Northern Ireland

Fans return to Glenarm for first live Dalriada festival since 2019

The camping village at Glenarm's Camp Dalfest. Picture by Paul Faith
The camping village at Glenarm's Camp Dalfest. Picture by Paul Faith

A Co Antrim music festival has welcomed back revellers for the first time since 2019 with a event featuring social distancing to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Formerly known as the Dalriada Festival, Camp Dalfest brought people back to the grounds of Glenarm Castle over the weekend for a family oriented festival featuring live music, food trucks, and camping.

Organisers were forced to abandon plans for the live festival last year die to coronavirus restrictions, instead opting for a 'Homefest' event in 2020 in which artists performed at Glenarm with a livestream broadcasting to fans unable to attend.

Earlier this summer it was announced that the live festival would return to Glenarm for two days of performances and fun events, with fans treated last night to closing sets from performers including Derry punk icons The Undertones, and UK singer-songwriter Pixie Lott, while Saturday was headlined by Ella Henderson.

Attendees were advised to adhere to social distancing measures as hundreds gathered in record temperatures to watch the live acts and take part in events including a 'rave' event for parents and young children.

On Friday a festival spokesperson revealed that saxophonist Lovely Laura, who was due to perform at the event, was forced to cancel her appearance after testing positive for Covid.