Ballymoney Spring Fair goes virtual with series of showcase short videos
Mon, March 22, 2021
There’ll be a virtual format to Ballymoney Spring Fair this year with a series of short videos showcasing the town and its surrounding areas.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has worked closely with the Chamber of Commerce and other partners to explore everything from local food and fashion to agriculture stories and the history of festivals, shows and events from days-gone-by.
The short videos will be shared at 4pm from Thursday 1st April to Saturday 3rd April on the Causeway Coast and Glens Events Facebook page as well as on the Ballymoney Enjoy Our Town and FUSE FM channels.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Mark Fielding, said: “Ballymoney Spring Fair has been embraced in recent years as a not-to-be missed occasion.
“While we’re hopeful that it will return to the town next year with its usual colour and carnival atmosphere, for now we want the public to stay safe and support this virtual experience instead. Our upcoming series of short films offer a special insight into the story of Ballymoney, a town we’re very proud of.
“I visited the area recently, and I’m pleased to see our Council staff have been working hard on spring flowerbeds which are a welcome sight while outdoor spaces like Riverside Park, the Trim Trail and Megaw Park remain open for your enjoyment in line with public health advice.
“Ballymoney is well-known for its high quality, independent retail offering, which you’ll get a glimpse of in the short films. It’s important that we all Shop Local so please continue to support those essential shops which remain open at this time, along with those offering click and collect services.”
“When restrictions ease, I hope you’re encouraged to visit for yourself and explore everything it has to offer from retail to recreation.”
As part of the online event, Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce will focus on local food and fashion, showcasing the town’s boutiques and a menu of mouth-watering delights to make at home.
Chamber President Winnie Mellett will be on hand to discuss this season’s style trends and you can look forward to spring fashion inspiration from lots of local independent retailers which will ensure the whole family is looking their best.
Spring meal times ideas will be shared by local chef Paul McClelland, as he shows us how to make a tasty meatloaf and chocolate delights to make at home and enjoy on a spring picnic. We’ll also showcase some of the hidden gems available in local delis and giftware shops.
Spring is a busy season in the North Antrim countryside with the arrival of cuddly chicks and little lambs so look out for an exploration of Rosepark Farm and a showcase of the vital services provided by Riding for the Disabled (RDA). There’ll also be a virtual visit to Shean’s Horse Farm where local farrier Brian Wall will show us how to make horse shoes as well as the art of hot shoeing.
Many residents will recall the popular events which are synonymous with Ballymoney’s past, and working with the Fuse Centre and the Chamber of Commerce we’ll look back at some of these memorable days. Narrated by BBC Radio Ulster presenter, Kerry McLean, there’ll be material from the Charlie McAfee collection and other archive footage from Council’s Museum Services team.
So while we can’t be together in person to enjoy the Spring Fair, we hope this short film series will help to showcase the very best of Ballymoney.
Video schedule
- 1st April, 4pm: Celebration of Ballymoney’s family fairs through the years and virtual visits around local farms and agricultural providers.
- 2nd April, 4pm: Spring Fashion Showcase by Ballymoney Chamber of Commerce.
- 3rd April, 4pm: Local spring delights and food demonstrations.
The videos will also be shared on YouTube via the Causeway Coast and Glens events page.
