Free skate sessions rolling out as two-year programme gets underway ahead of new Antrim Forum facility

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Cushinan joins Skateboard NI to mark the launch of the free Skate Activation Events that will run over the next two years at Skate 100, Newtownabbey.

Young people and budding skateboarders will be able to learn new skills for free when a new series of skateboarding events launches in Newtownabbey next weekend.

The first Skate Activation Event will take place at Skate 100, V36, on Saturday 29 August, with free coached sessions for children, teenagers and adults alongside demonstrations from experienced skateboarders.

The initiative is being delivered by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in partnership with Skateboard NI and is set to run for two years.

It will also help build interest in skateboarding across the borough as plans progress for a new skate facility at Antrim Forum.

Free sessions for different ages

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has partnered with Skateboard NI to roll out free exciting Skate Activation Events at Skate 100, V36.

Saturday’s launch event will run from 11am until 5pm, with sessions divided by age:

• 11am–12.30pm: Ages 6–10

• 1pm–2.30pm: Ages 11–14

• 3pm–4.30pm: Ages 15+

The programme is designed for beginners and intermediate participants, offering an opportunity to try action sports, develop skills and learn from experienced skateboarders.

Participation is free, although those wishing to take part are asked to register in advance through the council’s website.

Building skills and confidence

Participants can register through the Council's website to take part in the free Skate Activation Event on Saturday 29 August 2026, from 11am to 5pm at Skate 100.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Henry Cushinan, said Skate 100 had established itself as a popular base for the area’s skating community since opening four years ago.

“Since opening in 2022, Skate 100 has become a popular hub for the local skating community. In partnership with Skateboard NI, these Skate Activation Events will inspire people of all ages and abilities to get involved in action sports, build confidence, develop new skills and learn from expert skateboarders through live demonstrations, as plans progress for the new skate facility at the Antrim Forum.”

The events are intended not only to provide coaching but to celebrate skate culture and encourage more people across the borough to take part in action sports.

New Antrim skate facility on the horizon

The two-year programme will also promote skateboarding opportunities ahead of the planned development of a new skate facility at Antrim Forum, extending the opportunities currently available at Skate 100 in Newtownabbey.

The Skate Activation Events are supported through PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The first event takes place at Skate 100, V36, Newtownabbey, on Saturday 29 August 2026 from 11am to 5pm.

Registration is free and available here.

With events set to continue over the next two years, Saturday’s launch marks the beginning of a longer programme aimed at giving more people across Antrim and Newtownabbey the chance to try skateboarding, improve their skills and become part of the borough’s growing action-sports community.