We had the pleasure of going to the Dalriada Festival a few years ago and had an absolute ball. It’s a really family-friendly festival with lots of quirky and fun goings on for all ages as well as some cracking musical acts. So read on for a breakdown of whats happening and head over to their website for the all the full details and ticket info!
Building on the foundations of a ten-year history of entertaining tens of thousands of families, the Dalriada Festival at Glenarm Castle has this year attracted a new headline sponsor and, with Purplebricks support, the festival organisers are promising that this year’s Dalriada Festival will be the biggest and best yet! On 14 and 15 July the stunning surrounds of Glenarm Castle will be transformed to showcase a newly designed festival, the likes of which previous Dalriada Festival visitors will not have seen before. As well as being able to participate in a range of fun activities, there will be music, children’s entertainment and fine food to enjoy.
A first for Dalriada Festival – tickets entitle visitors to access all areas of the festival throughout the weekend. Fitness fans will be treated to the first fitness racing championships to take place at Glenarm Castle while last year’s highly competitive wife carrying championships returns. Straight from Disney Junior, the official PJ Masks, Catboy and Owlette, will be making appearances on both days of the festival as will the official Tractor Ted, who will be bringing his Real Life Farm to the event. The Co Antrim pipe band championships will provide the musical entertainment in the afternoon before a host of globally recognised artists take to the 3,500 seater main stage as dusk settles.
Performers include an eclectic mix of homegrown and international talent; Alabama 3, Hermitage Green, Matt Cardle, General Fiasco, Gareth Dunlop, The Electric Swing Circus, Runabay, Dana Masters, Ben Glover and Ryan McMullan – fresh from touring with Ed Sheeran!
Adrian Morrow, Managing Director, Glenarm Castle, said: “The Dalriada Festival is a firm fixture in the summer festival calendar and while we welcome more than 30,000 visitors to Glenarm Castle during Dalriada weekend every year, this year we wanted to make the Dalriada Festival more accessible to all and that’s why we’ve introduced one ticket that permits entrance to all the attractions including our ‘big top’ music stage. We are grateful to Purple Bricks and all our partners who have assisted in our vision to completely redevelop the festival and make it relevant for 2018.”
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Paul Reid, said: “The Dalriada Festival has grown to be a truly world-class event, drawing thousands of visitors to our Borough. This year’s festival promises to be the best yet, with an incredible entertainment offering for all ages to enjoy.”
Dalriada Festival, 11.00am until 10.00pm on 14 and 15 July with camping available from 13 to 16 July.
