SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY AT WICKLOW REGATTA
THE WICKLOW Regatta Festival is already well under way, and will culminate in a weekend full of fun this August bank holiday.
Wicklow Regatta Festival has been running since 1878 and is believed to be the oldest festival in Ireland. Organisers have put a lot of effort into making sure it is also one of the best.
The festival programme was launched at Wicklow Sailing Club last week, giving a full break-down of all the events.
‘It’s a jam-packed programme with something for everyone but the old favourites like golly fishing are still front and centre,’ said Wicklow Regatta Chairman John Goodman. ‘ This year, to highlight this tradition, which is unique to the regatta, we want to introduce ‘Nipper the Golly’ as a new mascot for the festival.’
Among the events lined up this week is Wicklow’s Got Talent, while Walking Through Ulysses will take place at Wicklow Sailing Club. There will also be an afternoon of mindfulness activities, golly fishing at Parnell Bridge and The Maguires performing live in Market Square. A family day at the Abbey Grounds will feature music from the Dublin Ukulele Collective, games, a dog show, fancy dress and much more. A comedy night will take place in The Forge.
The Wicklow Male Voice Choir will perform in St Patrick’s Church, there will be a gymnastics display at the Murrough, the Singing Pubs still have a few bars to play and the ever-popular raft race is sure to draw a crowd.
‘ This is the 140th year of the festival and we hope that it will be one of the most memorable,’ said Mr Goodman. ‘We are delighted to have so many of our sporting clubs participate by inviting people to try out their sport.
‘I hope as many people as possible will get involved and enjoy the experience. We’re continuing this community involvement by inviting several local charities to use events during the festival as a vehicle to raise awareness and funds.
Programmes are on sale for €4.50 and are available from Cora’s, Earl’s, Flannery’s and Malones newsagents in Wicklow town.
Each programme has number on the bottom of the front page which can be entered into a raffle with some great prizes, including flying lessons from Newcastle Airfield and the opportunity for children (aged six to 12) to set off the fireworks which end the festival on Sunday, August 5.