Glenarm gives its '˜Commitment' to hosting Dalriada's biggest ever festival

Earlier this week, soul sensation Andrew Strong flew in to launch the festival in the opulent surroundings of Glenarm Castle.

The star of the epic movie The Commitments says he’s looking forward to his only Northern Irish festival date on Saturday July 16 with his soul orchestra, which guarantees to be a sell-out concert.

“This is the 25th anniversary of The Commitments and I’m really looking forward to celebrating this mile-stone by performing all the movie hits and more at Dalriada Festival,” he said.

“The setting at Glenarm Castle in the heart of the Glens of Antrim is second to none.”

The launch also unveiled the exciting programme of events to take place at the historic Glenarm Castle on July 16 & 17, including the world famous Highland Games and Strongman, the County Antrim Pipe Band Championships, numerous music, comedy and dance stages, fine foods, and for the little ones, the hugely popular Paw Patrol from Nickelodeon in their first appearance ever in Northern Ireland.

The community of Glenarm will take up the baton from July 18 - 23 and will host an action-packed programme of sporting events and other entertainment including a duathlon, triathlon, super-endurocross, rowing regatta and mountain bike enduro race.

The festival will culminate with a street fair, carnival and fireworks finale on July 23.

Nigel Campbell, events and marketing manager for Glenarm Castle said: “This is the sixth annual Dalriada Festival and year on year the event gets even bigger and better.

“Almost 30,000 people attended our festival in 2015 and we are confident that we’re going to attract even more footfall this year, with such a strong festival line-up.

“To host Andrew Strong’s only Northern Irish date this year, as well as having Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol in their first ever appearance in the province, is a real coup.

“There’s already a great buzz about our festival in the community and further afield and we are indebted to all our sponsors for their continued support, especially The Camlin Group, Tourism NI & Mid & East Antrim Council. Without their financial commitment to our festival, we just wouldn’t be able to offer this top class entertainment.”

Mid and East Antrim Council’s Alderman Tommy Nicholl added: “The Council is very pleased to support Dalriada Festival again this year. The Festival offers a really unique visitor experience and we recognise the positive social, cultural and economic impact that the event has had on the borough and indeed for Northern Ireland in recent years. We’re looking forward to another packed programme of events this summer.”

Day passes for July 16 & 17 are now on sale via www.dalriadafestival.co.uk and with an incredible but limited 33 percent discount if purchased before March 22. Children Under 12 also go free.

Saturday evening concert tickets for Andrew Strong and camping packages are also on sale via the website.

Saturday night concert tickets can also be purchased at www.ticketmaster.ie priced at £28.50.

For festival tickets and transport packages direct from Belfast contact www.irishtourtickets.com or phone 028 90310101

Nigel Campbell

To host Andrew Strong’s only Northern Irish date this year, as well as having Nickelodeon’s Paw Patrol in their first ever appearance in the province, is a real coup