Down

North Down Museum is excited to announce that, for the first time, it will be opening its doors for ”A Night At the Museum” on Friday 23 November 2012. The Museum will stay open until 9pm, offering the opportunity for you to discover the story of Bangor and the surrounding area in an entirely new way! Entry to Night at the Museum is free. The Museum Restaurant will be staying open for high tea, so you and your family will be able to fortify yourselves ready for the nights’ activities. Activities include Torch-lit tours that will run half hourly from 6pm round the Museum’s permanent collections, storytelling, craft demonstrations, films in Ireland’s smallest cinema, and advice on antiques and collectibles.

Tyrone

The Winter Craft Fair at the Burnavon Cookstown celebrates its 6th year this weekend, with a better than ever selection of quality crafts and foods, featuring many well known familiar producers alongside a selection of exciting newcomers. Running over the weekend on Saturday and Sunday you will have all the opportunity you need to browse and shop for the perfect Christmas presents for your family and friends, or just treat yourself to something special.

Fermanagh

Little Castle Playgroup has organised a Ladies Pampering Night on Friday evening 23rd November at 8.00 pm at the Trinity Hall, Lisnaskea. On offer will be Henrietta Fawcett using The Body Shop at Home products, Couture Bridal NI specialising in handmade bridal/formal wear jewellery, fascinators, wedding stationary,  with light refreshments of available –  mulled wine/cheese. Have a  relaxing evening at a cosy venue. Enter in a pamper raffle to win make-up, jewellery and other luxurious gifts.* And a chance to purchase some great presents for Christmas! Admission £3 per person.

Derry

The Maghera Christmas Carnival promises to be a fun filled family day out. Back by popular demand, the Maghera Traders Association presents “Christmas Carnival” this Saturday 24^th November.  Music concert in a Marquee starting at 12.30 with Kenny Paul & Niamh McGlinchey on stage.  Santa arrives shortly after with an opportunity to have your picture taken with him in our first ever human snowglobe and receive a gift for the kids.  MC for the day is our very own local celeb Emma Louise Johnston who will be joined by comedian Tim McGarry . There will also be kids zumba dancing and carol singing, local craft stalls, face painting, funfair stalls, free prize draws and Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

Armagh

Georgian Day in Armagh is one of the most exciting and unique events of the Christmas calendar.    It sees the city of Armagh transformed this Saturday 24th November with market stalls offering stunning indigenous crafts and food to excite the Christmas shopper seeking that special gift.  The scent of warm mince pies and mulled wine combined with the sound of local musicians ensures a truly unique atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy.

Antrim

Enjoy free, family fun before Top Cat switches on the Christmas tree lights this Saturday in Ballyclare.  3pm & 4.45pm – Live entertainment with local radio presenters Stuart Robinson and David McCammond.  3.30pm – Live band performance from Peach.  5pm – A short programme of Christmas readings, carols and music.  5.30pm – Arrival of Santa with Top Cat and the Mayor to switch on the Christmas tree lights. 2-5pm in the Town Hall car park – Bungee trampoline, rodeo bull, ‘The Flying Snowman’ simulator experience, face painting and festive tattoos – ALL FREE!  Kids can also visit Santa’s Grotto; £4 per child which includes a gift from Santa with all proceeds in aid of the Mayor’s charities.

Celebrated scriptwriter, comedian, novelist, actor and television presenter, Michael Palin will be at Eason’s new flagship store in Belfast on Friday 23rd November from 12.30pm to sign copies of Brazil, the book to accompany his latest travel series.

Michael Palin has now written eight travel series books – with most having been No 1 bestsellers, including;

Around the World in 80 Days; Pole to Pole; Full Circle; Hemingway Adventure; Sahara; New Europe; and Himalaya which enjoyed the No 1 spot for 11 weeks.

In Brazil, Michael charts another incredible journey across one of the four new global super powers with its vast natural resources and burgeoning industries.

Half a continent in size and a potent mix of races, religions and cultures, of unexplored wildernesses and bustling modern Cities, it is also one of the few countries Michael Palin has never fully travelled.  The book chronicles his journey as he explores in his inimitable way this vast and disparate nation. From the Venezuelan Border and the forests of the Lost World where he encounters the Yanomami and their ongoing territorial war with the gold Miners; he follows Teddy Roosevelt’s disastrous expedition of 1914; he journeys by river to the headwaters of the Xingu;  by plane over huge tracts of forest, by steam train and by road along the Trans-Amazonica allow him to reach a Kaleidoscopic mix of peoples: the indigenous hunter-gatherers of the interior, the descendants of African slaves with their vibrant culture of rituals and festivals and music, the large community of German descent who celebrate their patrimony at the biggest beer festival outside Munich, and the wealthy guachas of the Pantanal amongst them.

His journey ends at the border with Uruguay and the spectacular Iguacu Falls.  Jonathan Johnston, Store Manager of Eason’s flagship store in Belfast, said: “Michael Palin always pulls in great crowds and as we start the countdown to Christmas we are delighted he is coming to Eason in Belfast to give his army of fans here in Northern Ireland the chance to get their copy of Brazil signed – it’s the perfect gift!

“Friday’s event is one of a number of high profile signings taking place in Eason’s flagship store in the coming weeks and we’re delighted to be able to bring these great opportunities to our customers. To find out more about forthcoming events visit our website at www.easons.com.

Passenger figures rise 9% and freight 60% in first year of service

ON the 21^st November 2011, Stena Line began services on its new Belfast- Cairnryan route by introducing two of the largest ferries ever to sail between Northern Ireland and Scotland.  The £200M investment, one of Stena Line’s biggest in Europe also provided a new state-of-the-art Loch Ryan Port at Cairnryan, one of the most modern port facilities in the UK.

One year on, despite challenging economic conditions the new route has delivered a strong 9% year on year increase in passenger numbers and a 60% increase in freight volumes.  The new route has now firmly established itself as an increasingly important passenger and freight link between Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Paul Grant, Stena Line’s Route Director for the Belfast – Cairnryan service said: “When we announced our decision to invest £200M in the new Belfast-Cairnryan route, trading conditions were and remain tough but as we have always said, we take the long term view when we make investments of this magnitude.

I’m delighted to report that after our first year of trading on the new route, despite difficult economic conditions, the new route has now firmly established itself as an increasingly important passenger and freight link between both countries. Our new port and ships have created new flows of traffic in both the passenger and freight market and while 2013 will remain challenging I’m confident that we can continue to make steady progress next year.”

Stena Line operates up to 6 daily return sailings between Belfast- Cairnryan with its Superfast vessels completing the crossing in 2hrs 15 mins.  During 2012, Stena Line has also improved its reliability and punctuality, a key element for customers when deciding which ferry company to use.

Paul Grant added: “The results have shown that when do you do offer something more than the competition whether it be a Nordic Spa with onboard saunas, relaxing family cabins, free-wi fi, high-end onboard shopping or fine dining options from celebrity chef Kevin Woodford then the market does respond positively.   We have tried to take ferry travel to a new level and the figures show that this ambition is being realised.”

“Now that we have a formidable mix of modern ports and ships on the Belfast-Cairnryan route, we are concentrating our efforts on trying to drive our onboard customer service levels even higher.  We have invested heavily in improving key elements of our ‘customer experience’ and will continue this commitment to provide the best in class customer service throughout 2013.”

The Belfast invention Doodle Bread, launched in 2008 by young designer Rose Kane with the backing of major investor Esynergy, has received the go-ahead to launch as a major brand for Christmas 2012.

An online shop with its offices based in the regenerating and startup-friendly Twin Spires area of West Belfast, Doodle Cook is already a trending gift vendor for the Christmas season.

Set to become an online leader in kids cooking products and education, Doodle Cook has arrived at the right time and place. The company capitalises on the influence of a growing digital economy as well as a regional love for the tradition of cooking and baking.

A Forward-Thinking Outfit

The website www.DoodleCook.com carries a range of children’s products, perfect for the coming winter months that will drive kids and adults indoors.

The company blog is full of text and video tutorials, contests to win free products, printable educational materials for kids, helpful cooking tips, and posts on topics such “Why You Should Get Your Kids Cooking!”

The Doodle Cook company culture is one of play, invention and inclusiveness. “Cooking is a great way to learn creatively and to spend time with your family,” says founder Rose. “It’s a rewarding activity for everyone, not just women and mothers.” Most of the products are purposely gender-neutral.

Arriving at the Right Moment

Dreamed up by Rose, Doodle Cook is now driven by three creative women—a product designer, an interface designer, and a stand-up comedienne—who share her passion for “edu-tainment.”

“This is the right sort of company to launch in Belfast right now,” according to Doodle Cook’s Interactive Media and PR Manager Danielle Barrios-O’Neill. “We are positioned to capture both the global online social media market, and the family-focused market of Ireland and the UK.”

Currently Doodle Cook products are carried by House of Fraser, Moore’s and Beale’s, with agreements pending for trials in John Lewis and Selfridge’s stores in the Spring.

For current contests, product specials and to see the range of Doodle Cook products, you can visit their website at www.DoodleCook.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@DoodleCooks).

We’re always happy to provide more information through e-mail or interview. Press and online media queries should be directed to Danielle Barrios-O’Neill at danielle@doodlecook.com.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (November 19 – 25).

• Broadway and Beyond, The Courtyard Theatre, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim, November 20 – 24.  A unique blend of family favourites and the latest musical hits by the Fortwilliam Musical Society.

• Belfast Beer and Cider Festival 2012, Ulster Hall, Belfast, November 22 – 24.  With over 100 beers and ciders available in a range of styles, this festival will create the biggest bar in Ireland with traditional pub games, tutored beer tastings and live music.

• Soapmaking – Handmade for Christmas, Hunters Lodge, Killinchy, Co. Down, November 23.  An introduction to melt and pour soap making for beginners or those interested in making soaps for Christmas.  This is a hands-on workshop and you will leave with your own beautiful creations.

• Lady Windermere’s Fan, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, November 23.  A classic Oscar Wilde comedy.  Parlours and parties, eavesdropping, misunderstandings, secret information, letters falling into unintended hands and the wooing of pretty young daughters.  Does Lady Windermere learn about life, love and the society she thought she knew so well?

• Christmas Switch On Illuminations, Lurgan Town Centre Plaza, Co. Armagh, November 23.  A dazzling evening of Christmas festivities including festive stilt walkers, magical entertainment, carol singing and Santa who will illuminate the Christmas tree.

• Lisburn Christmas Lights Switch On, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, November 23.  Lisburn lights up with the annual Christmas lights switch on with lots of entertainment including carol singing and free giveaways.

• Dickens Day 2012, Kilkeel, Co. Down, November 24.  Celebrate the life and work of Charles Dickens with craft stalls, local schools singing carols, mince pies and mulled wine, a horse drawn carriage parade, and a light parade when everyone decorates their vehicles with lights and parades through the town.          

• Starling Spectacle, meet on the Lagan Walkway on the Albert Bridge, Belfast, November 24.  Catch one of Belfast’s most spectacular wildlife sights as thousands of starlings gather to roost at the Albert Bridge.

• Little Red Riding Hood, Ranfurly House Arts & Visitor Centre, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, November 24.  A curious young girl weaves her way through the woods to her Grandma’s house.  This is a journey full of surprises with a playful and imaginative re-telling of a timeless story.

• Santa’s Grotto, Hillmount Nursery, Belfast, November 24 – December 23.  This indoor grotto will be a delight for children of all ages with animated scenes and real reindeers and donkeys.

• Georgian Day, Armagh City Centre, November 24.  One of the most exciting and unique events of the Christmas calendar when Armagh will be transformed with market stalls offering indigenous crafts and food and local musicians.

• The Nutcracker, Waterside Theatre, Co. Londonderry, November 25.  A magical story about a little girl who falls asleep after the Christmas gift-giving party and dreams that one of her toys – the handsome Nutcracker prince – comes to life and takes her off to the land of sweets where they fall in love. 

This year’s Holywood Christmas Switch On is taking place on Saturday 24th November and will include an action packed programme with entertainment for all the family in Holywood Town Centre.

The highlight of the day will be Santa arriving on a Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service fire engine led by The Friendship band to help The Mayor, Councillor Wesley Irvine switch on the lights at 4.30pm. The switch on will be taking place at the Christmas tree outside Holywood Library. They will be joined by local choirs who will be performing some traditional carols by candle light to add to the Christmas spirit.

There are a host of other things happening throughout the day too. Come along and enjoy The Christmas Market which is taking place this year along Sullivan Place. From 11am, over 30 unusual stalls, from local traders, will be selling their Christmas themed wares with plenty of delicious food on offer too. Also placed at the bottom of the market will be the Love Food Hate Waste demonstration kitchen and you will be guaranteed to pick up some great tips and advice to help you eat, drink and be merry this Christmas with Love Food Hate Waste.
Also situated at Sullivan Place, there will be a giant inflatable snowman which kids can enter and enjoy a disco complete with flashing lights! Guaranteed to be a hit with the little ones!
A static display and demonstrations by 253 Northern Irish Medical Regiment will take place outside Queens Hall where a Battlefield Ambulance and a SimMan will be on display for everyone to explore, you can learn about and practice being a medic and test your first aid skills!
There are activities taking place inside The Library too where The Library & HDCC are running an action-packed programme (from 11am) which will include Magic George and City Reptiles for the kids, Christmas Floral Demonstration, Creating Christmas Cards and Cake Decorating. For more information, please contact the library as booking for these events is essential. Or if your children are craft-minded, head down to The Queen’s Leisure Centre (1pm – 3pm) where there’s a host of children’s crafts and face painting on offer.
Adding to the festivities, choirs will be dotted around the town, singing at key locations on the High Street and will come together at the library at 3.30 pm to join forces and create a big choir for a community sing-song of carols by candlelight until the switch on at 4.30 pm.
Commenting on the event, North Down Borough Council’s Tourism Manager; “Alison Stobie said: We’re offering a lovely traditional feel to this year’s Christmas celebrations and we’re delighted that so many local groups are taking place. So come along, join in and enjoy a day of good cheer and lots of Christmas shopping and don’t forget the whole event is free!”

For more info contact Bangor Tourist Information Centre on (028) 9127 0069 or visit northdowntourism.com.

After taking their very special acoustic tour to Australia earlier this year- Snow Patrol’s Gary, Nathan & John McDaid, have announced a very special home-coming acoustic Christmas show at Belfast’s Waterfront Hall.

Tickets for this very different but very festive show go on-sale on Friday 23 November at 9am.

Not to be missed this Christmas.

Tickets on-sale Friday 23 November at 9am from:

Waterfront Box Office: Tel. 028 90 334455
Book On Line at: www.waterfront.co.uk

Or in person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 277 44 55 / ROI – 0818 719 300
Book On Line at: www.ticketmaster.ie

For more see: www.snowpatrol.com / www.mcd.ie / www.waterfront.co.uk / www.ticketmaster.ie

All Profits from the show will be donated to local children and music charities.

Limited to four tickets per person.

TAKE a step back in time and enjoy the grandeur of the Georgian era with horse-drawn carriages, children’s street games and theatre, living history characters, a spectacular light projection show and much more at Armagh Georgian Day on November 24.

More than 20,000 people are expected to flock to Armagh for its annual Georgian Day which celebrates the city’s historic roots with a modern twist and also marks the start of its Christmas celebrations.
Georgian Day will be in full swing from 10am and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) is encouraging people to join the celebrations.

NITB’s Destination PR Officer, Pauline Gormley says Armagh Georgian Day is a great opportunity for people to find out more about the city’s history while also enjoying a family day out in the run-up to Christmas.

“Georgian Day marks the start of Armagh’s Christmas celebrations and promises to be a fantastic day out for the whole family.  This year will be bigger and better than ever before and the city will be bustling with people and entertainment,” said Pauline.

“The streets will be filled with the smells of mince pies and mulled wine and there will be stalls from all over Northern Ireland packed with unique, handmade gifts.

“There will also be horse-drawn carriages around the mall area, children’s street games and theatre as well as living history characters in full Georgian dress that will entertain the crowds throughout the city,” she continued.

“The day is one of the most exciting and unique celebrations in the festive calendar and offers a truly special atmosphere that everyone will enjoy,” Pauline added.

Georgian Day will run from 10am until 6pm and will also include a spectacular light show which will bring the city centre to life with special effects and colour, the Christmas light-up and a surprise visit from Santa Claus.

There will be a free Park & Ride scheme running from Palace Demesne and Elim Church.  Thomson Street, Scotch Street to the junction with Linenhall Street and Market Street will be closed to traffic during the celebrations.

A winter city break in Armagh starts from only £49 per room.

For further information on Georgian Day click on www.discovernorthernireland.com or visit your local tourist information centre.

Fundraising champion Emma McCann has launched her latest fundraising project bringing together some of Mid Ulster’s best known male personalities for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland’s 2013 ‘Mid Ulster Calendar Boys’ calendar.

Emma says the idea came about after the Magherafelt & Cookstown Lions Club all-male fashion show for testicular cancer last year. She says “I felt the response was so great that I wanted to repeat it in some way, but to use my expertise in advertising to raise funds for Cancer Focus. It was a eureka moment and I believed that if I could convince several men in the area to participate then I was on to a winner. I knew that on the back of the male fashion show the Lions Club ran last year, there would be no problem getting willing models. I must say that the males in Mid Ulster are not in any way bashful!”

Emma then approached Cathy Dempster Photography in Cookstown to shoot the calendar and Fiona Stewart from Bohemian Tree Designs in Culnady to make up the art work; confident in knowing that the finished result would be a premier product. Emma says she wanted the calendar to feature well known males in the area showing them at work and play but also carrying a subtle health message relating to each image.

She says “I believe that Cathy achieved this so well and hope that the messages come through clear. There was the temptation to be a little risqué, however we held back on that though I think there is still a little bit of something for the ladies!”

Emma says the fundraising project was a lot of fun – “It has been a difficult job coordinating all these gents and locations but possibly a labour of love!”

The calendar aims to showcase men of all ages from all sorts of backgrounds as the health messages could affect anyone at any time. Body builders, bakers, butchers, truckers, bikers, veg growers, cyclists, rugby players, chefs, walkers, farmers and fitness instructors have all come together to support the calendar and highlight the affects of cancer and how to prevent it. Emma says she is so grateful to her good friend Dr Mark Holloway for his input and advice on the appropriate health messages for each month.

Traditionally, it is said that men are not generally good at getting themselves checked on a regular basis so Emma and the team at Cancer Focus hope the calendar will help highlight the need to keep an eye on things and make an appointment with their GP if they are worried or concerned about anything. Emma says “I feel that if only one person could potentially be helped as a result of this calendar, then it will have been a worthwhile venture.”

All proceeds from the calendar are in aid of Cancer Focus Northern Ireland, which is the new name for the Ulster Cancer Foundation.  The charity provides help and support to  over 3,000 cancer patients in Northern Ireland – men and women, young and old, with all types of cancer and at all stages of illness.

Services include counselling, support groups, stop smoking clinics, walking groups, bra fitting services, journaling and art therapy, Beauty for Life, helpline and health checks in workplaces and community venues. All services are free of charge.

When Emma started this project she was a volunteer for Cancer Focus, but is now delighted to be employed by the charity as their Community Fundraising Officer in Mid Ulster. And no better woman for the job as Emma has a wealth of fundraising and event organising experience behind her and this, coupled with her advertising background, can only mean good news for the charity in this area.

Projects like this though could not happen if it wasn’t for the very generous sponsors and Emma can’t thank them enough. The Moneymore woman has many plans and new ideas for the forthcoming year and is looking forward to working with local businesses and individuals to make them happen.

The Mid Ulster Calendar Boys 2013 calendar was launched on the 2nd Nov as part of Local Women’s Pre-Christmas Celebrity Fashion-Off at The Terrace Hotel, Magherafelt. Calendars can also be purchased at the following outlets: Burnavon Theatre Cookstown, Red Groomswear Cookstown, Sheehy’s news agents Cookstown, Moneymore Pharmacy, Moneymore Post Office, Christie’s Printers Magherafelt, O’Briens in Magherafelt, Sarah Jane Boutique Magherafelt and all Toner’s Spar shops in Castledawson, Magherafelt, Draperstown and Maghera.

For more information on Cancer Focus click on www.cancerfocusni.org or follow them on Facebook or Twitter @CancerFocusNI

Jacqueline from www.whatsonni.com shares her pick of events across the North this week and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Remember if you are organising a festive event to add it free to the site by registering as a new user on the home page.

Down

Gina’s Santa Cottage is the home of Santa and his Elves in the heart of Newry’s countryside.  Children can come along to meet Santa, sing Christmas songs by the fireside and even receive their very own special gift while parents are treated to tea and refreshments in the tranquil setting of Sheeptown Road.   All proceeds from the cottage go directly to The Southern Area Hospice in memory of Georgina Boyd. To book your visit to meet Santa in Gina’s Cottage email ginascottage@hotmail.co.uk.  Opens Thursday 15^th November.

Don’t forget the fantastic annual fireworks display following the switch on of the Christmas Tree Lights by Mayor of North Down, Councillor Wesley Irvine in Bangor this Saturday 5.30pm to 7.00pm. Wrap up warm and enjoy the start of this festive season in Bangor!

Tyrone

Hanover House in Coagh are hosting a craft fair in aid of chest, heart & stroke in Hanover House on the 17th of November 2012 from 11 till 4pm refreshments served.

Fermanagh

On Wednesday 14^th November The Belle Isle Cookery School Lisbellaw invite you to cook with the best of Winter’s crop with the freshest of the season’s vegetables and herbs from the cookery school walled garden, as well as locally reared meat and fish from Co. Donegal. Winter Wonders is full of delicious recipes to cook for your family and friends. At a time of year when most of us prefer to stay at home and entertain round a blazing fire rather than venturing out, why not invite some friends round for a casual meal .

Derry

Magherafelt High School is the venue for the Autumn Craft and Food Fair on Saturday 17th November from 10.00am until 1.00pm.  Available will be crafts, cards, jewellery, wood crafts, giftware, face painting, nail art, home bakes, jams and chutneys. There will be music and refreshments for your enjoyment and proceeds are in aid of the Life Stand Wheelchair Appeal.

Armagh

The Bard Of Armagh Festival Of Humorous Verse final takes place in Armagh City hotel on Friday 16th November. Here you can escape from the many false, contrived, imported and predictable forms of entertainment and engage in an evening of true and original hilarity provided by the ordinary people. There are no celebrities, no glossy publicity stunts, just a guarantee of uproarious laughter and a magical night to relish.

Antrim

There will be lots of family fun before Miss Piggy switches on the Christmas tree lights this Saturday in Glengormley.  There will be live entertainment with local radio presenters Stuart Robinson and David McCammond with live band performances from Soul Train and FreeFall, a short programme of Christmas readings, carols and music and Santa will arrive with Miss Piggy and the Mayor to switch on the Christmas lights. There will be more fun with a Bungee Trampoline, Rodeo Bull, ‘The Flying Snowman’ simulator experience, face painting and festive tattoos – ALL FREE!!  Kids can also visit Santa’s Grotto which costs £4 per child and includes a gift from Santa (in aid of charities supported by the Newtownabbey Rotary Club).