tourism portfolio, helping us get back to, and hopefully surpass, pre-pandemic visitor numbers to Belfast in the years ahead.”

Rural Affairs Minister, Edwin Poots said: “Through the Rural Tourism Scheme, my department invests in natural and built heritage and it is clear that the creation of visitor experiences showcasing our natural landscape, that are compelling and accessible to all, can offer long term sustainability and growth to tourism in Northern Ireland. This was a substantial Departmental investment of £1.437 million in the Colin area. Tourism is vitally important to our rural economy and I’m delighted that we have funded these world class attractions as well as the trail enhancements, the Landy Train and signage across the site, which were supported through DAERA’s TRPSI programme. 

“Colin Glen and its development provides tourists with unique visitor attractions not seen anywhere else in Northern Ireland. It is very important for people’s health and wellbeing to get outside and enjoy the natural environment, Forest Parks provide great venues for people to visit and exercise and the Covid pandemic has increased demand for such opportunities, it is therefore great to see these improved facilities at Colin Glen.”

Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey said: “Through working in collaboration with a number of partners, Colin Glen Forest Park has developed into a world class innovative attraction in West Belfast for everyone to enjoy. These impressive new facilities will provide opportunities for a wide range of citizens to participate and engage in educational, social and leisure activities, enabling them to live more active and healthy lives. I’m pleased that the investment in this state-of-the art project meets the objectives of our People and Place Strategy – to invest in neighbourhoods, to develop confident communities and to improve quality of life for all.”

Colin Glen Trust Chief Executive, Colin O’Neill said: “Colin Glen Trust is first and foremost a social enterprise, committed to the conservation of 240 acres of valuable green space in West Belfast. Our innovation and determination to ensure that the people of this area have a sustainable world class facility was something which has been supported by many groups and organisations, none greater than Belfast City Council, DAERA and Department for Communities.

“These new attractions will undoubtedly attract visitors from all over Ireland but it will also create employment and training opportunities for local people and will ensure the future sustainability of the Trust and allow us to protect and enhance Colin Glen Forest Park for the residents of this area and beyond.  We are truly grateful for the support from the Belfast City Council project team and of course the funders who conveyed genuine passion and commitment to ensuring that this project was successfully delivered.”

For more information on the new attractions at Colin Glen, visit www.colinglen.org