daytrippin’ #2 – larne
June 10th, 2007
A work colleague of mine who lives in Larne told me on Friday that there was photographable stuff happening in the town. A car show and other outdoor activities. Even though I ended up having a late night, I got up early and got the 10:06am train. I had never been to Larne before, or been on the Larne railway line. The scenery along the way was beautiful.
When I got to the town I followed the signs and the traffic cops to the town centre and Main Street where there were lots of people enjoying the sun and going about their business or whatever they do in small towns when its sunny. Over the course of June the town is host to ‘Larne Alive‘, a small festival celebrating… well Larne really. Various family and children orientated activities simply celebrating being Larne.
I caught the tail-end of the first parade.
I followed them to the car park of the adult education centre where they were all parked.
Shortly after that the first performance by The Barren Carrousel began in the square, or Broadway as its called.
Then a photographer sat right in front of me. Hoping to get a better shot, thankfully he didn’t stay for long.
I thought about asking the other photographers why they were there, I’m assuming it was a local paper thing. I made the most of their presence though and stole their promo setup shots.
When they had finished, two “statues” appeared nearby. Their costumes were brilliant and they pulled it off well, moving occasionally, and generally entertaining the younger kids. The light trees around them made a great backdrop too.
Soon after lunch was the second car parade.
Followed by the second performance by The Barren Carrousel.
Later I got to drive in a nice 1996 Toyota in the third and final parade.
This was followed by a 10 minute tour of the town before my train home. The strangest thing about this town are the paintings on the side three apartment blocks.
Yes, that is a plane on the side of this building! Hindsight is a great thing.
To most people Larne is just a harbour which leads to Stranraer via ferry. We just happened to be at the right place at the right time when this one was approaching.
I had a good day, and although I put on some sun cream, and had it with me, I still managed to get a little burnt on my nose and cheeks. It was a fun way to spend a Saturday. Where to next?
