Derry Vibe

The Craft Village To Switch On Christmas Lights This Weekend

12/9/2016

Thinking of where to take the kids this weekend to see Santa?
The Craft Village is switching on it's Christmas lights this Saturday 10th December and your invited to come along and see Santa and friends as he switches on the Christmas tree in the Craft Village.

Join Santa as he switches on the village Christmas Lights this Saturday 10th December from 4pm with live music on the night along with Christmas facepainting and get your free photo along with Santa.

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Santa Arrives To Bishops Gate Christmas Market This Weekend

12/9/2016

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Derry is well and truly getting into the Christmas spirit with the return of Bishops Gate Christmas Markets along Bishops Street with lots of events throughout the weekend and with Santas arrival on Saturday 10th December from 1pm. It's gonna be a fun weekend for the whole family...

Bishops Gate Christmas Market 2016:

Bishops Gate Christmas Market returns to Bishop Street this December with a selection of various Christmas gifts and live music performances plus much more throughout the weekend which will be taking place in the Bishop's Gate in collaboration with International Fund For Ireland, NI Housing Executive, Derry & Strabane District Council & Urban Villages, The Peace Walls Project.

Also don't forget Santa arrives to Bishops Gate Christmas Market on Saturday from 1pm.

When: Friday and Saturday 9th -10th December 2016
Time: 11am-9pm
Price: Free

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Hands That Talk Signing Choir Perform In Foyleside

12/9/2016

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If you were out and about on Thursday evening doing your Christmas shopping in Foyleside, you might have noticed "Hands That Talk Signing Choir performing in the centre

It's all in aid of local chairity Hands That Talk. Which one of their major aims is promoting integration with the Deaf, hearing and people with hearing loss and we are therefore committed to providing the necessary training and education to make the Deaf community hearing aware and the hearing community Deaf aware, Who're are based in Dungiven.

The event is an annual fundrasier for "Hands That Talk" charity every Christmas and if you missed their performance and want to join in the fun or to see it for yourself.

Then you'll be able to see them perform again on Thursday 15th December in Foyleside Shopping Centre from 7pm.

For more information on "Hands That Talk" Visit: handsthattalk.co.uk
Or you can follow them on Facebook

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10 Of The Best Summer Festivals Around Northern Ireland

5/8/2016

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It's quite near summertime and we've picked out 10 of the best summer festivals to be attending across Northern Ireland this year..

1. Club MTV Derry-Londonderry

Saturday 10th September 2016

One of the biggest music events to ever hit Ebrington Square Club MTV is coming back with another huge line up for 2016 which includes superstar DJ Martin Garrix and Example along with top local DJ Junior J and much more. The event takes place on Saturday 10th September 2016 in Ebrington Sqaure in Derry-Londonderry and it's expected to be another huge night like when DJ's Galantis played in the square last summer.

2. Stendhal Festival Of Art 2016 Limavady

August 12th - 13th August 2016

Stendhal Festival Celebrates the creativity of artists from all over Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and further afield, Stendhal Festival of Art is much more than just a music festival. If you also love your local music you will love this festival and has won numerous awards in the last few years.
Set around the picturesque surrounds of Ballymully Cottage Farm on the outskirts of Limavady, Stendhal Festival of Art brings an all encompassing artistic experience to the Roe Valley, home of Danny Boy.
Events take place from August 12th - 13th August 2016.
Expected to be another huge festival and you can see full line up on stendhalfestival.com _

3. Foyle Maritime Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

9th-17th July 2016

Foyle Maritime Festival will host the stopover of the Clipper Race 2015-16 as they near the end of their Round the World Journey.
Queens Quay will once again be transformed into a maritime wonderland full of fun, activities, music, arts and crafts as we prepare to Welcome Team Derry~Londonderry for a special homecoming party!

For More Visit foylemaritimefestival.com for latest updates on Foyle Maritime Festival 2016

4. Ulster Rally 2016 Derry-Londonderry

19th-20th August 2016

The city will host the Ulster Rally in August 2016, which is one of a select number of events included in the prestigious MSA British Rally and TROA Irish Tarmac Rally Championships. See More on Ulsterrally.com

5. Belsonic Belfast

9 June - 27th August 2016

Hosting one of the biggest music festivals in Northern Ireland this year is Belsonic. The event has moved to Belfast's Titanic Quarter for two huge months of music in June and August.
The event is usually held in June but this year the event added more acts to play in Titanic in August which includes huge Disclosure, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and much more which you can see below.
Get your tickets fast now before they sell out from belsonic.com or Ticketmaster outlets including Foyleside Shopping Centre and Cool Discs on Foyle Street.

6. Tennants Vital Belfast

Thursday 25th August - Friday 26th August 2016

Another huge weekend in Belfast is Tennants Vital Festival held in Boucher Road Playing Fields every year and this year looks which will be the last ever time you will see superstar DJ Avicii perform as he is retiring from dance music later this year and other huge names on the list including Jess Glynne. Tickets for this huge festival in Belfast are selling fast so get yours now from tennentsvital.com or usual Ticketmaster outlets.

7. Gran Fondo 2016 Giro d'Italia Northern Ireland Belfast

4th-5th June 2016

5 June 2016 will see the second edition of the Official Giro Big Start Legacy Event held in Titanic Quarter in Belfast.

Like 2015, the 2016 event will be a special experience with fully closed roads, two challenging routes and post ride party with wood fired oven pizzas, gourmet pasta dishes and Italian beer and wine.

Get involved and for more visit granfondogiroditaliani.com

8. City of Derry Guitar Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

25th-28th August 2016

The 13th City of Derry Guitar Festival is approaching fast and has been going for 13 years can you believe it. Time flies in when your having a good time but this years Guitar Festival returns to the city from 25th August and runs until 28th August 2016. For More on events and line up visit cityofderryguitarfestival.com

9. International Northwest 200 North coast

8th - 14th May 2016

The biggest racing event every year along north coast. Get your tickets for the North West 200 events on northwest200.org

10. Maiden City Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

6 August - 13 August 2016

This year we expect over 40,000 people to see or take part in some aspect of the Festival over its 8 days and aim to bring the old city back to life through music, dance, theatre and pageant. Various events take place at different locations across the city.
For more on events taken place at Maiden City Festival 2016 visit thesiegemuseum.org

For More events happening across Northern Ireland in 2016 visit: discovernorthernireland.com

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Scary Halloween In Derry Is Up For Top Tourism Gong

5/6/2016

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Following on from the city’s success in the USA Today poll which saw the city crowned Top Hallowe’en Destination in the world, the Festival has now been shortlisted as one of the frontrunners in this year’s NITA’s, one of the highest accolades in the Tourism Industry.

Mayor of Derry and Strabane Elisha McCallion is calling for people to cast a vote for Derry’s Hallowe’en event in this year’s N. Ireland Tourism Awards.

The winners will be announced at a glittering gala dinner in Derry’s St Columb’s Hall on May 26th.

Now it falls to the public to cast the final votes, and Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, is urging Hallowe’en fans to rally behind the city’s most spooktacular event.

“I’m delighted that we have been shortlisted for such a prestigious tourism award. Derry has already been acknowledged as the best Hallowe’en destination in the world and this would be the icing on the cake if we could get the endorsement of both the Tourist Industry and the public for the event.

“The 2015 Hallowe’en celebrations were bigger and better than ever and to win Best Event would really set the stage for next year. Voting is now open so I would encourage people to support their city and get online and get voting!”

Festivals and Events Manager for Council, Jacqueline Whoriskey said: “We are thrilled to have been acknowledged by the NITA panel. The Banks of the Foyle Halloween Carnival is one of our biggest annual events and draws thousands from far and wide. The people of Derry have made this festival the success that it is and it’s the community involvement that generates the fantastic family friendly atmosphere.

Also shortlisted in the Most Promising New Tourism Business category is newcomer to the Derry restaurant scene the Walled City Brewery, who have been fast establishing a foothold in the local food tourism industry.

Voting is now officially open and will remain open until midnight on Thursday May 12th.
You can view all the categories and shortlisted candidates and register your vote on http://nitourismawards.com/2016-shortlist/

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Your Pancake Creations For Pancake Day 2016

2/10/2016

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Today it was Pancake Day and we asked you to send us in some of your Pancake creations today and you didn't disappoint.

We have received lots of Pancake Day photos from you today and we loved some of your creations and keep sharing with us as we are gonna feature the best on our website and on Facebook and Twitter.

So first of all one of our favourite Pancake creations came from Primrose Cafe which were serving leek sausage, poached egg and maple syrup Pancakes in their cafe along Quay and also other various types of pancakes but this has to be the best one we have seen so far and if your a fan of the Ulster Fry or need a hangover fix this would be perfect for that... You can see more Pancakes and great food from Primrose Cafe on Twitter @PrimroseDerry or on Facebook

Foyleside Synge&Byrne Gets Involved with a Singing Pancake Day:

Also Foyleside's Synge&Byrne got involved with Pancake Day with a singing chef and FREE Pancakes for all for everyone, it all went down a treat for all the lucky shoppers.

Our Singing Chef from @SyngeandByrne making pancakes for customers & guess what..they are FREE of charge!#Foyleside pic.twitter.com/a0u3i4z0h9
— Foyleside Shopping (@FoylesideSC) February 9, 2016

Here's Some Of The Pancake's You Created:

Here's a handmade pancake sent to us by Jack Hagan on Twitter.. It wasn't just plain pancakes he had for breakfast his daughter put Nutella which is a great choice of spread for Pancakes. See the end result for yourself below

@DerryVibe @broightergold early start! #PancakeTuesday pic.twitter.com/URsgL03Nei
— Jack Hagan (@yumfla) February 9, 2016

Nicole and Zoe shared their Pancake Photos on Twitter and looked delicious

Breakfast date with the Bessie!! #Daysoffwork #PancakeDay □□ @NicoleReid1989 pic.twitter.com/IaCwnR4DOb
— Zoe Moore (@ZoeMoore90) February 9, 2016

Also take a look at St Cecilias Secondary School 9AC students enjoying their pancakes that they created on Pancake Day.

9AC enjoying their pancakes on Pancake Tuesday @StCeciliasDerry #PancakeDay pic.twitter.com/8tvG61AGfU
— St Cecilia's HE Dept (@st_dept) February 9, 2016

All Food Matters Tweeted a photo of their Pancake Day creations which include American style pancakes with mixed berry cashew cream, blueberries and mixed seeds so that's made something worth trying out especially if your a vegetarian

@DerryVibe here are mine ☺ #vegan #PancakeDay pic.twitter.com/zqYCSI1df3
— All Food Matters (@AllFoodMatters) February 9, 2016

Thanks to all who sent us photos of their Pancakes today keep sharing them here and you can see more on Facebook and Twitter.

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Could Five Guys Be Opening New Restaurant in Derry Next?

12/31/2015

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Five Guys Known for their top burgers and fries in America have recently opened a outlet in Belfast's Victoria Square just before Christmas. But could they be planning on their next outlet to be placed in Northern Ireland's second largest city.

The Irish franchise of the US chain has been bought by brothers Brett, Ross and Dery Desmond.
Creating 50 Full Time and Part Time Jobs in Belfast City.
Five Guys opened it's first outlet in the UK in 2013 and is planning on opening more across UK and Ireland in the next year or so.
At launch of Belfast opening they said "“We are working on opening a number of outlets in Ireland, and it’s fantastic to see our first Five Guys outlet in Victoria Square come to fruition,”.
“We chose this location as it is such an iconic shopping centre in the heart of Belfast City, with a really strong tenant mix. We hope that it will be a big hit with shoppers and will give people even more reason to visit Victoria Square.”

Five Guys has built up quite a following since it's first outlet opened in 1986 in United States. Which now the company has a massive 1,200 outlets in US and Canada. The first outlet to open in UK was in 2013 in London which now has expanded across UK and Ireland and we may soon be seeing our very own Five Guys in the Northwest very soon.

Would we like to see Five Guys open in Derry?

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My Visit To The Christmas Markets in the City Today

12/19/2015

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By: @LittlePaintedLady

Hi It's Little Painted Lady here and it's now the countdown to Christmas with only 6 more sleeps to go before the big day and I've been round the city today to see all Christmas Markets.

So with Christmas on it's way in a matter of days I thought there was no better way to get into the Christmas spirit than spending the day in town at the ever popular Christmas Markets. This year the markets were dotted all about the city centre from the Guildhall Square to Bishops Gate , there was a little something for everyone, young and old.

I took my time and spent a little while at each one , I got to meet a few characters along the way.

My first stop was Guildhall Square:

My first stop was at The Guildhall Square, Here there were Gorgeous little log cabins lined along the Derry wall , offering an array of beautifully handmade gifts and treats, There was also the very popular hotfood stand, which I had to sample of course.... I chose the steak burger which I enjoyed while listening to the Amazing Choir who sung Festive Tunes to the busy shoppers from the steps of the Guildhall itself.

Craft Village:

Next I went to The Craft Village which is based on Shipquay Street of the City, This is where I got the most Festive feeling, from the moment I entered the Village until I left , every corner I turned there were Christmas trees, twinkling lights, choirs and happy, friendly shoppers who had all stopped in for a wee festive tipple .

Bishops Gate:

My next stop took me to Bishops Gate, here I was met with 2 huge marquee's. Inside where tables dressed with numerous home-made and hand-made gift, home decor and more, although one table in particular stood out to me , it was the URBAN VILLAGE one, here the guys had a giant cardboard Christmas tree set up beside them, on it there were endless post it notes, with different captions written on them, when i asked the guys what it was about they had said they asked what 3 things would help foster a positive community identity, then each person scribbled down what they thought and had posted it on the tree. They have set up a number of workshops around the city starting from January 2016 finishing in march 2016. venues are yet to be confirmed but be sure to check them out.

Millennium Forum:

My Last stop I happened to find by chance as I was on my way to the car as I hadn't known there were going to be any stalls there this year and upon speaking to a few of the stall holders they had said also that they handn't seen many visitors through-out the day.

These stalls were all adourned with home-made food items, baby knits and home decor, one stall had a very lovely lady who stopped to have a chat with me who had told me that she makes the very best whiskey marmalade in town... while another lovely lady who owns granny pats knits had shown me a beautifully hand painted flower pot that her daughter had gotten especially made for her as a present, to use for her stall.

So that was my visit to Festive Markets around city today and as you probably know I am a big fan of Christmas so you'll probably see a few more festive posts on Derry Vibe in coming days. I hope you enjoyed your sneak peak at Christmas Markets I enjoyed my day visiting them.
Follow my Twitter and share your photos from around Christmas Markets onto our Facebook and Twitter: @DerryVibe

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It's Panto Time and the return of Dame Caulfield to Millennium Forum

12/15/2015

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By Grainne Mc Cool

William Caulfield is indeed back on the Derry stage for this years Christmas Panto at The Millennium Forum. Not only is Dame Caulfield back in his larger than life dresses, make-up and wig, but this year he is celebrating 10 years at the famous Derry Panto.
Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum and Producer of the pantomime, David McLaughlin, said
"We are delighted to welcome William back this year for what will surely be another memorable panto season. For the past ten years, he has been at the centre of the biggest show in the city's arts calendar and has played numerous roles including Buttons, Silly Billy, Captain Hook as well as many unforgettable Dames. He is a great hit with local audiences and we hope to see him grace our stage for many more pantos to come."
I was fortunate to catch up with Caulfield earlier, prior to my attending the Panto that evening.

It was early on this Wednesday morning but his enthusiasm for the show even at this hour never faltered. "We've done 5 shows this year to date and now we're in full stride" he told me.
I asked Caulfield what it is about Panto that he so clearly loves: "I just love doing Panto. Throughout the rest of the year I'm on my own when on stage. This can be a lonely time. I enjoy it but you drive to the show alone and you're on stage alone. Here at Panto season there's such a great comradeship with myself and the cast. Plus of course I'm not carrying the stage alone." He added, "Panto shortens the Christmas season for me. There is such a long build up to the festivities and I get to work right up to Christmas. Then I get Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day off and it's back to work again."

William Caulfield oozes passion for the Panto stage and admits to never getting nervous. "There's no point in me getting nervous" he tells me. "It's the front 5 rows of the audience that should be nervous! I do get apprehensive in that I hope I do my job well, but no, no nerves."
I must admit that last year was my first time seeing Caulfield in Panto. I made a promise to myself after that show that I wouldn't be missing it again for many years to come.

I asked William to describe his stage character for me. He laughs and describes 'her' as "absolutely nowt like me! William Caulfield is quite shy. Once the dress, the make-up and the wig goes on, I become a larger than life character. I become an entirely different person. The character arrives and then the voice comes."
Caulfield says that he loves Panto so much that if he ever won the Lotto, "no-one would know. I'd just carry on doing this as I love it."

So can we look forward to seeing himself on stage for another 10 years in Derry? "Only health or even death will stop me!" Just what the audience wants to hear.

Dame Widow Twankey will be larger than life in the Millennium Forum's panto, Aladdin all over the Christmas season.
'Oh No I'm NOT. Oh Yes You ARE!'

Aladdin performs at the Millennium Forum until Sunday January 3rd. Book your ticket to see William Caulfield in his 10th Derry panto by calling the Box Office on 71264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk now!

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My La Festa Italiano visit to Sandino's Bar

11/11/2015

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By Amanda Chambers

Dusk on a Tuesday evening somewhere between autumn and winter. I find myself, like so many times before, drawn into Sandinos. The familiarity of the cosy setting, dim lights and aesthetic quirkiness, like time and time before, attracts me and many of my friend shaped counterparts. I walk in to find a shift in the usual locality. Suddenly I’m surrounded by friendly Italians with lively Italian chatter buzzing around me. I look around to find my friend crammed in at a table surrounded by Amazonian like Italian beauties with cascading dark hair and bright eyes, I think he died and went to heaven then and there.

I sit down next to my blissfully grinning friend to find our table was decorated with chequered table cloth lazily dabbled with Italian wines and beers and a rather atmospheric wax laden bottle of wine dawned with a lit taper candle. Plates of Italian Tapas are laid on the tables, a complementary selection of Italian meats, breads, cheeses and olives.

This crammed room quiets to an expectant lull and all over a sudden an instrument laden band in the corner I barely noticed erupt into a rhythmic assault of music I can only describe as Italian heart meets Irish Trad. Of course, at its core it was Italian folk music, performed by Italian musicians doing what they do best, performing awesome music that entertained and captivated an entire bar full of enamoured onlookers.

The name of this handsome group of Italian visitors was ‘Radici Popolari’ , it’s safe to say that myself, and every other patron in the bar was hooked. It’s hard to put into words the style and sound of the music. All I know is that it was Italian in every sense. Similarities occurred to be between ‘Radici Popolari’ stylised genre and that of traditional Irish jigs. A loud passionate beat, repetitive rhythm and similar instruments yet at the same time the sound produced was far removed for Irish Trad.

Needless to say, these mere words are that, just words. It has to be heard, seen and experienced to be truly appreciated. Luckily for Derry ‘La Festa Italiano’ will be for held one last evening of enjoyment on Wed 11th November 9pm in Sandinos, Water Street. Expect to find a warm welcome from the awesome staff, food, drink and plenty of steamy Italians to gaze at across a candle lit room, and least we forget epic Italian music from the talented ‘Radici Popolari’ in one of Derry’s most original and epic social hot spots.
For more on events in Sandino's Bar follow them on Facebook or have a look on their website
http://www.sandinoscafebar.com/
https://www.facebook.com/sandinosderry/?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/radicipopolari/

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<<Previous

Bishops Gate Christmas Market 2016:

1. Club MTV Derry-Londonderry

Saturday 10th September 2016

2. Stendhal ​Festival Of Art 2016 Limavady

​August 12th - 13th August 2016

3. Foyle Maritime Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

9th-17th July 2016

4. Ulster Rally 2016 Derry-Londonderry

19th-20th August 2016

5. Belsonic Belfast

9 June - 27th August 2016

6. Tennants Vital Belfast

Thursday 25th August - Friday 26th August 2016

7. Gran Fondo 2016 Giro d'Italia Northern Ireland Belfast

4th-5th June 2016

8. City of Derry Guitar Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

25th-28th August 2016

9. International Northwest 200 North coast

8th - 14th May 2016

10. Maiden City Festival 2016 Derry-Londonderry

6 August - 13 August 2016

Foyleside Synge&Byrne Gets Involved with a Singing Pancake Day:

Here's Some Of The Pancake's You Created:

Would we like to see Five Guys open in Derry?

By: @LittlePaintedLady

My first stop was Guildhall Square:

Craft Village:

Bishops Gate:

Millennium Forum:

By Grainne Mc Cool

By Amanda Chambers

2. Stendhal Festival Of Art 2016 Limavady

August 12th - 13th August 2016