New £84k ampitheatre for Ballycarry

The £84,000 project, part of the Village Renewal Programme, provides a welcome facelift for the area. Situated near the community centre at the top of the Fairhill, overlooking Islandmagee, the North Channel and the Scottish coast, the new space will play host to an array of outdoor events throughout the year. Investment came from the the Rural Development Programme and Larne Borough Council, with the village’s community association also contributing with help in kind. Funding also provided for a picnic area at the community centre, flower beds and tiered areas on the Fairhill for community activities. A smaller amount of funding has also resulted in wrought iron seating being installed at the village green near the old Templecorran Church. Valerie Beattie, chairperson of Ballycarry & District Community Association, said: “We are delighted to have attracted this funding for the amphitheatre and look forward to its official opening on Saturday from 4pm-6pm when we will have musical entertainment and a celebration of what has been achieved. “I would like to thank the sub-committee responsible for this project, led by Janice Bisp. “She put in an enormous amount of time and effort in delivering this project for the village, and it will be a lasting legacy for the future in our community. “I can think of no better location for performances to be held and we look forward to some great events taking place there in the months and years ahead.” The official opening event will start at 4pm and artists performing will include the John Fittis Pipers, the Ballycarry Singers, Larne Drama Society, Larne Ladies Choral, the Royal Scottish Country Dancers, Tommy McDowell’s new Set Dancers, Michael Johnston and Amanda McMaw music and more. A raffle with great prizes, including a Gobbins coastal pass and P&O car ferry ticket, along with homemade traybakes are also on offer. Admission is free and everyone is invited to go along and enjoy the musical entertainment on offer.