The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is gearing up for month of mirth with the arrival of three of Northern Ireland’s finest comedians.

The hilarity kicks off with Colin Murphy on Saturday 12^th December and his show ‘Artificial Hipster’. As Blur once said, ‘Modern Life Is Rubbish’ but that was ages ago, they had no idea how crappy things were actually going to get. After a hiatus [not a small van, just a posh word for lying about eating biscuits for a while] the monger of mirth is back! Expect gripes, whinging, some swearing and, unexpectedly, poetry. That guy from the Blame Game on the BBC and that other thing that used to be on the RTE.  [If you need to be told then this isn’t the show for you!] Tickets for Colin Murphy are priced £18 each.

Then on Tuesday 29^th December, it’s the turn of Jake O’Kane with ‘Gaggin’ On It’ – the 2015 news reviewed, the big stories, small stories and everything in between! Hot on the heels of last year’s sell-out tour, ‘Mouthful’, Northern Ireland’s finest comic, Jake O’Kane, is back. In his inimitable style, Jakes takes no prisoners as he deals with the good, the bad and the ugly of 2015. Best known for the infamous ‘flegs’ piece on BBC’s ‘The Blame Game’, Jake weaves stories and news photos to give his take on the people, the places and the politics that made up the year. Those of a sensitive disposition, and politicians of all shades, should be afraid – very afraid. Tickets are priced £18 each.

Neil Delamere’s show ‘CTRL+ALT+DELAMERE’ on Saturday 9^th January is now sold out, but fear not, a new date has been released on Sunday 10^th January. Neil returns to The Market Place with a brand new show brimming with hilarious stories and incisive wit. 2015 saw the award-winning comedian continue his star turn on the perennially popular ‘The Blame Game’ for BBC NI on TV and radio. Neil also landed his own weekend national radio show for Today FM. Now, however, he’s back to his first love, telling tall tales and spinning side-splitting yarns about the events of the last year. Tickets are priced £20 each.

These performances are recommended for age 18+ as they may contain material that some people could find offensive.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets 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.

This Christmas we invite you to join in the magic at the Enchanted Winter Gardens from Saturday 12 December right through until Sunday 20 December, at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Feasts of seasonal festivities await to delight the whole family and bring the magic of Christmas alive from 4pm until 8pm each day.

Be amazed at the stunning light installations from the spectacular transformation of the formal gardens and trees with multi-coloured lights, to the cascading courtyard lighting and the traditional sparkling Christmas tree.

The Forest of Fire brings a warm glow whilst the Christmas train, Christmas crafts, Festive fayre, Santa’s Grotto and Reindeer trail, will stimulate all of the senses and promise to give a magical Christmas experience for all the family. All of these enchanting activities are available for the duration of the event with no admission fee.

The weekends see the addition of some special Christmas characters including the “Elf Who Forgot Christmas” as well as fire performers and the Snow Queen, to provide an extra touch of sparkle to this wonderful family event.

For further information please contact Antrim Castle Gardens on 028 9448 1338 or visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/christmas

Having never been to a pantomomime at the ripe age of 47 I was extremely pleased to be invited along for my first ever Panto experience – and I was not disappointed.

Accompanied my my husband and 13 year old twins we settled into our seats with the other families, lots of whom where dressed for the part and getting into the spirit of panto with their red riding hood costumes – ready for some serious audience participation – and there was plenty of that even when it wasn’t encouraged!

The production  introduces elements of other fairy tales including the Three Little Pigs, “Goldisocks” and Hansel & Gretel, and of course no fairytale is complete without a handsome prince – bring on Prince “Chopperwood”.

The production was musical, witty, energetic and uplifting.  We laughed, cheered, booed at the Big Bad Wolf, my husband was told off by Goldisocks at one stage and got up close and personal when the cast come through the audience at one point, much to the delight of the audience!

If you are looking for a fun night out with the kids – or friends, because this really is an all ages show, then Red Riding Hood is the show for you.   All of the cast were superb but for me the highlight was the singing solo by “Nanny No Hood” that would have melted even the coldest heart!!

The Market Place Theatre is state of the art – it could not be easier (park on level 3 at the St Patrick’s Trian multi story and walk straight through to the Theatre).

Jacqueline McGonigle, whatsonni.com

Make a night of it and pre-book a meal at the Bistro!

Performance Times:

Sat 5 Dec 11.00am & 3.00pm & 6.30pm | Sun 6 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm | Fri 11 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 12 Dec 1.00pm & 5.00pm | Sun 13 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm | Mon 14 Dec 6.30pm | Tues 15 Dec 6.30pm | Thurs 17 Dec 6.30pm | Fri 18 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 19 Dec 11.00am & 3.00pm & 6.30pm | Sun 20 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm

BOOK TICKETS

TICKET PRICES:

TICKET OFFER… What big discount we have… all the better to offer you even greater value…Fri 4 Dec 6.30pm | Mon 14 Dec 6.30pm | Tues 15 Dec 6.30pm OFFER £12.00 | £10.00 [CONC]

TICKETS FOR ALL OTHER PUBLIC PERFORMANCES £14.00 & £12.00 [CONC]

Schools Performances & Prices: Contact Group Booking 028 3752 1828

BSL Signed Performance: Sat 12 Dec | 5.00pm

Captioned Performance: Thurs 17 Dec | 6.30pm

Celebrate Christmas with a visit to the beautiful Craftswirl, based at Armagh Visitor Information Centre.

The gift shop has crafts and gifts to suit all tastes and budgets and for the Christmas period enjoy some festive fayre as we savour the tastes of Christmas through the ages.

On Saturday 12^th December from 11.00am – 4.00pm take a step back to a Georgian Christmas.  While you browse the extensive gift range in the shop, savour a taste of Georgian Christmas with a slice of our rich fruit cake, a popular table centre-piece of the Georgians.

Our festive celebrations continue with a flick back through the Armagh of yesteryear with a photographic exhibition provided by Armagh County Museum.

Craftswirl is open April to September… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.30pm | Sun 1.00pm – 5.30pm and October to March… Mon to Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm.

For further information contact Craftswirl / Armagh Visitor Information Centre, 40 English Street, Armagh  BT61 7BA Tel 028 3752 1800 www.armagh.co.uk/craftswirl

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council will be spreading some Christmas sparkle as they host their annual Christmas Carol Concert on Saturday 12^th December at 3.30pm at Antrim Forum.

The Senior Wind Band from the Education Authority, North Eastern Region will add musical magic to the voices of the children from primary schools throughout the Borough, capturing the true spirit of Christmas through readings and song. This year’s event will be hosted by BBC’s Claire McCollum.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Thomas Hogg said “It promises to be an enjoyable afternoon for all the family. At such a busy season, it is lovely to take some time out to enjoy traditional Christmas Carols, readings and prayers.”

Admission is free however there will be a door collection with all proceeds donated to the Mayor’s nominated charities: ABF The Soldier’s Charity, Autism NI and Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children. These charities touch many people’s lives and carry out a lot of great work right across the Borough.

For more information on the Christmas Carol Concert please contact Antrim Forum on 028 9446 4131 or email forum@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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

• Charles Dickens Reading A Christmas Carol, Ards Arts Centre, Newtownards, Co. Down, December 9. During the last twelve years of his life, Dickens toured Britain and the USA reading his works professionally to his adoring public. The most popular of these readings was ‘A Christmas Carol’. In this almost totally candlelit performance, and looking uncannily like Dickens, Pip Utton recreates the famous author’s public readings using the script and directions that Dickens himself used. A wonderfully atmospheric start to the Christmas season. From 8pm.

• Frock Around The Clock – Magical Christmas Vintage Fair, Belfast Castle, Antrim Road, Belfast, December 13. Frock Around The Clock will be returning to the fairytale location of Belfast Castle for the last event of 2015. The fair features everything you need to complete your Christmas shopping in style, with 45 select stalls of vintage, handcrafted & upcycled fashion, homewares and collectables, jewellery, sweet treats, toys, gifts, Christmas decorations, artisan food & much more! From 12-5pm.

• Family Film Screening: Frozen Sing-a-long, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, December 12. ‘Let it Go’ with the sing-along version of Disney’s Frozen and join the fearless Anna on her epic journey to find her sister Elsa, whose icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. There are two screenings at 12noon and 2pm, with pre-screening art workshops for children also available.

• The Carol Ship on Strangford Lough, Portaferry and Strangford, Co. Down, December 10-12. The decorated Strangford ferry will cross the Lough every fifteen minutes and music performed aboard by groups and choirs from a 30 mile radius will ring out across Strangford Lough. The wonderful night doesn’t stop there, with Christmas markets, music and storytelling on both sides of the lough.

• Santa’s Grotto, Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone, December 10-20. Enjoy a special visit to Santa’s Magical Workshop where there will be an opportunity to write and post a letter to Santa, meet Santa and receive a special gift and photo of your visit. Booking is essential as places are limited.

• Little Red Riding Hood, Market Place Theatre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, until December 20. Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite!

• Corrymeela Christmas Open Day Christmas Market, Corrymeela, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, December 12. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun at Corrymeela’s Community Open Day, featuring a Christmas themed market. You will be amazed at the quality of the local produce and handcrafted goods on offer – come along and pick up that special Christmas gift. Corrymeela Community have also organised a full programme of events and activities, including a visit from Santa, on this fun day out for all the family.

• SHARE Santa Sundays, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, December 13. Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule stopping off at SHARE to spread some festive joy.  Enjoy a nice family day out with a scrumptious 4 course meal and visit Santa for a present and to post your letter to the North Pole.

• Read To Me at Christmas, Linen Hall Library, Donegal Square North, Belfast, December 7. As part of Linen Hall Library’s “Read To Me” season, local writers including Jonathan Bardon, Ciaran Carson and Patricia Craig read from their choice of Christmas themed books, with seasonal refreshments provided. Begins at 6pm.

• The Santa Experience, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, December 10-13. Pay a visit to Father Christmas and add that extra bit of magic to the festive season for the little ones (and for the young at heart). Various timeslots available – check website for availability.

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.

Down

Ride on a steam train through the County Down countryside, and visit Santa in his magical workshop. Kids get to meet Santa, tell him what they want for Christmas, and get a gift bag. You can also visit our buffet for drinks and snacks, our museum buildings, shop, and model railway.  Trains run from 2pm-5pm each day – doors open about 1:30pm. Pay on arrival at the station in Downpatrick, no need to book in advance. Open every Saturday and Sunday between now and Christmas.

Armagh

Be prepared to howl with laughter as the 2015 Christmas pantomime, ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, arrives at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre. This magical, fun-filled adventure is presented by a fabulous cast of characters, and bursting with catchy songs, loads of audience participation and plenty of bite! All the better to entertain you with! Families and children will get right up close to all of the action with loads of chances to cheer on Little Red Riding Hood, her friends The Three Little Pigs, and Boo the big and very bad wolf!  Runs from 4th – 20th December.

Fermanagh

Santa will be taking a break from his busy schedule stopping off at SHARE on Sunday 6th December and Sunday 13th December to spread some festive joy. Enjoy a family day out with a scrumptious 4 course meal and visit Santa for a present and to post your letter to the North Pole.  Promises to be a fun festive day with guest appearances from Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

Tyrone

Join An Creagan this Friday 4th December for their outdoor courtyard market filled with Christmas lights, music, food, craft beers & ciders and crafts from local producers. This is a perfect day out for the family while enjoying the seasonal atmosphere in beautiful surroundings and an ideal opportunity to choose handmade original gifts for all the family from special presents and personal commissions to simple stocking fillers.

Derry

The annual pantomime extravaganza by local Limavady Drama Group returns to the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady for some superb festive family fun with a production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Wed 2, Thur 3 & Fri 4 December – shows at 7.30pm. Sat 5 December – shows at 2.30pm & 7.30pm.

Antrim

Join Ma, Da, Mary, Mags, Youcef and all their friends in My Big Fat Belfast Christmas at Theatre at the Mill 4th December to 2nd January.  Directed by Fionnuala Kennedy, it’s a guaranteed Christmas Craic’er’!  Wee Mary is travelling home for Christmas to introduce her new boyfriend, Youcef, to the ‘family’, yes, the whole family! Back in Belfast, Mum Mary is up to her eyes stuffing the turkey, with Dad Joe, who has enlisted the help of a cheeky bottle of Baileys, under strict orders to dress the tree.  Meanwhile, Mary’s younger sister, Mags, really couldn’t care if the Queen of Sheba herself was flying home.

Belfast

Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene at the Magical Christmas Experience!  Visit Ye Olde Picture House, peek through the toy shop window at the toys from a bygone era and check out the Post Office where Father Christmas has his elves hard at work! Enjoy a wondrous Christmas tale, challenge each other at one of our traditional games, or visit our old fashioned wardrobe and find the perfect outfit to transport you back in time.  Write your letter to Father Christmas and let your creative juices flow with our Christmas crafts – don’t forget to take your masterpieces home to share with your families. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off our ‘Naughty or Nice’ list, before visiting Father Christmas in his Old Curiosity Shop!

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Model Carys Magill joins Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council in continuing its festive countdown with its must-attend “Food & Music” event this Friday 4^th and Saturday 5^th December in Lisburn Square.

NI Charity delivers a Christmas experience for children with Autism

For the first time, charity Autism Initiatives invites families from across Northern Ireland to pop on their best Christmas jumpers and enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle of the city by visiting Santa’s Silent Garden – a Christmas experience designed for children with an Autism Spectrum Condition.

Situated at the foot of the breath-taking Mourne Mountains, Autism Initiatives have transformed their beautiful Pumpkin Pastures community garden into a festive experience for all the family. Visitors can expect something a little different from their visit with no crowds, a sensory filled experience, a bit of Christmas mystery and of course the big man in red with his Autism-specific trained elves.

This is yet another bespoke service provided in 2015 by Autism Initiatives – the largest voluntary sector provider of direct services to children and adults with an Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in Northern Ireland – who earlier in the year worked with children and families throughout the Province at specially designed Surf and Bike programmes.

Speaking about his magical garden, Mr S.Claus commented:

“Very few people know that each year Mrs Claus and I visit Newcastle for some relaxation and the occasional go on the Dodgems before I fly around the world delivering presents. My Silent Garden is the perfect spot for me to read over any last minute letters plus it’s near the beach and the Mournes, which Rudolph simply loves. The Claus’ would be very happy for families to come along to visit our magical garden but we do recommend wearing gloves.”

Grainne Close, National Director Autism Initiatives Northern Ireland, said:

“At Autism Initiatives, we think differently about Autism and this is reflected in everything we do. We have been speaking to the parents and children who use our services and it is evident that, for them, Christmas can be quite a stressful period. Many children living with an Autism Spectrum Condition can find this time of the year unsettling and overwhelming due to changes in their surroundings, which can cause a sensory overload. Our relaxed Santa experience situated just 60mins out of Belfast, is the perfect way for children and families to still enjoy the magic of a Santa visit plus it will provide a lovely break to an otherwise hectic Christmas countdown. Our dream is that Santa’s Silent Garden will become somewhat of a family tradition in years to come.”

For more information visit AINI.Sports-Bookers.co.uk

Prices:

Child £7

Adult £3

Christmas is a time for family and fun, however, it can also be a time for remembering loved ones or thinking about others who are coping with a long term health condition.

Support Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke this Christmas by joining one of two festive concerts which will celebrate the lives of loved ones affected by chest, heart or stroke illnesses.

Susan and Malachi’s Christmas Party

On Tuesday 8th December local country music stars Susan McCann and Malachi Cush, in association with Irish TV, will host a festive knees up at Armagh City Hotel. With a line up including Lisa McHugh, Lee Matthews, Niamh McGlinchey and many more, this is sure to be a tremendous night out!

Tickets are priced £20 and are available from NICHS or they can be purchased directly at the hotel.

Book Now ( link through to http://nichs.org.uk/1130/christmas-party )

Christmas at the Cathedral

Thursday 10th December will then see the return of ‘Christmas at the Cathedral’. This year jazz and swing star, James Huish, will host and perform in an evening of festive classics at St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast.  James will be joined by Andrea Begley, winner of ‘The Voice’, Queen’s University’s Big Brass Band and a children’s choir from Stormont School of Singing.

Tickets are priced £15

Children under 16 free

Book Now ( link through to http://nichs.org.uk/986/christmas-at-the-cathedral )

Both concerts will raise vital funds to help NICHS carry out its care and prevention work here in Northern Ireland.

For more information

Call NICHS 028 9032 0184 or visit nichs.org.uk/Christmas