Travel back in time and see a blacksmith at work!

On Friday 20th and Saturday 21st June, you will have the chance to see a professional blacksmith giving free demonstrations in Castlecroft Square, Ballymoney. A travelling forge will be set up on the street and everyone will have a chance to learn more about the skilled work of these once essential tradesmen.

In past centuries, the blacksmith was one of the most important men in the community. A town the size of Ballymoney would need several blacksmith’s forges to cope with the demand for their work. This demonstration will highlight the role of the blacksmith in social history and also focus on their involvement in the United Irish Rebellion. Back in 1798, many blacksmiths in North Antrim risked transport or execution if they were caught by the Yeomanry making pike heads to arm the rebels of the United Irishmen. This demonstration will be an opportunity to see how a pike head would have been made and hear more about the exciting times of 1798 in Ballymoney.

Demonstrations will take place on Friday 20th June in Castlecroft Square from 11am – 4pm, and outside Balnamore Community Hall on Saturday 21st June from 11am – 5pm as part of a weekend of living history events. The Ullans Centre will also be joining the activities while other highlights across the two days will be children’s workshops, musket firing demonstrations and plenty of interactive history activities.

Everyone is welcome to come along, young and old, and all events are free of charge.

The project is delivered by Ballymoney Borough Council, funded under the European Union’s PEACE III programme and managed on behalf of the Special EU Programmes Body by the North East PEACE III Partnership. To get involved and for further information contact: Sarah Harkness, Cohesion Officer, Ballymoney Borough Council, 02827660248, Email: [email protected]