Dunshaughlin prepares for harvest festival
With three years of raucous harvest fun under its belt – Dunshaughlin Harvest Festival (25th - 28th September) is gearing up for its fourth annual weekend-long celebration of food, folk and fun for all the family. The Soapbox Derby and Giant Musical Chairs return as firm festival favourites while new events such as the Loom Band Competition, Ceili at the Crossroads and the Trojan Trotters Race celebrate the quirky side of Dunshaughlin.
The festival begins on Thursday 25th September with a night of poetry and music in the old Courthouse followed by a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show - the audience is asked to dress accordingly! ​'T​he Big Screen” concert featuring music, dance and drama from the movies takes place on Friday 26th at 8pm in Dunshaughlin Community Centre. The Street Market features artisan foods, local produce, entertainers and home crafts. Ireland's Olympiad chess player, Una O'Boyle, makes a guest appearance at the chess workshops.
Electric Lemon play the Sibín marquee while local bands, singers and trad musicians perform on the streets and in the pubs . The 2013 festival queen, Orla McLoughlin, relinquishes her crown to the new queen who will be voted in at the Queen Contest on Saturday 20th September, 7pm-9pm in The Black Bush Golf Club.
​Heritage and History​
As 2014 marks the centenary commemoration of World War I, a large part of the festival is sure to enthuse history buffs with heritage events such as “Remembering the Meath Men of WWI” presented by Noel French at Dunshaughlin Library on Tuesday 23rd September. There is a collection of war memorabilia by the Glasnevin Volunteer Training Corps WWI Collective, while Paddy Rispin of Trim Living History will be available at a hands-on display of weapons and armoury. High Nellies of Scurlogstown Olympiad Heritage Park will also make an appearance followed by a demonstration of
Victorian-era utensils. Be sure to look out for the vintage car, motorbike and tractor parade too. Sunday afternoon will see children well occupied with arts and craft, sports in the park, children’s dog show, magic show, as well as a music and rhythm workshop.
The Festival Office (Toll House, Main Street) is open 10am – 4pm weekdays, and until 2pm on Saturdays. For information on venues, times, competition rules or prices see www.dunfest.com or contact 085-8218908.