‘Brighter Days’ ahead in Antrim & Newtownabbey

The Council has plans for a number of ‘Brighter Days’ summer events suitable for all ages ranging from comedy to Summer Schemes to help provide opportunities to get outdoors again and reconnect with family and friends, something we have all missed over the last year.

To celebrate this wheelie good news The Big Wheel will take residence in Market Square Antrim until June 27 and Jordanstown Loughshore Park from Mid-August, offering panoramic views over Belfast Lough and beyond.

Kick-starting the summer events line up is the Ulster Pipe Championships at the Majestic Antrim Castle Gardens on June 19. With the unmistakable skirl of the Highland pipes and a tapestry of tartan, this is a musical spectacular to behold. Lilian Bland Community Park will be awash with colour as Brighter Nights returns every Friday evening from July 2 to August 27 with a different theme each week for children aged two to 11 years.

The Summer Sunday Music programme will return to a number of local parks and visitor attractions including Loughshore Park Jordanstown and Antrim Castle Gardens each Sunday from July 4 – 29 August, where visitors will be treated to a free outdoor music concert showcasing the best of local talent including jazz, blues, accordion, pipe, silver and brass bands. The children can look forward to a programme of virtual entertainment delivered with lots of fun elements.

The Civic Square at Mossley Mill is also gearing up to welcome back visitors for some open-air music, comedy and drama performances. This Super Summer Series is set to begin on July 30 with the Illegals featuring Niamh Kavanagh taking to the stage with their live celebration of the music of the Eagles featuring unique interpretations of all the hits from Lying Eyes to Hotel California. Other headline acts include Comedian Neil Delamere,

musical maestro Peter Corry, Flash Harry, Elvis Spectacular and much more. Remember to clear your diaries for One Giant Weekend fromSeptember 3-5, this three-day festival of fun is part of the council’s Centenary of Northern Ireland commemorative programme.

Events will take place at V36, Antrim Castle Gardens and Mossley Mill and will include Live Music, Comedy, Drama, Street Entertainment and with the addition of One Giant Picnic. More details on the Council website