The celebrations begin on Saturday, August 22 with a packed programme including the ever-popular Heavy Horse Show and Parade, Vintage Vehicle Display, Street Theatre, family activities and live music on the seafront. The day comes to a spectacular close with fireworks over Ballycastle at 9.30pm.
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy the Naturally North Coast & Glens Market, showcasing a range of artisan crafts, local produce and unique goods. Alongside this, the Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone will remain open late each night of the fair, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to enjoy the atmosphere well into the evening.
On Sunday, August 23, live music continues with performances from Eoghan Quigg and Chloe Mac on the Seafront Music Stage. The evening then features live bands Dusty Windowsills and All Folk’d Up at The Diamond for a lively finish to the weekend.
The fair’s traditional trading takes centre stage on Monday and Tuesday, August 24 and 25, with hundreds of traders lining the streets of Ballycastle and Fairhill Street playing host to the historic horse-trading tradition. Visitors can also enjoy horseshoe demonstrations, live music, busking stations and a mobile animal farm.
No visit to the Ould Lammas Fair would be complete without sampling some Yellow Man and dulse, two local favourites synonymous with the iconic fair.
For the full programme, frequently asked questions and travel guidance, visit:
TRAFFIC AND TRAVEL
Meanwhile, the PSNI have issued travel advice for anyone heading to the north coast for the Lammas Fair.
Road users can expect potential delays in the town before, during and after the fireworks display on Saturday, August 22.
On Sunday, August 23, road closures will be in place from 7pm until 11.59pm to facilitate a concert in the Diamond. These closures include Ann Street to Rathlin Road, Castle Street to Leyland Road, Market Street to Moyle Road, and Fairhill Street to Mill Street.
On Monday and Tuesday, August 24 and 25, road closures will be in place from 8am until 11pm each day.
During this time, Quay Road from its junction with Mary Street, Ann Street, The Diamond, and Castle Street to its junction with Leyland Road will all be closed. A number of adjoining roads will also be impacted, with access mainly for local residents only.
Where necessary, signed local diversion routes will be in operation throughout the duration of the fair with officers on the ground to assist with the large volume of visitors expected.
The PSNI ask that anyone attending “follow any diversions that are in place for your safety and the safety of others”.
PARKING
Parking on all four days will also be very limited, and the PSNI have asked those attending to be mindful of residents living in the area, ensuring they have full access into and out of their homes.
Any vehicles found blocking the route or residential/commercial access will be towed where necessary. Visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transport and the park-and-ride service available.
Limited Blue Badge parking is available at Market Street, the Harbour Car Park and North Street on a first come, first served basis.
The park-and-ride facility will operate on all days of the Fair from the McQuillan GAC on Whitepark Road, at a cost of £10 per vehicle. All buses are fully wheelchair accessible and the service will operate from Saturday to Tuesday, approximately every 20 minutes.
The drop off point for Saturday and Sunday is the Rathlin Road/Atlantic Avenue junction, while Monday and Tuesday’s drop off point is Leyland Road/Ramoan Road junction.
1. THINGS TO DO
Ballycastle will come alive from August 22-25, as the Ould Lammas Fair returns for four days of live entertainment, family fun and centuries-old traditions to the Causeway Coast and Glens. Photo: CCGBC
2. THINGS TO DO
Ballycastle will come alive from August 22-25, as the Ould Lammas Fair returns for four days of live entertainment, family fun and centuries-old traditions to the Causeway Coast and Glens. Photo: CCGBC