BEAM in the Park returned to Riverside Park, Ballymoney, on Sunday, bringing almost 500 people together for an afternoon of fun, activity and community connection, while promoting the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing.
Organised by BEAM- Building Empowerment and Awareness to Mind, the free community event brought the park alive with live entertainment, sport, games, creative activities and opportunities for people of all ages to spend time together.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was the BEAM Duck Race, which saw more than 150 colourful plastic ducks take to the river, cheered on by crowds along the bank. Congratulations went to Anna, whose pink unicorn duck raced across the finish line first.
There was plenty happening across the park throughout the three-hour event. Charley Corbett had an exceptionally busy afternoon, painting more than 200 faces, while Darren from Northern Lights brought a fantastic selection of carnival games which delighted visitors of all ages.
The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Sport & Wellbeing Team provided a range of sporting activities and outdoor yoga sessions, while the team from CAN led games and activities throughout the afternoon.
Nicola and Young Leaders from Bytes also supported the day, distributing goodie bags to the children. The Samaritans provided lots of information and support, and the Community Rescue Service was on hand throughout the event to help keep everyone safe.
There was a packed programme of entertainment too, with wonderful performances from Hegarty School of Irish Dance, Take to the Stage Theatre School and Nemesis Dance, alongside live busking from Matt Calderwood.
The BEAM organising group is made up of Hannah Graham, Katherine Murphy, Zara Hutchinson, Clare Doherty and Lee Kane.
They said, “Seeing Riverside Park absolutely buzzing with people enjoying a great day out together was just wonderful. There were families picnicking, children playing, people trying new activities, music and dancing, and hundreds of people simply enjoying being outdoors and spending time together.
“That sense of connection is really what BEAM is about. Looking after our mental health isn’t just about responding when someone is struggling. Friendship, community, getting outdoors, being active and having opportunities to connect with other people all contribute to our wellbeing.
“To see almost 500 people come along was incredible. We want BEAM in the Park to become an annual event and, after the response this year, we’re already excited about what we might be able to do next year.”
The event followed BEAM’s annual Dawn Walk in May, when more than 200 people gathered in Ballymoney at 4am to walk together as the sun rose. Both events are part of BEAM’s work to encourage positive conversations around mental health and create opportunities for people to connect with one another.
The group extended a huge thank you to everyone who helped make BEAM in the Park possible, from the performers and activity providers, to brilliant volunteers who helped with setting up, making the day run smoothly, and clearing the park afterwards.
Most of all, BEAM thanked the almost 500 people who came along, joined in and helped create such a positive atmosphere in Riverside Park.
