This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Lady of the Lake Festival in Irvinestown. It is the largest cross-community festival in Northern Ireland, running for 10 days and themed on the mythical lady whose appearance on Lough Erne was thought to be a sign that good times lay ahead.
To commemorate this special occasion, a group of Drink Wise Age Well and ARC Healthy Living volunteers have created a new 8 feet tall wicker lady which will float up the lake, assisted by the RNLI, to Castle Archdale on Saturday 14th July at 5pm where it will remain for future visitors to see. The wicker lady was created by Geoff Hunter, Rhona Cassidy, Sean Mc Caughey and Gwen Pattison. Their tutor for the project was Tom O’Brien also known locally as “the Wicker Man.” Volunteer Geoff Hunter, said “I found the project very enjoyable and rewarding as our artwork will remain part of the community for years to come.”
Drink Wise Age Well is a National Lottery funded programme that helps people make healthier choices about alcohol as they age. The number of people in the UK aged 50 plus experiencing alcohol related harm is increasing. Drink Wise Age Well offers a number of free, easy to access services in the Western Trust area including art classes to help people develop new interests and meet new people.
The opening night of the Festival is Friday 13th beginning at 7.30pm with live music and entertainment on the main street with the parade at 8.30pm.
As part of the festivities this year, previous winners of the Lady of the Lake competition have been invited to be part of the parade along with the unveiling of this year’s winner of the competition.
Lisa Wallis, Chair Person of Lady of the Lake Festival said “The Drink Wise Age Well and Arc Healthy Living volunteers have done a fantastic job in creating a new Lady of the Lake. The number of people attending the festival grows every year and on this special anniversary we are expecting a record turnout for the event.”
For more information on the support Drink Wise, Age Well provides in the Western Trust area, visit www.drinkwiseagewell.org.uk and select ‘Where we work’. Or call 028 828 39240.
To read more.. Subscribe to current edition
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere