Dunshaughlin buzzing with countdown to harvest festival
After a two-year Covid-enforced absence, Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival returns from 23rd to 25th September next, with an eclectic mix of entertainment, events, markets and displays.
Something for everyone is promised at the event originally launched to entertain visitors to the the Solheim Cup golf event at nearby Killeen Castle in 2011, and which has endured.
A free, open-air concert in Dunshaughlin Park opens the festival on Friday 23rd at 7.30pm. The festival stage is the venue for Dunshaughlin’s contribution to Culture Night, and features local performing arts professionals. The concert concludes with a spectacular, fiery finale, setting the atmosphere for the weekend’s events. The concert will suit everyone, there will be ample room for people to bring beach chairs and picnic blankets to enjoy the show. Food and refreshments will be available from concession vans and stalls in the park. The festivities continue on Saturday and Sunday in the park.
Food markets, with a wide range of delicious street foods, craft stalls, competitions, children’s novelty races, bouncy castle zone, face-painting and kiddie rides all add to the fun.
The Viking Village encampment will allow festival visitors to watch a battle reenactment from 1,200 years ago; throw an axe, and experience living history at the various tents including pottery, weaving, and jewellery making and there will be a display of birds of prey at Raven Haven. A live cookery demonstration, using ingredients and utensils of the period takes place in the Viking Village on Saturday 24th September.
An interactive science show, twice daily on the main stage, will have budding young scientists marvelling, as will demonstrations in the science tent, close to the fun zone, where Billy Bubbles entertains throughout the day.
All-day children’s wrist bands are €10 each day, entitling the wearers to unlimited rides on the Festival Train (Sunday only); Bouncy Castle Zone for the little ones and kiddies funfair rides throughout the day, on both Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday sees the return of the Festival Parade, incorporating many sports clubs,community groups and local organisations. This is a great way for new residents of Dunshaughlin to see the extent of activities available in the area. A tractor run and classic car display will appeal to motor enthusiasts. Live music, dance, bingo and a whole range of other events take place two stages from 11am to 5.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.