Marking 25 years, Red Sails set to be ‘bigger and better’

THE much-loved Red Sails festival returns to Portstewart on Sunday, July 20, promising to be bigger and better than last year.
This week-long free event boasts an expanded programme of music, comedy, arts and family-friendly activities in more venues than in any year in its long tradition.
Festival favourites will be back alongside exciting new acts and events.
The opening event of the festival takes place on the Strand, where the talented sand artist Gavin Wallace will demonstrate his skills before inviting members of the public to try their hand.
The festival then shifts into full swing at the Crescent with the Blessing of the Boats ceremony at 2pm, followed by music and entertainment from the Portstewart Ukulele Group, Portrush Music Society, singer Sarah Carson, and traditional group Brí.
With the final round of The Open happening nearby, Red Sails will be joining in the golfing spirit with mini golf fun for all ages and a special golf challenge event on Sunday. Whether you’re a fan of the fairway or just up for some friendly competition, there’s plenty to enjoy alongside the world-class tournament.
Evening music at the Bandstand begins nightly at 7.30pm and includes performances from family favourites Willie Drennan and Band and Andy Rodgers as Elvis, along with Limavady Big Band, Blues Taxi, The String Ninjas, and the ever-popular Groove Robbers. Crowd favourite Jason Hughes returns to fill the Friday afternoon slot.
Children’s entertainment will be plentiful, with Carnival Promotions bringing puppet shows, discos, magic acts, and the colourful Bubble Bike. A highlight will be three children’s workshops at Agherton Parish Centre, including a special presentation by the NI Science Festival: ‘Look Closer and Discover Nature’, taking place on Thursday afternoon.
Flowerfield Arts Centre will host a diverse programme as part of the festival including the Shifting Tides Community Art Exhibition, Sketch and Walk sessions, and a special Opera in the Park performance by Northern Ireland Opera on Saturday lunchtime. The National Trust will also lead an Orchid Trail Walk, a Butterfly Safari, and host the Mae Murray Foundation for events on Friday.
This year sees a further expansion of musical performances into local churches and venues, with highlights such as Cloak of Wisdom featuring Liz Weir, Anne Harper, and Vicky McFarland. Jazz Lite and the John Leighton Jazz Trio will play at Me & Mrs Jones, while comedians Gary Pollock (Kiwi’s Comedy Club) and Teresa Livingstone bring laughter to Villa on Thursday night.
The Talent Show, the Treasure hunt, the Children’s Parade are all back as well as the immensely popular Maritime exhibition. Festivities culminate on Red Sails Saturday with a full day of non-stop entertainment, closing with a spectacular fireworks display at 10.30pm. It is quite a packed week of free events!
This year’s festival is especially significant, marking 25 years under the name, ‘Red Sails Festival’.
Originally known as the Portstewart Summer Carnival, in 2000, Portstewart Community Association committee decided to change the name of the Summer Carnival to The Red Sails Festival, in honour of songwriter Jimmy Kennedy, who wrote the lyrics to ‘Red Sails in The Sunset’, whilst based in Portstewart.
“We’re incredibly proud to mark 25 years of the Red Sails Festival,” said Fiona Shannon, Portstewart Community Chairperson.
“What began as the Portstewart Summer Carnival back in 1968 has grown into a vibrant, cross-community celebration that still holds true to its roots.
“This year, we’re excited to honour that legacy with our biggest programme yet - featuring live music, family events, arts, comedy, and even a fun mini golf challenge to celebrate The Open taking place just along the coast in Portrush.
“With so much on offer, we look forward to welcoming everyone to enjoy the very best of Portstewart this summer.”
l The Festival Committee is grateful to the following for their support: Radius Housing, Causeway Coast and Glens Council, National Trust, Flowerfield Arts Centre, Maxwell Freight and the many local traders who have donated raffle prizes and advertised in the Festival brochure.
The brochure will be available in shops and cafés from late June, as well as online at www.portstewartca.org and on the Community Association’s social media platforms.