Kilkenny hits the big 400 this weekend as it marks four centuries of city status. Tomorrow Saturday, April 11 was the day four hundred years ago when James I, granted Kilkenny a charter conferring on it the status of a city, with the title of Mayor for its chief citizen.
To mark this momentous occasion, Kilkenny Borough Council has arranged a number of free events available to its citizens and visitors this weekend.The theme for the festivities is ‘Fever 400’ and this title will aptly describe the mood of energy and celebration throughout the city. The first event kicks off at 11am with the Kilkenny Gospel Choir, singing on the steps of the Tholsel - something to inspire us for the remainder of the day.
A parade will commence at noon with groups of roaming street theatre and performers from Arcana and Bui Bolg. A total of 22 acts will move throughout the city’s medieval streets and laneways and will perform until around 6pm.
That evening at 6.30 pm the Mayor of the City Pat Crotty will remove the City Charter of 1609 from the Tholsel, (home of Kilkenny Borough Council- City Hall ) and will walk with City Council members, Councillors Paul Cuddihy, Maire Fitzpatrick, John Coonan and Malcolm Noonan, led by an army guard of honour ( who will carry the Charter ) to Kilkenny Castle, to place the original Charter of 1609 in the castle for public viewing.
Later that night from 8pm to 9pm there will be further family entertainment with fire performers, drummers, musicians and dancers at the Canal Square- the roads will be closed off for safety and viewing at these events.
In addition to the extravaganza on Easter Saturday, the fun continues on Easter Sunday and Monday with a family treasure hunt on Sunday from 12.30 to 4pm, face painting and balloon making, horse and carriage rides, both from noon to 4pm and visits to the reptile village at the Parade Tower from 11am to 4pm. A pipe band will perform from 3pm to 4pm on Sunday with a mini pipe band competition taking place on Monday from 11am to 4pm.
The following public buildings are open and admission to the public is free of charge, however normal opening hours do apply:
Kilkenny Castle, Butler Gallery, Kilkenny Design Castle Yard, Butler House and Gardens, City Hall, Rothe House and Gardens, St Canice’s Cathedral and Tower, Heritage Council Headquarters.
Further details on the weekend’s celebrations are available on the website Kilkenny 400.ie.
