Many of the outdoor events at the festival were held around the Promenade area in Portstewart, with many located at the bandstand on the Crescent (image 1). During the week-long festival, the Bubble Bike made several journeys up and down the Promenade, attracting the attention of children and parents alike (image 2). While several events were specifically intended for the enjoyment of children (image 3), there were also performances that could be enjoyed by both adults and children. Image 4 shows the popular Causeway Shantymen in action performing several well-known sea shanty songs.

Locals and visitors drawn to the events in the town took the opportunity to meet human (or animal) friends they may not have seen for some time (Image 5). Others chose to let their hair down and get involved in the many musical performances (Image 6). Between events, life returned to normal for many as they enjoyed a walk along the Promenade (image 7). Others, perhaps staying in the town for the week of the festival, may have taken the opportunity to travel a little further afield and visit some of the nearby attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway (image 8) and Dunluce Castle (Image 9).

Returning to the Crescent in Portstewart, children were enthralled by a Punch and Judy show at the bandstand (image 10). During the week, the ice cream shops in Portstewart were well patronised by adults and children alike, although the occasional disaster of a dropped ice cream cone necessitated a return visit to the shop. However, one such accident provided a surprise treat for one sharp-eyed bird that swooped to clean up the mess (image 11).

Although the skies during much of the week-long festival were overcast, and there were occasional rain showers, the sun did occasionally peek out as when it shone on the Scottish dancers, replicating their movements in their shadows on the stage (image 12). It wasn’t just humans who could enjoy the Red Sails Festival as the pet dogs of locals and visitors were treated to an outing for a light-hearted dog show. Some dogs were as much spectators as their owners (image 13).

The final day of the festival was on Saturday. In the evening there was an almost continuous series of musical events at the bandstand (image 14), culminating in a fireworks display just after dark. After that, the festival was over for another year and the knitted decorations on the railings along the Promenade could be put away until 2026 (image 15).