One GIANT Weekend

As part of our Northern Ireland Centenary programme we are delighted to bring you One Giant Weekend of events for all age groups, friends and families from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 September.  Showcasing the very best of Northern Ireland music, culture, tastes and traditions of the place we all call home!
 
Our Giant weekend in partnership with LCC Group is free and jam-packed full of fun and festivity across the Councils iconic venues. Kick-starting the programme at the vibrant V36 at The Valley, where the younger audience will be rocking to the music, to Antrim Castle Gardens for an outdoor picnic of vintage vibes for a lazy Saturday afternoon and the Cultural Colours Mela to showcase the diversity of our community .We bring the curtain down on an amazing weekend at Mossley Mill including Theatre at The Mill where the traditions of linen and wool and our amazing craft talents will delight and bring a fantastic three days to a close!

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Programme

 
Friday 3 Sept – A Giant Evening at V36 at The Valley
Our main stage will showcase the best of new musical talent from our Borough and further afield, featuring;

• Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network (NACN)
• Jordan Walker – Singer, Composer and support artist for Louise Redknapp, Sam Bailey and Shane Filan.
• Jordan Adetunji and band – Irish Hip-Hop

 V36 will also host a wide range of family entertainment including a food village to provide a memorable Giant Evening which will go off with a bang as a firework finale lights up the night sky!
 
Saturday 4 Sept – A Giant Picnic - Antrim Castle Gardens
In the stunning setting of the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens, a leisurely afternoon can be spent with live performances on stage and the Parterre Gardens. Relax and enjoy the vintage vibe by;

• Armagh Rhymers - One of the most celebrated traditional music and theatre ensembles
• Jordan Walker - Singer Composer and support artist for Louise Redknapp, Sam Bailey and Shane Filan.
• Bjorn Identity – No1 Abba Tribute Show
• Ronnie Greer- Blues & Jazz
• Northern Ireland Opera

Don’t miss the Garden Show Ireland showcase, a festival of food and flowers planned to return in 2022, as part of A Giant Picnic. Local culinary delights will be plentiful in the food village and the heritage and industrial past of Northern Ireland will be on display throughout the beautiful grounds.
 
Saturday Evening 4 Sept – Antrim Castle Gardens
Carson and The Lady -  A never before told story of the unusual friendship between Sir Edward Carson and Lady Jean Massereene will be staged in the stunning backdrop of the Antrim Castle ruins. This unique and specially commissioned performance has been produced and created by local writer Michael Cameron and historian Lyndsey Spence. Tickets £15 available at theatreatthemill.com 
 
Sunday 5 September –Spinning Yarns! - Theatre at The Mill and Mossley Mill
Where else can you celebrate the linen story of Northern Ireland, other than the marvellous Mossley Mill, a restoration of a 19th Century linen mill where culture meets character! Spinning Yarns- A Giant craft event, a celebration of all things associated with Linen and Wool and a showcase of fantastic Northern Irish craft. Tickets from £5 under 16's go free - visit spinningyarnsfestival.com 
 
Sunday 5 September - Cultural Colours - Antrim Castle Gardens
In partnership with Antrim Festival Group, Cultural Colours will be a fantastic afternoon of community celebration showcasing the rich diversity of who we are today with acts and attractions representative of our whole community.