Something for the weekend
Make the most of your break away to Northern Ireland by planning it around one of the excellent events happening this autumn and winter. These events draw people from all over the country and abroad, so make sure you don’t miss out
Make the most of your break away to Northern Ireland by planning it around one of the excellent events happening this autumn and winter
RUN FOREST RUN
BORN2RUN Events are once again delighted to team up with the Belfast Telegraph to launch the 5th annual RUN FOREST RUN series of 10K and 5K winter races. As the name suggests, these races will all be held in beautiful forests in a variety of locations around Northern Ireland. ‘Great races in great places’ is BORN2RUN’s motto and there are eight different forests offering a diverse mix of scenic settings for runners to enjoy right through the winter months. Road running can be treacherous and dangerous in winter, but the forest trails can be used all year round.
This series won the Silver Award at this year’s prestigious Running Awards held at the O2 Arena in London, where Dame Kelly Holmes presented the BORN2RUN team with their award.
The first of the eight races, RUN FOREST RUN Minnowburn will take place on November 4th and starts on the Mary Peters Track, before heading off into the forest. Runners who enter all races in the series will receive a BORN2RUN Beanie, the perfect winter running accessory.
For the first time last year, a 5K route was introduced at each of the eight venues in the series giving a shorter option to runners who may prefer that distance. This proved hugely popular and so there will once again be a 5K option at all the races this year.
All runners will receive special commemorative medals, with each race having its own customised medal design. Runners who complete six of the eight races will receive a special edition RUN FOREST RUN T-shirt. For more information or to enter go to www. born2runevents.com
Belfast International Arts Festival 2017 Until 28th October
Experience the arts like never before at the Belfast International Arts Festival. The event brings an eclectic fusion of cutting-edge performances to Belfast.
The festival will see the Irish premiere of Celui Qui Tombe (He Who Falls) presented by Compagnie Yoann Bourgeois. The circus-influenced spectacle swings into action at the Grand Opera House on 19th and 20th October. Gardens Speak, an award-winning interactive sound installation from Tania El Khoury, contains the oral histories of 10 people buried in Syrian gardens, which runs until 22nd October in Shaftesbury Square. Critics have called it a
deeply moving experience for everyone.
Audiences can expect a world-class programme of theatre, performance art, dance and music, with opportunities to participate in the creative arts themselves.
The full programme of events is available at www.belfastinternationalartsfestival.com
Derry Halloween
28th October-31st October
Supernatural beings and the souls of the dead flood into the city of Derry to scare you this Halloween.
From the River Mourne to the Banks of the Foyle, let your imagination run wild and join in the fun with a three-day party. Highlights include the fantastic ‘Awakening the Walls’ event - a chance to get into the Halloween spirit as performers rouse the city with a supernatural animation trail on and around the city walls.
In its 31st year as a global Halloween destination, Derry hosts the largest Halloween street carnival parade and costume party in Europe. It is a must-see for all Halloween lovers. The parade and the jaw-dropping fireworks display makes this the perfect destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
Admission to Derry Halloween street festival is free of charge so there’s nothing stopping you from attending this parade of terrors!
The BBC ‘Good Food Show’ Belfast Waterfront
10th November-12th November
The highly anticipated BBC ‘Good Food Show’ returns to the Belfast Waterfront Centre this November. Taste your way around Northern Ireland and uncover flavours from the UK and Republic of Ireland producers.
Celebrate the legacy of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink in ‘Eat Like a Local’ sessions and enjoy seasonal dishes at the BBC Good Food Pop-Up Restaurant. You can shop from a huge range of Northern Ireland’s finest artisan food and drink producers, so you can also take home some good food.
The three-day event will host some of the UK and Ireland’s most popular chefs cooking live, including Michelin master Michel Roux Jr, family favourite and Big British Bake Off winner Nadiya Hussain, the entertaining Hairy Bikers and show favourite John Torode. It’s a truly delicious day out in the heart of Belfast! Tickets can be purchased from www.theticketfactory.com/gfni/online/
Belfast Christmas Market Belfast City Hall
18th November-23rd December
At Christmas time there is nothing better than experiencing the hustle and bustle of a busy market filled with every seasonal delight you could hope for. The Belfast Christmas Market returns to Belfast City Hall on Saturday 18th November.
The grounds of Belfast City Hall will be transformed into a traditional festive market, complete with twinkling lights. Find the perfect Christmas gift or enjoy the delicious food on offer while drinking down the traditional spirit-warming Glühwein (German wine).
You will find an exciting selection of continental food, decorations, and a wide range of festive arts and crafts from across Europe and beyond. There are traditional market delights of French crêpes and Belgian chocolates. But, there is also an exotic selection of ostrich, wild boar and crocodile burgers for those with a taste for adventure. And, don’t worry, Santa will definitely be making an appearance!
Admission to the Belfast Christmas Market is free of charge so get ready to rock around the Christmas tree this winter.
Winter Craft and Food Fair Cookstown, Co Tyrone
25th November 2017-26th November 2017
The Winter Craft and Food Fair at the Burnavon Burn Road in Cookstown has become Mid Ulster’s premier craft event in the run up to the festive season.
With an even bigger and better selection of quality producers, this popular annual event will feature many familiar producers, alongside just as many exciting newcomers. Running over the weekend you will have every opportunity to browse and shop for the perfect Christmas presents and festive foods.
Running over a full weekend in November, it is the perfect opportunity to get started on your Christmas shopping.
Winter Solstice, Co Armagh 21st December
Embrace your inner Celt and applaud the arrival of the Winter Solstice with a wonderful celebration to embrace the forthcoming year.
Take part in the lantern-lit walk to Navan Fort, and enjoy a solstice ritual of morning meditation reflecting on the past and welcoming the arrival of the new light.
The event is free of charge but you must book a ticket to make sure you can celebrate this great Celtic ritual.
Visit navan@armaghbanbridgecraigavon. gov.uk for more information.
Visit www.discovernorthernireland.com to learn more about all the fantastic events happening in Northern Ireland this autumn/ winter