Kells plans to 'reclaim streets' for traditional fair and market

A traditional market day will be held in Kells this July as the local community 'reclaims the streets' following the opening of the M3 motorway. Kells Chamber of Commerce will host the Kells Market Day on Sunday 4th July with a market, which will see large number of arts, crafts and artisan food stalls, as well as a farmers; market, family fun, street entertainment and livestock displays. The Chamber will be applying to Kells Town Council to close off Farrell Street, Cross Street, Market Street, Newmarket Street and Church Street to facilitate the event, which will be run in conjunction with the Kells Heritage Festival. Chamber president, Jess Olohan, explained that it hoped to recreate an old market day in Kells like those that continued in the town until the 1960s. "We have always wanted to do something like this, but it was impossible because we could never close of the roads. The M3 will be open by 4th July, so we will be reclaiming the streets for the people of Kells," she said. As well as arts, crafts and livestock, there will also be home-baking, vegetable stalls and other attractions. The market will also include three separate entertainment areas and there will be traditional song and dance, modern music and the Kells Musical and Dramatic Society is planning to stage a pageant during the fair. The organisers are hoping to attract thousands of visitors to the town for the colourful market. Jess Olohan explains that they are currently looking for artists, craftspeople and artisan food producers to take part in the market and anyone interest can contact her at (087) 903 4792.