The 2017 Castlerea Rose Festival 2017, which runs from Wednesday, 2nd of August to Sunday, 6th of August, promises a wonderful feast of entertainment for the whole family!
Amongst the highlights will be the Grand Opening Parade, a performance by Declan Nerney, the big Rose Selection Night – and of course the now famous pig racing which, as Cllr. Paschal Fitzmaurice noted at Monday’s Council meeting, became a Youtube sensation last year!
Here’s the Roscommon People guide to highlights of Festival 2017…
Wednesday, 2nd of August
8 pm: Grand Opening Parade with Buzz Lightyear, Bart Simpson, Shrek, Kermit, Thomas The Tank, Spiderman, Superman, T-Rex, Nemo, Dory and Elephant along with the Castlerea Brass & Reed Band – and Samba Bands.
A world of colour and theatre will parade through the streets in a carnival atmosphere to officially launch the festival.
The official opening of the 2017 Castlerea Rose Festival will be performed by C.C.S., triple All-Ireland Basketball champions 2017. Team captains Lisa O’Rourke, Holly Hopkins & Megan Keaveney and their coach Joe Henry will perform the official opening.
9.30 pm: Free open-air music with the Declan Nerney Band.
Thursday, 3rd of August
3 pm: Children’s Window Treasure Hunt starting at Tom Flynn’s Shop. Join in the fun with the annual Window Treasure Hunt. Whoever gathers all the clues the quickest wins!
6.30 pm: Goat Skin Hero’s Bodhran Club in association with Brothers of Charity at McGourty’s Bar.
7 pm: Gaelic For Mothers. Intercounty Blitz in O’Rourke Park Castlerea. Please support, spectators welcome.
7-9 pm: Historical Photo Exhibition in Trinity Arts Centre. On display will be old photographs from Castlerea area with a Wine & Cheese Reception.
9 pm: Open-air Concert (Fairgreen) with FireWorks display. Music by: Michael English Band.
Friday, 4th of August
All day: Golf Classic, Castlerea Golf Club. For more information, contact 087-127 8066. Teams of 4 (any combination).
Children’s Story Time with ‘Balloons & Bubbles’. at Castlerea Community Playgroup (Patrick St.). Admission: €2. Join our Rose Fairy Sarah as she opens the magical world of Fairyland where the Pirates, Mermaid and Fairies live. This involves music, singing and actions. The children help with finger puppets and sound effects. Every step of the way is an interactive experience involving lots of fun. There will be three shows throughout the day – 1-2 pm, 2.30-3.30 pm, 4 pm-5 pm.
8 pm: Live Pig Racing (Patrick St.). BBQ, Food Stalls, Street Entertainers, Face-painting and Amusements. Great fun for all the family.
8.30 pm: Festival Bingo the O’Rourke Centre. Guaranteed Minimum Payout of €1515. Minimum Jackpot: €1000. Minimum Lotto: €200. Bonus: €50.
9.30 pm: Live Music Sessions with The Blaggards.
Saturday, 5th of August
9.30 am: Castlerea Festival Parkrun. Free 5k Run/Walk. Come join our Roses at the weekly Castlerea Parkrun. For more information, check out our Facebook page www.facebook.com/Castlereaparkrun
10-4 pm: RSA Shuttle & Simulator (Fair Green). Free event with the RSA Interactive Shuttle and the 180 degrees Car Crash Simulator.
All day: Golf Classic – Castlerea Golf Club.
11 am: Children’s Free Funzone at The Hub, Colouring Competition (all ages – pen and paper provided); Cupcake decorating, (after the huge success of this event last year we knew we had to bring it back for 2017. Your little budding baker can create and design their own cupcake with sprinkles, sweeties, chocolate, marshmallows and sparkles. Suitable for all ages); Teddy Bears Picnic, (bring your picnic and favourite teddy or doll and join in the fun & storytelling).
3-5 pm: Funky Kiddies’ Disco with DJ M.K. (The Hub). Fee: €5 per child. Family tickets available. This is the best Funky Disco Party ever with loads of disco games, glowsticks and giveaways. Suitable for all ages. Parental supervision is required at all times. All proceeds to the Aisling Duggan Memorial Fund.
6.30 pm: Launch of ‘Castlerea.ie TOWN APP’. Castlerea Town Team is delighted to officially launch the Castlerea Town App with app designer Boon Agency. ‘Your personal town guide in the palm of your hand’. Cheese & Sparkling Wine Reception. All welcome (Castlerea Library).
9.30 pm: Live Concert at SuperValu Carpark (direct from Glastonbury) – Rackhouse Pilfer.
Sunday, 6th of August
All day: Golf Classic at Castlerea Golf Club. For more information, contact 087-1278066. Teams of 4 (any combination).
11 am: Fun Swimming Gala at Castlerea Swimming Pool, The Demesne.
As well as the usual swimming events there will be a Penny Dive, Belly Flop and other fun events. Open to all ages. Best overall swimmer receives the Dyar Cup.
12 pm: Craft Fair & Food Stalls. Food Stalls, Craft Fair, BBQ, music. All welcome.
2 pm: Family Fun Day at The Hub: Bouncy Castles, Obstacle Course, BBQ, Facepainting, Welly Throwing & Penalty Shoot-out.
2.30 pm: Official Opening of An Chistin by Martin Lydon, Director of Services and Enterprise, Roscommon County Council.
9 pm: Rose of Castlerea Selection Night at Trinity Arts Centre. Come along for a great night’s entertainment to see who will take the title of the 2017 Rose of Castlerea. Compére on the night is Paul Claffey of MWR. Admission: Adults €10, Children €5. See www.castlerearosefestival.com
Everyone is invited to the Rose Afterparty in Mulvihill’s Lounge.
To find out more, go to www.castlerearosefestival.com
