2022 Lammas Fair could be Ballycastle’s biggest ever
After two days of arts, entertainment and fireworks, the town is ready for the traditional stalls to line the streets for the Bank Holiday Monday and Tuesday.
Last updated 29th Aug 2022
Ballycastle will go pedestrianised today (Monday) as traditional market stalls will line the streets for the Lammas Fair.
The event, which is over 400 years old, was forced to take a break due to the pandemic, so is marking its’ first return since 2019.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has thrown a four-day event, with a “bigger than ever” entertainment programme on offer.
The weekend has already seen artisan markets, fireworks at the Quay and open-air performances in the town centre, known locally as The Diamond.
However, the Monday and Tuesday mark the two most iconic days.
Pedestrians will take over the streets, yellow man and dulse sellers will stretch as far as the eye can see, and burgers will be aplenty as music rings out through a town enjoying the last bit of summer before schools return.
For businesses, it's a crucial time too, with the event generating over £2m for the local economy,
Local café owner, Tom Mullan of Thyme and Co on the Quay Road, is glad the fair has returned.
Marie Curie fundraisers locally have also hailed the return of the event that has put the coastal town on the map internationally.
They’ve been organising a huge raffle at the fair for 25 years, and are back to selling tickets this weekend.
Malachy Butler has been reminiscing about when first prize was a horse!
Here’s what’s still to come:
Fairground, Quay Road Playing Fields: Friday 26th to Tuesday 30th August. Children’s amusements, the Seafront: Saturday - Tuesday.
Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market, the Seafront: Saturday – Tuesday..
Musical entertainment, Council Stage at the Marina car park: Monday 11am – 6.30pm & Tuesday 11am – 5pm.
Circus Skills Workshop, seafront green opposite The Shorebird Café: Monday and Tuesday 11am – 5pm.
Drumming Workshop, seafront green opposite The Shorebird Café: Monday and Tuesday noon – 4pm.
Horse trading, Fairhill Street: 10am – 6pm Monday and Tuesday.
Animal Farm, Fairhill Street, 11am – 5pm Monday & Tuesday.
North Coast Alpacas, Fairhill Street 11am – 4pm Monday only.
Pony rides with Riding for the Disabled, Fairhill Street 11am – 4pm, Monday & Tuesday.
Quiet Time for people with additional needs takes place as follows:
Quay Road Amusements Friday 6pm – 7pm
Animal Farm, Alpacas, Circus Skills Workshop, Monday 11am – 12noon.