Carnlough Carnival launches

Garth Brooks never made it to Dublin but he turned up in Carnlough along with his agent in the form of Mary McCourt and Maria Donnelly at the Antrim Coast Lion's Club Annual Carnival INLT 32-213-AM

Last year’s carnival raised £18,346, bringing the total raised for charity to £351,651 since 2001.

This year’s event will run until August 2, with proceeds being used to support local projects.

For this year’s Fancy Dress and Float Parade, participants are asked to assemble at Beachlands Play Park at 7pm to parade through the village accompanied by Chidambaram Ladies Samba Band.

Judging and prize giving by the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council will take place at approximately 8.30pm.

This will be followed by an open air disco by Dream Theme Entertainment in the Harbour Car Park.

On Saturday July 25, there will be a Children’s Fun Day featuring face painting, a bouncy Castle and stalls at Glenlough Community Centre Green. The event, organised by Carnlough Community Association, will begin at 12.30pm.

Meanwile, an afternoon tea party in aid of Chest, Heart & Stroke will be held by Antrim Coast Lions Club at 2pm in Ardclinis Church Hall on the Croft Road. A maximum of 60 tickets are available priced at £7.50 each from the Charity Shop, Carnival Office or Lion Sandra Tabb.

On Sunday July 26, hymns and songs of praise will be held at the Methodist Church in Herbert Street, starting at 7pm.

There will be special Celtic hymns and music.

The President of the Methodist Church will be in attendance and there will be a retiring collection for Larne and East Antrim Multiple Sclerosis Society. The service will be followed by tea and coffee.

On Monday July 27 at 2pm, Carnlough’s Got Talent Junior Competition will be held in the Glenlough Community Centre. Registration by a parent at the door is required, no unaccompanied children are allowed and the number of competitors will be limited.

From July 28-31, sports coaching for five to 12 year olds will take place at Glenlough Multi Use Games Area. The sessions for kids aged 5-8 years will take place from 10am-11am, while the sessions for kids aged 9-12 will take place from 11am-12pm.

On August 1, there will be a grand finale open air barbecue and dancing at the Harbour Complex from 8pm. This will be followed by a fireworks display at approximately 102.20pm.

For a full list of events, consult the carnival programme, available in local shops for £1.