BALLYNAHINCH harvest and country living festival is taking place in the impressive Montalto Estate this month. The celebration of rich rural traditions and scenic autumn splendour in this lovely part of Co Down is expected to draw more than 15,000 people to the town.
Montalto, with its extensive grounds, will add a touch of elegance to the outdoors event taking place over the weekend of September 24-25.
And Ballynahinch will add an historic dimension to the new festival weekend with a reenactment of the 1798 Battle of Ballynahinch on Saturday September 25.
There is a programme of country-themed events reminiscent of the traditional harvest, pig and potato fairs for which the town was once famed.
Organisers say their quirky mix of 'pigs, potatoes and pageantry' in town, coupled with the two-day celebration of country sports, pursuits and lifestyles at Montalto, capitalises on the geographic and historic attributes of Ballynahinch.
Event organiser Albert Titterington said the twin-location event drew on the heritage of the area.
"This is a unique festival for a unique town, its twin locations playing to the strengths of the history, heritage and layout of Ballynahinch. The house at Montalto, originally built in the 1700s by Lord Rawdon, earl of Moira, has a particularly rich history, encompassing the Battle of Ballynahinch when, in June 1798, the United Irishmen fought government forces on nearby Ednavaddy Hill."
Mr Titterington said the house that sits on the 400-acre estate is usually closed to the public apart from private functions.
Fair opening times 10am to 5pm; admission, adults £10, family ticket (two adults and up to four children) £25, children (5-15) £5 including free carousel rides. Free car parking. More at ballynahinchharvestfestival.com
