Busy schedule for Queen festival

A fantastic programme of events is planned for the 2013 FBD Queen of the Land festival which was officially launched in the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore, Co Offaly.

This year’s festival has 27 contestants, including a representative from England, and will attract visitors from all over the country on the weekend of Friday, Nov 8, to Sunday, Nov 10.

Speaking at the launch, chairman of the organising committee, Ger Mahon, said: “We are delighted to have FBD as main sponsors of the festival and we extend our gratitude to them for their continuing support and commitment to the festival.

“We are also delighted to have the Irish Farmers Journal on board this year as our media sponsors and we thank them for their coverage of this year’s festival.

“In addition we would like to thank our associate sponsors for their generosity, support and loyalty to our festival”.

Founded in 1964 the festival has gone from strength to strength.

“We have pulled out all the stops to ensure that the 2013 FBD Queen of the Land festival is the best yet with a superb line-up of entertainment,” said Mr Mahon.

This year’s judges are Teresa Brennan, reigning FBD Queen of the Land 2012, Amanda Brennan, FBD Tullamore, and Damien O’Reilly, RTE Radio One presenter.

Mr O’Reilly presents the Countrywide programme on Saturday mornings.

MC for the weekend is TV3 weather presenter Deric Hartigan.

The festival will kick off on Friday, Nov 8, with comedian and Republic of Telly star Bernard O’Shea performing in the Bridge House Hotel.

Tickets are priced at €15 (including nightclub entry) from the Bridge House Hotel reception.

Contact 057-9325600 or log on to www.bridgehousehoteltullamore.ie for more information. Doors will open at 8.30pm, with the main act on stage at 9.30pm.

On Saturday, Nov 9, Deric Hartigan will begin interviewing the contestants at 8pm.

Entry to the Bridge House Hotel for the interviews, which will be followed with a performance by Deuces Wild and Ruaile Buaile, is €15 payable on the door or in advance from the Bridge House Hotel.

Sunday, Nov 10, will see the 2013 FBD Queen of the Land crowned at a gala banquet at the Bridge House Hotel at midnight. Tickets are €50 (including entry to a performance by Robert Mizzell) and should be ordered in advance from Bridge House Hotel.

Entry to music by Robert Mizzell and the announcement of the 2013 FBD Queen of the Land is €15 at the door or at the hotel’s reception.

Information at www.queenofthelandfestival.com