MARITIME EXCITEMENT
EXCITEMENT is mounting ahead of this weekend’s Arklow Maritime Festival which is always a highlight in the town’s summer diary.
Taking place from Friday, August 3, through to Sunday, August 5, the event is a major annual fundraiser for Arklow RNLI and is packed full of un activities.
In a change to previous years, the quayside events will take place on Sunday only, rather than over two days. This is due to an unfortunate lack of manpower to volunteer at the event, but it is hoped that the festival will go off without a hitch nonetheless.
On Friday, August 3, the Arklow Credit Union Maritime Queen Selection night will take place at Arklow Sailing Club from 8 p.m.
Prior to the event, the contestants will gather for a reception at Arklow Lifeboat Station where they, along with their escorts, will be collected by vintage car and travel in style to the sailing club.
Once the Maritime Queen is crowned, she will have the honour of attending the many festival events taking place over the weekend.
On Saturday, August 4, Lifeboat Bingo takes place at Árus Lorcáin at 8.30 p.m. A festival favourite, the bingo always draws a great crowd and is a night of guaranteed fun and entertainment.
Sunday is set to be a highlight with events kicking off at midday with an appearance by Arklow Pipe Band.
At 1.30 p.m. the Blessing of the Fleet takes place and the Lifeboat Dog Show will run at 3 p.m.
All-day fun on the quay will include a Falconry Ireland birds of prey demonstration, Viking long boat trips, Disney characters, South East Archers demonstrations, football darts and climbing wall as well as the Vintage Tub Boat Brocklebank Museum, Inbhear Mór Performance Ensemble, model boats, music stage, ukelele players, bouncy castle, trampoline, face painting, wheel of fortune and baking competition.
There will be high drama at 2 p.m. when the Viking attack gets under way.
The dramatisation of a real Viking attack and Longboat approach to the town has been a firm favourite in recent years and is not to be missed.
For full festival information visit www. arklowmaritimefestival.com.