Garth Brooks, Bjorn Identity, Origami, We Will Rock You, Whiskey Tasting & More.

Welcome to another newsletter from Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

I managed to get out for a couple of walks this week in between the rain showers. Some of my favourite places for walking are Six Mile Park and Jordanstown Loughshore.

Have you any plans for getting out next week? The weather looks like it’s going to be dry from Monday onwards.

If you want to get out for a walk yourself, you could try meeting up with the walking group at Randalstown library on Wednesday.

Or, if you fancy something a bit different, there’s a Whiskey tasting experience at Dunadry Hotel on Thursday evening.

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 forward to a friend.

Mindful Colouring | Ballyclare Library | 10:00 AM. Calm your mind and ease stress with meditative colouring sessions using intricate patterns and designs, offering a gentle, peaceful way to recharge each Friday morning.

Adult Board Games Club | Antrim Library | 10:30 AM. Grab a game from the desk or bring your own and enjoy an hour of relaxed, sociable gaming in a lively library atmosphere. Everyone is welcome.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Little ones aged 0 to 4 enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in this popular Friday session. Phone by Thursday to book a place.

The Writer's Room | Glengormley Library | 1:00 PM. Script writers for stage and screen come together to explore structure, swap ideas, and share feedback through lively table reads in these fun monthly writing sessions.

Knit and Natter | Antrim Library | 2:00 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, or cross stitch along and spend a relaxed afternoon swapping patterns, sharing tips, and making new friends. Free and open to all.

Connect Event | Crumlin Library | 2:30 PM. Community drop-in welcoming Emergency Service Representatives offering advice and information, plus a special reminiscence session with Derek. No booking is required to come along.

Lego Club | Randalstown Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged 6 and over can build characters and scenes inspired by their favourite books. Adults must accompany younger children. Booking is essential.

The Illegals with Niamh Kavanagh | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Niamh Kavanagh leads The Illegals through an evening of Eagles and Fleetwood Mac classics, delivering soulful harmonies and powerful guitar work across nearly three hours of rock. Tickets from £21.

Introduction to Clay (Air Drying) | Ballyearl Leisure Complex | 10:00 AM. Try your hand at clay work in this relaxing, hands-on session using air-drying clay, with no kiln or prior experience needed, just bring your creativity.

Lego Club | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Children aged 4 to 10 are welcome to build, create and imagine at this weekly Lego Club; those aged 8 and under should be accompanied by an adult, and booking is essential.

Mindful Colouring | Greystone Library | 10:00 AM. Slow down and switch off with intricate colouring patterns designed to calm the mind and ease stress, running every Saturday morning until 1:00 PM in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Garden History Workshop | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:30 AM. Explore the rich heritage of one of Northern Ireland's most remarkable historic gardens, uncovering the stories of the Massereene family and the landscape they shaped over four centuries.

Tabletop Games Club | Antrim Library | 10:30 AM. Drop in for board games to suit all ages — kids, adults and families — at this relaxed weekly games session; no booking required, just ask at the desk and join in.

Knit and Natter | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Crafters of all levels are warmly invited to bring along their knitting, crochet or cross stitch, swap patterns, pick up new tips and enjoy good company every Saturday morning.

Kids Craft Club | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Children can get creative with Saturday morning crafts while parents browse the shelves — no booking needed, just turn up and make something fun between 10:30 AM and noon.

Fascinating Fossils Focus Workshop | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Led by JJ Fossils, this hands-on workshop lets children and adults handle real fossil specimens, learn how they formed and discover what they reveal about life millions of years ago; booking advised.

Storytime | Crumlin Library | 11:00 AM. Staff bring popular books to life in this weekly session for children aged 4 to 8, nurturing a love of reading, sharpening listening skills and sparking imagination in a friendly library setting.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Rathcoole Library | 11:00 AM. Songs, rhymes and stories make this weekly session a joyful introduction to language and learning for children aged 0 to 4, giving parents and carers a chance to connect with others too.

Larne Motor Club Autotest Championship | The Junction, Antrim | 11:00 AM. Watch skilled drivers tackle tight, precision tests in the car park at The Junction, giving spectators a front-row view of grassroots motorsport action all day.

Spring into Spring - Mr Hullabaloo | Courtyard Theatre | 1:30 PM. Mr Hullabaloo the magical storyteller brings spring to life through puppetry, live music and movement in this enchanting family theatre show full of surprises and fun for all ages.

Dungeons and Dragons Group | Glengormley Library | 1:30 PM. Adventurers aged 18 and over are welcome to join this weekly D&D group at Glengormley Library for two hours of collaborative storytelling, strategy and rollicking roleplay fun.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens - Meet at the Wolfhound Statue | 2:00 PM. A knowledgeable ranger guides you on an easy, flat one-hour walk through 350 years of garden history, sharing colourful tales of the Massereene family and pointing out original features dating to the mid-1600s.

The Garth Brooks Tribute Show | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Stephen Butler and his band deliver a high-energy tribute to Garth Brooks, performing decades of country hits including Friends in Low Places, The River and The Dance, with bar service available.

The Bjorn Identity | Dunadry Hotel and Gardens | 8:00 PM. Widely regarded as the most authentic ABBA tribute act around, The Bjorn Identity brings stunning vocals, iconic costumes and infectious audience participation to an unforgettable evening of ABBA's greatest hits.

No events listed today. Have you an event you want included? Submit your event details through the bottom below.

Duplo Club | Greenisland Library | 11:00 AM. Children aged 4 and under, accompanied by an adult, can drop in and build something amazing using a new theme each week. No booking required.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Kick off your Monday morning with crosswords, tea, coffee and biscuits in a relaxed and sociable atmosphere at this regular brain-teasing drop-in.

Gel Printing with Nature | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Create your own handmade prints using a gel plate and natural materials you bring along, such as leaves and grasses; all other materials provided and no experience required. Book your place online.

Lego Club | Greystone Library | 3:00 PM. Children aged 6 to 12, accompanied by an adult, can let their imaginations run free at this popular weekly building club at Greystone Library.

Adult Lego Club | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Grown-ups can get creative with Lego while enjoying tea, coffee and biscuits in a relaxed and sociable session at the newly refurbished Rathcoole Library.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Rathcoole Library | 11:00 AM. Parents and carers with children aged 0 to 4 can share in the magic of songs, rhymes and stories, giving little ones a great start in reading and language skills.

Cryptic Corner | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Keep your mind active in good company with crosswords and Sudoku every Tuesday morning until noon. Please contact the library for details.

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

Knit and Natter | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Bring your current project or start something new and enjoy swapping tips, patterns, and good company over tea and coffee. Everyone is welcome.

Origami Spring Butterfly Bookmarks Craft | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Back by popular demand, this hands-on adult workshop guides you through folding your own beautiful spring butterfly bookmark. Booking is advised; call 028 9446 3891.

Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Whether you are a first-time writer or a seasoned poet, this weekly group offers prompts, fresh ideas, and a supportive space to create and unwind.

Sporting Memories Café | Glengormley Library | 1:30 PM. Take a nostalgic look at the history of the FIFA World Cup over a cuppa, with footage, quizzes, and stories of local community involvement on the world's biggest stage. Booking advised.

Knit and Natter | Randalstown Library | 1:30 PM. Bring your needles and a project you love or start something new, while connecting with other craft enthusiasts in a warm, welcoming drop-in session.

Craft Corner | Cloughfern Library | 2:30 PM. Primary school children enjoy a story read by library staff followed by a hands-on craft activity to spark imagination and inspire creativity. Booking is advised; call 028 9085 4789.

Sensory Storytime | Crumlin Library | 2:30 PM. Held during Autism Awareness Week, this specially designed storytime offers a gentle and inclusive experience for children. Booking is essential; call 028 9442 3066.

Lego Club | Greenisland Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged 5 and over can build and create on a new theme each week. Accompanied by a parent or carer, no booking needed, just come along.

Storytime and Craft | Rathcoole Library | 3:30 PM. Children aged 4 to 8 listen to an engaging story then make a different craft each week. Spaces are limited, so booking is essential; call 028 9085 1157.

Adult Reading Group | Antrim Library | 6:30 PM. Open to readers aged 16 and over, this monthly group meets to discuss the latest chosen book in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Call 028 9446 1942 for details.

Sensory Storytime | Ballyclare Library | 6:45 PM. Enjoy a sensory storytime followed by time to explore the play resources provided. Booking is essential; contact the library on 028 9335 2269 to reserve your place.

We Will Rock You | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. The Northern Ireland amateur premiere of the Queen and Ben Elton musical brings a high-energy, head-banging spectacular packed with iconic anthems to the stage. Tickets are on sale now.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Ballyclare Library | 10:00 AM. Songs, rhymes, and stories for children aged 0 to 4 years make this free session a wonderful start to the week for little ones; booking is essential.

Mindful Colouring | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Settle in for two hours of relaxed, meditative colouring using intricate patterns and designs, a gentle way to ease stress and boost your sense of wellbeing.

Loneliness Bench Launch | Antrim Library Garden | 10:30 AM. Antrim Newtownabbey Loneliness Network, Action Mental Health Men's Shed Antrim, and Libraries NI unveil a new Chatty Bench, handcrafted locally, to spark connection and conversation in the library garden.

Mindful Colouring | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Take a quiet pause from the day with adult mindful colouring, shown to reduce stress and improve focus; no booking required, just come along.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Randalstown Library | 11:00 AM. Parents and carers of children aged 0 to 4 are invited to this free, fun-filled session of nursery rhymes, songs, and stories; booking is essential.

Knit and Natter | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Bring your knitting, crochet, or cross-stitch project and spend the afternoon swapping tips, learning new skills, and meeting fellow crafters; phone ahead to book.

Walking Group | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Head out for a gentle weekly walk enjoying fresh air, nature, and friendly companionship; booking is essential, so call ahead to reserve your place.

We Will Rock You | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Fortwilliam Musical Society brings the Northern Ireland amateur premiere of this Queen and Ben Elton musical to the stage, packed with iconic anthems, high-energy choreography, and a cast ready to rock the house.

Jigsaw Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Drop in and spend a relaxing morning working on a beautiful jigsaw puzzle in friendly library surroundings.

Mindful Colouring | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Calm the mind and enhance your well-being through meditative colouring of intricate patterns and designs, perfect for reducing stress.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Cloughfern Library | 10:30 AM. Parents and children aged 0 to 4 are invited to enjoy rhymes, songs, and stories in a fun, relaxed session that builds early language skills; booking advisable.

Intergenerational Coffee and Poem Morning | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Readers of all ages gather to listen and share favourite poems over coffee, celebrating the joy of poetry in a friendly, informal setting; booking advised.

Lego Duplo Club | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Children aged 1 to 6, accompanied by a parent or carer, are invited to explore creative Duplo building fun with ideas and themes to inspire young builders.

Junior Duplo Club | Cloughfern Library | 11:00 AM. Young children aged 0 to 4 and their parents discover the wonder of Duplo Lego in a playful, welcoming session; booking advisable.

Community Safety Programme – Week 2 | Ballyclare Library | 1:00 PM. Redeeming Our Communities hosts a weekly drop-in covering home, online, and community safety; light refreshments provided and booking is essential.

Shakespeare Character Scavenger Hunt | Greenisland Library | 2:00 PM. On Shakespeare Day, children aged 4 to 11 hunt the shelves for characters from A Midsummer Night's Dream, with a sweet treat for those who complete the trail; no booking required.

Lego Club | Ballyclare Library | 3:15 PM. Children aged 6 and over can get building at this term-time Lego Club, with younger children accompanied by an adult; booking is essential.

Wedding Showcase | Dunadry Hotel and Gardens | 5:00 PM. Couples planning their big day can tour the dressed ballroom and Linen Mill Suite, explore the riverside gardens, and meet the experienced wedding team to ask all their questions.

Spiritly Whiskey Tasting | The Cellar, Dunadry Hotel and Gardens | 7:00 PM. Step into the atmospheric Cellar for a guided tasting of four Irish whiskeys from the Kirker Shamrock Four Seasons range, each paired with a handpicked charcuterie board; tickets are £25 per person.

Fortwilliam Musical Society: We Will Rock You | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. The Northern Ireland amateur premiere of Queen and Ben Elton's rock musical brings a high-energy story of rebellion, love, and freedom packed with iconic Queen anthems.

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.

If you found this useful, feel free to share it with someone else around the Antrim and Newtownabbey area who might appreciate some new local events to try each week.

Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.