Exciting New Event Coming Soon

Welcome to issue #10 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

I took a wander down to Sixmile Park during the week, and it was lovely to see seven new cygnets on the duck pond. I think Spring has well and truly arrived in the park.

Here’s some of the events you can find happening across Antrim & Newtownabbey next week:

Hope you enjoy!

~ Mark McKnight, Editor.

P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to a friend who might find it useful.

Members signed off on the council's events plan for the remainder of 2026, covering everything from outdoor concerts to a brand-new beer and cider festival.

The Arts, Culture, Tourism and Events team runs events that attract more than 185,000 attendees each year, alongside supporting third-party events such as SuperCup NI and the Pipe Band Championships.

Home and Garden Show Ireland is getting a makeover in 2026, adding a Home Show strand for the first time. Interior designer Suzanne Garuda joins horticulturist David Domoney as a Show Ambassador.

After poor attendance caused by bad weather in each of the past two years, the event will be largely undercover in two large marquees at Antrim Castle Gardens.

The show will also launch a year-long photography competition as part of the PEACEPLUS Our Historic Borough programme.

Other highlights approved include Party in the Park at Antrim Castle Gardens on 2 August with a USA250 theme, Shoreline Festival at Jordanstown Loughshore Park on 23 August, and Spinning Yarns at Mossley Mill Civic Square on 29 August.

Brighter Nights returns to Lilian Bland Community Park in Glengormley throughout July and August, attracting more than 10,000 participants last year.

One entirely new event is the Antrim and Newtownabbey Beer and Cider Festival, taking place on 19 and 20 June at Antrim Castle Gardens in partnership with CAMRA NI.

To mark the Old Courthouse's 300th birthday, a weekend of free historical entertainment is planned for September's European Heritage Open Day, including tours, talks and a living history theatrical re-enactment.

Enchanted Winter Garden will return in December with more animation and entertainment, and ticket prices frozen at 2025 levels.

Last year's event attracted more than 90,000 visitors and achieved an 87% satisfaction rating.

Click here to read more highlights from the minutes of recent local council meetings.

Do you know someone in our community who quietly gives their time to make life better for others and never gets the recognition they deserve?

Now is the perfect chance to change that.

The Spirit of Volunteering Awards 2026 are open for nominations across Antrim and Newtownabbey, celebrating the incredible people who give their time freely to support others and strengthen the places we all call home.

This year's theme is "Transformation through Volunteering," inspired by the journey of a butterfly. From small, quiet beginnings to making a real and lasting difference.

There are eight award categories, so there's likely a perfect fit for the volunteer you have in mind.

These include a Young Persons Award for volunteers aged 11–18, a Newcomer Award for those who've started volunteering in the last two years, and a Lifetime Contribution Award for those who've given over 25 years of service.

There are also awards for teams, community safety, personal achievement, and social enterprise.

Anyone who volunteers in the Borough or lives here and volunteers elsewhere is eligible.

Nominations are open now and close on 8 June 2026.

Volunteering so often goes unnoticed. These awards are a chance for our community to say thank you.

To shine a light on the people who show up, roll up their sleeves, and make Antrim and Newtownabbey a better place.

Whether it's a neighbour, a youth leader, a community group, or someone you work alongside, their contribution matters and deserves to be celebrated.

If you know someone who fits the bill, please take a few minutes to nominate them. It could mean the world to them.

Every week, we shine a light on one of the brilliant independent businesses that make our community what it is. The hidden gems, the passionate makers, and the hardworking locals who keep our high streets alive.

Tucked along the shores of a quiet lough in Randalstown, County Antrim, Cotters Park is the kind of place that makes you wonder why you ever book a hotel.

Seven beautifully designed glamping cabins sit on a working family farm, each one named and themed in its own right.

From the cosy Burrow to the statement Black Swan, every single one comes with a private electric hot tub and views that do all the talking.

The idea was born in 2019, when the family who owned and farmed this land decided the spot was too special to keep to themselves.

Rather than strip away what made it magical, they built around it. The lough, the wildlife and the wide-open countryside air.

They added the kind of comforts you'd genuinely miss: robes, welcome baskets, sauna access, a copper ice bath, and even local food delivery straight to your cabin door.

With units sleeping between 2 and 6 guests, it works just as well for a romantic birthday escape as it does for a multi-family get-together (the site can sleep up to 31 across all seven cabins).

Two cabins are dog-friendly, two are accessibility-friendly, and there's a communal event space called The Lookout for those who want to gather.

Guests clearly love it: over 393 reviews on Google and counting, with visitors regularly praising the peacefulness, the warmth of the staff, and the fact that they're already planning their return before they've even left.

Prices start from £150 per night. Book online at cotterspark.com or find them on Instagram and TikTok at @cotterspark.

If this week's feature caught your eye, show them some love. Pay them a visit, spread the word, or give them a follow online.

Supporting a local business takes just a moment, but it makes a world of difference. If you want to feature your local business here, click the button below.

These are a selection of the best events happening this week across the borough. If you would like to see a full list of events, click below.

Sally Pointer's Wet Felt Rock Formed Bag Workshop | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. Award-winning archaeologist Sally Pointer guides you through shaping your own wet-felted bag using natural wool and a beach-worn pebble, with time to add beads, tassels, or a drawstring to finish.

The Clare Chorale Concert | The Courtyard Theatre | 8:00 PM. Around 50 voices perform a rich mix of show tunes, sacred music, old favourites, and new pieces under the direction of acclaimed mezzo soprano Sheelagh Greer, with comedian George Jones as MC. Tickets £16.50.

Sally Pointer's Nalbinding | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. Explore five distinctive stitches from this ancient textile technique that predates knitting by thousands of years, guided by Sally Pointer, with a free signed copy of her book included.

Spring Needle Felting | Ballyearl Leisure Complex | 10:00 AM. Tutor Sandra Kerr guides participants aged 16 and over through creating their own spring-inspired felted design, from flowers to woodland creatures, with all materials provided. Tickets £30.

Bug-tastic Time | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Drop into Rathcoole's newly refurbished library for a bug-themed session that sparks curiosity and gets young minds buzzing about the natural world.

BMF 26 May Fair Opening Party | The Square, Ballyclare | 10:00 AM. Kick off the Ballyclare May Fair with a fantastic display of vintage tractors and a great community atmosphere. Featuring live music from local legend Colin Graham.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Walk through 350 years of history on this guided one-hour tour, uncovering stories of the Massereene family and features that have remained intact since the mid-to-late 1600s. Tickets £5; under 12s free.

Mayhem at the Mill Presents Ska Saturday | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Doghouse and Stiff Little Busker bring a riotous ska night to the Mayhem at the Mill series, with standing general admission and limited seating. For ages 18 and over; tickets £15.

Sally Pointer's Introduction to Sprang | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. Using a simple stick frame, you'll learn the basics of sprang, one of the oldest textile techniques in the world, with most participants going home with a small finished bag and samples to continue.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Antrim Forum | 1:00 PM. Kelly's Mobile Roller Skating Disco rolls into Antrim Forum for an hour of fun on wheels. Tickets £8 per child; book online in advance.

Children's Crochet Club | The Yarn and Craft Emporium | 1:00 PM. Young crochet enthusiasts aged 9 to 13 can join this friendly weekly group running from now until the end of June, priced at £5. Let the organiser know in advance if you plan to attend.

BMF 26 - Sausage Dog Parade | Ballyclare Town Hall | 2:00 PM. Join us and Northern Ireland Dachshund Lovers for a fun-filled celebration of all things dachshund! Our parade features light-hearted awards recognising the personality, style, and charm of our favourite sausage dogs.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Discover the colourful history of Antrim Castle Gardens and the Massereene dynasty on this easy, flat one-hour walk led by a knowledgeable ranger. Tickets £5; under 12s free.

BMF 26 - Community Concert | Ballyclare Town Hall | 7:00 PM. Ronnie Hazard will MC a community entertainment evening featuring the Fairview Primary School Choir, Ballyclare Primary Choir, country & western performer Philip Strange, the Sinclair Pipe Band, and Tartan Riot, with interval refreshments provided. £3 entry (pay at the door).

Go On – 1-2-1 eClinic | Cloughfern Library | 11:00 AM. Get one-to-one support with devices, apps, and going online at this drop-in digital help session, ideal for anyone who wants to build confidence with technology.

Dementia Friends Talk | Rathcoole Library | 11:00 AM. Learn more about dementia and how small actions can make a real difference to those living with it, in this welcoming session open to everyone in the community.

Northern Ireland World Cup Memories | Glengormley Library | 1:30 PM. Relive Northern Ireland's greatest footballing moments with goal footage, quizzes, and a debate over your World Cup Irish XI, all over a cup of tea. Booking essential.

Patient and Client Council Drop In | Ballyclare Library | 2:00 PM. Call in to meet the Patient and Client Council team, who offer free information, advice, support, and advocacy on healthcare matters. No booking required.

BMF 26 – Cooking Demo | Ballyclare Town Hall | 7:30 PM. Much-loved chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre traces Ulster-Scots food traditions across the Atlantic and back, with cooking tips, fascinating stories, and plenty of warmth. Tickets £5.

BMF 26 – Tug of War Competition | Parkview Hockey Club | 7:30 PM. Join the Young Farmers for a thrilling May Fair Open Tug of War Competition. Cash prizes for the winning teams, open competition all welcome. For more information, contact: John Rea 07766346915

BMF 26 – Baby Rave | Ballyclare Town Hall | 10:00 AM. Dance with your baby or toddler under 4 to uplifting pop and dance music in a colourful, joyful atmosphere with no pressure and no routines. Tickets £2.50 for children; accompanying adults go free.

BMF 26 – Baby Rave | Ballyclare Town Hall | 11:15 AM. Catch the second session of this feel-good musical dance event for babies and toddlers under 4, filled with bright lights, happy vibes, and plenty of space to move. Tickets £2.50 for children.

BMF 26 – Tea Dance | Ballyclare Town Hall | 2:00 PM. Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a lovely afternoon of music from Housty and good company, £3 pay at door. Everyone welcome. For catering purposes ring to confirm your attendance 07843797054.

Music Appreciation – 60's and 70's Session | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Step back in time with iconic hits and shared memories from two unforgettable decades in this special reminiscence session at Glengormley Library. Booking essential.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Lace up and join a gentle weekly walk that connects you with fresh air, nature, and good company. Booking is essential; call the library to reserve your place.

BMF 26 – Borough Bands and Ballads | Ballyclare Town Hall | 7:00 PM. Celebrate local musical talent at this May Fair evening event showcasing bands and ballads from across the borough. Tickets £2.50 for children and adults.

Community Safety Programme | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Redeeming Our Communities hosts this weekly drop-in covering safety in the home, online, and in the community. Light refreshments provided; booking essential via email or phone.

Coffee and Crime Reading Group | Glengormley Library | 6:30 PM. True crime fans and murder mystery lovers meet once a month to discuss their latest reads over coffee. For adults aged 18 and over; runs from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.

Little Women | Courtyard Theatre | 7:00 PM. Level 3 and Level 5 students bring Louisa May Alcott's beloved story to life, following the March sisters through love, loss, and ambition in a heartfelt production full of warmth and fresh talent. Tickets £11.50.

Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?

That’s it for this issue. If you want to get in touch, just hit reply to this email and I’ll get back to you asap.

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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.