Set sail for Larne Alive Maritime Festival

There is a packed festival programme this June to celebrate the Larne Area’s Maritime Heritage and also the visit of the Tall ships to Northern Ireland this July.

The festival opens on Saturday, June 6 when Larne Main Street will be awash with all manners of strange sea creatures, sailors and of course pirates! Schools, groups and clubs from throughout the Larne area will be dressing up and taking part in the parade along with a group of local young people who have being learning to stilt walk for the event.

This parade is sure to be a colourful and vibrant affair and lots of fun for all taking part and spectating. Come down to Larne Town Centre from 2pm to 4pm to enjoy live music at Broadway Bandstand along with face painting and walkabouts. Enjoy the atmosphere and watch the parade pass by at around 3.15 pm. The Parade will be leaving Larne YMCA at 3pm.

On Sunday, June 7 at 8pm in Larne Town Centre the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council sports crew will be hosting a special pirate bicycle ride around Larne Town Centre. Dress up yourself and even your bike and sail up Main Street in true Pirate style. Why not even light up your vessel with LED lights and glow sticks to stand out from the crowd.

Throughout June you will be able to take part in a tricky treasure trail around Larne town for all those aspiring sailors out there! To complete the trail, pick up a form from Larne Visitor Information Centre or Larne Museum & Arts Centre. Locate all TWELVE pieces of loot hidden in various locations around the town which will reveal the location of the Buried Treasure. Fill in the entry form and drop it into the treasure chests located at the Larne Visitor Information Centre or Larne Museum & Arts Centre. Closing date is Friday, June 27. Forms will also be available to download from www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

As part of the festival programme budding photographers will be asked to take photographs which capture Larne coastal landscape and maritime heritage. Whether it’s a striking shot of the rugged coast line or a fisherman coming into shore we are looking for creative images that show off Larne’s beautiful landscape! Entries will be displayed at Larne Visitor Information Centre in June. There will be 2 categories, under 16 years and over 16 years. There will 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes for each category.

This is just one of a large number of events taking place in Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. Keep up to date with what is happening in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk