FESTIVAL… Debbie McGrath, Janet Keenan, Bridie Gormley and Liam McGinley discuss the plan of action
THE past six months have been busy for a selection of committed Belleek residents who have been preparing for the inaugural ‘Belleek Water Festival’, which starts next week.
The festival coincides with the arrival of 50-60 barges with the Heritage Boat Association, into the village.
Running from Friday, August 22 until Monday August 25, the festival has a wide range of events lined up for the long weekend.
Bridie Gormley, who has been involved in organising the festival, explained that preparation has been going on for close to six months. Organisers and locals have met regularly, especially over the last few weeks, to finalise plans for the festival, with Bridie adding that ‘everybody will be involved’.
“We’ve had other festivals, but this is in association with the barges coming to the village. Everybody is welcome to attend – hopefully there will be a good atmosphere from the Friday when the barges arrive.”
On Friday, August 22 there is the arrival of the barges to the marina and the Gateway Centre, and there will be live music and entertainment in the local bars.
On Saturday August 22 there is a family fun day from 1pm to 4pm, with all children invited to attend. There is hip hop dancing from 5pm to 7pm in the Wark Hall, and from 6pm to late there will be the unveiling of the Belleek Belle of the Barges.
On Sunday, August 24, there is a car boot sale and arts and crafts stalls on the main street from 11am. From 11am – 1pm and from 2pm – 4pm there is free canoeing, and a family fun day from 12pm onwards on the main street.
At 3pm there is a fancy dress parade, with live music from 4pm onwards.
On Monday from 3pm onwards, there will be free boat trips around Lough Erne. All are welcome to attend – from Belleek and further afield.
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