Once again Ardglass enjoyed an excellent community festival last week with a mainly new committee at the helm.
The new energy was apparent and people came out in their droves, especially on the Saturday when the sun shone the most.
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Gavin Doyle of Doyle’s Restaurant in Ardglass presents the first prize to Gerry Ward from Killough for finishing six very hot chilli chicken wings.[/caption]
There was great participation in the community across the board and members of the committee were delighted with the response.
Jane Johnston, Ardglass Festival Chairperson, said: “The weather has been mixed. We had a very wet eveing for our festival [parade but we went ahead and it was well attended with floats, people dressed up.
“We had the Longstone pipe band and the Kilcoo accordian band and everyone enjoyed it. We did shorten the route a bit though on the night.
“The Saturday Prawnstock day on the Harbour was a great success with stalls, a cookery demo, the water Zorbs, rowing, and a display from the HM Coastguard, and other events. Overall it was a nice relaxed day with plenty to amuse and entertain people.
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The winners and participants of the talent competition in Ardglass Festival with presenters and judges.[/caption]
“I’d like to pay a special thank you to everyone who helped out this year especially the many sponsors. Without them we just would not be able to run such a festival.
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Jim Masson in the Seafish mobile kitchen after his cookery demonstration. preparing a seafood provencal[/caption]
“We were delighted too that Seafish gave us the mobile kitchen for the seafood cookery displays which were very well supported by the public, and our three chefs for the day, Gerrard Sands, Jim Masson and Emma Cahir did a great job.
“Next year we hope to improve on our performance of this year and I do believe that community participation will be even stronger which is a good sign. A lot of young people such as Austie Finnegan are getting involved and they really enjoy the craic.
“I’m sure this festival has brought some business to the town and attracted tourists which is much needed. We’re hoping this festival goes from strength to strength. We’ll keep in the old favourites and create some new ones. The committee is always open to new ideas so feel free to talk to any of the members.
( CLICK LINK TO ACCESS PHOTOS OF ARDGLASS FESTIVAL )
“We will be holding the AGM of the Ardglass Festival Association some evening when most people can attend. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in and we hope the committee is even stronger as we push ahead with our festival as soon as possible for 2016.
“We’ve had a few good ideas this year such as Prawnstock and the Bar Wars which proved very popular. This is basically good family fun. I’m confident that we can get our festival back into shape like the good old days after a long time in the doldrums.”
Ritchie Praises Festival Committee For Their Work
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South Down MP Margaret Ritchie with members of the Ardglass Youth Club who won the best float prize.[/caption]
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said after attending the festival in Ardglass: “I was delighted to attend Ardglass Festival Committee on Friday night and Saturday afternoon along with Councillors Dermot Curran, Colin McGrath and SDLP party members Karen Curran and Macartan Digney.
“I was highly impressed by the organisation of the festival which had communications and fishing placed at the heart of the events. Congratulations must go to all the members of the Festival Committee and the participants in the various events on Friday night and Saturday in the face of such adversity from heavy rainfall which did not dampen the spirit or the tenacity of all those involved.
“In fact, this Festival attracted out-of-state visitors to Ardglass who, armed with their purchasing power, will have invested in the local economy.
“Congratulations to the Chair and members of the Festival Committee in Ardglass for a job well done”.
McGrath Praises Organisers
Downpatrick Councillor Colin McGrath said: “The festival was a huge success. Lots of people, colour and happiness and I commend the organising committee and all those involved for delivering such an enjoyable programme of activities.
“This festival proves that a vibrant community spirit is alive and well in Ardglass and I hope that this provides a firm basis for more community work in the future delivering activities for local people – well done to all involved.”
[caption id="attachment_57992" align="aligncenter" width="540"] The winners and participants of the talent competition in Ardglass Festival with presenters and judges.[/caption]
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