This Christmas the MAC, Belfast’s multi award-winning arts venue, is thrilled to introduce a new generation of theatre-goers to the magic of Pinocchio.

The modern retelling of the classic tale by the hugely successful children’s theatre company Cahoots NI, is proudly sponsored by Phoenix Natural Gas and will take to the stage over the festive period from Tuesday 29 November until Sunday 1st January 2017.

This is the simple story of a puppet who longed to be a real boy. Searching for a family to call his own, Pinocchio’s adventures take him to school, to The Land of Grand Illusions and ultimately back to his father Gepetto in his quest to become a real boy.

This family musical is perfect for six years plus, but younger audiences will enjoy the live music and the dazzling magic that local company Cahoots NI is renowned for. Directed by Paul Bosco McEneaney, expect thrilling acts of illusion that will leave you bewildered.

Paul explains: “The story starts with us meeting Gepetto, who like every parent, doesn’t always get it right. In his wood cabin one magical day, he begins to work on his latest carving and can’t believe it when that piece of wood begins to talk back. Young audiences will love seeing Pinocchio come to life, literally, on stage.

He then gets into all sorts of mis-adventures and antics but you’ll be willing him to do the right thing along the way. In the end, it’s not about Pinocchio being naughty or telling the odd white lie, but about the age-old truth that children need to discover the world for themselves. We’ve worked hard to create a magical, but realistic world for Pinocchio on stage – we recommend that you keep your eyes peeled as there will be things going on that you just won’t quite believe.”

Speaking about this year’s family show, Simon Magill, Creative Director at the MAC said:

“I’m so pleased that we’re working with Cahoots NI again in this all-new coproduction. We have promised to bring the magic of Pinocchio to local audiences this Christmas at the MAC. It’s a classic tale that many of us are familiar with, but Cahoots NI have done an incredible job in making it their own; this is sure to unlike anything you’ll have seen before.

“As a creative hub for everyone, the MAC works hard to ignite the imaginations of all our visitors from young to old. That’s why we have put lots in place to surround the Christmas show so that from the moment you step into the building, the whole experience is magical. From Gepetto’s log cabin, recreated in our front window to the amazing Phoenix Wishing Wood created by artists on the ground floor where families can place their Christmas wish, there’s lots happening for all ages – much of it free.

So, if you’ve never been before, I’d highly recommend a visit to the MAC over the Christmas period – even just to pop in to check out our free family room and huge Christmas tree, everyone is welcome.”

Cathy Magovern, Marketing Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas, said:

“After 20 years in Northern Ireland, Phoenix Natural Gas is at the heart of many homes and we are delighted to continue to support growing families through sponsoring the MAC’s Christmas production of Pinocchio. It’s an exciting production and a world-class creative venue which we are proud to sponsor this holiday season.

We’re particularly looking forward to opening the very special Phoenix Wishing Wood in the heart of the MAC, as a free experience for families when they visit. Simply make a wish at the Phoenix Wishing Well and Phoenix will be making that wish come true for one lucky child this festive season. Soak up the magic of the MAC as it sparks the imagination to inspire your wishes, and it could be your family having a dream come true this Christmas.”

Tickets for Pinocchio at the MAC are now available, priced at £10 for children and £16-25 for adults. For more information about the show or to book a ticket, visit themaclive.com or call the MAC on (028) 9023 5053.

It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas across our Borough as our three Theatre’s offer you a magical range of shows to ensure you can enjoy a great night out this Festive Season.

Theatre at The Mill has another fabulous Christmas Comedy lined up “Last Orders at the Rough Diamond’ written by and starring the award winning duo Caroline Curran and Julie Maxwell. Facing eviction from their home and bar, the Diamond sisters Holly & Ivy along with the help of the rubbered regulars embark on a campaign to save their local dive.  Will placing all their hard earned cash and Christmas cheer on local boxer short-legged Stuarty Crampton be enough to save them! Come wet your whistle and join us from Tuesday 6 – Sat 31 December.

Mr Hullabaloo is back this Christmas at The Courtyard Theatre with everyone’s favourite Pantomime ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ from Saturday 26 November – Saturday 17 December. Join us for this classic fairy-tale featuring an outstanding cast of live performers, puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes. Our special guest Santa will be giving out presents at the end of each show.

At The Old Courthouse Theatre soar away on a magic carpet ride and enjoy a spectacular adventure of non-stop laughter and thrills in one of the most spectacular pantomimes of all times Aladdin , from Tuesday  6 – Saturday 17 December . Children of all ages can enter and explore a whole new world that will have you and your family singing, dancing and clapping along. To top it all every child will get a Christmas present from Santa!

Stuck for something different to give your family & friends this Christmas? Why not give them the gift of theatre with tickets to a show or a gift voucher. Christmas shopping has never been so easy!

For more information, contact box office on T. 028 9034 0202 Theatre at The Mill & The Courtyard Theatre, T. 028 9442 8331- The Old Courthouse Antrim or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/theatres

A packed programme of more than 30 festive, family events, plus a choice of high street favourites, speciality shops and unique local craft fairs where you can purchase the perfect gift, are just a few of the reasons why Ards and North Down is the perfect place to ‘Make Someone’s Christmas’ in 2016.

Ards and North Down Borough Council officially launched its Christmas campaign with a seasonal online video that features two Christmas baubles – Beau and Belle – who accidentally become separated amidst the Christmas shopping frenzy.  Beau travels to the Christmas light switch on event in Newtownards to find Belle and be reunited in time for the festivities.

The video’s seasonal message – Make Someone’s Christmas – reminds everyone that the festive period, while often busy, is also a time to enjoy, a time to connect with family and friends and there is no better place to do that than in Ards and North Down.

The video can be viewed on the Council’s Facebook page, where you can also access information about upcoming events and promotions.  And the fun doesn’t end there.  Throughout the Christmas period there will be competitions, opportunities to participate in more videos and lots of other festive Facebook joviality.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Deborah Girvan, said:

“Ards and North Down is the best place to visit and shop this Christmas. The Council will be delivering a superb programme of over 30 events across the borough to help residents and visitors ‘Make Someone’s Christmas’.  This includes Christmas light switch ons, craft fayres, musical performances, Christmas movies and more.   Our Christmas baubles – Beau and Belle – may feature at some of these.  View our full events programme on-line.  We also believe we offer some of the best retail experiences in the towns across our Borough, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy the build up to Christmas in the shops and markets in Bangor, Comber, Donaghadee, Holywood and Newtownards.”

The first event of the season is the ever-popular Bangor Christmas switch on at the McKee Clock, Queen’s Parade, Bangor on Saturday 19 November (5.30pm).  A spectacular fireworks display will accompany the switch on.  Plus, a special Christmas market, providing a sneak peak of the festive gifts and goodies on offer in Bangor shops, will also run from 12noon – 7pm.

Find out more about all our events at visitardsandnorthdown.com.  For festive pictures, updates and promotions ‘like us’ on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ANDborough.

The countdown to a magical Christmas in Cookstown gets officially underway this year with the Switch On of the town’s Christmas lights at 7.30pm on Thursday 24^th November.

With street stalls, free face painting and balloon modelling as well as a host of Christmas and Cartoon characters, including the Paw Patrol, there will be loads to keep the kids amused as they wait for Santa to arrive.

This year we welcome The Whistlin’ Donkeys to liven up the evening for us, ahead of their spring performance in the Burnavon, with a very special Christmas performance just for Cookstown! Hailing from County Tyrone, The Whistlin’ Donkeys are described as Ireland’s favourite Irish traditional folk/rock band. They have recently been busy headlining the Saint Patrick Days celebrations in Times Square New York, Memorial Day events in East Durham and the Catskills New York and Boston Irish Festival. The band has also shared the stage with icons such as The Beach Boys, Smokie, Hot Chocolate, Kian Egan and Shane Filan.

Other entertainment comes from some of the cast of this year’s panto ‘Willy Wonka: The Pantomime’ which will be in the Burnavon from 6^th – 28^th January.

Hot on the heels of the evenings’ entertainment will be the arrival of Santa himself on board his special sleigh! Santa will join the Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Cllr Trevor Wilson on stage just after 7.30pm and together they will press the magic red button to light up the streets of Cookstown.

Mid Ulster District Council would like to remind motorists that road diversions will be in place and William Street will be closed to through traffic from 5.30pm – 9pm on Thursday 24^th.

For further information on the Big Switch On 2016 contact The Burnavon Box Office on 028 8676 9949 option 1.

To find out about Christmas events across Mid Ulster, including light switch on events in Coalisland, Dungannon, Magherafelt and Maghera, visit www.midulstercouncil.org/christmas.

Join W5 for Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries – a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding maths can be fun!

Meet Danny Carmo – it’s not so long ago that he thought school and, in particular, maths wasn’t for him. He was more interested in dreaming about a future on the stage and perhaps the big screen – all he ever wanted to be was a famous magician!!

But when he knuckled down to learn all the tricks of the trade he realised that Maths was not only essential…it was the SECRET to a whole load of magic!!!

Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries is a multimedia and educational production featuring the magical world of Danny Carmo! Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries is FREE with admission to W5. For full information visit www.w5online.co.uk.

Event Dates & Times:
Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 November Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 November Shows at 2.00 & 4.00pm

Local amateur dramatic company, Armagh Theatre Group, celebrates its fiftieth year with the production of ‘Our Town’ at The Market Place Theatre in Armagh, which they first performed in 1966.

Pulitzer Prize-winning drama ‘Our Town’, by American playwright Thornton Wilder, tells the story of the fictional small town of ‘Grover’s Corners’ between 1901 and 1913 through the everyday lives of its citizens. The audience is introduced to the Gibbs and Webb families who symbolize ordinary people and the play traces ‘how we were in our growing up and in our marrying and in our living and in our dying’. It is a humorous and poignant exploration of what life in Our Town means to all of us. ‘Our Town’ will be staged from Thursday 17^th until Saturday 19^th November at 8pm.

The ‘Mozart Of Guitar’ is coming to The Market Place on 17 November. Over the past forty-three years, acoustic guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan has taken his unique sound to all corners of the globe. Winner of the 2014 Independent Music Award in the Live Performance Album category for his triple live album ‘Encore’, Pierre is recognized as one of the greatest guitar players of the 21st century. Described as a ‘genius’ by Melody Maker, he is a one-of-a-kind artist whose music transcends genre and time. His playing defies classification – crossing world, classical, jazz, traditional, folk, pop and more. Not to be missed!

Violinist Jennifer Murphy is quickly gaining recognition as a creative and charismatic young performer. As a soloist and chamber musician, she has performed throughout Europe and North America, including London’s Wigmore Hall and Barbican Centre. Recent solo engagements include a performance of Schnittke Concerto Grosso No.1 under the direction of Joel Sachs at the Banff Centre, Canada. The programme for Jennifer’s concert on 18 November includes Franz Schubert – ‘Duo’ Sonata in A major for violin & piano D.574, Francis Poulenc – Sonata for Violin & Piano FP119 and Edward Elgar – Sonata for Violin & Piano in E minor Op.82.

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

Antrim Civic Centre, Mossley Mill and Ballyclare Town Hall Clock Tower will join hundreds of workplaces, schools and iconic landmarks as they light up purple in support of World Pancreatic Cancer Day, Thursday 17 November.

Approximately 224 new cases of Pancreatic cancer are diagnosed in Northern Ireland each year with only two people surviving. Pancreatic cancer is the ‘Cinderella’ of all cancers having being constantly underfunded for decades resulting in no improvement in survival rates in 40 years.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor John Scott commented “The survival statistics of Pancreatic cancer makes shocking reading and I would urge people to take ownership of their own health and help raise awareness of this deadly disease”.

World Pancreatic Cancer Day is an opportunity to raise awareness of this disease and give hope to those diagnosed with the illness.

If you would like to find out more information please contact Pancreatic Cancer Action and Support N.I on 07548222179.

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

• Shop in the City, Clayton Hotel, Belfast, from £122 per room. The four-star Clayton Hotel is ideally situated at Ormeau Avenue in the historic Linen Quarter of Belfast City Centre, once home to many of the world’s great Linen manufacturers. Discover Belfast and shop until you drop in Victoria Square or one of our many high street stores or designer boutiques on an overnight break. Offer includes one night’s bed and breakfast, a champagne cocktail on arrival, £10.00 gift voucher for Victoria Square and use of the hotel’s leisure facilities. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 90 328511

• Walled Wonder of Londonderry, Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry, from £95 per room. Overlooking the River Foyle and located only a five-minute drive from the bustling, historic and dynamic City Centre, the four-star Everglades Hotel is ideally located for exploring and experiencing everything the city has to offer. Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay, full Irish breakfast in the morning and a complimentary tour around the City Walls – the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe. Valid until 30 November.  To book call (028) 71 321066.

• Autumn Dreams, Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets, Co. Fermanagh, from £99pps. Commanding stunning views overlooking scenic Lough Erne, the four-star Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Chalets is without doubt a luxurious retreat in the Fermanagh Lakelands. Surrounded by lakeside gardens, this family run hotel is located only 1km from the historic island town of Enniskillen. Check in for a two-night midweek break and enjoy a fully cooked breakfast each morning, four-course dinner on an evening of your choice and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. Valid until 30 November. To book call (028) 66 323481.

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (November 14 – November 20).

• Belfast Christmas Light Switch On, City Hall, Belfast, November 19. Join the Lord Mayor of Belfast alongside the Cool FM Breakfast crew, Lily of Lily’s Driftwood Bay, The Clangers’ Tiny and Small and Springfield Primary School choir as the city’s festive season starts with the annual Christmas lights switch-on from 18:30 to 19:15pm.  Tickets are free and available from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or www.visitbelfast.com.

• Causeway Coast and Glens Restaurant Week, various locations, Co. Londonderry and Co. Antrim, until November 20. With themed nights and taster menus, featuring fresh, local and seasonal ingredients, this 9 day culinary event will showcase local produce and the expanding vibrant restaurant scene in the stunning surroundings of coastal spots such as Portrush, Ballycastle and Ballintoy, and the market towns of Coleraine and Limavady.

• Our House, Strule Arts Centre, Co. Tyrone, November 17 – 18. Featuring the music of the ska/pop band Madness – including the songs Baggy Trousers, It Must Be Love & Driving in my Car – you will be singing along and maybe even dancing in the aisles!  Presented by Omagh Academy School ‘Our House’ has all the ingredients for a great night out, comedy, romance and heartbreak! Tickets £7/£10.

• Super Saturday at Share, Share Centre, Co. Fermanagh, November 19. Looking for a fun day out with the family? Look no further than Super Saturday. The Share Centre is offering loads of great indoor and outdoor activities for low prices. Enjoy one hour sessions for £6 when prepaid and £8 on the day. Suitable for ages 4+.

• Atlantic Sessions, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, November 17 – 20. A free music festival, featuring over 40 live original music gigs at various venues across Portstewart and Portrush, providing a platform for up and coming talent as well as established artists from across Northern Ireland and beyond. The majority of gigs in bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels are all free.
• Festive Market, Bangor, Co. Down, November 19 – 20. Bangor’s seafront will be lit up with a spectacular fireworks display when the Christmas switch on event takes place at the McKee Clock Arena at Queen’s Parade in Bangor town centre. The Christmas markets will take place on Saturday 19 (12:00 – 19:00) and Sunday 20 (14:00 – 18:00) showcasing local businesses.

• Britannic 100^th Anniversary, Titanic Belfast, Belfast, throughout November. To commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of Britannic, and to shine a light on its remarkable story, Titanic Belfast in partnership with the Belfast Titanic Society are hosting a series of special events this November. For more information on individual events visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

• 23^rd William Kennedy Piping Festival, Various locations, Co. Armagh, November 17 – 20. Comprising presentations on piping traditions, concerts, workshops, sessions, lectures and family events, the annual William Kennedy Piping Festival takes place once again in Armagh City Centre.

• Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement, Various locations, Co. Londonderry, until November 26. Echo Echo Festival of Dance and Movement returns for an expanded fourth edition with an outstanding programme of dance, movement and physical theatre performances. Highlights of the festival include a participatory performance by Mary Nunan, an award-winning video triptych by Rosemary Lee and new works by Leilani Weis, Zoe Ramsey and Tonya Sheina.

• Annie, IMC Theatre, Co. Down, November 16 – 20. The annual production from Banbridge Musical Society is set to get everyone singing in their seats as they present the much loved family musical Annie. Unforgettable songs include “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street,” “I Don’t Need Anything But You,” plus the eternal anthem of optimism, “Tomorrow.” Book your seat now for this all-time favourite show.

Down

Step up and Stride this Saturday at Tollymore Forest for NICHS.  The Northern Ireland Chest, Heart & Stroke Tollymore Challenge Walk will be a fully way–marked event and will be based solely within the confines of Tollymore Forest Park. The 5k, 10k 13 and 26 mile routes will follow a series of forest trails throughout the forest whilst all the time taking in the spectacular scenery in this location showcasing the beauty of Tollymore and the Mournes.

Armagh

See Ghostbusters as it was intended to be seen!  Thirty-two years after the original release of the film, the award-winning Wireless Mystery Theatre presents Ghostbusters… Retro, this Saturday 12^th November at the Market Place Theatre.  Imagining how it might have been originally transmitted if it were a 30’s radio play, with live sound-effects, music, and period commercials.

Fermanagh

From the Scottish Folk Scene of the 1960s to her performance at the Royal Albert Hall, London; Barbara Dickson has captivated audiences with her soulful renditions of material from the traditional songs of her native Scotland to her outstanding musical theatre roles. ‘It’s not about technique’ she says, ‘but what is in your heart. That is the secret.’  Barbara’s special guest is Anthony Toner, this Thursday 10th November at the Ardhowen Theatre.

Tyrone

Ballet Ireland is delighted to return with The Nutcracker, one of the world’s favourite ballets, to the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown on Friday 11th November. This timeless classic, complete with glittering costumes and Tchaikovsky’s beloved & sumptuous score, takes audiences on a wondrous adventure full of quintessential Christmas magic.

Derry

After enjoying huge success in the All Ireland Fleadh in 2013 and Clipper 2014, The Whistlin Donkeys will take to the stage at the Millennium Forum on Friday 11th November.  They have  shared the stage alongside The Beach Boys, Smokie, Bagatelle, The Dubliners, Shane Filan and many more and played at many festivals throughout Ireland this summer. Joining the Whistlin Donkeys will be Samoisa Irish Dancers and local singer/songwriter, Brian Hassan.

Antrim

The Galgorm Resort and Spa are delighted to announce their Official Autism NI Affiliation with a screening of Disney Pixar’s Inside Out in The Great Hall on Sunday 13th November 2016 at 2pm.

Belfast

Prepare to be amazed, dazzled and bewildered by Cahoots NI’s mind-blowing production Danny Carmo’s Mathematical Mysteries – a spectacular show where Maths, Theatre and Digital Technology collide to create a fun and interactive performance proving that understanding maths can be fun! Every Saturday and Sunday until 20th November at W5.

For more details on these events and to add your events free go to whatsonni.com. Follow us on twitter @whatsonNI and on facebook at fb.com/www.whatsonni.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.