Australia Day in Cobh – Sunday 24th

With a beautiful day forecast and so much happening, Cobh is the place to be this Sunday as we celebrate Australia Day in Cobh. A ship full of Australians on a world cruise arriving in Cobh will bring a unique atmosphere to the town.
Come early, as the earlier than expected 3 pm departure of the Dawn Princess means that the days festivities are starting earlier too. The sailing of the Dawn Princess and its 1900 passengers will be a great occasion so come out and help to make it a send off to remember.
Entertainment begins at 11.30 am and throughout the day there are barbequed food and craft stalls to browse and enjoy, a Family Treasure Hunt, Crab fishing from the Promenade, Cobh’s “Aussy” shop windows to enjoy, an Air Sea Rescue Display and all the other attractions and things to do that Cobh has to offer. There is also a full line up of Musical entertainment.

Programme of Entertainment 24th July 2011. All times approximate and subject to change.

C J Kickham Brass and Reed Band 11.00 am – on the quayside
This band comes from Tipperary town, so they are bound to play “It’s a long way to Tipperary”

Traditional Irish Folk Musicians 11.30 am
The Moroney Family This trio plays button accordion, concertina, tin whistle and guitar and will have you tapping your feet and looking for more.

Blessing of the Bonnets ceremony 12 noon  – Cobh Heritage Centre
‘Roses from the Heart’ is a unique memorial to the 25,566 convict women transported to Australia from Ireland and Britain from 1788 to 1853.

Aoife Ryan’s Irish Dance Group 12.30 pm
These young performers will enthrall and entertain on the waterfront in the Promenade.

Band of 1 Southern Brigade 1.00 pm
This Army Brass and Reed Band will give an hour long recital on the Victorian Bandstand in Kennedy Park.

Traditional Irish Folk Musicians 2.00 pm
An tOileán (Gaelic for “The Island”)  This versatile group for play a selection of Irish favourites in various styles and tempos.

Traditional Cobh sendoff from the quayside featuring Cobh Confraternity Band and the C J Kickham band 2.15 pm -– on the quayside
The departures of the tenders carrying people emigrating from Ireland to the ocean liners at anchor in Cork Harbour were sad events. Friends, relatives and the people of Cobh gathered on the quayside to wave white handkerchiefs as a farewell salute.
Today the departure of a Cruise liner is an altogether happier occasion with the Bands playing a selection of favourites and locals and visitors gathering on the quayside to continue the tradition of a fond farewell. Expect an Australian flavour to this performance and a few familiar flags waving as well!

Luasca 3.15 pm
This traditional group of young student musicians will play a selection of traditional tunes on tin whistles, flutes, concertina, accordion and bodhrán.

Waterford based Irish Coastguard Helicopter 3.30 pm
An air sea rescue display involving the helicopter and the Crosshaven based inshore lifeboat.

Free Guided Tour of St. Colman’s Cathedral 3.30 pm
Discover the history and stories associated with this magnificent Cathedral. Meet at the main entrance.

Carillon Recital on the 49 Bells of St. Colman’s Cathedral 4.30 pm
Hear this musical instrument, the largest of its kind in the British Isles played by guest carillonneur Tiffany Ng, Associate Carillonneur at Berkeley University, San Francisco. A closed circuit television system inside the door of the cathedral will allow you to see the carillonneur play the instrument that consists of a keyboard and pedal board played with clenched fists and the feet simultaneously!