Dale Farm extends Grand Opera House pantomime sponsorship as Pinocchio takes centre stage

As the festive season gets into full swing, Dale Farm has announced its continued support for Northern Ireland’s most celebrated Christmas tradition, renewing its sponsorship of the Grand Opera House pantomime for the ninth consecutive year.

The dairy cooperative’s long-running partnership with the iconic Belfast theatre underlines its ongoing commitment to championing the region’s arts sector, while also encouraging family enjoyment and festive togetherness.

This year’s production, The Adventures of Pinocchio, makes its Grand Opera House debut, brought to life by an award-winning creative team from Crossroads — the world’s largest pantomime producer.

The show promises all the hallmarks that local audiences have come to love, including energetic musical numbers, stunning costumes, dazzling effects and classic laugh-out-loud humour.

Caroline Martin, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications at Dale Farm, emphasised the special role pantomime plays in local family life.

“Pantomime season brings a special kind of magic and is a particular highlight in our calendar,” she said.

“Bringing generations of families together to enjoy unforgettable moments and create lasting memories is what panto is all about. As a cooperative owned by local farmers, family is also at the heart of everything we do at Dale Farm, from producing dairy favourites enjoyed across generations, to supporting the local communities we serve.

“We look forward to seeing audiences of all ages join Pinocchio and his friends in this amazing new pantomime, and who ‘nose’, maybe even enjoy a delicious Dale Farm ice cream along the way!”

Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House, welcomed the renewal of the partnership.

“We are delighted that Dale Farm is sponsoring our pantomime for the ninth year, and for their continued role in helping spread panto joy with generations of families,” he said.

“The Theatre opened its doors with a pantomime in December 1895, and we’re proud to be carrying that tradition forward 130 years later. Audiences are in for yet another unmissable Grand Opera House treat with The Adventures of Pinocchio staged by our talented West End creative team.

“With more than 71,000 tickets already sold, now is the perfect time to secure your seats for Northern Ireland’s biggest panto.”

Adding to the festive experience, Dale Farm ice cream will be available throughout the Theatre for the duration of the show.

The Adventures of Pinocchio opened last Saturday and will run until Sunday 11 January 2026.

Tickets and further information are available at: goh.co.uk/whats-on/the-adventures-of-pinocchio