Summer Festival a big hit in Castle Gardens

ATLAS Women’s Centre have held their first Family Fun Day in Castle Gardens as part of the Summer Family Festival which saw outdoor adventure activities, cycle rides, markets, dancing, face painting, roller disco, petting zoo, lots of kid’s entertainment and a pop up cinema take place in the Gardens between Saturday and Monday.

Gay Sherry-Bingham, ATLAS Manager, commented: “The fun day was organised to help raise funds for ATLAS to enable us to offer training courses and activities to Lisburn people and we were delighted by the response we received from the 1-2,000 people who attended.

“I’d like to thank all the organisations and businesses that donated prizes, helped with displays or by putting on children’s activities or demonstrations. In particular I’d like to thank Helen and Mandy from Atlas who organised the event, Lisburn City Council for the use of the fantastic Castle Gardens which we are so lucky to have here in the City Centre and to Gavin from Lisburn City Centre Management for their help on the day. Finally I’d also like to thank the brave Councillors who turned up to get a sponge in the face - all to help us raise money’

The Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, who was at the event, added: “I would like to congratulate ATLAS on arranging a great day that was enjoyed by lots of local families. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying our local community gardens; and hearing the laughter of everyone as they spend time with family and friends. I would also like to thank everyone who donated money to ATLAS fundraising initiative and to my fellow councillors who took part in the fundraising on the day.”

Alderman Allan Ewart commented: “I was able to attend some of the activities as part of the Summer Festival in Castle Gardens and it’s great to see the number of visitors to the City the activities attracted, with ATLAS’s fun day being particularly busy. Lisburn City Centre Management is keen and happy to work with the local community to help bring more of these type of events and activities to our City Centre and open spaces.”