Fang-tastic Halloween Festival in Portballintrae

Thousands of people attended the three-day event which included, as its highlight, a Hallowe’en Lantern parade lead by Barry Donnelly and the “Portballintrae Drummers” and culminating in the fireworks spectacular sponsored by the Bayview Hotel.

Portballintrae Residents’ Association, which has been at the forefront of the regeneration process of their village, expressed their delight in the response to the festival.

“This year we actively sought to reach out to more groups in the Coleraine Borough area,” said Joyce Rankin, chairperson of the Residents’ Association.

“Carnalridge and Ballytober Primary Schools were invaluable by making the amazing lanterns that were carried in the parade. Pavestones Rehabilitation Centre in Coleraine brought Finn MacCool and his helpers. “It is a true testament to our volunteers hard work when you see how much people enjoyed this weekend.

“We also wish to thank the Sammy McMullan for the use of his lorry, the Bushmills Inn, Emma McConaghy, and Mark Allen of Ma Fleur Designs for their donations to the raffle; Sonya, Tony, Jayne and Leonard for their salsa demonstrations and Billy Cliff and Sandra Kirk for their entertaining music. Last but not least, thanks go to the Bayview Hotel for their tireless support.”

Funding for the festival came in part from Coleraine Borough Council and the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. The Big Lottery “Awards for All” also funded the stage and multi-media system that was used to great effect.

Joyce added: “It was amazing to see the sheer numbers of people that came to our village this weekend. We have proven, once again, that Portballintrae is one of the best places for families to come just to enjoy themselves in a safe and spectacular setting”.