This year Wicklow Regatta celebrates their 139th year which makes the Wicklow Regatta Festival, probably, the oldest in Ireland and is even mentioned in Ulysses
THE Singing pubs begins on July 21 but most of the events will be in the week leading up to the bank holiday weekend on Monday August 7. It will follow the same successful format as previous years in providing free entertainment for all of our community. Events such as the Wicklow’s Got Talent, Golly Fishing, Pet Show, Fancy dress, Raft Race, Historical Walks, Singing Pubs competition and much more are all planned. The Young at Heart Dance will take place in the Grand Hotel on August 2. This year’s fireworks display will take place on Sunday, August 6 on the Black Castle and Monday will see the Wicklow Rowing Club Regatta. Speaking to the Wicklow People, John Goodman, Chairperson of the Wicklow Regatta Committee said: ‘ There was a real risk of no festival this year with all bar one of the committee resigning, a lot due to new babies, but a new committee came forward at the 11th hour and have ensured that the festival will go ahead this year. The response from the town, both businesses and individuals, has been great and we’re just hoping that the sun shines”.
Music will feature as always with The Maguire Family playing at the trad night in the Market Square on Friday, live outdoor music on Saturday, the Family Hoedown on Sunday and a very special performance by The Birds of Olympus in Wicklow (Col) Parish Church. The Regatta Queen Ball will be held in The Grand Hotel on Friday, July 28 at 7.30 p.m. This is a black tie event being held in association with the Wicklow Hospice Foundation as joint beneficiaries. So a very worthwhile night of dinner, dancing and entertainment with judges Sharon Hennessy, co-owner of the Miss Ireland franchise and former Mr. Ireland Karl Bowe. Great prizes are on offer for the new queen including cash, beauty products, gym membership and more. Please get your glad rags on and come and support this year’s contestants and a good cause at the same time. Last year’s Regatta Queen Chloe Shannon stated: ‘From start to finish, being the Regatta Queen was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I spent the whole time smiling and. It brought me so much joy. I would encourage the community to come out and enjoy the events as it is an amazing festival.’
The official launch of the programme took place in Wicklow’s Historic Gaol on Sunday, and programmes are now available in Malones Book Shop, Earls News Agents, Cora’s Mini Mart, Flannery’s Wicklow Town and in XLRathnew.
This year each programme will be numbered and by purchasing it you will be entered into a raffle with prizes including two premium tickets for the Rep. of Ireland v Serbia World Cup Qualifier in September.