Finally - after months of preparing Luan Fest is here!
The festival kicks off tomorrow, Saturday August 10 and runs until next Sunday August 18.
This new festival hosted by Athlone Town Council in association with the Heritage Boat Association, athlone.ie, community groups, and local businesses, promises an eight day programme packed with activities and events for all ages and interests to enjoy.
One of the highlights of the festival is the arrival of a flotilla of heritage boats to the town from Lough Ree on Sunday August 11.
The national finals of the HSE Community Games takes place on the second weekend of Luan Fest, from Friday August 16 to Sunday August 18 and organisers have ensured that there are lots of family activities happening that weekend.
A free family treasure hunt will take place on Saturday August 17 starting from 12.30pm at Golden Island shopping centre.
Also on Saturday afternoon a fun barrel race will take place on the river Shannon in front of Luan Gallery. Anyone interested in taking part should contact Cllr Kevin “Boxer” Moran on (086 ) 2597744
Don’t miss the free family fun day taking place on Sunday August 18 at Burgess Park from 2-5pm and will include giant slides, bouncing castles, face painting, balloon modelling, Bozo the Clown’s Children’s Magic Show, and family novelty races. Outdoor discovery activities such as tag archery, land zorbing, and water zorbing will also be available (weather permitting ). Tonnta characters and stilt walkers will entertain the crowds along with local youth marching bands.
Over the course of the week activities, entertainment, and heritage and cultural events will take place throughout the town including; a French continental market, model aeroplane and helicopter display, penalty shoot out, exhibitions throughout the town, talks, guided walking tours, angling competitions, a charity dog show, craft-making demonstrations, drama workshops, puppet shows, film, theatre, music, song and dance, a children’s art competition, a photographic competition, and a fire breathing show.
Buskers, DJs, and local bands will perform at various locations and times throughout the week and the Athlone Vintners Association has planned a great line-up of musical entertainment in member pubs and bars throughout the week.
Athlone Castle will offer a 25 per cent discount off admission for the duration of the festival and the Viking Boat will offer a discounted Lough Ree boat-trip from Monday August 12 to Friday August 16 at 5pm.
Full details can be found on the festival website www.athlone.ie/luanfest
