With just over a month to go to arguably the most eagerly anticipated event on the Mallow social calendar, organisers are busy putting the final touches to the programme for the 2019 Racing Home for Easter Festival.
One of the first signs that summer is just around the corner, the festival attracts thousands of people to Mallow each year to enjoy a weekend of top-class racing at the Cork Racecourse.
Once again the festival, now in its 10th year, will feature three days of top class National Hunt and flat racing at the racecourse from Saturday, April 20, with some of the country’s top runners and riders set to take to the track.
However, the festival is not just about ‘the sport of kings’, as mallow Town will be transformed into a festival hub with a packed programme of events taking place at venues across the town to suit all ages and interests.
Preparations for the 2019 running of the festival have been in full swing since the start of the year with organising committee, under the auspices of Mallow Chamber, busy behind the scenes ensuring the event will repeat the success of previous years.
Chamber president Pat Hayes said that success would not be possible were it not for the ongoing help of many local bodies and community groups.
“We have been working closely with Cork County Council’s Mallow/Kanturk municipal district committee, Tidy Towns, music and drama groups, volunteers and sponsors to bring everything together. Without their support it would be impossible to run an event on this scale,” said Mr Hayes.
While the full festival programme has yet to be unveiled, the town will spring to life on Saturday morning with a treasure hunt around Mallow. Much of the action over the weekend will take place in the grounds of Mallow Castle, with a dog show, live music and dance and kiddies entertainment across the course of the day including stilt walkers, a bouncy castle, a puppet show and climbing wall.
The venue will also host the popular food and craft fair on Saturday and Sunday.
“There will also be a vast array of daytime on-street entertainment and activities across the weekend, with live music each evening in local pubs.
Mr Hayes said the festival brings a huge financial boost to Mallow, with a recent study showing that visitors come from across Europe and as far away as the US to revel in the festival atmosphere, generating more than €750,000 for the local economy.
The full festival programme will be available to view in the coming weeks at www.racinghomeforeaster.com.
“Take a look and come along to savour the atmosphere and enjoy all that Mallow has to offer over the weekend,” said Mr Hayes.
He said the committee was seeking volunteers to help organise and steward some of the many events taking place over the course of the festival.
“Anyone who wants to get involved and help in any way can contact Geri Murphy on 085 118 5084.