Fantastic programme of events for 10th Foxford Riverfest
Enjoying last year's Foxford Riverfest were Jodie and Rhiannah McGlynn, Marianne and Ida Hennigan, Anna Clarke, Sheena Staunton and Ronan Hughes. Picture: John O'Grady
There is a packed schedule for this year’s Foxford RiverFest with events ranging from the musical to the creative and there is truly something for all ages and all the family.
Taking place from Friday to Sunday next, August 23 to 25, Foxford is going to be the place to be for this unforgettable weekend.
This year, Foxford RiverFest celebrates its 10th anniversary and preparations are well underway to make sure that this is the most memorable festival yet.
The Foxford Brass and Reed Band kick things off on Friday with a performance starting at 8.30pm before Gus O’Hara gives the festival welcome address at 9.15pm. There will be a clerical blessing before performances by the Bella Capella Choir and Candles to the Sea, starting at 9.45pm.
Saturday promises to be a special day at the RiverFest. From 12 noon to 5pm, there will be craft and food stalls, children’s activities, a Vintage Tea Party in Cruisers, fishing activities and guided tours taking place.
There will be plenty of music throughout the day, starting at 12 noon with the Foxford Brass and Reed Band. Henry McHenry’s three-piece band takes the stage at 1pm while singer Billie Forde is next at 2pm and is followed by Judy Langan at 3pm.
Local singer/songwriter Cathal Connolly is on stage at 4.15pm while Glór na Sí will be playing trad music from 5.15pm. Musical duo Picasso Nudes are playing at 6.15pm and they are followed by a young five-piece rock band Wonder Kids at 7pm. Another local five-piece rock band, Muddy Hawks, are up on stage at 8pm. The final band of the day, High Tides, kick off at 9.50pm.
A lot of preparation has gone into one of Saturday's highlights, the Lantern Parade. Workshops have been taking place in Foxford for the last few days to create the lanterns for this special event, which will see crowds carrying lanterns through the streets of the town, led by a band of drummers. It promises to create a unique and memorable atmosphere.
There will be softball activities and other games taking place at 1pm on Sunday before an end-of-festival party later that evening, which will also mark RiverFest’s 10th anniversary. The party gets underway at 10pm and tickets are on sale now. The Unusual Ramblers will headline the party featuring well-known local musicians such as Stephen Doherty and Dave Doocey, as well as a few special guests.
It is a party not to be missed with finger food, a coffee pod and a raffle.
Visit the Foxford RiverFest Facebook page for more information on these events and for the link to buy tickets to the end-of-festival party.
