The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 17 – 23).

• Local Crafts Showcase, Tower Museum, Co. Londonderry, December 17.  An innovative craft event to raise awareness of the arts and crafts projects which have been created by people with disabilities.
• Skate Odyssey – Public Ice Skating, Odyssey Arena, Belfast, December 18 – January 6.  As part of the WinterFest programme, the Odyssey Arena will be transformed into the coolest place in town.  Come along and experience the thrills of ice skating at the home of the Belfast Giants.

• The High Kings, Ardhowen, Co. Fermanagh, December 18 – 19.  Multi-platinum artists The High Kings have been voted Ireland’s folk band of the year and will not disappoint with this showcase of lively new songs and rousing interpretations of old favourites.

• Traditional Music Nights, Adair Arms Hotel, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, December 20.  Relax and unwind with a night of traditional music at the Adair Arms Hotel.

• A Giant Carol Sing, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, December 20.  Brass bands and a number of local primary schools will help get you into the Christmas spirit by exploring the lighter side of Christmas with lots of carol singing.

• Winter Solstice Guided Hike to Summit of Slieve Gullion, Crossmaglen, Co. Armagh, December 20 – 22.  Set on the summit of Slieve Gullion is the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland and every year in the Winter Solstice the setting sun illuminates the passage inside.  This year there will be three guided walks to the tomb.  The walks will take place at dusk and suit experienced people only.

• Christmas Carol Service, Down Parish Church, Downpatrick, Co. Down, December 21.  Celebrate Christmas and enjoy some beautiful singing at this carol service which starts at 5pm.

• Retro Dance, Ulster Hall, Belfast, December 21.  Jive, swing and jitterbug the night away with Nightswing and Bellehoppers as forties and fifties dancing, music and fashion return to the Ulster Hall.

• Cultúrlann Christmas Party, An Cultúrlann, Belfast, December 21.  This end of year celebration will showcase some home-grown talent as well as a stunning string quartet that will perform melodies including Muse, Radiohead, The Divine Comedy and much more.

• Christmas with The Priests, Waterfront Hall, Belfast, December 22.  The Priests perform some of the most cherished seasonal songs including Ding Dong Merrily On High, O Come All Ye Faithful, Ave Maria and Silent Night.

• Christmas Concert, Mussenden Temple, Downhill Demesne and Hezlett House, Castlerock, Co. Londonderry, December 22.  Enjoy an evening of Christmas songs, old and new, performed in a jazz/ swing style by High Carslow and friends.

• Introduction to White Water Course, Adventure Centre, Castlewellan Forest Park, Co. Down, December 22.  A course designed to introduce paddlers with some experience of flat water to the delights of river journeys in a Kayak. 

Down

See Sinbad presented by 2nd Skin Theatre Company in conjunction with the WEB Theatre Newtownards  all week until Saturday 15^th December. Join in the family fun as SINBAD is ordered by the Caliph of Arabia to rescue the beautiful Princess Orchid from the clutches of Ali baddie and his band of pirate helpers. SINBAD has to journey to the Isle of the Dark Sea and cross the desert to find the Princess. Not so easy as the Princess is guarded by the monster from the Dark Sea. Will Sinbad rescue the Princess? Will the Caliph forgive him? What will happen to Ali baddie and his henchmen? Sinbad needs your help to overcome the odds against him. So come along and bring the whole family for a great night out.

Tyrone

This Saturday and Sunday Emma Heatherington, in association with SD Entertainment, presents SANTA & THE LOST TOYS at the Bardic Theatre Donaghmore. Join Lolli & Pop as they help Santa catch Naughty Nicker who has stolen all the presents for the boys and girls this Christmas. A family friendly Christmas show suitable for Children aged 2+ and up.   All children meet Santa after each show and receive a free treat from the man himself.  3pm & 5pm.

Fermanagh

Share Discover Village Share are hosting an Indoor Christmas Craft & Food Fair on Saturday 15th December. The Fair will be open from 11am – 2pm.   Santa is scheduled to make an appearance at the event. Rock climbing, face painting balloon modelling and refreshments will also be available.

Derry

A magic mirror, a jealous queen, a poisoned apple and the tiniest friends ever imagined – it’s panto time again at the Forum!  Telling the story of the young princess who finds herself on the run from her wicked stepmother and takes refuge in the forest with seven pint-sized men, SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS remains one of the best-love pantomimes of all time.  Packed with great song and dance routines, hilarious comedy, dazzling scenes and magical special effects, this festive favourite is fun for all the family from 4-94!  Featuring William Caulfield and a star studded local and Northern Irish cast with a special ‘magical’ appearance by Daniel O’Donnell, this energetic Christmas treat is sure to be a hit with audiences far and wide. Performances run until 5th January.

Armagh

The Market Place Theatre, in association with The Ulster Theatre Company is delighted to announce this year’s Christmas spectacular – ‘Sleeping Beauty’. This full-scale traditional pantomime will combine wonderful music, song and dance, colourful costumes, memorable characters, and loads of audience participation, in a lively and sparkling Christmas adventure.  Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a beautiful princess is born. The entire kingdom is delighted, apart from the evil Spectra, who places a curse on the Princess, so that when she pricks her finger, she falls asleep for one hundred years. Who could possibly break such a terrible spell? And who will brave the fearsome fire-breathing dragon to awaken the sleeping beauty in the magical ‘Land Of Dreams’? Come to The Market Place Theatre this Christmas to find out…runs until 23rd December.

Antrim

The Shankill Players are proud to present our Christmas extravaganza ‘Beauty and the Beast’! Come along and see all your favourite characters take to the stage, alongside a typical Players modern twist. The show will be happening between 12th-14th December at New Life Centre, Northumberland Street, Belfast! Tickets will be available to purchase from Crumlin Road Church, Belfast every Monday and Wednesday evening between 6pm-6.30pm or by contacting them through their facebook page (Shankill Players).

For more details on these and other events across Northern Ireland, news and competitions see www.whatsonni.com, follow us @whatsonni and like us at fb.com/www.whatsonni. Add your festive

events FREE OF CHARGE at www.whatsonni.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 10 – 16).

• Santa’s Grotto and Sleigh Ride, Millers Hill, near Markethill, Co. Armagh, December 5 – 20.  Make magic reindeer food, post your letter to Santa in his giant post box, visit his Grotto and enjoy some of Mrs Claus’ shortbread and mince pies.

• Magical Christmas Memories, Springhill House, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, December 8 – 16.  Visit Santa and Twinkle-Boots in the grotto, receive a beautiful Christmas gift and see the house festively decorated for Christmas with crafts for the children and mulled wine and mince pies for the adults.

• Christmas Carol Concert, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down, December 11 – 14.  Sing traditional carols and listen to seasonal readings in the atmospheric lamp-lit Omagh Meeting House.  Supper is available in Ballycultra Tea Room before and after the concert.

• 30s & 40s Music by Swingbella, Runfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, December 12.  A close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the swing era of the 30s and 40s.

• Wireless Mystery Theatre presents ‘A Christmas Carol’, North Down Museum, Co. Down, December 13.  The radio theatre troupe will be ‘broadcasting’ their annual Christmas show and will transport the audience into an old-time Ulster radio studio, recreating the 1940 live broadcast of the family classic A Christmas Carol.

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, Derry Playhouse, Co. Londonderry, December 13 – 15.  A fresh interpretation of a Dickens classic– the story of redemption, as Scrooge, a miser haunted by three spirits, seeks to amend the errors of his penny-pinching ways.

• Wrap It Up Christmas Event, Castle Barracks, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 14.  Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of shopping, mulled wine and mine pies while browsing the shop for Christmas gift ideas including knitwear, jewellery, silverware, ceramics and books.

• Winter Wonderland, Antrim Lough Shore Park, Co. Antrim, December 14.  Make sure you don’t miss Santa sailing up the Six Mile Water River by boat before paying a visit to Santa’s grotto, meeting the Christmas animals and enjoying a range of family fun.

• Half Night Paranormal Gaol Tour, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, December 15.  This tour takes you on a paranormal journey through the prison where 17 men were executed by hanging and their bodies were buried within the prison walls in the unconsecrated ground.

• Christmas Craft Fair at Share, Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, December 15.  Share is hosting an indoor Christmas craft and food fair.  Santa will be making an appearance at the event and there will be plenty of activities to take part in including face painting, rock climbing and balloon modelling.

• Santa and the Lost Toys, Bardic Theatre, Donaghmore, Co. Tyrone, December 15 – 16.  The perfect alternative to the traditional grotto experience – sing along to your favourite Christmas songs, help solve the mystery of the lost boys, meet Santa and receive a special cupcake treat at this mini-pantomine.

• The Incredible Book Eating Boy, The MAC, Belfast, until January 1.  This family show is based on a book by award-winning children’s author Oliver Jeffers.  Say hello to Henry, he loves books.  Books for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Yes, Henry loves books so much that he eats them and the more he eats, the cleverer he gets.   

Londonderry’s reign as the UK’s City of Culture will be a key feature in plans to sell Northern Ireland to the overseas market in 2013, Tourism Minister Arlene Foster announced, today.

Launching Tourism Ireland’s marketing plans for next year, Arlene Foster said 2013 would provide many opportunities to build on the foundations of the increased awareness created by the ni2012 campaign.

The Minister said: “A major programme of promotional activity is being planned around Londonderry as the UK City of Culture, and this will allow Tourism Ireland to put the city, and Northern Ireland, on the map in a completely new way.

“Tourism Ireland aims to attract more visitors from overseas with a focus on the City of Culture events, the World Police and Fire Games and the worldwide publicity that will undoubtedly be generated by the recent announcement that the G8 summit is to be held in Fermanagh.

“Despite what recent provisional figures may have said, we have much to be optimistic about. Titanic Belfast smashed its visitor targets, with 615,000 people passing through the doors to date. Visitors came from 111 countries, with a ratio of 64% out of state. A Belfast Visitor and Convention survey showed a 14.1% rise in visitors coming to the city, with a 21.7% increase in people coming to the city from the Republic of Ireland. The new Giants’ Causeway visitor centre has already welcomed over 300,000 visitors from 130 countries since its opening in July.

“The Irish Open was the first European Tour event to sell out and Northern Ireland will once again be promoted as one of the world’s top golfing destinations in 2013. Our Major winning golfers continue to be excellent ambassadors on the international stage, with World No.1 Rory McIlroy winning the Race to Dubai and Graeme McDowell taking the World Challenge trophy at the weekend.”

Welcoming Tourism Ireland’s new strategy to grow the GB market, Arlene Foster said: “The current economic situation means fresh thinking is required if we are to tempt GB visitors to come to Northern Ireland. In its new strategy ‘GB Path To Growth’, Tourism Ireland will target specific market segments from the young, urban adventurer to the over 45s who want to explore the landscapes, history and culture we have on offer.”

Other key markets targeted by Tourism Ireland in 2013 will include the United States and mainland Europe, as well as Australia and other emerging markets.

Arlene Foster said: “The theme for 2013 is Global Connections for Tourism Growth, and it is important that we leave no stone unturned in the drive to let the world know what makes Northern Ireland such a special place to visit.”

Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, Niall Gibbons, said: “Next year is about delivering growth in the continuing difficult climate. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the pace of economic recovery in our key source markets, we believe that 2013 will see an increase in visitor numbers. In particular the Derry~Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations will provide fresh and compelling reasons for people across the world to visit. The G8 summit also presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase Fermanagh and Northern Ireland – not only to world leaders but to the international media. We plan to build on new levels of awareness arising from ni2012 and will be pulling out all the stops to ensure that Northern Ireland increases its share of the global travel business. And we will continue to work closely with our tourism partners, both at home and overseas, to achieve our common objectives and help drive economic regeneration.”

Jacqueline from www.whatsonni.com shares her pick of festive family events taking place this weekend across the North from Panto to Santa and Christmas markets!

Down

The opening gala night of Jack and the Beanstalk in support of the Doghouse Sanctuary is this Saturday 8th December.   Starring local celebrity and comedienne Victoria E Armstrong as Baron Bigwig, Nadia McConviile at Jack, Jonny Conaghan as Dame Trott, Philip Patton as Simon and Niamh McManus as Jill.  Music to get you singing along! Comedy and old fashioned romance! Dancing from the new dance troupe! Custard pies, a singing cow and a GIANT of a giant.  All will be revealed this December in E2A’s Panto Tickets only £5.00 each, making this the best value in town.

Tyrone

Ava Antiques, Vintage and Art Fair returns to the Glenavon House Hotel Cookstown this Sunday 9th December in time for all your Christmas shopping.   If it is shopping with a difference you are looking for then look no further.   The exhibition space is transformed into a cave of hidden treasures waiting to be found by avid antique market goers looking for a bargain or two.

Fermanagh

Visit Castle Coole with the children this December and enjoy the festivities.  Castle Coole will be home to Santa and Mrs Claus from 8-18th December as they busily prepare for Christmas. They will be welcoming children into their magical Christmas home – the perfect way to get into the festive spirit.  Travel from Enniskillen to the North Pole through the magical basement tunnel, meet Mrs Claus and see the elves’ playroom, enjoy a story and a chat with Santa and receive a special gift.  Booking is essential – entry is by half hour sessions.

Derry

Santa’s elves have been busy creating a magical Christmas Wonderland at The Jungle Moneymore every Saturday and Sunday until 22^nd December.  On-Target Taster Jungle activities, elf-tastic arts and crafts, festive face-painting,  woodland petting farm, cracking Christmas food and drink and locally sourced gifts and produce  are all part of the experience.  Of course, no Christmas Wonderland is complete without  Santa who will be at The Jungle to meet and greet your little ones, present them with a fabulous gift and pose for the photograph that happy family memories are made of!

Armagh

Journey back 2000 years at the Armagh Planetarium to Bethlehem, and seek to discover a scientific explanation for the star the wise men followed to find the baby Jesus in “Mystery of the Christmas Star”. The star of Bethlehem is an iconic astronomical event whose true origin remains unknown even today, in spite of years of speculation and investigation. The show will guide the viewer through some of these investigations and the most likely causes of this interesting cosmological object which was remarkable enough to make the wise men travel across the desert from Babylon to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby King. We will also explore possible dates for the birth of Christ and look at the historical records of significant astronomical events which occurred at this time. This modern retelling of the Christmas story in our digital theatre will charm and captivate audiences of all ages.

Antrim

Soak up the atmosphere at The Lisburn Christmas Market 6^th to 8^th December, this year situated at the handy and central Graham Gardens. Now an established festive favourite in Lisburn, the market is host to a wide range of traditional, handcrafted and unique products, speciality hot foods and coffee shop. With outdoor stalls, an indoor market in the Kingdom Life Centre and featuring this year for the first time, the Chill Out Tepee, the Market will also feature daily workshops, demonstrations and lunchtime acoustic music in this new Chill Out Zone. On Thursday and Friday a crèche will be on offer for pre-school age kids in the mornings and primary school kids in the afternoon and there’ll be lots of activities for the kids all day Saturday 8th.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (December 3 – 9).

• Sleeping Beauty, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, December 1 – 23.  The Ulster Theatre Company performs this Christmas spectacular combining wonderful music, song and dance and lots of audience participation.

• Christmas Demonstration with Noel McMeel, Belle Isle Estate, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, December 4.  Get inspired with the annual Christmas cookery demonstration where Lough Erne Resort’s executive chef Noel McMeel will inspire your senses and delight your taste buds.

• An Evening with Eilidh Patterson, Ballymoney Town Hall, Co. Antrim, December 6.  Songstress Eilidh Patterson makes a welcome return to Ballymoney with an intimate solo show, following the success of her previous performance.

• Craft Fair at Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle, Co. Down, December 6. The Cancer Research Christmas craft fair will take place in the grand surroundings of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa Hotel.

• The History of Christmas, Falls Road Library, Belfast, December 6.  Patrick Greer of West Belfast Historical Society presents a talk on the history of Christmas.  The event is free and everyone is welcome.

• Open Mic Comedy Night, Millennium Forum, Co Londonderry, December 7 – 8. Regular host Danny McCrossan waxes lyrical about a multitude of things and is joined onstage with local and national wannabes who are keen to give it a go.

• Fermanagh Choral Society, Castle Coole, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, December 7 – 8. Join the Fermanagh Choral Society as they perform Christmas songs from the 50s as Castle Coole comes to the end of its diamond celebrations.

• St George’s Christmas Craft Fair, St George’s Market, Belfast, December 7 – 9. Pick up stunning, homemade Christmas presents, enjoy some delicious food or get arty and make your own personalised Christmas cards at this festive fair.

• Causeway Speciality Market, The Diamond, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, December 8.  Enjoy quality gourmet food and drink, seasonal fruit and vegetables from organic farms, custom-made accessories and one-off jewellery pieces.

• Tyrone Design Guild, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, December 8.  Don’t miss an excellent chance to pick up a unique gift from an exciting selection of craft work and art from local artists including carved wood, stoneware and handmade furniture.

• The Snowman, Ulster Hall, Belfast, December 8. Celebrate the 30^th anniversary of the film adaptation of Raymond Brigg’s enduring Christmas tale as the Ulster Orchestra and Christopher Bell perform Howard Blake’s uplifting music live while the film is shown on the big screen.

• Yuletide Market, Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co Down, December 8 – 9.  Soak up the atmosphere with craft and food stalls, Christmas trees and wreaths made by the Rowallane gardening team and lots of family festive fun.

Get into the festive spirit and join the National Trust at Rowallane Garden, Saintfield for the popular Yuletide Market on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 December, from 12 noon to 5pm.

Come and soak up the Christmas atmosphere with craft and food stalls, Christmas trees and wreaths made by the Rowallane Gardening team.  Join in traditional family festive fun and even Santa will be roaming around!

Look out for old-time Christmas favourites such as traditional hot home made mulled wine and music from the local Cahard Band.

The garden now has new visitor facilities for you to explore, which include a vibrant café and shop. So, on your journey around the stalls why not take the weight of your feet and pop in for a cuppa and a winter warmer with our homemade soups, and a nosy round our bespoke shop.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Yuletide Market, where you will be able to do all your festive shopping in one!

Normal admission and National Trust members free admission to the Yuletide Market.

Follow us on www.facebook.com/nationaltrustbelfast and visit www.nationatrust.org.uk/rowallane-garden

Incredible savings* off High Street prices this Christmas

LEADING ferry company Stena Line aims to take out the stress and put the fun back into festive shopping this Christmas by offering customers a Shopping Cruise on the popular Superfast ferry for only £5, where bargains can be found much, much cheaper than the High Street!

Until 19 December, customers can enjoy a non landing trip from Belfast to Cairnyran and enjoy huge discounts off a wide range of fragrances from Marc Jacobs to Gaultier, Calvin Klein to Clinique, as well as super savings on jewellery, chocolate and stocking-fillers for loved ones in Stena Line’s onboard shop.

Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Route Director for Belfast to Cairnryan, said: “We have incredible offers in our onboard shop and hope that this non landing cruise will make bagging a bargain even more accessible to the Northern Ireland public. With a fantastic fare of only £5 per person, (less than the price of a bottle of wine!) shoppers enjoy a great day out with a difference and avoiding the queues on the High Street.

“As well as great savings, this unique trip takes the stress out of the festive rush by offering a more relaxing approach to buying the perfect gift,” continued Paul. “Make it a fantastic family day out by feasting on a Christmas Fayre in Taste restaurant from December 1st and sample the delights from the new winter menu designed by celebrity chef Kevin Woodford.”

Little ones can enjoy the Curious George themed soft play area, a cinema and interactive zone while older children can sample the ultimate multi sensory experience in the new concept POD lounge which has all the latest in technology including iPads, Xboxes and surf stations and a futuristic living digital display on the floor.

The £5 Shopping Cruise offer is valid for travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with departure on the 11.30 sailing from Belfast and return on the 15.30 sailing from Cairnryan.

To book, please visit www.stenaline.co.uk/save or call 08447 70 70 70.

Jacqueline from www.whatsonni.com shares her pick of Christmas Markets taking place this weekend and there is an abundance of local producers with a fantastic selection of Christmas gift ideas on offer!

Down

North Down Museum’s Christmas Market 1st & 2nd December – buy something made locally by one of the area’s many talented artists and craftspeople! The Craft Fair will run during the Museum’s opening hours and will start your festive season off in an especially atmospheric style. Entry to the Christmas Market is free.  North Down Museum has been sourcing local artists and craftspeople with something new and different to offer to you for that special Christmas present. They will be filling stalls dotted around the Museum with their work, and this is a great opportunity not only to find a unique gift, but to support craftspeople working in the area. Take a break in the Museum Restaurant and be entertained with a range of festive music. On Saturday 1 December, various school choirs from the borough will be joining us throughout the day, while local musicians writing and performing around the area will be setting the mood on Sunday 2 December.

Tyrone

Frock Around The Clock, a Very Vintage Christmas Fair will be a fabulous extravaganza of festive nostalgia and fun. This event will feature a Vintage and Craft Fair with 40+ exhibitors of vintage and handmade fashion, jewellery, homewares, collectables, crafts, gifts, and sweet treats as well as a pop-up tearoom by The Tea Boutique NI, festive entertainment from The Mystery Sisters New Old-Fangled Swing Show, children’s wartime Christmas themed activities from Time Steps Living History, a Christmas raffle, Lissan House Living History, and much more!!! Sunday 2nd December, 12 – 6pm Lissan House, Drumgrass Road, Lissan, Cookstown BT80 9SW Admission: Adults £7, Children £3, Family Ticket £16 (2 adults & 2 children).

Fermanagh

Sat 1st December is the date for the Lisnaskea Christmas Market at The Corn Market (beside the Bank Of Ireland) 1pm  – all stalls featuring handmade local products 2.30pm kids magic show – free admission 3.45pm Santa arrives 4pm Carol Singing 4.30pm Switching on of the Christmas Lights.

Derry

Magherafelt District Council will once again be serving up a treat with their Speciality Christmas Food and Craft Market on Saturday 1st December from 12noon to 9pm and Sunday 2nd December from 12noon to 6pm in the Old Market Yard, Rainey Street Magherafelt. The Christmas Market is a truly seasonal experience so come along and enjoy browsing and sampling the locally produced artisan food and drink. Take time to unwind in our heated lounge where you can experience a craft beer, hot mulled wine or even just sit and relax and catch up with friends. Complete with a bandstand where musicians, local carol singer and school children will perform over the weekend.

Armagh

Join the National Trust at the Argory for their fantastic Christmas fair on the 1st and 2nd December with dozens of craft and food stalls and festive entertainment. They will be hosting afternoon tea in the festively decorated house and there will be a chance to see Santa and Mrs Claus in their winter wonderland.

Antrim

Merville House Food & Craft Market on Saturday 1st December, Merville House will play host to a selection of local food and craft suppliers in what is hoped to be a monthly event for the community in Newtownabbey. On Saturday 1st December, Merville House will play host to a selection of local food and craft suppliers in what is hoped to be a monthly event for the community in Newtownabbey.

Brennans Bread teams up with Replay Theatre Company to launch free pop-up theatre for kids

THE family bread bakers Brennans is teaming up with Replay Theatre Company to offer families a break from the festive shopping rush by visiting a pop-up theatre in Belfast City Centre.

More than 1,000 children across Northern Ireland are set to enjoy a slice of live theatre for free from December 4 to December 9 with Replay’s production of ‘A Boy & His Box’.

The play, ‘A Boy & His Box’ centres around a child who discovers a world of fun with a disused box, imagining it’s a spaceship, racing car or robot rather than playing with expensive toys he has been given.

It’s based on the fact that according to a recent survey, 46% of parents in the UK say their children spend most of their time playing with unwanted boxes instead of toys and games.*

Local charity Replay are hoping that by putting on the production of ‘A Boy & His Box’, it will encourage mums and dads to take a break from festive shopping and enjoy quality time with their children, encouraging them to use their imagination this Christmas.

The production is part of the theatre company’s partnership with Brennans Bread, using empty retail space on Belfast’s High Street, to provide free shows throughout the week. There will also be sampling opportunities of free toast and drinks available, as well as a video booth and box for children to create their own production.

Eimear Henry, executive director of Replay Theatre Company, said: “We’re aware that Christmas can be a hectic time for parents struggling to keep the kids entertained on tight budgets and we’re hoping we can come to their aid by offering an innovative new play for free.

“We’re working alongside our partner Brennans, using empty retail space right in the city centre to create a pop-up theatre, so it doesn’t have to disturb mum’s Christmas shopping and she can come along and enjoy the play too.

“The theme of this production is all about children using their imagination and hopefully everyone who sees it will be inspired to think outside the box this Christmas!” she added.

Colin Todd, business development manager of Brennans Bread is encouraging parents from across Northern Ireland to visit Belfast during the festive season and take some time out to enjoy free theatre.

“Brennans is delighted to be partnering Replay to deliver free theatre for families this Christmas,” said Colin.  “In the run-up to the festive season it can be difficult to take some time out as a family and the pop-up theatre offers a fun, creative way to relax.

“I would encourage everyone to make sure they catch a production as it will be available for one week only and step in from the cold and enjoy some of the creative games, not to mention the delicious Brennans toast that will be on offer,” he added.

Brona Whittaker, Arts Manager of Arts and Business, funders of ‘A Boy & His Box’ said, “We are delighted to support this project which is a perfect example of how business and the arts can work together. Transforming an empty space into a pop up theatre in the city centre is a brilliant use of space at this busy retail time of year.”

A Boy & His Box will be showing for free at the pop-up theatre on 18 High Street, Belfast on Tuesday December 4^th at 3.30pm and 5pm, Thursday 6^th and Friday 7^th at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm and 7pm and on Saturday 8^th and Sunday 9^th at 1pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. For further information visit www.replaytheatreco.org. Booking not required.