Of course there’s lots of other family fun over the weekend along the main street with comedy and family friendly shows, giant games, face painting and lots more to keep everyone entertained.
This year sees some new acts like Ballet Poulet and Ronaldo Fanzini bringing their madcap shows to the festival. The main street is pedestrianised for the full weekend making it the perfect spot to spend the day enjoying music, heritage, food and entertainment. 2 stages will provide daytime family entertainment, an artisan market with food stalls and food demonstrations will make sure everyone is well fed.
The whole street event is wrapped up in the local heritage stories, characters and re-enactments and overall good fun.
Music
There will be 2 stages on Main Street one by the courthouse and one by Shaws. Music and entertainment will run throughout the day.
Family Fun
The main street will be bursting with Free Family fun and two stages of entertainment. Join us from 12pm to 6pm on Main Street for jam packed days of activities, music and fun. Also on Main Street:
Drumming Circle– Come along and take part in the Drumming Circle from 12.30pm each day at Lower Square
Children’s Treasure Trail – Self guided trail running from 1-4pm on both days, meet at Lower Square
Heritage Talks – Delivered by Laois Heritage Society at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Saturday. Heritage walk at 4.30pm in Kavanaghs Bar Garden Room
Experience Laois, Family Friendly Heritage Walk at 12.30pm and 4pm both days, meeting at Lowe Square.
Also enjoy face painting, giant games and street theatre from 12-6 on both days.
Heritage Displays and Re-enactments
Meet Scotia Living History Display, Raven Haven Aviaries, Dinah Cooking, Jude Stynes, Michael Moylan, Melissa Sheils, Medieval beads, Medieval Hair Styles, Vikings Athy, CLAÍOMH Medieval displays and demonstrations on Main Street. Read more about the Heritage Events here.
Artisan Food Market
The artisan food market on main street is a great place to refuel over the day. Enjoy foods and flavours from: Cocoa Couture – Artisan Chocolate, Rockfield Ice Cream, Quarrymount Organic Meats, Aghaboe Farm Foods, Vanilla Foods, The Little Coffee Hut, Dave’s BBQ, Bubble Waffle House, Crazy Chips and many more. Read more about the Artisan Food Market here.
More About Our Acts
Ballet Poulet
Two world class Olympian-level idiots bring to you their latest masterpiece. She has prepared a poetic, delicate and tender ballet. He has prepared a bad ass display of mayhem. She loves dancing, he loves chickens. Nut-cracking and Swan Faking their way into your lives, these two will make you really question which came first…her tutu or his toupée?
Ronaldo Fanzini
Gather round, gather round to witness the jaw-dropping antics of this devilishly handsome Italian Kerryman, Ronaldo Fanzini. Is he stupid or brave beyond belief? It really doesn’t matter as he presents 30 mins of fantastic comedy and pure fun in his spoof danger, comedy circus show, “Ronaldo Fanzini, King of Mayhem.” Ronaldo is distinguished by his unusual hairdo, a monster afro. The language of death-defying stunts is used at every turn, giving a comic edge to all the carry-on. Do not miss this hero of the Irish circus scene.
Keep an eye out for their stage time in the next couple of week but both acts are not to be missed by young and old alike and will really add to the festival fun. The Old Fort Quarter is shaping up to be a great weekend.
