2 Royal
Avenue
MayWe is delighted to manage 2 Royal Avenue, a new cultural venue that Belfast City Council have transformed playing host to artistic experiences, events and workshops.
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2025 Opening Hours
2 Royal Avenue is open 10am-6pm Monday to Sunday.
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Pop in to find some new additions to the space featuring...
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A New Installation 'Landscape with Columns and Figures' curated and commissioned by Belfast City Council with MMAS Architects and OGU Architects
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Our Kids Cosy area
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The Library Corner, featuring a selection of books for all ages by Northern Irish and Irish writers and a diversity themed collection, curated by Seamus Heaney Centre at Queens, Michaela Mc Dermott, and Orla McKeating, and supplied by No Alibis bookshop.
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A Homework Station
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Our Sensory Dome
Yallaa Café will be open from 10am-5pm Monday-Saturday and 12pm-4pm Sundays, serving delightful hot & cold beverages and delicious food, featuring a new lunch menu!
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Check out whats on below!
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If you are interested in using 2 Royal Avenue for an event or workshop, please contact 2royalave@maywe.co.uk​
EXHIBITIONS
2 OCTOBER - 14 November
THE FOSTERING NETWORK'S EXHIBITION​​
An exhibition of artworks developed by children and young people involved with two of The Fostering Network's Projects. Step Up Step Down supports families with children on the edge of care, where Fostering Kinship Support focuses on kinship fostering families. Sibling groups from both projects came together to explore more about their identities as well as their experiences of being siblings.
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Open 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday
Free Entry.
1 - 23 November
KEITH AYTON
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​An exhibition of artwork from Keith Ayton.
Ayton was born in Derry in 1960, and graduated from the University of Ulster with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art in 1981.
His work encompasses various forms of fine art, painting, photography and printmaking. The broad subject matter is based on the Irish landscape, climate and culture, and how he reacts to it. He has participated in many group exhibitions including shows at The Ormeau Baths Gallery and An Cultá½»rlann in Belfast, as well as being selected for inclusion in the RUA exhibition.
His solo shows have included ‘Homecoming’ for Derry City of Culture, ‘Lines in the Land’ at The Engine Room Gallery in Belfast, ‘Songs from the Rain’ at The Waterfront Hall, Belfast and ‘Drifting Fluidity’ at The Linenhall Library Belfast.
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His work is currently in private collections in UK, USA, Australia and Europe.
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Open 10am-6pm Monday-Sunday
Free Entry.
EVENTS
week commencing 10th november
Tuesday 11 november
GRAPEVINE 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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A weekly drop-in hub for older people. Get a tea or coffee and catch up with the latest news and activities in the city!
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Free event, no booking required.
IT HELP 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
Aged 55+ and in need of some help with your phone or laptop? Come along to 2 Royal Avenue and get some tech help from Ignite IT!
Free event, drop in.
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HEARING AID SUPPORT 2pm-4pm
RNID
Visit RNID's free drop-in service – no appointment needed.​ You can get help with:
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 Information on hearing loss and tinnitus​
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 How to do a hearing check​
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 How to access support and services in your area.​
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Free Event, no booking required just drop in.
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WELCOME BACK!
The magical Winter's Den returns to 2 Royal Avenue on Saturday 15th November, creating an enchanting winter wonderland in the heart of Belfast city centre.
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Whether you’re seeking a magical experience for your children, a cosy retreat from the cold, or creative ways to celebrate the season, Winter’s Den has it all. So come on in, enjoy a hot chocolate beside the Christmas Tree and soak up the festive atmosphere!​
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The programme will include a sensory switch on event, sustainable crafting workshops, storytelling with Mrs Clause, Christmas Carolling, festive film screenings, the return of our popular Crufty Christmas Fashion Show and so much more!
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Santa's Post Office
We're thrilled to host the Belfast ONE Santa's Post Office again this year! Opening dates and times will be revealed very soon.​​
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Don't forget to follow 2 Royal Avenue on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.
sATURDAY 15 NOVEMBER
CHRISTMAS CRACKERS! 12.30pm-3pm​​​​​​​
​​part of the Winter's Den programme
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Be entertained as Buddy the Elf and The Grinch share what they love about (and what they Hate Hate DOUBLE hate about) Christmas!
Expect singing, groan worthy cracker jokes and join them for a meet and greet after.
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Drop In, sessions every hour (12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm)
FESTIVE MUSIC! 3pm-5pm​​​​​​​
​​part of the Winter's Den programme
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Get into the Christmas spirit with an afternoon of festive tunes to open our magical Winter Den!
Free Event. Drop In.
THE SENSORY SWITCH ON 5pm-9pm​​​​​​
part of the Winter's Den programme
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​Join us in 2 Royal Avenue during the excitement of the Belfast City Council Switch On event in this designated sensory space. With a variety of relaxed activities including a silent disco, sensory workshops and walk about characters it's the perfect place to take a break. Struggling with the crowds? You can join us for our alternative in tree lighting at 6.30pm of our in venue Christmas Tree under the dome.
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Take a break from the Belfast City Christmas light switch-on for an enchanting, neuro-inclusive sensory experience designed especially for young children and neurodiverse families. Our sensory space brings winter to life through hands-on, interactive play trays and a magical snow-and-bubble igloo dome!​
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Our neuro-inclusive area at 2 Royal Avenue will be a special spot where families with children under 10 can explore, play, and celebrate the magic of the season in a welcoming, accessible environment. Come and create joyful holiday memories in this inclusive space, where winter comes alive through touch, sound, and sight for children of all abilities.
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Free Event, Drop In.
sunday 16 NOVEMBER
SANTA'S POST OFFICE OPENING 10am-5pm
Belfast One BID​
Children across Belfast and Northern Ireland can now pick up their pens and pencils to write letters to Santa. Belfast One have been tasked by Santa to host his official Post Office, which is opened for Christmas from Sunday 16th November until Sunday 21st December at 2 Royal Avenue.
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Organised by Belfast One BID, Santa’s Post Office invites children to a snowy corner of 2 Royal Avenue to join Santa’s elves for arts and crafts, offering families a free, festive holiday experience.
The elves, brought to life by c21 Theatre Company, are on hand to make the experience magical, helping children bring their Christmas dreams to life.
Free event. Drop in.
TINSEL & TRADITIONS: A MULTICULTURAL CRAFTING EXPERIENCE 10am-2pm
​part of the Winter's Den programme
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A vibrant multicultural experience as we host three cultural crafting experiences from around the world!
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Chinese Lantern Decorations
The most popular decoration for Chinese New Year, these lanterns are now used to decorate Christmas trees as well! Have a go at designing your own pattern and turn it into a creative bauble that you
can use to decorate your tree! You can also keep it up as part of the Chinese New Year Celebration at the end of January!
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Japanese Fan Decorations
Try your hand at some origami Fans, known as ‘Sensu’ in Japan. Each participant can designtheir own fan the way they want, from traditional Japanese images to personal drawings, these fans are unique to the maker!
These little fans are great fun to design and make and they can be used as FANtastic Christmas decorations!
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German Nutcracker Decorations
The nutcracker is a very famous Christmas tradition in Germany! It is used to bring good luck and protect the owner! In this workshop, participants will be able to make their own nutcrackers
from scratch and then decorate them whichever way they would like!
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Free Event. Drop In!
week commencing 17th november
Tuesday 18 november
GRAPEVINE 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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A weekly drop-in hub for older people. Get a tea or coffee and catch up with the latest news and activities in the city!
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Free event, no booking required.
IT HELP 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
Aged 55+ and in need of some help with your phone or laptop? Come along to 2 Royal Avenue and get some tech help from Ignite IT!
Free event, drop in.
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sATURDAY 22 NOVEMBER
MINI WINTER WORLDS - ORNAMENT WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN! 12pm-4pm​​​​​​​
​​​part of the Winter's Den programme
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Step into a world of festive imagination! Design and build your own tiny Christmas world, a magical mini diorama decoration to hang on your tree.
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Scenes of sparkling snow, mini trees and Christmas magic.
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book on Eventbrite
week commencing 24th november
Tuesday 25 november
GRAPEVINE 11am-1pm
Age Friendly Belfast
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A weekly drop-in hub for older people. Get a tea or coffee and catch up with the latest news and activities in the city!
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Free event, no booking required.
wednesday 26 november
FESTIVE BABY BOOGIE SESSIONS 11am-1pm
part of the Winter's Den programme
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Boogie Babies is a vibrant sensory rhythm and rhyme class designed for children under 4 years old.
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Through a mix of engaging festive songs, lively dance, colorful lights, playful puppets, and exciting instruments, little ones explore the world of music and movement. Bubbles and lots of fun are also part of the experience, creating a joyful, interactive environment that helps develop motor skills, coordination, and a love for music.
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Perfect for nurturing creativity and boosting early learning in a playful, welcoming setting!
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Sessions @ 11am-11.45am and @ 12-12.45pm
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book on Eventbrite
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saturday 29 november
QUIRE BELFAST PERFORMANCE 12pm-2.30pm
part of Winter's Den programme​
​Making the Yuletide even more gay, Quire Belfast Singers are delighted to be back in 2 Royal Avenue for a festive performance. This local award winning LGBTQ+ choir will bring a jingle-packed program of traditional carols, Christmas hits, camp classics and a host of other upbeat songs and acapella arrangements from their repertoire. Ho Ho Ho!
Drop In.
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SUNday 30 november
FESTIVE ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOPS 11am-3pm
part of Winter's Den programme​
​Create your own sustainable festive scent pouch to fill your home with a delightful winter scent.
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Using all natural materials, The Conservation Volunteers will guide participants through a quick and easy workshop to customise your own scent pouch to bring home!
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Suitable for ages 4+
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Free Event. Drop In.
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FESTIVE MUSIC 12pm-2pm
part of Winter's Den programme​
​Relax and enjoy the gentle atmosphere with an afternoon of festive tunes in our seasonal Winter Den!
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Free Event. Drop In.
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week commencing 1st December
Tuesday 2nd december
CHRISTMAS TEA DANCE 2pm-4pm
Age Friendly Belfast​
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Enjoy an afternoon of music and merriment at the Christmas Tea Dance in 2 Royal Avenue!
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Featuring live music from the fabulous Rosey Hunter and delicious refreshments by Yallaa Café.
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Pop your dancing shoes on and dance the day away to all your favourite festive hits, in partnership with Age Friendly Belfast.​​
Free event, no booking required.
wednesday 3 December
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TRAD CONCERT 10am-1pm
part of Winter's Den programme
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Tradional Music performances from Primary School groups in the Greater Belfast Area.
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Enjoy live music and song performances from talented students, with some familar festive hits!
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Drop In!
thursday 4 DECEMBER
PRIMARY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS TRAD CONCERT 10am-1pm
part of Winter's Den programme
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Tradional Music performances from Primary School groups in the Greater Belfast Area.
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Enjoy live music and song performances from talented students, with some familar festive hits!
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Drop In!
ACTION ABILITY CAROLLING 3pm-6pm
part of Winter's Den programme​
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Let Action Ability Belfast get you into the Christmas spirit with their Christmas carolling performance outside 2 Royal Avenue!
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Come along and watch, or join in with the festive favourites.
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Drop In!
FESTIVE DRIED FLOWER BAUBLES WORKSHOP FOR ADULTS 6pm-8pm
part of Winter's Den programme​​
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Create your own unique Christmas dried flower baubles! In this relaxed drop-in workshop for adults, you’ll design beautiful transparent ornaments filled with a variety of dried florals and herbs. Add a personal touch by including meaningful words or names to make each bauble truly your own.
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Free Event. Drop In!
FRIday 5 DECEMBER
CHRISTMAS BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 5pm-9pm
part of Winter's Den programme ​​
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Belfast Potter’s Market is a twice annual event that celebrates potters across the North and South of Ireland. This Winter we will host our biggest market yet with 34 potter’s attending.
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During the event you can shop a wide range of different products and take part in pottery workshops.
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Drop In!
saturday 6 DECEMBER
PIANO MUSIC SHOWCASE 12pm-2pm
part of Winter's Den programme ​​
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A relaxing and entertaining afternoon where pupils will showcase their pieces from the Suzuki repertoire, and older students will play a piece of their choice from popular, new age, or traditional genres including some festive classics.
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Drop In!
CHRISTMAS BELFAST POTTERS MARKET 10am-5pm
part of Winter's Den programme ​​
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Belfast Potter’s Market is a twice annual event that celebrates potters across the North and South of Ireland. This Winter we will host our biggest market yet with 34 potter’s attending.
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During the event you can shop a wide range of different products and take part in pottery workshops.
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Drop In!
sunday 7 DECEMBER
CRUFTY CHRISTMAS FASHION SHOW 12pm-3pm
part of Winter's Den programme ​​
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It's time for the hottest event of the season... It's Crufty Christmas, our annual dog fashion show! Is your pet the next Kate Moss or David Gandy?
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Register your stylish pooch for up to 3 catwalk categories: Sleigh Sleigh Sleigh - Christmas Couture, Seeing double - Dogs and their humans and Dapper Dogs - Glitz and Glam. Categories will be judged by guest judges with the opportunity to win a range of dog related prizes including vouchers and merchandise.
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This event, hosted by Jordan Arnold and presented in partnership with Almost Home 'Santa Paws' event is open to dogs of all breeds and all ages. There will be dog vendors there to purchase presents from local businesses and the chance for your dog to get a photo with Santa himself!
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No dog, no problem. You’re invited to watch our fabulous pooches strut their stuff; every celebrity needs their adoring fans after all! Event in aid of Almost Home, this event is free to attend but donations are welcomed on the day.
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Tickets are £3 per category, with all proceeds towards Almost Home.
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Tickets £3 per category
Spectator tickets free!
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Ticketed Event!​
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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week commencing 8th December
Thursday 11 december
SENSORY PLAY & ART SESSIONS 5pm, 6pm & 7pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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To celebrate Christmas coming to 2 Royal Avenue unique sensory play experiences, in a safe and fun filled environment. Sensory Play, toys and quiet area along with a gently guided creative arts & craft session with a fun Christmas theme!
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Sessions @ 5pm, 6pm & 7pm
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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saturday 13 December
ITS A WRAP' GIFT WRAPPING WORKSHOP 10am, 12pm & 2pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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A sustainable gift-wrapping workshop from local artist Ciaran Doran.
Join local Creative Curator Ciaran Elizabeth Doran for a fun and festive series of workshops and demonstrations at 2 Royal Avenue.
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With her famous brown suitcase full of recycled paper materials, fabric, ribbons and twine and even gift tags you can do the following creating sustainable and practical wrapping.
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You will learn how to:
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Print your own wrapping paper on classic brown /white paper
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Make unique gift tags using a vast selection of rubber stamps supplied
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Learn how to create the perfect bow and decoration for your Christmas wrapping
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Learn the top tips for wrapping the perfect parcel that will really make yours stand out under the tree
You can bring up to three gifts to be wrapped. Suitable for ages 16+
Featuring:
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A demonstration of how to wrap difficult items
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Guess the gift
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Enter a draw for a selection of wrapping goodies!​
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Sessions @ 10am, 12pm & 2pm​
Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite.
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sunday 14 DECEMBER
MISS MAGPIE MARKET 10am-2pm
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A mini festive pop-up market focused on sustainable crafts. Come and support local artists while helping the planet too!
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Drop In!​​
week commencing 15th December
friday 19 december
ROCKIN' AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE SILENT DISCO 5pm, 6pm & 7pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Rock around our Christmas tree with this relaxed family silent disco!
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Come and rock around our Christmas tree at this festive family silent disco. We will play the usual sing-along hits as well as those Christmas classics. Choose your own channel on your headset and dance and sing!
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Suitable for ages 3 plus. Each session lasts 45 minutes.
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Sessions @ 5pm (relaxed session), 6pm & 7pm
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book Relaxed tickets on Eventbrite
Click here to book Family tickets on Eventbrite
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saturday 20 December
SUNNYSIDE MUSIC SCHOOL SHOWCASE 12.30pm-1.30pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Sunnyside Music School Christmas Concert!
Violin & Piano students of all ages and stages perform their end of term concert, performing some Christmas songs and grade pieces, solo and ensemble.
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Drop In!
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sUNDAY 21 December
SENSORY PLAY & ART SESSIONS 10am, 11am & 12pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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To celebrate Christmas coming to 2 Royal Avenue unique sensory play experiences, in a safe and fun filled environment. Sensory Play, toys and quiet area along with a gently guided creative arts & craft session with a fun Christmas theme!
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Sessions at 10am, 11am & 12pm
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite.
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CHRISTMAS TRAD SEISUIN 2pm-4pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme ​
FESTIVE TRAD SEISIÚN
Enjoy live music performances with some festive favourites from young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast Area, led by experienced adult traditional musicians from the Glengormley School of Traditional Music.
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Participation is open to all young traditional musicians from the Greater Belfast area.
Free event. Drop in.
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week commencing 22nd December
MONday 22 december
MRS CLAUSE STORYTELLING SESSIONS 11am, 12pm & 1pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Warm, witty, and wonderfully welcoming, Mrs Claus brings festive cheer wherever she goes. Between stories of life at the North Pole and her joyful interactions with families, she spreads kindness, laughter, and a touch of Christmas magic to everyone she meets.
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Sessions @ 11am, 12pm & 1pm
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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TUESday 23 December
FESTIVE FILM SCREENING FOR FAMILIES 11am-1pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Join us for a festive film screening of family favourite, The Polar Express! (2004)
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A Christmas story about a young boy who boards a magical train on Christmas Eve to the North Pole, where he embarks on an adventure to rediscover his belief in Santa Claus.
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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FESTIVE FILM SCREENING FOR SENIORS 2pm-4.15pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Join us for a festive film screening of a classic favourite, It's A Wonderful Life!
Festive Films: It's A Wonderful Life (1946)
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A Christmas fantasy film about a kind but despairing man, George Bailey (James Stewart), who is shown what life would be like if he had never been born by his guardian angel, Clarence (Henry Travers).
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Ticket includes a cup of tea or coffee and a mince pie!
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This event is open to all audiences aged 55+
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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WednesDAY 24 December
CHRISTMAS EVE BOOK SWAP 10am-4pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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For the perfect Christmas Eve treat grab a mystery book from under our tree. With only a description and age rating on view we can all learn not to judge a book by its cover. All books kindly donated.
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Free Event. Drop In!
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MUSIC PERFORMANCE 12pm-2pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Join us for an afternoon of festive tunes with Tyler Michael in our seasonal Winter Den
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Free Event. Drop In!
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week commencing 29TH December
wednesday 31 december
NEW YEARS EVE CEILI 2pm-4pm
​​part of Winter's Den programme
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Start your New Year celebrations with some ceílí dancing at 2 Royal Avenue!
Learn new dances at a relaxing leisurely pace, no previous experience necessary!
No partner needed although by all means bring a spouse, sibling or friend.
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Free Event (Tickets Required)
Click here to book tickets on Eventbrite
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