Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         One Night B&B, The Old Inn, Co. Down from £85 per room

With its traditional thatched roof, beamed ceilings and many open fires the four-star Old Inn  hotel provides a cosy, relaxed atmosphere. Located in the coastal town of Bangor, this hotel is the perfect base to explore the area. Offer includes an overnight stay with a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 9185 3255. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

·         One Night B&B, Belmore Court and Motel, Co. Fermanagh from £80 per room

The four-star Belmore Court gives the opportunity to experience the Fermanagh Lakelands’ breathtaking scenery, myriad attractions and rich heritage. Located in the centre of Fermanagh town this comfortable hotel provides a warm resting spot for a relaxing overnight stay. Offer includes an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 6632 6632. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

·         One Night B&B, Templeton Hotel, County Antrim from £79 per room The three-star Templeton hotel is conveniently located in Templepatrick, only a 20-minute drive from Belfast City Centre and close to Belfast International Airport. This luxurious hotel offers warm and welcoming surroundings suitable for any occasion. Offer includes one overnight stay with breakfast the following morning. Price based on two people sharing. To book call 028 9443 2984. Offer available until 31 March 2019.

BALLYWILLAN DRAMA GROUP PRESENT – CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG

Date: Tues 15 Jan – Sat 2 Feb

Time: 7.45pm

Venue: Riverside Theatre, Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine

Contact: T: (028) 7012 3123 W: www.riversidetheatre.org

Featuring a cast of leading musical theatre stars to head the company as they tell the story of Caractacus Potts, his children, Jeremy and Jemima, a restored old race-car and their adventures. Featuring brand new costumes, a superb signature set and the undoubted star of the show – the magical car, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – this is the perfect family show. Tickets priced £16 – £25.

CHOCOLATE TASTING AND DINNER

Date: Fri 25 Jan

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: The Anglers Rest, 660 Seacoast Road, Benone BT49 0LG

Contact: T: 07919 332843 E: chocolatemanor@btinternet.com W: www.thechocolatemanor.com

Take a journey through Chocolate & tantalise your taste buds with our tasting session, followed by a 3 course dinner at the fabulous, award-winning Angler’s Rest. Learn about how our favourite chocolate is created, and be guided through a cocoa journey, uncovering flavours you may not have experienced in chocolate before. Cost £30. Booking essential – limited places.

DRAM ON THE BANN

Date: Sat 26 Jan

Time: 2.30pm – 5.30pm

Venue: Departs from The Crannagh, 78 Portstewart Rd, Coleraine BT52 1SB

Contact: T: 07912 408 256 E: causewayfoodie@gmail.com W: www.causewaycoastfoodietours.com

An informal boat trip on the beautiful River Bann offering a relaxed and informative afternoon of whiskey or gin, food tasting and a light sprinkling of stunning scenery and wildlife on the Bann Estuary. Cost £59pp. Booking essential. Hosted by Causeway Coast Foodie Tours.

RORY & RACHEL’S KOREAN KITCHEN

Date: Sat 26 Jan

Time: 7.30pm

Venue: Ursa Minor Bakehouse, 45 Ann St, Ballycastle BT54 6AA

Contact: E: ursaminorbakehouse@gmail.com W: www.ursaminorbakehouse.com

Rory & Rachel return after an epic trip through Korea – a vegetarian feast of unapologetically funk laden food awaits. Whether it’s the crunchy, spicy fair of LA’s K-Town, the tradition sumptuous broths and stews of Busan or the sizzling street food of Seoul, you’ll get a taste of it all. Rory and Rachel bring their favourite recipes from their travels to Ballycastle for a Korean inspired banquet. Not to be missed. Cost £25. BYOB.

ULSTER-SCOTS SOCIAL

Date: Sat 26 Jan

Time: 7.30pm – 9.45pm

Venue: Peter Thompson Hall, 68 Freehall Road, Castlerock BT51 4RA

Contact:

Programme to include a short overview of the life, work and legacy of W.F. Marshall, including recitations of his poetry, musical interludes of traditional Scottish and Irish tunes, renditions by Farmer Poet, Brian Rankin and Scottish Country Dance show-cased by Elizabeth Brown-Kerr. Supper provided.

QUIZ NIGHT

Date: Wed 30 Jan

Time: 6.30pm – 7.30pm

Venue: Limavady Library, 5 Connell Street, Limavady BT49 0EA

Contact: T: 028 7776 2540 E: limavady.library@nilibraries.net

Get a team together or come along on the night and join a group for some quizzing fun. Booking desirable. Admission FREE.

SAM HENRY: CONNECTING WITH THE PAST

Date: 5 December – 26 January

Time: 9.30am – 5pm (Monday – Saturday)

Venue: Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 24 Main Street, Limavady

Contact: T: 028 7776 0650 E: information@rvacc.co.uk W: www.roevalleyarts.com

This exhibition explores some of the work that groups in the Causeway Coast and Glens area have been involved in as part of the ‘Sam Henry: Connecting with the Past Collecting for the Future’ project.  Admission FREE.

A COLLECTION OF RELIEF PRINTS, WOODCUTS AND ETCHINGS

Date: Sat 5 Jan – Sat 23 Feb                          

Time: Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm. Sat 10am – 1pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart

Contact: T: (028) 7083 1400 E: info@flowerfield.org W: www.flowerfield.org

Artist and print maker Robert Sellar gifted a collection of his work to Flowerfield Arts Centre before he died at the venerable age of 92. A quiet man, he was a master print maker and his work compares with other post-modernist printmakers like Julian Trevelyan and Eric Ravilious. Each year, we present his collection for everyone to enjoy. Admission FREE.

CAUSEWAY 1718: SOCIETY IN TRANSITION

Date: Wed 9 Jan – Thurs 28 Feb                         

Time: Mon – Thurs & Sat 9.00am – 5.00pm Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm

Venue: Ballymoney Museum, Town Hall, Townhead Street, Ballymoney BT53 6BE

Contact: T: (028) 2766 0230E: cms@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

This fascinating exhibition explores the people and places of the Causeway area, connecting local people and places with bigger national stories. Discover what was happening, why it happened, and what the 1718 Bann Valley Migration was all about. Admission FREE.

DOMINICAN COLLEGE COLLECTIVE

Date: Thurs 10 – Wed 23 Jan  

Time: Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm. Sat 10am – 1pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart

Contact: T: (028) 7083 1400 E: info@flowerfield.org W: www.flowerfield.org

We are delighted to present this exhibition of project work created by GCSE students at Dominican College, Portstewart. The students worked with renowned ceramicist Adam Frew assisted by Fiona Shannon in a series of pottery workshops to create this body of work. Admission FREE.

THE SELLER GIFT

Date: Sat 5 Jan – Sat 23 Feb

Time: Mon to Fri 9am – 5pm. Sat 10am – 1pm

Venue: Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart

Contact: (028) 7083 1400 E: info@flowerfield.org W: www.flowerfield.org

The Seller Gift exhibition is a collection of relief prints, woodcuts and etchings from artist Robert Seller. Artist and print maker Robert Sellar gifted a collection of his work to Flowerfield Arts Centre before he died at the venerable age of 92. A quiet man, he was a master print maker and his work compares with other post-modernist printmakers like Julian Trevelyan and Eric Ravilious.

The SSE Arena, Belfast: Thursday 24 October

BEVERLEY KNIGHT ANNOUNCED AS GUEST ARTIST FOR ANDREA BOCELLI’S HEADLINE TOUR

The world’s most beloved tenor, Andrea Bocelli, is delighted to announce that the queen of British Soul Beverley Knight will join him on his highly anticipated upcoming headline tour this autumn.  2019 sees Beverley celebrate an incredible 25 years as a major performing and recording artist, which includes selling over a million albums in the UK alone. Knight who is also a successful West End star having performed in The Bodyguard, Memphis and Cats will be adding her spectacular vocal talent to the Birmingham, Glasgow, Belfast, Leeds and Manchester dates.

Andrea Bocelli rounded 2018 off in style with sell-out shows in London and Dublin, as well as achieving his first number one in the UK album charts. The release of his highly anticipated 16-track album ‘Si’ gave Bocelli his first UK number one album, which was also the first classical number one in The Official Album Charts.

‘Si’ is Bocelli’s first all-new material album in 14 years – billed as “a celebration of love, family, faith and hope”. ‘Si’ features tracks co-written with Ed Sheeran and Tiziano Ferro as well as duets with Dua Lipa, fellow contemporary classical star Josh Groban and soprano Aida Garifullina. The album also sees Bocelli’s 20-year old son Matteo collaborate with him on the track ‘Fall On Me’ which appears on the soundtrack to the upcoming Disney movie, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.

Reportedly the biggest selling solo classical artist of all time with over 80 million worldwide album sales, Bocelli has performed for four US Presidents, two Popes and many Royal families across the world, as well as at high-profile ceremonies for the Olympic Games and the World Cup. The Maestro has countless music awards to his name over the past 25 years in music and even boasts a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which he received in 2010 for his contribution to live theatre.

Bocelli is acclaimed worldwide as one of the most accomplished representatives of Italy’s finest vocal tradition, his rich and unique voice being one of the most distinctive of all time. The tenor actively supports numerous philanthropic causes furthering medical and scientific research, tackling poverty, as well as promoting compulsory primary education worldwide.

These 2019 show dates will showcase songs from Bocelli’s latest album as well as a wide repertoire from across his previous 15 studio albums and are set to be some of the most hotly anticipated live performances of 2019.

andreabocelli.com

Tickets on sale now:

The SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office: Tel. 02890 739074
Book on Line: www.ssearenabelfast.com

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 277 44 55 (ROL: 0818 719300)
Book on Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

The new facility is set to create up to 20 full and part-time jobs

A brand new ninja warrior-inspired assault course is set to open at The Boulevard in Banbridge, bringing a sense of adventure to family fitness.

Ninja Boxx will celebrate its opening weekend on 19 January, occupying a 7265 sq ft unit at The Boulevard.  The new adventure centre will be the first of its kind in the area and is expected to create up to 20 new jobs.

The significant £200,000 investment will welcome the latest evolution of family fitness to the shopping centre, encouraging children and adults of all ages to reap the benefits of exercise whilst challenging budding ninjas. 25 unique obstacle-style challenges will put balance, coordination, speed and agility to the test in a stimulating and safe environment.

Ninja Boxx is the sister venture of the popular Jump Boxx, located on the Waringsford Road, Banbridge. Jump Boxx has welcomed more than 70,000 visitors since opening in 2016 and directors Scott McMillan, Lee Thompson and Robyn McClimond hope for similar success with their new enterprise at The Boulevard. Scott McMillan commented:

“Ninja Boxx is set to be a fantastic addition to our ever-growing portfolio, and we are very proud to be able to open at The Boulevard in Banbridge. The success of Jump Boxx proves the demand for an indoor family facility like this, and the fact that both adults and children can enjoy the facilities together is certain to make it a popular destination for birthday parties and family days out.”

Chris Nelmes, centre manager at The Boulevard also commented:

“We are very pleased to welcome Ninja Boxx to The Boulevard, expanding our entertainment offering and bringing something completely new to the centre. Ninja Boxx will further enhance our readily expanding portfolio, which saw considerable growth in 2018 and is set to go from strength to strength with further announcements, both in retail and food and beverage planned for 2019.”

Ninja Boxx is suitable for children from 6 years of age through to adults and will also include a café and waiting area.

This exciting addition to The Boulevard is part of an overall £7m investment at The Boulevard, which has seen a series of other recent store openings including Guess, Adidas, Sketchers, Kurt Geiger, Asics, Jack Wills and The Beauty Outlet. All these brands join existing outlet retailers including Nike, Timberland, Calvin Klein, LK Bennett, Paul Costelloe and Jaeger, with more food outlets and retailers due to be announced this year.

For more information on The Boulevard and its many leading brands visit www.the-boulevard.co.uk, facebook.com/theboulevardbanbridge, instagram.com/theboulevardbanbridge or follow @theboulevardni on Twitter.

Come along to Ards Arts Centre, this Saturday 19 January, and take a closer look and listen to ‘Your Little Tiny Welcome’, a wonderfully touching introduction to our world for babies, children, parents and well, everybody really!

 ‘Your Little Tiny Welcome to the Great Big Whole Wide World’ is an exhibition by Patrick Sanders (14 July 1976 – 16 January 2017). Patrick Sanders was a clown doctor, an illustrator, a performer, an artist, an activist and a loving husband. In 2015, Replay Theatre Company created the world’s first Baby Day celebrating our tiniest citizens. A day that was about hope for the future and about the family that Northern Ireland could be. As part of that celebration, Patrick was commissioned to create this exhibition and the beautiful book it celebrates.

Sadly, Patrick left his world far too soon but in this work, his extraordinary and unique world view lives on as his legacy.

This family event will give everyone a chance to view Patrick’s wonderful exhibition and listen to some songs inspired by Patrick’s intriguing illustrations, specially written and performed by Rachael McCabe.

Copies of the book containing all the illustrations from the exhibition will also be on sale.

This event will run over three sessions; 12noon, 1pm & 2pm. Admission is free but pre-booking is essential. To book a space, visit: http://www.ardsarts.com/

For more information contact Stacy Eakin on 0300 013 3333 Ext 40205 or stacy.eakin@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Portico Arts & Heritage Centre in Portaferry has five fabulous theatre shows coming up in the next few weeks. ‘Years of Our Jimmy’ on Sat 19 Jan is William Caulfield’s hilarious tribute to the legendary James Young. The show combines original and new material to bring back the beloved comedy characters of Lily O’Condriac, Billy Hulk, Big Derek, Orange Lil, Willie Simpson, The Ballymena Man and wee Sammy the Schoolboy. How is Derek’s mammy? Is Emily Beattie still on the scrounge? Has Billy Hulk started any more strikes? Is Willie Simpson ever sober? To find out the answers to these questions and much more in comedy sketches and songs this is a show not to be missed.

Frank Carson: A Rebel Without A Pause arrives on Sat 9 Feb. Belfast funnyman Frank Carson blazed a comedy trail for over fifty years.

 In this acclaimed one-man show, written and performed by Dan Gordon, we journey with Frank from his Belfast boyhood – where life was so tough even the arms on the chairs had tattoos – through his adventures in the army, and into the world of showbiz where he entertained Royalty, delighted Pope John Paul II and never forgot where he came from. A whirlwind comedy drama celebrating the man, the myth and the mouth – it’s a cracker!

On Sat 23 Feb, Pip Utton brings his multi-award winning show Playing Maggie to Portico. “Master of the self-written character monologue, Pip Utton lifts the genre onto a new plane with his embodiment of Margaret Thatcher” (The Stage). A fascinating exploration of an actor facing the challenge of Playing Maggie. The show includes an in-character Q&A. What would you like to ask Maggie?

Centre Stage Theatre Company brings its new show The Trials of Oscar Wilde on Sat 2 Mar. From the actual transcript of Edward Carson’s brilliant cross-examination, Wilde’s only surviving grandson, and international director John O’Connor, have collected and dramatised Court records, journalist’s notes and newspaper reports of the three trials involving the flawed genius, Oscar Wilde. The review in The Independent stated ‘…the result is as good as being in the gallery.’

Last of the five is Freak Show by Big Telly Theatre Productions on Fri 15 Mar. Freak Show is a highly inventive blast of theatre which collides comedy, visuals and taut poetic text with true stories of people who were displayed as freaks in the 18th Century. Fast talking eejits are hell bent to get rich quick with their bizarre bazaar of curiosities and the unexpected, but they get more than they bargained for in this radical roadshow of revenge.

Music fans are, of course, also catered for. January brings country’s finest Derek Ryan, February sees The Lonesome Ace Stringband from Canada and March features the world’s number one guitarist Don Alder, the splendid Chamber Philharmonic of Europe and the fABBAulous Bjorn Identity.

For further information or to buy tickets visit www.porticoards.com. All concerts always finish in good time for the last ferry. Portico is supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Ryan O’Shaughnessy takes to the stage at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh on 17 January.

Ryan has competed in TV shows such as The Voice of Ireland, Britain’s Got Talent and The Hit. He was signed to Sony RCA in the UK and produced his debut EP that reached No.1 in Ireland for two consecutive months. His latest album ‘Back to Square One’ shows a clear maturity in his songwriting and musical taste. Ryan is a YouTube sensation having received over 45 million hits for his self-penned song ‘No Name’.

Ryan previously played the character Mark Halpin in RTE’s long running TV soap Fair City.  But since then his music career has taken off and has seen him tour Ireland, UK, USA and Canada releasing his own music and working on collaborations with other artists.  He has just released his brand new single ‘Civil War’.

Ryan O’Shaughnessy will play at The Market Place on Thursday 17 January at 8.00pm. Tickets priced £15 each are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is keeping the excitement going with a range of fabulous entertainment throughout January.

Get ready for an upbeat night of solid gold 60s hits and 80s contemporary genius as Barry Steel celebrates the musical legacy of the Roy Orbison in ‘The Roy Orbinson Story’.  Barry has been stunning audiences with his uncanny ability to recreate the vocal talents of the legendary Roy Orbison, winning rave reviews across the globe.  Barry Steele will perform The Roy Orbinson Story on Saturday 11 January. 

On 17 January, Dublin-born Ryan O’Shaughnessy takes to the stage. After playing the character Mark Halpin in RTE’s long running TV soap Fair City, Ryan began a career in music, going on to compete in TV shows such as The Voice of Ireland, Britain’s Got Talent and The Hit. During this time, Ryan’s self-penned song ‘No Name’ accumulated over 45 million hits on YouTube. He was then signed to Sony RCA in the UK, where he worked on his debut EP that reached No.1 in Ireland for two consecutive month.  His latest album ‘Back to Square One’ shows a clear maturity in his songwriting and musical taste, and he has just released his brand new single ‘Civil War’.

New for 2019, we bring you the magic of the big screen with a series of monthly film screenings, starting off with Lost in Translation on 24 January. See website for details of upcoming film screenings.

On 25 January, Kabosh Productions presents The Box, which reveals the incredible story of Olive Swanzy, a nurse from Co. Down who served during World War I. During her time in service, Olive kept autograph books that documented her time and those she encountered.   Watch as ‘The Box’ comes to life and tells the story of the men and women who placed their thoughts, hopes and dreams in the care of Olive’s autograph books.

Then to end the month on a high note we have the acclaimed one-man show, Frank Carson:  Rebel without a Pause, written and performed by Dan Gordon. The show takes us on a journey with Frank from his Belfast boyhood – where life was so tough even the arms on the chairs had tattoos – through his adventures in the army, and into the world of showbiz where he entertained Royalty, delighted Pope John Paul II and never forgot where he came from. A whirlwind comedy drama celebrating the man, the myth and the mouth – it’s a cracker!

Further details of events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked at Box Office on [028] 3752 1821.

And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

Seamus Heaney HomePlace is delighted to announce The Unthanks will be taking to the Helicon stage as part of the Summer Events Programme.

Where does a band go after a symphonic journey that peaks with orchestral performances at the Royal Festival Hall and Royal Albert Hall? Back to the beginning of course. Before fronting one of the most artistically brave and revered banks working today, Tyneside sisters Rachel and Becky Unthank grew up singing songs without accompaniment, in weaving, unschooled vocal harmony.

As if to prove that creativity should never be about ambition or aspiration, The Unthanks move on from their recent orchestral explorations by going back to what they know and do best – singing in unaccompanied harmony – joined on this tour by Unthanks member Niopha Keegan to make a vocal trio.

The three have already established a band within a band in The Unthanks, with the success of haunting harmony signature pieces like Magpie, recently brought to wider attention by Mackenzie Crook’s beautifully poignant series, Detectorists. On this tour, they fully explore their rich and unique vocal combinations, with brand new material and arrangements, alongside more familiar Unthanks material.

“They run from the root of folk music to the very tip of the branch.” Elvis Costello

“There are few times when you hear an album or discover a band and they stalk immediately to the heart of everything you love and hold dear.” Maxine Peake

“The Unthanks are capable of such beauty that sometimes I can hardly bear to listen to them. And sometimes, when I know I need it, I’ll listen to them to open me up and clean me out.” Martin Freeman

Tickets are available on the Seamus Heaney HomePlace website www.seamusheaneyhome.com and are priced at £22 per ticket.

 

The team behind the Santa Special trains, brought extra festive cheer to less fortunate families as they enjoyed a special steam train ride, whilst meeting Santa Claus!

Whitehead Railway Museum and The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland (RPSI) teamed up with the Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul (SVP) on Saturday 1^st December to take around 100 parents and children on a magical journey, stretching from the city centre, along the scenic coastline to Whitehead town and a trip to Whitehead Railway Museum.

Children met Santa and his elves on the steam train and received a specially-chosen Christmas gift. Passengers travelled in style in one of the society’s enchanting steam locomotives, No. 85 Merlin, built in 1932. A Salvation Army band played atmospheric Christmas music, giving passengers a Christmas send-off.

Siobhan Dillon, Whitehead Railway Museum’s General Manager said, “The Santa Special is a wonderful experience for children and families alike. We are grateful to all those involved from the RPSI and respective charities who made this trip a memorable and magical day out.”

Kirsten Hewitt, the Salvation Army’s regional homelessness manager, said: “Christmas is ultimately about love. To bring children and families together is special and we are so grateful to everyone involved, we simply could not do the work we do without the generous support of others.”