​Woodstock comes to Whitehead thanks to PEACE IV funding

Groovy families enjoyed a fun afternoon in Diamond Jubilee Wood Whitehead on Saturday 1 June as Woollen Woodstock came to town.

The Woollen Woods project has been running for four years, a partnership between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Lighthouse Yarns, and this year was supported the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). In homage to the PEACE IV funding received, this year the festival took on a ‘Peace and Love’ theme and was entitled ‘Woollen Woodstock’.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Maureen Morrow, said: “Local community groups, schools and craft groups created hundreds of beautiful creations over the past few months, which were then displayed in the woods for the big event. This is a real community project and a great example of communities taking ownership of their green spaces with support from council.

"We have had nothing but positive feedback from the event at which participants enjoyed free, family activities such as storytelling, laughter yoga, dance, drumming, pony rides, arts, crafts and nest box building. Of course, this being Woollen Woodstock, there was also live music from local musicians Shindig, the Flame 'n' Ukes and the Gasworks Trad Session Group. Hundreds of attendees enjoyed the day and all the benefits of being outdoors in the fresh air spending time with family and friends.”

Louise Williamson, owner of Lighthouse Yarns, said “Woollen Woods grows year on year and I am delighted with the response the Woollen Woodstock event has had this year. I really enjoyed all the pre-festival engagement with the local community, in particular Whitehead Chatty Crafters, Greenisland Library Knit and Knatter, Ballycarry Primary School and Whitehead Primary School. These volunteers added to what is already known as a community festival and long standing friendships have been forged, all facilitated by PEACE funding.”

If you are interested in finding out more about PEACE IV funding you can contact yourplaceourspace@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/peaceiv