Arches Festival 2023

Saturday 10th June

Gykhana – Dunmore Park – From 10AM

Trophies and/or cups are available for all classes and we are extremely grateful for all existing and new sponsors.

Tophies donated by – O’Connor, Kennedy, Turtle Chartered Surveyors, Northern Bank, Hugh McManus & Sons, McGroggan Ice Cream, Connell Hill Riding Centre, R.J. Cunningham, Flo Gas, E.D. Ingram, Samuel Getty, Mulholland Motors, IB Freight, McKeown Jewellers, Paul & Avril Glass, William Burns, Brian Kerr, Top of the Town Bar, Stewarts Property Sales, Sam McAteer, McCavana Timer Frame Homes, Sharon Graham Opticians, McKenzie Removals, Old Bleach, Mountview Equestrian Centre, Ross Lodge Saddlery, R.Colvin & Sons, Robin Rainey & Sons, H.H. Graham & Sons (Bellaghy)

Dog Show – Dunmore Park – 12noon

We are grateful to Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary as they continue to host our festival Dog Show. There will be many categories to enter, all for fun, with all proceeds from entries going to the Animal Sanctuary. Entries will be taken on the day.

Entries: £1.00 per category.

Country Fair – Dunmore Park – 12noon

Come along and join the fun of bouncy castles, games and McMullan’s petting farm.

Monday 19th June

Family Fun Cycle – Grand Entrance, Shanes Castle Estate – 7PM

This popular event is suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities as all can ride at their own pace.

The ride will follow a designated route through Shanes Castle Estate. You will then travel back to the Grand Entrance.

NB: – We regret that due to conditions on certain sections of the route, it is not suitable for children’s bicycles with stabilisers. We encourage the wearing of cycle helmets for this event and advise caution when riding on the public highway.

Parents/guardians are responsible for children taking part in this event.

FREE EVENT

Slow Bike Race – Randalstown Rugby Club – 7PM

We are delighted to have the Slow Bike Race returning to the festival programme.

A reminder of some of the rules:

– Ride a two-wheeled bicycle over a 20m fixed course in the longest interval of time;

– The last person to finish the race will be the winner;

– No part of the competitor’s body may touch the ground & Brakes must not be used during the race.

-The bicycle must maintain forward motion at all time & must remain within the boundaries of the course;

Spectators also assume the role of judge and jury in adhering to the rules.

Have you got what it takes? It’s harder than you think!

FREE EVENT

Tuesday 20th June

Senior Citizens Mystery Tour – Leaving from Randalstown Library – 11AM

We invite you to enjoy an afternoon filled with entertainment, great hospitality and prizes to be won in the Lucky Draw!

Bus departs from Randalstown Library at 10:30am SHARP and returns approximately 6:30 pm.

STRICTLY – AGED 60 & OVER. Tickets Must Be Bought Prior To Tour. Tickets will be on sale fat McManus Hardware and Randalstown Pharmacy,

Sponsored by Hutchinson’s Care Homes, Randalstown Health Centre and McLean’s Bookmakers

The organisers would like to thank all the Randalstown Traders who kindly donated gifts in support of their local senior citizens. Please support your Local Traders!

Admission: £10.00 (By Ticket ONLY) – Available from McManus Hardware and Randalstown Pharmacy.

Walking Treasure Hunt – Scout Hall – 6:30PM

Run by Randalstown Scout Group

The Scout Group is again organising this popular event which will take you around the town following a list of clues, some easy, some not so easy.

A great fun event!

Admission:

Adults £3.00

Secondary School Age Children £2.00

Primary School Age Children £1.00

Light refreshments and presentation of prizes afterwards in the Scout Hall.

Bingo – St MacNissis Parish Centre – Doors open 7PM

Run by St MacNissis Parish Office

Come along for a night of fun whilst raising money for a great cause and see if your lucky numbers pop up and try your luck with the raffle!

Help on the night from Ardan Theatre Group.

Wednesday 21st June

Duck Race – Weir to Viaduct Bridge – 6:45PM

The Duck Race is a major source of income for the Festival that enables us to provide the week’s festivities at a minimum cost to the community of Randalstown and district. Please give us your support by purchasing ducks from participating retailers.

Look out for ARCHIE – our Mascot Duck and support his friends.

Ducks cost £1 and will be on sale in the town from the beginning of June – Look out for the posters!! Ducks also on sale on the Wednesday evening before the start of the race.

Duck Race Prizes

1st -£75

2nd -£50

3rd -£30

4th -£25

5th -£20

Also 5 spot prizes of £10

Celtic Thistle Solo Bagpipe Championship – John Street Car Park – 6:45PM

The Celtic Thistle Solo Piping Championship offers young, talented solo pipers the opportunity to gather some useful competitive experience and at the same time the chance to explore some of the festival highlights

Playing requirements for the Championship.

FREE EVENT

Market & Amusements – John Street Car Park – 7:00PM

There will be something for everyone at the Market & Amusements. There will be lots of excitement including face painters, games, perhaps a visit from a character or two and many more exciting things to see and do.

This year again we are pleased to have McMullan’s Mobile Farm joining us which introduces you to some cuddly and interesting animals.

We are also pleased to welcome the ArtCart which will take you through some AI games – let’s see what you can create!

We will also have a variety of traders at the market – from burgers to crafts – come along and have a look!

FREE EVENT

Fiddle & Five Strings – Randalstown Rugby Club – 9:00PM

Appearing with Steve Farlow at the Fiddle & Five String Country Music Club will be former Eurovision song contest participant Geri Kane.

Geri was a member of the four piece band from Northern Ireland who represented Ireland in 1986 achieving a very creditable fourth place.

Recently, Geri has teamed up with Irelands Mr. music himself – Steve Farlow – Geri’s powerful vocals and bubbly personality combines with Steves excellent musicianship to provide an excllent programme of country music.

A night that will no doubt be a highlight of Arches Festival!

Admission is £3.00 and everybody will be made very welcome.

The Fiddle & Five will be supporting the Alzheimer’s society.

Thursday 22nd June

Horticulture Walking Tour – Starting from Randalstown Library – 9:30AM

Meeting and setting off from Randalstown Library, you will find out more about the beautiful horticulture of Randalstown, while enjoying a leisurely walk, taking in the beautiful gardens and planting schemes along the route.

The tour lasts 1 hour.

The tour is free but places are limited and must be pre-booked.

Contact Arches Office to reserve your place: Tel 028 9447 8471

FREE EVENT

Invitation Pairs Bowling Competiton – Drummaul Church Hall – 6:30PM

Entries welcome from local clubs via Club Secretaries with fee to John D Logan, 65 Ahoghill Road, Randalstown, BT41 3DG before Tuesday 20th June. Admission: £10.00 per pair

Wine Tasting – Arches Community Hall – 7:00PM

ARCHES Festival is pleased to offer the return of the ever popular wine appreciation event organised and supported by The Vintage Off Licence. A great night for all european wine lovers featuring guest speaker Peter McBride. Places at this popular event are strictly limited, so get your ticket early! Admission: £15.00 (By Ticket ONLY) – Available from ARCHES Office or The Vintage from 5th June.

Floral Art Demo – St MacNissis Parish Centre – 7:30PM

Run by Randalstown Women’s Institute

Come along to see the wonderful and creative flower arranging demonstrations by Colleen Hamill. Proceeds will benefit two worthy causes: The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and ACWW (Associated Country Women of the World). Admission £5.00 (pay at door)

Annual Denis Sweeny Memorial Session – O’Kane’s Bar – 8:30PM

The Traditional Music Night will be held in O’Kane’s Bar Randalstown. Come along and listen to beautiful music and maybe even have a dance or two! All musicians are welcome to come along and play.

FREE EVENT