Large crowd enjoys Midsummer Fayre
 |
 |
| The live sword fighting at the Midsummer Fayre at Castle Gardens | Some of the entertainers at the Midsummer Fayre at Castle Gardens |
A LARGE crowd enjoyed sword fighting displays, magic shows, street entertainers and stuntmen at the recent 'Midsummer Fayre' in Lisburn's Castle Gardens.
The event was organised by Lisburn City Council, with help and support from the Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum and featured many traditional fayre activities.
Talented local folk bands 'The Silver Fish' and 'Craobh Rua' entertained visitors on the upper gardens throughout the day.
Irish Arms, an historical reproductions company from Co. Cavan, set up a historical village to demonstrate traditional skills such as coin making, and provided entertainment in the form of a Barber's Surgeon and Rat-Catcher.
Visitors were also treated to a live sword-fighting display on the bowling green: this spectacle took the audience back to the days of chivalry and honour, when gentlemen used their swordplay to settle their debts.
Many colourful characters appeared throughout the gardens on the day, including street performers such as clowns, a juggler and a stilt-walker. Further amusement came in the form of The Astounding Grundy Brothers, who performed a 19th and early 20th century vaudeville style stunt show.
A gourmet food marquee and traditional hog roast provided visitors with mouth-watering treats, and for those interested in finding out about the colourful history of the gardens, 17th and 19th century characters were on-hand offering tours throughout the day.
The Midsummer Fayre was one of the events to mark Lisburn's 400th Anniversary.
Ulster Star
10/07/2009
