From our friends at the Cork Coal Quay Family Festival.   The “Coal Quay” (pronounced as Coal Kay by locals) is a historic area in the centre of Cork City.  Built on an ancient marsh, the Coal Quay area is one of the oldest parts of Cork city.   The Coal Quay Family Festival kicks off on Saturday, 17th August.

At 11.45am, the Cork Butter Exchange Band will open the Festival by marching from North Gate Bridge along the good auld North Main Street, Kyle Street to Cornmarket Street accompanied by the Coal Shawlies where they will meet the Lord Mayor who will open the Festival. The people of Cork are more then welcome to join the colourful parade.

This unique voluntary fun filled family festival will celebrate the heart and soul of Cork City – the Coal Quay with its rich vibrant colourful heritage, tradition and culture in music, song, story, poetry, theatrical performances, & comedy. For the children, there will be face painters; clowns; magic shows, & balloon modelling on offer. Don’t be surprised if you see some of the grand auld characters of the Coal Quay winding and weaving their way through the colourful crowd!

Also on show will be a fabulous photographic exhibition of old maps and illustrations exhibited along the entire streetscape, showcasing the Coal Quay Market in its former days with its quintessential traders dressed in traditional shawls. Free traditional food will be will served by The Bodega and The Cornstore on the day.

Why not dress-up in traditional costume – your grandmothers and grandfathers clothes and join in the party atmosphere. Come along and join the fun on the good auld Coal Quay- a treat for all the family. See you there!

For further information contact:Event Organisers: Breda Scanlon: breda.scanlon6@gmail.com / Richard T. Cooke: richardtcooke@yahoo.com