Traders urged to fund free festival events

BUSINESSES in Tralee were yesterday urged to dig deep to help lure the crowds to the town for the Rose of Tralee Festival, in August.

Free street entertainment has been scaled down for financial reasons. But Tralee Vintners’ chairman Danny Leane said there was a need for a broad range of music to bring people back to the five-day event.

Street entertainment had fallen behind in recent years, he added.

“We also need comedians and other performers to keep the kids happy. And we need more stalls. At one time, there were more than 100 stalls.”

Speaking ahead of a meeting of Tralee business people last night, he said sponsorship was a major problem, and he called on all traders benefiting from the festival to contribute.

“We’re asking the people who’re making a few bob out of the festival to bring their cheque books,” said Mr Leane, “We need finance to bring the programme back to where it was and we need it fast.”

Festival managing director Anthony O’Gara welcomed renewed efforts.

“If there’s to be a meaningful street festival, people have to put their hands in their pockets. At one time, the business community funded the entertainment 100%, but in last eight or nine years they’ve been giving only around 10%.”