Carrickfergus Orange Fest which has been awarded Flagship status.

 Programme of Events from 17/06/2012 to 14/07/2012

N.B. Some dates and times may be subject to change.

17th June 2012 Gospel Concert.

Gospel music on Castle Green by various Gospel Singers followed by a Silver Band concert.

Time 2.00pm 4.00pm

20th June 2012 100 years in the story of Carrickfergus.

A talk by Dr. Philip Robinson on the history of Carrickfergus for 100 years between 1590 and 1690 followed by a question and answer session with tea and light refreshments. To be held in Woodburn Orange Hall.

Time 7.00pm to 9.00pm.

24th June 2012 Charity Service.

A Church Service organised by the local Orange Widows Committee for local and visiting Lodges including the W.L.O.L. To be held in the Methodist Church. The parade will leave the King William 111 memorial Orange Hall at 2.45pm.

27th June 2012 Formation of the Orange Order.

A history talk on the formation of the Orange Order by Dr. David Hume followed by a question and answer session with light refreshments in Kilroot Orange Hall.

Time 7.00pm -9.00pm.

29th June 2012 Tea Dance.

A Tea Dance will be held in the Town Hall.

Time 2.00pm -4.00pm.

Music will be provided by Mervin Dixon

 

1st July 2012 American Independance Celebrations.

A day of American entertainment to celebrate Independence Day at the famous Jackson Cottage with family barbeque. Ulster Scots Music by Sir Henry Inglesby’ Drum Corps. A talk by Mr Billy Kennedy, author and Orange/ Ulster Scots historian, on Ulster influences in early America. Followed by Blue Grass music by the Broken String Orchestra There will be re-enactors in period costume and entertainment for the children.

Time. 4.00pm to 8.30pm.

4th July 2012 Annual Somme Parade.

A Somme Anniversary Service at the Town Cenataph organised by Carrickfergus District Lodge followed by a parade of banners through the town accompanied by the local bands. The parade will leave the King William III Memorial Orange Hall at 7.30pm. to be at the Cenataph for 7.45pm. and then parade around the Town.

 

7th July 2012 The Combine Cup.

The Combine Cup. A proposed football tournament between the District Lodges in the East Antrim Combine.

A family fun day in Marine Gardens with activities for the parents and children. A musical concert by the popular group The Family Folk from Newtownards.

Time 10.am-4.30pm

8th July 2012 Sunday Church parade.

A Church Service organised by Carrickfergus District Lodge in Joymount Presbyterian Church. The parade will leave King William III Memorial Orang Hall at 2.45pm. The offering will go to the Lord Ennniskillen Memorial Orange Orphans Society.

11th July 2012 Concert and Beacon Bonfire

There will be a concert of traditional and Ulster Scots music at the Castle played by Sir Henry Inglesby's Fife and Drum Corps and friends, this will be followed by a family beacon bonfire at the Castle.

Time:- start 8.30pm approx

12th July 2012 Boyne Anniversay parade.

East Antrim Combine 12th July Celebrations hosted by Carrickfergus District Lodge. Parade start time will be 11.00am There will be a Landau for some of the visiting dignitaries. The parade will be led by King William accompanied by a troop of Pike-men in period costume with music by Sir Henry Inglesby’s Fife and Drum Corps.

There will be a concert in the field by The Grouse Beaters and a variety of amusements and entertainment for the children as well as the usual stall-holders. Among the Scottish Lodges walking in Carrickfergus will be a Lodge From Armadale, L.O.L. 111 who are celebrating 150 years as a Lodge, they will be walking with Bennetts Chosen Few L.O.L.553 and St. Andrews True Blues L.O.L.209 who will be walking with L.O.L.1537

There will hopefully be a continental market with a Dutch theme in Town on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of July.

13th July 2012 Re-enactment.

Plans are being worked on to create a re-enactment of the siege of Carrickfergus Castle. This will include re-enactment groups from around the country all dressed in period costume.

After the re-enactment there will be a Pageantry parade through the Town.

14th July 2012 Historical Reflection.

This will be a day reflecting on the historical points of interest in the borough in relation to the events surrounding the siege of Castle the landing place of King William and the Town walls.

Re-enactors in period costume will be talking part in the events and walking tours of all the points of interest will be given by the Archaeologist Dr. Ruairi O’Baoill and Frazer Agnew.

There will be an evening concert of Ulster Scots music at the Castle By the Grouse Beaters and a grand fireworks display to bring our Flagship status to a close.

Time 12.00pm to 4.00pm and 8.00pm to 9.30pm.