Wicklow gets ready for Regatta Festival
THE summer of fun continues in Wicklow town as it gears up to host the 140th Wicklow Regatta Festival at the end of the month.
Renowned as the oldest festival in Ireland, the Regatta Festival will feature many old favourites, such as the Regatta Queen Ball, singing pubs, golly fishing, Wicklow’s Got Talent and raft race, as well as a few new ideas to get the whole town buzzing.
Chairman of the Wicklow Regatta John Goodman is looking forward to a busy programme.
‘ The Regatta Queen Ball takes place on July 27 and all the proceeds form the night will go to Tiglin rehabilitation centre in Ashford. From then on, each major event will feature a charity of choice who will be invited to come along and carry out collections at the golly fishing or the raft race, depending in the event,’ he said.
‘We have a lot of local clubs taking part in a number of try-out events, including the sailing club, Inbhear Dee Athletics Club and the gymnastics club. The rowing race run by Wicklow Rowing Club is always a big part of the Regatta and this year we are glad to say there will be more water-based activities taking place around the harbour, which is what the Regatta was all about when it was initially established’.
The ever-popular singing pubs competition starts on July 20 in The Arches of Rathnew. There will also be a mindfulness afternoon during the Regatta with outdoors yoga and reiki taking place in the Abbey Grounds, while Harry Parkinson will present Sound-Healing Therapy in the Church of Ireland.
The Wicklow Regatta is mentioned in James Joyce’s Ulysses and a special oneman show will walk audience members through the novel and explain some of its humour. Newcastle Airfield has arranged for a fly-over to take place during the Regatta while flying lessons will be one of the great raffle prizes up for grabs.
The Secret Garden Music Festival will take place in the Abbey Grounds from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday, August 5, and will feature performances from Birds of Olympus, Mongrel State, Cat Dowling, Conor O’Donnell, Daniel John Paxton, DJs and some special guests. Early bird tickets for this event are available at €10. A standard ticket costs €15 and children under 12 get free admission.