This year’s National Heritage Day, on Wednesday 12th July, as part of the Ballina Salmon Festival, will be bursting with a myriad of family friendly fun and entertainment comprising a varied assortment of old favourites and new acts for all ages to enjoy.
One of the cornerstones of Ballina Salmon Festival, and an original concept, National Heritage Day at Ballina Salmon Festival was developed by the festival committee over 25 years ago and attracts up to 40,000 people to the town every year.
On this very special day, feast your senses on the sights, sounds and smells of a market day 100 years ago, as the past comes to life and the streets are transformed. You’ll have to look twice! From the whistling of steam engines, to the smell of the thresher and the sound of traditional Irish songs, this is an evocative trip back in time on a scale you won’t find anywhere else.
Musical Entertainment
Across three stages and other various locations throughout the town there will be music, dancing and storytelling. Back by popular demand, the Garda Band will fill the air with their spectacular sound from the main stage and the Bofield Ceilí Band will carry on the entertainment with their traditional Irish music session. New musical sounds will be noticeable this year as well, with the Clew Bay Critters and lots more local talent taking to the streets and stages.
Dance displays will be provided throughout the day showcasing both traditional and modern dance, from groups such as the Moffatt School of Irish Dance and Music and Tara Kennedy with – Scoil Rince Uí Chinnéide School of Irish Dance. And if that doesn’t appeal to your senses them maybe a spot of story-telling might while the time away for you.
Craft
A fantastic day of craft displays is also in store for everyone attending Heritage Day; the old to reminisce on days gone by and the young to marvel at the skill and dexterity of the rush-crafter, the wood turners and the rope makers. The almost forgotten sound of the blacksmith’s hammer and anvil and the smell of the furnace will fill the air while the soft, grinding of the thresher will transport you to by-gone days. The glass-blower, an uncommon sight today, will captivate all who pass by as the tin-smith exhibits his skills near-by. Wander the streets, soak in the atmosphere, listen to the music and learn about many of these ancient crafts, passed down from generation to generation.
And to pay homage to our celtic heritage, Gnó Mhaigh Eo will be in attendance to encourage the cúpla focal and local sean-nós dancers will enthral with their smooth, rhythmic movement to the sounds of traditional music.
The Heritage Quarter at the Jackie Clarke Collection
The Jackie Clarke Collection on Lower Pearse St. will host the Ballina Heritage Quarter once again, displaying over 6000 years of Irish history and culture. Traditional, old school children’s games, giving everyone the chance to revisit their youth, will be on show. The Collection will also be hosting the Moy Fishery Exhibition along with a social exhibition displaying events and occasions reported by the Western People from 1977 to 1987. From 2pm to 4pm, the beautiful walled heritage garden at the Jackie Clarke will play host as they welcome the return of Jason Deacy and his beautiful Birds of Prey.
Keep an eye out for the special Heritage Day edition of local paper, The Western People, specially produced for this day. And s an addition to the celebration of Heritage, the Road Safety Authority will have their simulator in town to encourage the whole community to consider their own and others safety.
Add to the mix a great selection of food, live music and good old-fashioned fun, and you’ll soon see why this is the biggest day of the year in Ballina.
Don’t just come to watch – become part of Heritage Day!
National Heritage Day is not just a day to come along and witness – it’s an immersive experience, and locals and visitors alike are encouraged to dress up and participate in this exhibition of living history. Everyone is welcome to take part. You can hire a costume from Ballina Costume Company located in the old Parochial Hall on Bury Street – call +353 (0)96 72154 or email costumecompany@eircom.net. Why not get into character and join in the fun?
Admission:
Free
The Garda Band
The Garda Band was established shortly after the establishment of An Garda Síochána. It gave its first public performance on Dun Laoghaire Pier on Easter Monday, 1923. Over the years, a a céilí band, pipe band and dance orchestra were formed from within the ranks. After being disbanded in 1965, it was re-established in 1972 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the foundation of An Garda Síochána. Besides providing music for official Garda functions (such as Graduation Ceremonies at the Garda College) the Garda Band undertakes a heavy community-orientated programme each year performing at schools, festivals and sporting events.The Garda Band has travelled to many international events, representing Ireland on a number of occasions at police festivals and concerts in Switzerland, Germany and Northern Ireland.
Sponsors
National Heritage Day is kindly sponsored by McFadden Funfairs and Midwest Radio.
In a small townland in the parish of Bonniconlon, many years ago, a group of 5 traditional musicians became known as the Bofield Band. Decades later the group now have 100 musicians between the ages of 8 and 80, playing a variety of instruments.
The Sylvan Kelly School of Irish Dancing provides classes in solo, team and show dancing. They have won numerous World, All Ireland and International titles in both solo and team categories. Having produced their own sell out shows in the Ballina Arts Centre, they pride themselves on also offering non competitive avenues in Irish Dancing. Past students of the school are currently starring in top Irish Dance shows such as Riverdance and Lord of The Dance.
Scoil Rince Uí Chinnéide was established in January 2016. The Irish Dancing School is run by Tara Kennedy in Ballina. Tara began dancing at the age of four with Mrs. Pat Jackson Rowe and danced at many competitions in both Solo and Team events.
Ballina is home to these champion dancers who have won many titles including Connacht, All Ireland, Great Britain, All Scotland & World Championships over the last number of years.
Tommy started Sean Nos Dancing in 2011. Since then he has performed with many highly acclaimed musicians including Sharon Shannon, Frankie Gavin and De Dannan. He has appeared in numerous RTE and TG4 productions including Nationwide and An Jig Gig.
Formerly known as Lawlor School of Song, this school encourages and develops vocal technique.
Atlantic Rhythm Productions is an amalgamation of local talented award winning young musicians and world champion dancers from the Moffatt School of Dancing. The group has gone from strength to strength since its formation in 2013. The group performs at home and abroad and has recently appeared on the Late Late Toy Show.
Flat Out are a four piece, up and coming, group from the town of Ballina, Co. Mayo in the West of Ireland. They formed their group in 2013 and are made up of family and friends.
