"Efter" [Efter] Meaning: After
Festival at the Fort hosted by Hillsborough...
01 July 2010, Various locations in Hillsborough and Lisburn
Runs to 12 July 2010
Keep up to date with the Festival at the Fort at www.district19.co.uk or visit or Facebook page or Twitter site (FATF2010).
Festival at the Fort is back! The festival, which is supported by Lisburn City Council and the Ulster-Scots Agency will take place between 1st July and 12th July.
Building upon the success of the festival in 2003, Hillsborough District LOL No. 19, in conjunction with Hillsborough Working Together, will kick start the Festival at the Fort on 1st July, joining with the Lodges from the South Antrim Combine, in Lisburn to mark the Battle of the Somme commemorations.
Taking the Great War theme further, Carol Walker, director of the Somme Association, will present “Through Clabber to Glory”, a lecture and showing the “Battle of the Somme” film, at Hillsborough Village Centre on Saturday 3rd July at 7.30pm. Mrs Walker says that the documentary was pioneering for its time: “The Battle of the Somme film depicts the British Army's preparations for, and the early stages of, the battle. The film gives a very graphic depiction of trench warfare and sold some twenty million tickets in 1916. Everyone has probably seen clips from the film, but this is the feature length documentary. The Somme Association is very pleased to be presenting the film as part of Festival at the Fort as the people of Lagan Valley contributed significantly to the war effort.”
For those interested in Hillsborough’ heritage, local historian, Simon Walker will be taking a “wee dander” around the village on Monday 5th July, starting at 7.30pm. Simon, who is co-author of the best selling "Beloved of my heart”, which records the history of the village down through the centuries, will take visitors on a tour of the sites of Hillsborough and there’ll be a cup of tea at the end for refreshment. In the event of inclement weather, Simon will present his talk and presentation at Hillsborough Village Centre, commencing at 7.30pm.
“What is Protestantism?” is the topic for discussion on Wednesday 8th July at Hillsborough Village Centre (8pm). The debate will tackle the diverse range of views of the Protestant faith, its culture and traditions, drawing opinions from across the community. Contributors to the debate will include Rev. Mervyn Gibson, Rev. Dr. Con Casey, Rt. Hon. Jeffrey Donaldson MP, and Malachi O’Doherty under the chairmanship of Austin Hunter. Everyone is welcome to come along and put their questions to the panel and enjoy a lively discussion. Dennis Watson, Chairman of Hillsborough Working Together, who is organising the debate believes that this will be a challenging event: “Protestantism is such a broad church. From within, there are diverse opinions on the Protestant religion and culture. However, we’re not only looking at the topic from the inside. We’ve invited panelists from across the community whom, we believe, have interesting views on Protestantism, whether from a theological viewpoint or as a commentator of note, and this should make for a spirited discussion.”
The best of Ulster-Scots culture will be show cased on Thursday 8th July, with a Gala Dinner being hosted at Star of the Maze Orange Hall. Diners will be treated to demonstrations of lambeg drumming and Highland piping, with Dr. Ian Adamson O.B.E., founder chair of the Ulster-Scots language society, special guest speaker.
Traditional Orange culture will be on show on Friday 9th July, with the Opening of the Arch parade and ceremony in Hillsborough. The banners will be taken on a dander of the village, starting at 7.15pm, and then Bro. Alec Luke will conduct the religious ceremony at the arch in Lisburn Street. The best presented lodge will be awarded a cup for their efforts and the arch will be opened by Bro. James Magee, District Master, in this his final year in that role. Historical re-enactors will mark the granting of the Regium Donum in Hillsborough by King William III in 1690. Following on from the Opening the Arch everyone is invited to Hillsborough Orange Hall for the “Hillsborough Hooley” as we experience the high energy side of Ulster-Scots music and dance, which starts at 8.30pm. Risin’ Stour will be calling the ceilidh dances so bring your partners for a great nights crack. There’ll also be light supper served to keep energy levels up.
Hillsborough Fort will be the location for “the gatherin’” on Saturday 10th July at 2pm. Kids will be entertained with face painting, games, penalty kick competition and nibbles and there might even be a few well known faces on hand for photograph opportunities. “Giving Thanks” is the theme for Sunday 11th July as Hillsborough District parades to Hillsborough Free Presbyterian Church for its annual Divine Service. Brethren and bands are to assemble at Market Square in the village at 2pm, with the service commencing at 3pm. The Rev. Gary Goodes will be conducting the service and preaching the Gospel. “The Glorious Twelfth” is the finale event of Festival at the Fort. Marking the 320th anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, the 70 lodges of the South Antrim Combine will join with bands, friends and family in having a great day out.
Hillsborough has been granted a “Flagship Twelfth” award by the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland and Northern Ireland Tourist Board due to the innovative nature of the event and its location. James Magee, District Master of Hillsborough District LOL No. 19, is excited by the prospect of thousands of people coming to Hillsborough: “Being District Master is an honour in any event, but to be placed in that role when you’re hosting the Twelfth is an added bonus.
In 2003 we have a brilliant day out and the village was packed. We want more the same this year.
Bring your picnics and enjoy the backdrop of Hillsborough Fort, the lake and forest. Enjoy the parade – there’s nothing else comparable on these islands.
The pageantry, colour and music on display are absolutely unique and we’re justifiably proud of our Orange culture. Bring the kids, your friends and family - the Twelfth in Hillsborough is a day out for everyone. Diamond Dan and his helpers will be on hand with goodies, we’ll have entertainment at the Fort, re-enactors, the Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra, there’ll be parade floats, the Ferguson Flyers, horses, and more. Come rain or shine, this will be on offer.” The parade will commence at 1.30am from
Newport, Culcavy, proceeding to Hillsborough Fort. The Divine Service will commence at 2.30pm and the parade will return at 4.30pm.
Keep up to date with the Festival at the Fort at www.district19.co.uk or visit or Facebook page or Twitter site (FATF2010).
For further information please contact:
James Magee
07799410673
Derek Crone
07710622055
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