Five Larne stories that got people talking in 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, we take a look back at some of our readers’ favourite articles through the year.
From nostalgic photo spreads to local business success, here are five stories and features that resonated with Larne readers in 2025.
50 year milestone for Gloucester Park Day Centre
We dipped into the archives and turned up some fab throwback photos as Gloucester Park Day Centre celebrated its 50th anniversary in March 2025.
Meanwhile, to mark the occasion, Team North colleagues got in to the spirit of things with a series of 70s themed parties, with guests enjoying nostalgic themed refreshments made especially for the occasion by the centre’s catering staff.
Don't Ever Stop: documentary on Tony de Vit and Larne's DJ Fergie
Back in June 2025, Larne’s DJ Fergie told of his pride at taking part in an award-winning documentary about his mentor, the late DJ and music producer Tony de Vit.
‘Don’t Ever Stop’ tells the story of how Tony, the ‘Godfather of Hard House’ made his name during the UK’s vibrant club scene of the 1980s and 90s.
Commenting on the documentary, which is available on Amazon Prime, Fergie said: "It always makes me happy to show people where I’m from. I’m glad the film makers took the time to come to my neighbourhood the Factory.”
St MacNissi's Primary marks 25th anniversary of school building
There were celebrations at St MacNissi's Primary in September 2025 as staff, families and pupils marked the 25th anniversary of the school building, with our nostalgic photo spread sparking fond memories for readers.
The school held an event to recognise the important milestone, with pupils also marking the occasion by burying a time capsule filled with messages in the school garden.
Larne's Hampton Roast Coffee awarded Online Retailer of the Year
In August 2025, a Larne-based coffee brand that started life as a lockdown passion project received a top business accolade.
Hampton Roast Coffee, founded by Rhyan McCoy, was awarded Business All-Star Accreditation and officially named Online Retailer of the Year 2025 by the All-Ireland Business Foundation (AIBF).
The business had its beginnings in 2020, with Rhyan roasting beans in a popcorn machine in his kitchen.
Plan aims to attract £50m in investment to Larne with four flagship projects
In November 2025, plans to support Larne’s long-term prosperity through a series of flagship projects were formally unveiled at Stormont – and the proposals certainly got people talking.
The launch of Larne Community Wealth Building (CWB) Partnership’s plan for the area included proposals to redevelop the former Dunnes Stores building on Main Street, as well as infrastructure improvements at Larne Port, new pharmaceutical facility ‘Willowbank 2’, and potential uses for the strategically important Riverdale site, among other plans.