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 1^st December.

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

Hillmount is introducing quiet hours with Santa this Christmas at its grotto in the Castlereagh Hills – one of the largest garden centre grottos in Ireland.

The quiet hours are aimed at spreading Christmas cheer and providing a magical experience for visitors without the stress or panic that can sometimes occur when large crowds are queueing to visit Santa.

On Wednesday 6 December, the grotto doors will open from 12.00noon until 2.00pm for people with special needs and on Sunday 10 December the grotto will open for a quiet hour between 11.00am and 12.00noon for children with Autism but advance booking is essential as numbers are limited on both days.

Q Radio Presenter Stephen Clements said: “As an ambassador for Autism NI I’m delighted to see Hillmount is offering an Autism friendly hour at their grotto.  For me, the important thing is that initiatives like this one allow children to enjoy the magic of Christmas and not be an event that they want to enjoy but that can intimidate or even frighten them.”

Alan Mercer, Managing Director, Hillmount, said:  “We are committed to ensuring that a visit to Santa’s Grotto is a fun experience where families can create memories for years to come.  Whilst we want everyone to enjoy the festive season celebrations at Hillmount, we appreciate that for some people a visit to Santa’s Grotto can be overwhelming, distressing or even frightening.

“That’s why this year we’ve introduced our quiet hours to ensure visitors during these hours can get into the Christmas spirit with a visit as magical as we expect all our visitors to Santa’s Grotto to enjoy but without the typical trappings of loud noises and loud music, large crowds or bright lights that are synonymous with a visit to Santa.”

Santa arrives at 12.30pm on Saturday 25 November and to book a place to visit Santa during the quiet hours on 6 or 10 December, call Hillmount on tel 028 9044 8213.

www.hillmount.co.uk, www.facebook.com/hillmountgardencentre, www.twitter.com/hillmountgarden, www.instagram.com/hillmountbelfast.

From the switch on of a mile of Christmas lights in Cookstown, to the Christmas Market in Magherafelt, and a Magical Kingdom in Dungannon, you’ll be spoilt for Yuletide cheer this year in Mid Ulster.

The feast of festive events, organised by Mid Ulster District Council, kicks off on Friday 24^th November at 5.30pm in Cookstown, with the switch on of the Christmas lights in the town. An evening of family entertainment awaits before a mile of magical Christmas lights illuminate the main street and the festive countdown begins.

Saturday 25^th and Sunday 26^th also sees the return of the Winter Craft & Food Fair to the Burnavon, Cookstown. Running over the two days (10am to 5pm on Saturday and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday), you’ll have all the time you need to shop for the perfect, unique Christmas gifts and festive foods.

Santa will be setting up home at the Burnavon from Thursday 7^th to Wednesday 20^th December in his new Magical Grotto (admission including professional photo souvenir is £8). For full details of dates and times, contact the Burnavon on 028 8676 9949.

Magherafelt Christmas Market is back bigger and better than ever this year, from Friday 24^th through to Sunday 26^th November, bringing more than 30 artisan food and craft stalls with tempting treats and wares for you to buy.

There’ll be Christmas story-telling in the Bridewell from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday and from 2pm to 6pm on Sunday, and Santa will be stopping by his grotto on Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 2pm. The switch on of Magherafelt’s Christmas lights, and accompanying street party and fireworks display will take place on Saturday 25^th from 6pm – 8.30pm in the town centre.

Meanwhile in Dungannon, Ranfurly House, situated at the heart of the town centre and gateway to the Hill of The O’Neill, once again leads you into a magical Christmas kingdom (running Friday 24^th – Sunday 26^th November), with a host of seasonal workshops, space dedicated to children’s entertainment, crafts and food stalls, Santa’s elves and, perched on the Hill, Santa’s Grotto. The switch on of Dungannon’s lights will take place on the Hill, Friday 24^th November at 7.30pm.

The following weekend sees the turn of Maghera and Coalisland to launch their festive celebrations, with Christmas in Maghera celebrations happening in The Lurach Centre, Maghera Walled Garden and the town centre from 2pm on Saturday 2^nd December. The Lurach Centre will host children’s Christmas workshops, before the Walled Garden brings the magic of Christmas alive before Santa leaves his potting shed to switch on the town’s Christmas lights at 6pm.

Mid Ulster’s Christmas celebration finale happens in Coalisland town centre from 1pm on Sunday 3^rd December. The festive fun begins at 1pm at the Cornmill Heritage Centre and continues with the CRAIC theatre hosting a fun-packed evening of entertainment. Children can also stop by to see Santa and there’s a chance to pick up some seasonal gifts at the Christmas Fair in the Parochial Centre. The town’s lights will be switched on at 5.20pm.

For full details of all the festive fun happening across the Mid Ulster District visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas

16 – 19 November 2017 Over 50 of our finest musicians will perform live in Portstewart, Portrush & Portballintrae

Following the sell-out success of Atlantic Sessions in 2016 and its 2017 NI Tourism Award, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will be bringing Atlantic Sessions back to the Causeway Coast from 16 – 19 November.  Over 50 of Northern Ireland’s finest musicians will perform live in coffee shops, hotels, restaurants, music venues and bars across the four days.  Visitors will have an opportunity to see high profile artists in an intimate setting, with the stunning Atlantic as a backdrop.  Each artist will play their own music for one hour, and this will form a music trail across the resorts of Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae.

Now in its ninth year and firmly established in the music calendar Atlantic Sessions, which is this year working in partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Tourism Ireland, has emerged as a permanent feature and has gathered a reputation both among performers and music lovers. Live music ranges from traditional, bluegrass and americana to electronic, indie and acoustic singer-songwriters.  It offers a platform for emerging talent as well as established artists from across Northern Ireland an opportunity to bring their music beyond urban hubs.

Welcoming the return of the much anticipated music festival, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said:

“Following on from the event’s success at the NI Tourism Awards earlier this year, we are delighted to welcome two new sponsors, Tourism Ireland and Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Our awards success, coupled with this high profile support, makes it a very exciting time for the event. Atlantic Sessions enjoys a much-deserved reputation as a fabulous live music event, offering intimate gigs with an unrivalled line-up of performers, and it is fully deserving of this recognition. I’m delighted that this year’s festival coincides with Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week which runs from November 11 – 19, so there has never been a better time to visit. We look forward to welcoming you all to what will be one of the highlights of our autumn offering.”

With a rise in the number, and quality, of musicians and bands making headlines and enjoying success in the international marketplace, and new and innovative music businesses based here, Atlantic Sessions has a significant role to play in developing music tourism, appreciating the ongoing success stories and showcasing this on the global stage.

Programming is by Snow Water, in association with Third Bar, and its Director Carolyn Mathers commented:

“Northern Ireland is extraordinary in the richness of its artistic talent and Atlantic Sessions is a perfect opportunity to showcase our creative energy to international audiences.  This year we will feature a series of new collaborations and ‘In the Round’ concerts exclusively for the festival, six of the NI Music Prize 2017 nominees, plus EP and Single launches.  Audiences will have an opportunity to witness our finest singer-songwriters partner together in intimate environments. We’re very grateful for the support of our new partners, the hospitality sector and delighted that interest in Northern Ireland’s music scene is stronger than ever.”

For biographies, venues, map and trail times, follow us at atlanticsessions.com

and @atlanticsess. Artist photos can be downloaded from

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1u9304sem3bbncv/AABRhyb2sUscbYLOQrddwXSsa?dl=0.

For visitor information and where to stay, check out visitcausewaycoastandglens.com.

Atlantic Sessions Headline Events in association with

Artists announced this week include Ports with the Arco String Quartet, Iain Archer, Ryan Vail Laser Show at the Arcadia, Joshua Burnside, the Holy Innocents, Anthony Toner, Eilidh Patterson, Brand New Friend, Mandy Bingham, Neil Martin, Amanda St John, Amy Montgomery, Michael Mormecha, Emer Maguire, Simon Murphy, Gerry Norman, Rory Nellis, Paddy Nash, Malojian, plus DJ sets from Joe Lindsay and Phil Taggart.  Tickets and timetable will be announced this week at atlanticsessions.com, facebook/atlanticsessions and @atlanticsess.

 

 

 

 

Bronagh Gallagher, Limavady

Date:  11th November

Time:  20.00

Venue:  Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre

Contact:  tourism@rvacc.co.uk  Tel: 028 7776 0650

An intimae evening with Bronagh Gallagher during a candlelit, cabaret style event in the ambient Danny Boy Auditorium.  An evening of powerfully strong music not to be missed.  Tickets £15

 

The Causeway Speciality Market

Date:  11th November

Time:  9.00 – 16.00

Venue: The Diamond, Coleraine

Contact: csm:causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk  Tel: 07702 910884

Over 40 stalls of award winning artisan food, local art and quality crafts in the heart of Coleraine.  Held on the second Saturday of each month.   Wood Carving Training Workshop Date:  11th & 12th November Time:  10.00 – 16.00 Venue:  Glenmona House, Cushendun Contact:  enquiries@ccght.or  Tel: 0282075 2100 Over the two days professional artist and wood sculptor Raymond Watson will show people how to create a variety of relief wood carvings.  By the end of the two days each participant will leave with their own completed wood carving and a good knowledge of what is involved in this creative. £20 per person

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:  16^th – 19^th 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.

 

Ballycastle Food Tour

Date:  18^th November

Time:  10.00

Venue: Ballycastle

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

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.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill officially launched The Enchanted Winter Garden at the Barbican Gate.

Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim Castle Gardens bigger and better than ever before from Saturday 9 to Tuesday 19 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.

Mayor, Councillor Paul Hamill commented “Following the great feedback from last year’s Enchanted Winter Garden, this year’s event has even more to offer. Visitors are in for a real treat and we hope to attract many new visitors to the Borough”.

Make magical Christmas memories with family and friends as you enjoy the Stunning Light installations, Christmas Train, Wonderland Wood, Festive Food Fayre, Christmas Carousel and Santa and the Elves.

Come along and enjoy the festive spirit and see Antrim Castle Gardens transformed into an Enchanted Winter Wonderland where the magic of Christmas fills the air.

The Enchanted Winter Garden runs from Saturday 9 until Tuesday 19 December from 4-9pm daily.  Secure your place for this Christmas Spectacular by booking in advance. Tickets £2 adults & £1 children available online www.enchantedwintergarden.com, in person from Clotworthy House, the Old Courthouse and Theatre at The Mill or by telephone 028 9448 1338.

Belfast’s award-winning arts venue, the MAC, is thrilled to announce that its 2017 Christmas show is Hansel & Gretel.

Running from 28 November to 7 January, this year’s festive show, proudly sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas, is a modern take on the classic fairy tale.

Performed with enchanting staging, a local cast and an original acoustic score, the MAC’s own production of Hansel & Gretel will take audiences on a fun adventure where they will discover why friendship, laughter and family are essential for the perfect Christmas. Written by the MAC’s Creative Director Simon Magill and Author Stephen Beggs, audiences can expect many jokes, big songs and an all-important sweetie trail.

This version of Hansel & Gretel is like no other with a modern MAC twist. Separated from their parents, Hansel and his sister Gretel must work together to find their way and escape the clutches of an evil sweet shop owner. With plenty of mishaps and mischief along the away, audiences will be willing on the duo and their band of mystical friends.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said, “This is a modern retelling of a childhood favourite. We have assembled a fantastic cast and production team and I cannot wait to see it come to life on stage.

“Each year our Christmas show is the centrepiece to our festive celebrations. From our Christmas light switch on, Phoenix sweetie shop, festive fairy tale readings, aMAZEing craft workshops; to our magical Christmas window; we have something for all ages to enjoy.

“Whether returning or new to the MAC – going to see a Christmas show is the perfect festive tradition.”

Geri Wright, Communications Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas says: “The MAC is an innovative and exciting partner, whose commitment to storytelling is clear in everything they do. We are thrilled to be partnering with them again for a second year and helping bring the magic of Hansel and Gretel to life for Christmas 2017.”

Tickets for Hansel and Gretel at the MAC are on-sale now, priced at £10 for children and £12.50-£25 for adults. Remember to book early to save more. This is an all-ages show but those aged 5+ will get the biggest kicks.  For more information about the show or to book a ticket, visit themaclive.com or call (028) 9023 5053.

Excitement is reaching ‘fever pitch’ as legendary local football fans anticipate Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland’s campaigns to earn their place in World Cup 2018.

But as all loyal fans know, supporting their team does not begin and end with the match – no matter how thrilling the play. The build-up, the participation of watching the game and the celebration (or commiseration!) of the result with the team’s ‘family’ of supporters is an essential element of any match day.

Now, for local fans, the whole World Cup experience is significantly enhanced by the announcement of the perfect Fanzone home for the Green and White Army in the vicinity of Windsor Park.

Former Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and former Miss Ireland Sacha Livingstone kicked off celebrations as Norlin Ventues, together with SquarePit, today unveiled the exciting news they will be hosting Belfast’s largest indoor football Fanzone at South 13 (S13), the former B&Q site on The Boucher Road.

The venue is expected to be very popular with fans as its located conveniently close to Windsor Park, where the first qualifier match will take place on November 9. The new S13 Fanzone offers free entry and gives families the chance to enjoy supporting their team in a safe, convenient location with excellent parking and facilities. Fans can also wear their team’s football strip, unlike many venues in the province.

Gary Flynn from S13  says: “This is the biggest Fanzone in Belfast, complete with a 40  square meter screen, live music and a 10,000 people capacity, so the atmosphere is going to be electric.

“The venue offers ease of access and car and bus parking is available on site, also free of charge.”

This event is free of charge to the public and has the added benefit of being a family-friendly complete with bouncy castles, face painting, penalty shoot-outs and chance to win fantastic prizes. So, the little ones will be entertained while parents can relax and cheer on their team. Everyone wins – unlike the outcome of the football matches which are set to keep the country’s nerves jangling during the qualifying stages.

“Activities will be taking place before and after Northern Ireland’s first home game at Windsor Park, so even if you’ve been lucky to secure a ticket to the match, you can get into the party mood pre, or post-match.  

“It’s going to be a double header on 11th November as we’re also going to host the International rugby game for Ireland versus South Africa, so undoubtedly S13 is going to be the place to be for all football and rugby fans,” Gary Flynn from  S13 said.

The Fanzone is the latest addition to an already packed schedule at the innovative South Belfast community hub.

 

Live Matches are as follows:

9 November – Northern Ireland V Switzerland KICK OFF 7.45pm
Fanzone opens 5.00pm

11 November – Ireland V South Africa (Rugby) KICK OFF 5.30pm
Fanzone opens 3.00pm

11 November – Republic of Ireland V Denmark KICK OFF 7.45pm
Fanzone opens 5.00pm

12 November – Northern Ireland V Switzerland KICK OFF 6pm
Fanzone opens 3.00pm

14 November –  Republic of Ireland V Denmark KICK OFF 7.45pm
 Fanzone opens 5.00pm

For further information check out:
www.fanzonebelfast.com

*** subject to licence