10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

By

Here are ten exciting things taking place 21 – 27 November 2022   

   

  1. A Magical Christmas Experience at Titanic Belfast,Belfast, 23 November – 23 December. Journey through the Enchanted Forest before stepping through the Old Curiosity Shop into the Elves’ Workshop. Visit Mrs Claus, listen to some Christmas tales and stop by the post office to write your Christmas letter before enjoying some arts and crafts. Finally, wrap up your Magical Christmas Experience by having your name checked off the ‘Naughty or Nice’ list by Chief Elf – those on the ‘Nice’ list will get to meet Father Christmas.  
  2. Armagh Georgian Weekend,County Armagh, 24 – 27 November. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh. Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century. Many events require a ticket which must be booked in advance online. Please see website for full details, including tickets and pricing.  
  3. Harness Friendship Four, Belfast,25 – 26 November. The Friendship Four ice hockey tournament will return to Belfast in November. Taking place at The SSE Arena, Belfast, the high-profile tournament, organised by The Odyssey Trust, will bring four top U.S. college hockey teams together to compete for the coveted Belpot trophy over Thanksgiving weekend. 
  4. Santa’s Island Adventure, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, 26 November – 20December. Set sail on the short crossing to Santa’s Island from Enniskillen Castle Jetty and travel to Santa’s magical Island Workshop where you will be greeted by your personal Elf or Nutcracker guide. Enjoy Christmas activities onboard Santa’s Sleigh boat, including designing Christmas baubles and decorating cookies with the elves. Take a short visit to the reindeer stables before they come inside for the night and finish the festive trip by visiting Mrs Claus’ kitchen.  
  5. Meet the Maker Dasalee artisan craftat Mount Stewart, Newtownards, County Down, 26 – 27 Meet some of Northern Ireland’s fabulous local designers and artisans. Dasalee are sisters Stephanie Hazelton and Sheila Oldcroft, two textile artists from County Tyrone. They collaborate, together with their individual skills in a unique way to produce textile art. Watch them in action as they create their beautiful pieces at National Trust’s Mount Stewart, which will also be available for purchase. Perfect for a special Christmas present!   
  6. Thanksgiving Celebrations at Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh, County Tyrone, 26 – 27 November.Discover Thanksgiving of the past at Ulster American Folk Park, with a traditional 19th century celebration. Join the Partridges of Slippery Rock in Butler County in their Western Pennsylvania Log House as they prepare their turkey and anxiously await the return of their only son Joseph, an infantryman in the Union Army. You’ll be able to witness these performances at 11:00, 14:00, and 15:30. Taste traditional thanksgiving food like Succotash and apple pie in their Log Cabin and try your hand at Barn Dancing to the Virginia Reel.  
  7. Guildhall Craft & Artisan Food Fair, Derry~Londonderry, 25 –27 November. Join the fun as we welcome local craft design-makers and artisan food producers to the Guildhall Craft Fair 2022. The fair takes place in the historical Guildhall in Derry~Londonderry’s city centre and is renowned for attracting a large number of visitors looking for that special gift for Christmas. 
  8. Let’s Talk Trees,Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 27 November. Join Marble Arch Caves Ranger, Dr Kate Crane, on a walk in the Cladagh Glen National Nature Reserve looking at the species of trees that grow in this beautiful nature reserve as we celebrate National Tree Week. Kate will guide you through this ancient woodland, talking about the karst landscape and biodiversity of the area. You will gain a greater understanding of why the site is designated a National Nature Reserve and Area of Special Scientific Interest. 
  9. Enchanted Winter Garden, Antrim, County Antrim, 26 November – 20 December. As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone. Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood, drop inand see Santa and meet the sprites in Pixieland who will help fill you with the Christmas spirit.  
  10. The Snow Queen at Lyric Theatre, Belfast, 25 November – 31 December. This Christmas at the Lyric Theatre, Paul Boyd and the team that brought you the Lyric’s hit musicals Peter Pan, Alice TheMusical, and Pinocchio The Greatest Wonder of the Age, present an all-new version of The Snow Queen. Join Gerda on her quest in Paul Boyd’s new musical adventure, a glittering spectacular for all ages adapted from Hans Christian Andersen’s much-loved tale of courage, adventure, and friendship. 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

 

Diversity presents Supernova

By

Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity, have announced their brand-new UK and Ireland tour, Supernova.

The 66-date tour takes place across 40 towns and cities throughout 2023 and 2024.

Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 18th November via ticketmaster.ie and www.waterfront.co.uk

Britain’s most-successful dance group, Diversity, have announced their brand-new UK and Ireland tour, Supernova. The 66-date tour takes place across 40 towns and cities throughout 2023 and 2024. Tickets will go on sale at 10am on Friday 18th November* via gigsandtours.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. Tickets for Belfast and Dublin will be available via ticketmaster.ie.

Supernova follows Diversity’s sold-out Connected tour earlier this year, which combined playful, comedic routines with powerful statements on human connectivity. Big, relentless, and energetic, the tour dazzled fans across the UK.

Diversity took the nation by storm when they won the third series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 and have since sold out multiple UK and Irish tours, with countless television and live performances. Alongside preparing for their brand-new tour, and in keeping with their progressive, innovative nature, Diversity are currently preparing to launch Diversity Studios, which will offer in person and live streamed dance classes.

Last month, Ashley Banjo was awarded an MBE for his services to dance. Alongside choreographing and performing with Diversity, Ashley has been committed to educating people on dance, becoming a judge on Dancing on Ice, and offering his expertise as a host and creative in the BAFTA nominated The Real Full Monty and International Emmy Award, Broadcast Award, and Royal Television Society Award winning The Real Full Monty: Ladies Night. Ashley also had the honour of becoming a co-presenter at the Pride of Britain Awards last year, working alongside Carol Vorderman.

Jordan Banjo has also hosted a variety of TV shows, including two series of BBC 1’s Primetime and BAFTA-nominated show The Greatest Dancer. Jordan along with Perri Kiely are also part of breakfast radio royalty, presenting Kiss Breakfast every weekday.

Diversity’s illustrious career shows how they continue to innovate, grow, and achieve. Collectively Diversity recently won Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment of 2020 at the British Academy Television Awards for their incredible Britain’s Got Talent routine, watch here.

Diversity have also confirmed that they will be supporting anti-poverty charity the Trussell Trust**, which provides emergency food and support to people locked in poverty while campaigning for change to end the need for food banks in the UK. Right now, millions of people across the country are facing a cost of living crisis as food and energy prices soar and families are feeling the biggest squeeze on incomes in a generation. Attendees on the tour are being invited to bring along food donations to the shows, where there will be collection points across the venue each night. There will also be collection buckets for any cash donations. All donations will be distributed to people in crisis across the 1,300 food bank centres in the Trussell Trust network. For more information on the items that are requested: https://www.trusselltrust.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/donate-food/.

NI Company Everun To Build £50m In Renewable Assets Creating 25 New Specialised Jobs

By

A renewable future is the only future for NI says local business

 

Northern Ireland renewables experts Everun are set to support investment in excess of £50m in wind and solar across the country over the next three years. The announcement comes as world leaders met at COP27 in Egypt last week.

Everun, which has been in operation since 2010, currently manages over £150m worth of renewable assets for clients across the Island of Ireland. 

In the last year the company has invested over £2m bringing their workforce to 45 staff as well as significantly investing in high value stock, expanding their premises and wider infrastructure. 

The company plans to invest a further £7.5m over the next three years to support the delivery of an additional £50m of renewable energy assets in Northern Ireland. That investment will also include creating a further 25 engineering and professional services jobs. 

Managing director Michael Thompson said: “As part of our continued investment in developing energy generating wind and solar projects we are delighted to be able to play our part in delivering the Northern Ireland target of 80% renewable energy use by 2030 and to be in the position to create a further 25 highly specialised jobs within the sector.

“As a renewable energy management company that manages wind and solar renewable energy sources, EV charging, smart motor systems, and renewable switchover we recognise that we have a responsibility in the private sector to invest heavily in supporting the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy and Climate Change Bill.”

Mr Thompson says Northern Ireland as a whole has a long way to go to meet the 80% target. He added the potential to reach energy security is there but much work is still to be done by both government and the private sector.

“Northern Ireland has increased the amount of energy produced from renewables from near zero in 2010 to 45% this year,” he said.

“If Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK and Ireland are to meet the targets set, the production of energy must be supported with the right assets and technology, as well as investment in wider infrastructure by the Government.

“We have large energy-hungry businesses in manufacturing with a need for reliable energy sources, and bespoke software enables us to provide that reliability and cost efficiency from renewables.”

Already managing more than 160 wind turbines, on single sites and wind farms, as well as multiple solar installations, Everun are also celebrating their expansion into the Republic of Ireland market this year.

Mr Thompson said that Northern Ireland is at least four years behind the Republic of Ireland and the rest of the UK.

The Northern Ireland Climate Change Bill includes a Climate Action Plan to be published at the end of the year following Royal Assent in June.

“The rest of the UK and Republic of Ireland has been expanding renewable generation with a range of support mechanisms – but Northern Ireland has lagged behind without a clear strategy from our Executive,” said Mr Thompson.

“That has consequences. Northern Ireland is being held back from an overall economic point of view due to the lack of investment in energy infrastructure and renewables.

“Our manufacturing sector is heavily reliant on huge energy usage, therefore the surging costs makes them less competitive leaving less profits for reinvestment.”

“We have to sort out issues such as planning and the electricity grid in order to achieve our targets which should include control of our own energy security. We should be ambitious enough to consider exporting power beyond NI, and then we can make our economy anything we want it to be.”

Mr Thompson added that with the right investment and determination the future can be exciting for the sector and the wider NI economy.

ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM ANNOUNCES A SERIES OF ATMOSPHERIC NOVEMBER EVENTS

By

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium has announced that a number of entertaining and educational events for adults and families will take place on site from 25th to 27th November 2022.

‘Thus She Shall Go to the Stars – Jessie Kennedy with the Celestial Strings,’ which will take place on 25th November. Suitable for adults only, this 70-minute live music performance by Jessie Kennedy and the Celestial Strings will take place in Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dome Theatre. The concert will also include short talks on Women in Astronomy by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium’s Dr. Erin Higgins and on pioneering Irish astronomer and scientist Agnes Clerke (1842-1907) by historian and West Cork History Festival founder Victoria Kingston.

The concert is inspired by the life and work of Agnes Clerke. It will combine specially composed pieces with music, including Bach and Beethoven, as well as traditional Irish melodies. All of the musicians set to perform live and work in West Cork. Jessie Kennedy (violin, vocals) is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and writer who is particularly inspired by historical figures and has had a long-standing collaboration with the West Cork History Festival. The Celestial Strings performers are Tess Leak (cello, autoharp and vocals), Diana Llewellyn (cello) and Susan McManamon (piano and vocals).

The Georgian Day Observatory Tours, which will take place on 26th and 27th November are suitable for adults and children aged ten and over. The tour will explore the Armagh Observatory, a stunning Georgian building, which was part of Archbishop Robinson’s grand vision for a university in Armagh and has a continuous history of astronomical research from its beginnings in 1790 to the present day.

Covering the period from 1790 and until the end of the Victorian era, the tour will allow visitors to embark on a historic journey through the Observatory’s Georgian beginnings and learn about its contribution both to Armagh and to the UK.

A guide will introduce visitors to the telescopes and other instruments that put Armagh Observatory on the global map for astronomy and will regale them with stories about its first Directors. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see the beautiful 10-inch Grubb telescope, which was installed in 1885, and was pivotal to the creation of a fundamental astronomical catalogue that is still used by scientists today.

The tour includes general admission to the Planetarium exhibition.

To book tickets for these events, visit: https://armaghobservatoryplanetarium.ticketsolve.com

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

By

Here are ten exciting things taking place 14 – 20 November 2022   

   

  1. NI Music Prize, Belfast, 16 November. The NI Music Prize is an annual music awards event acknowledging the best of music from Northern Ireland over the last twelve months. It features performances from shortlisted artists and this year features a very special Oh Yeah Legend Award presentation to musician and singer from Horslips, Barry Devlin. 
  2. Atlantic Sessions, Various locations across Portrush and Portstewart, County Antrim and County Londonderry, 18 – 20 November.A three-day feast of musical talent, featuring over 30 original artists in various venues, including bars, coffee shops, hotels and town halls across Portrush and Portstewart. Most gigs are admission free, with some headline ticketed events. 
  3. S. Lewis Festival, Belfast, 18 – 20 November. Enjoy the 10th C.S. Lewis Festival with a family focus featuring lots of fun events and creative experiences to celebrate the creativity and imagination of the Belfast born author. C.S. Lewis Square will be the hub for this year’s festival activity and events taking place here will include an Outdoor Cinema screening of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and the annual Christmas at C.S. Lewis Square event, featuring Christmas Market, Christmas Tree Light Switch On, ‘Snow Globe’ Imagination Pods and lots of other fun activities for the family.
  4. Belfast Christmas Market, Belfast, 19 November – 22 December. Visit the Belfast Christmas Market in the City Hall grounds from 19th November to the 22ndDecember for an award-winning taste of Christmas. With a host of international traders offering incredible foods and delightful gift ideas, there’s lots to choose from and enjoy. This year the food court at the Market, with bench style seating, makes a welcome return, as does the vintage Helter Skelter, offering stunning views right across the market, and the much-loved carousel.  
  5. Fused Glass Ogham Experience at White Rock Glass Studio – Fused Glass Christmas Decorations, Newtownhamilton, County Armagh, 19 November.Reconnect with your inner creative in this fully immersive, fused glass experience at White Rock Glass Studio with professional visual artist Tracey Mc Verry. Surrounded by the wild and dramatic scenery of the Fews Mountains, Tracey welcomes visitors to her fifth-generation family home and glass studio, overlooking the National Trust’s ancient Ballymoyer  
  6. KirkistownPoint-to-Point Races, Portavogie, County Down, 19 November. The North County Down Hunt hosts three point-to-points during the season, an autumn fixture and two spring fixtures. Pack a picnic and enjoy this family fun activity in the countryside, where you will get to witness the future stars of the sport make their introduction into competitive horse racing. 
  7. Mince Pie Making at BroughgammonFarm, Ballycastle, County Antrim, 20 November. Grab your apron and come join the fun at Broughgammon Farm for a morning of hands-on mince pie making. Learn their fail proof recipes for the most delicious pastry and luxurious mincemeat. You’ll leave with pastry for your freezer, three pots of mincemeat and a tray of freshly baked mince pies to kick start the festive season. 
  8. Titanic Belfast Christmas Light Switch On, Belfast, 20 November.Titanic Belfast’s official Christmas Lights ceremony is taking place this month. Enjoy live music and family fun from 1pm and await the arrival of Father Christmas and his reindeer. His Chief Elf will be on hand to oversee proceedings before the spectacular chandelier and Christmas lights are turned on at 1.30pm. Make a day of it with the Family Edwardian Explorer Trail throughout the Titanic Experience and SS Nomadic or simply enjoy the family fun around the building including carol singing, funfair entertainers, Christmas crafts and lots more. 
  9. Share Village on Ice, Lisnaskea, County Fermanagh, 18 November – 4 January. Share Discovery Village is kicking off an exciting festive period with Share Village on Ice – a fantastic indoor synthetic rink, which is almost identical to a frozen surface but much more eco-friendly for all the family to enjoy. Whether you’re a budding skater or a confident glider, the wheelchair-friendly ice rink is open to all ages and abilities.
  10. Tyrone Farmer’s Market, Food and Craft Markets, Dungannon, County Tyrone, 19 November. Tyrone Farmer’s Market Ltd hosts food and craft markets on the first and third Saturdays of every month, in the Tesco carpark in Dungannon, from 8.30am until 12.30pm. There are 30 stalls selling artisan food, hand-crafted gifts and homewares, from local producers. 

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

Peter Kay Announces Return to Stand-up with First Live Tour in Twelve Years

By

One of Britain’s best loved comedians, Peter Kay, is finally returning to stand-up comedy after twelve years.

 

Thursday 23 February: The SSE Arena, Belfast

Friday 24 February: The SSE Arena, Belfast

 

Tickets go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am at: www.ticketmaster.ie

“It’s good to get back to what I love doing best, stand-up comedy and if there’s ever a time people need a laugh it’s now”

 

“And with the cost of living at an all-time high, ticket prices are starting from £35. The same price they were on my previous tour in 2010”

 

Peter’s 2010 tour still officially ranks with the Guinness Book of World Records as the biggest selling comedy tour of all time.

 

Playing to over 1.2 million people.

 

Tickets for go on sale Saturday 12th November at 10am via www.ticketmaster.ie

Fri 02 December 2022            Manchester AO Arena

Sat 03 December 2022           Manchester AO Arena

Sat 17 December 2022           Birmingham Utilita Arena

Fri 06 January 2023                Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

Sat 07 January 2023               Liverpool M&S Bank Arena

Fri 20 January 2023                Leeds First Direct Arena

Fri 17 February 2023              Sheffield Utilita Arena

Thu 23 February 2023            Belfast SSE Arena

Fri 24 February 2023              Belfast SSE Arena

Thu 09 March 2023                Newcastle Utilita Arena

Fri 10 March 2023                  Newcastle Utilita Arena

Thu 23 March 2023                Birmingham Resorts World Arena

Thu 06 April 2023                   Dublin 3Arena

Fri 07 April 2023                     Dublin 3Arena

Fri 05 May 2023                      Glasgow OVO Hydro

Sat 06 May 2023                     Glasgow OVO Hydro

Fri 19 May 2023                      Leeds First Direct Arena

Fri 16 June 2023                     Cardiff International Arena

Sat 17 June 2023                    Cardiff International Arena

Fri 14 July 2023                       Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Sat 15 July 2023                      Nottingham Motorpoint Arena

Fri 11 August 2023                 Sheffield Utilita Arena

 

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

 

 

Award-winning Documentary ‘LYRA’ has emotional Derry screening

By

Last night, award-winning Irish documentary LYRA had an emotional private screening in Derry ahead of its UK and Ireland release today (Friday 4 November).

At a full-capacity cinema in Derry’s Omniplex, LYRA was shown for the first time to guests including civic leaders, friends and family of the late journalist. The screening was then followed by a Q&A with director, Alison Millar and Lyra’s partner, Sara Canning.

Directed by Alison Millar, BAFTA-winning director and close friend of Lyra McKee, LYRA is a beautiful and heartfelt film about the life and death of the internationally renowned Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee.

Raised in working-class, war-torn Belfast, McKee went on to highlight the consequences of the Troubles, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten since the Good Friday Agreement. Her murder by dissident Republicans the day before Good Friday in 2019 sent shockwaves across the world.

Using hours of voice recordings from Lyra’s own mobile, computer and Dictaphone, the documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Cork Film Festival, seeks answers to her senseless killing through Lyra’s own work and words. The result is a complex picture of Northern Ireland’s political history, bringing into sharp focus the ways in which the 1998 Good Friday agreement – with its promised end to violence for future generations – has struggled to be fully realised.

Speaking following the screening, Director Alison Millar said:

“Thanks to Wildcard Distribution, we are delighted to be able to share the incredible LYRA with the world, and to a full-capacity audience in Derry.

“This evening was hugely emotional, bringing Lyra’s story back to the city she he cared about so much. The making of this film was incredibly personal for me as a friend of Lyra’s and throughout the entire process I wanted to make sure that the world knew who Lyra was and, to do it through Lyra’s own words, made it all the more special.

“Alongside projecting Lyra McKee as a ‘fearless investigative journalist, determined and tenacious, honest in her approach’ I wanted this film to also capture the great warmth and infectious humour of the person I’d known for so many years.

“Through the use of her voice recordings (enabling us to have her narrate her own story), home footage and her remarkable writing, I hope LYRA will inspire and introduce a new generation to her work and the story of her homeland, the turbulently beautiful Northern Ireland, of which she wrote so much about.

“I’ve made many films about Northern Ireland – its people and its past – but with this film, with LYRA, it’s different – with her, this time, it’s personal.”

LYRA is a Channel 4 commission, produced by Jackie Doyle and Alison Millar for Erica Starling Productions and executively produced by Siobhan Sinnerton, Edward Watts, Greg Darby, Andrew Eaton, Louisa Compton and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton with funding from Northern Ireland Screen in association with TG4 and HiddenLight Productions. Music for the film was scored by the Ivor Novello Award-winning David Holmes, Mark McCauley was cinematographer on the project and it was edited by the British Independent Film Award-winning Chloe Lambourne.

Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on this weekend across NI

By

Antrim

The Baby Shark Show, Lisburn. See the story behind the song come to life!  Venture into the deep blue sea and join Baby on the adventure of a life-time. 

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Beginners Watercolour Painting Workshop. This class will be a great way to take time out and relax, and explore your creative side! Under the expert guidance of tutor George Gourley, who has extensive experience working with all levels of ability, you will be amazed at the brilliant work you can produce!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

The Belfast International Arts Festival continues until the 6th November with a packed programme.

Find out more HERE

Down

The best of the Eagles AND Fleetwood Mac!Led by Niamh Kavanagh, she of the mesmerizing voice and mischievous spirit, The Illegals will take you on a journey of soulful harmonies, exciting riffs, blistering guitars and unforgettable songs.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

The Strangest Things Trail continues until the 5th November at Enniskillen Castle.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

One of Ireland’s most respected contemporary folk artists, Luka Bloom continues to push the boundaries of what his music can do. A master interpreter, he has continued to balance original songs with reinventions of tunes by a diverse range of songwriters. See him perform live at the Flowerfield Arts Centre this weekend!

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Don’s miss your chance to catch Dundrum’s finest, Mr. Patrick Kielty, as he brings his critically acclaimed BORDERLINE stand up show to The Burnavon.

Find out more HERE

Creative force behind East Block Bazaar to launch Slow Fashion Market on 17 November 2022

By

Little Fox Events has built an excellent reputation of delivering beautiful bespoke events here in Northern Ireland and are very excited to bring to East Belfast a night with a focus on slow fashion.

With a track record that includes the monthly uber cool East Block Bazaar, a buzzing new East Block Food market and the long standing eclectic Belfast Flea Market, plus bespoke markets in St Anne’s Cathedral, Hillsborough Castle, 2 Royal Avenue, The Black Box and Common Market, this special evening market will take place 7pm – 11pm on Thursday 17 November.

East Block Fashion will see Banana Block on the Newtownards Road transformed into an eclectic and colourful shopping extravaganza showcasing the best in Northern Ireland’s slow fashion designers and makers.  Featuring everything from high end, one off pieces, vintage fashion, street wear, new designers, stylish jewellery and more for both men and women.  This free event will also feature local DJs, craft beers, cocktails, cakes and hot food.

Alongside a swop shop from Another World Belfast there will be sustainable luxury handbags designed in Northern Ireland from Taylor Yates; great pieces for men from Belfast stalwart The Bureau; handpicked vintage clothing from Strawberry Fields and PastTense; preloved women’s clothing from The Wardrobe; stunning handmade jewellery by Tanya Ireland; forever pieces for children from a new range Wild Kind Ireland and health and beauty goodies from LUSH to name but a few.

Caroline Baker, founder of Little Fox Events, is no stranger to fashion having set up a clothes label FRANKIES herself. A mother of two small children and a creative career which has taken her from producing music, being a booking agent, tour manager and managing gigs to running her own varied events and designing event spaces.

The Little Fox portfolio of bespoke events has gone from strength to strength over the past 12 months and it is the level of interest in the clothing and accessories vendors across her markets that has inspired Caroline to create one specialising in slow fashion.  “It is really important to change the way the consumer shops and to provide a platform in Belfast to do so. Fast fashion is a big weight on our planet and we all need to slow it down.

We hope to provide an evening to shop in a more conscious way.  An alternative to the high street, supporting local retailers and designers, wearing second hand and swapping what you already have. These are concepts that can bring about a change but we also have fun doing it!”

This free evening event is a relaxed chance to meet up with friends, shop for clothes and accessories whilst enjoying music, bar, hot food and treats. Get those Christmas outfits bagged early!

Details:

Thursday 17 November 2022

7pm – 11pm

Free entry

** First 50 through the door get rewards **

Banana Block, Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Rd, Belfast BT4 1GE

Disabled access

Dog friendly

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

By

Here are ten exciting things taking place 7 – 13 November 2022   

   

  1. Sound of Belfast, Belfast, 10 –20 November. Sound of Belfast is an annual celebration of the music of the city. Established by the Oh Yeah Music Centre to showcase the talent that resides and moves through Belfast’s streets and studios, venues and homes, the Sound of Belfast mantra has always been ‘turning up the spotlight on our world-class talent’. The festival is a blend of collaborative, independent and partnership events. Belfast’s musicians, creatives, artists and venues curate it and a diverse combination of sounds and scenes are delivered by them, for you.  
  2. Celtic Pendant Woodturning Experience,Mullaghbawn, County Armagh, 12 November. Padraig Carragher is a woodturner, storyteller, musician and owner of Bluebell Lane Glamping in a designated area of outstanding natural beauty, the Ring of Gullion in County Armagh. Adjacent to Padraig’s home on the site of a centuries old mill, once known as “The Big House” and a place where local farmers gathered in bygone days, is now his modern woodturning studio. Using locally sourced native trees, learn how to use the lathe, sharpen tools, sand and finish under the expert guidance of Padraig. Stroll through the beautiful private woodland and learn how these trees have been used in woodturning for centuries while enjoying the fresh country air and surrounding beauty of Slieve Gullion.  
  3. NecarnePoint-to-Point Races, Irvinestown, County Fermanagh, 12 November. Necarne point-to-point is the perfect family day out in the countryside and where you will get to witness future stars make their introduction to competitive horse Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight or get close to the winning post for a bird’s eye view of the thrilling action. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action whilst entertaining friends and family.  
  4. Model Railway Day at Ulster Transport Museum,Cultra, County Down, 12 November. This year, Model Railway Day will be taking place in the Rail Galleries at the Ulster Transport Museum, Cultra. The event is organised in association with the Friends of Cultra, with support from enthusiasts from across the UK and Ireland with over 100 exhibitors involved. This year there will be over 30 layouts and associated exhibits for you to enjoy.
  5. Bronze Age for Kids, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 12 November. Join event guide Ianat Marble Arch Caves, who will show what life in Bronze Age Ireland would have looked and felt like through the eyes of a typical bronze age family. Ian will demonstrate first-hand how an incredible invention called a “furnace” developed by humans during the bronze age works. You will discover how Bronze Age man used the furnace to make a new metal called bronze, smelting both copper and tin to make this new alloy a much stronger material and therefore better for making farming tools and weapons.  
  6. Winter Wildlife Detective, Florencecourt, County Fermanagh, 13 November. Meet your activity guide who will take you on an Animal Seek and Find Adventure. A fun opportunity for your children to discover what interesting native animals live in the landscape surrounding the Marble Arch Caves. Led by your guide you will then be taken on an adventure into the woodland where you will visit the Mini-Beast Camp. Enjoy a mini-beast scavenger hunt, finding creepy crawlies and learning more about the unique insects that live in these woods.
  7. Nutcracker Sweeties, Derry~Londonderry, County Londonderry, 9 November. It’sa magical Christmas Eve. Ciara and her brother Fionn are on a shopping trip to a famous department store in Dublin. They wander off from their parents and the magic of Nutcracker and Christmas begins. At the Millennium Forum and choreographed by Morgann Runacre-Temple, this exciting production of the festive classic performed by a cast of world-class dancers will appeal to audiences of all ages with its fairy-tale magic, beautiful costumes and a re-imagined Tchaikovsky score.  
  8. Jimmy Buckley Concert Tour, Cookstown, County Tyrone, 10 November. Jimmy Buckley possessesa very rare talent, not only as a phenomenal singer but also as a hilarious mimic of other major stars and will be bringing this on tour with him in 2022. Jimmy’s show contains a wide variety of material, including country, big ballads and tribute medleys to the greats of country music. Along with his magnificent band, Jimmy will entertain you superbly and looks forward to meeting friends, old and 
  9. Coast and Country – Causeway Coast Foodie Tours, Departingfrom Coleraine Town Hall, County Londonderry, 12 November. Experience the exceptional foodie culture of the Causeway Coast. In a tour that lasts six hours, you become familiar with the heritage and culinary culture, taste delicious local produce and meet the people behind this. Wendy will encourage you to sit back, relax and savour the flavours that make this area so unique. As you travel by luxury small coach through the area on a tour of five planned stops, you will experience the fresh outdoors and taste locally produced artisan foods, that have attracted many international awards.  
  10. ‘In Bursting Air’: Maureen Boyle, Victoria Kennefick& Jessica Traynor at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy, County Londonderry, 12 November. Celebrating the female voice in contemporary Irish poetry, HomePlace is delighted to welcome Maureen Boyle, Victoria Kennefick and Jessica Traynor to read from their work, which is representative of a rich range of focus, interest and life experience. 

 

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability. 

 

For more information on what’s on or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com  

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.