MAC launches Golden Bookmark hunt

Zach McClure aged five, Erin McCabe aged eight and Finn McCabe aged five launch the Golden Bookmark Competition being run in libraries across Northern Ireland.

A Golden Opportunity to win with the MAC this Christmas.

To celebrate our brand new Christmas show The Incredible Book Eating Boy we are offering local families the chance to win incredible prizes, simply by opening a book.

The MAC has teamed up with Libraries NI and Easons to give children from across Northern Ireland the chance to win fantastic family tickets to the anticipated show by finding a lucky ‘Golden Bookmark’ in their favourite books.

The MAC will place 800 ‘Golden Bookmarks’ in children’s books in Easons flagship Donegall Place store and 53 participating libraries across Northern Ireland over the coming weeks. The lucky recipients of these Golden Bookmarks simply have to answer a question about The Incredible Book Eating Boy, the new family show by Cahoots NI and the MAC, then drop the bookmark into the MAC, Easons or their local participating library to be in with a chance of winning some ‘incredible’ prizes.

Winners will be chosen at random in the run-up to the opening of the show on 27 November with prizes including family tickets to the show, pairs of tickets to the show, goodies bags and copies of The Incredible Book Eating Boy by acclaimed Belfast children’s author and illustrator, Oliver Jeffers.

The award-winning children’s book will come to life in an extraordinary and enchanting Christmas show that tells the story of Henry, a boy who loves books so much that he eats them. This exclusive production is full of spectacular magic, music and fun for the whole family, including live music, an on-stage choir and captivating illusions.

Gillian Mitchell, Director of Programmes said: “We are unbelievably excited about bringing this magical story by our very own Oliver Jeffers to life this Christmas. The Incredible Book Eating Book is a show for all the whole family to enjoy, packed with fun, music and spectacular magic.  We’ll also have a free exhibition of Oliver Jeffers’ illustrations on display in our Substation, plus lots of other fun activities making the MAC a place for the whole family to have lots of fun this Christmas.”

Jonathan Johnston, Easons Store Manager added: “The main character of the book, Henry, loved books so much that he decided to eat them. He was the inspiration behind our partnership with the MAC, as a way to encourage every child in Northern Ireland to enjoy reading.   So we’re encouraging kids to pop into the new family area in our flagship store, pick up a book to read and be in with the chance of winning some fabulous tickets to see the story come to life on stage at the MAC.”

Helen Osborn, Director of Libraries NI, continued: “The Incredible Book Eating Boy is a very popular children’s book in our libraries and we are delighted to see such a huge interest in the works of this celebrated Northern Ireland author, Oliver Jeffers.  We know that kids will love picking up their favourite books in the library and searching for these lucky golden bookmarks so they can be in with a chance of seeing Henry come to life on stage. It will be fantastic to see this much-loved story transformed into a spectacular Christmas show and Libraries NI is delighted to work with the MAC to make this a possibility for many of our young library users.”

 The Incredible Book Eating Boy runs at the MAC, Belfast from 27 November to 1 January with special showings and discounts for schools and groups.  ‘Golden Bookmarks’ will be distributed in children’s books in Eason’s Donegall Place and participating libraries over a three week period from 2 November to 23 November.

To find out information about the show or to book tickets visit The Incredible Book Eating Boy show page.

 

Competition Terms and Conditions

 Entry: The competition is open to all members of the public who find and return a bookmark in one of the participating venues by the deadline. Any MAC, Libraries NI, or Easons staff, children or family members are not permitted to enter the competition. Proof of identity and age may be required. Use of a false name or address will result in disqualification.

Entry validation: Bookmarks must be returned by the 23 November to the MAC. Bookmarks can be given into Easons, Donegall Place, a participating library (before the 21 November), or posted to IBEB Competition, the MAC, 10 Exchange Street, Belfast. BT12NJ. Entries that are incomplete, illegible or indecipherable will not be valid and deemed void. No responsibility can be accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post.

Prizes: Show tickets are valid between 27 November and the 3 December only, subject to availability and prior booking is necessary. Family tickets are for a maximum of two adults and four children, children must be aged 16 or under. Tickets must be collected at the MAC box office before the show. The prizes are as stated, are not transferable to another individual and no cash or other alternatives will be offered. The winner(s) is (are) responsible for expenses and arrangements not specifically included in the prizes. The promoters reserve the right to amend or alter the terms of competitions at any time and reject entries from entrants not entering into the spirit of the competition. In the event of a prize being unavailable, the promoter reserves the right to offer an alternative prize of equal or greater value.

Winner selection: Winners will be selected at random from all returned bookmarks on 23 November. All winners will be contacted through the contact details provided on the returned bookmark. Failure to respond within a reasonable time period will result in the ticket being redrawn and the exclusion of the original competition winner.

Winners: Winners must be willing to take part in associated publicity, included will be press, online and social media. This may include a photograph. All competition entrants will also be added to the MAC’s mailing list.