Summer in the City Success

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has once again supported local families throughout the summer holidays with the successful return of its popular ‘Summer in the City’ programme.

Organised by the council’s Sports Services Unit, the annual programme provided almost 2,000 places at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, Dundonald International Ice Bowl, Lough Moss Leisure Centre and Glenmore Activity Centre.

Children aged 5 to 12 years enjoyed a jam-packed summer activity scheme delivered by a team of qualified staff. Activities included the Leisure Pool, ice skating, team sports, bouncy castles, and arts and crafts. Many of the schemes also included off-site trips, providing hours of endless fun and excellent value for families.

In addition, ‘Summer in the City’ offered an extensive choice of Summer Sports Camps to encourage children to try a new sport and get everyone moving throughout the school holidays.

Young golfers enjoyed sell-out Junior Golf Camps at both Castlereagh Hills Golf Course and Aberdelghy Golf Course while skating fans sharpened their skills during ice skating lessons at Dundonald International Ice Bowl.

There was also a wide choice of multi-sports camps available across the council area, including Ballybeen Sports Hub, Lough Moss Leisure Centre and Lagan Valley LeisurePlex.

An impressive timetable of swim camps also took place at Lagan Valley LeisurePlex, with week-long courses to help adults, children and babies build their confidence and skills in the water.

The popular Disability Hub at Lough Moss Leisure Centre offered inclusive cycling sessions for families throughout August for young people aged 7 to 17 years.  The centre has also scheduled its very first inclusive play day which takes place on Saturday 22 August. 

Chair of the Communities and Wellbeing Committee, Councillor Sharon Lowry, visited a number of the schemes and said: “The 2026 ‘Summer in the City’ programme reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting local families and creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together and enjoy everything our council area has to offer.

I was delighted to visit some of our summer activity schemes and see first-hand the excitement and energy they bring. The enthusiasm of the children, alongside the fantastic work of our staff and partners, highlighted the positive impact these programmes have within our communities.

We know the summer holidays can be an expensive time for many households, which is why we are proud to deliver a programme that offers exceptional value, with a wide range of affordable and accessible activities taking place across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area.

From sports camps and swim camps to inclusive activities, there truly is something for everyone.

I hope all the children have thoroughly enjoyed their summer activities, and I look forward to welcoming families back to our centres, whether for future activity schemes or leisure visits throughout the year.”