Red Sails Festival all set for Portstewart this weekend
The six-day festival offers something for everyone, from world-class bands, dancers, and comedy performers to sandcastle building and talent competitions
Portstewart is getting ready for the return of the spectacular Red Sails Festival, which kicks off this Sunday, July 19, and runs throughout the week, finishing with a fireworks spectacular on Saturday, July 25.
This year’s festival brings a packed week of over 90 free family fun and events for all ages to enjoy.
It is organised by the Portstewart Community Association (PCA) and proudly supported by Radius Housing and more than 60 local volunteers.
The Festival is funded through Radius’ Housing for All Shared Housing Programme and highlights a shared commitment to supporting thriving, active local communities.
The six-day festival offers something for everyone, from world-class bands, dancers, and comedy performers to sandcastle building and talent competitions.
The festivities will begin on Sunday, July 19 with the traditional Blessing of the Boats at the Bandstand, celebrating the power of the sea and honouring local first responders.
Musical acts will perform every evening at the Bandstand, featuring newcomers Pure Blarney and The Reillys, alongside festival favourites like the Sensational 70s Showstopper Band, Brí, and the Limavady Big Band.
For younger festival-goers, a packed programme of children’s activities includes new Lego Digital Animation and Iconic Street Dance Workshops, alongside a Kite Display and Butterfly Safari on Portstewart Strand.
Adults can look forward to Red Sails at Sunset events, featuring a Comedy Club at the Villa, TenX9 event in the Anchor and a sunset DJ set at Harry’s Shack. BBC Radio Ulster's Hugo Duncan will broadcast live from the Festival on Friday afternoon.
The grand finale on Saturday, July 25 features the vibrant Children’s Parade - complete with superheroes and fire engines - followed by performances from the Causeway Shantymen and Innova Dance Group.
The festival will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council at 10:30pm on Saturday night.
The Portstewart Community Association expressed its sincere gratitude to main sponsor Radius Housing (Cappagh Green), as well as to the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council and local Portstewart traders, whose collective support makes this free community event possible.
Melanie Rintoul, Housing for All Programme Manager at Radius Housing said: “Radius Housing has been a long-term partner of the Red Sails festival. It’s a wonderful example of the power of community: this is only made possible through the work of a huge group of volunteers. We’re really looking forward to another fantastic week of events which promote good relations for the whole community.’”
For the full programme of events, pick up a brochure from local shops in Portstewart, or stay up to date via Facebook (Red Sails) and www.portstewartca.org.
The Red Sails Festival is supported by the Department for Communities and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive’s ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme. The Programme has its origins in the NI Executive Together: Building a United Community Strategy which reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
£6.5 Million has been invested in the Cappagh Green Shared Housing Development in Portstewart, and associated five-year Good Relations Plan.