Green light for packed schedule of events

ABC Environmental Services committee members have approved more than 20 events to take place across the borough’s parks and open spaces this spring and summer.

The approved schedule spans from April through to September, featuring everything from fun runs and agricultural shows to Pride celebrations and pipe band competitions.​​

The season gets underway on April 2, with the Lord Mayor’s Easter Trail at Tannaghmore Gardens.

Later in April, Almac will host a 5/10km run at Craigavon Lakes on April 25, while Disability Sport NI is planning a Sensory Walk in Portadown Park on the same date.​

May sees a flurry of activity, beginning with two events at Lurgan Park on May 9: PIPS’ annual Darkness into Light walk, and a cultural event organised by the council’s own Community Development team.

Bells Funfair will set up in Lurgan Park from May 20 to June 5, before moving on to Solitude Park, Banbridge, from June 10 to June 23.

Meanwhile, Portadown Canine Club’s Dog Show will take place at Lurgan Park on
May 24.​

June events include outdoor Praise Services on five consecutive Sundays, from June 7 at Lurgan Park, organised by Lurgan Baptist Church; Lurgan Agricultural Show on June 7 at Lurgan Park; Armagh Free Presbyterian Church Holiday Bible Club from June 15 to June 18 at Killylea Recreation Area; and a two-day Endurance Run on June 20-21 at Craigavon Lakes, organised by Focus Hybrid Ltd.

August promises to be equally busy, with ‘Yoga in the Park’ sessions every Sunday at the historic Palace Demesne in Armagh, organised by Alannah Mone.

Craigavon District Pipe Band’s competition will take place in Lurgan Park on August 8.

A Lurgan Pride event is planned a week later, on August 15, also at Lurgan Park. It has been organised by the Lurgan Pride committee.

August 15 is also the scheduled date for a Good Relations Fun Day, organised by the council’s Community Development team.

Youth Initiative Banbridge will round off the month with a fun day at Solitude Park on August 21.

September sees the return of two popular fixtures: the Rock the Lough Half Marathon at Craigavon Lakes on September 13, organised by St. Peter’s Athletics Club, and Country Comes to Town at Portadown Park on September 19.

Two further events — the TJ McElmeel Cross Country and the Square Wheels Cyclo Cross, both at Armagh Palace Demesne - have also been approved, with dates yet to be confirmed.

A Classic Car Show at Kinnego Marina, organised by NBOC, and the Craigavon Cup at Central Sports Arena, are similarly awaiting finalised dates.

The recommendation to approve the above events was listed as an agenda item at last Tuesday’s (March 3) ABC Environmental Services committee.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Mary O’Dowd (SF, Lurgan DEA), who remarked: “I’m happy to propose this. I think there’s quite a few [events] on this. Every one of them is worthwhile and it covers the whole of ABC, not just one specific area.”

The recommendation was seconded by Cllr Robbie Alexander (Alliance, Craigavon DEA).

Normal grounds maintenance costs associated with any of the events will be met from existing council budgets, while income will be generated for the council through facility hire charges.

Each event remains subject to all relevant health and safety and insurance documentation being provided and approved before it can proceed.