Carrickfergus Music Festival – Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland 2026
Overview
The Carrickfergus Music Festival, a longstanding pillar of Northern Ireland’s cultural scene since the early 20th century, is an annual competitive celebration affiliated with the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF). Held in the historic coastal town of Carrickfergus, it nurtures amateur talent across music genres, from brass and strings to vocals and choirs, while weaving in speech and drama to foster holistic artistic growth. With venues like the elegant Town Hall and Carrick Academy’s Downshire Campus, the event draws hundreds of performers and spectators, creating a vibrant atmosphere where young artists shine under expert guidance and community applause.
Rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, the festival spotlights emerging voices—many of whom, like pianist Barry Douglas and singer Katie Melua, launched illustrious careers here—through adjudicated classes that blend rigorous feedback with encouragement. Amid Carrickfergus’s medieval castle and seaside charm, it promotes collaboration, skill-building, and appreciation for live performance, often channeling proceeds to local causes like cancer support, making it a heartfelt gathering that elevates amateur arts while strengthening community bonds.
Event Highlights
- Main activities or performances: Competitive classes in brass, woodwind, strings, choirs, vocals, choral, and piano, featuring live performances followed by expert adjudication; evening choir sessions and multi-day vocal showcases.
- Special traditions or features: Over a century of amateur festivals inspiring professionals; annual support for local charities, such as the 2023 donation to Friends of Cancer Unit; BIFF affiliation ensuring high standards and international recognition.
- Unique attractions for visitors: Hands-on accompaniment by renowned musicians like Mr Donald Blair BEM; intimate settings in historic Town Hall’s Dobbs Room for personalized feedback; opportunities for young performers to gain repertoire depth through group and solo entries.
About This Event
- Annual member of the British and International Federation of Festivals (BIFF), promoting music study and speech/drama arts since the early 1900s.
- Attracts hundreds of amateur participants, from juniors to adults, across diverse classes to build skills and confidence.
- Main venues include Carrickfergus Town Hall and Downshire Campus, supported by Mid & East Antrim Borough Council.
- Serves as a launchpad for careers, with alumni like Barry Douglas (pianist) and Katie Melua (singer) starting here as amateurs.
- Emphasizes adjudication by genre experts to inspire growth and raise national amateur standards.
- Channels proceeds from events like end-of-festival suppers to community causes, such as Friends of Cancer Unit.
- Encourages group activities for youth, deepening appreciation of peers’ work and personal repertoire.
- Features official accompanists and adjudicators specializing in junior/senior levels for tailored support.
Why Attend
Participating in or spectating at the Carrickfergus Music Festival offers a transformative dive into live arts, where the thrill of performance meets constructive critique from seasoned pros, all in a welcoming coastal town that feels like a musical family reunion. Imagine young violinists trading tips post-strings class or choirs harmonizing in the echoing Town Hall—it’s a space that turns nerves into applause, fostering not just technical prowess but a lifelong love for melody amid historic stone walls and sea breezes.
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Beyond the stage, the festival’s legacy as a talent incubator, from humble solos to global stages, inspires attendees to dream big while contributing to local good. Whether entering a class or cheering from the front row, you’ll leave with sharper ears, new connections, and that rare sense of communal achievement—proving that in Carrickfergus, every note counts toward something greater.
Date & Duration
| Section | Date(s) | Venue |
| Brass, Strings & Woodwind | Saturday, March 21, 2026 | Downshire Campus of Carrick Academy |
| Adult Choirs | Saturday, March 21, 2026 (Evening) | Downshire Campus of Carrick Academy |
| Vocal, Choral & Piano | Monday, March 23 – Thursday, March 26, 2026 | Jubilee Hall, Town Hall |
| Primary & Special School Choirs | Thursday, March 26, 2026 | 1st Presbyterian Church Hall |
Venue / Location
- Main venue: Carrickfergus Town Hall, 16-18 Joymount, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DD, Northern Ireland
- Additional venues: Downshire Campus of Carrick Academy, 4-12 Belfast Road, Carrickfergus, BT38 8AP (for brass, woodwind, strings, choirs); Dobbs Room, Town Hall (for vocal, choral, piano)
- Google Maps address: Carrickfergus Town Hall, 16-18 Joymount, Carrickfergus BT38 7DD, UK
Ticket Information
- Entries (for performers) sold online via the Run My Festival system; spectators welcome free or with nominal fees for select sessions.
- Admission is mostly free for audiences; performer entry fees vary by class (e.g., £5-£15 GBP per entry).
- Pricing in USD: Minimum $6, Maximum $19 (based on £5–£15 GBP at current exchange for class entries).
- No special seating or VIP options; general admission with reserved spots for adjudicators and officials.
- Online entries open early 2026 via c-arrickfestival.runmyfestival.net; instructions at festival website.
- Confirmations emailed; on-site registration at venues for walk-ins where available.
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Contact Information
- Email: aestewart@mail.com (Vocal, Choral & Piano inquiries, Mrs Audrey Stewart); nlamont54@gmail.com (Brass, Strings & Woodwind, Mr Noel Lamont).
- Phone: +44 28 93 372043 (Vocal, Choral & Piano); +44 28 90 862371 (Brass, Strings & Woodwind).
- Website: https://www.carrickfestival.co.uk/ (official site for entries, syllabus, and updates).
- Social Media: @CarrickfergusMusicFestival (Facebook for announcements and community engagement).
- Key Staff: Mrs A Stewart LTCL (Hon Music Secretary); Mr Noel Lamont (Assistant Musical Secretary); Mr John McIlwaine (Chairperson).
- Press/Volunteers: Email info@carrickfestival.co.uk for press or volunteer roles (TBD for 2026).
- Note: Response time ~24–48 hours; English support available; membership inquiries to Hon Treasurer Mr Ian McMaster.
Getting There
- Nearest airport: Belfast International Airport (BFS), 15 miles west; flights via Ryanair, EasyJet from London, Manchester, Amsterdam.
- From airport: Translink Goldline bus 66 from Antrim Road to Carrickfergus (30-40 minutes, ~$4 GBP); taxis ~£20-£25 one-way.
- By train: Northern Ireland Railways from Belfast Laganwalk to Carrickfergus Station (25 minutes, frequent services, ~$3 GBP one-way; book via translink.co.uk).
- By bus: Translink Ulsterbus 163 from Belfast Europa Buscentre to Carrickfergus Town Hall (40 minutes, multiple daily, ~$5 GBP).
- By car: M2 motorway from Belfast (20-minute drive); free parking at Town Hall or Academy campus; satnav to BT38 7DD.
- Walking/cycling: Compact town center; NCN Route 93 bike path from Belfast; station to venues under 10-minute stroll.
Accommodation Options
- Hotels/Inns: The Regent Hotel (028 9335 4433, seafront views near castle); Carrickfergus Lodge (028 9332 7777, modern with free parking); The Glenarm Castle (budget option, 10 miles north).
- Bed and Breakfasts: Ashmount Country House (028 9336 3794, family-run with gardens); The Town House B&B (028 9335 2844, central historic charm); Anchorage B&B (028 9335 1524, harbor proximity).
- Self-Catering: Apartments via airbnb.com (e.g., castle-view flats from $100/night); holiday homes on sykes.co.uk for groups.
- Camping: Glenarm Caravan Park (open spring, pitches ~$25/night, 10 miles away); no central sites, but wild camping restricted.
- Other: Book via booking.com for pet-friendly spots like Marine Court Hotel (from $90/night) or hostels in Belfast with easy train access; many within 5-minute walk to Town Hall.
Reviews
- Adjudicator’s feedback turned my kid’s piano nerves into pure joy—such a confidence boost in that cozy hall.
- Strings class felt like a warm hug from music history; left humming with new techniques and town tales.
- Choirs evening was electric, blending voices and community spirit—perfect start to spring in Carrick.
Maps
Contact
FAQ's
What types of music classes are offered, and who can participate?
The festival features brass & woodwind, strings, choirs, vocal, choral, and piano classes for juniors, seniors, and adults—no prior pro experience needed, just passion for performance. Entries suit beginners to advanced amateurs, with age categories ensuring fair play; choirs welcome school groups up to community ensembles. Adjudicators like Martin Wall (brass) provide tailored critiques to spark growth. Online entry via Run My Festival lets you select genres easily, with syllabi on the site for prep. It's inclusive, drawing families and solos alike to celebrate Northern Ireland's musical roots. Past participants, from kids to retirees, rave about the supportive vibe that makes everyone feel like a star.
How does the adjudication process work, and what benefits do performers get?
Each class ends with live feedback from experts like Richard Yarr (music), covering technique, expression, and repertoire depth—certificates and trophies awarded on-site for top marks. No scores-only judgments; it's constructive to inspire, helping raise personal and national standards as per BIFF ethos. Performers receive written reports post-event, plus verbal tips during sessions for immediate tweaks. This mirrors pro auditions but with encouragement, building resilience and joy. Alumni like Barry Douglas credit it for early breakthroughs. Spectators enjoy the insights too, turning classes into mini-masterclasses. Overall, it's about achievement for all, not just winners.
Is the festival suitable for families with young children, and are there beginner options?
Absolutely family-oriented, with junior classes in every genre designed for under-18s, including simple vocal solos or beginner strings—no experience required, just enthusiasm. Evening choir sessions let kids shine alongside parents, fostering group fun in safe venues like Downshire Campus. Accompanists like Mr Donald Blair BEM specialize in juniors, easing stage fright. Free audience entry means whole families watch, with nearby castle playgrounds for breaks. Prep resources on the website guide first-timers, and the compact schedule (April 5-10) fits school holidays. Locals call it a gentle intro to arts, sparking lifelong hobbies amid Carrick's welcoming shores.
What should I prepare before entering a class, and when do entries open?
Review the syllabus on c-arrickfestival.co.uk for piece selections—classical, folk, or own-choice tunes up to 5 minutes; practice with a tuner for accuracy. Entries open January 2026 via the online Run My Festival portal (instructions PDF available), with fees £5-£15 GBP per class. Choose your date based on category: e.g., April 5 for brass/strings. No video pre-subs; it's live only, so rehearse performance poise. Accompanist bookings auto-assigned, but confirm via contacts. Early entry secures spots, as classes fill fast—past years saw 300+ participants. It's low-pressure prep that builds real skills.
How does the festival contribute to the community beyond performances?
Proceeds from suppers and raffles fund locals like Friends of Cancer Unit, while BIFF ties boost regional arts education. It spotlights Carrickfergus's heritage, drawing visitors to castle tours and eateries for economic lift. Youth involvement teaches teamwork, with many grads pursuing music degrees. Council support ensures accessibility, like free parking and ramps at venues. Volunteers (sign up via site) gain skills, and adjudicators mentor post-event. Economically, it injects £10k+ yearly, per reports, while culturally, it preserves traditions like choral singing. Attendees feel the ripple: music that heals, connects, and elevates this seaside gem.
