Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s USA250 Working Group has unveiled an ambitious programme of events to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence in 2026.
The programme, developed by the cross-party Working Group in partnership with Council and external partners, aims to celebrate the Borough’s historic connections with the United States while creating new cultural, educational and economic opportunities.
Launching the programme, Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins said: “Our Borough has a proud and longstanding relationship with the United States, built on generations of migration, shared heritage and enduring partnerships across trade, tourism and education.
"USA250 presents an important opportunity to celebrate those historic connections on a global stage, while creating meaningful cultural, civic and economic opportunities that will benefit our residents, local businesses and wider community for years to come."
Chairman of the USA250 Working Group, Alderman Aaron Callan, described the initiative as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to showcase the Borough’s enduring links with America.
The programme is built around five interconnected themes:
- A flagship Halloween festival celebrating shared transatlantic heritage and traditions
- The USA250 Global Gateway Programme, supporting local businesses to explore export opportunities in the US market
- A museums and heritage programme
- An arts and community engagement programme
- A food and drink heritage initiative centred on a Thanksgiving event in Bushmills
Alderman Callan added: "Our Borough has deep and enduring connections with the United States, shaped by migration, Ulster-Scots heritage, and longstanding links in trade, tourism and education.
"USA250 gives us a unique opportunity to share that story on an international stage while delivering lasting cultural, civic and economic benefits for our residents, businesses and communities."
The planned Halloween programme will explore the Irish and wider Gaelic origins of many modern Halloween traditions, while also reflecting on Ulster-Scots and other local cultural connections that helped carry these customs across the Atlantic.
Family focused events and activities have been developed across Council venues and public spaces, featuring live music inspired by Ulster-Scots, Irish traditional and American influences, alongside outdoor performances, storytelling and immersive heritage experiences.
Complementing the cultural programme, the USA250 Global Gateway Programme will be delivered through the Local Economic Partnership and will support a number of local businesses to develop export opportunities in the United States.
The programme will also include a Thanksgiving-themed civic dinner, bringing together community representatives, local businesses, civic leaders and contributors to USA250 initiatives. Showcasing local produce in a historic setting, the event will celebrate shared values of community, resilience and gratitude, while drawing connections between American Thanksgiving traditions and local harvest customs.
For full programme of events visit: USA - NI250 | Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council
Pictured at the launch of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council's USA250 programme are (left to right): Councillor Richard Holmes; the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Dawn Huggins; and Alderman Aaron Callan, Chair of the USA250 Working Group.