A SCALED-DOWN Lady of the Lake Festival will take place this weekend in Irvinestown. The popular festival had been cancelled last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but this year it is back with a bang.

Instead of the traditional selection of the 2021 Lady of the Lake, the current Lady – Nikita Ward – will retain the title she claimed in 2019, marking a festival first as she will become the longest-serving Lady of the Lake.

Nikita said: "It's great to have the festival running again after what has been a very tough two years for everyone.

"Although I am only able to help out for a few days due to now working as a registered nurse, it’s great for everyone to have something to look forward to."

On holding the unique title of the longest-serving Lady of the Lake, Nikita said: "It’s honestly so surreal, it’s hard to believe! Of course my family have joked with me, saying it would only happen to me, but it’ll be nice to give it back next year, if all is good, to another lady and allow them to enjoy the experience I have had."

Committee member Joe Mahon was looking forward to the event when he spoke to The Impartial Reporter.

He said: “When we announced it was going ahead, people were looking forward to it, especially young people. It’s a good weekend for Irvinestown.”

Festival-goers will be delighted that the Northern Ireland Executive has also lifted the cap on the number of people able to attend outdoor events. Previously, there had been a cap at 500 people attending outdoor events.

Due to the pandemic, some staple events of the festival will not be happening, or events have been moved away from their traditional time slot.

One such event is the cancellation of the popular truck run, which will not take place this year. Instead, there are many fun-filled events including a fancy dress parade with a ‘Covid-19 Post-Lockdown’ theme.

The vintage tractor and car run will take place on Sunday from Necarne at 3pm, as opposed to its usual Friday timeslot.

Other events have been moved to Necarne Estate, due in part to social distancing measures.

Some of the events that will be hosted include a dog walk with donations in aid of Husky Salvation on Saturday at 10am, with Dressage Ireland Summer League and concerts also taking place.

The treasure hunt will start on July 12 from Necarne car park and the ever popular Fair Day will take place on Tuesday, July 13, from 11am.

Elsewhere, the pet show will take place at the Bawnacre Centre on Saturday at 2pm, the Church Service will take place in the Celtic Garden at 6pm on Sunday, and Castle Archdale will host events, including a guided walking tour with Norman Noble on Saturday at 3pm, and a raft race at 5pm on Saturday, where £100 is up for grabs for the winner.

For further details of what's on and where, see The Lady of the Lake Festival page on Facebook.