Mayo county town hosting a major cultural and music festival this weekend
Mayo's county town is hosting the 'Races of Castlebar' Festival 2024 over the coming weekend.
Running from Friday to Monday, it promises a feast of entertainment and cultural activity.
The full programme is as follows:
Friday, May 3
5 p.m.: Visit of French delegation to Frenchill to lay wreath and meet locals
6.30 p.m.: March of the Pike Men – (From Thomas Street, Castlebar to the 1798Memorial, The Mall, Castlebar).
The Irish Defence forces will lead the parade followed by the Castlebar Concert Band
7 p.m. : Wreath-laying ceremony and reading of the Names of the Fallen (1798 Memorial, The Mall, Castlebar).
8 p.m.: ‘The Journey from La Rochelle to Castlebar’ – Commemoration of the Year of the French through song, poetry, music and Story Telling.
During this event, Prizes for the School’s Races of Castlebar Competitions will be awarded (TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar).
10 p.m.: Humbert Ball. A free event. Traditional dress encouraged but not mandatory. Live music and plenty of craic (TF Royal Hotel, Castlebar).
Saturday, May 4
9.30 a.m.: 5km Park Run (5km at Lough Lannagh)
10.30 a.m.: Dragon Boat Race Lough Lannagh
11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. Family Fun Day at the Mall with Kiltimagh Pet Farm, Hog Roast, amusements, Big Stage with live music featuring local talent, food stalls, face painting and lots more.
1 to 2.30 pm: The 1798 Rebellion—What Happened when the Muskets and Canon fell Silent?
Finding the Mayo Men and Women of 1798 in the Public Archives and other Repositories—An illustrated lecture by Dr Michael O’Connor (The Linenhall, Linenhall Street, Castlebar)
3 p.m.: Unveiling of Pillory – unveiling event for new pillory and short talk on the history of pillories and stocks in County Mayo (10 to 15 minutes) (The Mall, Castlebar) – Conor Smyth and Michael O’Connor. Photo opportunity for children & parents.
Sunday, May 5
11 a.m. to 7.30 p.m.: Family Fun Day at the Mall with Kiltimagh Pet Farm, Hog Roast, amusements, big stage with live music featuring local talent, food stalls, face painting and lots more.
5.30 to 7.30 p.m.: Headline act The Kilkenny's on stage.
11p.m.: Massive fireworks display launched from Castlebar Military Barracks.
Monday, May 6
3 p.m.: The Four Prisons of Castlebar – a walk through the history of Imprisonment, Capital Punishment & Transportation in Castlebar 1700-1919.
Guided Walk with Dr Michael O’Connor (Estimated length 80 to 90 minutes).
Meet at Parsons, Ellison Street, Castlebar – (Age 15+). Finish at TF Royal Hotel.