My Week with Celia: Fashion and fun at the iconic Ploughing Championships
We had three fashion shows a day in our iconic Fashion Dome, and each one was chock-a-block
What a week!
It’s no secret that the National Ploughing Championships is one of my favourite weeks of the year, and this year was no different.
I’ve been attending the Ploughing for 30 years, and the atmosphere is always sensational.
People of all ages from the length of breadth of the country come together to celebrate our Irish culture, learn about all things farming and, most importantly, have a brilliant day out.
We had three fashion shows a day in our iconic Fashion Dome, and each one was chock-a-block.
With the venue seating approximately 300 people, almost 1,000 audience members viewed the shows each day.
I compèred the shows alongside Brigid Dooley, who also coordinates the show.
My daughter-in-law Asta Lee did a fabulous job of producing the show, with nine models from the Holman Lee Agency showcasing the very best pieces from fantastic fashion boutiques from all over the country.
As always, we all woke up at around 5am each morning before getting a bus together to the site.
It is perhaps a crazy way to do it, but we always feel it is so worth it.
One of my favourite things to do each year is to stand outside the Fashion Dome and watch the crowds go by.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the craziness of the fashion shows and everything else going on, so I adore getting to take a few minutes to watch people coming and going, enjoying their day out with family or friends.
Through the decades of attending the Ploughing, as well as my years in the industry, I have seen many fashion trends come and go.
I always say one has to go back to go forwards, and I’ve noticed that people are now taking trends from the past and putting a twist on them.
Cropped jackets, tweed, lots of different fabrics, drop sleeves, and knitwear are among the styles I’ve noticed. And denim, of course, is everywhere.
Though I wasn’t judging the competition for the Most Appropriately Dressed lady and man, I loved getting to see all the style as people donned their Sunday best.
For the men, I always feel it’s important to dress for the day that’s in it, with a bit of tweed and maybe a hat truly completing the perfect Ploughing get-up.
For the ladies, my only requirement is that they look fabulous!
I had such an incredible time at the wonderful event last week, and I’m already looking forward to the next.
Until then, I will undoubtedly stay busy!
Chat soon, XxCelia