Seasonal events go on but many fall foul of snow spell

WEEKEND EVENTS:THE FIRST weekend of December normally sees Christmas festivities begin in earnest, but like the rest of the country many are falling foul of the weather.

People are strongly advised to contact the event organisers ahead of travelling to see if it is still going ahead.

The Dublin’s Docklands Christmas market opened yesterday and will run for 20 days, with more than 100 market traders selling a range of Christmas products. This year’s theme has a Teutonic twist and features brightly decorated German wooden huts and chalets with an array of gifts and decorations.

Belvedere College plays host to a Christmas market from noon-8pm today and tomorrow. After the market today, there will be a performance of the Nutcracker by the Irish National Youth Ballet in the O’Reilly Theatre and tomorrow a Christmas Carol Service at 7pm.

The National Crafts and Design Fair is running from 10am to 7pm at the RDS Main Hall tomorrow.

Handel’s Messiah takes place at the Grand Canal Theatre tonight while Horslips play the O2, with Arcade Fire performing tomorrow.

The Panto on the Liffeyaboard the Spirit of the Docklandssets sail from Bachelor's Walk today and tomorrow from noon. The adventure down the river features John Currivan, Sarah Jayne Quigley and Eimear Morrissey in a free show. However, spaces are limited so booking is essential.

The Other Voices Festival in Dingle starts today and runs until Tuesday. Acts appearing include; The National, Jarvis Cocker, Richard Hawley, Marina and The Diamonds, Laura Marling, Smoke Fairies, Cathy Davey, And So I Watch You From Afar, among others.

For the first time the shows will be broadcast in high definition screenings from St James’s Church to seven other venues across Dingle thanks to Intune Networks. Run in association with the Dublin Simon Community, MusicMaker is hosting free introductory demonstrations for a host of different instruments all weekend.

Chocoholics will be disappointed to hear some of the events at A Chocolate Christmas in Temple Bar have been cancelled or postponed due to the weather. Most of the changes relate to outdoor events with the majority of indoor events continuing as planned.

Co Couture’s Chocolate Connoisseurs Club takes place at noon in the Clarence Hotel, while the “All wrapped up! Children’s workshop” with the Ministry of Chocolate will run from 11am tomorrow at the Culture Box.

Meanwhile, a memorial service for the Pike River Miners will take place at Christ Church Cathedral in Dublin at 3.30pm tomorrow. The event is being organised by the New Zealand community in Ireland and all donations will be forwarded to the Pike River Mine Relief Trust Fund. A book of condolence has also been opened in the cathedral.

Sports events have been hit hard this weekend with most games being called off or postponed across all disciplines with no GAA action at all.

In rugby, Munster have moved today’s clash against Cardiff at Thomond Park forward by 2½ hours in a bid to beat the elements. The game now takes place at 5pm.

The only racing this weekend will be at the all-weather track in Dundalk tomorrow.