(1888PressRelease)
April 28, 2009 - The village of Adare in County Limerick has shown that life after the Irish Open Championship will continue as normal by announcing details of the third annual Adare Village Festival.
Event organisers estimate that up to 10,000 people will visit the heritage town during the three-day festival, which take place from 15-17 May 2009.
The festival of culture and heritage was first held in 2007 to coincide with the Irish Open being hosted at Adare Manor. The relocating of the international golf tournament had led to fears that the festival would be discontinued. However, organisers today announced a comprehensive three-day programme of events that will include live music, theatre, food and craft markets, and art and heritage exhibitions.
According to Festival co-ordinator and Chairperson of the Adare Business Association, David Fitzgerald, “We are delighted to announce the continuation of the Adare Village Festival, which promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Adare like every town and village throughout Ireland has felt the effects of the recession and this relaxing and family-friendly festival will no doubt provide a welcome boost to the local tourism and business sectors.”
He added, “We are keen to give members of the local community and visitors to County Limerick an eclectic mix that will not be found at any other village festival and that reflects Adare’s rich culture and heritage. The involvement of so many musicians, artists, literary figures and members of the local community will no doubt contribute greatly to the diverse programme of events.”
Mr. Fitzgerald paid tribute to the festival’s many supporters who he said had helped grow the event from humble beginnings to an event of local, national and international significance.
Musical events will include a night dedicated to Irish Traditional Music at the Heritage Centre, an open air concert in the Village Green, Afro-Caribbean Roots music from the Fo Bori drummers, a performance by the award winning Newcastle West & District Pipe Band in a specially erected gazebo, a selection of street entertainment and other nightly gigs and sessions in venues around Adare.
Other attractions include a local Irish Food and Craft Showcase, duck race on the River Maigue, painting exhibition, family street theatre, storytelling, guided tours of Adare’s many heritage attractions, and an Art Jamboree offering young and old alike a cultural mix of art, dance, mime, improvisation, team building and music.
The Festival Programme also includes the first annual Vintage Rally at Adare’s Old Creamery featuring Vintage Tractors, Farm Machinery, Stationery Engines and Memorabilia. All proceeds will go to Limerick Cystic Fibrosis. Meanwhile, an old-style courtesy train will also operate around the village.
The Adare Village Festival 2009 is organised by the Adare Festival Committee, comprising local business and community representatives. The annual event is sponsored by Allied Irish Bank (AIB), Shannon Development, Limerick County Council, Fáilte Ireland and the Association of Irish Festival Events (AOIFE).
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