Author: whatsonni

Three days of classical and jazz concerts, leading Irish and British musicians, family events and masterclasses

The inaugural Newry Piano Festival takes place from 6-8 February 2026, bringing together leading pianists from Ireland and Britain for three days of classical and jazz performances, concerts, and events.

Three of the finest classical pianists from these islands – Ireland’s Finghin Collins and David Quigley, and Scotland’s Steven Osborne – give concerts at the Festival, while fans of Jazz and musical theatre can look forward to an evening of Leonard Bernstein with the Rob Barron Trio, joined by vocalist Georgia Cécile.

The Festival is organised by Newry Chamber Music and marks an exciting new addition to Northern Ireland’s music festival calendar. Concerts, as well as family events, involving music and storytelling, as well as piano masterclasses, will take place in Newry Town Hall and the Newry Chamber Music Hub at The Quays Shopping Centre.

“This Piano Festival grew out of a pilot piano masterclass series we held last January with my brother, David Quigley. The response was exceptional and confirmed there is a real appetite for high-level piano performance and training in our region,” said Joanne Quigley McParland, Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music.

“While this is our first festival dedicated exclusively to the piano, it grows directly from the artistic values Newry Chamber Music has developed over the past 25 years — a commitment to excellence in chamber music and solo performance, and to presenting artists of the highest international standard. The piano has always been central to that tradition.

“With concerts, masterclasses, and open platforms spanning classical and jazz, this festival positions Newry not only as a place where great music is enjoyed, but as a destination where inspiring artistic work happens — attracting performers, students, keen amateur players, and audiences from across the country.”

An extraordinary series of firsts marks the Festival’s opening concert (Newry Town Hall, 6 February, 7.30pm) as David Quigley and Finghin Collins give their first performance together, with a programme featuring two world premieres by leading Irish composers Philip Martin and Sam Perkin.

Quigley and Collins will perform these works on two magnificent Steinway Model D concert grand pianos, kindly loaned to the Festival from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Ulster Orchestra. The programme also features work by Mozart, Rachmaninov, Joan Trimble, and Elaine Agnew.

In another coup for the Festival, acclaimed pianist Steven Osborne will give the closing concert (Newry Town Hall, 8 February, 2.30pm) with a beautifully crafted programme centring on the waltz, including works by Schumann, Satie, and Ravel, along with Schubert’s mighty Sonata in Bb Major.

Osborne will also give a public Piano Masterclass (Newry Town Hall, 7 February) for aspiring young pianists – an amazing opportunity for the participants, piano teachers, and enthusiasts alike.

American composer Leonard Bernstein will be celebrated when the Rob Barron Trio (Newry Town Hall, 7 February, 8pm) perform imaginative and improvised re-interpretations of Bernstein’s music from West Side Story, Candide, On The Town, A Quiet Place, and Wonderful Town. The trio will be joined by the award-winning British jazz vocalist, Georgia Cécile.

In a further treat for Jazz fans, Rob Barron will perform a Sunday morning concert (NCM Hub, The Quays Shopping Centre, 8 February, 1 1.30am), treating listeners to George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, Rodgers & Hart, and other Broadway masters. Then at 1pm, Barron will give a Jazz Masterclass for beginner and intermediate musicians.

Newry Piano Festival will also host a delightful family event, when David Quigley and Finghin Collins again join forces for Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite, and be joined by acclaimed actor Séamus O’Hara (House of Guinness, Blue Lights), who will narrate Poulenc’s Babar the Elephant.

Aspiring and amateur pianists and performers of all ages can look forward to the Open Keys at the Quays open-mic piano concert (NCM Hub, 7 February, 4pm), where people can share music in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

“We want this Piano Festival to draw people to Newry and the wider region,” says Joanne Quigley McParland, “to experience outstanding artists and inspiring performances, while discovering an area known for its extraordinary landscape and superb hospitality, and now firmly recognised as a centre of excellence in classical music on these islands.”

For more information and booking, see https://newrychambermusic.org/piano-fest. To be considered for Steve Osbourne’s Piano Masterclass, or to perform at Open Keys at the Quays, email concerts@newrychambermusic.org.

Newry Piano Festival is supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Newry Mourne and Down District Council, and RTÉ Supporting the Arts.

Northern Ireland is set for an unforgettable 2026, packed full of major events, landmark milestones and exciting new visitor experiences.

 

From Belfast hosting the world’s largest celebration of traditional Irish music at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann (August), to Derry marking 40 years of its world-famous Halloween festival (October), Northern Ireland is gearing to embrace a giant year of events.

A new direct flight from Dublin to Derry is also planned, while Fermanagh’s stunning lakes, waterways and natural landscapes have become part of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands.

Belfast is celebrating being named as European City of Sport 2026 while other significant milestones include the Lyric Theatre celebrating 75 years along with Ulster Orchestra (60).

The Ulster American Folk Park in County Tyrone will toast 40 years in conjunction with its American connections and the 250^th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Fleadh Cheoil comes to Belfast in August for the first time

The world’s biggest celebration of traditional Irish music and culture is coming to Belfast. The city will host the 2026 Comhaltas Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2-9 August, marking the Comhaltas’s 75th year, with Ards CCÉ also celebrating their 50th year. Events range from large concerts and big name acts to street performances, pop-up gigs and community céilís, while competitions in music, song and dance range from local county and regional level to provincial and All-Ireland titles.

Over 400 events, including 230 championships, were delivered in 2024 over eight days, attracting more than 650,000 and delivering an economic value of around €70 million (approx. £58.5 million) to last year’s host region of Wexford.

New Experiences

• Finn Lough is developing a new spa village featuring a glass dome spa pool, surrounded by planting and relaxation space. The new spa will also include loughshore hot tubs, a central courtyard designed as a rain garden, and a secret garden with treatment rooms. Finn Lough is set to introduce Europe’s first electric hydrofoiling experience using the cutting-edge Vessev VS–9, offering guests a smooth, silent and environmentally friendly way to explore Lower Lough Erne.
• Castlewellan Arboretum: Annesley Gardens and Arboretum are nestled within Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down. The walled Garden provides a central focal point for the Arboretum and a £2.7m investment will restore the historical nature of the planting. The Grange will be developed into a vibrant visitor core, featuring the establishment of a welcome centre, community space, café facilities and open event area.
• Conquer the Skies: Dragon Ride: A breathtaking new chapter is about to unfold at the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge. Get ready to soar through the skies of Westeros on Dragon Ride – an epic, state-of-the-art experience that will bring you closer than ever to the world of ice and fire.

Hotel Developments

2026 will be a very different year with a lot of new openings including Aloft and Residence Inn, Belfast, (228 rooms), Adagio aparthotel, Belfast (136 rooms), Premier Inn, Belfast International Airport (80 Rooms), Yotel, Belfast (165 rooms) and Tempo by Hilton, Belfast (144 rooms).

Extensions also feature in hoteliers plans with The Ebrington, Andras House Group and several others planning to increase their room numbers. The likelihood is that around 800 new rooms will come to market in 2026.

• The historic Scottish Mutual Building in Belfast’s Linen Quarter is being transformed into the Bedford Hotel, opening early Spring 2026. The multi-million pound project will feature 82 stylish bedrooms, a destination restaurant, private dining spaces, and a café bar. Renowned chef Noel McMeel, famed for creating the G8 Summit menu, will lead the culinary team.
• Derry’s hospitality scene is thriving with the opening of two major new hotels in late 2025 on Strand Road. The Maiden City Hotel offers 43 stylish rooms, a residents’ lounge, Olive Room restaurant and Spire Bar. Nearby, the Walled City Hotel is within the beautifully restored 1920s former Bank of Ireland building, opening with 40 rooms and expanding to 72 by 2027, marking a major investment in the city’s tourism and heritage.
• This follows a series of major announcements including a £7 million investment in Derry’s City Hotel, soon to be rebranded as DoubleTree by Hilton, major refurbishment of Da Vinci’s Hotel (due February 2026) and the Galgorm Group’s acquisition of Roe Park Resort in Limavady. Construction has also begun on a new £15m venue dedicated to the city’s maritime and social history, the DNA Museum, due to open in 2027.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing retreat or an unforgettable adventure, Northern Ireland has it all. Start planning your perfect escape in 2026 at discovernorthernireland.com.

 

As the final Saturday before Christmas approaches, Coleraine town centre is set to come alive with festive entertainment and the perfect opportunities to wrap up your shopping in style.

On Saturday, 20th December, from 9am–4pm, the ever-popular Causeway Speciality Market returns to the town centre, offering a fantastic range of artisan produce, ideal for those looking for that special something.

There is also plenty of free family fun throughout the day:

The Snow Globe returns from 12–3pm for those perfect festive photo moments Express Face Painting and Balloon Modelling will keep younger visitors entertained from 1–3pm

The festive characters will roam the town centre, ready for selfies, laughter and some Naughty-or-Nice List checking. Enjoy live music performances from the brilliant Aaron Jamieson, adding a festive soundtrack to your shopping.

Look out for Riley, the juggling, unicycling elf, and a fine festive stilt walker bringing fun and spectacle to the streets from 1–3 pm.

Also running throughout the day is the must-see Christmas Experience in the Diamond Centre. Families can meet Santa, Mrs Claus, the Snow Queen, and the hardworking elves in the magical Toy Mine.

Booking is essential for The Christmas Experience. Tickets are available from Community Rescue Service shops in Coleraine or online at www.communityrescue.org.

Explore everything Coleraine town centre has to offer. From independent stores full of fashion, jewellery and unique gifts, to a range of well-loved high street retailers, there’s something for every type of shopper. And when it’s time to take a break? There’s no shortage of cafés, restaurants and bars, all just a short stroll from the action, perfect for warming up and soaking in the festive atmosphere.

Wrap up warm, bring the whole family, and enjoy a final festive Saturday in Coleraine.

 

 

Delight in the sparkle, cheer and magic of our Christmas events

 

Whether it’s a short break with loved ones, a day out or a giant experience, Northern Ireland has everything you need to make this year’s Christmas merry and bright.

From classic pantos to candlelit concerts and mindfulness mornings to artisan markets, there’s a packed programme of events taking place across Northern Ireland sure to get you into the spirit of the season and help you make memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled an enchanting list of events to make your festive season truly unforgettable, and you’ll find even more fun to explore in our Festive Guide: https://discovernorthernireland.com/featured-pages/your-giant-guide-to-short-breaks-ni

 

Belfast

• Christmas by Candlelight, Ulster Hall – 16 December – Step into the spirit of the season with an unforgettable evening of beloved Christmas classics performed live by candlelight. From timeless favourites like White Christmas and Let It Snow to the enchanting melodies of O Holy Night and Winter Wonderland, this is a celebration of music and magic you won’t want to miss.
• The Elf Inspectors, The Mac – until 24 December – Oh no – the magic of Christmas has disappeared. Step into a world of wonder and join the Elf Inspectors on a mission to bring it back. This interactive theatre adventure, created by the award-winning Replay, promises festive fun for all ages.
• Festive Fables, W5 – until 23 December – This Christmas, little ones are invited to pull up a log, snuggle in and step into a world of festive wonder. W5’s Festive Fables storytime brings Christmas to life in a cosy, imaginative setting, where twinkling lights and winter wonder fill the air. From playful elves to daring reindeer, sparkling snowflakes and enchanted forests, storytellers make Christmas come alive with every word.
• A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast – until 23 December – Make memories at A Magical Christmas Experience. Watch the excitement unfold as Father Christmas and his Elves count down to their favourite night of the year. Meet your Elf guide and travel as a group on a new immersive journey to the North Pole. You’ll visit the Enchanted Forest, make a wish by the Magical Wishing Tree and take some time to explore the Elves’ Workshop.

 

County Antrim

• Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens – until 30 December – Antrim Castle Gardens will be transformed into a glistening, festive wonderland once again. The resident fairies have a few new ideas of how to make Enchanted Winter Garden more magical than ever before. But the true magic? You’ll have to come and see for yourself.
• All Aboard for Christmas, Whitehead Railway Museum – until 22 December – Step into the magic of Christmas at Whitehead Railway Museum. Hop aboard a short steam train ride, pen a letter to Santa, make food for the reindeers, decorate gingerbread men and meet Santa in his grotto.
• Lisburn Light Trail at Castle Gardens – until 22 December – Step into a world of pure festive magic this Christmas as the Christmas Light Trail makes a return to Castle Gardens. Come along and take in the wonderful sights of the light show and visit the mini Christmas Market. The Light Trail is the perfect final stop on your festive day out in Lisburn after doing some Christmas shopping. 

 

County Armagh

• Cantilena at Christmas, Market Place Theatre, Armagh – 23 December – Seasonal favourites Cantilena return to The Market Place Theatre to get you in the festive spirit as we count down to Christmas once again. Check out The Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre website for other fantastic performances and events.
• Mission Santa, Armagh Observatory and Planetarium – until 23 December – It’s a real Code Red! Join their E.L.F. crew on Mission Santa and blast off on a Christmas adventure. Help save Santa inside Mission Control during a live theatrical show, along with a visit to see Santa. Your out-of-this-world adventure includes admission to a full dome show in the dome theatre, a present for each child and a printed family photograph.
• Winter Solstice in the Woods with Xhale, Slieve Gullion Forest Park – 20 December – This is the perfect chance to stop and connect with the Winter Solstice light on Slieve Gullion mountain. Forest Therapy Practitioner, Ann will support you to slow down, rest and reconnect with nature.

County Down

• Christmas Cracker Show, Montalto Estate – 13 December – Step into the Carriage Rooms for a magical celebration filled with festive tunes, joyful dances and fairytale fun with Santa, Buddy the Elf and friends. Enjoy sing-alongs, interactive activities and plenty of photo opportunities, all sprinkled with Christmas magic and cheer.
• The Snowman™ and the Snowdog, Hillsborough Castle and Gardens – until 4 January  – Discover a winter wonderland at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens with The Snowman™ and The Snowdog trail. Stroll past hand-painted sculptures through the gardens, relive scenes from the beloved film, meet Santa on select days and enjoy the castle’s festive decorations.
• Christmas Festive Family Trail, Mount Stewart – until 4 January – Wrap up warm and set off on a magical winter adventure at National Trust’s Mount Stewart this winter with this festive family trail. Embrace the winter chill and get out in nature this festive season.

 

County Fermanagh

• Santa’s Corner, Share Discovery Village – until 21 December – Santa’s Corner promises an unforgettable festive experience this Christmas. Write your personal letter to Santa, dash around like Rudolf on the bouncy castle and meet Mr Claus himself.
• Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, Ardhowen Theatre – until 13 December – Since they released the concept album in 1969, Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s multi award-winning show Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat has become one of the world’s most beloved family musicals.
• Christmas at Marble Arch Caves – until 23 December – Embrace the festive spirit with a variety of exciting events and experiences for everyone. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a cozy escape in the warmth of the Visitor Centre, there’s something for you to enjoy. Make Marble Arch Caves a part of your holiday plans this season.

 

County Londonderry

• Beauty and the Beast, Millennium Forum – until 31 December – Get the whole family ready for an enchanting adventure bursting with dazzling costumes, hilarious comedy and spectacular dance routines. Beauty and the Beast promises fun for all the family.
• Christmas Wonderland, The Jungle – until 23 December – The Jungle becomes a twinkling world of festive wonder, where every path sparkles and every corner hides a little Christmas cheer. Families can wander through the enchanted woodland, meet Santa and his merry elves, and soak up the glow of dazzling lights and joyful laughter.
• Cosy Christmas Stories with Mrs Claus at Seamus Heaney HomePlace – 14 December – Join Mrs Claus in the Helicon for a heart-warming afternoon of cosy Christmas stories. Little ones are invited to gather beside the twinkling Christmas tree as Mrs Claus shares her favourite festive tales and leads a few cheerful Christmas songs sure to lift everyone’s spirits.

County Tyrone

• Santa Trail, Glenpark Estate – until 22 December – Enjoy a magical festive day out with twinkling lights, delicious treats and lots of joyful moments. Meet Santa in his cosy grotto and create cherished Christmas memories with the whole family.
• Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park – until 22 December – Experience Christmas as it was celebrated in rural Ulster centuries ago, from a single-room cabin to the festive Campbell House. Meet Mrs. Mellon and sample her traditional Christmas cake. Explore the wintery streets of America, enjoy festive décor and flavours and see how European settlers shaped the American Christmas. Write a letter to Father Christmas, take a photo at the sleigh and let the kids discover the Christmas tree trail.
• Little Bo Peep’s Christmas Mix Up at Strule Arts Centre – 16 and 17 December – Join Little Bo Peep and her pet Baa-Baa the Black Sheep on a festive adventure. When Bo Peep’s sheep go missing just before the Christmas Fair, chaos unfolds. With help from the audience, can they find the flock, foil a witch’s wicked dinner plans and save Santa’s Christmas Jumper? Filled with laughs, songs and Christmas cheer, you’re in for a wooly good time at this fun-filled family show.

For a winter stay with tonnes of great value, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com. You’ll find even more information on the best places for food and drink, local Christmas markets, snug and cosy accommodation and of course… festive shopping.

Events are subject to availability.

Ards and North Down Borough Council has launched its Spring Arts and Heritage Programme, offering an inspiring selection of events, concerts, exhibitions, and creative opportunities taking place across the Borough from January to April 2026.

Music takes centre stage this season with the return of the Ards International Guitar Festival in April. Celebrating its 30th year, the packed programme features an exciting mix of gigs, free fringe activity, and a rock exhibition.

Friday Night Live also returns to Ards Arts Centre with performances by The High Lonesome, Ben Reel and Glass Half Full. Ards CCÉ will open this year’s Music in the Chamber series at Bangor Castle on 19 February with a celebration of Irish traditional music. Opera fans will enjoy Spring Solstice with NI Opera on 20 March, a beautifully curated lunchtime concert featuring much-loved seasonal favourites.

Theatre lovers have two standout productions to enjoy at Studio 1A Theatre in Bangor. On 10 April, Jak-In-The-Box Pop-Up Theatre presents The Bench, a warm and witty exploration of the quirky characters who pass through a local park, performed by Julie Kinsella and Maria Quinn. Later in the month, on 29 April, Isosceles Theatre Company brings the powerful drama The Man Who Left the Titanic to the stage, revisiting the fateful 1912 voyage and examining the legacy of J. Bruce Ismay.

Families can look forward to the return of Young Aspects from 27 February to 1 March, offering workshops, storytelling sessions and author events designed to ignite young imaginations. Writers will also be pleased to see the return of Aspects Festival Club, with monthly events offering writers and audiences alike the chance to share and celebrate new writing.

Those seeking a new hobby can choose from a wide range of creative classes and workshops in ceramics, illustration, calligraphy and more, delivered at Ards Arts Centre and venues throughout the Borough.

At North Down Museum, the ever-popular Arts Night at the Museum takes place on Friday 20 March, offering a free evening of hands-on creative activity for all ages. The Little Historians workshop returns at Easter along with the ever-popular Easter Trail for children and families. The museum will also present new exhibitions exploring The Birth of Irish Motor Racing and Boat Building at Ballyholme.

Arts and Heritage Manager Emily Crawford commented: “Our Spring programme is bursting with activity! From hands-on creative sessions to the Ards International Guitar Festival, Young Aspects, exhibitions, theatre and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit our website or pick up a guide to explore the full line-up.”

Online booking for all music and theatre events, as well as class and workshop enrolment, opens Thursday 11 December.

 

View the full Spring Programme and book at: andculture.org.uk/whats-on

LASTING memories are the ultimate present and Hastings Hotels is encouraging people to spend quality time with their partner and gift an experience to remember this Christmas.

 

Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels has a fabulous array of gift experiences for couples to enjoy and has put together some festive inspiration:

 

• Treat that special someone to a romantic overnight stay in one of the six luxurious hotels from as little as £120 for two people – book a city break in Belfast to take in a theatre date night or the bustling nightlife and stay at Europa Hotel, Grand Central Hotel or Stormont Hotel; escape to enjoy the ultimate 5-star luxury at the  Culloden Estate & Spa;  spend the afternoon exploring the Walled City and stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry or get cosy and enjoy a break along the scenic Antrim coast at Ballygally Castle.
• After Christmas, there is no better time to relax and enjoy some quality time together than an afternoon being pampered. The Spa at Culloden is an oasis of tranquillity with relaxation rooms, swimming pool, heat experiences and an extensive selection of ESPA treatments including the Sequoia Couples Serenity package which includes a back, neck and shoulder massage, marma points to the feet & a lower leg massage, personalised facial and scalp treatment.
• Indulge your senses and enjoy a romantic meal for two with menus carefully designed by the chefs at Hastings Hotels using the very best of local, seasonal produce.
• Treating your loved one to Afternoon Tea is a decadent way to enjoy quality time together. Enjoy cups of the finest steaming tea or coffee, finger sandwiches and an array of delectable treats! For the most exquisite Afternoon Tea, visit the Observatory on the 23^rd floor of the 5-star Grand Central Hotel where you can enjoy the best views of Belfast and beyond.
• And if that special person in your life likes to choose their own present – a Hastings Hotels Monetary Gift Card is ideal! It can be used in the six hotels, magnificent spa and any of the group’s restaurants or bars. It’s the ideal gift that lets people choose the perfect present – be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from just £20!

 

For further information go to www.hastingshotels.com/Christmasgifts or call 028 9047 1066.

Belfast’s favourite festive family tradition is back as Santa Sundays at 2Taps return to bring holiday cheer, delicious food, and heart-warming community spirit to the city. Running each Sunday until 21 December, Santa will make special Sunday visits to 2Taps, giving families the chance to celebrate the season together while supporting a vital local charity.

Every Sunday, children will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in person and post their Christmas lists straight to the North Pole using the magical 2Taps Santa Post Box. In a meaningful gesture of festive goodwill, 2Taps has pledged to donate £5 to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice for every letter posted, helping to support the essential care provided to children and families.

To make the celebrations even more special, children eat free during Santa Sundays (one child per adult), allowing families to enjoy a stress-free festive outing. Parents can relax and indulge in 2Taps full tapas and drinks menu including the renowned Sunday Roast or special Christmas Menu with a Spanish twist, freshly prepared by the restaurant’s talented kitchen team. The cosy festive atmosphere will be enhanced by live music from Joe Kennedy, performing from 2pm to 5pm, creating the perfect backdrop for a joyful family afternoon.

Jarron O’Neill Watson of 2Taps expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s festive programme, highlighting both the joy it brings to families and the importance of supporting local charitable work. He said: “Christmas is such a special time of year for celebrating children, and Santa Sundays are one of our favourite traditions at 2Taps. As parents ourselves, my sister and I wanted to create something truly magical for families while also giving back to a cause that is incredibly close to our hearts. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice does vital and inspiring work, and we are proud to support them at this time of year.”

The festive initiative is expected to draw families from across Belfast and beyond, with visitors returning year after year to enjoy the warm atmosphere, delicious food, and memorable experiences that 2Taps is known for. From the twinkling lights and festive décor to the excitement on children’s faces as they hand their letters to Santa, the event promises a magical afternoon for all ages.

Santa Sundays aim to bring the community together, offering families a place to create cherished holiday memories while making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Whether it’s enjoying a comforting Sunday roast, indulging in your favourite tapas, listening to live seasonal tunes, or watching children light up as they meet Santa, 2Taps is set to be one of the most magical places to spend a Sunday this Christmas season.

Santa Sundays are expected to be extremely popular, so book your table today at www.2taps-winebar.com/christmas and keep up to date with 2Taps special menu offerings by following along on social media.