Alternative Energies take part in Lir Arts Festival

7th July 2026

There are few situations that bring people with different interests and generations together but our intergenerational group – Alternative Energies – does just that.

Led by Philip Johnston and Michalea Elliott and based in Ballycastle, the group was thrilled to perform as part of the Lir Arts Festival on Wednesday 1st July at the Sheksburn Arts Centre.

They were joined by the Ariffe Dancers from Glenariffe and the Glens & Dalraida U3A choir, and performed a piece titled ‘Mango Pond’ to music sung by the choir called ‘Both Sides Now’.

With a poetry reading and musical performances by Philip Glass, Louis Armstrong and Fergus McCreadie, it was a truly special evening. As one audience member said: “It was great to see all generations joining together to sing and dance.”

The event was really well attended with an audience of 60 who were also welcomed onto the stage at the end to dance with the performers.  Afterwards everyone had stories to share and connected further over refreshments.  This celebration of energy, dance, creativity and fun is what Alternative Energies is all about.

If you know any 14-18 or 65+ year olds interested in joining the group in September, please do get in touch with deborah@dudanceni.com for more information.

Thank you to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, LFT Charitable Trust, Solas Wellbeing and Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council for their support of Alternative Energies.