We’re back and I think that a new year calls for some new stuff to do, so we’re straight back in with a Top 10 from Tourism NI to kick start your 2017!

  • Flash Harry – The Magic of Queen, Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast, January 7. Flash Harry have been celebrating the music of Queen all over Ireland and the UK for more than 20 years. Flash Harry brings a show that embraces the very essence of live music, talent, energy, enthusiasm, passion and pure showmanship. Audiences will see the band rocking out Queen’s greatest hits from ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘We Are the Champions’, to ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and everything in between. Doors open at 7pm.
  • Limavady Art, Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre, Derry~Londonderry, until January 7. A stunning exhibition of multiple works in different mediums created by participants of a local Painting for Pleasure group, initiated by a few local individuals with a shared passion for painting many years ago. The exhibition is designed to welcome new members each season and to offer them an annual opportunity to showcase their work. Admission free.
  • 1FTSQ, The Higher Bridges Gallery Clinton Centre, Co. Fermanagh, until January 21.  Fermanagh & Omagh District Council invites you to the Higher Bridges Gallery for the launch of 1FT SQ.  The 9th annual showcase of emerging, established, contemporary and traditional art this year features work by Adele Pound, Leo Toye, Niall Walsh and many more.
  • The Gingerbread Min-Up, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, until January 7. For a last minute festive season treat, take the kids to the Lyric Theatre, Belfast and discover the story of Primrose. Cast out in the forest with only her Nintendo for company, Primrose meets Pardon – cool cat turned witch’s assistant, with a promising sideline in Big Bad Wolf impersonations. Can Pardon save Primrose from the evil old witch’s cooking pot?
  • Friends In Low Places – Garth Brooks Story, Market Place Theatre, January 6. ‘Friends In Low Places’ brings you the magic of Garth Brooks and all of his greatest hits such as ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes’,  ‘Friends In Low Places’, ‘The Dance’, Baton Rouge’, ‘Shameless’ and ‘Unanswered Prayers’. This show is a must see for any Brook’s fan and is the next best thing to the man himself. Show starts at 8pm and tickets cost from £18.50.
  • Impractical Jokers, SSE Arena, Belfast, January 6. The cast of Comedy Central’s ‘Impractical Jokers’, acclaimed comedy troupe The Tenderloins (made up of Sal Vulcano, Joe Gatto, James ‘Murr’ Murray and Brian ‘Q’ Quinn) will be heading to The SSE Arena, Belfast on 6 January with a brand new live show… Santiago Sent Us!The troupe will be performing a new batch of their special blend of comedy, hi-jinks, and never-before-seen videos on stage.
  • Elvis Tribute Night with Jim Brown, Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Co. Down, January 6. Acclaimed as one of the greatest Presley tribute acts working today, Jim Brown takes the Elvis legend and builds on it.His version of Come as you are entered many international charts and playlists – so get your dancing shoes on and head to The Millbrook Lodge Hotel, Ballynahinch for a night of sensational Elvis music.
  • Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Burnavon Theatre, Co. Tyrone, January. This much loved fairy–tale comes to life on stage in an unforgettable live stage production full of songs and laughter that children will love. Goldilocks, the Three Bears, and Ruff the Dog perform live in this exciting and fun filled musical production which takes a few twists and turns along the way with other new puppet characters and (hopefully) a happily–ever–after.
  • Totally Take That, Europa Hotel, Belfast, January 6 – Totally Take That are unquestionably the busiest and best tribute to Take That in the UK. With songs both old and new from Take That’s vast back catalogue, the show also features spectacular break-dancing routines, crowd participation and, above all, incredible vocal performances by the boys that will leave you simply amazed.
  • Ulster Orchestra Viennese Gold, Millennium Forum, Derry~Londonderry, January 8. Vienna! The city of the whirling waltz, pretty polka and attractive aria, as epitomised by the sparkling music of theStrauss dynasty. Set your New Year off to the best possible start with all your favourite light classical pieces such as the Blue Danube Waltz and the Thunder and Lightning Polka.
Chris Caldwell

Author: Chris Caldwell

Chris Caldwell at your service! My favourite things are eating and Theatre, I have 2 small sons called Alex and Max who are more mustard than Hellmann's. I spend my days trying to wrangle them and exploring my favourite city - BELFAST! My favourite films are horror, my fav music is metal and my favourite Beatle is Ringo, mainly his work on Thomas the Tank.