Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 14 – November 20).

• Belfast Christmas Light Switch On, City Hall, Belfast, November 19. Join the Lord Mayor of Belfast alongside the Cool FM Breakfast crew, Lily of Lily’s Driftwood Bay, The Clangers’ Tiny and Small and Springfield Primary School choir as the city’s festive season starts with the annual Christmas lights switch-on from 18:30 to 19:15pm.  Tickets are free and available from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or www.visitbelfast.com.

• Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, various locations, Co. Londonderry and Co. Antrim, until November 20. With themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, this 9 day culinary event will showcase local produce and the expanding vibrant restaurant scene in the stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.

• Our House, Strule Arts Centre, Co. Tyrone, November 17 – 18. Featuring the music of the ska/pop band Madness – including the songs Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love & Driving in my Car – you will be singing along and maybe even dancing in the aisles!  Presented by Omagh Academy School ‘Our House’ has all the ingredients for a great night out, comedy, romance and heartbreak! Tickets £7/£10.

• Super Saturday at Share, Share Centre, Co. Fermanagh, November 19. Looking for a fun day out with the family? Look no further than Super Saturday. The Share Centre is offering loads of great indoor and outdoor activities for low prices. Enjoy one hour sessions for £6 when prepaid and £8 on the day. Suitable for ages 4+.

• Atlantic Sessions, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, November 17 – 20. A free music festival, featuring over 40 live original music gigs at various venues across Portstewart and Portrush, providing a platform for up and coming talent as well as established artists from across Northern Ireland and beyond. The majority of gigs in bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels are all free.
• Festive Market, Bangor, Co. Down, November 19 – 20. Bangor’s seafront will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display when the Christmas switch on event takes place at the McKee Clock Arena at Queen’s Parade in Bangor town centre. The Christmas markets will take place on Saturday 19 (12:00 – 19:00) and Sunday 20 (14:00 – 18:00) showcasing local businesses.

• Britannic 100^th Anniversary, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, throughout November. To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of Britannic, and to shine a light on its remarkable story, Titanic Belfast in partnership with the Belfast Titanic Society are hosting a series of special events this November. For more information on individual events visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

• 23^rd William Kennedy Piping Festival, Various locations, Co. Armagh, November 17 – 20. Comprising presentations on piping traditions, concerts, workshops, sessions, lectures and family events, the annual William Kennedy Piping Festival takes place once again in Armagh City Centre.

• Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, until November 26. Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement returns for an expanded fourth edition with an outstanding programme of dance, movement and physical theatre performances. Highlights of the festival include a participatory performance by Mary Nunan, an award-winning video triptych by Rosemary Lee and new works by Leilani Weis, Zoe Ramsey and Tonya Sheina.

• Annie, IMC Theatre, Co. Down, November 16 – 20. The annual production from Banbridge Musical Society is set to get everyone singing in their seats as they present the much loved family musical Annie. Unforgettable songs include “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Book your seat now for this all-time favourite show.

Down

Step up and Stride this Saturday at Tollymore Forest for NICHS.  The Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke Tollymore Challenge Walk will be a fully way–marked event and will be based solely within the confines of Tollymore Forest Park. The 5k, 10k 13 and 26 mile routes will follow a series of forest trails throughout the forest whilst all the time taking in the spectacular scenery in this location showcasing the beauty of Tollymore and the Mournes.

Armagh

See Ghostbusters as it was intended to be seen!  Thirty-two years after the original release of the film, the award-winning Wireless Mystery Theatre presents Ghostbusters… Retro, this Saturday 12^th November at the Market Place Theatre.  Imagining how it might have been originally transmitted if it were a 30’s radio play, with live sound-effects, music, and period commercials.

Fermanagh

From the Scottish Folk Scene of the 1960s to her performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London; Barbara Dickson has captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of material from the traditional songs of her native Scotland to her outstanding musical theatre roles. ‘It’s not about technique’ she says, ‘but what is in your heart. That is the secret.’  Barbara’s special guest is Anthony Toner, this Thursday 10th November at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Ballet Ireland is delighted to return with The Nutcracker, one of the world’s favourite ballets, to the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown on Friday 11th November. This timeless classic, complete with glittering costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved & sumptuous score, takes audiences on a wondrous adventure full of quintessential Christmas magic.

Derry

After enjoying huge success in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2013 and Clipper 2014, The Whistlin Donkeys will take to the stage at the Millennium Forum on Friday 11th November.  They have  shared the stage alongside The Beach Boys, Smokie, Bagatelle, The Dubliners, Shane Filan and many more and played at many festivals throughout Ireland this summer. Joining the Whistlin Donkeys will be Samoisa Irish Dancers and local singer/songwriter, Brian Hassan.

Antrim

The Galgorm Resort and Spa are delighted to announce their Official Autism NI Affiliation with a screening of Disney Pixar’s Inside Out in The Great Hall on Sunday 13th November 2016 at 2pm.

Belfast

Prepare to be amazed, dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s mind-blowing production Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries – a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding maths can be fun! Every Saturday and Sunday until 20th November at W5.

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.

The Ultimate Family Day Out Taking in a Winter Skate on the Arena Ice, a Belfast Giants Game and a Visit to W5

What: Winter Skate – public ice skating is returning to The SSE Arena, Belfast this Christmas.

When: 22^nd December 2016 – 2^nd January 2017

Info: Come along to The SSE Arena, Belfast for the ultimate family day out this Christmas. Take in a 2 hour skating session plus a Belfast Giants Game* and a visit to W5 for just £59 this festive season.

This Christmas, The SSE Arena, Belfast is also offering flexibility, if all three activities on one day is just too much excitement for the little ones in your family, you can choose to use skating and W5 tickets on another day – 28th December, 30th December & 2nd January (1 use only).

Those not availing of the fabulous family ticket can enjoy a 90 minute ice skating session on any of the days the ice rink is open.

Kiddies can enjoy Bobby Seal hire to get them off to a flying start on the ice.

*Choose from the following Belfast Giants Games: 29^th Dec, 30^th December and 2^nd January 2016.

Price: A Family of 4 Site Pass is available for £59.00

A standard skating session including skate hire will cost £8.00 per person for an adult, to bring your own skates you can get on the ice for £7.50. Under 5s entry is £4.00 and group discount will be applied for groups of 10 or more, priced at £5.50 each.

A family skating ticket can be purchased for £25.50 (to include 2 adults and 2 children* or 1 adult and 3 children). This is discounted for those on the SSE Reward programme, where a family ticket will be priced at £15.50.

*Children considered under 12 years of age

Where: The SSE Arena, Belfast, 2 Queens Quay, Belfast BT3 9QQ

How to book: Tickets are now on sale through the Arena Box Office, Call 028 9073 9074 and through ticketmaster.ie

Telephone: 028 9073 9074

For further information and session times visit: http://www.ssearenabelfast.com/

How do Portstewart lobster, Bushmills whiskey steaks and Causeway Martinis sound?

In celebration of the Year of Food and Drink Northern Ireland, the very first Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week will run from 12-20 November 2016.  There will be themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, complemented by fine wines, artisan ales and of course, the world’s oldest licensed whiskey from Bushmills.

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey said: “Anyone who has visited recently will have noticed our burgeoning food scene with new restaurants, food trails and markets popping up throughout the area.  From Ballykelly to Bushmills, from Cushendall to Cloughmills, and from Portstewart to Portballintrae, this new event is for both locals and visitors to enjoy and it offers a very different short break experience away from the traditional holiday season.”

Kerrie McGonigle, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Destination Manager added: “The tourism team has linked up with food trade partners and the Causeway Coast and Glens Food Network to create a nine-day culinary event that will showcase local produce and the expanding, vibrant restaurant scene in the stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.”

Chefs are planning and prepping menus to provide memorable, dining experiences.  Featuring on the bill of fare will be many of the award winning food producers from the area, including Broughgammon Farm (goat) and Ballinteer Farm (quail), who have partnered with the restaurants to serve up some unique tastes.  As well as offering modern twists on Irish food heritage, restaurants will be offering French, Spanish, Australian and Turkish themed nights to transport the diner to other worlds. There are even menus to let you eat like a king from Game of Thrones!

Not sure where to start? Why not embark on a food tour, a wine and cheese appreciation evening or a gin pairing night! Accommodation offers and a full programme of Restaurant Week events can be found on www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com

For further information contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre 028 2076 2024

E: ballycastlevic@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Glengormley will light up for Christmas this year on Saturday 12 November 2016 with an array of family fun activities.

Come and see Snow White and friends in their Enchanted Forest from 1.30pm in Glengormley Pavilion with craft sessions by Jumping Clay for the whole family.  Tickets are required for the Enchanted Forest, which also includes a free child’s visit to Santa’s Grotto.  Tickets for the three sessions at 1.30pm, 2.45pm and 4pm, are available from McMillen’s News, 12 Carnmoney Road, Glengormley, BT36 6HN and cost £3 per person.

Children can also visit Santa’s Grotto at a cost of £2.50 per child which includes a gift from Santa.  Proceeds from the grotto will go to charities supported by the Newtownabbey Rotary Club.

At 2.30pm the free family fun entertainment will kick off with local radio presenters ensuring the crowd gets into the festive spirit.  At 5pm there will be Christmas readings, Carols and music before the much-awaited arrival of the Mayor along with his special guests Snow White, Santa and friends.  Together they will lead the fancy dress parade to the Christmas tree at the Ulster Bank, where they will switch on the Christmas tree lights to light Glengormley up for a magical Christmas!

Further details of the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas

From the 26^th November, meet Santa in his icy Christmas cavern and ride W5’s magical miniature train ride, the Winterland Express!

This year, Santa’s Grotto at W5 will give young children a memorable experience as little ones get the opportunity to meet Santa Claus in his icy Christmas cavern. Children will be rewarded with a gift from Santa and parents will have the opportunity to buy a photograph of their child/children, or the whole family!

W5 also invites you to take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland. Take a trip on the Winterland Express, W5’s magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await!

Pre-booking required. For full information and online booking visit www.w5online.co.uk.

With over 10,000 seats already sold, audiences will need to hurry to get a ticket for this year’s pantomime spectacular ‘Cinderella’ running at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh from Sat 3 – Sat 24 December.

The cast were in Armagh today to launch this year’s festive extravaganza in what has to be the most magical story ever told.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh brings 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!

Looking for that unique gift for someone special this Christmas? Look no further than our Christmas Craft Fair at The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey on Saturday 12 November.

Over 40 stalls of bespoke crafts & textiles, handmade jewellery, giftware and homemade foods to ensure there is a Christmas gift for everyone. The children are also in for a treat with free face painting, balloon artist, storytelling with Mr Hullabaloo at 12pm and 2pm, and visits from Santa throughout the day.

The Courtyard Community Choir will get you in the Christmas spirit with a number of everyone’s favourite Christmas Carols.  While Coasters snack bar will provide you with a range of culinary delights, so you can take a break from the shopping, sit back and relax.

The Christmas Craft Fair is open from 10am – 4pm, Admission £1.50 & £1(Concession) Free parking is available on site.

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.

• Discover County Down, The Old Inn, Co. Down, from £120pps. The four-star Old Inn, Crawfordsburn is an ideal base to discover the wonder and beauty of the castles and gardens of County Down. The Discover County Down package includes a two night in a character ensuite bedroom with breakfast, a three-course evening meal in the Rosette Lewis Restaurant on each evening, a waking guide and map to Crawfordsburn Country Park, entry to the fascinating Ulster Folk and Transport Museum as well as entry to the National Trust’s neo-classical house and celebrated gardens of Mount Stewart. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 91 85 3255
• Titanic Package, Ramada Plaza Belfast, Belfast, from £114 per room. Enjoy an unforgettable visit to Belfast, the birthplace of the legendary RMS Titanic and stay at the four-star Ramada Plaza Belfast. This special Titanic package features two tickets to Titanic Belfast, one night’s accommodation and a delicious buffet breakfast. Includes complimentary parking, WiFi and access to swimming pool and leisure facilities. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 90 923500

• Put a Sperrin in your Step, Silverbirch Hotel, Co. Tyrone, from £89 per room. Celebrate Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink and enjoy the flavour of Tyrone with menus featuring the best in local produce with dinner in Barreta Bar & Grill and stay in a luxury three-star double room inclusive of a hearty full Irish Breakfast. Relax with a local craft beer or gin in Bertha’s Bar. Explore the bustling market town of Omagh, at the foothills of the beautiful Sperrin Mountains. Step into the region’s heritage and history with a trip to nearby Ulster American Folk Park, An Creagan Visitor Centre or get your adrenaline fix at Gortin Forest Park or Todds Leap Activity Centre. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 82 242520

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

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 7 – November 13).

• Twilight Market, St George’s Market, Belfast, November 8 – 9. The award-winning Twilight Market will return from 8 – 9 November at St George’s Market. The Twilight Market will help to bring the Year of Food and Drink 2016 to a close with over 130 local food and drink and arts and crafts traders selling their wares over two evenings. Strictly over 18s after 9pm.

• The Nutcracker, Ardhowen Threatre, Co. Fermanagh, November 12^th. This holiday season, the whole family can experience the beauty and magic of ‘The Nutcracker’, performed by an international cast of world-class dancers. This timeless classic, with beautiful costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved and sumptuous score, takes the audience on a wondrous adventure full of quintessential Christmas magic.

• Rackhouse Pilfer, Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre, Co. Tyrone, November 12. Rackhouse Pilfer are a fiery and exciting 6-piece Irish band who have been getting rave reviews with their Roots blend of Irish-Americana. Tickets £12.  Starts at 8pm.

• The Whistlin Donkeys, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, November 11. After enjoying huge success in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2013 and Clipper 2014, The Whistlin Donkeys have been busy headlining the Saint Patrick Day’s celebrations in Time Square in New York, headlining Memorial Day events in East Durham, the Catskills New York and the Boston Irish Festival. Tickets £15+booking fee.

• Three Sisters, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until November 12. Chekhov’s masterpiece from 1900 is reset in 1990s Belfast. Three sisters – Orla, Marianne and Erin – dream of a better tomorrow. All three are dissatisfied with their lots in life for different reasons, but finding the resolve to make the life changes that will bring real happiness is hard. Can they break free, or will they be condemned to a life of unfulfilled ambition?

• Boogie Nights, The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Co. Armagh, November 10. Get ready to boogie! Complete with sensational live band and an all-singing, all dancing cast, the hits, the fashion, and the passion from two of the greatest eras of music make this the ultimate party night out in Armagh. Featuring hits from ‘The Jackson Five’, ‘Wham!’ and many more this is a night not to be missed.

• Brick City, Antrim Castle and Gardens, Co. Antrim, until November 27. Brick City is a celebration of some of the world’s favourite buildings and urban icons, recreated solely using Lego bricks. While to many, Lego bricks are ‘just a toy’, to Warren Elsmore they provide a challenging and enjoyable modelling medium. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 94 481338.

• Bronte: A Solo Portrait of Charlotte Bronte, Bronte Church, Co. Down, November 12. Set during a single day in 1849, this play begins as Charlotte, the last surviving Brontë sibling, returns to her father’s home in Haworth in Yorkshire — and sits down to write a letter to her friend Ellen Nussey, called Nell. This provides a biography of Charlotte’s life as she looks into the future alone with her elderly father…but will Arthur Bell Nicholls come calling?
• Set on stage in the old Bronte Church, where her father preached, and taught in the adjoining school this is almost a home-coming.
• Chevalier, Never Centre, Derry~Londonderry, November 10. Athina Rachel Tsangari’s brilliant Chevalier is a film about six friends on an octopus-fishing trip aboard a luxury yacht in the Aegean who compete to determine which among them is “the best in general”. Starts at 7:30pm and tickets are £2.

• Kenny Rogers, SSE Arena, Belfast, November 8. Grammy Award-winning superstar and Country Music Hall of Fame member, Kenny Rogers is bringing his Final World Tour showcase to Belfast with special guests Charlie Worsham and Linda Davis. Tickets £38 – £70.

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.