Getting set for a lively old time around the loughside

Getting set for a lively old time around the loughside

25 April 2012 - by Joanne Fleming

LOUGH Lively celebrates everything that is unique to Strangford Lough and Lecale. A feast of events, activities and attractions have been organised for this year’s festival between April 30 and June 10, which is being run by Down Council in partnership with Ards Borough Council.

With golf high on the radar as the Irish Opens looms there will be a great opportunity to play in the Coast of Down Links Challenge from Wednesday, April 25 April to Friday, April 17. This will allow players to sample some of Northern Ireland’s very best links golf courses including Ardglass, Kirkistown Castle and Royal County Down. Check out www.coastofdown.com for entry details.

There are many opportunities to enjoy the Strangford Lough experience with some of the highlights being the annual Turn O’The Tide Festival on Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3. Learn about the unique ancient and modern maritime traditions, which will be followed by the inaugural International Bread Festival at Castle Ward on the Bank Holiday Monday.

There is free admission to everyone on June 4 at Castleward, with a feast of activities from 10am and 10pm. Further updates will follow, with more information at visitstrangfordlough.co.uk or facebook.com/DownFestivals.

Other Lough Lively highlights include Down Arts Centre playing host to A Night with George, a piano recital by Ivan Ilic and the Jeremy Lyons Jazz Ensemble, while Down Museum hosts a Murder Mystery Night, A Museum at Night event, and a Viking conference.

Another unique event is Lough Lively Celebrates — The Shore, where there is an opportunity to meet first time nominated Oscar winner Oorlagh George, producer of The Shore. A champagne reception, a guided tour by local photographer Bobby Hanvey of his recent About Faces exhibition, a seafood buffet and a screening of the short film The Shore are planned. Numbers are limited and interested parties are asked to book early to avoid disappointment.

The ever popular Continental Market returns to St Patrick’s Square, Downpatrick, on May 22 and 23, the annual Ballynahinch International Carriage Drive Festival is on Saturday, May 26, and Downpatrick Race Course is donning its blue suede shoes with a themed Viva Las Vegas Race Meeting on Friday, May 11.

The Diamond Jubilee Celebrations across the district include an interdenominational church service at Down Cathedral followed by a picnic on the cathedral grounds (weather permitting) on Saturday, June 2. At Killyleagh’s celebrations there will be lots of family entertainment including a street party, bouncy castle and the lighting of the bonfire beacon at Killyleagh Castle on Monday, June 4.

Alternatively Castle Ward will be lightening a beacon on the Bank Holiday Monday, with free entertainment from 6pm to 10pm. Families are invited to pack a picnic and enjoy the whole evening.