Packed programme of events gets underway in Broughshane on Friday

Willie Drennan and some of the musicians pictured at Raceview Mill, Broughshane, at the launch of The Fest at Raceview.

The exciting event is the brain-child of local photographer and artist, Roy McKeown and it guarantees to be a highly entertaining experience.

In conjunction with Food NI and Taste of Ulster, you can expect some mouth-watering treats including traditional local fare from the likes of Jane’s Kitchen, Blackthorn artisan bread, and famous chef Chris Bell.

There will also be a pig roast, Jolly Pies and happy beef from Hillstown Farm, and some of finest local crafted beer from the new Hillstown Brewery and crafted ciders from Armagh.

Live atmospheric music from fiddles, harps and big drums will echo round the mill throughout the day, including CD launches, intimate concerts and buskers.

Friday night will be folk night including Willie Drennan’s Ulster Scots Band and maestro Bob Speers.

Saturday night will be a fusion of Willie’s local folk and John Trotter’s jazz, ending with everyone on the floor for a good old rock-a-billy style rock ‘n roll.

The Deetones will provide stomping and rocking tunes suitable for stompers and rockers from aged 18 to 98.

There will be over 30 artisans displaying their wares, chosen carefully from the best of local talent.

This will be a fantastic opportunity to buy all the special gifts you need to get between now and Christmas.

The festival site is situated in the most idyllic of settings by the banks of the mature tree-lined River Braid and on the off-chance that the weather turns wet, events will move inside the large mill warehouses and historic mill buildings.

Meanwhile, in the festival field, there will be a wide range of outdoor activities organised by the Lisnamurrican Young Farmers’ Club.

There will be demonstrations by artisans and both the Austin and Riley vintage car clubs.

There will also be ambient music by an invited band of professional music-makers throughout the day as well as the concerts each night.

And, there is a separate children’s event in conjunction with Children In Need which is being organised by Vera McCullough.

The Raceview Fest gets underway this Friday, August 15, from noon until 5.30pm, and Saturday, August 16, from 11am until 5.30pm.

The concerts on Friday and Saturday nights get underway from 6.30pm until 10.30pm each night.

Admission is £5 each day, and £7 for each of the concert nights. All-day passes for each day are £10 with an early bird weekend pass for £15.

Admission for children under 12 years is free for day time only and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets are on sale locally at Braid Arts Centre, and Hillstown Farm Shop.

Parking will be available on site via the main entrance on Raceview Road.

For more information, phone 028 2586 2106 or email [email protected]