The Big Arts Weekend is now in its 12th year, celebrating arts, heritage and community spirit in and around the village of Cushendun. This year’s programme features four days of music, theatre, poetry, workshops,exhibitions and family-friendly fun centred on the beautifully restored Old Church Centre.
We launch on Friday 2 May with Jazz from Linley Hamilton and the Sazeracs who bring their own take to classics from the New American songbook. Live music continues over the weekend with Ballymena Ukulele Group and an Open Mic Session during the Family Fun Day at Glenmona on Sunday. Music for a May Evening brings the Glenlough Community Choir and renowned harpist Gráinne Meyer to the Old Church Centre on Sunday night.
Drama and literature are to the fore on Saturday 3 May with the Play in a Day workshop for young performers (7-11); Share a Poem at Randal’s, and a rehearsed reading of Faith Healer by Lurig Drama Group in the evening. Our selection of walks and talks begins with A Walk in the Woods with Philip Johnston and Maiden Voyage Dance Company, and Dr Katherine Byrne gives this year’s John Hewitt Society Talk. Film lovers can enjoy the 1958 classic The Young Lions on the big screen in the Old Church Centre.
Throughout the weekend, the Old Church Centre hosts a photographic exhibition from the Malachy McSparran Collection, and the popular Painting for Pleasure exhibition will be on display at Glenmona House.
Family Fun Day on Sunday 4 May takes place in and around Glenmona House with a host of activities running all day. Set against the bustle of the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market you will find the live music stage and community marquee. Kids can enjoy the bouncy castle, explore the National Trust’s “50Things” nature trail, and get creative with Makendoo crafts, making crowns and flags ahead of the Armagh Rhymers, with their music, storytelling and theatre.
Nestled inside Glenmona House you will find the exhibition of paintings by local artists, pop-up tea room with knitting and crochet drop-in, and our book sale table. Over in the Old Church Centre, we have the Baby and Toddler Disco in the morning, and poet Elaine Gaston’s creative writing workshop in the afternoon is for both new and experienced writers.
Bank Holiday Monday features a Walking Tour where guide Jude McNeill will focus on the architecture and archaeology of the village and environs, and a Heritage Talk on megalithic Ireland by artist and historian Hector McDonnell. The pop-up tea room will be in the Old Church in the afternoon, and our annual Sandcastle Competition down on the beach.
Bookings are now open online, and early reservations are encouraged for ticketed events. Most events are free or low-cost, and all proceeds help support the year-round work of the Old Church Centre. We look forward to seeing you in
Cushendun!