With over 7,000 seats already sold and counting, The 2014 pantomime at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh has been officially launched and the cast and artistic team were in town to tell all mums and dads to get their skates on for the spectacular ‘Scrooge’s Christmas’ which runs from Monday 1st to Sunday 21st December.
This is the enchanting story of the meanest miser of them all, based on the Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’. Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year? Not for the miserable, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge! However, Scrooge is soon to be shown the error of his ways when the three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future pay him a visit one cold and wintry night. Will their visits make him realise that a kind heart and generous spirit make the world a happier place for everyone? With a bit of panto magic, and a lot of help from the audience, maybe anything is possible!
This much-loved story perfectly captures the magic of Christmas and positively sparkles on stage with an ensemble cast playing the many memorable characters – Scrooge, his nephew Fred and the beautiful Lucy he wishes to marry, the Cratchits complete with Tiny Tim, a trio of hilarious ghosts, plus a myriad of colourful characters in a gloriously funny version of the spellbinding tale. And of course, there’s the dame! No pantomime would be complete without her… she’ll put Scrooge right! OH YES SHE WILL!
‘Scrooge’s Christmas’ promises an unforgettably festive experience coupled with The Market Place Theatre’s renowned reputation for high quality, professional pantomimes that are acclaimed as among the best in Ireland… Ideal for children aged 5 to 95!
There are public performances on: Fri 5 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 6 Dec 11.00am & 3.00pm & 6.30pm | Sun 7 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm | Fri 12 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 13 Dec 1.00pm & 5.00pm | Sun 14 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm | Mon 15 Dec 6.30pm | Tues 16 Dec 6.30pm | Thurs 18 Dec 6.30pm | Fri 19 Dec 6.30pm | Sat 20 Dec 11.00am & 3.00pm & 6.30pm | Sun 21 Dec 1.00pm & 4.30pm
Tickets for ‘Scrooge’s Christmas’ are priced £13.00 & £11.00 [conc] with a FINAL WEEK TICKET OFFER…£10.00 & £8.00 [conc] for performances on Mon 15 Dec 6.30pm | Tues 16 Dec 6.30pm | Thurs 18 Dec 6.30pm.
There is also a Captioned Performance on Thurs 18 Dec at 6.30pm and a BSL Signed Performance on Sat 13 Dec at 5.00pm
The pantomime is presented in association with Ulster Theatre Company and is written and directed by Michael Poynor with music by Mark Dougherty, designed by Elroy Ashmore and choreography by Deborah Maguire.
Charis Cancer Centre’s ‘New Ways of Thinking’ initiative is one of the projects that has been shortlisted for receiving funding in the People’s Millions TV contest, a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV.
Charis Centre Director, Imelda McGuckin
Charis Cancer Care is a self- funded charity which supports cancer patients through their journey by providing body therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and reflexology, counselling, advice on benefit entitlements and nutritional advice. Therapists and tutors work with the person as a whole, ensuring they benefit from advice and treatments which are free of charge.
There are four £50,000 awards up for grabs in the region, one for each night from November 24 to November 26, as well as a bonus award for the runner-up with the most votes across the week.
Imelda McGucken, Director of Charis Cancer Centre explains the opportunity and how local people can support the ‘New Ways of Thinking’ project to secure vital funding:
“It is a fantastic achievement for Charis Cancer Centre to have been shortlisted in the People’s Millions TV Contest. Though now that we’ve managed to reach this stage, we really need the support of local people to help us successfully compete and secure vital funding for a project that is focused on helping local people who are coping with cancer.
“For those who may not be familiar with this fund or the process that goes with it, two projects are identified to go head to head every night for three nights from Monday 24 November. The Charis Cancer Centre ‘New Ways of Thinking’ initiative will feature in the first broadcast on Monday 24 November alongside the ‘Build a Beach’ Project which is linked to the Titanic Foundation.
“A short video will be shown about Charis Cancer Centre and the ‘Build a Beach’ project. The public will then be asked to vote for the project that they would like to receive the award via a phone vote. The number that people will be asked to ring will be featured in the TV programme but it will also be published in the Mirror on Monday 24 November. Votes are counted and then the results will be announced the following day.”
Imelda adds: “I would ask everyone to actively get involved and grasp the opportunity that exists to help secure vital funding that will make a tangible difference to individuals that are coping with the impact of cancer on their lives. Voting lines are open from 9am on the morning of the broadcast until midnight and we need everyone to pick up the phone and vote.
“Since first opening its doors to the public in March 2010, Charis has helped in excess of 2,300 people with their cancer journey. It costs approximately £500 to pay for each individual’s treatment at the centre. So, if the charity were successful in winning the £50,000 prize, this would mean that the organisation could help 100 people on their cancer journey.
“Charis Cancer Care is based close to Cookstown and we currently work with people across Northern Ireland offering a range of services covering financial and benefits advice, counselling and nutritional advice and body therapies, reflexology, massage and aromatherapy. In addition the charity also provides advice on specialist services such as wig fitting.”
Charis Cancer Centre Patron, Jenny Bristow says: “This funding will benefit people at all stages of their cancer journey. Charis can broaden the services offered to patients coping with diagnosis, detection and treatment. The programme has been designed to complement rather than replace orthodox cancer treatments with the aim of providing physical, psychological and emotional support through the relief of symptoms.
“Many of the activities are included to help patients cope with stresses caused by cancer and its treatments, providing a relaxing environment which helps raise spirits and esteem at times when people feel low. ‘Touch therapies’ such as massage and reflexology and ‘mind body therapies’ covering relaxation and visualisation are available within the centre but rarely on a group basis where people with similar circumstances and needs can benefit from one another as opposed to in isolation with a therapist. The funding will make a huge difference to service delivery over the next twelve months and will help broaden the services already offered.
“The Charis Cancer Centre will be providing updates in the run up to the funding showdown on social media outlets. Lend your support to this really worthy cause by using the #votecharis. When the phone number becomes available we will add this onto the hashtag. Everyone can play a role in helping to secure funding and we really value your support.”
The charity receives no funding from any of the statutory bodies. All of the finance to run the organisation is obtained through fundraising events run by the local community.
NORTHERN Ireland’s Little Wing Pizzeria is dishing out sports bursaries to five local sports clubs as part of its Little Wing’s Little Sports Stars scheme.
Northern Ireland’s Little Wing Pizzeria is dishing out sports bursaries to five local sports clubs as part of its Little Wing’s Little Sports Stars scheme. The bursary programme was open to all local children’s sports clubs located nearby each of Little Wing’s branches and the five lucky clubs awarded were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club. The teams were invited to submit a 300 word application to be in the running to win the bursary and the winning teams received £500 each. Photo by Matt Mackey, Press Eye. Pictured left to right: Bangor Rugby Club players , City of Belfast Swimming Club players, Junior Belfast Giants players, Holywood Rugby Football Club players join Luke Wolsey, MD of Little Wing Pizzeria at the new Holywood Little Wing.
The bursary programme was open to all local children’s sports clubs located nearby each of Little Wing’s branches and the five lucky clubs awarded were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club.
The teams were invited to submit a 300 word application to be in the running to win the bursary and the winning teams received £500 each. Commenting on the sports bursary winners, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said:
“We are always looking for ways to support the local communities where the Little Wing Pizzeria branches are located and the Little Wing Little Sports Stars bursary is a way of doing this.
“It was a tough call to pick five teams to reward from all the entries we received but I am thrilled to be able to present the bursaries to the winners.
“We hope the money will offer the teams some much needed financial assistance to help towards the general running of the club whether it is new sporting kits, equipment or even a chance to treat the kids to a fun day at their clubs,”
Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.
For further information visit littlewingpizzeria.com
Actors Patrick Sanders and Mary Jordan join Ethan Noble ahead of a Narnia - themed magical mystery tour around the author's old school. The Nearly True Tours form one of the hightlights of this year's C.S. Lewis Festival
C.S. Lewis Nearly True Tours at Campbell College: Saturday 22nd November, 12.30pm and 2.15pm and Sunday 23rd November, 12pm and 1.45pm.
Tickets £3 each or a *family ticket for £10.
You will enjoy a blend of historical fact with hysterical fiction as C.S. Lewis is explored as never before during this walking tour with a difference.
‘Nearly True’ George will take you on an unforgettable excursion around Campbell College that will shed new light on C.S. Lewis’ history. On ‘Nearly True Tours’ everything you are told is guaranteed to be ‘nearly true’. Fake facts and true stories mingle in this colourful and comic journey.
The search to find Northern Ireland’s top pubs came to a dramatic conclusion this week, as the cream of the local hospitality industry gathered at La Mon Hotel & Country Club on Wednesday 12th November for Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2014.
: The Goat’s Toe, Bangor Pubs of Ulster Chairman, Mark Stewart, Andrew Gedge from The Goat’s Toe, Bangor and Finance Minister Simon Hamilton pictured at Pubs of Ulster’s prestigious Pub of the Year Awards 2014, where The Goat’s Toe in Bangor was named the overall Pub of the Year 2014.The Awards night, hosted by Cool FM Breakfast Show Host, Pete Snodden, was attended by the best in the hospitality business and was held at the La Mon Hotel and Country Club on Wednesday 12th November 2014.The annual Pub of the Year Awards are the only industry recognised awards and provide a valuable opportunity to recognise the significant contribution local pubs make, not only within their own communities, but to the industry as a whole. This year’s awards were sponsored by Britvic, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Dillon Bass, Heineken Northern Ireland, Molson Coors, Richmond Marketing, Tennent’s NI, Drinks Inc. and media partners, Sunday Life, Downtown/Cool FM and Hospitality Review NI.
A total of 38 shortlisted premises from right across Northern Ireland went head to head in 10 categories.
There could only be one winner for the highly coveted overall Pub of the Year 2014 award – which was clinched by The Goat’s Toe in Bangor.
Judges commented that The Goat’s Toe “clearly cares about its customers and community”; that it has a “strong, enthusiastic committed workforce” and “the management team are brimming over with fantastic and unusual ideas.” The judges also commended the venue for “championing local music and local food to achieve a wide and varied age profile of customers that all enjoy the venue side-by-side.”
Celebrating the prestigious award win, Andrew Gedge, The Goat’s Toe said:
“Being named Northern Ireland’s Pub of the Year is a real honour. Our entire team works so hard and we are continually improving our premises to ensure we stay at the top of our game; most recently we installed a unique roof top beer garden that’s open all year round and features its own bar and caravan; it has become a great talking point for regulars and visitors alike.
“To have our dedication and commitment recognised by Pubs of Ulster is a tremendous achievement for the whole team; it provides a real incentive for us to keep up our hard work and live up to the prestigious title of Pub of the Year.”
A total of 10 awards were handed out at the ceremony, which was hosted by Cool FM presenter and Bangor resident, Pete Snodden and attended by VIP guests including Finance minister, Simon Hamilton, mindreader and mentalist, David Meade; BBC weatherman, Barra Best and actor, Charlie Lawson (Coronation Street’s, Jim McDonald).
In Belfast, Ryan’s Bar and Restaurant scooped Best Big Idea; Shiro was named the winner of Best Marketing Idea; The Albany won Best New /Improved Pub and The National Grande Café won Best Pub Week Event. Further afield, the Adair Arms in Ballymena was awarded the Best Hotel Bar title; Clare Johnston of The Railway Arms in Coleraine was crowned Best Barperson in association with Sunday Life; Sallys of Omagh clinched Best Charity Event; The Maghera Inn in Castlewellan won the Best Food title and The Wild Duck Inn in Portglenone picked up the Best Entertainment award.
Commenting on the awards, Mark Stewart, chairman of Pubs of Ulster, said:“Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards recognise and reward excellence and the important contribution local pubs make, not only within their own communities, but to the hospitality industry as a whole.
“This year we received our highest level of entries to date. The high standard of our finalists is a clear indication of the increasing professionalism and quality of pubs right across Northern Ireland.
“I would like to congratulate all of this year’s winners, and in particular The Goat’s Toe for being named the overall Pub of the Year 2014. I would also like to commend all of our shortlisted pubs – to reach the final of a competition of this scale is no mean feat; each and every pub should be proud to be counted amongst the best in Northern Ireland.”
The Pub of the Year Awards is the culmination of an extensive search for the best pubs in a range of categories across Northern Ireland.
This Pub of the Year’s expert judging panel consisted of mentalist and hospitality expert, David Meade; digital media expert Russell Moore; retail specialist, Hugh Black (formerly Victoria Square, Belfast); retail, digital and marketing expert Enda McShane (Velocity Worldwide); Worldwide drinks industry veterans, Maire Campbell (former Coca-Cola); Padraig Gribben (CEO, Vintners Federation Ireland); Norman Trotter (former head of C&C); Terry Loughins (former Diageo) and Brigid Simmons (CEO, British Beer & Pub Association); Martin Breen, editor, Sunday Life; Nicola Daly, manager, Hospitality Review; Jordan Moates, Downtown/Cool FM; Gary McDonald, business editor, The Irish News; John Mulgrew, digital journalist, The Belfast Telegraph and Richard Sherriff, business editor, The News Letter.
After rigorous judging by the panel, the shortlisted pubs from across Northern Ireland were put through their paces with mystery shoppers visiting their premises, ensuring they adhere to best industry standards before the winners were decided.
The Pub of the Year Awards are the only industry recognised awards, this year’s awards were sponsored by Britvic, Coca-Cola, Diageo, Dillon Bass, Heineken Northern Ireland, Molson Coors, Richmond Marketing, Tennent’s NI, Drinks Inc. and media partners, Sunday Life, Downtown/Cool FM and Hospitality Review NI.
For further information, the full list of winners and pictures from Pubs of Ulster’s Pub of the Year Awards 2014, visit www.nipuboftheyear.org
It’s hard to believe the Belfast Christmas Market has been taking place at City Hall for 10 years. What started as a small group of gazebos and a handful of traders has grown into one of our best-loved festive events.
Nowadays the grounds of City Hall are transformed into a traditional festive German style market complete with 90 hand crafted wooden chalets and other structures, twinkling lights and the aroma of the traditional spirit-warming Glühwein.
This year the multi-award winning Belfast Christmas Market which generates millions of pounds in economic benefits for the City of Belfast each year opens its gates on Saturday 15 November at 12noon, signaling for many the start of the Christmas season in Belfast City Centre.
Over 800,000 visitors are expected to enjoy the gastronomic delights at this year’s market which include: Crepes from France, Belgian chocolates and an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers for those with a taste for adventure. Giant Bratwurst are cooked and sold from a brand new iconic Schwenkgrille, Spanish Paella, and nougat from Italy is also on offer for hungry festive shoppers.
Close to 30% of the market is made up of local traders (many who started at the award winning St George’s Market) selling products such as non alcoholic cordials, hand carved name plaques, locally produced chocolate and original art. Suki Tea will be brewing up in the festive village for the 10th year themselves, as it was at the very first Christmas market that Oscar Woolley and his team first dipped their toes in the tea trade.
Wrap up warm in preparation for the threatened chilly winter in Peruvian clothing made out of genuine Alpaca wool, update your accessory collection with some Aztec jewellery or style your wardrobe with some Parisian fashion. Handcrafted gifts such as soaps, wooden toys and decorations are also showcased, perfect as unique stocking fillers.
The young at heart can visit our famous Santa’s Grotto and help support the Lord Mayor’s charity, Youth Link, the inter-church youth service for Northern Ireland established in 1991, to provide support and training for youth workers and community relations experiences for young people.
The Christmas Market ’Buddy Scheme’ runs from 10am-12pm Monday-Wednesday, the initiative aims to provide additional assistance for those who may require it, during their visit. After a walk around in the brisk winter air, the complimentary tea and coffee (served in the Lavery’s beer tent as part of the scheme), provides a welcome treat.
Spoil your inner child and take a ride on the carousel made especially for the Belfast Christmas Market by the Goss family, or have a picture taken in the Snow Globe before relaxing in one of our continental bars, serving drinks from around the world late into the evening.
Open from 10am each day (1pm on Sundays), the Belfast Christmas Market runs until 21 December and for those who want to squeeze in that extra bit of shopping, St George’s Market is operating on additional days, for more information visit belfastcity.gov.uk
Don’t miss your chance to make this Christmas an extra special one. For information on any of our initiatives follow us on Facebook and twitter or visit www.marketplaceeurope.co.uk
Locals and visitors alike are invited to step back in time some 300 years as Georgian Day returns to Armagh this November.
Local children Katie (8) and Billy (6) prepare to sprinkle a little festive magic on Armagh - with a helping hand from Lynd Roper. The youngsters were warming up for the cold season as they help Armagh City Council launch this year's Georgian Day. The free family fun day on 29 November in Armagh City Centre will boast 50 festive market stalls, craft work-shops, walking tours and festive fun for everyone - Georgian style! For more information on Georgian Day go to www.armagh.co.uk/georgian
Heralding the beginning of the Christmas season, the renowned festive family fun day will be lighting up the streets of the city on 29 November from 10am – 8pm and transporting families back to the city’s Georgian past.
Armagh, Ireland’s ecclesiastical capital, will enjoy a Georgian Christmas ‘make-over’; with everyone from market traders, musicians, craft experts and even a reindeer and his trusty elves getting in on the act.
The annual Georgian Christmas Market is not to be missed. With around 70 stalls brimming with gifts, artisan crafts, gourmet delights and steaming mugs of mulled wine and mince pies – it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in some Christmas shopping or simply browse and soak up the yuletide atmosphere. And in keeping with the historic theme, Armagh’s stall traders are getting into the spirit of the occasion sporting Georgian attire as they welcome their customers.
One of the main attractions will be the free lightshow which will be ticketed this year to enable as many people as possible to enjoy the spectacular exhibition. Set to festive music and with a few surprises planned ‘A Winter’s Tale’ will be a show to remember as it transforms the beautiful Georgian building, Market House, into a shimmering canvas for images and special live stage action.
The light show will be shown at 5pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm with gates opening 15 minutes before each show and access from Market Street only. Wristbands for each show are available from Monday 10th November at 10.00am online at www.armagh.co.uk/lightshow or from Armagh Visitor Information Centre on 028 3752 1800 or in person.
Lord Mayor of Armagh, Cathy Rafferty, said: “Armagh City is set to shine on Georgian Day. The whole city really gets into the festive spirit and, as always, extends the warmest of welcomes to locals and visitors alike. We are always looking at new and exciting things to bring to Georgian Day and this year’s packed itinerary is hard to beat.”
“As well as showcasing everything our beautiful historical city has to offer, the event gives visitors a glimpse of the past and a sense of the history and tradition that has helped forge the Armagh we know and love today. With so much on offer, not just on Georgian Day but all the way through the festive period and beyond, it’s easy to see how we attract around 25,000 visitors to this wonderful showcase event.”
Families can also enjoy live music on the bandstand or treat themselves to a Georgian-style tour around the Mall on a beautiful Regency horse-drawn carriage. For the more energetic, Georgian themed walking tours and the chance to explore several of the city’s oldest Georgian buildings including the magnificent Archbishop’s Palace and Armagh Gaol are not to be missed.
The Georgian period was when Christmas really became the celebration that we recognise today – decadent decorations, tasty treats and generous gifts. A packed schedule of Georgian craft workshops at The Shambles Yard will help visitors hone their festive home-making, with everything from Christmas Cookery demos to advice on how to make the most covetable centre-piece.
Cathy Rafferty added: “Georgian Day is the star in our festive events calendar and we’re confident that this year’s celebration is going to be the bigger and better than ever!”
For more information on Georgian Day and what’s happening throughout the year in Armagh, go towww.armagh.co.uk/georgian
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 17-23).
Bangor Christmas Lights Switch On, Bangor Town Hall (Bangor Castle), Co Down, November 22. Watch the skies above Bangor come alive with a spectacular fireworks display before the Christmas lights are ceremoniously switched on at 5.30pm.
Melodies and Musicals, The Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, November 18-22. Fortwilliam Musical Society returns with a showcase of songs from the world of musicals and beyond. This award-winning company has been entertaining sell-out audiences for over 35 years. With their unique blend of family favourites and the latest musical hits, there is something for everyone.
Gay Byrne – Live On Stage, Canal Court Hotel, Newry, Co Down, November 20.Ireland’s king of broadcasting, Gay Byrne, will reminisce about his star-studded 50 year plus showbiz career in what will be an intimate and enthralling event filled with fun and laughter!
Limavady Christmas Illuminations, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady, Co Londonderry, November 21. The countdown is on for the Limavady Illuminations! Christmas entertainment, music, games and DJ Ned will help set the scene before Santa and the Mayor of Limavady, Alderman Alan Robinson press that all important magic button at 7pm.
The Snow Queen, Alley Theatre, Railway Road, Strabane, Co Tyrone, November 22-24. Enjoy this ever popular Christmas favourite of a magical tale filled with spells and action that conjures up a captivating mix of fantasy, fable and love triumphing over evil.
Giving Nature a Home in Fermanagh, Enniskillen Library, Co Fermanagh, November 26. County Fermanagh is home to a rich diversity of birds and wildlife which makes it the perfect setting for RSPB area manager Brad Robson to talk about the work the charity is doing to help give nature a home on up to 40 islands in Lower Lough Erne.
Baskets for Beginners, Museum at the Mill, Carnmoney Road North, Mossley, Co Antrim, November 22. Experience basket weaving using locally sourced willow to make your own traditional Irish skib or potato strainer. Absorbing and incredibly satisfying, this activity will allow you to learn a new skill and leave you with a great sense of achievement.
The Bard of Armagh, Armagh City Hotel,2 Friary Road, Co Armagh, November 21. Now celebrating its 20th year, the annual Bard of Armagh Festival of Humorous Verse has become an institution. The event, which began in humble circumstances in Keady, quickly spiralled into a national phenomenon with bards from all over Ireland coming to Armagh to take part in the ancient Irish art of satirical versification.
C.S. Lewis Festival 2014, various locations, Belfast, November 20-23. Enjoy this family festival filled with art and craft workshops, film and documentary screenings plus theatre and talks to celebrate one of Belfast’s most famous sons. A variety of venues will be used to house the great events lined up this year including St Mark’s Church, Holywood Arches Library, Ulster Hall and many more!
Mistletoe & Crime, Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, November 22 – January 11. “T’was the night before Christmas the city is heavin’, there’s shoppin’ and gurnin’ and drinkin’ and thievin’…” It would be a crime to miss this comedy drama written by Marie Jones and directed by Dan Gordon at the award winning Lyric Theatre. It’s a new time, a new place, a new police service and two WPC’s try to keep order amongst the mayhem that is a Belfast Christmas!
Please note some of the events require pre-booking.
Bjorn Identity, NI’s premier tribute band, will be playing the hits of 70’s supergroup ABBA at the Bannville House Hotel this Saturday 15th November, followed by a 70’s Disco. This fundraiser promises to be a great night out, with tickets from just £8.00. Meal deal with Bannville House Hotel also available.
Armagh
The world-renowned Moscow Ballet returns to The Market Place Theatre for the most special, festive and magical ballets of all time ‘Nutcracker’ Thursday 13th November. All is quiet in the great house…Clara creeps Downstairs…The Christmas Tree stands alone…In the darkness, through the curtains, the moonlight beams onto the colourful presents offered there.
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Fermanagh
Borderline Players are back at the Ardhowen Theatre 13th, 14th and 15th November with Neil Simon’s ‘Rumors’. This riotously funny farce centres around the efforts of eight party guests to spare their unfortunate host, and themselves from scandal. The play opens with Ken and Chris who have found their host for the evening Charley, a prominent Government official, in his bedroom, too dazed to speak, with a bullet wound in his ear lobe! His wife, Vivian and domestic help are nowhere to be seen. The evening descends into a chaos of epic proportions before a surprising explanation to the evening’s turn of events proves more incredible than anyone could have imagined.
Tyrone
Enjoy an Eclectic Evening of Earthy Folk and Gypsy Jazz featuring Camhanach and Cup O’Joe at the Square Box, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre Dungannon on Saturday 15th November at 7.30pm. Tickets £10. Camhanach are a traditional folk group playing both new and traditional tunes and songs cast in modern sounding arrangements. Cup O’Joe is made up of two brothers Benjamin, Reuben and sister, Tabitha, who play an energetic style of Bluegrass & Gypsy Jazz music.
Derry
Enjoy four days of melodic revelry and eclectic sounds as Coleraine Borough Council hosts the Atlantic Sessions 13th – 16th November. Now in its fifth year, Atlantic Sessions on the North Coast is a high quality, musical feast, showcasing original music interpreted by artists in a number of ways from traditional to contemporary, from electric to acoustic. The FREE Music Trail, will feature over 40 live original music gigs at various venues, while headline ticketed acts will perform at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart.
Antrim
After the success of last year’s craft fair, the PTA of Wallace High School Lisburn is hoping for a repeat performance at this year’s Christmas Craft Fair this Saturday 15th November. You will find unusual presents, lovely food, or you can just meet up with friends and catch up over a cup of tea or coffee. Please come and join the Wallace High community from 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Belfast
The Schola Cantorum join forces with the Leeds Philharmonic Chorus to present the Fauré Requiem in a gala concert at St Peter’s Cathedral on Saturday 15th November, featuring music by Blow, Parry, Gjeilo and Wilberforce. This is a performance not to be missed! Admission is £15.00 in aid of The Order of Malta’s Maternity Hospital in Bethlehem.
Magherafelt came over all Christmassy on Monday 3rd November at the Official Launch of Magherafelt Christmas Market.
Magherafelt District Council will once again be serving up a treat with their Speciality Christmas Market which will run over three days from Friday 28th November (6pm-10pm), Saturday 29th (10am-10pm) and Sunday 30th (2pm-6pm). In addition, Council has arranged FREE car parking in the Pay and Display Car Parks from Thursday 27th November until Sunday 30th November 2014.
Chairperson, Kate Mc Eldowney said “This is one of our flagship events, of which we are very proud. It is events like this that that really helps to breathe life back into our struggling town centres and I’m particularly pleased that this year the market has moved to Market Street, which has been the trading heart of Magherafelt since 1425.”
With the move to the new Town Centre location of Market Street, it is hoped that we will exceed last year’s 16,500 visitor numbers, which generated £288, 750 back into the local economy
Our Little Piggy will go to this very special Christmas Market. He’s a hungry little creature, so he’ll be delighted to see more than 35 food and drink traders including the Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-Op (Eels), Comber Potato growers, Indian Nights Inn, Mange Tout and Sweet Sensations, Papa J’s, to name but a few.
Come along and enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced artisan food and drink. Or take time to unwind in the Lounge, where you can experience a craft beer, hot mulled wine or even just sit and relax. Complete with local bands including Rightly On and Limavady Big Band and local school children will perform over the weekend. There will also be lots of hints and tips for Christmas fa with cookery demos funded by Love Food Hate Waste.
Visitors to the Christmas Craft stalls will be inspired and amazed by the variety, quality and originality of the hand-made craft products and gifts available. There may even be a few special characters on display too!
This will be one of Northern Ireland’s largest outdoor markets, so don’t miss it and get into the Christmas spirit in the heart of Magherafelt.
Christmas Lights Switch-on
On Saturday the 29 November at 7.00pm join Cool Fm for a captivating evening of festive fun, with prize giveaways and the arrival of Santa and illuminate the sky with a fanfare of fireworks.
Together these events will bring a fabulous atmosphere to Magherafelt and an even better aroma.
This is the enchanting story of the meanest miser of them all, based on the Charles Dickens’ seasonal classic, ‘A Christmas Carol’. Christmas, the most wonderful time of the year? Not for the miserable, miserly Ebenezer Scrooge! However, Scrooge is soon to be shown the error of his ways when the three ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future pay him a visit one cold and wintry night. Will their visits make him realise that a kind heart and generous spirit make the world a happier place for everyone? With a bit of panto magic, and a lot of help from the audience, maybe anything is possible!
