Broadisland Gathering celebrates Ballycarry townland names

The Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band together with locals at the opening ceremony of the Broadisland Gathering in Fairhill Ampitheatre. INLT-36-700-con

The event, on Thursday September 3, will include a presentation by Gordon McCoy of the Turas initiative in East Belfast on the local townlands.

Organisers say that while there will be a focus on Irish and Ulster Scots origins, there will also be discussion of the considerable Norman influence on local placenames.

The presentation will be one of a number at the cultural celebration, which aims to highlight the best in Ulster Scots and other cultures.

There will also be presentations on Ulster Scots literary traditions such as James Orr, a presentation from the Belfast Jewish Community and entertainment from drummers, a piper and the Kathryn Stewart School of Highland Dancing.

The event starts at 7pm on Thursday, when people can visit different stalls and displays before the formal presentations from 8pm. Admission is free.

The following evening, there will be a car boot sale on the village green and an Ulster Scots cookery night in the community centre, starting at 7pm, with admission £5 on the door.

The main day of the Gathering is Saturday September 5, with events running from 11am until 5pm.

The Gathering opened on Sunday, when the Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band turned out in strength to play at the Fairhill amphitheatre.

The year is the 23rd annual Gathering in the village and the events are supported by the Ulster Scots Agency, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Community Relations Council.