It is the biggest launch of the year- the spectacular Meet the Stars night for the 2016 Vauxhall International North West 200 and this year it will be on March 23 in the Titanic Suite of the Titanic Building, Belfast. Every road race fan will want to be there to meet the biggest names in the sport.

AND IT IS ALL ABSOLUTELY FREE!

Very soon race fans will have the chance to get free tickets to meet the top race stars of the event at a special chat show and social evening

An evening of fun and chat will include a special quiz featuring two teams of riders hosted by Clare McCollum and Stephen Watson.  Race fans also have the opportunity to meet their favourite riders for photographs and autographs. These will hopefully include the first rider to enter the 2016 races, Tyco BMW’s new signing, Ian Hutchinson. Already confirmed for the Meet the Stars night are Alastair Seeley, who will be going for a record breaking sixteenth victory on the 8.9 mile Triangle course, 2015 Macau Grand Prix champion, Peter Hickman and last year’s North West 200 Superstock race winner, Lee Johnston. Young guns Dean Harrison and Glenn Irwin will also be amongst the racers walking down the famous Titanic staircase on March 23.

A line-up of some of the top machinery competing in this year’s races will also be on display.

Fans will have an opportunity to meet and discuss the 2016 races with the racers, the North West 200 organisers, the BBC commentary team and all of the sponsors and partners of the event during the evening. Alongside the current stars, riders from North Wests of yesteryear will also be making special guest appearances.

Entry to the event is by ticket only and we will soon be giving away 1000 free tickets for this spectacular evening!

To find out how to get your tickets, please visit the official race website at http://www.northwest200.org/

Shakespeare’s magical comedy comes to Newtownabbey in a beautiful new family show from award winning Box Tale Soup.

★★★★“..Gorgeous. Where other adaptations for seven-plus audiences would patronise, Box Tale simply beguile” The Stage

Deep in the forest, fairies wait…

Following fantastic responses for their previous family show, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Box Tale Soup are back with a brand new performance to charm adults and children alike. This exciting version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream keeps the original language while making the story more accessible to younger audiences with the use of handmade puppets, original music and imaginative design.

Box Tale Soup’s version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, has been edited, running at 60 minutes and is recommended for children age 6yrs+.  Performers Noel and Antonia have appeared in shows such as Doctor Who, HBO’s Game of Thrones, BBC’s The Hour and CBBC’s Mission 2110, and are now very excited to turn their hand to Shakespeare.

Sat 6 Feb @ 2.30pm Tickets from £4  available from Box Office : 028 9034 0202.

THE first hotel in Northern Ireland to be granted 5-star status, the Culloden Estate & Spa, is celebrating 20 years this month since it was first awarded the highest rating a hotel can receive.

In addition to this, the Culloden was included by The Times in a recent list of the 20 Coolest Hotels in Ireland.

Formally known as Culloden House, the Culloden Estate & Spa was built in 1867 as an official Palace for the Bishops of Down before being sold during the 1920’s by the Church to the late Sir John Campbell. In April 1959 Culloden House was purchased for £10,000 by farmer Thomas Reid who was before being sold again in 1962 to Ruthledge White of White’s Home Bakery Limited and opened the following year as a hotel with 11 bedrooms.

The hotel was then purchased by Hastings Hotels in June 1967 for £100,000 and has been transformed in to one of the finest and most luxurious hotels in Ireland. Hastings Hotels has continued to invest in the property to ensure it remains the jewel in the local tourism industry and it now boasts 105 deluxe bedrooms – one third of which are suites, 11 luxurious self-catering apartments, a luxurious spa, the Highland Conference Centre which boasts five purpose built meeting rooms and two major function suites, the Stuart Suite and the Cumberland Suite, which is undergoing refurbishment in 2016.

The Culloden is also the first choice for many of the famous faces visiting Northern Ireland and has played host to politicians, pop stars and sporting heros including Michael Douglas, Dolly Parton, Bono, Tony Blair, John Major, David Beckham, Sir Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue, Shirley McClaine and Lionel Ritchie to name just a few.

Sir William Hastings, Chairman of Hastings Hotels said: “It is fantastic to celebrate 20 years since the Culloden Estate & Spa was the first hotel in Northern Ireland to be granted a 5-star status. When I first purchased the property in 1967, it was a hotel with 11 bedrooms and I am proud to have transformed it into what I believe is one of Ireland’s finest and most distinguished hotels.

“We have not rested on our laurels and have continued to invest in the property every year since we purchased it. In the last 20 years alone, since the Culloden gained its 5-star status, we have invested in excess of £20M to ensure we offer our guests a first class service every time. Not only have we invested in the property itself, but we continue to invest in our staff who ensure all our guests enjoy the 5-star treatment the hotel is well-known for,” Sir William continued.

“We are also big believers in supporting our local food producers and food provenance is of major importance to us. Where possible, we provide our guests with the very best of local produce which is reflected in the menus in our six hotels.

“Not only is the Culloden Estate the hotel of choice for well-known personalities when they are in town, but it has also established itself as a popular filming location thanks to Northern Ireland’s growing screen tourism. Recent productions filmed at the Culloden include The Journey with James Nesbitt, a Christmas Star featuring Kylie Minogue and China’s version of Next Top Model,” Sir William added.

“What’s more, I am thrilled at the news that the Culloden was recently included by The Times, one of the UK’s largest daily newspapers, in a list of the 20 coolest hotels in Ireland as I believe this demonstrates that while guests appreciate the hotel’s palatial surroundings they also value the modern aspects of the Culloden including the modern bedrooms, luxurious spa and the fabulous cocktail list in the Crozier Lounge,” Sir William concluded.

Down

This Thursday January 28^th, join expert Dot Blakely for an informative morning birdwatch on the Castle Espie reserve overlooking Strangford Lough. Birdwatch Mornings meet in the Visitor Centre at 10:30am. Free for WWT members.

Armagh

The Market Place Theatre Cajun, Bluegrass Club returns this Saturday 30^th January featuring the best of bluegrass and Cajun music and food that is as spicy as the music.  ‘Wookalily’ are a female led band hailing from all over the North who have gigged extensively throughout Ireland providing a lively unique sound, crafting a flourishing stage presence to be reckoned with and creating a unique and quirky sound that’s all heart. Their style, sometimes referred to as chillbilly roots, has an old-timey feel with a young-timey appeal.

Fermanagh

Celebrate NI Year of Food & Drink’s “Breakfast Month” with a Big Breakfast at Belleek Pottery Visitor Centre on Thursday 28th January between 10.00 and 14:00 at the Belleek Restaurant.
The Big Breakfast Event will showcase local produce, support local businesses and invite the local community to enjoy a Traditional Full Irish Breakfast in the Belleek Restaurant, all served on Belleek Parian China.

Tyrone

Enjoy a Scottish Ceilidh this Friday 29^th January, 8:00 pm at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown. Enjoy a great evening of Scottish Country and Ceilidh dancing.  With the help of experienced dance leaders Ken and Linda McLean, see how it is done and then join in. You don’t need to have danced before, just come along with your best dancing shoes and a sense of fun.  Music provided by Risin’ Stour.

Derry

This Sunday come to the hidden haven of Lough Beg near Bellaghy, Derry~Londonderry, to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2015. At this time of year, Lough Beg is home to a wealth of wildlife, from breeding waders like lapwing to wintering wildfowl like tufted ducks.

Antrim

See the Metropolitan Opera perform Puccini’s Turandot at a live screening this Saturday evening at The Theatre at The Mill Newtownabbey.  Nina Stemme takes the title role of the proud princess of ancient China, whose riddles doom every suitor who seeks her hand.  Tenor Marco Berti is Calàf, the brave prince who sings “Nessun dorma” and wins her love. Franco Zeffirelli’s golden production is conducted by Paolo Carignani.

Belfast

The Wedding Journal Show returns to the Titanic Exhibition Centre on the 29th – 31st January with an exciting all-new show!  Loved up couples from across the country will find everything they need to plan their perfect day in this one-stop-wedding shop with hundreds of exhibitors presenting thousands of inspirational wedding ideas.  A great day out, visitors can meets local businesses and suppliers, enjoy unique show offers and discounts and make their dream wedding a reality.  The fun continues with a new Entertainment Stage – a special stage where the very best in local wedding bands, singers and entertainers will perform throughout the weekend.  Celebrate in style in the VIP Lounge where VIPs will be treated to a glass of bubby and chocolates, a nail and paint and a fabulous free gift!

Add your events free at www.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.

If you’re looking to try something new in 2016, The Market Place Theatre in Armagh may just have exactly what you’re looking for!

The Spring | Summer 2016 season has just been released and is packed full of interactive, innovative and downright interesting workshops for both adults and children, from photography to poetry, writing to wood carving, and fashion to floristry. Many workshops are already booking fast, so you’ll need to be quick to secure your place.

The season kicks off with the massively popular ‘Doh Ray Me’ music workshops for babies and toddlers return on 27 January. These classes allow children and parents to bond through music and song. Using a wide range of instruments and props, children learn rhymes, counting songs and action songs in the company of other parents and toddlers.

‘Capturing The Moment’ takes place over 4 weeks starting on 2 February, and teaches participants how to take a decent photo with any camera. Learn in an active and lively environment how to include framing, proportion, and lighting in landscape, portrait, night and action photography.

Or if drawing your subject is more your thing, then you’ll love the opportunity to take part in the Life Drawing classes starting on 4 February. Aimed at the experienced artist as well as the novice, this course, as all the others, will be led by professionals in their field, who will assist each participant ensuring their individual drawing development.

Continuing the series of highly successful jewellery making workshops, ‘Wire Beating & Gemstone Bead Jewellery’ is led by an award-winning jewellery designer, and will see participants creating a spiral inspired jewellery set using silver and copper wire and gemstone beads to bring home at the end of the course.

Why not save money on visiting the salon, when you take part in the Nail Art class. Learn how to blend colours, apply nail accessories, and learn simple art techniques to produce stunning looking nail designs. Like so many of the workshops, this is a skill which you can carry on at home.

The list of workshops on offer is endless. Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and places can be booked by contacting the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

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.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (January 25 – 31).

• The Fine & Dandy Market, Crescent Arts Centre, University Road, Belfast, January 31. Come along to this popular market which showcases the work of independent artists, designers, illustrators and crafters alongside collectors of records, books, vintage wares and quality local food and drink produce. It’s a great place to spend a Sunday morning!

• Derry International Music Festival, Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, Great James Street, Derry~Londonderry, Co. Londonderry, January 31 – February 7. Presenting a brand new festival celebrating the very best in traditional and contemporary Irish music. Taking place in an array of venues across the city, the festival will include top quality live gigs, exclusive workshops and master classes, as well as an incredible jam-packed Trad Trail held at many of the city’s finest bars and restaurants.

• The Big Breakfast at The Elk, The Elk Complex, Hillhead Road, Toome, Co. Antrim, January 30. As part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink celebrations in 2016, the Elk are holding a Big Breakfast day. Come enjoy a delicious, freshly prepared and locally sourced breakfast for a small donation to Chest Heart and Stroke NI. The Elk chefs will be preparing lots of options whether you like a hearty fry, a continental platter or a healthy omelette. From 8am to 12pm.

• Big Garden Birdwatch, The Cloughmore Centre at Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Co. Down, January 30. Taking part in this year’s Big Garden Birdwatch couldn’t be easier. Just call 028 30313100 to get involved.  Come and be an integral part of the conservation of birds in the County Down area. You will be watching and recording the birds in the park and enter your findings into the RSPB online counting tool. There will be lots of other fun birdy activities to take part in on the day from colouring sheets to making bird masks and finger puppets. There will be plenty of activities to help keep your kids entertained during the quieter moments of your Birdwatch hour. From 10am to 1pm.

• Derek Ryan, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, January 28-30. Derek Ryan has recently celebrated his fourth year on the road with his band, during which time he has gained a huge following up and down the country. His most recent album, ‘The Simple Things’ topped the Irish charts, overtaking some big names for the top spot. Begins at 8pm.

• Cajun Bluegrass Club Feat. Wookalily, The Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, January 30. Wookalily returns to the Orchard County’s Market Place Theatre featuring the best of bluegrass and cajun music with delicious food that is as spicy as the music. Begins at 8pm.

• Stars of Country, Theatre at the Mill, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, January 22. Kick off 2016 in style with this great country music extravaganza that features a fantastic array of acts guaranteed to go down a treat. The show will see popular singers including Curtis Magee, Gary Gamble, Trevor Loughrey and Matt Leavy who between them have legions of fans across the country. Begins at 7.45pm.

• Cirque Berserk, Grand Opera House, Belfast, January 29-30. Showcasing the finest in traditional circus craft and skill, Cirque Berserk brings a treasured form of live entertainment bang up-to-date in a jaw-dropping spectacular created especially for the theatre. Check www.goh.co.uk for show times.

• Educating Rita, Lyric Theatre, Ridgeway Street, Belfast, January 30 – February 28. Willy Russell’s award-winning comedy comes to the Lyric in this re-imagined new production starring the superb Kerri Quinn and directed by critically-acclaimed Emma Jordan.

• Mourne Seafood Cookery School, The Nautilus Centre, Kilkeel, Co. Down, January 23- April 30. Perfect for seafood lovers, this is an ideal way to learn more about what to look for when buying, handling and cooking seafood. This tutorial is a fun and relaxed learning experience. The classes start at 10.30am for each class and run until 1pm, 2pm or 4pm depending on whether it is a half day or a full day class.

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. 

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.

• Flavours of Spring Dining Break, Dunadry Hotel, Dunadry, Antrim. From £89.95pps. Dine and stay at the three-star Dunadry Hotel built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills. The hotel uses local suppliers and fresh seasonal produce to create delicious meals which you can enjoy as part of this fabulous offer. Book a cosy two-night stay and enjoy a special meal on an evening of your choice. Available until 17 April.  To book call (028) 9443 4343.

• Midweek 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast, Corr’s Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey. From £99pps. The newly redeveloped three-star Corr’s Corner Hotel now boasts a buzzing bar and comfortable lobby with a choice of dining facilities and a full a-la-carte menu. Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast and one evening meal with this offer.  Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 9084 9221.

• Dine and Stay, Roe Park Resort, Limavady. From £59pps. Overlooking its own stunning 18-hole golf course, the Roe Park Resort is set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park. This four-star luxury hotel boasts 118 stylish en-suite rooms that blend the charm of a country house estate with the modern luxuries and conveniences you would expect from a luxury hotel. Enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast with one evening meal. Available until 17 April. To book call (028) 7772 2222.

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

*All offers are subject to availability.

And don’t forget Ulster FRYday on January 29!

Tourism Northern Ireland is kicking off the Year of Food and Drink 2016 how everyone in NI should start their day, with breakfast.

January 2016 is Breakfast Month and according to Tourism NI, Northern Ireland is simply brimming with great places, including hotels, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants, that all serve delicious, locally produced food that will satisfy your taste buds and set you up for a fun day trip or relaxing short break to one of NI’s great tourist attractions or destinations.

Rachel Quigg, Communications & Destination PR Officer at Tourism Northern Ireland explains why everyone should tuck in to Breakfast Month:

“Northern Ireland’s dedicated farmers, talented food producers and creative artisans have been using our unique fields, rivers and lakes to make world-class food, for centuries.  And breakfast, hailed as the most important meal of the day, features some of NI’s finest produce including Abernethy Butter which is churned by hand in Dromara, Annaghmore Mushrooms, Kennedy bacon, White’s Oats – I could go on!”

Breakfast lovers take note as January 29 is Ulster FRYday and Tourism NI wants everyone in Northern Ireland to send in photos of themselves enjoying breakfast.

Rachel continued:  “We want to end Breakfast Month on a high with a delicious celebration of Northern Ireland favourite, the Ulster Fry with Ulster FRYday.  We will be asking absolutely everyone, businesses as well as individuals, to post photos online of their breakfast using hashtag #ulsterFRYday, in order to win a great prize.  So tell your friends, work colleagues, schoolmates and family to take a snap of their breakfast and share it on social media to join in the fun.”

Tourism Northern Ireland has listed some of the key events happening around Northern Ireland for Breakfast Month as well as some local delicious products to try.

Tasty Events!

Farmhouse Breakfast Week, January 24 – 30 2016. The Farmhouse Breakfast Week campaign raises awareness of the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast and demonstrates the wealth of wonderful breakfast produce available around the country.

Ulster FRYday, January 29 2016. This day is a celebration of the much-loved Ulster Fry!  Everyone has their own take on the Ulster Fry – some people love beans whilst others must have mushrooms, fried egg versus scrambled egg – so this is a chance for individuals and business owners to upload pictures of how they enjoy their Ulster Fry.  So whether you cooked it yourself or you have been served it at a hotel, B&B, restaurant or café, take a snap and share it online using the hashtag #ulsterFRYday and include @DiscoverNI.

Breakfast at Hastings Hotels – Hastings are offering gourmet all day breakfasts at each of their 6 hotels throughout January.  Guests can already avail of a choice of tasty breakfast options but Hastings Hotels is taking this one step further and for one month only people will be able to enjoy breakfast all day long. Two Gourmet All Day Breakfast Specials have been introduced and are available for only £10 every day from 12pm. Made using only the very best of local produce, enjoy the Armagh Apple Potato Cake with a Gracehill Black Pudding Sausage, Moyallon Dry Cured Streaky Bacon, Clements Poached Egg and Homemade Ketchup or a Mini Northern Irish Soda Bread with Poached Egg, Glenarm Smoked Salmon and Hollandaise Sauce.

Winterfell B&B, The Cuan, Strangford Village, Co Down. The Cuan is offering an authentic Winterfell breakfast of hot bread, butter and honey, blackberry preserves, bacon, eggs, cheese and a pot of mint tea. Enjoy Dinner, B&B from only £84.95.

The Big Breakfast at the Elk, The Elk, Toome, Co. Antrim, January 30, 8am – 12pm. As part of NI Year of Food and Drink 2016, The Elk are holding a Big Breakfast where people can come along and enjoy a delicious freshly prepared and locally sourced breakfast and in return they will be asked to give a small donation to Chest Heart and Stroke NI.

Where to eat breakfast?

If you are thinking of taking a short break or heading out for breakfast with friends and family somewhere in Northern Ireland during Breakfast Month then take a look as this menu which features some excellent places where you can tuck into a hearty breakfast in beautiful surroundings.

If you are heading to Co. Antrim home of the stunning Causeway Coast, visit Ballygally Castle, Ballygally, Beechmount Farm B&B, Muckamore or pop into The French Rooms in Bushmills who all serve delicious breakfasts.

When in Co. Armagh, which is known for its historic cathedrals, try the Armagh City Hotel, Orchard House B&B or the Moody Boar for some memorable food to help kick start your day.

Co. Down is renowned for stunning mountainous views and is home to a host of tasty places for breakfast including the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa in Newcastle, Seaview Guesthouse in Rostrevor and Quails at the Gallery in Banbridge.

If you are heading to Co. Fermanagh for a weekend break then you are sure to experience a delicious breakfast in the Lough Erne Resort, Enniskillen, Dromard House, Lisbellaw or the Crowes Nest Enniskillen.

Before exploring some of the many attractions available in Co. Derry~Londonderry such as the Peace Bridge or the historic City Walls, enjoy a hearty breakfast in the Everglades Hotel, Number 8 Guesthouse, City of Derry Hotel or Lost and Found Brew Bar, Coleraine.

Visitors to Co. Tyrone will find a wide range of tourist attractions to visit such as the Ulster American Folk Park and the Sperrin Mountains. You will also find lots of places to enjoy breakfast such as Corick Country House in Clogher, The Laurels B&B Lodge, Omagh and An Creagan Restaurant, Omagh.

Don’t forget to celebrate Ulster FRYday on January 29, for your chance to win an overnight stay at the spectacular 5* Culloden Hotel and Spa for two, including a sumptuous breakfast.  To enter simply share a photo of your Ulster Fry and upload it on social media using the hashtag #ulsterFRYday. For more information go to www.discovernorthernireland.com/ulsterfryday.

For more information on things to do in Northern Ireland visit www.discovernorthernireland.com or your local tourist information centre.

Skating spectacular takes audiences to four far-away lands in one action-packed ice adventure

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Friday 25 March – Sunday 27 March

Tickets on-sale THURSDAY 28 January at 9am !

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book On Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Join Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse as they commemorate 25 years of Disney On Ice across Europe in an action-packed ice adventure that travels to four magical destinations!  Disney On Ice presents Silver Anniversary Celebration will take audiences on a fun-filled tour of the imagination.

Disney On Ice invites you to embark on the ultimate sightseeing holiday with all your favourite Disney characters. Join tour guides Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck and Daisy Duck as they visit the magical worlds of Disney’s The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan. You’ll also be whisked away to the wintery wonderland of the number one animated feature film of all-time, Disney’s Frozen.  Told through an international team of award-winning skaters, exciting choreography and a musical score filled with familiar Disney hits and rock-and-roll classics, the whole family is sure to experience a captivating journey to far-away lands without ever leaving their seats!

The arena will be filled with music and magic in every scene as you discover four unique landscapes filled with boisterous pirates, Caribbean beats and tender moments. Audiences will explore the African Pride Lands with Simba, Timon and Pumbaa; voyage deep under the sea to Ariel’s mystical underwater kingdom; and tour London with Peter Pan and Wendy before flying to Neverland to join Tinker Bell.  Plus, travel to Arendelle for an extraordinary adventure with royal sisters Anna and Elsa, rugged mountain man Kristoff and everyone’s favorite huggable snowman, Olaf.

“It’s an extraordinary show and a family vacation all rolled into one incredible night,” says Producer Kenneth Feld. “You really get a sense you are traveling right alongside Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and their friends.”

Silver Anniversary Celebration was created by a team of industry experts known for their ability to convey the movements and designs needed to bring each Disney destination to life:

• Jerry Bilik (Director) – Creative team member for 30 Disney On Ice shows; arranged music for a number of television series, including Starsky and Hutch and Charlie’s Angels; music coordinator for The 31^st Annual Emmy^® Awards.

• Patty Vincent (Director – Frozen section) – Directed numerous Feld Entertainment ice and stage shows including Disney On Ice presents Frozen; began her career at Feld Entertainment as a skater and has advanced in the company to become the Character Development Director for all touring Disney On Ice productions. Additional credits include co-director of Playhouse Disney Live! and co-director of High School Musical Summer Celebration (stage show).

• Cindy Stuart (Choreographer) – Four-time Professional Skaters Association “Choreographer of the Year award” nominee and the 2014 Sonja Henie award nominee; collaborated with Olympic Gold Medalist Robin Cousins on multiple projects; choreographed for US Champion Gracie Gold,  US Bronze Medalist Mirai Nagasu, World and Olympic Champions Xue Shen and Hongbo Zhao and Olympic Champions Jamie Salé and David Pelletier; choreographer for several Disney On Ice productions, including Disney On Ice presents Frozen.

• The Late Robert Smith (Production Designer) – Theater credits include the 2001 revival of Hair at the Wadsworth Theater; the world premiere of Bingo, an award-winning musical in Los Angeles and Stephen Sondheim’s Assassins and Dorian. Film credits include Session Man (Academy Award^® winner) and Contact (Academy Award^® nominee).

• Arthur Boccia (Costume Designer) – Worked 14 seasons as a top assistant to the late Don Foote, designer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®; experience working on Broadway plays, film and television, including the Broadway revival of Pal Joey; designed costumes for 10 Disney On Ice productions.

• Patrick Dierson (Lighting Designer) – Lighting credits include the MTV Video Music Awards and the world tour of Shakira; received an Emmy^® Award nomination for his work on the post September 11th musical telethon America: A Tribute to Heroes.

Down

Waves Swim Programme begins in Ards Leisure Centre on Saturday 23rd January. Swimming lessons for beginners of all ages, to build confidence in the water and develop strokes and skills at every stage of the swimming programme. There are specific lessons for babies aged three months and over, pre-school children, juniors aged five years and over, and adults.

Armagh

St Mungo’s Luganulk is a hilarious GAA comedy about the worst Gaelic Football team in Ireland is set to throw-in at the Market Place Theatre this Saturday 23^rd January. The production, written by and starring Conor Grimes and Alan McKee will appeal to Gaelic games aficionados and non-followers alike.  It is the ‘true-ish’ story of St Mungo’s GAC who, rooted to the bottom of Division Four and without a win in six and a half years, somehow transform their fortunes to reach an All-Ireland Final.

Fermanagh

TV’s Million Dollar Mind Reader, David Meade, returns to The Ardhowen stage Friday 22nd January with his amazing brand new show – FAKE BELIEVE! This most ambitious live show yet is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping. He reveals PIN numbers, detects lies, reveals secret thoughts, and influences those around him with seemingly inexplicable results!

Tyrone

Strabane Arts Academy proudly presents their first panto of 2016 at the Strule Arts Centre 22nd, 23rd, 28th 29th and 30th January.  A traditional Chinese story told within a pantomime format. Mulan’s father is ill, but he has been summoned by the Emperor to fight for his country.  In order that the family name is not dishonoured, Mulan disguises herself and goes off to war in her father’s place.  Her adventures are many before she is able to return home again to happy and well-deserved celebrations.

Derry/Londonderry

The magical award-winning Celtic Feast Nights are back with a bang in 2016 at An Grianan Hotel with the first date this Saturday 23^rd January.  Arrive to a glass of finest Mead from 7pm.  Meet the Warriors and pose for some Selfies!  Take your bench at 8pm for a hearty Irish 4 Course Meal with Free Wine.  Then, in between each Course enjoy live entertainment in the form of; World Class Irish Dancing, Battle re-enactments, Storytelling, Live Music and so much more!

Antrim

Hot on the heels of last year’s sell-out tour ‘Mouthful’, Northern Ireland’s finest comic, Jake O’Kane, is back at The Theatre at the Mill Newtownabbey this Friday 22^nd January.  In his inimitable style, Jake takes no prisoners as he deals with the good, the bad and the ugly of 2015.  Jake weaves stories and news photos to give his take on the people, places and politics that made up the year.  Those of a sensitive disposition, and politicians of all shades, should be afraid – very afraid.  Show contains adult references. Recommended Age: 16yrs+.

Belfast

The W5 Winterland Express now departs on extra dates! Take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland with a trip on the Winterland Express, the magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle!  The Winterland Express departs this Saturday  23rd January 2016, 12.15pm to 5.15pm.  The Winterland Express is a short train ride that is FREE with general admission to W5. For further information, opening hours and admission prices.

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