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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260709T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260709T230000
DTSTAMP:20260825T210107
CREATED:20260706T205729Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T133451Z
UID:90235-1783625400-1783638000@iloi.org
SUMMARY:Ulster American Concert
DESCRIPTION:Finvoy will Host a Stirring Celebration of Shared Musical Heritage at Faith & Freedom 250 Festival \nThe Faith & Freedom 250 Festival will continue its programme of cultural celebration on Thursday 9 July with the much‑anticipated Ulster–American Concert at Keers Memorial Orange Hall\, Finvoy\, beginning at 7.30pm. The concert\, organised by McNeillstown HMC in partnership with the Independent Loyal Orange Institution\, promises an evening of music that reflects the deep and enduring ties between Ulster and the United States. \n \nAs the Faith & Freedom 250 Festival enters its second week\, music lovers from across Northern Ireland are invited to join one of the festival’s most anticipated events as Ulster-American Music Night comes to Keers Memorial Hall\, Finvoy\, tomorrow evening.\nTaking place on Thursday 9 July\, this unique concert promises to take audiences on a remarkable musical journey\, tracing the sounds of Ulster across the Atlantic and exploring how the traditions carried by generations of emigrants helped shape the music of America.\nBlending history\, heritage and outstanding live performances\, the evening celebrates one of the festival’s central themes—that the story of Ulster’s influence on America is not only found in history books\, but can still be heard today in the music enjoyed around the world. \nHeadlining the evening will be the internationally acclaimed Willie Drennan and the Trans-Atlantic Hillbilly Band\, whose unique performance has delighted audiences throughout Ireland and beyond. Combining traditional Ulster-Scots music with bluegrass\, Appalachian folk\, country and Americana\, the band will demonstrate how melodies that left Ulster centuries ago evolved into some of America’s most recognisable musical styles.\nFestival organisers describe the concert as one of the highlights of the entire Faith & Freedom 250 programme. \n“Music is one of the strongest connections between Ulster and America\,” said a festival spokesperson. “Families who emigrated carried more than possessions with them—they carried their songs\, hymns\, dances and traditions. Those musical roots can still be heard today in American country music\, bluegrass\, gospel and folk. This concert celebrates that incredible journey.” \nJoining Willie Drennan on stage will be the Finvoy Pipes and Drums\, whose stirring performances have earned them an outstanding reputation throughout Northern Ireland\, together with the Moorfields Flute Band\, bringing another distinctive element of Ulster’s rich musical heritage to the evening’s programme.\nRather than simply presenting a series of performances\, the concert has been carefully designed to tell a story. Through music and commentary\, audiences will discover how familiar tunes travelled across the Atlantic with Ulster emigrants before developing into the sounds that became synonymous with rural America. \nFrom lively fiddle tunes and traditional airs to country classics and bluegrass favourites\, the programme promises something for every musical taste while offering fascinating insights into the cultural connections that continue to unite Ulster and the United States.\nThe evening forms part of the wider Faith & Freedom 250 Festival\, which commemorates the 250th Anniversary of American Independence by exploring the historic contribution of Ulster people to the founding of the United States. Throughout the festival\, exhibitions\, lectures\, family events\, commemorations and concerts have celebrated the themes of Faith\, Freedom and Foundation\, demonstrating the enduring influence of Ulster communities on American history and culture.\nFestival organisers believe the Ulster-American Music Night perfectly captures those themes through the universal language of music. \n“History can be told in many ways\,” explained one member of the organising committee. “Tomorrow evening we will tell that story through music. Audiences will hear how the traditions of Ulster became woven into the cultural fabric of America\, creating musical styles that remain popular across the world today. It will be entertaining\, educational and\, above all\, enjoyable.” \nVisitors attending the concert can also learn more about the continuing programme of Faith & Freedom Festival events taking place across North Antrim over the coming days\, including the Foundation Forum\, the Eleventh Night Family Festival\, the Boyne Thanksgiving Service and the Independent Twelfth celebrations.\nThe organisers encourage everyone\, whether they have an interest in history\, traditional music or simply enjoy a great night’s entertainment\, to come along and experience what promises to be one of the festival’s standout occasions.\nWith outstanding musicians\, a welcoming atmosphere and a fascinating story to tell\, tomorrow night’s Ulster-American Music Night promises to be a memorable celebration of the musical heritage shared by Ulster and America.\nDoors will open ahead of the performance\, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and secure their seats for what is expected to be a popular event.\nJoin us in Finvoy tomorrow evening and discover how the music of Ulster crossed the Atlantic to help create the soundtrack of America. \n \nAs excitement builds\, organisers are encouraging the public to attend what they describe as “an evening of music with real meaning.” “This is more than a concert\,” the spokesperson said. “It is a celebration of who we are\, where we have come from\, and the ties that bind us across the Atlantic. We look forward to welcoming people from near and far to share in this special night.” \nThe Ulster–American Concert is part of the wider Faith & Freedom 250 Festival\, running from 3–13 July\, with additional exhibitions and heritage initiatives continuing throughout the year.
URL:https://iloi.org/event/ulster-american-concert/
LOCATION:Keers Memorial Orange Hall\, 176 Finvoy Rd\,\, Rasharkin\, BT53 7JS
CATEGORIES:Ulster Scots Evening,Band Concert
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://iloi.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/IMG_6015.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20250711T185500
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20250711T213000
DTSTAMP:20260825T210107
CREATED:20200711T195349Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T213354Z
UID:85755-1752260100-1752269400@iloi.org
SUMMARY:Eleventh Family Fun Night
DESCRIPTION:[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Many of us begin our Twelfth celebrations with the traditional Eleventh Night Bonfires. These community events are often organised by the younger members of our community\, who have been collecting wood for weeks even months and stacking it high. These structures are impressive in themselves reaching up and up with row upon row of pallets. Out in the country we do things slightly differently so why not join us at McNeillstown this Eleventh from 7pm for some food and family fun before the bonfire it lit. \n  \nLearn About the History of Bonfires \nThey are an annual tradition which goes right back to primitive times when communities used fire as a symbol\, as a warning of approaching danger or as a means to celebrate important events. The Bonfire first entered Protestant culture as a horrific reminder of the martyr’s pyres which had been built by Bloody Queen Mary as she burnt Protestant Reformers to death for their faith. It was next used to give thanks and to commemorate the survival of our Protestant Parliament from the terrorist designs of Guy Fawkes. It was at this point the idea of burning a traitor or enemy in effigy became popular. It then became a beacon of hope signalling the Prince of Orange’s Arrival on our shores. \nFires were lit along hillsides to mark King William’s landing in England and Ireland and still to this day we mark our Great Deliverance at the Battle of the Boyne with the bonfire.\nThis year the bonfires will be much smaller and more in the form of BBQs in the backyard. So why n to gather the family and enjoy the crackle of the fire and some music as we wait the big day. \n[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
URL:https://iloi.org/event/eleventh-night-bonfires-2/
LOCATION:McNeillstown Independent Orange Hall\, 15 Blackstone Road\, Portglenone\, BT448HB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Ulster Scots Evening,Band Concert,Virtual Twelfth Event,Twelfth Festival
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ORGANIZER;CN="McNeillstown True Blues ILOL 46":MAILTO:mcneillstown@gmail.com
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