History of the Red Sails Festival
Portstewart Community Association was formed in the early seventies by local residents who were concerned about the plight of some of the province’s families.
The intention was to offer free holiday accommodation throughout the summer to children from both sections of the community in Northern Ireland who lived in areas that were most affected by the troubles at that time.
From this initial idea, fundraising events such as summer fetés and carnivals, which were very popular with residents and tourists alike, became regular attractions.
After many years known as the Carnival, the name was changed to the Red Sails Festival in 2000 to commemorate the famous lyrics written by Jimmy Kennedy in the song ‘Red Sails in the Sunset', which was penned overlooking Portstewart Bay. Younger generations may not be familiar with this song, but most people will know some of the other songs he contributed to, like ‘The Hokey Cokey' and ‘ The Teddy bears Picnic'.
Over the past three decades, the initial concept has developed into what we have today, one of the most popular family events in the North Coast’s calendar.
The festival is organised and run by Portstewart Community Association’s Festival Committee and is supported by Coleraine Borough Council. Every year they provide a programme of events, designed to appeal to the whole community and to entertain both tourists, day-trippers and locals alike.
Red Sails in the Sunset
Lyrics by Jimmy Kennedy,Red sails in the sunset
Way out of the sea
Oh carry my love one
Home safely to meShe sailed at the dawning
Oh way out and blue
Red sails in the sunset
I'm counting on youRed sails in the sunset
Way out of the sea
Oh carry my love one
Home safely to meSweet wind we must borrow
Make straight for the shore
We'll marry tomorrow
And you'll go sailing no moreRed sails in the sunset
Way out of the sea
Oh carry my love one
Home safely to meSweet wind we must borrow
Make straight for the shore
We'll marry tomorrow
And she'll go sailing no moreRed sails at the sunset
Way out of the sea
Oh carry my love one
Home safely to me
Oh carry my love one
Home safely to me
Organised and funded by the Portstewart Community Festival in conjunction with:
