Carnival time in Carnlough once again

The carnival, which aims to enhance the profile of the club and village while raising money for good causes, offers people the chance to take part in a range of fun activities.

The fun begins at 1pm with a children’s fun day at the Harbour car park, followed by a fancy dress and float parade leaving Beachlands at 7pm. An open air disco and fancy dress prize giving will run until 10pm, and the evening will be rounded off with a Mexican theme night at the Loft, Glencloy Inn. There will also be a country night at the Londonderry Arms, live music by Honey at the Bridge Inn lounge, and entertainment by John Mulvenna at Glencloy Inn lounge bar.

A huge array of events and activities will take place on Saturday, starting with the famous Antrim Coast Lions big charity breakfast at the Bridge Inn. The ever popular Vintage and Heritage Fair takes place from 10am to 5pm

Other events taking place include St John’s Camogie Club fun day, the annual art exhibition, Memories of Carnlough exhibition, the duck race and many more. Among the evening’s entertainment will be a 70s theme fancy dress night at Glencloy Inn.

Sunday sees the car boot sale from noon at the Harbour car park, followed by bingo in Glenlough Community Centre at 3pm and again at 8.30pm.

Then on Monday, July 30, tennis coaching will take place for six to 12-year-olds at Glenlough MUGA from 10.30am to noon (register at the carnival office). A junior talent competition will be held at Glenlough Community Centre from 2pm, and in the evening it will be the adults’ turn to shine at a senior talent contest at Coast night club, Bridge Inn.

A drawing workshop, priced at £30 per person including lunch, takes place at Glenlough Community Centre on Tuesday, July 31 from 10am to 4pm. Place are limited and must be pre-booked, so those interested should contact Cllr Maureen Morrow

There will be story time events for children throughout the day at Carnlough library, and Carnlough Fire and Rescue Service and Cadets will put on a display at the Harbour car park at 7pm.

A general knowledge quiz, drama club and darts competition will be the evening’s entertainment at the Waterfall Bar, Bridge Inn and Glencloy Inn respectively.

On Wednesday, August 1, a treasure hunt will leave from Harbour car park at 6.45 pm, with prize giving from 10pm in Glencloy Inn.

A pet show will be held at the car park green from 7pm to 9pm, followed by curry night at Waterfall Bar from 7.30 pm to 10pm. There will be more live music at the Bridge Inn from 10pm.

On of the highlights on Thursday, August 2 will be the cookery demonstration by the BBC’s Paula McIntyre at Londonderry Arms Hotel from 7.30pm. This event is always a sell out, so get your ticket early from the hotel reception.

Friday, August 3 is the closing day of the annual art exhibition at St John’s Primary School from 3pm to 4.30pm.

There will also be a U14 five-a-side competition at Glenlough MUGA, a teddy bear picnic at the community centre, and a selection of evening entertainment on offer.

The penultimate day of the carnival on Saturday, August 4 will see a children’s scavenger hunt (register at carnival office), the annual rowing regatta from 2pm-5pm, a busking competition, laser tag, food festival from 2pm-5pm, the popular Balls Down the Brae event at 8pm, and a balloon race and cup cake sale at 8.15pm.

The grand finale open air barbecue, dancing and fireworks takes place at the harbour from 7.30pm onwards, followed by fancy dress karaoke at Glencloy Inn from 9.30pm

And on Sunday, August 5, the carnival comes to a close with the annual raft race at 2pm, followed by some evening entertainment to round the things off.

For a full breakdown of what is taking place during the carnival, you can purchase a programme for £1, with all proceeds going to charity.