History with a spooky twist at McNeillstown ILOL's 'Remember November' festival

A warm welcome awaits you at McNeillstown Independent LOL’s ‘Remember November Festival.

The festival will be held over Friday, November 7 and Saturday, November 8.

From fiery debates to flaming effigies, this year’s programme features interactive talks, spooky games and crafts, torchlit parades and a spectacular fireworks finale.

A spokesperson for the lodge said: “Come and discover more about 5/11 - Britain’s most dangerous terrorist plot and how it was discovered as the clock ticked down.

“Then join us, if you dare, for Ghost Stories by the fireside. Hear tales of the Doctor of Divinity who sold his soul to the devil, or the local Bishop who brought an end to witch burning.

“Whether you're drawn by the drama of the Gunpowder Plot or the glow of a bonfire night with a twist, McNeillstown is the place to be.

“The hall will once again blaze into life this November as the Independent Loyal Orange Institution hosts its much-anticipated Remember November Festival 2025—a two-day celebration of heritage, history, and high-octane family fun.”

The Fawkes Talks this year on Friday 7 November, will include an afternoon session entitled KEEP ER LIT from 2–4 PM, with a light lunch provided.

Join in a lively roundtable on the bonfire traditions with talks and presentations on local bonfires and the findings of a study visit to the world famous Lewis Bonfire Night. Hear from local voices and visiting experts as we explore the cultural and religious significance of fire in British Protestant life.

There will be an exhibition in the hall’s micro museum on William Tyndale and the 500th Anniversary of the English Bible, and a special showing of the new Tyndale Film.

The spokesperson continued: “The evening Fawkes Talk will be on the Gunpowder Plot itself : 5/11 TERROR PLOT from 8–9 PM.

“Step into the shadows of history with a gripping exposé on Britain’s most dangerous terrorist conspiracy—the Gunpowder Plot. Discover the explosive truth behind Guy Fawkes and the failed attempt to blow up Parliament. This is not your average history lesson—this is an incendiary journey into treason, faith, and fire.”

FAMILY FUN

On Saturday 8 November the Remember November Family Fun Day will start at 2pm with a ‘Build Your Guy’ children’s workshop.

Kids can craft their own Guy Fawkes effigy in this hands-on workshop, while adults enjoy a warm drink at the Chocolate Room a pop-up coffee shop.

The main event begins at 3pm with Family Fun and Autumn Games like the conker championship, horse shoe throwing and outdoor darts.

A Spooky inflatable Dark Disco will be open all afternoon for kids, and the young at heart. Face painting and a fancy dress competition will make it a fun afternoon for all. Whatever the weather, there will be fun for all in our hall and marquees, but dress up and dress for all weathers, and we’d love to see young and old in fancy dress.

The spokesperson continued: “For the braver souls there will be ghostly stories and tales of terror by the fireside.

“The big open fire at McNeillstown will warm the heart and take that shiver from your spine. Street food will be available from 6pm, with hot drinks throughout the day and a tuck shop for children.

“Then at 7:30 PM there will be a Torchlit Parade of the Blackstone Road, Portglenone, led by old Guy Fawkes on his final walk to the scaffold! Fire and music will lead the parade which will see the road lit up as it makes its way to the site of the evening’s fiery finale. Here a community bonfire will be lit and at 8:30 Guy Fawkes will meet his fate as he is consigned to the flames.

“Watch history go up in flames as the community gathers to burn the Guy in a symbolic act of remembrance and resistance to those who would destroy our democracy.

“When the flames die down we invite everyone on a mystery tour to a secret location for our Fireworks Display Finale.

“The amazing location has its own scary trail which we have free access to and can spend the rest of the evening around the fire exploring the woods and walks. The night ends with a bang with our Gunpowder Night Fireworks display.

“Everyone is welcome to these free events which offer something for all the family. Whether you're a history buff, a bonfire enthusiast, or just looking for a brilliant weekend with the family, Remember November at McNeillstown is your chance to celebrate tradition with a twist.”

Background to the Festival

The Remember November Festival is part of the wider Independent Loyal Orange Institution’s programme of events to mark traditional dates in the Orange calendar.

These include Reformation Day 31 October where our focus this year is on William Tyndale and the 500th Anniversary of the English Bible. Then 4th November which is the 375th Anniversary of the birth of King William, Prince of Orange followed by the double celebration of the 5th November when he landed on our shores 1688 and when in 1605 the Gunpowder Plot was defeated.

This is of course followed by Remembrance Sunday this year on the 9th November followed by Armistice Day on 11th November.

The spokesperson added: “As an Institution we felt these once important festivals and days of commemoration had become neglected and forgotten.

“In Orangeism the 5 November is as important as the 12 July therefore we have made it a priority to mark these with an exciting community focused programme of events.

“We are proud of our rich heritage and culture, and we want to promote it to all. Our Remember November programme is a community led programme where different lodges and halls host annual events to bring these commemorations back to the heart of the community.

“The programme of events tell a story which begins and is based on our faith represented by Reformation Sunday services and events which mark Reformation Day.

“This promotes the Reformed Protestant faith as the bedrock of all we are and do. Then the 4-5 November reminds us of King William, Prince of Orange and his crucial role in the Glorious Revolution and the creation of our modern British state and its Constitution.

“The Gunpowder Plot reminds us that then, and even now democracy and our values and very way of life is open to attack and must be defended. Finally Remembrance Sunday brings into focus the cost of defending democracy and makes us thankful to God for his deliverance and for those whose service and sacrifice gave us what we enjoy today.

“These values and historic truths should be shared and celebrated by all and we welcome every section of the community especially those new communities who have chosen to make Northern Ireland their home. We hope that they will join us and learn more about the history and heritage of this country.

“We thank Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for their generous financial support through their grant funding for community festivals and for those councillors who have supported us and attended our events. Finally to the McNeillstown Hall Management Committee and its volunteers who make this happen each year.

McNeillstown Independent Orange Hall, is at 15 Blackstone Road, Portglenone, BT448HB, and online at www.iloi.org and https://www.facebook.com/portglenoneorange