Stradbally

[RWHB1]

BIGGEST EVER STRADBALLY STEAM RALLY FIRES UP IN LAOIS FOR BANK HOLIDAY
WEEKEND

Ireland's largest steam engine rally will gather in Laois this
weekend, to fire up for its 60th birthday and parade together along
the main street in a spectacle sure to go down in the history books.

From its simple beginning, a small gathering of enthusiastic steam
engine owners in Court Square, Stradbally watched on curiously by
locals on St Stephen's Day in 1964, Stradbally Steam Rally has chugged
on reliably for 60 years, fuelled by the passion and love of these
impressively giant intricate antique machines.

This year the steam committee have injected new thrills, a lot of
live music and a campsite, to celebrate their birthday, not least
being the biggest display possibly ever in Ireland of 68 large engines
and 25 model engines.

There is a new focus this year on entertainment for the public other
than the machines, with tens of thousands of visitors expected daily
throughout the four day festival.

The traditional parade through Stradbally continues but before it
starts on Saturday evening at 7pm, there will be a street carnival
with family entertainers from 5pm at Court Square.

The biggest ever steam engine parade will then proceed up through the
Main Street from 7.15pm to 8pm, also including tractors and vintage
cars.

There is great music and even a dancing stage this year inside the
display grounds.

Irish Country music queen Susan McCann and Cliona Hagan headline a big
lineup of music names.

It starts on Friday, August 2 with Pure Green playing for the crowds
from 9.30pm to 11.30pm.

On Saturday, the great Laois band Abbeyfolk will play from 9.30pm
until midnight.

Then on Sunday, August 4 at 12.30pm, Timahoe Choir will kick off the
afternoon with a rousing hour of songs.

The official opening will be performed by Anna May McHugh, MD of the
National Ploughing Association, at 1.30 pm on Sunday.

Susan McCann takes to the stage at 2pm for a two hour concert,
followed straight afterwards by Cliona Hagan for two more hours.

From 6:30pm to 8:30pm the Rockabilly Rebels take over the stage, and
at 9:30pm the Celtic Gypsies will kick off, playing until midnight.

The fun rolls into Bank Holiday Monday, with Stacey Breen on stage
from midday to 2pm, followed by the AJs from 2pm to 4pm.

Since 1966, all of the events have been held in the grounds of
Stradbally Hall, by kind permission of three generations of the
Cosby family, offering their fields as a venue for huge gatherings
long before the Electric Picnic came to town.

There will be displays of steam engines, vintage cars, vintage
tractors and commercials.

On top of that are over 70 trade stands, a carnival, an Autojumble,
a Blacksmith Village, Steam Working Arena, Massive Saw Benching
Display with the Celtic Steamers, Truck Displays, Oil Engines, Steam
Engine Rides, Live Music, Bouncing Castles, a Kids Area, Craft
Village, Pet Farm and Dog Show.

Weekend camping and caravan/camper parking is even available this year
too. The campsite has security, water, toilets, a shower unit and
waste disposal. Mobility scooters can also be hired for the weekend.

The society donates part of the proceeds to charities, including Laois
Hospice, Stradbally Meal on Wheels, and Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.

Book tickets and camping on www.irishsteam.nethttps://irishsteam.net/