Mayo's new 1798 festival set to be officially launched
Preparations are well advanced for the Castlebar 1798 Festival taking place from August 25 to 27.
The event will be officially launched at the TF Royal Hotel tomorrow (Thursday) at 6.30 p.m.
The three-day event will feature historical exhibitions, walking tours and parade, family fun on the mall, live music around the town and more, celebrating the history of Castlebar and its significance at the heart of the 1798 rebellion.
Two wreath-laying ceremonies will serve as a poignant reminder to the Battle of Castlebar and the people who perished during the intense fighting that took place on that fateful day in August 1798.
The schedule below features an event for everyone.
Day 1, August 25
7 p.m.: Parade with Town Band/Defence Forces and the March of the Pikemen with locals dressed as traditional pikemen and given pikes with some French re-enactors.
7:30 p.m.: The raising of the Tricolour at John Moore’s grave and official launch of the festival at the Mall.
8 p.m.: Talk and exhibition in Christ Church - The 1798 Mayo Letters of Jane Fraser.
Evening entertainment: The Humbert banquet and live music and events in the local pubs.
Day 2, August 26
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.: A range of daytime events are taking place throughout the day, including:
1798 historical walking tours with local guides on the hour.
Fun day at the Mall with living history, a pet farm, face painting, food fair, an outdoor concert and a mock court case.
Exhibitions and talks in the Mall, in Christ Church and in the library.
8 p.m.: Daniel O’Donnell plays the TF Royal Theatre, plus live music and events in the local pubs.
Day 3, August 27
11 a.m.: Wreath-laying ceremony (part 1) by French and Irish delegation at Frenchhill.
12.30 p.m. Wreath-laying (part 2) by government delegate at the grave of John Moore with Irish Defence Forces colour party.
2 to 7.30 p.m.: Outdoor concert on the Mall featuring the best of Irish acts.
8 p.m.: The Tumbling Paddies perform at the TF Royal Theatre, plus live music and events in the local pubs.
Closing ceremony: A massive fireworks display will be launching from the barracks in Castlebar to end the festival.