The Market Place Theatre in Armagh continues its programme of diverse and wide-ranging music with a classical performance by Hugh Tinney and superb jazz with The Gerry Rice Quartet.

Since winning first prize at both the 1983 Pozzoli and 1984 Paloma O’Shea piano competitions in Italy and Spain, Hugh Tinney has performed in more than thirty-five countries throughout Europe, the USA, Latin America and the Far East. A prize in the 1987 Leeds Piano Competition earned him a busy career in Great Britain performing with many major orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Philharmonia, Royal Liverpool, Royal Scottish and BBC National of Wales. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Music by the National University of Ireland in 2007.

The programme for the evening will include two of Beethoven’s most loved sonatas, the ‘Moonlight’ and the ‘Waldstein’, as well as a group of Chopin works that includes the great Ballade in F minor. The Beethoven and Chopin frame four pieces from Irish composer Raymond Deane’s 2011 cycle ‘Noctuary’. Hugh Tinney will perform for one evening only on Friday 20^th November at 8pm. Tickets are priced £15 and £13 (concession).

You can start the Christmas Jazz celebrations early on Saturday 21^st November! Taking centre stage at the Christmas Jazz Supper Evening will be the hugely popular Gerry Rice Quartet who will provide the smooth, laid-back and accessible jazz sounds for the evening.

The menu for the evening will include Maryland southern fried chicken filet with chilli butter, New York style BBQ sticky ribs, Braised beef with wild mushrooms and ‘Jack Daniels’ sauce, all served with a selection of fresh breads, Cajun and garlic potato wedges and assorted salads and dressings. Tickets for the evening are priced £11 for the performance only or £21 including supper.

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.

It’s time to catch up on the latest seasonal trends as the hotly anticipated event of Fashion Fest 2015, the Gala Fashion Show takes place this Saturday, in St Columbs Hall, Derry, showcasing the latest in cutting edge design and local trends.

The city’s own first lady of fashion, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said: “I am delighted to see the return of Fashion Fest, which has already established itself as one of the city’s top cultural events. Last year’s programme was a real success attracting talent from across the country who found the perfect platform to showcase their work, and forging new links between creative talents from both sides of the border.

“Derry is really beginning to establish a name for itself in the fashion world, and with centres such as the Fashion and Textile Design Hub providing support for emerging new designers we really have the potential to make the city the fashion capital of the North.”

Business Opportunities Manager with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Louise Breslin, has been working with local designers and retailers to put the final touches to the event.  “This is our second year of Fashion Fest and I’m delighted that we have established such a fantastic network of designers and retailers dedicated to supporting and promoting the local fashion industry through the programme.

For those who enjoy the glamour of the catwalk there will be a stunning Gala Fashion Show in St Columb’s Hall on Saturday night, featuring a glittering array of style from a host of designers the High Street and independent retailers, including the Autumn/Winter 2015 Collection from top International Designer, Helen Cody, which we are really excited about!”

Local retailers in the city are celebrating Fashion Fest with plenty of in store promo opportunities for savvy local shoppers hoping to bag a bargain.

To find out more about the programme and to book tickets for the Gala Catwalk event on Saturday 14^th November go to www.derrystrabane.com/fashionfest

From the 28^th November, meet Santa in his icy Christmas cavern and ride W5’s magical miniature train ride, The Winterland Express!

Meet Santa

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

Meeting with Santa costs an additional £5 per child and includes a Christmas present containing a soft toy (retail value of £5.49). To guarantee a place, a Santa visit must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

Winterland Express

This Christmas take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland. Take a trip on the Winterland Express, our magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle, where a few surprises await!

The Winterland Express is FREE with admission to W5 and the ride lasts approximately 5 – 8 minutes. To guarantee a place, the Winterland Express must be pre-booked via our online booking facility or by 028 9046 7790/7793.

Times and Dates

Saturdays and Sundays from 28 November – 20 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Thursdays and Fridays from 3 December – 18 December: 3.00pm – 5.45pm

Monday 21 December – Wednesday 23 December: 10.15am – 4.15pm

For further information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Indulgent Luxury Beach Escapes, Strand Lodge, Portstewart. Luxury weekend escape offers available from £450. Beautiful luxury beach house with breathtaking views and room for all the family. Why not take advantage of not just the house facilities but the vibrant local amenities including luxurious pamper treatment offers. Available until 28 May 2016. To book call 07802 388 941.

• Golf and Spa Break, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Enniskillen. From £117pps. Enjoy an unforgettable break specially created for those that love to golf and spa! Relax with two nights midweek accommodation (Sunday to Thursday), one 4 course dinner, cooked breakfast each morning and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. You can then decide which of you will enjoy a round of golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf Course while the other enjoys a 30-minute spa treatment in the Elemis Spa. Treatments require advance booking. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 6632 3481.

• Exclusive Stay and Spa Package, Hunter’s Lodge, Killinchy, Newtownards. From £90pps. Luxury bed and breakfast accommodation with spa package at Pure Day Spa. Choose one of five treatments: ESPA express facial, aromatherapy back, neck and shoulder massage, dry flotation treatment, pure manicure, pure pedicure.  Spa package to last approximately 2 hours with full use of spa facilities and complimentary refreshments. Available until 13 December 2016. To book call (028) 9754 2703.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 16 – 22).

• Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Market Square, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 19. Lisburn never disappoints with its spectacular Christmas Lights Switch On, featuring school children, street performers and carnival entertainment. Begins at 6pm.

• The Bard of Armagh 2015, Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Co. Armagh, November 20. The Bard of Armagh, Ireland’s Unique Festival of Humorous Verse is celebrating 21 years of uproarious bardic revelry. People travel from every corner of Ireland and abroad to savour this unique cultural entertainment event. The performers on the final night will attempt to generate tornadoes of laughter with the aim of being crowned the champion of humorous verse.

• 16th Belfast Beer & Cider Festival, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast, November 19-21.This festival houses the biggest bar in Ireland featuring 70 hand pumps, pub games, tutored beer tastings, Champion Beer of Festival competition, local food stall and live music from late afternoons. There will be over 100 real ales and ciders featuring local and mainland breweries and for the first time all ciders will be from Northern Ireland. For more information visit www.belfastbeerfestival.co.uk.

• Christmas at Hillmount, Hillmount Nursery, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, November 21. Santa will be making a very special arrival at Hillmount along with his helpers Peppa, Mickey and Minnie! Join in the festive fun with live reindeer and free face painting. You can enjoy a delicious range of festive food and drink and the U105 crew will be there to supply the Christmas cheer!

• Festival of Light, Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co. Down, November 20-29. Based on the ‘Son et Lumiere’ shows that originated in France this year’s festive show promises to be a fascinating display. See the famous Lake Walk and wonderful art installations come alive to the sound of mystical music and shimmering colour. Take a peek inside the family home and enjoy the chance to see a selection of rooms revealed in a new light.

• Enniskillen Christmas Lights Switch On, The Diamond, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, November 21. Entertainment in the Diamond from 3pm with live music, face painting, balloon modelling, cartoon characters, stilt walkers and street entertainment as well as a flash dance routine. Santa and his parade will commence from Quay Lane Car Park from 4.50pm and will conclude with the lights being switched on at 5.30pm.

• Christmas Craft Market at Flowerfield, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Coleraine Road, Portstewart, Co. Londonderry, currently running until December 19. Do you seem to spend each Christmas scratching your head to think of unique gift ideas for the special people in your life? Then look no further than Flowerfield Arts Centre. The award-winning arts centre will welcome another major Christmas Craft Market and exhibition offering unique hand-made crafts for sale at affordable prices, from some of the most exciting craftmakers in Northern Ireland.

• Visit Santa’s Workshop at the Linen Green, Unit 2 The Linen Green, Main Road, Moygashel, Co. Tyrone, November 19-23. Treat your kids this Christmas with a visit to Santa’s Toy Emporium. Children will be able to take part in a range of seasonal activities before getting to meet Santa and his crew for a beautiful photograph. Each child will receive a Christmas gift from Santa as well as a photograph to take home. For more information visit www.thelinengreen.co.uk.

• Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall, Castle Park, Bangor, Co. Down, November 21. Kick start the festive season and watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are switched on. Light switch on and fireworks commence at 5.30pm.

• C.S. Lewis Festival, various locations, Belfast, November 19-22. The third C.S. Lewis Festival marks the 52nd anniversary of the death of the renowned author, theologian, academic and creator of the incredible Chronicles of Narnia series. There will be something for everyone; theatre, workshops, craft fairs, films, talks, music and much more.

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.

Christmas in Ards and North Down promises to be more festive AND fun than ever before this year with a packed programme of events for everyone, plus a choice of high street favourites, speciality shops and unique local craft fairs where you can purchase the perfect gift for someone special.

With support from local traders, Ards and North Down Borough Council officially launched its festive AND fun campaign today (12 November) with a seasonal online video that depicts a young girl’s dreams of the borough being transformed into a magical Christmas wonderland.  The video features Santa’s special helper in Ards and North Down, Bubbles (the Elf), who magically lights up each of the borough’s five towns – Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, Comber and Donaghadee – ready for all the festive fun ahead.

The video can be viewed on the Council’s Facebook page, where you can also access information about upcoming events and promotions.  And the fun doesn’t end there.  Throughout the festive AND fun period there will be competitions, opportunities to participate in more videos and lots of other festive Facebook joviality.

Speaking at the launch Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, said:

“Ards and North Down is simply the best place to visit and shop this Christmas. The Council, in conjunction with all five local chambers of trade, will be delivering a superb programme of nearly 40 events across the borough to help residents and visitors prepare for, and celebrate, Christmas 2015.  This includes Christmas light switch ons, a pop up ice skating rink, craft fayres, musical performances, a pantomime, Christmas movies and more.   Bubbles the elf may make a special appearance at some of these – access our full events programme to make sure not to miss him!”

He continued: “Initiatives to encourage people to shop locally this Christmas will also feature.  A ‘Borough Bus’ will travel between the area’s five towns, allowing passengers to stop off and enjoy an hour of Christmas shopping in each on Saturday 5 December.  Special promotions will run in different towns on different days (check online for details).”

The first event of the season is the ever-popular Bangor Christmas switch on at its new sea front location at the McKee Clock, Queen’s Parade, Bangor on Saturday 21 November (5.30pm).  A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the switch on.  A special Christmas market, providing a sneak peak of the festive gifts and goodies on offer in Bangor shops, will also run on Saturday 21 from 11am – 7pm.

Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook.

Join us on Friday 13 Nov at 7.45pm, as TV presenter, author and architectural historian Dan Cruickshank talks about The Destruction of Warsaw.

Dan Cruickshank who is best known for his popular BBC2 series The Best Buildings of Britain and What the Industrial Revolution Did For Us is also noted for his highly successful cultural investigations screened as Around the World in 80 Treasures when Dan travelled through 36 countries in just four and a half months.

Dan Cruickshank grew up in Poland after moving from London to Warsaw at the age of seven with his Communist parents, and shares clips from his new programme in which he makes a very personal journey to revisit his boyhood home.  Dan talks about the destruction of Warsaw and how the city’s shattered identity was rebuilt in the post war years, describing how these early experiences helped shape his views on heritage, architecture and art.  There will be an opportunity for audience members to ask Dan about his life and experiences travelling around the globe.   Come along and hear about his fascinating world.

For Tickets contact Box Office: 028 9034 0202 or our website: thecourtyardtheatre.com

Saturday 28^th November heralds the return of the much anticipated Georgian Day celebrations to Armagh City. For many, this is the beginning of the Christmas season as the Georgian era ushered in so many of the traditions we still follow today.

This family friendly event, now in its 12^th year has been inspired by Armagh’s unique and historic Georgian cityscape. Georgian day helps to bring the city’s Georgian history and stories alive in an interactive way and allows the visitor to step back in time and immerse themselves in all things Georgian. The city will be transformed with activities and entertainment taking place from 10am – 9pm; the majority of which are free of charge.

Over 70 festive stalls will line their way around the city streets offering locally produced food, drinks and high quality gifts. To add to the occasion, stallholders will serve their customers attired in Georgian dress and throughout the day there will be Christmas music and entertainment from Georgian singers. The local Georgian gentry will be strolling around the city streets, ready to inform and entertain their visitors and to encourage everyone to take part in the traditional games and workshops taking place.  The scent of warm mince pies and mulled wine will linger in the air and add to the unique atmosphere.

Many of the beautiful Georgian buildings which create the attractive backdrop to this event will be open during the day for tours. These include the Archbishops Palace, Public Library, Observatory and Gaol and a city walking tour will also be available.

Traditional horse and carriage rides around the iconic Mall encapsulate the Georgian atmosphere. (A small charge applies and tickets must be booked online.) Be sure to wrap up snugly and don’t forget your camera! This may be Georgian day but social media shares are allowed #georgianday!

A new addition to the 2015 festivities is the Children’s Christmas market, open from 1-9pm. Located in The Shambles Yard, this magical experience, designed with children in mind includes real reindeer, a carousel, festive bakery and Post Office, Christmas fairy, storytelling and disco. The stalls have been specially selected to appeal to children. Christmas workshops including glass bauble and Christmas cookie decorating plus letter writing to Santa will ensure everyone is entertained. Activities at the Children’s market continue well into the evening with fire performers and large willow lanterns providing a canvas in the night sky. Gingerbread Alley is sure to appeal to children of all ages. Come along and see the work of our talented local chefs. A family treasure hunt weaves its way around the city and provides a prize to all entrants – Georgian chocolate!

As darkness descends on Armagh, the Georgian Day lightshow bursts into life. The new show entitled “Twas the Light before Christmas” transforms the Market House into a shimmering canvas with images and other special effects, set to festive music and marking the arrival of Santa Claus to the city. This show takes place on the hour between 5-8pm; tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

To facilitate your visit to Georgian Day, a free park and ride system will be in operation throughout the day. Many of the local retailers will be providing festive offers.

For more information on Georgian Day and what’s happening in Armagh this Christmas visit www.armagh.co.uk/georgian or contact Armagh Visitor Information Centre T: 028 3752 1800. This event is kindly supported by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Tourism NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• 2 Nights Bed and Breakfast Weekend, Armagh City Hotel, Armagh. From £99pps. Guests can enjoy a luxurious en suite bedroom and delicious modern Irish cuisine in the Friary Restaurant and live entertainment every weekend. There is also free car parking. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 3751 8888. Please quote promo code Autumn Leaves.

• 2 Night Golf Break, Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch. From £97pps. 2 nights bed and breakfast with evening meal voucher to the value of £20 on one night and a round of golf at Spa Golf Club. Just a short distance from the scenic Mourne Mountains, the Millbrook Lodge is a family owned hotel, where the charm of a beautiful Georgian building has been carefully integrated with modern comfort and amenities. Mon to Thurs – £97pps, Fri or Sat – £107pps. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9756 2828. Please quote Promo Code Autumn Leaves.

• Romantic break, Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel, Derry, Derry~Londonderry. From £89pps. Enjoy a romantic weekend getaway in the City of Derry at Da Vinci’s Hotel for two night’s bed and breakfast, an evening meal on one of the evenings plus the choice of a bottle of wine in your room or a walking tour of the historic Derry Walls. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 7127 9111. Please quote Promo Code Autumn Leaves.