Larne toes tapping to the Friends’ Goodwill Festival beat

Normally a live two-day live event, the festival is going virtual this year due to the current restrictions on public gatherings.

The Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival Virtual 2021 will begin streaming from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s website and social media platforms from Saturday (May 8) with 90 minutes of uniquely commissioned content in bite-size chunks, accessible at any time in any part of the world.

In keeping with the theme of the festival, much of the content focuses on the links and cultural similarities between the borough and early American settlers.

Family band ‘Cup o’Joe’ will be showcasing their own unique bluegrass/Appalachian sound in specially recorded performances at Larne’s Market Yard and Chaine Memorial, while The Music Yard has filmed a variety of pieces by its young talented performers.

Historian Dr David Hume has recorded a filmed walking tour, ‘Larne and its US Connections’, which sets out the town’s rich history and its ties to the United States.

There is something for the foodies too as chef and broadcaster Paula McIntyre fronts three cookery demonstrations – made in conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency - featuring delicacies such as fadge, herring and mackerel and Clootie Dumpling.

There will also be a look ahead to the 2022 festival, its big headliners and where to buy tickets.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said: “While we are unable to gather together in the way we normally would this year for Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival, we can still enjoy the rich programme of culture and entertainment from the comfort of our own homes.

“The event will celebrate the heritage and history of our borough and the strong connections with the United States, and gives us renewed hope for brighter days ahead.”

The public can tune into the virtual festival by visiting www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/FriendsGoodwill or council’s social media channels.

Throughout 2021, the local authority is hosting a programme under the NI 100 umbrella to celebrate the centenary of Northern Ireland. The events, exhibitions and community initiatives are all aimed at showcasing and championing culture, heritage, education, history, and future prosperity throughout the borough. For the latest on these, visit midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ni100

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Click here to read: Friends’ Goodwill plaque is unveiled in Larne.

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