Festival that combines the weird, the wild and the wonderful

Rodney Edwards • Published 22 Jul 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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GROWN men in tights, a big rickety wheel and a pig on a spit. It can only mean one thing -- it's Lady of the Lake time again!

Fermanagh's biggest festival kicked off last week in Irvinestown with a whole host of weird and wonderful activities for all the family.

From three legged welly racing to a donkey and sheep derby, this year's event has it all and is even on course to be the best one yet, according to organisers.

33 years later it just gets bigger and better than ever -- a testament to the hard work and dedication of all those involved and the community who adore it.

At Friday night's launch, thousands filled the streets to watch 20-year-old florist Rachel Gibson replace Clare Timlin as the festival queen.

"I'd like to thank everyone who voted for me, I can't believe it. Thank you so much," smiled Rachel to the crowd.

The first lady to get married during her reign, Clare (now Mrs. McQuigan) had some simple advice for her replacement: "I've had a really class time and have done a lot of things, like switching on the Christmas lights. Just enjoy it Rachel -- you'll love it, you really will," she smiled.

The unveiling followed a procession of pipe bands, scouts and boys brigade through the streets, with jugglers, stilt walkers, balloon makers, face painters and juggling unicyclists keeping the crowd amused.

Chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Stephen Huggett wished the new festival queen well and described the event as a "credit" to Irvinestown.

"This has grown and become established as a major festival in the Fermanagh events calendar and I congratulate the organisers and the committee for their hard work. The festival gives everyone, whether a visitor or a resident, something to do. I know it will be a tremendous success. The festival always portrays Irvinestown and the surrounding areas in a very good light. I would encourage the community to get involved in all those things that go on. The commitment of the people and their hard work goes unnoticed sometimes but I can tell you the Council do notice it. I appreciate the effort and wish you all a great time," he said.

Host Malachi Cush said it was a "joy" to be back in Irvinestown: "This is a feel good event and the locals always have a welcome smile. That's exactly what you want. I am very excited about being back here. And the fact people have gathered in their thousands tonight just shows you how much they love the festival," he beamed.

Organiser Joe Mahon paid tribute to all those who helped with the festival then sang a rather deafening version of 'How much is that Doggy in the window'.

With live music by Shanachie, the crowd launched into a lively country and western sing along.

Highlights included Stephen Huggett, George Beacom and Joe Mahon joining together for a rendition of 'Horse it into ya Cynthia' and Dr. Hook's smash hit 'Sylvia's Mother'.

Then on Saturday morning the Heli Challenge took to the skies at St. Angelo Airport with 30 teams competing against each other in the air, followed by a water sports extravaganza at Castle Archdale, with banana boating and kayaking. There was also a Bonny Baby contest, a pet show and an over forties football match at St. Molaise Park.

And in the afternoon the story of the Lady of the Lake was told in Castle Archdale -- complete with a makeshift figure of herself floating across the water.

Interestedly, underneath the floating sculpture were two divers guiding her lady to the shore for over 40 minutes as the story was read out to all in attendance.

"Folklore has it that the original Lady of the Lake, from whom the festival takes its title, walked through the mists and made her way from island to island, holding in her hand a bunch of beautiful wild flowers. The route of the legendary lady is said to have taken in Inishmacsaint, Inishdoney, Inishgariff and Inishclare."

As the new Lady of the Lake, Rachel Gibson walked alongside the mysterious figure, fitting music including 'Pure Shores' by All Saints, Rod Stewart's 'Sailing' and 'Don't Rock the Boat' by Hues Corporation played in the background.

Afterwards, diver Michael Whitely said it was a "pleasure" to navigate the lady to the shore: "Today we had good visibility under the water for about three metres. The bottom of the water is very silky. It's like a big floating jelly. The water itself is very clear; it's not pitch black so we didn't need to use torches for that. It was easy enough done. Of course we don't mind helping out. We're always very keen to lend a hand," he said.

Later the very popular Raft Race took place in the Marina, with several makeshift boats competing for the top prize of £100.00.

As spectators watched the race, Joe Mahon's very tasty barbecue of burgers, sausages and a pig on a spit kept them full up: "I've sold 200 burgers and 100 sausages," he smiled.

The hotelier said it has been a "great few days" already: "There was a good crowd on the street for the launch and everybody seemed to enjoy it. Malachi did a great job as compere, we were actually looking for Dana but it didn't work out, but he did the job. There is a great community feel and the traders have really come together to help us," he said.

Festival committee Chairperson Lisa Wallace said its success was down to team work: "We usually start planning just after Christmas. Then we meet every week for a couple of hours to discuss it. Only for our community and the traders in Irvinestown there wouldn't be a festival. We have people phoning up months in advance wanting to help and wanting to know when it starts. There are people who plan their holidays around the festival, so I'd like to thank everyone who has helped us make this year's Lady of the Lake one to really remember," she said.

Also this week, festival goers enjoyed a Superheroes' Party, Celebrity Boxing, Big Cook, Little Cook and a Cocktail Competition featuring some of Northern Ireland's top barmen battling it out for the top trophy.

And there's so much more left to enjoy as the Lady of the Lake festival continues all week with a full programme of family fun events, including the Rex Factor (Ireland's first all singing dog show) tonight and the 10th anniversary of the Truck Convoy in aid of Cancer Research on Sunday.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 22 Jul 10

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