Jack L and Bagatelle to headline July 4 festival
BAGATELLE and Jack L have been announced as the headline acts for this year’s Irish America Fest.
Organised by New Ross & District Chamber of Commerce and New Ross Municipal District council, the festival will take place from Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2.
Ireland’s answer to the traditional U.S. Fourth of July holiday celebrations lies in New Ross again this year. Festivalgoers can celebrate the birth of the U.S. nation with three days filled with fun activities on offer for all the family, one of the organisers said in launching the festival.
‘We are delighted to unveil our Irish America Fest events programme for 2017. Annually we welcome lots of American residents and visitors from all across Ireland who are eager to celebrate their traditional holiday along with Irish holidaymakers looking to join in the fun. It’s a very unique event in Ireland as the only official “July Fourth” festival, and it is of course very fitting here in New Ross with our very special connections with the U.S.’
Festival highlights include a main stage at Pearse Park with music from Bagatelle, Jack L, local acts the Carty Sisters and the Ocelots.
Alongside the superb music programme A ‘Ross Food and Craft Fest’ will also be on offer daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., where visitors can meander the quayside and enjoy a taste of local produce and exclusive craft creations.
On Sunday, July 2, the ‘Picnic in the Park’ takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., with local acts and dance groups.
‘Families are invited to come along and enjoy games and entertainment and of course bring a picnic.’ Ireland’s travelling marionette string puppet theatre from Moon & Sixpence will also be along to entertain the children.
Talented headline acts Bagatelle will take to the main stage in the town park on the Saturday night supported by the Carty Sisters and Jack L will perform on the Sunday nights, supported by Wexford town group The Ocelots.
The Republic of Ireland’s Strongest Woman 2017 competition is taking place also in the park. This event is being organised by New Ross strongman Nicky Whelan.
New Ross fitness and health festival will also take place in the town over the weekend. Its organisers said it is about participation, feeling good and most importantly having fun. ‘ This amazing fitness and health event is designed for everyone. Many fitness and health instructors, clubs, businesses will be involved to ensure you have an amazing day. So whether you’re an everyday exerciser or you’re completely green on the fitness scene, you’re sure to find a fitness event to suit the whole family.’
The main festival is being funded through a €15,000 grant from New Ross Municipal District and Wexford County Council, while €2,000 is coming from Fáilte Ireland. Chamber CEO Teresa Delaney said the chamber is appealing to businesses to support the festival by helping to cover additional costs including security, insurance, health and safety, stewards, print and design, etc.
‘For these costs and for every additional activity and event we need to fundraise from the local business community. In 2016 the final cost for the (festival) activities was €38,000. We would appreciate if you could do what you can to lend support to the town’s festival. A €150 donation would be ideal, but if you can give any amount at all, or more, it will all go to adding to the programme of events and activities for the people of the district and our visitors.’
Business owners can pay cheque made payable to New Ross Chamber Events. By EFT: Account Details: New Ross Chamber Events, AIB Bank, South Street, New Ross BIC: AIBKIE2, IBAN: IE07 AIBK 9334 3010 9109 35
Visit www.irishamericaday.com or follow Irish America Day on Facebook for updates.