12 things to do in Northern Ireland

THE Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (November 12 - 18).

* Calendar Girls, Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, November 14 – 15. This hilarious play is based on a true story of a group of Yorkshire women who produced a nude calendar to raise money for Leukaemia Research under the auspices of the Women’s Institutes.

* Christmas Flower Demonstration, Ardhowen Theatre, Co. Fermanagh, November 15. A wonderful evening of stunning floral displays is demonstrated by the very talented Richard Haslam.

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* Death or Circus, MAC, Belfast, November 15 – 17. A satire on modern culture using traditional circus skills performed by the fabulous Tumble Circus, this unique live show is described as theatre from the dark side of feel good.

* Christmas Craft Fair, The Old Post Office, Lisbane, Co. Down, November 16. Take the chance to do some early Christmas shopping with stalls showcasing work from local artists and craftspeople.

* Guildhall Craft Fair, Guildhall Square, Co. Londonderry, November 16 – 18. This annual event celebrates the cream of Irish craft and features a host of distinguished designers and makers with unique and unusual gift ideas.

* William Kennedy Piping Festival, various venues, Co. Armagh, November 16 – 18. A festival celebrating the worldwide community of piping traditions from all over the globe with a range of events and music.

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* Belfast Christmas Lights Switch On, Belfast City Hall, November 17. Come along to join this year’s festive celebrations when the ZingZillas of CBeebies fame will be lighting up Belfast for Christmas.

* Parliament Buildings’ 80th Anniversary, Stormont Parliament Buildings, Belfast, November 17. This iconic landmark will be throwing open its doors to take visitors on a tour of the building and grounds. You will get to see the Assembly Chamber, Senate Chamber, the Speaker’s Office and much more.

* Christmas Continental Market, Belfast City Hall, November 17. The Christmas market will be returning with dozens of market stalls offering a range of crafts, food and decorations from across Europe and beyond including Dutch, French and Irish cheeses, German sausages and beer, toasted baguettes and crepes, pastries and cakes and plants and flowers.

* Bangor Christmas Switch On, Bangor Town Hall, Co. Down, November 17. Why not make a day of it in Bangor and stop off in one of the many delicious eateries, do some Christmas shopping and then enjoy a spectacular fireworks display at the Town Hall followed by the switch on of the Christmas tree lights.

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* Porcelain Tea Lanterns, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, November 17. Join this hands-on workshop and create a stunning white porcelain lantern to add warmth and ambience to your home throughout the winter months.

* The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, November 18. George Grossmith, the actor who created the comic roles in the Savoy Operas, gives us an insight into both W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan and enables us to meet the Sergeant of Police, Ko-Ko, The Lord Chancellor, Major-General Stanley and others.