Dancing festival celebrates 50 years

The festival was begun by young dancing teacher, Jean Graham (Graham School of Dancing). Now Mrs. Tennant, Jean is a very well known and respected adjudicator in Irish dancing circles.

Back in 1955 Jean was asked to come and teach Irish dancing in Ballymoney by a then local businessman, the late Mr. Tom Carson who had a shop in Main Street.

There was no festival in the area and Jean had the initiative and drive to raise funds, gather up cups and trophies donated by local businesses, some individuals and other dancing schools throughout the province.

She asked Mr. Carson to be the figurehead and chairman of the festival. The late Mrs. Sara Hamilton, Henry Street, was secretary, assisted by one of Jean’s dancers, Joan Dunlop (now Joan McLean), who produced the programme, etc.

The festival started in 1960 and is one of the finest and most popular in Ireland.

There had been a period many years ago where funds were so low that the festival was in danger of closing. Again, Jean was instrumental in raising more funds by running concerts, coffee parties, etc. and save dthe festival.

For the past 25 years plus, Joan McLean has been solely responsible for the running of the event with the help of a small committee.

Ballymoney Town Hall is one of the best venues for any festival and competitors, teachers and spectators really enjoy the marvellous stage and surrounding features.

This year’s festival begins on Tuesday, April 20 at 2 p.m. and finishes on the night of Saturday, April 24.

Everyone is welcome to come and spectate where they will really enjoy the dancing and the music as well as the adjudications.

There’s a small admission fee at the door.