After a hugely successful revival last year, the popular Queen of the Lakes festival is set to have Ballinrobe rocking from July 19 to 26 – starting on Connacht final evening and climaxing a week later with the popular Queen of the Lakes selection pageant in the town.
Generous sponsorship from Tesco and Fáilte Ireland have made it possible for the festival to become even bigger and better than last year’s event, and an active local committee has been working tirelessly on the project in recent months.
“Last year, our festival ran for three days, and it was a great success. Now we are expanding it to a full week, and we are looking forward to a great week in Ballinrobe,” said Deirdre Biggins, chairperson of the organising committee.
An action-packed weekend is promised in Ballinrobe with A Step Back in Time – Country Market and Heritage Day, street-painting, face-painting, soccer matches, and Ballinrobe Races.
There will be music and entertainment in local pubs every night of the week.
The Queen chosen on Sunday night, July 26, will preside over social and community events in the region for the next 12 months.
The tradition started over 20 years ago when the Queen of the Mask contest was held, and in the past 10 years it was re-named the Queen of the Lakes. The selection contest has always attracted huge crowds.
The reigning queen, Aoife Kelly, will be on hand to place the tiara on the crown of the new queen. Twelve contestants will take part from all around the Lake District. “I have had a great year as Queen of the Lakes, and I wish this year’s contestants the very best,” said Aoife, who launched the 2009 festival last week.
The winner will receive a cash prize of €500, a piece of Tipperary Crystal sponsored by Walkin’s Gift Shop, and will also go forward to next year’s Rose of Mayo contest. The winner in the Rose of Mayo takes part in the Rose of Tralee.
