Summer Schemes Return, Shane's Castle Steam Rally, Wine Tasting & Over 30's Club

Welcome to issue #8 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

We’ve just reached May and are about to go into the Bank Holiday weekend. It looks like the weather is going to be dry and bright if you’re heading out and about.

This week I’ve added in a few more local news stories and a new business spotlight as I try and get the newsletter format nailed down moving forward.

Do you like/not like? Hit reply and let me know! I love reading your weekly feedback.

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 feel free to forward it to a friend who might find it useful.

And if you have a spare minute, I’d be really grateful for a quick review on Facebook or Google. It helps more people find out about the A&N Post, and honestly, it makes a big difference.

Summer schemes for children aged 6 to 12 will run across the Borough from 20 July to 21 August, with bookings opening on Tuesday 19 May through Council's usual communication platforms.

Venues this year include Sixmile Leisure Centre in Ballyclare, Valley Leisure Centre, Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre, Lilian Bland, Merville House, Crumlin Leisure Centre, Hydepark, Ballynure, Kilbride Church/St Brides, and Castle Gardens.

Inclusive summer schemes in partnership with the Mae Murray Foundation will also run at two locations to be confirmed, offering specialised one-to-one care for children with additional needs.

A wider review of the summer scheme programme is planned for autumn and will be reported back to Members. Officers are also looking at whether an alternative booking system could be introduced following difficulties with the current one.

Council has agreed to back the nomination of Antrim Town for the Best Kept Ireland Towns Awards 2026 in the "Best Kept Town" category.

The all-island competition brings together winners from Northern Ireland's Best Kept scheme and the Republic's Tidy Towns competition.

Judging takes place throughout May, with an awards ceremony planned for June at Farmleigh House in Dublin.

Want to discover more local news and council committee meeting highlights, click below.

The Duke of Edinburgh Legacy Bursary Scheme has relaunched in Antrim and Newtownabbey, offering local young people a chance to build skills, grow in confidence, and get help towards future goals.

The scheme is open to young people aged 11–18 and offers 20 bursaries worth £1,000 each.

Successful applicants will take part in a 12-week programme from September to December, covering areas such as volunteering, wellbeing, money management, sport, digital skills and creative activities.

Once the programme is completed, participants may be able to access funding to support their next steps.

This could include help with equipment, training or tuition linked to their interests.

The bursary is about more than money. It gives young people the chance to meet others, learn useful life skills and explore what they enjoy.

For some, it could be the boost they need to take on a new challenge or develop a talent.

Parents, carers, schools, youth groups and community organisations are encouraged to spread the word.

If there’s a young person in your life who could benefit, this could be a lovely opportunity to support them. Applications and nominations are now open.

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.

It all started with a missed dinner. Samantha Marshall was deep in a stitch count when her husband asked her to cook.

Her answer was no. His response? "You know that's a hobby, not a business."

Seven months later, The Yarn and Craft Emporium opened its doors in the heart of Whiteabbey Village and it hasn't looked back since.

Seven years on, this beloved independent is so much more than a wool shop. It's the only bespoke arts and crafts bookshop in the area, home to the largest local stock of Scheepjes Yarn, and a warm, welcoming space where makers of every level come to create, learn, and connect.

Alongside an impressive range of wool, acrylic and cotton from brands like West Yorkshire Spinners, Emma Ball and Lion Brand, Samantha and her team run a full programme of workshops and can even host craft parties for groups looking for something a little different.

What makes The Yarn and Craft Emporium truly special is the community at its heart.

Samantha is connected to the Knitting and Crochet Guild, involved in the Octopuses for Premmies charity project, and is becoming a tutor at both QUB and the Belfast Trust. The motto here says it all, kindness is always the answer.

Pop in Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 4pm, walk-ins are always welcome. You can also browse online, book a workshop, or drop Samantha an email at [email protected].

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, 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.

The Vintage Wine Merchants | 33 Church Street, Antrim | 7:00 PM. Join a guided tasting evening featuring wines from Bellevue Estate, with cold meats, cheeses, and nibbles provided alongside expert insight from a visiting guest speaker. Tickets from £22.38.

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Two of the world's leading tribute artists celebrate the music of Elton John and George Michael in a two-hour, hit-packed show performed with a full live band.

Parkrun | Loughshore, Antrim | 9:30 AM. Run, jog or walk a free 5k through the beautiful Loughshore Park and Antrim Castle Gardens, finishing near the café for a well-earned post-run coffee with fellow participants.

Day in the Sun | Rathcoole Library | 10:00 AM. Drop in to Rathcoole Library for this feel-good community event, a welcoming opportunity to connect with others, enjoy the library's new refurbished space and take part in activities on offer.

Mini Beasts for the Family Workshop | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:30 AM. Curious young nature-lovers can discover the fascinating world of insects and creepy-crawlies at this hands-on family workshop set in the beautiful grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens — booking is essential.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Valley Leisure Centre | 1:00 PM. Strap on your skates and hit the floor at Kelly's brilliant mobile roller disco, where music, disco lights, skates and safety gear are all provided for a fun-filled hour of skating at just £8 a ticket.

Our Favourite Books | Courtyard Theatre | 1:00 PM. This charming family show at the intimate Courtyard Theatre celebrates the joy of books and storytelling, perfect for young audiences and anyone who loves the magic of a favourite tale brought to life on stage.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Join a knowledgeable ranger for an hour-long guided walk through 350 years of history, uncovering the stories of the Massereene family dynasty and the remarkable features of these beautifully preserved gardens.

Our Favourite Books | Courtyard Theatre | 3:30 PM. Catch the second showing of this family-friendly theatrical celebration of beloved books and storytelling, a joyful afternoon performance at the Courtyard Theatre ideal for children and book-lovers of all ages.

Luke & Lainey Country Tribute Night | Shane’s Castle | 5:00 PM. Get ready for a high-energy evening of country music as a live band pays tribute to Luke Combs and Lainey Wilson, performing all the chart-topping hits in a spectacular outdoor castle setting.

The Height of Nonsense | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. BBCNI favourite Tim McGarry brings his brand-new stand-up show to Newtownabbey, delivering sharp wit, brilliant storytelling and plenty of laughs for audiences aged 16 and over. Booking essential.

May Day Steam Rally | Shane's Castle | 10:00 AM. One of Northern Ireland's biggest vintage events, set among the castle ruins of Shane's Castle Estate, welcoming steam enthusiasts and families to a premier rally on the island of Ireland. Advance tickets required.

Kids' Workshop: The Power of Plants | The Junction | 11:00 AM. Children discover the surprising abilities of plants, from carnivorous Venus flytraps to healing aloe vera, through hands-on activities in a friendly group setting. Free to attend.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Join a ranger for an hour-long walk through 350 years of history, hearing stories of the Massereene family and original garden features dating to the 1600s. Tickets £5, under 12s free; walk-ups welcome if not fully booked.

Over30sClub | Corrs Corner Hotel | 5:00 PM. Relive the best nights out of your life at this afternoon day party, packed with 80s, 90s and 00s anthems, top DJs, dancers, and the kind of singalong energy that lifts the whole room.

Bank Holiday - Libraries are closed.

May Day Fun Day | The Junction | 11:00 AM. Free entry and free parking for a packed bank holiday at this Antrim shopping centre, with K-Pop tribute shows, magic acts, a reptile farm, climbing wall, silent disco, and a food and craft market.

May Day Steam Rally | Shane's Castle | 10:00 AM. Explore one of Northern Ireland's biggest vintage events, set in the picturesque grounds of Shanes Castle Estate near Antrim, drawing vintage enthusiasts from across the island. Tickets required.

Eden Project Exhibition | Antrim Library | 12:30 PM. Visit Antrim Library to explore this exhibition, which offers an engaging opportunity to discover inspiring ideas and connect with the wider community.

Patient and Client Council Drop In | Ballyclare Library | 2:00 PM. PCC professionals are on hand to offer information, advice, support, and advocacy for anyone with questions or concerns about healthcare services.

Gel Printing with Nature | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Learn to create beautiful handmade prints using a gel plate and natural materials like leaves and grasses; all materials provided, no experience needed, and booking is essential via the online form.

Tea Dance | The Old Courthouse | 2:00 PM. Double Trouble play great tunes from all eras at this relaxed, friendly afternoon of dancing and music; tickets are £3 and you can pay at the door or book online.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Get some fresh air and good company on this gentle weekly walk connecting people with nature and each other; booking is essential.

Sensory Stay and Play Club | Rathcoole Library | 3:30 PM. Families can enjoy sensory stories, sensory equipment play, and Lego in the library's dedicated sensory space, with a chance to socialise with other parents and carers; booking is essential.

Pub Quiz | Hunter's Bar | 8:00 PM. Teams of up to four go head-to-head for prizes on the first Wednesday of the month, with nibbles and drinks offers on the night; entry is £5 per person.

Community Safety Programme | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) hosts this weekly drop-in covering home safety, online safety, and community safety topics, with light refreshments provided. Booking essential.

Dementia Friends Talk | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Antrim Library hosts this talk to help attendees understand dementia and how small acts of awareness can make a real difference to those living with the condition.

Crochet | Old Museum Mossley Mill | 7:00 PM. Spaces are still available for the evening session of this popular 7-week crochet course for adults aged 16+, covering beginner and improver levels with expert tuition from Margaretta McCullough. Tickets £52.50–£56.00.

Paddy McDonnell – Gout's Out | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell brings his sharp observational humour to a new show about ageing, gout, boxing, and the chaos of raising kids. For ages 16 and over. Tickets £16.50.

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.