SETTING SAIL

Supported by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Malin Waters, the Portrush Regatta will take place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd July.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate the area’s rich and diverse maritime heritage and to attract sailing enthusiasts from local and the wider Malin Waters areas while creating a nautical themed off shore festival that will appeal to all the family.

Portrush has deep maritime history and its connection with the sea was the primary reason for its development from an early fishing village to a small trading port and then to a thriving holiday resort in the last century.

Activities planned for this year include cruise racing, dinghy racing, rib tours, fishing trips and wildlife watching, a variety of watersports, RNLI demonstrations and Irish Coastguard exercises. Many local water sports providers including Irish C, Aquaholics, Portrush Sea Tours and SURFSUPNi will be operating in the Portrush over the weekend offering taster sessions and discounted trips.

On the landside there will be lots of family entertainment including street theatre, live music, inflatable fun and games, sand art, face painting, sand sculpting, beach volleyball and specially themed dance sessions with Capt Drew.

An array of fearless pirates will take to the streets searching for treasure and there is a strong rumour that even a mermaid is likely to make an appearance. Portrush Presbyterian Church will also join into the spirit of things by opening their doors to a Titanic Exhibition on the 21st and 22nd July.

The main programme of events will take place from the new Station Square along Kerr Street into the Portrush Harbour area, from Fri 20th July to Sun 22nd July. Full details on all events can be viewed on www.northcoastni.com/whats-on