Love Antrim week is a big hit, despite the weather

THE recent Love Antrim Week invited local people to see their town through fresh eyes.

There were events including community clean-ups, music, creativity, conversations, family activities and a finale that brought people together ‘On the Square’ - just as the sun finally decided to make an appearance.

There were shop windows filled with Love Antrim messages, thanks to local businesses.

Volunteers came out and helped deliver events, and residents stepped out despite the wind and rain.

And of course lots of people got caught up in the Love Antrim Spot Prize challenge.

Some events were buzzing and brilliantly supported.

The weather certainly played its part, and likely dampened enthusiasm, particularly for evening events, with most of the week being bitterly cold and wet.

But even in those conditions, there was good attendance at most events.

Love Antrim Week is part of the #PositivelyAntrim campaign, powered by local volunteers and administered by PRSPR Antrim.

At its heart is a simple belief that ‘the way we talk about Antrim shapes how others see it’, and how others see it shapes its future.

A spokesperson said: “If we speak about our town with pride, others notice. If we highlight our community spirit, our green spaces, our independent businesses, our history, our volunteers and our local talent, that becomes the story people hear.

“Residents’ groups, community organisations and businesses all have a role to play. The language we use matters. The tone we take matters. Being vocal about the good things, the progress, the assets we have, and the people who care can make Antrim more visible and more viable.

“Civic pride is not a slogan. It is something we practice.

“Whether you were able to take part or not, there is still time to support Love Antrim Week by completing our very short survey at linktr.ee/PositivelyAntrim, click on “Your Thoughts Matter”!

“Love Antrim Week may be over but it is not the end of our journey! It’s just one step of the trip and this short survey will also help bring the 2023 Antrim town survey up to date.”

And it’s onwards and upwards to the next phase, which brings a Positive Thinking Course to Antrim.

This short, energising two-evening course will run on 3 and 10 March.

It explores why the human brain naturally leans towards negative thinking and shows practical ways to turn that around.

Spaces are limited and people must be able to attend both evenings. Registration is now open at positivethinkingantrim.

eventbrite.com

Rhoda Walker, a PRSPR volunteer commented: “Love Antrim Week only ran over six days, but loving our town is a year-round commitment. It lives in our conversations, in our posts online, it lives in how we welcome visitors, in how we support local, and in how confidently we say, THIS place matters.

“When we stand together and tell a better story about Antrim, we help make that story a reality. Let’s make it the most positive one possible”.

Funders included Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, and Radius and Clanmill Housing, through the Department of Communities and the NI Housing Executive's 'Housing for All' Shared Housed Programme

The Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick closed Antrim Week by saying: “As Mayor, I am incredibly proud of this town and the people in it. This week has shown what we can do when we pull together.

“Let us carry that spirit forward. Let us keep building. Let us keep showing the very best of Antrim.

“Thank you for your energy, your support, and your pride in our town. Let us continue to stand together and say, clearly and confidently, that we love Antrim.”

For more information on PRSPR Antrim find them social media or email prsprantrim@gmail.com to get in touch if you have a #PositivelyAntrim idea.