Sixth Annual Ardmore Pattern Festival Programme launched

Wednesday, 18th July 2012

Free Programme of Traditional Seaside Fun

Sandcastles, Beach-art, Aerobatic displays, zorbing, raft-racing, fireworks and music with well-known artists such as Aslan, De Danann and the Kilfenora Céilí Band, will all be on offer in the sunny seaside resort of Ardmore, Co. Waterford as the sixth annual Ardmore Pattern Festival programme details have been launched.

This year's annual festival takes place from July 22 to 29. The popular, traditional festival focuses on offering free events to all the family for a weekend of time-honoured fun and games in the village of Ardmore in county Waterford.

Commenting at the programme launch today, festival Chairperson, John Supple said, "A Pattern Festival honours the traditions of our Irish culture and this years Ardmore Pattern Festival programme does just that and more. We have aimed to re-awaken ancient Irish cultural traditions by hosting events such as a Ceili, Road bowling and a showcase of old engines, however the festival programme also features exciting events such as Zorbing, Thundercat Powerboats and an exotic animal show. Almost all of the events are free of charge."

The festival commences on Sunday, July 22 an Antiques Fair. Monday, July 23 sees 'Sisters' an internationally acclaimed play by Declan Hassett feature at St. Declan's Hall; on Tuesday, on July 24 a guided walk will be taken along St. Declan's Way followed by a Pageant of St Declan's arrival in Ardmore and a festival song contest. Wednesday, July 25 sees an 8.30pm audience for music-lovers with Frankie Gavin and De Danann live in concert. Thursday, July 26 sees celebrity Chef Kevin Dundon prepare a sumptuous 'Supper by the Sea'.

The weekend's activities commence on Friday evening with a Street Entertainment Bonanza featuring live Aerobatic displays; music from the Counterfeit Blues Brothers and a spectacular Festival Firework Display will light up the night's sky over Ardmore at 10.45pm.

An action packed programme of activity for Saturday commences with Bird watching awakening at 8am with expert Sean Hogan. Traditional Road bowling commences at 10am followed by Pottery demonstrations; Zorbing and a 'Star-Dome' Planetarium will be open offering a chance for visitors to explore the Solar System.

Radio veteran Joe Duffy will host an audience over lunchtime and Painting demonstrations, drawing workshops and an Exotic Animal display all feature across the afternoons programme.

Aslan will get the village rocking, as they will take to the festivals main stage on Saturday evening.

Sunday morning sees Agri-aware showcase their mobile farm from 11am alongside a traditional farmers market. A fun dog show, a display of American Classic Cars and Thundercat Power boating all feature on the beachfront. Beach Mosaics is on offer for all landlubbers and a raft-race takes place across the bay for the water babies the festival will come to a close with a 'Céilí Mór' with the world famous Kilfenora Céilí Band.