Chairpersons Address
On behalf of Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival organising committee, it is my pleasure to present this year’s special anniversary programme of events.
The founders created a Festival that has evolved over the years into an historical, cultural and community focused celebration of Birr. It remains a favorite time of the year for many people; an opportunity to catch up with visiting family and friends; to welcome tourists from home & abroad; a chance to interpret new artistic and cultural experiences, offering a wealth of choice about where to go and what to see each day in your own home town.
We wish to thank all clubs, societies and venues who host fun filled events; Eilís Lavelle, Emma Nee Haslam, David Manzor, Ann Quinlan (Brosna Press), Sk8 Birr (Birr Skate Park Committee), St. Brendan’s Environmental Group, Birr Lions Club and all groups and individuals for their vital volunteering spirit and enthusiasm both before and during the Festival!
Many thanks to Birr Town Council, Birr Garda Siochana, Birr Fire Brigade, Central Fire Station (Tullamore), Civil Defence, Order of Malta, FCA and Birr & District Motor Club for assistance and co-operation with all matters.
We are extremely grateful for generous funding from Fáilte Ireland & Shannon Development, the Arts Council and Offaly County Council Arts Office and we thank Cavanagh Foundry, Dooly’s Hotel, Tesco Ireland, Birr Chamber of Commerce and each and every local business sponsor for their generous financial contributions to fuel the Festival – we encourage patrons to please support those who support the Festival!
We hope this packed programme of vintage and modern events encourages everyone to come out and participate in the 40th Anniversary celebrations and to soak up Birr’s impressive history and contemporary culture.
Wishing you all a fantastic 40th Festival!
Michelle de Forge
Chairperson, Birr Vintage Week & Arts Festival Committee
Festival Committee 2008
Chairperson: Michelle de Forge
Hon-Treasurer: Dermot Maher
Hon-Secretary: Dawn Lagace
PRO: Janine Wilson
Safety Officer: Brendan Fogarty
Parade Officers: Alex Smyth, Orla Watkins
Committee Members: Laura de Forge, Denis Hoctor, Gerri Hynes, Marguerite McDonnell, Yvonne Mullally, Barry Murphy, Gillian Pierce, Finula Regan, Cyril Stanley, Ann Spain, Liam Spain, Sara Southern, Alan Watkins, DJ Wilson.
Parade Route
Starts at Marian Hall; to Castle Street, Main Street, Emmet Square, Emmet Street.
Please Note: Parade finishes at St. Brendan’s Church of Ireland. Parade participants return to the Marian Hall via Oxmantown Mall & Rosse Row. It would be appreciated if Castle Street, Main Street, Emmet Square and Emmet Street could be left free of cars from 10am to 6pm, and Marian Hall carpark from 12–4pm on Sunday.
Note: Parade entry registration at Marian Hall before 1.30pm.
Traffic Diversions
With thanks to Birr Gardaí
Local traffic diversions will be in operation during
the Festival week. Your co-operation is appreciated.
Parking Restrictions
To allow space for special Festival events, parking restrictions will be in place within the town throughout the week. Please obey temporary notices. Your co-operation is appreciated and apologies are made for any inconvenience.
No Hawkers or Ticket Sellers
In order to eliminate illegal hawkers, we urge the public to only purchase goods from official Festival sellers.
Vintage Shop-Window Display Competition
Calling all shop owners to dress up your window in vintage style to remember days gone by. Winner to be announced on Sunday 17 August.
Vintage Photographic Competition
Enter your photographs illustrating the spirit of Birr
Vintage Week & Arts Festival 2008 and what the
Festival means to you! Non-returnable entries, €1, to
Festival Office by Friday 22 August at 12 noon.
Entries to be displayed in Main Street shop window
from Friday 22 August. 1st prize kindly sponsored
by David O’Meara, Pharmacy Plus Birr.
Special thanks to all who gave Festival photographs
from over the years for inclusion in this Anniversary
Programme.