Ould Lammas Fair brings four free days to Ballycastle

The Ould Lammas Fair returns to Ballycastle from Saturday 22 to Tuesday 25 August 2026, filling the town’s streets and seafront with traditional trading, live entertainment and family activities. Entry is free, and the public event is suited to residents, visitors and families planning a summer day on the Causeway Coast.

The four-day programme moves through several sides of the fair’s identity: heavy horses and vintage vehicles on Saturday, live performers on Sunday, and the historic trading days on Monday and Tuesday. Markets, street food and family attractions will run throughout the event.

Saturday opens with heavy horses and fireworks

The first day brings the Heavy Horse Show and parade, a Vintage Vehicle Display, street theatre and activities for families. Live music will also be staged on the seafront before the Saturday programme ends with fireworks over Ballycastle.

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These opening attractions place working traditions alongside the entertainment expected from a modern town festival. Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Dawn Huggins described that combination of longstanding customs, traders and family activities as part of the fair’s distinctive atmosphere and its place in Ballycastle’s identity.

Sunday music runs from the seafront to The Diamond

Music takes a larger role on Sunday 23 August. Eoghan Quigg and Chloe Mac are scheduled to perform on the Seafront Music Stage, extending the live programme into the second day.

The evening programme then moves to The Diamond, where Dusty Windowsills and All Folk’d Up will perform. Visitors staying into the evening will also find the Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone open late.

Historic trading returns on Monday and Tuesday

The traditional trading side of the Ould Lammas Fair takes centre stage on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 August. Hundreds of traders are due to line Ballycastle’s streets, while Fairhill Street hosts the historic horse-trading tradition associated with the event.

Horseshoe demonstrations, busking stations, live music and a mobile animal farm add to the programme on the final two days. This part of the schedule is likely to appeal particularly to visitors coming for the fair’s older customs rather than only its weekend entertainment.

Local produce, street food and family attractions

The Naturally North Coast & Glens Market will operate throughout the fair, bringing together artisan crafts, local produce and other goods. The Street Food Village and Family Fun Zone will also remain open late on each day of the event.

Yellow Man and dulse, the two local foods closely associated with the Ould Lammas Fair, will be among the familiar reasons for returning visitors to explore the stalls. Together with the markets and entertainment, they connect the present-day programme with the traditions that have kept the fair rooted in Ballycastle.

The council announcement does not provide overall opening or closing times, booking requirements or accessibility arrangements. Visitors should check the official Ould Lammas Fair programme, frequently asked questions and travel guidance before setting out for Ballycastle.

Source: Causeway Coast and Glens Council News