The build-up to this year’s Rose of Tralee festivities was in full bloom last night at the annual event’s Rose Ball.

A Kerry-born designer has been asked, for the third time, to dress one of the world’s most powerful women and will also be welcomed to the Rose of Tralee Festival this month as guest of honour.

TRALEE town is a hive of activity this morning as the 32 women competing to become the area’s 2010 Rose begin their final preparations before the first of two live television shows tonight.

BUDDING escorts feeling the recession pinch will be relieved with news that even the cost of getting close to a Rose is plummeting.

ROSE of Tralee bosses last night judged the festival a roaring success after taking a gamble on switching the spectacular to a new home.

THE contestants battling to be this year’s Rose of Tralee arrived to a heroine’s reception in the Kerry town yesterday, knowing the crown is all to play for.

FOR single men it’s the hottest date of the year — the chance to escort one of 30 sizzling beauties in this summer’s Rose of Tralee.

HOMEGROWN star Christy Hennessy will be among the entertainers at the revamped Rose of Tralee Festival, which runs from August 20 to August 24.