Castle launch for Larne Music Festival

The festival was launched in style again this year with the annual Friends of the Festival event at Glenarm Castle on Friday.

As always, the Friends and Committee of Larne Music Festival were warmly welcomed to the Castle by Festival Patron, Lady Aurora, Viscountess Dunluce. Guests were entertained by the Junior Ulster String Quartet, comprising four talented young women who played a variety of pieces including Disney themes, classical and original compositions.

Secretary of the Festival Committee, Ann Tinsley, and the Chair of the Festival Richard Barnes, took the opportunity to thank all Friends for attending the event, and for their particularly generous contributions this year.

In previous years, the festival received financial support from the Council.

However without funding from Mid and East Antrim Council this year, the generosity of the Friends of the Festival was particularly welcome.

Ann Tinsley expressed the Committee’s gratitude to the Friends of the Festival for their generosity.

She also advised that in order to raise funds to assist the festival in this and future years, a recital by the renowned soprano Mary Nelson will take place on the evening of July 17 at Glenarm Castle.

Mary Nelson, who hails from Larne, and clarinettist Gillian McCutcheon will be accompanied by pianist Michael Harrison.

The event will open with a drinks reception in the castle dining room followed by the recital.

Please contact Ann Tinsley for further information at [email protected] or by telephoning Ann at 028-28885863.

Newly-elected Festival Committee President, George McCluskey, thanked Lady Aurora for welcoming the Friends of the Festival to her beautiful home, and committee colleagues for the work carried out throughout the year.

He also highlighted the value of the festival in developing confidence and musicianship in young people.

This year’s festival runs from Wednesday April 5 until Saturday April 8, culminating in a concert featuring festival winners and participants from a range of classes including guitar, piano, choral, traditional and instrumental.

All are welcome to attend and support the festival and further information can be found at www.larnemusicfestival.com

Alternatively, details can also be obtained by contacting any member of the festival committee.