Gingers of the world unite in Cork

Crosshaven is the land of a thousand gingers this weekend for the annual Irish Redhead Convention.

Redheads of all shades from strawberry blonde to titian and from all corners of the world are expected to descend on Crosshaven, Co Cork this weekend, 19th-21 August for the 7th annual Irish Redhead Convention.

The fun family festival of ginger-loving madness is a celebration of all things to do with having fabulous red hair, the rarest hair colour in the world, and is also a vital fundraiser for the Irish Cancer Society. The festival has been steadily growing in popularity year-on-year and this year, festival organisers are expecting a record attendance of over 2,500 redheads along with friends and family in Crosshaven this weekend.

The non-profit Irish Redhead Convention partners with the Irish Cancer Society every year and has raised over €30,000 for the national charity to-date. The message for all redheads is to be safe in the sun, seek shade and wear sunscreen.

There’s a packed schedule of fun events for the weekend ahead for adults and children alike. Entertainment includes ginger, sheep-shearing sensation Red Shearin’ and a stellar line-up of red-head musicians performing on the Foxygen and ElectRED Picnic stages for the entire weekend including Orla Gartland, Sillk, Miles Graham and a Ginger Jig. There’s a full programme of children’s activities in the dedicated KidsZone including mandarin and spoon races and the Carrot Tossing Championships. Other events include the Annual Redhead Parade, Best Ginger Couple and the ever-popular Ginger speed-dating.

Festival founder and organiser Joleen Cronin said: “This will be ginger-jam packed with music, craic and redhead mayhem. We will be delighted to host a record number of Gingers and Ginger-lovers from every corner of the world celebrating the glory of red hair. The festivities take place in the heart of our beautiful seaside village in Cork Harbour and a weekend of freckley family fun is guaranteed.”

Reigning Queen of the Redheads Grainne Keena added: 'The redhead convention is a festival of complete ginger-loving madness. As the ambassador for the Irish Redhead Convention my word of advice to all redheads out there is to come to Crosshaven, embrace your natural red hair as an identity of your culture and heritage which you should all be proud of.'

Event is supported by Fáilte Ireland. Tickets are available on the day or can be bought in advance on www.redheadconvention.com