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Ballycastle set to host beach horse racing event at the Ould Lammas Fair

Ballycastle set to host beach horse racing event at the Ould Lammas Fair

Fri, August 03, 2018

An evening of fun horse racing will take place on a Ballycastle beach as part of this year’s Ould Lammas Fair celebrations.

Set against the iconic backdrop of Fairhead, the fun filled event promises to be an unforgettable spectacle with all money raised going to Riding for the Disabled, a charity which provides recreational and sporting opportunities for disabled people.

The new addition to the four-day programme of events takes place on Saturday 25th August with 10 races planned from 6pm – 8pm.

The opening day will also include the traditional heavy horse show with Clydesdale horses parading through the town followed by a convoy of vintage vehicles which will help to paint a picture of the area’s agricultural history and heritage.

Thousands of people are expected to descend on the seaside resort to enjoy the weekend festivities and the sights and sounds which make the Auld Lammas Fair a truly unique event.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Brenda Chivers said: “The Ould Lammas Fair is the oldest event of its kind in Ireland dating back to the 17th century. It holds a very special place in the social fabric of the area and continues to provide an important reason to meet up with friends, family members and neighbours. It is set to be four fabulous days in Ballycastle and I look forward to seeing you all there.”

Building on its successful introduction last year, a stunning fireworks display will light up the seafront area on Sunday evening (August 26th) from 9pm. This will be complemented by a twilight Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market from 7pm and live music in the Diamond from 10pm. The market will be the focal point of the seafront attractions throughout Sunday, Monday and Tuesday selling the very best handmade arts, crafts and food products. It will include an enhanced street food area offering tastes from around the world in a unique al fresco dining experience. There will also be live demonstrations from artisans at work with demonstrations including hurley making from Scullion Hurls, painting with Brege Stanley and Gerry Mullan from Aidenville Pottery while The Causeway Cookie Company will offer ‘Make and Take’ cookie decorating sessions (small fee applies)

Horse trading has been an integral part of the Ould Lammas Fair since it began over 400 years ago and this tradition will continue at Fairhill Street. Horses and ponies will be on display with a range of agricultural themed attractions including a mobile farm. Pony rides will be facilitated by Riding for the Disabled, while a wheel-chair accessible trap will allow visitors of all abilities to take part. The public will also have a chance to watch skilled farriers in action as they trim horses feet and make horse shoes the traditional way. Visitors can take home a horse shoe made at the Fair as a unique memento of the event.

Throughout the town, hundreds of stalls will be in place selling a range of goods, including the Fair’s well-known delicacies sweet Yellowman and salty dulse seaweed.

Keep up to date with the latest news about the Ould Lammas Fair by following Causeway Coast Events on Facebook and Twitter.

All roads lead to Ballycastle for the Ould Lammas Fair, Ireland's oldest fair, which returns to Ballycastle with four days of festivities from Saturday 25th August - Tuesday 28th August. Shauna McFall from Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market is pictured here with Melissa Lemon on Marley and the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Brenda Chivers with Topper.