• 12 June 2023

Sandcastles, sunshine and a great community event

Love Ballyholme ran their second annual Sandcastle Competition on Saturday 10 June on Ballyholme Beach. Bishop David was one of the judges with the difficult task of choosing an overall winner. 

“Glorious sunshine in the week running up to the day meant it was even more popular than last year with 50 families pre–booked,” said Revd Jan Stevenson, Community Pastor in Ballyholme Parish Church. 

The serious business of building began at 11.00am with each family given up to an hour to complete their masterpiece before the judging panel arrived. 

“Our “everyone’s a winner policy” meant every child received a small trophy and a certificate, however one overall winner had to be chosen and they received the prize of “A Family Pizza Night In” donated by the Galley Restaurant.

“We’re so grateful to everyone who volunteered to ensure the event was well run and we left the beach cleaner than we found it. The Bangor Ukes, a local ukulele band also played for us which just added to the festival atmosphere.” 

Love Ballyholme is a community group which seeks to bring together local residents, churches, businesses and schools. The group was started during lockdown.