Frances Watkins, 26 Apr
EXCITEMENT is building in Limerick with tens of thousands of people set
to descend on Shannonside for Riverfest.
Limerick’s flagship May Bank Holiday weekend festival gets under way on
Friday, with four fun days of activities set to take place on the banks
of the river Shannon.
The organisers are promising that it will be a “one-stop festival for
live music, good food, thrilling performances and all around good
craic!”
There will be a huge choice of activities across the weekend, including
the traditional barbecue on the boardwalk beside the river, the
Riverfestival village in Arthur’s Quay Park, while the Great Limerick
Run will see runners pound the city streets on Sunday.
It’s the 19th time Riverfest has been staged, with last year seeing
120,000 people enjoying it as it returned following a Covid-19 hiatus.
On Sunday night, the Strand Hotel will play host to the popular Abba
tribute band, the Sensations, with the skies then being decorated with
a spectacular fireworks display, which are set to get under way at
10.15pm.
On Friday night, there will also be an exciting fireshow in Bedford
Row.
The Panoramic Wheel has moved from Arthur’s Quay Park to the Potato
Market to provide spectacular overhead views of the city.
And other highlights of the weekend festival include Riverfest
Flyboarding, a water-based stunt show designed to amaze and the
Riverfest Freedrop for the thrill-seekers among us.
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For younger family members, there will be a scavenger hunt, and a slime
lab providing a gooey, oozy experience for curious minds!
A chill-out zone and sensory room, in partnership with ASD Ireland, has
been set up outside the Hunt Museum to allow children and adults with
autism to get away from it all.
Festivals and events officer at Limerick City and County Council Eugene
Crimmins said: “The city is abuzz with excitement leading up to
Riverfest Limerick 2023 with something for everyone”.
The council’s senior executive officer for tourism Eileen Coleman
added: “With Riverfest, we endeavour to appeal to all audiences and age
groups. It’s so important for families to spend quality time together,
especially during the Bank Holiday weekends and there are a number of
events that families can enjoy together”.
Mayor Francis Foley added: “Riverfest signals the start of summer for
all in Limerick and the region. This year’s festival is busier than
ever and once again Limerick City will be the place to be over the four
days. With river-based fun, sport, music, culture and food to the fore,
where else would you be this May bank holiday weekend than in Limerick.
As always, the people of Limerick will embrace visitors from Ireland
and the World for the festival where we, as a people, can showcase what
we’re about”.
For a full guide to events telephone 061-556000 or visit riverfest.ie