Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival draws to a close
Mon, June 04, 2018
The sun has set on this year’s Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival after 10 days of sea-inspired celebrations.
The event began amid beautiful weather in Ballycastle, with high temperatures and a packed programme attracting huge crowds to the town over the Bank Holiday Weekend.
The Ulster Chowder Cook-Off was just one of the many highlights with Gary Stewart from Tartine at The Distiller’s Arms winning the title for the second year in a row.
The competition was opened by members of the Lir School of Irish Dancing who put on a beautiful display inside the seafront marquee for the gathered audience.
On Rathlin Island, festival yarn bombing added a new layer of colour to the harbour area while throughout the week visitors and locals alike enjoyed exhibitions, walks, a Big Lunch bbq and model yacht races before a performance by local band 30 Mile Limit brought the festival to a close on Sunday (June 4th).
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Joan Baird OBE said: “It had been fantastic to see so many people enjoying the unique sights and sounds of Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival. The event showcases the rich heritage of the area and the strong links which join the communities on Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. Through our local produce, music, dance, talks, tours and exhibitions the festival tells the story of this very unique part of the Causeway Coast and Glens.”
The organisers of Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival, Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Ballycastle Community Development Association and Rathlin Development and Community Association would like to thank everyone who contributed to the festival's success this year and all those who participated in the programme of events.
To find out more about other upcoming events in the area go to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
