Newtownabbey Drama Festival started life in 1982. It was the brainchild of members of the Abbey Actors Company, and, with the aid of a generous 3-year grant from a leading insurance company, the festival got off to a champagne start.  Perhaps too much money was spent on the champagne, because the grant was withdrawn after the first year.
Undaunted, the committee turned to the Borough Council for help, and were not disappointed. A substantial grant enabled the committee to present not only a Full Length Play Festival but a 1-Act Festival as well.
This happy arrangement continued until the Council went on strike over the political situation, and all grants were withheld. In desperation the committee turned to the AUDF. for assistance.  They responded with a lifesaving contribution and sister festivals, hearing of our financial plight, also came to our aid and we were able to survive until our harmonious relationship with the Borough Council was restored.
In the early years the Festival was held in the local secondary schools, but it was not until 1992, when the Courtyard Theatre at Ballyearl opened, that the Festival really took off and continues to play to packed houses every year.
Over the years there have been many crises, some minor, some major, but it was in 1982 when the Olivian Players from Dublin were due to present “Six Characters in Search of An Author” that we had the granddaddy of them all. By 7 p.m. they had failed to appear, and to have 2 carloads of Dublin actors cruising through Belfast at the height of the troubles was causing some concern, to put it mildly.  The police had been informed and were out looking for them, the army placed on highest alert.  At 7:50 the first car arrived and out tumbled half the cast and the back stage crew.  “How did you find us?” we asked.  “Sure, we stopped on the Shankhill Road and asked someone where Newtownabbey was, and he got into his car and guided us halfway here”, and with that the second car arrived, having detoured through Antrim, and the show went on to tumultuous applause.  They may not have won the Premier Trophy, but they certainly won the hearts of the audience!
To prevent a repetition, when the Brigstowe Players from England agreed to appear in the 1997 Festival, the Mayor of Newtownabbey sent his official car, complete with liveried chauffeur, to meet them at the airport and drive them in style to the theatre. They're still talking about it in Bristol.
Here's hoping the coming years will be as joyous, exciting and up lifting, and that, with the support of the Council, we can continue to present to the people of Newtownabbey, the best that amateur drama can offer!