The countdown is on to the Friends Goodwill Music Festival which returns to Larne on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 May 2023 with acts such as Curtis Stigers, Brian Kennedy and Mary Coughlan taking to the stage.
The festival was launched to commemorate the anniversary of the voyage of the ship Friends Goodwill. Its significant voyage is believed to be the first emigrant ship to sail from Ulster to America in the 18th century.
The festival’s musical theme reflects this journey and covers many genres including Americana, Ulster-Scots, Irish, Scots and Bluegrass.
Main Street in Larne will be buzzing with a variety of musical performances lined up for the two-day event, with each act carefully selected to provide a variety of contemporary music.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Noel Williams, said:
“The Friends Goodwill Music Festival is a wonderful celebration of music and much more and I would encourage everyone to come along and join us in celebrating the legacy of this ship’s voyage. The event- now in its sixth year - has been organised with a packed programme of live music, dancing andchildren’s activities. It’s for all ages so come along and enjoy the fun.”
Saturday 20 May:
• A mini festival will be held in Broadway, Larne, from 12-3pm on Saturday 20 May, with performances from talented local acts, The Music Yard, Daisie Conway and the Castaways. There will also be fun activities for the kids to enjoy, from face painting to arts and crafts. (No admission fee)
• At 6pm, the gates will open for an evening of entertainment at The Market Yard.
• A fantastic line up will take to the stage on the Saturday evening with Curtis Stigers, Brian Kennedy and Mary Coughlan set to wow the audience in the historic venue Tickets are available to purchase for this event and cost £18 + booking fee. Further information can be found at:
There will be tasty food wagons and a bar on site.
Sunday 21 May:
To close the jam-packed weekend, Curran Park will host a family fun afternoon on Sunday 21 May from 2-5pm with music from Martello Jazz. With a petting farm, circus skills workshop, sensory messy play, games, face painting and much more there is plenty of fun for the whole family to enjoy!
The full programme of events and parking informationis available at: