FRIENDS ULSTER MEETS AMERICA 300 YEARS ON GOODWILL FESTIVAL

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1 ULSTER MEETS AMERICA 300 YEARS ON FRIENDS GOODWILL FESTIVAL Festival Programme May Sandy Bay, Larne Festival Programme 1

2 Mayor s Welcome Consul General Foreword As Mayor of the Borough, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Mid and East Antrim. I am delighted that you are joining us to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the departure of the Friends Goodwill emigrant ship, which left Larne for Boston in May There is a lot we don t know about that four-month epic voyage, as records have not survived. What we do know however, is that 52 brave passengers took a step into the unknown and opened the door for many others to follow, leaving us with a legacy that is the long-lasting relationship we have with the United States. In our modern world of instant global connectivity, where we can talk and see family and friends at the touch of a button, it s hard to imagine how those 52 passengers must have felt. Sadness at leaving home, fear of the unknown, immense hope for a new and better life. The arrival of these Ulster-Scots in America heavily influenced American culture, art and music as we recognise it today. This festival programme is action packed with family fun activities, live music, food stalls, a living history village, maritime displays, American sports, dancing and walking tours. I extend to you a warm welcome and hope you enjoy the many great events taking place throughout Larne. Finally, I wish to extend sincere thanks to our many sponsors and in particular to Caterpillar NI for the kind provision of their facilities for the weekend. Councillor Audrey Wales MBE Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Over the course of the 18th Century, a quarter of a million men and women boarded ships in Belfast, Larne, Londonderry, Newry and Portrush for the New World. The Port of Larne was a particularly important departure point in this formative chapter of our shared history. Three hundred years ago, the 52 people who boarded the Friends Goodwill were prepared to leave their homeland for the promise of new opportunity and a better life. Their rugged determination would also play a major role in shaping the values and traditions of the United States. Against this backdrop, America s historic links with County Antrim are particularly strong. No fewer than three of our Presidents such as Andrew Jackson, Andrew Johnston, and Grover Cleveland have ancestral ties to County Antrim. Today, our connections run much deeper than our ties of kinship. Thriving partnerships in academia and commerce connect the United States and Northern Ireland in ways that the earliest emigrants could never have envisaged. Transatlantic travel takes the same number of hours as an 18th Century emigrant ship would have taken in weeks. Each day, our Consulate in Belfast - the second oldest continually running U.S. Consulate in the world - facilitates two-way trade, travel, and investment. I thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for preserving the legacy of the very first Scots-Irish emigrants through this vibrant and exciting festival. I wish all the participants every success. I also hope attendees of all ages will not only enjoy this wonderful festival, but also reflect on how broad, deep, and vital our transatlantic ties continue to be. Daniel James Lawton Consul General 2 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 3

3 History Between 1717 and 1776, over 200,000 Ulster-Scots made the journey from Ulster to America. While life was initially hard for the first settlers, in time many of their descendants forged paths for themselves as politicians, businesspeople, scientists and cultural icons. Special thanks A huge thanks to our sponsors Caterpillar and our transport providers Translink. Larne Harbour, Co. Antrim (1785)John Nixonc National Museums NI Collection Ulster Museum Three hundred years ago, a ship called Friends Goodwill left the Quay Street docks in Larne carrying 52 people. It was destined for the port of Boston, Massachusetts, and is considered the first specific emigrant ship to leave Ulster in the 18th century. Its journey cut a line through the Atlantic Ocean that would become a much-travelled and deeply embedded link between Ulster and the United States of America. What the passengers were leaving behind was the dramatic coastline of east Antrim, their lives and their families. What lay before them was an uncertain hope of a better life. A lack of a passenger log means we do not know specifically who the emigrants were or why they were or why they were travelling. At that time in Ulster, anyone holding public office had to observe the sacraments of the Anglican Church. As many Ulster-Scots were Presbyterians, they could not carry out their duties as ministers, magistrates and civil servants unless they belonged to the Church of Ireland. This tension prompted many Ulster-Scots to emigrate to America in search of religious freedom. Famous American Ulster Scots from around our area include Andrew Jackson (7th President of the USA, whose family was from Boneybefore); Chester Alan Arthur (21st President, whose family was from Cullybackey); John Wayne (the actor s roots stretch back to the Maine River near Randalstown) and Mark Twain (his family was from Ballyclare and some of them held positions in local government in Carrickfergus). But for those on board Friends Goodwill in May 1717, it was a long, difficult journey. Their progress was hampered by storms and nearly four months later, they arrived into port hungry, weak and ill. Among the first of so many to emigrate, we continue to remember their bravery and pioneering spirit on the 300th anniversary of the voyage. We invite you to join us. Special thanks to the following organisations and local traders for their contribution and support: RNLI, East Antrim Boat Club, Larne Sea Cadets, Port of Larne, Loose Thread Quilters, North Irish Family History Group, Cairndhu Rowing Club, Castle Rowing Club, Glenarm Rowing Club and Carnlough Rowing Club, Ulster-Scots Agency. RA Glass, Specsavers, Coffee Doc, Caffe Spice, Pharmacy Plus, Bake, Carriages Restaurant, Women s Aid, Leisure Tours NI, NIFRS, Just Active Gym, CrossFit Gym, Larne Leisure Centre, Inspire Gym and The Prom Café. 4 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 5

4 The Sound of Music 3 DAYS, 16 PERFORMANCES... Friday 19 May Saturday 20 May Saturday 20 May Sunday 20 May Broken String Band 6.30pm Playing traditional, raw acoustic appalachian mountain music at its foot-tapping best the dynamic Broken String Band features Geordie McAdam, Michael Ash and Muirhead brothers, Ivan and Adrian. Marty Mone 8pm The popular Castleblayney man is currently enjoying huge success with his second hit single Slip the Clutch, a follow-up to the phenomenally successful Hit the Diff. Jim Devine 9.30pm The former Voice of Ireland star brings a whole new dimension to the country dancing scene and the galaxy of awards which have come Jim s way, are testimony to his new-found status. Larne Music Yard 12noon Larne Music Yard provides music tuition and workshops. Students will perform live and show the musical talent being nurtured in Larne. Cup O Joe 12noon The rising stars of the international bluegrass scene and BBC Young Folk Award nominees, Cup O Joe perform an original and energetic mix of bluegrass and gypsy jazz. The Grouse Beaters 1pm This Ulster-Scots Folk group have a strong following in the Larne area with their renditions of familiar songs and infectious banter. Gormacha 1.20pm Gormacha play in an authentic American blues style, drawing on influences from the 1920s and 1930s, yet their music also reflects Irish and indeed Belfast roots. Stonewall 2.40pm Stonewall started as a folk group playing at various concerts, church events,etc but have ventured further into the world and never looked back. Chelsey Chambers 4pm Moneymore girl Chelsey is a unique performer, appearing as special guest on American legend Don McLean s Spring 2015 tour of the UK and Ireland. Niamh McGlinchey 5pm Niamh s roots are in folk and traditional music, however in recent years has ventured into country and bluegrass. Four Men and a Dog 6.15pm With over 25 years on the trad music scene, Four Men and a Dog has cemented their position as one of the best Irish trad-based acts of the last three decades. Barry Kirwan with guest Philomena Begley 7.30pm Barry s first solo single Keep It In The Middle Of The Road shot to No. 1 spot on the Irish itunes Country chart, the start of the huge career. Barry, son of Dominic, will perform on stage with the undisputed Queen of Irish Country Music, Philomena Begley. No introductions needed! Una Healy 9pm Best known as one-fifth of The Saturdays, Una recently launched her debut solo album The Waiting Game. The album sees Una return to her roots and the music she has always loved, featuring the single Stay My Love. Willie Drennan 1pm A traditional musician, storyteller, poet and writer, the Ulster Scots cultural traditions of Willie s native County Antrim are the root source of much of his material. Connla 2.15pm Connla are an exciting new band with strong traditional roots as well as influences from across the globe and have been quickly making an impact on the folk/traditional scene. Connla were awarded Best New Group at last year s Live Ireland Music Awards. Brian Houston 3.30pm Having previously recorded three gospel albums, Belfast musician Brian Houston is stepping away from the genre to concentrate on traditional Irish classics. Dana Masters 4.45pm Originally from the United States, Dana s has performed live on BBC Radio 4 and Proms in the Park, while singing regularly with Van Morrison. Her reputation as one of Ireland s top vocalists continues to gain momentum. 6 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 7

5 At a Glance - Festival Events Quick Guide Friday 19 May 6.30pm SB Broken String Band 3pm-5pm TC Downtown Country Roadshow TBC and street entertainers 3pm-6.30pm SB Family fun activities, Loose Thread Quilters outdoor exhibition, food stalls, walkabout characters 3pm-6pm SB Living History Village featuring blacksmith, potter, candle/lamp maker, working farm and kitchen, wool spinning, soldiers camp, living quarters by Alister McReynolds Resources for researching Ulster Ancestors by Dr William Roulston 6.30pm-7.30pm SB Jive dancing lessons from Jive NI 8pm SB Marty Mone 9.30pm SB Jim Devine Saturday 20 May 11am-6.30pm SB Living History Village featuring blacksmith, potter, candle/lamp maker, working farm and kitchen, wool spinning, soldiers camp, living quarters 11am-6.30pm SB Irish Food Heritage demonstrations, face painting, food stalls, arts and crafts, family fun activities, Loose Thread Quilters Outdoor Exhibition, demonstrations from Traditional Rope Makers NI 11am-11.15am TC Kathryn Stewart School of Highland Dance 11am-4pm TC Street entertainers, face painting & balloon modelling 11am-5pm Chaine Memorial Tower Open for viewing - ground level only 11.30am SB Bridget Ann McNeill 12noon-1pm TC The Music Yard 12noon SB 12noon SB Cup O Joe 12.30pm SB 1pm-3pm TC The Grousebeaters 1pm- Strongman Competition 1pm SB 1pm SB Ulster American Walking Trail with guide Dr David Hume 1pm- Cheerleading Display by Ballymena Flames and Larne Wolves 1pm- Carrickfergus Knights - Come and Try it! 1pm-3pm Larne Leisure Centre Basketball Display 1.20pm SB Gormacha 2pm SB 2pm SB Johnston Highland Dancing Performance 2.30pm SB 3.30pm SB Chelsey Chambers Ulster American Walking Trail with guide Dr David Hume Johnston Highland Dancing Performance 4.30pm SB Royal Tara Irish Dancers 2pm-3.30pm SB Jive dancing lessons from Jive NI 5pm-7.30pm SB Jive dancing lessons from Jive NI 5pm SB Niamh McGlinchy 6.15pm SB Four Men and a Dog 7.30pm SB Barry Kirwan and guest Philomena Begley 9pm SB Una Healy 8 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 9

6 At a Glance - Festival Events Quick Guide Sunday 21 May 11am-5pm Chaine Memorial Tower Open for viewing - ground level only 11am-6pm SB Living History Village featuring blacksmith, potter, candle/lamp maker, working farm and kitchen, wool spinning, soldiers camp, living quarters 11am-6pm SB Irish Food Heritage demonstrations, face painting, food stalls, arts and crafts, family fun activities, Loose Thread Quilters Outdoor Exhibition, demonstrations from Traditional Rope Makers NI 11am-6pm SB Static Displays from RNLI, Sea Cadets, East Antrim Boat Club 11am Curran Park Ulster American Walking Trail with guide Dr David Hume 11.30am SB 11.30am SB 12.30pm Larne Promenade Rowing by Castle, Cairndhu, Glenarm and Carnlough Rowing Clubs 1pm SB Willie Drennan 1pm SB 1pm Curran Park Ulster American Walking Trail with guide Dr David Hume 1pm-3pm Larne Leisure Centre Basketball Display 1.30pm SB Johnston Highland Dancing Performance 2pm SB 2pm Curran Park Commemoration Service and Plaque Unveiling 2.15pm SB Connla 2.30pm SB 2.30pm Larne Promenade Parade of Sail featuring Ulster Scots Agency Juvenile Pipe Band Street Theatre Johnston Highland Dancing Performance 3.30pm SB Brian Houston Street Theatre 4.45pm SB Dana Masters Location Key SB - Sandy Bay Playing Fields TC - Larne Town Centre Don t miss the Irish Heritage Food Demonstrations by Emmett McCourt, author of the globally acclaimed book: Feast or Famine, A Cultural Food Journey of the North West of Ireland. All events details correct at the time of going to print. 10 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 11 For the most up to date information visit

7 Useful Information Accomodation There s a great range of accommodation in the local area to suit every budget. Visit: uk/friendsgoodwill Getting There We have good road links for car users to and from Larne. Both Sandy Bay Playing Fields and Curran Park are also close to the railway stations of Larne Town and Larne Harbour. With buses also available from outlying towns directly to Larne - this event is within easy reach for all! Both rail and bus services to and from Larne will continue to operate as normal during the festival weekend. To get there by rail or bus visit Park and Ride Park and Ride facilities have been kindly provided by Caterpillar NI Ltd in Larne. Buses will be running regularly to and from the Park and Ride site and Larne Leisure Centre during the festival. The Caterpillar site is located on the Old Glenarm Road, Larne. An online map is available below which details the Park & Ride location as well as bus pick up and drop off points. Additional festival buses will also run around the town with pick up and drop off points on Main Street, Agnew Street and at the junction of Curran Road and Tower Road. Park and Ride Times: Friday 19 May: 2.45pm to 10.30pm Saturday 20 May: 10.45am to 10.30pm Sunday 21 May: 10.45am to 6pm Car Parking There is NO CAR PARKING available at either Sandy Bay Playing Fields or Curran Park. Patrons are asked to use the Park and Ride facilities which will run regularly during the Festival weekend. Disabled Parking will be available at Larne Leisure Centre for valid Blue Badge vehicles holders on a first come first served basis. More information available on friendsgoodwill Pedestrian Access to Sandy Bay There will be no access to Sandy Bay Park for pedestrians through the gateway on Bay Park Road from 8am on Thursday 18 May. This gateway will be closed for access until Monday 22 May at 4pm. All other entrance points Via Tower Road and Bay Road will be open to pedestrians. 12 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 13

8 Come and try it with the Carrickfergus Knights Port services tailored to your business, every day of the year. The American Footballers will be putting on different skill challenges for participants, including target practice with an inflatable target, throwing competitions and a chance to learn more about the sport of American Football. For more information visit Call Roger Armson or Anthony Van Damme on T: +44(0) or info@portoflarne.co.uk, to discuss how we can help you. Friends Goodwill Strongman Competition The event will be hosted by Dave Warner of Renegade Strongman. Dave is four-time winner of Ireland s Strongest Man, two-time winner of NI s Strongest Man and a member of the Irish Strength Association Hall of Fame. Competitors from six gyms and sports clubs in the Borough will put their strength, teamwork skills and endurance to the test in a series of challenges. The strongman event takes place at Sandy Bay Playing Fields between 1pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 20 May. 14 Friends Goodwill Festival Festival Programme 15

9 Proud sponsors You can follow the Council on our social media channels to keep up-to-date with the latest news and information from the Borough. Mid and East Antrim Borough Council twitter.com/mea_bc Instagram.com/meaboroughcouncil 16 Friends Goodwill Festival MEA 0085