The Sailfest Festival and The Taste of Wicklow took place in Wicklow Town over the weekend.
The weekend long Sailfest Festival got off to a great start on Friday with a truly Celtic night held at The Wicklow Sailing Club Marquee. Local traditional music band ‘The Maguire Family’ who recently appeared on the Ray Darcy TV show, entertained a large crowd of visiting tourists and locals with their unique sound and got everybody into the mood for the high profile Celtic Trad band ‘Perfect Friction’ followed by the unique ‘Mic Shy’ who has recently returned from Eichenzell, Germany, one of the towns twinned to Wicklow where he was invited as a special guest.
The opening evening concluded with a unique ceremony, the lowering of the national flags of all the yachts taking part in the race, followed by a really spectacular fireworks display at The Black Castle that illuminated the skies of Wicklow for all to see.
On Saturday the main event was the start of the Volvo Round Ireland Yacht Race with 64 boats taking part. This year, had a really international flavour with crews taking part from Oman, France, the USA, Germany and many other European nations. It made for a spectacular viewing for the many thousands who descended to the key vantage points along the Wicklow coast.
With the boats gone out of sight, there followed a spectacular air display all of which formed part of the family day at the Black Castle with entertainment for all the family. Entertainment included face painting, children’s games, magicians, falconry, circus shows and a host of other activities. On Saturday night, all the restaurants in Wicklow Town were buzzing with visitors and many of the local pubs laid on a special music programme for the thousands of visitors that this festival attracts to Wicklow Town.
The Taste of Wicklow, the biggest food festival on the East Coast which is organised by Wicklow Town & District Chamber of Commerce, returned to the historic Abbey Grounds last Sunday. The weather was in complete contrast to the glorious weather in which the event was held in previous years.
Despite the day long rain, the event attracted 2,500 visitors to see a really star studded programme of celebrity and local chefs. The Taste of Wicklow is to encourage a food and artisan culture and budding chefs from East Glendalough School and Dominican College did themselves proud with their presentations under the direction of festival host Rory Morahan.
All visitors to the beautiful historic Abbey Grounds were entertained by bands sponsored by The Bridge Tavern who provided a first class music experience with music to suit all tastes and age groups. Among the visitors to the festival on the day was Mr. Andrew Doyle, TD, Junior Minister for Food, Horticulture and Forestry. Also visiting was the Kenyan Ambassador, his Excellency, Richard Opembe who is currently working with Wicklow Town & Distrcit Chamber of Commerce to develop a long term commercial strategy with Wicklow.
Over 30 artisan food stalls were selling and displaying their wares with ten craft stalls also participating. The day was packed full of family fun with children’s games, magicians, face painters and walk about entertainers.
