Garden Show Ireland: 'challenging weather' blamed for 'disappointing' visitor figures at Antrim Castle Gardens event

A report presented to councillors at a meeting of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s Community Development Committee this week said the event attracted over 17,000 visitors “in spite of very challenging weather conditions in the lead up to and during the event”.

By comparison, the attraction held at Antrim Castle Gardens in 2022 welcomed 22,161 visitors but resulted in a loss of £3,000 for the local authority.

This was the first time it had been held since 2018. Seventy per cent of visitors to the flagship event travelled from outside the borough, including the Republic of Ireland. Antrim and Newtownabbey has been hosting Garden Show Ireland since 2014.

One of the main attractions is The Clockwork Garden specially designed by celebrity gardener and event ambassador Diarmuid Gavin to mark Her Late Majesty the Queen’s platinum jubilee and is a permanent attraction at the location.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces Day held at Jordanstown Loughshore and Hazelbank Park, on June 22, attracted 60,000 visitors. It was held at a cost of almost £102,000.

The report also stated that ‘A Victorian Easter’ at Sentry Hill, Glengormley, was “well-supported and has potential for future growth”. The annual Ballyclare May Fair attracted approximately 33,000 visitors.

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Other local events noted in the report included the Sixmile Festival, a music event which took place in Antrim and Spinning Yarns, a craft event held at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, last Saturday.

Commenting at the meeting, Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch described this year’s visitor figures for Garden Show Ireland as “disappointing” suggesting that it may have “run its course”.

She added: “The Sixmile Festival did not get the numbers I would have liked to have seen.”

Ursula Fay, director of community planning, replied: “Garden Show Ireland is an event that really depends of the sunshine and also in the build up to it. It was the worst weather for Garden Show Ireland. Absolutely freezing as well. There is always a risk with outdoor events.”

She noted the council’s events programme is “constantly evolving”‘.

Threemilewater Alliance Cllr Julie Gilmour said that she was “delighted” Spinning Yarns will be a two-day event next year.

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter