Clonmel aims to beat recession with fashion event

A FASHION-themed event aimed at bringing business people together to battle the recession kicks off next week in Clonmel.

The Co Tipperary town’s second Style Clonmel Festival runs from October 7 to 17 and will see retailers, industrialists and service providers joining up on a voluntary basis to highlight the best of what the area has to offer.

Organisers hope that visitors to Clonmel will see it as an important venue for fashion, fun and nightlife.

Nine months in planning, and with four major events in 10 days, the undertaking has been immense.

“What has brought everyone together is a belief that this town is one of the best in Ireland,” Clonmel Chamber president Tina Mulhearne said. “We have over 40 businesses working together to make this work. All of these businesses are prepared to stand up and fight to make sure that the town survives and comes out of the downturn faster than others.

“Last year’s event was a huge success and benefited the town. It was like the first time that so many businesses had worked so closely together and I think it definitely struck a chord,” Ms Mulhearne said.

Some of the events planned include The Total Transformation night on October 9, The Iconic Style Clonmel Fashion Show on October 15 and the chamber is also hosting a family day with kids fashion shows and a teenage fashion show with a Hollywood theme.