Vaishali, Suyesh and Arya Kokate.DALRIADA FESTIVAL
Glenarm Castle was transformed during a
scorching weekend in July as the Dalriada
Festival came to town. Sponsored by Purple
Bricks and supported by Mid & East Antrim
Borough Council in association with Tower
Centre, the family festival offered an eclectic
line up with musical offerings ranging from
90s favourites to today’s chart toppers. To
top it all off, there was a host of fun activities
for kids as well as a superb selection of local
food and drink stalls.
I had tickets to Sunday’s stellar
programme. As the sun shone, the drive to
this scenic part of the world was pure bliss.
On arrival very helpful stewards pointed out
where you could park up for the day. As we
made our way to the action it was hard not
to notice the busy camp site where families
were pitched up in style - hello 5* glamping -
to make the most of the weekend’s jam-
packed itinerary of events. On the Saturday,
the main stage featured Peter Andre,
Samantha Harvey, D:Ream and Phats &
Small, to name a few, whilst kids favourites
Paw Patrol were top of the bill for many of
the smaller festival goers.
During our visit, it was hard not to feel
nostalgic as East 17, Atomic Kitten and
my personal favourites, Republica, belted
out their classics from the 90s and early 00s
whilst Fleur East had all ages dancing to her
uber catchy hit ‘Sax’ and singing along to her
famous ditty from the I’m a Celebrity jungle,
‘I like my bum...’. It was also fantastic to see a
number of local acts delight the crowd, such
as the amazing Dea Matrona.
Between acts we had time to explore
the other aspects of the festival. In addition
to checking out the hotly contested ‘Celtic
Smoke’ International BBQ competition
sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Society,
it was wonderful to have the opportunity to
explore the beautiful Walled Garden; enjoy
cream tea in the Punjana tent, which featured
live jazz as well as dancing from Ballroom
Blitz; experience an adrenalin rush on the
funfair rides; and discover must-have treats at
the craft, food and drink stalls. My expeditionsaw me uncover the Nitro Coffee Co which
produce delicious Cold Brew Nitro Coffee
served in organic, fully compostable cups; I
am now obsessed!
Speaking of the Dalriada weekend, Nigel
Campbell, Festival Director, commented:
“Every year we aim to create a festival with
families in mind. The beautiful Glenarm
Estate and castle is a fantastic backdrop
for our amazing festival programme. With
an amazing food offering, access across
the stunning estate and a top class family
camping zone – families are guaranteed to
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experience of the Dalriada Festival but I can
honestly say I loved every second of it. It was
a professionally run event with a relaxed
and enticing vibe. There is so much to
experience, whatever your age, and whether
you want to make a weekend of it or just pop
up for the day, there is a ticket to suit. I am
already eagerly awaiting the line up for 2020.
The Dalraida Festival ran from 13th -
14th July 2019.“it was hard not to feel nostalgic as East 17, Atomic Kitten and
Republica, belted out their classics from the 90s and early 00s ”
89Sunday headliners Republica.Cameron, Robert, Barbara and Lewis Wilson.David Campbell, Kat Reagan, Richard
Campbell and Matthew Campbell.Sisters Colette and Paula
Hill from Ballycastle.Gabrielle, Erin and
Kenny Cairns.
Isabel, Esther and Kathryn Campbell.Seamus and Mary Hill and Robert Dick
at the vintage Austin car collection. Mum and daughter Evelyn and Lyn Brennan.The Ballroom Blitz
formation dance team.