7 Things to do this week...
1 NEW ROSS JULY FOURTH FESTIVAL. This very exciting festival takes place in New Ross from July 1 until July 4. Celebrating the town’s links with America this festival has become one of the highlights of the social calendar for the year and this year’s line up features a range of different music and family events. Festival highlights include a main stage with music from artists such as Paddy Casey, the High Kings, Big Generator, Special Brew, a Daft Punk Tribute band and an Elvis Presley tribute act. There is also the Ross Food and Craft Fest which takes place daily from 10am until 6pm on the Quayside. On Saturday there is the very popular South Street Al Fresco from 12 noon until 5pm featuring Ireland’s travelling marionette string puppet theatre. On Sunday there is a Picnic in the Park from 2pm until 6pm where families can enjoy games and entertainment and of course bring their own picnic. Also on Sunday, a time capsule will be buried to be reopened in 50 years. Other events include a funfair in the town park, a chilli challenge and a pie eating competition.
2 THE ALL IRELAND BMX CHAMPIONSHIPS: Riverchapel BMX Club is all set to host the 2016 All Ireland Championships on Sunday, July 3, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. BMX riders of all ages from all over the country will be competing for All Ireland Championship titles. The club will also hold a strider race for younger biking enthusiasts. Ruth Murphy, club founder and secretary, said the club was overwhelmed and honoured to host such a massive competition. ‘We only opened the track on May 8, when we hosted our Demo Day, and we held Stage Three of the National Series since then. To be given this opportunity by BMX Ireland as well has been a complete shock but it is very welcome.’
3 JIM CARTON MEMORIAL RUN: The third annual Jim Carton Memorial Run takes place in Ballyfad, North Wexford, this Sunday, July 3, at 11 a.m. Registration is open from 10 a.m. at Ballyfad Hall. Participants can opt for a 10K road run, or a 5K walk into Ballyfad Wood. Entry is €10 for adults, while children go free. There are prizes for the first three men and the first three women who finish, and medals for all participants who finish. Proceeds from the day’s event will go to charity. Refreshments will also be served afterwards. Jim was well-known in the local area for his love of fitness and it’s hoped there will be another good turnout in his memory.
4 SLEEPING BEAUTY: Wexford School of Ballet & Performing Arts have now been turning out hundreds of dancers for 50 years. Students have danced professionally all over the world ,become teachers, choreographers, examiners & directors. This was the first Ballet ever performed by the school back 1968 by Ann O’Leary & now some 47 years later Ann’s daughter Suzanne, now at the helm of the school, will produce it once again. Sleeping Beauty is a magical fairy tale & reaches a broad spectrum of audiences. A beautiful nights entertainment for the whole family. Performances July 2 and 3 at the National Opera House Wexford at 8 p.m.
5 WEXFORD YOUTH DINNER: Members of Wexford Youths Women FC will mark the end of the season with a dinner dance on July 1 in the Talbot Hotel. The event, which will serve as a celebration of their Treble winning season, will include a three course meal and plenty of entertainment. Players, supporters and anyone from the local community who is up for a good night is welcome to attend the dinner dance. Tickets cost €20 each and doors will open at 6.45 p.m. on the night.
6 SUMMER DANCE: ‘Traces Dance Ensemble’, the leading contemporary dance company working in the Down Syndrome area, present the Down Syndrome Wexford Summer Dance Experience workshop and production at Wexford Arts Centre. The dance workshop with Deirdre Grant is open to anyone over 5 with Down Syndrome, living in Co Wexford. It runs from Monday, July 4 until Friday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. for children’s group, and 11.45 a.m. to 1 p.m. for teen/adult group. Places are limited. Contact downsyndromewex@hotmail.com or phone 085777167 if interested.
7 PETER PAN AT WELLS HOUSE: The Victorian gardens of Wells House in Ballyedmond, will be the magical venue for an open air theatre production of Peter Pan on Saturday, July 2. The show is presented by Wells House in conjunction with UK touring company Chapterhouse Theatre and by special arrangement with Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity and Samuel French Ltd. J.M. Barrie’s timeless classic is brought to life in a brand new adaptation by Laura Turner with original music and songs and beautifully designed costumes. The audience will encounter enchanting mermaids, magical fairies and the cruelest pirate Captain Hook in this eternal tale about Peter, the boy who wouldn’t grow up, as he befriends Wendy, Michael and John and takes them on an adventure to Neverland. Doors open 5 p.m. and show starts at 6 p.m.Wells, with its garden terraces and woodland walks, is an ideal setting for what promises to be an atmospheric evening. Book online at www. wellshouse.ie or telephone 053 9186737.