Ballygar is preparing to welcome visitors from near and far as the 82nd Annual Ballygar Carnival gets underway on Thursday, July 30th – promising six days of entertainment, music, sport and community celebration!
Running until Tuesday, August 4th, this year’s carnival programme features a packed schedule of events catering for all ages, with organisers combining much-loved annual favourites with a number of exciting new additions.
The official opening will take place on Thursday, alongside a talk from local historian Michael Martin on the famous Malahide Murders. This free event will begin at 8 pm, and later that evening, local favourites Big Ideas will officially launch the carnival’s live music programme.
A number of new events have been added to this year’s line-up, including an appearance by former World Darts Champion Rob Cross, an all-inclusive music session with Lewd Tunes for adults with additional needs, and the magical Slí na Sídhe Fairy Trail in Aghrane Forest.
In terms of traditional favourites, music remains at the heart of Ballygar Carnival, with an impressive line-up performing throughout the weekend and into the following week. Mike Denver returns for what promises to be another memorable night in the Mattie McDonagh Centre, while audiences can also look forward to performances from Rise the Dust, Half Landing, Switch, Mad for Ceol, and All Folk’d Up. One of the biggest nights of the festival will see Europe’s leading Queen tribute act, Qween, bring the celebrations to a close on Sunday night.
Family entertainment also once again plays a central role in the carnival. The annual Children’s Fancy Dress takes place in the Mattie McDonagh Centre from 2.30 pm (registration required), followed by the exuberant Drumadore! This event will give children of all ages the opportunity to take part in an exciting drumming workshop.
Among the many attractions sure to interest younger attendees – and older ones too – will be Murray’s Amusements. Murray’s will be on the square every night from 7.30 pm, and on Sunday and Monday from 2 pm. Ballygar Carnival has a long-standing relationship with Murray’s and organisers are delighted to have them to celebrate again with again this year.
The programme also celebrates Ballygar’s rich history and community spirit, with heritage talks, storytelling, guided walks through Aghrane Forest, local art exhibitions, blacksmith demonstrations, basket-weaving, and sporting competitions all returning as part of this year’s festivities.
Monday’s traditional Market Fair Day remains one of the highlights of the carnival calendar, with dozens of craft and food stalls expected to line the town, alongside the annual busking competition and live entertainment throughout the day.
The carnival will conclude on Tuesday evening with the ever-popular Monster Bingo. With a jackpot of €3,000 and up to €7,000 in prizes all night, it promises to be a great event for all!
The carnival committee greatly look forward to welcoming all to Ballygar for this special annual event. As everyone gathers to celebrate the 82nd carnival, it is natural to reminisce about carnivals of old – childhood memories, and of course, the characters of the event who have gone before us. All is set for this year to be another memorable event, where new memories and friendships are made.
For the full programme of events, ticket information and the latest updates, visit ballygar.ie/ballygarcarnival, follow the Ballygar Carnival Facebook and Instagram pages, or pick up a carnival brochure from local businesses.
