Whitehead festival-goers invited to '˜paint the town red'

Jeremy Jones, chair of Whitehead Community Association thanks Veronica McKinney of Translink for their continued support of the Whitehead Summer Festival. INCT 29-731-CON

Organised by Whitehead Community Association, the festival will this year be adopting shades of scarlet as it raises funds for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

It marks a change for the summer event after several years supporting the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice as part of ‘Operation Purple’.

Launching the festival programme, WCA chairman Jeremy Jones said: “The first weekend, Saturday July 23, sees our Mods and Rockers Day hosting live bands in the Community Centre all afternoon, with an after party from 8:30pm.

“The first Saturday also includes arts and crafts demonstrations, a Teddy Bear’s Picnic, and fresh local seafood in the sunshine.

“The main feature of the Festival is the Food and Folk Fest at Whitehead Recreation Grounds on July 30. As well as a wonderful array of food stalls, we will have live local folk music all afternoon and family fun and entertainment for all including Phil’s Farm, School of Falconry, Steam Train rides, bubble art, vintage cars, Latin dancing and inflatables.

“The final weekend, August 6, will host the annual Raft Race at the Yacht Club seafront with entertainment, barbecue and loads of fun.

“Of course, all this needs some help so we would like to thank those organisations who are sponsoring the week: Mid and East Antrim Council; Irish Salt Mines; Subway Carrickfergus; Translink; AES; Cannon Motors of Carrickfergus, and the Laundry Room, Whitehead.”

Festival-goers can also avail of Northern Ireland Railways’ discounted travel to and from Whitehead - visit www.translink.co.uk to plan your journey.