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Social Media Fest Set For Belfast Debut With Packed Line-Up Of Local Experts

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A social media conference that has become one of Ireland’s most talked-about events for creators, entrepreneurs and small business owners is coming to Belfast for the first time, with organisers promising an experience that stands apart from what is currently on offer in the market.

Social Media Fest, which has previously taken place in Wexford and Dublin, will bring its sixth edition to the Clayton Hotel in Belfast on Wednesday, April 29.

Running from 9am to 5pm, the event is built around the theme “Connect, Create, Conquer: Mastering the Social Media Landscape” and is aimed at business owners, managers and entrepreneurs who want practical guidance on growing their presence online.

Conference director Esther Ocampo, who took over the brand in 2025, said the event has grown it into a community of more than 200 in-person attendees.

With a packed lineup of local experts to be revealed Esther says the decision to bring the hugely popular event to Northern Ireland was driven by clear demand from the business community north of the border.

She explained: “We’ve spent four events building something in Dublin and Wexford that people genuinely value, and the appetite from Northern Ireland has been impossible to ignore. 

“Belfast is a city full of ambitious business owners who deserve access to the same quality of conversation and the same practical tools that our southern attendees have been benefiting from. Bringing Social Media Fest to Belfast felt like the natural next step.”

What organisers say sets this conference apart from others in the sector is its deliberate focus on speakers who understand the specific realities of hyperlocal markets, delivering advice that attendees can act on immediately to make a difference in their business.

“Not only do we want to showcase the expertise and talent available in the marketing field across Northern Ireland but we wanted speakers that could show people not only how to shoot for the moon and a global audience but speakers who knew the importance of hyperlocal campaigns and how these can translate into incredibly powerful strategies for standing out in a global market too.”

Rather than drawing in names from outside Ireland who present strategies built around budgets and technologies that most local businesses can’t access, Social Media Fest Belfast will feature speakers rooted in the Northern Ireland and Irish business landscape, offering guidance that translates directly to the challenges facing entrepreneurs here.

Esther added: “There’s a tendency at conferences to bring in people from major cities in England or the US who tell you what is working for brands with enormous budgets, and you sit there thinking, that is never going to apply to my business. That is not what Social Media Fest is about.

“Every speaker at this event understands the local market. They know what it takes to build a business here, to reach customers here, and to grow from here. The advice you will hear on the day is advice you can take out of the room and use immediately, whether that means connecting with the person beside you, posting something that afternoon, or finally tackling the platform you have been putting off for months.”

Alongside the conference there will also be a round table element of the day, designed to encourage connection and conversation as much as learning from the stage. Topics across the day will span the full social media landscape, including artificial intelligence, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, email marketing and community building, with each subject approached through the lens of what is achievable for small and medium-sized businesses today.

Sponsors and partners for the event include IPA Group, The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast, Entrepreneurs Unleashed, Ruthless Media, The Blackbelt Mastermind, FSB and HighLevel.

The overarching theme of “Connect, Create, Conquer” was chosen deliberately to reflect the journey organisers want attendees to go on across the day: starting with building genuine connections at a local level, developing content and communications that resonate, and ultimately building the kind of online presence that supports business growth at home and beyond.

“The conference follows a clear arc,” said Esther. 

“We want people to connect – with the person sitting next to them, with their local community, with the broader island. 

“We want them to create – content that actually works, emails that people open, videos that reflect who they really are. 

“And then we want them to conquer – starting with their own backyard and then thinking about how to expand beyond it. 

“It sounds simple, but most conferences never give you the time or the space to think through all three.”

“Previous editions of Social Media Fest have drawn more than 200 in-person attendees, with a further 65 joining virtually, and the event’s hashtag has trended consistently across social platforms. 

“Testimonials from past attendees point to the atmosphere as much as the content, with one describing the experience as “a day away from the office to surround yourself with like-minded, enthusiastic and empowering people in business.”

Tickets for Social Media Fest Belfast 2026 are on sale now with subsidised tickets available for students, those who are unemployed, economically inactive, disabled or on the Job Start programme as well as registered charities and social enterprises, with organisers encouraging anyone in those categories to get in touch directly for a reduced-price code.

Esther added: “We’re very aware that not everyone has the same budget, and we want Social Media Fest to be genuinely accessible. 

“If cost is a barrier, we want to hear from you. There are options, and we don’t want anyone to miss out if we can make something work.

“We also have group tickets and further opportunities for sponsoring elements of the day.”

Social Media Fest 2026 takes place at the Clayton Hotel, Belfast, on Wednesday April 29. Doors open at 8.30am for registration and the conference runs until 5pm. Tickets are available at https://bit.ly/SMFestPress 

For further information, visit socialmediafestglobal.com or email hello@socialmediafest.ie

Glentoran Insider Breaks Silence On 25 Years Of Turmoil In New Book

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A former Glentoran director has revealed how the club came close to financial collapse, operated week to week and missed opportunities worth millions in a new insider account covering more than two decades at the heart of the East Belfast side.

Nearly…Glentoran in the 21st Century, written by Ian Clarke, draws on his time as both a director and head of media at the club to document the reality behind one of the most challenging periods in its modern history. The book details how decisions taken in boardrooms, often under pressure and with limited resources, shaped the trajectory of a club still expected to compete at the top level.

In the book, published by Excalibur Press, he sets out a picture of a club dealing with sustained instability, where long-term planning was frequently overtaken by immediate financial concerns. At times, he describes an organisation forced into short-term thinking simply to remain operational.

The book outlines how these pressures affected every part of the club, from recruitment and contracts to infrastructure and long-term strategy. However, Clarke points out a prolonged period of underperformance can’t be attributed solely to results on the pitch, pointing instead to deeper structural and financial challenges.

He explained: “When a ‘big’ club like Glentoran is unsuccessful over such a prolonged period it is clearly down to more than the performance of managers and players.”

Among the most significant moments explored in Nearly is a missed stadium development opportunity that could have transformed the club’s financial position. Plans for a new ground in East Belfast, which would have secured long-term stability and modern facilities, ultimately failed to materialise, leaving the club to continue operating within existing constraints.

The book also reveals how close the club came to a different future, with proposals involving council-owned land and major redevelopment plans that had the potential to reshape both the club and its wider community presence. Instead, those plans fell away, contributing to ongoing financial and operational pressures.

Clarke also recounts a series of incidents that exposed the fragility of the club’s position, including administrative errors and governance challenges that had immediate consequences on and off the pitch.

In one instance, he describes how a mistake regarding player eligibility led to the club’s removal from a cup competition at a time when success appeared within reach.

“We walked off the pitch that day against Newry in joint first place with Linfield and in the semi-final of an Irish Cup, a potential double. Then immediately after the game a club official comes into the manager’s office and tells me ‘I think Joe Crowe might be ineligible.’ You can imagine the sick feeling that overcame me and the staff.”

The fallout from that incident is presented as one example of how quickly circumstances could change, with decisions and errors carrying significant sporting and financial consequences.

Elsewhere, Nearly details the wider financial context in which the club was operating, including debt levels, cash flow challenges and reliance on short-term funding solutions. Clarke describes a period in which maintaining day-to-day operations often required external support, loans and continuous negotiation.

It also captures the internal pressures faced by those running the club, with committee members dealing with mounting financial obligations while attempting to preserve the club’s long-term future.

Despite these challenges, Clarke highlights periods of resilience and achievement, including cup success and competitive performances achieved under difficult conditions. Moments framed as evidence of what the club was capable of, even while operating within significant constraints.

He added: “The simple fact was that the only thing that could turn around Glentoran’s fortunes was money. Quite a lot of money. An amount of money way beyond what anyone currently involved in the club could ever hope to muster. Someone else’s money.”

The 2019 takeover by Welsh-Iranian businessman Ali Pour brought investment, full-time football and European competition. But six years on, with the league title last won in 2009 still seemingly beyond the club’s reach, Clarke’s assessment of the Pour era in the book is measured rather than celebratory, with the book including a candid interview with Ali Pour and the other major figures behind the takeover . 

He added: “The simple fact was that the only thing that could turn around Glentoran’s fortunes was money. Quite a lot of money. An amount of money way beyond what anyone currently involved in the club could ever hope to muster. Someone else’s money.”

A consistent theme throughout the book is the role of supporters, whose loyalty is presented as central to the club’s survival during its most difficult periods. Clarke reflects on the level of public interest surrounding the club, noting its continued prominence within the local media landscape regardless of performance.

He said: “Glentoran, good or bad, command a level of interest matched only by Linfield. No other club comes close.”

The book also places Glentoran’s story within the wider context of East Belfast, highlighting the connection between the club and its community suggesting the club’s fortunes have long been intertwined with the area it represents, with both experiencing periods of change and challenge.

Nearly is a frank and honest detailed account of a period often viewed through headlines and speculation rather than direct experience. Drawing on internal discussions, first-hand involvement and access to the decision-making processes, Clarke provides an account of how close the club came to both success and crisis.

Readers will have the opportunity to hear from chairmen, directors, managers and players, among them Ali Pour, record appearance holder Colin Nixon and managers including Eddie Patterson and Mick McDermott, some of whom have never spoken about the club’s difficulties publicly before.

Meanwhile, Clarke, who spent his professional career in senior and board-level roles at major newspapers across Northern Ireland, England and Scotland, is clear about who the book is written for.

“Throughout the downs of the past 15 years the broad Glentoran support has shown a loyalty and commitment to its club that the club has not always deserved. This is their story and this book is for them,” he said.

 

Nearly: Glentoran in the 21st Century by Ian Clarke is published by Excalibur Press, priced at £20 and available now from ianclarkenearly.lovable.app 

Ards International Guitar Festival Celebrates 30 Years as It Begins Next Week

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The much‑loved Ards International Guitar Festival returns to Newtownards next week, running from 15–19 April, marking an extraordinary 30 years of world‑class music, unforgettable performances and deep-rooted guitar heritage.

Organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, this milestone edition brings a stellar line‑up of international and homegrown talent to the Borough.

Leading the celebrations is French guitar virtuoso Pierre Bensusan, who opens the festival as part of his 50th Anniversary World Tour. Known globally as “Mister DADGAD”, Bensusan’s spellbinding solo performance at the Queen’s Hall will be accompanied by a special on-stage conversation with George and Aaron Lowden, exploring his long-standing relationship with the renowned Lowden guitar brand.

Also appearing is one of the world’s most revered jazz guitarists, Martin Taylor, returning to Newtownards with his new solo show Standards. A multi award‑winning fingerstyle icon, Taylor promises an intimate night of breathtaking musicianship and warm storytelling – highlighting timeless jazz classics that have defined his six‑decade career.

Acoustic master Andy McKee, known for his percussive style and global online following, also joins this year’s landmark programme with support from David Browne Murray. McKee’s emotionally rich, genre‑blending performance is set to be a festival highlight for fans of modern acoustic guitar.

Bringing the festival to a powerful close, hometown hero Ricky Warwick – celebrated for his work with The Almighty, Black Star Riders and Thin Lizzy – returns to the Queen’s Hall with The Fighting Hearts. Fresh from the success of his 2025 album Blood Ties, Warwick promises an electrifying finale of raw energy, heartfelt lyrics and unmistakable rock pedigree.

A centrepiece of the 30th Anniversary celebrations, The Luthier’s Tale exhibition at Ards Arts Centre will honour Newtownards’ unique guitar‑making heritage. Featuring the craftsmanship of Avalon luthiers, the exhibition offers a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the artistry, innovation and legacy of local guitar makers whose instruments are renowned around the world.

Festival Director Emily Crawford said:
“We are delighted to be marking such a significant year for the festival. The 2026 programme celebrates the incredible diversity of the guitar – from classical to jazz, blues, folk, contemporary and rock – with some very special nods to the artists, makers and audiences who have shaped the past three decades.”

The Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 15 – 19 April. Full programme details and tickets are available at www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk.

Ballymoney Spring Fair 2026 brings colour and carnival to the Borough this April

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Ballymoney will come alive this April as a colourful carnival celebration brings music and spectacle to the streets, accompanied by a weekend of family-friendly entertainment and activities.

Organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, with support from Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce and FUSE FM, the 2026 Ballymoney Spring Fair will take place from Thursday 16th April to Saturday 18th April.
Launching the event, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“I’m really pleased to see the Ballymoney Spring Fair return for 2026. It’s a great opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Causeway Coast and Glens so special – our strong communities, local businesses and shared sense of pride in where we live.
“I would encourage everyone to come along and be part of the festivities, support local businesses and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer. With such a varied programme of entertainment and activities, the Spring Fair promises a memorable weekend for residents and visitors of all ages.”
The festivities begin on Thursday at 10am with a heritage walk led by Keith Beattie, exploring the history of the “tap an’ bottom o’ the Toon.” Later that afternoon, Ballymoney Community Cinema will host a screening of The Greatest Showman at 3.30pm in the Town Hall. The much-loved Tea Dance returns to a new venue of the British Legion from 6:30pm – 8:30pm, before the first evening concludes with a lively Ceilidh Session in the Diamond Bar from 9pm.
Friday continues the celebrations with another 10am heritage walk, this time taking visitors on a fascinating dander along Meeting House Street and Castle Street. Entertainment then starts in Castlecroft from 11am with Fuse FM and Ballymoney Country Market.  Country sensation Jason Hughes, as Irelands own Garth Brooks, performs from 1pm – 3pm accompanied by other well-known Country tribute acts. For the little ones, Ballymoney Community Cinema will be showing Smurfs at 3.30pm in the Town Hall.
Benvarden Gardens have special opening hours for the Ballymoney Spring Fair on Friday and Saturday from 11am – 4.30pm, where visitors can browse the historic estate, take a stroll through walled gardens and stop by their quaint tearoom for something to eat or drink.
Saturday will commence with a Quiet Time Session which will run from 11am – 12 noon, providing an opportunity for individuals with additional needs to enjoy some of the activities such as Kidz Farm and Carnival Games in a more relaxed environment.
Ballymoney Country Market will take over the streets on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. The popular Maypole dance display opens the fair at 12 noon on High Street followed by more carnival games, family attractions and live music from FUSE FM.
At 12 noon, Ravara Obedience and Agility Club will also be showcasing their skills in Taggarts Yard, giving visitors the chance to see impressive agility displays from the club’s talented dogs – and even the opportunity to put their own pets through their paces on the obstacle course.
Ballymoney Old Vehicle Club will be showcasing their annual vehicle display at the Station Square with a variety of vintage cars and tractors along with a local haulier’s truck display held at the Grease pit from 12 noon.
All vehicles will then come together to form a cavalcade at 2:30pm which will travel through the town from Seymour Street, Meeting House Street, Queen Street, Victoria Street, Charles Street, High Street, Townhead Street, Model School Road, leaving via Coleraine Road.
The Spring Fair will come to a colourful close on Saturday afternoon as the carnival parade sets off from the Town Hall at 3.30pm in a spring-themed spectacle of music and performance. Travelling down High Street and Main Street before returning to Townhead Street, the parade promises a vibrant celebration for spectators of all ages.
With Ballymoney Country Market stalls, a wealth of independent boutiques and businesses offering special Spring Fair promotions, and a full programme of activity across the town, visitors will have plenty of opportunities to shop local and enjoy everything Ballymoney has to offer.

Grow Your Garden and Ideas at the Spring Plant Fair This April  

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is inviting all avid gardeners to enjoy a blooming great day out at the Spring Plant Fair on Saturday 11 April 2026, from 10am – 5pm at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Set in the beautiful Parterre Gardens, this free event will feature thousands of plants from specialist growers, along with expert advice to help you make the most of your garden. A convenient Plant Crèche will also be available, so visitors can shop with ease.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “The Spring Plant Fair is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather ideas, speak to experts and enjoy a relaxing day in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens. Everyone is welcome, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener.”

The Spring Plant Fair also marks the exciting lead-in to this year’s Home and Garden Show Ireland, an exciting new chapter for the much-loved event. Taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June at the same location, the reimagined show will bring fresh inspiration for your home, both indoors and out, and promises a fantastic day out for all the family.

Joining David Domoney for the first time is award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda, also announced as a show ambassador. Known for her work on Andy Murray’s Cromlix House Hotel and appearances on DIY SOS, Suzanne will share her expert insights into luxury interiors, design trends and creative ideas, as well as meeting visitors and giving advice.

Early bird tickets are available now via gardenshowireland.com for just £10 until Saturday 11 April using code EB26 at checkout.

Causeway Coast and Glens Museum Services launch new Coleraine Heritage Trail

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Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services have launched an engaging new heritage trail for Coleraine, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to explore the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.

 

The initiative has been developed as part of a project supported by the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Fund 2025–26 Revival Stream.
Working in partnership with Primary 7 pupils from D.H. Christie Memorial Primary School, the project has produced a beautifully illustrated guide showcasing more than 20 of Coleraine’s historic buildings. The guide features watercolour images inspired by illuminated addresses held in the collections of Coleraine Museum, the Honourable The Irish Society and Libraries NI, alongside historic photographs from the collections of Robert Anderson and Sammy Walker.
To further enhance the visitor experience, the heritage trail is accompanied by a detailed 3D map of Coleraine town centre, along with scale models of a number of the featured buildings. Using innovative Museum-in-a-Box technology, users can also listen to audio narration that brings the stories behind each location to life.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Oliver McMullan, said:
“It’s wonderful to see our Museum Services team bringing Coleraine’s rich history to life in such an innovative way. This trail not only celebrates the town’s heritage, but also gives residents and visitors a chance to explore, learn, and connect with the stories that make Coleraine unique. “I’m particularly delighted to see young people involved in the project, helping to shape the way we share our local history for future generations.”
The display will be housed at Museum Services’ Coleraine History Hub in the Diamond Centre, where copies of the heritage trail guide will be available.
Designed as the perfect companion for a leisurely walk through the town, the guide can also be collected from Coleraine Town Hall, local Visitor Information Centres and libraries.
It is also available to download via the Northern Ireland Community Archive at: niarchive.org.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council remains committed to preserving and promoting the Borough’s rich heritage, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations.

A Pop-Powered Celebration: ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes the Stage!

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Get ready for the ultimate pop concert at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre as ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes to the stage!

Come and join us for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from five of the hottest artistes of the moment in a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement.

Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’

Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.

‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ creates unforgettable memories for children and families. This show is the ultimate concert experience!

So, grab your tickets today and don’t forget those friendship bracelets! See you at the show!

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets will be staged at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 8 April at 6pm. Tickets are priced £25 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Derry dancers Maíre and Sarah to perform ‘Encounters’ across the city this weekend 

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Four public spaces in Derry will experience an unusual series of dance ‘Encounters’ this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March, as part of the Match Make Project.

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Match Make is an opportunity from Maiden Voyage Dance for dance artists based in the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to form new creative partnerships, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and inviting fresh ways of making and sharing dance with communities.

Emerging Derry dance artists Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle began their piece ‘Encounters’ from creative conversations about human encounters and relationships, proposing a new duet exploring how brief interactions between people can shape connection and shared space.

During rehearsals the artists developed the duet through improvisation, partnerwork and choreographic exploration, collaborating with composer Caolán Austin, whose music shaped the atmosphere and rhythm of the work.

Looking forward to the performances, Nicola Curry, Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage Dance said:

“This year’s Match Make programme brings together an exciting group of artists whose collaborations span film, puppetry, voice and movement, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary practice.

We are very excited to see the culmination of  Maíre and Sarah’s artistic process with ‘Enounters’, a pop-up contemporary dance duet exploring the different ways in which we can coexist, interact and build relationships over time.

These short performances will invite passers-by to experience contemporary dance in everyday settings, bringing the work directly into the city and making it freely accessible to audiences.”

‘Encounters’ will be performed by Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle on the following dates and times, and at the following locations:

Saturday 28th March – Guildhall Square at 2pm and Craft Village at 3.30pm.

Sunday 29th March – Brooke Park at 2pm and Ebrington Square 3.30pm.

The performances are free and booking is not required.

For further information on ‘Encounters’ and the Match Make programme, visit www.maidenvoyagedance.com

Bangor Castle to Welcome Antiques Roadshow

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BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow is coming to Bangor Castle this summer as part of filming for its 49th series. The much‑loved programme, presented by Fiona Bruce, will bring its team of expert valuers to the ground of the historic building on Sunday 26 July.

Visitors will have the opportunity to share their antiques, family heirlooms and vintage treasures with specialists covering jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, rare books, clocks, watches, militaria and a wide range of collectable categories – from vintage fashion and furniture to film and music memorabilia.

As well as Bangor Castle the following locations will also feature in the upcoming series: Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford, East London, Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside and Caerphilly Castle, South Wales.

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who will be filming her nineteenth series of Antiques Roadshow, commented:

“Antiques Roadshow is gearing up to start filming a new series and every year I’m blown away by the variety and volume of objects shared with our team of specialists. There are always exciting moments of suspense and surprise when it comes to valuations as well as reassuring appearances of old favourites from diamond jewellery to fine china. I love meeting our visitors and hearing the personal stories behind their objects and we’ll be travelling around wonderful venues across the UK.”

Speaking ahead of the visit, Robert Murphy, Series Editor, said:
“The Roadshow is for everyone, and we’re looking forward to seeing those special items that mean something to our visitors. In recent years, we have seen a fantastic range of mementoes and treasures: ceramics by Picasso and paintings by Jack Vettriano, a medal for gallantry awarded to a pigeon, a rare Oasis demo tape and a cartoon by John Lennon, letters from poet Dylan Thomas, gold sovereigns and valuable watches by Omega and Patek Phillippe, a jewel-encrusted ballerina brooch valued at £40–£50,000, and items belonging to one of the founders of the SAS. We can’t wait to find out what treasures and surprises we’ll see at this year’s shows.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum welcomed the announcement, saying:
“We are delighted to host Antiques Roadshow at Bangor Castle. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors alike to showcase their treasured items in a beautiful and much‑loved setting. Bangor has a strong sense of community and heritage, and we look forward to welcoming the team and discovering the remarkable stories that will emerge.”

Free ticket applications are now open, with limited places available. Viewers can also submit items online for consideration.

For more information and to apply for tickets, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Watch Antiques Roadshow on BBC One on Sundays at 7pm and on BBC iPlayer.

For more information please contact: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

The ultimate spring family day out: Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal this April

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Down Royal Racecourse confirms Fibrus Broadband as headline sponsor of its popular Family Race Day, returning to Lisburn on Sunday 12th April 2026

Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as the Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal on Sunday 12th April 2026. It’s set to be an action-packed fusion of racing and family entertainment, with headline sponsor Fibrus Broadband back to help transform Down Royal into the ultimate playground for racing fans and families alike.

Now firmly established as one of the most popular fixtures in Down Royal’s annual racing calendar, this year’s event promises another unforgettable day out for families across Northern Ireland, combining top-class National Hunt racing with a packed programme of family entertainment. From petting farm and pony rides to bouncy castles and face painting, the enclosure will ensure a magical day out for racegoers of every generation.

The pre-race excitement has already kicked off in local primary schools across Lisburn and Hillsborough with the “Design a Jockey Silk” competition. One lucky primary school pupil will see their artistic vision brought to life as a professionally manufactured silk displayed at the track on race day.

The continued partnership between Down Royal and Fibrus reflects a shared commitment to bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation of racing fans across the region.

Speaking of the return of Fibrus as headline sponsor, Dominic Kearns, Founder and CEO at Fibrus, said: “Fibrus are incredibly proud to be back as headline sponsor of the Fibrus Family Race Day for a third consecutive year. What started as an exciting new partnership has grown into something special – an event that genuinely brings communities together and creates lasting memories for families right across Northern Ireland.

“At Fibrus, connecting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and this race day captures that spirit perfectly. The atmosphere at Down Royal on Family Race Day is like nothing else, and we cannot wait to see families pouring through the gates again this April for what promises to be our best year yet.”

Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, added: “The Fibrus Family Race Day has grown year on year into one of the standout dates in our calendar here at Down Royal, and the enthusiasm from families across the region continues to blow us away each year. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fibrus back for a third year, their support has been instrumental in making this event the success it has become.

“With general admission, children under 14 can attend for free with a ticket-holding adult, making it outstanding value for families looking for a brilliant day out this spring. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or bringing the kids to the track for the very first time, this is a day not to be missed.”

Gates open at 12pm on Sunday 12th April 2026. For full details and tickets visit //downroyal.com/.tickets.

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