The Sligo Champion

‘A festival where friends old and new can meet’

- By JESSICA FARRY

IT’S one of the highlights of the summer season in County Sligo every year, and now in its 33rd year, the Tubbercurr­y Old Fair Day festival keeps on growing.

The festival began last Saturday with the return of the successful Teddy Bear Picnic in the Forest Walk hosted by Lollipop Lane Creche & Montessori. This was followed by a free concert on the square with Declan Nerney & band, supported by UNOWHO.

The family fun day took place on Sunday, while on Monday (yesterday) South Sligo AC hosted a 5k race.

The popular treasure hunt takes place today (Tuesday) with the Old Fair Day rounding off a huge five days tomorrow ( Wednesday).

Chairman Sean McDonagh said: This is our showcase where people will get the chance to experience the sights and sounds of fair days gone in our arts, crafts and heritage village, artisan food and bread displays, children’s fun zones and enjoy live demonstrat­ions from glass blowing, pottery, spinning, weaving, basket making to thatching and trashing. We have over 50+ heritage and craft exhibitors and demonstrat­ors.

“Our ever-popular and expanding vintage collection of tractors, cars, and machinery will be a centrepiec­e. You can also visit Bank of Ireland tent who will present a CoderDojo workshop and fun activities. We are delighted to welcome Sligo Volunteer Centre who will host an exhibition, displays from community groups and talks entitled “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.

“There will be over a hundred exhibitors dotted throughout the town and we are delighted to have the hugely popular Lisa McHugh and her band provide live music proceeded by Shane McGowan and friends. Ocean FM will broadcast live from 9 a.m. with the Niall Delaney show.

“A fun filled festival awaits you in Tubbercurr­y during the day and nightly enjoy Murray’s funfair and live music in the local pubs.

“We are proud to present our fair as a festival where old and new friends alike can meet and savour the hospitalit­y our town offers.”

Highlights of this year’s Old Fair Day include: Heritage, arts and crafts village….. over 50+ demonstrat­ions and workshops throughout the day….

Live demonstrat­ions from glass blowing, pottery, spinning, weaving, basket making to thatching and trashing, hurley maker, tinsmith and harp maker which are new for 2018

Vintage displays i.e. bikes, cars and machinery

Pure breed cattle and animals Artisan Foods stands and over 100+ stalls.

 ??  ?? Country music star Derek Ryan performing in front of a huge crowd in 2016.
Country music star Derek Ryan performing in front of a huge crowd in 2016.
 ??  ?? There will be lots of fun at this year’s Old Fair Day.
There will be lots of fun at this year’s Old Fair Day.
 ??  ?? Looking up to a four eyed giant at the Old Fair in Tubbercurr­y last year. Pic: Tom Callanan.
Looking up to a four eyed giant at the Old Fair in Tubbercurr­y last year. Pic: Tom Callanan.
 ??  ?? Tiffany Budd at the 2017 Old Fair Day.
Tiffany Budd at the 2017 Old Fair Day.

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