One Giant Weekend in partnership with the LCC Group, was One Giant Celebration of fun which took place across three of the Council’s iconic venues from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 September.
A celebration of Northern Irish music, culture, taste and traditions as part of the Council’s Northern Ireland Centenary programme ‘A Country’s Centenary for Our Community.’
V36 at The Valley was rocking on Friday night as the best of our local artists took to the stage including up and coming hip-hop star Jordan Adetunji and Newtownabbey Arts and Culture Network. The evening concluded with a spectacular Fireworks display lighting up the night sky.
At Antrim Castle Gardens, Carson and the Lady, a new drama by local playwright Michael Cameron funded by the Shared History Fund, took place on Friday and Saturday evening in the stunning setting of the castle ruins. This high society drama is a story about Lady Jean Massereene and her close friend and political hero Sir Edward Carson, amongst the audience enjoying this great drama was Lord Massereene.
The award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens was a hive of activity for One Giant Picnic on Saturday afternoon, the crowds were in great spirits as they relaxed on the main event field with their culinary delights where they were treated to an afternoon of fabulous music from the Armagh Rhymers, Jordan Walker and Bjorn Identity-Abba Tribute Band. Garden designer Diarmuid Gavin had a captive audience as TV presenter Claire McCollum hosted a Q&A session where Diarmuid offered advice and tips on all things gardening, the gardening expert also launched Garden Show Ireland 2022 which will return to Antrim Castle Gardens from Friday 29 April – Sunday 1 May. The Parterre Gardens was the perfect setting for more intimate performances from Northern Ireland Opera and Ronnie Greer. Mr Hullabaloo and Mr Bloom where also Giant hits with the children.
On Saturday evening Barry Douglas and Camerata Ireland headlined One Giant Concert at Theatre at The Mill with a sensational musical performance to an invited audience who were dazzled by Northern Ireland’s world class talent.
Spinning Yarns at Mossley Mill brought One Giant Weekend to a close on Sunday with a marvellous range of Market traders, demonstrations and workshops celebrating the wonderful world of all things associated with wool and linen. A great line up of music including Ballyduff Silver band and Campbell College Pipe and Drum Band added to the ambience of this colourful event.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey Councillor Billy Webb said “One Giant Weekend was a Giant success, bringing our communities together. This three day festival was a wonderful opportunity to showcase the best of Northern Ireland talent across the Borough. It was great to see so many people enjoying and supporting the diverse and inclusive programme that had so much to offer for young and old alike”