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The Ardglass Festival The Ardglass Festival Association began in 1969 with the organisers comprising mainly of local businessmen including fish processing owners. To accomodate indoor events such as dances, fashion shows and film shows, the gymnasium of St. Anne's Secondary School (presently St. Nicholas' Primary School) was available and employed to the maximum. A few years later, the impressive Regal Ballroom was built on the site now occupied by S & P Milligan, fish processors. These premises provided the opportunity for the Association to book popular British bands including The Hollies, Amen Corner and The Small Faces. The events attracted fans from wide areas such as Newry, Belfast and Ballymena. This typified one of the aims of the Association - to attract tourism. |
Tony O'Shea and Billy Convery - Waiter's Race
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| Declan Clarke on the bike - Waiter's Race
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When a fire destroyed the Regal Ballroom, attention turned to premises at the harbour complex, which operated as a fish-meal factory. Then a large shed at the Docks was made available which became an appropriate venue for The Ardglass Song Contest and was hosted by such household names as Gerry Kelly and Gene Fitzpatrick. The John Anderson {BBC} Orchestra provided the musical accompaniment for the talented acts.A special sub-committee was responsible for this one event. The Shield Hall and St. Mary's Hall, both in High Street, were used extensively for dances, film shows etc. The Shield Hall deteriorated while St. Mary's Hall was renovated and became the present Community Hall, which is now the main venue for indoor events. |
