Coal Quay Festival 3.33

Cork Middle Parish and Coal Quay Historical Society present the Cork Coal Quay Family Festival 2013 on Saturday, August 17th from 12 noon to 5.30pm.

In its second year, the Cornmarket Street and North Main Street Traders are delighted to host a festival that will resonate with the nostalgia of yesteryear and celebrate the rich, vibrant, colourful tradition and cultural heritage of Cork City.

The festival will kick off with The Buttera and Cork Shawlies Parade marching with the Cork Butter Exchange Band from North Gate Bridge along North Main Street, Kyle Street to Cornmarket Street. There they’ll meet the Lord Mayor, Cllr. Catherine Clancy at 12pm to the sound of Shandon Bells chiming 'The Banks of My Own Lovely Lee' followed by a special performance by the Butter Exchange Band.
Shortly after prayers will be said by Fr Pat McCarthy, Sts Peter & Paul in remembrance of the deceased Coal Quay dealers and residents of the area who have passed on after which doves will be released.

Over the course of the afternoon Cornmarket Street will be filled with colour and music with activities for everyone including music, song, story, poetry, historical walking tours, exhibitions, theatrical performances and comedy. On stage will be a packed programme of music with MuddyLee, Karl and Blathain performing traditional music and song, the nostalgic Cork Memory Lane Group, Jaded, Cork Rokk Choir, Redee, William Hammond and Friends performing traditional music and Jerry Elvis.

For the children there will be face painters, clowns, circus walkabouts, magic shows, fancy dress, balloon modelling, arts and crafts workshops and pottery classes and the Cork City Fire Department will be showcasing their elegant early 20th century Fire Brigade engine along with a modern engine while on duty Fire will be giving talks on the history of the Fire Service in Cork. And if you get hungry there will be plenty of food to go to keep everyone happy.

So why not dress-up in traditional costume - your grandmothers and grandfathers clothes - and join in the party atmosphere. Come along and join the fun on the good auld Coal Quay, a treat for all the family and best of all its free. See you there!

For further information contact Event Organisers:
Breda Scanlon: breda.scanlon6@gmail.com
Richard T. Cooke: richardtcooke@yahoo.com