Charity prizes, cocktails & brilliant local events

Welcome to issue #12 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Fun fact: Did you know that Jordanstown Loughshore Park lies on one of Ireland’s busiest bird migration routes? Every year, thousands of birds stop along Belfast Lough including brent geese, curlews, and oystercatchers.

Here’s a preview of what’s waiting for you in this issue:

Hope you enjoy!

~ Mark McKnight, Editor.

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

The all-white affair that had everyone talking is returning to Rococo Wine Bar in Antrim on Friday 29 May, and this time they're turning it up a notch.

Midnight in White is back, a night where the dress code is pure white, the energy is electric, and the vibes only get better as the clock ticks closer to midnight.

Kick off the evening from 8PM with an exclusive free sample bar, proudly sponsored by Copeland Distillery.

Think premium pours and bold flavours to set the tone for the night ahead. Then settle in as the party builds all the way through to 3AM. This isn't just another night out; it's a statement.

Whether you're going all-out with a VIP table or joining the general crowd, one thing's for certain, white is the only colour on the dress code. Spots are already moving, and VIP tables are strictly limited.

👉 Grab your tickets now - from £22 | VIP tables from £130

Mark your diary for Thursday 4 June. The atmospheric Cellar at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens plays host to a Spiritly World Drinks Tasting from 7pm.

Join their guided evening exploring three internationally inspired spirits from Spiritly's global portfolio, including the distinctive Tokyo Gins.

Each pour comes with expert tasting notes and the stories behind the bottle, all paired with a handpicked charcuterie board to complement every sip.

Whether you're a seasoned spirits lover or simply spirits-curious, this is one evening not to miss.

👉 Grab your tickets here - from £27.80

If you're based in or around Antrim and want to get more involved in local environmental action, this one's for you.

Live Here Love Here is hosting a free, relaxed drop-in at Antrim Forum Leisure Centre on Thursday 4 June, 5:45–7:45pm.

Meet organisations running local green projects, find out about funding and volunteering opportunities, and have a chat with like-minded people. No agenda, no formal schedule, just good conversation.

Initiatives on show include Adopt A Spot, Small Grants, Green Flag for Communities, and more.

Free parking. All ages welcome. Just show up!

👉 Register free here

Fancy bagging a great prize while supporting some brilliant local causes?

The Mayor's Charity Auction is now live, and there are some genuinely exciting lots up for grabs. All money raised will go directly to three charities chosen by the Mayor: All About Us ASD Teens, the British Deaf Association (Northern Ireland), and the Macmillan Cancer Unit Antrim.

There's something for everyone in the auction. Prizes include signed sports memorabilia from snooker star Mark Allen and Linfield FC, concert tickets for Michael Bublé at Belsonic and David Gray at the SSE Arena, a family pass for Fundamania, a meal for two at The Boathouse in Antrim, vouchers for Dobbies and James St South, and much more.

Bidding is open now and closes on Sunday 31 May at 6pm. Winners will be contacted on Monday 1 June.

This is a lovely way to support three charities that make a real difference to local people, whether that's families navigating autism, the deaf community across Northern Ireland, or those facing cancer. Every bid counts, and you might just walk away with something special.

Head over to the auction page to browse the lots and place your bid before the deadline. And if you know someone who'd love one of the prizes, pass the word along, the more people who take part, the more these charities benefit.

👉 See all prizes and place your bid…

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.

If you've ever been to a wedding that felt more like a performance than a celebration, with stiff wording, recycled readings, and everyone waiting for it to be over, you'll immediately understand what Sórcha Elliott is doing differently.

Sórcha is a humanist wedding celebrant based just outside Belfast, trading as That Wee Celebrant, and she's on a mission to make sure your ceremony actually sounds like you.

No religion, no off-the-shelf scripts, no awkward formality. Just your story, told with warmth, honesty, and if you're lucky, a bit of craic.

The name is very intentional. Sórcha is a self-described country girl from Co. Tyrone, 5ft 2 with a size 2 shoe, and she'll be the first to tell you that in Northern Ireland, wee is a whole way of life.

Friendly, familiar, full of heart. That's exactly the energy she brings to every ceremony.

Her path to celebrancy is a lovely one. It grew from her own humanist wedding and a lifelong love of creativity and connection.

Coming from an art background, she saw the role as the perfect mix of storytelling and meaningful experience.

And because she's been on the couple's side of the aisle herself, she genuinely gets the nerves, the excitement, and how much it matters to trust the person standing up there with you.

Sórcha keeps her bookings intentionally limited so every couple gets real time and attention.

For 2026 and 2027, all travel across Northern Ireland is included in the fee, with ceremonies starting from £650.

To get in touch or have a nosy at her style, head to Instagram @thatweecelebrant or drop her a line at [email protected].

Ceremonies rooted in love, not religion.

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 and get it in front of 500+ subscribers for free, 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.

Knit and Natter | Antrim Library | 2:00 PM. Bring along a project you're working on or start something new, and enjoy swapping tips, patterns, and good conversation with fellow crafters in a friendly, free session.

Gardening Club | Randalstown Library | 3:30 PM. Share your gardening triumphs and setbacks, pick up new ideas, and enjoy a cuppa with fellow enthusiasts. For over 16s; booking is essential.

Lego Club | Rathcoole Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged 6 and over are welcome to let their creativity flow at this fun after-school Lego session; all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Midnight In White Party | Rococo Wine Bar Antrim | 8:00 PM. Dress head to toe in white for this electric all-white night out, with a free sample bar sponsored by Copeland Distillery running from 8pm to 10pm; VIP tables available.

Mindful Art Workshop | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Explore the soothing benefits of mindful colouring with intricate patterns and designs in a relaxed drop-in group that helps ease stress and improve focus.

Summer Birds Workshop | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:30 AM. Park Rangers guide you through bird identification with a presentation on summer birdwatching followed by a guided walk through the grounds to spot local species. Tickets £5; all ages welcome.

Knit and Natter | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Bring your needles, hooks, or cross-stitch and spend a sociable Saturday morning sharing tips, learning new skills, and meeting fellow crafters in a relaxed, free session.

Dungeons and Dragons | Glengormley Library | 1:30 PM. Join a ragtag band of adventurers for a weekly tabletop quest at Glengormley Library; this welcoming group is open to players aged 18 and over.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Walk through 350 years of history with a Park Ranger who brings the Massereene family dynasty to life with stories and fascinating detail from the 1600s. Tickets £5; under 12s free but require a ticket.

Discoland XXL | Top Of The Town | 5:00 PM. Dance the evening away to 80s, 90s, and party classics with inflatables, a cocktail mixologist station, and a free cocktail with every ticket; for over 25s only, ID required.

Children's crochet club | The Yarn and Craft Emporium | 1:00 PM. Young crocheters aged 9 to 13 meet for a friendly weekly group running through to the end of June; you don't have to attend every week but do let them know you're coming. Tickets £5.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Take an easy guided walk through the beautifully preserved grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens, hearing vivid stories of the Massereene family dating back to the 1600s. Tickets £5; under 12s free but require a ticket.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Tackle crosswords in good company and enjoy complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits at this relaxed weekly morning session.

Adult Lego Club | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Bring your creativity and enjoy a sociable morning building something fun, with tea, coffee, and biscuits laid on.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Ballyclare Library | 11:30 AM. Songs, rhymes, and stories bring together parents and children aged 0 to 4, building language skills and a love of books in a lively, welcoming setting. Booking is essential.

Make your Own Pet Craft | Greystone Library | 2:00 PM. Children aged 6 to 12 design and craft their own unique pet, then name it and write an adoption promise in this special Empathy Day Festival session. Booking essential.

Crime Reading Group | Antrim Library | 4:30 PM. Crime fiction fans meet monthly to share their thoughts on whodunits and thrillers, from cosy mysteries to gripping true crime.

Chess Drop-in | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Pull up a chair, find an opponent, and enjoy a relaxing game of chess over a cuppa. All ages welcome, no booking needed, and refreshments are provided.

Knit and Natter | Cloughfern Library | 11:30 AM. Whether you're mid-project or starting fresh, this free weekly group welcomes knitters, crocheters, and crafters of all kinds to share tips and good conversation. No booking required.

Patient and Client Council Drop In | Ballyclare Library | 2:00 PM. Call in to meet Patient and Client Council representatives, who offer free information, advice, support, and advocacy on health and social care services.

Reuse and Repair Fayre | Lilian Bland Pavilion | 12:00 PM. Bring broken or damaged items for free repairs, learn sewing and mending skills, get a free bike check-up, try bulb planting, and enjoy free Fairtrade tea and coffee at this free sustainability event.

Tea Dance | The Old Courthouse | 2:00 PM. Double Trouble play great tunes from all eras at this relaxed, friendly afternoon, where you're welcome whether you dance or simply come for the tea. Tickets are £3.00, pay at the door or book online.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Head out for a gentle weekly walk, connecting with nature and friendly company in the fresh air. Booking is essential.

Sensory Stay and Play Club | Rathcoole Library | 3:30 PM. Families can explore sensory equipment and activities together in the library's dedicated sensory space, with a chance for parents, carers, and guardians to meet and chat.

Emerging Minds | 16 High Street, BT41 4AX | 6:30 PM. Fortnightly therapist-led support group for young adults aged 18 to 30, offering a welcoming space to connect with others navigating neurodivergent experiences, covering emotional regulation, self-advocacy, and relationships. No diagnosis needed.

Jigsaw Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Spend a peaceful morning working through a beautiful jigsaw puzzle at this relaxed weekly drop-in session.

Live Here Love Here Connecting Communities | Antrim Forum | 5:45 PM. Drop in to meet local environmental groups, discover volunteering opportunities, find out about funding, and pick up practical ideas for positive community action. Booking available online.

Go On - Understanding AI | Glengormley Library | 6:00 PM. Build your confidence with technology at this beginner-friendly evening session exploring what artificial intelligence is and how it affects everyday life.

Spiritly World Drinks Tasting | Dunadry Hotel And Gardens | 7:00 PM. Step into the atmospheric Cellar for a guided tasting of three spirits from Spiritly's international range, including Tokyo Gins, each paired with a handpicked charcuterie board. Tickets are £25 per person.

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.