It’s a case of lights, eels and lots of action this bank holiday weekend at Lough Neagh. Lumarina will light up Ballyronan Marina on Friday 28 August from 7.00pm while the River to Lough Festival will celebrate the world renowned Eel Fishery in Toome on Saturday 29 August from noon.
Lumarina – 7.00pm on Friday 28 August
Lighting up the marina at Ballyronan, join your family and friends at this illuminated spectacular with a fireworks finale on the lough. Entry is priced at only £3 per person and you can either enjoy live music from 7.00pm or if you’re feeling energetic you can go zorbing, paintballing, take a trip on Segway and for the really adventurous or ultra fit who are up for some daredevil action there’s an assault course! There’ll be an array of street food and craft to choose from and amusements will entertain the little ones before fire dances, Irish, jive and hip hop dancing will liven up the lough side before the light show and fireworks bring Lumarina to a close. All activities and amusements are free upon entry.
Eimear Kearney, Marketing Manager, Lough Neagh Partnership, said: “The unique illuminated event, Lumarina has gained a reputation for being a great night out for all the family, becoming a real attraction for the destination.”
This event has been made possible by Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council and Tourism NI.
More details can be obtained from Lough Neagh Partnership, tel 028 7941 7941 and found at www.lumarina.co.uk or find us on www.facebook.com/Lumarinafestival
River to Lough Festival – 12 noon on Saturday 29 August
The Eel Fishery at Toome will open its doors to showcase the famous Lough Neagh eel for a day of family fun which includes storytelling, an eel exhibition, activities specifically suited to children, factory tours and the all important opportunity to taste this global phenomenon. Entry is free.
World award winning cookery writer and China Food TV presenter James McIntosh and BBC’s Paula McIntyre will be joined by local chefs, Eddie Attwell of Ard Tara and David Gillmore of James Street South to demonstrate sumptuous eel and other Lough Neagh fish recipes. Michael Lennon of the White River hotel will cook up a storm in the ‘Taste and Dine’ pop up restaurant offering a unique eel supper priced at £10 for adults and only £5 for children. There’s even a special 20% discount if you book online in advance at www.rivertolough.co.uk. Booking is advised to avoid disappointment. The pop-up restaurant will serve between 12 noon – 4pm.
Pat Close, Chairman of the Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative Society Ltd said: “The River to Lough Festival promises heritage, culture, history, fun and most importantly, a chance to taste the world renowned Lough Neagh eel. We are confident based on last year’s event that this will truly offer something for all the family to enjoy.”
River to Lough Festival on Saturday 29 August has been made possible by Lough Neagh Fishermen’s Co-operative, Lough Neagh Partnership, Mid Ulster District Council, Tourism NI and the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise’s NI Regional Development Programme.
More details can be obtained from the eel fishery, tel 028 7965 0618 and found at www.rivertolough.co.uk
You can follow the festival on facebook – www.facebook.com/rivertoloughfestival and if you’re tweeting don’t forget to use the hashtags #lumarina and #loughneagheels