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

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Down

City of Merchants Festival Newry will once again thrill audiences with a spectacular fireworks display on Friday 2nd November at 8.30pm (with the best viewing area along Fathom Line).  Also on Friday, Festival-goers will be treated to music, entertainment and scrumptious scran at the Twilight Market from 5.00pm –11.00pm at Newry Variety Market in John Mitchel Place and are encouraged to walk across to the viewing area for the fireworks. There will be a carnival atmosphere before and following the fireworks display, with lights, fire and pyrotechnics for all to enjoy.  This year, as part of the festival, the Walking Tours of Newry will have a railway theme, coinciding with Newry and Mourne Museum’s forthcoming exhibition on railway transport.  Also in Bagenal’s Castle will be a banquet with themed entertainment.

Armagh

Immerse yourself in the mystical side of Armagh heritage at the Astral Weeks party this Sunday 4th November.   Step through the Armagh County Museum doors into an after-dark event celebrating the mysticism in Armagh’s hidden histories and the 50th anniversary of Van Morrison’s Astral Weeks with Classic Album Sundays . Join CAS founder Colleen ‘Cosmo’ Murphy and journalist Stuart Bailie and experience Astral Weeks in a way you never heard before. They’ll be discussing the stories behind the album followed by a vinyl replay on a world-class audiophile sound system courtesy of Kronos Audio Visual .

Fermanagh

Join  Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre for Bloomfields Horrible Halloween. An afternoon of freaky fun with a programme of activities to keep children of all ages amused. Event starts at 12noon on Wednesday 31st October with special Bloomfield Horrible Halloween Guided Trails, follow the map to unveil the clues. Spooky Stories told by Bloomfield’s daughter Arabella. There will be a Halloween special for the adults to enjoy in the Belleek Restaurant. Guided Trails 12.00 pm | 2.00pm | 3.00pm.  Admission £3.00 per child.  Book early to avoid disappointment.  Email: takethetour@belleek.ie.

Tyrone

The UK’s No.1 and world’s busiest swing and jive band, The Jive Aces present their biggest theatre show to date, the Big Beat Revue at the Strule Arts Centre on Friday 2nd November.  Featuring special guests, vintage pinup dancing, singing and tapping troupe, The Satin Dollz; The low down baritone sax of Lottie B and the smooth accordion of Grazia Bevilacqua, this show features the best in 40s and 50s jive, rhythm and blues and rock and roll.  With classic tunes from artists such as Louis Jordan, Louis Prima & Keely Smith, Big Joe Turner and Bobby Darin with the flair of an Alan Freed rock and roll extravaganza, this show will have you out of your seat with its larger than life big-beat sound!

Derry/Londonderry

The Health, Well-Being & Natural Therapies Expo will be bringing you some of Ireland’s finest and most popular Therapists, Treatments, Holistic Retailers and Readers at the Guildhall this Saturday and Sunday.  There will also be Inspirational Talks & Workshops so that you can experience what the Holistic field has to offer. The energy emanating from our events is always amazing and many have commented in the past of how it made them feel.  Admission £4.

Antrim

Join the Theatre at the Mill if you dare, for a trick, treat and scare at the upcoming production of Sleepy Hollow! Magically travel back in time with school friends Amy, Irving and Charlie to meet schoolmaster Ichabod Crane and hero Brom Bones, as they battle for the attention of the enchanting Katie Van Tassel at the school disco.  Meet the crazy Halloween characters of the 1800’s and watch out for the Headless Horseman!   Time: 7.45pm, Matinee 2.30pm, Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th November.

Belfast

Crumlin Road Gaol is one of Belfast’s most haunted buildings and now you can get the chance to carry out investigations with experts in the field of Paranormal Activity. On the 4 Hour Paranormal Investigation this Saturday night you will be taken to the most active areas in the Gaol and  given the chance to use equipment used by experts while conducting your very own ghost hunt. The areas you will visit will include the reception, the condemned man’s cell, execution chamber, the tunnel and the flogging room.  Paranormal Gaol Investigations are carried out in low light conditions and are not suitable for expectant mothers. They are serious ghost hunts and not for the faint hearted! Suitable warm clothing and flat shoes must be worn.  Suitable for 18 years+

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.

Jacqueline McGonigle

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 (5 – 11 November)

 

  1. Autumn Twilight Market, Belfast, 6 – 7 November. Travel back in time at the award-winning market, where St. George’s will be transformed into an enchanting autumn woodland. Visitors can sample local food, drink and craft stalls, as well as enjoy a programme of live entertainment and cookery demonstrations.
  2. CS Lewis Festival, Belfast, 3 – 7 November. The CS Lewis Festival celebrates the legacy of the world-famous writer through themes of storytelling, imagination and spirituality. Events include talks, lectures and tours, exhibitions, workshops, theatre, poetry and spoken word events and film screenings.
  3. Outburst Queer Arts Festival, Belfast, 8 – 17 November. Local art partners will showcase great local and international queer work, supporting the development of queer arts at home and internationally. For full festival programme, visit OutBurstArts.com.
  4. Tollymore Trail Marathon 2018, Newcastle, 10 November. This is a looped marathon with a route that will showcase the beauty of Tollymore to all race participants and further strengthen the Newcastle/Castlewellan area as a great playground for adventure sports enthusiasts.
  5. Sound of Belfast 2018, Belfast, 8 – 15 November. This festival coordinated by the Oh Yeah Music Centre aims to celebrate and promote great music within the city. For full festival line-up, visit SoundOfBelfast.com.
  6. Model Railway Day, Cultra, 10 November. The Ulster Folk and Transport museum is hosting a model railway day organised by Friends of Cultra. This one-day model railway exhibition will feature over 30 railway layouts and associated exhibits.
  7. Ladies Night Goes to the Movies, Ballymena, 6 November. Fratelli’s restaurant at Galgorm Resort and Spa will be screening a private showing of the romantic comedy ‘How to lose a guy in ten days.’ Guests will enjoy a main course with a glass of wine followed by dessert during this event.
  8. World Wars Tour, Bangor, 10 November. This tour departs from the North Down Museum, visiting three key sites: North Down Museum, Grey Point Fort and the Somme Museum, along with other sites that link to momentous events including the Battle of the Somme and D-Day. A knowledgeable guide will educate this tour with some interesting facts you may not know about the area’s links to the two Great Wars.
  9. It Only Takes A Minute, Limavady, 6 November. It Only a Takes Minute is a superb one-woman show performed by disabled actress Anna Kyle at the Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre. The production focuses on the life of Michelle, a young female with Asperger’s and begins with her receiving her diagnosis. We join Michelle on a rollercoaster ride through the 1990s as she relives moments through a series of flashbacks, told through a punchy, fast-paced script.
  10. Shane Todd Hero – Stand up of Ireland 2018, Newry, 8 November. Shane Todd performs stand-up all over the world, has a BBC radio series, supported the legendary Bill Burr and has gained a massive online following with his sketches and character videos. See him perform in his natural environment, on stage at a comedy show, at the Sean Hollywood Arts Centre.

 

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

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.

 

  • One Night B&B, Radisson Blu Hotel, Belfast from £129 per room

Situated in the regenerated gasworks site, the four-star Radisson Blu Hotel combines a tranquil riverside setting with easy access to Belfast city centre. This convenient base allows you to explore the bustling city and its many attractions such as Titanic Belfast and Victoria Square. Offer includes one night’s accommodation with breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 9043 4065. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Two Night City Escape, Waterfoot Hotel, Derry~Londonderry from £99 per person

One of the first boutique hotels in the Walled City, the three-star Waterfoot Hotel is tucked just at the edge of the historic banks of the River Foyle and only a short drive or scenic walk to the city centre. This hotel has a classic snug bar offering modern with a twist of traditional heritage and a place to relax with a ‘home from home’ feel. Offer includes two night’s B&B accommodation with dinner on an evening of your choice. To book call 028 7134 5500. Offer available until 30 November 2018.

  • Sperrin Weekend Deal, Mellon Country Inn Hotel, Co. Tyrone from £70 per person

The three-star Mellon Country Hotel is nestled in the foothills of the Sperrin mountains, overlooking the River Strule, the region’s most popular spot for leisure activities like walking, cycling, fishing and golf. An ideal location to discover the natural beauty of Tyrone with the Ulster American Folk Park and beautiful Gortin Glen only minutes away. Offer includes one night’s B&B accommodation with dinner in their O’Brien’s Bar and Restaurant. To book call 028 8166 1224. Offer available until 28 February 2019.

 

MULTI-PLATINUM RECORDING-ARTIST BRYAN ADAMS ANNOUNCES NEW 2019 SHINE A LIGHT UK TOUR THE SSE ARENA, BELFAST: MONDAY 25 FEBRUARY

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TICKETS GO ON GENERAL SALE AT 9:00AM ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 2ND 2018

 

PRE-ORDER THE FORTHCOMING ALBUM FROM OCTOBER 26TH TO OCTOBER 30TH FOR PRE-SALE TICKET ACCESS

PRE-SALES BEGIN AT 9:00AM ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 31ST

 

Armed with a career spanning over four decades and a signature brand of feel-good rock’n’roll hits, Canadian icon Bryan Adams announces his massive new ‘Shine A Light’ UK tour. The seven date tour which precedes his forthcoming album (more info to come), is set to kick off in Belfast on 25th February 2019.

Tickets go on general sale, 9am on Friday 2nd November 2018. However, fans who pre-order the album by 3pm Tuesday 30th October 2018, will gain exclusive access to the ticket pre-sale beginning 9am Wednesday 31st October.

American Express® presale will run from 9am on Wednesday 31 October to 9am on Friday 2 November 2018 for all eligible American Express Cardmembers. T&Cs apply. Visit: www.axs.com/amexpresale

One of the most highly acclaimed singer/songwriters, Bryan Adams is known for hit singles “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You”, “Summer Of ’69” and his Rod Stewart and Sting collaboration “All for Love”. The Grammy winning artist has seen success from a string of number 1’s in over 40 countries and has sold an excess of 65 million records worldwide. His thirst for performing and unique take on live concerts have established him as one of the world’s best rock singers of our time.

Tickets go on-sale Friday 2nd NOVEMBER at 9am

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office:

Tel. 02890 739074
Book on Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person:

From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

 

SHINE A LIGHT UK DATES:

Feb 25TH Belfast – The SSE Arena

Feb 27TH London – The SSE Arena, Wembley

Mar 1ST Sheffield – FlyDSA Arena

Mar 2ND Nottingham – Motorpoint Arena

Mar 3RD Liverpool – Echo Arena

Mar 5TH Cardiff – Motorpoint Arena

Mar 6TH Bournemouth – International Centre

 

PRE-ORDER THE NEW ALBUM HERE FOR EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO PRE-SALE TICKETS ON OCTOBER 31st  

https://www.bryanadams.com

Instagram:@BryanAdams

 

Enjoy Afternoon Tea and Steam Train Rides at Whitehead Museum!

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STEAM ‘N’ TEA

 

We are delighted to now offer our vintage inspired afternoon tea with a difference!

 

🍰Relax in our atmospheric steam train carriage

🍰Take a short journey on our steam train

🍰Enjoy delicious homemade treats

🍰Tea is served in our finest china

🍰£18 p.p

🍰Available Sat 27th Oct & Sat 24th Nov @ 2pm

☕Spaces are limited so please book in advance to avoid disappointment☕

To book, contact us today at rpsievents@gmail.com

 

STEAM SATURDAYS

27th October 2018.  Train rides will be running from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.

 

Experience the steam train which will be operating within our premises at Whitehead Excursion Station.

 

Visitors will be able to see at close hand how this magnificent machine works.

 

You will be able to talk to the Driver and Fireman and to see the footplate.

 

£2.50 for adults & £2.00 for children

 

No need to book!

 

Whitehead Railway Museum will be open as usual and guided tours are at 11.00am, 1.00pm and 2.30pm. You can buy your tickets at the Edwardian Tea Room.

 

The Edwardian Tea Room will be serving homemade lunches and lots of baked goodies from 10.15am

Halloween at Ballylough Country Estate – Two Events in One!

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TWO EVENTS IN ONE – HALLOWEEN HULLABALOO + THE TRAVELLING TREELUMINATIONS

 

For good value it would be hard to beat two events for the one price and that’s exactly what’s happening at the Ballylough Country Estate outside Bushmills this weekend.  Commencing on Friday night and running until Wednesday 31st the Halloween Hullabaloo features all you’d expect and more at a spooky country farmyard.  Bring the family and enjoy the haunted trail which, amongst other attractions, will feature dunking for apples, toasting marshmallows, story telling and a trip around the zombie garden.  And running alongside will be the Travelling Treeluminations in the adjacent woodland.  Here you will meander through ancient trees with special lighting arranged by artist Walter Holt and which will be complemented by the music of pianist Sharon Graham.  It’s definitely an event to have your camera well charged as the lights are programmed to change with the music and will present many spectacular images.  And to allow the adults to properly enjoy the show there are plans to give the kids a treasure hunt to keep them occupied until you reach the end.  It’s here where you will rejoin the Hullabaloo once again and perhaps meet a zombie or two……

 

The organisers request that everyone wrap up warm and that wellie boots would be a great idea as after all, they did say it’s a haunted country farmyard!

 

From Ballymoney, travel to Dervock, turn left for Bushmills.

 

From Coleriane or Portrush, travel to Bushmills, turn right and go past the Old Bushmills Distillery and after one mile you’ll find it on your right.

 

Ballylough Country Estate, 53 Castlecatt Road, Bushmills, BT57 8TN

 

www.halloweentt.co.uk

 

Facebook – Halloween Hullabaloo 

 

Helpline – 07747 081718

BE TRANSPORTED BACK IN TIME DURING THE GREAT WORKHOUSE ESCAPE

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Clip, clop your way around Newry in style! You may have been in the city many times on foot or visited by car, but have you ever travelled by horse and carriage?

As part of the extensive events programme for this year’s City of Merchants, “The Great Workhouse Escape” will offer an interactive and fully immersive experience, which promises to be historical yet hysterical.

Be part of Marie and Daniel’s great escape from the Newry Workhouse as they attempt to flee the city, but by horse and carriage. You can hitch a 30-minute ride around the Merchant City, taking in the tales of the past, as you enjoy the sights from a whole new perspective.

The pony and trap tours will run throughout the day, offering rides to the public, leaving from Newry Town Hall. Tours depart every fifteen minutes from 11am to 3.45pm on Saturday 3rd November. Your journey will encompass historical sights, including Sugar Island, Needham Bridge and Merchant’s Quay.

Liz and Mervyn, from L&M Carriage Driving will be providing their horses and carriages for the event. “We love our horses and it is an absolute pleasure to share them with the people of Newry and beyond for this special occasion.  In the 18th century, horse transport was the only transport. Families would come to town to do their shopping. When sugar, coal or other goods came in off the boats, Clydesdale horses would have been used to do heavy lifting.  This event gives the public a unique opportunity to experience a side of history they aren’t familiar with.”

Deputy Chairperson Oksana McMahon said, “This particular part of the City of Merchants Festival is fantastic. I had the privilege of getting a sneak preview of the tour and it is so imaginative, not to mention unforgettable. The beautiful horses and carriages will make this event memorable for all ages. The fun theatrical elements and the important historical messaging are the perfect combination to share the city’s heritage.”

This is a free ticketed event. Tickets can be booked online at https://bit.ly/2Evl9jh

The City of Merchants Festival will take place from Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th November and will see a host of activities take place to celebrate the area’s maritime and trading heritage. Activities on Friday alongside the Walking Tour & Banquet at Bagenal’s Castle include a Twilight Market from 5pm to 10pm in Newry Variety Market Hill Street; free children’s art and craft workshops at the market; a sensational parade to the Fathom Line at 7.15pm; ending with a magnificent firework display from 8pm.

On Saturday you can enjoy the Tall Ships from 12noon to 4pm; a theatrical Merchant Quest through the streets of Newry created by theatre company Big Telly; a theatrical guided tour of Bagenal’s Castle; plus, a comical look at trade through the years taking place in both The Buttercrane and The Quays Shopping Centres.  This year will also see the inaugural Scenic Carlingford Ferry Loop Sportive in which hundreds of keen cyclists will take on a 62km route around the shores of Carlingford Lough. More details on this event can be found at www.loopsportive.com

On Sunday in partnership with Kx and Newry Business Improvement District (BID), Aston Martin Red Bull Racing will be bringing one of its famous Formula 1 cars to Marcus Square in Newry. Set to take up its podium position outside the newly opened First Derivatives building, the car will be on display between 2pm and 4pm.

For more information on the overall City of Merchants Festival programme, which is supported by Tourism NI,  and for details on how to book tickets for other events please visit: www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giant-adventures

  Pat Shortt Presents His Brand New Stage Show – Hey!

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Pat Shortt is back with his brand new stage show called ‘Hey!’ at The Courtyard Theatre on Thursday 8 November at 8pm.

Following the sell-out successes of ‘The Hall’, ‘Selfie’ and ‘How’s Tings?’ and fresh from starring roles in the hit play ‘A Skull In Connemara’ and the film ‘The Belly of The Whale’, Ireland’s best loved comedian takes to the road with his latest quirky look at Irish life.

Pat is hugely excited about making his debut at The Courtyard Theatre with ‘Hey!’ Featuring brand new material and sketches, Hey! is a rogue’s gallery of odd ball characters, bizarre situations and even a song or two.  Pat promises a whole raft of new characters and promises to get “down and dirty with the audience!”

Hey! delivers a peculiar take on modern life that only the unique imagination of Pat Shortt could conjure up.

Hey! You have been warned! A show not to be missed. Tickets on sale now available from Box Office on T: 028 9034 0202 or online thecourtyardtheatre.com

FLEETWOOD MAC ANNOUNCE RDS ARENA DATE FOR EUROPEAN TOUR

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THURSDAY 13TH JUNE – TICKETS GO ON SALE THIS FRIDAY AT 9AM

Legendary, GRAMMY-award winning band Fleetwood Mac announced today a European tour, set to kick off in June with three exclusive performances currently announced in London, Dublin and Berlin.

Tickets for RDS Arena on Thursday 13th June costing from €79.50 go on sale this Friday at 9am

Produced by Live Nation, the tour will feature the newly announced line-up of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Stevie Nicks, and Christine McVie along with newcomers Mike Campbell and Neil Finn.

A limited number of LaneOne VIP Packages will also be available, including amazing seats with premium benefits such as transportation, preferred entrance and more. LaneOne premium VIP packages are available here.

For further information, please visit www.fleetwoodmac.com.

 

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

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Down

This Saturday 27th October seas the return of the hugely popular Seapark Fireworks to Seapark Recreation Grounds which transforms into a hive of activity from 4.00pm.  Wrap up warm against the brisk Seapark air to enjoy the children’s funfair and live music by local band The Jukes. A selection of food stalls packed with delicious bites will be on hand to help take the chill off.  The excitement culminates for the always impressive fireworks display at 8.00pm, set to a music soundtrack. Remember to bring a torch to navigate the grounds, finding the perfect spot to view the display.  The fun continues until 9pm.

Armagh

Little Spooks at Navan Fort from 27th to 31st October is the perfect Halloween experience for boys and girls who aren’t afraid of enjoying some spooky surprises.  A Halloween Bride & Gloom Story – Do you have the courage to be witness at the ceremony?  With an undead bride and ghostly groom, join the hapless couple on the most memorable day of their lives (or afterlives).  The witch’s cabin is just a short walk away along the winding path. Discover what ghastly ingredients go into a witch’s cauldron and, if you are brave enough to torture your taste buds, there will be a truly gruesome brew freshly prepared just for you.  Proceed along the path to the Palace of the Pumpkin Prince. There, you will hear some startling stories sure to put a shiver up your spine.

Fermanagh

Leave daylight behind as you join a 15th century Maguire’s House Party in Enniskillen Castle this Friday 26th October. The castle doors will swing open for one night only, with live music, an on-site bar, and medieval-inspired food.  Alt-rockers Emerald Armada will be headlining music on the night, with support acts to be announced. Grab a drink from The Giddy Box vintage bar and roam the castle to discover music, performance, and some 15th-century guests that once revelled in the medieval stronghold. The Castle Café will be serving a medieval-inspired menu of stew and soup served in traditional edible ‘trencher’ plates made of bread, alongside sharing platters. Get ready to party like it’s 1499.  Strictly over 18s.

Tyrone

Mid Ulster Sports Arena will host their annual Halloween Fireworks Display on Saturday 27th October from 5.30pm when hundreds of people are expected to gather to enjoy some scary antics at Mid Ulster Sports Arena Cookstown, before the grand finale fireworks extravaganza at 8pm that will brighten up the dark skies into a fantastic fanfare of colour and lights.  Children can get ghoulishly creative at the Halloween themed arts and crafts station, listen to storytelling by Winifred the witch, be amazed by the fire performers, have a spin in the Vortex Tunnel and get to meet our spooktastic Halloween characters throughout the evening.  Children will also be able to burn off some wicked energy at the climbing wall, krazy karts and caterpillar train.  There will be music, face painting and lots more to help keep your little monsters entertained. If you get hungry, there’ll be a wide range of food stalls offering sweet and savoury tempting treats.

Derry

On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th October, Drumnaph Nature Reserve will come alive at night to celebrate the Celtic festival, Samhain.  Samhain was celebrated by our Ancestors and it marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of the ‘Dark Half’ of the year. Remember to wrap up warm and wear appropriate footwear for the journey.  Don’t forget to bring your own lantern too. Delicious, homemade refreshments will be available when you return to our new café at An Carn.  Book your tickets online at www.ancarn.yapsody.com.

 

Antrim

This Thursday 25th October, The Junction, Antrim  will host their Halloween Spectacular.  This year’s theme is Day of the Dead and your little ghosts, goblins and ghouls are invited to come along in their scariest costumes. Join Stephen, Cate and the Q Radio roadshow to see who picks up the bag full of tricks and treats for the best dressed. We will also have fire jugglers, face painting, arts & crafts and spooky characters to keep everyone entertained.  The celebrations reach a crescendo around 8.00pm, with a spectacular fireworks extravaganza.  Free shuttle bus departs from Dunsilly and Market Square, Antrim to The Junction, at regular intervals from 5.45pm. Access to the event is by Ballymena Road entrance only.  Firework display is subject to weather conditions.

 

Belfast

Enjoy a ride in a restored steam train from Belfast Central, along the shores of Belfast Lough to Whitehead Railway Museum and return this Sunday 28th October. Ghosts and ghoulies of all ages are invited to come along in seasonal costume to sample the unique steamy Halloween atmosphere. All children holding a ticket will receive a spooky goody bag from the wicked witch!  Departing from Belfast Central Station at 11.00am.  Book online at www.steamtrainsireland.com.

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.

Jacqueline McGonigle

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