Big Arts Weekend

2 to 5 May 2025

4 days of music, drama, art, poetry and fun for all the family in one of the nicest villages in the Glens of Antrim

Welcome to the Big Arts Weekend 2025, our annual celebration of arts, heritage and culture, now in its 12th year.

We are delighted to present 4 days of music, drama, poetry, art and family fun in one of the most beautiful villages in the Glens of Antrim.

From live performances to interactive workshops, stimulating talks and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The Big Arts Weekend is made possible through the support of our artists, tireless volunteers, sponsors and community partners.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have contributed their time, talent and resources to bring this event to life.

And we look forward to seeing you in Cushendun very soon.

Jazz Night with Linley Hamilton & the Sazeracs

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

Join us for an evening of Jazz and Blues as we open the Big Arts Weekend 2025 The Sazeracs is a band consisting of Linley Hamilton on trumpet, Kyron Bourke […]

£15

Play in a Day

St. Ciaran's Primary School 132 Layde Road, Cushendun

A drama workshop for young performers aged 7 to 11. A day of games, acting and creative play, with the end goal of making a 10-15 minute performance for parents […]

£8

A Walk in the Woods with Dance Encounters

Cregagh Wood 67 Glendun Road, Cushendun, United Kingdom

Join Philip Johnston and Maiden Voyage Dance Company for a walk through magical Cregagh Wood and encounter dance performances en route. The walk lasts approx 1.5 hours and involves steep […]

£5

John Hewitt Society Talk with Dr. Katherine Byrne

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

Birds, bees and beautiful wisteria: gardens, hunting, and the natural world in Bridgerton. Dr Katherine Byrne teaches English at Ulster University, and has published many books and articles about period […]

£5

Painting Exhibition

Glenmona House 10 Glendun Rd, Cushendun

The annual exhibition of paintings by local Glens artists returns to Glenmona House for the Big Arts Weekend. Browse a wonderful variety of local pieces from the Cushendun Painting for […]

£2

Keep ‘er Lit!

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

A recording of Lurig Drama Group’s commemoration of the arrival of electric street lighting to Cushendall in 1924. Playing on small screens all weekend. Scheduled events in the building may restrict […]

Free

Book Sale Table

Glenmona House 10 Glendun Rd, Cushendun

A wide selection of used hardbacks and paperbacks in good condition sold to raise funds for CBPT.  

Free

Share a Poem

Randal's Cushendun Hotel, The Harbour, Cushendun

Join us once again in the iconic big room at Randal’s for this lovely afternoon of poetry and spoken word. Come along to share favourite poems, your choice, your own […]

Free

Evening Drama: Faith Healer

Randal's Cushendun Hotel, The Harbour, Cushendun

Remembering the life and work of the best known Irish playwright of his generation on the 10th anniversary of his death. Lurig Drama Group presents a rehearsed reading of Brian […]

£10

Classic Movie Night: The Young Lions

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

1958 American WW II drama starring Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift and Dean Martin. Enjoy this movie classic on the big screen in the Old Church Centre. Bring your own bottle […]

£6

Baby and Toddler Disco

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

Sensory overload for 3-year-olds and under with contemporary music, dance and colourful lights. Fancy dress optional!

£3

Naturally North Coast & Glens Artisan Market

Glenmona House 10 Glendun Rd, Cushendun

The award-winning market is back, showcasing a range of local food, art and handmade crafts. A great opportunity to meet and support artisan producers from the area.

Free

Family Fun Day at Glenmona

Glenmona House 10 Glendun Rd, Cushendun

Our Family Fun day at Glenmona happens both indoors and out, whatever the weather. Thoughout the day you can enjoy the Naturally North Coast and Glens Artisan Market, Bouncy Castle and […]

Free

Creative Writing with Elaine Gaston

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

A writing and poetry workshop for new and experienced writers led by poet Elaine Gaston, who will explore how to set about getting your words down on paper. Elaine is […]

£8

Music for a May Evening

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

An evening of music with the Glenlough Community Choir and Harpist Gráinne Meyer Choir 7-7.45pm Harpist 8-9pm Glenlough Community Choir was founded in September 2019 and is conducted by Anne […]

£14

Pop Up Tea Room

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

A special Bank Holiday Big Arts Weekend treat. Enjoy a selection of delicious home-baked treats served in the cosy surroundings of the Old Church Centre.

Free

Sandcastle Competition

Cushendun Beach Bay Road, Cushendun

Bring your buckets, spades and loads of creativity, and join the annual Cushendun Sandcastle Competition for ages 3-14. First prize: £20 book token Meet on the Warren opposite Glenmona car park […]

Free

Heritage Lecture: Hector McDonnell Megalithic Ireland

The Old Church Centre 1 Church Lane, Cushendun

What are Irish Court Cairns? And what are Portal Tombs? Artist, historian and local legend Hector McDonnell will be talking about ancient Ireland, which in early times seems to have […]

£8

Thanks to the support of our funders, many of our family events are FREE for all to enjoy.

Look out for our printed brochure which is distributed around Cushendun and beyond. Or click the cover to download a copy here.