Festival fever in Ballylanders this week

FESTIVAL fever hits one South Limerick village this week, as the annual Ballylanders Pattern Festival takes place over the course of six fun-filled days, suitable for people of all ages. 

The festival is a proud long-standing tradition in the village and attracts big crowds every year, including those who return home to Ballylanders especially for the festival week. 

This year, the committee are looking forward to welcoming people from all across Europe, the UK, America, Canada and even those who will travel from Australia. 

Events started this morning (Tuesday, August 13) with a children's craft workshop at the GAA clubhouse and tonight at 7pm, there will be a kid's neon disco in the clubhouse. 

Tomorrow, Wednesday, will see a Lego pop-up club at the GAA clubhouse and pre-booking is advised and can be done by contacting 089 4787761, while the evening will finish with a 45 Drive at the daycare centre at 8.30pm. 

Thursday then is the actual Pattern Day and promises a packed day of events and activities. 

The day will begin with Mass at 11am, followed by a craft and country market in the school yard at 11.30am, village park fun activities at 12 noon and refreshments at the daycare centre at 1pm. 

Then the afternoon will see a family fun nature event at Griston Bog at 2pm, while there will also be a 'Let's Play' sports event hosted by Limerick Sports Partnership. 

READ MORE: Green Limerick: Heritage Week brings free, all-age events to life

At 4pm on Thursday, Mystery Magic will host an open air show, followed by a street party at 5pm, a fancy dress parade led by Mayor John Moran and featuring the Liam Lynch Pipe Band at 7pm (people can register at 6.30pm in the Natural Sleep Company yard) and events will wrap up on Pattern Day with a slow bicycle race outside the church at 7.30pm and open air music in the street from 8pm. 

On Friday at 8pm, there will be bingo in the GAA clubhouse, and Ballylanders Macra will celebrate their 75th anniversary on Saturday at 7.30pm. 

Festival events will wrap up on Sunday with a tractor run from the GAA clubhouse at 1pm, followed by a family fun day in the village park at 2pm and a dog show at 7pm.