Turning the hay at a previous festival were James Ward with John Dunne and Frank Glynn.

Summer days are here as Trim gets set to make hay

Summer is finally here and the Scurlogstown Olympiad group will be hoping the good weather continues until Sunday as it's haymaking time.

The 52nd annual Trim Haymaking Festival is returning to the Porchfields, showcasing a collection of artefacts and old-style fayre, from scythes and forks to wash boards and washtubs, reminding us of our culture and past.

Founded in 1968 as a rural based community development group, the festival has been running ever since, although Covid had hindered the last two years, it didn’t stop the committee from keeping the momentum going with small events such as dancing at the crossroads and a mini parade for St Patrick’s Day. The committee also run a heritage garden off the main Trim-Dublin Road, opposite Jack Quinn’s pub.

The festival village

What remains today as a pivotal part of the festival is the recreation of an old village scene in little cottages that promotes history and shows how people lived in days gone by. The main attraction of the event of the day focuses on bringing in the first hay of the year. It is here you will see the working donkeys, scythe cutting and vintage machinery in operation. This event shows the physicality of the olden day methods of farming before the industrial revolution and modern methods came into play. A pivotal part of the festival is the recreation of an old village scene in little cottages that promotes history and shows how people lived in days gone by.

With many sections and events on the day ranging from traders and their stalls and markets to kids’ fun areas, there will be poetry and dance, with live music from the Brian Boru Ceili Band, Ray Murtagh and Eddie Quinn and Trim Brass Band. There will be dancing competition for waltzing and jiving as well as a ceili for all to enjoy. GK Stage Academy fresh from their weekend of shows will be there for a performance.

The dog show is always busy and there will be a veterinary clinic offering advice or to go through any concerns you may have about your pet.

Beginning at 11.30am, admission is €10 for adults, children are free.