The Friends' Goodwill Music Festival, normally a two-day event in Larne, is going virtual this year due to the current restrictions on public gatherings.
Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival is all set to get toes tapping from the comfort of your own home and all around the world, from 8 May. Normally a live two-day event in Larne, the festival is going virtual this year due to the current restrictions on public gatherings.
The Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival Virtual 2021 will begin streaming from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s website and social media platforms from Saturday 8 May, with 90 minutes of uniquely commissioned content in bite-size chunks, accessible at any time in any part of the world.
In keeping with the theme of the festival, much of the content focuses on the links and cultural similarities between the Borough and early American settlers.
Family band, ‘Cup o’Joe’, will be showcasing their own unique Bluegrass/Appalachian sound in specially recorded performances at Larne’s Market Yard and Chaine Memorial; while local legends, The Music Yard, have filmed a variety of pieces by their young talented performers, who are sure to impress from start to finish.
Historian, Dr David Hume, has recorded a filmed walking tour, “Larne and its US Connections”, which sets out the town’s rich history and its connection to the United States.
There is something for the foodies among us, too, as chef and broadcaster, Paula McIntyre, fronts three cookery demonstrations – made in conjunction with the Ulster Scots Agency - featuring local delicacies such as fadge, herring and mackerel and Clootie Dumpling.
There will also be a look ahead to the 2022 festival, its big headliners and where to buy tickets.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, said:
“While we are unable to gather together in the way we normally would this year for Friends’ Goodwill Music Festival, we can still enjoy the rich programme of culture and entertainment from the comfort of our own homes.
“The event will celebrate the heritage and history of our Borough and the strong connections with the United States, and gives us renewed hope for brighter days ahead.”
You can tune into the virtual festival, from Saturday 8 May, by visiting:
or Council’s social media channels.
Throughout 2021, Council is hosting a programme of events under the NI 100 umbrella to celebrate 100 years since the formation of Northern Ireland.
These events, exhibitions and community initiatives are all aimed at showcasing and championing culture, heritage, education, history, and future prosperity throughout the Mid and East Antrim Borough. For the latest on the NI 100 celebrations in Mid and East Antrim, visit: