10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (10 – 16 December)

 

  1. Christmas Twilight Market, Belfast, 11 – 12 December. Sample local food, drink and craft stalls, and enjoy a programme of live entertainment and cookery demonstrations against a spectacular backdrop of twinkling twilights at St. George’s Market.
  2. Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim, 7 – 17 December. Antrim Castle Gardens are transformed into the Enchanted Winter Garden, creating a magical Christmas experience for family and friends. Bigger and better than before, the Enchanted Gardens includes a Festive Fayre, a 35m Ferris Wheel, a Victorian Helter Skelter, street theatre and much more.
  3. Christmas Winterland Markets, Derry~Londondery, 13 – 16 December. The popular Christmas Winterland Markets in Guildhall Square welcomes the best of artisan traders, offering visitors a family friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of specialty Christmas foods and handcrafted products.
  4. Brass On Your Doorstep, Bangor, 14 December. The Ulster Orchestra’s brass section presents an informal concert at Bangor Abbey that mixes seasonal classical music from across five centuries, with carols and popular tunes from the Great American Christmas Songbook.
  5. Winter Circus, Belfast, 14 December – 1 January. The wonderful, wacky folk at Tumble Circus are back again with The Winter Circus Show in the fantastic, central location of Writer’s Square. 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.
  6. Festive Vintage Afternoon Tea, Holywood, 16 December. Set at the very heart of the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Cultra Manor retains much of its traditional architectural splendour. Experience the Edwardian ritual of afternoon tea with your nearest and dearest this festive season.
  7. Family Festive Film, Limavady, 15 December. Join Roe Valley Arts Centre for the modern classic Christmas film Elf, starring Will Ferrell as Buddy, an elf who discovers he’s human and sets off on an adventure to find his real family. Heartwarming and hilarious.
  8. Santa’s Magical Kingdom, Dungannon, 6 – 16 December. Santa and Mrs Claus are looking forward to meeting all the good boys and girls this Christmas when they return to The Argory. Listen to a festive tale from Mrs Claus and meet some elves before you pop in to see Santa.
  9. Christmas Wonderland, Magherafelt, 1 – 23 December. This festive family event, at The Jungle, is unique in its offerings. Not only can visitors share a meet and greet with Santa, but they can also have a giggle with his colourful Elves, enjoy exciting adventure activities, get creative with a spot of arts and crafts or grab a cuddle with the curious creatures in the Woodland Petting Farm.
  10. Days of Christmas Past, Omagh, 8 – 16 December. This Christmas celebrate the yuletide season at the Ulster American Folk Park at the Days of Christmas Past event. With a range of traditional festive activities, including fireside story readings, sing-a-longs, seasonal treats and visits to Santa and Mrs Claus, it offers something for all the family.

 

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

BEN ELTON – Ulster Hall, Belfast: Saturday 28th September 2019

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Ulster Hall, Belfast: Saturday 28th September 2019

More than 30 years ago, Ben Elton exploded into the national consciousness hosting Channel 4’s ground breaking Saturday Live. Now, after a 15 year absence, the Godfather of modern stand-up returns to the medium he did so much to define. Back on the road with an all new stand-up show, Ben promises to try and make sense of a world which appears to have gone stark raving mad.

As Ben says: “The last time I toured I was still smarter than my phone. Things have definitely taken a funny turn.”

The 53 date tour kicks off in Dublin on 27 September and then travels across the UK culminating in Torquay on 30 November.  Tickets for all shows will go on sale on Monday 10 December.

‘Just give him a stage and a microphone and Ben Elton is the best. No contest.’

The Sunday Times

‘There is nothing, absolutely nothing to beat Ben Elton live!’

Evening Standard

TICKETS ON SALE MONDAY 10th DECEMBER at 10am

Tickets for the Ulster Hall are available:

In person at the Ulster Hall box office

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

Celebrate Christmas with Whitehead Railway Museum

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CHRISTMAS SHOPPER

Travel in style from Whitehead or Carrickfergus to Belfast to do your Christmas shopping! Leave the car at home and enjoy the coastal scenery from your steam train as you head up to Belfast, where the attractions range from St George’s Market to the Christmas Market at City Hall, and of course all the shops and restaurants.

Produce your ticket and get a free Tea/Coffee on your way to Belfast.

Adult £10 / Child £5

For more info on tickets visit: https://bit.ly/2BSCsY6

AFTERNOON TEA

☕🍰 AFTERNOON TEA ☕🍰

The perfect Christmas present for an Afternoon Tea lover. Share this experience with a loved one and spend quality time together between Christmas and New Year!

🍰Dine in our atmospheric Edwardian Tea Room
🍰Enjoy delicious homemade treats
🍰Tea is served in our finest china
🍰£18 p.p
🍰Sat 29th Dec @ 2pm

☕Booking is essential as spaces fill up fast! Book now to avoid disappointment!☕ For more info and to book visit: https://bit.ly/2UhqXjV

 

CELEBRATE NYE IN THE TALLEST BAR IN IRELAND

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Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye

 

Conleth Hendron and Annie Campbell get ready to ring in 2019 in Belfast’s most luxurious cocktail lounge, the Observatory in the Grand Central Hotel, where there will be a fabulous Roaring 20’s Cocktail Party on New Year’s Eve. Book your table for the night and you can sip on the finest cocktail and drinks selection and take in the unique views of Belfast and beyond. Tickets are priced at £100 per guest and include a welcome cocktail, 1/2 bottle of Bollinger, seasonal Tapas at 10pm and live musical entertainment from jazz & swing singer, James Huish and a piper at Midnight. To purchase, call the Observatory on 028 9023 1066.

NYE package availablepackage – £170pp sharing to include your ticket to the Roaring 20’s Cocktail Party, luxurious overnight accommodation with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room, Full Irish Breakfast and 1pm check-out on New Year’s Day

CAROLS OR COUNTRY AT PORTICO FOR CHRISTMAS

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If you’re looking for a festive night out in December then Portico in Portaferry is the place to be. It’s got a cracking line up of Country music celebrities coming plus not one but two carol concerts!

Country music stars Hugo Duncan, Dominic Kirwan, Owen Mac, Stephen Smyth and Country Harmony are all coming to Portico on Thursday 13 December. Starting at 7.30pm, the concert will be full of festive favourites all delivered in fine Country style.

Tickets cost £17 or £5 for the Under 25s. Concerts at Portico always finish in good time for the last ferry. For further information or to buy tickets visit www.porticoards.com or buy in person at The Rock Bakery in Portaferry.

On Tuesday 11 December ‘The Peninsula Choir Sings Christmas!’ Starting at 7.30pm, this all female choir are launching their new Christmas CD with a celebratory concert singing songs from the new album. The choir will be joined by special guests including Kirkistown Primary School choir. Tickets cost £6 or £3 for Under 18s and can be purchased online www.porticoards.com or at the door.

Begin the Christmas break, on Saturday 22 December at 7pm, with the NewQuay Singers at Portico’s beautifully atmospheric annual service of Nine Lessons and Carols. This year the choir will sing works by Lauridsen, Rutter, Wilcocks and Shaw amongst others plus the usual favourites for the congregation to sing. No tickets but donations will be requested (suggested donation £10).

 

TICKETS FLYING OUT FOR ALADDIN AT THE MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Tickets are flying out the door for this year’s pantomime spectacular, ‘Aladdin’, at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre.

‘Aladdin’, will combine dazzling costumes, stunning sets, mischievous fun and thrilling musical numbers all wrapped up in an adventure unlike any you will have ever witnessed….oh yes it will!!

Alladin
Production Shots
Market Place Theatre Armagh Co.Armagh
25 October 2018
CREDIT: www.LiamMcArdle.com

Leave winter behind this Christmas and escape to balmy oriental nights as The Market Place Theatre takes you on a high-flying, magical carpet ride headed for the exotic and mystical lands of the East.

Join a cast of well-loved characters including old Widow Twanky and her poor son Aladdin, and let your imagination take flight with this action-packed and mesmerizing pantomime. Times are tough but Aladdin’s life is dramatically changed when he falls in love with the most beautiful woman in the Kingdom. Enter the evilest baddie in the Kingdom, Abanazer. Will the evil Abanazer destroy Aladdin’s dreams to get rich and marry the Princess? A high-flying adventure you won’t want to miss.

Performances will run from Saturday 1 December, right up to Sunday 23 December, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so book now, before it’s too late! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre And 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.

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

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Down

Gina’s Santa Cottage is Santa’s very own home in Newry, Co. Down run in aid of the Southern Area Hospice. Owned by the Boyd Family, the cottage was renovated in memory of Gina Boyd who lost her life to cancer in September 2010. Nestled in the sleepy hills of Sheeptown Road, the cottage is run entirely by volunteers and welcomes over 2000 people each Christmas to meet Santa and his helpers. Over the years of operation the cottage has raised over £60,000 for the Hospice through the dedication of the Boyd Family and the Hospice staff and volunteers. Book your visit to meet Santa and have an experience which your family will never forget. Open from 7th to 23rd December.

Armagh

The Christmas Tree Festival at the First Presbyterian Church Armagh will tell the story of the life of Christ through Christmas trees. The  theme of the event is “Joy to the World”.  Light refreshments will be available throughout.  Proceeds will be divided between Church Organ Restoration Fund and Newry Hospice.  The event opens on Thursday 6th December 2018 at 1.00pm attended by the Lord Mayor and will remain open until 7.00pm. Further opening times are as follows: Friday 7th 12.00 noon to 7.00pm, Saturday 8th 10.00am  to 7.00pm and Sunday 9th 1.00pm to 7.00pm.

Fermanagh

Cancer Connect Enniskillen runs until the 9th December. Families will begin their experience at the railway station located at Hollyhill. Once checked in at the ticket booth, you will be greeted by Mrs Claus and her elves who will treat everyone to complimentary mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and cookies. Following some games and fun entertainment you will be invited to board the new Polar Express and travel through the beautiful town of Enniskillen, discovering the festive windows along the route and ending at Santas Grotto at the Buttermarket. Santa will have a special gift for each child and a photographer will be on site in Santa’s grotto to capture the moment.   The Enniskillen Christmas market will be open to the public in The Buttermarket. Following a visit with Santa you are welcome to browse through the market and have a ride on the carousel or enjoy a stroll through the town centre and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Families can avail of an “open return ticket” on the Polar Express returning to your parking area at the railway station at your leisure.

Tyrone

This festive season take the family back in time to experience the magic of a traditional Christmas at the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh. Gather around the warmth of the 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 his workshop. Day and evening tours available from 8th to 16th December.

Derry/Londonderry

The Staff of Specialist Joinery Group Maghera invite you to Project Santa 2018 on 8th and 9th December – even bigger and better than before! Over two days Specialist HQ will once again transform into a winter wonderland where Santa will be visiting to ensure that the “MAGIC CHRISTMAS SPRINKLER” has been fixed by the Specialist team!  As with last year’s event all proceeds raised will go directly to the charity legacy initiative’s 10 charities. It’s going to be MAGICAL!

Antrim

The Award Winning Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim Castle Gardens from  7th to 17th December with an evening of Inclusive Enchantment on Tuesday 18th for children and adults with specific needs.  See the gardens transformed into an Enchanted World! Returning this year is the ‘Antrim Wheel’ – a 35m Ferris Wheel offering breath taking views over Antrim and beyond, just one of the highlights of the dazzling array of attractions. This year there are a number of new attractions, including a Vintage Wave Swinger a Victorian Helter Skelter and an Extended Wonderland Wood.. To book tickets visit enchantedwintergarden.com

Belfast

Shelter NI Film Festival is back! As part of Homelessness Awareness Week events, Shelter NI in partnership with Belfast Film Festival will be hosting a 3-day film festival. Every day across Northern Ireland 50 families and individuals present as homeless.  You are invited, with your friends,  colleagues and family to help to combat homelessness and poor housing conditions by supporting Shelter NI on the 6th-7th-8th December 2018 at the Bean Bag Cinema, Exchange Place.  Doors at 7.00pm.

 

For more 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.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible 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.

 

  • January Special Offer, Horseshoe Cottage, Co. Down from £150 per stay

Enjoy a relaxing two-night stay in the four star Horseshoe cottage, located on the shores of Strangford Lough. You will be welcomed with freshly made traditional Northern Irish breads and homemade jam to help you settle in. This self-catering property sleeps up to four people and provides the perfect retreat to kick back and recharge your batteries after Christmas. Offer includes a two night stay with welcome pack of bread and jam. To book call 028 9754 3224. Offer available from 1 – 31 January 2018.

  • Foodie Delight, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, Co. Fermanagh from £109 per person sharing

The award winning four star Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel is idyllically set on the shores of scenic Lough Erne. Bordered by private grounds and gardens, yet only one kilometre from the historic town of Enniskillen, it offers the perfect setting to relax whilst exploring the area. Offer includes a two night midweek stay, a cooked breakfast each morning and a four-course dinner each evening. To book call 028 6632 3481. Offer available until 22 December.

  • Winter by the Waves, Bayview Hotel, Co. Antrim from £70 per person sharing

Relax and enjoy a seaside break on the Causeway Coastal Route, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, at the three star Bayview Hotel. Situated at the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills and close to the Giant’s Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle, this is the perfect base for exploring the area. Offer includes overnight accommodation, an Irish coffee or hot chocolate on arrival, a three-course meal in the Porthole Restaurant and breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 2073 4100. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (3 – 9 December)

 

  1. The Twilight Emporium, Larne, 7 December. Celebrating the wealth of talented artisan producers the country has to offer, the Twilight Emporium is a must visit event for fans of locally produced crafts and artisan food, and a great place to begin the festive season.
  2. Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim, 7 – 18 December. Antrim Castle Gardens are transformed into the Enchanted Winter Garden, creating a magical Christmas experience for family and friends. Bigger and better than before, the Enchanted Gardens includes a festive fayre, a Ferris Wheel, a Victorian Helter Skelter, street theatre and much more.
  3. Skate with Santa, Dundonald, 1 – 22 December. Take to the ice every Saturday in December and enjoy a jolly skate with Santa himself at Dundonald Ice Bowl. Glide and twirl under twinkling lights to the very best festive music for a truly magical experience.
  4. Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers, Belfast, 6 December. Les McKeown’s Bay City Rollers is a unique voyage back to the 1970s, when Les and his legendary band ruled the world’s pop charts and The Bay City Rollers’ music became the soundtrack for a generation of teenagers. Les brings back all the thrill and excitement of Rollermania in this unique show at the Ulster Hall.
  5. The Greatest Snowman, Limavady, 6 – 8 December. Enjoy a fun-filled show for all the family at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre this December.  Limavady Drama Club present their 2018 pantomime – The Greatest Snowman. Based on popular family favourites and hits from The Greatest Showman, the pantomime promises to be a magical experience for all the family.
  6. A Yuletide Evening in with the Celts, Armagh, 7 December. Experience a peaceful Mid Winter’s evening with the Celts during this period of ritual, reflection and renewal at the Navan Centre and Fort. Listen to stories and learn of Celtic customs associated with this time of year before the customary fire cleansing.
  7. The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough, Newtownards, 7 – 8 December. Hear Christmas music from choirs and bands ring out across Strangford Lough as choirs and musicians sing and play on each ferry sailing. See the Strangford ferry decorated with Christmas lights as she sails back and forwards on Europe’s oldest continuous ferry crossing.
  8. Ulster Orchestra – Handel’s Messiah – On Your Doorstep series, Derry~Londonderry, 6 December.  A true gift of musical and spiritual expression, Handel’s Messiah is the most single performed piece of classical music, year-on-year, than any other. If you’ve never heard it, don’t miss the opportunity to experience all the glory, celebration and joy of this timeless, inspirational masterpiece at The Guildhall this festive period.
  9. Days of Christmas Past, Omagh, 8 – 9 December. This Christmas celebrate the yuletide season at the Ulster American Folk Park at the Days of Christmas Past event. With a range of traditional festive activities, including fireside story readings, sing-a-longs, seasonal treats and visits to Santa and Mrs Claus, it offers something for all the family.
  10. Snow Patrol, Belfast, 7 December. Since their 1998 debut, Snow Patrol has racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including 15 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, five UK Platinum Albums, and are Grammy, BRIT Award and Mercury Music Prize nominated. Originally from Bangor, hear this incredible band perform live at the SSE arena.

 

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

A NEW MOON RISES AS LEGENDARY NIGHT RETURNS TO THE CRESCENT

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It’s that time of year when nostalgia rules and that’s exactly what’s coming up at The Crescent.

Amy Montgomery

If you were lucky enough to have experienced the epic parties in The Crescent Gym during the 90s and early 00s then you are in for a treat.  Even if you didn’t you are still in for a treat. Get ready as, on Saturday 8th December, The Crescent will take a trip down memory lane, take back the Crescent Gym and give it a reboot for the first ever The Crescent Moon Club.

Just like back in the day The Crescent Moon Club will provide the best music Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.  The first event will feature three acts and a late night DJ set. The line-up for the evening includes:

Amy Montgomery is an Irish singer, songwriter with a powerful and raw voice. Together with Michael Mormecha (Drums) and Zach Trouton (Keys), the threesome deliver a fresh, edgy and original live performance.

Waking Android is the coming together of two well-known figures on the Belfast hip-hop scene, dsgrace & Kronus. Officially formed in October 2016 the duo have been  touring all over the country in the lead up to the release of Adrenochrome  which arrived in July 2017 to much fanfare across Irish hip-hop and beyond.

Headlining the event is the incredible The Tragedy of Dr Hannigan. The brainchild of Belfast’s musicians Tony Wright and Dean Stevens this blues-rocking duo slammed onto the Belfast music scene in 2017.

Belfast based duo Dimebag DJs will take you into night with a mix of disco, funk and electro beats.

The Crescent Moon Club event organiser Peter McCloskey said:

“ What a privilege it has been to create the first ever The Crescent Moon Club which will take place in the room where it began all those years ago.  Not only will there be an air of nostalgia but great anticipation for the brand new music acts who will perform on the evening.  We are delighted to bring to audiences some of the finest music acts from Belfast and across Northern Ireland. It’s an incredible line up for the first ever event and we hope this will become a regular event fixture at The Crescent.”

Roger Courtney, Director of The Crescent added:

“ We are very excited to launch the first ever The Crescent Moon Club. This is a great opportunity to show off one of Belfast’s best kept secrets for live music. This is guaranteed to be a fantastic evening but be quick as tickets won’t be around for long!”

The Crescent Moon Club (9pm-2pm) is an over 18s event with a Bring Your Own policy. Tickets can be pre booked at £15 or pay on the door for £18. For further details and to book tickets visit www.crescentarts.org

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