All the 'fun of of the fair' at Gracehill

It all begins at 1pm with the Mayor, Councillor Maurice Mills formally opening proceedings, followed by the children’s fancy dress parade – children, just come along on the day and assemble at the Church Hall at 12.45pm.

Later in the afternoon there will be the ever-popular Bonny Baby Competition – again simply check in with the organisers just before the ‘line-up’.

As always T2 Party Disco will have an exciting programme of live entertainment, including the Tennessee Line Dancers and singer Mark Carmichael.

There will be plenty of stalls, games and on-going competitions from colouring for the little ones to ‘World Cup’ football challenges for all ages. There will of course be a tea tent, and other refreshments.

The release of the balloons will be a colourful highlight of the afternoon.

Looking forward to the fair, Rev. Jan Mullin said: “Last year, our 250th Anniversary Year, we raised a record-breaking 8,500 at our Fair. This year we hope to do even better because we are now raising money to pay for major renovations to our church building. As this is a Grade A listed building, it has to be restored to its original appearance.

“As well as the fair we also have a very varied on-going programme of fund-raising activities including a Car Boot Sale in the grounds of Gracehill Primary School from 12 noon on Saturday, June 26, and in the church hall, an Auction on August 27 and a flower arranging demonstration on September 3,” said Jan,

She said: “We are following up on the great success of our sing-along to ‘The Sound of Music’ with a sing-along to ‘Mama Mia’ on October 16.”

Gracehill will be ‘open’ on the Saturday of Heritage Weekend (September 11).

Obviously it will not be possible to see inside the church, but there will be all the other usual attractions - the Old School, actors in period costume, the Georgian family home at 8 Montgomery Street, and Country Market stalls and teas in Cennick Hall.