Fun for all the family at Dalriada Festival

With one of the biggest line-ups of world-class entertainment Northern Ireland has ever seen, the Glens of Antrim will definitely come alive at the festival, which takes place in the beautiful grounds Glenarm Castle Estate from Friday, June 17 to Sunday, June 10.

The weekend kicks of with an opening parade and carnival in the streets of Glenarm Village followed by a concert headlined by up-and-coming local band General Fiasco on Friday 17 at 6.30pm.

Adrian Morrow, Glenarm Castle Estates Manager, said: “For three days the Glenarm Estate will be abuzz with the excitement of the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival.

“We have everything and more to make this a weekend to remember. The best of sport, music and fine food will be showcased as well as loads of other activities.

“From live bands, helicopter rides, and Fossetts’ circus – the list goes on. You can even try your hand at jeep off-roading, zip lining, and archery. There is definitely something for everyone at the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival.”

Kids and adults will delight in a magical treat from Fossett’s Circus who are set to return to Northern Ireland after a six-year absence.

As well as the Festival Circus which will be filled with amazing performances from acrobats and contortionists, the Festival has lots on offer to keep the kids entertained including the Dalriada Kiddies Kingdom – with waltzer, dodgems a Ferris Wheel and much much more.

There will be showcasing of Beef Shorthorn cattle in the form of a full range of judging classes representing breeders from throughout the Province. This is the 5th Annual Beef Shorthorn Show organized by the NI regional Club – and it always attracts a top notch entry. This takes place on Saturday with judging commencing at 10.30am.

The evenings will be filled with the sounds of music as the Estate plays host to classical music trio, The Priests, and American gospel singer David Phelps on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

However, the P&O Ferries Dalriada Festival in partnership with UTV, funded by North East Region Rural Development Programme, isn’t just about music. Throughout the weekend the Highland Games ‘World Championships’ will be taking place with the traditional assortment of feats of strength including the hammer throw and tossing the caber.

This Festival of Sport is not to be missed with a shinty challenge against our Scottish cousins as well as Tug-o-War, Tag Rugby, a triathlon, a Rowing Regatta and Poc-fada, a tournament testing the skills of Ireland’s best hurlers.

No day at the Glenarm Estate would be complete without a taste of fine foods and Food NI will be hosting the Fine Food Marquee, which will feature a wide range of Northern Ireland’s fresh local produce made by some of our finest producers such as Ewing’s Seafoods (Glenarm Salmon), Hannan’s (Glenarm Beef), Hoys Farmhouse Ice-cream, Bella Jo, Glastry Farm Ice-cream, Harrnets Oils, Barnaby’s, Boozeberries and Mash Direct.

Celebrity chef Jenny Bristow will even be cooking up a storm in the NEFF Festival of food – giving cookery master classes, using herbs and vegetables from our very own walled garden.

Tickets for the weekend’s festivities are affordably priced – with a weekend pass including entrance to all concerts costing just £55 for adults and £45 for children.

Mr Morrow continued: “Whether you just want to come along for the day, at a price of £27 for a family of four, or want to enjoy the whole weekend we have tickets available – and if you want to stay we have caravan and camping packages available too.”

Translink will provide a free park and ride shuttle bus service between the Drumnagreagh site and Glenarm Castle on Saturday and Sunday. The festival Park & Ride site will be signposted from Ballygally.

For more information and tickets for the event, please visit www.dalriadafestival.co.uk