Festival

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

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.

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.