Sofia McAuley and Éibhleann Bailey, pictured with a boat.
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council is delighted to announce the return of the newly rebranded Rathlin Sound Festival.
Due to take place between May 24th and June 2nd, the 10-day festival celebrates the people, culture and heritage across Ballycastle and Rathlin Island.
Council is collaborating with Ballycastle Community Development Group and the Rathlin Development and Community Association to bring you this hugely popular celebration.
Causeway Shantymen singing vintage sea shanties as part of the festival.
Inspired by the Rathlin Sound – the body of water connecting Rathlin Island to the Ballycastle mainland, the programme is packed full of activities on the dry-land and in the sea.
Visitors can look forward to a diverse programme of live music performances, ‘have a go’ activities, crafts, talks, wild cookery demonstrations and a number of artisans from the Naturally North Coast and Glens Market.
The festival offers something for everyone, whether you want to find out more about traditional boat making, enjoy some family fun on the beach or have a go at paddle boarding.
Children enjoying learning drums at the festival.
To add to the expanding festival, a new addition this year is the music stage in Ballycastle on Saturday 25thand Sunday 26th May, which will host a variety of local music performers.
Some examples of what the festival offers include blessing of the boats, traditional coracle boat making, colourful kite display and a sand sculpture demonstration on Ballycastle Beach.
In anticipation of the festival, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Steven Callaghan, said:
“I am delighted to see this illustrious festival return. It has long been one of the highlights of our calendar and I am looking forward to seeing many of the talented craftsmen, musicians and artisans that we have in our Borough.”
Performers entertaining the crowds at the festivities.
For the latest updates contact Ballycastle Visitor Information Centre on 028 2076 2024.
Please note, details are subject to change due to tides and weather conditions, so visitors are advised to follow the Festival’s Facebook (@RathlinSoundFestival) and Twitter (@RathlinSoundMF) channels for the most up-to-date announcements.
