Countdown to Christmas across the Causeway Coast and Glens

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With the festive season upon us, Santa has managed to find time in his busy schedule to switch on the Christmas lights in a number of towns around the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Festive entertainment is planned in each town or village to celebrate his arrival, including music, cuddly characters, DJ’s, live bands and carol singing from local choirs.

Santa will also distribute a small pre-Christmas gift to children who are primary school age and below and accompanied by an adult.

He’ll be accompanied on his journey by the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey.

She said: “Myself and Santa will be stopping off in nine separate locations, and I am very excited for the festive celebrations that are planned for the towns and villages across the Borough. Christmas is a special time of the year and I hope everyone will come along to the festivities to help get the season off to a fantastic start! Santa and I are very much looking forward to meeting everyone along the way as we stop off and we hope that all the children have a really magical and safe Christmas.”

Coleraine town centre is next in Santa’s diary with the switch on taking place on Friday 25th November.  The fun begins at The Diamond area at 6.00pm with Beatz Entertainment, assisted by a local primary school who will be singing Christmas carols to add to the atmosphere.  The Good King Wencelas Parade will accompany the Mayor, Santa and his Clydesdale horses through the town to the Diamond area. Here, Santa and the Mayor will dismount and switch on the lights at 7.00pm before Santa makes his way to the Grotto to hand out gifts to all in the Santa queue.  At this point, the crowd will be entertained by local band The Groove Robbers.

The next town to be lit up will be Dungiven on Saturday 26th November where the DJ will commence at 5.30pm at Dungiven Community Centre.  Santa and the Mayor will arrive on his Clydesdale horses in time for the lights switch on at 6.00pm.  The DJ will keep the crowd amused while the children queue up to see Santa and receive their special Christmas parcel.

Following a couple of days rest, Santa will be taking off again on his trusted Clydesdale horses to the seaside town of Ballycastle on Thursday 1st December.  The night will start with the interdenominational Community Carol Service organised by Ballycastle Church Action from 6.30-6.50pm. Beatz Entertainment will be entertaining the crowds from 6.30pm.  The Mayor and Santa will arrive at the stage about 7.15pm.  Once the lights are switched on Santa will make his way to the Grotto to distribute gifts to the children.

Staying at the seaside, he will then visit the town of Portrush on Friday 2nd December.  Local entertainer Brian Moore will commence the evening at 6.30pm at Station Square with the help of local primary school choirs.  All this carol singing will get us in the mood for Santa who will be arriving with the Mayor on the Clydesdale horses ready to turn on the lights at 7.30pm.  Once the lights are turned on the children may queue to see Santa in his festive themed grotto.

The festivities continue the very next day in the market town of Kilrea.  Entertainment will begin at 4.00pm with carol singing under the tree from local primary schools who will be belting out some festive tunes. Santa and the Mayor will make their  way to the stage to switch on the lights at 5.00pm before Santa returns to his Grotto to meet the excited children who have come to see him.

Next in Santa and the Mayor’s busy schedule is a stop in Garvagh on Monday 5th December.  The entertainment kicks off at 6.30pm.  Carol singing will be provided by local primary schools in anticipation of the Christmas lights switch-on at 7.30pm. Santa will then take up residence in his grotto to hand out some small gifts to the children.

The last stop in the borough is Portstewart on Saturday 10th December.  The fun and games begin here with Brian Moore at 4.00pm.  Festive characters will help add to the atmosphere before the arrival of the Mayor and Santa, with the light switch on scheduled for 5.00pm. The entertainment on stage will continue while Santa gives out special Christmas packages from his grotto.

For more Christmas events click visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

We hope to see you all there, enjoying the festivities and getting into the Christmas spirit!

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

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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.

  • Autumn Getaway, The Valley Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £95. The three-star Valley Hotel is situated at the gateway to the famous Fermanagh Lakelands, a perfect base to explore many of the tourist attractions such as Marble Arch caves, Belleek Pottery and the award-winning Ulster American Folk Park. Check in and enjoy two nights’ accommodation in a double room, full Irish cooked breakfast the following morning, a sumptuous four-course evening meal on one event and a bottle of wine for two people. Subject to availability.  To book call (028) 89 521505.
  • Pedal Power, Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Co. Down, from £120 per room. Situated on six acres of private grounds, the magnificent four-star Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is nestled in the heart of County Down where the ‘Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea’. Explore the Mourne Mountains or country roads on an electric bike, then relax overnight in a luxurious room before enjoying a full Irish breakfast the next morning. *Helmets and maps included with bike hire. Available until 30 November. To book call (028) 43 721066.
  • Destination Deluxe, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Co. Antrim, £89pps. Explore the great outdoors this autumn with a stay in one of Northern Ireland’s premier resort’s & spa’s. Ideally located as a base close to the stunning Causeway Coastal Route and with a range of onsite activities including golf and the unique indoor and outdoor Thermal Spa village, you will be spoilt for choice at the four-star Galgorm. Stay in a luxurious deluxe guestroom, with canapés on check-in, free mini-bar, late check-out and gastronomic breakfast. Experience the best of NI’s produce with an autumnal afternoon tea in the stunning conservatory and access to the award-winning spa facilities. Valid until 30 November. To book call (028) 2588 1001.

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

*All offers are subject to availability.

10 THINGS TO DO IN NORTHERN IRELAND NEXT WEEK

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Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 28 – December 4).

  • Carols Together, Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast, December 2. Join Carols Together and celebrate the start of the festive season. This wonderful evening promises to get you in the Christmas spirit with seasonal readings and entertainment from the fabulous Methodist College Chapel Choir, Mezzo Soprano, Helen Aiken and Opera singer Roland Davitt. Following the concert, guests will be treated to mince pies and mulled wine, there will also be optional tours of the chambers.
  • Magherafelt Christmas Market, Magherafelt Town Centre, Derry~Londonderry, December 2 – 4. Showcasing over 25 local artisan food and craft stalls, the market will be the first event to be held in the new refurbished Magherafelt Town Centre.  Come along and enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced Artisan food and drink; or take time to unwind in the lounge, where you can experience a craft beer, hot mulled wine or even just sit and relax.
  • Santa’s House, Castle Ward, Co. Down, December 3. Travel along the illuminated avenue of lights, enjoy the festive sights and sounds in the stableyard, have a go at some Christmas crafts or write a letter to Santa before you head to the basement of the big house where Santa is waiting to say hello and give all the boys and girls a special gift. A truly magical experience for kids.
  • Schools Orchestra Winter Concert, The Waterside Theatre, Derry~Londonderry, December 1. String, wind and brass players from across the schools in the North West come together to perform an eclectic mix of seasonal favourites combined with traditional and contemporary repertoire as a celebration of the young talent in our region.
  • Christmas Markets at An Creagan, An Cregan, Co. Tyrone, December 1 – 2. Step into a world of festive delights at this two-day festive market. Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the season in inspiring surroundings and find unique and high quality gifts from over 30 handmade crafters. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to find special presents for special people, the perfect place to work your way enjoyably through your Christmas list.
  • Castle Espie Ladies Nights, WWT Castle Espie, Co. Down, December 1. Enjoy festive fashions with pop up shops from Sarah Alexandra Boutique and KoKo Boutique, hair and make-up sessions with Nicholas Graham Hairdressing and beauty advice and tips from Roamer Holistic! Pick up fabulous stocking fillers from one of our specialist stalls or get something for yourself on this special ladies’ night out.
  • Christmas Cooking Neven Style, Belleek Pottery, Co. Fermanagh, December 2. Enjoy an afternoon of everything Christmas with local celebrity chef Neven Maguire as he helps you to solve all your Christmas Cookery Crisis’s with lots of hints and tips on how to make that all-important Christmas Day Meal an unforgettable success.
  • Belmont Road Walking Food Tour, Belfast, December 3. Taste everything from Portavogie scampi to Guinness cake and from Irish tapas to award winning raspberry sorbet! Along the way, Tracey, your enthusiastic Tour Guide will enlighten you with stories about famous people from this area and about local food and drink from Belmont Road and surrounding area.
  • Christmas Fair, The Argory, Co. Armagh, December 3. The Festive period is not complete without a visit to The Argory’s Christmas Fair, featuring a number of craft, food and drink stalls, as well as traditional festive entertainment. Soak up the wonderful atmosphere and see the house decorated for the festive season.
  • Ronnie Greer Blues Band, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, November 30. Blues Guitar Legend Ronnie Greer makes a welcome return to Ballymoney with his powerhouse band some of the country’s leading musicians. Expect a night of blues, roots soul and a little jazz based music, played with style and conviction by the best in the business.

Jacqueline from whatsonni.com shares her pick of What’s On this weekend across the NI

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Down

Its back! The annual Comber Christmas Fair in the Square returns this Thursday 24th November from 4.00pm to 8.00pm. Join in the festive spirit and enjoy time browsing the different local stalls including gifts, jewellery, crafts and a kid’s zone. Santa will make an appearance as well as carol singers before the official turning on the Christmas lights.

Armagh

On Georgian Day, Saturday 26th November, a festive market will bring the city to life, with stalls offering high quality gifts and locally produced food and drink. The city streets will offer something different on every turn including period characters, demonstrations, live music, street theatre & performers, walking tours, horse & carriage rides, mulled wine, mince pies, hot chestnuts and much more.  The Children’s Market at The Shambles Yard will offer a family friendly experience with traditional fairground games & rides, festive stalls with treats & gifts suitable for little people, real reindeer, light sculptures, workshops & crafts all served with lashings of sprinkles and glitter!  As the city grows dark, the dramatic Light Show, will burst to life, illuminating the backdrop of the Georgian Market House and creating a festive atmosphere with contemporary and seasonal music. A must see for all visitors to the City!

Fermanagh

Christmas officially starts in Enniskillen on Saturday 26th November with the Christmas lights switch-on in the town centre at 5.30pm. The town will become a hub of live entertainment from late afternoon to mark the start of the Christmas shopping season so come along and get into the festive spirit!   A programme of festive family entertainment at The Diamond includes Street Entertainers and Face Painters, Balloon Modellers, Marty Fay Band, Silver Bands, Cross Community Choir, Santa and much more.  Access via Water Street will be restricted from 4.00pm. Santa will leave The Town Hall to meet and greet families in The Diamond from 4.30pm with the lights switch on taking place at 5:30pm.

Tyrone

Tim McGarry “Goes Over The Top” at Burnavon Theatre this Friday 25th November  with a brand new stand-up show about our history.  This time instead of taking on all of Irish history Tim will concentrate on the bits that we think matter the most. And because of the year that’s in, it can only be the 1916 Easter Rising and the Battle of the Somme.  In 2016 we have be inundated with worthy and serious dramas and documentaries about the meaning of 1916.  There has been much chin stroking and nodding of heads sagely.  Tim McGarry doesn’t want that. He wants to give you jokes.

Derry/Londonderry

The third annual Ballymaguigan Christmas fair will be on Saturday 26th November, from 12.00 – 4.00 at St Trea’s football club hall, Ballymaguigan.  You will find a whole host of amazing handmade products, from jewellery to clothes to art and gifts. Everything is made with love, care and time as the makers of handmade products all share one thing; a passion for what they do.  There will also be some independent stall holders, children’s entertainment and ladies doing your makeup, hair and nails. The Fairy Workshop will be in attendance for a 2-3 hour kids special Christmas workshop ‘Making your own fairy door’.

Antrim

The action kicks off in Market Square Antrim this Thursday 24th November for the Christmas Tree Switch On, with musical entertainment hosted by Sonya Mac from Q Radio, a visit from Santa at 7.00pm and the special Children’s Prize Draw with some great prizes to be won. A spectacular fireworks display will round off what will undoubtedly be a perfect festive evening for all the family.

Belfast

The Folktown Market is a farmers and variety market running every Thursday from 9am to 4pm with stalls selling locally grown fruit and vegetables and locally produced meats and breads. You can also find coffee, hot food and local crafts. The market is in one of the most central spaces in Belfast, Bank Square, only a few yards from the main shopping streets, Castle Court shopping centre and multi-storey car parks. Surrounded by two of the oldest churches, Mourne Seafood Restaurant and traditional pubs, one dating back to the 18th century, the square is steeped in character and heritage – a perfect place for people meet and do their shopping – crossing barriers and reconnecting the city.

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.

Shane Todd to switch on Christmas Lights in Holywood!

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Having based his hit show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival on his ‘outrage’ at never once having been asked to switch on the Christmas lights in his hometown of Holywood, Ards and North Down Borough Council will make comedian Shane Todd’s (aka Mike McGoldrick) Christmas when he finally gets to switch on the lights this Saturday (26 November; 4.30pm).

Join us in Holywood from 4.00pm, with a children’s magic show, face-painting and a Christmas Fair by Tesco, as well as laugh-a-minute entertainment by Shane Todd (Mike Goldrick) and beautiful festive tunes by soprano, Julia Clark.

Find out more at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ANDborough.

The History of Christmas at Sentry Hill

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Have you ever wondered how Christmas was celebrated yesteryear? Join us for a tour at Sentry Hill on Saturday 3 December and discover Christmas of 1907.

December of 1907 brings a double celebration for Sentry Hill! As the McKinney family welcome home Dr Hugh McKinney and his bride, Louie, who are home from London on their wedding tour ready to be introduced to the family and friends.

During your visit you will learn about both Christmas and wedding traditions with Aunt Meg. Meet the newest Mrs McKinney at afternoon tea, and marvel at the colonial curios brought home for William Fee McKinney by Hugh – parting gifts before his lone return to Nigeria…

However the fun doesn’t stop there once you have met the family, you are invited to join the staff of Sentry Hill for Christmas crafts and refreshments.

These special Christmas tours will run hourly from 11am – 3pm (Inclusive) booking is essential. Tickets: Adult £5.50 (Concession £3.60) Family Ticket £14.60.

Price includes light refreshments.  Contact T.028 9083 2363 for bookings.

New website for the Forum!

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Millennium Forum has launched its brand new website with the help from a few characters from its Christmas pantomime, Cinderella.

Buttons and the Ugly Sisters helped Marketing Manager, Amanda Hamilton and Digital Marketing Officer, Amanda McLoone, put the final touches to the new site which is expected to go live early next week.

Produced by Origin Digital, the new website will offer online customers an enhanced user experience, promising clear search/navigation via a fully accessible and mobile responsive site.

Customers can check out the new website by visiting www.millenniumforum.co.uk

The clock is ticking . .  . Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother will work her magic!

What’s on in Ards and North Down DC in the run up to Christmas.

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Friday 25 November – Thursday 1 December

Friday 25 November, Ards Christmas Switch On
Conway Square, Newtownards

Free Event

6pm James Huish’s ‘Christmas Show’, compered by Pete Snodden followed by a parade by local children to Conway Square led by Santa and the Portavogie Pipe Band
7pm Lights switch on and fabulous finale!

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9182 6846

Saturday 26 November, Holywood Christmas Switch On
Holywood Library (inside and out)

Free Event
Activities organised by Holywood District and Community Council will take place from 12noon in the Library; 4pm ‘Home for Christmas’ theme featuring local Shane Todd AKA Mike McGoldrick and local Soprano Julia Clarke followed by the lights switch on 4.30pm

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9127 0069

Saturday 26  and Sunday 27 November, Christmas Market

North Down Museum, Bangor

Free admission
Sat 10am – 4.30pm, Sun 12noon – 4.30pm
Browse the many stalls for the perfect stocking filler. Look out for Santa on Saturday.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, 028 9127 1200

Thursday 1 December, Comber Farmers’ Market Christmas Special
St Mary’s Parish Church car park, The Square, Comber

Free admission
9am – 1.30pm
Get all your essentials for the Christmas period and support our local producers.

Info: combermarket.co.uk

Friday 2 – Thursday 8 December

Friday 2 December, Santa Parade and Family Fun
Donaghadee Town Centre

Free Event
Fireworks 6.45pm
Festive stalls and entertainment followed by the ever popular Santa parade.

Info: visitdonaghadee.com, 028 9188 8667

Friday 2 and Saturday 3 December, Creative Peninsula Christmas Craft Fayre
Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

Free admission
10am – 5pm
Enjoy a unique shopping experience and purchase that perfect, handcrafted gift.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9182 6846

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, Santa in the Stables

Portaferry Visitor Information Centre

Free Event
Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 1pm – 5pm
Children’s activities and Santa 1pm – 5pm (both days), plus your chance to buy something unique for friends and family this Christmas! Whilst in Portaferry, why not check out the festive activities at Exploris Aquarium and The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough. Full details on our website.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9182 6846

Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 December, Magical Moments

Throughout Bangor Town Centre

Free Event
Sat 10am – 6pm, Sun 12noon – 6pm
A weekend of free, family, festive fun throughout the town centre with music, performance, children’s entertainment and much more!

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, 028 9127 0069

Sunday 4 December, Santa Fun Run, Community Carol Service and Christmas Switch On

Donaghadee Town Centre and First Presbyterian Church

Free Event
Fun run 2pm, carol service and switch on 7pm

Info: visitdonaghadee.com, 028 9188 8667

For a full listing of our Christmas events within Ards and North Down Borough Council see visitardsandnorthdown.com/Christmas

Make Someone’s Christmas

#ANDmakesxmas

CLOCK IS TICKING… BOOK NOW FOR CINDERELLA AT ARMAGH’S MARKET PLACE

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Our Christmas Story at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh continues with the magical, fun-filled, riotous extravaganza that is this year’s pantomime, ‘Cinderella’, running from Saturday 3 December right up to Christmas Eve. You’ll have to be quick to book your tickets, as this annual festive treat is sure to be packed to the rafters.

You shall go to the ball this year with the classic rags-to-riches tale – ‘Cinderella’, with more singing, dancing and jokes than you can shake a magic wand at!

The world’s greatest fairytale has captivated audiences for generations with its spellbinding story, memorable music, and unforgettable characters. Now, the story sparkles as never before as a fabulous cast of larger-than-life characters tell the tale of glass slippers, glistening carriages and glamorous gowns.

Will Cinderella get to go to the ball, will she meet the prince of her dreams and live happily ever after, or will she forever remain in the evil clutches of two of the ugliest [and nastiest] sisters you’ve ever clapped eyes on? Be amazed as a little bit of romance and a lot of magic combine to create mayhem at midnight…

Traditional panto at it’s very best, ‘Cinderella’ promises an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are acclaimed as among the best in Ireland.  Recommended for children aged 5 to 95! The clock is ticking… book now!

And there’s no need to rush off when the curtain falls – you won’t turn into a pumpkin! Stay and enjoy the magical Cinderella fairyland, don your best fancy dress and try on the glass slipper, have your photo taken in Cinderella’s carriage to win a prize, visit the enchanted Gingerbread Alley, and keep an eye out for wandering pantomime characters!

‘Cinderella’ is kindly sponsored by whatsonni.com. Public performances will take place from Saturday 3 until Saturday 24 December at various times. Tickets are priced £15 and £12.50 (concession), with a ticket offer of £12 and £10 (concession) for the performances on Saturday 3 December only. There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And 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. For information on Christmas In Armagh visit www.ourstoryofchristmas.com | #ourstoryofchristmas

‘Magical Christmas Kingdom’ Unwrapped For Dungannon

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A new ‘magical kingdom’ is to form the centrepiece of Dungannon’s Christmas celebrations for 2016.

Ranfurly House, at the heart of the town centre, is to be the gateway to a festive kingdom for the weekend of 25th to 27th November, becoming home to Santa’s elves and a host of Christmas workshops and film screenings, while the viewing tower on the Hill of the O’Neill is to be transformed into Santa’s grotto.

The dome on the hill is to become a space dedicated to children – ‘Little World’ – and will be filled with traditional fun fair rides and activities, street performers, face painters, and alongside more than 30 stalls filled with crafts, food and Christmas gift ideas will form a Christmas Fair in a snug, heated marquee.

Throughout the weekend, Christmas arts and crafts activities and workshops will take place in the art studio in Ranfurly House, with story-telling, Christmas sing-alongs and film screenings of Frozen and the Polar Express also on offer.

The weekend gets underway on Friday 25 November with a light performance, live music and children’s entertainment, including the naughty, but lively pirates Cook and Line from Cbeebies’ ‘Swashbuckle’ TV show, before Santa arrives in Market Square on a reindeer-drawn sleigh, ready to switch on the Christmas tree lights.

“This is a special event for Dungannon and the aim is to use the fantastic facilities we have at Ranfurly House and the Hill of the O’Neill to create a magical experience for children, families and shoppers,” said Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Trevor Wilson. “The weekend will help to draw people to Dungannon, build a buzz around the town centre and be a truly festive start to the Christmas season”.

The Magical Christmas Kingdom takes place at Ranfurly House and the Hill of the O’Neill, Dungannon, from Friday 25 November to Sunday 27 November. For more information call 028 8772 8600 or visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

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