Puck Fair 2011 - Programme Announced

Ireland’s Oldest Festival, Puck Fair, held in Killorglin, Co. Kerry, announced details of its 2011 Festival Programme last night (Thursday, 14th of July) which will see Ireland’s only reigning monarch, a wild mountain goat, crowned king for 3 days and nights this August 10th to 12th.

Jimmy Deenihan TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, who launched the festival programme commented: “Puck Fair is rightly acknowledged as Ireland’s oldest festival and it has gained a reputation for being one of Ireland’s most enjoyable summer events. This is in no small part due to the combined efforts of the organisers, participants and also the visitors who make Killorglin such a vibrant town over the course of the festival. This year as ever, all the elements for a fantastic festival are in place with a wide range of free street entertainment which I am sure will have something for everyone. Events such as this are not only important for strengthening the bonds of the local community but also for their contribution to the tourism industry nationally.”

Speaking at the launch, Declan Mangan, Chairperson of the Puck Fair Organising Committee said: “Barrack Obama rightly said “is feidir linn”. Positive proof of this is the annual organising of Puck Fair, Ireland’s oldest fair and festival. A small group of volunteers get together every year and successfully organise an event that has taken place in Killorglin for several centuries, brings visitors from all over the world and which provides over 12 hours of free entertainment each of the three days of the Festival. To run this festival costs a lot of money and a lot of effort, but each year the Killorglin volunteers come together and say, can we do it? Of course we can. Is feidir linn.

“This would not be possible without the willing co-operation we get from our many and generous sponsors and the wonderful support and encouragement we get from the people of Killorglin and the families of the many volunteers. To all of them and also to all the state bodies, who make an invaluable contribution to the safe running of Puck Fair, I say a sincere thank you. Go raibh maith agaibh uilig.

“In 2013 we will be celebrating the 400th Anniversary of the Charter granted by King James 1 to local landlord Jenkin Conway giving him permission to charge tolls on all animals attending the fair. This is the earliest mention of our Fair in historical documents and we will be celebrating this in great style,” he said.

This year’s festival programme includes free fun family events taking place across the 3 days. The daytime entertainment line up highlights include street performers the Fanzini Brother, an Irish speaking half Italian half Kerrymen circus act; Miss Australia 1963; a one woman interactive comedy show all the way from Oz; Embrace the Fire, a 3 person fire spectacle show; Custard Pie Puppet Theatre, a kids entertainment puppetry show and a huge range of traditional groups, brass bands, musicians and singers.

Traditional elements of the festival are alive and well with one of Ireland’s largest horse fairs, a coronation parade, a crowning of the ‘King Puck’ goat, an address by the Queen of Puck Fair a local school girl, free traditional Irish dance & musical workshops and an on street market. Night time entertainment includes free open air concerts with headline acts soul & motown group The Driftars, U2 cover band The Joshua Tree and rock group Reverse along with back up from local musicians and bands. The festival goes out with a bang with a massive fireworks display at Midnight on the final night.

Puck Fair 2011 is looking for volunteers to help with festival as well as inviting applicants to take part in the coronation parade as a group or a float. To volunteer, or to participate in the parade contact the Puck Fair Festival by emailing info@puckfair.ie.

The deadline for applications is Monday, 1st of August.

For more information on this year’s festival log onto www.puckfair.ie

Ends

Further information contact:

Michelle Mangan / Nigel O ‘Mahony

OMF Publicity

Tel: 021 496 5000 / 087 75 33343 ( MM)

Email: michelle@omfpublicity.ie / nigel@omfpublicity.ie