10 things to do in NI 30 December – 5 January 2020

Here are ten exciting things taking place from 30 December – 5 January 2020. 

1.       Out-to-Lunch-Festival Belfast, 3 – 26 January 2020. A lunch-based arts festival featuring the best in Comedy, Theatre, Literature and Music held in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter. The 2020 edition features Badly Drawn Boy, Cerys Matthews, Janey Godley, Val McDermid, Joanne Harris and many more.

2.       New-Years-Eve-2019-Black-and-White-Ball Bangor, 31 January. Revel in a fabulous night of entertainment and dance the night at The Old Inn this New Year’s Eve. Enjoy a delicious three course meal and some live Jazz entertainment throughout the evening before bringing in the New Year with resident DJ Derek West on the dance floor.

3.       New-Years-Day-Historic-Ards-Walk Newtownards, 1 January. The historic tour will take you on a journey through time, visiting the Medieval, Plantation and Georgian periods discovering the many interesting and exciting stories including those of John de Courcy and Oliver Cromwell. Discover the unique history of Newtownards – one of the oldest settlements in Northern Ireland.

4.       A-Night-in-Vienna Belfast, 4 January. This ever-popular New Year concert returns to enchant audiences once again. Let the Ulster Orchestra and highly-acclaimed soprano, Ailish Tynan, take you to the magic and magnificence of the 19th century Vienna ballrooms with a glittering collection of wonderful waltzes, opulent overtures and playful polkas.

5.       SimplyE-Exhibition-in-Craftswirl-Armagh-Visitor-Information-Centre Armagh, 2 – 31 January. Craftswirl @ Armagh Visitor Information Centre are delighted to showcase a beautiful exhibition by SimplyE for their January exhibition. SimplyE is a maker, designer and a weaver of bespoke leather and weave products for use within the home and fashion industry which are all individually hand woven from her design studio in County Armagh. 

6.       The-Governors-NYE-Ball Belfast, 31 January. The unique Victorian Era prison provides a stunning backdrop to your New Year’s Eve party which will kick off with a magical drinks reception, followed by a three course meal and entertainment from live five piece band Conspiracy. They cover everything from the swinging sixties right up to current chart hits and are sure to have you up on your feet dancing the night away.

7.       Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Enniskillen, 2 Dec – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.

8.       Bespoke-Farm-Tour-Broughgammon-Farm Ballycastle, 4 September – 31 December. Fancy a personal guided tour of the farm? Come along and meet the animals, see a true farm to fork artisan food business, and see how they farm in harmony with the environment. Get delicious samples of their award winning produce and take home our cookbook showcasing Northern Irish producers.

9.       Christmas-Family-Activities-at-Hillsborough-Castle-Hillsborough-P85702/ Hillsborough, 1 – 2 January. Celebrate the festive season with family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, storytelling, dancing and music, inspired by the theme of the 12 days of Christmas.  Join our ’12 drummers drumming’ this Christmas and participate in this fun family workshop run by drum circle facilitator Joe Loughlin. No drumming experience necessary!

10.   Peter-Pan Belfast, 29 Nov – 4 January. From Wonderland to Neverland, Paul Boyd returns with an exciting new musical of Peter Pan, adapted from the play by JM Barrie. With fairies, crocodiles, flying children, and mermaids, join the Darling children as they embark on the most magical adventure – where Hook and the crew of the Jolly Roger come face to face with all of Neverland and the boy who won’t grow up.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com