Bank Holiday Weekend: Cushendun Arts Festival returns to Glens of Antrim with ‘something for everyone’

The three-day schedule in the Glens of Antrim will this year focus on the village’s unique cultural and natural heritages, while further exploring the theme of myths and legends associated within.

Julie Kinsella is a director with the Cushendun Building Preservation Trust, which has helped bring the festival to life over the years.

“The festival started way back when the church was being refurbished; a group of villagers got together and formed the preservation trust,” she explained.

“There followed around four years of getting funding and the Old Church Centre opened six months before the Covid lockdowns started.

“Since then, we have everything you can imagine going on. The church has become an arts and village hub. We have theatre, music, craft classes, yoga and reading groups. The big arts weekend brings all of that together.”

Cushendun is a holiday village, protected by the National Trust and steeped in folklore.

Julie said their arts festival has been getting more visitors year on year because of the area’s rich history and hospitality.

“Even in lockdown, we put the whole festival online with actors and playwrights from even America and down south all contributing,” she noted.

Activities will run this year from Saturday to Monday (May 4 - 6), with ‘something for everybody’.

On Saturday morning, a walking tour will take place, explaining the myths and legends of Cushendun.

For poetry lovers, the John Hewitt Society will present a talk on Ulster Scots and the Glens of Antrim.

The ‘Share A Poem’ event at Randal’s hotel can see attendees share their own poems, or just listen to all of the other recitals, with a comforting cup of tea.

Saturday night’s line-up includes the hilarious ‘Murder She Got Wrote Off’ live-stage performance, involving some funny takes on the classic ‘Murder She Wrote’ crime series.

Sunday is a family fun day, with face painting, balloon modelling, bouncy castles and more.

There is also the Naturally North Coast artisan market at Glenmona House Carpark, with plenty of stalls and lots to eat and drink.

That afternoon will see the Ballymena Ukulele Group play, followed by the Rowan Leslie Trio in the evening time.

And Bank Holiday Monday includes pop-up tearooms, sandcastle competitions and live performances from The Creative Coast,

Visit theoldchurchcentre.com for more info on all of the events going on at this year’s Cushendun Arts Festival.