Coachford Autumn Festival will take place this year from Thursday August 13th to Sunday August 16th. The family friendly festival organised by Broomhill Vintage Club, is now in its sixth year and has to date raised over €34,000 for Suicide Aware and local charities while at the same time providing a superb holiday festival for families. The festival has a huge number of events over the four days which will appeal to all ages. According to Tadgh Murphy, Chairman of the Vintage club “ Our festival has gone from strength to strength over the last few years. We have been very fortunate to have some very generous sponsors and supporters and without their help this festival would be impossible to stage”.
The first event of the 2015 festival is the Junior Voice competition. This singing contest is open to everyone under 16 and is free to enter. The contest takes place in the Coachford GAA complex from 8.30pm.
The third running of the Coachford 5 Mile Road Race begins at 7.00pm on Friday August 14th. Registration is from 5.30pm and there are changing facilities available on site. Cash prizes are offered to the first three male and female runners across the finish line. “Five miles is a great distance to test runners and this route is a great one for all levels of athletes” said, Ciara Murphy of Sorrel Physical Fitness. “The route begins with a gradual climb and has another one at the mile mark but is then mostly flat. There are a lot of runners now doing 5k every week so this five mile run is an excellent way to extend your fitness and endurance levels” added Ciara. The race is also open to walkers. More information on this event can be obtained on the Cork Running Blog
On Saturday the annual High Nelly Bicycle Run takes to the road at 5.00pm and anyone who has access to an old High Nelly or bone shaker is welcome to enter this free event. Registration for the run takes place at the GAA complex from 4.30pm. A beautiful array of dogs will strut their stuff at the dog show from 7.00pm on Saturday and all types of dogs are invited to come along to the show. There are prizes in a range of categories including best dressed dog. Contestants in the ‘Adult Voice of the Festival’ take to the stage at 9.00pm. The singers and groups will perform for the judges and members of the audience who will vote for their favourite. This promises to be a great night’s entertainment full of fantastic singing and wonderful talent.
Sunday is the main event of the festival and all activities take place at the GAA grounds in Coachford. The day is packed with events and sideshows. The Classic and Vintage Car and Tractor display will feature a celebration of the Mark ll Ford Escort whose 40th anniversary occurs this year. Sheep racing, Cross Bar Challenge, Egg Throwing, Dunk Tank, Model Toy Show, Trade Stands, Face painting, Children’s Sports and Balloon Modeller are just some of the events at this year’s Sunday Show. The first ever running of ‘The Lee Valley Fittest Family Challenge’ will see families of four working to complete an obstacle course in the quickest time to win the Festival Trophy. A Farmers Market, Bonny Baby competition, Pet Corner and Sheaf Tossing will also feature at the mid Cork Festival.
“Our festival is great fun and is well supported by all around the community and beyond. We have focussed on creating something that can be enjoyed by the very young to the not so young and everyone in between. We are very proud that we also raise some much needed funds for our main charity, Suicide Aware and for local ones like Macroom Community Hospital, Sullane Haven care centre and Care of the Aged.” Says, Kieran Doherty PRO.
Further information on any aspect of the festival can be obtained by ringing 087 2426343 or 086 8030306
https://www.facebook.com/CoachfordFestival
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