With the first ever Irish round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) fast approaching, Sligo Chamber are finalising the arrangements for the Saturday night carnival which will bring the streets of the City alive for all.
The WRC event is a huge end of year boost to tourism as thousands of competitors, support teams and fans will descend on the North West. It is also an unprecedented marketing opportunity for the North West as camera crews from 24 international TV Channels are expected.
As an addendum to the Rally activities, Sligo Chamber, in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland North West, is organising an evening of festivities, including a street pageant, entertainment and music. A colourful procession of up to 200 performing artists will parade the City’s streets featuring vibrant and colourful displays and lively samba music, which will end with a spectacular fireworks display.
Sligo Chamber is delighted to be working with the likes of The Workhouse and Whirligig. Both are based in Sligo/North West and are normally commissioned for St. Patrick’s Day and other landmark carnivals in Dublin, Cork and Belfast. They have a wealth of costumes, display features and experience. The bulk of the parade will comprise of volunteers from local schools and community groups and up to 60 performing samba artists from the North West.
The hour long parade is due to commence at 7pm from JFK Parade. It will do a loop of the centre streets from Castle Street down O’Connell Street, Stephen Street, Bridge Street and back onto JFK Parade, and is due to finish up around 8pm along Riverside. Samba bands will entertain the crowds along Riverside before the fireworks display around 8.15pm.
Thanks to the efforts of Fáilte Ireland North West and Deirdre Healy McGowan, Chair of the Fáilte Ireland North West’s Rally Committee, the festivities will then continue in Quay Street, when the Mayor of Sligo, Cllr. Jonathan McGoldrick will officially welcome the World Rally to Sligo around 8.40. Eddie Jordan and his band will then play until approx. 9.30pm.
Given the importance and scale of the evening’s parade and fireworks, which was the main element for Sligo Chamber, a separate Chamber Festival Committee was set up, comprising businesses of all sectors - Enda Scanlon, Fiddler’s Creek; Joe McCann, McCanns Menswear; Kevin Quinn Jnr, The Embassy Rooms; Rachel Quinn, Rachel Quinn Ceramics; Rebecca Stevens, Sligo Chamber; Sean Dwyer, The Harp Tavern, Sile Garrett Haran, Marketing Sligo Forum; Tony Wehrly, Wehrly Bros. The festival committee have also brought on the expertise of Approved Productions, an Event Management Company to help co-ordinate and run the evening.
An evening of fun is guaranteed and everyone is encouraged to join in the celebrations and promote Sligo to a world wide audience!
See Rally Notes for details of road closures, diversions and other activities. |
