Mayor's final gift to local families

Welcome to issue #15 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

It looks like a good week of weather ahead with things getting a bit warmer over the weekend.

The Randalstown ARCHES Community Festival is in full swing with plenty going on for the whole family including cycling, walking treasure hunt, painting, and senior citizens' mystery tour.

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.

Outgoing Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, capped off her term in style, presenting a cheque for an impressive £15,456.17, made possible through the support of residents, businesses, community organisations and volunteers from across the Borough.

The presentation took place at Antrim Castle Gardens, with representatives from ASD Teens, the British Deaf Association and the Macmillan Cancer Unit at Antrim Area Hospital on hand to receive the funds.

Councillor Kirkpatrick praised the community's generosity and said it had been a privilege to support the three charities throughout her Mayoral year.

The donations will help each organisation continue its vital work supporting local people and families.

To mark the 110th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme on 1 July, the Council will install a commemorative disc in each of the Borough's seven district electoral areas.

Locations include:

The discs will stay in place until the end of August and cost an estimated £1,650 in total.

There will also be a commemorative event taking place at Knockagh Monument on 28 June.

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 wanted your makeup done by someone who truly lives and breathes it, Alexandra Shearer is your woman.

Having spent nearly ten years in the beauty industry, including four years as a retail makeup artist working exclusively with luxury brands like Charlotte Tilbury, NARS, Hourglass, and Lisa Eldridge, Alexandra made the exciting leap in May 2026 to go it alone.

The result? Beauty By Alexandra, Whiteabbey Village's newest and most specialised makeup studio.

What sets Alexandra apart is something genuinely rare in the area: she does makeup, and only makeup.

While many local salons split their time between nails, lashes, waxing, and everything in between, Alexandra has built her entire offering around one craft.

That focus shows. Every appointment uses only high-end skinprep and makeup products, creating what she describes as a proper luxury experience from start to finish.

Whether you're getting ready for a wedding, a formal, a big night out, or simply want to treat yourself, Beauty By Alexandra is designed to feel personal and unhurried.

Alexandra's philosophy is simple, "Any age, any skin, any makeup preference" and her tagline says it all: Confidence, Beauty, You.

Bookings are by appointment only and can be made via Instagram DM (@_beautybyalexandra) or by texting Alexandra directly on 07788 631244. Pricing is available on enquiry. New customers get 10% off when they mention A&N Post.

This is a brand-new business worth watching and worth booking.

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 800+ subscribers for free, click the button below.

Sorry we missed the start of this. The Randalstown ARCHES Community Festival is back, running from Friday 12th to Saturday 27th June 2026, with something happening almost every day for every age and interest.

It all kicks off with the Summer Showcase at The Vintage Wine Merchants, followed by the ANBC Repair Café, where volunteers help you fix broken household items rather than bin them.

There's bowling at Drummaul Church Hall, a WI Night of Entertainment, and free guided walks taking in local history, horticulture, and a family ramble at Shane's Castle Estate.

The Festival Gymkhana and Dog Show bring the fun to Dunmore Park on 20th June, while a Family Fun Cycle, Senior Citizens' Mystery Tour, Walking Treasure Hunt, and Bingo night keep things lively midweek.

Boogie Babies sessions and a Festival Evening with bagpipes, a duck race and live music light up 24th June, followed by a coffee morning, a traditional music session in memory of Denis Sweeney, Paint & Sip, and a grand finale with Kearney's Family Fun Day and a Vintage Cars & Tractors Parade.

Most events are free, with small charges for a few (from £1 to £35 depending on the event), and several need advance booking.

This festival is about more than entertainment, it's about neighbours getting to know each other, families making memories, older residents staying connected, and our town's heritage and creativity being celebrated together.

Pop the dates in your diary, bring the family, tell a neighbour who might enjoy a day out, and check randalstownarches.com for full details and booking information.

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

Festival Gymkhana | Dunmore Park, Randalstown | 10:00 AM. Watch show jumping, horse showing and working hunter classes as the Mid Antrim Pony Club brings a full day of equestrian action to support local sport and community spirit.

Model Railway Club 10th Anniversary | Glenabbey Church, BT36 5ZZ | 10:00 AM. Marvel at miniature layouts from across Ireland as Glenabbey Model Railway Club marks ten years with refreshments on hand and free parking on site.

Fine & Dandy Market | Dunadry Hotel and Gardens | 12:00 PM. Browse stalls and soak up the atmosphere at this monthly market in the hotel's gardens, with free entry for anyone fancying a relaxed afternoon out.

Dog Show | Dunmore Park, Randalstown | 12:00 PM. Bring your pup along for fun classes and prizes hosted by Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary, with entries taken on the day and proceeds supporting the charity.

Now Streaming | Theatre at The Mill | 3:00 PM. Debut Dance Company's Saturday School performers take to the stage with an energetic showcase spanning multiple dance genres set to chart hits everyone will recognise.

The Belfast Ma | The Old Courthouse | 7:30 PM. Sadie Devine returns in a riotous new comedy about a scheme gone sideways, packed with laughs and heart in this latest five star instalment for ages 16 and over.

The Motown Sensations | Dunadry Hotel And Gardens | 8:00 PM. Sing along to classics from The Temptations, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye as a trio of vocalists bring slick choreography and harmonies to Ireland's top Motown tribute show.

Father's Day at The Rabbit | Rabbit Hotel | 12:00 PM. Treat Dad to Sunday lunch or a T-bone steak special with a complimentary drink included, while little ones enjoy a magician, face painter and balloon artist nearby.

The Belfast Ma | The Old Courthouse | 7:30 PM. Catch the second night of Sadie Devine's hilarious new caper as she hatches a scheme to fix her finances, a sell-out comedy suited to ages 16 and over.

Makaton Beginner's Class | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Pick up the basics of this visual language for adults in a welcoming session designed to help you connect and communicate more easily, booking essential.

Family Fun Cycle | Shanes Castle Estates | 7:00 PM. Pedal through the scenic grounds of Shane's Castle at your own pace on this family friendly ride suited to most ages and abilities, with helmets strongly encouraged.

Senior Citizens Mystery Tour | Randalstown Library | 10:30 AM. Hop on the bus for a beloved annual outing full of surprises, prizes and hospitality at a secret destination, strictly for the over 60s with tickets sold locally in advance.

Gardening Club | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Swap tips and stories with fellow green thumbs over tea and biscuits in this friendly monthly catch up for anyone who loves getting their hands in the soil.

Happy Feet Walking Group | Greystone Library | 11:45 AM. Stretch your legs and meet new walking buddies on this gentle outing that combines fresh air with the simple pleasure of good company.

Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Bring your latest poem or story to share, or simply listen, as this welcoming writers group offers fresh prompts each week for beginners and seasoned scribes alike.

Creative Writing Group | Antrim Library | 4:30 PM. Develop your craft alongside other budding writers in a supportive monthly group, with booking required so call ahead to reserve your spot.

Kids Bible Club | Antrim FPC, Parkhall Road | 7:00 PM. Children can enjoy singing, storytelling and quizzes with prizes up for grabs at this lively summer club running through the week with Paul and Cheryl McIntyre.

Festival Bingo Night | St Macnissi's Parochial Centre | 7:00 PM. Settle in for eyes down fun and brilliant raffle prizes at this lively fundraiser, a great excuse to gather friends and neighbours for a good cause.

Mindful Colouring | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Unwind with intricate colouring patterns in this calming weekly session for adults that needs no booking, just drop in and let the stress melt away.

Boogie Babies | Arches House, Randalstown | 12:00 PM. Little ones can wiggle and giggle through a music and movement session designed especially for babies and toddlers, with booking required to secure a place.

Tea Dance | Ballyclare Town Hall | 2:00 PM. Sip a cup of tea and sway to tunes from every era courtesy of Double Trouble at this relaxed and friendly afternoon, with tickets available online or simply pay at the door.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Join a gentle group stroll that pairs fresh air and companionship with a steady pace suited to all fitness levels, booking essential to take part.

Friendship Circle | Greenisland Library | 10:00 AM. Meet familiar faces and make new friends over a relaxed morning of conversation in the welcoming surroundings of the library.

Nordic Walking | Hazelbank Park | 5:30 PM. Try walking poles for the first time on a guided session along the lough shore, suitable for every fitness level with no need to book, just turn up and go.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Watch Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner spar in this filmed National Theatre staging of seduction and scandal among the wealthy elite, recommended for ages 16 and over.

Teachers Gone Wild | Top Of The Town, Antrim | 3:00 PM. See your favourite educators swap the classroom for the dance floor at this lively party promising good vibes and plenty of laughs.

Gardening Club | Randalstown Library | 3:30 PM. Swap growing tips and seasonal advice over a cuppa with fellow gardening enthusiasts, booking essential and open to over 16s.

Superstar Wrestling | Courtyard Theatre | 7:00 PM. Feel the adrenaline as UK and international wrestlers go head to head in championship bouts and tag team battles, a family friendly night with great value ticket bundles.

Paint & Sip | Arches House, Randalstown | 7:00 PM. No experience needed as you follow guided steps to create your own canvas to take home, with all supplies provided and spaces limited so booking is recommended.

The Jersey Tones | The Old Courthouse | 7:30 PM. Four charismatic vocalists deliver smooth harmonies and slick moves through hits from Frankie Valli and The Overtones for a toe tapping, sing along night.

A Tribute to Luke Combs | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Sing along to chart topping favourites including Beautiful Crazy and Hurricane as Graham and his All-Star Band recreate the country superstar's biggest hits live.

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.