'An amazing day': Huge crowds descend on Carrickfergus for this year's Royal Landing event
Huge crowds gathered on a dry day in Carrickfergus on Saturday for the annual Royal Landing Festival.
The long-running Orange pageant, organised by Carrickfergus Historical and Re-enactment Group, marks the arrival of King William III on his way to the Battle of the Boyne in 1690.
The main parade of around 40 bands and lodges, from across east Antrim and much further afield, left Woodburn Playing Fields and made its way to the Harbour car park for the re-enactment landing of King William III at Carrickfergus Castle.
Crowds of people lined the streets to see King William on his horse leading the parade of bands and lodges through the town with the pleasant weather providing an added boost to the popular event.
During the afternoon break, attendees of all ages enjoyed the Royal Landing Tattoo event at Carrickfergus Town Hall, which featured musical talent, children's entertainment, and cultural performances.
In addition, live music and entertainment took place throughout the town centre and beyond, ensuring there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Those with a deep interest in history were also treated to a variety of exhibitions at Carrickfergus Civic Centre, including the Lagan Valley Historical Exhibition, Troubles Exhibition and military vehicles on display in the courtyard.
Similarly, there were re-enactment zones which provided a fascinating glimpse into the past as skilled re-enactors and exhibitors retold the stories from the Williamite period.
Money was also raised for AA Veterans Support which was chosen as the event’s charity partner this year. The military charity was founded in 2011 to help Armed Forces veterans and their families.
DUP MLA for the area Cheryl Brownlee is one of the key figures in organising the event and she reflected on “an absolutely amazing” day from start to finish in the east Antrim town.
She told the News Letter: “We didn’t have nice weather last year so to wake up and see it was perfectly dry this time around was such a relief and added to everything on the day.
"The town was packed, the participants were amazing and it was just such a wonderful day.
"Our role within Carrickfergus and Historical Re-enactment Group is to bring historical events back into the town, so our culture and heritage is always remembered.
"We tweaked the format of this year’s event and worked extensively on our advertising and branding. We had two media personnel there on the day recording interviews with people from Australia and Canada, which blew me away.
"We are now attracting people to this event from all over the world and that’s a real testament to how popular it has become.”
The day's events got the seal of approval from deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, who attended alongside her DUP party member Gordon Lyons.
Ms Little-Pengelly wrote on social media: "Always a fantastic event on the annual calendar, it was great to join colleagues for The Royal Landing celebrating King William of Orange arriving on our shores.
"Well done to all who put in so much work to make this event such a success, including our very own dynamo Cheryl Brownlee MLA!
"It was great to see so many folks, and thank you for the warm welcome."
So, has preparations already begun for next year’s extravaganza?
Ms Brownlee replied: “As soon as this event ends, then you’re already planning for next year.
"You have to book the performers and then secure funding applications, so it just ends up going from one year to the next really.
"We have a small number of volunteers at the Carrickfergus and Historical Re-enactment Group but we work hard throughout the year to make days like this happen.
"The most important thing for me is that we have something for everyone to enjoy of all ages throughout the day.
"It was also pleasing that we had local musicians such as Third Carrick Silver Band and Johnston Star Flute Band performing in the town.
“We know we have a good format for the event but I’d imagine we will make a few alterations to try and make it even better.
"I would love to have the event live streamed and properly recorded so we can expand it both locally and further afield if it was possible.”