Prepare to be spellbound by Sleeping Beauty: the Christmas pantomime!

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Wakey-wakey! The countdown has begun for Sleeping Beauty – the Christmas pantomime – opening at Belfast Waterfront from Wednesday 6 December.     

Presented by LANA Productions and Belfast Waterfront, directed by Lisa May and produced by Martin Lynch, Sleeping Beauty is the best loved fairy tale of them all… magically brought to life on the pantomime stage!

You can’t beat a Waterfront panto for excitement, fun and laughter… all wrapped up in one great big, best value Christmas adventure!  In true Waterfront tradition children will get right up close to all of the action and an amazing cast of larger than life characters as the adventure unfolds!

In a land far, far away the Wicked Fairy has cast a truly evil spell, dooming Sleeping Beauty to sleep for a hundred years.  But is there anyone who can break the spell and wake her…?

Audiences will love this magical traditional Christmas adventure presented by a fabulous cast starring Trudy Scrumptious (aka Gordon Crawford) as Nanny Magee, Jolene O’Hara as Sleeping Beauty and Gavin Peden as The Prince.  Sleeping Beauty also stars Gary Crossan as Maleficent, Emer McDaid as Fairy Stardust and Nuala Davies as Muddles.

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty at Belfast Waterfront, running from 6 December to 7 January, are available by calling 028 9033 4455, online at www.waterfront.co.uk and at our main Box Office at the Ulster Hall.

 

Sleeping Beauty is presented in association with U105.

The BBC Good Food Show is heading back to the food-loving city of Belfast this November, packed with all the ingredients for a great day out.

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This year, the Show will return with a great range of Northern Ireland’s very best food and drink producers, plus a line-up of top celebrity chefs and culinary experts. The weekend will be full to the brim with demonstrations, tastings, chef interviews, book signings and more.

Discover what’s new for 2017:

See your favourites cooking LIVE

Watch your favourite chefs and stars cooking LIVE in the Big Kitchen. NEW this year, see family favourite Nadiya Hussain and Michelin master Michel Roux Jr, plus John Torode and the Hairy Bikers are back. Every ticket includes a seat in the Big Kitchen.

 

Eat Like a Local

Enjoy an additional FREE ‘Eat Like a Local’ session in the Big Kitchen as part of your day. Discover more about local restaurants Ox (Friday), Forestside Cookery School (Saturday) and Wine and Brine (Sunday).

Taste the Greatness Tasting Experience

Taste your way around the region in a tasting session with local restaurateurs, Great Taste winners and a fantastic line-up of regional food and drink producers. Let the hosts and experts take you through the produce and the destinations they derive from, whilst sampling a selection of their food and drink.

Plus, get 20% off* show tickets when you quote WHATSON

* Valid on advance adult tickets only. Not valid on VIP packages, Gold Big Kitchen seats or with any other o­ffer. Gold Big Kitchen seats cost an additional £3 and are subject to availability.. Not all celebrities appear on all days. Details correct at time of print. £2.45 fulfilment fee per advance order. Calls cost 7p/minute plus phone company charges. The Good Food word mark and logo are trademarks of the BBC. ©BBC. Organised and presented by River Street Events.

 

 

Dine with a difference during Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week

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The Causeway Coast and Glens is enjoying a growing reputation as a foodie destination.

Pictured in the historic surroundings of Dunluce Castle for the launch of Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week which runs from November 11th – 19th are Nicola Neill from Blackrock House Bed & Breakfast in Portrush, Lee Gibson, The Whiskey Lad, Pol Shields, Head Chef at the Marine Hotel in Ballycastle, Trudy Brolly from Ocho Tapas in Portrush and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE.

And to celebrate this, the area is looking forward to the return of Restaurant Week from November 11th – 19th.

The nine-day event, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, serves up a range of ‘foodie’ experiences built on a combination of fabulous local producers and a vibrant dining scene. It introduces alternative eating concepts including degustation where the focus is on careful appreciation of tastes and enjoying eating as a social experience. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a communal sharing experience, welcoming the darker autumn nights as an opportunity to enjoy comforting food with friends.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “Restaurant Week highlights just why we are a food destination of choice, bringing together an exciting variety of eating and drinking experiences. Our local producers offer a fantastic range of food and drink products which are used on menus right across the Borough, giving diners a true taste of the area.”

Food Tours add another aspect to Restaurant Week, providing a unique glimpse into the area and our local producers. You can choose to stay on dry land with a walking tour in Bushmills or Ballycastle or experience a trip on board the Causeway Lass where you get a chance to catch your evening meal in the crystal clear waters off our coastline.

If you feel inspired to use ingredients sourced from our local artisans in your own kitchen, you will find all you need at Causeway Speciality Market in Coleraine. It takes place on Saturday 11th November with around 50 stalls to choose from, all located within the pedestrian area around the Town Hall.

This year, Restaurant Week will coincide with our award winning music festival Atlantic Sessions. It offers intimate gigs from an unrivalled line-up of performers in venues across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae from November 16th – 19th. Go to www.atlanticsessions.com for full details.

To keep up to date with the latest news about Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, including information about accommodation and visitor attractions, go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com, follow us on Twitter @VisitCauseway or find us on Facebook at Visit Causeway Coast and Glens

JACK & ROSE GO FREE TO TITANIC BELFAST IN CELEBRATION OF 20 YEARS SINCE RELEASE OF ‘TITANIC’ THE MOVIE

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Is your name Jack or Rose? Or any variation thereof?  If so, it’s a case of lights, camera and action, as you’ve been granted free entry to the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast, from 19th November – 19th December 2017.

Doug and Meg Bradshaw from Yorkshire at Titanic Belfast. Picture: Elaine Hill

In honour of the twentieth anniversary of the cinematic release of ‘TITANIC’ the movie, which told the epic love story between Jack and Rose on the ill-fated ship, it is offering free entry to anyone named after the two lead characters or variants of the names ranging from French Jacques to Polish Rozycka (full list available on its website) during its Movie Month.

Visitors should bring ID (birth certificate, passport or driving license) to gain their complimentary admission at the Box Office to the Titanic Experience which has been described by ‘TITANIC’ movie director James Cameron as ‘magnificent and dramatic’.

The celebrations do not stop there, as Titanic Belfast has a blockbuster line-up of events to mark the occasion.  Kicking off its Programme of events is an unmissable red-carpet movie-themed Titanic Afternoon Tea and Movie Experience on Sunday 19th November 2017 and Tuesday 19th December 2017 – perfect for the ultimate movie fan to enjoy the epic film in First Class Style by the replica Grand Staircase! Sure to be a highlight is the Titanic Drive-In Movie Experience on November 29th 2017, where fans have the chance to win golden tickets to watch the 11 time Oscar winning tragic romance under the stars as it’s screened at the exact spot where the original ship was designed, built, and launched.

What’s more, for one month only (November 19th to December 19th) guests to Titanic Belfast can star in their own Titanic Experience by following the Movie Magic trail, enjoying themed hospitality and re-creating their own ‘meet me at the clock’ photo opportunities on the green screen.

For a full programme of events, and for full Terms and Conditions visit www.titanicbelfast.com

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland next week!

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Discover NorthernIreland 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 (6-12 November)

 

  1. Bronagh Gallagher, Limavady, 11 November. The Commitments and Pulp Fiction star’s highly acclaimed recent album ‘Gather Your Greatness’ confirmed her status as one of the great soul voices in Ireland. This night of performances promises an evening of heart-wrenching, powerfully strong music not to be missed. This is a candlelit, cabaret-style event with seating. To reserve a table please call 028 7776 0650.
  2. Twinkling Winter Twilight Market, Belfast, 7-8 November. Back by popular demand, the Twilight Market is set to return to St George’s Market. Attracting over 46,000 visitors in 2016, the Twilight Market hosts live music by local entertainers and chef demonstrations alongside local food and drink producers and arts and crafts.
  3. The Lady Boys of Bangkok, Belfast, 4-18 November. The country’s number one touring cabaret show, The Lady Boys of Bangkok, returns with a bang in 2017 with its lavish new production, ‘Who Runs The World’. With more songs and big-scale musical production numbers than you could pout a painted lip at, the Lady Boys pay tribute to a host of stars. Book online at VisitBelfast.com/Tickets
  4. Lore, Lisburn, 11 November. Nominated for ‘Best Irish Band’ at the Pure M Awards 2015, indie-folk group Lore has supported acts such as Cara Dillon, Mary Black and Kila. Their last release included a haunting cover of the iconic ‘Teenage Kicks’. On this evening, singer at Lagan Valley Island, Triona will be a guest vocalist with Lore. To book your tickets visit LaganValleyIsland.co.uk
  5. Shakespeare Schools Festival , Co. Armagh, 9 November. Shakespeare Schools Foundation is proud to present the world’s largest youth drama festival at The Market Place Theatre. In the celebratory finale of their festival journey, 30,000 young people from primary, secondary and special schools nationwide will unite on their local professional stage in thrilling performance evenings. See Shakespeare’s stories brought to life like never before.
  6. Full Moon Film Festival, Newcastle, 9-12 November. Newcastle Community Cinema’s fourth annual Full Moon Film Festival will be showcasing 18 screenings across one long weekend. Screening a variation of genres to suit everyone, cinema listings available from NewcastleCinema.org. Films include The Lost Boys, The Breakfast Club, E.T and many more.
  7. Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement, Derry~Londonderry, 7-18 November. This festival returns to Waterloo House for its fifth edition with an outstanding programme of dance, movement and physical theatre. Performances include a series of improvisations in various city locations and popular short works by local and visiting artists created from the festival open call.
  8. Titanic Taster Photography Tour, Belfast, 11 November. Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day and learn lots of top tips and techniques, all while exploring Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage. On this interactive tour you will be transported around the quarter on the Wee Tram. Hop off stops will include the historic Slipways, Titanic’s Dock and Pump-House, and the Samson and Goliath cranes.
  9. Ceramic Christmas Cottages, Omagh, 7, 14 and 21 November. This three-part course at An Cregan allows participants to design their own ceramic winter cottage. Sessions will include design, building the structure, adding details, painting, glazing and finishing. Led by tutor Leona Devine. For more information e-mail arts@ancreagan.com
  10. Romeo & Juliet, Coleraine, 7 November. The Riverside Theatre presents Shakespeare’s tale of the star-crossed lovers. Ballet Ireland re-stage their hugely successful production of Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple. The result is a ballet with a dazzling combination of passion and hatred, comedy and high tragedy.

 

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

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

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Down

Seapark Fireworks, Holywood was postponed and will now take place on Saturday 4th November. Keep the winter cold at bay with delicious refreshments and a lively family funfair from 4pm and music by local favourites ‘The Jukes’ from 6.30pm. Of course the most anticipated part of the event is the always spectacular firework display – watch as the skies come alive above the shores of Seapark at approximately 8.00pm.  The fun continues until 9.00pm.

Armagh

Everyone loves Sponge Bob and the Minions so get ready to make your very own cheeky colourful character at Spongebob v Minion this Saturday at the Market Place Theatre.  Using sponge, fabric, recycled bits and pieces and paint – this fun class could get messy so please wear old clothes! For age 7 to 11 year olds.

Fermanagh

The National Trust at Crom are getting ready to welcome visitors for a truly special event on Thursday 2nd November at Crom Estate. Their team of experienced rangers are taking visitors on a personal tour of the deer park for an exclusive insight into the resident fallow deer.  A warming tea or coffee is provided as visitors gain an understanding of these beautiful animals, what they eat and how they are cared for at Crom Estate.

Tyrone

Smart Mums Market is an quality indoor market for buyers and sellers of baby & children’s, nearly new clothes, shoes, toys and equipment for 0-10 years.  You can also find crafters and knitters at these markets as well as businesses aimed at this age group offering advice, from pregnancy and onwards. Taking place this Sunday 5th November at Mellon Country Inn, Omagh.

Derry/Londonderry

Ulster University Music department is delighted to present Cassandra Wilson, an American jazz musician, vocalist, songwriter, and producer from Jackson, Mississippi. Cassandra has for a long time been regarded as the finest jazz singer in the world, having sold millions of records on the Blue Note label, but is also known for attracting audiences from a broad spectrum of musical genres. This Thursday, The Great Hall, Magee Campus, 7.30pm.

Antrim

It’s now twenty years since the distinctive sound of Tranquility, featuring Phil Coulter’s piano and orchestra, first seduced the whole of Ireland with its easy melodic charm. See Phil Coulter perform live at the Theatre at the Mill this Sunday 5th November.

Belfast

Join the fun at the Eikon Exhibition Centre this weekend on the 4th & 5th November to enjoy Northern Ireland’s very first all action Leisure Show!  Traders and dealers will be showcasing a range of motorhomes, caravans and camper vans – along with accessories and consumables – with great deals and bargains on offer.  And that’s not all!  There will be mobile homes, jet skis, boats, tents, cyclists and anything else within the leisure industry.  A must not miss on getting those 2018 plans in motion.

 

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.

 

Hastings Hotels has the perfect Christmas wrapped up!

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As the season for giving approaches and thoughts of stressful shopping trips spring to mind, the Hastings Hotels Group will help take the strain out of your Christmas shopping with a wide choice of fabulous Gift Cards and Vouchers available, which will solve all your Christmas present worries in no time at all!

GIVE THE PERFECT GIFT THIS YEAR: Deputy General Manager of the Culloden Estate and Spa Niall Coffey, helps Santa get ready for Christmas this year with the launch of the Hastings Christmas Gift Vouchers. These versatile gift vouchers can be used all year round in any of the six luxurious Hastings Hotels in Northern Ireland which include the Europa Hotel, Culloden Estate & Spa, Stormont Hotel, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Ballygally Castle and Everglades Hotel. That’s not all, as during the month of November, for every £100 of vouchers you buy, you will also receive a £10 voucher for yourself to spend in any of the hotels. Perfect for a New Year treat! To purchase Hastings Gift vouchers visit www.hastingshotels.com or contact Head Office on 028 9047 1066.

The versatile new gift cards can be used towards granting Christmas wishes all year round in any of the six luxurious hotels in Northern Ireland’s leading hotel group.

The Gift Cards are redeemable at any one of their six hotels, in the two magnificent spas, in any of their restaurants and the new Grand Central Hotel which is opening summer 2018. A Gift Card from Hastings Hotels is the ideal gift for family and friends this Christmas, so they can choose the perfect present for themselves, be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from £10 to much, much more!

During the month of November, Hastings have a very special offer to get your Christmas shopping off to a great start.  For every £100 of Gift Cards you buy during before the end of November, you will receive a £10 card for yourself to spend in any of the hotels.  So what are you waiting for?

To purchase Hastings Gift Cards visit www.hastingshotels.com or contact Head Office on 028 9047 1066.

Fatherhood explored in one-man show at Seamus Heaney HomePlace

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Belfast actor, writer, director and comedian Stephen Beggs will be bringing his celebrated one-man show about one of life’s most important experiences – fatherhood – to Seamus Heaney HomePlace for two shows on Saturday 4 November.

My Father’s Chair is a funny and moving performance for families about the nature of fatherhood.  What does it mean to have a Dad?  What does it mean to be a Dad?  What makes the relationship between Dads and kids unique and special?  How does society view the role of fathers in children’s lives?  As a theatre maker and a father himself, Stephen Beggs explores all these questions, creating a funny, challenging and emotional journey for audiences along the way.

The show was partly inspired by Stephen’s relationship with his late father and his own experience of having a child.  As an audience member commented on the show:  “You told your story and by doing so evoked memories good and sad for the adults, while showing children how their parents were once so like them”.

Stephen is a regular visitor to Seamus Heaney HomePlace and directed local school students in a performance for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to the centre earlier this year.  On bringing My Father’s Chair to Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Stephen says:

“Family and the relationship between father and son are major themes in Seamus Heaney’s poetry so I am delighted to be bringing My Father’s Chair to his spiritual home.”

Tickets for My Father’s Chair at Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Saturday 4 November at 11am and 2pm are £5/£3 concession and can be booked online at www.seamusheaneyhome.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.

 

Bed and Breakfast, Titanic Hotel, Belfast from £109 per room per night.

Enjoy bed and breakfast at this new four-star hotel in the heart of the Titanic Quarter. This deluxe hotel offers an unforgettable experience, for anyone visiting Belfast for work or for pleasure. The Drawing Offices are a unique feature bringing the story of Harland and Wolff and the White Star line cruisers directly to your bedroom door. To book call 0289 508 2000. Offer available until 30 November.

 

Bed and Breakfast, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co Tyrone from £80 per room per night.

Nestled in the heart of the Clogher Valley, where style and elegance meet country hospitality, this idyllic 17th century house offers a haven of tranquillity. This four-star hotel offers the finest in tradition, Irish hospitality, superb cuisine and lavish surroundings that will ensure your visit is a memorable one. It also has a conservatory, which overlooks the spectacular gardens and grounds. To book call 028 8554 8216. Offer available until 30 November.

 

Walled City Experience, White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry from £149 per person sharing.

This four-star hotel has a state-of-the-art leisure centre and spa. Offer includes two nights B&B, a two-course dinner on one night with an Irish coffee, a three-course dinner on the second night with a bottle of wine, a 30-minute massage, facial or manicure and includes full use of the leisure facilities. Explore the city with a McCrossan walking tour of the walls, and a £25 voucher to spend in Foyleside Shopping Centre. Includes late check out with a parting gift of homemade ‘Quiet Man’ Derry whiskey truffles. To book call 028 7186 0606. Offer available until 30 November.

 

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

10 Exciting Things to do next week in NI

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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 (30 October – 5 November)

 

  1. Derry Halloween, Derry~Londonderry, 28-31 October. On the 31st anniversary party supernatural beings and the souls of the dead flood into the City of Bones. Highlights include the fantastic ‘Awakening the Walls’ event – light, fire, sculpture, music and performers rouse the walls awake in a supernatural animation trail on and around the city walls, the largest Halloween street carnival parade and costume party in Europe and the marvellous firework finale over the River Foyle.
  2. Museum of the Moon, The Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry, 28-31 October. Experience Luke Jerram’s Museum of the Moon, an internationally touring work featuring detailed Nasa imagery of the Moon’s surface and atmospheric soundtrack created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer, Dan Jones. As part of the festival there are special ticketed events under the moon including Samhain sessions, little monsters shows, a spooktacular disco and the Mayor’s tea dance.
  3. Halloween Happenings, Ballycastle, 31 October. Enjoy the annual Halloween Parade and the spectacular fireworks display at the harbour. A fancy dress competition will assemble at Dalriada Hospital at 6.45pm making its way through the town to the seafront. Floats, skeletons, creepy characters, live music and fire poi will all add to this annual parade.
  4. Halloween Crafts & Games Club, Armagh, 30-31 October, 10am-4pm. Let children unleash their inner artist creating amazing Halloween crafts at the excellent Halloween Craft & Games Club at the Palace Stables. For 5-12-year-olds, with a fully supervised lunch.
  5. Lucy Worsley’s Favourite Queen, Hillsborough Castle, 3 November. Join Historic Royal Palaces’ Chief Curator, Lucy Worsley, for an evening talk on the tragic and neglected Queen Caroline, wife of King George II.  Discover the secrets of Georgian royal life and how Queen Caroline shaped society as we know it today. To book tickets visit Hrp.org.uk.
  6. Enniskillen Halloween Fireworks Display, Co. Fermanagh, 31 October. Enjoy a ‘Superhero Spooktacular’ with fancy dress, fireworks and superheroes at the OASIS Plaza, Omagh from 6pm and the Broadmeadow, Enniskillen from 7pm.
  7. Liam Gallagher, Belfast, 30th October. Rock icon Liam Gallagher delivers his headline show at the SSE Arena. Representing his first tour following the release of his debut solo album ‘As You Were’, Liam is back at the height of his powers. To book your ticket visit SSEArenaBelfast.com
  8. Weeping Window by Paul Cummins, Belfast, October – 3 December. Weeping Window is a cascade comprising several thousand handmade ceramic poppies seen pouring from a high window of the Ulster Museum to the ground below. This First World War installation is part of the Belfast International Arts Festival.
  9. Joel Mawhinney – Phobia, Coleraine, 30 October. Joel Mawhinney is not like other teenagers. Forsaking higher education, Joel has chosen the way of the mentalist. In this Halloween Special, Joel will attempt to break inside your mindset and alter the way you see your biggest fears. Expected the unexpected, the bizarre and the miraculous, in this twisted, yet hilarious experience at the Riverside Theatre.
  10. John O’Connor Writing School and Literary Arts Festival, Armagh, 3-5 November. This innovative festival honours the broad literary and cultural heritage of Armagh. Supporting the development of new writers, students can specialise in a genre from a choice of five taught by renowned tutors with talks by industry specialists. Genre options include fiction, song writing, screenwriting, stage writing and poetry.

 

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

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