Choice, in association with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, has hosted not one but two fun-filled days at Antrim Castle Gardens to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
Following the tremendous success of the previous year’s festivities within the grounds of the 400-year-old gardens – which attracted in the region of three thousand friends and families – organisers introduced a second event on March 17th to meet growing demand. Choice supported the expanded programme as part of its first year of involvement.
Filled with botanical beauty and heritage, and boasting Anglo Dutch style canals, ponds and avenues, and a 12th Century motte, the first event in Antrim Castle Gardens took place on Saturday, 14th March (12pm–5pm) with the second organised for 17th March from 12pm to 5pm.
Visitors enjoyed an exciting programme of live performances across both dates, with these showcasing a dynamic blend of traditional and contemporary sounds.
On the Saturday, there were live performances in the Parterre from Tartan Riot, Ragaire, The Rogues, Isla McManus, Trad Trio, and accordion virtuoso Ru Mac. The celebration of music, dance and culture continued on Tuesday, with The Coves delivering an energetic afternoon of live music in the Courtyard.
Traditional dance performances also highlighted the rich cultural heritage within Northern Ireland. Members from The Judith Keyes School of Irish Dance and The Randalstown Ulster-Scots Cultural Society wowed crowds with their quick footwork.
“We were delighted to be involved in this fantastic St Patrick’s Day celebration in association with Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council at the beautiful Antrim Castle Gardens,” said Mark Kent, Good Relations Officer at Choice.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to shared housing and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme, events like this play an important role in bringing communities together. They also create opportunities for people from different backgrounds to connect and celebrate.
“With a strong focus on families and young children, the event offered a wonderful range of activities. These included face painting and arts and crafts across both days, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy. Set against the stunning backdrop of Antrim Castle Gardens, and with an expanded programme and additional event date, we were proud to support what proved to be a fantastic celebration.”
“Families from right across the borough and beyond came along to soak up the atmosphere,” added Mark. “They enjoyed a day filled with music, dance and cultural celebration. It was a wonderful opportunity to bring generations together. It helped celebrate community spirit and create lasting memories in a picturesque setting.”
The celebration event received support from the Department for Communities (DfC) and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The programme has its origins in the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together: Building a United Community Strategy. It reflects a commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
The Fountain Hill, Antrim a shared housing development was also supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. There was £2.1m invested in the scheme’s development and its associated five-year Good Relations Plan.
A key element of the good relations work for shared housing developments involves identifying the challenges local communities are facing. This information is used to develop tailored projects that support these areas.
In the case of Fountain Hill, residents, partners and other stakeholders work together through the Antrim Joint Advisory Group to deliver community relations projects that benefit the whole community.
