Garryduff Ulster Scots Festival success

The first evening, which was being recorded for radio broadcast by the BBC Radio Ulster show “A Kist O’ Words”, featured music by Blazing Bellows accordion group, an insight into Ulster Scots language by members of the Ballymoney Ullans Speakers Association and a talk on lambeg drumming and its unique place in Ulster culture.

Many people commented on how they had learned something new on both these subjects from the speakers, as well as enjoying the foot-tapping music.

Friday night featured a historical talk by local writer and historian Mr Alex Blair, whose subject was Liberals, Orangemen and Unionists. It covered Orangeism in the Ballymoney area from 1880 to 1914 and the social and political influences that influenced it such as the Liberal movement, Home Rule and the rise of Ulster Unionism & Irish Nationalism. Also during the evening those in attendance were entertained to music by William Campbell on the bagpipes and Matthew Sloan on the fiddle & tin whistle.

Saturday afternoon saw the three days of events draw to a close with outdoor entertainment at Castlecroft, Main Street in the form of a Festival of Ulster Scots Music, Song and Dance. This was provided by The Grousebeaters folk group from Cairncastle, the Bannside Lambeg Drumming Club from Coleraine and The Blue Belles & Evergreen Scottish Country Dancers from Kilrea & Ballymoney. The large crowds in attendance thoroughly enjoyed the performances during the sunny afternoon.

The organisers wish to exspress their thanks to the Ulster Scots Agency and Ballymoney Borough Council for providing funding for these events through their respective Community Festival Funds.