OLD FAIR DAY LAUNCH
LARGE CROWD TURNS OUT FOR THE LAUNCH OF 2018 OLD FAIR DAY IN TUBBER
IF you ever fancied trying your hand at a pottery wheel or indeed a spot of skate boarding on a ramp, these are just two of the free activities on offer during this year’s Tubbercurry Old Fair Day Festival.
A large crowd gathered for the launch of the 2018 programme, including Sligo Council Chairman Martin Baker and Council CEO Ciaran Hayes. The event took place in the south Sligo town’s newest bar, the OC where Festival Chairman Sean McDonagh outlined what we can expect.
“It will open on Saturday 4 th August and run to the highlight of the festival – the Old Fair Day on Wednesday 8th August. We are delighted to present our 33rd Festival. The voluntary committee has worked tirelessly trying to organise an event that has something for everyone to enjoy.
“Our hard work was recognised, and we were delighted to win the Best Cultural Festival and overall Tourism award in 2017 at the Sligo Champion Business Awards.
“Our festival opens with the popular Teddy Bear Picnic in the Forest Walk hosted by Lollipop Lane Creche on Saturday. This is followed by a free concert on the square with Declan Nerney & band, supported by UNOWHO.”
The country and western star is due on stage at 9pm for what promises to be a great night of entertainment. The queen of country Lisa McHugh is also coming back to Tubbercurry for this year’s festival and will wow crowds on the Fair Day.
Sean continues: “The Family Fun Day with marquees full of free entertainment from face painting, crafts, competitions to pottery work-workshops is back on Sunday 6 th August.”
This year for the first time ever the Festival which costs in the region of €50,000 to stage welcomes Realta Circus performers and World Class BMX bikers Thunder Crews. Both will showcase their talents to visitors as Sean explains:“They will host displays of World class BMX freestyle action during the day. They will also run workshops where you can test your own skills on the Sports Mobile Half Pipe Ramp.”
The highlight of the festival, the Old Fair Day takes place on Wednesday 9 th August when an average of 15,000 people converge on the town for a fun-filled family day out.
Sean says: “Visitors will experience the sights and sounds of fair days gone by in the heritage village. Live demonstrations including glass blowing, pottery, spinning, weaving, basket making and thatching will take place. We have over 50 plus heritage and craft exhibitors and demonstrators. Our ever-popular and expanding vintage collection of tractors, cars, and machinery will be a centrepiece.
“We are delighted to welcome Sligo Volunteer Centre who will host an exhibition, displays from community groups and talks “volunteer voices” in the hall. As always thanks to the local farmers who bring their prize-winning cattle, sheep, pigs and various other animals for our visitors to view.”
DECLAN NERNEY AND BAND WILL ENTERTAIN THE CROWDS AND WE HAVE A BMX DISPLAY TEAMM