The annual Skiffie Festival takes place this weekend from 31st May to 1st June 2025
- Skiffie Fest 2025 is on Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June at Delamont Country Park.
Skiffie Fest in County Downs earlier than usual this year this is to ensure the competition is strong locally for Skiffie Worlds 2025 which is being held in Stranraer in July 2025.
Ann Fee, a Skiffie fest organiser, said: “We have local rowing teams competing from Donagadee, Kircubbin, Portavogie, Portaferry, Strangford, Kilclief, Ardglass, Sketrick, Killyleagh and Dundrum. but competitors hail from many other parts of County Down and the UK.
“The local skiff club at Dundrum CRC are the current World Champions and they have held the title for the last nine years so competition will be fierce at this year’s Skiffie Festival.
“All in all we are expecting to welcome over 800 competitors plus their families and visitors to Delamont this year but Skiffie Fest is not just about the rowing.
“We have lots of free entertainment on and off the water for adults and children, the Belfast Activity Centre will be bringing their climbing wall and grass sledges, the local youth group will be providing children’s games and there will be free skiff rowing taster sessions for anyone who wishes to get on the water.
“A treasure hunt around the site will be open to visitors so come early as entries are limited.
“The food vendors for the fest are W&C Catering, The Griddle, and Hop Street, and an ice cream van will be on-site throughout the weekend.
“Denvirs are manning the refreshment bar, and the musical entertainment will be performed by Highway 56 on Saturday afternoon and the Gilly and Neil duo on Sunday afternoon.”
