Feeling brave? This Hallowe’en half term, visitors to Castle Espie Wetland Centre can enjoy a whole host of Hallowe’en activities for little monsters at the Spellbound Festival from Saturday 24th to Saturday 31st October.

For the seven days of the Spellbound Festival there’s the chance to get crafty making spooky spiders, have a go at the hilarious games such as lob the ghost, catch the witch or traditional apple games and concoct a witch’s potion on the Recipe for Disaster Trail around the reserve.

Extra spellbinding activities over the weekend of Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th October include face painting to add the finishing touches to fancy dress costumes and spooky owls will be swooping in for Mantella Environmental’s Owl Display. On Sunday 25th, show off your monster moves at Jump Jiggle and Jive’s Hallowe’en Hooley, four fun-filled, interactive dance parties between 2pm and 4pm with plenty of Hallowe’en themed props for children and adults too.

The frighteningly good fun continues on Friday 30^th and Saturday 31^st October with Hallowe’en treats including face painting, giant creepy crawlies with Mantella Environmental and Monster Mash Discos packed with spooky hits and fireside storytelling in the roundhouse.

Throughout the Spellbound Festival week there’ll be spot prizes for the best dressed little monsters and visitors to Castle Espie can enter into a prize draw to win a family pass to meet the GIANT LEGO Brick Animals and LEGO Brick Workshop tickets in February and March 2016.

Entrance to the Spellbound Festival is included in the cost of admission and free to WWT members and under 4’s. For a full event programme including timings for individual activities go to wwt.org.uk/castleespie/spellbound or contact Castle Espie on 028 9187 4146. WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre is open every day from 10am to 5.00pm, parking is free of charge.

Backed by the UK Space Agency, W5 is one of twenty science centres across the UK have joined forces with the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut, Tim Peake, to provide children all over the UK with a unique opportunity to join his crew, learn about human space flight and follow life on the International Space Station.

With over 20 million visitors to UK science centres every year, Destination Space will give families across the nation the chance to learn about Tim Peake’s mission through hands-on experiments, rocket demonstrations, space equipment and video from the International Space Station.

As well as learning about Tim Peake’s work on the International Space Station, the programme will celebrate the team behind Tim, highlighting great opportunities for young people within the science and space sectors.

Dr David Parker, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said:

“Human spaceflight is the ultimate in team effort with many committed individuals working to get an astronaut into space. We wanted the Destination Space programme to recognise the talents of the people who support Tim Peake and in doing so showcase all the fantastic career opportunities this sector offers young people.

“Our Destination Space family shows and school workshops at 20 science centres across the UK allow visitors to learn more about Tim Peake’s mission, get hands-on training and find out all about the great people that work behind the scenes in human space flight.”

Secure your place

Online, Destination Space follows Tim Peake’s adventures in space and encourages the UK to get behind his mission through the inspiring figures who will be supporting his adventures. Everyone can sign up for training with Tim and share their endeavours via a social media command centre.  A unique personality tool has also been developed that allows people to secure their place in Tim Peake’s crew, assigning everyone a role based on their interests and preferences.

W5, located within the Odyssey Complex in Belfast, is giving young people the opportunity to engage with Tim Peake’s mission through a live and interactive family show, ‘Destination Space’. Visitors can explore what life is like for the entire space crew in the show celebrating astronaut Tim Peake’s mission to the International Space Station in December.

The Destination Space Programme has been created and delivered by the UK Association for Science and Discovery Centres in Bristol working in partnership with expert teams at the National Space Centre in Leicester, Science Museum in London and Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre in Cheshire.

Dr Penny Fidler, the CEO of ASDC and Director of Destination Space said:

“Tim Peake is the European Space Agency’s first British astronaut and we want children and families to feel they are truly a part of his exciting mission. His journey and time on the International Space Station provides a great opportunity to encourage children to be more curious, ask big questions and to enjoy science.

“By joining us for one of our science centre events or following Destination Space online, young people and families all over the UK can explore human space flight in a hands-on, fun and involving way.

“We want to show there is a huge crew of women and men from all areas of science and engineering who work to make space missions possible. This is a chance to celebrate their endeavours, giving young people the confidence and curiosity to explore and ask questions long after they leave the science and discovery centres.”

To join the Destination Space crew go to: www.DestinationSpace.uk or visit www.w5online.co.uk for Destination Space live show dates.

Have you ever danced with a Zombie or walked through a Banshee Forest?  Well now is your chance at the Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh this Halloween!

Spooky Family Fright night is all about having fun with the family for Halloween.  From 6.30pm to 9.30pm we are sure to have some hair-raising fun, some creepy critters and some petrifyingly perfect entertainment for you and your family.

Take a wander through the curtain maze, if you are brave enough, there is always something lurking in the darkness.  Make a scary monster and enjoy pumpkin crafts and activities.  Take part in our Horrible Egyptians interactive stage show but make sure you get your hand back!  Are you daring enough to enter the gateway to the Banshee Forest?  For some monster fun, get your monster feet tapping at our very own Zombie dance. Places are limited, pre-booking is essential so don’t delay, book today on www.armagh.co.uk/frightnight Don’t forget to come in fancy dress or else pay the penalty!

The ghosts and ghouls at Navan are really looking forward to sharing some Halloween fun with you and your family!

For information please contact: Navan Centre, 81 Killylea Road, Armagh.  BT60 4LD.  Tel 028 3752 9644 or www.navan.com

Comic performer Teresa Livingstone, Hobgoblin Comedy Award Finalist, will join six other popular local acts for SOS NI’s Comedy night on Sunday 18 October (8pm until late) at the Black Box, in the heart of Cathedral Quarter.

The annual event sold out in 2014, raising £1,661 towards the work of the SOS Bus and it is expected that this year will be even bigger and better than ever. The audience will enjoy a night of first-class entertainment, including a raffle with all proceeds going towards the core SOS NI Bus services, helping the vulnerable and disadvantaged on the streets of Belfast.

Joining headliner Theresa Livingstone, award-winning magician George Firehorse, impressionist Adam Laughlin, Amused Moose Irish Finalist Lorcan McGrane, performance poet Séamus Fox, BBC NI ‘Sketchy’ regular Ruaidhri Ward will have the audience in stiches whilst raising much-needed funds for SOS Bus NI. Marcus Keeley MC of VoiceBox Comedy, will compere.

Joe Hyland, CEO of SOS NI said: “The annual SOS Comedy Night is an evening of entertainment, but it has a very serious mission.
“SOS services are needed more than ever and all the money raised during the event will help cover the costs of our services on the streets of Belfast.”

Séamus Fox, Performance poet and dedicated SOS volunteer added: “We attracted a full house last year and have another great line up for this event.
“Please try to look beyond this as just being a comedy gig, it isn’t. The money raised will pay for sleeping bags for the homeless and hot drinks for freezing cold revellers on nights out. It will pay for vulnerable people to have somewhere safe to come to. It will pay for injured people to get to hospital or to get young people who have yet to learn the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption home.
“I see so much good being done every single weekend by the SOS volunteers and the feeling I get when someone smiles and gushes with appreciation when they realise they are safe is one of deep gratitude.”

The magic of Carnfunnock Country Park is about to be revealed to visitors and help to chase away the autumnal darkness.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Halloween event was recently launched by the Mayor, Councillor Billy Ashe, who said: “The Enchanted Twilight Garden will offer a magical feast for the senses and for all ages.

“I would encourage everyone to come along and enjoy the free entertainment at Carnfunnock on Saturday 31st October 2015.”

On All Hallows Eve, when darkness falls and the stars begin to glitter, the secrets of Carnfunnock will be revealed beyond the Walled Garden ancient boundaries.

The event aims to guide visitors through a ‘secret parting of the hedge’ into a magical ‘other world’ that can only be seen at twilight.

Visitors can meet the 1,000 year-old ‘Oracle of the Gates’ at his desk where names will be checked and logged in the legendary ‘Book of Imagination’ and after receiving a special enchanted gift, a journey of exploration into a realm of magic can begin.

Those attending will walk illuminated pathways and encounter a world of fairies, pixies, trolls, goblins and other enchanted creatures.

Ethereal music will fill the air as they explore Carnfunnock at twilight amongst the twinkling trees and glowing laneways.

There will also be a chance to hone archery skills just like heroes of old, listen to stories, watch the owls, create some art and of course an opportunity to enter the annual pumpkin competition.

For any little witches, wizards, pixies and trolls, the eyes of the enchanted garden will be searching the park for magically attired individuals and awarding them with a prize.

The Enchanted Twilight Garden has been organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and sponsored by Translink and Caterpillar, Northern Ireland. Premiere Circus and Lighting Artist Walter Holt will be creating ‘The Enchanted Twilight Garden’.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has expressed sincere thanks to Translink and Caterpillar, Northern Ireland for their kind sponsorship of this year’s event.

Translink Service Delivery Manager Martin Lundy said: “We are pleased to support Mid and East Antrim Borough Council by providing a hassle-free shuttle service to bring visitors to this fantastic family event.

“This Halloween we are also encouraging people to take advantage of our special tickets available from October 24–November 8 such as the Translink Family & Friends Ticket and Bus Rambler Ticket.

“We are also holding a Translink Goldline Roadshow in Larne Main Street at bus stop outside Dunnes Stores on Saturday 31st October, 11 – 3pm.

“This special event will highlight the direct, frequent and great value Goldline coach services available with Smartlink journey savings of over 30% compared to cash fares as well as a third-off day return tickets after 9.30am.

“We look forward to welcoming more people on board our services to enjoy fun Autumnal days out exploring Northern Ireland,” he said.

Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar Northern Ireland’s Operations Director, commented: “We know from our own employees that local people have a special affection for the Halloween activities at Carnfunnock, and we congratulate the council on another creative and impressive-sounding programme.

“I have no doubt it will prove popular again this year and we are very pleased to get behind it.”

The event will run from 5pm-8pm and it will take approximately 30-45 minutes to tour the garden.

Last admission to the gardens and maze will be at 7.30pm. The garden will be accessible from the lower car park gate.

Admission to the event is free; however car parking charges within Carnfunnock will apply. Parking within Carnfunnock Country Park is limited.

A free bus service will be provided from a temporary Park and Ride at Caterpillar Northern Ireland (Old Glenarm Road) car park, Larne Town Centre and Ballygally.

Car parking will also be available at Drains Bay Car Park and Carnfunnock Bay Car Park. Visitors choosing to walk into the park from Drains Bay Car Park or Carnfunnock Bay Car Park should use the paths provided and bring a torch.

Disabled access is through the lower car park gate entrance.  The exit point will be at the Home Farm Lane gate or the lower car park gate. The Maze will only be accessible via the Walled Garden.

Craft lovers are in for a treat when the finest in handmade artistry will be on display in Solitude Park, Banbridge on Saturday 24 October with the arrival of the annual Craft Fair as part of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Autumn Arts programme.

Running from 10.30am – 4.00pm, this year’s event offers up an even greater selection of arts and crafts showcasing the work of artists and craftspeople from across Northern Ireland and further afield.

The Autumn Arts Craft Fair is the perfect place to pick up some unique, exclusive and handcrafted gifts including jewellery, candles, ceramics, glassware, fine furniture and much more.

As well as providing opportunities for a spot of retail therapy, the Craft Fair will also feature live music and street theatre plus children’s entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and superb drop-in workshops with local artist Rachael O’Neill. Local restaurant Sugar Supper Club will be serving up tasty hot and cold treats and refreshments. To add to the festivities Banbridge town centre will also be hosting a packed programme of street entertainment throughout the day.

So why not pick up an early Christmas present or two or maybe just treat yourself with something a little special. Admission is only £2 for adults and £1 concession.

The Autumn Arts programme detailing all events and activities throughout the festival are widely available from a number of outlets throughout the Borough and online at  www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

For further information about Autumn Arts contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council’s Leisure and Development Department on 028 4066 0605.

Terms and conditions : All packages are based per person sharing and based on two persons. All packages are non refundable and non amendable and must be prepaid at the time of booking.

Updated 29th July, 2016.

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.

· Value Break, Maldron Hotel, Derry, Co. Londonderry. From £99pps. As the only hotel located within Derry’s historic walls, the Maldron Hotel is the perfect base from which to explore the city. Enjoy a two night stay, with a two course meal on the evening of your choice, two cocktails per person on the evening of your choice, and a £20 gift card to spend in the nearby Foyleside Shopping Centre. Breakfast each morning is also included. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 7137 1000. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

· Golf Breaks, Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena, Co. Antrim. From £85pps. Galgorm is the perfect venue for the ultimate golfing experience. Play 18 holes at Galgorm Castle’s Championship Golf Club, home to this year’s NI Open, and enjoy an overnight stay in Galgorm Resort and Spa. The offer includes full Irish breakfast, use of the thermal spa facilities and transfers to and from the golf club. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 2588 1001. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

· Romance For Two, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh, Co. Tyrone. From £160pps. Ideally located in the heart of County Tyrone, Silverbirch is a family run hotel where you will instantly feel at home. This amazing offer includes a two night stay in the hotel, with full Irish breakfast each morning, four course dinner in Barretta Bar and Grill on the evening of your choice with Demi Carafe of House Wine per person, a choice of luxury facial or full body massage per person, and exclusive use of the hot tub area with bubbly and chocolates. Available until Dec 1. To book call (028) 8556 7898.

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

• City of Derry International Choral Festival, St. Columb’s Hall, Derry~Londonderry, Co. Londonderry, October 22-25. Created as a joyous celebration of choral music-making, the festival provides opportunities for competitive and non-competitive participation for singers across a wide range of styles, ensembles and ages. Aside from the competitive focus, the City of Derry comes alive with pop-up performances, high-quality concerts and educational activities providing a celebration of everything choral music has to offer. Various times.

• Nine Nights, Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square, Belfast, October 24. Prepare to be enthralled, entranced … perhaps even a tiny bit bewildered!  For one incredible, never-to-be-repeated night, the art and traditions of India will cast their exotic spell over Belfast as the city hosts the vast and vibrant ‘Nine Nights’ production inspired by age-old Indian folklore. This event is free for all to attend and no tickets are required. Just come along and enjoy the show!  Begins at 7.30pm.

• The Mourne Skyline Mountain Trail Race, Newcastle, Co. Down, October 24. The Mourne Skyline Mountain Trail Race is a 35k race set in the heart of the scenic Mourne Mountains. The race starts and finishes in the seaside town of Newcastle. Competitors will enjoy magnificent scenery on what can only be described as a tough but rewarding course. A race briefing will take place at 7.45am.

• Seapark Fireworks, Seapark Recreation Ground, Holywood, Co. Down, October 24. Enjoy a night of food, fireworks and fun. This popular event returns with family favourites including a fun fair, food fair, live music and much more. From 4pm and fireworks from 7.45pm.

• An Evening Of Irish Horror, The Market Place Theatre, Market Street, Armagh, Co. Armagh, October 22. An Evening Of Irish Horror is the perfect scare for when the air gets cold and the night grows dark. Two classic Irish spook stories are reanimated in the darkness, with live music. Begins at 8pm.

• Fright Night At The Courthouse Cookstown, Chapel Street, Co. Tyrone, October 22-31. This Halloween, the Old Courthouse will be opening its doors from October 22 for a frightful fear fest that is not recommended for the faint hearted! Show times: 7pm, 7.15pm, 7.30pm, 7.45pm and 8pm.

• Hallowe’en Fest and Craft Fair, Florencecourt, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, October 25. Come along for a spooktacular afternoon! Enjoy the hallowe’en craft fair and meet the gardener to find out what it takes to grow the perfect pumpkin, find some scary beasts on a children’s trail, or take a spooky house tour to meet the ghosts and ghouls of Florence Court … if you dare!  Opening times: 10am – 4pm.

• Heroes and Legends, Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn, Co. Antrim, October 24-25. Heroes, legends and even some villains will assemble at the all-new Eikon Exhibition Centre for a magical event. Meet Darth Vader, train as a Jedi and enjoy a dramatic show as the good guys clash with the dark side. Includes Gamers, Superhero stand and characters from Lord of the Rings, Jurassic Park, Disney and so much more.  Various show times.

• Halloween at Cockle Row Cottages, The Harbour, Groomsport, Co. Down, October 25. 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 and lots of other creepy creatures. There will also be spooky craft making and glitter tattoos and traditional music will have your feet tapping.  Cottages open: 11am – 5pm. family fun: 1pm – 4pm.

• BBC Big Band Frank & Ella, Ulster Hall, Bedford Street, Belfast, October 23. Join the internationally renowned BBC Big Band for a celebration of two of the finest and most iconic entertainers of our time, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Featuring acclaimed vocalists Elaine Delmar and Jeff Hooper, the band will recreate the classic songs that made them stars – such as ‘The Lady is a Tramp’, ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’, ‘That Old Black Magic’ and ‘Someone to Watch Over Me’.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.