FESTIVAL IS LAUNCHED

THE OLDEST festival in Ireland, the Wicklow Regatta, was officially launched on Sunday evening in the Jailer’s Rest in Wicklow’s Historic Gaol. This year the Regatta celebrates its 138th year. The food at the launch party was kindly sponsored by Eoin Whelan and Blathnaid Doyle of the Jailer’s Rest, while the wine was sponsored by Whistler’s Bar.

The bright and welcoming weather made for the perfect conditions for an open-air barbecue.

The evening also allowed the regatta committee to launch their programme and share details of their plans for this year’s festival.

Speaking at the launch Regatta Chairman Malcolm Earls said, ‘I would like to welcome all our emigrants from Wicklow and the surrounding areas that come home each year for the Regatta.

‘I hope you have a great time. The days of big alcohol companies throwing large amounts of sponsorship money at festivals are long gone.

‘I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local businesses who advertised in the programme or helped us in any way and I would urge you to support them.’

A panel of judges will decide on the Regatta Queen 2016 at the Grand Hotel where the Regatta Queen Ball will take place on Sunday, July 24, at 9 p.m..

Erica Copeland, Regatta Queen 2015, was present at Wicklow Gaol and wished her successor well, whoever she may turn out to be.

‘My week of being Regatta Queen was spectacular, although I wish it had lasted more than a week. It was so amazing to see the whole community come together as one for a week of banter and fun.’

The Regatta runs from Wednesday, July 27, to Sunday, July 31, and will include events such as Regatta’s Got Talent, golly fishing, pet show, fancy dress competition, raft race, singing pubs competition and the barperson’s race.