Catch the highlights from Limerick's Riverfest 2017
Riverfest 2017 attracted more than 40,000 people to the city over the weekend, soaking up the electric atmosphere and watching the impressive events on display.
Check out the highlights!
What a gig @HermitageGreen @live_castle @RiverfestLmk #limerick pic.twitter.com/MRpbNFkA8U
— Dolans Pub Limerick (@mydolans) April 30, 2017
Fantastic day of fashion yesterday at @RiverfestLmk in @arthursquaysc. xx Celia pic.twitter.com/fzFwUWHzPi
— Celia Holman Lee (@CeliaHolmanLee) April 29, 2017
SUPing on the River Shannon early this morn #Riverfest #Limerick with the #GreatLimerickRun passing by on Sarsfield Bridge overhead :) pic.twitter.com/ubo88EvKAO
— Get West (@GetWestAdv) April 30, 2017
World Champion jetboarders Scotty Knemeyer and Bo Krook were two of the stand out stars of Riverfest 2017 as they thrilled the crowds with unbelievable displays in the water as part of the Maldron Hotel Riverfest on the Shannon.
They wowed the spectators as they performed dolphin dives, backflips and barrel rolls, all while seemingly floating in the air above the water.
Amazing sights and sounds @RiverfestLmk great way to showcase Fab City @ilovelimerick #limerickandproud pic.twitter.com/2sj3CC1iAk
— Breda Duggan (@bredamduggan) April 30, 2017
The Riverfestival Village at Arthur’s Quay Park proved a treat for all the family, with food and craft stalls, music and fun and vintage amusements and rides keeping everyone entertained.
It's pretty busy in our Riverfestival village right now!!😎 #Riverfest #Limerick #ThisisLimerick #festivalfun pic.twitter.com/izbGEEV7Lf
— Riverfest Limerick (@RiverfestLmk) April 30, 2017
Only the truly adventurous and fearless tried the new Zipline out over the water from Arthur’s Quay to Honan’s Quay. Climbing high around 40 feet above the village, being harnessed onto a wire, there were shrieks of terror from some as they zoomed through the air to the other side before safely landing on the ground.
The Riverest BBQ Competition found a new home along the River Shannon Boardwalk at Harvey’s Quay, where teams cooked food for the crowds of people to sample.
The team from New Road Clinic, headed by Patrick O’Sullivan was crowned overall winners of Limerick’s Riverfest BBQ competition. They won a cash prize of €400 and will now go on to represent Ireland at the World BBQ Association European Championships which take place later in the year.
A spectacular fireworks display lit up the night sky on Sunday as thousands of people lined the quays getting the best vantage points for the show.
#limerick skies light up @RiverfestLmk over the #Shannon #thisislimerick #fireworks pic.twitter.com/5YijrUTLph
— Limerick : Culture : Arts (@LimerickArts) April 30, 2017
Beautiful fireworks tonight on the river. All the emotions #riverfest2017 @RiverfestLmk pic.twitter.com/rSa06L9cGz
— Jennifer Canesten (@Jenni4Canesten) April 30, 2017
An added attraction this year before the fireworks was an LED water display with jetboarders and jetskiers performing tricks and stunts, keeping the crowds entertained before the fireworks exploded high over the city.
Epic photo by Martin Molloy Photographer @flyboardireland @RiverfestLmk #riverfest2017 @LimLive95fm @limerickpost pic.twitter.com/s4Txm8tG3H
— Philip Hannon (@Philip_Hannon) May 1, 2017
Earlier in the day, around 12,000 runners participated in the Barringtons Hospital Great Limerick Run, a six mile, half marathon, marathon and team relay event which took in many of the historical and scenic sights across Limerick.
Best of luck to everyone taking part in @BHGLimerickRun today in #Limerick! #Riverfest #BHGLR pic.twitter.com/uDTmDTgh0f
— Riverfest Limerick (@RiverfestLmk) April 30, 2017
The Run featured entries from all over Ireland and abroad with musical acts from marching bands, gospel choirs, traditional music and DJs entertaining participants along the route.
Meanwhile thousands of children took part in their own event, the UL Sport Kids Run organised by the Barrington’s Hospital Great Limerick Run on Saturday.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick Cllr Kieran O’Hanlon said: “Riverfest proves every year that Limerick is a fantastic festival location. The entire city was buzzing with everyone enjoying themselves.
“Riverfest has proven to be the biggest attraction in the country for the May Bank Holiday weekend, with people from all over the country visiting. This year’s event was the biggest and best ever and I would like to thank all those who have contributed to its success.
“Riverfest, year after year, proves that Limerick can host festivals of this size and the massive crowds attending show there is a huge appetite for such events here in Limerick.”
