The Cobh Peoples Regatta is one of Irelands oldest Regattas. It is a Regatta in the traditional mode, with sailing rowing and other water events plus a full social programme ashore. Brass bands, live music, street entertainment, the Regatta Queens and the gala Fireworks display all contribute to the electric atmosphere.
The Regatta was one of the main European Regattas at the end of the last century, with the top racing yachts coming from abroad to compete with the crac local boats from "Queenstown" - as Cobh was then called. This tradition is kept alive to-day with the race for the Cork Harbour One Design Class of sailing yachts, built here in 1896. These boats have raced in Cork Harbour's historic waters for over 100 years and this year the beautiful boats will be competing for the Regatta Cup.
Public entertainment has always been of utmost importance and hence the name Cobh Peoples Regatta. The Regatta opens on Fri 14th Aug with the Cobh youth busking competition, a drag wheelbarrow race and later in the day, a childrens fancy dress parade before the introduction of the Regatta Queen contestants. The Queens will be presented to the people of Cobh, and to our many visitors, in the Town Square on Friday evening and will be involved in events throughout the weekend. Music will continue on Friday night with Cork based band 'Planted' on Main Stage and 'Bon Jovi Tribute Band' at our festival club in the Commodore Hotel.
Through the week-end, a Traditional Market, selling a vast array of mouth-watering cuisine, plus jewellery, arts and crafts, will add a continental element to our picturesque victorian town.
Saturday is the day when the dinghy sailing begins, with small boats competing in various classes. Ashore there will be a shore angling competetitions, kiddies fancy dress parade, followed by the mini queen and pretty princess competitions and the kiddies disco. There will also be street preformers, jugglers and martial arts demonstration. Saturday afternoon in the Promenade and Saturday evening will continue with the Unchle Albert Rupp Band at 7-30pm and Big Generator band playing on Main Stage. The Festival Club in the Commodore Hotel will be open till late with Night C and Queen Tribute Band.
On Sunday, the harbour will be alive with the multi-coloured sails of the cruiser classes - these are the bigger boats and there will be six different races, including the 108 year old Cork Harbour One Desings. Oarsmen and women from all over East Cork will strain to capture the many trophies for the rowing regatta.
Ashore, the free music aspect of the regatta will continue with the legenry Ryan Morgan (Welsh Tenor) at 2-30pm and Arkadia live on Main Stage at 3-30pm. Free Kid's Entertainment in the Promenade, including the Kid's Crab Fishing Competition, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Tug Of War Compitition, Dancing Display at Main Stage, Cobh Fishermans Trawler Race and much more.
After the competition, sailers and rowers will be presented with their prizes and musical entertainment will continue with the Flash Harry Band on main stage. Announcement of the Regatta Queen title will be prior to the gala Fireworks display. The 20min. firework display on Sunday night has been a tradition for over one hundred years, as has the tradition of thousands of visitors pouring into Cobh to enjoy the fun and sample the atmosphere of this unique maritime town.
To close the Regatta we have the extraordinary and flamboyant Flash Harry on main stage which should not be missed.The Festival Club in the Commodore Hotel will be open till late with Night Club C, and Abba Tribute Band in the Jack Doyle Room.
COBH PEOPLES REGATTA - IRELANDS FUN REGATTA!!
Secretary Hylton Richards
22 West Beach Cobh,
Co. Cork.
086 8110374.
No comments:
Post a Comment