Move over John Lewis, there’s a new star this Christmas.

Hastings Hotels has launched its heart-warming 2019 festive campaign, ‘The Doorman and the Duck’.

This beautiful tale begins on a dark, stormy night when the little duckling gets separated from his family and finds a warm welcome at one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, the Europa Hotel where he rescued by the kind doorman.

The story goes on to see the duckling being looked after by the doorman in the Europa Hotel where he explores, cheekily plays the piano and treats himself to some afternoon tea in the Piano Lounge.

The little duckling makes himself at home in one of the luxurious guestrooms for the night before the friendly doorman helps reunite him with his family.

Julie Hastings, Marketing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “The duck has been central to Hastings Hotels for almost 30 years and we are delighted to bring him to life this year for our Christmas Campaign. The new ad represents the true sentimentality of the festive season and we hope people will fall in love with ‘The Doorman and the Duck’ just as much as we have.” 

To celebrate ‘The Doorman and the Duck’, Hastings Hotels has launched a fabulous Black Friday Extravaganza.  Northern Ireland’s leading collection of hotels is treating everyone to a bottle of wine or bubbles per transaction, when you spend £100 or more on Hastings Hotels Gift Cards.

The November offer of a £10 voucher for every £100 you spend on a Hastings Hotels Gift Card also still applies!

To take advantage of this fabulous offer, go to www.hastingshotels.com or call the Gift Hotline on 028 9047 1066. This offer is available online until tomorrow at 23:59 and by calling the hotline between 8am – 8pm today and tomorrow.

Celebrating 20 Years of the Number 1 Album Rise

Ulster Hall, Belfast: Sunday 29 November

Tickets on sale Saturday at 9am

One of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters, Gabrielle will bring the Rise Again Tour 2020 to the Ulster Hall next November.

Gabrielle returned to the top of her game with her 2018 album ‘Under My Skin’. The album debuted at #7 on the Official Album Chart and represented her highest-charting studio set since ‘Rise’ spent three weeks at #1 eighteen years earlier.

Having successfully proven herself all over again, Gabrielle is now set to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the smash hit ‘Rise’ album with the confirmation of the ‘Rise Again Tour 2020’. The tour will see Gabrielle playing  songs from the album, along with other iconic hits and fan favourites.

“I’m so excited about going on the road and celebrating 20 years of the ‘Rise’ album being released. I’m looking forward to performing songs from ‘Rise’ alongside lots of my other favourites and of course I could never end a show without playing ‘Dreams’, its going to be a big party full of good vibes and memories” says Gabrielle.

Released late in 1999, ‘Rise’ shot back into the charts when its title-track spent two weeks at #1 the following February. The album then spent three weeks at #1 during an eleven-week run in the Top 10, before again returning to the Top 10 in the summers of 2000 and 2001. The album was eventually certified 4 x Platinum in recognition of more than 1.2 million sales.

‘Rise’ featured five of Gabrielle’s biggest hits: the title track (#1), ‘Out Of Reach’ (#4),  ‘When A Woman’ (#6), ‘Sunshine’ (#9) and ‘Should I Stay’ (#13).

Through the first chapter of her career – from her emergence in 1993 through to 2007 – Gabrielle was a near constant presence in the UK charts. She landed two #1 singles, a further eight Top 10 hits and five Top 10 albums, including the #1 hit ‘Rise’. Gabrielle has spent a combined total of over four years on the Top 40 of the Official Album and Singles Charts, exceeding 5 million sales in the process. In addition, she was part of the BBC’s all-star version of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’.

Highlights of her numerous awards include the prestigious Ivor Novello for Outstanding Song Collection; two BRIT Awards for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist; and both Best Album (‘Rise’) and Best Single (‘Give Me A Little More Time’) at the MOBO Awards.

This summer has seen Gabrielle build on the success of ‘Under My Skin’ by playing a near sold-out UK Headline Tour, BBC’s Proms In The Park (40,000), Blenheim Palace with Gladys Knight, Kingsholm Stadium with Nile Rogers as well as a summer full of festival dates.

Tickets on sale Saturday at 9am

In person at the Ulster Hall Box Office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide 
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie 

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has joined forces with Fidra, a Scottish based environmental group, to launch ‘The Great Nurdle Hunt’ around our iconic beaches and coastline. 

Fidra shines a light on environmental issues, working with the public, industry and governments to deliver pragmatic, evidence-based solutions for a healthy environment and sustainable societies. Fidra developed The Great Nurdle Hunt, a citizen science project to encourage people in coastal areas to look for and record ‘nurdles’. 

Nurdles are small plastic pellets which, when melted together, are used by industry to make nearly all our plastic products.  They end up in the ocean, dispersed by currents and wind and are washed up on beaches across the globe.  We want to see if they are present on our coastline and then record the information as part of a global citizen science project.

Nurdles attract other pollutants and can be mistaken for food by sea birds and other marine animals.  One fulmar found in the North Sea had 273 nurdles in its stomach! 

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “It’s really important we build up a picture of nurdles along our coastline as part of our other ongoing litter activity under our LitterSmart banner.  We are excited to be part of the worldwide Nurdle Hunt movement and are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Fidra on this initiative.  Plastics have a significant impact on the overall health of our marine and coastal environments and there are a host of opportunities for everyone to get involved in making this place we call home better.’

Jasper Hamlet from Fidra commented: ‘We are delighted to have the support of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and hope that many people can take part in The Great Nurdle Hunt along this beautiful part of the Northern Irish coastline. Taking part in The Great Nurdle Hunt is fun, easy and contributes vital data to our worldwide picture of nurdle pollution. All you need to do is head to a beach, look for nurdles and let us know how you get on by submitting your data on our website. The information we gather from nurdle hunters adds to the evidence of this form of pollution and supports our case calling for immediate action to prevent further loss of plastic pellets.’

Council is appealing for volunteers to help carry out this vital research.  Support will be provided so if you’re interested please contact:

recycle@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or ring 028 2766 0248.

For more information on The Great Nurdle Hunt, please go to www.nurdlehunt.org.uk/

Shake off the Christmas turkey, grab your handbags and don your gladrags as the Rod Stewart tribute is set for a special show on December 27 as Lee Hedley brings Tonight’s The Night to Belfast’s Empire for all fans of Rod The Mod.

The rocking, high energy show will see Lee bring to life the man and his music, with a tour de force show that has earned rave reviews.

Expect a packed house of Sweet Little Rock ‘n’ Rollers grooving along to the likes of Proud Mary, Don’t Want to Talk About It and, of course Maggie May.

Lee said that performing a tribute to Rod was special for him and audiences.

“Rod Stewart has such a legacy demonstrating that music can really move you,” he said. “It’s the measure of the man that at the marriage of a couple that was delayed because of the Thomas Cook collapse he turned up at the wedding to sing Have I Told You Lately.

“Generations have loved his music. Rod has inspired me throughout my career and I hope the audience at the Empire will love every second.”

Lee’s show in Waterford’s Theatre Royal was reviewed by the Munster Express saying: “Hedley had the moves, the chutzpah, the raspy Rod Stewart voice, and he got the audience going”

Lee Hedley is one of Northern Ireland’s leading performers with The Lee Hedley Blues Band, bringing his blend of classic rock, blues and jazz to venues across the country and playing festivals such as The Belfast Blues Festival, as well as touring in the US, Europe and even in Libya.

“I want to bring the excitement and joy of shows by Sir Rod Stewart to Belfast,” Lee said.

“There are so many tunes that have become iconic and are loved by so many that it is a privilege and delight to not only sing them, but to see the response from the crowd.”

“With Rod currently in remission from prostate cancer he remains as ever committed to recording with last year’s ‘Blood Red Roses’ charting and packed with memorable tunes. I hope to bring that energy and joy to the Empire for what will be a special post-Christmas show.”

Rod might sing – and Lee will too on the 27 – Some Guys Have All The Luck but your luck will be in when you see Tonight’s The Night.

As well s Lee and the seven-piece band, the Empire show will also have DJ Will Reynolds playing ‘Classic Gold Roadshow’ tunes.

Tickets, priced £15, are on sale now via Visitbelfast.com.

Christmas visitors to the Cathedral Quarter this year be able shop for unique seasonal gifts while being entertained and supporting those less fortunate.

St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast will open its doors to a stunning Art and Craft Bazaar this Christmas in aid of the Black Santa Charity.

The Black Santa Night Time Bazaar runs from 5pm to 10.30pm on Saturday December 14.

Set to be a magical night, the event will see more than 100 stalls of the best art and crafts, vintage and food.

A woodland walk through the crypt will lead to a stunning stretch tent packed with artisan food vendors and Live DJs

The Jazz Bus is making its first appearance this Christmas, where you can sip a craft beer, cocktail or a hot drink and listen to stunning live jazz. There will be music from local seasonal choirs with special guests and the best DJs in the city.

The bazaar is a fully family-friendly evening with lots of surprises.

Organiser Caroline Baker of Little Fox Events says there will be something for everyone – and that’s no exaggeration.

“From entertainment, music, drink and food, to the best artisan and craft items available, there will be plenty to see and do and buy.

“As well as helping the Black Santa charity appeal, you will also be supporting small, local, independent businesses and keeping the carbon footprints down!”

“So, get into the festive spirit and make it a date to come down to Belfast Cathedral and join in the fun.”

The event is supported by the Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District initiative and Belfast Music City Council.

CQ BID manager Gareth Neill says it’s an exciting new development for the Quarter over the Christmas season.

He said: “Everyone involved in the BID is looking forward to the bazaar which is the latest offering in the area.

“It involves small local business, entertainers and musicians, artisan foodmakers, crafters and best of all, while people are shopping and having fun, they can donate and support those less fortunate at this festive time of year – what’s not to like?

We hope people will come out in their droves to support the bazaar, and the Black Santa charity, as people have been doing loyally here for many years.”

It looks like being a record-breaking year at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh, as tickets for the annual pantomime spectacular, ‘Beauty And The Beast’, look set to sell-out for most performances.

The venue’s reputation for staging the most fun-filled and family-friendly festive productions will no doubt have led to the ‘House Full’ sign being a regular feature over the coming weeks. 

‘Beauty And The Beast’ is 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!

Dreaming of a happier life, the beautiful Belle finds herself transported to a spellbound castle and held captive by a hideous beast. Can she see beyond the monster and fall in love with her captor before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Or will the Beast’s selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl that has melted his heart?

Beauty And The Beast will be sure to make you laugh, cry and fall in love with a host of hilarious and hairy characters. Who – or what – is the creature that walks the long corridors of the enchanted home? And will he ever find love?

‘Beauty And The Beast’ promises an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are up there with the best.

Performances will run from Saturday 30 November, right up to Sunday 22 December, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £11 to £16. Hurry to secure your tickets – it would be beastly if you missed out!

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The annual Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre is taking place in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards on Friday 29 and Saturday 30 November.

An array of local craft makers and artists will once again provide an opportunity to purchase a range of unique, local, handcrafted products.

The festive Fayre, now in its seventh year, is organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will feature 28 craft makers and artists in the galleries of the Arts Centre. Come along and enjoy complimentary refreshments and browse the stalls for that inspirational gift. Free gift wrapping will be available. Admission is free.

There will also be festive live music by pianists Lisa Dawson on Friday and Ruth McCavery on Saturday from 12-2pm on both days.

Speaking about the Fayre, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said: “Ards Arts Centre is delighted to once again host the annual Creative Peninsula Art and Craft Fayre. The event brings together some of the finest artist and makers in our Borough, with beautifully curated stalls to meet all your festive shopping needs.

You’ll find quirky handmade prints, an array of beautiful ceramics, jewellery in silver and ceramic, fabulous and affordable fine art and intricate papercraft to name just a few. With complimentary refreshments, gift wrapping and festive music, don’t miss this atmospheric opportunity to support your local artists and makers with a handmade treat for you or a loved one!”

The Fayre runs from 10am – 5pm on Friday 29 and 10am – 4.30pm on Saturday 30 November.

Visitors to Saturday’s Fayre can also enjoy the Festive Market and Newtownards Christmas Lights Switch on taking place on High Street and Conway Square from 10am – 6pm.

For further information, please visit:

www.visitardsandnorthdown.com

Local Sure Start families had the chance to enjoy some festive cheer at the exclusive launch of Titanic Belfast’s A Magical Christmas Experience.

15 families were invited by East Belfast’s Sure Start to see Father Christmas arrive and launch A Magical Christmas Experience. They were the first to step through the Old Curiosity Shop to enter into the Elves’ Workshop, join Mrs Claus at her cosy kitchen, hear Christmas tales, enjoy festive games, badge making, look up their names on the naughty or nice list and meet Father Christmas himself.

Sure Start is a programme that works with families with children under the age of four in the 25% most disadvantaged areas in Northern Ireland.  It aims to improve health, social development and the ability to learn by promoting parents’ involvement.

Aware that Christmas can often be a difficult time, the event enabled these families to celebrate the joy of the festive season together, which the charity is passionate about. The charity is encouraging families to use Christmas as “anytime is chatting time” this year. By smiling, talking, laughing, singing and sharing stories parents can help their development.

Sure Start East Belfast coordinator, Tracey Wilson, said: “Christmas can be a difficult time and we are so grateful to Titanic Belfast for giving our Peer Support and Young Mums’ families a break from the stress of the festive season through this unique event. The festive season can be a wonderful time for families to be together and create some lovely memories, like this event did. It is also the perfect opportunity to talk to your child, sing songs and read stories, which will not only help them learn to talk and concentrate but also make friends, so this Christmas, we are encouraging everyone to make anytime chatting time.”

Titanic Belfast’s Chief Executive, Judith Owens, commented: “Christmas is a truly magical time of year and our Experience is all about embracing festive cheer and creating unique memories. We are really pleased to host local families from Sure Start together and hope we have added something special to the lives of these very deserving families!”


Titanic Belfast’s Magical Christmas Experience runs until 23 December, to book, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Get inspired to blog at Newry City Library

All will be revealed about the secrets of online writing at a free Blogging Inspiration session at Newry City Library on Thursday, 28 November from 6:00pm to 7:30pm.

The Libraries NI event is designed to encourage potential bloggers to get started and will provide hints, tips and tricks towards success as well as giving participants an inside glimpse of the enjoyment of being a blogger.

Speakers will include Kilkeel woman Maura Ward, famed for her blog, the Geriatric Traveller and online safety expert Wayne Denner.

Seventy year old Maura started her blog after being inspired by her son’s online travel diary which started to make him money.

She said: “I must confess that as he reported the income rising, the more interested I became.

“Eventually, in 2012, I decided to blog about the travelling I was doing, but I aim mine at an older demographic – and there begins the saga of Geriatric Traveller.

“Initially I was very gung-ho and devoted considerable time and effort to it. I made a small amount of money, but nothing that was going to change my life.

“Soon afterwards I started my Geriatric Traveller Facebook page as well, largely because I hoped it would be a conduit to my website.
“I am constantly amazed at the interest the page generates, and it gives me such a good feeling.

“Without any conscious effort on my part, I have amassed some 3300 page followers, and a recent post had over 6000 views, which was absolutely gobsmacking.”

Newry dad Wayne Denner, founder of podcast Zero Lives Left came to blogging from a different angle.

He said it started almost by accident through his background in online safety.

“I realised that many parents had questions when it came to keeping children and young People in their care safer online and that they needed useful and helpful information.

“I decided to create an Online Safety blog to provide helpful and practical online safety information for Parents, Carers and those who work with Children and Young People.

“It has now become one of the most trusted and respected eSafety blogs in the UK and Ireland.”

He said blogging has given him the opportunity to build and create his own personal brand and a place to communicate with a much larger audience.

This has led to video blogging and podcasting becoming a central part of his communication strategy and has led to him becoming a regular media commentator with BBC, ITV, RTE, Virgin Media Ireland & u105.

Wayne said: “Everyone has a story to tell & value to add and blogging provides people with an easy and simple way to express themselves and create content.

“For many people, me included, the hardest part was starting.

“I am not a natural writer in fact in the early days it was something I struggled with but like with anything over time my style and the writing improved.

“One of the most important and rewarding things for me personally is the content that I am creating is helping people that’s what makes the difference.

“It’s the feeling that you get when you receive an email from a reader who says ‘Thank You’ the piece of content that you created helped then when it comes to Online Safety.

‘I am delighted to be involved in the #GetBloggingNI session in Newry City Library, as a local content creator and blogger it’s great to be able to share my experience & learnings to help inspire others to start on their content creation journey.

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 blogging is no longer the preserve of the few.

“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 Newry City 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 at Newry City Library on Thursday 28 November and look forward to welcoming our speakers Maura Ward and Wayne Denner as well as host Tina Calder to the library.”

The event at Newry City 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.

This event is free and booking is essential. Book your place at Newry City Library on 28 November at: trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com

Lyngo Theatre’s magical family show Heart of Winter is coming to the Queens Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 30 November at 2pm and 7pm.

Ards and North Down Borough Council welcomes this festive show which is sure to get everyone in the mood for Christmas! The musical production celebrates family, friendship and the good fortune of finding the winter we really need and want with the precious offering of fluffy snow.

Christmas is coming and Sally can’t sleep – it’s far too hot! The weather has gone topsy-turvy. No-one can remember the last time it snowed, or even rained, and her father can’t sell any of his umbrellas. To help her sleep Dad reads her a story about the last snowflake.

That night Sally has a dream that changes everything – a mysterious silver spark transforms her bedroom into a glistening, white field where she meets the glowing heart of Winter.

Speaking about the show, Community Arts Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council, Amy McKelvey said: “We are very excited about bringing this beautiful Christmas show to Newtownards. Lyngo performances are always so magical and utterly unique, it is the perfect way to kick off the festivities for all the family.”

Tickets cost £5. The show is suitable for ages 3 +. Duration 1 hour.

For further information and booking, please visit www.ardsarts.com