Fun, food and games for all
The May Bank Holiday weekend has become synonymous with Riverfest and this year’s party on the banks of the Shannon, which takes place from Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2, is offering a four day bonanza of events with something for everyone.
The Riverfest Summer Festival hosts the country’s largest BBQ, a free live open air rock concert, water sports extravaganza and a huge fireworks display over the River Shannon, seen as the main highlights.
Thousands of rugby fans will also enjoy the festivities as they flood into Limerick to see Munster take on Harlequins in the Amlin Cup semi-final at Thomond Park Stadium, while thousands more will participate in the Great Limerick Run.
It is estimated that up to €20m will be generated in visitor spend over the weekend.
Launching the biggest party in the country, Mayor Maria Byrne said that Riverfest promotes the best of Limerick life on Ireland’s greatest river, with a huge line-up of fun, family and sporting events.
“Limerick is now on the map as a festival and events destination with more than 40,000 people expected to enjoy festivities. After the success of our St Patrick’s Festival, it’s great to see Limerick in a celebratory mood launching Riverfest and for people to enjoy what our city has to offer and to enjoy.
Highlights of Riverfest 2011 include: Fashion Friday From 1pm, the top bands Royseven, Na Fianna, The Shoos, The Flaws, The High Kings, Ivan St John, Mark O’Connor and Windings perform FREE in Arthur’s Quay Park!
Other “must enjoy” events include: The Corona’s Live at the Big Top, Sunday,Coonagh Currach Regatta and Limerick Regatta, Sunday: Huge Fireworks Display, Sunday from 9pm – best viewing points, Sarsfield Bridge, Clancy’s Strand, Thomond Bridge Arthur’s Quay Park
`On Monday, May 1, the Great Limerick Run will have thousands of runners descending for the Marathon, Half Marathon and Six Mile Race.
Also on that date, a range of watersport activities and displays takes place on Howley’s quay, with jet skis, powerboat racing, sailing, kayaking and rowing, from 3pm
From Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2, the Continental Market and Artisan Craft Markets take place, as well as the Inside Art Expo.
John Crowe, Limerick Projects and Promotions Manager, Shannon Development, said: The feedback from the tourism sector is very positive and the festival of events, which has something for everyone, is expected to generate between €15m and €20m in visitor expenditure over the weekend”.
Riverfest is run on behalf of the Limerick Communications Office by Futureama Productions and is sponsored by Limerick City Council, Shannon Development, Fáilte Ireland, Limerick’s Live 95FM with associate sponsors including HMV, the Locke Bar, Mr Binman, the Mid West Regional Authority and the NEA Watersport Initiatives.
