Kicking off the weekend, The Army Cadet Charitable Trust UK hosted a St. Patrick’s Fundraising Concert at Theatre at The Mill. Attendees to the concert, were also lucky enough to preview An Exhibition of Irish Dancing Dresses during their visit. The exhibition is open to the public to view for free until Sunday 13 April.
On Sunday 16 March, families flocked to Antrim Castle Gardens and Mossley Mill for a selection of fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day Family Festivities.
In Antrim Castle Gardens visitors were treated to Uilleann and Scottish Lowland pipes by Tiarnan O’Dunchin and Ian Burrows, Irish dance performances by Judith Keyes Irish Dancers, Highland dancing by the Randalstown Ulster Scots group, Irish and Ulster Scots fiddle music by the Rae Family plus so much more!
Meanwhile in Mossley Mill, Oonagh Clarke entertained with folk songs, followed by beautiful performances from Glengormley Group of Traditional Music, The Coves and The Cadleigh Band.
Children were thrilled with the array of activities, including funfair rides, face painting, and a Leprechaun Treasure Hunt. Families also enjoyed traditional Irish foods and a petting farm, adding to the festive atmosphere.
These events were supported by Apex Housing Association (Apex) through the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
On the evening of St. Patrick’s Day, The Rapparees took to the stage at the Theatre at The Mill and entertained the crowd with incredible performances of well-loved Irish Folk music.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Neil Kelly, said, “The St. Patrick’s Day Festivities were a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together in celebration of music, dance, and culture. With such a diverse programme of free activities, it was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the day.”
For more information about upcoming events in Antrim and Newtownabbey, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events .