July kicks off with world class sporting action and festival fun!

World class sporting action kicks off a busy month across the Causeway Coast and Glens this July. With two football tournaments, a road racing event, and the spectacular Red Sails Festival there will be plenty for visitors to enjoy.

The six-day Hughes Insurance Foyle Cup begins on Monday 17th July – attracting over 300 teams to the North West. The opening parade takes place on Tuesday 18th July, and is always a highlight of the international event. Every participant has the chance to play as much football as possible, while enjoying the unique camaraderie, friendly rivalry and superb hospitality.

Super Cup NI kicks off at various venues throughout the Causeway Coast from Sunday 23rd July – Friday 28th July. Attracting competitors, officials, players and spectators from all around the world, venues across the Borough will showcase the talent of the sport’s future stars. Taking part in the event is an aspiration for many young footballers, and it’s eagerly anticipated by clubs near and far, thanks to its reputation as the world’s most prestigious youth football tournament. You can show your support for the competitors by going along to the opening parade, which takes place in Coleraine town centre on Sunday 23rd July from 7pm. The Parade will set off from the Bertie Peacock statue in the Diamond and travel through the centre of the town via Railway Road to Coleraine Showgrounds for the Opening Ceremony.

In Armoy, the village is revving up for the annual Race of Legends which begins on Sunday 23rd July.  The three mile circuit harks back to the 1970’s and the days of the legendary Armoy Armada. It attracts large crowds of spectators and bike enthusiasts, with activities, events and entertainment for all the family throughout Race Week.  Practice takes place on Friday 28th July with the racing action getting under way on Saturday 29th July.

The Red Sails Festival returns to Portstewart from Sunday 23rd July, with a packed programme of free entertainment including live music, culture, dance, competitions, workshops and activities for children throughout the week. The festivities will come to a colourful end with a fireworks display organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at 10.30pm on Saturday 29th. Before this, there’ll be live music in the Crescent, with Bone Idol playing sounds from the 60s right through to current hits.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “We are delighted to support these fantastic events, which bring thousands of people to our area. Football fans and road racing enthusiasts can look forward to world class displays right here on our doorstep. And of course these events will be complemented by our unrivalled tourist attractions and our unique hospitality. We look forward to welcoming fans, visitors, and most importantly riders and players to our beautiful Borough. In Portstewart, the Red Sails event is a firm favourite in the summer calendar. After a fantastic Irish Open, the resort will once again come alive with an exciting festival feel.”

For further information go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or call 028 7034 4723.