The official programme of events for the 50th Dunmore Annual Festival was launched on Thursday, July 25 in Byrnes Bar, Dunmore. The festival will run from August 2 - 11.
For its 50th festival, the committee has not only brought back the festival marquee, but has a fantastic programme of over 100 events catering for people of all ages and abilities.
Speaking at the event, Dunmore Annual Festival Committee Chairperson Roslyn Martyn said:
“We have a fantastic community here in Dunmore, which comes out every year to support the festival. There are not many communities that can boast 50 years of the same festival. It is something that we here in Dunmore, and of course the diaspora that come home for the 10 days, should be very proud of.
"We must thank the very first committee for having the vision to start a festival here in Dunmore, and congratulate the many committees who have kept it going throughout the years - not an easy task at times.
“It was our aim to ensure that we included something for everyone in our programme of events. People will see that the marquee tent has risen into the Dunmore skyline this week. The Marquee will be hosting a wide range of evening events: first off a Dinner Dance with Declan Nerney and his band, Rave Bingo, The Dirty Circus is then rolling into town, Smash Hits will blast out the 80's and 90’s classics, people can then don their stetsons and spurs or ride a rodeo bull at our Country Night with Stuart Moyles, and we find out what goes on inside the mind of your average shaft at our Community Feud Live Quiz Show.
"These are just the night time events, during the day the festival marquee will be a hive of activity too. It will host video and photo exhibitions, a magic circus show, an international afternoon tea, and A Fit for The Ceili House Afternoon, as well as Tracy Bruen and her band at our Dunmore Musical Afternoon."
The fun doesn’t stop there. Ms Martyn added, “The official opening, on the night of Friday, August 2 will kick off with a captivating and high octane Motorbike Stunt Show with Evan Mullarkey. The Bash Brother Drummers will bring a beat to the street and fire performer Strix Nebulosa will wow crowds with her amazing fire show & LED light display.”
On Saturday, August 3, a Mass with the 1641 Dunmore chalice will take place at the ruins of the Augustine Abbey to commemorate the Mass held there during the first festival in 1975.
On bank holiday Monday, August 5, the annual Garrafrauns to Dunmore 6km road race will take place, as well as the Annual Family Sports Day. The Medieval Knights from the 1316 Fight Club will also bring to life the Battle of Dunmore in a defined medieval combat display. (Register for the 6km road race on https://raceregistered.com/garrafrauns-to-dunmore-6k-road-race/ )
Ms Martyn remarked, “On Market Day, August 8, as well as our Traditional Market Day in the Square, we have sheepdog and vintage threshing demonstrations - while having the marquee allows us to host an indoor market also.
“We are delighted to include the Sensory Bus for neurodivergent children and adults again this year, as it is important for us to ensure everyone has a fun space to enjoy the 50th festival festivities.”
In keeping with the theme of inclusivity, the festival committee have worked with several organisations in the town. These include Dunmore's GAA, rugby, soccer and golf clubs, along with the town’s Active Retirement, Tuesday Walkers, Community Council and local artist groups - to develop an array of additional activities for all to enjoy over the course of the week.
Chairperson Roslyn Martyn ended the evening by saying, "The Dunmore Annual Festival Committee wishes to thank our festival partners, St Jarlath’s Credit Union, as well as the many generous sponsors who made this amazing festival programme a reality. The festival would not be possible without the funding, support and continued generosity of each and every one of our amazing sponsors - from Dunmore, the surrounding areas and around the world.
"Their sponsorship not only goes towards the running of events but also contributes to the overall running costs of the festival itself. It allows the committee to host low cost and free events throughout the course of the week. Please look at them on the back of the programme and support them all year round.”
Funds raised as a result of “DA Festival” contribute as always to the supply and maintenance of the defibrillators in the town.
The 50th Dunmore Annual Festival Programme is now online at https://dunmorefestival.ie/festival-programme/ and booklets are available in local shops.
For tickets to the evening Marquee events, including the dinner dance, text Lisa on 0879156064.
For help or information please contact [email protected], https://www.facebook.com/DunmoreAnnualFestival, or https://www.instagram.com/dunmorefest/
