– The award-winning festive event is a celebration of Armagh’s Georgian heritage –

Armagh’s annual Georgian Festival will kickstart Northern Ireland’s festive season, marking the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Returning for its 20th year this November, the award-winning event will run from November 28 to December 1, launching the Cathedral City’s Christmas celebrations. The city is set to bring its Georgian past to life through buildings, characters, customs and a jam-packed programme of events that will appeal to history buffs, curious families, culture vultures and foodies. Many of the events are free to attend, and so the destination is preparing to welcome thousands to the city across the four days.

Festival goers can choose from a range of guided tours, each offering a unique glimpse into Armagh’s rich history. From the scenic Palace Demesne Tour and exclusive Archbishops Palace tours to the informative Guided Georgian Walking Tour, there’s something for everyone. Food lovers can indulge in a sparkling three-course feast in the glorious surroundings of the Archbishop’s Palace at the Highwayman’s Banquet as they listen to tales and tunes dedicated to stories of the Notorious Highwaymen & Rapparees, creating a dining experience that seamlessly blends history, storytelling, and fine cuisine.

There’s also the chance to get a taste for the pitiless Georgian legal system as a member of the jury at Armagh Courthouse in a mock-trial – a spectacle of rough justice. Throughout the city, festivalgoers will encounter iconic Georgian figures—noble gentry, street urchins, and gin-soaked ladies—as they wander and explore. On The Mall, families can enjoy an array of festive activities, including traditional funfair rides like the Carousel and Swing Boats, along with classic games such as Hoopla, Hook a Duck, and Coconut Shy. Santa’s reindeer will even make an appearance, and as night falls, fire performers will light up the evening for all to enjoy.

Topping off the programme is the acclaimed Light Show. It will run Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November and is a dramatic Holly Jolly Christmas animation that will transform the Market House into a shimmering canvas for images, special effects, and other surprises. (Tickets essential)

Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Cllr Kyle Savage, said, “Our Georgian Festival is an established cornerstone of Armagh’s cultural calendar – it’s recognised far and wide for its impressive selection of activities, and the unforgettable energy and atmosphere it brings to the city. Through the combined efforts of the local Council team, and our artists, performers, retailers and artisans, we’ve been able to build an event that brings the local community together, whilst also welcoming visitors to experience the rich heritage and history of Armagh City and its surrounding areas.”

The Georgian Festival originally launched in 2004 as a one-day market, thanks to the efforts of a team of remarkable local retailers. Since then, it has transformed into the four-day celebration known to most today and has soared in popularity with people from Ireland and the UK, as well as international visitors, as a result. The artisan market element of the festival has now grown to include more than 130 festive market stalls selling high-quality crafts, gifts, food and seasonal products, making it one of the largest on the island. Set to take place on Georgian Day, Saturday November 30, the Georgian market stalls will take place as the clip clop of horses and the aroma of roasting chestnuts and mulled spices fills the street.

Roberta Wright of Wrights Interiors on Scotch Street in the city was part of a team of retailers who were responsible for establishing Georgian Day in its early days.  It was created as an opportunity to showcase Armagh, to highlight the wealth of independent retailers in the city and add some Christmas sparkle for visitors. She said, “It’s incredible how far the festival has come since we first launched in 2004. Armagh has such a unique history, a fascinating story to tell, and a community of people who are passionate about the heritage of this place, and our Georgian Festival gives us the perfect platform to showcase everything that makes Armagh the wonderful place it is. Excitement is already building for our 2024 celebration, and I would highly recommend visitors pop by the wide range of independent stores in the city to do some Christmas shopping as they make their way around the exciting activities taking place across the city.”

The team behind the festival are continuing to embrace sustainability as Gill Robb, Events Manager at Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, explains. She said, “Our famous, must-see light show, running on the evenings of Friday November 29 and Saturday November 30, will switch to a more sustainable power source this year, whilst park and ride facilities will also be available on Saturday. We’ve also tried to limit as many single use plastics as possible with stallholders switching to compostable plates, glasses and cutlery, and abiding by our complete ban on plastic bags.”

For more information and to book tickets for special events head to visitarmagh.com.

Families can enjoy a spook-tacular array of activities in Belfast city centre this half term as the Halloween break approaches.

Children can get their wiggles out at the Wiggle Room – a free attraction for families, at the MAC Belfast, as part of Belfast City Council’s Belfast 2024 creative celebration.

Developed by Boom Clap Play, together with Playboard NI, Big Motive and local kids, it’s a digital ball pit that comes to life with colourful animations, characters and sounds to keep little people moving and big people happy.

Open 11am-5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays until 29 November.

The Augmented Reality experience at City Hall’s visitor attraction also offers a free rainy day activity. Call in to discover the city’s hidden rivers and secret passageways at this immersive attraction – a unique collaboration with BT, again presented for the Belfast 2024 programme.

Kids can play interactive street games from yesteryear, take a peek at the city of the future and send a postcard packed with famous Belfast landmarks.

Open 9.30am-5pm Mondays to Fridays and 10am-5pm on weekends. Last entry is 4pm.

As part of their Halloween takeover – supported by Belfast City Council – the Belfast One pumpkin patch will be back in the grounds of City Hall on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October.

Over 1,000 pumpkins will be ripe for picking at the now sold-out event, and friendly scarecrows and magical witches will be on hand to help families choose their favourite, alongside autumnal activities for all ages.

Look out too for colourful inflatable monsters popping up across the city centre from Sunday 25 October to Friday 1 November, including at Victoria Square and CastleCourt where there is plenty of seasonal fun planned.

Follow the special monster map to find all seven spooky spots, including devilish decorations along Donegall Place.

2 Royal Avenue hosts fang-tastic activities on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October, 11am-5pm. Join in with no-carve pumpkin decorating, mini monster art workshops, face painting, a creature corner and spooky walkabout characters.

Fancy dress is encouraged and entry is free.

Over at St George’s Market, shoppers and visitors can take part in creepy craft workshops this weekend (11am-2pm), alongside the market’s usual live music line-up.

Or, if your little monsters prefer sport to spooks, check out the range of free try-it events available at council leisure and community centres this half-term.

From Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 October, kids can sign up to give sports like futsal, gymnastics, basketball, martial arts and dodgeball a go – all for free.

For dates, times and locations, visit belfastcity.gov.uk/events

Belfast Zoo also hosts Boo at the Zoo on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 October with lots of extra activities available for families, including spooky animal talks, eerie sensory play and a ghost story trail.

Book tickets at belfastzoo.co.uk

Halloween is fast approaching, and Coleraine town centre is gearing up for a fantastic week of family fun—all organised by the members of Coleraine BID, and the best part? It’s completely free to enjoy, daily from 1-3pm!

Starting on Friday, 25th October, visitors can look forward to seeing Beetlejuice wandering the streets from 1-3pm, with a return appearance on Monday, 28th October. On Saturday, 26th October, Wednesday Addams & Uncle Fester will be making their spooky rounds from 1-3pm. On Tuesday, 29th October, Jack Skellington & Sally will join the fun from 2-3pm, while Huggy Wuggy & Kissy Missy will be out spreading thrills on Thursday, 31st October from 1pm.

The much-loved Pumpkin Patch on Bridge Street and the eerie Little Shop of Horrors in the Diamond Arcade will be open from Friday, 25th October through to Thursday, 31st October, 1-3pm daily (except for Sunday, 27th October). Families can pick pumpkins for free and create lasting memories at the Pumpkin Patch, while thrill-seekers can visit Coleraine’s haunted highwayman, Cushy Glenn, or face Judge Bloody Hutchinson in the Little Shop of Horrors.

Visitors will also have the chance to capture epic photos with a smoke-breathing Hungarian Horntail Dragon, fresh from the Triwizard Tournament.

On Wednesday, 30th October, Coleraine BID will host its annual Fancy Dress Competition and BIG stage show around the Town Hall from 12:30pm, presented by Brian Moore. Brian will also bring his music to the event, ensuring a lively and entertaining atmosphere. The day’s festivities will continue with a Children’s Spooky Disco from 1-2:30pm, followed by sing-along performances from the Saunderson Sisters, offering a full day of family fun and prizes.

This Halloween Spooktacular, organised by Coleraine BID, promises a week of myth, legend, and spooky entertainment. Families can enjoy ghoulish daytime activities, visit local cafes, or indulge in some retail therapy—perfect themed days out for everyone!

To stay updated on all the Halloween fun, pictures, and more events, make sure to check out Coleraine BID on Facebook.

The Downpatrick & County Down Railway’s first trains to operate since the devastating floods of November 2023 are selling out fast, with fans of the local heritage railway eager to return to the tracks.

Following the successful relaunch of the DCDR’s flagship Halloween event as an immersive on-board theatre performance last year, the “Phantom Flyer” returns to the tracks once more.

As the time to board draws near, there’s something strange a-coming at the railway this Halloween. An ill wind is brewing, and it’s getting spookier by the day. As Halloween approaches, whispers of ghostly happenings and strange encounters are spreading through Downpatrick, like a deathly cold breeze on a chilly night, making the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

Railway Chairman Robert Gardiner explained, “Since the vanquishing of Count Magnus twelve months ago, the railway has been as quiet as the grave. But all of that is about to change. The veil between worlds will be torn apart as ancient spirits set their sights on Downpatrick once again. Malevolent monsters, zombies, spooks, and apparitions will walk the tracks and carriages.”

He adds, “This year, a team of seasoned local ghost hunters has uncovered a horrifying truth – ancient spirits have stirred within the heart of Downpatrick, endeavouring to breach the divide between realms and our world. To bolster its sinister forces, they’ve conjured a legion of malevolent monsters and apparitions, including a malevolent witch and a zombie railway worker.

“But don’t worry,” he says reassuringly, “we’re not scared! We know just who to call – legendary ghost and vampire hunting expert Van Helsing, but he can’t do it alone.”

Mr Gardiner appeals to all ghostbusters, “Can you join us to take back our railway from these ghostly fiends? Hop on the Phantom Flyer, our special Halloween Scream Train, if you’re a brave spook hunter, and help our guardian chase away this ancient mischief from our tracks. But be careful; the line between being a hero and becoming a ghost’s snack is very thin! Don your darkest Halloween outfits to fit in with your mysterious fellow passengers, and together, we shall face the darkness that lurks in Downpatrick’s historic railway.”

The Phantom Flyer is pulling out of the station this coming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, 26th and 27th October. Adult and child tickets cost £13.50, while a Family Saver ticket (2 adults + 2 kids) is £50.00.

To book, log on to the DCDR’s website at www.downrail.co.uk/halloween

 

Here are ten exciting things to do 21 – 27 October

 

1. Fultons Pumpkin Patch, Strabane, County Tyrone, 12 – 30 October. With over 22 types of pumpkins, come along, grab a wheelbarrow and roam through their colorful pumpkin patch. They also have additional attractions, including indoor spook tunnel – enter if you dare, indoor animal corner and witch house.
2. Halloween at Glenpark Estate, Omagh, County Tyrone, 19 – 31 October. Walk the estate and enjoy new fun and frights, fresh for 2024. With so much on offer from spooky karaoke, marshmallow toasting, scary stories and a tractor ride to facepainting, arts and crafts and an obstacle course including their mega hay slide, they have all you need for a fun family-friendly day out.
3. Todds Leap: Get Out! (Part V) Descent into Distortion, Ballygawley, County Tyrone, 25 – 30 October. From the bone-chilling twists of their haunted maze to the adrenaline-pumping off-road ghost ride, they are serving up a unique blend of frightful fun for the brave-hearted. Gather your mates, muster your courage, and embark on an adventure that will haunt your memories.
4. Little Spooks at Navan Centre and Fort, Armagh, County Armagh, 26 – 31 October. Navan Centre and Fort is set to be the spookiest place in town for all ghosts, goblins, witches and wizards. With bewitching stage performances, a mysterious trail and themed games, Little Spooks is the perfect way to celebrate Halloween.
5. Halloween at Hillsborough, Royal Hillsborough, County Down, 26 October – 3 November. Let the kids run free in 100 acres of spectacular gardens, beautifully decorated for the Halloween season. Get closer to nature with special family workshops, navigate the twisty maze, go on a storytelling walk, and hunt for scarecrows designed by talented artists and local communities.
6. Halloween at Montalto Estate, Ballynahinch, County Down, 12 – 28 October. Montalto Estate has been overtaken by dark forces, transforming the landscape with eerie sounds and sights, creating an unforgettable experience for all who dare to explore. If you’ve had the courage to navigate the spooky Halloween Adventure Walk, your experience will end in their haunted Pumpkin Patch. The Halloween experience is suitable for kids and families of all ages.
7. Monsters & Magic, A Halloween Family Adventure at Marble Arch Caves, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 26 – 31 October. Come along for an enchanting outdoor Halloween adventure where monsters meet magic. Wander through the enchanted woodland on an interactive guided quest, encounter magical creatures and uncover hidden treasures. Prepare for thrills and chills in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
8. Fright Night at the Jungle NI, Moneymore, County Londonderry, 17 – 31 October. Whether you’re a seasoned Fright Night survivor or a fearless newcomer, prepare yourself for an experience that will haunt your dreams. This year, they’re pushing the boundaries of fear with an all-new Woodland Trail, six spine-chilling scare attractions, and a twisted ensemble of Street Theatre characters.  Fright Night is divided into different terrifying experiences, so you can customise your night of horror.
9. Carrick-a-Rede Halloween Fun Fest, Ballintoy, County Antrim, 26 – 27 October. At Carrick-a-Rede, visitors with a fear of heights are often scared, but the team are taking frights to a whole new level at their Halloween Fun Fest. Up for a challenge? Get into the Halloween spirit by getting creative and making your own mysterious Halloween mask to take home. Cross the rope bridge zombie-style for a chance to win a prize or solve the riddles and decipher clues on an Interactive Horror Trail.
10. The Halloween Experience at Glenarm Castle and Garden, Glenarm, County Antrim, 25 – 27 October. Come join the fun at Glenarm Castle over the Halloween holidays for a bewitching concoction of activities. See the castle grounds transform into a school of magic and mystery where your little ones can learn how to make their own wands and receive special wand training, while helping the resident Potions Master create the most preposterous potions.

 

For more information on what’s on, or to plan your next giant adventure in Northern Ireland, visit discovernorthernireland.com. Keep a look out for additional dates of the above events throughout the year.

Having worked at the forefront of the industry for several decades, creating a business centred on music creation was a natural progression for County Antrim’s Simon Mills.

Hailing originally from Nottingham, England, Simon moved to Northern Ireland fifteen years ago in 2009 amidst a successful career as one half of electronica group Bent, which the musician still pursues currently, where his role as a sound engineer has come into its own.

After a string of solo and group musical releases, the reality of royalty cuts and contractual percentage agreements left the 50 year old Economically Inactive. 

Speaking on why he undertook the Explore Enterprise Support Service, Simon said: “My income went quite low, because a lot of my royalties that I would get on Spotify ended up straight into the back pocket of Sony.

“I realised I was going to have to think of a different plan on top of just releasing new music, so I got in touch with the Ballymena Business Centre, and it kind of went from there, really.”

The Explore Enterprise Support Service was set up by Enterprise NI and the Prince’s Trust. The service aims to help people across Northern Ireland who are economically inactive to develop their entrepreneurial and employability skills through tailored mentoring and training. 

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

Paired with Ballymena Business Centre mentor Lawrence Greer, the business idea that had sparked within Simon’s self-professed unorganised brain began to have substance.

Explaining how the mentorship helped him and his subsequent business, Simon said: “It helped me just sit down and work out how I’m going to sell all this and pitch it, and then who am I pitching it to.

“It allowed me to have some kind of a plan, being able to make an overview and work out who my target customers were, and even things like pricing.”

Using his skills to finesse creative output from other musicians and bands, ranging from novices to those with record deals, Simon’s business offers mixing and mastering services to enhance this output to the level where it is good enough to be released commercially. 

Following his experience receiving support from Lawrence, Simon spotted an opportunity to offer his own form of mentoring in the shape of helping musicians through what can often be a minefield of available software.

The flexible structure provided by Explore Enterprise was a particularly beneficial aspect for the County Antrim resident in his entrepreneurial journey, reducing the formality often associated with such services and instead enabling time for development.

Simon said: “I didn’t feel like I was put into a rigid program. It’s organic and it fits everybody, because everybody’s got a different situation going on.

“For me, I didn’t have to change too much to get the wheels turning a little bit more, and Lawrence was great as well, because he was really detailed and focused.

“He was really good at finding my weak spots and sort of helping me there, which I still struggle with. 

“I’m terrible at financial organisation, but Explore Enterprise grabbed my brain and organised me a bit.”

Lawrence’s impact was a profound one for Simon, with the relaxed approach resonating well with the music whiz, enabling him to progress at his own pace without any external, or internal, pressure.

Identifying what his favourite part of Explore Enterprise was, Simon said: “I think the main highlight for me really was something as simple as just being able to sit down with someone. 

“Lawrence had this little office, which is like a shed within a shop, which was kind of quite crazy, you know, but it was just nice to go in there and just focus on something each week if there’s no specific thing that I think stood out.

“It’s just been so nice. And he’s been messaging me, actually, to keep up with me and see how things are going.”

As with many other people who involve themselves, Explore Enterprise was invaluable in taking an intangible idea into a profitable business for Simon.

He said: “I just think it’s worth doing. If you’ve got an idea and you’ve been mulling it over for a while, I think it’s a really good course to go and do because it helps you visualise the overall view of it.

“I think having all those different modules that you can experience, it’s a great thing to do  because everyone’s got a blind spot and it just helps inform you of whether your ideas are realistic or not.

“It’s been a really, really positive experience overall.”

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

Northern Ireland’s premier outlet destination, The Boulevard, is hosting a series of events this October for all the family to enjoy.

The Boulevard has a spooktacular weekend planned with lots of Halloween themed activities, beginning on 26th October 2024.

Pumpkin Patch – 26th – 31st October (1-3pm daily)
Wizz around with our wheelbarrows and pick up a pumpkin at our complimentary Pumpkin Patch, just outside Clarks.

Scavenger Hunt – 26th – 31st October
Collect your worksheet from Guest Services and find the Pumpkin clues. Return your completed sheet to Guest Services for a Trick or Treat.

Carnival Rides – 26th October – 3rd November
Big Wheel & traditional carousel.

Paint a Pumpkin Workshop – Saturday 26th – Wednesday 31st| 1-4pm
Paint a Pumpkin with the friendly scarecrow and take it home to decorate your home for Halloween.

S’Mores – Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th October
Enjoy complimentary S’mores (for the first 200 customers).

Fancy Dress Parade with Pixie Pinecone – Saturday 26th & Sunday 27th| 3pm
Fancy Dress Parade led by Pixie Pinecone with a competition. The Parade will begin at the Pumpkin Patch at Clarks and finish at Guest Services.

The Hallowqueen – Thursday 31st October | 1-4pm
Meet & Greet and take a spooky selfie with the Hallowqueen.

Join Ballymoney Museum on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30pm for a special free screening of ‘The Lion Game’, a fascinating documentary that relives the vibrant days of the Causeway Safari Park.

This captivating film offers a nostalgic journey into one of the region’s most cherished attractions, showcasing the wildlife, adventures, and memories that made the Safari Park a beloved destination for families and nature lovers alike.

Causeway Safari Park was located at Benvarden just outside Ballymoney and was developed in 1970 by Pat and Louise Stephenson. It was the first National Safari Park on the island of Ireland and its success saw the team welcome 6,000 people during its first 3 days of opening.

This is a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with cherished memories and share stories over some refreshments.

Bookings for the free screening can be made via an Eventbrite link available on our Causeway Coast and Glens Museum services Facebook page.

For more information on how to book your free place, email museums@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or phone 028 276 60230.