The five-day Westport Street festival kicked off in style on Wednesday night when thousands of revellers who converged around the state-of-the-art stage located next to the Carrowbeg River at the Fairgreen were treated to a rousing performance by Sharon Shannon and Mundy.
According to festival co-ordinator Dick Bourke the first night of the festival was a huge success as “with the weather staying dry it was the biggest crowd we ever had”. Mr Bourke thanked the gardaí and stewards for their hard work on the night and also for the way in which those who attended conducted themselves.
According to a Garda spokesperson there were three public order arrests on opening night and the large Garda presence which was evident in the town would continue over the coming days.
Cathaoirleach of the town, Councillor Martin Keane, who launched the festivities, acknowledged the foresight of Dick Bourke in seeing a need for such a festival in the town and credited its success to its backing by Westport Town Council, local communities, businesses, volunteers, the Chamber of Commerce and the Tidy Towns Committee.
Cllr Keane noted that with an expected 100,000 visitors flocking to the town it was good to see businesses and accommodation “choc-a-bloc” and he said that he would give a “warm Westport welcome” to those who were visiting the town.
He said that he was looking forward to Heritage Day on Sunday and the Battle of the Bands competition which “showcases the talents of the youth in the town”.
