WELCOME

It’s officially summer! Time to put on your suncream (or possibly a raincoat) and make the most of everything Mid and East Antrim has to offer!

To help you along the way, we’ve put together a short guide bursting with free and lowcost fun and energetic activities for everyone to enjoy!

From live performances and cultural exhibitions to artisan markets and family fun hosted in the natural setting of our borough, there’s plenty of activities to keep you and your littles ones entertained this summer!

Our popular #MEActive Summer Scheme is also back to help the kids burn off that extra pent-up energy, whilst grownups can stay fit with our new state-ofthe-art gyms in our

3 leisure centres: Seven Towers, Ballymena, Amphitheatre, Carrickfergus and Larne Leisure Centre.

Whatever you’re in the mood for this summer, you don’t have to go far; clear your diary and immerse yourself in all the sights, sounds, adventures, and local traditions, just beyond your doorstep.

Coast Road

All Ireland Pipe Band Championships 2023

Ballymena Academy

Saturday 1 July 10am - 5pm

RSPBANI and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council presents 50 pipe bands with Highland Dance competition and Drum Major competition.

Free admission and free parking.

Summer Skate School

Carnfunnock

Saturday 1 July -

Sunday 27 August

Ages 7 - 16

Booking information: raweeskateschool. com

Summer Band Concerts

Castle Green and Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus

Sunday 2 July - Sunday 27 August 3pm - 4pm

Sample the sounds of summer. Sundays in July and August.

With An Artist’s Eye: The Photography of Mary Alice Young of Galgorm Castle, Ballymena

Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, Ballymena

Saturday 24 June -

Saturday 30 September

100 unique photographs reflecting the life and times of local ‘big house’ family the Youngs of Galgorm Castle in the late Victorian and Edwardian era.

Free Admission

2 July: CWA Brass, Castle Green

9 July: Star of Knockagh Accordion Band, Marine Gardens

16 July: Ballyduff Silver Band, Castle Green

23 July: East Antrim Senior Accordion Orchestra, Marine Gardens

30 July: Third Carrickfergus Band, Castle Green

In the event of poor weather, the concert will be cancelled.

Independence Day

Quilting Bee

Arthur Cottage

Tuesday 4 July 11am - 3pm

Visitors are invited to bring along a picnic and take part in learning the art of Quilting, Quilters will be on hand to offer advice and help to add your piece to the quilt. (Ahoghill Quilters, Bannside Stitchers, and Tullygarley Sewing Group). Booking is not essential, parking is limited at the cottage, however there is parking available in Cullybackey village.

Contact information:

028 2563 5010

Wonderful Wool: Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Fri 7 - Thurs 27 July

(Includes Saturday opening on 22 July)

Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm

An exhibition by Region 14 International Feltmakers Association showing the versatility and beauty of wool. Discover how talented artists have transformed this natural product into a variety of beautiful pieces.

Voiceworks Presents: Madagascar Jr

The Braid, Ballymena

Saturday 8 July 2:30pm & 7:30pm

Tickets £13.50 (including booking fee)

Storytime

Larne Museum & Arts Centre

Saturday 22 July

10:30am - 11:30am

Join us for two interactive storytelling sessions this summer. Each session will be based on a different storybook with linked activities. Booking preferable. Suitable for ages 4 - 11.

Contact information:

Treasure Hunt

Carrickfergus Museum

Wednesday 26 July 7pm

Mid-Summer Party

Broadway Larne

Saturday 8 July 12pm - 3pm

Join us for a MidSummer Party in Larne! With music, face painting, balloon modelling, circus walkabouts, crafts and much more!

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR follows all your favourite crack-a-lacking friends as they escape from their homes in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar.

Tickets available via: 028 256 35077 thebraid.ticketsolve .com/shows

028 28 262443 marian.kelso@ midandeastantrim. gov.uk

Join us for a historically themed treasure hunt around Carrickfergus. Delivered in partnership with Carrickfergus & District Historical Society as part of their summer outings programme. Meet at Carrickfergus Town Hall.