Newbridge celebrates its 200th
Now that our own Kilcullen River Festival and other summer events have been carried through with such success, perhaps Kilcullen people might like to get along to the Newbridge 200 Festival this coming week to kick off the autumn, writes Brian Byrne.
The event is chock full of free stuff, ranging from music through theatre and pubs entertainment to historical reviews of the town.
The Festival kicks off on Thursday evening with a big launch party in Swifts. Starting at 8pm, music, fun and craic until 1am. The same day the Photographic Exhibition opens in the Credit Union offices.
The next day from 4-6pm is the first of many free family events with the Whitewater Stage from 4-6pm, featuring loads of local talent.
The Festival Parade along Main Street rolls off at 11am on Saturday morning, and other highlights of the day include the Taste of Newbridge and Parade Vehicle Display at Newbridge College between 12 noon-3pm.
Another ongoing feature is the ‘Sylvia’s Quest’ Outdoor Theatre Meet at the Riverbank Theatre 3-4:30pm and then a journey through the streets of Newbridge on headphones, and following a Bulgarian archaeologist on a thrilling quest through her labyrinth.
The Festival Ball in Keadeen starts at 7pm, in association with the Rotary Club. Entertainment includes the Army No 1 Band.
On September 9 there's a SportFree Race Day with Moyglare Stud The Curragh Race Course. General admission is free for everyone at this high quality Group 1 race day. A Historical Walking Tour will start from the Library at 2pm.
On September 11 there's a presentation of ‘The Leaving’ by Kildare Youth Theatre Riverbank Theatre starting at 8pm.
A History of Newbridge Lecture will be given on September 12 at the Riverbank Theatre from 8pm. The following day Newbridge One Book One Town will launch in Scoil Mhuire Senior School at 11am.
Nua, Feile by the River, will be on September 15 at The Strand from 12am and is a day of family entertainment with street performers, craft stalls, farmers market, busking and a music stage. 'Anuna' will be in concert St Conleth's Church from 8pm.
A Festival Concert on September 16 at St Conleth's GAA Grounds Car Park will start at 4pm, and will be followed by a Fireworks Spectacular in the same venue from 9pm to mark the close of the festival and the beginning of the bicentenary year.
