LASTING memories are the ultimate present and Hastings Hotels is encouraging people to gift their partner an experience to remember…together.
The leading collection of hotels
has a fabulous array of gift experiences for couples to enjoy and has put
together ideas to help provide some festive inspiration:
Treat that special someone to a romantic overnight
stay in one of the fabulous 7 Hastings Hotels from as little as £75pps. Enjoy a
pampering spa break at the Slieve Donard
Resort & spa or Culloden Estate
& Spa; a city break in Belfast to take in a night at the theatre or the
bustling nightlife and stay at Europa
Hotel, Grand Central Hotel or Stormont
Hotel; spend the afternoon exploring the Walled City and stay at the Everglades Hotel in Derry-Londonderry;
or get cosy and enjoy a break along the scenic Antrim coast at Ballygally Castle.
After Christmas, there is no better way to relax
and enjoy some quality time together than an afternoon being pampered. The Spa at Slieve Donard and The Spa at Culloden are an oasis of
tranquillity with relaxing facilities including heat experiences, swimming pool
and an extensive selection of ESPA treatment starting from £85pp including an
Enzyme Facial, an ESPA Eye Lift, an Ocean and Earth Body Wrap, Men’s Deep
Cleanse Facial and Golfer’s Tonic massage.
Enjoy a date night with indulgent dining from
only £25pp. The hotels provide the perfect location to enjoy a romantic meal
for two and each menu is carefully designed using the very best of local,
seasonal produce.
Treating your loved one to Afternoon Tea is a
decadent way to have special time together. Starting from just £20pp, enjoy
cups of the finest steaming tea or coffee, finger sandwiches and an array of
delectable treats! For the most
exquisite Afternoon Tea experience, visit the Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel where you can enjoy
the best views of Belfast and beyond.
And if that special person in your
life likes to choose their own present – a Hastings Hotels Gift Card is ideal!
It can be used in the 7 hotels, the two magnificent spas and
any of the group’s restaurants or bars. Every budget is catered for,
with cards available from £20 to much, much more!
Two male penguins from New York’s Central Park Zoo will come to life this month in a magical show for children at the Lyric Theatre.
Starring performers Olivia Van Niekerk (Surrey), Dom Coffey (Manchester) and Osian Meilir (Pentre’r Bryn, Wales), Penguins is the true story of Roy and Silo – two male Chinstrap penguins who discover a heart-warming adventure into parenthood.
Created and produced by Cahoots NI, Northern Ireland’s leading children’s theatre company, Penguins is an engaging show for young audiences exploring friendship, fun, identity and the ever-changing meaning of family.
Creator and director of Penguins is Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney, one of the founders and Artistic Director of Cahoots NI.
He said: “Just like other penguins pairs at Central Park Zoo Roy and Silo walk, play, swim and dance together.
“But when they decide to try and hatch a rock in place of an egg, they find themselves on an adventure that could mean raising a chick for real.
“Penguins is a really heart-warming and uplifting story and very visual piece of theatre with beautiful music and some wonderful magic for young audiences and their families.
“At the heart of the show is a message about love and what family means and I hope it will leave a lasting impression.”
Performers Dom Coffey, Olivia Van Niekerk & Osian Meilir.
Running at The Lyric from December 18-22 Penguins is a beautiful non-verbal show bringing the art of dance, magic and creative expression to the stage.
Aimed at families, schools and community group audiences of age 3+ the show is running daytime performances at 11am and 1pm each day with an evening show on Thursday December 19 at 6pm.
Paul added: “Whilst the show is suitable for ages 3+ we’ve found all ages enjoy the story. At Cahoots NI we are committed to producing high quality, bold, innovative productions for children and their families which, like Penguins, combine dance, magic, illusion, physical theatre and original music.
“The show is currently running in Birmingham Repertory Theatre until December 14 and then after the Lyric Theatre we’ll embark on a US tour in 2020.”
The Penguins team also includes choreographer Carlos Pons Guerra (Gran Canaria), Ballycastle composer Garth McConaghie, set and costume designer Sabine Dargent (France), lighting designer Simon Bond (London).
This project is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Caoileann Curry-Thompson, Arts Development Officer for Drama and Dance, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The multi award-winning, internationally acclaimed, Cahoots NI, continue to offer audiences world-class children’s theatre with their show, Penguins, at the Lyric Theatre this December. The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is delighted to support this terrific production which will be enjoyed by many, helping to bring great art to everyone.”
Five top performers from the world of Country music are coming together for a Christmas Country Cracker Show at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre on Friday 20th December.
Featuring the hilarious Gary Gamble with his
surreal impressions of Daniel O’Donnell, rising star Owen Mac, truckers’
favourite Boxcar Brian and local singer Joe Moore, the night will include hit
song performances with a festive feel in the company of the superb Country
Harmony.
If you are a Country music fan then this is the
show for you! And there may be a few Christmas special guests making an
appearance as well.
The show opens at 8pm and will finish at 10.30pm
Tickets cost £20 and are available now from www.roevalleyarts.com or call 028 7776
0650.
This is a guest hire event brought to you by JMG
Music Group.
Winter Circus is back again for its fourth year with The Winter Circus Show.
The ever-popular show will be hosted in the fantastic, central location of Writer’s Square, Belfast. Never ones to conform, the Tumble Circus troop will treat you and your family and friends to a Winter extravaganza unlike anything else on offer in Belfast! The Winter Circus shows will run between December 13 and January 2 and will take place at Writers Square in Belfast; look out for the fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent.
The Winter Circus Show will be all human, all skill and all thrill event. Expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus. The Winter Circus Shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack, international circus artists and comedy characters that both young and old can enjoy.
Forget what you think about circus and experience world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and the unique humour that has made Tumble Circus an international award winning modern circus company. Winter Circus is kindly supported by Department for Communities, Arts Council of N Ireland, Belfast City Council and Cathedral Quarter BID.
Gareth Neill, CQ BID Manager said: “Tumble Circus is a must see event in the city centre; it has grown successfully year on year bringing something very special, unique and a good dose of hilarity to the cultural calendar of Cathedral Quarter. Here at Destination CQ Business Improvement District we are delighted to help support this fab event.”
SHOW DATES / TIMES Winter Circus Show Doors open 15min prior to show time
Friday 13th Dec – 6pm (preview performance) Saturday 14th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Sunday 15th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Tuesday 17th Dec – 3pm & 6pm (Relaxed shows) Wednesday 18th Dec – 6pm Thursday 19th Dec – 6pm Friday 20th Dec – 5pm Saturday 21st Dec – 2pm, 5pm Sunday 22nd Dec – 2pm, 5pm Monday 23rd Dec – 2pm & 5pm Tuesday 24th Dec. – 2pm Thursday 26th Dec – 3pm Friday 27th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Saturday 28th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Sunday 29th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Monday 30th Dec – 2pm & 5pm Tuesday 31st Dec – 3pm Wednesday 01st Jan . – 3pm Thursday 02nd Jan – 3pm
Relaxed performances are specifically designed to welcome people with a learning disability, Down’s Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Condition or sensory and communication disorders. There is a relaxed attitude to noise and movement and some small changes made to the light and sound effects.
Antrim
and Newtownabbey Borough Council to host
an ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ at Antrim Castle
Gardens
Press Eye Northern Ireland
Friday 29th November 2019
Picture by Darren KIdd / Press Eye
Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Experience, the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden, will host a special ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ for children and adults with specific needs.
Sponsors of the event, Castle Mall Shopping Centre, will host the evening of Inclusive Enchantment at Antrim Castle Gardens on Wednesday 18th December (4pm – 9pm) for adults and children with specific needs, including those who are sensitive to noise, lights and crowds.
Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels lowered, and strobe lighting and other strong lighting will not be used on the evening.
Pictured standing L-R: Mark Cully, Ald John Smyth, Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council, Ellen Boyd, Customer Accessibility Officer, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and Pamela Minford, Centre Manager, Castle Mall
Seated L-R: Luke Mullan and Sam McBride
ENDS
Northern
Ireland’s Premier Christmas Experience, the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden,
will host a special ‘Evening of
Inclusive Enchantment’ for
children and adults with specific needs.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, sponsored by Castle
Mall Shopping Centre, will host the evening of Inclusive
Enchantment at Antrim Castle Gardens on Wednesday 18th
December (4pm – 9pm) for adults and children with specific needs, including
those who are sensitive to noise, lights and crowds.
Attractions and rides will be slowed down, music levels
lowered, and strobe lighting and other strong lighting will not be used on the
evening.
The Power
NI Enchanted Winter Garden sees Antrim’s award-winning gardens transformed into
a magical illuminated outdoor experience for all the family, capturing the joy
and wonder of traditional festive celebrations.
It will
feature an array of dazzling attractions including the the brightly lit 35-metre-high
Ferris Wheel, the handsome Victorian Helter Skelter, the traditional fairground
Carousel and the breath-taking Wave Swinger.
Visitors
can follow the dazzling light installation of the tree-lined winter wonderland
walk, where they will meet hidden creatures, street artist performers, fire
jugglers, fairies and a magical reindeer.
Children
will also get the chance to visit Santa’s workshop as they ride the Enchanted
Express Mini Train through the grounds and catch a glimpse of Father Christmas
and his busy elves preparing for the
festive season.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth said: “We are delighted to once
again host the hugely successful ‘Evening
of Inclusive Enchantment’ at the Power NI Enchanted Winter Garden for children and adults with specific
needs.
“Delivered in partnership with Castle Mall Shopping Centre
this inclusive event offers those who are sensitive to noise, light and large
crowds the opportunity to come along and enjoy this magical experience without
the usual hustle and bustle.”
Pamela
Minford, Centre Manager at Castle Mall commented “We are delighted to be
sponsoring an evening of Inclusive Enchantment at the Power NI Enchanted Winter
Gardens, one of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular Christmas events.
“Castle
Mall is a shopping centre based in the heart of Antrim Town, established for
over 30 years with many well-known retailers. The shopping centre will turn off
their music on Wednesday 18 December to allow adults and children with specific
needs who are visiting the Gardens, the chance to visit the shopping centre. We
hope that everyone will pop in and say hello.”
Tickets for the ‘Evening of Inclusive Enchantment’ on
Wednesday 18th December (4.30pm – 9.30pm) are available at www.enchantedwintergarden.com or in person at Clotworthy House / The Old Courthouse or by telephone 028 9448 1338.
Tickets are
priced at £4 for an adult, £2 for a child (under two’s go free) and £10 for a
family ticket, with tokens purchased separately for rides and attractions.
Free Car parking available at Central Car Park at Castle Mall
and other Town Centre car parks.
The Power
NI Enchanted Winter Garden will run from Friday 6December through
to Sunday 22 December.
If you were out and about on Culture Night, you’ll probably have come across El Fegan and her colleagues going ‘up the pole’ entertaining everyone.
El has been offering pole dancing, pole athletics and other fun activities from her Polercise premises in Belfast’s Donegall Street for almost fifteen years. Her studio is located in the former premises of Clark’s Dance Studio and El admits that when she first opened, she expected a bit of opposition!
“Looking back now, I think I was just a bit nervous,” she said. “Given the reputation of the US ‘pole dancing’, I expected to see banners and protests right outside the door, but there was nothing and it all worked out well. I think Northern Ireland – and Belfast in particular – has moved on now.”
For those, who don’t know, pole exercise is the hottest and most fun exercise trend right now, with participants able to have fun and get healthy at the same time.
El first came across pole fitness during a trip to Australia.
“I saw this article in a magazine and I was really intrigued,” she explained. “I immediately thought ‘hey, I could do that. I remember going and asking about the classes. For about three weeks I sneaked off to classes but didn’t tell my boyfriend at the time.”
El quickly got the pole ‘bug’ and decided to pursue a career in the activity. But first she had to overcome a bit of a blip!
“When I came home in October 2004″ said El.
“I set up a pole in my brother’s house because I didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. I didn’t think they would understand because, at that time, pole still had a seedy sort of image, so I sneaked over to my brother’s house for a while to practise. Pole was, however, becoming more prominent in England and was getting press coverage, so I would leave magazines open for my mum to pick up on it so that she would understand it wasn’t seedy, but a great way of getting stronger, both physically and mentally.”
Since those early days El has pioneered the benefits of pole for all ages – particularly for girls.
El Fegan
“We’ve actually had girls come in and tell us that pole has changed their lives,” she said. “Through pole, they develop their body confidence and self-confidence, and this can help them in their relationships. Some have come from an abusive relationship and they are able to get the strength to just go and move on from there. And, that, for me, is probably the best, the biggest thing that we get out of it.”
El’s classes are now a major attraction for all types of people. From mothers and daughters to younger children, her classes are a mix of people who are there for fun and for the health benefits.
There’s even a growing number of men joining in!
“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “This year has been good for stag parties and we’ve had a couple of stags who have come in to do pole and had a really great time.”
Those who take part in the Polercise classes some in all shapes and sizes.
“We get small girls who have absolutely no upper body strength, and they’re not able to lift their own body,” she explained. “And then, we’ll get stronger, bigger, girls who can just climb up that pole, no bother. It’s just all about being able to lift your own bodyweight, and work from there.
“We have people who are gymnastic, people who come from absolutely no background and love the sexy side of it, and love putting the hands on. We’re not a school that’s going to go ‘No, you’re not allowed to wear high heels, you’re not allowed to do that’.”
In addition to classes, Polercise also offers fun events for parties.
“We offer any kind of themed dance party, like the whole Burlesque, cheerleading, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the like,” El said. “This year is going to be the hustlers, so we’re going to be offering strip tease workshops. We’ve already run a few of those, and they went down a storm. While the classes involve a full-on body workout, the parties are a bit more fun. Everyone comes in and we play a few party games, followed by a champagne reception.”
El’s increasingly prominent place in the pole fitness world moved on to an international level recently when she was a judge in the world sports fitness championships, which were held in China in October and she was heavily involved in the recent pole competition, which was held in Belfast in October.
“The competition definitely showcased the range of people who have become involved in pole,” El said. “We ended up with more than 50 competitors in six categories – from juniors to seniors and veterans. We’d everybody from eleven year olds to one participant, who was is nearly 70!”
If you’re intrigued about pole fitness, but not sure whether it’s for you, El suggests a beginners’ class where you learn the basics.
“Everyone starts out as a beginner,” she explained. “Initially we focus on the basics like technique and building your strength. Come and try it and see if it’s for you.”
A local theatre company is giving circus and theatre lovers the chance to experience something very different this year.
Three’s Theatre Company in conjunction Tumble Circus will be taking over the big top in Writer’s Square with their Rewilding Christmas Cabaret show from December 19-22.
Featuring bio-degradeable drag queens, organic cotton-clad burlesque dancers and acrobats the show has a commitment to being environmentally-friendly on top of delivering some unique fun to their audience.
Victor Mcflict’r
MC Leonie McDonagh, drag acts Rosa Tralee and Victor McFlict’r, singer Emer T Maguire, and comedy burlesque act Nuala Rude will entertain guests in a very “sustainable if risqué manner” said organiser Anna Leckey.
She added: “The show also includes circus acts including juggling, acrobatics and aerial skills – and not a plastic straw in sight.
“You can even get a delicious Curated Kitchen hot vegan street food meal in 100% biodegradable containers.”
Be aware – this is an adults-only performance and there are limited shows so book early so you are not left ‘green’ with envy.
The Rewilding Christmas Cabaret is being supported by Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement District.
CQ BID Manager Gareth Neill said: “The Eco Cabaret is just one way we’ll be working with Anna going forward. We’ll be welcoming Anna as one of our Lunchtime Learning speakers in the new year to discuss sustainability and eco-matters with businesses in the Cathedral Quarter.
“As a BID we are keen to ensure that businesses are kept up to speed with opportunities to contribute to becoming more sustainable and eco-friendly; it’s not just about the big corporates, small business can make an incredibly valuable contribution to the sustainability supply chain without it costing their bottom line. Consumers are more and more savvy to the ethics and agenda of an organisation they buy from or work with, thus we feel that upskilling and educating businesses in the BID will be really valuable.”
Tickets for the Rewilding Winter Cabaret taking place from December 19-22 are available from WeGotTickets at wegotickets.com, priced from £27.50 including booking fee. Doors open 8pm, show starts 8.30pm.
Move over John Lewis, there’s a
new star this Christmas.
Hastings Hotels has launched its
heart-warming 2019 festive campaign, ‘The Doorman and the Duck’.
This beautiful tale begins on a
dark, stormy night when the little duckling gets separated from his family and
finds a warm welcome at one of Belfast’s most famous landmarks, the Europa
Hotel where he rescued by the kind doorman.
The story goes on to see the
duckling being looked after by the doorman in the Europa Hotel where he explores,
cheekily plays the piano and treats himself to some afternoon tea in the Piano
Lounge.
The little duckling makes himself
at home in one of the luxurious guestrooms for the night before the friendly
doorman helps reunite him with his family.
Julie Hastings, Marketing
Director of Hastings Hotels said: “The duck has been central to Hastings Hotels
for almost 30 years and we are delighted to bring him to life this year for our
Christmas Campaign. The new ad represents the true sentimentality of the
festive season and we hope people will fall in love with ‘The Doorman and the
Duck’ just as much as we have.”
To celebrate ‘The Doorman and the
Duck’, Hastings Hotels has launched a fabulous Black Friday Extravaganza. Northern Ireland’s leading collection of
hotels is treating everyone to a bottle of wine or bubbles per transaction, when you
spend £100 or more on Hastings Hotels Gift Cards.
The November offer of a £10 voucher for every
£100 you spend on a Hastings Hotels Gift Card also still applies!
To take advantage of this fabulous offer, go
to www.hastingshotels.com or call the Gift
Hotline on 028 9047 1066. This offer is available online until
tomorrow at 23:59 and by calling the hotline between 8am – 8pm today and
tomorrow.
One of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters, Gabrielle
will bring the Rise Again Tour 2020 to the Ulster Hall next November.
Gabrielle returned to the top of her game with her 2018
album ‘Under My Skin’.
The album debuted at #7 on the OfficialAlbumChart
and represented her highest-charting studio set since ‘Rise’ spent three
weeks at #1 eighteen years earlier.
Having successfully proven herself all over again, Gabrielle
is now set to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the smash hit ‘Rise’
album with the confirmation of the ‘Rise Again Tour 2020’. The tour will
see Gabrielle playing songs from the album, along with other
iconic hits and fan favourites.
“I’m so excited about going on the road and
celebrating 20 years of the ‘Rise’ album being released. I’m looking forward to
performing songs from ‘Rise’ alongside lots of my other favourites and of
course I could never end a show without playing ‘Dreams’, its going to be a big
party full of good vibes and memories” says Gabrielle.
Released late in 1999, ‘Rise’ shot back into
the charts when its title-track spent two weeks at #1 the following February.
The album then spent three weeks at #1 during an eleven-week run in the Top
10, before again returning to the Top 10 in the summers of 2000
and 2001. The album was eventually certified 4 x Platinum in
recognition of more than 1.2 million sales.
‘Rise’ featured five of Gabrielle’s biggest
hits: the title track (#1), ‘Out Of Reach’ (#4), ‘When
A Woman’ (#6), ‘Sunshine’ (#9) and ‘Should I Stay’ (#13).
Through the first chapter of her career – from her emergence
in 1993 through to 2007 – Gabrielle was a near constant presence
in the UK charts. She landed two #1 singles, a further eight Top
10 hits and five Top 10 albums, including the #1 hit ‘Rise’. Gabrielle
has spent a combined total of over four years on the Top 40 of the OfficialAlbum and SinglesCharts, exceeding 5 million sales
in the process. In addition, she was part of the BBC’s all-star version
of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’.
Highlights of her numerous awards include the prestigious Ivor
Novello for OutstandingSongCollection; two BRITAwards for BritishBreakthroughAct and BritishFemaleSoloArtist; and both BestAlbum (‘Rise’)
and Best Single (‘Give Me A Little More Time’) at the MOBOAwards.
This summer has seen Gabrielle build on the success
of ‘Under My Skin’ by playing a near sold-out UK Headline Tour, BBC’s
Proms In The Park (40,000), Blenheim Palace with Gladys Knight,
Kingsholm Stadium with Nile Rogers as well as a summer full of festival
dates.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has joined forces with Fidra, a Scottish based environmental group, to launch ‘The Great Nurdle Hunt’ around our iconic beaches and coastline.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson, pictured at Ballycastle Beach with Environmental Resources Officer Janice Dunlop, is calling on members of the public to take part in ‘The Great Nurdle Hunt’ around our iconic beaches and coastline as part of the Council’s #LitterSmart initiative.
Fidra shines a light on environmental
issues, working with the public, industry and governments to deliver pragmatic,
evidence-based solutions for a healthy environment and sustainable societies.
Fidra developed The Great Nurdle Hunt, a citizen science project to encourage
people in coastal areas to look for and record ‘nurdles’.
Nurdles
are small plastic pellets which, when melted together, are used by industry to
make nearly all our plastic products. They end up in the ocean, dispersed
by currents and wind and are washed up on beaches across the globe. We
want to see if they are present on our coastline and then record the
information as part of a global citizen science project.
Nurdles
attract other pollutants and can be mistaken for food by sea birds and other
marine animals. One fulmar found in the North Sea had 273 nurdles in its
stomach!
The
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said:
“It’s really important we build up a picture of nurdles along our coastline as
part of our other ongoing litter activity under our LitterSmart banner. We
are excited to be part of the worldwide Nurdle Hunt movement and are
grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Fidra on this initiative.
Plastics have a significant impact on the overall health of our marine and
coastal environments and there are a host of opportunities for everyone to get
involved in making this place we call home better.’
Jasper
Hamlet from Fidra commented: ‘We are delighted to have the support of Causeway
Coast and Glens Borough Council and hope that many people can take part in The
Great Nurdle Hunt along this beautiful part of the Northern Irish coastline.
Taking part in The Great Nurdle Hunt is fun, easy and contributes vital data to
our worldwide picture of nurdle pollution. All you need to do is head to a
beach, look for nurdles and let us know how you get on by submitting your data
on our website. The information we gather from nurdle hunters adds to the
evidence of this form of pollution and supports our case calling for immediate
action to prevent further loss of plastic pellets.’
Council
is appealing for volunteers to help carry out this vital research.
Support will be provided so if you’re interested please contact:
