This year’s festival has been themed around the retro delights of the 1940’s and 50’s and offers something for everyone!
To kick off the festival organisers have arranged a special cinema showing of ‘Grease’ at the McNeill Theatre, Larne, on Friday 31st May. This promises not to be any old screening but a musical showing where the audience can sing-along with word to the songs appearing on screen! There will be prizes for the best dressed and the ticket price includes refreshments during the evening. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Larne Tourist Information Centre on 028 28 260088.
The following day Larne Town Centre will be awash with colour as the festival parade heads down Main Street. The parade will feature local young people who have recently learned to stilt walk, as well as local schools, groups and sports clubs. There will be live music at Broadway Bandstand along with circus entertainers and face painting from 2pm. The parade will set off from Larne YMCA at 3pm moving onto Victoria Road, Agnew Street, Main Street, High Street, Pound Street and back to St John’s Place. There is still time to get involved in the parade by contacting Rachael McMaster on 028 28 263047 or email mcmasterr@larne.gov.uk.
The festival will be in full swing on Sunday 2nd June at Larne Town Park with a 1950’s Jamboree. You are encouraged to bring your own picnic and refreshments as this event is part of the Big Lunch Project. We have games to suit the era as well as colourful walkabouts and amazing circus performers. Rock around the clock in our arts and crafts tent or get your face painted. There will be plenty of vintage cars and motorcycles to peruse and a special fancy dress competition. We are looking for the best 1950’s costumes with categories for all ages! FirePoise will be closing the day with a two-person swing inspired fire performance. The event starts at 2pm and finishes at 5pm.
Larne Alive is encouraging the public to park in the Larne Town centre car parks and walk to Larne Town Park for this event. Parking is available at Agnew Street, Fairhill, Narrow Gauge Road, and Riverdale. There will be no parking allowed along Bankheads Lane to ensure access to the park for emergency services.
There will be parking available at the Town Park Car Park, Larne Leisure Centre and Town Centre Car Parks. The event will take place from 2pm – 5pm.
On Saturday 8th June the AES Ballylumford Larne Half Marathon will take place and Larne Alive have put on some special town centre entertainment to encourage all walkers and runners on their way. The ALS Band will be performing live at Broadway Bandstand from 10am – 12pm. Full details of the Half Marathon can be found on www.larnehalfmarathon.webs.com.
The final event of the festival will be a special vintage-style tea dance held at Larne Town Hall on Saturday 15th June, 2pm-4pm. Special Guests Swingabella will be providing the music. There will be a short dance lesson prior to the dance at 1.30pm, with tea and cupcakes served for afternoon tea. This is open to all ages. Tickets are £5 and available from Larne Tourist Information Centre on 028 28 260088 or email Larnetourism@btconnect.com.
For more information please contact Larne Tourist Information Centre on 028 28 260088.