by Dionne Meehan
Excitment is starting to build in Ramelton as festival season approaches.
The highly anticipated Lennon Festival returns on Thursday, July 4, for its 53rd year bringing with it some major events, acts and unbelievable atmosphere.
Hoping to set the mood, a pre-festival two hand dancing event will take place at the Community Centre tomorrow, June 28 from 9pm to 11pm.
With the festival being officially opened on Thursday, July 4, by Donegal Person of the Year Moya Brennan, massive crowds are expected to flock to the heritage town over the next two weekends to enjoy everything it has to offer.
The main events are set to kick off on Friday, July 5 with The Tumbling Paddies taking to the stage at 9pm following their support act, Ramelton man, Ben Carr.
Saturday, July 6, will kick off with something a little different. Two screen printing workshops have been added to this year’s festival line-up taking place at Cló & Co. in Moorefield. The Little Printers (ages 3-12) is set to begin at 11am followed by the Print Mates workshop (ages 13-17) at 1pm.
That night, Springsteen- A Tribute will hit Gamble Square at 9pm. An authentic six piece Irish tribute band, Springsteen- A Tribute is Europe’s biggest Boss band! Support on the night will be from Ramelton woman, Emily Harte.
Sunday, July 7, will see the return of the highly anticipated Soap Box Derby. This is a thrilling event that you won’t want to miss. The exciting race begins at 2pm on Church Street. The annual, week long, Singing Pub competition follows the event on Sunday night.
From Monday, July 8, a jam-packed week of events lays ahead. From a Car Treasure Hunt to a Kayak Fun Event and Multi Colour Fun Run, this is sure to be a fun filled week for all ages.
Friday, July 12, will see Big Band Night roll into the town. Award winning country music singer, Robert Mizzell will grace the stage at Gamble Square at 9pm, following support from Glór Tíre’s Chelsea Evans.
The Carnival Parade will take place on Saturday, July 13 at 2:30pm. As floats, vintage cars and marching bands parade through Ramelton, there is €500 in prizes to be won. That night, ABBA Sensations will transport you back to the 70s. One of the leading ABBA tribute shows in the UK and Ireland, the two lead vocalists are supported by the musicianship of very heavily experienced musicians. Support on the night will be from ‘We Love Sax’.
Sunday, July 14, Glór Tíre winner Jason McCahill will take to the stage at 7:30pm to get the crowd warmed up for country legend Jimmy Buckley. Jimmy is now regarded as one of Ireland’s most successful entertainers.
On Monday, July 15 Johnny Haughey and Claudia Buckley will play us out before the annual fireworks display brings the festival to a close at 11pm.
All roads lead to Ramelton for a festival not to be missed.
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