10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things taking place from 16 – 22 December.

1.       Winter-Solstice Armagh, 20 December. Celebrate the Winter Solstice with a lantern-lit procession to Navan Fort. Take part in a solstice ritual of morning meditation, reflecting upon the past and welcoming new light. Appreciate the calmness and serenity of watching the sunrise over the site of Emain Macha, before returning to the Centre for breakfast.

2.       Colin-Davidson-and-Oliver-Jeffers-In-Conversation Belfast, 16 December. Colin Davidson is a contemporary artist, living and working near Belfast. Since graduating in 1991, he has structured his practice in themes, and since 2010 his focus has been on painting grand scale portraits which have won widespread recognition and many international awards. His sitters have included Queen Elizabeth II, Bill Clinton, Liam Neeson, Brad Pitt and Ed Sheeran.

3.       Bushmills-Pre-Christmas-Food-Tour Bushmills, 20 – 21 December. Join Irish Feast on a journey of local, gastronomic discovery. During the tour of Bushmills, you’ll discover old recipes and new trends. You’ll talk to people in traditional family-owned restaurants and in up and coming artisan cafes and eateries. You’ll taste history and culture and truly experience the creative future of our food industry on a scintillating, surprising, seriously tasty Irish Feast Food Tour.

4.       Festive-Friday-at-Rademon-Estate Downpatrick, 6 – 23rd December. Learn all about their foraged botanicals, unique gin and whiskey processes. Stand next to their three beautiful copper pot stills and meet the founders Fiona and David. Just remember to take time to enjoy the views in their beautiful location with a pre/post tour cocktail at the bar!

5.       Ulster-Orchestra-The-Magic-of-Christmas Derry~Londonderry, 18 December. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas at this magical night with the Ulster Orchestra. Conductor Richard Balcombe, Codetta Choir and West End stars Sophie-Louise Dann (Les Misérables) Alex Gaumond (Legally Blonde, We Will Rock You) will definitely get you and your family in the Christmas mood, with an enchanting programme including O Holy Night, The Polar Express and not forgetting everyone’s favourite, White Christmas.

6.       Wild-Game-Butchery-Class Ballycastle, 15 December – 19 January 2020. This is the perfect class for anyone who is curious about using seasonal, small game or for those who enjoy shooting but would like to also know how to butcher their quarry. The class will give you all the skills you’ll need to be confident in prepping your own wild game for the kitchen. During the class they will also talk about the best ways to cook the different cuts and varieties. You’ll get to take away a selection of local game at the end of the class.

7.       Carols-by-Candlelight Holywood, 13 – 20 December. Experience the atmosphere of the festive season in the 1900s at Christmas at Cultra event and make it extra special by joining the candlelit carol service in the atmospheric surrounds of the Omagh Meeting House, Ballycultra.Take in the Christmas atmosphere in the idyllic setting of the Omagh Meeting House period building in the Folk Museum, for an evening of singing carols and seasonal readings.

8.       Aladdin Belfast, 20 – 22 December. Meet Aladdin, the rough and rugged hero struggling to find his purpose in life. Come along and have your wishes granted with a night of entertainment and a story that you’ve never heard told quite like this. With popular references to motion pictures and a soundtrack that is sure to leave you with your jaw on the floor, Aladdin is perfect entertainment for all the family this Christmas.

9.       Christmas-Family-Activities-at-Hillsborough-Castle Hillsborough, 14 December – 2 January. Get crafty with the art facilitator and make yourself something wonderful to take home. Enjoy some festive and traditional tales of the season with renowned storyteller Liz Weir. See ladies dancing and lords a’ leaping this Christmas and prepare for your own Twelfth Night ball by practising some Georgian steps with the expert dance tutor. Join the ’12 Drummers Drumming’ this Christmas and participate in this fun family workshop run by drum circle facilitator Joe Loughlin.

10.   Christmas-at-the-Cathedral Belfast, 20 – 21 December. World-class singers Peter Corry, Barbara Dickson and Patrick Smyth will be joined by the BSPA Voices for an enchanting show of seasonal celebration in the most stunning of settings. Peter Corry is finalising the full line-up of songs, but with Blood Brothers, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera, Elton John and the Greatest Showman in their combined repertoires, plus some seasonal favourites, Christmas at the Cathedral has the perfect experience and perfect present wrapped up.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

Jacqueline shares her pick of whats on this weekend across NI

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Down

Spend a winter evening in the company of Ebeneezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchett and a few of the ghosts of Christmas’ past, present and future this Saturday 21st December at Castle Ward. Hear the classic Dickens story of Ebeneezer Scrooge as you never have never heard it before.

Antrim

Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey present a live screening of Coppelia, live from the Royal Ballet, this Saturday evening.   Osbert Lancaster’s designs bring a colourful storybook world to life in this Christmas treat for the whole family.

Armagh

Beauty and the Beast continues at the Market Place Theatre until Sunday 22nd December. The greatest love story ever told, but told in a way you’ll never have seen the like of before! Audiences can expect an action-packed show bursting with magic, music and plenty of mayhem!

Derry

See It’s a Wonderful Life this Saturday afternoon at Roe Valley Arts Centre, Limavady. George Bailey is a small-town man who had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to see the world, but circumstances have led him to stay.   As he prepares to take drastic action, his guardian angel intercedes; showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford Falls if he had never lived.

Fermanagh

This Saturday evening at the Ardhowen Theatre in “Mini Strokes of Luck”, Terry McHugh will be taking a very funny and honest look at his experience of suffering 2 mini strokes and the effects they had on him.  Terry will be joined by the hilarious Frazer Robb who has been performing on the Northern Irish Comedy scene for nearly 10 years as a Stand Up and as part of improv group Wonderfrog.

Tyrone

Join vocal ensemble Cantabelles for a festive evening of Christmas carols and popular songs this Friday evening at Ranfurly House Dungannon.  Relax  and listen to favourites of O Holy Night and Carol of the Bells.  Cantabelles are an established local ensemble combining rich harmonies and vocals to old classics and modern songs.

Belfast

Meet Aladdin at the Crescent Arts Centre 20th to 22nd December.  He is the rough and rugged hero struggling to find his purpose in life. Along the way he falls in love with the beautiful princess Jasmine who has been forced to marry the man her father, the Sultan, picked for her.

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Libraries NI Roadshow Encourages Learning Through Blogging

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A blogging inspiration event, part of the Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI tour, will welcome vlogger Michelle Connolly and Blogger Jill McDowell to Finaghy Library later this month.

The free event on Wednesday 11 December, which aims to teach and inspire attendees about the world of blogging, is one in a series happening across Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2020.

Designed to encourage existing and new bloggers to get started and learn new skills the #GetBloggingNI speakers, facilitator and host will provide top tips, hints, tricks and tools to help supercharge your blogging journey.

Speaker Michelle Connolly is founder of Belfast based LearningMole, an educational blog which aims to support Parents, teachers and children and has over 1.8million views on YouTube. With 15 years teaching experience and being a parent of 3 children she has used her blog to reach parents in over 166 countries.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at the #GetBloggingNI session in Finaghy. Education is at the heart of what I do and it is a great opportunity to chat to others who are developing new skills.

“I started blogging while I was a Primary School teacher. Parents often asked me to support them as the education system has changed so much. I wanted to support parents across the globe and blogging seemed the most natural way to do this.

“Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me both on a personal and business level. I have forged partnerships across the globe in China and have worked on many government contracts because of my blogging experience.

“It is a great way to share your skills and experiences. Everyone has something to say and so many people will be inspired by listening.”

Also speaking in Finaghy Library is Jill McDowell, the founder of the blog Home At Rose Cottage who started her blogging journey when renovating her grandparent’s home. Jill began posting photos of her journey on Instagram and it was so popular the blog was born.

Jill McDowell

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be involved at the #GetBloggingNI session; having attended the 6-week course myself over a year ago, I never ever thought I would be the one at the front encouraging others to start their blogging journey.

“Blogging has provided me with such amazing opportunities, working with brands I could only dream of, and making friends and connections with such amazing people.

“Blogging has opened up another world for me and it can do the same for others too. Confidence building, exercising your creativity and promoting positive mental health are only a few of the benefits it can have.”

Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of Training Matchmaker will facilitate the session, which is hosted by journalist and content creator, Tina Calder of the Content Club and Excalibur Press.

Christine said Libraries NI is responding to the thirst for knowledge for new skills such as blogging.

She added: “In recent years there has been a surge in interest in blogging, vlogging and podcasting across Northern Ireland.

“It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in your passions, keep your mind healthy and active and an excellent excuse to get out and about and use your local library.

“Attendees at the Blogging Inspiration event in Finaghy Library will be sure to leave with the motivation, encouragement and practical knowhow they need to begin or amplify their blogging journey.”

Libraries NI Service Development Manager Julie Reid said: “Libraries NI is pleased to offer this free Blogging Inspiration event to introduce people to the art of blogging.

“Storytelling is forever evolving and blogging, vlogging and podcasting is quickly becoming the new platform for telling stories through text, images and video. 

“Whether you’re blogging for business, documenting your family history or keeping a record of travelling expeditions, you’re using the power of words to tell a story.”

“We’re delighted to once again team up with Christine Watson to present this event on Wednesday 11 December at Finaghy Library and look forward to welcoming our speakers Michelle Connolly and Jill McDowell as well as host Tina Calder to the library.”

The event at Finaghy Library is part of the ongoing Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI series which will run into 2020 across Northern Ireland.

Officially presented by TrainingMatchmaker.com in collaboration with Libraries NI, previous events in the #GetBloggingNI series included Blogging Inspiration sessions, a six-week Get Blogging Course and five Blogging for Wellness roadshows.

Booking for #GetBloggingNI at Finaghy Library on Wednesday 11 December from 6:00pm-7:30pm is free. Tickets are available from trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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1.       Winter-Circus Belfast, 13 December – 1 January. Winter Circus is back again for its fourth year with The Winter Circus Show. The ever-popular show will be hosted in the fantastic, central location of Writer’s Square, Belfast. The Winter Circus Show will be an all human, all skill and all thrill event. Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus.

2.       Visit-Santa-at-the-Ulster-American-Folk-Park Omagh, 6December – 5 January. Visit Santa at the Ulster American Folk Park and take the family back in time to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas this festive season. Gather around the warmth of a turf fire and enjoy readings from The Night Before Christmas, singalong with the Christmas Mummers, taste seasonal treats and meet Santa and Mrs Claus in their workshop.

3.       The-Old-Inns-Glitter-Ball-Boogie Bangor, 13 December. Old world charm, meets the glitz and glam that only a party night in the dazzling Verina Suite can offer. Enjoy your red carpet entrance and your very own Onyx Champagne Bar at The Old Inn this season. Your glitz and glam party evening begins with a three course menu, then dance the night away with party favourites hosted by DJ Derek West until midnight.

4.       The-Snowman-and-other-Christmas-Favourites Derry~Londonderry, 15 December. Join Derry’s new symphony orchestra as they celebrate Christmas with their friends from the Allegri ladies and Allegri kids choirs and present The Snowman. Allegri’s singers will join forces with a live orchestra for the first time to celebrate the spirit of Christmas through song. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this family favourite, as well as a wonderful selection of other festive music.

5.       Traditional-Irish-Bread-making-with-a-Christmas-twist Newtownards, 12 December. Join Tracey in her home, where you’ll be welcomed with the aroma of freshly made griddle breads, soda and wheaten, and a table laden with homemade treats. Learn how to make local Irish breads in a traditional thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford lough. If you’re looking for something off the beaten track and you’re keen to meet the locals and dine in a traditional home, then this is the perfect experience for you.

6.       Christmas-Cracker-at-Rowallane-Garden Ballynahinch, 7 – 24 December. Visit Rowallane Garden for their Yuletide Market from 7 – 8 December where you will find locally produced gifts from one of the specialist stall holders in the Stableyard. Discover a range of artisan foods and hand-crafted curiosities. You’re sure to find something to share with your loved ones this Christmas. From 14-24 December you will also be able to decorate your very own Gingerbread man.

7.       12-Days-of-Christmas-with-David-Lyttle Hillsborough, 14 December. David Lyttle continues to mentor and introduce new talent with his dynamic Christmas concert at Hillsborough Castle which will feature three of Ireland’s most promising young jazz musicians: Derry guitarist Joseph Leighton and twin brothers Michael and Conor Murray, saxophone and double bass, from Donegal. His celebrated collaborations with a long list of music legends brings jazz to new audiences in unusual venues.

8.       Wildlife-Wonderland-at-Belfast-Zoo Newtownabbey 14 – 15 December. Wrap presents for the animals and see Santa deliver these around the 55-acre site. You can also take part in Christmas crafts, win prizes with a reindeer trail, meet a selection of animals, and pose for photos with Santa and Mrs Claus. Wildlife Wonderland is suitable for both families and adults and does not include a Grotto experience. Normal admission price applies.

9.       Lost-Childhood-Exhibition Derry~Londonderry, 1 December – 31 January. Beginning this December, the award-winning Museum of Free Derry will host one of their most poignant exhibitions to date entitled ‘Lost Childhood’.

10.   Adam-Kay-Twas-the-Nightshift-Before-Christmas Belfast, 11 December. Join Adam Kay for his brand new festive show ‘Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas’ at the Ulster Hall for two incredible shows this December. Following the million-selling success of This Is Going To Hurt, Adam Kay delves back into his diaries for a hilarious peek behind the blue curtain at Christmas time. This brand new live show mixes highlights from the book with his award winning stand-up comedy and exclusive new content.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR COUPLES TO ENJOY TOGETHER

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LASTING memories are the ultimate present and Hastings Hotels is encouraging people to gift their partner an experience to remember…together.

The leading collection of hotels has a fabulous array of gift experiences for couples to enjoy and has put together ideas to help provide some festive inspiration:

  • Treat that special someone to a romantic overnight stay in one of the fabulous 7 Hastings Hotels from as little as £75pps. Enjoy a pampering spa break at the Slieve Donard Resort & spa or Culloden Estate & Spa; a city break in Belfast to take in a night at the theatre or the bustling nightlife and stay at Europa Hotel, Grand Central Hotel or Stormont Hotel; 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 way to relax and enjoy some quality time together than an afternoon being pampered. The Spa at Slieve Donard and The Spa at Culloden are an oasis of tranquillity with relaxing facilities including heat experiences, swimming pool and an extensive selection of ESPA treatment starting from £85pp including an Enzyme Facial, an ESPA Eye Lift, an Ocean and Earth Body Wrap, Men’s Deep Cleanse Facial and Golfer’s Tonic massage.
  • Enjoy a date night with indulgent dining from only £25pp. The hotels provide the perfect location to enjoy a romantic meal for two and each menu is carefully designed using the very best of local, seasonal produce.
  • Treating your loved one to Afternoon Tea is a decadent way to have special time together. Starting from just £20pp, enjoy cups of the finest steaming tea or coffee, finger sandwiches and an array of delectable treats!  For the most exquisite Afternoon Tea experience, visit the Observatory on the 23rd floor of the 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 Gift Card is ideal! It can be used in the 7 hotels, the two magnificent spas and any of the group’s restaurants or bars. Every budget is catered for, with cards available from £20 to much, much more!

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

Children’s Theatre Favourite Penguins Returns To Belfast

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Two male penguins from New York’s Central Park Zoo will come to life this month in a magical show for children at the Lyric Theatre.

Starring performers Olivia Van Niekerk (Surrey), Dom Coffey (Manchester) and Osian Meilir (Pentre’r Bryn, Wales), Penguins is the true story of Roy and Silo – two male Chinstrap penguins who discover a heart-warming adventure into parenthood.

Created and produced by Cahoots NI, Northern Ireland’s leading children’s theatre company, Penguins is an engaging show for young audiences exploring friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family.

Creator and director of Penguins is Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, one of the founders and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI.

He said: “Just like other penguins pairs at Central Park Zoo Roy and Silo walk, play, swim and dance together.

“But when they decide to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg, they find themselves on an adventure that could mean raising a chick for real.

“Penguins is a really heart-warming and uplifting story and very visual piece of theatre with beautiful music and some wonderful magic for young audiences and their families. 

“At the heart of the show is a message about love and what family means and I hope it will leave a lasting impression.”

Performers Dom Coffey, Olivia Van Niekerk & Osian Meilir.

Running at The Lyric from December 18-22 Penguins is a beautiful non-verbal show bringing the art of dance, magic and creative expression to the stage. 

Aimed at families, schools and community group audiences of age 3+ the show is running daytime performances at 11am and 1pm each day with an evening show on Thursday December 19 at 6pm.

Paul added: “Whilst the show is suitable for ages 3+ we’ve found all ages enjoy the story. At Cahoots NI we are committed to producing high quality, bold, innovative productions for children and their families which, like Penguins, combine dance, magic, illusion, physical theatre and original music.

“The show is currently running in Birmingham Repertory Theatre until December 14 and then after the Lyric Theatre we’ll embark on a US tour in 2020.”

The Penguins team also includes choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra (Gran Canaria), Ballycastle composer Garth McConaghie, set and costume designer Sabine Dargent (France), lighting designer Simon Bond (London).

This project is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed, Cahoots NI, continue to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their show, Penguins, at the Lyric Theatre this December. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many, helping to bring great art to everyone.” 

Tickets for Penguins at The Lyric Theatre are £8-£12 and available from lyrictheatre.co.uk/event/penguins

For more information go to cahootsni.com or follow Cahoots NI on social media. #PenguinsTour #CahootsNI

Offers of the Week

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OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts a wonderful collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Winter on the Coast, two night stay at the Fullerton Arms, Ballintoy from £99 per room

Stay in the idyllic village of Ballintoy and in the heart of the Causeway Coastal route for two nights, bed and breakfast for two people. The Fullerton Arms is a perfect base to explore the Giants Causeway, Bushmills distillery, Carrick a rede rope bridge and Game of Thrones® locations. The cosy bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and hosts live music at the weekends. Offer is available Sunday to Friday and subject to availability. There is an additional cost when booking a Saturday. To book call 028 2076 9613. Offer available until 31st March 2020.

·         Winter warmer, two night stay at Shelleven Guest House, Bangor from £131.25 per room

Enjoy two nights at Shellevan Guest House, a Victorian townhouse with great charm, providing luxurious accommodation in a warm relaxed atmosphere. This unique guest house is the perfect place to relax with several rooms offering stunning views of Bangor Bay, the Irish Sea and beyond. Book a 2 night stay at the Shellevan Guest House in November or December (excluding Christmas dates) and receive 25% off your second night’s stay, when 2 people share. Offer includes full hot and cold breakfast, cooked to order. To book call 02891271777. Offer available until 20 December 2019.

·         Faldo Getaway Experience at Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen from £97.50 per person sharing

Enjoy an overnight stay at the multi-award winning Lough Erne Resort which offers spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands and the Faldo Course. Stay in a luxury guest room and enjoy a round of golf on the championship Faldo Course. Awake to an indulgent breakfast and use of the infinity pool. Offer is subject to availability and excludes holiday and peak periods. To book call 028 6632 3230. Offer available until 23 December 2019.

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

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Down

This Saturday 14th December Dromore is hosting a “Christmas Barket”.  A special Christmas themed market with gifts and treats for all your furry friends and family.  Shop for all-natural dog treats, unique pet gifts and dog beds and accessories. 

Antrim

Naturally North Coast and Glens will celebrate Christmas in Ballycastle with a sensational Christmas Market in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle on Sunday 15th December.  The market will be festooned with artisan treats galore, quirky gift  ideas, sumptuous hand crafted treats,  and  much more!  

Armagh

The Santa Special is a return journey of festive fun by steam train, with an on-board visit from Santa and presents for children from Portadown to Lisburn. The round trip lasts around 2 hours. Get a photograph with the man in red beside the train. Sunday 15th December 12.00pm to 4.00pm.

Derry

This Saturday evening, friends once again gather at the hearth at HomePlace Bellaghy for an evening of music, poetry and banter. Expect some songs, readings and recitations and some memories of Christmas – including songs from Anthony Toner, piano from Rod McVey, cello and uilleann pipe music from Neil Martin and readings from acclaimed author Glenn Patterson.

Fermanagh

Visit Santa in his Grotto on Sunday 15th December at Share Discovery Village.  This Christmas Cheer event is running for the public from 2.00pm to 4.00pm on Sunday 15th December.  £8 per child and £2 per accompanying adult including an individual visit to Santa Claus, making Christmas crafts and play games, write your Santa letter, feast on hot chocolate and cookies,  balloon modelling and face painting.

Tyrone

Santa is making his journey from the North Pole to Peatlands Park Dungannon on 14th and 15th December from 12.00 – 3.00pm.   Hop aboard the Santa Express train through the woods to Santa’s secret grotto. Meet Father Christmas who will deliver a present to all children. Take a selfie with Santa. Hop back on the express train tto the Peatlands Visitor Centre to write a letter to Santa which will be placed in the North Pole Letterbox.  

Belfast

Join Belvoir Players for their annual Christmas Charity Concert in aid of NI Chest Heart and Stroke  on Saturday 14th December.  Enjoy music from the season performed by students & professionals alongside dramatic readings taken from C.S. Lewis’ Narnia.  Tickets include mulled wine and mince pies at the interval.

For further details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Christmas Country Cracker Show at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre

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Five top performers from the world of Country music are coming together for a Christmas Country Cracker Show at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 20th December.

Featuring the hilarious Gary Gamble with his surreal impressions of Daniel O’Donnell, rising star Owen Mac, truckers’ favourite Boxcar Brian and local singer Joe Moore, the night will include hit song performances with a festive feel in the company of the superb Country Harmony.

If you are a Country music fan then this is the show for you! And there may be a few Christmas special guests making an appearance as well.

The show opens at 8pm and will finish at 10.30pm Tickets cost £20 and are available now from www.roevalleyarts.com or call 028 7776 0650.

This is a guest hire event brought to you by JMG Music Group.

Tumble Circus Big Top Arrives In Writer’s Square

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Winter Circus is back again for its fourth year with The Winter Circus Show.

The ever-popular show will be hosted in the fantastic, central location of Writer’s Square, Belfast. Never ones to conform, the Tumble Circus troop will treat you and your family and friends to a Winter extravaganza unlike anything else on offer in Belfast! The Winter Circus shows will run between December 13 and January 2 and will take place at Writers Square in Belfast; look out for the fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent.

The Winter Circus Show will be all human, all skill and all thrill event. Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus. The Winter Circus Shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack, international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy.

Forget what you think about circus and experience world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and the unique humour that has made Tumble Circus an international award winning modern circus company.
Winter Circus is kindly supported by Department for Communities, Arts Council of N Ireland, Belfast City Council and Cathedral Quarter BID.

Gareth Neill, CQ BID Manager said: “Tumble Circus is a must see event in the city centre; it has grown successfully year on year bringing something very special, unique and  a good dose of hilarity to the cultural calendar of Cathedral Quarter. Here at Destination CQ Business Improvement District we are delighted to help support this fab event.”

SHOW DATES / TIMES
Winter Circus Show
Doors open 15min prior to show time
 
Friday 13th Dec           –   6pm (preview performance)                  
Saturday 14th Dec       –  2pm & 5pm  
Sunday 15th Dec         –  2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 17th Dec        –  3pm & 6pm (Relaxed shows)
Wednesday 18th Dec    –   6pm
Thursday 19th Dec        –  6pm
Friday 20th Dec            –  5pm
Saturday 21st Dec        –  2pm, 5pm
Sunday 22nd Dec         –   2pm, 5pm
Monday 23rd Dec        –   2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 24th Dec.      –   2pm
Thursday 26th Dec      –    3pm
Friday 27th Dec           –   2pm & 5pm
Saturday 28th Dec       –   2pm & 5pm
Sunday 29th Dec         –    2pm & 5pm
Monday 30th Dec         –    2pm & 5pm
Tuesday 31st Dec        –   3pm
Wednesday 01st Jan . –   3pm
Thursday 02nd Jan      –   3pm

Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects.

TICKET COSTS (excluding booking fee);

£8.50 Children – 12 and under  

£12 Full Price

£35 Family of Four

Children 2 and under go free

For Tickets Visit: https://www.wegottickets.com/fbtswgt/event/485590
For More Info Visit: https://www.tumblecircus.com

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