The Irish Astronomical Association (IAA) will proudly launch “Heavens Above”, on Tuesday 8 November at 7pm at Clotworthy House.

This exhibition of astonishing photographs of the sky taken exclusively by members of the Association will be on display at the Conservatory Gallery at Clotworthy House, Antrim Castle Gardens until Saturday 3 December.

Covering a range of subject matters from the mysterious clouds of the Milky Way, through the electric colours of the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) down to the detailed capture of time-critical celestial events such as Solar and Lunar eclipses, this exhibition is a must see for anyone with an interest in the sky above us.

Some of the pictures in this exhibition have been taken with specialist equipment from exotic locations in order to capture the very best starlight possible, however many others have also been captured from ordinary locations in Northern Ireland using off the shelf photographic equipment that many people would use for holiday snapshots. It is a measure of how far modern technology has progressed that such equipment is also able to capture such fabulous images in very low light.

Included in “Heavens Above” are category winners of the International Astronomy Photographer of the Year Competition organised by the Royal Greenwich Observatory in London, and also the recent winner of Amateur Astrophotography

E-zine’s “Milky Way” competition.

This exhibition offers free admission and is open each day from 9am until 5pm with late opening Tuesday & Thursdays until 9.30pm

This week saw the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott, launch the Borough’s 2016 Christmas Events Programme.

The festive entertainment kicks off in Glengormley on Saturday 12 November from 1.30pm when Snow White and friends will be preparing for Christmas in their Enchanted Forest.  They will also travel to Ballyclare on Saturday 26 November to captivate the audience from 1.30pm. Both events will have plenty of free family entertainment with tickets available to purchase for the Jumping Clay workshops in Lilian Bland Pavilion and Ballyclare Town Hall.  Santa will arrive at 5pm at both locations to switch on the Christmas tree lights with the Mayor and Snow White.

On Thursday 24 November Sonya Mac, from Q Radio, will make sure the crowd in Market Square, Antrim are feeling festive for the Christmas tree lights being switched on.  Santa will make his grand entrance at 7pm and a spectacular fireworks display at 7.30pm will round off a perfect festive evening.

Thursday 8 December until Sunday 18 December will see Antrim Castle Gardens transformed into an Enchanted Winter Garden from 4pm until 8pm each day. Enjoy the stunning light installations, Forest of Fire, Reindeer Trail, Christmas Train, Festive Fayre and our very special Santa’s Grotto in partnership with Cancer Fund for Children.  With no admission fee there are plenty of activities to stimulate all of the senses, which promises to give a magical Christmas experience for all the family.

Don’t forget to support your local Christmas tree switch on over the coming weeks as trees throughout the Borough light up.  Further details on these tree lighting ceremonies and the full Christmas programme can be found on our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas

Open House Festival will be hitting the road again early next year for its third annual tour, this time stopping off at three towns along the Northern Irish coast as well as a Belfast city centre church.

Soul singer, Dana Masters, whose Jazz in The Walled Garden event was one of the standout hits of this summer’s month-long festival in Bangor, will be headlining the tour, with support from Irish singer-songwriter, Alana Henderson.

The tour starts in Newcastle on Thursday 2^nd February, 2017, and concludes in Bangor on Sunday 5^th February, via gigs in Portrush and Belfast.

Originally from the Deep South of America, Dana Masters grew up with the sounds of soul, rhythm and blues and gospel music all around her. Music took her from South Carolina to Los Angeles, where she met an Irish boy who would later become her husband. Since moving to Northern Ireland, she has performed on BBC Radio 4 and at Proms in the Park, and regularly sings with some of the finest musicians in this country including Van Morrison and Linley Hamliton.

Alana is an Irish singer-songwriter-cellist from county Tyrone, known for fusing her folk roots with a pop sensibility, fragile delicate vocals, emotive cello and disarmingly honest lyrics. In 2014, she was personally invited by Hozier to join his worldwide tour as featured cellist, vocalist and occasional support act. Alana is now back on home ground and is working on material for her debut album which will be released early-to-mid 2017.

“Dana’s gig was one of our most memorable events of this year’s August festival,” says Festival Director, Kieran Gilmore. “She stunned the audience with her beautiful voice and charmed them with her chat, and she was our number one choice to headline the 2017 tour.  Securing Alana as the support act is a great coup too, as her career is on the up and she is definitely a name to remember.”

Open House likes to use unusual and beautiful venues during the Festival month, and the tour will be no different, with gigs in the recently renovated and refurbished Newcastle Community Cinema, the B1 listed Victorian Town Hall in Portrush, the listed Belfast church at 101 Donegall Street and the Marine Court Hotel in the heart of Bangor’s seafront.

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music at Arts Council of Northern Ireland, who are supporting the tour said, “The Northern Ireland Music Touring Programme has already brought a range of impressive tours to new audiences and venues across the region since its introduction in 2014 with names such as The Quercus Ensemble, Neil Cowley Trio, David Little, Irish group Beoga, among others, taking to the stage.  Our Five-Year Music Strategy outlines a firm commitment to bringing the best music, from a range of genres, to people across Northern Ireland.  We firmly believe the Northern Ireland Music Touring programme helps us achieve that.”

Dates and locations:

Thursday 2^nd Feb: Newcastle Community Cinema

Friday 3^rd February: 101 Donegall Street, Belfast

Saturday 4^th February: Portrush Town Hall

Sunday 5^th February: Marine Court Hotel, Bangor

For tickets and further information, go to: www.openhousefestival.com

The Open House tour is supported by The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The city and district is preparing for its most ‘Out of this World’ Halloween festivities and a rush of revellers all eager to join the big party celebrating thirty years of the most weird and wonderful Halloweens that has the city holding the acclaimed title of ‘best Halloween Destination in the World’.

The public are warned to be prepared for the arrival of some unique visitors to the city this year as aliens have confirmed they’ll be arriving in the city to join the truly ‘Out of this World’ celebrations! Residents and visitors have been advised by Derry City and Strabane District Council to not be alarmed with the sound of a World War II siren across to city on Halloween night as this is to prepare earth residents for their arrival.

The brimming programme of events and activities for all ages is sure to make this the best year yet! The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, was speaking ahead of the City of Bones Hallowe’en festivities which kick off this week and reminded residents and visitors that there is lots on offer.

She said, ‘The world knows no one throws a Halloween party like us. We already have the title of ‘Best Halloween Destination in the World’ as voted by US Today’s readers, one which is not awarded too easily.

‘For thirty years now, people from all over the world have visited our city and celebrated with us in our unique Halloween celebrations, making memories and great friends during their visit. To celebrate this, we’ve some really exciting events and activities for families, groups, individuals – in fact everyone, including our alien visitors!

The ‘Out of This World’ programme will include everything from the street walkabout creatures Saurus to Spark! the energetic street performers who will bring high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs to the city centre during the festivities.

‘Do not forget to unleash your inner superhero in aid of my chosen charities for Mayor’s ‘Superhero Week’ which began on Monday October 24^th running through to Monday October 31^st when I’m urging local people to dress as your favourite super human idol in return for a donation to charity.

‘With huge crowds expected in and around the city centre on Monday evening for the biggest Halloween parade and fireworks display in Europe. I would like to make everyone aware of Council’s online advice for ensuring you all have a very enjoyable and safe evening, this can be found at the website at www.derrystrabane.com/halloween.’

The programme also includes street animation, storytelling, tours and trails, a city centre Harvest Market, the Castlederg Apple Fair and lots of spooky goings on, especially as we’ll see the Awakening of the Walls where the City Walls come to life with music, animation and light, creating a realm of fantasy fire and flame from Friday 28^th to Sunday 30^th October from 6.00-8.00pm.

Other events to note is a spooky gothic organ recital at the Guildhall on Sunday 30^th October, haunted tours at the Tower Museum, the Weird and Wonderful Witches Tales at the Guildhall, a Spooky Halloween panto at Strabane’s Alley Theatre, Monstrous Halloween workshops, storytelling at Strabane Community Library and family entertainment at the Craft Village.

On Halloween night, Monday 31^st October, both Derry and Strabane will host an evening of fun and entertainment when the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade will make its way along Derry’s Queen’s Quay from 7.00pm. This will be followed by a fabulous Fireworks Finale at 8.00pm. While in Strabane, the Upper Main Street car park will be transformed into a family friendly fun area from 7.00-8.30pm with a fireworks display over the River Mourne at 8.00pm.

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Council’s Festival and Events Manager commented ahead of the events, ‘Preparations are well underway and we are delighted to have up to 600 carnival participants taking part in workshops and rehearsals for the main Carnival Parade.

‘Other highlights happening in and around the Council area over the Halloween holidays include the Halloween Fun Fair at Ebrington and a horror movie week at the Nerve Centre, as well as treasure hunts and spooky bat and ghost tours at Creggan Country Park. Riverwatch Aquarium will play host to a series of fantastic ghoulish events including a Shark Night and a Barn Owl Prowl. Gray’s Printing Press in Strabane will be hosting a day of Bewitching Tales. They’ll also be Trick or Treat tours from the Alley Theatre and a Halloween Pool Disco at Riversdale Leisure Centre.

The public are advised to expect some disruptions to travel in and around the city centre and Strabane Town Centre ahead of this year’s Derry~Strabane Halloween celebrations on Monday 31^st October. Updates on travel arrangements will be made available via local radio stations such as Radio Foyle and Q102 throughout the day and on Council’s social media and websites. Halloween carnival care information is available at http://www.derrystrabane.com/care

To find out more on all the events taking place in the Derry and Strabane over the Halloween spell check out the full programme at www.derrystrabane.com/halloween or visit the Facebook page halloweenderrystrabane. The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and supported by Tourism NI.

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.

• Sleep Under The Stars, Finn Lough, Co. Fermanagh, from £195. Finn Lough offers the ideal setting from which to explore the glorious Fermanagh landscape.  For those who are keen to stay put and relax within the resort there is plenty on offer within the 75-acre peninsula resort such as kayaking and mountain bike trails. The forest Domes at Finn Lough give guests a once in a lifetime experience, sleeping in a luxurious four poster bed under a canopy of leaves and stars in the heart of the stunning Fermanagh Lakelands. Each Dome has private access, four poster bed, ensuite bathroom and sitting room. Valid until November.
  Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 28 68 380360
• Explore With Your Body, Mind & Tastebuds, Corick House, Co. Tyrone, from £180pps. Nestled in the heart of Clogher Valley where style and elegance meets country hospitality, Corick House Hotel & Spa is in an ideal location to explore Tyrone. Enjoy two nights of luxury in a deluxe room with Prosecco and luxury chocolates and full Irish breakfast on both mornings. Package also includes use of Thermal Suite, with luxurious hydro-pool, steam room, sauna, experience shower and thermal lounger. Relax with a 55-minute treatment of your choice before heading back up to the main hotel where you will enjoy a 4 course evening meal in the award-winning Carleton Restaurant on one evening of your choice. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 85 548216

• Walled City Experience, White Horse Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £148pps. Enjoy a fabulous two-night break in the White Horse Hotel in Derry-Londonderry including breakfast and dinners prepared by an award-winning chef. Arrive and relax with a spa treatment or personal fitness session and enjoy the hotel’s leisure facilities. Linger over dinner served with a local liqueur Irish Coffee. The next day explore the nearby Walled City with a guided walking tour and spend your £25 shopping voucher on a souvenir. Departing the next day with a gift of homemade ‘The Quiet Man’ Whiskey truffles – heavenly! Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 71 860606

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 (October 31 – November 6).

• BanterFlix’s Halloween Movie Night: The Fog, Belfast Barge, Belfast, October 31. Step on board if you dare! BanterFlix have teamed up with the Props Lab at T13 to put on a very special screening of John Carpenter’s cult classic The Fog on board the Belfast Barge for Halloween. The venue will be suitably decked out for the evening and the screening will be preceded by a locally produced feature Photobomb, by life-long John Carpenter fan, Jim McMorrow. For more information: 028 (90) 232555.

• Body, Mind, Soul – Holistic Festival, Guildhall, Derry~Londonderry, November 5 – 6. Don’t miss Northern Irelands largest Health, Wellbeing & Natural Therapies event being held at the majestic Guildhall, in the heart of Derry/Londonderry on the 4th & 5th of Nov. Speak to exhibitors, attend free inspirational seminars and workshops, enjoy stage performances and purchase a wide range of products such as jewellery, organic cosmetics, music, books and more!

• The Inaugural John O’Connor Writing School, Various locations, Co. Armagh, November 3 – 6. This new Writing School taught programme offers individuals the opportunity to specialise in a genre of their choice from poetry, creative fiction, stage/screen, song, nonfiction and media (journalism, commercial and business, advertising, blogging). With renowned literary names such as Marie Jones, Martin Lynch and Stuart Neville, this is an event that no budding writer will want to miss.

• Hallowe’en Party at the Plaza, Oasis Plaza, Co. Tyrone, October 31. The ‘Hallowe’en Party on the Plaza’ event will feature a programme of fang-tastic entertainment featuring spooktacular street entertainers, fire jugglers and creepy characters. You can also experience the mystifying spinning Hallowe’en Vortex as well as a spectacular pyrotechnics display at the Oasis Plaza from 6pm.

• A Taste of Hallowe’en at the Castle, Enniskillen Castle, Co. Fermanagh, October 31. To celebrate the Year of Food & Drink Enniskillen Castle Museum will have a Halllowe’en themed afternoon of food, storytelling and crafts for children. Young witches, wizards and ghouls will have a chance to taste some pumpkin soup, make a 3D Bat (or Dracula) and listen to a few not so spooky tales. Booking essential.  To book call (028) 66 325000.

• The 4 of Us, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Derry~Londonderry, November 5. The 4 of Us present their critically acclaimed acoustic show, showcasing songs from their brand new album Sugar island, due for release this Autumn, as well as songs from their extensive back catalogue at an intimate gig in the Roe Valley. The event is a candlelit, cabaret evening with a ‘Bring Your Own’ theme.

• Hallowe’en Drive-In Movie Night, Millbrooke Lodge Hotel, Co. Down, November 1. Showing not one but two Hallowe’en movies, the Millbrook Lodge Hotel invites you to a movie marathon. First up is ‘Hocus Pocus’ for the younger audience followed by ‘The Conjuring’.  Hot and cold drinks and fast food available on site. For more information: 028 (97) 562828.

• Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until November 5. The classic tale of Holly Golightly written by Truman Capote and so memorably portrayed by Audrey Hepburn is brought to life as a stag play with music in a sparkling, sophisticated production.  With memorable songs from the era, this stylish production is set to capture the hearts of audiences and sparkle like a diamond in a Tiffany’s window.

• Witches Walk at The Dark Hedges, Gracehill Golf Club, Co. Antrim, until October 31. Dress up in your scariest Halloween costume and join a mystical evening of fun. With magic from beginning to end and lots of fun and scares, journey along the terrifying trails in and around the Dark Hedges Estate to find the lost ingredients, and help make the ‘Grey Lady’s’ Cauldron Bubble. Free popcorn and goody bags for everyone! Suitable for ages 12+.

• Step by Step Drawing, Ranfurly House Arts and Visitor Centre, Co. Tyrone, November 5. Do your kids love to draw?  Open to children aged 4 – 6 years of age, children will learn how to paint still life fruit, step by step, and learn about some famous painters and their techniques. Tickets £10 each and the class runs 10:30am – 12:00pm.
  
  

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.

The Courtyard Theatre is delighted to host The Newtownabbey Drama Festival which runs from Thursday 3 – Saturday 5 November. The event will feature the best of amateur dramatic groups from across Northern Ireland.

The festival sees a variety of amateur dramatic groups including The Clarence Players, Bangor Drama Club, Bart Players and Hollywood Players, present a number of one-act plays over three nights. Each play is exclusive, engaging and of course very entertaining, offering something different for audiences to enjoy.

Expect to see the very best of amateur theatre this autumn. For tickets and a full synopsis of each play visit our website www.thecourtyardtheatre.com or call our box office team on 028 9034 0202.

Tickets: £8 & £7(concession)

Time: 7:30pm

The city and district is preparing for its most ‘Out of this World’ Halloween festivities and a rush of revellers all eager to join the big party celebrating thirty years of the most weird and wonderful Halloweens that has the city holding the acclaimed title of ‘best Halloween Destination in the World’.

The public are warned to be prepared for the arrival of some unique visitors to the city this year as aliens have confirmed they’ll be arriving in the city to join the truly ‘Out of this World’ celebrations! Residents and visitors have been advised by Derry City and Strabane District Council to not be alarmed with the sound of a World War II siren across to city on Halloween night as this is to prepare earth residents for their arrival.

The brimming programme of events and activities for all ages is sure to make this the best year yet! The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Hilary McClintock, was speaking ahead of the City of Bones Hallowe’en festivities which kick off this week and reminded residents and visitors that there is lots on offer.

She said, ‘The world knows no one throws a Halloween party like us. We already have the title of ‘Best Halloween Destination in the World’ as voted by US Today’s readers, one which is not awarded too easily.

‘For thirty years now, people from all over the world have visited our city and celebrated with us in our unique Halloween celebrations, making memories and great friends during their visit. To celebrate this, we’ve some really exciting events and activities for families, groups, individuals – in fact everyone, including our alien visitors!

The ‘Out of This World’ programme will include everything from the street walkabout creatures Saurus to Spark! the energetic street performers who will bring high impact drumming, dynamic choreography and beautiful lighting designs to the city centre during the festivities.

‘Do not forget to unleash your inner superhero in aid of my chosen charities for Mayor’s ‘Superhero Week’ which began on Monday October 24^th running through to Monday October 31^st when I’m urging local people to dress as your favourite super human idol in return for a donation to charity.

‘With huge crowds expected in and around the city centre on Monday evening for the biggest Halloween parade and fireworks display in Europe. I would like to make everyone aware of Council’s online advice for ensuring you all have a very enjoyable and safe evening, this can be found at the website at www.derrystrabane.com/halloween.’

The programme also includes street animation, storytelling, tours and trails, a city centre Harvest Market, the Castlederg Apple Fair and lots of spooky goings on, especially as we’ll see the Awakening of the Walls where the City Walls come to life with music, animation and light, creating a realm of fantasy fire and flame from Friday 28^th to Sunday 30^th October from 6.00-8.00pm.

Other events to note is a spooky gothic organ recital at the Guildhall on Sunday 30^th October, haunted tours at the Tower Museum, the Weird and Wonderful Witches Tales at the Guildhall, a Spooky Halloween panto at Strabane’s Alley Theatre, Monstrous Halloween workshops, storytelling at Strabane Community Library and family entertainment at the Craft Village.

On Halloween night, Monday 31^st October, both Derry and Strabane will host an evening of fun and entertainment when the City of Bones Street Carnival Parade will make its way along Derry’s Queen’s Quay from 7.00pm. This will be followed by a fabulous Fireworks Finale at 8.00pm. While in Strabane, the Upper Main Street car park will be transformed into a family friendly fun area from 7.00-8.30pm with a fireworks display over the River Mourne at 8.00pm.

Jacqueline Whoriskey, Council’s Festival and Events Manager commented ahead of the events, ‘Preparations are well underway and we are delighted to have up to 600 carnival participants taking part in workshops and rehearsals for the main Carnival Parade.

‘Other highlights happening in and around the Council area over the Halloween holidays include the Halloween Fun Fair at Ebrington and a horror movie week at the Nerve Centre, as well as treasure hunts and spooky bat and ghost tours at Creggan Country Park. Riverwatch Aquarium will play host to a series of fantastic ghoulish events including a Shark Night and a Barn Owl Prowl. Gray’s Printing Press in Strabane will be hosting a day of Bewitching Tales. They’ll also be Trick or Treat tours from the Alley Theatre and a Halloween Pool Disco at Riversdale Leisure Centre.

The public are advised to expect some disruptions to travel in and around the city centre and Strabane Town Centre ahead of this year’s Derry~Strabane Halloween celebrations on Monday 31^st October. Updates on travel arrangements will be made available via local radio stations such as Radio Foyle and Q102 throughout the day and on Council’s social media and websites. Halloween carnival care information is available at http://www.derrystrabane.com/care

To find out more on all the events taking place in the Derry and Strabane over the Halloween spell check out the full programme at www.derrystrabane.com/halloween or visit the Facebook page halloweenderrystrabane. The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council and supported by Tourism NI.

HALLOWEEN is just around the corner and to celebrate the spookiest time of year, Tourism Northern Ireland is encouraging everyone to enjoy a bewitching time and discover all the frightful events and ghostly places available to visit all over Northern Ireland.

Whether you are planning a short break or dress-up days away with your little wizards and witches there are lots of great events to choose from including fireworks displays, spooky tours and haunted houses.

Rachel Quigg, Destination & PR Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland explains why everyone can enjoy spine-tinglingly good fun in every county this Halloween:
“Halloween is the perfect time of year to dress up and explore all the wickedly wonderful events happening in Northern Ireland this October with friends and family.

“We’ve put together a terrifyingly good list of just some of the events and would encourage everyone to check out what’s happening in their local areas for some guaranteed fun,” added Rachel.

To help get you started, Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of spooky events to make sure you get into the Halloween spirit:

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

BELFAST

Monster Manor is back in W5 until November 6, and it’s even spookier than last year! The singing pumpkins, dancing skeletons, floating ghosts, witches and monsters have been joined by some new phantom friends this year, and W5 have uncovered some new rooms in the mansion where new scares await. It may be really spooky and a little bit eerie, but Monster Manor is a whole lot of fun.

CO.ANTRIM

Ghost in the Glens Storytelling Festival takes place from October 27-30 in Cushendall and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Glens of Antrim. Over the weekend renowned storytellers will tell tales of ghosts and witches to send shivers up the spines of listeners of all ages.
The festival, which takes place in local pubs and restaurants, will also have non-scary storytelling for the little ones in Cushendall Library.

This Halloween season, the Giant’s Causeway will be exploring how other cultures remember loved ones who have passed with its Mexican Day of the Dead. The event will feature a host of activities that the whole family can enjoy, while the café will be serving tasty treats with a Mexican twist, whilst live Latin music will be played in the Visitor Centre. Mexican Day of the Dead will take place on October 29-30 and is no extra cost.

CO. ARMAGH

Enjoy some spook-tacular family fun at Little Spooks at the Navan Centre, Armagh, from October 28-31. Are you brave enough to pass through the Bone Taker’s garden and see their Palace of Bones?  Test your Halloween knowledge and follow the Spooky Riddle Trail if you dare. With prizes in every show, don’t forget to come in your best fancy dress.

CO.DOWN

Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch is hosting a Halloween Drive-In Movie Night, with two scary movies being shown in the hotel’s rear car park on November 1. Enjoy American fantasy comedy Hocus Pocus starring Bette Midler as the leader of the villianous Sanderson Sisters, followed by classic supernatural horror The Conjuring. Hot and cold drinks are available, as well as fast food and ice cream.

CO.FERMANAGH

Halloween Howler at Share Discovery Village is a spookily spectacular family-friendly Halloween event which will be packed with hair-raising activities. On October 31 try out the Halloween games, fireworks, fancy dress and spooky walks through the haunted forest.

CO. DERRY~LONDONDERRY

Recently voted Best Halloween Destination in the World by USA today, Derry~Londonderry is a destination not to be missed for Halloween enthusiasts as the Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival returns for its 30^th anniversary from October 28-31. The crazy costumes that pass through the City at this time of the year are not for the faint-hearted, and the explosive fireworks finale on Halloween night is considered a highlight among both locals and visitors at this time of year.

CO.TYRONE

At the Oasis Plaza in Omagh, the Halloween Party on the Plaza event on October 31 will feature a programme of fang-tastic entertainment featuring spooktacular street performers, fire jugglers and creepy characters. A Halloween fancy dress party will feature spot prizes awarded for fancy dress in different categories throughout the evening, and a spectacular pyrotechnics display will be launched from Strule Arts Centre rooftop at 7.30pm.

SPOOKY PLACES TO VISIT

Found on the North Antrim coastline, along the world famous Causeway Coastal Route, the 4 star Ballygally Castle Hotel is known as one of the most famous haunted hotels in Northern Ireland. The ghost of Lady Isobella Shaw has haunted the hotel for 400 years and is said to wander the corridors late at night wearing a silk dress. The hotel is proud of its resident ghost and has even named a room after her in the older part of the castle, where guests can request to stay if they are feeling brave enough.

Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom Estate is one of Ireland’s most important and stunning nature reserves and home to its own Ghostly Walking Trail. The trail takes you places around the Lough where many ghostly sightings have been recorded over the years.

The Walled City of Derry~Londonderry has many scary stories to tell, but perhaps none are better than that of the Tower Museum. The museum houses the second oldest coach in Ireland and is said to be frequently visited by the ghost of Mary Anne Knox, who was shot by her lover MacNaughton. A photograph depicting Mary inside the coach is on display in the museum.

Belfast’s iconic City Hall found in the heart of the city centre is reported to be haunted by various individuals who unfortunately died during the building’s construction. Apparently, if you are in the building late at night a chilling presence can be felt around the building.

Tollymore Forest Part in County Down is believed to be haunted by a wistful figure known as The Blue Lady, who formerly resided in the seat of the Roden family in Tollymore House. She is believed to wander restlessly through the trees, and has been seen on many a dark night walking the tree-lined avenues.

For more information on walking in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

Friday 28 October – Thursday 3 November

Friday 28 October, Green and Blue

Ards Arts Centre

8pm

Presented by Kabosh Theatre, Green & Blue is a new play by Laurence McKeown exploring the painful and humorous realities faced by individuals who patrolled the border during the height of the conflict.

£10 and £8 (Groups of 10 at £4 per person)

Info: Tickets can be purchased at the venue, online at ardsarts.com or on (028) 9181 0803

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 games, artisan food stalls, characters of Grey Abbeys past and performances by SERC. 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

Saturday 29 October, The Haunted Hub

Project 24, Bangor

1pm – 5pm

Don’t be scared….come along and brave The Haunted Hub, with eerie sounds, freaky fun, bubbling brews and so much more.

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Saturday 29 October – Monday 31 October, Spooky Sea Serpents & Scarium Secrets

Exploris Aquarium, Portaferry

Follow a journey from Viking shores to tropical beaches and get carried away to the pirates cave to see the treasures in store for all the children.

Normal admission applies

Info: explorisni.com, (028) 9074 1500

Sunday 30 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Groomsport

1pm – 4pm

Creepy creatures, crafts and traditional music

FREE

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9127 0069

Monday 31 October, Halloween Arts Scheme

Ards Arts Centre

10am-3pm

Facilitated by leading professionals this full-day creative workshop will include Halloween arts and crafts, Jumping Clay and Halloween-themed drama games. Lots of fun!

£15, suitable for 6-12 years

Info: ardsarts.com, (028) 9181 0803

Friday 4 – Thursday 10 November

Saturday 5 November, Best of the Borough

Queen’s Hall, West Street

7pm. An evening of music, song and dance supporting the Mayor’s Charities. Tickets £10.

Info and booking: Bangor Town Hall, North Down Museum in Bangor or Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards. Tickets can be reserved Tel. 028 9127 8067

Saturday 5 November, Hot Club of Cowtown

The Chamber, Bangor Town Hall

Starts 8pm. Hot Club of Cowtown come to The Chamber as part of an Irish tour, presented by Moving on Music.

Tickets £12.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 91 271200

Thursday 10 November, Historical Society Talk: The Covenanters

North Down Museum, Bangor

Starts 8pm. Free to members, £4 for non-members.

Info: northdownmuseum.com, (028) 91 271200

Exhibitions

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: 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: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846

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

Exhibition: Meet the Maker: ‘Handmade Christmas’
Saturday 5 – Saturday 26 November (excluding Sundays)
The Space Gallery, Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards
Don’t miss this wonderful exhibition of seasonal handcrafted decorations for Christmas.

Info: visitardsandnorthdown.com, (028) 9182 6846