Festival revellers set for deep impact

FESTIVAL revellers will be getting up close and personal with creatures from the deep as the World Oceans Festival gets under way today in Tramore, Co Waterford.

Festival revellers set for deep impact

A bumper weekend of beach sports and wildlife events kicks off the second year of the festival, supported by South-East Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, The Waterford Suir Valley Railway Company, The Chamber of Commerce - Tramore Branch, the Heritage Council, Marine Institute and The Irish Surfing Association.

Local organiser Catherine Collins says it will be a great family event.

“All events are free to the public, thanks to the time, energy and support of various non-governmental organisations, community and voluntary groups,” Ms Collins said.

The programme of events includes displays of top-class water and beach sports, guided walks, exhibits of our marine heritage, getting up close to the creatures that live in our oceans and coastal rock pools. There’s also a kiddies’ corner. “For the first time, the internationally-renowned Whale Roadshow visits the south-east, and festival-goers will have the chance to see international kite surfers compete in this exhilarating sport all weekend,” she added.

The first World Oceans Day was designated by the United Nations in Rio in 1992, to celebrate marine heritage and the value of its resources.

The event is celebrated annually all over the world and has grown into a festival in Ireland.

Tramore has been chosen as the location for the festival because of the beauty of its coastal environment, its recreational and amenity value, all prized by townspeople and holiday-makers alike.

This year’s celebration promises to be even bigger and better than 2004, and will be based in the extended Festival Village around T-Bay Surf and Wildlife Centre on the promenade.

Activities begin today, with the official opening by Eanna ni Lamhna of TV Wildlife fame, and local surfing legend Hugh O’Brien-Moran.

The action continues tomorrow and Sunday.

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