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Although the committee try to change the programme every year by introducing new ideas and events there are a number of steadfast events which appear on the programme every year:
The official opening of the festival is marked by a parade held on the first Sunday of the week. Local clubs, businesses and families take part in this popular float and fancy dress parade.
The country sports have something for everyone. Children are entertained with sports, bouncy castles, inflatable games, quads and toy tractor trials. For the ‘more mature’ adults there is the annual battle with rounder’s competition between local businesses and tossing the sheaf. These competitions always draw a large number of spectators with the evening finishing off with a BBQ and live music in the hurling pavilion.
Throughout the week there are a number of storytelling and arts events for children and adults. Art and drama workshops provide entertainment and
Both the adult and children’s treasure hunt are always popular and can be enjoyed by the whole family. The treasure hunt for children is an opportunity for families to go for a leisurely walk whilst hunting for clues. The adult hunt is more competitive with the driver choosing the correct route and the passengers providing the brain power to answer the cryptic clues!!
The Food Festival has become a popular highlight of the week. All the local businesses join in the craic and everyone has the opportunity to sample produce from around the world. This year we are having a fun ‘Can’t Cook - Won’t Cook’ between a couple of the local clubs.’ Come along and enjoy the banter!!
Browsing around the craft fair you will find a wide array of local homemade produce on offer. Anyone who has attended the fair on previous occasions will also recommend that after visiting the stalls you relax and enjoy a cup of coffee and a bun provided by the local environment group.
The Friday ‘theme’ night sees Mill Street in the village come alive with a chosen theme. The 1920’s, 1950’s, an Irish Fair and cowboys and Indians are just some of the themes chosen in the past. Everyone is encouraged to dress up in the theme and the street is decorated with scenery of the era.
In association with the Glens Runners this challenge attracts nearly 150 people each year. Competitors run from the village to the summit of Lurig – a total of 3.5miles and 1150 feet high.
Glens Vintage club family fun day is now one of the firmly established favourites on the Festival calendar. Some of the attractions during the event include: Display of vintage machinery, Toy Tractor Trials, Tractor Threshing, Bouncy Castle and large bouncy Slide, Live music all Day. A day of fabulous fun and enjoyment is assured!!
The end of the festival is marked with a huge street party with music and entertainment leading up to everyone dancing the longest ‘Waves of Tory’. After a busy week the grand finale marks a rowdy rendition of the Green Glens of Antrim with the committee looking proudly on as another successful festival comes to a close.
These events accompanied by arts, crafts, music and much, much more make for a action packed, fun filled week!!!!!!
Make a date in your diary and join us in Cushendall for this year’s ‘Heart of the Glens Festival’.
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