Festival of Lights to add sparkle to Ballyronan Marina

Ballyronan Marina will once again throw open its dock to the people of Mid Ulster for the Lough Neagh Festival of Lights and (now) Water.
Lough Neagh Partnership's Eimear Kearney is joined by Liam Glavin, Head of Leisure Services at Cookstown council, and right, Cáthal Mallaghan, Vice-chairman at Cookstown council, to launch this years Festival of Lights and WaterLough Neagh Partnership's Eimear Kearney is joined by Liam Glavin, Head of Leisure Services at Cookstown council, and right, Cáthal Mallaghan, Vice-chairman at Cookstown council, to launch this years Festival of Lights and Water
Lough Neagh Partnership's Eimear Kearney is joined by Liam Glavin, Head of Leisure Services at Cookstown council, and right, Cáthal Mallaghan, Vice-chairman at Cookstown council, to launch this years Festival of Lights and Water

The cross community event, hailed a massive success last year, promises an all-day programme of activities both on the water and ashore on Saturday, August 23.

Crammed with activities for all ages - starting at 12 noon and running right through to 11pm - fun and entertainment for all the family will definitely be the order of the day.

On-shore activities include a truck stage with live music, Irish dancing, food stalls, face painting, petting farm, children’s entertainers, 6D Cinema and much more.

While off-shore there will be a range of water sports and boating taster sessions available, Lough Neagh Rescue’s annual raft race and an evening cruise on the Maid of Antrim.

Supported by Cookstown District Council and Lough Neagh Partnership, the celebration will give revellers the chance to witness something truly magical as dusk descends and every boat in the marina is lit up, before a major firework display rounds off the evening with a bang, illuminating both lough and sky.

Lough Neagh Partnership’s new chairman, Conor Corr, told the Times: “This event was truly magnificent last year, and we really hope for a repeat performance this year.

“There will be lots of new attractions, and we would like to extend a warm welcome to every person in Mid Ulster.”

Admission is just £1 per person.

For more on Lough Neagh Festival of Water and Lights please call 028 7941 8399, or visit www.discoverloughneagh.com/events