The witches and wizards of Carnfunnock Country Park cordially invite you to their annual Spellbinding Magical Garden Party on Saturday 1st November 2014, 2.30pm-6.30pm.
If you are an aspiring witch or wizard, then dust down your hat (or add a cobweb or two) and comb your beard for the wizarding world’s event of the year. Our experts in Owlery will be in attendance along with the legendary Julius Drake; Dragon Hunter and Storyteller, who will be on hand to troubleshoot – or pour cold water! – on any dragon problems you may have.
There will be live music, stalls, magic shows and an opportunity to create your own wand or phoenix mask. The mystical corners of Carnfunnock Maze will come alive with special magical guests who may need your help in finding their way out!
As with all good garden parties there is a dress code and this year we hope that you will take part in the best dressed witch or wizard competition. This will take place at 4.15pm on the green front of the Visitor Centre. There are a variety of categories this year for all ages. Larne Alive encourages everyone to dress up and take part! Why not also take part in the Larne Alive pumpkin carving competition? Simply bring your carved pumpkin to the path at the top of the Visitor Centre; registration will be from 2.00pm to 4.30pm. Winners will be announced at 4.45pm at the best dressed competition.
This year’s Halloween event is different from previous years due to the arrival of a flock of fiery phoenixes which have migrated to the Walled Garden! This is a rare occurrence (happening once in every 725 years) and these magical beings turn their surroundings into a beautiful glowing garden! A beautiful array of fiery installations will fill the garden and you are invited to explore flame-lined paths amongst copper flowers that breathe fire, intricately carved flaming flower boxes, and scorching sculptural trees.
Within the Amphitheatre in the Walled Garden you will be able to enjoy a special show called Shadowplay. A carousel of optical illusion reveals fantastical characters and mysterious tales of old; as shadows weave back and forth against the night sky, all set to a hypnotic musical score.
This special garden will form the finale to this year’s event and will be open from 4.30pm with last admission at 6.30pm. It will take approximately 30 minutes to tour the garden. The Fire Garden has been created by Walk the Plank. The Fire Garden can be accessed anytime from 4.30pm-6.30pm, but to help plan your visit please note that there is a maximum capacity allowed in the garden at any one time and a one in one out system will be in operation. Please note the walled garden will not be accessible until 4.30pm. The Fire Garden will be accessible from the Visitor Centre steps entrance or the lower car park gate entrance. The exit point will be the Home Farm lane gate or the lower car park gate. The Maze will not be accessible via the walled garden. Please use the car park pathway to access the Maze.
It is highly recommended that members of the public bring a torch or lantern to the event as it will be getting dark from 4.30pm.
Larne Alive would like to express their sincere thanks to P&O Irish Sea Ferries, Translink and Caterpillar, Northern Ireland for their kind sponsorship of this year’s event.
Joanna Walsh from P&O Ferries commented
“As ferry partner for the event, we are pleased to transport The Walk the Plank Fire Garden Team to Carnfunnock to entertain the crowds. They’ll make the shortest fastest and most convenient crossing across the Irish Sea”.
Robert Kennedy, Caterpillar Northern Ireland’s Operations Director says: “The Halloween Garden Party is a popular community event and we are very pleased to support the council to put on such an impressive programme of activities this year. It will no doubt attract significant public interest and Caterpillar Northern Ireland and many of our employees very much look forward to the festivities.”
Jane Kerr, Translink Service Delivery Manager – Larne, said: “This year’s Halloween celebrations offer fun for all the family and we would encourage visitors to take advantage of our free shuttle bus service for a hassle-free journey to and from the event.”
Admission to the event is free; however car parking charges will apply. Parking in the Carnfunnock Country Park is limited. Additional car parking is available at Drains Bay and Carnfunnock Bay.
There will be a free Translink shuttle bus service operating for the event, check out www.larne.gov.uk or local press for more details. Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for details on shuttle bus services. Visitors choosing to walk into the park from Drains Bay Car Park should use the path and bring a torch.
All outdoor events are subject to change or cancellation due to adverse weather. To avoid disappointment, members of the public are therefore strongly advised to check www.larne.gov.uk or contact 028 2826 0088 before making their way to the event. Please visit www.larne.gov.uk for additional details about this event. More information on the event can also be found on www.facebook.com/larnealiveofficial.