Thousands descend on Portlaoise for annual heritage festival – today
Thousands of attendees from across the country are expected to descend on Portlaoise for the Old Fort Quarter Festival, from today through till Sunday night.
The Festival will officially open on the main stage on Main Street, Portlaoise at 8pm tonight, 22nd June. Guests of Honour will include Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan, TD and Cathaoirleach, Mr. Padraig Fleming.
Now in its third year, The Old Fort Quarter Festival celebrates the heritage of the Old Fort of Maryborough in Portlaoise.
Medieval heritage, two music stages, street theatre, a comic book convention and an artisan food market are among the highlights. Many of the events are free-to-attend and spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis – so early attendance is advised.
This year’s line-up features the following highlights:
- Medieval heritage: archery, armoury, birds of prey, shield making, crafts, cookery and historic tours.
- Music acts: Smash Hits; Roll With It – Ultimate Oasis Tribute; The Frank & Walters; Transmitter; The Valves; The Jury; and Silent Disco.
- Comedy stage: Ashlee Bentley, John Sheehan, Greg Marx, Anthony Riordan, Cornelius Patrick O’ Sullivan, Eve Darcy, and Pauline Shanahan
- Artisan food market: Bloom Restaurant Portlaoise, Sharon Shannon’s Garden of Vegan, La Merienda Mexican Street Food, Food Junkie wood-fired pizza and Rockfield Ice Cream
- Street theatre: stilt walkers, jugglers, puppet shows, giant games, face painting.
- Crinniú na nÓg: a wide range of free heritage workshops and performances for children and young people.
- Celtic Comic Con: graphic novel and comic book market, gaming zone.
- Heritage re-enactment displays.
- Daily walking tours.
All media and photographers are welcome to attend and do not need to register in advance. All media enquiries should be made to: media@alicepr.com
