Portrush’s ‘Swell Festival’ set to go ahead

This unique event aims to remind people of the power of connection during these troubled times. There has perhaps never been more need to connect with each other, ourselves and nature.

It was inspired by a campaign called Back & Fill which was established in Margate in response to the devastating effect faced by coastal towns during these Covid-19 restrictions.

Gemma Reid was quick to get on board with Back & Fill, seeing the potential for Portrush to host a similar event as a response to the ongoing challenging situation.

“Swell 2020 is about celebrating the health and wellbeing benefits of the seaside and being inspired by the creativity and innovation which Portrush offers,” she said.

“Local people need something to look forward to; moments of joy and happiness to remember in the midst of this strange year. We are extremely proud that Portrush is the only town in Northern Ireland to be involved in the Back & Fill project.”

Swell Festival is led by a team of volunteers and involves a wide variety of local artists, traders and small businesses coming together to organise activities celebrating the benefits of spending time in, on or by the sea. They’ve been able to adapt to the new health and safety restrictions through a focus on the benefit of the outdoors and some creative thinking about ways to maintain social distancing.

“The response to this idea from local businesses and creatives has been simply incredible,” said Gemma. “It’s been wonderful to see people coming together to support their local community and each other in these difficult times.”

Included in the programme is a beach art and litter pick event with North Coast World Earth, a wildlife cruise with Sea2it and Causeway Boats and a wild food walk with Clare McQuillan from Feasting on Weeds.

Three arts and wellbeing events have been supported by Flowerfield Arts Centre through their ARTbeat and Causeway Creative Trails initiatives, including a Walk and Sketch with artist Gaelle Berthelot, Tree and Tide nature walk with counsellor Deborah Mullan, and Holy Trinity Sessions, a folk and traditional music event, now due to be broadcast online.

Talented local artist Gill Hassan Hallam has brought together a collective of artists and local businesses to curate ‘Windows’, an exhibition of visual arts and crafts inspired by sea on display in unlikley spaces all along Portrush Main Street. There’ll also be some unusual Halloween fun for local families thanks to Portrush Rocks and Big Telly Theatre Company.

“The ethos of the festival is an antidote to large crowds; opportunities to enjoy and explore the coastal environment; finding the everyday magic in our beautiful community. The Swell Portrush team are reviewing the changing situation on a daily basis, ensuring that everybody’s safety is of paramount importance.

“With this in mind, we continue to strive to adapt and offer moments of joy and connection for the benefit of our mental and physical wellbeing.

“You can find all the details about the event programme on the Swell facebook page, and you can find the festival on Instagram (@swellportrush) and the This Is Causeway website. Any questions or queries can also be sent to [email protected].

“We look forward to seeing many of you at our inaugural Swell Festival and look forward to seeing this event grow over the coming years,” said Gemma.