You won’t be angling for something to do over the next two weeks if you catch some of the exciting events taking place during the South Antrim Fishing Festival!
Organised by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils, the event runs from 21 – 28 May.
On Saturday 28 May, a flagship event will take place at Mossley Mill, from 11am to 5pm. Jenny Bristow, Ireland’s Good Food Ambassador, celebrated chef and author will be showcasing her skills in the marquee at 12 noon, 2pm and 3.30pm as she demonstrates how after you’ve hooked it, you can cook it. Along with fly tying demonstrations, fish stalls, arts and crafts and children’s entertainment, it promises to be a brilliant day for all the family to enjoy.
Throughout the course of the festival week, seasoned fisherman will have a chance to pit their skill against each other at the three competitions which are taking place at Straid Fishery on 22 May from 10am to 4pm; Craigmore Fishery, Randalstown on Thursday 26 May from 6 to 10 pm and Tildarg Fishery, Ballyclare on Saturday 28 May from 11am to 4pm. The winner of each competition will walk away with a prize of £200, second place with £100 and 3rd place £50. The person who hooks the heaviest fish over the course of the competition will take home the Allan Kirkpatrick Memorial Cup.
For those of you who would like to enter a fishing competition in the future, but have never tried the sport, the coaching sessions are just the ticket. These free, one hour sessions will be led by professional angling instructors at Tildarg Fishery on Monday 23 May from 6-10 pm; Toome Linear Park on Tuesday 24 May from 6-10pm; Trout and About, Ballyclare on Tuesday 24 May from 5.30-9.30pm; Craigmore Fishery, Randalstown on Wednesday 25 May from 6-10pm, Straid Fishery, Ballyclare on Thursday 26 May 6-10pm and Creeve Trout Fishery, Randalstown on Friday 27 May from 5-9pm.
It certainly promises to be week of fishy fun with something for everyone to enjoy. Make sure you don’t miss out!
For further information visit www.southantrimfishing.com or contact Lisa O’Kane on 028 9034 0052.
The South Antrim Fishing Festival is being funded by ‘GROW South Antrim’ through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme and sponsored by Ulster Bank, AG Wilson, Barnabys Restaurant, Castle Mall, Six Mile Water River Trust, Straid Fishery and White O Morn.