Music and culture come together for Cairncastle’s 2025 Bluegrass, Country & Folk Festival
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Three-day cross-community celebration features live music, workshops and charity support from 25th–27th July in Ballygally and Cairncastle
The Cairncastle Ulster-Scots Cultural Group has unveiled the full programme for its eagerly anticipated Bluegrass, Country & Folk Cross Community Festival, taking place from Friday 25th to Sunday 27th July 2025.
With events hosted across the Halfway House Hotel in Ballygally and Cairncastle Presbyterian Church Hall, the festival promises three days of vibrant music, cultural learning, and community celebration.
The festival is designed to bring together people from across traditions and communities through a shared love of music, language, and heritage. Featuring local favourites, international performers, free cultural workshops, and a gospel finale in support of local charity Hope House, this year’s event looks set to be one of the best yet.
Full festival schedule
Friday 25th July – Bluegrass Night
7:00pm, Halfway House Hotel, Ballygally
Admission: £12
A high-energy evening dedicated to bluegrass fans, featuring live performances from:
– Luigi Cirillo
– The Three Of Us
– Cool Hand String Band
– The Watery Hill Boys
Friday Workshops – Free Entry
Halfway House Hotel, Ballygally
– Ulster-Scots & Irish Languages – 1:30pm
– Ulster-Scots & Irish History – 3:00pm
These sessions offer a unique opportunity to explore the linguistic and historical roots of the local community.
Saturday 26th July – Country & Showband Night
7:00pm, Halfway House Hotel, Ballygally
Admission: £12
A night of classic country tunes, showband favourites and traditional dance, with performances from:
– Just Try (Polish Group)
– Michael McSparron
– Sinéad McLaughlin
– Kenny Paul
– Second Chance
– Highland Dancers
Saturday Workshop – Free Entry
Halfway House Hotel, Ballygally
– History of Bluegrass Music – 2:00pm
Dive into the origins of bluegrass and its influence across musical genres and communities.
Sunday 27th July – Gospel Singing
3:00pm, Cairncastle Presbyterian Church Hall
Free entry – collection for charity
A heartfelt afternoon of gospel music featuring:
– Billy McFarland
– Second Chance
A collection will be held in aid of the local charity HOPE HOUSE, Islandmagee, supporting people in crisis within the community.
Cross-Community Focus
The Cairncastle Ulster-Scots Cultural Group has long championed inclusivity and cultural celebration through its events.
“This festival brings people together not only through music, but through shared learning and appreciation of our diverse cultural heritage,” said a spokesperson for the group.
The festival is funded by the Mid & East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme.
Contact & Further Information
For more details on performances, workshops, or accessibility, visit the Halfway House Hotel Facebook page or call 07889 659 165.
