Swell Portrush returns for a fourth year celebrating the natural and cultural heritage of the town

Swell Portrush is back for the fourth year running, aiming to fill Portrush with creative opportunities to connect with each other and our environment.
By Una Culkin
Published 13th Sep 2023, 11:00 BST
Updated 13th Sep 2023, 11:01 BST
Acoustic duo Natalia and Ciara will play at Portrush Atlantic Hotel, Saturday, September 30. Credit Swell FestivalAcoustic duo Natalia and Ciara will play at Portrush Atlantic Hotel, Saturday, September 30. Credit Swell Festival
Acoustic duo Natalia and Ciara will play at Portrush Atlantic Hotel, Saturday, September 30. Credit Swell Festival

Swell is a volunteer-led movement celebrating the uniquely beautiful natural and cultural heritage of Portrush and the creativity and resourcefulness of the people who make it what it is today.

This year’s programme runs from September 25 to October 8 and promises to be even more varied and vibrant than last year. Events and activities for all ages include art and

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heritage exhibitions, arts workshops, health and wellbeing workshops, dancing, singing, music, film, poetry, storytelling – and more! All created by and for the local community, and many of the activities are free.

Get on Board Portrush! from Skate Stopped will be at The Playhouse, Friday, September 29. Credit Swell FestivalGet on Board Portrush! from Skate Stopped will be at The Playhouse, Friday, September 29. Credit Swell Festival
Get on Board Portrush! from Skate Stopped will be at The Playhouse, Friday, September 29. Credit Swell Festival

Swell will be running alongside the Sam Henry Festival and the Irish Surfing Association National Longboard and Surf SUP Championships - Portrush is certainly the place to be!

One of the volunteer organisers, Gemma Reid, said: “It’s wonderful to see Swell growing year on year, fostering new relationships and new connections across our community. What Portrush has to offer is truly special and we are overwhelmed by the support we receive every year from local businesses, community groups and freelance creatives.

"Personally, I’m really looking forward to some very special events from Tides Magazine, Pub Poetry and Tenx9. I’m also really excited about our Town Hall Takeover, which will end with a beautiful, inclusive song, thanks to Coastal Vocals.”

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John McNally, chair of Portrush Heritage Group, added: “We are delighted to be Swell’s main community partner this year. We’ve put together a special exhibition called ‘Imagining Portrush’, which will be on display in the Town Hall this weekend and at the White House from October 2.

North Coast Circus will be part of the Town Hall Takeover, Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Credit Swell FestivalNorth Coast Circus will be part of the Town Hall Takeover, Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Credit Swell Festival
North Coast Circus will be part of the Town Hall Takeover, Saturday, September 30 and Sunday, October 1. Credit Swell Festival

"We’re excited to be part of the Town Hall Takeover, where people of all ages and backgrounds will enjoy a varied range of creative and cultural experiences, all reflecting the unique and special character of our town.”

Swell 2023 has been jointly supported by the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council Festival Fund (through the Department of Communities) and Portrush Community

Enterprise. The organisers also offer their thanks to Flowerfield Arts, who have supported a Walk and Sketch event with artist Heather Byrne, and Translink, who have something

special planned at the train station over the weekend.

Related topics:Portrush