Are you brave enough to enter the Tower of Terror? As Halloween approaches, the Tower Museum will see the awakening of some its most putrid and ghoulish residents who will roam freely around its exhibitions.

To those that dare enter, you can find them climbing the walls and hanging from the ceilings of the historic tower, causing terror to anyone who enters.

Sylvia Kavanagh, Museum and Visitor Services at Derry City and Strabane District Council said, ‘At this time of year we begin to notice strange happenings occur at the Museum. These creatures run amok throughout the museum causing mayhem and mischief at every turn.

‘As you walk through the darkness, guided by lamplight on the Ghost Tours, be prepared to be terrified by stories of ‘The Death Coach’, ‘The Gravestone’ and ‘The Devil’s Chair’. With admission to the tours you can also avail of the family fun activities in the Discovery Zone which will include mask making, treasure hunts, lantern making and lots of other fun activities.

‘There will be plenty of frights as you go along. This is not something for young children so we have a very strict policy that children should be eight years and above. With Ghost Tours and Family Fun Activities planned over the Halloween spell, it’s time to get booking now as these events fill up very quickly.’

Events at the Tower Museum will take place from Thursday 27^th October until Monday 31^st October. The Ghost Tours begin at 2.00pm, 3.00pm, 4.00pm and 5.00pm each day, entry is strictly 8 years and above, Tickets cost £2.00 for a child, and accompanying adults are free of charge.  Adults without children will be charged £2.00. The Family Fun Activities will take place each day from 2.00pm until 5.00pm and is suitable for all ages. Further information on the Tower Museum can be found at www.derrystrabane.com.

Join us for a special evening of music, poetry and song in A Moment in Time at The Old Courthouse, Antrim on Friday 21 October at 8pm.

The Courtyard Community Choir will transport you back to the era leading up to 1916 and the profound impact the war had on the local Communities.  All time classics such as I’ll Tell Me Ma, When Irish Eyes are Smiling, The Mountains of Mourne and It’s a Long Way to Tipperary, will feature in this night of remembrance.

Audiences will be encouraged to join in a medley of the favourite Music Hall songs of the day.  This promises to be a moving, poignant and at times comedic tribute to the brave men who gave their lives and the communities that endured.

Tickets are priced at just £6 and are available from Box Office: 028 9442 8331 or online www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/boxoffice

Calling all foodies!

Join us at the Slieve Donard resort for its inaugural Drink and Food Festival on Saturday 29th October from 2 – 8pm. There will be an exciting line up of local micro breweries, cider and spirit producers and a selection of cheese makers. With live music throughout the day it will be a wonderful event to visit with family and friends.

Tickets are £12 per person and include a complimentary souvenir glass and three food and drink tokens for guests to sample the produce.

Tickets are available from the hotel Reception or by calling 028 4372 1066.

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Stay, Play and Dine, Lough Erne Resort & Spa, Co Fermanagh, from £149. Nestled on a 600-acre peninsula, Lough Erne is one of three five-star hotels in Northern Ireland. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in Lough side accommodation, two rounds of golf – one on The Faldo Course and one on the Castle Hume Castle Hume Course as well as dinner and full Irish breakfast. Subject to availability.  Must be booked by 31 October. To book call (028) 66 323230.

• Date Night, Ten Square Hotel, Belfast, from £200 per couple. This unique four-star hotel is located just steps from the historic City Hall, Belfast Waterfront and the Victoria Square shopping mecca, and offers a variety of award winning luxury hotel rooms. Treat your loved one to a Romantic Date Night where chilled Prosecco and strawberries await you on arrival! Enjoy a sumptuous three course meal in Jospers Steakhouse before retiring to a gorgeous newly renovated bedroom for an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast the following morning. Available until 6 November. To book call (028) 90 241001.

• Coast and Lakes Getaway, The Whistledown Hotel, Co. Down, from £62.50pps. The Whistledown Hotel nestles, quietly magnificent, on the shores of Carlingford Lough surrounded by the Mourne Mountains and Cooley Peninsula. Relax on a one-night getaway at the three-star hotel, with a cocktail on arrival, three-course evening meal in the Bistro and a box of chocolates in your room.  Available Sunday – Thursday, until 30 November.  To book call (028) 41 754174.

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (October 10 – October 16).

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

• Belfast Restaurant Week, Various locations, Belfast, until October 16. The city’s eateries will showcase the passion that goes into making, cooking and serving up the very best of fresh local produce. Tuck into bespoke menus, special offers and unique events, all served up from breakfast to express lunch, classic afternoon teas to sumptuous fine dining and everything in between.

• Apple Day, The Balance House, Co. Antrim, October 15. Apple Day is back! Local home-made crafts and produce will be on sale and you can also make your own apple juice and take part in apple-themed fun! Other activities include crafting fun for children and chats with the RSPB and Ulster Wildlife Trust about local birds and wildlife.

• Pinocchio, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Derry~Londonderry, October 11. Pinocchio is a mischievous naughty puppet who is easily distracted by the Fox and the Cat. Follow his adventures as he tries to become a real boy. With original music and audience participation as well as use of puppetry and mime, this magical tale is brought to life.

• Stargazing, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, Co. Antrim, October 15. Always had an interest in astronomy but struggle to tell the difference between the Ursa Major and Ursa Minor? Why not come along and discover the Cosmos and the Constellations! You may even be lucky to spot a shooting star on the night, and if we are really lucky, we may spot the Northern Lights.

• BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, October 14 – 16. This exciting new event will present the nation’s favourite chefs, the region’s very best producers of food, drink and artisan products and state of the art kitchenware and gadgets in NI’s Year of Food and Drink 2016.  Featured chefs include Paul Hollywood, James Martin, Paul Rankin and more.

• Willow Weaving Saturdays, Navan Centre & Fort, Co. Armagh, October 15. Unleash your inner crafter at Navan.
  Learn how to use this natural product to create some stunning pieces of work. Help to make a Celtic Bull for the 2017 Wickerman Celebration. Suitable for ages 6+.

• The Spirit of Irish Folk, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, October 15. For as long as anyone can remember, Ireland has been richly blessed with wonderfully talented composers, singers and entertainers. Chris Kavanagh’s (The Dubliners) new show ‘The Spirit of Irish Folk’ will take you on a musical journey through Ireland in times gone by.

• Peninsula Food Showcase – Loaves and Fishes, Ballywalter Park, Co. Down, October 10. The Ards Peninsula takes centre stage as part of the NI Year of Food and Drink this autumn. Ballywalter Park is the venue for Loaves and Fishes, offering a programme of masterclasses in local seafood cuisine and traditional breadmaking delivered by chefs of international repute.

• From Here To The White House, Ulster American Folk Park, Co. Tyrone. Many American Presidents claim ancestral links to Ulster. This exhibition of original drawings, made around 1930, focusses on eleven of them. The exhibition looks at their journeys from Ulster all the way to the White House.

• Fright Night, Jungle NI, Derry~Londonderry, until November 3. One of Northern Ireland’s scariest Halloween events is back for another year. With six trails created using lights, special effects and horrible creatures, Fright Night is sure to scary even the bravest of people. Suitable for ages 12+. Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult aged 18+. www.thejungleni.com

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Hit West End touring production of Blood Brothers returns to the Millennium Forum for a week-long run.

Joining ‘the definitive Mrs Johnstone’, Lyn Paul, is a hugely talented cast, many of whom have starred in various West End performances of this smash hit Bill Kenwright musical.

Sean Jones is returning as Mickey, a role that he has portrayed for many years.  Originally from Wales, Sean was given the honour of Sean was recently given the huge honour of being chosen to play Mickey in the final cast of Blood Brothers for its emotional send-off from the Phoenix Theatre in the West End.

Danielle Corlass also returns in the role of Linda, a role she played in the Phoenix Theatre in London.  Other credits include: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Grease, Beauty & the Beast and Whistle Down The Wind.

Graham Martin has spent four years in the UK touring production of Blood Brothers as Policeman/Teacher, a role he also portrayed in the West End.  Other West End credits include: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The New Starlight Express (Apollo Victoria), a show he was associated with for over 10 years.

Lyn Paul returns to the iconic role, one she first played in 1997. Lyn played Mrs Johnstone in the final West End performances at the Phoenix Theatre in 2012. She has also starred in the UK tour of Cabaret in 2013 as Fraulein Schneider, in Boy George’s musical Taboo and in Footloose – the Musical.

Blood Brothers played its debut performance in Liverpool in 1983 and has gone on to be a West End and Broadway smash hit show.  Hailed as one of the best musicals of all time, Blood Brothers, written by award-winning playwright Willy Russell has triumphed across the globe. Scooping up no fewer than four awards for best musical in London and seven Tony Award nominations on Broadway, Blood Brothers is simply unmissable and unbeatable. This epic tale of Liverpool life ran in London’s West End for 24 years and exceeded 10,000 performances. It is one of only three musicals ever to achieve that milestone.

Blood Brothers tells the captivating and moving story of twin boys separated at birth, only to be reunited by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret. The memorable score includes A Bright New Day, Marilyn Monroe and the emotionally charged hit Tell Me It’s Not True.

When Mrs Johnstone, a young mother, is deserted by her husband and left to her own devices to provide for seven hungry children she takes a job as a housekeeper in order to make ends meet.

It is not long before her brittle world crashes around her when she discovers herself to be pregnant yet again – this time with twins! In a moment of weakness and desperation, she enters a secret pact with her employer which leads inexorably to the show’s shattering climax. A sensational cast, incredible show stopping music, remarkable staging and five star performances make Blood Brothers an enthralling night of entertainment.

Willy Russell is undeniably one of this country’s leading contemporary dramatists. His countless credits include Educating Rita and Shirley Valentine. Educating Rita, originally commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company, enjoyed a two year run in the West End and was made into a movie starring Michael Caine and Julie Walters. Shirley Valentine also made the move from stage to screen in an enormously popular film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.

Blood Brothers performs at the Millennium Forum from Tues 4^th until Sat 8^th October.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

Friday 7 October – Thursday 13 October

Friday 7 October, Talk: ‘Recording Ireland’s First World War Landscapes’

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 1pm

Free. Join us at North Down Museum for an afternoon lecture discussing the archaeological investigations into the training of Kitchener’s Irish divisions during the Great War.

The research brings together archaeological and historical analysis on British training camps in Ireland within a much broader historiography of the First World War.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 8 October, Guided Tours: Tea with the Lord

Ballywalter Park, Ballywalter

Embrace this superb opportunity to visit this beautiful stately home of the Dunleath family for over 150 years.

Become a member of the gentry for the afternoon as the affable Lord Dunleath guides you around his remarkable home and joins you for a chat over tea and scones, in the historic conservatory.

2pm – 5.30pm

Tickets £18 Ad, £9 Ch (under 14). Tickets include a light refreshment.

Info and Booking: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Sunday 9 and Monday 10 October, Peninsula Food Showcase: Loaves and Fishes (Flyer attached)

Ballywalter Park, Ballywalter

The ancestral home of Lord and Lady Dunleath, is the venue for the Loaves and Fishes, a programme of masterclasses in local seafood cuisine and traditional bread making delivered by chefs of international repute.

Part of the Seafood Week 2016, this unique event is aimed at catering professionals and the public. This event is supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Thursday 13 October, Historical Society Talk: Scrabo Tower and the Londonderry’s

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 8pm

Free for members, £4 for non-members

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Tickets now on sale for…

Wednesday 26 October, Guided Walk: Halloween Walking Tour

Conway Square, Newtownards

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of Newtownards

Departs 7.30pm

Tickets £6 Ad, £4 Ch

Info and Booking: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Halloween in Ards and North Down

Saturday 22 October, Seapark Fireworks

Holywood

Fun, food and a fireworks finale

4pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Wednesday 26 October, Halloween Walking Tour

Conway Square, Newtownards

Discover the ghosts and ghouls of Newtownards

7.30pm

(Adult £6 / Child £4)

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Crafty Kids

North Down Museum, Bangor

10am-12noon.

Come along during half-term to make your very own Halloween craft and bring it home. The price includes all materials and children are welcome

to bring a drink or nibbles if they would like (no nuts please) Suitable for ages 5 to 11yrs.

£5, early booking is essential.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Halloween Fun Day

North Down Museum, Bangor

12noon-4pm.

A perfect afternoon for the little ones! Bricks4kidz Clay, meet creepy crawlies and find out all about them,

Magic shows and all day we will be showing child-friendly Halloween Films.

Little ones can come in fancy dress! Check website for timings of activities.

FREE

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Saturday 29 October, Ghostly Grey Abbey

The Abbey, Grey Abbey

Halloween themed food, drinks, tours and activities. Part of the Peninsula Food Showcase. This event is supported by the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme.

5pm – 9pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

Sunday 30 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

Creepy creatures, crafts and traditional music

1pm – 4pm

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Exhibitions

Exhibition: Meet the Maker ‘Nature’s Treasures’

Saturday Until Saturday 29 October

The Space Gallery, Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards

An exhibition of Jewellery design by Newtownards-based Gillian Downing.

Info: (028) 9182 6846, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exhibition: Barbara Allen Art

Until Friday 28 October

The Community Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

This watercolour exhibition highlights the seafood’s harvested around our shores.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: The Irene Sendler Window

Monday 31 October

The Nostalgia Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

David Esler worked with a group of ex service personnel, nurses and older people who experienced

the conflict in N Ireland to create the Irene Sendler Window in honour of the holocaust hero.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Exhibition: 100 Years of the Cubs

Tuesday 11 October – Thursday 10 November

The Long Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

The adventurous world of Cub Scouts and how it has developed and grown locally throughout the years.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 9127 1200

Unleash the crafter in you at a free drop in Willow Weaving Saturdays on 8^th, 15^th and 22^nd October 2016.

Join us at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh to learn how to use this natural product to create some stunning pieces of work. It is amazing what can be achieved with nimble fingers and willow. In the past we have made fencing,

baskets, and even our beautiful pig ‘Sow-Anne’. Now it’s your turn to get involved.

Help us to make a Celtic Bull for the 2017 Wickerman Celebration. We are going to make this part by part, legs, horns, ears etc….

Suitable for 6 years + everyone is welcome to participate! Call in and join in all the fun.

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

A new exhibition about Victorian Coleraine opens in the Town Hall on Thursday, October 6^th.  It explores the period from 1837 – 1901 when Queen Victoria was on the throne.

Through images and objects from Coleraine Museum’s collection, the exhibition looks at what was happening in Coleraine during this time and introduces you to some of the people that lived and worked in the town during Victoria’s reign.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the development of the town during the Victorian era, which saw the building of Coleraine Workhouse (1841), the Model School (1847), Courthouse (1852), Railway Station (1855), Coleraine Academical Institution (1860) and even Coleraine Town Hall itself (1859) among other buildings. It is interesting to note that many of these buildings are still in the town today.

The Coleraine Chronicle started printing in 1844 and its archives provide a wealth of information on the happenings in the town and the people that lived in the area.

It reports on a horse fair in 1857 with 600 – 700 horses in the Diamond! It also gives details of court charges. These include the case of Hugh McNaught, one of the ‘best bad characters’, who was charged for drunkenness in 1898. There are many more stories such as this to be discovered in the exhibition.

Items from the Victorian Coleraine loan box will be available to handle, alongside replica bonnets and Victorian toys. On Saturday October 22^nd from 11.30am – 1.30pm there will be a free ‘make and take’ event with local craftspeople and artists in Coleraine Town Hall. This event is suitable for the whole family, so why not come and enjoy the history.

The exhibition is open until October 29^th, Tuesday – Saturday, 11am-4pm in Coleraine Town Hall. Entry is free.