The north coast based artist Louise McLean (of Atlantic Craft NI) recreates her interpretation of the rugged landscape and dramatic coastlines of Ireland through basketry this January at the Burnavon, Cookstown.

In this stunning exhibition, every basket hand-woven by Louise is unique, gathering its individual momentum and flow, resulting in dramatically sweeping organic shapes that echo bog-land, branches and beaches from the landscapes and coastlines that have inspired Louise.

Discussing her work, Louise says, “Every creation has evolved from traditional basket weaving techniques, the use of oxides, aged and dyed materials combined with various weaves, each unique in construction and form, each telling its own story. The materials I’ve used in each basket also reflect the uncertainty and passage of time as some materials have been connected to the earth growing for longer, while some elements within the baskets are found and gathered, these include pebbles, driftwood, kelp and rope, and who knows how long and far these have travelled.”

Visitors to the exhibition will see the bare branches of the Willow that Louise uses in her weaving, symbolising nature and the changing seasons, while bark, bogwood and beach combed baskets all evoking thoughts and memories of the diversity and rich heritage within our landscape.

The exhibition is on display from Tuesday 3rd – Tuesday 31st January, with free entry, and is open 9am – 5pm daily and 1 hour before scheduled performances. For more information contact the Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949.

Free Golden Tickets Up For Grabs for Locals

Having been crowned the ‘World’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards in the Maldives, Titanic Belfast, to say thank you for the support in 2016, is giving away complimentary tickets for local residents to the Titanic Experience for the 8^th January 2017.

Titanic Belfast’s NI Citizens Day event on 8^th January will provide the opportunity for locals to visit or re-visit the world-class landmark right on their doorstep, which tells the story of the Titanic, from her conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her famous maiden voyage and tragic end, free-of-charge.
With over 1 million votes cast from over 216 countries in the awards, known as the ‘Tourism Oscars’, it beat off stiff competition from eight global finalists, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and the Las Vegas Strip, USA, to become the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction.  Titanic Belfast recognises the key role Northern Ireland locals had to play in making Titanic Belfast ‘King of the World’ and will be issuing tickets for locals on its website on 4^th and 5^th January 2017.
Tim Husbands MBE, Chief Executive of Titanic Belfast, said, “Home is where the heart is for Titanic Belfast. We recognise that the Northern Ireland got behind us in our bid to become ‘King of the World’, from the public, industry partners, well-known personalities, politicians, sports stars and businesses. It was because of them and the hard work of our staff that we were voted on par with previous winners such as the Taj Mahal, Las Vegas Strip and the Pyramids of Egypt. To say thank you for your support in 2016 and to show our appreciation, we are throwing our doors open for locals on 8^th January to encourage those who have or haven’t visited to come down and enjoy the world-class experience on their doorstep!”

Described by The Guardian as “an inspiring testament to the Titanic and the city that built it”, more than three million people from around the world have already visited Titanic Belfast since opening in 2012. The Experience continues to go from strength to strength and has added the SS Nomadic, the world’s largest Titanic artefact to its offering over the last year.

Tickets will be released on www.titanicbelfast.com/citizensday at noon on Wednesday 4^th January with a second release at noon on Thursday 5^th January.  To bag one of these one-off golden tickets to beat the January blues and experience the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, use promotion TBTHANKSNI when booking tickets.

For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/citizensday.

Wedding show has been nominated as a finalist in the 2017 Northern Ireland Wedding Awards.

What better way to start planning your big day or to help you both put those special finishing touches in place than a visit to the Lagan Valley Island Wedding Fayre on Sunday 29^th January from 2 – 5pm.

Organised by Perfect Bliss Wedding Events, the show promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Couples can expect to be introduced to over 40 top local suppliers who can provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise you would expect to find from the finest in the wedding industry that will help create their dream day. There will also be live performances from wedding bands, a catwalk extravaganza at 4pm to enjoy, free entry and free car parking.

The Wedding Fayre is a great opportunity to view the stunning wedding facilities for up to 220 guests at Lagan Valley Island. Choose from the fantastic packages on offer e.g. book your reception for 60 guests for less than £1750. This includes room hire, a four course wedding banquet, chair covers, centrepieces, fairy light backdrop and much more. Tours of the stunning wedding facilities will be provided throughout the day of the event.

Those in attendance can meet with Lagan Valley Island’s experienced Registrars, wedding co-ordinators and catering team to take the first steps towards planning that special day. Check outhttps://www.laganvalleyisland.co.uk/weddingvenuesnorthernireland for more information on holding your wedding at Lagan Valley Island.

Entry to the Wedding Fayre is free and there is free car-parking onsite.

For more information on attending or to book a stand at the Wedding Fayre, contact Perfect Bliss Wedding Events on 07845 357339 or email: info@perfectblissweddingevents.com

Our Christmas Story at The Market Place Theatre, Armagh continues with the highly-acclaimed show, ‘Christmas Country Showtime’, returning on Friday 30^th December after another sold-out performance last year.

Topping the bill this year will be Ireland’s top country and gospel recording start Trudi Lalor, all the way from Tipperary. The line-up also features the true voice of country Joe Moore, the fabulous train whistle sounds of ‘Boxcar Brian’, the glamorous Olivia Douglas, sensational thirteen-year-old singing wonder Owen Mac along with his dad Dessie Mac, plus Jordan Mogey singing the old, traditional hits of Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams. Backing band for the night is ‘Country Harmony’ and all compered by ‘Mr Country’ himself, Sean Wallace. Tickets are priced £16.50 each.

Then providing the entertainment on New Year’s Eve are top Gospel band ‘Live Issue’ invites you to join them in celebrating the arrival of 2017 with an evening of quality Gospel music. The members of ‘Live Issue’ are marking their 10th anniversary since reforming in 2006 and in that time the group has toured regularly throughout the British Isles, Europe and America. ‘Live Issue’ is also noted as being one of the few bands from Ireland to grace the stage of the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Joining ‘Live Issue’ on New Year’s Eve will be a host of special guests, making this evening of praise an event not to be missed. Tickets are priced £15 each.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com 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. For information on Christmas In Armagh visit www.ourstoryofchristmas.com | #ourstoryofchristmas

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• New Year’s Eve Getaway, Lough Erne Resort & Spa, Co. Fermanagh, from £199pps. Welcome 2017 in style with a luxurious break in Fermanagh. Nestled on a 600-acre peninsula, Lough Erne is one of four five-star hotels in Northern Ireland offering world-class luxury. This special New Year’s Eve package includes a sparkling tasting menu in The Catalina Restaurant followed by Champagne and live entertainment in The Blaney Bar to bring in the New Year. Package also includes full Irish breakfast the next morning. Valid 31 December. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (66) 323230
• Heritage Break, Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £135pps The exquisite Grade B1 listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is perfectly positioned within the historic city walls in the heart of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. With its opulent heritage and historic grandeur, the recently restored hotel is the perfect base for combining history and culture. The Heritage Break includes luxurious accommodation for two nights, full Irish breakfast each morning, a gourmet dinner in ‘The Gown Restaurant’ on one evening, walking tour of the historic city with Martin McCrossan City Tours and a visit to the Tower Museum or the new Siege Museum.  Valid until 31 December. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (71) 140300

• Winter Warmer, Bayview Hotel, Co. Antrim, from £65pps The Bayview Hotel, is situated at the heart of the picturesque village of Portballintrae, one mile from Bushmills, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and close to the Giants Causeway, Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle. Enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast with an Irish coffee or hotel chocolate on arrival, four-course Table d’Hote Dinner and a discount voucher for Bushmills Distillery. Valid Sunday – Thursday nights only. Pre booking essential.  To book call 028 (20) 734100

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

The Winterland Express departs on selected dates from Tuesday 27 December 2016 – 29 January 2017.

Take a journey to the fairytale world of Winterland with a trip on the Winterland Express, our magical miniature train ride. Travel through the enchanted forest into the icy cavern to emerge in the courtyard of Winterland Castle! The Winterland Express is a short train ride – FREE with admission to W5!

Please note, tickets are allocated on a first come first serve basis at our ticket desk. Visit www.w5online.co.uk for information.

Dates & Times

Tuesday 27 December: 12.15 – 5.15pm

Wednesday 28 – Saturday 31 December: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Sunday 1 January: 12.15 – 5.15pm

Monday 2 – Friday 6 January: 10.15am – 5.15pm

Weekends from 7 – 28 January: 12.15 – 5.15pm

Friday 16 – Thursday 22 December

Until Friday 23 December, Christmas at Ulster Folk and Transport Museum

Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra

Various themed events taking place over the Christmas season. For more info and booking details contact the Museum.

Info: (028) 9042 8428, nmni.com/uftm

Friday 16 December, Festive Swing with Swingabella
The Queen’s Hall, West Street, Newtownards

£12, includes mulled wine and mince pies

8pm
A close-harmony vocal trio bringing back the sassy sound of the ‘30s and ‘40s – the Swing era.

Info: ardsarts.com, 028 9181 0803

Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 December, Christmas at the Ark Open Farm

The Ark Open Farm, Bangor Road, Newtownards

11am – 4pm

Santa will be at the Farm every weekend in December. Hand feed the reindeer and meet Santa’s elves or visit the lambs and donkeys in the Stables Nativity scene.  Special late night opening Thursday and Friday nights from 8 December – please book for late nights.

Info: (028) 9182 0445, thearkopenfarm.co.uk

Sunday 18 December, Santa Train rides at Drumawhey Junction

Drumawhey Junction Railway, Four Road Ends

£8.50 child (includes gift); £2.50 adult

12 noon – 4pm

A great afternoon out for all the family as this miniature railway gets into the Christmas spirit.

Info: bcdmrs.org.uk

Exhibitions

Exhibition: All Wrapped Up for Christmas exhibition

Until Saturday 24 December

Ards Crafts, 31 Regent Street, Newtownards

A showcase of handcrafted gifts and ideas for Christmas at this free to visit exhibition.

Exhibition: Juniper

Until Saturday 21 January

Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

A series of atmospheric richly detailed and fantastical illustrations depicting the story of Juniper and her companions.

Exhibition: Absorption

Until Saturday 21 January 2017

Sunburst Gallery, Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards

A solo exhibition of unique, textured and colourful sculptures by Ellie Niblock.

Exhibition: Toy Stories

Until Sunday 29 January

Long Gallery, North Down Museum, Bangor

This fun exhibition will look back at toys enjoyed by all from across the decades.

Northern Ireland boasts a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for an ideal short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• New Year’s Eve Package, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, from £195pps. Welcome 2017 in style with a luxurious break in Fermanagh. Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, the award-winning 4-star Manor House Country Hotel combines old world charm with modern hotel luxury. New Year Package includes two nights’ accommodation, full Irish breakfast each morning, pre-dinner drinks & canapes, New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner in the Grand Ballroom with live entertainment and complimentary use of the health suite. Valid 30 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (68) 622200
• New Year’s Eve Dinner, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone, from £109pps. Nestled in the heart of the Clogher Valley, where style and elegance meet country hospitality, this idyllic four-star 17th Century hotel offers a haven of tranquillity. See in the New Year with family and friends with pre-dinner drinks and canapes while listening to a live harpist before dining on a four-course evening meal in the Carleton Restaurant followed by a piper bringing in the New Year.  Enjoy a fully cooked breakfast the following morning after spending the night in a deluxe room. Valid 30 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential. To book 028 (85) 548216

• Dine, Dance and Stay, Kilmorey Arms, Co. Down, from £89pps. Nestled in the Kingdom of Mourne, an area of outstanding natural beauty; the three-star Kilmorey Arms Hotel is an ideal location for a short break away. Start the New Year as you mean to go on and treat yourself to a luxurious night away with that special someone. Package includes overnight accommodation, four-course evening meal with complimentary bottle of prosecco, live entertainment by the Lunar Eclipse Band and full Irish breakfast the next morning. Offer valid 31 Dec – 1 Jan. Pre booking essential.  To book call 028 (41) 762220

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (December 19 – December 25).

• Around the World Christmas Winter Wonderland, Kool Kidz Childcare, Derry~Londonderry, until December 23. Enjoy a magical night out with the kids at Kool Kidz Childcare. With a fantastic synchronised light show, snow tunnel, market stalls, treasure hunts in a gingerbread forest and activity huts highlighting winter festivals of other cultures, it is a night not to be missed. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Christmas at QFT, Queens Film Theatre, Belfast, until December 23. If you love sitting down with a hot drink and watching a classic festive film then you’re in for a treat this Christmas at QFT. From timeless classics such as ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’, ‘Meet me in St. Louis’ to modern favourite such as ‘Miracle on 34^th Street’ and ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ there is something for the whole family to enjoy.

• Walled City Market, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry, until December 23. The city’s Guildhall Square will welcome the very best of artisan traders, offering visitors a friendly shopping experience with a wide selection of speciality foods ranging from fresh fruit and vegetables to homemade jams and preserves, artisan breads, cakes, sweets and treats plus handmade crafted products.

• Cairn Illumination Hikes, Slieve Gullion Forest Park, Co. Armagh, until December 22. Don your walking shoes and climb to the summit of Slieve Gullion, home to the highest surviving passage tomb in Ireland, known locally as ‘the Calliagh Berra’s House’ on a winter walk. The walk will be happening at dusk so it is recommended for experienced hill walkers.  Appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear essential. To book call (028) 30 828594.

• A Magical Christmas Experience, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, until December 23. Step back in time, join Father Christmas and explore Titanic Belfast’s traditional Christmas street scene from 18th December. Visit Ye Olde Picture House, peek through the toy shop window at the toys from a bygone era and check out the Post Office where Father Christmas has his elves hard at work! Hear a classic Christmas tale, challenge each other at one of our traditional games, or visit our old fashioned wardrobe and find the perfect outfit to transport you back in time. Booking essential. www.titanicbelfast.com.

• Lade of the Lake Festive Sailings, Manor House Country Hotel, Co. Fermanagh, until December 23. Hop on board the Lady of the Lake cruiser for a special festive cruise with mulled wine on arrival.  Enjoy the wintery landscape of the Fermanagh Lakelands as you cruise Lough Erne dining on a sumptuous four-course meal.  Cost £27.50pp. Booking essential. To book call (028) 68 62 2200.

• Cinderella, Grand Opera House, Belfast, until January 15. ‘He’s behind you!’ ‘Oh no he’s not!’ Panto season is back and what better way to celebrate that heading to the Grand Opera House for this year’s performance of Cinderella starring May McFettridge and singer Gareth Gates. Will Cinderella make it to the ball in time and meet Prince Charming? Booking essential.  www.goh.co.uk/cinderella.

• Strabane Community Carol Service, The Alley Theatre, Co. Tyrone, December 20. Gather your family and friends and head to the Alley Theatre for a heart-warming festive evening of carol music. Enjoy music from St Joseph’s Brass Band and the wonderful harmonies from Strabane Chamber Choir and soloist Alyson Keys with readings from local clerics.

• White Christmas with Cantilena, Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, December 21. We all dream of a White Christmas and Happy Holidays so join Armagh’s sensational a cappella group ‘Cantilena’ as they pour some festive spirit into the Christmas Celebrations and ring in the festive season in their own inimitable a cappella style. Booking essential.

• Go West and Nik Kershaw, Belfast Waterfront, Belfast, December 22. The 80s are back! Two critically acclaimed legends of the era join forces in this major concert. With millions of album sales, and iconic hits from both artists such as, ‘We Close Our Eyes’, ‘Call Me’, ‘The King of Wishful Thinking’, ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’, ‘The Riddle’, ‘I Won’t Let The Sunday Go Down’. This authentic 80’s double bill is a concert not to be missed!

To celebrate its first Christmas, Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy is inviting 100 lucky ex-pats to ‘Come Home to HomePlace’, with a complimentary visit to the centre’s exhibition from Tuesday 27^th to Friday 30^th December.

Anyone homeward bound for the festive season simply needs to register and then bring proof of travel – plus two paying friends or family from home – to enjoy a journey through the new arts and literary centre which marks the life and literature of Seamus Heaney.

Speaking about the seasonal promotion, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Trevor Wilson, said:

“Home is never closer to the heart than at Christmas, and we are delighted to be offering a warm welcome back to ex-pats who travel from across the world at this time of year to be with family and friends.

“And where better to visit than HomePlace, located at the heart of the area where the poet and Nobel Laureate had his roots and where he returned to time and again, both in person and through his work.

“The exhibition itself explores Heaney’s deep-rooted connections with this place and its people, featuring dozens of personal stories, photographs and artefacts, as well as the voice of the poet himself, and will resonate with anyone who is coming home”.

Complimentary entry to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace exhibition is available on production of proof of travel from outside of Northern Ireland (e.g. boarding pass, plane or ferry ticket) and when accompanied by two other full-paying adults. The ‘Come Home to HomePlace’ offer is valid only from Tuesday 27^th to Friday 30^th December 2016.

To book for the ‘Come Home to HomePlace this Christmas’ offer, please register by email with seamusheaneyhome@midulstercouncil.org.