Mid and East Antrim set to mark Democracy Week 2023
Friday 17 February 2023
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council have a number of initiatives planned to mark Democracy Week 2023.
Celebrating democratic heritage and values across the Borough and beyond, the week-long programme of events will include talks, an exhibition, a Council roadshow and fun-filled outings such as a democratic table quiz and a democratic heritage bus tour.
Events will commence on 27 February with the launch of an exhibition of artefacts connected to various Freemen of the Borough at the Braid in Ballymena. Open to the public over the course of the week, there will also be an informative talk on 27 February at 2pm on 'Irish Regiments, Freedoms, and Enduring Connections' by Dr. Laura Patrick - Regimental Heritage Officer of the Irish Regiments Museum - who will discuss the regiments who have been honoured with Freedom of the Borough status.
The 27 February will also see the Mayor, Alderman Noel Williams, visiting his old primary school at Sunnylands in Carrickfergus to talk about the role of the Mayor with the pupils.
On 28 February, Larne Town Hall will be the venue for a fun-filled table quiz - with all questions connected to politics and democracy and a ‘show and tell’ about a historical artefact connected to the political history of the area.
Council will host a roadshow in the Braid, Ballymena, which will include stands from the various Council departments showcasing their work. The roadshow will run from 12noon to 4pm on Wednesday 1 March.
At the roadshow, locals who are interested in starting their own business will find the Council’s economic development advisers on hand with key information, while the grants team will be on-board to inform community groups about potential grants and new initiatives.
The community planning & development team will also be taking part as well as tourism and democratic services.
A unique ‘Democracy on the Move’ event will be held on 2 March, with a bus tour taking guests around sites of historical political interest in the Larne and Carrickfergus areas - beginning at Larne Museum with some readings to highlight World Book Day. The tour will include Carrickfergus town hall for lunch and then a visit to the Andrew Jackson Centre for readings on the Jackson family migration to the Carolinas before returning to Larne. If you would like to attend please email members.services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.
Spaces are limited so please email as soon as possible.
The week of events will conclude on Friday 3 March, when former BBC Political Editor Mark Devenport will bring his political reflections to an invited audience in Carrick Town Hall. Spaces are limited, please book yours now by emailing members.services@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.