Something exciting is happening every Friday

Welcome to issue #16 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Fun fact: Stephen Boyd, real name Billy Millar, was born in Whitehouse, Newtownabbey, and went on to play the villainous Messala in the 1959 Hollywood epic Ben-Hur, earning the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.

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.

Antrim Castle Gardens played host to a truly memorable occasion this month as hundreds of visitors flocked to the borough's very first Beer Festival.

Organised by ANBC in partnership with CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale), the two-day celebration served up over 40 cask and keg beers from Northern Ireland and beyond, alongside ciders, fine wines, expertly crafted cocktails, live music and delicious street food.

The sun made a welcome appearance on the Saturday, adding a golden finishing touch to what was already a fantastic atmosphere.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey joined the crowds to mark the occasion and celebrate the successful launch of what promises to be a firm fixture in the local events calendar.

The Council extended warm thanks to all who attended, as well as the volunteers, vendors and performers who helped bring the event to life.

The good news for those who missed out? Tickets for the 2027 festival, taking place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 June, are already on sale now.

👉 Book your ticket here for next year.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has something worth celebrating.

This year's work experience project created over 250 opportunities for pupils across the borough, giving young people a real-world glimpse into the world of work.

Delivered in partnership with Workplus, the programme supported both mainstream and SEN schools, connecting pupils with local employers across a wide range of sectors.

The Mayor, Councillor Henry Cushinan, hosted a special celebration event at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim to mark the achievement, bringing together schools and employers to share in the success.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has proudly kicked off Armed Forces Week with a flag-raising ceremony at Antrim Civic Centre.

Deputy Mayor Councillor Alison Bennington was joined by Deputy Lieutenant for County Antrim Edward Montgomery MBE DL, Minister for Communities Gordon Lyons MLA, and representatives from the Armed Forces community to mark the occasion.

The ceremony paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of serving personnel, veterans, Reservists, Cadets and their families.

The Armed Forces Day Flag will fly at Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill until 28 June.

Don't miss the Antrim Job Fair, a free event taking place at The Junction Retail and Leisure Park on Saturday 27 June, 11am–3pm.

Whether you're returning to work, hunting for something new, or thinking about a career change, this is your chance to meet employers face-to-face from sectors including retail, hospitality, manufacturing, and health and social care.

On-site support will also be available for CV advice, skills development, and training opportunities. A BSL interpreter will be on hand throughout the day.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, has launched two Place Shaping Reports setting out an ambitious vision for the future of three local communities.

The reports cover the Glengormley District Electoral Area and the neighbourhoods of Monkstown and New Mossley, outlining priorities for regeneration, improved connectivity, better green spaces, new housing investment and stronger community facilities.

Home to over 21,500 residents, Glengormley is identified as a key gateway between Belfast and the wider Borough, sitting at the intersection of major transport routes and neighbouring the significant employment hub of Mallusk.

Meanwhile, the Monkstown and New Mossley report evaluates a decade of community-led progress, highlighting tangible improvements and setting out clear priorities for future investment.

These plans place local people firmly at the heart of shaping their own neighbourhoods for generations to come.

👉 Read more about the Community Plan

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 away on a working farm just off the M2 near Templepatrick, The Wee Village is one of those places that's hard to describe without smiling.

It's a miniature indoor-and-outdoor world where children aged 0–10 can step into a beauty salon, serve coffees, tend to a farm shop, or visit a health centre, all on a perfectly scaled-down level.

Think less soft play, more imagination fuel.

Behind it all is Victoria, a mum of three from Ballyclare with a background in architecture and a heart full of purpose.

She opened The Wee Village in February 2020 after spotting a real gap in Northern Ireland for the kind of thoughtful, imaginative play space she wanted for her own daughters.

The whole village is woven through with family: Nancy's Beauty Parlour, Anna's Health Centre, and Treats by Frances are all named after her girls, who you'll still find there at every session.

What keeps families coming back is the constant sense of discovery.

Several times a year, Victoria hand-paints entirely new themed areas. Past themes have included Paddington Bear, Peter Rabbit, and The Gruffalo, so no two visits feel quite the same.

The venue also holds a well-deserved claim to being the first role-play centre of its kind in Northern Ireland, and the only one with an outdoor play area.

While the kids explore, parents get to actually relax with a barista coffee and one of Victoria's famous homemade traybakes. It's a rare treat for everyone.

The Wee Village also hosts birthday parties, private group hire, toddler mornings, and an after-school care service called Our Wee Family.

Victoria has even won a Mighty Woman Award for her commitment to child development. Take a closer look around at: theweevillage.com

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.

Make the most of the long evenings this summer at Brighter Nights, a FREE outdoor family event series coming to Lilian Bland Community Park in Glengormley every Friday from 3 July to 28 August 2026.

Running from 6:30–8:30pm, it's the perfect way to get the kids out of the house after school breaks up, with fun suitable for all ages. Best of all? It won't cost you a penny.

📅 Dates: Every Friday from 3 July – 28 August 2026
📍 Location: Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley
🎟️ Admission: FREE

Does the blank page feel exciting or a little terrifying? Either way, this summer workshop is for you.

On Monday 20 July, YA author and Children's Writing Fellow Shirley-Anne McMillan is hosting a fun, relaxed creative writing session at Theatre at The Mill for ages 12 and up.

No experience needed. Running across two sessions (10am–12pm and 1pm–3pm), young writers will dive into creative experiments, find their voice, and leave with the confidence to call themselves a writer.

The Libraries NI Mobile Library Van will also be on site all day. Just bring a notebook and a pen, inspiration is included. Tickets are £12.

👉 Book your place here

Teddy Bears' Picnic | The Junction, Antrim | 10:00 AM. Hope365 brings a joyful family morning with games, stories, a snack bag, mini diggers, and a teddy to take home, with proceeds supporting Street Kids in Ethiopia. Booking essential.

Antrim Job Fair | The Junction, Antrim | 11:00 AM. Meet local employers across retail, hospitality, manufacturing, healthcare and more, with support services on hand to boost your employment prospects. A BSL interpreter will be present throughout.

Superstar Wrestling | The Old Courthouse | 4:00 PM. Watch the UK's finest wrestlers clash with international talent in a high-energy, family-friendly show packed with championship bouts, tag team action, and larger-than-life characters.

Beats without Barriers Silent Disco aged 8-15 | Courtyard Theatre | 4:30 PM. Young people aged 8 to 15 can pick up their headphones and dance to their own beat at this inclusive and energetic silent disco experience.

Discoland | Top Of The Town, Antrim | 5:00 PM. Dance the night away to 80s and 90s classics and party anthems at this over-25s event, with inflatables, a cocktail mixologist station, and a free cocktail included with every ticket.

Beats without Barriers Silent Disco aged 15+ | Courtyard Theatre | 7:00 PM. Those aged 15 and over can tune in, choose their channel, and lose themselves in the music at this fun and welcoming silent disco evening at the Courtyard Theatre.

The Ultimate Manilow Show | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Multi-award-winning tribute artist Wayne Denton brings Barry Manilow's Las Vegas residency to life, backed by the City Rhythm Orchestra and Inspirations singers, with a setlist full of timeless hits.

Forever Barlow | Dunamoy Cottages and Spa | 8:00 PM. Celebrate the music of Take That and Gary Barlow at this tribute night set in the beautiful surroundings of Dunamoy Cottages and Spa, promising a night to remember.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Antrim Forum Leisure Centre | 1:00 PM. Kelly's brings its popular roller disco to Antrim Forum for an hour of skating fun with all equipment provided, open to everyone and bookable online at £8 per person.

The Ultimate Bubble Show | Theatre at The Mill | 2:00 PM. Ray, a Guinness World Record-holding bubbleologist, dazzles children aged 3 to 8 with bubble volcanoes, tornadoes, and spectacular soap sculptures in this fast-paced, interactive show.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Settle in every Monday morning for a relaxed crossword session alongside complimentary tea, coffee, and biscuits in the friendly surroundings of Greystone Library.

Leaf it here! | Greenisland Library | 10:00 AM. Write a book recommendation on a paper leaf and add it to the library's display tree, helping other readers discover new favourites. Drop in any time, no booking required, and all ages are welcome.

Adult Lego Club | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Grab a tea or coffee and spend a creative Monday morning building something fun at Rathcoole's relaxed and sociable Adult Lego Club, open to all with no booking required.

Chess Drop-in | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Find an opponent, enjoy a refreshing cuppa, and settle into a relaxing game of chess at this friendly drop-in session at Glengormley Library, welcoming players of all ages and abilities.

Knit and Natter | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Bring along your current project or start something new at this free crafting group where knitters, crocheters, and cross-stitchers share tips, swap patterns, and enjoy good company over tea and coffee.

Mindful Colouring | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Slow down and recharge with a calming adult colouring session at Antrim Library, using intricate patterns and designs to ease stress and encourage a quieter, more focused state of mind. No booking required.

Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Writers of all experience levels gather every Tuesday to share ideas, try new prompts, and enjoy a creative and relaxing midday escape in the company of fellow wordsmiths.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Ballyclare Library | 10:00 AM. Booking is essential for this popular weekly session introducing children aged 0 to 4 to songs, rhymes and stories, building language skills while having lots of fun.

Knit and Natter | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Bring your current project or start something new at this free weekly crafting group for adults, where knitters, crocheters and stitchers swap tips, patterns and good company. Booking required.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Lace up and join this gentle weekly walk, connecting with others while enjoying fresh air, nature and a little companionship. Booking is essential.

Strong and Steady Movement Class | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. This chair-based class for adults builds stabilising strength through controlled, gentle movements designed to improve balance, joint mobility and everyday confidence. Booking essential.

Puppet Making Session | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Kick off the Big Summer Read with laughter and creativity as children aged 5 to 10 make their own puppet and put on a show inspired by funny books. Booking advised.

Nordic Walking | V36 Car Park, Valley Park | 5:30 PM. Explore Valley Park on this guided Nordic walking session, with poles provided on the day, training included, and no registration needed, just come along.

Go On – Meet Kubo the Robot! | Ballyclare Library | 11:00 AM. Children aged 4 to 10 can learn the basics of coding by helping Kubo the robot navigate fun interactive challenges. Booking is essential; children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Grow Your Own Plant Workshop | Rathcoole Library | 3:00 PM. Decorate a plant pot, sow a seed and take it home to watch it grow in this hands-on session welcoming all ages and abilities. Booking essential.

Story Tree: You and Me | Randalstown Library | 3:30 PM. Settle in for an interactive storytime then use Lego to build characters from the tales in this relaxed, imaginative afternoon for children and their grown-ups. Booking essential.

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.