STRAWBERRY FEVER hits Enniscorthy this weekend as thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the Co Wexford town for its revamped annual festival.
The town’s new-look Strawberry Fest will feature headline acts including Jedward and the Rubberbandits.
The organising committee and town council brought local company MSL Concerts on board this year to help secure a line-up that would draw the crowds for the festival, now in its 44th year.
Rob Murphy of MSL Concerts said the “public private partnership” had worked well and they were expecting big crowds over the next three days.
A food court and fun fair have been set up at the Co Wexford Showgrounds, where the festival is being held. Camping at the nearby GAA complex will also be possible.
The Coronas are headlining the line-up at tonight’s free concert and the Rubberbandits will be supporting Ali Campbell’s UB40 tomorrow night, with tickets priced at €20.
The only other ticketed event is Jedward, at 4pm on Sunday, to be followed by a free concert featuring Ryan Sheridan, recently reformed local heroes Cry Before Dawn, and The Saw Doctors.
Many associated events are planned over the weekend, with an emphasis on family-friendly entertainment.
These include the Strawberry half-marathon and an All-Ireland Farmers’ Market Championship on Sunday.
The humble Wexford strawberry itself will not be neglected. They will be on offer throughout the town all weekend. A contest for the title of “Strawberry Queen” will also be held.
The festival was launched on Wednesday night with a gala ball attended by more than 400 people. The entertainment continued yesterday evening ahead of the main weekend attractions.