Mayor’s parade will be fin-tastic!

This year’s parade promises to be a splashing success and Mayor of Coleraine, councillor Norman Hillis is looking forward to his big day out.

“This event has a fantastic carnival atmosphere and provides a day’s free entertainment for the whole family to enjoy together.

“This year’s theme, ‘Fruits of the Sea’ gives children the opportunity to join in the fun by dressing up as their favourite sea creature or character and they can even have their face painted for free at Coleraine Town Hall.

“I am continuing to enjoy my time in office and I am thrilled to participate in the fun family day as a celebration of my year as Mayor. I am tremendously proud to be leading the parade through Coleraine and I am very much looking forward to meeting the crowds.”

Over 120 children from local schools and organisations will participate in the parade, which will leave Coleraine High School at 12 noon.

During the parade, the Carnival children will don their spectacular costumes and dive into one of the three separate processions; ‘Carrying their Catch’, ‘The Sea Section’ and ‘The Pirate Ghosts’.

A variety of local acts are expected to continue the party in Coleraine town centre throughout the day. Brian Moore will be MC for an afternoon of live music and entertainment at Coleraine Town Hall between 12 noon – 3pm, where North Coast’s favourite live act, ‘The Grooverobbers’, are set to make their Coleraine debut and local dance troop, ‘The Twirlstars’ will perform.

Crowds on Church Street will be treated to a performance by the ‘Kilrea Pipeband’ before being dazzled by ‘Grant Goldie’, illusionist, juggler and acrobat. The fun even extends to Kingsgate Street where local traditional band, Divil the Bit, will perform classic tunes in the spring sunshine.

To further add to the celebration, a special Causeway Speciality Easter Market will be held at the Town Hall from 9am to 2.30pm. Over 20 stall holders are expected on Saturday, selling an abundance of gourmet, locally sourced products including delicious home-made cakes and sweet treats, speciality curry sauces, Mediterranean style olives, fresh fish, hand-made crafts and jewellery and much, much more!

Coleraine’s Britian in Bloom team, who won the Silver Guild at last year’s competition, will be showcasing some of their work at a special stall at the Town Hall. Members of the public will be given the opportunity to win one of six specially created hanging baskets and a gardening expert will also be on-hand to provide advice and help from 12 mid day until 3pm.