Get ready to experience Mayo’s largest Gathering celebration, In Humbert’s Footsteps, which is set to take place in Kilcummin, Killala, Lahardane and Castlebar from Thursday 15 to Sunday 18 August 2013. With participants coming from France, England, Northern and southern Ireland and further afield, the historical re-enactment of the 1798 invasion of Ireland by French forces under the command of General Humbert promises a host of events for all the family, locals and visitors alike; with many of the events free of charge. Appealing to a general audience, over 10,000 visitors are expected in Mayo for these avant-garde festivities.
Organisers of the Races of Castlebar, a spectacular re-enactment of the famous battle through the streets of Castlebar, are still enlisting volunteer pikemen. Up to 200 volunteers are needed providing a fantastic opportunity to be part of this historical occasion. An appeal has been sent out to local community groups, youth organisations or individuals to participate in this highly anticipated ‘battle’. Pikes will be provided. Contact Ger Deere on 087 7724419 to get involved.
Highlights of the In Humbert’s Footsteps Festival include Campement du Général Humbert - General Humbert’s Camp in both Killala and Castlebar, where the visitor will get the opportunity to travel back in time and experience what daily life was really like for a soldier of General Humbert’s Army in 1798 - complete with tents, muskets, swords, cannon and more - a must for all the family.
Make sure to be in Kilcummin with the Irish Navy and Coast Guard for a spectacular re-enactment of Humbert’s landing. Get ready for military mayhem on the streets of Killala with ‘La Prise de Killala’ – another spectacular re-enactment of the 1798 events complete with scores of heavily armed redcoats, blue-clad French soldiers, ferocious pikemen and women, as they battle their way through the smoke of booming cannon, the crack of muskets, the clash of pike and sword, all amid the echo of bugles and drums. Then join in the excitement at Castlebar, and witness the famous Races of Castlebar battle being re-enacted - a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience history being expertly recreated and dramatically brought to life on the streets of Castlebar, just as it happened in 1798.
Will you follow In Humbert’s Footsteps and be part of the living history In Humbert’s Footsteps Festival from August 15 to 18? For further details on the festivities celebrating In Humbert’s Footsteps connect on Facebook.com/InHumbertsFootsteps or Visit www.humbertsfootsteps.com
