Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

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Down

Take some time to leave the hustle and bustle of the high street behind and explore the candlelit Ballycultra village to experience Christmas from 100 years ago at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum this Friday 8th December.  Visit beautiful festive homes, sample seasonal treats by a cosy peat fire, and listen to the rousing, seasonal anthems performed by brass bands and carol singers. Opening hours 6pm – 9pm.

Armagh

Take a magical train journey around the Argory Estate in Moy to see Santa in his grotto and meet his team of helpers from the North Pole. Includes complimentary festive refreshments.  Booking Essential. 7th-10th and 13th -17th December from 4.00pm to – 8.00pm. Adult £7,  Child £15, Member Adult £7, Member Child £15.

Fermanagh

Join SHARE for a very special, festive cruise of Upper Lough Erne on-board the Inishcruiser on Saturday 9th December.  Christmas High Tea cruise will indulge you in tasty festive treats including mulled wine, shortbread and mince pies, alongside other traditional high tea treats. These can be enjoyed as you cruise beautiful Upper Lough Erne towards Crom Estate. The cruise lasts approx. 1.5 – 2 hours. Booking essential.

Tyrone

Join the Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh this Christmas for  a festive celebration for the whole family with their Santa Sunday Lunch.  The children will be thoroughly entertained with the kids Christmas party and disco from 2.00pm – 4.00 pm. Contact the Christmas co-ordinator to book Tel +44 28 8224 2520.

Derry/Londonderry

Step back in time to Westeros this Christmas & enjoy a Game of Thrones themed medieval banquet this Friday 8th December at the Waterfoot Hotel. The banquet will have Game of Thrones themed props & music, mulled cider reception.  You will then enjoy a 3 course meal plus live entertainment by The Hit Men & Silver Fox DJ.

Antrim

Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim Castle Gardens bigger and better than ever before from Saturday 9th to Tuesday 19th December. This year’s event has even more of the stunning Gardens transformed, from entry at the Barbican Gate enchantment awaits as a magical journey through the Gardens unfolds. This year’s new features include the star attraction, ‘Antrim Eye’ – a 40m Ferris wheel where star gazing over Antrim Town and beyond will be one of the highlights of your visit to this fantastic event.

Belfast

Christmas Supper (a two course traditional Christmas dinner followed by Tea and Coffee) with a live performance from the fabulous Belfast Community Gospel Choir this Thursday 7th December at the Stormont Hotel from 7.00pm. Visit hastingshotels.com to book.

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.

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 10 exciting things taking place this week (11-17 December)

 

  1. The Winter Fair, Lisburn, 14 December. Eikon Exhibition Centre is the meeting place for the dairy industry in Northern Ireland. Where top class cattle compete for the title of supreme champion and trade stands display innovation and industry advances. To book your tickets, visit WinterFair.org.uk.
  2. Shh! We Have A Plan, Belfast, 13-16 December. The award-winning Children’s Theatre Company, Cahoots NI, are casting a spell over young theatre goers at the Crescent Arts Centre this Christmas as they bring the enchanting tale ‘Shh! We Have a Plan’ to life. Based on the Chris Haughton book, this nonverbal, delightful and poignant tale follows the journey of some madcap characters. To book tickets visit CrescentArts.org
  3. South Eastern Music Service Winter Concert, Belfast, 11 December. Treat yourself to a selection of contemporary, pop and classical music, including some festive pieces to help spread the Christmas cheer.  The impressive and varied line-up features the Bangor Concert Band, Bangor String Orchestra, Castlereagh Concert Band, Castlereagh String Orchestra, Down Concert Band, Down String Orchestra, Lisburn Concert Band and Lisburn String Orchestra. To book tickets visit UlsterHall.co.uk.
  1. Days of Christmas Past with Santa Visit, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, 9-17 December. The Ulster Folk & Transport Museum has an extra special festive experience for the family to immerse themselves in the magic of a traditional Christmas. 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. Take home a treasured memory of your day spent in Christmas past by purchasing a special photograph with Santa & Mrs Claus. To book visit nmni.com.
  2. A Christmas Carol, Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, 14 December. Olivier Award-winning actor, Guy Masterson is famed for bringing multiple characters to vivid life in his enthralling one-man shows. Masterson recreates Scrooge, Marley, the Fezziwigs, Tiny Tim and many more in an enchanting performance that will dazzle and linger long in the memory. To book your ticket visit SeamusHeaneyHome.com.
  3. Christmas Dioramas, Co. Down, 16 December. Get your children into the spirit of the festive season, making their own little winter wonderland. Banbridge’s Old Town Hall hosts a children’s workshop creating a 3D Christmas scene with fairy lights to add the extra sparkle. Hazel Boland leads the workshop for 7-11 year olds, using recycled materials. To book call 028 4062 0232.
  4. The Whistlin’ Donkeys In Concert, Co. Fermanagh, 15 December. The Whistlin’ Donkeys are an Irish Folk band from County Tyrone, they have a unique spin on Irish Folk music, blending elements of traditional Irish with Celtic rock influences. See them perform a vibrant set at the Ardhowen Theatre in Enniskillen, tickets £16.50.
  5. A Mid-Winter Tale, Co. Armagh, 15 December. Enjoy some traditional fayre at this most unusual Christmas event at the Navan Centre, Armagh. A Celtic themed celebration of the arrival of Mid-Winter and the Winter Solstice – the shortest and darkest day of the year. Darkness has descended and the people are gathered to see the Holly King fight the Oak King. If the Oak King defeats the Holly King darkness will end and light will return for the year.
  6. A Swingabella Christmas, Lisburn, 16 December. The close harmony vocal trio, Swingabella, brings back the sassy sound of the Swing Era of the 30s and 40s. Come and hear the jaunty ‘Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree’ and the ever-popular ‘In The Mood’, coquettishly sung by three broads in victory rolls and T-bar shoes. To book your tickets visit LaganValleyIsland.co.uk.
  7. Bubbles in a Boat, Derry~Londonderry, 2-24 December. Go on a Christmas cruise with Bubbles the elf and help him find the missing items from Santa’s sleigh. Afterwards make a Christmas clay tile with Mrs Claus and enjoy hot chocolate and a Christmas cookie. To book call 028 7136 3133.

 

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

Get into the festive spirit at It’s Chriiiiistmas!!

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On Saturday 16 December, a very special festive concert will take place at The Queen’s Hall, Newtownards.

For fans of the popular Friday Night Live music series and from the team that brought you the sell-out success Rumours Re-told, “It’s Chriiiiistmas!!” will be a fun and nostalgic music homage to the festive season.

From Bing Crosby and Dean Martin to Mariah Carey, The Pogues, Wizzard and Wham!, expect all your favourite Christmas Crackers recreated by artists including VerseChorusVerse, Susie Coyle, Ellen Weir and Becky Baxter.

With fairy lights, tinsel, a dance floor and fabulous Christmas songs, join us for what promises to be a Christmas No.1 for real music lovers.

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale at www.ardsarts.com. Book early to avoid disappointment!

Make a pledge to Recycle. Reduce. Refuse. Remember

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Children from all over the Ards and North Down borough are taking an Environmental Family Pledge whereby they are encouraged to deliver on a promise made through an innovative initiative that Ards and North Down Borough Council are rolling out this November/December.

 

The initiative, called C.L.E.A.R, associates community, learning, environmental, awareness and responsibility, to the environment through a series of 5 workshops set in the Risk Avoidance Danger Awareness Resource (RADAR) centre.

Ards and North Down Borough Council have partnered with RADAR and a voluntary beach cleaning group, North Down beach cleaners, to develop this be-spoke programme which has been financed from the Recycling Community Investment Fund, raised by all the re-cycling efforts by the residents in Ards and North Down, accumulating an extensive £1.2 million saving in landfill tax. This has allowed the council to not only minimise any rates increase but also to re-invest this money into new environmental initiatives such as C.L.E.A.R.

These 5 workshops are aimed at all year 8 pupils in the borough and started on Monday 27 November, taking place over a three-week period – 1,800 local pupils will take part. Set in the impressive location of RADAR, a multi-purpose village built within a warehouse, the children will learn about biodiversity, recycling, environmental crime, dog awareness and good citizenship. By educating the next generation of citizens the programme tackles environmental issues in an interactive, innovative and enjoyable way.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, stated that “the CLEAR initiative is all about our young people having a unique opportunity to learn key messages about environmental responsibility in a really fun and effective way”.

The team heading the workshops are getting fantastic feedback with encouraging reviews from pupils and teachers.

David Lindsay, Director of Environment in the Council said, “For every child that makes the pledge along with their families the Council will award a bursary to their school, that can then be used to further pupils’ environmental education.  As long as the residents of the borough maintain and improve their commitment to maximising recycling of their household waste, we will continue to reap the financial benefits – and can use the money saved to keep funding important initiatives such as the CLEAR environmental education programme as well as many other projects from our Recycling Community Investment Fund.”

Will you make the pledge? Be environmentally responsible.

 

CHRISTMAS AT THE MARKET PLACE

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The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will be providing some much-needed respite from the Christmas hustle and bustle this December with relaxing and magical festive performances.

Come and join the exceptional Cara Dillon on Thursday 14 December, for what will undoubtedly be a magical and memorable festive experience. Having recorded her highly anticipated Christmas album, ‘Upon A Winter’s Night’, Cara and her band will be performing classic carols, Celtic hymns and other Christmas songs to celebrate and share in the Christmas spirit. A tradition in the making. If you don’t already know the voice of Cara Dillon, you’re in for a treat. If you are already amongst her legions of admirers around the world, you know you have something special in store. Tickets are priced £22.

Why not treat a loved one to a night of great music at our popular Christmas Jazz Club. Taking centre stage on Saturday 16 December will be the hugely popular Martello Jazz Band who feature a sound reminiscent of the Dixieland bands of 1920’s New Orleans, stamped with their own brand of drive and flair. A great pre-Christmas night out with friends. Admission is priced £15 which includes a glass of prosecco and light refreshments.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. 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.

Christmas Switch on Maghera

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Maghera’s Christmas festivities kick off this weekend on Saturday 2nd December

 

Kids Christmas workshops and activities will take place in The Lurach Centre from 2pm – 4.30pm, before Santa arrives by reindeer and sleigh at the Walled Garden.

To visit Santa in his Walled Garden Grotto between 4.30pm and 6pm, please pre-book your child’s spot by calling the Bridewell on 028 7963 1510.

You’ll also have the chance to enter a free prize draw, with prizes donated courtesy of The Maghera Traders Association, including:

  • Xbox One and 2 games
  • Fire TV stick
  • Amazon Echo Dot
  • Google Home
  • Kindle Fire HD
  • Sony headphones
  • Sunday lunch for two at Walsh’s Hotel
  • Movie House vouchers
  • The Auction Room vouchers
  • A weekend break for two to London!

Santa will then get back on his sleigh to lead everyone up to the town centre at 6pm where he will switch on the Christmas lights!

Premature Babies Supported & Santa Sorted!

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Many babies have celebrated their first Christmas due to the fabulous support available from TinyLife, Northern Ireland’s only premature baby charity. Now TinyLife are holding a jumbo Santa event with a difference, to raise vital funds to help future premature babies celebrate their first Christmases’.

A two-centre bumper festive event has been planned, which includes a Snowstorm Christmas Colour Run in Lurgan Park on Sunday 10 December and a train ride to visit Santa in his wooded-cabin at Peatlands Park (Exit 13 M1 at Loughgall). 9/10 and 16/17 December. Both events have the same cover charge £10 Adult and £5 child.

The festive experience brings something for everyone of all ages, as the colour run offers up a festive drenching by Santa’s elves, a visit to the man in red, snow glasses for every participant and a medal for all finishers; while the Peatlands event package has reserved a special train service to chug along the Park’s narrow-gauge railway to see Santa, which includes a gift, a free make and take craft and refreshments as part of the ticket price.

A bundle-booking system is available if both events are reserved. The Lurgan Park Colour Run remains at full price, but for every ticket purchased for the run (adult/child matched) tickets for the Peatlands event will be eligible for a 10% refund.

For visitors preferring to make the takeaway Christmas craft, a pay on the day charge of £4 is applicable. A timed ticketing system is in place to keep Santa’s nerves intact! Visitors are asked to book where possible online and to arrive 15 minutes before the visit.

Peatlands Park Warden, Martin Hampton said, “Our train is always a huge draw throughout the year bringing visitors face to face with nature. Christmas is a wonderful time for children and families, so it is especially poignant that we can take this opportunity to support the work of such a worthwhile charity, who help transform lives every day. As our train turns into the magical Peatlands Santa Express, we would encourage visitors to hop aboard and escape to the great outdoors while supporting TinyLife – a double feel-good factor!”

Over 1900 babies are born too soon (six babies every day), too small or too sick in Northern Ireland. Some arrive as early as 24 weeks, weighing as little as 1lb/454 grams, the same weight as half a bag of sugar! At this understandably very stressful time for parents, TinyLife is there to provide practical advice, emotional support and to give a helping hand to families who have a baby in a neonatal intensive care unit, with their network of Family Support Officers in every neonatal unit across Northern Ireland, ensuring parents receive optimum support in hospital, at home and within the community, all ably supported by a dedicated team of active volunteers.

Nicola Orlick from Newmills, County Tyrone, is mum to 5-year-old Jacob and more recently gave birth to twins, Emma and Matthew, born on 21 August 2015, at 4lb 10 and 5lb 1oz respectively said, “TinyLife was the only charity that could help me. I had a really good job as a senior manager before the twins were. My husband works 12-hour shifts which include weekends, so although we were delighted with the news that we were expecting twins, the reality of the situation soon hit home.”

“With family members working throughout the day, I tried various charities to find a volunteer but to no avail. They I found out about TinyLife and my world changed.  Janice my local TinyLife Support Officer advised me on the many practicalities, including much-needed financial advice as having given up my job I realised that reduced income was yet another pressure I had to deal with.”

“Former nurse, TinyLife Family Support volunteer, Sylvia is without hesitation on my part, is my rock. From the day and hour, she stepped through the front door, she has become not just a volunteer but family. My twins know her as aunty Sylvia. I was at my wits’ end, depressed, lonely and at one point, fearing for my sanity, too frightened and ashamed to reach out for help. For other families in this situation, my advice is to contact TinyLife today. Don’t wait a second longer. Help is at hand. I haven’t looked back since. TinyLife is a local charity for local people. All fundraising money goes directly back to help premature babies and their families. That’s why I’m supporting the Peatlands Park Santa visit event.”

For more information on fundraising, volunteering or this and forthcoming events, visit tinylife.org.uk, buy tickets at buytickets.at/tinylife or connect on Facebook and Twitter.

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Christmas Carol Concert  

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Come and explore the magic of Christmas in the Antrim Forum on Saturday 9 December at 3.30pm.

 

The annual Christmas Carol Service, hosted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, will be compered by Claire McCollum.

The Education Authority Youth Concert Band will add musical magic to the voices of the children from primary schools throughout the Borough, capturing the true spirit of Christmas through readings and song.

Admission is free however there will be a door collection with all proceeds donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities: Tiny Life, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Sandes.

For more information on the Christmas Carol Concert please T. 028 9034 0073 or carol.shane@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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 10 exciting things taking place next week (4-10 December).

 

  1. Christmas Evenings at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum, Co. Down, 1-15 December. Leave the hustle and bustle of the high street behind and step back in time into the candlelit Ballycultra village to experience a traditional Christmas from 100 years ago at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum. Includes Christmas carolling, traditional Christmas fayre, make your own Christmas decoration and much more.
  2. Coca-Cola’s Christmas Truck Tour 2017, Belfast, 6 December. Holidays are coming back to Northern Ireland as the famous Coca-Cola Christmas Truck pulls into town. Arriving at 2pm to the SSE Arena, the public will have an opportunity to take a souvenir photo with the Coca-Cola Christmas Truck.
  3. Nelson Reis Presents Mark Knight, Co. Tyrone, 9 December. Glenavon House, Cookstown invites you to a new dance music event of House Techno. DJ & Producer Nelson Reis will support Mark Knight, Boss of Toolroom Records, Grammy-nominated and second highest-selling Beatport artist of all-time.
  4. Magical Christmas at Castle Coole, Co. Fermanagh, 9-17 December. Visit Santa and Mrs Claus in their festive home as they prepare for the busy Christmas season. Each child receives a present and grown-ups can enjoy warming mulled wine and mince pies. To book visit NationalTrust.org.uk.
  5. Flowerworks Adult Workshop, Co. Down, 9 December. Choose either a morning or afternoon session at the Old Town Hall, Banbridge, to kick-start the Christmas season. Learn to make a seasonal statement piece for your door or mantle using foliage, berries and accessories. Romaine Hodgen leads the class, where you will take home a display that you won’t find in the shops. To book call 028 4062 0232.
  6. The Magical Christmas Vintage & Handmade Fair, Belfast, 10 December. Frock Around The Clock will return to beautiful Belfast Castle for The Magical Christmas Vintage and Handmade Fair. The fair will feature over 50 fantastic stalls of vintage, handcrafted and upcycled fashion, furniture, homewares and collectables, textiles and decor, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, art, craft, gifts, artisan food, Christmas crafts and decor and much more.
  7. Snowtube with Santa, Co. Armagh, 9-10 December. Not only is snowtubing great fun, it can help your children fit and healthy. Santa will be visiting Craigavon Watersports Centre, along with the alpine lodge café serving festive favourites, from mince pies to mulled wine. Suitable for ages 4-12 years old, spaces limited. To book call 028 3832 6606.
  8. Eilidh Patterson Band, Derry~Londonderry, 8 December. Eilidh Patterson’s an accomplished finger-style guitarist, seamlessly blends folk and bluegrass with her crystalline voice, and is one of Northern Ireland’s best-loved songwriters. Join Eilidh at this candlelit, cabaret style event with free seating at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre. To book call 028 7776 0650.
  9. Christmas Craft Workshops, Derry~Londonderry, 2-9 December. The Tower Museum will be offering visitors the chance to revisit the ghosts of Christmas past throughout December by hosting three special workshops focusing on Christmas crafts through the decades. At each of the workshops participants will have the opportunity to create Victorian style decorations and cards which they can take home to give to friends and loved ones. To book call 028 7137 2411.
  10. Christmas Lights Switch On, Co. Antrim, 7 December. Santa has a very busy schedule as he stops off in Ballycastle to help turn on the Christmas lights. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has organised a fantastic calendar of events to celebrate his arrival including live music and carol singing. Santa will also be bringing along his mobile grotto and each child of primary school age and under will receive a small pre-Christmas gift to mark the occasion.

 

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 a unique collection of irresistible 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 Break, The Briers Country House, Co. Down from £100 per room per night.

Nestled in the heart of South Down, this three-star country house provides an excellent base at the foot of the Mourne Mountains whilst still being within easy reach of Newcastle and the many activities the area has to offer. Book three nights in a standard room and get upgraded to a deluxe room with a free bottle of wine. To book call 028 4372 4347. Offer available until 21 December.

 

Winter Wonderland Weekender, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, Co. Fermanagh from £135 per person sharing

The four-star Killyhevlin 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. Enjoy a two-night weekend stay with a fully cooked breakfast each morning, a four-course dinner on one evening and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. To book call 028 6632 3481. Offer available until 31 March.

 

Santa’s Calling at the Hedges, The Hedges Hotel, Co. Antrim from £149 per room per night.

Experience festive fun for all the family at this ideally located hotel, just a stone’s throw from the Dark Hedges. Stay overnight at the three-star Hedges Hotel and receive a personal phone call from Santa to your room, followed by breakfast with Buddy the elf. Includes a selection of DVDs, a complimentary dinner voucher, and a visit to the Festive Fairy Trail. Based on two adults and two children sharing. To book call 028 2075 1209. Offer available until 26 December.

 

All offers are subject to availability.  For further information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

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