We cant believe we have just completed the second Around the Town Music Festival – just 18 months after it’s original conception!

We learnt a lot after year 1 and as much as we always aim to do things better, bigger isn’t always on our minds. In fact, one of the most consistent pieces of feedback after year 1 was how community-led it felt and how it was easy to be part of. There was a a sense of it being by Carrickfergus and not for or at us. We didn’t all turn up to consume entertainment but so many of us turned up and provided it as well as enjoyed it. Do you know what I mean?

This left us in a useful place where we know what worked and people seemed happy to do it all again; so we pretty much did.

Here’s an overview of how the 22 events over the 9 days turned out:

Evenings in the Town Hall at our bar style pop up venue.

Sounds of the Silver Screen with Third Carrickfergus Band playing soundtracks while we watched and enjoyed popcorn. 

Live and Loud: Gush and Susi Pagel filled the town hall with loud rock music. Both local bands originally and now playing all over, it was a pleasure to have both bands at our all ages gig.

Knights of Comedy: A first for Carrickfergus – stand up comedy. We couldn’t keep up with the ticket sales for this one! This was raucous – the laughter, the jokes, the comedians were on fire. Not for the faint hearted but a massive hit!

The Jazz Session: Andrew McCoubrey, native to Carrickfergus, brought his talented band back to the town hall with the addition of the very talented Victoria on vocals. We cant convey how good it was; the atmosphere was electric. 

Tracks of Our Years: this is a returning event with Music and Mind founder Noel McKee. A lovely session where participants reflect, share stories and listen to songs that have meaning to their lives. 

Sounds Like Craic: Deja Vu Promotion’s version of stars in their eyes. With 3 on the ball judges and 7 talented contestants – this event was colourful and full of craic. Bill the Thrill, our host kept us all in check with his witty banter and cheeky charm. He even had us singing along!

Lunch time recitals in the Civic Centre:

Eden Tradition Music Players led the way, kicking off Monday in the Civic Centre with Sir Henry Inglesby Fife and Drums filling setting the pace on Tuesday. Wednesday we had the lovely sounds of the flute from John Hinchy, Thursday was Carrick’s own Castle Voices packing the space out and we finished on Friday with returning duo McClure- Moreland who took us through a beutiful set of Mandolin and Spanish guitar melodies.

This year we had a gorgeous addition to the our events in other venues. 

On Sunday 3rd we began with the majestic sounds of Major John Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band on Castle Green – fresh from competition winning with their new and well deserved trophy on display. they served up a treat for spectators and passers by. 

This was followed by our new event ‘Dine and Duet’; an afternoon of Italian cuisine and a recital by Lisa Dawson’s musical outfit ‘La Petite Duette’. Hosted by Castello Italia, the event gave attendees the wonderful experience of fine food, amazing view and delightful entertainment. 

We enjoyed returning to festival friends Dobbins Inn who had The Rogues bringing their usual mix of traditional sounds and playful stories. 

Tartan Riot blasted in Ownies on Thursday evening, the pipes filling every corner of the place with a mix of new and old classics. 

Supported Living Venues: Castleview Carrick Manor, Barn Halt, Karuna: We really want the festival to reach as many residents of the town as possible so we are grateful to Arts Care for taking the festival to some of the town’s supported living and residential homes. 

The Finale!

We took a brave step this year and planned a finale for Shaftsbury Park. One of us wasn’t sure and said never again before it even started, but one of us changed her mind an hour after it started.

We thoroughly enjoyed  watching hundreds of people enjoy the music that day. The dancing, picnics, festival set ups that people brought, all told us that Carrickfergus is here for a good time!

The Camembert DJs got us going with cheesy tunes, followed by Little Feet covering classics while debuting their own new song. Green Means Go took the reigns and got us on our feet while Bjorn Identity and their sensational Abba Tribute show rarely let us sit down!

22 events, 81% events packed out, 12 venues, 1500+ audience, 150 musicians (83% from Carrick!), 92.5% budget invested in Co. Antrim Carrickfergus businesses and artists, with 44% directly going into Carrickfergus.

These are the stats – great stats, but just facts.

At the heart of Around the Town is the people – and the people have made it extra special.

We want to thank our tireless and to be frank, pretty dam special volunteer team – you all rocked, literally. Made up from members of our Board of Directors (Ruth, Sunny, Shirin, Lee+Fiona), our regular helpers Jane and David, and our new team members from Carrickfergus YMCA Alexis, Ethan, James, Rhys, Samuel, Rhys, Brooke and Ellie and their leaders Sophie and Josh. I must give special mention to my sister Gillian or she will never forgive me. Rumour has it she did a pretty awesome job and keeping us all on track. 

And this year we had a media team – we did not expect this to happen! Harry has been helping us with photography at some of our recent events and his lovely attitude and general love of events had him on board with festival media early on. We then welcomed Sophie in as social media and reel maker expert – she captured the heart of what we were doing so creatively and confidently. And lastly we had a last minute addition Mark who got in touch to offer his photography services voluntarily but was present at so much of the week it was great to have another photographer on board. 

And the thank you to the funders – Carrickfergus Literary and Scientific Society, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Royal Mencap Society, Clanmil Housing. 

Phew, there are so many people who made this year that I have run out of adjectives to describe them. 

The hard work really paid off, not for us planners but for us who live and work in Carrickfergus. We know because you have been telling us!

“Congratulations for a well organised event. You have stepped up where the district council has failed to keep the Arts as something the people of Carrickfergus need rather than having to travel to Mossley or Belfast. “

“I foolishly expected to be underwhelmed by the jazz and couldn’t have been more wrong. It was really top quality. I will make a point to attend more of the event next year. Well done to everyone involved!”

“Delighted to see this festival in Carrickfergus. Feels good the town has something like this to offer the community but can also bring in visitors from elsewhere. Could definitely feel “a bit of buzz” around the town and everyone at the events seem to enjoy themselves.”

“Proud and positive.  I felt a sense of community at all the events, being able to meet people and see new faces.”

The three of us want to thank our family members who did everything from helping with PA, bringing food and being brilliant audience members – your support allows us to do this again next year!

One last thank you from me to my festival planning buddies – Bill ‘The Thrill’ Buchanan and Ash ‘Sound Guy’ Hamilton. You brought the effort, knowledge and passion to make this festival not just a success but an enjoyable project to work on. 

To you both and everyone else involved – I say, thank you for the music, the songs Im singing. Thanks for all the joy they’re bringing. Who can live without it? I ask in all honesty, what would life be? Without a song or a dance what are we? So I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me.

 Most of the photos are on the Around the Town facebook page and on Positive Carrickfergus’ Instagram page. 

There will be more to come with details of next year’s festival rattling around our brains already but if you have any feedback on this year’s festival then please do get in touch as it is all helpful for us!

Lynn