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🎉 Carnlough Carnival Returns – 24th Annual Celebration!
Join the excitement from Friday 25 July to Saturday 2 August 2025, as the picturesque village of Carnlough bursts into life for its much-loved annual Carnival! Organised with heart and dedication by the Antrim Coast Lions Club, this vibrant, week-long celebration blends local talent, community pride, and a packed programme of events for all ages.
📅 Over a Week of Fun, Community and Charity
From colourful parades and high-energy discos to puppet shows, heritage fairs, and even wheelie bin racing – the Carnival truly has something for everyone. With daily events and evening entertainment filling the air with music, laughter, and local charm, it's a standout event on the summer calendar.
🎭 Opening Night Parade & Disco
The festivities launch with a spectacular Fancy Dress and Float Parade, winding through the village and judged both en route and at the harbour. The evening continues with a lively disco, fun games, and the presentation of donations to several local charities, celebrating the Carnival’s charitable heart.
🎨 Arts, Crafts and Culture
Carnlough Art Society proudly presents its Annual Exhibition at St. John’s Primary School, showcasing beautiful works by local and guest artists. With free admission and catalogues available for just £1, it's the perfect place to soak up the region’s creativity and support the arts.
🐾 Dogs, Diggers, and Dancing
From the adorable Pooch Parade and quirky indoor bowling to family-friendly quizzes and live music, there’s always something happening. Carnival-goers will love the Vintage and Heritage Fair Day, featuring historical displays, craft exhibitions, and live demonstrations that bring Carnlough’s past to life in colourful detail.
🎁 Competitions & Community Spirit
Fan favourites like the Odd Man Out shop window challenge, Scavenger Hunts, storytelling sessions, and sandcastle competitions are back – alongside fiercely fun events like the Wheelie Bin Grand Prix. Whether you’re young or young at heart, you’ll find plenty to take part in.
🎆 Grand Finale – A Day and Night to Remember!
The Carnival draws to a dazzling close on Saturday 2 August with a spectacular Grand Finale Day. Festivities begin with family fun, food stalls, street games, and the much-anticipated Wheelie Bin Grand Prix. The energy keeps building with Balls on the Brae, a crowd-favourite race of bouncing chaos and cheer, followed by a fantastic evening of live music and dancing by the harbour. As night falls, the skies light up with a showstopping fireworks display – a glittering celebration of Carnlough’s spirit and community. Whether you're a local or a visitor, it’s the perfect way to wrap up a week of unforgettable moments.
🌧️ Rain Won’t Stop the Fun!
Should the weather turn, events will move to the Glenlough Community Centre where possible. Updates will be posted in the Charity Shop window and on the Carnival Facebook page – just scan the QR code from the programme.
👨👩👧 A Safe, Family-Friendly Celebration
To meet regulations around vulnerable persons, unaccompanied children will not be permitted at Carnival events. Families are encouraged to enjoy the full schedule together. Volunteers and Lions members, easily spotted in white polos or bold yellow T-shirts, are always on hand to help.
💰 Proud to Serve, Proud to Give Back
Every event during the Carnival is part of the Lions’ wider mission to serve global causes such as hunger, vision, the environment, childhood cancer, and diabetes. The Antrim Coast Lions Club, together with local volunteers and organisations, make this celebration a joyful force for good.
🌍 Part of a Global Legacy
With over 108 years of service and nearly 1.5 million members across 200 countries, Lions Clubs International is the world’s largest service organisation. The Antrim Coast Lions Club proudly continues this tradition, having contributed over £520,000 to good causes since 2001 and logged over 53,000 volunteer hours. Every penny raised at the Carnival supports local projects, with administration costs covered entirely by members.
Full programmes available to purchase in Carnlough village for £1, with all proceeds used to support local projects. Call into Charity Shop to get your copy.
