Carrick set to remember and revisit historical events

Carrickfergus will, over the coming weeks and months, be the venue for a number of events which will remember and revisit historic occasions which have special significance for the town and its people.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th May 2019, 11:30 BST
A scene from the Royal Landing at Carrickfergus in 2017. This year's event will take place this year from Thursday to Sunday, June 6-9.A scene from the Royal Landing at Carrickfergus in 2017. This year's event will take place this year from Thursday to Sunday, June 6-9.
A scene from the Royal Landing at Carrickfergus in 2017. This year's event will take place this year from Thursday to Sunday, June 6-9.

The first will take place on Saturday, May 25, with the North Irish Horse Commemoration of the Battle for the Adolf Hitler Line

in the town centre at 10.30am.

A special remembrance parade and service will take place on the day which recalls how 36 members of what is now B (North Irish Horse) Squadron of The Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry died in action during the battle on May 23, 1944.

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The unit’s Churchill Tanks were integral to the success of Operation Chesterfield by breaching the Adolf Hitler Line during the closing months of World War II.

The Adolf Hitler Line was the objective of the operation, an assault by the First Canadian Division supported by tanks of the North Irish Horse and the 51st Royal Tank Regiment. The regiment still wear the Maple Leaf, the national emblem of Canada, which was awarded as a battle honour by the Canadian Government as a result of this action following the heavy losses.

The following month will see the Castle Green come alive with ‘The 329th Royal Landing’.

This colourful annual event explores Carrickfergus’ unique cultural history featuring the re-enactment of the landing of King William and parade. It will take place this year from Thursday to Sunday, June 6-9, with the main event being a pageant day on Saturday, June 8.

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Free family entertainment and activities will help add to the traditional annual carnival atmosphere.

The Castle Green will be the setting in August for The Siege of Carrickfergus event. Visitors and residents can once again experience the Re-enactment of Schomberg’s Siege of Carrickfergus at this free event which will run from 12noon to 4pm on Monday, August 26.

This event will include re-enactment groups and military encampments, live cannons and musket firing aimed at bringing the famous battle to life, as well as something for the little ones to enjoy. All spectators can travel back in time for a while as they witness Carrickfergus Castle under siege by King William III’s forces, led by the Duke of Schomberg against the Jacobite Irish commanding forces that took place in 1689. This annual event marks an important milestone in the history of both the castle and the town and aims to provide spectators with a taste of the significant historical events, which took place here.

Related topics:CarrickfergusCarrickCanadaSquadronBattle