It’s official – Derry has been named Best Hallowe’en destination in the world by top US publication USA Today, beating off competition from infamous spooky locations Transylvania, Sleepy Hollow and Salem, Massachusetts.

The destinations of choice for witches, vampires and the Headless Horseman didn’t rank as highly as our very own City of Bones when it comes to celebrating the most haunted night of the year, with Derry scooping the majority of online votes.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said the announcement would significantly boost the city’s reputation as a top Hallowe’en visitor experience.

“The event is always a huge visitor attraction in terms of drawing people from all over the world to the city, and it’s a major contributor to the local economy. Topping the poll is an extra endorsement from the public for the fantastic programme of events which takes over the city each year, and the transformation to Scary Derry.

“What makes our celebration really special though is the involvement of the public who never fail each year to stage their own show of creepy and creative Hallowe’en style, and who turn out to support the festival in their thousands.”

Council’s Festivals and Events Manager Karan Leonard said: “This is a brilliant acknowledgement of all the hard work that goes into planning each year. We always strive to get the community involved through the Hallowe’en carnival workshops and by providing a diverse range of activities to suit all ages.

“The event very much relies on the participation of local community groups who generate most of the fantastic props which are used during the carnival. When the event first started to gather momentum around 70% of our props were sourced elsewhere, but now most of our props are crafted locally. It’s fantastic to see the level of community involvement continuing to grow and winning the title of best Hallowe’en destination in the world is very much down to the support of the entire city.”

If you would like to see what all the fuss is about then check out the full programme of events online at  www.derrystrabane.com/halloween. And for all the latest information about accommodation offers and availability go to www.visitderry.com

With Hallowe’en just around the corner, horror is taking over the normally serene environs of the Oriel Gallery at Antrim Castle Gardens with the arrival of Scream and Scream Again.

This exhibition of rare horror movie posters, curated by Abertoir Horror Festival, opens on 22 October and runs until 19 November.

The 1950s to the 1970s saw a dramatic change in British horror, somewhat different to horror as we know it today. Casually referred to as horror’s golden age, the period saw actors such as Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing become household names, while the British horror film studio became a major influence worldwide.

From the early gothic style to the infiltration of pop culture in the 1970s, this exhibition takes a look at films from this period and how they were marketed abroad through a collection of rare original international movie posters and lobby cards from around the world.

For further details please contact Clotworthy House T. 028 9448 1338.

Ards and North Down Borough Council, with support and funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, are delighted to announce the launch of the “The White Dove”, a comic telling the story of Bangor’s most famous Saint, Columbanus.

The publication is aimed at school children and in particular those in Key Stage 2 who as part of the curriculum learn all about their local history.

The story sets the scene from Pagan Ireland and the arrival of Patrick before focusing on the foundation of Bangor Abbey by Comgall and the travels of Columbanus and his companions including Gall.

The comic provides a new and innovative way of telling the story of the history and importance Bangor played in the spread of Christianity, not just domestically but throughout Europe, in countries such as France, Switzerland and Italy by establishing monastic settlements.

With the project now complete Heather Curran, Education Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council commented, “We are delighted with the comic. It is a new perspective with which to tell the story of the areas early Christian Heritage. The comic has been received positively by the schools and pupils that have visited the museum over the past few weeks and we look forward to rolling them out to schools across the Borough”.

Heritage Lottery Fund commented “It is exciting to see North Down taking such an innovative approach in the promotion of the story of St Columbanus to children through the production of this superb comic.  We are delighted to give our support and wish the council well as it continues to develop this project.”

The comic has been just one of a number of projects being developed by the Council with Heritage Lottery funding, including Christian Heritage Trail App available free on Apple and Android platforms, in this important year that marks the 1400^th anniversary of the death of St Columbanus. A year of commemoration that will culminate in a number of events, including concerts, talks and services over the weekend of 20-22 November.

Copies of the comic or are available for collection from Ards and North Down Borough Council by contacting Bangor Visitor Information Centre on 028 9127 0069 or emailing bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk.

This year’s Seapark Fireworks Festival on Saturday October 24, sees the return of the popular family event, featuring a fun fair, a food fair, live music and a spectacular fireworks display finale to finish the event in style.

The fun will kick off at 4pm with the children’s fun-fair and a fantastic food fair with everyone’s favourite foods from sausages and mash to pizza, Holywood’s favourite cinnamon scones, hot dogs and lots more. The perfect half-term outing for the whole family and all reasonably priced!

At 6.15pm, popular local band The Jukes take to the stage to entertain the crowds with their fantastic repertoire of hits guaranteed to get everyone dancing!

The event will draw to a close after the spectacular fireworks display at 7.45pm. Prepare to be thrilled as the sky above Belfast Lough will come alive with explosions of colour and sparkle.

Commenting on the event, Sharon Mahaffy, Tourism Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “We’re looking forward to another great night at Seapark this year – good food, good music and spectacular fireworks – perfect ingredients for a fun night for all the family. Everyone is welcome to come dressed up in your spookiest Halloween costumes but make sure you wrap up warm and bring a torch!”

So come along and join the fun on Saturday 24 October, from 4pm at the Seapark Recreational Grounds, Holywood. Admission is FREE, making this an event not to be missed!

People are reminded that parking is limited onsite and that Seapark Road is closed to non-residential vehicular traffic from 5pm.

If you fancy more Halloween fun, on the following day Sunday 26 October bring your little monsters along to Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport for a ghoulish day of free family fun. Party Animals NI will be on hand with snakes, lizards, a meerkat, albino hedgehog and lots of other creepy creatures. There will also be spooky craft making and glitter tattoos. Traditional music will have your feet tapping courtesy of local group ‘Geordies Music Box’. Cottages Open 11am – 5pm, Free Family Fun 1pm – 4pm.

And on Friday 30 October, don’t miss Spooky Halloween Crafts at Ards Visitor Information Centre. Bring the kids along from 11am to 1pm and enjoy free kid’s crafts and face painting.

For information on all ghostly goings on throughout Ards and North Down in October see visitardsandnorthdown.com or contact one of our Visitor Information Centres:

Bangor’s Visitor Information Centre on: 028 9127 0069 or

Ards Visitor Information Centre on: 028 9182 6846

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 Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• 2 Night Bed and Breakfast Midweek, Dunadry Hotel, Dunadry, Antrim. From £99pps. This four-star hotel was built on the site of an ancient fort and once home to both paper and linen mills with rich stories of times past. It is the perfect location only minutes from Belfast International Airport and convenient to Junction One Outlet Village, Belfast city centre and major attractions such as the Titanic Exhibition and the Giant’s Causeway. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9443 4343. Please quote promo code Autumn Leaves

• Halloween Family Break, Lough Erne Resort, Ross Inner, Enniskillen. From £195 based on 2 adults and 2 children sharing. Enjoy 2 nights bed & breakfast in a luxury 2 bedroom Loughside Lodge with one evening meal in the Loughside Bar and Grill on one evening. To book call. Available 25 – 30 Oct. To book call (028) 6632 3230.

• Friday Night Getaway, Ten Square Hotel, Belfast. From £65pps. Overnight accommodation with a 3 course meal in the Grill Room and fully cooked breakfast the following morning. This unique Belfast hotel is located just steps from the historic City Hall, Waterfront Hall, the business district and the chic, Victoria Square, filled with designer brands. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9024 1001. 

Make the most of the upcoming half term holidays with the family this October by taking a short break and staying in one of Northern Ireland’s luxurious hotels, moody castles, self-catering accommodation or for the more adventurous what about glamping.

There are some great-value deals to be had and Northern Ireland is packed with amazing things to do and places to go, explained Tourism NI’s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley:

“The half-term break is the perfect excuse to get away this autumn.  Whether you’re looking for some rest and relaxation, a busy shopping break or perhaps a romantic get away with your other half, there are a range of great value accommodation offers available all over NI to avail of,” Pauline added.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of accommodation offers* and suggestions for places to visit and things to do this half term:

Belfast

If it’s a jam packed short break you’re after then Belfast is perfect as it is bursting with musical, cultural and foodie goings on. The city has everything including shopping, award winning restaurants, bars, museums, lots of family attractions, and much more.

Enjoy a two night stay in Belfast’s city centre at the Europa Hotel from only £130 per person sharing for bed and breakfast and visit one of the world’s oldest pubs, the Crown Bar, just across the road.  The Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, close to Queen’s University, is offering two nights bed and breakfast from £89 per person sharing.

One of Belfast’s newest hotels, the Clayton Hotel, is offering a two night mid-week deal for bed and breakfast from £99 per person.  The popular Malone Lodge, Belfast’s half term offer is two night’s bed and breakfast mid-week from £99 per person.

Ramada Plaza Belfast is offering visitors one night’s stay and tickets to explore Crumlin Road Gaol from only £59.50 per person sharing.  Park Avenue Hotel is offering a midweek break for two night’s bed and breakfast from £109

Co Antrim

Co Antrim is simply awash with stunning rugged coastline, picturesque glens and quaint harbour villages. The perfect place to get away from it all on half term break, every nook and cranny of this county is just brimming with outstanding natural beauty.

Bayview Hotel, Portballintrae is offering two night’s bed and breakfast with one four course table d’hote dinner plus tickets for Bushmills Distillery Tour from only £129 per person sharing. Ballygally Castle Hotel just outside Larne is offering two nights bed and breakfast midweek from £109 per person sharing and is the perfect base point for exploring the Giant’s Causeway and new Gobbins walk path.

Golf enthusiasts will be delighted to learn about the Galgorm Resort & Spa’s golf themed offer which gives visitors the chance to enjoy 18 holes at Galgorm Castle’s Championship Golf Club along with an overnight stay with full Irish breakfast and use of the Thermal Spa facilities. This break is available from £85 per person sharing.

Why not take advantage of the Ramada in Portrush’s weekend offer which includes two nights bed and breakfast from only £89 per person sharing or try the Causeway Hotel in Bushmills which is offering two nights bed and breakfast, one evening meal and one days entry to the Giants Causeway Visitor Centre as well as a tour of two people to the Bushmills Distillery from only £125 per person sharing.

Co Armagh

County Armagh may be smallest county in NI but what it lacks in size it makes up for on beauty, ancient landmarks and sacred monuments, many of which have ties to St Patrick.  Visitors to the county are sure to be mesmerised by the beautiful Armagh Public Library, County Museum and beautiful Churches.

Armagh City Hotel is offering two nights bed and breakfast mid-week from £89 per person sharing. Visitors can also avail of a special Pamper Break which includes one dinner in the Callan Bar, bed and breakfast, plus £40 worth of beauty treatments at the onsite ‘Fab’ beauty salon.

Co Down

Why not spend your half term break finding out more about the county that inspired C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia. The stunning Silent Valley is sure to impress visitors as are the remarkable Mourne Mountains or Castlewellan Forest Park.

Try the Culloden Estate and Spa for two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £170 per person sharing or the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch which is offering two nights bed and breakfast on a weekend from £89 per person sharing. Use these hotels as your base to explore nearby Cranfield beach or why not spend the day shopping in Newry.

Avail of the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa’s two night value break which includes a full Irish breakfast and dinner in the Oak restaurant or stay at the Clandeyboye Lodge Hotel in Bangor where you can enjoy two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £99 per person sharing.

La Mon Hotel & Country Club in Comber is offering a spa break which includes one night’s bed and breakfast in a deluxe room, a bottle of Ame and chocolate covered strawberries, a 45 minute Spa Treatment per guest, two course meal served in either The Mill restaurant of Charlie’s Lounge or full access to the leisure suite. Visitors to Comber can experience this from only £130 per person sharing.

Co Fermanagh

Fermanagh is renowned for its beautiful scenery and lakes and is blessed with spectacular sites such as Castle Coole, Florence Court, Lough Navar and Crom Estate. Experience something really different at the Marble Arch Caves, Devenish Island Monastic Site or enjoy a round of golf at the Lough Erne Golf Resort.

The Enniskillen Hotel is very close to the town centre and visitors can enjoy a drink at Blakes of the Hollow, one of the county’s oldest bars, before enjoying two night’s bed and breakfast from £89 per person on a mid-week break.

Have a mid-week pamper and pitch break at the Killyhevlin Hotel, Spa and Health Club from only £117 per person sharing. Visitors can enjoy one four course dinner, cooked breakfast and use of the Killyhevlin Health Club. Included in the price is a round of golf on the nearby Castle Coole Golf course as well as a 30 minute spa treatment in the Elemis spa.

Enjoy a romantic autumn getaway at the Westville Hotel, Enniskillen where you can kick back, relax and enjoy one night’s bed and breakfast plus a three course meal in the WV bar from only £125 per person or alternatively try Mahons Hotel, Irvinestown for two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from £89 per person sharing.

Co Tyrone

As the largest county in Northern Ireland, Co Tyrone offers sweeping hills and lush valleys as well as exciting cycling and walking routes and delicious places to eat and drink. Visitors should be sure to stop off at the Ulster America Folk Park where they can explore the story of Irish Emigration.

The Silverbirch Hotel in Omagh is offering a romantic two night spa break in association with the renowned Lavender Health Spa from only £160 per person sharing. The two night stay will include a full Irish breakfast, four course dinner in Barreta Bar and Grill as well as a demi carafe of House wine per person. Only minutes from the bustling market town of Omagh visitors can explore lively bars such as Sallys and Main Street.

Enjoy two nights bed and breakfast at The Valley Hotel in Fivemiletown from £92 per person sharing. This offer is focused around shopping and those who avail of this can take advantage of a 5% discount in shops such as Queen Bea Ladies Boutique, Pinochos Gift Ware, Floral Valley Florist and Garden Centre and Valley Antiques and Restoration.

Co Londonderry

The world famous walled city is just bursting with artistic, musical and creative things to see and do. Culture vultures will be in their element as they marvel at Europe’s largest collection of canons, famous murals and the beautifully restored Guildhall.

Treat your other half to a romantic break at The Maldron Hotel in Derry and enjoy two night’s bed and breakfast plus a four course meal as well as a bottle of sparkling wine and strawberries which will await you in your room. This offer is available from £99 per person sharing during midweek and from £119 per person sharing midweek. Or why not try out the Ramada Da Vinci’s Hotel where you can avail of two night’s bed and breakfast on a weekend from only £99 per person sharing.

The Everglades Hotel in Derry ~ Londonderry is offering a value break which includes two night’s bed and full Irish breakfast with dinner on the first evening in the Grill restaurant and golf enthusiasts should take advantage of the Roe Park Resort’s golf break which includes an overnight stay, unlimited rounds of golf, use of the Fairways Health Club and a locally sourced full Irish breakfast.

To find out more about activities and events taking place in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/autumnleaves or visit your local visitor information centre.

*All offers are valid until December 13^th 2015.

Antrim has received a hugely prestigious award at the 2015 Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Awards.

The outstanding Antrim Castle Gardens and the town’s community allotments were highlights that saw the Town selected for the RHS’s second highest accolade at the glittering ceremony in Sunderland on Friday evening.

Deputy Mayor, Cllr John Blair who received the award on behalf of the Town said; “To win such a prestigious UK wide competition is a huge achievement for Antrim Town and recognition of all the hard work that has gone in to making it a better place to live. The work that Council has done to revitalise and rejuvenate the town over the last few years, the commitment of the staff and the community groups involved in partnership with Council where specifically highlighted by the judges. I’d like to congratulate all those involved and commend the huge efforts that have been made in winning this award.”

Chairman of the Operations Committee, Alderman John Smyth said; “Years of work have gone in to developing and growing Antrim Town through the shop fronts and public realm works, support for events and redevelopment of Antrim Castle Gardens gives all who live and work here a real sense of pride. Community projects such as Muck n more Allotments, Men’s Shed and Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens have all contributed to this well-deserved Silver Gilt award.”

Judging was based upon three criteria; horticultural environment, community participation and environmental responsibility.

Inspired to action by the abolishment of both the BBC Performing Arts Fund and Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course, ‘Theatre Masterclass NI’ has been launched in Northern Ireland aiming to provide professional tuition to young performers here.

TMNI is a new performance workshop company offering monthly classes for young performers aged 14-24 who wish to establish a career in the Musical Theatre & Performing Arts industry.

Some of the tutors currently lined up to teach at TMNI include Northern Ireland film & theatre actor CIARAN HINDS (Road to Perdition, Harry Potter, The Woman in Black, Game of Thrones), Belfast actor and director DAN GORDON, Irish Musical Theatre star KILLIAN DONNELLY (Kinky Boots, Memphis, The Commitments) and Film and TV casting director CARLA STRONGE (Emmy Award Winner for Game of Thrones, HBO).

Theatre Masterclass NI was founded by West End and film actor Fra Fee. “I have taught workshops for young actors in Northern Ireland for several years and have always been astounded at the wealth of raw talent around. The idea of establishing a Masterclass programme to give these actors an opportunity to work with some of the best in the business was one I’ve had for a while, but I felt as though I had to launch the project when I learned of the abolishment of Northern Ireland’s only Higher Level Performing Arts course. Young performers deserve an opportunity to develop and hone their skills in preparation for drama school auditions and life in the industry. As a recipient of the now defunct BBC Performing Arts Fund, it is important to me that fees are kept to a minimum to make this service accessible for all”.

TMNI’s first masterclass will be held in Belfast on Sunday 15th November and will continue monthly.  Participants can reserve their spot by getting in touch via the website www.theatremasterclassni.com or emailing theatremasterclassni@gmail.com. The fee for each masterclass is £35 / month or alternatively, you can choose to sign up for 6 months at a discounted price of £180.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh will play host to a diverse range of musical performances over the coming weeks with three unique artists and bands on the bill.

British-born international guitarist | composer Jason Carter has toured the world with his inimitable fusion of world music and classical styles. He has performed in over ninety countries, receiving honours and awards for his efforts in building international cultural insight through music. His extensive discography of seventeen albums with a cornucopia of prominent musicians from across Asia, America and Europe mark him out as a prolific artist of exceptional originality. Jason has worked with countless musicians including compilations with artists such as Anoushka Shankar, Barbara Streisand, John Paul Jones [Led Zeppelin], Joe Satriani and Jeff Beck. Jason will perform on Thursday 29^th October at 8pm. Tickets are priced £10 each.

Irish artist Ben Reel released his eagerly awaited 7th studio album in May 2015 simply titled ‘7th’. Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy sound with different styles of musical influence from rock, soul, blues, alt folk/Americana, country & reggae which fuses all these genres into a melting pot to create a great sound which has become his own. In the past years he has had numerous high profile TV & radio appearances under his belt including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2 and has supported names like Jools Holland, ‘Alabama 3’, and ‘The Cranberries’. Ben will perform on Friday 30^th October at 8pm. Tickets are £10 each.

‘Tony Villiers And The Villains’ have been causing a bit of a stir with their unique blend of folk-blues originals. Villiers’ songs, which have received numerous awards in the US and are described by BBC’s Ralph McLean simply as ‘Superb’, are beautifully complemented by the fine musicianship of The Villains; Paul Meehan on guitar, Aidan McGillian on percussion and Kevin Mahoney on bass guitar. With influences ranging from Bob Dylan, Lead Belly and Jimmy Reed to Lou Reed, Hank Williams and Woody Guthrie, this promises to be an unmissable evening of real music. This performance will take place on Friday 6^th November at 8pm. Tickets are £10 each.

Details of all events can be found online at www.marketplacearmagh.com, and tickets can be booked by contacting the 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.

The Atlantic Sessions, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, showcases talented artists from across the country, who will perform a mixture of genres of original music.

Featuring over 40 free gigs at various venues throughout Portrush, Portstewart and Portballintrae the festival will run between Thursday 12^th and Sunday 15^th November. Many of the performances will be FREE to enjoy, with a number of ticketed headline events also featured in the four day programme, available on www.atlanticsessions.com or ‘Atlantic Sessions’ Facebook.

Set to headline Atlantic Sessions at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart on Friday 13^th November 2015 having toured the United Kingdom and Ireland earlier this year with the highly acclaimed ‘Hozier’ is ‘Wyvern Lingo’!

The group, which includes Karen Cowley, Saoirse Duane and Caoimhe Barry, released their debut EP in Ireland in 2014 and have been friends and bandmates since school. They share a gift for close harmony, keen songcraft and effervescent live performance which belies their tender years.

Taking influences from pop, folk and R’n’B, their voices interweave to create a fresh sound, which is forward-looking yet unafraid to celebrate tradition. Karen and Caoimhe from the group both sing backing vocals for their Wicklow friend, Hozier and Karen duets with him on the haunting song, ‘In a Week’ on his bestselling debut album. The Bray trio have just announced that ‘Wyvern Lingo’ will again be supporting Hozier on his January/February 2016 UK Tour.

The girls have received overwhelming reviews from music critics including; “Bray trio Karen Cowley, Saoirse Duane and Caoimhe Barry have been gaining plenty of props for their lush harmonies and striking melodic pop” by Jim Carroll of The Irish Times and “These girls have melody and delivery nailed. The real deal” by Aoife Woodlock of RTE Other Voices.

Now fresh from thrilling crowds at Electric Picnic they are set to release their debut single ‘Subside’.

‘Subside’ was produced by Patrice Bart-Williams at Supow Studios in Cologne, Germany. Patrice has produced Selah Sue, Cody Chesnutt, Keziah Jones and is a solo artist in his own right. The track was mixed in Paris by Philippe Weiss, best known for his work with Martin Solveig, Dragonette and K’Naan and will be released by Rubyworks on Apple Music, Spotify and all leading download and streaming platforms on Friday 27th November.

Supporting Wyvern Lingo at Flowerfield Arts Centre is Irish folk-pop duo, ‘Saint Sister’. The group – Gemma Doherty and Morgan MacIntyre have been described as a ‘bewitching folk-pop duo who draw on early Celtic harp traditions, modern electronic music and sixties folk music to create a potent mixture of ambient sound they like to call, ‘atmosfolk’.’

The uniqueness of their ethereal sounds have gained them support slots with the likes of Arcade Fire’s Will Butler and San Fermin. Having just entered the studio to record their debut EP for the first time in August with Alex Ryan (bassist with Hozier). Expect big things to come from this band.

Tickets for Wyvern Lingo’s Atlantic Sessions gig are available from Flowerfield Arts Centre; telephone 028 7083 1400. For full details and up to date information visit www.atlanticsessions.com or Find ‘Atlantic Sessions’ on Facebook, or follow the Twitter page @AtlanticSess.  For details on events and accommodation throughout the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough visit www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/.