Slemish costume drama brings St. Patrick to life

Saint Patrick is to really ‘come to life’ tomorrow at one of the most iconic locations associated with the saint’s life – Slemish, near Broughshane, Ballymena.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: “Look out for our live video streaming from the slopes of Slemish tomorrow – where a young St Patrick once herded sheep – with the ‘real’ St Patrick as one of the stars.

“These online ‘broadcasts’ mean that those unable to join the many hundreds expected to undertake the traditional annual trek to the top of Slemish will have an opportunity to see a dramatisation of part of his life,” the Mayor said.

‘Saint Patrick on the Throne of Slemish Mountain’ will offer insights into Patrick’s six years as a shepherd – from age 16 to 22 – and will be ‘live’ with broadcasts timed for 11am, Noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Patrick’s time on Slemish was while still a slave. He finds his Christian beliefs tested with the dramatic conflict between doing the right or the wrong thing being at the centre of the short dramatisation.

Streamed online live on www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/slemish, this will feature a cast of 20 local actors in a production co-ordinated by Belfast-based company, Switch New Media.

The event is being filmed and produced by Richard Jolly TV – who is actually a resident of Broughshane - and a professional videographer.

Richard is beaming the event live from Slemish Mountain to his house, two miles away via radio link and via satellite - and onward to the world.

Meanwhile, the annual hike up the slopes where the Saint tended sheep will offer one of the most beautiful sights around – many miles of rolling countryside in every direction and great views across large areas of County Antrim.

Following the huge success of the St Patrick’s Day event at Slemish in the past, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is once again providing a park and ride facility for ease of access.

As with last year, Raceview Mill, Broughshane will be the hub for the event and visitors can visit the enhanced ‘super-charged’ market and enjoy freshly baked goodies in the onsite coffee shop - from fruit scones to homemade Irish stew.

The Mayor explained: “Each year numbers visiting have grown dramatically with expectation of up to 3,000 visitors to the site in 2017.

“We are in fact planning a great day out for all the family, including those too young or not able to make it up the mountain,” she added.

See: www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/news/mayor-urges-everyone-070217

Drama will be streamed online live on www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/slemish