Lough Neagh Fest

THE Lough Neagh Fest is a ‘monster’ festival that celebrates the uniqueness of the largest inland water lake in Britain and Ireland, with four 4 fun-filled days of events for all the family.

The festival now in it’s sixth year and features everything from sporting events, to historic lectures, family days out, and Watersports taster sessions.

This year’s festival will be held from 24th – 27th August and promises to be as exhilarating and fun filled as last year.

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Eimear Kearney, Marketing Officer of Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “Lough Neagh Fest promises to show people a different side to the Lough, we are hoping that local people will support the celebration of the Provinces most valuable natural asset.”

Ever fancied getting on the waters of Lough Neagh for some exhilarating activities? Ballyronan Boat Club is giving novices the opportunity to learn some basic skills with windsurfing and sailing taster sessions on August 23. Phone 0772 516 2008 to book your place. Booking essential.

Lough Neagh Fest kicks off with the Ballyronan Festival of Lights on August 24, enjoy the beautiful sights of the marina by night, with the illuminations of cruise liners and sail boats reflecting on the gently lapping water Ballyronan Festival of Lights is a great evening of entertainment for all the family with an impressive boat lighting display, The Lough Neagh Rescue Raft Race, fireworks, Q Radio Road-show, amusements, circus performers and live band. Entry £1. For more details log onto www.discoverloughneagh.com/events or phonoe 028 7941 8399.

If you want to be part of the buzz surrounding the Paralympics then head for Cookstown on August 25. The Mid-Ulster Sports Arena will host a family fun-day, for further details phone 02886767135 or visit www.cookstown.gov.uk

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Lough Neagh has its very own Canoe Trail, if you would like to paddle a section and camp overnight, why not join in with the canoe paddle tour on August 25-26.

Canoeists of all ages and abilities are welcome as are all types of kayaks and canoes.

Boats can also be hired from CANI. Booking Essential, contact Canoe Association of Northern Ireland on 028 90 738884, email [email protected] or visit www.cani.org.uk

August 26 will see the seventh Lap the Lough Cycle event - the biggest event of its kind in Northern Ireland and is not exclusively for the elite or club cyclist but for anyone up for a challenge.

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The event aims to encourage as many cyclists to do 1 lap of Lough Neagh, and subsequently raise cash for good causes. We provide as much help as possible to anyone who hasn’t attempted this distance before with training programmes, tips and links to more information. So if you’ve been waiting for the opportunity to get back in the saddle... here it is! www.lapthelough.org

From the August 24-26, Hilden Brewery will host a Beer & Music Festival, come along and enjoy local music with a range of over 35 beer and ciders to sample. For further information phone 028 9266 3863.

If you are keen to learn about the Heritage of Lough Neagh, join the Lough Neagh Partnership on August 27 for the annual Lough Neagh Heritage Lecture and Tour at Ballyronan Marina starting at 11am.

Lough Neagh Heritage expert Moira O’Rourke will host a lecture entitled; ‘From Stone Tools to Flying Boats – The Heritage of Lough Neagh’ which examines the evidence of human settlement on the shores of Lough Neagh spanning a time frame of 7000 years.

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Tickets must be booked in advance and cost £12, this includes a light lunch and bus tour. Telephone 028 7941 7941 for details.

A full itinerary of events with contact details can be found in the Lough Neagh Events guide available from www.discoverloughneagh.com