by Alan Jacques
(Pic: Sean Curtin Photo)
THE first major festival of the year kicks off in Limerick this weekend with Riverfest estimated to be worth €7m to the local economy over four days.
Now in its eleventh year, Riverfest is considered the most important earner of the year for accommodation providers in Limerick and attracts tens of thousands of people to the city centre over the May Bank Holiday.
“Riverfest and the May Bank Holiday weekend is Limerick’s busiest weekend of the year, with accommodation at a premium and the festival now worth an estimated €7m to the local economy,” a spokeswoman for Limerick City and County Council predicted.
“Last year it was estimated that Riverfest injected €5.5m in to the local economy. With more events on offer and attendance figures increasing year on year, we anticipate Riverfest 2015 to be the most successful year yet,” she explained.
Ireland’s largest BBQ competition, a spectacular fireworks display over King John’s Castle as well as action and adventure on the River Shannon are all on this weekend’s festival menu. Other highlights include a busking competition, a free fashion extravaganza, soapbox derby and a mouth-watering continental market.
Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Kevin Sheahan hailed Riverfest as “Limerick’s most adventure packed weekend of the year”.
“Riverfest has developed into a major festival that has a growing reputation at a national level and repeat visitors come back to stay and enjoy themselves in Limerick year after year which is testament to the success of the event,” said Mayor Sheahan.
Mags Enright, proprietor of the Texas Steakout in the city centre is equally enthused about this weekend’s spectacle. The restaurateur feels Riverfest is brilliant for Limerick City and local businesses.
“We are busy all year round, but Riverfest brings lots of tourists to Limerick and introduces us to lots of new customers. It gives the city a great lift,” said Mags.
Michael Gleeson of Michael Gleeson Shoes on William Street said that despite much of the business flowing down the city closer to the river during the weekend, he is still a big fan of Riverfest and what it does for Limerick.
“It creates a buzz in the city and creates more footfall. It’s great for the city and bucks people up,” he said.
Fringe events for this weekend’s festival include a family fun fair in Arthur’s Quay Park with kids’ arts and crafts in the Hunt Museum also planned. For music fans, acts such as Nathan Carter and Hudson Taylor are both set to entertain at the Big Top in the city’s Milk Market.
Kieran Ryan of Galway-based Grooveyard Event Management, who are running this year’s Riverfest on behalf of the Council, said they put a lot of focus this year on the River Shannon.
A series of water-based activities will take place this Saturday, May 2 between Thomond and Sarsfield bridges. The day long programme will feature a sailing regatta, sea scouts boat launch and opportunities for the public to take to the waters of the River Shannon and enjoy the scenic riverside views.
Meanwhile, the sixth annual Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run will take place in the city centre this Sunday, May 3, with over 13,000 participants. Around 50,000 spectators are expected to line various parts of the race route from Pery Square to the finish line on O’Connell Street.
Labour councillor for City West and co-organiser of the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run, Joe Leddin sees Riverfest as a prime example of creating a real sense of pride amongst locals and visitors of what the city has to offer.
“As co-organiser, I know that the run generates in excess of €4.5 million this year with a record 13,500 people, many from outside the city and county, already signed up to run, jog or walk,” he said.
And he maintains that it could set the template for other events to maximise the benefits for Limerick’s tourism industry.
“The local authority is beginning to realise the potential to build other festivals such as the Culture and Chips event on other weekends. A more strategic approach, similar to other cities. must be adopted to maximise tourism potential especially with Shannon airport doing so well with more route destinations serving the region,” he explained.
