Ballinrobe gears up for another sell-out festival
The silver screen, international acts and country stars are just some of what you can expect at Ballinrobe Festival 2019.
Building on last year's sell-out success, the town is gearing up to host a jam-packed six-day festival schedule for all the family from July 23 to July 28. Acts include legendary Dublin group, Aslan, country singing sensation, Cliona Hagan, and cult act, The Riptide Movement, who will take the stage at the Credit Union Barn at Abbey Street.
Speaking ahead of the official opening, Festival Chairperson, Monica Horan, expressed her excitement at securing some big name acts again this year and the extension of the festival from three to six days, saying: "Last year was such a success with the community of Ballinrobe and surrounding areas really supporting it that we wanted to really pull out all the stops this year."
She continued: "The festival has something for everyone, we've Cliona for the jivers, some nostalgia with Aslan and a great act that's doing phenomenally well, The Riptide Movement; not to mention a host of other events we've added. All of this would not be possible without our sponsors who we depend on and really appreciate each year."
Among the events added to the list are a cinema day on Wednesday, July 24, where, for one day only, the cinema will once again make a return to the town offering four screenings from morning (suitable for all the family ) to evening and night-time, to include The Jungle Book, ET, The Greatest Showman and A Star is Born.
Making another return to the town is the Race Day Dance after the Ballinrobe Races, where Cliona Hagan will take the stage, supported by Stuart Moyles.
The week will cater for all in the community offering everything from a Teddy Bear's Picnic on Friday to an Afternoon Tea Dance. There's also a host of events for kids, including a Make and Bake and a Slime Lab. Each day throughout the festival there will also be Lunch Time Wellness, thanks to Ballinrobe Physiotherapy Clinic, a biodiversity event and an educational tour of the Harry Clarke windows.
A new introduction this year that is sure to prove a hit will be Thursday night's 'A Celebration of Ballinrobe', showcasing the best of Ballinrobe's award-winning talent, including Ballinrobe Musical Society, Wilde River Drama Group, and Glór na Róba Folk Choir.
It's not just the humans who are being catered for this year either, as on Sunday morning furry friends get in on the action with the festival 'Bark in the Park 5k' followed by a 'Pet NCT'. Later, there will be kids fun with RTÉ Junior's Ciara Murray and John Sharpson, followed by the annual highlight of the festival, the Queen of the Lakes, where MC Alan Murphy will put the ladies through their paces.
The stunning Ballinrobe Library plays host again once more to the much anticipated 'Live at the Library'. Vickers Vimy will headline the intimate acoustic gig, joined by Aoife Wolf, Mark Spellman and Faraway Martin.
To draw the festival to a close with a bang, a fireworks display will take place following the crowning of the 2019 Queen of the Lakes. Tickets are available now from https://ballinrobe.eventbrite.com/ or Martin Murphy's newsagent.
