Apples in the Garden (part 2 of 2)
So then it comes to the fun part, choosing the variety. I always advise that you steer clear of most... Read More
Festival of Family Fun
Enjoy a day out with family and friends, soak up the atmosphere, make all your garden purchases, listen to the Jazz with a glass of wine, indulge in cream teas, enjoy the artisan foods and browse among the local crafts whilst the kids have a lot of fun!
The unique Allianz Garden Show Ireland atmosphere in Antrim Castle Gardens is enhanced with live music. The Jazz Band is always a popular stop for visitors and pop-up artists wander the site to entertain.
Celebrating our rich heritage in 2017, the Show abounds with artist’s offerings. “Tree Hangings” (as opposed to wall hangings!) greet visitors on their arrival, a specially created exhibition ‘Down the Garden Path’ produced by Loose Thread Quilters from around Northern Ireland.
Threading its way through the 2017 Show is the heritage of Northern Ireland from the history of our Linen industry to Craftsmen demonstrating Traditional Countryside Crafts. Watch the skill of a blacksmith artist, see how to turn green wood or create wood sculpture from bog oak!
The Heritage Craft Pavilion is the place to browse and buy! From wood crafts and wicker baskets to paintings and pottery.
Take time to introduce yourself on arrival at the Show to some of the “Local Legends” inhabiting Scarecrow Avenue brought to Antrim by primary school children from the Integrated Sector! And enjoy the ‘Enchanted Gardens‘ based on legends and myths created by primary school children around Northern Ireland. Find out how your school can get involved in our Schools Garden Challenge.
The annual Team Garden Challenge supported by the Enkalon Foundation this year also celebrates our heritage with gardens inspired by CS Lewis’s Narnia! Find out how to get involved in our Team Garden Challenge.
In 2017 the new expanded Flower Arranging Pavilion will feature stunning floral artistry created by members of NIGFAS from around Northern Ireland.
Young gardeners of all ages will find lots to do! They can get hands dirty planting flowers and seeds, help to build a fairy house, make a kite or a flower arrangement, learn how to attract wild birds to the garden, make insect hotels, or have a go at all the outdoor activities, archery, climbing walls and scavenging in the parkland woods!
Be entertained with some of Northern Ireland’s young artistic talent with members of Sestina ‘popping up’ around the Show in song and the Brass Ensemble from the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra playing at the Show on Saturday 6 May. Sunday 7 May sees the ‘Sing for Life‘ Choir, a partnership between Cancer Focus and the Crescent Arts Centre, perform with their 70 strong choir.
… and after using up all that energy, explore the parkland and gardens of Antrim Castle Gardens, and chill out in the ‘hammock hideout’ under the trees!
Children under 16 are FREE accompanied by an adult.
Check out the fabulous programmes we have in store for you:
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