The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill officially launched The Enchanted Winter Garden at the Barbican Gate.

Enchanted Winter Garden returns to Antrim Castle Gardens bigger and better than ever before from Saturday 9 to Tuesday 19 December. This year’s event has even more of the stunning Gardens transformed, from entry at the Barbican Gate enchantment awaits as a magical journey through the Gardens unfolds.

This year’s new features include the star attraction, ‘Antrim Eye’ – a 40m Ferris wheel where star gazing over Antrim Town and beyond will be one of the highlights of your visit to this fantastic event.

Mayor, Councillor Paul Hamill commented “Following the great feedback from last year’s Enchanted Winter Garden, this year’s event has even more to offer. Visitors are in for a real treat and we hope to attract many new visitors to the Borough”.

Make magical Christmas memories with family and friends as you enjoy the Stunning Light installations, Christmas Train, Wonderland Wood, Festive Food Fayre, Christmas Carousel and Santa and the Elves.

Come along and enjoy the festive spirit and see Antrim Castle Gardens transformed into an Enchanted Winter Wonderland where the magic of Christmas fills the air.

The Enchanted Winter Garden runs from Saturday 9 until Tuesday 19 December from 4-9pm daily.  Secure your place for this Christmas Spectacular by booking in advance. Tickets £2 adults & £1 children available online www.enchantedwintergarden.com, in person from Clotworthy House, the Old Courthouse and Theatre at The Mill or by telephone 028 9448 1338.

Belfast’s award-winning arts venue, the MAC, is thrilled to announce that its 2017 Christmas show is Hansel & Gretel.

Running from 28 November to 7 January, this year’s festive show, proudly sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas, is a modern take on the classic fairy tale.

Performed with enchanting staging, a local cast and an original acoustic score, the MAC’s own production of Hansel & Gretel will take audiences on a fun adventure where they will discover why friendship, laughter and family are essential for the perfect Christmas. Written by the MAC’s Creative Director Simon Magill and Author Stephen Beggs, audiences can expect many jokes, big songs and an all-important sweetie trail.

This version of Hansel & Gretel is like no other with a modern MAC twist. Separated from their parents, Hansel and his sister Gretel must work together to find their way and escape the clutches of an evil sweet shop owner. With plenty of mishaps and mischief along the away, audiences will be willing on the duo and their band of mystical friends.

Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said, “This is a modern retelling of a childhood favourite. We have assembled a fantastic cast and production team and I cannot wait to see it come to life on stage.

“Each year our Christmas show is the centrepiece to our festive celebrations. From our Christmas light switch on, Phoenix sweetie shop, festive fairy tale readings, aMAZEing craft workshops; to our magical Christmas window; we have something for all ages to enjoy.

“Whether returning or new to the MAC – going to see a Christmas show is the perfect festive tradition.”

Geri Wright, Communications Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas says: “The MAC is an innovative and exciting partner, whose commitment to storytelling is clear in everything they do. We are thrilled to be partnering with them again for a second year and helping bring the magic of Hansel and Gretel to life for Christmas 2017.”

Tickets for Hansel and Gretel at the MAC are on-sale now, priced at £10 for children and £12.50-£25 for adults. Remember to book early to save more. This is an all-ages show but those aged 5+ will get the biggest kicks.  For more information about the show or to book a ticket, visit themaclive.com or call (028) 9023 5053.

Excitement is reaching ‘fever pitch’ as legendary local football fans anticipate Northern Ireland and The Republic of Ireland’s campaigns to earn their place in World Cup 2018.

But as all loyal fans know, supporting their team does not begin and end with the match – no matter how thrilling the play. The build-up, the participation of watching the game and the celebration (or commiseration!) of the result with the team’s ‘family’ of supporters is an essential element of any match day.

Now, for local fans, the whole World Cup experience is significantly enhanced by the announcement of the perfect Fanzone home for the Green and White Army in the vicinity of Windsor Park.

Former Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell and former Miss Ireland Sacha Livingstone kicked off celebrations as Norlin Ventues, together with SquarePit, today unveiled the exciting news they will be hosting Belfast’s largest indoor football Fanzone at South 13 (S13), the former B&Q site on The Boucher Road.

The venue is expected to be very popular with fans as its located conveniently close to Windsor Park, where the first qualifier match will take place on November 9. The new S13 Fanzone offers free entry and gives families the chance to enjoy supporting their team in a safe, convenient location with excellent parking and facilities. Fans can also wear their team’s football strip, unlike many venues in the province.

Gary Flynn from S13  says: “This is the biggest Fanzone in Belfast, complete with a 40  square meter screen, live music and a 10,000 people capacity, so the atmosphere is going to be electric.

“The venue offers ease of access and car and bus parking is available on site, also free of charge.”

This event is free of charge to the public and has the added benefit of being a family-friendly complete with bouncy castles, face painting, penalty shoot-outs and chance to win fantastic prizes. So, the little ones will be entertained while parents can relax and cheer on their team. Everyone wins – unlike the outcome of the football matches which are set to keep the country’s nerves jangling during the qualifying stages.

“Activities will be taking place before and after Northern Ireland’s first home game at Windsor Park, so even if you’ve been lucky to secure a ticket to the match, you can get into the party mood pre, or post-match.  

“It’s going to be a double header on 11th November as we’re also going to host the International rugby game for Ireland versus South Africa, so undoubtedly S13 is going to be the place to be for all football and rugby fans,” Gary Flynn from  S13 said.

The Fanzone is the latest addition to an already packed schedule at the innovative South Belfast community hub.

 

Live Matches are as follows:

9 November – Northern Ireland V Switzerland KICK OFF 7.45pm
Fanzone opens 5.00pm

11 November – Ireland V South Africa (Rugby) KICK OFF 5.30pm
Fanzone opens 3.00pm

11 November – Republic of Ireland V Denmark KICK OFF 7.45pm
Fanzone opens 5.00pm

12 November – Northern Ireland V Switzerland KICK OFF 6pm
Fanzone opens 3.00pm

14 November –  Republic of Ireland V Denmark KICK OFF 7.45pm
 Fanzone opens 5.00pm

For further information check out:
www.fanzonebelfast.com

*** subject to licence 

Wakey-wakey! The countdown has begun for Sleeping Beauty – the Christmas pantomime – opening at Belfast Waterfront from Wednesday 6 December.     

Presented by LANA Productions and Belfast Waterfront, directed by Lisa May and produced by Martin Lynch, Sleeping Beauty is the best loved fairy tale of them all… magically brought to life on the pantomime stage!

You can’t beat a Waterfront panto for excitement, fun and laughter… all wrapped up in one great big, best value Christmas adventure!  In true Waterfront tradition children will get right up close to all of the action and an amazing cast of larger than life characters as the adventure unfolds!

In a land far, far away the Wicked Fairy has cast a truly evil spell, dooming Sleeping Beauty to sleep for a hundred years.  But is there anyone who can break the spell and wake her…?

Audiences will love this magical traditional Christmas adventure presented by a fabulous cast starring Trudy Scrumptious (aka Gordon Crawford) as Nanny Magee, Jolene O’Hara as Sleeping Beauty and Gavin Peden as The Prince.  Sleeping Beauty also stars Gary Crossan as Maleficent, Emer McDaid as Fairy Stardust and Nuala Davies as Muddles.

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty at Belfast Waterfront, running from 6 December to 7 January, are available by calling 028 9033 4455, online at www.waterfront.co.uk and at our main Box Office at the Ulster Hall.

 

Sleeping Beauty is presented in association with U105.

This year, the Show will return with a great range of Northern Ireland’s very best food and drink producers, plus a line-up of top celebrity chefs and culinary experts. The weekend will be full to the brim with demonstrations, tastings, chef interviews, book signings and more.

Discover what’s new for 2017:

See your favourites cooking LIVE

Watch your favourite chefs and stars cooking LIVE in the Big Kitchen. NEW this year, see family favourite Nadiya Hussain and Michelin master Michel Roux Jr, plus John Torode and the Hairy Bikers are back. Every ticket includes a seat in the Big Kitchen.

 

Eat Like a Local

Enjoy an additional FREE ‘Eat Like a Local’ session in the Big Kitchen as part of your day. Discover more about local restaurants Ox (Friday), Forestside Cookery School (Saturday) and Wine and Brine (Sunday).

Taste the Greatness Tasting Experience

Taste your way around the region in a tasting session with local restaurateurs, Great Taste winners and a fantastic line-up of regional food and drink producers. Let the hosts and experts take you through the produce and the destinations they derive from, whilst sampling a selection of their food and drink.

Plus, get 20% off* show tickets when you quote WHATSON

* Valid on advance adult tickets only. Not valid on VIP packages, Gold Big Kitchen seats or with any other o­ffer. Gold Big Kitchen seats cost an additional £3 and are subject to availability.. Not all celebrities appear on all days. Details correct at time of print. £2.45 fulfilment fee per advance order. Calls cost 7p/minute plus phone company charges. The Good Food word mark and logo are trademarks of the BBC. ©BBC. Organised and presented by River Street Events.

 

 

The Causeway Coast and Glens is enjoying a growing reputation as a foodie destination.

And to celebrate this, the area is looking forward to the return of Restaurant Week from November 11^th – 19^th.

The nine-day event, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, serves up a range of ‘foodie’ experiences built on a combination of fabulous local producers and a vibrant dining scene. It introduces alternative eating concepts including degustation where the focus is on careful appreciation of tastes and enjoying eating as a social experience. There is also an opportunity to enjoy a communal sharing experience, welcoming the darker autumn nights as an opportunity to enjoy comforting food with friends.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “Restaurant Week highlights just why we are a food destination of choice, bringing together an exciting variety of eating and drinking experiences. Our local producers offer a fantastic range of food and drink products which are used on menus right across the Borough, giving diners a true taste of the area.”

Food Tours add another aspect to Restaurant Week, providing a unique glimpse into the area and our local producers. You can choose to stay on dry land with a walking tour in Bushmills or Ballycastle or experience a trip on board the Causeway Lass where you get a chance to catch your evening meal in the crystal clear waters off our coastline.

If you feel inspired to use ingredients sourced from our local artisans in your own kitchen, you will find all you need at Causeway Speciality Market in Coleraine. It takes place on Saturday 11^th November with around 50 stalls to choose from, all located within the pedestrian area around the Town Hall.

This year, Restaurant Week will coincide with our award winning music festival Atlantic Sessions. It offers intimate gigs from an unrivalled line-up of performers in venues across Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae from November 16^th – 19^th. Go to www.atlanticsessions.com for full details.

To keep up to date with the latest news about Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, including information about accommodation and visitor attractions, go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com, follow us on Twitter @VisitCauseway or find us on Facebook at Visit Causeway Coast and Glens

Is your name Jack or Rose? Or any variation thereof?  If so, it’s a case of lights, camera and action, as you’ve been granted free entry to the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast, from 19th November – 19th December 2017.

In honour of the twentieth anniversary of the cinematic release of ‘TITANIC’ the movie, which told the epic love story between Jack and Rose on the ill-fated ship, it is offering free entry to anyone named after the two lead characters or variants of the names ranging from French Jacques to Polish Rozycka (full list available on its website) during its Movie Month.

Visitors should bring ID (birth certificate, passport or driving license) to gain their complimentary admission at the Box Office to the Titanic Experience which has been described by ‘TITANIC’ movie director James Cameron as ‘magnificent and dramatic’.

The celebrations do not stop there, as Titanic Belfast has a blockbuster line-up of events to mark the occasion.  Kicking off its Programme of events is an unmissable red-carpet movie-themed Titanic Afternoon Tea and Movie Experience on Sunday 19th November 2017 and Tuesday 19^th December 2017 – perfect for the ultimate movie fan to enjoy the epic film in First Class Style by the replica Grand Staircase! Sure to be a highlight is the Titanic Drive-In Movie Experience on November 29^th 2017, where fans have the chance to win golden tickets to watch the 11 time Oscar winning tragic romance under the stars as it’s screened at the exact spot where the original ship was designed, built, and launched.

What’s more, for one month only (November 19th to December 19th) guests to Titanic Belfast can star in their own Titanic Experience by following the Movie Magic trail, enjoying themed hospitality and re-creating their own ‘meet me at the clock’ photo opportunities on the green screen.

For a full programme of events, and for full Terms and Conditions visit www.titanicbelfast.com

 

As the season for giving approaches and thoughts of stressful shopping trips spring to mind, the Hastings Hotels Group will help take the strain out of your Christmas shopping with a wide choice of fabulous Gift Cards and Vouchers available, which will solve all your Christmas present worries in no time at all!

The versatile new gift cards can be used towards granting Christmas wishes all year round in any of the six luxurious hotels in Northern Ireland’s leading hotel group.

The Gift Cards are redeemable at any one of their six hotels, in the two magnificent spas, in any of their restaurants and the new Grand Central Hotel which is opening summer 2018. A Gift Card from Hastings Hotels is the ideal gift for family and friends this Christmas, so they can choose the perfect present for themselves, be it a special night out, a luxury weekend, an afternoon tea, a spa treatment or even a round of drinks at the bar! Every budget is catered for, with cards available from £10 to much, much more!

During the month of November, Hastings have a very special offer to get your Christmas shopping off to a great start.  For every £100 of Gift Cards you buy during before the end of November, you will receive a £10 card for yourself to spend in any of the hotels.  So what are you waiting for?

To purchase Hastings Gift Cards visit www.hastingshotels.com or contact Head Office on 028 9047 1066.

Belfast actor, writer, director and comedian Stephen Beggs will be bringing his celebrated one-man show about one of life’s most important experiences – fatherhood – to Seamus Heaney HomePlace for two shows on Saturday 4 November.

My Father’s Chair is a funny and moving performance for families about the nature of fatherhood.  What does it mean to have a Dad?  What does it mean to be a Dad?  What makes the relationship between Dads and kids unique and special?  How does society view the role of fathers in children’s lives?  As a theatre maker and a father himself, Stephen Beggs explores all these questions, creating a funny, challenging and emotional journey for audiences along the way.

The show was partly inspired by Stephen’s relationship with his late father and his own experience of having a child.  As an audience member commented on the show:  “You told your story and by doing so evoked memories good and sad for the adults, while showing children how their parents were once so like them”.

Stephen is a regular visitor to Seamus Heaney HomePlace and directed local school students in a performance for Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall during their visit to the centre earlier this year.  On bringing My Father’s Chair to Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Stephen says:

“Family and the relationship between father and son are major themes in Seamus Heaney’s poetry so I am delighted to be bringing My Father’s Chair to his spiritual home.”

Tickets for My Father’s Chair at Seamus Heaney HomePlace on Saturday 4 November at 11am and 2pm are £5/£3 concession and can be booked online at www.seamusheaneyhome.com

 

Witches and wizards of all ages are preparing to enter a world of mystic and spooky goings-on at Carnfunnock Country Park this Halloween.

Characters from Larne myth and legend will be brought to life at the family-friendly fangtastic night of free entertainment on Saturday 28 October.  Little and large monsters alike will have the chance to meet Li Ban the mermaid, Giant Gobbin Saor or the elusive Lady Isobella of Ballygally.

The event will feature plenty of activities for all the family, from an enchanted maze, to the ghost camp of Vikings and Celts preparing to battle for Larne Lough.

There will be owls, arts and crafts, food demonstrations and lots of live music suitable for a real monster mash.

The highlight of the evening will be a special fire structure created by the awarding-winning Walk the Plank. The Fire Wolf spectacle will begin at 5.40pm.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, said: “One of the highlights of our Halloween celebrations will be the free event at Carnfunnock Country Park in Larne.   “It is sure to draw the crowds and promise a magical and memorable celebration for the whole family. We are delighted that P&O Irish Sea Ferries are sponsoring this year’s event.”

Karen Wallace, Marketing Communications Manager, P&O Ferries, said; “P&O Ferries is delighted to support this Halloween event and we wish the event every success.  P&O operates the shortest, most frequent crossings across the Irish Sea from Larne to Cairnryan. With some great deals available, there has never been a better time to sail to Scotland.”

Spooky visitors of all ages are encouraged to use the free park and ride bus service sponsored by Translink and Caterpillar which will run regularly from Caterpillar, Old Glenarm Road, Larne, between 1.30pm and 7pm.

Buses will also pick up from Ballygally, taking you straight into Carnfunnock Country Park. All buses are wheelchair and pram friendly.

Derek Menice from CAT (NI) Ltd, said: “We at CAT (NI) Ltd are delighted to be in a position to support the local community for the annual Halloween event.”

Tickets to park directly in Carnfunnock for this mythical event are still available but going fast. Visitors will not be able to park without a ticket.

Parking tickets can be purchased from Larne Visitor Information Centre or call 028 2826 2495.

Tickets cost £5 and are limited to one per household.  Visitors will need to collect tickets in advance.

Council also has a number of free blue badge holder tickets available. Please remember to bring your blue badge when claiming your ticket.