10 things to do in Northern Ireland

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Here are ten exciting things to do 11 – 17 November

 

  1. Belfast Christmas Market, 16 November – 22 December. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the award-winning Belfast Christmas Market is back with a nostalgic Victorian twist. On the first weekend (November 16th to 17th) and again on the third weekend (November 30th to December 1st), step into a charming Dickensian world as you stroll through the market, surrounded by iconic characters from Charles Dickens’ novels. Enjoy enchanting storytelling, lively performances, and the festive atmosphere of a bygone era. With over 100 international and local traders, the market offers a delightful selection of handcrafted goods, artisan products and festive treats.
  2. Full Moon Sound Spa Experience @ Templemore Baths Heritage Space, Belfast, 14 November. Step into a journey of tranquility and rejuvenation within the walls of the former Minor Pool at Templemore Baths Heritage Space, a testament to the rich Victorian history of Belfast. Tessa Ann brings her Sound Spa Experience to this former aquatic space, under her theme of Sound Space Connect, ‘Connecting People, Places and Spaces through Sound’. Prepare to embark on an ethereal experience unlike any other, as the echoes of thousands who once learned to swim here infuse the air with a sense of timeless energy.
  3. One-Day Blacksmithing Course at Patterson’s Spade Mill, Templepatrick, County Antrim, 16 Novem History and craftsmanship combine in these blacksmithing classes. Sign up for a one-day course to develop a new hobby, you’ll learn traditional forging and blacksmithing techniques, creating something bespoke under the expert guidance of the professional Blacksmith team.
  4. Shakespeare’s Women at The Old Church Centre, Cushendun, County Antrim, 15 November. Commedia of Errors present this new production of their smash hit Shakespeare’s Women. Described as ‘Polished, thoughtful and good fun’, the debut play by Clare McMahon returns. Seamlessly fusing modern comedy and drama with classical verse, audiences will see Shakespeare and his favourite women in a brand-new light.
  5. A Dander through Davagh, Davagh Forest, County Tyrone, 15 November. Join a guided walk through the lush green, almost fluorescent woodland that is Davagh Forest. Improve your mood, reduce stress and follow the lead through the many forest paths. Along the way you can breath in all the sounds and sights nature has to offer. What better way to spend your Friday afternoon than getting out into the great outdoors. This will be a moderate walk up to 8km.
  6. Seamus Heaney Exhibition, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, until 30 December. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Seamus Heaney and explore through his words and imagination, the people and place that so inspired him. Previously unseen artefacts, transcripts and books kindly donated by the Heaney family are also on display, ensuring a truly unique and illuminating experience for all.
  7. Irish Fly Fair & International Angling Show, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 16 and 17 November. Visitors to the Irish Fly Fair at The Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges will have the opportunity to watch the best International Fly-dressers practice their art, whilst champion fly-casters will be available to demonstrate and advise on fly-casting techniques and fly-fishing tactics. As usual, there will be a series of talks and seminars from expert anglers on a wide range of interesting angling-related topics and of course, a massive range of top-quality trade stands selling everything the fly angler and fly dresser needs.
  8. An Evening at the Earl of Enniskillen’s Table – Florence Court House, County Fermanagh, 14 November. Step back in time as you enter the historic Florence Court House, once home to the Earls of Enniskillen. Your evening will begin with a warm welcome and a glass of something sparkling in the Grand Hall. As you enter, be serenaded by the soft strains of a harpist, adding to the charm of the evening. Indulge in a meticulously curated multi-course tasting menu, inspired by the culinary traditions of the regional area and a celebration of the finest local Fermanagh produce.
  9. Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, visit website for open dates and times. A visit to Montalto Estate is the perfect way to reconnect with nature, in a natural, historical, and truly relaxing setting. It is also a great day out for families. You know when you’ve reached the natural play area at The Low Wood when you see the impressive wooden tree house towering ahead of you. The Tree House offers a range of exciting activities and areas, including a jungle bridge, a climbing tower, and rope bridges. Make sure to visit The Christmas Shop at Montalto Estate, where you will discover a luxurious collection of enchanting decorations and festive accessories, to bring the wonder of Christmas into your home.
  10. 30th William Kennedy Piping Festival Opening Concert, Armagh, County Armagh, 14 November. Inaugurated in 1994, the William Kennedy Piping Festival has grown into one of the most prestigious events of its kind in the world. To celebrate the 30th anniversary, the festival is delighted to present a special evening of music featuring some local superstars plus music from further afield.

 

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

 

Experience the Magic of Christmas with Festive Arts Events in Ards and North Down!

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Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Arts and Heritage Service has lined-up an array of festive events this Christmas season. The programme includes two Christmas Shopping experiences, some wonderful theatre events and Christmas Craft and Storytelling sessions!

North Down Museum’s Pop-Up Christmas Shop opens on Friday 22 November. The museum’s galleries with be festively decorated and filled with stunning, hand-made products, the perfect place to get that special gift whilst supporting local artists. The shop is free to explore during museum opening hours and will continue until Sunday 5 January.

A Christmas Carol; Ben Guest Photographer; Dyad Productions

On Thursday 28 November, the museum will host a special Twilight Shopping Event at the Pop-Up Christmas Shop. Visitors are invited to browse the museum’s galleries to purchase beautiful, handcrafted presents. The free event will also feature live music and demonstrations by local artists.

The Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre returns to Ards Arts Centre on Friday 6 and Saturday 7 December, exclusively featuring artwork and handcrafted produce made by the Creative Peninsula Artists. For a unique shopping experience, visitors can browse the artworks and be inspired to purchase a wonderful, handcrafted Christmas gift, made in the Borough of Ards and North Down. Seasonal music, complimentary gift wrapping, and festive refreshments will also be on offer. The Christmas Fayre is on 4pm – 8pm on Friday 6 and 10am – 4pm on Saturday 7 December. Admission is free.

A Christmas Carol, Being A Christmas Ghost Story by Dyad Productions is happening at Space Theatre, SERC, Bangor on Thursday 28 November. Prepare to be enthralled by this version of Dicken’s classic and perennially relevant ghost story. It’s Christmas Eve and Ebeneezer Scrooge is about to have a ghostly night, he’ll never forget… Taking inspiration from Dickens’ original performances of his own work and utilising the brilliant narrator of the novel to bring the story to life, this solo piece is performed by Andrew Margerison and directed by Rebecca Vaughan.

The whole family will love Goldilocks and the Three Bears at the Queen’s Hall, Newtownards on Saturday 7 December at 2pm. Presented by Centre Stage Theatre Company, this classic family tale promises funny scripts, live original music and lots of audience participation! This fabulous production brings audiences the very best in Christmas traditional entertainment. Tickets are on sale now and cost £8.

Kids will also enjoy North Down Museum’s Christmas Storytelling with Squiggles and Giggles on Saturday 7 December. Come along for some festive stories, music and movement! Suitable for under 5s, £5.50 per child. The museum is also hosting Christmas Gift Workshops for kids on Saturday 14 December where children can make a bespoke gift for someone special in their life. Suitable for ages 7+, £7.50 per child, booking required for both events.

Speaking about the events, Emily Crawford, Arts and Heritage Manager for Ards and North Down Borough Council said: ‘We have lots of activity to get you in the festive spirit whether it’s an opportunity to buy hand-crafted local gifts or participate in some good old fashioned festive family fun with our annual pantomime. Don’t miss out on Dyad Productions atmospheric performance of A Christmas Carol, Being a Christmas Ghost Story, the perfect start to the festive season!’

For more information to book tickets visit: www.andculture.org.uk

Courage, Confidence & Competitions: How Explore Enterprise Helped Charmaine Humphries Progress Professionally and Personally

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Charmaine Humphries’ step into the beauty business world was one she never thought possible, but with the help of the Explore Enterprise Support Service, her vision of starting her own company became a reality.

The Dungiven native, who previously held a successful career in the care sector for nine years, stopped working in order to foster her two nephews, which became a full-time job in itself and decided not to return to her previous employment.  

Following undertaking a funded makeup course, Charmaine decided this was the direction she wanted her career to take, ultimately creating her own business, Blissful Beauty by Charmaine, earlier this year.

Speaking on why she chose to get involved, Charmaine said: “I was new in opening a business and I went in completely blind.

“It was brilliant because just having the support there was great.”

Supported by Roe Valley Enterprise business mentor Alice Quinn, Charmaine received insight into various aspects of a business, including better understanding of the financial side of running the company and building a customer base.

Charmaine’s professional partnership with Alice quickly became one of her highlights, explaining that the duo clicked immediately and formed a fast friendship.

She said: “For me the best part was building a friendship with my mentor, as she’s so positive and welcoming and she makes me feel like this is something I can do.

“I think from day one when we first met, she broke everything down and just made me feel so at ease.”

“She’s helped me gain the confidence I needed.”

Despite Charmine being initially unaware of the service programme, her time within Explore Enterprise helped her passion project grow exponentially to the point where it was a profitable, sustainable business.

She said: “I didn’t expect to receive the mentoring that I got or the support and I wasn’t aware so much help and advice was available to me being a new business. 

“In doing so my business is starting to thrive: since opening my salon, I was nominated as a finalist for Best New Salon in the UK and I placed in the top 40.

“I feel that without the background, support and funding from Explore Enterprise, to get extra support either through education or just getting equipment, I don’t think the business would be doing as well.”

As well as being recognised in top 25 for Best In Brows within the United Kingdom, Charmaine still has lots of upcoming competition entries in which she hopes to flourish.

Funded by the UK Government, the Explore Enterprise Support Service supports entrepreneurs from across the country to reach their full potential, providing timely support, informed guidance, s and advice to anyone ambitious enough to simply give it a go.

The Explore Enterprise Support Service has received £1.8m from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

Following on from the success of her own business, and the extremely positive experience she had, Charmaine encourages anyone considering being part of the service to get involved.

Charmaine said: “It has given me a lot more courage. If you have it as a dream, definitely take the risk and go for it, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done. 

“Now, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies, far from it, but you have to work at it to reap the rewards, and when you do, it’s life-changing.”

Charmaine Humphries is just one of the successful business owners helped by Enterprise NI, with more than 3,500 small, micro and self-employed enterprises being supported each week, bridging the gap between business ideas and entrepreneurship.

For more information on Enterprise NI go to www.enterpriseni.com

TechFoundHer Innovation Labs Programme Launches With First Workshop In Dublin

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Women entrepreneurs from across the island of Ireland from Cork to Antrim gathered recently at KPMG’s Platform X in Dublin’s IFSC for TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs.

A cohort of 35 female founders are on a journey to create, develop and deliver innovative tech products to the market and in the process connect with other women entrepreneurs North and South!

The closed session involved the founders getting hands-on and mapping their tech solution facilitated by experts Miriam Elst and Máirín Murray with support from the KPMG team.

The TechFoundHer programme, now in its fourth week, is designed to support women founders who may not come from a tech background but are ambitious to develop and lead tech-driven products. 

The eight-week programme, funded through the Shared Island initiative and supported by InterTradeIreland, Invest Northern Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, with lead sponsor KPMG Ireland, includes in-person labs alternating between Dublin and Belfast, alongside online webinars and mentoring sessions.

Each in-person and online lab is facilitated by one of the TechFoundHer global faculty of trainers including leading global innovation experts AI ethicist Dr Lollie Mancey and radical innovation leader Dr Tamara Carleton.

Speaking of the importance of the Innovation Labs programme Dr Mancey said: “Empowering women founders through technology is an imperative for fostering innovation, inclusivity, and impactful entrepreneurship.

“By dismantling traditional barriers and providing access to resources, technology becomes a powerful tool for women to build disruptive solutions and scalable ventures that address global challenges.”

The first session, facilitated by Miriam Elst, an Innovation Consultant, focused on mapping out the key features of tech solutions. Participants were guided through the hands-on workshop to get their idea out of their head and to make it real.

Miriam, a strong advocate for women’s leadership in tech, said: “Women lift change and transformation to another level that usually has a broader approach, is more inclusive, allows for diversity and embraces agility.

“It’s in our DNA. Being more than 50% of the humans on this planet, I’d love to see what this shift to 50% more women leading tech companies will bring.”

TechFoundHer CEO, Máirín Murray, said the programme was “empowering women to build tech and product competence and of course confidence, no matter their previous experience”. 

She added: “We’re breaking down the myths surrounding making tech products supporting all women regardless of their tech knowledge, and providing them with the tools they need to lead their projects from concept to implementation. 

“You don’t need to be able to code to start a company that creates a tech-driven product or service.”

With support from InterTradeIreland and KPMG Ireland, TechFoundHer’s Innovation Labs is fostering a collaborative environment where women founders can share ideas, tackle challenges, and develop tech solutions that drive positive change. 

This first in-person lab marked a significant moment in the journey for these founders, who are building the confidence and practical skills necessary to lead in tech innovation.

The next Innovation Labs session will take place in Belfast on 22nd November hosted by the Ulster Bank Accelerator. 

TechFoundHer Innovation Labs is a programme supported by InterTradeIreland (in partnership with Enterprise Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland) under the Shared Island Enterprise Scheme and sponsored by KPMG Ireland.

Lord Mayor Celebrates Belfast Entrepreneurs At Launch Of Conference

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Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray, has called on entrepreneurs from across the city to get together for a unique conference aimed at supporting their business journey.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will take place this month at the Cathy Short Theatre in Jennymount Business Park, lower North Belfast.

Councillor Murray, who is originally from the area, said he was delighted to see an event supporting local entrepreneurs and business people from across the city taking place in the York Road area.

He said “Our council is delighted to support the Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference, having committed to enabling local businesses achieve their full potential as part of the Belfast Agenda, our city’s community plan.

“This is an exciting opportunity for individuals with business aspirations to connect, learn and be inspired to progress on their business journey – and even better that it’s taking place right in the heart of the community.” 

The day-long event is intended to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit of local professionals, offering a cohesive space for networking and development.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will feature a diverse panel of industry experts sharing insights on a variety of crucial topics for entrepreneurial success, including AI usage, marketing strategies, tendering and more.

Attendees will also have the chance to network with like-minded professionals, gain actionable insights, and be inspired by success stories from fellow entrepreneurs.

Organised by Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer of multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed promises to bring together both aspiring and established business leaders on Thursday, November 28.

A North Belfast native herself, Tina Calder said Entrepreneurs Unleashed was a particularly poignant project for her to be organising.

She said: “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities. 

“We are excited to offer a platform for learning and collaboration that will supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.

“Thanks to sponsors and supporters such as Belfast City Council, Belfast Met, Movie House Cinemas, Oranga Creative, MCS Branding and others we are delighted to be able to support entrepreneurs across the city.”

Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spot.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk

TechFoundHer Book Club Welcomes Marcia Dawood to Share Insights on Impactful Angel Investing

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TechFoundHer’s Book Club is back on Monday, 11 November, with an exclusive opportunity to hear from Marcia Dawood—an early-stage investor, TEDx speaker, and author of Do Good While Doing Well. This online event will take place from 7pm to 8:15pm and will be hosted by Suzanne Mills, a leading global innovator and startup ecosystem builder.

Marcia Dawood, who has invested in more than fifty early-stage companies and funds, will discuss how angel investing can be a vehicle for meaningful change, allowing individuals to align their financial goals with positive social impact. Her book, Do Good While Doing Well, explores the power of angel investing to drive change while generating financial and emotional rewards.

Attendees will hear from Marcia about her journey from being an investor in early-stage companies to serving on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee, her role as a venture partner at Mindshift Capital, and her leadership in initiatives like the award-winning documentary Show Her The Money.

The event will be introduced by Máirín Murray, founder of TechFoundHer, who will welcome attendees. Suzanne Mills will then lead the book club discussion, diving into key themes from Marcia’s book, exploring the world of angel investing, and helping attendees understand how to leverage investments for social good.

“This online event is an amazing opportunity for entrepreneurs and founders to get into the ‘head’ of a US-based angel investor and discover their rationale for investing. Marcia Dawood has such a positive message and her book is a rallying cry for those who want to do good, to consider investing in impact focused for profit companies.” explained Máirín.

In her TEDx talk Do Good While Doing Well, Marcia Dawood said: “If we really want to effect change, we can start to invest in the things we care about on a much larger scale. It also includes where we spend our time and finding ideas being worked on that haven’t reached the public yet to support. 

“We need to start to look at for-profit companies as well as non-profits. After spending an award-winning career in sales, marketing and operations for one of the largest education providers, Marcia Dawood now works on making people’s dream come true.”

 

The event promises to be an inspiring evening of discussion, where attendees will learn practical insights into how they too can use their investments to contribute towards creating a positive social impact, while also earning financial returns.

TechFoundHer invites anyone interested in impactful investing and empowering women-led initiatives to join this complimentary online event. 

Book your spot today to secure your place and be part of this insightful discussion. Spaces are limited, so register now at https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/techfoundher-bookclub-doing-good-while-doing-well-by-marcia-dawood-tickets-1043084412557 

Belfast City Council Backs New Conference For Entrepreneurs In The City

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The Chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee is calling for business people from across the city to attend the first Entrepreneurs Unleashed conference.

The networking conference, organised by Excalibur Press and sponsored by Belfast City Council, has been tailored to enhancing the business journeys of entrepreneurs from across the city.

Taking place at the Cathy Short Theatre on November 28 in Jennymount Business Park in lower North Belfast the conference is the first of its kind in the city dedicated solely to supporting entrepreneurs at all levels.

Councillor Nelson said he was delighted to officially launch the conference, highlighting the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs at all stages of running a business.

He said: “Belfast City Council is committed to providing business support to individuals and businesses at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey.

“Entrepreneurs Unleashed provides an opportunity for businesses to hear from local industry experts, meet with key stakeholders and network with other like-minded entrepreneurs.

“This conference aims to create an environment that nurtures business growth, which is a key priority for Belfast City Council and a vital component of the Belfast Agenda, the city’s community plan.”

This day-long event aims to inspire the entrepreneurial spirit of local professionals, providing a collaborative space for networking and growth. 

Entrepreneurs Unleashed will feature a diverse panel of industry experts who will share valuable insights on a range of essential topics, including leveraging AI, effective marketing strategies, navigating the tendering process, and much more.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded aspiring and established business owners, with the event acting as a brilliant networking space.

Alongside drawing inspiration from success stories of fellow entrepreneurs, ticket holders can avail of gaining actionable insights during conversations with fellow attendees as well as headline speakers.

Organised by Tina Calder, Chief Vision Officer at multi-disciplinary media and marketing agency Excalibur Press, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is set to make its event debut inside Jennymount Business Park’s Cathy Short Theatre on Thursday, November 28. 

As a North Belfast native, Tina Calder recognises the significance of this project for the local community.

She said: “As an entrepreneur who grew up in lower North Belfast and a businesswoman who brought her business home to the area just a few months ago I’m proud to be able to deliver this exciting event just off the York Road area, a main arterial route in and out of the city.

“I am passionate about nurturing and supporting entrepreneurial spirit through my business and also as a business mentor across a number of programmes in Northern Ireland.

“I am absolutely delighted that Belfast City Council has recognised the importance of this event which is the first in a series of events and other activities we will be running throughout the rest of 2024 and into 2025.

“Whether you’re just starting out or looking to elevate your business, Entrepreneurs Unleashed is your gateway to unlocking new opportunities.

“We are excited to offer a platform for learning and collaboration that will supercharge your entrepreneurial journey.”

Registration is now open, and interested attendees are encouraged to sign up early to secure their spots.

Entrepreneurs Unleashed Conference will take place on Thursday November 28, at the Cathy Short Theatre, Jennymount Business Park, Belfast, tickets are available from entrepreneursunleashed.co.uk 

Derry Girls star Kathy Kiera Clarke returns home for a cosy autumn getaway

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From viewing original costumes from the planet’s biggest TV show to sampling whiskey in the birthplace of the world’s most famous ship, one of our most loved actors has been on a voyage of discovery to enjoy some of Northern Ireland’s unique visitor attractions.

Kathy Kiera Clarke, or Aunt Sarah to millions of global fans of the smash hit comedy series, Derry Girls, recently embarked on her own giant adventure to explore some of the places and experiences you can embrace in Northern Ireland that you just can’t find anywhere else. 

And, as the nights draw in, you can holiday like a Derry Girl as Tourism Northern Ireland has recreated Kathy’s itinerary on its website, with a few extra stops along the way for inspiration.

Kathy said: “I’m born and bred in Belfast and it’s always lovely to come home. Every time I come back it seems like there is something new to see, there is a real vibrancy about the place.

“While I’ve always known this place is special, I am thrilled to see that so many people from all over the world think the same. We are truly blessed to have so many amazing places to visit and they’re right on our doorstep.

“For my trip, I wanted to experience Northern Ireland as one of the millions of visitors who come for our world class visitor attractions, award-winning food and drink, giant experiences and amazing scenery.

“If you haven’t had a short break in Northern Ireland for a while, I would highly recommend it.

“There’s never a bad time to visit but now as the seasons change, a short break is perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy the natural landscapes or while away the hours in a snug beside a roaring fire.

“You can find great value, too – there would be no need for Derry Girl, Jenny Joyce to dip too far into her famous trust fund, as a short trip won’t break the bank.

“The people I met along the way underlined how we are a warm and friendly bunch and always ready for a bit of craic. Is it the people or the scenery that makes Northern Ireland so special – that’s a question that could spark endless debate.”

Kathy’s trip included a stay in Belfast’s Grand Central Hotel, an introduction to the Seedhead Arts Street Art Walking Tour, a tour of Titanic Distillers, a stop-off at the Seamus Heaney HomePlace and a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour.

She also called at Bushmills Inn, the Magheracross Viewpoint outside Portrush, took a NI Black Taxi Tour and marvelled at the beauty of Enniskeen Estate & Forest Spa which is set within the Mourne Mountains.

Kathy said: “Did you know it was the landscape around the Mournes and across to Rostrevor that inspired C.S Lewis to create Narnia for his chronicles, which would go on to become one of the all-time classics of children’s literature?

“At Enniskeen you really get a sense of this fairytale world, there really is nowhere else like it. Sitting by the fire with that extraordinary view in the distance is just good for the soul.

“When I visited the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, I took my personal copy of one of his books and it gave me shivers to stand there and look at his personal effects, including the pens he used to create his masterpieces. Fans come from all over the world and it’s almost like a pilgrimage for them, we’re so lucky to have it on our doorstep.

“I’ve already started thinking about what to pack for my next trip to Northern Ireland. From climbing the famous Cuilcagh Boardwalk, sampling County Armagh’s ciders to walking in the footsteps of giants under the night sky at the OM Dark Sky Park and Observatory, sure, where else would you get it?”

To plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland this autumn and winter or to find Kathy’s itinerary, visit discovernorthernireland.com.

HAIR-LARIOUS PANTO RAPUNZEL AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE THEATRE

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Get ready for a hair-raising adventure this Christmas at The Market Place Theatre with the spectacular pantomime extravaganza, Rapunzel.

Let your imagination run wild as we unravel the story of Rapunzel, the lonely princess with golden hair who is trapped in a tower and longing for a life of adventure in the outside world. With the help of some ‘a-moo-zing’ animal friends and Dame Pam Loaf, will Rapunzel be able to escape the tower she has been locked in since birth by the evil witch and be reunited with her family?

Rapunzel Promo Shoot
20 September 2024
CREDIT: LiamMcArdle.com

Brought to you by a superb cast of colourful characters, Rapunzel promises a whirlwind of dazzling costumes, laugh-out-loud comedy, captivating musical numbers and plenty of audience participation in a pantomime that is sure to be a cut above the rest.

So let your hair down and join us for an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are up there with the best!

‘Rapunzel’ will run from Saturday 30 November to Sunday 22 December, with a range of times to suit all busy schedules! Prices range from £14 to £18.50. Tickets are flying out the door, so hurry to book yours now!

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on 03300 561 025, or book online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre.. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this festive hit! There will be BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Need a holiday? ‘Book It’ at Holiday World Show Belfast

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NI’s biggest holiday fair to return with new title sponsor and a new city centre venue

Taking place at the ICC Belfast in January 2025, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News is a three-day event that showcases a huge choice of dazzling travel options at home and abroad to more than 11,000 visitors every year.

A WORLD OF HOLIDAYS: Northern Ireland’s biggest holiday fair has announced its return to Belfast in January with a new title sponsor on board and, for the first time, a new venue in the heart of the city centre. Now in its 32nd year, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will take place at the ICC Belfast on January 10-12, 2025. The three-day event will showcase a huge choice of holiday options at home and abroad, featuring international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and a vast range of service providers. Pictured at the launch are (l-r) Shane Hourican from event organisers Business Exhibitions Ltd, Kirsty Johnston of Bookit by NI Travel News, Maria Hourican, Business Exhibitions Ltd, and Jonathan Adair, Bookit by NI Travel News. For more information, visit www.holidayworldshowni.com.

With the days getting colder and the nights getting longer, people’s thoughts are turning to holidays and what better way to kick off 2025 than to start planning your dream holiday with a visit to the province’s biggest annual celebration of travel and tourism, now celebrating its 32nd year in Belfast.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will open its doors to the public from 12.30pm to 5pm on Friday January 10, and from 10am until 5pm on Saturday January 11 and Sunday January 12.  A dedicated Trade and Media morning will take also place on the Friday from 10am to 12.30pm with registration available at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

Visitors to the show will have a chance to snap up dozens of exclusive ‘show only’ deals, get the inside track on where to go from operators and destinations, discover new ideas and holiday trends, and receive advice from travel professionals on how to pay less for their holiday.  Some lucky guests could even go home with a free holiday – if they win one of the many ‘free to enter’ prize draws that will run throughout the show.

With a new sponsor and new venue on board, Maria Hourican, Chief Executive of Business Exhibitions Ltd, the company which organises the Holiday World Shows in Belfast and Dublin, said she was doubly excited about January’s show.

“Today is a very special day for us as we proudly launch our 32nd annual Holiday World Belfast Show in association with Bookit by NI Travel News,” said Maria.  “Since our very first show in Belfast, Jonathan Adair and the team at NI Travel News have always been very supportive, as they have been of the entire NI travel industry.

“As a valuable partner for this year’s show, Jonathan brings with him a vault of knowledge, eagerness and experience of the industry from both a travel trade and consumer point of view – so we are absolutely delighted to welcome him on board with Bookit, an exciting new travel hub that offers members a range of great holiday deals every week – which makes it a very good fit for our own Holiday World brand,” she added.

“Also, after many years at the Kings Hall and then the Titanic Exhibition Centre, we are thrilled and excited to bring the 32nd annual Holiday World Show into the heart of Belfast’s City Centre for the very first time. Having our event at the ICC Belfast will make it so much more accessible to thousands of people in the city wanting to explore their holiday options for 2025 and grab themselves a good bargain in the process.

“With operators and destinations from around the world and closer to home, all under one roof, next year’s show in January promises to be bigger and better than ever, offering visitors a one-stop-shop for all their travel dreams. Visitors will get the chance to do their travel research face-to-face, chatting with sector professionals in a lively, fun-filled environment that’s all about getting into holiday mood.

“There really is something for everyone,” concluded Maria. “Whether you like the thought of relaxing on a sunny beach, a cruise on the high seas, an exciting city break, or uncovering a hidden gem closer to home, you can be sure that Holiday World Show has it covered.”

New show sponsor Bookit by NI Travel News is a membership-based travel hub, created by long-running travel publication Northern Ireland Travel News, that offers members a range of weekly holiday deals and offers, from cruise to ski, family breaks abroad, local breaks, city breaks, long haul family specials and everything in between.

For a subscription fee of just £10 per year, members will receive a minimum of 10 fantastic travel offers straight to their inboxes each week – all hand-selected and supplied by local NI travel agents, providing members with peace of mind that their holiday is protected and their money secure.

Jonathan Adair, Managing Director of NI Travel News, is looking forward to bringing Bookit by NI Travel News to Holiday World Show Belfast for the first time.

“At NI Travel News, we’ve supported the annual Holiday World Show Belfast since it first came to Belfast 32 years ago, so I am delighted to strengthen our relationship further and continue our support as title sponsor of January’s event,” said Jonathan.

“For more than 35 years, NI Travel News has been the go-to publication and online hub for holidaymakers across the province. We have now taken our experience in the travel and tourism industry to the next level by providing our readers with the best holiday deals via our new membership hub – Bookit by NITN.

“With the launch of our new travel agent offers platform to the public, and a brand new venue for the Show, this is perfect time to profile Bookit by NI Travel News. We have exhibited at Holiday World since the beginning, but this is the first time we will be showcasing the best offers from our local travel agents every week. I am looking forward to the new Exhibition in the ICC with all the exciting holiday options on offer,” he added.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will play host to international tourist boards, destinations, airlines, cruise & ferry companies, hotels and B&Bs, visitor attractions, travel agencies and a vast range of service providers.

Operators and destinations already confirmed include Malta, Spain, Cyprus, Travel Solutions, Air Canada, Cleveland, Oklahoma & Grapevine Texas, Costa Del Sol Living, Tunisia, Hays Travel, Stena Line, Irish Ferries, Barrhead Travel, Camino groups and French camping sites, with the promise of more to be announced over the next two months.

One of the fastest growing areas of the holiday industry is undoubtedly the cruise sector – which is reflected at the show, with a dedicated cruise showcase hosted by local specialist Oasis Travel.

For those who like to holiday closer to home, Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News also features a wide range of hotels and accommodation providers, visitor attractions and tourism organisations from across Ireland and the UK.

Holiday World Show Belfast in association with Bookit by NI Travel News will take place at the ICC Belfast at 2 Lanyon Place, Belfast BT1 3WH, from Friday January 10 until Sunday January 12, 2025.

Tickets cost £5 for adults; £4 for Senior Citizens and £3 for Students. A special family ticket gives admission for two adults and up to four children for just £10 and a 2-for-1 ticket deal is available online at https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/2-for-1-voucher-belfast/.

All travel trade and media are invited to register and attend the Trade and Media morning on Friday January 10 (10am–12.30pm). To register, visit https://holidayworld.registrationdesk.ie/belfast/.

For more information and all the latest event updates, visit https://holidayworldshowni.com/.

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