What’s happening across the borough this week?

Welcome to issue #20 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Sorry if you were looking forward to last week’s newsletter and it didn’t arrive. We had an IT glitch which prevented publishing. All back up and running now.

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.

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Antrim's historic Old Courthouse is adding a fresh reel to its 300th anniversary celebrations with a brand-new monthly Film Club launching this September.

Kicking off with a "Women in Film" season, the line-up features Thelma & Louise (4 Sept), Mary Queen of Scots (2 Oct), The Prime Minister (6 Nov), and The Woman King (4 Dec).

Mayor Cushinan and Arts Advisory Panel Chair Billy Webb both welcomed the initiative as a way to bring people back into the town centre for a relaxed night out with friends. Tickets are just £10 and booking is open now online.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council marked Swift Awareness Week with the installation of a new swift tower at Crumlin Allotments, built by local firm Stoneyford Engineering.

Featuring 20 nesting boxes and a caller system to attract swifts, the tower adds to recent conservation projects in Ballyclare and Doagh.

The RSPB Antrim Local Group also hosted community events at Antrim Library and the Ulster Bar Corner, including a talk on swift migration and a live swift watch.

Mayor Cushinan praised the community effort behind protecting the Borough's "Bird of the Borough," highlighting the partnership between residents, volunteers, schools and the RSPB.

Do you fancy a night of toe-tapping tunes and family fun this summer?

Uplift Performing Arts is bringing the much-loved musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to Theatre at The Mill, and it promises to be a colourful, high-energy night out for all the family.

The show takes place on Saturday 22 August 2026 at 7:45pm at Theatre at The Mill.

It's directed by New York-based director and actor Nick Rocz, and features all the classic Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice songs, including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door.

Tickets can be booked through the Theatre at The Mill website.

There's also a chance to get involved on stage. Young people from P6 up to age 18 are invited to join the cast, with rehearsals running from 10–22 August.

Anyone interested should get in touch with Uplift's office directly.

Read more: https://www.weareuplift.com/Events/Event/174

Fancy joining in the Fleadh without leaving home? Local favourites The Coves are playing three free live music nights across the borough as part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026, bringing traditional Irish folk energy right to our doorstep.

Catch them at The Rabbit Hotel on Sunday 2 August (9–11pm), Corr's Corner Hotel on Thursday 6 August (7–9pm), and Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport on Friday 7 August (5–7pm), all free to attend.

Known for their high-energy folk, bluegrass and Irish fusion sound, The Coves are the perfect way to soak up the Fleadh atmosphere locally, whether you're a lifelong trad music fan or just fancy a great night out with friends and family.

These free events are a lovely way to celebrate the Fleadh coming to Belfast this year, bring the community together, and support live local music close to home.

No ticket, no travel, just good craic. It's also a gentle warm-up before the celebrations move on to Belfast for the main event.

Grab your friends or family and head along to one (or all three!) of these nights to feel the rhythm of the Fleadh right here in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

The Old Courthouse is putting on a magical production of The Little Mermaid, and it's the perfect little outing for families this summer.

Based on Hans Christian Andersen's much-loved story, the show follows young mermaid Ariel as she dreams of leaving her ocean home behind to discover life above the waves.

It's a tale about love, sacrifice and acceptance, brought to life by a cast of talented young performers.

Whether you're looking for a fun family day out or simply want to support local young talent, tickets are on sale now for both performances. Grab your seats before they sell out, and get ready to dive in.

Decorate a Bug Hotel & Glass Vase | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. Get creative with decoupage as you decorate your own bug hotel and glass vase using paper and glue techniques, with all materials provided for a relaxed, hands on craft session suitable for every age.

Lego Club | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Bring the kids along to build and create with Lego, a fun Saturday session for children aged 4 to 10, with under 8s accompanied by an adult and booking essential by phone.

Tabletop Games Club | Antrim Library | 10:30 AM. Pull up a chair for board games suited to kids, adults and families alike, no booking required, just ask at the desk and join in the fun for free.

Pre-Loved Pop Up | Dunsilly Hotel | 11:00 AM. Browse a lively second hand shopping event with tombola prizes up for grabs, entry by a minimum £1 donation with all proceeds supporting Turning Point NI, cash only and bring your own bag.

The Big Bug Hunt | Antrim Library | 12:00 PM. Young explorers search for bugs and leaves around the library, investigating their finds up close and learning fascinating facts, suited to ages 6 to 10 with booking essential in advance.

Decorate a Bird Box with Decoupage | Antrim Castle Gardens | 1:00 PM. Personalise your own bird box using the decoupage technique, layering images that look hand painted without any paint required, a relaxed and versatile craft suitable for crafters of every age.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Join a Ranger for an easy hour long walk through the 350 year old gardens, hearing stories and history of the Massereene family dynasty from the Wolfhound Statue meeting point.

The Little Mermaid | Old Courthouse, Antrim | 3:00 PM. Settle in for a family friendly stage retelling of the classic fairy tale, following a young mermaid's adventures above the waves, with this matinee performance offering a magical afternoon out for all ages.

The Little Mermaid | Old Courthouse, Antrim | 7:30 PM. Catch the evening performance of this enchanting fairy tale brought to life on stage, a magical night out for the whole family at the Old Courthouse theatre.

Family Fun Sunday Lunch | The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick | 12:00 PM. Tuck into a delicious Sunday lunch while little ones enjoy face painting and a dazzling magician, with live music in Hunter's Bar from 1 till 4pm rounding off a hoppin' good family day.

USA 250 Themed Party in The Park | Antrim Castle Gardens | 1:00 PM. Relax in the summer sunshine at this lively USA 250 themed party, enjoying live tribute performances celebrating America's biggest music stars, tickets just £2.50 with a small donation supporting the Mayor's charities.

Sir George White Memorial Band | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Bring a picnic and blanket for a relaxing free afternoon of live music in the gardens, this week featuring the Sir George White Memorial Band as part of the Summer Sunday Music series.

Star of Knockagh | Ballyclare Sixmilewater Park | 2:00 PM. Unwind in Sixmilewater Park with free live music from Star of Knockagh, part of the borough's Summer Sunday Music series bringing local bands and traditional sounds to parks all August.

The Rogues | Jordanstown Loughshore Park | 2:00 PM. Head to the loughshore for a free Sunday afternoon of music from The Rogues, another instalment of the popular Summer Sunday Music series running through August and into September.

Feel the Rhythm of The Fleadh | The Rabbit Hotel, Templepatrick | 9:00 PM. Feel the spirit of The Fleadh without leaving home as traditional Irish folk band The Coves bring a lively evening of live music to the Rabbit Hotel, free entry all welcome.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Sharpen your mind over crosswords, tea, coffee and biscuits in good company at this relaxed weekly puzzle session, a great way to start the morning with fellow word lovers.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann: Irish Language Class | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Celebrate Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann with a low pressure Irish language class for complete beginners, building basic phrases from scratch in a fun, messy and rewarding session, booking essential for adults.

Once Upon a Teddy Bear Picnic | Greenisland Library | 10:30 AM. Pack a teddy and dress as your favourite fairy tale character for songs, stories and picnic treats at this magical morning for under 5s, no booking needed, just bring a blanket and cuddly friend.

Chess Drop-in | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Come along for a cuppa and find an opponent for a relaxing game of chess, open to all ages with refreshments provided and no need to book ahead.

Knit and Natter | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Bring your knitting, crochet or cross stitch along to this free weekly group, swapping tips and patterns over tea and coffee while meeting fellow craft enthusiasts in a friendly setting.

Mystery Puzzle Tournament | Rathcoole Library | 10:30 AM. Ten teams go head to head to complete a 500 piece mystery jigsaw first, testing teamwork and strategy in this fun adult puzzle showdown, part of the council's Summer Scheme with booking advised.

Crime Reading Group | Antrim Library | 4:30 PM. Fans of crime fiction are welcome to join this monthly discussion group, sharing thoughts on the latest whodunnit over a relaxed chat with fellow readers at the library.

Universal Credit and Job Support | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Get free, friendly advice on Universal Credit, benefits, CV writing and interview skills from the Newtownabbey Jobs and Benefits Office team, with everyone welcome to drop in for support.

Tea Dance | The Old Courthouse, Antrim | 2:00 PM. Dance the afternoon away at this popular tea dance for £3, enjoying live music, a cuppa and good company in a warm social setting for older residents at the Old Courthouse.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Enjoy a gentle guided walk connecting with nature and fellow walkers, a friendly way to get some fresh air and companionship each week, with booking essential in advance.

Jigsaw Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Take some time out to relax and piece together a beautiful jigsaw in good company, a calm and sociable way to spend a Thursday morning at the library.

Pebble Art | Antrim Library | 2:00 PM. Turn everyday materials into unique sustainable crafts at this Eco Friendly Pebble Art workshop for adults, part of the Over 50s Summer Programme, blending environmental awareness with hands on creativity, booking essential.

Super Sleuth Challenge | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Follow the clues and crack the case as young detectives celebrate mystery novels and try to answer the age old question of whodunnit, suited to ages 5 to 10, though sadly now fully booked.

Nordic Walking | Antrim Loughshore | 5:30 PM. Try Nordic Walking along the loughshore, learning how poles ease pressure on your joints while you enjoy a guided walk suited to all abilities, poles provided and no need to register.

Feel the Rhythm of The Fleadh | Corr's Corner Hotel, Newtownabbey | 7:00 PM. Celebrate The Fleadh with another lively free performance from traditional band The Coves at Corr's Corner Hotel, a great night out whether you love Irish music or just fancy some fun.

Go On - Meet Kubo | Glengormley Library | 11:00 AM. Meet Kubo the friendly robot and discover an easy, playful way to learn coding basics, suited to children aged 4 to 9 who must be accompanied by an adult, booking essential.

Ulster Scots and the American Revolution | Ballyclare Library | 11:00 AM. Hear historian Dr David Hume explore the role Ulster Scots settlers played in the American Revolutionary War, including two pivotal battles fought in the Carolinas, booking essential for this adult talk.

Feel the Rhythm of The Fleadh | Maldron Hotel, Antrim | 5:00 PM. Round off Fleadh week with a vibrant free performance from The Coves at Maldron Hotel Belfast International Airport, a great excuse to gather with friends before the celebrations move to Belfast.

Brighter Nights | Lillian Bland Community Park | 6:30 PM. Bring the kids along for a free evening of family fun while school's out, part of a summer long series of Friday night activities suitable for all ages at the park.

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.