May Fair 2024: 'cherished customs' to be revived in Ballyclare

A packed programme of events will be taking place across the region from Saturday, May 18 until Sunday, May 26, including a return of some traditional aspects of the fair, which dates back to the 18th Century.

Here at the Newtownabbey Times we have had a look through the activities planned throughout the week and picked out some highlights.

There will be a vintage tractor gathering at The Square on May 18 from 10am until 2pm and a pet show on Centenary Way (£1 entry) from 4pm to 5pm on the same day.

A sausage dog parade will take place on May 19 at the Town Hall at 2pm, while ‘Ulster Scots Language for Weans’ with Matthew Warwick will take place at the Town Hall from 2pm until 3pm on Monday.

Tuesday sees the return of traditional May Fair Day events, including the horse fair on Main Street, a family fun market on The Square (10am-4pm) and a street party at The Square (noon-4pm).

‘Baby raves’ will take place in the Town Hall on Wednesday from 10am until 11am and 11.30am until 12.30pm.

The soap box derby will make a welcome return to the Ballyeaston Road at 6.30pm on Thursday (£20 entry and online booking is essential).

Ahead of the soap box derby, John Howcroft, Chairperson of the recently established Rashee and Erskine Area Community Hub (REACH) community group, explained: “We’ve only been going for a couple of months, so the soapbox derby will give us a chance to raise our profile in the area and make connections with residents and other community groups in the town.

"We’ve been working on a wagon for the derby. I don’t think it’s going to set the world on fire, but it’s a bit of a laugh and we’re looking forward to taking part.”

Doagh-based WJ Blair Accident Repairs will be participating in the derby again.

Encouraging the local community to support the event, a spokesperson for the Ballymena Road business stated: “It is almost that time of year again.

“Come along next Thursday (May 23) and cheer us on as we prepare for another May Fair Soapbox Derby.”

Later in the week, ‘It's a Knockout will take place at the Six Mile Leisure Centre pitches on Friday, running from 6pm until 8pm.

Highlights for May 25 include the Mayor’s parade on Main Street from 1pm until 2pm, a family fun day at the War Memorial Park (2pm-5pm), the ‘closing evening concert’ at The Square (8pm to 10pm) and the fireworks display (10pm).

Sunday, May 26 will see ‘praise in The Square’ running from 6.30pm until 8pm in The Square car park.

Amusements operated by Cullen’s will run throughout the week (May 18-May 25, excluding May 19) at Harrier Way and at the Six Mile Leisure Centre car park.

Commenting on social media, a spokesperson for the amusement operator posted: “We have arrived and it is good to be back

“Enjoy the May Fair from this Saturday (May 18) right through to Saturday, May 25 (closed Sunday).

“Thrill seekers rejoice as the Matterhorn is new for 2024.”

Urging residents to take in some of the events during this year's festivities, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Mark Cooper said: “The ever popular Ballyclare May Fair returns this weekend for a full week of fun and entertainment for all ages.

"I would encourage you to visit this great event in the heart of Ballyclare which was established in 1756 and continues to grow year on year. This year’s line-up has so much to offer from the traditional horse fair, live music, cookery demonstrations to pet shows, children’s entertainment and a classic car show. I am delighted to be part of this historic event and I look forward to seeing you there.”

Speaking to the Newtownabbey Times, Chair of the May Fair Committee, Cllr Jeannie Archibald-Brown stated: “This year’s Ballyclare May Fair is set to be a jam-packed week of events with something for everyone and each year it attracts visitors from far and wide.

"This year we’re ‘Keepin’ er country’ with a vintage tractor gathering and country comes to town market, the traditional horse fair and entertainment from Hugo Duncan. We also have the ever popular soapbox derby, It’s a Knockout and free family fun day.

“A special thanks must go to the Ulster Scots Agency for their support. There are many Ulster Scots events planned for throughout the week.

“We have over 400 young people taking part in the Mayor’s Parade representing various schools and organisations from the local area.

“I want to take this opportunity to wish everyone a fantastic May Fair week and I look forward to seeing everyone enjoying the fair.”

Motorists are advised that road closures will be in place from May 15 until May 26 on Harrier Way from its junction with Avondale Drive to the junction with The Square, on Tuesday, May 21 from 6am until 5pm on Main Street from its junction with Avondale Drive to The Square and on Thursday, May 23 from 4.30pm until 8.30pm on the Ballyeaston Road from Charles Drive to Ballycorr Road and a section of Ballycorr Road from Ballyeaston Road to Park Street.

For more information, check out the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council website.