Hi °C | Lo °C It is that time of year again when the dark nights arrive early and we all seem to rush home to avoid the cold rainy weather and snuggle up on the couch with the best of what's on the box.
It is that time of year again when the dark nights arrive early and we all seem to rush home to avoid the cold rainy weather and snuggle up on the couch with the best of what's on the box.
BBC Northern Ireland capitalises on this change of season with its autumn launch, allowing the Press to get a sneak preview of what is to come over the next few months.
Last week the launch was executed with such precision that it had to be the most spectacular yet.
The Potthouse in Belfast was the chosen venue, with the first floor being totally transformed from what Saturday night clubbers are used to.
The experience started before you entered the building with the red autumnal theme splashed around the entrance hall and decorating the trees outside.
On arrival, guests were treated to a kir royale reception - again following through with the red trend even for their choice of drink.
For those who haven't ventured into the Potthouse before, it consists of the obligatory dance space and VIP seating inside various cubes.
The BBC team had transformed each cubed seating area by disguising them with screens onto which images of fire dancers/throwers were projected.
The tables were red, the food was red and the venue was enveloped in luxurious red fabric, even changing the cushions to co-ordinate with the overall theme.
The 200-strong guest list was treated to a showreel of the autumn schedule, with glimpses of Darryl Grimason's new show, Waterworld, and an in-depth look at the life of Sam McAughtry, who was also in attendance with his partner, Phyllis.
Following a few words from BBC controller
If you have passed Belfast City Hall in the past few days you could not have missed the huge stage structure in preparation for the now annual BBC Proms in the Park.
I was lucky enough to get shown around the glorious rig on Friday before the actual concert kicked off last night.
The three-hour classical party has now become a musical date for the diary.
Many promenaders from all over Northern Ireland arriving to the grounds of the City Hall with their fold-out seats, picnic hampers and glasses of chilled chablis.
The plan was to make it bigger and better than previous years, particularly because the City Hall is marking its centenary alongside the 40th birthday of the Ulster Orchestra.
Also among the line-up for the outdoor extravaganza were young Irish soprano Ailish Tynan, Scottish violin sensation Nicola Benedetti and the ever-popular Ulster Youth Choir.
I got to meet legendary singing star Lesley Garrett, who arrived prior to the event to take part in Press interviews.
She was very excited to be a part of the line-up and was looking forward to talent-scouting a few local singers whom she felt had big futures ahead of them, too.
