Shop, Eat and Explore Ballycastle this Christmas!

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With over 60 independent shops and a stunning seaside location, come and see what Ballycastle has to offer this Christmas.

Pictured at the Ballycastle Christmas Lights switch on organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council in the Diamond Ballycastle where the lights were switched on by Alderman Maura Hickey Mayor and Santa. Picture Kevin McAuley/McAuley Multimedia

Shop, eat and explore the unique town landscape for gift ideas and speciality food. This Christmas, the town will also host a number of special events which will add to the festive feeling. This begins on Saturday 2nd December with the RDA Santa Pony Parade. The annual event is a fantastic spectacle with horses and riders suitably dressed for the occasion. Members of the public are encouraged to take part by bringing along their dogs in festive fancy dress to add to the fun. The event coincides with Small Business Saturday, which encourages us to support our local traders.

The theme of Shop Local continues on Sunday 3rd December when the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market makes a welcome return to the Marine Hotel from 11am to 5pm. A visit to the market is a great way to kick start your Christmas shopping offering a fantastic array of local art, craft and food produce. 

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “A feeling of festive magic is already starting to build in Ballycastle with some fabulous window displays through the town centre. It’s a beautiful town and I would encourage everyone to come and experience its unique retail offering and Christmas attractions.”

The town will switch on its Christmas lights on Thursday 7th December with entertainment beginning in the Diamond from 6.30pm followed by a visit from Santa Claus.

On Saturday 16th December, the town is looking forward to a visit from the ‘Ice King and Queen’. They are due to stay from 1pm – 3pm, along with some Bouncy Reindeers who are always up to mischief.

For further details on Christmas events in the Ballycastle area and the rest of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough pick up your free brochure from various outlets or visit www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/christmas  

Bangor’s BIG Christmas Switch On

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A day of festive – and, even better, free! – family fun is on offer at this year’s BIG Christmas Lights Switch On in Bangor, Co. Down, on Saturday 18 November.

Ards and North Down Borough Council has joined forces with ‘Main Street, My Street’ to put on a full day of entertainment that includes: a Christmas market, a Winter Wonderland at Project 24, festive elf selfies, local school choir performances, Santa’s grotto, edible crafts and more.  All of which are the perfect prelude to Santa’s arrival and the official switch on and fireworks finale at 5.30pm.

Visitors can also enjoy special discounts in many of the town’s independent shops and high street stores. While an Elf Door Trail will keep ‘little shoppers’ entertained as they hunt to discover the names of all the Main Street Christmas elves to be entered in our Christmas competition to win one of an array of fabulous prizes.

Paula Maxwell, Development Director for Bangor Chamber of Trade, is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the town to enjoy a day of free, festive fun:

“There’s something happening in almost every corner of the town, which is easily accessed by train and bus with plenty of free parking, so it really is a great place for a family, Christmas day out.

For more information on Christmas festivities in Ards and North Down, located right on Belfast’s Doorstep: visitardsandnorthdown.com

What On, Causeway Coast and Glens

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Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week

 

Date: 11th – 19th November

Time: check www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/restaurantweek

Venue: From Limavady to Ballycastle, Ballintoy to Bushmills and from Portrush to Portballintrae

Contact: ballycastlevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  Tel: 028 2076 2024/028 7034 4723

The 9-day culinary celebration will showcase our vibrant restaurant scene across entire borough.

With a growing reputation for food experiences, enjoy themed nights, food tours and taster menus, using the very best of fresh local and seasonal produce, complemented by fine wines and artisan ales. From Limavady to Ballycastle, from Ballintoy to Bushmills, and from Portrush to Portballintrae; there is a restaurant ready to welcome you and offer you a memorable dining experience

 

Atlantic Sessions

Date:  16th – 19th November

Time:  Various (www.atlanticsessions.com)

Venue: Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae

Contact: colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  Tel: 0287034 4723

A feast of musical talent, featuring over 30 artists in over 20 venues, including bars, coffee shops, hotels and town halls across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae, throughout 4 days.  Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart also offers a platorm for up and coming talent as well as established atists from across Northern Ireland and beyond to bring their music beyond the urban hubs.   Most gigs are admission free.

 

Christmas Activities

Date:  17th & 18th November

Time: 10am – 17.00 (17th) 12 noon – 17.00 (18th)

Venue: The Ullans Centre, Main Street, Ballymoney & Elim Church, Market Street

Contact: codiemurray@hotmail.com

Enjoy arts and crafts and visit Santa and his Winter Wonderland, pony rides, petting farm, cartoon characters, snowglobe and lots of musical entertainment at Elim Church on the 18th.

See website for further informaation: www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

 

Ballycastle Food Tour during Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week

Date:  18th November

Time:  10.00

Venue: Ballycastle

Contact: credmondni@gmail.com  Tel: 0282076 2024/07718 276612 www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/restaurantweek

A food  tour of Ballycastle, learning about local culture,whilst tasting some of the best foods and produce in the North of Ireland, served up by passionate owners and chefs. This town is regularly voted Best Place to Live – let me show you why.

 

Causeway Foodie Tours during Causeway Coast & Glens Restaurant Week

Date:  11th – 18th November

Time: Check website;  www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/restaurantweek

Venue: Ballycastle, Bushmills, Portrush

Conact: causewayfoodie@gmail.com  Tel: 07912 408256

There are five exciting Foodie Tours to choose from during Restaurant Week in the Causeway Coast and Glens, including the Coast and Country Tour, Treasure and Tapas Tour, Catch and Sea Evening Tour and Bushmills and Ballycastle Food Tours.

 

Limavady Christmas Lights Switch On

Date:  18th November

Time: 17.15

Venue: Drumceatt Square

Contact: tourism@vracc.co.uk

The annual Christmas Lights Switch On will take place at the Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre.  From 16.30 entertainment will be provided in Drumcet tSquare before Santa will arrive with the Mayor on a horse drawn carriage to switch on the lights at 17:00.

Primary school aged children (accompanied by an adult) will have the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto where they each will receive a small gift to enjoy before Christmas.

 

Bushmills Food Tour

Date:  24th November

Time: 10.00 am

Venue: Depart from Bushmills Visitor Information Centre

Contact: caroline@irishfeast.com  Tel: 07718 276612/0282076 2024

This food tour takes you around Bushmills, learning how forward thinking and innovative the people of this village were and how much good food is now on offer.

 Learn about local culture, whilst tasting some of the best foods and produce in the North of Ireland, served up by passionate owners and chefs.  This town is a treasure trove of whiskey, salmon and potatoes.

Northern Ireland Farm Toy & Model Show

Date:  24th November

Time:  14.00 – 22.00

Venue:  Magherbuoy House Hotel, Portrush

Contact: info@nationalminitrac.com  Tel: 07732 266502

There is plenty to keep all the family entertained with model tractors, trailers, tankers, manure spreaders, forage harvesters, animals, pedal tractors, wooden farmyards, clothing, crafts, cars, lorries and much, much more. There will be plenty of ideas for Christmas present for kids and adults alike.

 

Portstewart Christmas Lights Switch On

Date:  25th November

Time:  17.00

Venue: The Crescent, Portstewart

Contact:  colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  Tel: 0287034 4723

In the coming weeks, Santa has a very busy schedule as he stops off in towns and villages 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 (accompanied by an adult) will receive a small pre-Christmas gift to mark the occasion.

Festive entertainment will commence at 16.00 followed by Christmas Lights Switch On at 17.00

 

Dungiven Christmas Lights Switch On

Date:  25th November

Time:  17.00

Venue:  Main Street Car Park

Contact:  tourism@rvacc.co.uk  Tel: 0277776 0650

Main Street Car Park, Dungiven is this year’s venue for the Christmas Lights Switch On event on Saturday 25 November. From 16:00 there will be DJ entertainment before Santa and Causeway Coast and Glens Deputy Mayor Cllr Cathal McLaughlin arrive by horse-drawn carriage to switch on the lights at 17:00. Primary school aged children (accompanied by an adult) will have the opportunity to meet Santa in his grotto where they each will receive a small gift to enjoy before Christmas.

 

Coleraine Christmas Lights Switch On

Date:  24th November

Time:  18.00

Venue: The Diamond Area

Contact:  colerainevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  Tel: 0287034 4723

The Mayor, Councillor Joan Baird, said she was looking forward to helping spread some festive cheer. In Coleraine the fun begins in The Diamond area at 18:00 hrs with Beatz Entertainment and carol singing from primary school children. The Christmas Parade including the Mayor, Santa and his Clydesdale horses will make its way through the town to the Diamond area before the switch-on at 19:00 followed.

Santa will also be bringing along his mobile grotto, and each child of primary school age and under (accompanied by an adult) will receive a small pre-Christmas gift to mark the occasion

Light up Antrim Town for Christmas 2017

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Antrim Town is the place to be on Friday 17 November from 5.30pm as the Christmas lights switch on ceremony, organised in conjunction with Castle Mall, promises to start the yuletide season with festive fun and entertainment!

The action kicks off in Market Square with musical entertainment hosted by Sonya Mac from Q Radio, who will entertain everyone with games and hit music. Of course the evening wouldn’t be complete without a visit from Santa who will make his grand entrance with his Christmas friends at 7pm.

One of the highlights is sure to be the special children’s prize draw with great prizes to be won, including a Nintendo 2DS XL. This year the prize draw can only be entered at the event so make sure you come along and get your entry in!

A spectacular fireworks display at 7.30pm will round off what will undoubtedly be a perfect festive evening.

Further details of the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland next week.

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Discover Northern Ireland 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 (20-26 November).

 

  1. Armagh Georgian Festival, Co. Armagh, 23-26 November. Armagh’s much loved Georgian Festival returns to mark the beginning of the festive season. The festival includes the return of the Georgian Banquet, where guests can travel through the mists of time to Georgian Armagh. Festive market stalls hosted by traders in traditional costume will offer high quality gifts and locally produced food and drink. The children’s Christmas market will also return as well as horse and carriage rides, live music, talks and tours. As darkness falls, the dramatic light show will burst to life, illuminating the backdrop of the Georgian Market House and creating a festive atmosphere with contemporary and seasonal music.
  2. Foyle Film Festival, Derry~Londonderry, 17 – 26 November. Foyle Film Festival is an annual celebration of independent films, acclaimed feature length movies, documentaries and short films. Films include the Northern Ireland premiere of Walk With Me, Battle of the Sexes and family favourite, Wallace and Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, along with many others. For full line-up visit FoyleFilmFestival.org
  3. Hugo Duncan and Friends at The Portico, Portaferry, Co.Down, 24 November. A night of great entertainment as the ever-popular Hugo Duncan sings in the unique surroundings of The Portico in Portaferry. Hugo will be joined by Philomena Begley, Stephen Smyth, Boxcar Brian and Country Harmony. An evening not to be missed by fans of the Strabane man.
  4. 2017 Friendship Four, SSE Arena, Belfast. 24-25 November. The Friendship Four hockey tournament is the first and only NCAA Division hockey tournament outside of the United States of America. The tournament includes four different NCAA Division Universities from America travelling to Belfast for six days to compete in a four game tournament over two days.  The 2017 competing Universities have been confirmed as Clarkson University, RPI, Providence University and the University of Maine.
  5. 20th anniversary of Titanic the movie, Titanic Belfast, 19 November – 19 December. 20 years ago the blockbuster film, telling the story of the luxury liner’s fateful maiden voyage through the love story of passengers Jack and Rose, premiered on screens and became one of the top grossing films of all time. To mark the occasion, Titanic Belfast which has been described by Titanic movie director, James Cameron, as ‘magnificent and dramatic’, is hosting a blockbuster line-up of events including a Titanic Movie Drive In, Afternoon Tea and Movie Experience and a Movie Magic Month.
  6. Festive Fair, Derry~Londonderry, 25 November. Creggan Country Park will be transformed into a festive hub of activity with local arts and crafts businesses promoting their Christmas delights. Creggan Country Kitchen will host a festive BBQ on the day. Mulled wine and hot chocolate will be available to purchase throughout the day.
  7. Cookstown Christmas Lights Switch On, Co. Tyrone, 24 November. Christmas in Cookstown gets officially underway this year with the big switch on of the town’s Christmas lights at 5.30pm. Watch the streets come alive, in what has to be the most spectacular display in the country, that will make you know for sure that Christmas is really just around the corner. Get into the festive season, wrap up warm and come join in the fun.
  8. Sleeping Beauty, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, 23-24 November. Doogan Dance Academy has worked together with the Russian ballet in a project called Dancing Without Borders to produce their version of Sleeping Beauty. This is a great privilege for the dancers to work with such elite and professional dancers in order to create a show that is not to be missed for the whole family in the run up to Christmas.
  9. Northern Ireland Farm Toy & Model Show, Portrush, Co. Antrim, 24 November. Magherabuoy House Hotel will host this show with plenty of ideas for Christmas presents for kids and adults alike. On display will be tractors, trailers, tankers, manure spreaders, forage harvesters, animals, pedal tractors, wooden farmyards, DVDs, clothing, crafts, cars, lorries and much more.
  10. An Evening with Bette Midler, Downpatrick, Co. Down, 20 November. She’s feisty, she’s naughty and she’s got a voice full to the brim with character and beauty. An Evening with Bette Midler is a wicked ride through the life of one of the world’s greatest divas. Featuring such smash hits as ‘From a Distance’ and ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’, this new music piece of theatre received standing ovations when it premiered at The Playhouse earlier this year.

 

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

CHRISTMAS ALL WRAPPED UP IN DERRY & STRABANE…

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We’ve got Christmas all wrapped up for you in Derry and Strabane!

Get into the festive spirit joining Santa and his special guests at the Christmas Lights Switch-Ons, absorb a bit of magic by following the Sound of Light Christmas Procession around the city walls or come along to our quirky Christmas markets this winter. Have yourself a Derry little Christmas at the biggest ever Craft Fair in the Guildhall and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere by completing the enchanting Wonder Windows Trail.

Meet a life-sized majestic polar creature, Bjorn the Bear, along with his Arctic Explorer who’ll visit the city as part of our beautiful Winterland Market with a craft beer, artisan food & live music. Celebrate the season to be jolly with our Mayor at his free and atmospheric winter fairytale, Lost in Frost, which takes place in both Derry and Strabane or dance your socks off at the Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dance.

We’ve stacks of other family friendly events and entertainment – there really is something for everyone in our Christmas Programme 2017.

 

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

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Down

A day of festive, free family fun is on offer at this year’s BIG Christmas Lights Switch On in Bangor, Co. Down, on Saturday 18th November.  Ards and North Down Borough Council has joined forces with ‘Main Street, My Street’ to put on a full day of entertainment that includes a Christmas market, a Winter Wonderland at Project 24, festive elf selfies, local school choir performances, Santa’s grotto, edible crafts and more.  All of which are the perfect prelude to Santa’s arrival and the official switch on and fireworks finale at 5.30pm.

Armagh

The Charlemont and Moy Christmas event takes place this Saturday 18th November, beginning in Charlemont at noon.  Meet the elves and write a letter to Santa, then make your way to the Moy Square for the Christmas craft stalls, Annaginney petting farm, horse and cart rides, crafts for kids, cage football, carol singing and the main man himself Santa Claus switching on the lights at 4.45pm!

Fermanagh

The Clay, Cake & Creativity at Ashbrooke’s Ceramic Retreat, takes place this week from 16th to 18th November, Ashbrook House, Brookeborough. This exclusive course offers a rare opportunity to stay in the picturesque and historic Ashbrooke House and work with two Royal College of Art Ceramicists.  Helen Moore and Sandra Robinson have been specifically chosen for their complimentary skills in both the form and finish of ceramics to offer expert guidance as a complete beginner or seasoned maker.  Arriving in the stunning Ashbrooke Estate, you will be welcomed by Amanda Brooke’s renowned home cooking, beside warm open fires with good old fashioned Irish Craic.

Tyrone

The Hub Cookstown will host their Holistic Fair this Saturday 18th November. Holistic therapies aim to restore the body’s natural harmony.  When you are relaxed and in balance you are able to deal with the everyday stresses and strains of life much more effectively.  This is an opportunity for you to try massage, reflexology, Bowen therapy, reiki, aroma-touch and much more.  All treatments are an amazing £10 (excluding food intolerance resting). Call 028 8676 3398 for further information.

Derry/Londonderry

St Trea’s Ballymaguigan 4th Christmas Craft and Gift Fair takes place this Sunday 19th November from 12.00pm to 4.00pm.  Wacky Wax Hands will be outside the main door.  Shop from 40+ stalls from local crafters, including handmade crafts, pottery, slate, customised woodwork, bespoke shoes & headpieces, cards, decoupage items, knitted/crochet items, sewed toys, football gloves, scarves,  jewellery, handbags, jam & chutney, cakes, nail painting as well as personalised Christmas decorations and wreaths & lots more!

Antrim

Antrim town is the place to be this Friday 17th November for the Antrim Switch On,  with Sonya Mac and Q Radio kicking off the festive season with music and games for all the family.  Mr Hullabaloo and Jingles will entertain the crowd from 6pm. One of the highlights is sure to be the special children’s prize draw.  This year’s entry slips are only available on the night so make sure you’re there to be in with the chance of Santa picking out the winner at 7pm. See Toby Pinecone to make sure you are on Santa’s list!  A spectacular fireworks display will round off a great festive evening.

Belfast

Discover your Inner Elf from 16th to 18th November at Belvoir Players Studio!  Don’t be a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. and get yourself down to see this wonderful musical production by Nismat Theatre School. And remember the best way to spread Christmas Cheer, is singing loud for all to hear!

 

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. 

 

Iron Maiden, SSE Arena Belfast, August 2018

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The SSE Arena, Belfast: 2nd August

Tickets on sale Friday 24th November at 9am

 

Following the massively successful global tour of 2016-17 in support of their 16th studio album The Book Of Souls IRON MAIDEN will take to the road again in 2018 with a series of arena and festival shows in Europe on the Legacy Of The Beast World Tour opening in Tallinn, Estonia on May 26 and finishing at the o2 Arena, London on August 10.

The tour includes at date at The SSE Arena, Belfast on Thursday August 2nd.

The concept for the Legacy Of The Beast World Tour was inspired by Maiden’s mobile game and comic book of the same name and the stage set design will feature a number of different but interlocking “worlds” with a set list covering a large selection of Eighties material with a handful of surprises from later albums to add diversity. Maiden manager Rod Smallwood explains further,

“As our fans know, we’ve been following a particular touring cycle ever since Bruce and Adrian re-joined Maiden at the start of the millennium, alternating new album tours with “History/Hits” tours. We enjoy working this way for many reasons, not least because it gives the band a chance to play both new material and the older favourites which we know fans like to hear. It keeps things fresh, not just for the fans but for the band too.

“For this History/Hits tour we decided to base the theme around the Legacy Of The Beast name,  which suits our purposes perfectly by giving us scope to get creative and have some fun, especially with Eddie! I don’t want to give too much away at the moment but we’re working on a number of different stage sets, all in keeping with the Maiden tradition and we hope to give our fans a fantastic experience when they come to see this very special show.”

Killswitch Engage will be Maiden’s Special Guest on headline European shows from May 26 to July 1 inclusive, and in the UK from July 31 to Aug 10 inclusive.

The Belfast show goes on sale Friday 24th November, see below for details. As always, there will be an exclusive presale for Fan Club members, starting Monday 20th.

Tickets on-sale Friday 24th 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

 

 

Tales of the Unexpected at Ards Arts Centre

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Tales of the Unexpected was essential Sunday night viewing throughout the 80s and Wireless Mystery Theatre – Ireland’s Masters of Suspense – will bring the series to life, live on stage at Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards on Wednesday 15 November at 8pm.

The Wireless Mystery Theatre who will perform Roald Dahl’s Tales of the Unexpected at Ards Arts Centre on Wednesday 15 November. Photo credit: Carrie Davenport.

Featuring a wholly radiophonic score, in tribute to Ron Grainer, the author and the original theme, and his work as part of the BBC’s experimental Radiophonic Workshop, join Roald Dahl for four of the most twisted and twisty tales from the series. Expect guns, girls, and the unexpected!

Tickets cost £10 and are on sale at www.ardsarts.com.

Wireless Mystery Theatre is Northern Ireland’s only audio theatre company, specialising in live staged radio plays and broadcast material. They have toured the UK and the Republic of Ireland and their work has been commissioned for broadcast on BBC Radios 3 & 4, as well as in Canada, Germany, and the United States. Their work is also currently featured on BA in-flight entertainment.

“They are superb.” Culture Northern Ireland

“A performance unlike anything you have ever seen before.” Ulster Tatler

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas across the Causeway Coast and Glens!

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And with this in mind, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Town Management team is organising a Best Dressed Christmas Window Competition in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady.

It aims to recognise the efforts local businesses put into creating festive windows which add to the Christmas shopping experience in our local towns.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE, said: “We are already seeing some of our shops and businesses getting into the Christmas spirit with their window displays, and I hope this competition encourages everyone to take part. Christmas window displays provide a fabulous festive welcome to shoppers and visitors and I’m looking forward to seeing the creative efforts of our traders.”

Julienne Elliott, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Town & Village Manager, added: “Every year businesses within our four main towns make every effort to encourage customers to shop local.  Creating attractive festive windows is a great way to bring people into our town centres and they are a positive addition to the overall town centre experience at Christmas.   Deciding on a winner will always be a difficult process but I look forward to seeing what each town has to offer.”

Judges will be asked to assess the windows based on the following three categories:

Innovation – How well designed and creative is the display?

Colour – how attractive is the display?

Appeal – how encouraged would you be to spend money in their shop?

The winners and runner ups in each town will receive a trophy in recognition of their efforts. The overall winner in each town will receive an electronic tablet to assist in developing their business.

The judging panels made up of local representatives from each town will be visiting Ballymoney, Ballycastle, Limavady and Coleraine in early December to make their choices.  There is no need to formally enter the competition and retailers must have their displays ready by Friday 1st December.

For further information on Christmas activities throughout the Borough go to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/christmas

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