29/08/2005

Fair weather for Ballycastle

Around 150,000 people are expected to attend this year's Auld Lammas Fair in Co Antrim.

This year's two-day event, which takes place in good weather in the picturesque setting of Ballycastle throughout Monday and Tuesday, will include the usual attractions such as horse trading and food stalls as well as an open air concert which took place on Saturday.

Police have warned travellers that the town centre will be closed to traffic from 8am until 10pm on both days and that anyone not intending to visit the fair should avoid the area.

Diversions will be in place via Whitepark Road, Clare Road and North Street.

The 400-year-old annual fair, which is held regularly, is thought to have begun as a result of the occupation of the area around Ballycastle by the MacDonnells of the Isles in the early part of the sixteenth century.

(MB/SP)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

26 March 2024
25-Year-Old Charged With Murder Of Bobbie McKee
A 25-year-old man has been charged in connection with the murder of Bobbie McKee in Kilkeel. Mr McKee (69) died shortly after being found seriously injured at his home in the Newcastle Road area on Thursday 21 March. The man has also been charged with the attempted murder of Mr McKee's wife, who remains in a serious condition in hospital.
26 March 2024
15-Year-Old Arrested Following Stabbing In Lisburn
A 15-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 14-year-old in the Knockmore Road area of Lisburn last night, Monday 25th March. Police have said that at approximately 7.40pm on Monday 25 March, a 14-year-old boy had been approached by a group of teenagers, before being stabbed in the lower back.
12 February 2024
22-Year-Old Man Jailed For Rape At Laganside Crown Court
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to six years for rape at Laganside Crown Court. Ahmad Alsbaihi was sentenced to six years. He will serve three years in custody and three years on licence. He will be placed on the Sex Offenders Register and will be subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) for 10 years.
09 February 2024
2nd Year Of Safety Equipment Initiative For Domestic Abuse Victims
An initiative providing security equipment to victims of domestic abuse who live in the Derry City & Strabane District has entered its second year. The aim of the initiative to help victims feel safer involves The Police Service of Northern Ireland and Derry and Strabane Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP).
08 February 2024
75-Year-Old Jailed For Late 1970's Child Sex Offences
A 75-year-old former RUC Reserve Officer has been jailed for more than 8 years for a number of non-recent sexual offences.