Return of street parade will add to carnival atmosphere in Castlerea

The return of a street parade after several years is set to add to the carnival atmosphere at this year’s Castlerea Rose Festival, which gets underway today, July 26th and runs to August 3rd.

Chairperson of the festival committee, Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice said the return of a street parade, in the form of a Mardi Gras, featuring feature new inflatables, will greatly add to the carnival atmosphere this year. The parade gets underway this evening at 8.30 p.m..

This year’s Rose Festival, comprising another jam-packed schedule, features several outdoor performances, including the Highwaymen Reincarnated, a tribute band to the original country ‘supergroup’ The Highwaymen.

The group, popular in the 1980s featured Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson,  will perform in Somers Park on Tuesday, July 29th.

On Thursday evening, July 31st, on the Fairgreen, the Tumblin’ Paddies return. The much sought after group always draw a big crowd to the festival and this year should be no exception, bringing their unique blend of trad and rock to the stage.

There are two other very exciting nights of music involving two very popular tribute acts, with Qween playing on the Square on Friday, August 1st and an Oasis tribute band ‘Roll with it’ on Saturday, August 2nd in McGourty’s carpark. This is followed by a fireworks display.

Of course, one of the festival highlights is the famous ‘Rose of Castlerea’ selection gala to crown the new Rose at the Trinity Arts Centre on Sunday evening, August 3rd.

Cllr Fitzmaurice said that aside from some of the keynote events, the festival is also hosting a 5km ‘Run with the Roses’ fun run and children’s 1km run on Sunday, July 27th from 9.30 a.m. in association with Castlerea Crusaders.

The festival chairperson was keen to emphasise that the family friendly festival also recognises the importance of businesses benefitting through increased footfall in local shops, bars, and restaurants.

“From humble beginnings some 38 years ago, the festival has continued to endure and prosper. This is due to the incredible work of our volunteers, our local sponsors who support us year in year out and also to the people of Castlerea who support the festival with a dedication that is unmatched anywhere.” 

Cllr Fitzmaurice also thanked his colleagues on the festival committee and his predecessor as chairperson, John Mulligan, for all his hard work.

“I would also like to acknowledge the support of Roscommon County Council for our festival which is greatly appreciated,” he said.

*Check out the full festival schedule on the Castlerea Rose Festival Facebook page.